Finally, the weather seems to have turned to spring! I hope you are enjoying the longer daylight hours and milder temperatures.

We have a few pieces of spring news. First, I am very happy to announce that Liz Miller has received the Distinguished Chapter Service Award from STC: “For your dedication, and your many contributions to the chapter, including hospitality manager, secretary, membership manager, and president.” Well-deserved! Congratulations, Liz! Continue reading →

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America (Courtesy of Goodreads)

With winter comes reflection, TC Camp and Chapter elections!

Chapter Elections. If you are an EBSTC Chapter member in good standing, even if you have yet to register for 2018, you should have received a ballot to vote for chapter officers. If you have not received a ballot, please request one from Richard Mateosian (xrmxrm@gmail.com). Please return your ballot to Richard by December 31! Continue reading →

We may have been taking a break from dinner meetings, but we were still busy this summer! We participated in a NorCal President’s meeting, launched the 2017 Touchstone competition, and our website is now hosted on the STC server!

The July 2017 NorCal President’s meeting was the brainchild of Berkeley Chapter President Nicki Davis. Remembering the spirit of cooperation from years ago, when we were all part of STC’s  “Region 8,” Nicki suggested the NorCal chapter leaders get together periodically to discuss issues that affect all chapters. At the July meeting, we discussed the future of the Touchstone competition, how to attract more people to meetings, and ideas for more shared events, such as the recent tour of the Bay Model. Continue reading →

Nicki Davis suggested this Presidents’ meeting because she believes all the Northern California chapters can benefit from reigniting the regional cooperation that has been largely missing since Region 8 was disbanded over 10 years ago*.

We are also facing a decision regarding the Touchstone competition because Richard Mateosian and Patrick Lufkin would like to retire. They agreed to chair the competition again, with help.

The following is a summary of the major topics discussed at the meeting. Continue reading →

I’m excited to announce our Q1 Devil Mountain Views, published on March 20. Meanwhile, here’s a quick summary of what’s been going on at our dinner programs.

Our February and March programs were entertaining and practical! In February, we heard Jane Wilson speak about Creating User Documentation in an Agile World and, in March, Bruce Poropot talked about Minimalist Writing for Maximum Communication. Continue reading →