LonestaRG-20 Programs
Playing in the Dirt
With Dr. D Clark Wernecke
Dr. Wernecke will tell us about his archaeological adventures over 30+ years including his work on the world-famous Gault Site - just a short drive from the convention.
Clark Wernecke is the Executive Director for the Gault School. Dr. Wernecke brings a unique blend of scholarship and experience to the project with degrees in history, business and anthropology. He has considerable experience in business and has specialized in the management of large archaeological projects. Dr. Wernecke has worked in the Middle East, Mesoamerica, the American Southeast and Southwest, and Texas.
With Dr. D Clark Wernecke
Dr. Wernecke will tell us about his archaeological adventures over 30+ years including his work on the world-famous Gault Site - just a short drive from the convention.
Clark Wernecke is the Executive Director for the Gault School. Dr. Wernecke brings a unique blend of scholarship and experience to the project with degrees in history, business and anthropology. He has considerable experience in business and has specialized in the management of large archaeological projects. Dr. Wernecke has worked in the Middle East, Mesoamerica, the American Southeast and Southwest, and Texas.
Rock Balancing and Self Care
With Nichole Hart This workshop provides an introduction to rock-balancing. You’ll leave with basic skills and techniques of balancing, as well as general understanding of how to grow a balancing practice, as well as how to use balancing for self-care. We will combine a guided meditation and journaling with balancing, in order to expand and deepen your experience! You will explore how balancing can help you connect with your internal world in helpful and unexpected ways. Nichole Hart is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist in private practice in Pflugerville, TX. She loves working with individuals, couples, and facilitating interpersonal process groups, with an intention to help people live fully integrated lives. |
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My Journey as an Animal Control Officer
With Kelly Thyssen
Kelly Thyssen has over 12 years of experience in the animal care and control field. Kelly has worked as an Animal Control Officer for City of Cedar Park, City of Pflugerville and City of Georgetown, as a Veterinary Technician for Pflugerville Animal Hospital, as a Kennel Manager for Humane Society of Williamson County, and as a Public Health and Prevention Specialist for Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Zoonosis Program.
Currently, Kelly is an Animal Control Officer for the City of Georgetown, TX and the Chair of the Georgetown Animal Shelter Advisory Board. Kelly built contacts throughout Texas while working for DSHS and in 2014 used those contacts and her experience to become the co-owner and lead instructor for the Humane Educators of Texas. Humane Educators of Texas provides quality training courses that are TX DSHS approved for fulfilling continuing education hours for ACOs.
Kelly spends her down time with her husband and their two dogs and one cat.
With Kelly Thyssen
Kelly Thyssen has over 12 years of experience in the animal care and control field. Kelly has worked as an Animal Control Officer for City of Cedar Park, City of Pflugerville and City of Georgetown, as a Veterinary Technician for Pflugerville Animal Hospital, as a Kennel Manager for Humane Society of Williamson County, and as a Public Health and Prevention Specialist for Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Zoonosis Program.
Currently, Kelly is an Animal Control Officer for the City of Georgetown, TX and the Chair of the Georgetown Animal Shelter Advisory Board. Kelly built contacts throughout Texas while working for DSHS and in 2014 used those contacts and her experience to become the co-owner and lead instructor for the Humane Educators of Texas. Humane Educators of Texas provides quality training courses that are TX DSHS approved for fulfilling continuing education hours for ACOs.
Kelly spends her down time with her husband and their two dogs and one cat.
Cannabis Policy in Texas
With Jax Finkel
Jax Finkel is Executive Director for Texas NORML, the Austin Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). She has been involved in cannabis law reform since 2005. In her tenor, Jax has given hundred of interviews and participated in many panel discussions and speaking engagements. She innovated the first ever cannabis-centric Voter's Guide in 2012 and continues to prepare the Texas NORML Voter's Guide for each election season. She helped spearhead the first Texas Chapter Training. She believes in freely sharing information and facilitating organizational growth. In 2017, she founded a 501c3 non profit, Foundation for an Informed Texas (FIT), which focuses on just that. FIT is leading a rural education effort. She created curriculum, helped organize and execute regional trainings during 2015, ’16 and “17. She works closely with Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy and their coalition partners along with many other cannabis groups. Jax is often at the Capitol pushing for cannabis law reform and building relationships with our Legislators. Cannabis law reform is her passion.
