GILBERT GEORGE A LEGEND. The man turned 90 years old two weeks ago and Newman named a day after him. On Wednesday night, May 28 (Gilbert George Day in Newman) he was surprised by his family and friends at a dinner honoring his 90th year. Gilbert and Elsie also are celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary. Daughter Cheryl Grace helped organize the exciting, delicious event from her Florida home, and it was sensational. Cheryl was assisted by former classmate Lorna Sloan and a host of friends. Just like Gilbert, the night was alive with fun, frolic and energy. He has done so much for so many over the years, that his 90th birthday was welcomed by many of us! Gilbert always reminds me that a positive upbeat attitude makes life fun and our everyday opportunities are not only uplifting but responsible for giving us the energy we need to enjoy friends, families…..and surprise parties!!!

VOTING A PLEASURE ON WEST SIDE. I’m always impressed by the smiles and welcoming attitudes of the poll workers here. Every Election Day they greet voters with courtesy, helpfulness and charming directions. Last Tuesday I was especially impressed. There were more workers than ever, with greeters outside and inside and a host of men and women to register our names and hand us our ballots. Some of the workers, like long time poll worker Eleanor Vierra, have been doing this for more than 30 years. Others are relatively new, but just as alert and attentive. I arrived at the polls by 9 a.m., and while there was a sparse turnout, that polling place already registered more than 35 percent absentee voters. So the turnout looked like it could be decent overall. Absentee voting is becoming more and more popular; some areas only have that option, while many people request those ballots. In any case, as you read this column, the results are in and we undoubtedly know the winners! Thank you for voting and special thanks to those men and women who help us through the process!!!

PRESIDENTIAL RACE SET. Senator John McCain will be facing Senator Barack Obama in November’s presidential election. As you may know, while the popular vote counts for a lot, the candidate with the most electoral votes wins the contest. Remember the George Bush victory over Al Gore? Gore won the popular vote, but Bush won more crucial states, hence the election.

If the election were held today, Obama would probably win the most votes at the polls by a slight margin, but McCain would take the Electoral College votes and win the election. States like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida are just about must-wins for Obama, and he isn’t doing well there today. Of course, that could all change, but it will take some effort. Obama was swamped by Hillary Clinton in those crucial states, primarily because she won the blue collar, working class voters, while Obama attracted wealthy, more elitist men and women.

Remember this as we get closer to the November vote:

“An Obama win in New Mexico or Nevada would be enough to tip the scales, but a McCain win in Pennsylvania could put the race out of reach. In the end, as always it comes down to Ohio, where Obama’s weakness among rural whites could send McCain to the White House”……..Today the vote is McCain 270, Obama 268. Stay tuned!!

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