Codes: ACW all children welcome; BYOB bring your own beverage; CO clothing optional; C/D cat/dog at residence; FE fictitious event; FFE fragrance-free event; FFO finger food only; LCR light carpet rules (no red wine or other staining substances; can also mean no shoes); MO members only; NC no children; NPC, PC no public calendar, public calendar; NMPCW new members, prospects, and candidates welcome; NS, S, S/NS, SO no smoking, smoking, provisions for both, smoking outside; NXM not exclusively Mensa event; RSE regularly scheduled event; WBC well behaved children; WCD, WCE, WCI, WCP wheelchairs difficult, easy, impossible, possible; RSEs are reprinted verbatim unless an update is received by the deadline for the issue in which a change is requested. Note: Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Web Calendar Policy: Our policy is not to list events on the Web calendar unless requested to do so by inclusion of the “PC” (“public calendar”) code. If the PC code is not included, your event will default to NPC (no public calendar) and will not be included in the Web calendar. Home addresses (and directions to same) are not listed on the Web, but city and contact information such as telephone and e-mail are unless requested otherwise.
Meetup: SFRM maintains a MeetUp group for events announced on short notice. See meetup.com/SFMensa
To List Your Event: Length limit: 120 words. Submit items to the Calendar Editor at . Items must be received by the deadline listed in the calendar to guarantee inclusion. Items must include host’s name, date and time, location, and applicable codes (above), and should also include phone (including area code) or e-mail address. Notices are published on a space-available basis subject to the discretion of the Calendar Editor. The policy for inclusion in the calendar is based on the SFRM bylaws.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Every Thursday
12:30p Mountain View Lunch Bunch. (NOTE: We will not meet on December 28.) We meet at Sweet Tomatoes, 1040 Grant Rd., 94040 (at the corner of Oak Lane). From El Camino Real and Grant Rd., turn south on Grant, take the first right on Oak Lane and the first left into the parking lot. Look for us at the far end of the restaurant. Claire Taylor, (650) 917-9363. PC, NMPCW (RSE Th)
Every Saturday
4p Imaginative Geniuses. Relax in a secluded southeast Napa Valley house with warm, friendly people. A free BBQ dinner is served and a hot tub is provided. Located 15-18 minutes from I-80 and CA-12, 40-60 minutes from Berkeley. Parties usually go on until 9p or later. See www.ImaginativeGenius.com for more information. For address and directions, and to RSVP, contact host Steven Kays at Mensa/a/t/StevenKays.com or (707) 422-2565. PC, NMPCW, C/D, NS, NXM (RSE Sa)
End of November
November 26 – Sunday
5p The Kelly Park Big Band at The Sound Room. See December 17. (RSE last Su)
28 – Tuesday
7:30p Trivia Tuesday at the Fireside Lounge, 1453 Webster St., Alameda 94501. Play begins between 7:30p and 8p. Drinks are optional and reasonable. Food is not served, but you can either bring some or get nachos next door. Teams of up to six players; typically there will be 10 to twenty teams. It will be Mensans against the proletariat (otherwise known as the pros). Five rounds of twelve questions, with dumb prizes or free drinks (at their discretion) for the winners. Call Steve Andersen at (510) 521-8869 or email beveaux/a/t/gmail.com to RSVP (appreciated but not required). PC, NMPCW, NS, NXM, WCE
29 – Wednesday
5:30p Brainstormer Trivia Night. See December 27. (RSE last W)
30 – Thursday
11:30a Lunch in Pleasant Hill at Sweet Tomatoes, located at 40A Crescent Drive, 94523. It is about two blocks west of I-680 and one block west of Contra Costa Blvd. Come a few minutes earlier for best parking choices. Meet at the restaurant’s entrance or look for us at a large table that some of us early birds will secure for our group. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, healthy, delicious lunch. And enjoy a good measure of interesting conversation on any and all subjects, with Mensa friends and other friends and family members that you wish to invite. Most parking on Crescent Drive is for only one hour, but there are other areas available with longer parking time limits. And there is a free City-owned multistory garage across from the movie theater. Questions? Mary Bradshaw, (925) 376-0762 or marybradsh/a/t/aol.com. PC, NMPCW
Dec 1-7
December 1 – Friday
