The Renaissance Recorder Lifelong Learning

California State University, Sacramento

June 2019 Lifelong Learning for over 30 years Issue 185

President’s Corner By Doris Keller

By the time you read

this, Renaissance Society

will have elected new

officers and members-at-

large at the annual Re-

naissance Spring Lunch-

eon and Scholarship

Awards Presentation.

Commencing the first of July you will have a new

President and I will be one of the 6 Past Presidents to

help the Board with continuity. What will I be do-

ing? I will be on campus leading seminars, continu-

ing to participate on committees; attending more off-

campus mini-seminars at the libraries and care facili-

ties and will be planning to volunteer in the office as

needed. I have had the exceptional opportunity of

having known and worked with five Renaissance So-

ciety past presidents and tried to emulate them at

times.

For all members, thank you for all the support (as

President and Vice President) over the last four years,

as well as those members that stopped me on campus

with questions and to just talk. And, please don’t

hesitate to stop me in the future, if you see me, as I

am always open to chatting or provide assistance with

any questions regarding the Society.

I have a six-week road trip planned this summer,

hoping to find things to look at and photograph; visit

museums, presidents’ libraries and other local attrac-

tions. My extended family is all over the place, and I

have friends that I plan to visit as much, and as many

as possible. This will be my fourth long trip, and as

with all the other trips, I will be going back to Iowa.

I look forward to visiting my little hometown and,

this year, we will be enjoying our 60th class reun-

ion. We have gone through school from kindergar-

ten through high school graduation. That is a lot of

years, and we still continue to come back every five

years, to visit and reminisce.

See you again at Rendezvous at the end of August

CELEBBRATE SUMMER-

TIME – NO BLUES

ALLOWED!!

Our Summer 2019 Speakers Series will kick off

on May 31, 2019 at the Scottish Rite Temple, at 6151

H Street, with plenty of free parking available. See

exception to location for June 7 session. Please dress to celebrate summer (if you so choose)

as we prepare to enjoy our seminar leaders, each oth-

er, and delicious food (!).

The format for the first session will be different

from previous years. Doors to the Scottish Rite Tem-

ple will open at 11:00 a.m.. For those who wish to

eat prior to the presentation, please bring a salad (no

eggs or mayo), or some cookies, or a $5.00 contribu-

tion. Please bring your own beverage. At 11:30 a.m.

we’ll start getting our food and drinks and finish eat-

ing by 12:30 pm.

Those who do not wish to participate in the lunch-

eon are welcome at any time after 11:00 a.m.

The program will begin at 12:45 p.m. with an-

nouncements, a testimonial from one of our member-

ship outreach recruiters, the introduction of our

speaker, and Lorenzo de Medici’s (David Warren’s)

initial presentation for about 45 minutes. After a

break, we’ll conclude with Lorenzo’s second presen-

tation and then questions; we must leave at 3:00.

The second summer session will be held on June 7

in the Redwood Room at the Student Union be-

cause of a prior commitment at the Scottish Rite loca-

tion. It will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and will fea-

ture two hours of Mike Agron’s brilliant overview

celebrating America’s perfect harmony groups.

The presentations at the first two sessions, like

several others during the summer, will be for two

hours. Both require a longer format than the tradi-

tional one-hour format.

Sessions three through nine will return to the Scot-

tish Rite Temple. Their schedule (lunch?) will be de-

termined after a review of the first two sessions.

The Seminar Committee includes Beth Mann, Jeff

Hendy, Marsha Holland, Jack Jennings, and Allan

June 2019 Page 2

July 5: “Facts Most People Don’t Know About the

U.S. Constitution” - Eric McElwain. This talk will

examine some of the least understood provisions of

the U.S. Constitution. We shall discuss them in light

of what they meant when they were written, how they

have been interpreted, and whether they can still gov-

ern us in a world that has changed dramatically over

the past 240 years.

July 12: #1 “Eros, Love, and Lust in the Ancient

World” – Ed Sherman. This talk will be an ar tful-

ly illustrated exhibition of the role played by Eros

among the ancient Greeks and Romans.

#2 “How to Take Better Photos” – Jeff Hendy. This talk will focus on simple tips to improve your

photos, whether you are using your smart phone or a

camera. Photography should never become a disap-

pointing chore or expensive. Come and find out how

to take pictures that won’t embarrass your grandchil-

dren!

