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Connecticut & Western Massachusetts Mensa
Calendar Of Events
 

C&WM Home Page
C&WM Home Page

Mensans love to gab and party. Come join us!

We have recurring events such as happy hours that occur every month and others that are seasonal or unique to each month. Click on an event in this month's calendar to see a description.

Be sure to check out Looking Ahead for previews of what's up-and-coming!  And check back here periodically to catch the latest updates and additions..

Events are generally open only to current Mensa members and their guests. If prospective members would like to see whether C&WM Mensa is a fit for them, they are welcome to contact any Chapter officer and attend a couple of events.

There are links to nearby Chapters' events near the bottom of this page.


NEW Joint Event for C&WM and RI Lady Mensans

Ladies!  Looking to forge new friendships for support and socializing with other lady Mensans?  New monthly event starting in New London, CT.  Will start with coffee and tea,
probably at host's home, unless size makes us move to a restaurant location.  Pot luck or restaurant meal also possible in the future.  Tentative time: monthly weekend afternoon;
date to be set with interested participants. RSVP: Mindy H. [check Media]  Mindy has been certified as a group facilitator, and has previously facilitated and participated in organized
groups for years. 

December 2009

All locations in CT unless otherwise noted 1 2

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

 

3

Scrabble
West Hartford

4

Happy Hour
Wallingford

5
6

Book Discussion
Wethersfield

7
8

 

9

Lunch
West Hartford
Happy Hour
Branford
Open Mike
Simsbury

10

Scrabble
West Hartford

Deadline for January
MEDIA submissions

11

C&WM Mensa
Holiday Party

Wethersfield

 

12

Breakfast
Groton
Lunch & Holiday Market

Montpelier, VT
Mensa Admissions Test
Newington

13

Breakfast
Manchester
Indian Lunch
South Middletown

14
15

Mystic Dinner
Mystic

16

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

17

Scrabble
West Hartford
Pioneer Valley Dinner
West Springfield, MA

 

18

Diner Dinner
Vernon

19

SCM Dinner
Bethel

20


 

21

 

 

 

22

 

23

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

24

 

25 26

 

27

Media Bundling
Manchester

28 29 30

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

 

31 January 1, 2010
New Year's Day Brunch, Old Saybrook
No Happy Hour in Wallingford

   


November 2009

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

Lunch
Middletown
Mensa Test
Springfield, MA

 

2 3 4

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

5

Scrabble
West Hartford

6

Happy Hour
Wallingford

7

C&WM Annual
Meeting

Plainville

 

8

Brunch
Brattleboro, VT

9

 

10

 

Deadline for December
MEDIA submissions

11

Lunch
West Hartford
Happy Hour
Branford
Open Mike
Simsbury

12

Scrabble
West Hartford

13

Diner Dinner
Newington
Joint Dinner
Danbury

14

Breakfast
Groton

15

Breakfast
Manchester

 

16 17

Mystic Dinner
Mystic
 

 

18

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

19

Scrabble
West Hartford
Pioneer Valley Dinner
Northampton, MA

20

Diner Dinner
Vernon


 

21

SCM Dinner
Bethel

22

Media Bundling
Manchester

23
24

 

25

Lunch
West Hartford
Open Mike
Simsbury

26
27

Happy Hour
Hamden
Diner Dinner
Newington
Open Mike
Winsted

28

 

29

 

30
 
All locations in CT unless otherwise noted

 


 


Event Descriptions

We're creatures of habit so many chapter events are scheduled weekly or monthly. Of course, the unexpected may happen so check the calendar grid to be sure you don't miss your favorite get-together.


Special Events


Book Discussion
2:30 PM
Sunday, December 6, 2009

Join us at Pamela G’s home in Wethersfield, CT, for a discussion of Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson.

 
Why do people dodge responsibility when things fall apart? Why the parade of public figures unable to own up when they screw up? Why the endless marital quarrels over who is right? Why can we see hypocrisy in others but not in ourselves? Are we all liars? Or do we really believe the stories we tell? Backed by years of research and delivered in lively, energetic prose, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) offers a fascinating explanation of self-deception—how it works, the harm it can cause, and how we can overcome it. RSVP to Pam G. [check Media

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C&WM Mensa Holiday Party, Wethersfield, CT
Friday, December 11, 2009
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

C&WM Mensa Holiday Party at the Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 721-2950  http://wethersfieldct.com/rec/directions.html#pitkin 

