North Dakota Mensa Regional Gathering 2017 Logo

Buffalo RanGe 2017, North Dakota Mensa's 13th RG was held August 11 - 13 in Jamestown, at the Holiday Inn Express.

We had attendees from six states, including our newly elected Regional Vice Chair, Rich Olcott of Denver Mensa.

Summary

Our program began Friday afternoon with a tour of the museum at the North Dakota State Hospital, conducted by Dr. Rosalie Etherington, PhD, Superintendent. Saturday morning we toured the Frontier Village and visited the National Buffalo Museum.

After Lunch we had two speakers. The first was Keith Norman, local historian, author and staff reporter for the Jamestown Sun newspaper. He provided a highly detailed presentation on the history of Jamestown from the early days onward, including the role the buffalo played in its growth and development. Several members purchased his books afterward.

Our second speaker was Dr. Rosalie Etherington who provided a history of mental health care in the state from 1885 onward, and facilitated a discussion of vital issues pertaining to this topic, both then and now. Rich Olcott, our RVC, then conducted a Debate Room focusing on the issue of private use of public lands. This led to further discussion before dinner.

After dinner, our Southeast Area Coordinator, Lana Barone, conducted a murder mystery game - Til Death Do Us Part. Sunday morning, after breakfast, we moved down the road about 100 miles for those members interested in attending a minor league baseball game. After the game, a BBQ was held at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel.

Thank-Yous

We would like to thank Lana Barone, our Hospitality Chair, for her fine efforts in keeping us well fed and supplied with a wide array of beverages. We also extend thanks to the Jamestown Convention and Visitors Bureau, for their assistance in securing a speaker, as well as for providing a fine poster along with other welcome materials. Likewise, we thank the Holiday Inn Express management for providing a perfect venue for our event, including use of their meeting room at no charge.

Lastly, of course, we thank all Mensa members who attended or supported this RG. This would not have been possible without you.

Pictures