Hello again, Everyone!

I have just returned from Chicago.  The national convention was a blast, as always, and very informative.  Despite what I personally felt were some surprising election results, I took away many new ideas that we can hopefully implement here in Massachusetts in the near future.  Please stay tuned to our website for details. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that MCRA is now on Facebook and Twitter!  For Facebook, just search for Massachusetts Court Reporters Association or MCRAonline; and for Twitter you can Tweet us at @mcraonline.  Go there now -- well, after you finish reading this -- and become a friend or follower.

Starting this week, we are going to be having a Monthly Social where hopefully many of you will come and join your fellow court reporters.  It will be a terrific way to let off some steam about your day, share a funny story about something that happened or simply to enjoy each other's company and get to know your colleagues.  We all know that no one is better-suited to understand the hectic day of a court reporter than another reporter.  Please stop by the Hillstone Restaurant (formerly known as Houston's) located directly beneath 60 State Street in Faneuil Hall this Thursday, August 12th.  I most definitely will be there starting at 5:00 p.m., and it should come as no surprise to you that I will have a cocktail in hand.  Three hours of free parking will be available in the 60 State Street building, which you can access by driving down State Street and taking a right onto Merchant's Row.  The garage entrance is on the left.  After three hours the rate will be a flat $5.  That is quite a bargain so I hope to see you there.  This is merely a gathering of professionals where everyone will be responsible for their own consumption.  There is no need to RSVP, but why not Tweet us just for the fun of it.  You can also find our invitation on our Facebook page under "Events." 

Coming soon, our oh-so-fabulous and irreplaceable Secretary, Virginia Dodge, will be alerting everyone to a unique promotional offer for the upcoming holiday season.  I realize that in the midst of this heat no one has Christmas on their mind, but she has been able to finagle a wonderful deal with the Boston Ballet to get half-price tickets to The Nutcracker for a select day in December.  These are hot tickets and sell out every year.  A member in good standing will be able to purchase them from us at the discounted rate of $51 each.  We will also, of course, be having a Holiday Party, and the only thing I want to say about that right now is that you vow to come and not make me look bad in the eyes of my Board.  Since I love a good party, there will be much more on this later.

And last, but definitely not least, our own Alan Brock left the Windy City this weekend quite a bit heavier than when he arrived by bringing home multiple medals in the real-time competition, as well as placing third in the speed competition.  Believe me when I tell you that those speeds will make your heart stop, so this is quite a feat and it deserves recognition.  Congratulations, Alan!! 

I really hope to see you on Thursday at the Hillstone for the trial-run of our Monthly Socials.  Come share your thoughts and ideas with me because I am always listening.

Sincerely,

Lisa A. Moreira, RDR, CRR

President, MCRA