Dinner will be catered and free to all members in good standing.  Each may bring a guest. Helpers wanted. RSVP's are appreciated but not required. Contact Pam G. [check Media]

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Lunch and Holiday Market
11:30 AM
Saturday, December 12, 2009

There's a great Italian trattoria/pizza joint in Montpelier called Positive Pie where we'll meet at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and great Mensa conversation. Positive Pie is located at 22 State Street in Montpelier , and you can find them on the web at www.positivepie.com. Appetizers (as low as $3), salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, calzones, stromboli...all delicious!
And just around the corner from Positive Pie will be the annual Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market at Montpelier City Hall ( 39 Main Street , www.touchofvt.org, no admission fee). The market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some of us will be visiting the market after lunch; others may want to arrive early to shop before lunch for the best selection. The TOV Holiday Gift Market will be host to over 40 Vermont craftspeople and specialty food vendors (pottery, jewelry, baked goods, herbals, metal works, photography, chocolates and many other juried crafts). O.U.R. House of Central Vermont (an advocacy group for sexually abused children) will be there with a fundraising raffle made up of Vermont-made crafts, getaways for two and much more (about 50 prizes in total). Every vendor is donating an item worth at least $30 to the raffle, and outside contributors are donating Grand Prizes worth over $500. Tickets will be drawn throughout the market.
To RSVP, contact Claire N. [check Media] by 12 noon on Friday. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Lunch
Noon
Sunday, November 1, 2009

Join Barb H. at Haveli’s Indian Restaurant for a $9.95 all you can eat Buffet. Haveli’s is in South Middletown (1300 So. Main St . – Rte 17). You can view a sample of the menu here http://www.haveliindia.com/haveli_photos.htm  his is something of a trial run, and will become a regular event if we decide we like it. Please RSVP to Barb H. [check Media]  so she can reserve with the restaurant.

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Mensa Testing, Springfield, MA
1:00 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2009

Mensa Standard Admissions Test, 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, 1 November 2009, in the Central Library Community Room, on the ground floor of the Springfield Public Library, 220 State St., Springfield MA 01103.  Seating for 15.  [Proctor: Gisela Rodriguez]  Information on the library (including directions) is available at: http://www.springfieldlibrary.org

 

Registration:  Anyone seeking admission to Mensa is invited to attend, so bring a friend, or bring the family. Seating is limited, and will be granted first to those with reservations, based on the order in which people sign up, and then to walk-ins, in the order in which they arrive.  Candidates under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian to provide consent.  Unfortunately, we are not able to test candidates under the age of 14.

 

If you decide to take our admissions test, Please Bring:  A valid photo ID giving proof of age and the $40 payment (plus any coupons or vouchers you intend to use.)  We accept cash, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover or checks made payable to American Mensa, Ltd.  You can also pre-purchase a testing session online as well (Link: http://www.us.mensa.org/testingvoucher).  You must be a US resident and at least 14 years old to take the test.  If you are under 18, a parent should accompany you to the test site to fill out the required parental consent form.  Everything else, pencils, scrap paper, test booklets, and answer sheets, will be provided for you there.  We also recommend getting a good night's sleep and a pleasant meal before arriving at the test site.

Contact:  David B. Collier, Connecticut & Western Massachusetts Testing Proctor Coordinator, to reserve a seat, or if you have any questions at testing@cwm.us.mensa.org.  Further information on Mensa can be found at:  http://www.us.mensa.org.  Additional information will accompany registration confirmations.

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C&WM Mensa Annual Meeting, Plainville, CT
11:30 AM
Saturday, November 7, 2009

The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity for everyone in the chapter to become involved in our operation. Everyone there will hear about the chapter’s current projects and priorities, including the updating of our bylaws. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and find out how you can contribute
to our efforts.
 
Special awards will be presented, too. It’s both fun and informational, and all members are encouraged to attend.

Confetti!
393 Farmington Avenue (Route 10)
Plainville, CT
www.idineconfetti.com

The annual meeting will run from noon to 1:00 PM followed by lunch.

If you’re planning on joining us for lunch the cost is $15.00. This includes snacks, bread, salad, choice of entrée, veggie, potato or rice, coffee and an ice cream fudge roll for dessert.

Entrée choices: Chicken Confetti, Tilapia Picatta or Manicotti Francesca.

Payment for lunch must be received by November 4, 2009.

Email Joe at josephllynch@comcast.net indicating choice of entrée, your name, address and phone number and the number of registrations requested. Then send a copy of the email with your check to Joe.

