North Texas Mensa
Feast of
Pleasures and Delights XLIV
November 27 – 30, 2025

From the NTM President

Welcome to new friends and old to the Feast of Pleasures and Delights XLIV!! We're so happy to be able to celebrate with you all. This annual event is always so much fun – it's like nerd camp for grownups. The RG committee has been hard at work to plan these awe-inspiring and amusing entertainments for you all and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and dedication to this project. And an especially large thank you goes to Karen Brack for herding all of us cats. Have fun!

Cathy Allshouse

From the RG Chair

Welcome!

Welcome to the forty-fourth North Texas Mensa Regional Gathering, The Feast of Pleasures and Delights. We’re so glad you are here. It would be sad to do all this work and have no one show up. And work we did. Games, programs, tastings, meals and more are all happening because dedicated volunteers put in the time to make it happen.

So, if you enjoy your dinner, appreciate having this handy program book and the pocket program, discover something new at a tasting, hear a really great presentation, or find delight in any other way, thank a volunteer. And consider volunteering to be on the forty-fifth RG committee. We can always use new voices and ideas.

Have fun and party smart,

Karen “Westy” Brack
NTM RG 2025 Chair and Program Chair

A Few Things to Remember

1. You must wear your ID badge at all times while attending the RG. This is the only way we know who belongs at the RG and who does not. Do not invite others into the Hospitality area, even if they are friendly and intelligent. If you forgot your badge and someone asks to see it, please go get it immediately. If you lose your badge, go to Registration for a replacement badge.

2. Legal drinking age in Texas is 21. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s the law. Please don’t try to break it.

3. Please drink responsibly. There are other guests in the hotel. We’re supposed to be the smart ones; let’s act like it.

4. Illegal drugs, violations of rules, or dangerous or abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Violators may be ejected from the RG at the discretion of the RG committee. No refunds will be given in such cases.

5. In case of a real emergency (fire, health, serious injury, etc.) call the hotel operator immediately. In case of something less serious, a first aid kit will be available at the registration desk when open, under the beer table in Hospitality when it is closed.

6. Chances are your mother isn’t here to pick up after you. And if she is here, make her proud and pick up after yourself. Pick up after others, too, if necessary, and please help keep the RG areas neat.

7. As usual, appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas; that includes the pool. It’s another one of those legal thingies.

8. Please remember that all speakers are volunteers. They are giving up their free time in order to share their expertise with us. Treat them with all due respect, whether you agree with them or not. Cell phones should be turned off or set to silent mode.

RGeography: Where Stuff’s At This RG

Hospitality - Galleria 2

Registration, Speaker Check-In - Opposite Galleria 1

Speakers - Galleria 1 and 3; Lobby

Debate Room - Conference Room

Tastings - Lobby

Hospitality (Galleria 2)

Hospitality is just that. We want you to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow Mensans. Hospitality will have the usual beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks, etc., available for you all day. We will also attend to your meals during the Gathering.

Meals will be brought in from outside vendors for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Lunch will be brought in on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Meal times are:

Lunch: 12:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Dinner: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

So, enjoy your time in Hospitality. But even more, enjoy your fellow Mensans and the opportunities at the RG.

Breakfast Buffet (Lobby)

For those staying at the hotel, your hotel registration entitles you to one breakfast buffet per person per day. For more information, inquire at the hotel desk.

Welcome to Debate Room

Debate Room is a series of fast-paced round-table discussions about divisive, otherwise provocative topics. Discussion is structured to allow the maximum contributions from the maximum number of participants, all in a civil atmosphere. Here’s how:

1. Print your name on an index card, BIG! (Tip – use the back of your card to jot down notes to self about what you want to say on your turn.)

2. Grab a seat and familiarize yourself with these guidelines. (Oh, right, you’re already doing that…)

3. There will probably be a Stack-keeper volunteer already signed up, but if not, pick someone to execute the Stack-keeper script for this session.

4. The Stack-keeper will call for a volunteer Timekeeper (there should be another instruction sheet for Timekeeper around here somewhere).

5. Start the discussion:

   • Raise your name card to be added to the “stack” of waiting speakers. Get added. Lower card.

   • Show support or disapproval of other’s points using the hand signals below.

   • Get called on by Stack-keeper. (May not be in order – First-time speakers get priority.)