July 19: #1 “The Civil War Is Still Being Fought”

– Doug Bonetti. Is the United States Civil War

truly over? We only see the reenactors and they shoot

blanks, right? Join Doug as he provides an informa-

tive and lively background on the war and shares in-

put from a wide variety of authors and museum direc-

tors on this fascinating topic.

#2 “The Silk Road” – Beth Mann. The Silk Road,

connecting East to West, was more than just a

road. What was its importance, who controlled it, and

what has been the impact on Western civiliza-

tion? This lecture will highlight some of the more

notable aspects of the Silk Road.

July 26: #1 “Notorious & Salacious Women of

Sacramento” – Maryellen Burns. Sacramento’s

bawdy pioneer prostitutes, notorious turn of the cen-

tury madams, unconventional depression era jazz

singers, fifties burlesque and exotic dancers; and oc-

casional 1980s serial killers flouted convention, de-

fied the rules, and brought many men to their knees.

Maryellen will share the stories of five notorious and

salacious women who made headlines and thus re-

main a colorful part of our local history.

#2 “The 19th Amendment Centennial” – Jennifer

Cummings, Muffy Franke, and Ginger Mack.

This historic anniversary will offer in the Union an

unparalleled occasion to commemorate this milestone

of women’s right to vote. The three presenters will

summarize the various seminars for 2019-20 that will

Summer Speakers Series, 2019 All seminars (**except June 7) will be held at the Scottish Rite

Temple, 6151 H Street, Sacramento. The presentation(s) are

held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Summer Speakers Series are

drop-in, no registration is required, and there is plenty of park-

ing. Additionally, you do not have to be a member to at-

tend...bring guests!

May 31: “Lorenzo de’ Medici on the Renaissance”

– David Warren. Why did the Renaissance star t

in Florence? What role did I have in starting it, and

what philosophy was central to my role? (David, in

costume, as Lorenzo himself.) Luncheon will be

served from 11:30-12:30 a.m. (see Page 1 for details.)

**June 7: “Celebrating Perfect Vocal Harmony

Groups” – Mike Agron. This presentation will cel-

ebrate the close harmony of vocal groups from Big

Band & Swing, Jazz, Pop & Vocalese, Doo Wop, The

California Sound, Folk & Folk Rock, Motown, R&B

& Soul, and more. It will include performances from

both established and lesser known vocal groups and

discuss unforgettable harmonies. (See footnote for

location of this seminar.)

June 14: #1 “Introduction to the Summer Sky” –

Jack Russell. This presentation will be an intro-

duction to navigating the summer night sky to locate

selected constellations, double stars, nebula, and star

clusters.

#2 “Songs of Freedom and Protest” – Mike

Hersher. Everyone loves freedom and everyone

loves to sing. So join Mike in a freedom singalong

and remember why this country has always been

great.

June 21: “Understanding DNA Testing” – Marian

Kile. Thinking about taking a DNA test? Trying

to decide which test to take? Want to know more

about the different testing companies? What to do

after you have taken the test? Marian will address

these questions and more.

June 28: “Women in World War II” – Carolyn

Martin. Women’s contr ibutions to victory in

World War II often begin and end with “Rosie the

Riveter.” However, their participation in the armed

services (sometimes unofficially) as code breakers,

spies, and in other unique roles creates a dramatic and

fascinating story rarely found in history textbook.

June 2019 Page 3

Looking Ahead!

Fall Semester

Orientation and Rendezvous

is back on Campus!!!

Friday, August 30, 2019 - Orientation will

be held from 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.in the

Hinde Auditorium. Rendezvous will be held

from noon to 1:30 in the University Ball-

rooms.

Friday, September 6, seminar s begin.

Mark your calendars now!

….more information to follow with our Sep-

tember Recorder, out in mid-August!

Women in History Are at the Top of

the Agenda for Carolyn Martin Member Profile

By Judy A. Lewis

Carolyn Martin was raised in

Wenatchee, Washington, billed

as the “apple capital of the

world.” She earned a B.A. fol-

lowed by an M.A. in U.S. History

at the University of Washington.

Her great aunt cautioned Carolyn

that she would have a hard time

finding a husband if she went to

grad school, as men were not at-

tracted to highly educated wom-

en. Carolyn disproved that theory by marrying her

teaching assistant, Barry Martin. While he completed

law school at Boalt Hall, U.C. Berkeley, Carolyn

taught English at Richmond Junior High School.