Joe Lynch
13 Maureen Drive
Simsbury, CT 06070-2904

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Brunch, Brattleboro, VT
10:00 AM
Sunday, November 8, 2009

Brunch in Brattleboro, VT:  Join us in Brattleboro for brunch at The Riverview Café, 36 Bridge Street, Brattleboro  802.254.9841.  http://www.riverviewcafe.com/  We'll meet at 10:00 a.m. The buffet goes until 12:00 noon.

RSVP to Josh M. [check Media]

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Weekly Events


Wednesday Lunch, West Hartford, CT
12 Noon
Every Wednesday

One of C&WM's longest-running events! Nearly every Wednesday we meet at Hometown Buffet in Shaw's shopping plaza, 52 Kane Street (turn West off of Prospect), West Hartford, CT. Because everything is self-service, people wander in when they can and leave when they must. The food is buffet style: all you can eat for about $7.00. John B. [Check Media], our Mensa host, is usually seated at the front of the restaurant (away from the food counters) in the center section.

From I-84 West-bound: Take Exit 44, "Prospect Street". At the light at the end of the exit, cross Kane Street directly into the parking lot. Hometown Buffet will be slightly to your left.

From I-84 East-bound: Take Exit 44, "Prospect Street". At the light at the end of the exit, turn left. At the next light, turn left onto Prospect Street. You will cross over I-84. At the next light, turn left onto Kane Street. At the first light on Kane Street turn right into the parking lot. Hometown Buffet will be slightly to your left.

(860) 236-4848 will reach the cashier.

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Scrabble, West Hartford, CT
7:00 PM
Every Thursday

Most Thursdays word-loving Mensans (are there any other kind?r) and non-Mensans gather to play Scrabble at Emmanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT.

Questions? Answers? Weird words? Contact Ellen L. [Check Media]. Tell her you read about it here.

(Please call first to make sure this is happening today; cancelled during Jewish holiday periods.)

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Biweekly Events


Open Mike Night, Simsbury
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Assorted Wednesdays                    

Open Mike night (alternate Wednesdays) at Peaberry's coffee shop in Simsbury. This is a regular musician event, and Mensans are welcome as I am a Mensan and am welcoming anyone that wants to come. There are plenty of tables, good munchies and the music is great. I play too. Also anyone wanting to "Jam" please call me to set up something, guitar, hand drum, etc. thanks. I look forward to meeting you in person at a future M gathering. Fran D.

Directions: Peaberry's is on rte 10 in Simsbury next to the CVS and Fitzgerald's grocery.
[Check Media]

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Circle Jam, Southwick, MA
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Alternate Fridays

M Fran D. invites everyone to come to Southwick, MA circle jam at Red Riding Hood's Basket in Southwick, MA on the road to the lake making a turn at the gas station across from Big Y in Southwick, then go down I think 168 for 1 mile, it's on the left. Call Fran D.[Check Media]

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Monthly Events


First Thursday

Mystic Happy Hour, Mystic, CT
5:00 PM

This is a new monthly event, every first Thursday!! Meet us at the Steak Loft Restaurant in the bar area. Olde Mystic Village, Mystic CT 06355, I-95 Exit 90. All welcome. Look for the yellow balloon. Questions? Call or email Susan R. [Check Media] for details. Or just show up!

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First Friday

First Friday Happy Hour, Wallingford, CT
at Alina's Ristorante
5:30 PM or so

Join us at our Happy Hour home in Wallingford. Ann Polanski [check Media for details] hosts us upstairs at Alina's Ristorante. Look for us in the "closet" behind the singer.

Same place, new name: Alina's Ristorante (was George's II)

950 Yale Avenue Wallingford, CT
(203) 269-1059
 

Directions:

From the Wilbur Cross Parkway take Exit 66.
Turn left (south) onto Route 5.
Take the first left onto Yale Avenue.
George's II is in the Yale Plaza on the right.

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First Friday Confluence in Sturbridge, MA
at Rom's
6:30 PM

Come join other members of our chapter, along with members of Boston Mensa, as we meet for an evening of casual dining and conversation at Rom's Italian Restaurant at 179 Main St. (Rte. 131), Sturbridge, MA. Close to northeastern Connecticut, just minutes from the Rte. 84/Mass Pike/Rte. 20 interchange, Rom's offers either a sumptuous buffet or a menu that includes numerous choices of pasta, seafood, and other dinner selections. But more importantly, it's an opportunity to get together with old friends and meet new ones. For more information contact Tom T. [Check Media].

