We have a full schedule of social activities each month, ranging from lunches and happy hours to games nights, discussion groups, trivia, and our Speakers Forum.
All events are open to all Mensa members, and to guests who accompany Mensa members. Events in public places (restaurants, theaters, etc.) are also open to prospective members. RSVPs are not required, except as noted.
The calendar of activities in the Oracle (our monthly newsletter) may include additional events that are open only to Mensa members and their guests. To view the Calendar in the Oracle, please visit American Mensa’s local group newsletters webpage. Have your Mensa log-in info (email address and password) ready.
Once a week, we send an Email Blast — “This Week in OC Mensa” — that lists the activities for the next seven days to each member with an email address on file with American Mensa.
Mensa members: You can schedule your own activity or get-together in next month’s calendar by submitting a Calendar entry to our Calendar Editor at: calendar@ocmensa.org
Note: To protect the privacy of our hosts, home addresses, personal email addresses, and phone numbers are not listed on this website. Current members of Orange County Mensa can access this information in the current Oracle newsletter or the weekly eBlast.
Sunday, November 3
3:00 PM New Member Meet & Greet and Mensa 101
If you joined Mensa within the last year (or if you have been a member for a while, but haven’t attended very much and you want to know more about Mensa), you are invited to join us for coffee or iced tea, casual conversation, and an orientation to Mensa. Meet other new members and learn from a few of OCM’s more experienced members about Orange County Mensa and how to make the most of your Mensa membership.
Directions: Oak Creek Shopping Center, 5653 Alton Parkway, Irvine. Outside on the patio in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Contact: Angie Mattson
Wednesday, November 6
12:35 PM LuncH with a Capital H
Note the new time! Join us for sandwiches and conversation and maybe a beer. Look for us at the round big table (if we get it).
Location: Hollingshead’s Deli 368 S Main St. Orange Behind Victory Diner, North of the 22 Fwy, south of Chapman. Look for Deli sign in the corner of small shopping center.
Contact: John Olsen
Thursday, November 7
12:00 Noon First Thursday Lunch
Please join us at Cafe Rose Express. Typical full lunches priced from about $8 to $25. Fresh salads & pastries. Full lunch menu with daily specials. We’re welcoming, good natured and friendly. If the weather is nice we may be outside in the shade. Look for the yellow M.
Location: Cafe Rose Express, 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa, 949-478-8777.
Contact: John Kerr
Saturday, November 9
Note: The Speakers Forum will be at the home of Marti Reis, prior to the Open House Party. Feel free to attend just the Speakers Forum (no charge) or just the Open House ($5), or both
4:00 PM Speakers Forum
Topic: Lost Landmarks of Orange County
Presenter: Chris Epting
Chris Epting is the best-selling author of 40 travel/history books. He will take us on a nostalgic journey through the region’s forgotten treasures. He will explore iconic sites that once defined the landscape, such as Lion Country Safari, the Golden Bear, and the Japanese Deer Park, among others. Through engaging stories and vivid descriptions, Epting will invite us to reminisce about these beloved landmarks, delving into their history and the cultural impact they had on the community.
6:00 PM Open House Party
Please join us for an evening of fun conversation with your fellow Mensans. As usual, snacks, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included at the low price of $5 per person. Open to all members and their accompanied guests.
Both the Speakers Forum and Open House:
Location: At the home of Marti Reis, Garden Grove.
Sunday, November 10
10:30 AM Atheists United Orange Co., Second Sunday Brunch
The conversation is enjoyable and unstructured among like-minded friends. We order brunch from the menu. We are open to the public, free parking at the hotel. If you have questions, please call or text David Doss of Atheists United Orange County . Go to: meetup.com/orange-county-second-sunday-brunch/events An RSVP is appreciated.
Location: The restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 4545 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. (The cross street is Birch, near the airport).
Contact: Joyce Farmer
Monday, November 11
10:00 PM Calendar and Oracle Deadlines
Submit December calendar entries to the Calendar Editor at Calendar@ocmensa.org .
Submit December Oracle entries (articles & photos) to the Oracle Editor at Editor@ocmensa.org .
Wednesday, November 13
12:35 PM (almost) FREE LUNCH
We’re back at an old hidden gem. Tacos Jalisco is tucked back from the west side of Tustin Ave, behind a Taco Bell. The Taco Bell is for the uninitiated. Those in the know come here for a big menu running from tacos to full seafood platters.
Location: 480 N. Tustin Ave., Orange (Behind the Taco Bell)
Contact: John Olsen
Saturday, November 16
11:30 AM Region 9 Monthly Check-in
We’ll meet via Zoom on your computer, tablet, or phone.
Contact: Kelly-marie Jones, RVC Region 9.
Wednesday, November 20
1:00 PM South of the Border
Join us south of the border (the border being the El Toro Y) for a south-county lunch. RSVP not required. Look for the black-and-yellow “M” sign on the table.
Location this month: Asia Buffet, 23552 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest.
Directions: Exit I-5 at El Toro; head inland a half mile; on the right.
Contact: Tom Streeter.
Thursday, November 21
Deadline for Reservations for OCM Holiday Party
Celebrate the holiday season with your fellow Mensans on Saturday, December 7, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Lake Park Club House, 1510 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana. All Mensans and their guests are invited. $20 per person includes all-you-can-eat dinner, dessert, holiday drinks (both alcoholic & non).
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED so we know how much food to order. To reserve, send $20/person either via PayPal or by mailing a check. Indicate the name of each attendee. Also indicate dietary restrictions: vegetarian OR gluten free.
Online: www.PayPal.com send to treasurer@ocmensa.org
Check: Make payable to Orange County Mensa. See the Oracle or eBlast for mailing address.
Contact: Reservations: Treasurer Meg Sulzen, Anything else: Chair Angie Mattson.
Sunday, November 24
10:30 AM Brunch Buddies
Join us for brunch! This month we’re off to Black Marlin. Please note: Brunch time can often mean wait times. Please RSVP for this event no later than 48 hours before so we know who to wait for before getting a table/reservation.
Location: BLACK MARLIN 560 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Contact: Valerie Spear or John Olsen.