   • Speak for up to a minute (MAX!). Be original, be civil. Express any opinion on the topic, but never express opinions of others in the room (or their race, gender, ethnicity, etc.). The Timekeeper will let you know when your minute is up.

   • Yield floor to next speaker.

6. At the end: Choose a winner! Not a winning side, but a winning speaker. With ten minutes to go, the Stack-keeper will make a last call and then close the stack. After the last speaker, anyone in the group may nominate another participant as most interesting (regardless of being “right”). Vote for your favorite nominee(s) – You may vote more than once. Winner gets the CGM

   (Coveted Golden Megaphone) to be worn with great aplomb throughout this and future gatherings!

But wait, there’s more…

Hand signals allow the listeners to share information without interrupting the current speaker

Good luck and have fun.

Thursday

5:00 p.m., Opposite Galleria 1, Registration and Hospitality Open

7:30 p.m., Lobby, The Ultimate History Buff Challenge: Wars, Revolutions, and Revolts – Karen Brack

The Ragamuffin Revolution? The Peloponnesian War? The Red Eyebrows Rebellion? Test your knowledge of conflicts through history with this truly challenging history trivia contest.

Karen Brack prefers the alternative to making war.

8:30 p.m., Conference Room, Debate Room (see p.4) – Hosted by Penny Robe

Remote Work vs. Return to Office

How does commuting by road vs internet affect productivity? Does FTF contact produce synchronicity? Which way is your workplace rolling? How is your department’s access to talent being affected by demands for relocation and 100% on-site work? In a career-fluid world, is labor willing to make life-changing real estate decisions based on promises that corporations might not be able to keep? Bring us your stories of RTO success and failure.

Friday

9:30 a.m., Galleria 1, History Through Disney Movies – Charles Crouch

Join us for a deep dive into the cultural, artistic, and historical significance of Disney’s animated films. We’ll trace the arc from the pioneering first five features of the Golden Era (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through Bambi), through the World War II packaged films, the Silver Age, the Dark Age, the Disney Renaissance, and the “Neo-Renaissance” of modern classics like Frozen and Moana. This presentation goes beyond nostalgia, offering insight into how Disney has reflected—and at times reshaped—American culture, storytelling, and technology over the past century.

Charles Crouch is a Card-Carrying Disney fan, Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club member, Book Reader, Tea Drinker, Tai Chi Practicer, Weight Lifter, and Baseball Watcher.

9:30 a.m., Galleria 3, Future Society: Japan’s Culture, Technology, and the World Expo Vision – Beckie Callahan

Japan’s Expo 2025 Pavilion invites visitors to explore how culture, sustainability, and technology can shape “Designing Future Society of Our Lives.” Drawing from her recent trip to Osaka, Beckie Callahan will share firsthand insights, which reflect Japan’s cultural philosophy of circulation and interconnectedness. Beckie will contrast Japanese and American approaches to innovation, community, and the environment. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, including travel tips for Japan.

Beckie Callahan is the Past President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, a local nonprofit promoting exchange between the U.S. and Japan. She has been a strategic business leader with more than 25 years of experience across technology and finance. Her global career includes 15 years at Cisco in sales & marketing, and teaching English in Yokohama, Japan through the JET Program. Beckie holds a Master of International Affairs from UC San Diego and a BA in International Studies and Psychology from Northwestern University.

11:00 a.m., Galleria 1, Language Learning for Adults – Bruce Jones

Why bother learning a foreign language??? Technology now allows us to say something into our phone and have it translated. We all know that it is not

possible to become fluent in a language once we are past the age of twelve. In this talk, Bruce will explain how to learn a new language as an adult. He believes that it does not need to involve formal classes, but, with today’s technologies, can be learned online. Persistence is more important than background. What works for one of us very well might not work for the next person. But languages open up worlds and force our brains to confront challenges. Languages are bridges into the hearts and souls of other cultures

Bruce Jones was an International Flight Attendant Trainer for American Airlines certified in Japanese, French, Spanish, and German. He now translates China’s oldest documents and for five years trained China’s commercial airline pilots.

11:00 a.m., Lobby, Sudoku Tournament – Cathy Allshouse

Calling all number wizards! Were you that nerdy kid in elementary school who said, “Oh goody, a word problem?” Stretch your Sudoku prowess muscles. We’re offering a tournament for those of us who can never get enough number problems. We have set of Sudoku puzzles to be worked in a limited time. The participant finishing (correctly) first will win a prize!

