34th Annual “Last” CoCoFEST Update

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

We are now less than 30 days away from the 34th annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST. I want to provide some last-minute updates for the fest. Like always, I am always open to suggestions to make this the best CoCoFEST. Remember, we are doing this for you, the CoCo community.

VENDOR TABLES

As of writing this update, we still have a few tables in the ballroom. We have five 8-foot tables, and three 6-foot tables left in the ballroom. We also have several tables in hallway. If you have been thinking about getting a table, now is the time to get one. The last day to get a table will be April 6th.

HOTEL

The hotel has added additional rooms to our room block. They’ve also extended the deadline to book the rooms at discounted rates to April 13th. Now is the time to book your hotel room for CoCoFEST before time runs out. Remember to use the group code G22 when you book your hotel room online, or you can call the hotel directly.

SPEAKERS

I still have a couple of slots available if someone wants to give a presentation at this years CoCoFEST. If you are interested, please contact me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. I will be releasing the final schedule soon. This year’s headliners will be Jim Brain, and

DINNER

We are asking everyone to pre-register on Tandylist. This will allow us to have your name pre-printed on the badges, and your name will be entered for a cash prize to be used at vendor at CoCoFEST. Plus, if you want to join us for the Saturday dinner, this is where you can purchase it. The dinner is $42 a person, and we will have a limited number of extra tickets to sell on the day of the dinner, so make sure to purchase now to secure your dinner.

Menu:

  • Caesar Salad
  • Meat Lasagna
  • Pasta Alfredo
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Tiramisu
  • Rolls and Butter
  • Soda, Tea, and Coffee

AUCTION

We are still looking for items for the BIG auction. If you want to donate items for the auctions contact myself at cocofest@glensideccc.com and I will arrange to have the items shipped. Remember, we will reimburse shipping fees. We will find a good home for your old Color Computers and we will keep them out of the landfills. This also helps fund future CoCoFEST.  

If anyone has any questions or concerns, you may reach out to me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. I am looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks in Chicago at CoCoFEST!!!!!

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday March 12, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday March 12, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

11 Main Hall tables left at the 34rd Annual “Last” CoCoFEST!

Time is growing short! If you have not reserved a table for our upcoming show, and/or not reserved your hotel room, what are you waiting for? It’s the 40th Anniversary of the Color Computer 3, and you don’t want to miss the festivities! CocoFEST Coordinator Grant Leighty is hard at work putting finishing touches on the show and lining up the slate of presenters. If you’re exhibiting, you’ve got a bit over a month to finish your project, no pressure!

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, we will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

The 34th “Last” Annual Chicago CoCoFEST Official T-Shirts and Other Items

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

Make sure that you get your official t-shirt for this year’s CoCoFest. Please visit https://glensideccc.myspreadshop.com to order your t-shirt today. You can also order several other items other than T-shirts. They are having a promotion this weekend, February 28 – March 1, they are giving 30% off your order. Remember that each purchase that is made helps fund CoCoFest.  I want to thank Ron Delvaux for creating the great design for this year’s CoCoFest.

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday February 12, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday February 12, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

72 Days until the 34rd Annual “Last” CoCoFEST!

I hope you’ve all read CoCoFEST! Coordinator Grant Leighty’s announcement that tables for our 2026 show will be up for purchase on February 15, but if not, be sure to stop over to our registration page that afternoon to grab your table(s). Prices are unchanged from last year, and we’re once again enjoying a Friday/Saturday show, with teardown on Sunday, to help those needing some extra time to get back home for work the next day (or just to rest after what will undoubtedly be a fast paced event.

I’ve been remiss, but I appreciate Mark Overholser’s assistance in emceeing the Tandy Retro Show 2026 a few weeks ago. Thanks also to all of our Saturday presenters and their material. We appreciate you sharing your projects with us

Please join us this Thursday. As is standard, We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

34th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest! Update

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

I hope everyone is having a great new year and enjoyed watching the virtual CoCoFest last weekend. Now it’s time to start planning for the 34th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest. This year we will be celebrating 40 years of the Tandy Color Computer 3. So, the theme this year will be the CoCo 3.

 TABLE REGISTRATION

Table registration will open for everyone on February 15th, at 3PM CST at Tandylist. The prices of the tables will stay the same as last year.

                Hallway Table                 6ft          $30

                Ballroom Table              6ft          $40

                Ballroom Table              8ft          $50

 One big change that we are making this year is if you decide to mail in your payment, it must be received by the treasurer within three weeks of registration. This will prevent the problems that we had last year of people reserving tables and paying at the door and then not showing up.

SPEAKERS

I am currently looking for people to give presentations at this year’s CoCoFest. If you are interested in giving a presentation, please reach out to me, Grant Leighty at cocofest@glensideccc.com, or on Discord.

DINNER

This year’s dinner will be a taste of Italy. The price will be a little cheaper this year at $42. This year’s menu is:

  • Caesar Salad
  • Meat Lasagna
  • Pasta Alfredo
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Tiramisu
  • Rolls and Butter
  • Soda, Tea, and Coffee

DONATIONS

This is a great time to start cleaning out closets and seeing if you have anything that you want to donate to the auction. The auction is how we fund the CoCoFest each year, and your donations help us put on a great show each year. If you cannot attend this year, but you have items to donate please email me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. We do pay for shipping items or arrange to pick up items.

We are still in the planning stages of this years CoCoFest, so if you have any questions or ideas, I want to hear them. This is your show, so if you want to see or do something different this year, then let me know. Just email me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. I look forward to see everyone in a few short months at the 34th  annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest.