Following her husband’s graduation, the couple

moved to Sacramento. Here Carolyn taught ESL

(English as a Second Language) at Winterstein Adult

School in the San Juan Unified School District, as

well as U.S. History at Sacramento City College.

A long-time community volunteer, Carolyn de-

scribes herself as a “founding mother” of the Friends

of the Arden-Dimick Library . She has served on the

board for Arden Park, as well as president of Sacra-

mento Branch of the American Association of Uni-

versity Women and as the organizations' State Legis-

lative Chairperson.

As a volunteer for the Lung Association, in 1988

she signed the initiative that raised the tobacco tax

and for the first time allocated five cents of the tax for

tobacco education. She chaired the state commission

on tobacco education and research which included

advocacy at the legislature and in the media to keep

the education fund alive. California became the public

health model as smoking decreased dramatically. Af-

ter retiring from teaching for three weeks, Carolyn

became a policy consultant on local issues, such as

the “No smoking within 20 feet” of public buildings

and organized and taught advocacy workshops.

After she made a presentation on the subject of how

women gained the right to vote at the Arden-Dimick

library, attendees encouraged Carolyn to join the Re-

nassiance Society and share her knowledge with

members. Carolyn was inspired by enrolling in Mari-

an Kile’s “How to Prepare a Power Point” and devel-

oped her own presentations on “Women in History”

topics.

With co-chair Jane Steele, she has organized off-

campus seminars at the Arden-Dimick Library, where

they recruited several new Renaissance members.

Describing herself as a “sports nut”, Carolyn played

women’s recreational soccer into her 40’s and has

been a longtime tennis player, as well as “an addicted

reader.” She and her husband love to travel which

has included book tours for the two biographies her

husband authored.

Recently, she has joined a newly formed Renais-

sance ad hoc committee to celebrate the centennial of

the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to

vote in 1920.

June 2019 Page 4

Dehydration in the Older Adult

Clinical Pearls

By Dolores J. Eitel, BSN, MA,

NYc Family Nurse Practitioner

One in three older adults fail to

have enough daily fluid to maintain

fluid balance essential for carrying

oxygen and energy to vital organs and

carrying away waste products. Normal

age-related changes make older adults

vulnerable for shifts in water balance

that results in both over-hydration and, more fre-

quently, dehydration. Some of these changes are: de-

crease in the bodily water compartment, the thirst

drive, detecting body temperature, the size of some

organs, thinner, dryer skin, absence of sweat glands,

and a decreased ability to clear waste products. Other

factors such as some medications, chronic illnesses;

obesity, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes and/or kid-

ney disease, lifestyle, diet, smoking, exercise and en-

vironment also contribute to dehydration.

TIPS TO AVOID DEHYDRATION

Calculate your approximate daily fluid needs using

this rule of thumb formula, adjusting for personal and

environmental variations: “1500 ml minimum intake

with 15ml fluid per kg to be added for actual weight

minus 20kg. This formula can be used for older adults

who are normal weight, underweight, or overweight.”

Drink sugarless drinks. The best being water. Avoid

alcohol, coffee, iced tea, high protein drinks, pine-

apple, asparagus and other natural diuretics.

Drink fluids with food, medications, after exercise

and/or physically challenging tasks. Drink fluids in

small amounts every few hours. Do not restrict fluid

before bedtime, only limit the amount 4 hrs. before

sleep. Do not drink more than 6 oz. at a time.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in water content.

Avoid processed foods and added salt. Note the so-

dium content in your foods. Limit salt to daily re-

quirement or less.

Avoid using soap, deodorant, perfume or any sub-

stances that contain alcohol, on your skin; exfoliate

often and use moisturizer.

Avoid hot showers, tub baths, hot tubs. Do not show-

er/tub bathe daily.

Avoid direct sun 10am-4pm. Wear protective cloth-

ing, sunscreen and glasses.

Avoid hot, humid environments. Sleep with 60-65

degree room temperature. If the air is dry use a hu-

midifier.

Monitor for signs of dehydration: urine (should be

pale yellow); skin turgor: pinch the skin at your

wrist. It should return to normal in less than a sec-

ond. This may not be reliable if your skin turgor is

due to loss of fat or muscle under the skin; thirst (if

you are thirsty, you are dehydrated).