The Sudoku tournament is brought to you by Cathy Allshouse, CPA and your LocSec, who spends her workdays crawling around in spreadsheets and financial statements but STILL LOVES number puzzles. Go figure. Just don't ask her to do any calculus.

11:00 a.m., Conference Room, Debate Room (see p. 4) – Hosted by Penny Robe

Universal Basic Income

In a UBI economy, citizens receive regular stipends to cover some minimal cost of living, and then they're free to seek income above that level. Some believe UBI will become necessary as jobs are obsolesced by new tech (e.g. power-looms, farm machinery, industrial robots and AI). Would UBI improve the country's health and standard of living? Would it undermine incentives to work? Would it fuel inflation?

1:30 p.m., Galleria 1, Exercise: Why Bother?– Bruce Jones

After an airplane crash many years ago, Bruce was confronted with a choice: Become a body-builder, or a cripple. In this talk, Bruce will discuss how much he dislikes his daily exercise routine but has undeniable benefits from it. He will share ideas on how anybody, anywhere can lead a normal life and feel great.

Bruce Jones was in an airplane crash in 1988 at DFW. The last to abandon ship, he was expected to never return to work. He continues to work out with physical rehabilitation to this day with benefits that he grudgingly acknowledges.

1:30 p.m., Galleria 3, Meet Misster Mensa – Charles Davis Details to follow.

1:30 p.m., Lobby, Beer Tasting – Andy McKellar

WARNING: If you think beer should taste like Budweiser and/or Heineken, do NOT buy this ticket! Beer is made in many different styles, and you probably haven't tasted all of them. I haven't, either, but I have tasted a lot of different beers, and some I've liked even though they were... unusual. Maybe you will like them too, maybe not; I make no promises.

Andy McKellar drank his first beer while growing up in the Chihuahua desert in Mexico. When darker, stronger flavored beers entered the US market it opened his eyes (and taste buds) to new options, and he made his own beer as a hobbyist for some twenty years, from about 1995 to about 2015. During the beer tasting he will be discussing and presenting some of the different styles he has learned about.

Participating in the tasting requires a $6.00 pre-purchased ticket. Please see the Registrar if you are interested in attending. Seating is limited.

3:00 p.m., Galleria 1, Basics of Intelligence and Intelligence Testing – Wade Baggette

With frequent diversions into other topics and sometimes snarky humor, we look at Intelligence and Intelligence testing. We cover: Operational definitions and Intelligence; Alfred Binet and history of Intelligence Testing; a short primer on normal distributions; and tests such as the WAIS.

Wade Baggette has been in Mensa since January 1983. He has an M.S. in Psychology, specialized in Applied Psychometrics. To find out more about him, you'll have to come to the talk.

3:00 p.m., Galleria 3. Good Horse Keeping – Jeanne “Cookie” Neely

<>We are able to get horses to do what we want because they will accept anything (including us) into their herd structure; we just have to convince them that we outrank them. I can't teach you to ride without putting you on a horse, but I can offer a few suggestions on how to get him to cooperate willingly with you. He'll be easier to catch if he enjoys your rides as much as you do, especially if he knows you come bearing tasty treats. Remember we are asking something completely unnatural of horses. They are prey animals, and we ask them to carry around predators on their backs. They naturally see horse-eating boogers everywhere, and part of their survival strategy depends on their liking to scare themselves. There is so much to say about good horse keeping and so little time here, so I'll be happy to discuss more to anyone who finds me in hospitality.

Cookie Neely’s parents bought her first horse when she was five, and she pretty much grew up on horseback. As she got older, she couldn't keep a horse and was able to ride only occasionally at rental stables where she was always put on the trickiest mount they had. After moving back to Longview, the first thing she did was buy Duke, a goofy grey quarter horse gelding. Somewhen along the line, she began showing Missouri Foxtrotters, especially her stallion Tex, with whom she won a room full of ribbons and three championship garlands. Cookie no longer keeps horses because she is now physically unable to care for them, but the memories of the great horses she has known, owned, and ridden over all these years will be with her always.

3:00 p.m., Conference Room, Debate Room (see p. 4) – Hosted by Penny Robe

The Future of Money

Fiat/crypto/gold – What’s real? Money is “a medium of exchange and store of value”. Can crypto do better than specie or fiat currencies? This-coin, that-coin, NFTs, Kraken, Gemini, DeFi, XSP – they proliferate faster than rabbits in spring. Which work? At what seigniorage to the founders? Do digital currencies disrupt national economies? Or do they incentivize financial discipline? What makes one form of money safer than another? Can you suggest physical reserve assets to rival (or compliment) gold?

