Central Iowa Mensa

 

Central Iowa Mensa is a local group of American Mensa, Ltd., which is part of Mensa International.  Our group was founded in May 1977 in the Des Moines area but we've grown since then and our 200+ members are spread out across the state of Iowa.

 

We're a friendly group and have a number of monthly activities and events.  As you might surmise by the minimal information here, our website is a perpetual work in progress, but feel free to contact the appropriate person below for information.  And do check back, as we will post relevant information here on a regular basis.

 

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Local Events

 

Wednesday, February 3rd, 12:00 noon - Cedar Falls Lunch Bunch

  The Hydrant Firehouse Grill, 2002 College St., on the UNI Hill

Look for the table with the Mensa "M".

 

Saturday, February 6th, 7:00 pm - Mensa Open House

  Mary Donahue's home, 4000 University Avenue #5, Des Moines

"Mensa Open House" is just that - an open house for Mensans and Mensa-wanna-bes, geared especially to allow new members, recent test-takers, first-timers, and guests to mingle with Mensans in a low-key, welcoming environment.  Bring a game to convince others to play in the kitchen, start a conversation on any topic in the living room, curl up in the corner with selections from Mary's odd collection of books, or put together a puzzle on the library table…  Just make yourself at home in Mensa.  The only rules are to bring your own beverage, a snack to share, a congenial attitude, and no messing around with the house computers' hard drives (that freaks Our Hostess out).  Contact Mary at (515) 262-0950.

 

Saturday, February 13th, 12:00 noon - Clear Lake Clear Thinkers

  Bennigan’s Restaurant, 2 blocks west of exit 194 of I-35

Ask for the Mensa group! Contact Eley Schmidt at (641) 357-6146.

 

Wednesday, February 17th, 12:00 noon - Cedar Falls Lunch Bunch

  The Hydrant Firehouse Grill, 2002 College St., on the UNI Hill

Look for the table with the Mensa "M".

 

Saturday, February 20th, 2:00 pm - 10:00pm – Des Moines Mensa Game Day

  Dan Heck and Michelle Herring’s home, 1728 41st Street, Des Moines
Come hang out and play games with fellow Mensans in our beautiful Beaverdale home!  We have games ranging from the cerebral (Chronology, Trivial Pursuit, Clue) to the silly (Guillotine, Apples to Apples, Killer Bunnies).  You're always welcome to bring your own games and introduce them to an audience that may never have seen them before.  There will also be lots of conversation, snacks, and general good times.  We have one dog and two cats in our home, just so you are prepared.  They are very friendly.  I hope to see you here soon!  If you have questions, please contact Dan by phone at (515) 277-5434 or email at danielheck at rocketmail.com.

 

Thursday, February 25th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm – Des Moines Lunch Bunch   ***NEW LOCATION***

  China One Buffet, 2301 Ingersoll Avenue
Palmer’s Deli & Market is re-organizing their space and no longer has a private room available, so we're moving just a few blocks down the street.  Please feel free to drop by and eat lunch between these times and enjoy this gathering with your fellow Mensans!  You can call China One ahead of time at (515) 237-0022.  Call Jenipher Sutherland at (515) 778-0961 with any questions.

 

Saturday, February 27th, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Ames Mensa Game Night   ***NEW EVENT***

  Sophia Preston's home, 1432 Clark Avenue, Ames
We are looking to host a game night at our house.  People of all ages are welcome, including kids as we have 2 of our own (who will be using the playroom and looking forward to having other kids join them).  We have Trivial Pursuit (a few different versions), Apples to Apples, Monopoly, Upwords, Chess, puzzles and some others.  If anyone wants to bring a game, please do!  Please bring a snack to share.  We will have a variety of Coke products, but feel free to bring something else to drink if you'd like.  Since our house is situated weirdly, go to 15th & Clark and look for the house on the southeast corner with the stone retaining wall and fence.  Phone (515) 233-4360.  Sophia, Robert, their 2 boys and their dog, Moose, all look forward to seeing you!

 

Saturday, March 6th, 7:00 pm - Mensa Open House

  Mary Donahue's home, 4000 University Avenue #5, Des Moines

"Mensa Open House" is just that - an open house for Mensans and Mensa-wanna-bes, geared especially to allow new members, recent test-takers, first-timers, and guests to mingle with Mensans in a low-key, welcoming environment.  Bring a game to convince others to play in the kitchen, start a conversation on any topic in the living room, curl up in the corner with selections from Mary's odd collection of books, or put together a puzzle on the library table…  Just make yourself at home in Mensa.  The only rules are to bring your own beverage, a snack to share, a congenial attitude, and no messing around with the house computers' hard drives (that freaks Our Hostess out).  Contact Mary at (515) 262-0950.

 

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Central Iowa Mensa Contacts

 

Local Secretary (President)

Michelle Herring   herringmichellel at johndeere.com

 

Newsletter Editor

Daniel J. Heck   danielheck at rocketmail.com

 

Editor's Assistant

Jason Neu   jason at jneu.com

 

Membership Coordinator

Jenipher Sutherland   smiles4jenipher at yahoo.com

 

Proctor/Testing Coordinator

Marie Mayer   mmayer at netins.net

 

Scholarship Chair

Joshua Christensen   jchristensen at bcluw.k12.ia.us

 

Webmaster

Jason Neu   jason at jneu.com