Discuss your plan to maintain your body fluid balance

with your primary healthcare provider. It is a very a

important part of your overall health care plan.

Resources /Reference: J . Gerontology Nursing

Unrecognized Dehydration in Older Adults Nov.

2004(11)

medlineplus.gov/article/200982/sept 2017.

ncbi.nim.nih.gov/dehydration/older adults July 2017.

Reprints may be made with the permission of the author. Please

contact Dolores Eitel at doloressurvived@gmail.com

In Memoriam

Angelee "Angie" Caston passed away

April 20. Angie became a member of

the Renaissance Society in 2001. She led or co-led a

number of seminars and was a long-time member of

the Seminar Committee.

Fall Leaders and Co-leaders

Save the Date!

Friday, August 16th! The Seminar Committee will

conduct the Leaders’ Workshop for all Fall leaders

August 16th on campus. More details will be coming

in late June but plan for a whole day of training, shar-

ing tips and a good time. A new feature this year will

be the Tech Training on the classroom A/V equip-

ment offered right after lunch. (Yes, lunch is back!)

So all Fall Leaders put the date on your calendar—

August 16th!

June 2019 Page 5

Blue Zones Seminar Participants Meet Dan Buettner By Allan Keown, Seminar Leader

The Spring Blue Zones seminar examined the work of Dan Buettner. Over the past ten years he has popu-

larized a model for healthier, longer, happier living based upon nine lessons that derive from the world’s five

blue zone communities – areas in which people live in the greatest numbers to 100+. Dan was the final speak-

er in the Sacramento Speakers Series on April 17, 2019.

Of the approximately 70 students who regularly attended the Spring Blue Zones seminar, around half pur-

chased or already had tickets to attend Dan’s lecture at the Sacramento Community Center. A spokesperson

for the sponsor, the Society of Orators, phoned seminar leader Allan Keown a week before to thank the semi-

nar for its support. In appreciation, she offered 10 spots for seminar participants to meet Dan and have a photo

taken with him prior to the lecture. In addition, each would have an opportunity to talk briefly with him.

The participants had signed cards that had been passed around at the previous Friday’s seminar, and those

cards were given to Dan by Allan. In addition, he also gave Dan a copy of the seminar outline which Dan

agreed to review it.

At his lecture, Dan mentioned the Renaissance “Club” and said that he had enjoyed meeting its members.

Several days later at the April 22 ASI Food Pantry opening, CSUS First Lady Jody Nelsen mentioned that

she had attended Dan’s lecture and was impressed with his shout-out to the Renaissance Society. She later re-

ceived the seminar outline.

During the seminar’s end-of-the-semester picnic on May 3, the participants discussed the possibility of

forming a Blue Zones Special Interest Group to continue following all of the exciting developments in this ar-

ea. To be continued……

Dan Buettner's Blue Zones Paradigm - Renaissance Society Mini-Seminar presented on April 17th as the con-

cluding speaker in the 2018-19 Sacramento Speakers Series. Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Speakers Series.

February 2019 Page 6

Renaissance Annual Spring Luncheon and Scholarship Awards Presentation Held at the Double Tree Inn by Hilton on Monday, May 6, 2019

Gratitude permeated the room at the Renaissance Spring Luncheon and Scholarship Awards presentation on May

6th, held at the Double Tree Inn, as we honored the following seven CSUS students, who received $3000 scholar-

ships:

Allison Brown—Physical Therapy

Andrea Galvan—Health Science

Summer Khaleq—Computer Science

Dante Khachadourian—Engineering

Natalie Schneider—Nursing

Kennedy Wilson—Gerontology

Lily Yang—Child Development

Each recipient gave a short speech, with comments including: “You have impacted my life and I can never thank

you enough!” “It’s not just the financial support that’s important but also the recognition for all the hard work we’ve

done and believing in me. It inspires me to even be better!” “I want to thank all of you! It was such an exciting

event! As you know, I am a 1st generation university student, so my family is filled with gratitude also. Although

deceased, I know my grandma was there with me as I talked about her.” “In my career I cannot wait to begin advo-

cating for all of you!” The Society normally awards six scholarships annually to deserving students, but this year added an an award in

the memory of Doug Fulton, a long-time Chair of the Scholarship Committee. Additionally, Doug and Ginnie Ful-

ton’s daughter announced a $25,000 donation to the Renaissance Society’s Scholarship Fund in their name.