4:30 p.m., Galleria 1, Drones Over Dallas: Search and Rescue – Richard Ramirez

The Dallas Police Department is launching an ambitious program of drones to improve response times and cost-effective search and rescue (SAR) efforts. In this presentation, DPD Officer Richard Ramirez will explain how the program works and what the aviation and legal obstacles are that need to be worked out in the coming months. He will bring a drone and demonstrate how the DPD deploys drones.

Richard Ramirez enrolled in Cedar Valley College Law Enforcement Academy in 2020, completing 840 hours of police training. Shortly after, he was accepted into the Dallas Police Academy, graduating after completing 1,500 hours of training. By the end of 2024, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. In September 2024, he also obtained his Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) license from the FAA, allowing him to join the Dallas Police Drone Unit. As part of the UAS Unit, he assists in critical operations such as locating missing children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Drones provide real-time aerial support to ground officers, often helping to de-escalate dangerous encounters and reduce the need for force.

4:30 p.m., Lobby, Whisky Tasting – Paul Whiteman

The last few decades have seen a resurgence in the whisky industry, not only in the US, but around the world. The Chinese market has invigorated the demand side and the world has responded, especially close to China where transportation costs are lowest. We will explore single malt and other whiskies from Japan, India, Australia, and other Asian sources. They are sometimes very similar to our western versions and sometimes delightfully different.

Paul Whiteman actively investigates good whiskies. A member of two scotch societies, he is often informed and attends scheduled and ad hoc tasting events… as much as his liver will allow.

7:30 p.m., Lobby, The Ultimate History Buff Challenge: The American Edition – Karen Brack

How well do you really know American history? This is no bar trivia game, but you may need something to steel your nerve.

Karen Brack was born in the USA.

8:00 p.m., Galleria 1, Speed Dating – Sarge Sweet

Ready to mix, mingle, and maybe meet “the one?” Our speed dating hour is all about fun conversations, quick chemistry checks, and good vibes. Enjoy a lively atmosphere as you rotate through a series of mini-dates.

A dedicated life member of U.S. Mensa,

Sarge Sweet created and launched Mensa International’s 24-hour “Zoom Around the World” New Year’s Eve celebration, serving as host for its first four years. Over the years, she has contributed to the Mensa community, including serving on the National Elections Committee. Sarge served her local chapter as treasurer, proctor, and NY State judge for the Mensa Foundation Scholarship program.

8:30 p.m., Lobby, Texas Hold ’Em – Anne Whiteman

This tournament is free to enter and free to play. There will be no money involved, just bragging rights. You don’t have to be an experienced player in order to participate; however, this game will move fast. We suggest that you understand the basics of the game before entering the tournament, but there will be cheat sheets available to help. World Poker Tour rules will apply. That said, the game will remain friendly. Proper poker etiquette is suggested. Any disputes or questions of rule will be settled by one of the tournament coordinators. We will use quickly escalating blinds and antes (every 15 minutes) in order to speed up the game and try to finish within 2 to 3 hours. Those who are eliminated are free to start their own side games, if desired. But, please, no money in the game room.

Anne Whiteman is the current President of the NTM Scholarship Foundation and organizer of the standing monthly Texas Hold ‘Em party to benefit the North Texas Mensa Scholarship fund. And, even though she attends monthly mainly for the comradery/drinking at the “Giggle Table,” she occasionally gets lucky and finishes in one of the top three places.

9:00 p.m., Galleria 3, Holiday Horror! Murder at The Office Ugly Sweater Holiday Party.– Cathy Allshouse

Who would do such a terrible thing? Was it you? Join us for a fun murder mystery game to determine "whodunnit". Each participant will play a role (script will be provided) and during the course of the game use their exceptional mental prowess to find the killer. Feel free to wear your own best "UGLY" holiday sweater to the game and be an amateur detective.

10:30 p.m. (or when the Murder Mystery ends, if later), Hospitality, Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest – Karen Brack

Parade in your finest (?) holiday garb as we choose the winning sweater (or sweatshirt, or other type of top). Categories will include Ugliest, Funniest and whatever else seems appropriate at the time.

