George Roper's blog

It’s all over now; the Freedom of Choice amendment to our bylaws has passed, is certified by the Board’s secretary, and is effective immediately. The turnout incidentally was greater than even the most optimistic of us would have dreamed.  71.2 percent of eligible households participated, which is some kind of record for a community that has had to extend voting several times in recent years for the want of a quorum. I want to thank all of you who exercised your franchise, but especially 1158 of you who hung in with us (and the 73 additional members who were disenfranchised).   Read more »

I have subscribed to Scientific American for almost 50 years now.  I try to read every article, but I must confess some dealing with “string theory” or “multiple universes” are too bizarre for my limited gray matter.  An article in this month’s issue dealing with the new academic discipline called Web Science caught my attention.  Buried within that article was the following excerpt that explained the catch phrase six degrees of separation, coined by the game, Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon: 

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I read somewhere that as we age we loose some of our ability to taste and smell, and to a much greater extent to hear, at least for men. My memory tells me that the first Coca Cola I tasted at the 1940 grand opening of the Coke plant at 39th and Stockton Blvd ignited an almost insatiable desire for more of that exotic beverage that, over the years, has diminished to only an echo of that first unforgettable taste sensation. Tomatoes don't taste as sweet and zesty as they did when picked from the vine in my family's victory garden in 1944, hot from valley heat and eaten on the spot with a shake of salt. And even though I have always been a techno junkie and had to have the best in sound equipment, recorded music also has lost much of its luster.  Read more »

 

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John Weatherford is going to continue walking the south and will be hitting the streets today (Saturday).  Our committee is looking for volunteers to walk with John.  We realize that knocking on doors is a very difficult thing for most people to do, so John will be the group leader and go with each volunteer on his or her first calls.  John uses his golf cart, which speeds up the process.  We want to make eye contact with each signer and answer any questions.  John has found that most people are cordial and in most cases enthusiastic about signing.   We, of course, have to make sure that the signers are members in good standing, which is the first question when the door opens.

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I can't believe that this week has passed so quickly.  With the exception of Friday, I have been collecting signatures on Golden Proxies all week.  Thanks again to those of you who stopped by and shared in our effort.

 

It is now Sunday morning and the light is just beginning to cast its blue hue over Rancho Murieta.  The coffee pot is making welcome sounds, and Pepper, our cat, is sitting on top of the printer watching my every move.

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Time does fly when you're having fun. As I mentioned yesterday, my bride (of 55 yrs.) and I go back to school every Friday.  The regular students at Sac State affectionately refer to the Friday invasion of Renaissance Society’s seasoned citizens as “Q-Tips.”  (LOL)  Read more »

Our faithful little group of GOLDEN PROXY collectors was out at Plaza Market again today. I guess some of you are getting used to seeing us there. I was surprised the see the same faces returning in only a day or two. Some because they forgot something on the list, others shop more often because they live alone and buy in small quantities. Plaza's deli is first class and their green grocery has always been good. I have also noticed more people entering the store with their own tote bags.  Read more »

When we set up our table at the Plaza last Saturday, we knew we would spend a week there through Sunday, May 4th. Then maybe start walking the streets. As we sign up each member, we asked him or her to tell a neighbor and spread the word, stating that we will be at this same location until next Sunday. After four days it seems to be working. More people are just walking up to the table and saying, "where do I sign?" We are still encountering members who don't know the price of television comes out of their dues, but that number seems to be getting smaller. Others tell us they already voted on this issue. We then tell them the board ignored that vote, and after hearing that, most sign with no further discussion.  Read more »