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday January 15, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday January 15, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Tandy Color Computer in the Year 2026!

Last year, we celebrated the 45th anniversary fo the Tandy Radio Shack Color Computer 1, and this year is the 40th anniversary of the Color Computer 3. With the Tandy Model 6000 cake appearing at last year’s Tandy Assembly, it might be interesting for a CoCo 3 cake (should be easier to make, I think) for the 34th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST in April, 2026. Regardless of how we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the last Color Computer model, I hope you’re still enjoying yours!

In two weeks, GCCC (in collaboration with The CoCo Nation) will present Tandy Retro Show 2026, and we’ll provide updates on the show at this month’s meeting. As well, CoCoFEST! coordinator Grant Leighty has alerted me that tables for this year’s show will go on sale on February 15. First come, first served, and you’ll need to pre-pay for the tables this year, to help everyone get a chance to attend and exhibit/sell.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday December 11, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday December 11, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Goodbye, 2025, Hello CoCo 3 40th Anniversary

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the TANDY Color Computer 3 (announced July 30th, 1986). Thus, as we bid 2025 a fond farewell, I wonder what’s in store for one of the last major 8-bit systems to be introduced into the marketplace as it turns 40 in 2026. I’m excited to see what kinds of cool insights, software, and hardware will accompany this upcoming birthday.

Show runner Mark Overholser is working on the presentation schedule for Tandy Retro Show 2026 (tandyretroshow.com) for January 24th (and 25th, if presentations permit), but there’s still time for yours. With the turn into 2026, we’ll also be working to open up table reservations for CoCoFEST!

Stop by and join us this Thursday. We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday November 13, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday November 13, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Alternative Timeline

As we prepare for a time of giving thanks in the USA and Canada, has anyone considered where they might be if they had not gotten a home computer in the 1970’s/80’s? Would you have the career you enjoy/enjoyed? Would your friends be the same? What would you be doing now? I, for one, am thankful I joined the computer revolution in the 1980’s. What started as a rejection from my parents to buying an Atari 2600 from SEARS and guidance to instead buy a home computer morphed into a successful 32 year career in IT, a bit of fame, a side business selling home computer peripherals, and tons of friendships across the world. I’m thankful home computers gave me all of that and continues to provide.

Shows are winding down for the year, though I will be attending the World of Commodore (contrary to the name, other platforms are welcomed, and some of the CoCo Crowd will be in attendance) in December. If you’re in the Greater Toronto area, stop by. After that, it’s onto 2026 and our own (co-hosted with The CoCo Nation) Tandy Retro Show 2026 (tandyretroshow.com) for January 24th (and 25th, if presentations permit). Presentations are trickling in, but time is running out. If you’re ready to show off a new project, not sure you’ll be able to attend a physical show in 2026, or your project is too bulky or unwieldy (or fragile) to move, TRS-2026 is a great opportunity to let the world know about it.

Stop by and join us this Thursday. We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday October 9, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday October 9, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

CoCo “Candy”!

This Halloween, are you craving some CoCo “candy”? Maybe you’ve been perusing eBay/Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace for something you don’t “need” but always wanted “back in the day” or maybe just a guilty pleasure. I say treat yourself, if the price is right. Obviously, buyer beware of the tricks some seller might play, but at least my experience has been good overall. That said, don’t over-indulge. A few eBay purchases or a FB Marketplace transaction is fine, but moderation is key!

It’s not a CoCo thing (though it is Tandy), but recently John Swiderski announced a text-based Tetris clone called “Tet-TRS” for the Tandy Model II/12/16/6000, and I bought a copy (first piece of software I’ve ever purchased that came on a 8″ diskette!) My gaming time is extremely limited, but Tetris is a favorite and I love having a cool game for a decidedly business computer. And, I loved the name.

As with a number of CoCo folks, I’m back from two back to back computer shows in September and slowly catching up. Physical shows are winding down (though I know some CoCo folks will be in Toronto in December for a show), but GCCC and The CoCo Nation are planning Tandy Retro Show 2026 (tandyretroshow.com) for January 24th (and 25th, if presentations permit). If you’re ready to show off a new project, not sure you’ll be able to attend a physical show in 2026, or your project is too bulky or unwieldy (or fragile) to move, TRS-2026 is a great opportunity to let the world know about it.

It’s a light agenda this month, but we’re always glad to see familiar faces on Zoom, so please join us this Thursday. We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday September 11, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday September 11, 2025 @ 7:30PM Central

Fall for your CoCo!

I’m tardy getting this out because I’ve been preparing for what I think is the largest inclusive classic computing festival in the US, if not the globe: VCF Midwest. Last year, 50,000 sq ft of space was packed with just about every classic machine (even minicomputers and terminals) I’ve ever seen (and some I had not ever seen. This year, the space has been expanded to 66,000 sq ft. Like last year, Glenside and its members will represent the CoCo (and cousins and friends) at the show, and we’d love to see you join us there. It’s at the Renaissance Schaumburg. In any case, I’ll apologize in advance because I’ll probably join the meeting from the show floor (I offered my help as a Thursday night volunteer) or on the road headed to the show.

You’re probably aware, but if not, September is officer nomination month, this time for the 2025-26 officer term. Though the work is not significant, the club depends on its members to help ensure it runs smoothly. Please consider helping us out.

Please join us this Thursday. We will open the call a bit early at 7PM for some discussion and to help anyone with “technical difficulties”.

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares