1/Sunday
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ChiMe Activity Bulletin and Advertising Deadlines. Last day for these submissions to the January 2025 ChiMe. Interested in organizing and hosting a virtual or in-person event? Find out how by checking out our guide to hosting events.
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ChiMe Editorial Deadline. Last day for editorial submissions to the January 2025 ChiMe. Please submit original articles, insights, puzzles, brain teasers, or short poems. Your fellow Chicago Area Mensa members would love to hear from you.
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American Mensa Board of Directors (AMC) Meeting 9 AM at the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, located at 121 NW Point Blvd. in Elk Grove Village. To encourage members to see our national leadership in action, the regular quarterly meeting of the American Mensa Board of Directors (AMC) is being held in Elk Grove Village — not far from O’Hare airport. Members are encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings. For those wishing to briefly address the Board, opportunities for member comments will be made available at the beginning and end of the meeting. Expect to be on your own for meals. Since Elk Grove Village is a short drive away from the Monthly Gathering in Rolling Meadows, members can easily attend both events the same day.
The December AMC meeting agenda will be available mid-November. See the article in our December ChiMe. RSVPs via Meetupor email to Jon G., are requested but not required. We hope to see you there!
4/Wednesday
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GOBS Request Deadline Noon. Today is the last day to submit a request for GOBS funds to be approved at this Saturday’s Business Meeting for any planned, eligible event, activity, or class taking place after Saturday, December 7th and through Saturday, January 18th or later; to be eligible, events involving CAM members must be published in the issue of ChiMe corresponding to the month in which they occur.
5/Thursday

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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. Join a video chat with our kin from across the big pond in London at 2 PM BST. RSVP (via Meetup preferred) to local host Carey S. to receive the Zoom sign-in information. The London host is Ian David Moseley.
Virtual Event!!
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Zoom Lunch 1 PM. Perhaps the longest running Mensa event anywhere, Chicago’s Zoom Lunch (formerly known as the Downtown Lunch) is held every week, alternating between Tuesday and Thursday. Join us for conversation, laughs, and attempts to define words you’ll never use again. The Zoom id is 836 1178 6315 and the passcode is 190710; it is also included as part of your host Jon G.’s contact information if you prefer a link. Questions? Contact Jon via email or call/text him. You may also RSVP via Meetup. We’d love to have you join us!
Virtual Event!!
7/Saturday
Our next
Monthly Gathering
occurs on
March 22nd.
at the
Rolling Meadows Community Center
3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
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Monthly Gathering
The location of our December Monthly Gathering was the Rolling Meadows Community Center
3705 Pheasant Dr. in Rolling Meadows.Games and hospitality are in the spacious auditorium, with overflow space in the lobby. The speaker event is in the Card Room. Park in the NW lot behind the building and use Entrance K (near inner corner). Please note that we have this venue only until midnight, so plan accordingly. This gathering is open to the public. So if you’re interested in learning more about Chicago Mensa, come join us. There is an admissions fee to help cover costs (major credit cards accepted). Members, RSVP via Meetup to let your friends know you’re going to be there.
Test:5 PM.Business Meeting:5 PM.Game room opens:6 PM.Nominations for Local Officers:7:30 PM.Program:~7:35 PM.Refreshments:8:30 PM - Midnight.The CAM Executive Committee has allocated GOBS funds to be used for the reimbursement of either or Uber ridesharing services from/to the Arlington Park METRA station. Details are on our Monthly Gathering page.
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Volunteer
Get involved! Hone your leadership, organizational, or web skills. We’re looking for volunteers to fill some of the open positions listed both near the back of ChiMe or on the List of Officers. Try your hand as a co-Program Officer, a website designer, web content creator, or a MG Hospitality Volunteer. You can view the job descriptions and the required qualifications for all the open positions and ones you may be interested in. Or consider supervising the children at the MG for some extra cash.
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Express Yourself
Write an article, submit a photo, or create a puzzle for ChiMe; see our Submission Guidelines for contact information and deadlines. Host your own event or your own virtual event using Discord!Program Topic: Sally Rand, American Sex Symbol
presented by William Hazelgrove
Sally Rand would appear in more than thirty films and be named after a Road Atlas by Cecil B. DeMille. Her beauty and physicality would work to great advantage in the silent film era. A football play would be named after her. She would appear on To Tell the Truth. She would be arrested six times in one day for indecency.
Paving the way for every sex symbol to follow from Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga, Sally broke the mold in 1933. She proclaimed the female body as something beautiful and took it out of the strip club with her ethereal fan dance. She lives on as the iconic symbol of the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933. She would be immortalized in the final scene of the movie, The Right Stuff. She was 58 years old at her performance for the astronauts in 1962 and continued to dance until 1975.
Show all…Come and hear Bill Hazelgrove relate the rags to riches and back life story of Sally Rand.
William Hazelgrove is the National Bestselling author of ten novels and twelve nonfiction titles. His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, Book of the Month Selections, ALA, Editors’ Choice Awards, Junior Library Guild Selections, Literary Guild Selections, History Book Club Selections, History Book Club Bestsellers, and Distinguished Book Awards.
He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence where he wrote in the attic of Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today, The Smithsonian Magazine, and other publications and has been featured on NPR All Things Considered. The New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, CSPAN, USA Today, and World News Tonight have all covered his books with features.
His book, Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson, is in film development. He has two forthcoming books: Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America and Hemingway’s Attic: Hell and Glory in Cuba and the Writing of Old Man and the Sea.
Show less
9/Monday