6p Movies That Matter: Wind River (2017). I found Wind River to be a thought provoking drama/mystery/thriller in which the climate, and the social climate, play leading roles. U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent Cory Lambert discovers a body in the rugged wilderness of the Wind River Indian Reservation. The FBI sends in rookie agent Jane Banner, who is unprepared for the difficulties created by the oppressive weather and isolation of the Wyoming winter. When she employs Cory as a tracker, the two venture deep into a world ravaged by violence and the elements. Wind River is a stark look at life on the edge of an imposing wilderness, where the rule of law is eclipsed by the laws of nature. Join us for an evening of pizza, picture, and a chance for thoughtful discussion. Pizza 6p, film 6:45p. Movies shown on 58″ plasma TV. For pizza, let us know your preference, meat or veggie. (510) 451-3009, daniel/a/t/joyfulharmony.org. Hosted in Oakland by Daniel Neumayer and Gwendolyn Rothman, Harmony Center for the Joyful Spirit. Map and directions: joyfulharmony.org/wordpress/index.php/contact. PC, NS, NXM, LCR (RSE 1,3 F)
6:30p First Friday in Danville. We’ll be at Luna Loca in Danville, a good Mexican restaurant in “The Livery” shopping center on San Ramon Valley Blvd. with good food, good prices, and good drinks. It’s pretty easy to get to: From I-680, take the Sycamore Valley Rd. exit, turn right on San Ramon Valley Blvd., and then take the first left (there’s a light) and Luna Loca will be on your right. Check their website at www.lunalocadanville.com for more information. I’ll make a reservation based on how many I think are coming, but please let me know if you’re thinking of attending so I can change the reservation. Call Donna Jadis at (925) 978-0690 or e-mail donna/a/t/mooseworks.org for more info. (RSE 1 F)
2 – Saturday
6p Start The Month Right. At Elna and Adrian Tymes’ home in Mountain View. Come celebrate the 37th year and longest running monthly social event in all of American Mensa (at Elna’s home every month since 1981)! Potluck dinner, unstructured socializing, games, and talk. We provide the main dish; you bring salad, bread, or dessert to share and YOB. $1 donation requested. No reservations needed. Info (650) 969-6650. Guests of Mensans must be accompanied by the member. PC, SO, WBC, WCD, C/D. (RSE 1 Sat)
6p SFRM Holiday Potluck. Come fête the holidays SFRM-style in the Diamond Heights neighborhood of San Francisco! For the seventh consecutive year, we are having a finger-food potluck to celebrate all things merry and bright. Please bring your favorite hors d’oeuvres to share as we will have great drinks, music, and company to help us all to jubilate at this most wonderful time of the year! Mensans, family, and close friends are welcome. Capacity is limited to 50, and RSVP is REQUIRED by 6p on November 30 to Rachel Brooks at (415) 571-3060 or rachel1950b/a/t/yahoo.com. Please indicate which potluck item(s) you plan to bring so that we can manage menu variety, and let Rachel know if you would like to assist with setup. PC, NS, WCE, WBC
3 – Sunday
4p Albany Hill Hike. Join us for a one-hour scenic and historic hike up and around Albany Hill 94706. The trail is steep in spots, but the views are expansive. Special bonus: We have scheduled the Sather Tower Solar Beacon to shine directly upon us as we arrive at the top of the hill. Meet under Pacific East Mall Jumbotron just behind the bus stop on the east side of Pierce St. between Central Ave. in El Cerrito and Washington Ave. in Albany. Free parking is available in the mall lot. Seven tenths of a mile from El Cerrito Plaza BART station. Please contact Roberta Maguire to make sure she is in town at robertamaguire/a/t/hotmail.com or (510) 292-6370. PC, ACW, NMPCW, NS, WCI, NXM (RSE 1 Su)
5 – Tuesday
6p Tuesday Tipplers. We meet at San Rafael Joe’s, 931 4th St., San Rafael 94901. Join us for drinks and conversation in the bar at 6p and stay for dinner at 7p. Park on the street or in the city garage at Lootens Pl. and 3rd St. (the restaurant has a back door to the garage). Carole Taylor, caroleptaylor/a/t/sbcglobal.net or (415) 454-9453. PC (RSE 1 Tu)
Intelligencer Deadline. Deadline for calendar events, advertising, members’ free ads, and all other content. See above for information on submitting events. (RSE Tu after 1 Sa)
6 – Wednesday
11:30a Math Lovers’ Lunch. Chef’s Chinese Food, 233 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito 94530 (close to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station), (510) 525-8737. A table will be reserved. All adults who enjoy discussing mathematics (at any level) are welcome. Our discussions are wide-ranging and are not confined to mathematical subjects. Please try to come at 11:30a sharp, but come anyway if, for some reason, you may be a few minutes late. Kevin Langdon, (510) 524-0345, kevin.langdon/a/t/polymath-systems.com. PC, NS, NMPCW, NXM, WCE (RSE 1 W)