A core value of the Renaissance Society “LIFELONG LEARNING and SERVICE” was very alive and evident at

the Scholarship luncheon thanks to the generosity of our members!

Additional business conducted during the luncheon was the announcement that the Society had contributed over

$20,000 to the ASI Food Pantry. Final business was the election of a new Board of Directors as well as three new

Members-at-Large. They are: President—David Abelson; Vice President—Joann Yee; Controller—Jack Jennings;

Secretary—Bob Benedetti and MALs—Karen Martin, Jeffrey Rubin and Norv Wellsfry.

Scholarship recipients and committee members: Phyllis Mills, Kennedy Wilson,

Dante Khachadourian, Andrea Galvan, Lily Yang, Natalie Schneider, Allison

Brown, Summer Khaleq and Barbara Davis-Lyman. Photo courtesy of Ruth-Marie

The Society donated over $20,000 to the ASI

Food Pantry this year. Maryellen Burns and

Allan Keown made the presentation. Photo cour-

tesy of Ruth-Marie Chambers.

June 2019 Page 7

Renaissance Society Pictures and Memories of 2018-2019 Seminar Year

Renaissance Society Member Ruth-Marie F.

Chambers with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bennet Oma-

lu at the Center for African Peace and Conflict Reso-

lution, Africa Peace Awards on Saturday, April 27,

2019 at California State University at Sacramento.

Dr. Omalu, Recipient of the Peace and Justice

Award, identified and described Chronic Traumatic

Encephalopathy (CTE) in professional football play-

ers when he performed an autopsy and examined the

brain of Mike Webster and other athletes engaged in

high-impact sports. Chambers shared reflectively, "It

was an illuminating keynote that inspired thought

around preventative diplomacy, excellence of charac-

ter, humanity, the power of perseverance and, consci-

entious adherence and commitment to peaceful con-

flict resolution. Further the experience was an histori-

cal and distinctive opportunity for community en-

gagement that extends beyond the collegiate and re-

gional community.” (Photo courtesy of Ruth-Marie Cham-

The Renaissance Society Membership Diversity

and Community Engagement Committee (MDCE) 4th

Anniversary Celebration and Reception on Friday,

March 22, 2019 met at the home of long-time Re-

naissance Society Seminar Leader Dr. David War-

ren to honor Dr. Viridiana Diaz and the Dreamer

Resource Center. Dr. Viridiana Diaz is Assistant Vice President,

Strategic Diversity Initiatives, California State Uni-

versity. (Photos courtesy of Ruth-Marie Chambers)

Pictured above are Dr. Warren and Clarence Smith IV.

At left is Warren Bonta, Chair of the Renaissance So-

ciety Dreamer Resource Center and MDCE member.

Renaissance Recorder Editors For Submissions, use these contacts:

Cheryl Huffman, chuffman79@aol.com,

Phone: 530.708.0499

Jennifer Cummings, jennifer1945@hotmail.com

Phone: 916.425.9350

DEADLINE for next issue (September 2019

mailed mid-August) is July 20, 2019.

Renaissance Society ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

E-mail: rensoc@csus.edu

Website: www.csus.edu/org/rensoc

(916) 278-7834

Office: Adams Bldg. Room 106

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30-noon

Friday 10-1

Renaissance Society is now able to process donations to California State University, Sacramento on-line!

Contributions are tax-deductible and acknowledgments are sent quickly from Sac State to

the donor. In addition, the RS office receives a notice from Sac State, so we are able to send

"thank you" notes to the donors as well. The ability of our members to contribute on-line

has already resulted in an uptick in scholarship contributions, which will increase even more

as we publicize the system! As this publication goes to press, you can go to https://

online.sacstatealumni.com THEN select Make a Gift (you do not have to login) THEN select Give Now. In

the field labeled “Account” use the pull-down menu to select Renaissance Society. Here is the valid url to

copy and paste into your browser: https://online.sacstatealumni.com/default.aspx?page=GIVEGiving&DesignationID=3&AccountNumber=221

California State University, Sacramento

The Renaissance Society

6000 J Street – MS 6074

Sacramento, CA 95819

80700128