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NNW Dinner: Mexican 6 PM. Dinner will be at Hacienda El Sombrero located at 1100 S. Elmhurst Rd. in Mount Prospect (in a strip mall on the west side of Elmhurst Rd. (IL RT 83), just south of Golf Rd.). This is a GOBS-subsidized event where ½ the total cost (including tax plus a 20% tip, rounded up to the nearest dollar) of a CAM member’s, and up to one guest’s, dinner will be covered for a maximum of fifteen people — for a maximum subsidy of $20/person; cash (no coins) or PayPal only for your portion. RSVP (and get more details) on Meetup, but if not on Meetup, email Ken L.. If you RSVP by email, your reservation is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.
10/Tuesday
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Zoom Lunch 1 PM. See Thursday, December 5th.
11/Wednesday
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Northern Exposure Dinner 6:45 PM. Ice road truckers cruising past your door? Then you should have dinner with us. This month, join us at Olivia’s Italian Restaurant in Gurnee for some great Italian fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The address is 750 S IL Route 21 in Gurnee. Please RSVP on Meetup or via Janice’s email, jesser@chicago.us.mensa.org , so she can reserve a big enough table.
12/Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, December 5th.
Virtual Event!!
13/Friday
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MELT 11:30 AM. It might be Friday the 13th, but it’s good luck to hang out with Ms. Join us for MELT (Mensans Eating Lunch Together) at the Big Skillet Pancake House, located at 90 Tyler Creek Plz. in Elgin. You can check the menu and decide if you want breakfast or lunch—it’s up to you. We can accommodate 12 people. RSVP by Thursday, December 12th, via Meetup (strongly preferred) or directly to Beth W.
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Rockford-Area Dinner 6:30 PM. Join Dave and other Rockford-Area Mensans for dinner at Vanakkam India, located at 1620 N. Bell School Rd. in Rockford (a few blocks north of State St. on the west side of Bell School). To RSVP , for more information, or to get on our email list, contact Dave L., our Rockford-Area Coördinator. RSVP required in case of cancellation, time, or venue change. Do not RSVP via Meetup. This event usually recurs on the second Friday of the month.
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Poetry Discussion 7 PM. Our poetry group is using Zoom for meetings. Interested persons who are not currently members of the poetry group can contact Joe D. , and he will email the poems to be discussed or you can view them by tapping/clicking here. Do NOT RSVP via Meetup. This event is usually held on the evening of the second Friday of the month.
Virtual Event!!
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Best Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing peaking on the night of the 13th through Saturday morning. For more information, see the NASA website or see the viewing tips at space.com.
Public Event!!
16/Monday

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Irish Mensa Lecture and Discussion: Medieval Carols 1 PM. Irish Mensa meets virtually on the third Monday of each month at 7 PM Irish Time; a discussion then follows the lecture.
From the first Christmas song by a 12th-century Northumbrian hermit, through the earliest surviving Christmas carol of the mid-14th-century, to the heyday of the carol in 15th-century England, Jeremy Summerly traces the early history of the world’s favourite musical genre with sung illustrations from the St Luke’s Carollers of Chelsea.
Jeremy Summerly is a British conductor. He was educated at Lichfield Cathedral School, Winchester College, and New College, Oxford. In 2010, he was appointed Director of Music at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea. He conducted the choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford for the 2013–14 academic year, and was Director of Music at St Peter’s College, Oxford from 2015 to 2019. In 2017, he was made a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and he was Visiting Professor of Music History at Gresham College 2019-2022.
For the full write-up and to join, visit the American Mensa event. One does not have to register for the event — simply click on the Zoom link at the appropriate date and time.
Virtual Event!!
17/Tuesday