Saturday

9:30 a.m., Galleria 1, The Honey Bee – Christi Baughman

The presentation will cover general information about honeybees and how a hive functions; why honeybees are important; levels of beekeeping and what beekeepers do; why we are losing bees; and what can you do?

Christi Baughman began beekeeping over 18 years ago. Like many novice beekeepers, she started with just a few hives in her backyard. It wasn't long, however, before Christi recognized her knack for raising healthy bees and began to grow her hives and expand her business into beegirl.biz. Having grown up in North Dakota and currently living in Texas, Christi realized she had access to two prime beekeeping locations in the US. Under Christi’s watchful eye and elbows deep leadership style, beegirl.biz not only raises bees and nucs, but also produces on average 160,000 pounds of North Dakota honey from about 1,600 bee colonies, pollinates almonds in California annually, and educates beekeepers of any experience. Christi is an active Board Member of the Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association of Dallas, a North Texas Master Naturalist, a member of North Dakota Beekeepers Association, and a member of Texas Beekeepers Association

9:30 a.m., Galleria 3, You Got Science in My Fiction – Rhonda Eudaly

This session is an overview of what speculative fiction is and how it has been incorporated into so many other elements of literature and popular culture. Speculative fiction is now engrained in not only our entertainment but is being used to introduce and address serious topics across the spectrum. This is a high level look at what and how speculative fiction can be a bridge connecting our differences in non-judgmental ways.

Rhonda Eudaly 1has spent her career asking, “What if?” She has built her storytelling skills in a variety of industries in the public and private sectors. Ms. Eudaly has a well-rounded, 20+ year publication history in both fiction and non fiction, including novels, short stories, and essays. Links to her work can be found on

www.RhondaEudaly.com

.

11:00 a.m., Galleria 1, Complaints & Opportunities: Capitalizing on Change – Felicia M. L. Davis

Ever wish someone would give you the blueprint or user manual to change something for the better? From improving your Mensa chapter to growing in your career, what if I told you they already did? Complaints and opportunities are all around us. Too often we shy away from complaints twinged with a negative

emotion going immediately on the defensive. Or perhaps it’s an ambiguous opportunity that feels overwhelming or makes you skeptical. When change feels forced by complaints, you likely waited too long to capitalize on the opportunity, reducing the value of change making for a high stress environment. But when you leverage complaints to build out opportunities that are exciting, then strategic vision is executed with enthusiasm. Enjoy an engaging chat that applies business and Star Trek principles to capitalize on the change right in front of you. Whether you’re looking to improve how you handle change, identify opportunities, or mitigate complaints, there’s something for everyone.

Felicia M. L. Davis has established a reputation as a business expert navigating change. With a master’s in organizational management and a bachelor’s in economics, her real secret is viewing the world a little differently as an autistic extroverted female with ADHD. From training corporations on neurodivergence to leading financial software teams around the world – capitalizing on change is vital to success. Whether leading teams, driving strategic initiatives, raising a family, or supporting her community, Felicia’s enthusiasm inspires individuals to drive change rather than fear it. For more info about her see:

https://linktr.ee/FeliciaMLDavis

11:00 a.m., Galleria 3, Cryptography: From Caesar to DES and Beyond – Pete Guy

Cryptography is the method we use to hide our communications from those we don't want to access them. There is a constant battle between those wishing to obscure their messages and those wishing to read them. Caesar had a cipher system, and there have been many systems since then. Diplomatic and military communications are some of the most obvious uses for cryptography. In many theatres in World War II, cryptography was a significant factor. This presentation will discuss several cryptographic systems, tiptoeing around classified information. It will include monoalphabetic, polyalphabetic, transpositional, and more advanced systems, such as DES.

After Rice, Uncle Sam invited Pete Guy to explore the jungles of SE Asia with a rifle. Frantic research revealed that he could enlist for four years in the Army Security Agency (a branch of the NSA), which would satisfy Uncle Sam's invitation, so he did that. After receiving several months of classified training, Pete was sent to Berlin, where he spent 1967 through 1970. While Pete was there, he was astonished by many things he learned. This presentation will not include any classified material.

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NTM Feast of Pleasures and Delights XLIV

11:00 a.m., Lobby, Chocolate Tasting – Cathy Allshouse

Please join us for a delightful feast of chocolate – could there be anything better? We will sample various styles and types of chocolate and will present information as to the history of chocolate making and usage. Come sample your favorite food group with some of your friends. You might discover a new favorite treat!