With Jax Finkel
Jax Finkel is Executive Director for Texas NORML, the Austin Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). She has been involved in cannabis law reform since 2005. In her tenor, Jax has given hundred of interviews and participated in many panel discussions and speaking engagements. She innovated the first ever cannabis-centric Voter's Guide in 2012 and continues to prepare the Texas NORML Voter's Guide for each election season. She helped spearhead the first Texas Chapter Training. She believes in freely sharing information and facilitating organizational growth. In 2017, she founded a 501c3 non profit, Foundation for an Informed Texas (FIT), which focuses on just that. FIT is leading a rural education effort. She created curriculum, helped organize and execute regional trainings during 2015, ’16 and “17. She works closely with Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy and their coalition partners along with many other cannabis groups. Jax is often at the Capitol pushing for cannabis law reform and building relationships with our Legislators. Cannabis law reform is her passion.
Climate Change Impact on Texas Water: Science and Policy
With Jay Banner, Ph.D., BCES
Texas comprises the eastern portion of the Southwest region, where the convergence of climatological and geopolitical forces has the potential to put extreme stress on water resources. Geologic records indicate that Texas experienced large changes in moisture sources and amounts on millennial time scales in the past, and over the last thousand years, tree-ring records indicate that there were significant periods of drought in Texas. These droughts were of longer duration than the 1950s “drought of record” that is commonly used in planning,and they occurred independently of human induced global climate change. Although there has been a negligible net temperature increase in Texas over the past century, temperatures have increased more significantly over the past three decades, and the region experienced a record drought in 2011 that is ongoing. Under essentially all climate model projections, Texas is susceptible to significant climate change in the future. Most projections for the 21st century show that with increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, there will be an increase in temperatures across Texas and a shift to a more arid average climate. Studies agree that Texas will likely become significantly warmer and drier, yet the magnitude, timing, and regional distribution of these changes are uncertain. With a projected doubling of the state’s population by 2065, science, engineering, and economics are essential elements needed for the state’s planning for the projected changes.
Jay Banner was born and raised in New York City and was interested in science from an early age. He attended the University of
Pennsylvania as a Chemistry major and switched majors to Geology partway through to his Bachelor’s degree. He pursued graduate studies in geology and geochemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he received his MS and Ph.D. After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Banner was a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology and Louisiana State University. He joined the faculty in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Texas in 1990 in Austin, Texas. He is presently the Fred M. Bullard Professor in the Jackson School of Geosciences and Director of the Environmental Science Institute at UT-Austin. Dr. Banner is a geochemist who investigates the impacts of urbanization on aquifers and streams, and the reconstruction of past climate change, soil erosion and ocean chemistry. His field research sites include Texas, Guam, Western Australia, the midcontinent and Great Basin USA, Barbados, and the Bahamas. Banner co-developed and teaches UT-Austin’s first Signature Course, Sustaining a Planet, and helped develop the university’s newest interdisciplinary degree, a B.S. in Environmental Science. Dr. Banner is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and was the first person certified as an Environmental Scientist by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Among the recent honors he has received are the UT Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award (2013), the Texas Exes Teaching Award (2012), the Friar’s Centennial Teaching Fellowship Award (2011), induction into
UT-Austin’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2011), and the Jackson School of Geosciences Outstanding Educator Award (2010).