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MEANS (North Suburbs) Dinner 6:30 PM. Join Mensans Eating Around North Suburbs (MEANS), at Hackney’s on Lake located at 1514 E. Lake Ave. in Glenview. Free parking. Separate checks available. Limit 12. Please RSVP via Meetup (preferred) or email Brent B. Recurs on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
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Dinner Out West: Montri Thai Fine Cuisine 6:30 PM. Come join us for dinner at Montri Thai Fine Cuisine at 2S535 Route 59 in Warrenville. This is a GOBS-subsidized event. GOBS will cover ½ of your meal cost, including tax and tip (rounded up to the nearest dollar), up to a maximum subsidy of $15, for each CAM member and their guest. Cash, Zelle, or PayPal for your portion. Limit 20 people. Reservations are required so Beth knows how big of a table to reserve. RSVP via Meetup (strongly preferred) or directly to Beth W. no later than Sunday, December 15th.
19/Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, December 5th.
Virtual Event!!
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Zoom Lunch 1 PM. See Thursday, December 5th.
21/Saturday

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Conservatives Lunch 11:30 AM. Join other members of the Mensan cell of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy for lunch and civilized un-PC conversation. No forbidden questions, no unchallengeable answers. This lunch happens on the third Saturday every month. The venue will be The Patio, 2780 S. Highland Ave. in Lombard (NW corner of Butterfield and Highland, but you can enter only from Highland). RSVP by emailing Jim Z. the event coördinator. You may also RSVP via Meetup. Open to non-Mensans; bring a curious friend.

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Beverly Area Saturday Salon (B.A.S.S.) ~Noon. Spontaneous conversation in far SSW Chicago, approximate vicinity of 107th St. & Western Ave. Please contact Rick E. the Beverly Area Coördinator, for this month’s location and the exact time as well as more information; if emailing, put “BASS” in the subject line. This event usually recurs midday on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
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Winter Solstice
22/Sunday
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Best Ursids Meteor Shower Viewing tonight through Monday morning. See viewing tips at timeanddate.com.
Public Event!!
23/Monday
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Festivus Day
24/Tuesday

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Breakfast in Mount Prospect 10 AM. Breakfast or lunch and conversation at Jelly Café located at 1784 W. Golf Rd. in Mount Prospect (northwest corner of Golf Rd. and Busse Hwy.), featuring a large and diverse menu. Separate checks are available. Use Meetup, but if not on Meetup, RSVP to Ken L. via email. If you RSVP by email, your reservation is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.
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Zoom Lunch 1 PM. See Thursday, December 5th.
25/Wednesday
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Christmas Day
Have a merry holiday.Enjoy the carol Good News performed by the Acapella Fellas featuring one of our own CAM members.
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Hanukkah starts this evening.
26/Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, December 5th.
Virtual Event!!
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Boxing Day
27/Friday
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MY-NY 2024/2025: New Year’s International Event by the Mensa Youth SIG (18+) now in the Italian Alps! Get ready for an exhilarating adventure during your winter break! Picture this: crisp mountain air, powdery slopes, and a lively atmosphere that’ll warm your heart.
- Location: Hotel Stella Montis, nestled in the enchanting Piancavallo ski resort in the Dolomites of northern Italy.
- Participants: Over 250 spirited souls—young, young at heart, and everyone in between!
What's in store? Skiing bliss, brain teasers at the Pub, outdoor adventures (from snowshoeing to snowball fights, we’ve got it all!), poker nights, and… Brace yourself for the ultimate soirée—a spectacular party that’ll light up the Alps! Dance, laugh, and make memories that’ll echo through the snowy peaks.
Why miss out? See you there!
Registration rates, including room and board, costs between 300-550 Euros, depending on lodging type. Visit the Mensa Youth Events website for details and to register. - Location: Hotel Stella Montis, nestled in the enchanting Piancavallo ski resort in the Dolomites of northern Italy.
31/Tuesday
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Happy New Year’s Eve
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Ring in the New Year at the New WWHfWM 7:30 PM. You are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the new location of the Weiss Ward Home for Wayward Mensans. Plans include conversation, food, bevers, and games. Please bring your beverage of choice and a snack to share. RSVPs appreciated but not required (Meetup preferred). The exact address is available as part of Beth W. contact info. If you have any questions, please contact her.
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3rd Annual Around the World Zoom New Year’s Eve Party from the wee hours (3:30 AM) of our morning & well into our New Year (5:30 AM) but show up anytime. Our 2020-2021 New Year’s Eve Party was a terrific hit — with attendees from all over the world helping us celebrate each time zone’s New Year’s as we rolled around the planet. We’re all looking forward to another great bash at the end of this year. As an added bonus, I[Priscilla S.]’ve found that this awesome bash has put various Mensans in contact with each other around the world, and has established several new friendships, some looking to be lifelong. So, yay! Kicking things off, then running with the event through the entire day was a taxing effort — but well worth it. And boy, did I need a sleep and a half afterwards! Learn more & RSVP on the American Mensa website.
Virtual International Event Not in ChiMe!!
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1 January/Wednesday