5:45p Berkeley-Oakland Restaurant Group (BORG). (NOTE one-time change of week and time.) Assimilate delicious food and interesting conversation at a good restaurant somewhere in the central East Bay. This month we will dine at Gather, 2200 Oxford St., Berkeley 94704 (at Allston Way, across from the UC Berkeley campus). Reservation deadline is 6p on Tuesday, December 5, by e-mail or phone so we have a table large enough for everyone. Well-behaved non-Mensans welcome. Please bring cash. Cathy Roha, catroha/a/t/gmail.com, (510) 845-1833. PC, NMPCW (RSE 2 W)
6:30p East Bay Science Café. A free gathering featuring UC Berkeley scientists in an informal discussion of interesting and relevant scientific issues, promoting a casual evening of conversation. At Restaurant Cafe Valparaiso, 1403 Solano Ave., Albany 94706. We meet at 6:30p to order dinner before they get too busy, and the program starts at 7p. Please contact Roberta Maguire to make sure she is in town at (510) 292-6370 or robertamaguire/a/t/hotmail.com. PC, ACW, NMPCW, NS, NXM (RSE 1 W)
Dec 8-14
8 – Friday
6:30p Mid-Month Mex (MMMex). We meet, eat, and rest our feet at Tito’s, 15508 E. 14th St., San Leandro 94578, 1500’ NE of the exact geographic center of the Bay Area. Twixt 580 and 880, and close to Bay Fair BART, this is where Mensans meet in the middle and go “MMM!” Come for the Mensans and the margaritas (or just for the Mensans), along with a marvelous Mexican meal after 7p. Co-hosted by Hank Stephenson, hank888/a/t/earthlink.net or (415) 793-0300 cell, and Peter Midnight. Come see why Tito’s has been there for more than 60 years, directly across E. 14th St. from Bayfair Center. We’ll see you at Tito’s! No pets. PC, WCE, NMPCW, NC, SO, NXM (RSE 2 F)
7p GenX Food and Movie Night. Join us for dinner at 7p at a South of Market restaurant (to be determined) in San Francisco, followed by a movie at a local theater. As ever, all ages are welcome. The only requirement is the manners your mother taught you, and that includes RSVPs. To get the restaurant information, contact Cathy at (415) 730-5711 or mulfordc/a/t/alumni.princeton.edu. PC, NMPCW (RSE 2 F)
9 – Saturday
1p Games Night in Hercules. Join Lilley and Tony Mazy for fun and games in the Northern East Bay! We’ll be having a special, all-day “Christmas Party” Games Night, running until about 10p. We’re playing word games, card games, board games, all kinds of fast-action social games (not long strategy games). Choose from our (somewhat limited) shelf of games or bring your own fast-action social games. Lilley and I will have some light refreshments, but please bring a snack to share. The fun is in the quiet bedroom community of Hercules. For more information or directions, contact Tony at tony/a/t/mazy.us or (925) 785-5178. RSVPs, preferably by e-mail, are much appreciated. Members only, except for member-escorted guests. PC, FFE, NC, NS, WCD (RSE 2 Sa)
3p Big Ideas Reading Group: Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience by Sally Satel, Scott O. Lilienfeld. Since fMRI – functional magnetic resonance imaging – was introduced in the early 1990s, brain scans have been used to help politicians understand and manipulate voters, determine guilt in court cases, and make sense of everything from musical aptitude to romantic love. The increasingly fashionable idea that they are the most important means of answering the enduring mysteries of psychology is misguided – and potentially dangerous. We are meeting this month at Le Boulanger, 20488 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 95014, in front of Juniper Hotel at the corner of De Anza Blvd. Free parking in the garage and next door. For January 13, also at Le Boulanger: Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Pikkety. We have a list of books read at www.bigideasreadinggroup.com/BIRG2.html. For questions and directions please contact Chris Boyd at snoboyd/a/t/sbcglobal.net. PC, NMPCW, NXM (RSE 2 Sa)
7p Holiday Party and South Bay Games Night. NOTE THAT THIS IS A WEEK EARLIER than our usual night due to holiday travel plans. Barbara and Tom Canup are celebrating whatever seasonal holiday you like, Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, with made-from-scratch eggnog (nothing like what comes out of a milk carton). Come to party and/or play games. We’ll feast on holiday goodies – you should bring some. But rest assured, at least some of us will play games. We have a bunch of games to choose from or you can bring one you like. Please bring whatever beverage you prefer, because the eggnog is more food than drink. Contact Barbara at (408) 225-6068 or treasurer/a/t/sfmensa.org. PC, C, BYOB, NMPCW, SO, WCP (RSE 3 Sa)