With Jay Banner, Ph.D., BCES
Texas comprises the eastern portion of the Southwest region, where the convergence of climatological and geopolitical forces has the potential to put extreme stress on water resources. Geologic records indicate that Texas experienced large changes in moisture sources and amounts on millennial time scales in the past, and over the last thousand years, tree-ring records indicate that there were significant periods of drought in Texas. These droughts were of longer duration than the 1950s “drought of record” that is commonly used in planning,and they occurred independently of human induced global climate change. Although there has been a negligible net temperature increase in Texas over the past century, temperatures have increased more significantly over the past three decades, and the region experienced a record drought in 2011 that is ongoing. Under essentially all climate model projections, Texas is susceptible to significant climate change in the future. Most projections for the 21st century show that with increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, there will be an increase in temperatures across Texas and a shift to a more arid average climate. Studies agree that Texas will likely become significantly warmer and drier, yet the magnitude, timing, and regional distribution of these changes are uncertain. With a projected doubling of the state’s population by 2065, science, engineering, and economics are essential elements needed for the state’s planning for the projected changes.
Jay Banner was born and raised in New York City and was interested in science from an early age. He attended the University of
Pennsylvania as a Chemistry major and switched majors to Geology partway through to his Bachelor’s degree. He pursued graduate studies in geology and geochemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he received his MS and Ph.D. After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Banner was a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology and Louisiana State University. He joined the faculty in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Texas in 1990 in Austin, Texas. He is presently the Fred M. Bullard Professor in the Jackson School of Geosciences and Director of the Environmental Science Institute at UT-Austin. Dr. Banner is a geochemist who investigates the impacts of urbanization on aquifers and streams, and the reconstruction of past climate change, soil erosion and ocean chemistry. His field research sites include Texas, Guam, Western Australia, the midcontinent and Great Basin USA, Barbados, and the Bahamas. Banner co-developed and teaches UT-Austin’s first Signature Course, Sustaining a Planet, and helped develop the university’s newest interdisciplinary degree, a B.S. in Environmental Science. Dr. Banner is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and was the first person certified as an Environmental Scientist by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Among the recent honors he has received are the UT Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award (2013), the Texas Exes Teaching Award (2012), the Friar’s Centennial Teaching Fellowship Award (2011), induction into
UT-Austin’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2011), and the Jackson School of Geosciences Outstanding Educator Award (2010).
Artificial Everything
with Bruce Naylor
Humans have discovered that we can use computers to simulate most anything in the universe for which we have a good understanding, at least in principal. This currently ranges from simulating the nucleus of atoms up to the birth and evolution of galaxies. This fact is of great significance as it establishes that an essential aspect of nature can be captured by computational mathematics over which we have considerable control.
Does this capacity for computer simulation extend to humans as well? The answer is trending towards YES, and the field of Artificial Intelligence is overtly pursuing that agenda. Although AI has been a sub-field of Computer Science since its inception, it has struggled to engineer practical systems. However, a sea change has occurred recently due to greater computational resources combined with algorithmic innovation.
Concurrent with this advance is comparable progress in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Virtual reality attempts to synthesize most all input to our senses to induce an experience of worlds which have no material embodiment. Augmented Reality mixes this with camera captured imagery of the real world, as is common in special effects used in movies. This new sensory synthesis technology is being combined with the new AI to provide powerful new capabilities.
What does all this mean for our future? A lot! We have already created specialized AI systems whose performance exceeds humans, such as playing Chess. What impact will AI have on employment? Many leading AI researchers see a super-human machine intelligence being achievable between 10-100 years in the future. What then? Will AI’s decide humans are not only superfluous but also a danger to them? How do we make AI safe for us? Will machines achieve consciousness? Might we become hybrids of biology and machines? Much to ponder!
Bruce is a Computer Scientist whose career has been dominated by research on computational simulations of the real world. This includes 3D gaming, wireless communications, computer aided design and manufacturing, and cognitive neuroscience. He has taught courses on AI for games, utilized AI for modeling human brain response to virtual worlds, and is building an Augmented Reality system in which AI vision plays a central role. He has been on the faculty at Georgia Institute of Technology and the U. of Texas as Austin, as well as spending a decade in research at Bell Labs. He currently is an adjunct Professor of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine.
with Bruce Naylor
Humans have discovered that we can use computers to simulate most anything in the universe for which we have a good understanding, at least in principal. This currently ranges from simulating the nucleus of atoms up to the birth and evolution of galaxies. This fact is of great significance as it establishes that an essential aspect of nature can be captured by computational mathematics over which we have considerable control.