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ChiMe Activity Bulletin and Advertising Deadlines. Last day for these submissions to the February 2025 ChiMe. Interested in organizing and hosting a virtual or in-person event? There’s bound to be an activity or a restaurant you want to try, but you just want some other people to experience it with you. So invite your fellow Mensans. Find out how by visiting our guide to hosting events.
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ChiMe Editorial Deadline. Last day for editorial submissions to the February 2025 ChiMe. Please submit original articles, insights, puzzles, brain teasers, photographs, or short poems. Your fellow Chicago Area Mensa members would love to hear from you.
RSVPs:
To protect our members’ privacy, contact information has been removed from this listing but is available on our website for members only. Each of the CAM events has a link to the host’s RSVP information which also takes you to this same information.
Password Issues?
You must use the AM password reset. If you forgot your id (email address), contact the National Office. Their phone number and email address are at the bottom of AM login webpage.
Event Emails
CAM members will get periodic Mensa Connect emails about upcoming events, including ones that did not make it into December ChiMe, or to get notified of any special events or last minute changes.
Activities Bulletin
December 2024
December | ||||||
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 |

Already a CAM Discord member?
Simply open up the Discord app, look for the
CAM
icon on the very left, and tap/click on it. You’ll often find fellow gamers online
even when no official CAM event is taking place.
New?
A few days before the event, check out the Introductory Guide to Discord as well as our CAM Discord FAQ for instructions about downloading the Discord app on the device you’ll be using, and registering yourself. Read the doc and/or peruse the various questions and answers to familiarize yourself with our customized version.
About three days prior to the event, the Invitation Link, needed only by new CAM Discord users, will be available as part of the event host’s contact info as a button. Tap/click on the button, then tap/click on the Invitation Link, and it will open the Discord app you installed. You must acknowledge the displayed Code of Conduct to see all the rooms (aka channels). Do this by tapping/clicking on the emoji symbol at the bottom that best describes Your membership category. Once you’ve done that, you’re in and won’t need an Invitation Link again.
When you join a Discord event you won’t automatically see all the participants like in Zoom when the host lets you in or you join a meeting in progress. Instead you’ll scroll down and find the channel specified as part of the event info. You get to see the list of names indicating who is in the channel before you tap/click on it to join. And if there is someone presenting, you’ll need to tap/click on the presenter’s feed or double-click the Live button next to the presenter’s name to enlarge the feed.
It may feel weird at first but the learning curve is pretty short and chances are you’ll like it better than Zoom and choose to use it to video call a fellow Mensa member/group who is part of the CAM Discord community and definitely to play online games while chatting with everyone participating.
RSVPs - Always contact the CAM event host as specified in the event details — email , phone , text , or Meetup .
Meetup
Meetup and the website sometimes include events that are not in the December ChiMe. So consider signing up for this great tool and then join the CAM group — an active Mensa number will be requested to verify your Mensa membership. Because Meetup notifies the host directly, it doesn’t require the same RSVP contact information that is on our website and in ChiMe.
- RSVP, but you should always contact the CAM event coördinator as specified. A few CAM event coördinators are not members of Meetup, so for those events, your RSVP there only lets other CAM Meetup members know you are attending, plus you benefit by getting reminders.
- It’s easy to use Meetup to add the event info to your personal calendar.
- Set up notifications and Meetup will email you about upcoming events. (You can adjust your Meetup email settings to limit notifications to one email/day.)
And why not host your own event, virtual or in-person?
Chicago Mensa Meetup - All our events are listed; see who signed up, get notifications, and add the event(s) to your personal calendar. Check out the current calendar
Meetup
Meetup and the website sometimes include events that are not in the December ChiMe. So consider signing up for this great tool and then join the CAM group — an active Mensa number will be requested to verify your Mensa membership. Because Meetup notifies the host directly, it doesn’t require the same RSVP contact information that is on our website and in ChiMe.
- RSVP, but you should always contact the CAM event coördinator as specified. A few CAM event coördinators are not members of Meetup, so for those events, your RSVP there only lets other CAM Meetup members know you are attending, plus you benefit by getting reminders.
- It’s easy to use Meetup to add the event info to your personal calendar.
- Set up notifications and Meetup will email you about upcoming events. (You can adjust your Meetup email settings to limit notifications to one email/day.)
And why not host your own event, virtual or in-person?
Chicago Mensa Meetup - All our events are listed; see who signed up, get notifications, and add the event(s) to your personal calendar. Check out the current calendar