This weekend - two AOF events for you!

[Ken Nahigian]

 

Brain Stuff: Cognitive Acquisition and Maintenance from Birth to Death

Sunday, May 18, 2025, 2 pm - 4 pm

Location :  Reason Center, 1300 Ethan Way, Ste 675, Sac.  Map at https://goo.gl/maps/S5MR1e8ZodBzb4TG8.

 

A whole-life research model is behind this (non-medical) presentation on the brain. The model spans early-life “brain building” through late-life “cognition keeping.” We will look at how some important nature/nurture factors of brain development, reserve, and plasticity come into play across a lifetime.

 

Let us be frank. As of now, you are simply stuck with whatever conditions of brain development came your way as a child, factoring in how well you’ve maintained supportive elements of cognition in adulthood so far. You may find your own brain occasionally letting you down, such as when you can’t recall someone’s name only five minutes after an introduction or know why you came into a room. Situations like that are likely not of any real consequence.

 

But we do know about dreaded neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, don’t we? (So now go back to sentence #1 above, and to the research model that deals with some key factors at play in both healthy brains and suffering brains.)

 

Our speaker, Mynga Futrell, is co-founder of AOF and The Brights, the-brights.net.  Since 2001 she has been a volunteer on the Education and Programs/Services Committees of the regional Alzheimer's Association. Since 2019, she has taught a semester-long seminar on dementia at the CSUS Renaissance Society.

 

Contact for details:  See the AOF Contact page (http://www.aofonline.org/contact.html)

A free event with free parking. Bring snacks or a beverage to share if you can, and maybe wrinkled bills for the donation jug. AOF will provide cool, clear water.

 

 

 

 

Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9 am - 11 am

 

Out on Highway 99, for two miles from Elkhorn Boulevard to Elverta Road, runs a lonely stretch -- our stretch! Sac-area freethinkers "adopted" it in July 1995. We have cared for it, nurtured it, lovingly rescued it from litter and debris, and received recognition for our work. One of our more enduring civic efforts, it proves freethinkers can also serve the community.

So join us! Enjoy a morning commune with nature, and do a deed for the environment and local area wildlife. The refuse we collect would otherwise ultimately be swept by the rain into tributaries and into the ocean, degrading habitat, and leading to a slow death for many sea creatures.

 

And the things you might find ...! Over the years volunteers have recovered highly esoteric items: lacy undergarb, erotic equipment, drug paraphernalia, even $100 bills -- yo, we don't kid, actual C-notes littered amid the highway detritus! -- and even stranger things. We are too delicate to say ... we cringe, we blush, we drop our eyes ... but surprises always await.

 

As usual, the stalwart activity captain will provide all safety equipment, including comfortable, natty hard-hats and gloves, stylish safety vests, collection bags, and handy trash pickers. The cleanup takes a scant two hours. Please dress for the season. It may be a good idea to bring a backpack or fanny-pack to carry extra trash bags.

 

To get there, travel north from Sacramento on I-5 past the Natomas area. Take the "Highway 99 - Yuba City, Marysville" exit. Exit at Elkhorn Boulevard less than a mile north. Turn left, cross the overpass. Park in the park-&-ride lot if possible, or somewhere near it.

 

Contact for detals:  916-805-9337 (Don Knutson), or see Contact Page

In case of rain, fog, excessive mud, rapture or locust plague, the Cleanup will be rescheduled. If unsure, call the Activity Captain (Don).