Author: Jim Brain

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday July 15, 2021 @ 7:30PM

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Months that start on a Thursday always mess up my announcement timing, and I apologize for the late notice. I trust no one will be completely blindsided by the upcoming meeting. They come regularly, like clockwork, though you’d think I’d put a reminder on the calendar to ensure I didn’t get surprised by the date.

It’s roughly 4 months until our November in-person CoCoFEST! In fact, webmaster Eric Canales placed a countdown timer on the main web page showing the time left before show opening on Saturday morning. Project and presentation creation time grows short, but excitement builds as we count down to our first in-person show since April 2019. As I noted at the last meeting and in the recent newsletter, I’m eager to share this new venue with attendees, as I think it offers even more community and collaboration options than Heron Point.

Along with some more discussion around the upcoming show, we should start thinking about the 2022 show schedule and the options. As well, I’d like to gauge interest in a Q3 physical or virtual get together. In years past, the annual picnic/cookout happened in this quarter, though other options are also possible. Obviously, not everyone can drop by the Chicago area in the next few months, but perhaps a physical party with a virtual component might be of interest.

I hope everyone received the most recent club newsletter. I continue to revel in the work folks put into the quarterly publication, and I hope you found at least something of interest in the latest issue. As always, Steve his team eagerly appreciate submissions by our membership. No writeup is too small!

Please join us this Thursday, July 15th, to get updates on the club and activities. And, if you’re interested in more social perspectives, please consider joining the call at 6:30PM Central (1 hour prior). It’s a great opportunity to visit with far flung members, watch some demonstrations, hear about projects, and just enjoy some humor.

To join the Meeting:
https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355
Room System: 199.48.152.152 or bjn.vc

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

Prior to the formal business meeting at 7:30PM Central, we’ll be enjoying a time of demonstrations and discussion. If you’d like to show a project you’re working on, please consider joining us starting at 6:30PM.

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday June 17, 2021 @ 7:30PM

Posted on | by Jim Brain

It’s 5 months and counting down to the the 29th “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! 2021. While we will belatedly celebrate the Color Computer 1’s 40th birthday this year, I feel the celebration will take on dual meaning as a celebration of in-person discussions and community. To no one’s surprise, virtual events do not replace a handshake, chatting with someone while dining at Portillo’s for lunch, and/or visiting a vendor or exhibitor booth in person to ask one-on-one questions.

We hope to share more logistics details around the Fest at the meeting and get updates on travel situations. I also know our newsletter editor is hard at work with the newsletter team preparing the Summer 2021 periodical, so keep on the lookout for that.

Though Summer does not officially start for a few more days, I know many are already enjoying the better weather and potentially taking tentative steps into their local community as the Pandemic concerns recede. But, if you’re able to do so, please consider joining us this Thursday.

To join the Meeting:
https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355
Room System: 199.48.152.152 or bjn.vc

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

Prior to the formal business meeting at 7:30PM Central, we’ll be enjoying a time of demonstrations and discussion. If you’d like to show a project you’re working on, please consider joining us starting at 6:30PM.

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Vice President Changes

Posted on | by Jim Brain

We greatly appreciate Terry S’s willingness to to help with the business activities of the Glenside Color Computer Club by accepting the nomination and running for the GCCC 2020-21 office of vice president. It is, thus, with regret that we accept Terry’s resignation for health reasons.

As per the GCCC bylaws, which state that the Glenside Board of Directors shall appoint a resource for such a vacancy, the BOD met this evening and have appointed John Mark Mobley to fill the open position for the remainder of the 2020-21 term. Mr. Mobley has graciously accepted the appointment with the sincere appreciation of the board. We welcome John Mark, who has significant previous leadership experience with GCCC.

The GCCC Board of Directors request that members respect Terry S’s privacy during this time.

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday May 20, 2021 @ 7:30PM

Posted on | by Jim Brain

It’s less than 6 months until The 29th “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! 2021, and I’m more positive than last month we’ll be able to meet in person (I’m even cautiously optimistic our Canadian friends will be able to join the festivities).

We’re entering the Summer months, so the meeting should be somewhat brief. We’ll share a few CoCoFEST! planning updates and take up any new member business.

To join the Meeting:
https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355
Room System: 199.48.152.152 or bjn.vc

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

Prior to the formal business meeting at 7:30PM Central, we’ll be enjoying a time of demonstrations and discussion. If you’d like to show a project you’re working on, please consider joining us starting at 6:30PM.

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Glenside Virtual Spring Fest!: Saturday April 24, 2021 @ 7:00 PM CDT

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Come join us this Saturday evening for a time of fellowship and CoCoCommunity as we usher in Spring and continue to count down the weeks until the 29th “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! later this year. No business topics, no agenda, just some time to get to know one another and see how everyone is enjoying their CoCo (or MC-10 :-).

Never fear if you’re outside the Chicago, IL, US area. We’re taking this Fest! online:

https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

We’ll congregate starting at 7PM Central Time and probably still be chatting at 9PM. Join anytime and drop when you must…

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday April 15, 2021 @ 7:30PM

Posted on | by Jim Brain

It’s less than 7 months until The 29th “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! 2021, and things are continuing to trend in positive ways. We’ll get an update on the club’s 501(c)3 non-profit status submission, share more information on the April 24th Glenside Virtual Spring Fest, share details on the GCCC “mascot” ideas, and take up any new member business.

