LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Sons In Retirement group held its monthly luncheon meeting at Konocti Visa Casino on Friday, April 11.

The meeting opened with Larry Powers, chair of the membership committee, introducing three new members.  

The special guest speaker was Richard Ford, who currently is the county's assistant auditor-controller and is running for the assessor-recorder’s position, which became open when Doug Wacker announced his plans to retire.

Ford explained that the assessor evaluates the property then the auditor determines the tax and returns the file to the assessor-recorder’s office for processing.

Ford pointed out that 20 to 30 percent of the tax is allocated to the general fund and is used to maintain roads and bridges.

He also presented information on homeowner exemptions and some of the challenges the new assessor-recorder will face in this very important position.

In the earlier meeting of the board, Jim Cary, chair of the golf committee for both Branch 133 and 168, reported that the first event of the season held at Hidden Valley Lake was a big success with 60 golfers competing. Cary also reported that the next event at Aetna Springs already is sold out.

Travel Chair Bob Specht reported that he had to cancel the trip to see “Whickered” as the cost was prohibitive.

Sprecht went on to report that he had arranged for a bus trip to Reno to coincide with the golf tournament. It includes round trip transportation, two nights stay and the dinner show at the Eldorado.

Golfers can sign up for the dinner show for $44 per person.

Anyone interested in joining Specht on any of his travel activities should contact him at 707-279-0187. For more information about golf please contact Jim Cary at 707-998-3004.

Sons In Retirement is a social organization for men of retirement age who are pursuing the goal of enjoying their later years. It has 142 branches with 18,000 members throughout the state.

Branch 168 holds a luncheon on the second Friday of each month at the conference room at Konocti Vista Casino.

Anyone interested in learning more about Sons In Retirement is encouraged to contact Larry Powers, chair of the membership committee at 707-263-3403 or to visit the state Web site at www.sirinc.org .