7p Delta Open House. (NOTE one-time change of week.) The Delta Open House is designed especially for those living further east than East Bay. All of us from Livermore to Stockton to Rio Vista and of course Tracy, Antioch, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Mountain House, and all the little towns in between. This month we are having the event early so as not to conflict with the holidays and coincide with the Discovery Bay Lighted Boat Parade. Please note the parade will not be coming past the house this year, so we will give those that want to see it a ride out in our boat to the mouth of the bay. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVPs requested but not required to junger2000/a/t/sbcglobal.net. For more info or directions, call Judy at (714) 356-4873 or Bernie at (714) 356-4868. PC, D, NS (RSE 4 Sa)
10 – Sunday
6:30p Caribbean Dining. Our Palo Alto dining group is going to Coconuts at 642 Ramona St., 94301, between Forest Ave. and Hamilton Ave. opposite the City Hall parking garage. They have interesting choices. To say you’ll be there, contact Susan at (650) 714-4972 or Susan.Heimlich/a/t/gmail.com by Friday, December 8. At the restaurant, ask for Susan and please bring cash. For last minute changes, call/text cell phone (650) 714-4972. PC, NMPCW
11 – Monday
11:30a Monday Munchers. Rising up from the old Ethnic Dinner, a lunch group in Marin dedicated to trying different restaurants. This month we will revisit Pier 15, 15 Harbor St., San Rafael, (415) 256-9121, www.pierfifteen.com. RSVP by Thursday, December 7, to Elizabeth Calaway at elizterrycalaway/a/t/aol.com. PC (RSE 2 M)
5:30p San Francisco Pub Get-Together. Stop by after work or, if you don’t work downtown, just come anyway. All Mensans and their guests are welcome, provided that they are at least 21. At Patriot House in 2 Embarcadero Center (Sacramento St. between Front St. and Davis St.), SF 94111. Take the inside escalator to the 3rd floor, then turn right. Look for the Mensa logo on our table or ask one of the waitresses to find us. Starting at 5:30p, but arrive when you can and leave when you’re ready. We will be there for several hours. They have a Happy Hour until 6p, which resumes at 10p. RSVP preferred on Mensa’s Meetup site at www.meetup.com/SFMensa, less preferred by e-mail to Barry Krasner at bwkbwk/a/t/pacbell.net. If you find that you can’t come after RSVPing “Yes”, please change your RSVP to “No” before the event takes place. PC, NC, NS, NMPCW (RSE 2 M)
12 – Tuesday
11:30a Indian Buffet Lunch. Join us for all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch at Bombay Garden, 172 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo 94401, where they offer a delicious selection of curries, tandoori chicken, and vegetarian fare. Your guest is welcome and cash is preferred. To sit with the group or to be notified of changes or cancellation, RSVP by Friday, December 8 to Cynthia Wilcox at vp/a/t/sfmensa.org. PC, NS, NMPCW, NXM
13 – Wednesday
7:30p GenX South Bay Pub Quiz. Join us at Katie Bloom’s, 369 East Campbell Ave., Campbell 95008. The quiz starts at 7:30p, but come early to secure a table and have some dinner. RSVP helpful but not required. Corey Coughlin, (408) 499-9491 or coreyjc/a/t/comcast.net. PC, NMPCW, NXM, WCP (RSE W after 2 F)
14 – Thursday
11:45a South Bay Lunch. Meet at Effie’s Restaurant and Bar, 331 W. Hacienda Ave., Campbell 95008. Their phone is (408) 374-3400. Menu and other info are online at effiesrestaurantandbar.com. Sandra Anderson, (408) 621-1273. PC, NMPCW, WCE (RSE 2,4 Th)
Dec 15-21
15 – Friday
6p Movies That Matter: Ingrid Goes West (2017). A comedy/drama for, and about, the Social Media age. Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) is an unhinged social media stalker with a history of confusing “likes” for meaningful relationships. Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen) is an Instagram-famous “influencer” whose perfectly curated, boho-chic lifestyle becomes Ingrid’s latest obsession. When Ingrid moves to LA and manages to insinuate herself into the social media star’s life, their relationship quickly goes from #BFF to #WTF. Join us for an evening of pizza, picture, and a chance for thoughtful discussion. Pizza 6p, film 6:45p. Movies shown on 58″ plasma TV. For pizza, let us know your preference, meat or veggie. (510) 451-3009, daniel/a/t/joyfulharmony.org. Hosted in Oakland by Daniel Neumayer and Gwendolyn Rothman, Harmony Center for the Joyful Spirit. Map and directions: joyfulharmony.org/wordpress/index.php/contact. PC, NS, NXM, LCR (RSE 1,3 F)