To join the Meeting:
https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355
Room System: 199.48.152.152 or bjn.vc

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

Prior to the formal business meeting at 7:30PM Central, we’ll be enjoying a time of demonstrations and discussion. This month, given the recent newsletter coverage of the software package, Robert Swoger and John Mark Mobley will be demonstrating more features of LogiCall. If you’d like to show a project you’re working on, please consider joining us starting at 6:30PM.

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Glenside Virtual Meeting Software Changes

Posted on | by Jim Brain

The irony of sharing this notice with our CoCo community is not lost on me, but I wanted folks to have a heads up.

For those who gather with the Glenside membership for our monthly meetings, we utilize the BlueJeans video conferencing solution for our virtual meetings. Though some use the web version of the solution, for those who have installed the software application, be aware you may need to upgrade. It appears our April and May virtual meetings will be unaffected, but keep this in mind prior to the June meeting.

Desktop App Force Update to Minimum Version

BlueJeans regularly provides new versions of the Desktop App to release new features and bug fixes.  In order to take advantage of these enhancements, after May 31, 2021 all Desktop App clients below the requirement will be forced to upgrade to the latest version when attempting to join meetings. Users on Desktop App 2.26 or above will not be impacted.

Note:

  • This will impact users on both Windows and Mac systems (not Linux)

If not on version 2.26 or higher, please click here for more information on how to upgrade to the latest version.

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday March 18, 2021 @ 7:30PM

Posted on | by Jim Brain

With CoCoFEST! 2021 moving to November, will the extra 6 months of wait be too long for comfort? Should we consider a virtual activity in April, either during the original show dates or in lieu of our April meeting? If you have an opinion, feel free to join us and share it:

To join the Meeting:
https://bluejeans.com/889394355

You can call in: Phone Dial-in
+1.408.740.7256 (United States)
+1.408.317.9253 (Alternate number) (Global Numbers)
Meeting ID: 889 394 355
Room System: 199.48.152.152 or bjn.vc

Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111

Prior to the formal business meeting at 7:30PM Central, we’ll be enjoying a time of demonstrations and discussion. If you’d like to show a project you’re working on, please consider joining us starting at 6:30PM.

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2021 29th Annual “Last” CoCoFEST! Alternate Event Date

Posted on | by Jim Brain

With all the votes cast, it became obvious folks took a cautious view of the months ahead, with September 25/26 and November 6/7 becoming early frontrunners. As of March 1, 2021, November 6/7 edged out September as a preferred date.

Along the way, I became aware that November 5-7 is also the 2021 date for the Midwest Gaming Classic. The hugely popular pinball/arcade exhibition event in Milwaukee, WI also contains “The Computing and Gaming Museum” exhibit, where Tandy Color Computers are shown along with other 80’s era home computers and videogame systems. It’s never ideal when conflicts like this arise, doubly so since MGC draws quite a bit from the Chicago area given the location, and I know this will affect some of our attendees. That said, the event offered the least conflicts from vote responses, seemed far enough in the year to hopefully sidestep current travel/attendance issues, and was favored significantly over any other option.

Thus, I confirmed the November 6/7 date with our venue and freed up the other dates. I hope those that find a conflict might consider spending one day at MGC and the other with us. I often attend MGC but it’s something that can be adequately enjoyed over a single day.

The new date does pose a unique challenge concerning our 2022 event, though. Normally, events such as ours don’t book the following year’s venue date until after the current event concludes. This is common, and since everyone typically runs the same play, the same date in the following year is often available. Yet, this year will be different, in that the 2021 show will (hopefully) occur in November, followed by the 2022 show in its regular April timeframe, a mere 5 months later. If that’s the preference, it’d be best to decide soon, to ensure the requisite 2022 date is available and reserved. But, if the community would prefer to see a bit more space between show dates, I could see the show potentially moving back 3-4 months (splitting the 17 month distance between the 2021 November show and the 2023 April show) to early August.

For what it is worth, I prefer scheduling the 2022 show in April, both because I don’t think two shows within 6 months is a significant concern (some folks have already noted they try to attend both CocoFEST and Tandy Assembly in a given year, and those shows are normally scheduled 6 months apart) and also because I think reserving that date is prudent in case circumstances prevent a 2021 in person event (possibly due to weather concerns). Feel free to add your thoughts, as we’ll need to discuss at some point before the May meeting.

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LAST Chance to vote for “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! Date

Posted on | by Jim Brain

As previously noted, we’re sliding the 2021 event date further into 2021. If you have not provided your input on preferred dates, please visit https://www.tandylist.com/votecocofestdate.aspx and do so before 00:00 Central Monday 3/1. At present, the standings are as follows:

  1. November 6/7
  2. September 25/26
  3. June 25/26
  4. October 8/9
  5. September 10/11

For reference on date details/pros/cons, please see https://www.glensideccc.com/the-29th-annual-last-chicago-cocofest-is-moving/

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