This chocolate tasting feast brought to you by your NTM President, Cathy Allshouse, self-professed chocoholic and all-around foodie.

Participating in the tasting requires a $15.00 pre-purchased ticket. Please see the Registrar if you are interested in attending. Seating is limited.

1:30 p.m., Galleria 1, Computer Dating Don’ts – Bruce Jones

Friends are always eager to hear the latest about the world of computer dating. Seven years after losing his wife to cancer, Bruce has been on a methodical campaign to meet his new mate and settle down. He is still VERY single. He has met over a hundred ladies for coffee, dinner, and shows. What is he doing wrong? What are girls doing wrong? This will be a humorous and humbling look at the world of online dating.

Bruce Jones, after being happily married for most of his adult life, lost his wife seven years ago to cancer. Last year he entered the world of online dating…

1:30 p.m., Galleria 3, RVC6 Candidates Forum– Penny Robe

Voting for the special election for RVC6 goes through November 30, 2025. Both candidates, Felicia Davis and Laura Smith, will participate at this in person candidate forum on Saturday, November 29, moderated by the current Regional Coordinator, Penny Robe. We will ask the candidates relevant questions about their campaigns.

3:00 p.m., Galleria 1, Parenting Thinkers: Independence, Choices, & Discipline – Felicia M. L. Davis

Enjoy a lively presentation with an altruistic boisterous Mensan who will teach you how two simple rules can be applied to guide the curious mind. Children with curious minds should be encouraged and cultivated, yet this creates tension when they are operating within a structured school or work environment. Guiding them to be independent by providing appropriate choice levels as they grow balanced with inner discipline is key. Training a young mind to hone their mental skills is just one aspect. Teaching children how to relate to peers their own age and be compassionate, learning when to help guide a classmate, how to ask for help, and

emotional regulation are also important parts of the equation. Whether you're a parent, family member, teacher, or caring member of our community, come learn how to engage with young minds to foster curiosity in a way that integrates within society to help them thrive.

A life member of Mensa, Felicia M. L. Davis is a "Mominator" of two very active gifted boys in 1st & 3rd grade. She learned numerous techniques from her own childhood with a nurturing mother, coupled with practical experiences as the second eldest of seven children. Felicia is also a public speaker, author, and trains corporations on neurodivergence in the workplace (www.FeliciaMLDavis.com). She serves as the LocSec for Mensa 76 and has a background ranging from a licensed stockbroker to attempting trapeze, because curiosity doesn't end in childhood. From tutoring children one-on-one to teaching science at a school auditorium or nannying to motherhood, Felicia has comedic anecdotes with heartfelt examples from all ages. For more info about her see:

https://linktr.ee/FeliciaMLDavis

3:00 p.m., Galleria 3, The Importance of Donkeys in the Modern World and Why Saving Them Matters – Karla Vargas

Donkeys have been a part of oral and written history since language was invented. They have built civilizations and still perform some of the hardest and most dangerous labor carried on today. Now, they are disappearing at a rate of over 6 million per year. In countries like the U.S., where equine slaughter and processing are forbidden, donkeys are sold in cross-border trade with our neighbors to the north and south and delivered into an unregulated industry where they are slaughtered and skinned without oversight or government regulation. This discussion covers why they are worth saving and invoking the power of myth to change things.

Karla Vargas is the Founder of Donkey & Equine Haven, USA, a non-profit committed to saving donkeys and other equines from the cross-border slaughter pipeline. She is the owner of K Equestrian, an international equine enterprise focusing on PRE horses (pish horses, aka Andalusians). She was born and grew up in in Mexico City, and now works and lives in Celina, TX.

3:00 p.m., Conference Room, Debate Room (see p. 4) – Hosted by Penny Robe

Self-driving Cars and Passenger Drones

Are autonomous vehicles a promising development or just one more urban threat? Where will transportation automation take us and do we want to go there? More than a dozen companies are in or nearing production. They're planned for

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everything from shuttle buses in a controlled environment to taxis and cargo vans on city streets. What impact will these have on gig-worker and other jobs?

4:30 p.m., Galleria 1, A Mensan Journalist Talks About Intelligence in the Field – Alan Scaia

Alan will talk about the changing landscape in journalism and how the ability to solve problems creatively plays a role in his work.

Alan Scaia joined Mensa after covering the AG in Fort Worth for a news story in 2013. Twice named the best radio reporter in Texas, he recently cut back his hours at CBS Radio in Dallas to focus on a blog and podcast at

TexasCorrespondent.com.