7p Movie Night in Orinda. The title of the movie is to be determined. Please phone or e-mail me within a week or two of the 3rd Friday. Or I will e-mail you and provide the name and details of the movie that we will be seeing. Come about 7p and we’ll start the movie at 7:30p. Enjoy an evening with Mensa friends, other friends, or family members that you would like to invite. We’ll socialize both before the movie and during intermission. Please bring something to share. It is not a dinner, but salads are welcome, as are hors d’oeuvres, fruit, dessert, and light-colored beverages (no chips). Please reserve your seat with Mary Bradshaw, (925) 376-0762 or MaryBradsh/a/t/aol.com. Your suggestions for NEW, recently released, or soon to be available movies are appreciated for our future choices. PC, NMPCW (RSE 3 F)
16 – Saturday
7p East Bay Game Night. (NOTE ONE-TIME CHANGE OF WEEK.) Join us for fun and games in the East Bay! We’re playing word games, card games, board games, all kinds of fast-action social games (not long strategy games). Choose from my shelves of games or bring your own fast-action social games. Please also bring a snack to share. The fun is in Oakland. No RSVP needed; just show up at 7p or later. We have about 20 people every month, most of whom do not RSVP. For more information or directions, contact Alan at alan.winson/a/t/gmail.com or (510) 653-2685 (voice only). Please pull forward to park four cars in my driveway. Free street parking is available in the neighborhood; don’t give up! PC, NMPCW, NS, WCP (RSE last Sa)
17 – Sunday
11:30a Third Sunday Brunch. Greet old friends and meet new ones when you join us at Le Boulanger for brunch, 622 Laurel St., San Carlos 94070. One block from San Carlos train station off San Carlos Ave. Questions? Call Adele before Sunday at (650) 752-4684. PC, NMPCW, WCE (RSE 3 Su)
5p The Kelly Park Big Band at The Sound Room, 2147 Broadway, Oakland 94612. (NOTE one-time change of week for our annual Christmas Show.) Led by Mensan/drummer Kelly Park, this 16 piece big band plays original music and arrangements of jazz standards. We’ll stick around after the concert for an informal music conversation, meet some of the band members, have a cocktail, etc. There is a $20 door charge for this event, $10 if you show your Mensa membership card. No RSVP required. PC, NS, WBC, WCP (RSE last Su)
18 – Monday
7:30p Trivia Night at Spats Restaurant and Saloon, 1974 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley 94704. Join us for a Geeks Who Drink quiz, good food and good company. Teams are limited to six players. Contact Roberta Maguire, robertamaguire/a/t/hotmail.com, (510) 292-6370, or Dan Phillips, umpolung13/a/t/yahoo.com, (304) 975-0066. PC, ACW, NMPCW, NS, NXM, WCP (RSE 3 M)
Dec 22-31
25 – Monday
11:30a Fabulous Holiday Meal in Concord at China Wall Buffet. It is located at 1673 Willow Pass Road, 94520, near the south end of the large Park ‘N’ Shop Center, close to Highway 242. The food is wonderful … so many choices! I asked the manager if they might include turkey as one of their choices, but she told me their chef doesn’t know how to cook turkey. However we could bring a cooked turkey and they would provide a table and knife … any volunteers? You are welcome to invite family members or friends that you would like to include. If possible, please RSVP, which will help us decide what size table to ask the restaurant to prepare for us. After our meal, some of us will go to my home for a movie, which we’ll start around 2 or 2:30p. During the intermission of the movie (title to be determined) we may have more desserts and beverages. Questions? Mary Bradshaw (925) 376-0762, or marybradsh/a/t/aol.com. PC, NMPCW
26 – Tuesday
Trivia Tuesday in Alameda will be take a short break during the month of December and will resume not on the last, but on the second Tuesday of each month in 2018. The second Tuesday in 2018 turns out to be on January 9. You should find the notice in January’s Intelligencer. We hope to see you then.
28 – Thursday
11:45a South Bay Lunch. See December 14. (RSE 2,4 Th)
FUTURE FLASHES
2018 January 2 – Tuesday
6p Tuesday Tipplers. See December 5. (RSE 1 Tu)
3 – Wednesday
11:30a Math Lovers’ Lunch. See December 6. (RSE 1 W)
6:30p East Bay Science Café. See December 6. (RSE 1 W)
5 – Friday
6p Movies That Matter. See December 1. (RSE 1,3 F)
6:30p First Friday in Danville. See December 1. (RSE 1 F)
6 – Saturday
6p Start The Month Right. See December 2. (RSE 1 Sa)