Directions:

Rte. 20 west from Exit 3 off Rte. 84 for about 1/2 mile and turn left at the 1st light onto Rte. 131. Rom's is about 2 miles south on the right across from the Shaw's shopping mall. Look for a table displaying a large "M".

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Third Tuesday
 
Mystic Dinner, Mystic, CT
5:30 PM
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Mystic Dinner in Mystic, CT. Come join CT (and RI) Mensans on the third Tuesday of every month for conversation. Meet at the Steak Loft Restaurant (in the bar area), Olde Mystic Village (Exit 90 off I-95 South). Look for the Mensa owl on the table. All are welcome. RSVP to Lori N. [Check Media

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Second Wednesday

Happy Hour, Branford, CT
5:30 PM

Happy Hour in Branford (ME, 2nd Wednesday) at Donovan's Reef 1212 Main Street, Branford Conn. 06405.

The Donovan’s Reef www.donovans-reef.com web site has a small map, and here are some directions with distances - from I-95 take exit 54/Cedar Street. Go south on Cedar Street crossing Rt. 1/Boston Post Road for about 0.5 mi. to Rose Street. Take a left on Rose and go 0.25 mi. to a driveway on the right where you will enter the parking lot for a number of businesses in a complex known as Lockworks Square. Drive part way through the lot and look for Donovan's Reef on the left. Locals can also enter Lockworks Square from the Ivy Street side just off of Main Street. Shoreline Foods faces Ivy. The lounge is on the left inside. I usually have a table reservation and will likely have an "M" sign visible. We start around 5:30. There are free daily bar goodies along with any items that you may want to order from the comprehensive menu. Donovan's phone number is 203-488-5573.

We have a great time talking about anything and everything. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Mike W. [Check Media] for details.

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Joint Dinner
SCM and C&WM
, Danbury, CT
7:00 PM

May 2009 - Sorrento has closed. Contact Fr. Bill L. or Ward M. [Check Media] for location and to make reservations.

June 2009 - New venue: The Pasta Garden, 174 Federal Rd, Brookfield CT 06804 (restaurant phone: (203) 775-0426)

Contact Fr. Bill L. or Ward M. [Check Media] to make reservations.

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Joint Dinner
SCM and C&WM,
Danbury, CT
7:00 PM

Mario’s Pasta Garden, 174 Federal Rd, Brookfield CT  06804 (restaurant phone: (203) 775-0426) 

Contact Fr. Bill L. or Ward M. [Check Media] to make reservations.

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Second and Fourth Fridays

Diner Dinner, Newington, CT
6:30 PM

The Olympia Diner is at 3413 Berlin Turnpike (Route 5), Newington, just north of the Berlin town line and Northeast Utilities. The menu ranges from a toasted cheese sandwich to a full dinner; the Greek dishes are a special favorite. Basic bar menu available, no happy hour prices, but the food is good and very reasonable. If you need directions, you can call the Diner at (860) 666-9948. Please contact Barb H. or Howard B. [Check Media] if you have other questions.

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Fourth Friday

Open Mike, Winsted, CT
6:00 PM

Open Mike (ME, 4th Friday) at First Church of Winsted, CT. This is a GREAT Church with Awesome Acoustics. Fran will also be taping and putting the whole deal on the local cable channel and probably elsewhere too. Jamming begins at 9 pm, amps will be there so musicians will only have to plug in. Donations in the basket, food and drinks available… very nice people. More info, contact Fran D. [Check Media] Peace and Happy Spring!!!

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Second Saturday

Second Saturday Breakfast, Groton, CT
9:00 AM

NEW VENUE

Breakfast at Sal's Diner (formerly Oh Boy Diner), 143 Gold Star Hwy, Rte 184, Groton, CT near the bridge, across from Walmart. 

From New London, bear left on the bridge and exit Rte 184.  From Rhode Island, exit 86 to CT 12 / CT 184, turn right on King’s Hwy, continue to Gold Star Hwy, Rte 184.  For details, call or email Roger R.. [Check Media]

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Second Saturday

Mensa Admissions Testing, Newington
Time TBA

C&WM Mensa now holds regular testing in Newington, CT on the second Saturday of every month. Please pre-register to attend by contacting the testing Proctor Coordinator, David B. Collier at Testing@CWM.US.Mensa.org for more details, including directions. In addition to the regular testing, additional tests will be made available around the region as candidate interest requires. To register for testing updates, go to http://www.us.mensa.org/directtesting and provide an email address. You can also save time at the site by paying for your testing session online at http://www.us.mensa.org/testingvoucher.

