Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday August 13, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday August 13, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

It’s Fall Classic Computer Show Time!

As the leaves start their downward journey, the Fall brings us the 2026 Vintage Computer Festival Midwest, it’s 21st showing, as well as Tandy Assembly 2026, now in a new location (Cincinnati area). I don’t know much about the TA location yet (I’m just glad it’s in a more metropolitan location), but VCF-MW is back at the Schaumburg Convention Center for the 3rd year. Year 1 was 50K square feet, year 2 was 66K, and rumor has it 2026 will take over the entire 100K venue. There’s a dedicated CoCo set of tables, as well as spots for the Z-80-based TRS-80 units, but there’s probably a dedicated area for pretty much every brand known to exist. Just like there’s a TA “Meetup” at VCF-SW each year, I think we should call CoCoFEST!’s VCF-MW presence a meetup as well. Regardless, consider these shows in your travel plans.

This week’s meeting will be a “calm before the storm” chat, no doubt, as the things get hectic during the show months. We’d love to have you join us for CoCo conversation!

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).

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday July 9, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday July 9, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Don’t forget your CoCo during the Summer

I know July is a slow month for CoCo efforts, as folks are enjoying the nice weather (and CoCo systems are not generally portable, though PortaCoCo is trying to fix that). The outdoors beckon, but don’t forget about your CoCo during the Summer! Make sure to keep your disks and systems from getting too humid, unplug them if you’re not using them for a bit (electrical storms and such), and keep them cool (no one and no machine likes to get too hot).

Our July meeting will be a quick informal affair, given the season. I invite folks to join via a mobile device on a deck, patio, the woods, anywhere but your computer cave :-). Extra points if you drag your CoCo out to a pool or a coffee shop and have it set up for use 🙂

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).

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Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday June 11, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain | Leave a Comment on Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday June 11, 2026 @ 7:30PM Central

Continuing the CoCo 3 40th Birthday Celebration

Firstly, a belated thanks to those who attended (physically or virtually), presented, exhibited, and/or volunteered to help with The 34th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! The 2026 outing is in the bag and we now set our sights on both the Fall shows schedule and our 35th outing in 2027. Once again, many thanks to Grant Leighty for helping organize the fest. If you missed the show, or just want to revisit some of the material, we have a YouTube playlist for your viewing pleasure. The auction (with the new-in-box-never-used CoCo 3s that raised quite a bit for the club treasury) saw some serious bidding action.

Although it’s a bit unfair life intruded on some folks’ travel plans to the show this year, we hope circumstances improve and we’ll catch up with familiar faces later in the year. Chicago will once again host the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest in September this year, where the CoCo will be well represented. And, as I’ve stated before, if you’re a CoCo owner, we always hope you will attend our fest, but you really should consider attending a VCF-MW show. Starting as a side event to a Chicago area Commodore show years back, it has grown into what I believe is the largest (by far) classic computer show in the world. Closer to home (computer wise), Tandy Assembly arrives just a few weeks later in a new venue in the Cincinnati area. New location, new venue, but familiar faces (and computers).

I know I’m not the only one who’s enjoying the warmer days (and not because I am holding my hands over the CoCo inefficient power supply), but don’t completely neglect your CoCo. There’s 11 months until the next CoCoFEST! and thre’s no better time to start thinking about a presentation or exhibit for 2027 🙂

This month’s meeting should be low key. As always, comments and constructive concerns about the 2026 show are welcome. Tony, Grant, and I will hopefully be able to share some financial details about the show. But, yes, Virginia, there will be a 2027 show. Grant informs me we’ll be back at our home-away-from-home in Wheaton in mid-May next year.

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).

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

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

2 Weeks ’til the FEST!

I can’t wait to step foot in the hotel in a few weeks and see everyone again for 2026! While I’m thankful we have technology to keep us virtually connected throughout the year, there’s nothing better than seeing everyone face to face. I look forward to the setup on Thursday, the No Minimum Bid Auction (and Jason Timmons as auctioneer), the musical jam sessions in the evening, and the late night talks with all of you. Whether you’re an attendee, an exhibitor, or a presenter, thanks in advance for making the trek to IL for the show.

During our April meeting, we’ll discuss last minute prep for the show and any other show-related topics of interest.

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).

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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, Henry Strickland, L Curtis Boyle and Ken Waters.

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!!!!!

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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