I'm not a smoker, but I was (3 packs a day when I quit). I respect
the rights of the smokers to have a reasonable place to congregate - and
that's NOT outside in Phoenix in July.
Mr. Holmerud considers taking care of - specially - perhaps 5% of the Mensa
population as - well - I'm not sure. I'm thinking he considers it not
economical space wise (and therefore money-wise).
-Queen Mary Lee
In the October Bulletin Gene Holmerud gave one perspective of the smoking
accommodations at the Phoenix AG. As one of the smokers in question,
here's my perspective.
Yes, smokers were supplied with a shady outdoor location, unfortunately it
was 100+ degrees in said shade, and we had to fight to bring food or drink
through the lobby to the outdoor area, thus hospitality became considerably
less hospitable. Mr. Holmerud mentions the relative cost/benefit ratio
of accommodating smokers at Gatherings, which calls for two
observations. First, smokers for their part consider the cost/harassment
ratio of attending a Gathering when we travel half way across the country to
get kicked out into the hundred plus degree heat. Second, happily for
Phoenix Mensa, very likely it will need to accommodate fewer smoking Ms and
their guests in the future. Gatherings live and die by word of mouth
reputation, that's always been true in Mensa. Phoenix Mensa's reputation
for hospitality went up in smoke July 4, 2002.
Remember the Phoenix Six!
