Can you believe the
holidays are almost upon us? It is unbelievable to me, but because it
is true I am happy to announce that MCRA will be holding its Annual
Holiday Party this year on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the gorgeous
clubhouse at the Lodge at Foxborough, 400 Foxborough Boulevard,
Foxborough, MA. You can sign up here right now - click here. It is only $25 per person if you do so before December 1, 2011 ($40 pp after that date). There is a Courtyard Marriottin
walking distance in case anyone wants to spend the night. This venue
was chosen because it is easily accessible from all points, it is
beautiful, and there is free parking. Frankly, it is perfect! I am
positive everyone will have a great time if you would only make it a
point to come. In fact, why not bring a guest?
As an added perk, we
are also offering you the opportunity to order gift cards to over 130
businesses from the comfort of your own home while at the same time
making some money for the association. Take a peek at the list of
available merchants here.
By way of example, if you look under the heading "Dining - Casual,"
Restaurants.com offers 50% reimbursement. That means that for every $50
card that is purchased for that entity through us, MCRA will get a $25
kickback! Not all stores are as generous as that, but I wanted to show
you the impact this has the potential to have. Should every member
order as few as three cards, we will be able to bring in approximately
$1,500! If you come to the party, we will deliver your cards to you at
that time. If for some reason you cannot join us for the festivities,
we will make arrangements to get them to you otherwise. These are great
gifts for teachers, employees, and neighbors. I hope you take advantage
of this effortless way to do your holiday shopping. Drives like this
are what help us keep costs down. It's a win-win for everyone!
However, in order to get them to you on time, the deadline for ordering
will be December 1 as well.
On another note, I
realize that work has been slow, and yes, the economy is bad, but I
strongly feel that there will always be a need for good reporters. A
new year is right around the corner. Make this year the year that you
become the best reporter you can be. If you have not tried realtime or
have been trying to pass a certain test for some time, make the
resolution to do it in 2012. As Henry Ford once said: Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right. Believe in yourself, and you will prevail.
In that respect, I
would just like to remind everyone that court reporting is a unique
skill attained by very few who attempt it. Please remember that we are
as important to the judicial system as judges and attorneys. All the
depositions on the books amount to nothing without someone with your
hard-earned ability to cover them. Realize your worth and know that you
are entitled to and deserve a fair page rate. Forgetting this impacts
not only yourself but every other reporter in the Commonwealth. If you
have any doubt about this, feel free to contact me at any time at
lamoreira@comcast.net. I am always listening.
With all this said, be well, and I look forward to seeing you at the party. Sign up today!