Does this capacity for computer simulation extend to humans as well? The answer is trending towards YES, and the field of Artificial Intelligence is overtly pursuing that agenda. Although AI has been a sub-field of Computer Science since its inception, it has struggled to engineer practical systems. However, a sea change has occurred recently due to greater computational resources combined with algorithmic innovation.
Concurrent with this advance is comparable progress in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Virtual reality attempts to synthesize most all input to our senses to induce an experience of worlds which have no material embodiment. Augmented Reality mixes this with camera captured imagery of the real world, as is common in special effects used in movies. This new sensory synthesis technology is being combined with the new AI to provide powerful new capabilities.
What does all this mean for our future? A lot! We have already created specialized AI systems whose performance exceeds humans, such as playing Chess. What impact will AI have on employment? Many leading AI researchers see a super-human machine intelligence being achievable between 10-100 years in the future. What then? Will AI’s decide humans are not only superfluous but also a danger to them? How do we make AI safe for us? Will machines achieve consciousness? Might we become hybrids of biology and machines? Much to ponder!
Bruce is a Computer Scientist whose career has been dominated by research on computational simulations of the real world. This includes 3D gaming, wireless communications, computer aided design and manufacturing, and cognitive neuroscience. He has taught courses on AI for games, utilized AI for modeling human brain response to virtual worlds, and is building an Augmented Reality system in which AI vision plays a central role. He has been on the faculty at Georgia Institute of Technology and the U. of Texas as Austin, as well as spending a decade in research at Bell Labs. He currently is an adjunct Professor of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine.
The Summer of Love &
The San Francisco Music Scene
with Jim Stanley
Gulf Coast Mensa’s Jim Stanley will tell us about the music scene in San Francisco around the Summer of Love. Jim and his fellow band mates opened for several soon to be legends. Come hear what a long strange trip it was!
The San Francisco Music Scene
with Jim Stanley
Gulf Coast Mensa’s Jim Stanley will tell us about the music scene in San Francisco around the Summer of Love. Jim and his fellow band mates opened for several soon to be legends. Come hear what a long strange trip it was!
Jam Session
Do you play an instrument? Are you bringing it to the RG? We know a few folks are so we are scheduling a jam session. Play, sing, or just listen.
Do you play an instrument? Are you bringing it to the RG? We know a few folks are so we are scheduling a jam session. Play, sing, or just listen.
A Beginner's Guide to Single Malt Scotch
Join Gulf Coast Mensa's Jim Stanley as we explore the look, aroma, and taste of several of the more widely available single malt whiskies. Tastings will include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, and Macallan. Tickets are $15; you can get them at registration or sign up now here.
Join Gulf Coast Mensa's Jim Stanley as we explore the look, aroma, and taste of several of the more widely available single malt whiskies. Tastings will include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, and Macallan. Tickets are $15; you can get them at registration or sign up now here.
Music Therapy Research and Practice
with Meredith Hamons MT_BC
The movie Alive Inside sparked a national conversation about the power of music for those living with dementia. This talk will explore the impact music can have during all stages of dementia and the scientific basis for music's profound effect, in addition to sharing stories from the speaker's own clinical experiences. Come learn about music therapy research and practice, the music and memory program, the differences between the two and the clinical applications of each.
Meredith Hamons, MT-BC, is the founder and clinical director of North Austin Music Therapy. She is the author of Musically Engaged Seniors (2013) and co-author of Music, Memory, and Meaning (2017).
with Meredith Hamons MT_BC
The movie Alive Inside sparked a national conversation about the power of music for those living with dementia. This talk will explore the impact music can have during all stages of dementia and the scientific basis for music's profound effect, in addition to sharing stories from the speaker's own clinical experiences. Come learn about music therapy research and practice, the music and memory program, the differences between the two and the clinical applications of each.
