With the exception of one member, the doing away with the printing expenses for Sacra Blue was acceptable. Most everyone agreed that "we are all computer literate," most are on the Internet and e-mail is a way of life. Therefore, it was voiced that receiving the magazine via the Internet was a very viable and agreeable solution.

As part of the evening's discussion, SACPCUG.ORG was brought up on the screen, we clicked on the eBlue icon and then the "Go There" button and... viola! What appeared was Sacra Blue in its entirety. Everyone was impressed with how easy it was to do this, and all agreed that you could easily pick and choose those articles you want to visit or print out. So what's the big deal about doing away with the printed magazine? One member did say that he liked having a bound printed copy by his chair, where he could pick it up when he wanted to instead of going to the computer. At the same time, he also didn't like the club to spend the kind of money it takes to print and mail it.

It was rumored that the main club might do away with the $7 Chapter rebate from the $35 dues. This was shot down in a hurry, since it was pointed out that the members of our Chapter live in the hills, and there are only, at most, two to four members that ever go to the General Meeting. Actually, the President and Secretary are the two who show up for most meetings, and then report to the Chapter what transpired. The rest is read in Sacra Blue or on eBlue online. If the Chapter doesn't receive this rebate, why bother to belong to Gold Country Chapter, when all you have to do is pay dues to the main group, or not, and read about what happens at the meeting? It was generally felt that this is an ill-thought-out solution to a decreasing membership problem.

The members had a question as to why an e-mail message notifying members of the agenda for the General Meeting couldn't be mailed to all members with a link to eBlue via www.sacpcug.org. Of course, mailing either a post card or single-page flyer to those who need a reminder about the General Meeting would be appropriate. This alone could reduce the costs immensely.

Yes, if there is a chance to meet "free" at an LDS Center, who really cares whether there is coffee or tea allowed? One can always bring his or her own thermos, if that is the desire. Water is good too! The Gold Country Chapter also has the same problem of costs, since it costs us $40 per meeting just to use the Placer County Library. Does anyone have a "free" meeting place for us in the Auburn area? We have looked into church, school, civic, and Veteran halls... They all charge about the same. Maybe a private home will be the answer for some twenty to thirty members!!!??? Hah!

Now we get to the reason we meet. Questions and answers were given to those with problems. Some were resolved, others were not at the moment. Our program for the evening was sort of pre-empted as was the main meeting. Dick and Ken were most disappointed that Milt Hull did not get to show off that magnificent telescope to the main group. It was a shame to put forth the effort it took to set up.

Ken discussed the new addition to our Web site, a history of our Chapter. It seems that in 1986, Rick Hellewell founded our Chapter with only 15 people meeting in a computer store that he was managing at the time. In no time at all, membership built up to 24, then 35, 55, 75, 102, 126, and in 1994, maxed out at 155 members. Now in 1999, there are registered 76 members. Of course, not all show up at every meeting, but contact is kept via e-mail and the Web, as well as through Sacra Blue and now eBlue.

Refreshments were served and many first rate programs were raffled off to the holders of the winning tickets. Everyone left with something of their choice. Lots of "freebies" were available also.

Remember, starting in the year 2000, Gold Country meets on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of April when it is on the 4th Wednesday. 7:00 p.m. in the Beecher Room of the Placer Country Library on 350 Nevada Street, Auburn, California. Everything is up to date on our Web site. Make it a habit to look at it each week for updates.