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Second Sunday

Sunday Breakfast, Manchester, CT
9:30 AM

Join Bill V. [Check Media] for Sunday Brunch about 9:30 AM at the VFW Post 2046 in Manchester, CT. (The Brunch officially runs from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.) We enjoy omelets made to order, scrambled eggs, pancakes, english muffins, coffee, tea, juices, and more, all for $7.00 per person.

Location: VFW Hall, 608 East Center Street, Manchester, CT. Directions: Take Routes 44 and 6 East through town until East Center joins East Middle Turnpike. The Post is on the left side.

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Second Sunday

Indian Lunch, Middletown
12:30 PM

Our first experience was such a smashing success that we are going to make this a monthly event – every second Sunday. Meet us at Haveli India Restaurant for an all you can eat Indian buffet for only $9.95! The food is fabulous and the restaurant is conveniently located at 1300 South Main St., Rte 17 in South Middletown. 

Call or email Barb H. [check Media] for a reservation.

To read about the restaurant, or get directions, check http://www.haveliindia.com 

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Third Thursday

Pioneer Valley Dinner, Northampton, MA
6:30 PM (November)

In November we will be meeting at the Sierra Grill on Strong Avenue in Northampton, Mass.  

Contact Ian F. [Check Media]

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Third Thursday

Pioneer Valley Dinner, West Springfield, MA
6:30 PM (December)

In December we'll meet at the Hofbrauhaus, at 1105 Main Street in West Springfield, Mass.  

With any luck, the Springfield area location will entice some of our south-valley brethren (and sistren) to join us

Contact Ian F. [Check Media]

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Third Friday
 
Vernon Diner Dinner 
7:00 PM
 
A third Friday Dinner at the Vernon Diner on Rt. 30.  We'll gather beginning at 7:00.

Directions from the intersection of I-84 & I-91 in Hartford:

Take I-84 East about 10 miles to Exit 65.  Stay in the right hand lane to go up Rt. 30 about 3/4 of a mile and the Vernon Diner will be on your left next to the Howard Johnson's motel.  Look for the yellow balloon at our table.  Contact John B. [Check Media for information]

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Third Saturday

Southern Connecticut Mensa (SCM) Dinner, Bethel, CT
6:30 PM


Speaker/topic info to be announced at http://scm66.org/cal/uds/. Before the presentation, we will enjoy dinner in our private dining room at Tonelli's Restaurant, 41 Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 07801. Dress is casual and guests are welcome

Please contact Jim M. [Check Media] to make reservations. You must call Jim M. and make reservations so we can assure that the restaurant can provide seating for everyone. If you make reservations and can't attend, please call and cancel.

Directions FROM STAMFORD: Take I-95. Merge onto US-7 Connector NORTH via EXIT 15 toward NORWALK.  Take US-7 Connector to MAIN AVE / US-7.  Continue to follow US-7 North about 2 miles.  Turn LEFT onto US-7 / CT-33 / WESTPORT RD & continue to follow US-7 about 5.5 miles.  Turn RIGHT onto SCHOOL ST / CT-107 / CT-57.  Follow CT-107 about 1.5 miles.  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto REDDING RD / CT-107.  Follow REDDING RD 5.7 miles.  REDDING RD becomes CT-53.  Go about 3 miles to the Restaurant, on the left at 41 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT 06801-2001, US Map

FROM BRIDGEPORT:  Take CT-15 SOUTH / MERRITT PKWY Exit 44 toward CT-58 / FAIRFIELD / REDDING.  Turn LEFT onto CONGRESS ST.  Turn RIGHT onto BLACK ROCK TURNPIKE / CT-58.  Follow CT-58 about 15 miles.  Turn LEFT onto CT-302 / MILWAUKEE AVE.  Turn LEFT onto GREENWOOD AVE / CT-302 and go about 1.5 miles.  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto GRASSY PLAIN ST / CT-53. <0.1 miles Map Go about .1 miles to the Restaurant, at 41 Grassy Plain St

FROM HARTFORD & I-84 (revised):  Take I-84 to Exit 5, the Route 53 exit. Take Route 53 south about 3.3 miles. Tonelli's Restaurant is on the right, shortly before the light and intersection.

