March 2022 - Glenside Color Computer Club

59 Days till The 30th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST!

Posted on March 16, 2022 | by Grant Leighty

We are now less than 60 days away from the 30th Anniversary of the “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST. I wanted to provide an update as we are still preparing for this year’s show. I will be at the Glenside meeting this Thursday, March 17th to answer any questions that you may have.

Tables have been in high demand this year. If you are thinking about getting a table to show off your latest project, and/or sell your items for the show, do not wait much longer. As of this post we only have 15 tables available. If you are interested in reserving a table, you can do that at TandyList.com.
We have also had a great turnout for presentations this year. We plan on having seven presentations on the latest projects, new hardware, and software. We will not be accepting any additional speakers for this year.
We will be hosting the traditional Saturday night dinner. I have requested for the latest menu from the hotel, and we will have an informal poll to provide feedback on our buffet serving options.
I am happy to report that things are returning to normal. As of this post there will NOT be any mask and vaccine mandates.
To both help speed up entrance at the show and to cut down on people standing in lines, we’re encouraging attendees to pre-register. Remember, this year’s show is free to attend.
To both cut down on paper currency handling at the show, we’re encouraging attendees to use electronic and/or credit card payment options. This also include the day of the show and the auction.
There are still hotel rooms left to reserve, but you have until April 29^th to make your reservations at the discounted room rate of $99 a night. You will need to use the group code of COF.

We would love to have you attend the show this year, and remember it is FREE to attend. Please pre-register at TandyList.com for a table, the dinner, and to attend the show. For additional information click here.

CoCoFEST! Badge Artwork

Posted on March 15, 2022 | by Jim Brain

Member Salvador Garcia offers us some options for the 2022 30th Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! Any preferences?

Tandy Color Computer “rainbow” background

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday March 17, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on March 14, 2022 | by John Mark Mobley

The countdown to the 30th Annual “Last” CoCoFEST! has dipped below 60 days, so if you’re still making plans, don’t wait too much longer. As always, we’d love to have you attend (free this year!), exhibit, and/or sell at the show. For all your CoCoFEST! Information needs, see here: https://www.glensideccc.com/cocofest/. During the business meeting, CoCoFEST coordinator Grant Leighty will update us on remaining tables and other preparations.

For some time, we’ve known we need to create and manage a yearly club budget, mainly to ensure everyone knows where funds come from and where they are used. This month, Treasurer Eric Canales will walk us through a first budget pass and open for comments. He’ll also share details on special reduced pricing for things like productivity software and video conferencing available now that we are officially recognized as a non-profit group.

We will open the call early at 6:30PM as in previous months for some time to catch up and say hello to new faces.

Meeting Agenda (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k3K_t-wQq9dI34DoYc5iE5va1ifwKnIm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101249560154994960936&rtpof=true&sd=true)

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

For those unable to join us on BlueJeans 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).

Non Profit 501(c)(3) Status Official!

Posted on March 7, 2022 | by Jim Brain

While the Glenside Color Computer Club has always operated as a not-for-profit group, our constitution and by-laws state that we will be a federally recognized non-profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) guidelines. Though the club was organized long ago, it had never filed the paperwork to officially be so recognized.

Before everyone gets concerned, this will not significantly affect club operations. Namely:

The club is prohibited from campaigning for political parties or candidates. I don’t think we’ve ever done so.
We have already been filing the postcard-sized 990-N federal tax return required by non-profit organizations receiving less that $50K gross annual receipts. We will simply continue to do so.
The club must keep financial records. We do this but were already working to mature our record keeping. The status creates another incentive to do so and report to the membership yearly financials.

This does, however, mean that fair market value of club donations can be deducted from the donor’s personal taxes. I don’t think folks were previously withholding donations from the club, but this provides just a bit more incentive. For donations over $250.00 (which could be common, given the current value of Color Computer items), a receipt must be provided to claim a deduction.

Many thanks goes to Rich Bair, our long time secretary, for pushing for this status and performing the early leg work involved. Thanks also to Brian Goers, current secretary, for arranging legal help on this matter.

For the record, the tax exempt status went into effect as of March 31, 2021, so it appears we can create receipts for many 2021 donations if folks want to claim on their 2021 taxes. Also, for what it is worth, 501(c)(3) organizations are classified as either public charities or foundations, and the IRS has classified us as a public charity.

Share

Copy short link