4:30 p.m., Lobby, Wine Tasting: American Value Wines – Cindy Bicking and Karen Brack

Between rising prices and unpredictable tariffs, it seems a perfect time to explore delicious affordable American wines. Nothing we try will be over $25 per bottle and most will be significantly lower than that.

Cindy Bicking and Karen Brack are foodies who really like wine.

Participating in the tasting requires a $20.00 pre-purchased ticket. Please see the Registrar if you are interested in attending. Seating is limited.

7:30 p.m., Lobby, The Ultimate Movie Buff Challenge – Karen Brack

You call yourself a cinephile? Just how well do you know your love? Will you have what she’s having? Do you feel lucky? Now's the time.

Karen Brack likes to watch… movies.

8:30 p.m., Lobby, Dirty Bingo – Anne Whiteman

Come experience the fun of “Dirty Bingo”. Everyone will get two bingo cards. The winners during the first bingo round will get to select a gift bag which has a “coveted” (or not so “coveted”) prize. After all the gift bags have been selected, then the “stealing round” begins – winners during that round get to “steal” the prize of their choice from others; however, after a prize is stolen twice, it is considered to be “frozen”, and no one can steal it again (similar to White Elephant Gift Exchanges). A final round of “Cover All,” in which the first one to cover ALL spaces on their bingo card will win a “coveted prize” that no one can steal.

At the end of the night, you may end up with some prizes, no prizes, or all of the prizes – but it will be fun nonetheless!

Anne Whiteman moved to a new neighborhood in 1998 and observed in the HOA’s calendar of events that the women met monthly to play “Dirty Bingo.” Her curiosity was piqued as to what made Bingo “Dirty” – did Chippendale “dancers” come in at intermission, or what??? So, she just HAD to attend to find out! (Yeah, Baby!) Even though there were no Chippendale “dancers”, she had an AWESOME time and met some great ladies of her neighborhood that she is still gets together with when her schedule permits, even though she is no longer in the neighborhood.

9:00 p.m., Galleria 1, Hootenanny Shindig Jam

…we haven’t really figured out what to call it, but bring your musical instruments, voices (no judgments), ears, whatever it takes for you to enjoy people making music together for the sheer joy of it.

12:00 p.m., Hospitality, Party Animal Voting

Vote for your favorite Party Animal. Look for people wearing the Hell’s M’s T shirts for details.

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Party Animal Voting

At many of the RGs, Hell’s M’s recognizes one person who has helped other people at the RG have a good time. That person is inducted into a special chapter of HELL’s M’s called PARTY ANIMAL. This person is selected from all the attendees at the RG by a vote of the HELL’s M’s attending. If a person is selected as a PARTY ANIMAL at three RGs, they are made members of the "PARTY ANIMAL Hall of Fame" and are not eligible to be chosen again. Voting continues until the RG is over.

Only HELL’s M’s can vote. Everyone who is currently or has ever been a member of the HELL’s M’s can vote for PARTY ANIMAL. One vote each, no proxies.

Votes are to be taken privately, not as a group.

For the vote to be valid, there must be at least 10 HELL’s M’s at the RG who vote.

Everyone present at the RG is eligible to be chosen as the PARTY ANIMAL (no, you cannot vote for the person who made it a great party by not showing up).

The person who is collecting the votes and any member of the PARTY ANIMAL HALL OF FAME cannot be chosen as the PARTY ANIMAL.

Anyone campaigning for PARTY ANIMAL is automatically eliminated from the running.

Whoever gets the most votes gets the award. Note, it is usually best if the person collecting the votes holds off on voting till the end, to act as a tie breaker if necessary.

Only a member of HELL’s M’s can collect the votes.

The votes must be collected on the last day of the RG (yes, you can start collecting them after midnight).

Only one PARTY ANIMAL can be chosen at an RG. There can be no ties. The PARTY ANIMAL must be chosen at an RG, and not before or after the RG.

Send in the name, address, phone number, shirt size of the new PARTY ANIMAL and name of the RG. Also send in the names of everyone who got votes, with the number of votes they got.

The person chosen will get a T-shirt and a membership in HELL’s M’s through the next renewal date.