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Third Sunday

Media Bundling, Manchester, CT
2:00 PM

The Chapter provides us with beverages and snacks, and Bundling gives our hands something to do while we talk. To save the Chapter money, and to get your copy of the Media early, join us! Call or send email to Bill V. [Check Media] for details.

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Fourth Friday

Fourth Friday Happy Hour, Hamden, CT
5:00 PM
New Venue

The Fourth Friday Happy Hour is held at The Playwright in Hamden, web site: http://www.playwrightirishpub.com

Contact Gail T. [Check Media] for information.

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Second and Fourth Fridays

Diner Dinner, Newington, CT
6:30 PM

The Olympia Diner is at 3413 Berlin Turnpike (Route 5), Newington, just north of the Berlin town line and Northeast Utilities. The menu ranges from a toasted cheese sandwich to a full dinner; the Greek dishes are a special favorite. Basic bar menu available, no happy hour prices, but the food is good and very reasonable. If you need directions, you can call the Diner at (860) 666-9948. Please contact Barb H. or Howard B. [Check Media] if you have other questions.

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Floating Monthly Event

SCM Billiards
7:30 PM

Come and join So. Conn Mensa billiard enthusiasts for an evening of billiards, conversation and consumables. At ON CUE BILLIARDS, 50 W. Washington St., South Norwalk CT. The pool hall is in the basement at the far inner corner of the 50 Washington Street office building. Easy access via either I-95 (Exit 15) or the Merritt (via the Route 7 Extension). The parking lot costs $2, through 10:30pm - then the rate goes to $5. There is nearby street parking close by, if you don't mind a bit of walking.

On Cue Billiards Web Site: http://www.oncuebilliardsandmusic.com

Questions? Contact Tom O. [Check Media]

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Looking Ahead


New Year's Day Brunch, Old Saybrook, CT
Friday, January 1, 2010
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

New Year's Day Brunch at LocSec Ann F's home in Old Saybrook, [check Media] Finger food contributions welcome. The chapter will provide beverages, including a virgin fruit punch and a potent eggnog. We can all start on resolutions Jan. 2. Contact annelly@comcast.net 


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Book Discussion
Sunday, January 16, 2010
2:30 PM

‘Tis the season for self improvement resolutions, so in keeping with this modern obsession, join us at Pamela Guinan’s home, 323 Griswold Road, Wethersfield, CT, for a discussion of Good Calories, Bad Calories: Fats, Carbs and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health  by Gary Taubes. 

In 2002, science journalist Gary Taubes published an article entitled "What if It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?" He argued that reputable scientists were coming around to the idea, advanced by diet gurus like Dr. Robert Atkins, that carbohydrates, not fat, are the ultimate dietary villain. If so, he wrote, "the ongoing epidemic of obesity in America and elsewhere is not, as we are constantly told, due simply to a collective lack of will power and a failure to exercise. Rather it occurred . . . because the public health authorities told us unwittingly, but with the best of intentions, to eat precisely those foods that would make us fat, and we did."

Taubes, a writer for Science magazine, begins by showing how public health data has been misinterpreted to mark dietary fat and cholesterol as the primary causes of coronary heart disease. Deeper examination, he says, shows that heart disease and other diseases of civilization appear to result from increased consumption of refined carbohydrates: sugar, white flour and white rice. When researcher John Yudkin announced these results in the 1950s, however, he was drowned out by the [then new] conventional wisdom. Taubes cites clinical evidence showing that elevated triglyceride levels, rather than high total cholesterol, are associated with increased risk of heart disease-but measuring triglycerides is more difficult than measuring cholesterol. Taubes says that the current U.S. obesity epidemic actually consists of a very small increase in the average body mass index. Taube's arguments are lucid and well supported by lengthy notes and bibliography. RSVP to Pam G. [check Media

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Friends and Neighbors


Interested in what is going on in nearby Mensa chapters? The following links will take you directly to their Web Sites. Come back here by using your browser's Back button.

Southern Connecticut Mensa (Fairfield County) has many happenings. Their site is updated regularly with both our C&WM and their own event schedules, and they maintain an archive of current and past issues of their Chronicle newsletter. They distribute their newsletter via email, as well as hardcopy.

The Rhode Island Chapter's Site has calendar listings going back several years.

Boston Mensa covers the eastern half of Massachusetts. If you're bored, see the number of events the Boston Chapter has to offer!

The Region 1 Mensa Groups cover New England and New York, plus portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

 

[Last revised: November 19, 2009 Submit comments or suggestions to the Webmaster at WebContact@CWM.US.Mensa.Org.

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