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President Frank Leonard opened the meeting, greeted first-time attendees, and noted that there would be an extra giveaway just for new members. Because it was election night, he called Election Officer Ken Hopkins up to get the proceedings under way. Ken reminded everyone that five positions would be filled: one President, two Vice Presidents, one Treasurer and one Secretary.
Don Frieze, running unopposed for Treasurer, decided not to waste meeting time with a speech. He won a round of applause.
Presidential candidate John Crow has been leading the beginner's group. He said his goal would be to help the group to grow by being active within the group itself and bringing new members in. John announced that he intended to recycle Sacra Blue. He asked members to bring extra copies to next month's meeting so he could distribute them to local colleges.
Tim Cardozo, running for President, said he has the experience, understands the issues, and wants to do the job. He listed the many positions he has held, including Vice President and Membership Director. He was an original founder of the Orangevale-Folsom Chapter, and served as Vice President and President of that chapter. Tim argued that the group needs to find better ways to make our Web presence more relevant to each member as well as to our SIGs and chapters. He suggested using local cable companies to make our own videotapes and even have our own show. He discussed possible ways to enhance income and increase membership.
Milt Hull, the final candidate for President, has been a member for 18 years, he said, "probably the longest member that still exists." He discussed possible ways to solve the group's cash program, including a user group ISP program, an inkjet refill program, a CD-burn program, and an auction as a fund raiser. "I have lots of ideas, but the key is to get the group back as a voice in the community and a larger voice in the PC industry."
Brian Smither was nominated for Secretary, accepted the nomination, and declined to speak.
KVIE Auction
As votes were being counted, Ken asked for volunteers for the next KVIE auction from April 14 - 16.. Since KVIE is using new computers, they would like computer-aware people to do the work the first time they use them. They've promised to give more publicity to SPCUG this time around if we can fill the volunteer spots.
EGame Giveaway
Frank Leonard told how he downloaded and bought a game and was dissatisfied with it. After getting little support from the company (eGames), he wrote the CEO, who responded by apologizing and sending three games for the user group, which Frank raffled off.
Net at Two Rivers
Barbara Englund from Net at Two Rivers gave a short presentation on this nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to using technology to help kids.
Barb noted that N2R has moved to Oak Park and recruited kids for an Internet Lab. Calweb has donated an ISDN line for a 12-PC lab, and the City of Sacramento, Home Depot, and Kelly-Moore donated about $50,000. She asked for volunteers to fill openings: a volunteer coordinator; a Web person to help us upgrade and expand their Web site; an Internet instructor willing to be in the lab with the kids from about 3:30 in the afternoon to about six Monday through Friday; and graphic artists to help with a Wall of Words done by international artists. Barb's e-mail address is
barb@n2r.net.
Frank announced that the group has a $250 scholarship we give away every year to a deserving high school senior. If you know anyone who would like to apply, contact Don Mongeau. The deadline for applying is April 21, 2000.
Election Results
Ken Hopkins announced that the new officers are: Milt Hull, President; Tom Anderson, Executive Vice President; Gary Sloan, Vice President; Don Frieze, Treasurer, and Brian Smither, Secretary.
Not Exactly Sitting Pretty
Frank Leonard warned that if your computer gives you an error message involving Files 32.VXD, what you have is the Pretty Part virus. This is an e-mail virus and is easy to get rid of if you have a recent anti-virus program.
Upcoming Speakers
Ken Hopkins announced scheduled speakers for future meetings are: Corel in April, and Milt Hull and Ken Hopkins will show how to share a single modem between computers so you don't have to fight with your kids over connection time to the Internet. In May we have the Road Show for Windows CE, so you get to see Microsoft's new Pocket PC. June is star night: we will show Meade telescopes like the one Milt had here in December, and Software Bisque, which makes The Sky, which most astronomers use. July is our birthday meeting, and East Bay Technology will show us Internet applications.
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