Meredith Hamons, MT-BC, is the founder and clinical director of North Austin Music Therapy. She is the author of Musically Engaged Seniors (2013) and co-author of Music, Memory, and Meaning (2017).
Human Trafficking
with Jannette Miller
Jannette Miller is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She has been a pastor in the Central Texas Conference for six years and currently is the pastor of Harker Heights United Methodist Church (since July 2017) in Harker Heights, Texas. Jannette has served the UMC in these and other ministry capacities for over seventeen years. Jannette is also a licensed attorney in the State of Texas, although her license is currently inactive so that she may give her all to full-time ordained ministry.
One of Jannette’s greatest passions in ministry is in the area of human trafficking. She began her work in this area through a seminary project in 2013. She is a member of the Central Texas DMST Round Table, works to build awareness of the problem of human trafficking, and personally works to reduce her own “slavery footprint” in every way possible.
Jannette is married to Jeffrey Miller, who also holds an inactive license to practice law and is an ordained Elder and Pastor in Central Texas. They have two daughters and two four-legged children. They are passionate about reaching people with the message of freedom through Jesus Christ.
with Jannette Miller
Jannette Miller is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She has been a pastor in the Central Texas Conference for six years and currently is the pastor of Harker Heights United Methodist Church (since July 2017) in Harker Heights, Texas. Jannette has served the UMC in these and other ministry capacities for over seventeen years. Jannette is also a licensed attorney in the State of Texas, although her license is currently inactive so that she may give her all to full-time ordained ministry.
One of Jannette’s greatest passions in ministry is in the area of human trafficking. She began her work in this area through a seminary project in 2013. She is a member of the Central Texas DMST Round Table, works to build awareness of the problem of human trafficking, and personally works to reduce her own “slavery footprint” in every way possible.
Jannette is married to Jeffrey Miller, who also holds an inactive license to practice law and is an ordained Elder and Pastor in Central Texas. They have two daughters and two four-legged children. They are passionate about reaching people with the message of freedom through Jesus Christ.
Have You Experienced a Quality of Life While on Your Long Strange Trip?
with H. Stan Jones
Life is a journey not a destination…many people spend more time selecting a car than they do planning their career or expend more effort arranging a vacation than maintaining quality personal relations!
Quality planning is the key to achieving your personal goals… success and happiness are the positive results. You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.
My Quality of Life lecture will help you:
• Plan your future
• Separate “pipe dreams” from goals
• Optimize two of two of the most important resource and you have your time and your money to realize your goals.
• Lead a life balanced in thought, action, service and personal enjoyment
• Achieve success, happiness and prosperity
H Stan Jones has had a varied career in multiple activities. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, relocated to California, and later moved to Hawaii in 1999. He is a CPA, Certified Association Executive, and Certified Speaking Professional. He was in politics, served as an Army Officer, and was a professor of Taxation & Law at several California State University campuses.
For over forty years he has been researching his roots. This endeavor has taken him to many places around the world. Stan has volunteered in Ukraine, Romania, and Russia under auspicious of USAID. He has a daughter and two sons, six grandchildren and currently, eight great-grandkids and counting!
with H. Stan Jones
Life is a journey not a destination…many people spend more time selecting a car than they do planning their career or expend more effort arranging a vacation than maintaining quality personal relations!
Quality planning is the key to achieving your personal goals… success and happiness are the positive results. You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.
My Quality of Life lecture will help you:
• Plan your future
• Separate “pipe dreams” from goals
• Optimize two of two of the most important resource and you have your time and your money to realize your goals.
• Lead a life balanced in thought, action, service and personal enjoyment
• Achieve success, happiness and prosperity
H Stan Jones has had a varied career in multiple activities. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, relocated to California, and later moved to Hawaii in 1999. He is a CPA, Certified Association Executive, and Certified Speaking Professional. He was in politics, served as an Army Officer, and was a professor of Taxation & Law at several California State University campuses.
