MaineScene, Summer 2009

The Newsletter of Maine Mensa

Volume 1, Issue 1              Summer 2009

Asperger's Syndrome

By, Robert S. Lagos

Asperger's Syndrome is receiving a certain focus and spotlight in Maine Mensa, which is something I did not expect to happen as recently as a couple of years back. But thinking more about it, it should not be surprising, as Mensans, who, by definition, may have exceptional skills in certain areas, and other exceptional attributes, are more likely to differ in some significant way - whether for advantage or disadvantage -from the mainstream. Asperger's is certainly one manifestation of being different, as those with Asperger's have a reputation for being "wired differently".

As an adult with Asperger's, I have found, here in Maine, common bonds developing, with Mensans who have experience with Asperger's, either in themselves or people in their family. Anne, our new Maine Chapter LocSec, has a particular interest in this area, having a grandson with Asperger's and whom she cares for very much.

Because of the increase in identification, awareness, and diagnosis over the last few decades, there has definitely been an increase in numbers who are familiar with Asperger's over the past.

But what is Asperger's? It is defined as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted patterns of behavior and interests. It is named after the Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger, who, in 1944, described children in his practice with similar traits. In 1994, it was standardized as a diagnosis in the DSM. It usually applies to persons of average or higher intelligence.

Autism is a more general categorization of it, which involves withdrawal from the social world, and in many cases, impaired functioning. "High Functioning Autism" (HFA) is similar to Asperger's, and many say they are equivalent, except for the issue of cognitive development or language developmental delay in HFA.

The word "spectrum" refers to the fact that there is no sharp boundary determining who has autism and who does not - it is in the degree of how one is affected, and the symptoms vary across individuals.

Although there has been extensive research, and some genetic and physical brain abnormalities have been isolated and associated, there is still a lot which is not known about Asperger's and autism (and the human brain in general), and diagnosis is still not exact. But symptoms and differences are still very real, and it remains a baffling condition to many. The name "autism" refers to symptoms and not causes. There is a high comorbidity associated with ASDs - which may involve depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), attention deficit, anxiety, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), or poor motor skills.  There are many stereotypes about ASD, but the truth is, that, particularly with Asperger's and HFA, it is often hard to tell just by meeting the person.

In many cases, it may be more correct to call it "Autism Spectrum Condition" and not a "disorder", since it may involve simply being different, and needing to be understood, but otherwise, the individual may function normally.

Treasurer’s Report

By, Gerald Nessmann

The big news in the big world of Mensa Maine finances is that we set up a checking account at Bangor Savings Bank.  Wehave almost no money after paying for checks and the rent of a PO Box. But not to worry, deposits from the national group are coming in every month. My next project will be the recovery of the funds left over from the last Maine chapter. Some of these funds rest in a trust account with National and the rest was sent to the NH somewhere along the line. At our first ExComm meeting we also decided to set up a scholarship fund for Maine Mensa, and of course we are looking for contributions from anyone who wishes to make one. Once we have accumulated enough money to grant a scholarship we will work out a process for doing so.

LocSec Speaks

                         By, Anne W. Allen

Hello Maine Mensans!  Finally, this is not an update filtered through the NH MomentuM!  It is our own true real MAINE Newsletter…hope you like the name MaineScene….it could have ended up being Ayuh or Oxymoron.  Be grateful. 

We will have quarterly newsletters and monthly postcard calendar reminders for events.  As is the philosophy of Maine Mensa….we aspire to do the minimum required.  Of course that only applies to the officers.  We expect the rest of you to do whatever you can to keep this chapter alive and vibrant.  If you know me, you know my forte’ is sarcasm with some wit on the side. 

Events:  anyone can have one, host one, plan one, etc.  It can be as simple as dinner somewhere, or one night a month at your house for something, or a once-a-year invite.  These are the things that keep Mensa alive – the personal contact between members – even on a very intermittent basis.  Even though Ihave only been a member for 5 years, I can’t count how many people I’ve met through Mensa at this point.  Some names: Russ Bakke, the head of Mensa, the infamous Reno Ron and his pub crawls, the infamous Claire Natola with her sweaty rendition of “What a Wonderful World” ala Louie Armstrong.

Your local Area Coordinators will be your contact people for hosting an event – please call them or myself for any further questions.

It is a very exciting time to be a part of Maine Mensa.  If you want to be on the ‘Short List’ emails, let me know.  This is a list that gets anything important I think Maine Mensans should know, as well as up-to-date event information.  Yes, we will get more computerized….give us time.

Anne W. Allen, Loc Sec Maine Mensa

locsec@maine.us.mensa.org   or wilsnanni@comcast.net  or call: 207-577-6362

ASPERGER’S TALK

AT BANGOR PUBLIC LIBRAY

By, Martin Perfit

On Saturday, May 30 Mensan Robert S. Lagos delivered a very well received presentation on Asperger’s Disorder to an audience of thirty-six member of the Greater Bangor community as well as a few Mensans who were there as part of the planning and support “team.”   The audience, which included parents of Aspies, Aspies themselves, teachers, and therapists, felt comfortable enough to engage in discussion, ask questions, open up about their own experiences and concerns and provide very positive feedback.

Thanks to Robert we were able to not only bring information and insight on this too often misunderstood condition to concerned members of the general public but were able to make the general public more aware of Mensa and to see us in a positive light.  We even had three requests for informational brochures on Mensa and how to join.  The event was co-sponsored by Maine Mensa and The Warren Center for Communication and Learning.

