Young Mensans at the Vanderbilt Planetarium
by Guy Rosenschein

February 28th, as you may remember, came just after the 27th, which was a wonderful sunny and warm day. On February 27th, I felt confident that there would be many Young Mensans joining us on our field trip to the Vanderbilt Planetarium the following day. Much of my confidence was gone after I checked the weather forecast. The weatherman had said that anything that could fall from the sky would be falling down to earth on the day of our field trip.

The weather report was right; driving through pouring rain as I left Brooklyn, my confidence in a large turnout was gone. As the weather got worse I was wondering whether I would end up visiting the planetarium with only my goddaughter and her sister. Shortly after noon, I found the place and I was happy not to have to swim to the main door.

When I walked in, a large dripping wet crowd was waiting for me. I got things organized. Barbara was there with Zach, who is always eager to learn. Mary Anne and James had driven all the way from Eastchester so that Michael could enjoy the event. Terence and Mercedes, who became aware of the outing only the day before, had brought Liam. Heather was there with her mother, as well as Garrett with his father. The Saepia family added three children and two adults, and I had my two girls with me.

Did I miss somebody? Yes, Greater New York Mensa President Susan Heimlich was also there, lending morale support. With twenty-one people we were given special treatment: a nice discount and access to the planetarium through a back door.

The show was outstanding and very interesting to all ages. With a little bit of humor to make it better but otherwise serious. The quality of the pictures was exceptional.

After the 50 minute program we were allowed to visit the Mansion, the Marine museum and the park. As we left the show, I met Greater New York Mensa Vice President Lenore and her grandson, they had just arrived and couldn't join the group. Since the weather had not improved the park was out of the question, so we went to the Mansion and Marine museum.

I am not sure which one was the Mansion and which one was the Museum because they both had display cases and plenty of exotic items to see. I cannot figure out why they had a mummy in the Mansion but, on the other hand, why not? Everything was interesting and the children learned a lot, while enjoying the company of each other. For reasons I am not sure of, the children seemed to enjoy each other's company more than the company of the adults.

During the visit, while I was trying not to loose anybody, Barbara came up with the idea of having dinner together before going home. As we all know, food is a good way to keep Mensans together and here again it worked. When we left about half of us decided to go to the Mexican restaurant Barbara had suggested. It was a good idea indeed. With eleven people we enjoyed good food and another hour of excellent company.

Despite the terrible weather this was a very successful event and I want to thank all the Young Mensans and their families who came. Our next Young Mensans outing is scheduled for Sunday, March 28, 1999. We will be going to the New York Hall of Science in Queens (Flushing Meadows). The date is set, MAKE SURE YOU COME ON MARCH 28. All the details will be posted on this website and sent to those on the Young Mensans email list.