For over forty years he has been researching his roots. This endeavor has taken him to many places around the world. Stan has volunteered in Ukraine, Romania, and Russia under auspicious of USAID. He has a daughter and two sons, six grandchildren and currently, eight great-grandkids and counting!
Breakout Box
with Amber Gabriel
The Jedi training academy is looking for new recruits! Test your problem-solving skills to see if you are strong enough with the force to qualify. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
with Amber Gabriel
The Jedi training academy is looking for new recruits! Test your problem-solving skills to see if you are strong enough with the force to qualify. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
Starbucking
with Winter
Unfortunately Winter had to cancel his appearance. We will show the documentary about his quest instead.
Winter has been pursuing the goal of drinking coffee from every Starbucks in the world for more than two decades. While his project began as a lark, simply a way to accomplish a unique goal, it has since evolved into a tremendous challenge that requires no small measure of intellectual effort. As Starbucks continues to expand globally, Winter's mission is akin to a version of the Traveling Salesman Problem, but with myriad factors to consider, including overall cost in both money and time as well as personal factors like work, relationships, and even competitive Scrabble, another one of Winter's intellectual pursuits.
with Winter
Unfortunately Winter had to cancel his appearance. We will show the documentary about his quest instead.
Winter has been pursuing the goal of drinking coffee from every Starbucks in the world for more than two decades. While his project began as a lark, simply a way to accomplish a unique goal, it has since evolved into a tremendous challenge that requires no small measure of intellectual effort. As Starbucks continues to expand globally, Winter's mission is akin to a version of the Traveling Salesman Problem, but with myriad factors to consider, including overall cost in both money and time as well as personal factors like work, relationships, and even competitive Scrabble, another one of Winter's intellectual pursuits.
Mensa Admission Test Session
The Mensa Admission Test and the Culture Fair Test will be offered at this testing session. All test takers will be invited to attend for the day as guests of Lone Star Mensa.
Pre-register for the test by email: testing@lsm.us.mensa.org Walk-ins are welcome.
Bring a valid photo ID and your method of payment the testing fee is $60. We accept credit cards, cash, checks, and prepaid vouchers (available for purchase at American Mensa's website). Valid forms of ID include Driver's Licenses, Student IDs, state IDs, and Passports.
The Mensa Admission Test and the Culture Fair Test will be offered at this testing session. All test takers will be invited to attend for the day as guests of Lone Star Mensa.
Pre-register for the test by email: testing@lsm.us.mensa.org Walk-ins are welcome.
Bring a valid photo ID and your method of payment the testing fee is $60. We accept credit cards, cash, checks, and prepaid vouchers (available for purchase at American Mensa's website). Valid forms of ID include Driver's Licenses, Student IDs, state IDs, and Passports.
So What's With All These Pokémon Go Fanatics
with Linda Edelstein
Pokémon Go was a huge hit when it was introduced. Within two days, 5% of all Android phones in the United States had downloaded the game. Learn just how big a phenomenon it was.
Linda has reached level 40 and can explain the allure and give tips to those who play. Players can also share Trainer Codes and become Friends in the Pokéverse.
with Linda Edelstein
Pokémon Go was a huge hit when it was introduced. Within two days, 5% of all Android phones in the United States had downloaded the game. Learn just how big a phenomenon it was.
Linda has reached level 40 and can explain the allure and give tips to those who play. Players can also share Trainer Codes and become Friends in the Pokéverse.
Genetic Genealogy
with Connie Gray
As an adoptee who reconnected with her biological family in the 1970s, Connie Gray was eager to verify the accuracy of her original birth certificate. In 2011, she was one of the first 10,000 people tested at AncestryDNA.com. Since then Connie became well educated on the use of DNA to identify ancestors and is admin of the Facebook group "Texas DNA and Adoptee Search Support." In 2013 Connie was honored as a Spokeo Search Angel award winner. That year she founded the non-profit TexasAdopteeRights.org which works to end discrimination by restoring adult adoptee’s access to original birth certificates. In order to assist those of unknown parentage who can not afford the cost of kits, she is developing a 501c3, GenesThatFit.org.