As both membership chair and Bangorarea events coordinator I hope to promote more events of interest to the public in order to create an awareness of and interest in Maine Mensa.  Any suggestions or input will be appreciated. Please feel free to contact me at martinlouisp@yahoo.com or at MartinLP@aol.com .

BANGOR AREA BOOK/FILM DISCUSSION GROUP

By, Martin Perfit

The Bangor Area Book/Film Discussion Group met at The Manor House in Avalon Village and discussed Harry Harrison’s 1966 novel “Make Room, Make Room.”  

Overpopulation, loss of resources and deterioration of quality of life are less fantastic now than in 1966 and in 1973, the year the film was released “Soylent Green,” based on the book.  The book itself may have been the product of a conspiracy to awaken awareness of an ugly future if our collective habits don’t change quickly.

An interesting sidelight was pointed where the first edition of the book had a bibliography which was absent from later editions!  Was this by chance or by design?  This led to a tangent on how governments’ manipulate information.

The next session will discuss Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”  The venue will be the same unless we find a more comfortable place.  The time and date is to be announced.

RVChat

By Lori Norris, RVC

Change is good.  Beginning this month, this column will be condensed for publication. I have discussed this with several editors who are looking into ways to create more space in their newsletters and a condensed column is my contribution to the effort. The full column can be found on either the on-line edition of your newsletter, on your group's Web site or on the Region 1 Web site.

Well the AG is finally here.  On Wednesday, July 1^st, some of the Region 1'ers will be having dinner together.  Contact me if you're interested in joining us.

Would you like to see an activity on your local calendar?  Consider hosting the event yourself.  Contact your group's Program Officer or Area Coordinator for details and event planning assistance. 

This month marks the beginning of my second term as your RVC. I look forward to continuing to work with all of the local groups and doing what I can to make your Mensa experience all that you hope for.  As always, I welcome your comments and questions. 

   LocSec                                  Anne W. Allen                 (207) 577-6362

                            locsec@maine.us.mensa.org

   Asst LocSec                 Susan Flaherty                  (207) 210-0657

                            Sjflaherty2002@yahoo.com

   Treasurer                                 Gerald Nessmann                 (207) 564-7875

                            gerald@nessmann.us

   Editor & At Large              Kevin P. Tremblay  (207) 270-1744

                            ME_Real_Estate@yahoo.com

   Proctor Coordinator Martin Perfit                  (207) 862-6475

MartinLP@aol.com

   Ombudsman              Kathryn E. Masters  (207) 233-5222

                            k8masters@gmail.com

  Region 1 RVC                 Lori Norris

continued on page 3

 Calendar of Events

First Wednesday

Portland, Maine s July 1, 6:00 PM

Go to the website: http://www.missportlanddiner.com/

Annual gathering 09

Pittsburg, PA s  July 1 - 5

Go to the website http://www.ag2009.us.mensa.org

Mensa Canada AG “A Capital Affair”

Ottawa, ON, Canada s July 10 - 12

Go to the website: http://www.mensa-ottawa.org

Poetry and Potluck Open House

Ripley, ME s August 7 – 9

Open House with testing on the 8^th. Camping and limited accommodations available RSVP. Call Kevin for more info: 270-1744.

Ragtime Open House

385 Portland St, Yarmouth, Maine s August 22, 1 – 4:00 PM

For Information Call Robert Lagos  (207) 846-3063.

Central Maine Dinah

Fairfield, Maine s August  9, 4:00 PM

Go to the website: http://www.purplecowmaine.com

Mensautumn: All Things October

Ct & Western MA Mensa s October 16 - 18Area

Area Coordinators

Mid-Maine – Lewiston/Brunswick   Anne Allen

              wilsnanni@comcast.net              (207) 577-6362

Bangor – North                                    Martin Perfit

              martinlouisp@yahoo.com              (207) 862-6475

Central – Augusta/Waterville                      Scott Cayouette

              mainelymania@gmail.com               (207) 649-1515

Greater Portland                                   Susan Flaherty

              Sjflaherty2002@yahoo.com (207) 210-0657             

Southern Maine                                                 Vacant

                                          American Mensa, Ltd.

1229 Corporate Drive West

                                          Arlington, TX 76006-6103

                                          Phone (817) 607-0060

Mensa is an international organization of people with an IQ at or above the 98th percentile. Mensa provides a forum for intellectual exchange among members. Its activities include the exchange of ideas by lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups, and local, regional, national, and international gatherings. Mensa does not hold any opinions, or have, or express, any political or religious views.  Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual contributors and of the editor and not of American Mensa Ltd or of Maine Mensa. For more information go to the web site: http:// www.us.mensa.org.  The MaineScene is a free publication for members of Maine Mensa #01/140.

Editor’s Yak

By, Kevin P. Tremblay

Maine Mensa is official.  We are now an independent group.  Thanks are in order for all New Hampshirehas contributed.  There are many things that we need to accomplish.  The biggest one is to encourage more members to become involved.  I’m hosting an Open House and weekend event: Poetry and Potluck on August 7 -9.  RSVP for camping or accommodations.  Also I formed the Many Conspiracies SIG.  Information on the Open House weekend can be located at the SIG website: http://mc-sig.org.  Get a free door prize by being one of the first 25 guests at the open house. 

Call me with news and calendar listings for the MaineScene.  Get listing in early as we are now publish the newsletter quarterly.  We have entered the Mensa PEP Rally Contest with the chance of winning $1,000 for a feed and rally.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Exciting times are ahead for Maine Mensa!