NTM 2025 Regional Gathering Page 18 Nov. 27-30

NTM Feast of Pleasures and Delights XLIV

Sunday

9:30 a.m., Galleria 1, Listening Tour Insights: Emerging Themes and Member Perspectives – Tamesha Logan

During this session, Tamesha will share insights gathered from her ongoing Listening Tour with Mensa stakeholders. She’ll highlight emerging themes related to culture, governance, brand, and opportunities, and show how learning from these conversations helps ensure we’re developing solutions around the right opportunities. Members will be invited to share feedback on what resonates and what else should be considered as we work to strengthen Mensa’s brand and member experience for generations to come.

Tamesha Logan, CAE, is the Executive Director of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation. With over 17 years of experience leading national nonprofit organizations, she specializes in strategic planning, governance, and member engagement. Tamesha is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing cultures and helping organizations translate bold ideas into measurable results.

9:30 a.m., Galleria 3, Ulysses Syndrome: The Hidden Odyssey of Immigrants – Maria Salette Ontiveros

“Ulysses Syndrome,” named after Homer’s wandering hero, describes the chronic stress and anxiety immigrants may endure while adapting to a new place. This little-known condition—often mistaken for depression—emerges from loneliness, loss of attachment, fear, and the struggle to navigate unfamiliar systems. We’ll explore why it is not a disease but a normal, intense reaction to migration, how its symptoms differ from clinical depression, and what strategies can ease its burden.

Maria Salette Ontiveros helps us uncover how this natural stress response affects millions. She brings a unique perspective to this topic, drawing on her background growing up in the border city of El Paso, Texas, and researching the Syndrome herself.

11:00 a.m., Galleria 1, Jet Lag, Jungle Toilets, and Joy: Tales from 25 Years of Global Service – Kimberly Haley Coleman

What compels someone to leave the corporate fast track to spend their life coordinating adobe stove building in Peru or wheelchair builds in Cambodia? And what can a week abroad really accomplish in the face of global inequity? In this engaging, thought-provoking talk, Kimberly Haley-Coleman draws on 25 years of leading thousands of volunteers into communities across the globe. She shares behind-the-scenes stories, both heartwarming and hilarious—and wrestles with the hard questions: How do we serve ethically? What does meaningful impact

actually look like? And how can cultural immersion be both a privilege and a tool for global understanding? Whether you're a seasoned traveler, armchair anthropologist, or simply wondering how to use your time and talents more wisely, this is a journey worth taking for all life-time learners.

Kimberly Haley-Coleman is the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, a US & Canada based nonprofit that leads and mobilizes volunteers for short-term service projects in over 25 countries (since the year 2000). Kimberly holds an MBA in International Business, an MA in Art History, and a BA from Emory University. She is a multiple patent holder, SMU Guest Lecturer, and recipient of the Texas Business Hall of Fame Award and long-time Hall of Fame member, Chairman of the Executive Board for the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and actively engaged with organizations like the Building Bridges Coalition and United Nations ESOC Consultative Status Committee and a variety of other nonprofit boards focused on international service, community development, and environmental improvement.

11:00 a.m., Galleria 3, The Scottish Reformation: How the Scottish Invented the Modern World – Scott Leslie

The existence of our current telephone, television and other technologies have emerged from discoveries of the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as the concepts explored in modern Economics, Sociology, Psychology and Geology. Voltaire said it well, "We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation". We'll see how Scotland's first country-wide education scheme lay the foundation for a world changing growth in ideas, philosophy and technology, and we'll discover how this small country of less than 2 million led the world in ideas and concepts that have defined the times since they arose.

Scott Leslie is the chaplain of the local Scottish Society of Dallas and a Convenor for Clan Leslie International. A self-taught historian, he taught High School AP Social Studies for several years while working as a part-time pastor in a small Presbyterian congregation in rural Collin County. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and completed a doctorate at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He has also done graduate work in history at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He's excited to present to you how the ideas from the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th and 19th century have influenced our modern world.

Credits

The 2025 NTM Regional Gathering: Feast of Pleasures and Delights XLIV was brought to you by…

RG Chair and Program Chair Karen Brack

Registrar Laura Stuart

Treasurer Cathy Allshouse

Hospitality Penny Robe, Anne Whiteman, Paul Whiteman Program Book Randy Brack

Party Animal Vote HELL’s M’s SIG

…and the letter

NTM 2025 Regional Gathering Page 21 Nov. 27-30

NTM Feast of Pleasures and Delights XLIV

Y’all come back now, ya hear?

NTM 2025 Regional Gathering Page 22 Nov. 27-30