With over 9 million people now in the Ancestry database and an estimated over 15 million in all of the databases combined, DNA testing is now considered the starting point in genealogical research. Combining science and case studies, this presentation is a fascinating discussion of DNA and discoveries. Connie will take questions after the talk and also be available afterwards for individual questions.
with Connie Gray
As an adoptee who reconnected with her biological family in the 1970s, Connie Gray was eager to verify the accuracy of her original birth certificate. In 2011, she was one of the first 10,000 people tested at AncestryDNA.com. Since then Connie became well educated on the use of DNA to identify ancestors and is admin of the Facebook group "Texas DNA and Adoptee Search Support." In 2013 Connie was honored as a Spokeo Search Angel award winner. That year she founded the non-profit TexasAdopteeRights.org which works to end discrimination by restoring adult adoptee’s access to original birth certificates. In order to assist those of unknown parentage who can not afford the cost of kits, she is developing a 501c3, GenesThatFit.org.
With over 9 million people now in the Ancestry database and an estimated over 15 million in all of the databases combined, DNA testing is now considered the starting point in genealogical research. Combining science and case studies, this presentation is a fascinating discussion of DNA and discoveries. Connie will take questions after the talk and also be available afterwards for individual questions.
Scholarship Benefit Bag Raffle and Silent Auction
We will be having a bag raffle and silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund. Everyone will start out with a ticket; you can get more for volunteering and as prizes, and you can also buy more (which is where you're helping the scholarship fund). Drop your tickets into the bag for the prize you are hoping to win. A few choice items will be put up for silent auction.
We will be having a bag raffle and silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund. Everyone will start out with a ticket; you can get more for volunteering and as prizes, and you can also buy more (which is where you're helping the scholarship fund). Drop your tickets into the bag for the prize you are hoping to win. A few choice items will be put up for silent auction.
Scholarship Benefit Wine Tastings
with Doug Williams
We are planning three tasting sessions, reds, whites, and wines that pair with Italian food. Each will feature 6-8 varieties of wine or so. Wine crackers, pretzel sticks, and bottled water will be provided. Depending upon how many wines you plan to sample, a donation of $5-10 to the scholarship fund would be appreciated.
with Doug Williams
We are planning three tasting sessions, reds, whites, and wines that pair with Italian food. Each will feature 6-8 varieties of wine or so. Wine crackers, pretzel sticks, and bottled water will be provided. Depending upon how many wines you plan to sample, a donation of $5-10 to the scholarship fund would be appreciated.
Carnelli!
A Mensan made parlor game of titles. HERE is a PDF of Carnelli Rules for newbies! (Print your own or we will guide you along!)
A Mensan made parlor game of titles. HERE is a PDF of Carnelli Rules for newbies! (Print your own or we will guide you along!)
Lip Sync Battle
You know you want to! We'll have some costuming pieces and props but feel free to bring your own props and wear a fabulous outfit - or your ball finery. Please bring your song on a USB or send it to us in advance. If you can edit it to just one verse and one chorus that is probably best - or send it to us giving us the time coordinates and we will edit it.
You know you want to! We'll have some costuming pieces and props but feel free to bring your own props and wear a fabulous outfit - or your ball finery. Please bring your song on a USB or send it to us in advance. If you can edit it to just one verse and one chorus that is probably best - or send it to us giving us the time coordinates and we will edit it.
Battledecks!
You played it here first - and we are playing it again. A new favorite! Battledecks aka PowerPoint Karaoke is a game where players make a short speech using powerpoint slides which they have never seen before. It can be hilarious to do and hilarious to watch. We'll prepare some slide decks and speech topics beforehand but you won't know what they are until you begin!
You played it here first - and we are playing it again. A new favorite! Battledecks aka PowerPoint Karaoke is a game where players make a short speech using powerpoint slides which they have never seen before. It can be hilarious to do and hilarious to watch. We'll prepare some slide decks and speech topics beforehand but you won't know what they are until you begin!
Name That Movie
with John and Geri Neemidge
A LonestaRG favorite, Name That Movie consists of clips (about a minute each) from around 40 movies. Clips are selected to fit into one or more themes. You name the movies and the themes. You can participate individually or in teams. Clips are PG or less regardless of the original movie, and we try to make the clips themselves interesting, so you can enjoy it even if you don't know movies well enough to do well on the game.
with John and Geri Neemidge
A LonestaRG favorite, Name That Movie consists of clips (about a minute each) from around 40 movies. Clips are selected to fit into one or more themes. You name the movies and the themes. You can participate individually or in teams. Clips are PG or less regardless of the original movie, and we try to make the clips themselves interesting, so you can enjoy it even if you don't know movies well enough to do well on the game.
Tie Dye workshop
Bring your cotton t-shirts, socks, pillowcases etc. We're going to be tie dying! Learn some groovy new skills and take home some colorful souvenirs. Fun for all ages. We have two sessions scheduled, Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Bring your cotton t-shirts, socks, pillowcases etc. We're going to be tie dying! Learn some groovy new skills and take home some colorful souvenirs. Fun for all ages. We have two sessions scheduled, Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Werewolf
with Paige Neemidge
Can you figure out who the werewolves are before you get killed? Maybe you have a special power which will help you win the game. Fun for all ages.
Paige has honed her werewolf skills by playing at several Annual Gatherings - the game is a favorite among teen SIG members.
with Paige Neemidge
Can you figure out who the werewolves are before you get killed? Maybe you have a special power which will help you win the game. Fun for all ages.
Paige has honed her werewolf skills by playing at several Annual Gatherings - the game is a favorite among teen SIG members.
Spaceteam
Spaceteam is a cooperative party game for 2 to 8 players who shout technobabble at each other until their ship explodes. Each player needs a mobile device (Apple and Android can even play together over Wifi!). You'll be assigned a random control panel with buttons, switches, sliders, and dials. You need to follow time-sensitive instructions. However, the instructions are being sent to your teammates, so you have to coordinate before the time runs out. Also, the ship is falling apart. And you're trying to outrun an exploding star. Good luck. And remember to work together... as a Spaceteam!
Features: Teamwork, Shouting, Confusion, An untimely demise, Beveled Nanobuzzers, Auxillary Technoprobes, Four-stroke Pluckers.
We will have our own event code and leaderboard set up so we can compete against each other by playing a cooperative game!
Spaceteam is a cooperative party game for 2 to 8 players who shout technobabble at each other until their ship explodes. Each player needs a mobile device (Apple and Android can even play together over Wifi!). You'll be assigned a random control panel with buttons, switches, sliders, and dials. You need to follow time-sensitive instructions. However, the instructions are being sent to your teammates, so you have to coordinate before the time runs out. Also, the ship is falling apart. And you're trying to outrun an exploding star. Good luck. And remember to work together... as a Spaceteam!
Features: Teamwork, Shouting, Confusion, An untimely demise, Beveled Nanobuzzers, Auxillary Technoprobes, Four-stroke Pluckers.
We will have our own event code and leaderboard set up so we can compete against each other by playing a cooperative game!
Games, Games, Games!
We have several Mind Games winners and perennial favorites which will be available all weekend for your gaming pleasure.
We have several Mind Games winners and perennial favorites which will be available all weekend for your gaming pleasure.
Project Genius
Folks from Project Genius will be at the RG with puzzles and games, doing demonstrations, and running an asynchronous tournament on Saturday. You could win a puzzle or game. We will have some of their merchandise in our scholarship raffle and there will also be merchandise for sale. |