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THE VOLUNTEERTHE VOLUNTEERREPORTERREPORTER

Tennessee Court Reporters Association109 Walton AvenueSmyrna, TN 37167www.TNCRA.com

[email protected]

Dyer County Courthouse, Dyersburg, TN

April 2007

In This Issue

Advertisers Index

The President’s Corner. . . . . . . . . . . 1

Convention Announcement . . . . . . . . 3

Convention Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Convention Registration Form. . . . . . . 6

Fund-Raising Committee . . . . . . . . . 7

Mentoring Committee . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mentor Sign-Up Form . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Student’s Sign-up Form. . . . . . . . . . 10

Scholarship Update . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Membership Committee . . . . . . . . . 12

Membership Renewal Announcement . . 13

Membership Application . . . . . . . . . 14

NCRA News Flash . . . . . . . . . . 15-16

Ask Mr. Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18

Boxers or Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CCR Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

CEU Request and Approval Form . . . . 21

Tennessee Career College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Way with Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11RPM Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Waddell & Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13The Steno Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Published By:TCRA Newsletter Committee

109 Walton AvenueSmyrna, TN 37167

Newsletter Dates:

The Volunteer Reporter is a publication produced quarter ly for members of TCRA and otherinterested part ies, and is dedicated to theimprovement of our profession, and to provide al i n k b e t w e e n T C R A a n d i t s m e m b e r s .

Letters for the newsletter are welcomed and will be printed according to space availabi l i ty. Thenewsletter committee reserves the right to edit le t te rs accord ing to space and format t ing requirements or as ethics require, so long as theoriginal meaning remains intact. Additionally,research articles may be written to earn TCRACEU credits. Author must submit online and receive approval of such in order to earn CEUs.Contact the newsletter committee for details.

Submission and advertising deadline is 15 days before publication date. Material received less than 15 days after deadline will be held for next issue.

Statement of fact, opinion, and all advertisements are made on the responsibility of the author and donot imply endorsement on the part of TCRA or itsofficers. Reprint rights are granted to all NCRA - affiliated publications, with appropriate attribution.

The Volunteer Reporter publication schedule is asFollows:

(Camera ready)

Full page $100* Half page $60* Quarter page $40* Classified $20 ( 70 words max) *10% discount on quarter-page ads or larger for TCRA members only. *10% discount to vendors who run an ad in four issues and pay for the ad in advance.

Spring 4/30/07Summer 8/30/07

Fall 11/30/07Winter 2/15/08

Advertising Rates

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Wow! I can't believe the 9-½ months of my being president of TCRA is almost up (again). What a great year it has been, though. It's had its challenges with balancing work, schedule, managing Elite Reporting, and my duties with TCRA. This board has done a great job, however, meeting those challenges and getting TCRA back on track and accomplishing the good work for this association that needed to be done. I first want to say what an AMAZING group of people I've had the opportunity to work with over this past almost year working on this board. Most of them were elected with a bit of apprehension and trepidation, not sure what they were getting into. I'm proud to say we did not lose one board member this year. Everyone who was elected has seen it through to the end and has done a great service to this association. Many are staying and continuing the good work that lay ahead; some are stepping aside to let others move onto the board to bring new talents, opinions, and ideas to TCRA. They all have my thanks and I'm sure yours as well for the service they've performed. I think the thing I've been the most impressed with about this group of people who have served on the TCRA board this year is how well they've worked together, listened to each other's opinions and ideas, and truly kept the focus not on themselves but on what's in the best interest of TCRA. That's true service to others. Serving on a board like TCRA's can be fun also, if you come with an attitude to make it that way. We've worked hard, but we've enjoyed each other's company and camaraderie as well. I feel as though I've made some new friends and done some great networking with other reporters from around the state. That's another one of the great opportunities that is afforded you when you serve on the board or on a committee, the chance to network and meet other reporters and help to expand your experience and knowledge of reporting. Service is something that's needed from all of us. You have to give back and serve others at some point to truly feel worthy of all the benefits and blessings that are bestowed upon you through this great profession of ours. If you haven't considered serving, please take a moment to consider the possibility and realize all that you have to bring to the table -- your ideas, talents, and great actions. We have several positions open to be voted on at the business meeting in June. They are as follows:

President-ElectVice-President (Sarah Linder nominated)Secretary (Donna McWhorter nominated)Treasurer(1) Directors position from East(1) Directors position from West(1) Directors position from the Middle *Donna's been nominated to move up

Don't be in the position of thinking, "Oh, they don't need or want me." Everyone has talents to bring to the table and share. Don't be stingy with yours -- share them with us and make TCRA that much better. I look forward to seeing TCRA continue to grow due to the efforts of a lot of dedicated, hard-working people. It's been my pleasure to serve TCRA again, and thus serve all of you. Thank you for the opportunity.

WOW! SERVICE CAN BE FUN(If you let it be fun!)

Max Curry, B.C.R., RPR, CRI, CCRTCRA President 2006-2007

The Volunteer Reporter Page 1

We would like to thank Beth Frazier, Kasie Hardy and Linda Hershey for the highly successful and very informative CART seminar they presented Saturday, March 17, 2007, in Brentwood, TN.

If you missed out on this seminar, be sure to attend the Annual Convention and experience a Virtual CART Tennessee History Class as a CART reporter “performs live”. Discussion of CART

preparation, tips, tricks, and what to do with the text after completion of the class will be covered.

~ SPECIAL THANKS ~

~ SPECIAL THANKS ~

Welcome New MembersJacquie Gutierrez, Spring Hill, Professional

Saprena Smith Curry, Hernando, MS, Professional

Beverly Jones, Nashville, Professional, Endorser: Laurie Creech

Sherry Freeman, McDonald TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Paula Berard, Chattanooga TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Dana Webb, MemphisTN, Professional, Endorser: Kathy May

April Hixson, Sale Creek TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Jennifer Brown, Chattanooga TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Beverly Neal, Chattanooga TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Melanie "Katie" Noe, Chattanooga TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Allison L. Gossett, Loudon TN, Student, Endorser: Laqueta Soule

Tracy Lee Anderson, Chattanooga TN, Professional, Endorser: Diane Angel

Welcome New Members

CONGRATULATIONS!Brittany Temples recently graduated from Tennessee Career College.


“A Renewed Path to Excellence”2007 TCRA ANNUAL CONVENTION

June 1-3, 2007Embassy Suites Hotel, 820 Crescent Centre Drive, Franklin, TN 37067

Register now for the 2007 TCRA Annual Convention, "A Renewed Path to Excellence." The beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel in Cool Springs/Franklin will again be our host hotel. With easy access off Interstate 65, just south of

Nashville, and the nearby Cool Springs Galleria Mall offering fabulous shopping and stellar restaurant choices. Some of the vendors who have committed to attend are Stenograph, Eclipse, ProCat, RPM, and Arbonne.

YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS TO ATTEND THIS CONVENTION!

Make hotel reservations early! May 9, 2007 is the cutoff date for the TCRA block of rooms being held at the special rate of $129/night (plus tax) for single/double occupancy. Contact the hotel direct at 615-515-5151 and be sure to request the TCRA convention rate.**************************************************************************************************************************************

ARE YOU WONDERING WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED AT THIS YEAR'S CONVENTION? WELL . . .Building the Bridge Between Student and Professional Reporter Students, new professionals, and veteran reporters alike will gain insight on being assertive without being aggressive, when/how to ask vital questions, and tips on useful resources for proofreading/time management/stress reducers/reading and signing.

Let's Talk Ethics - Join in this interactive panel discussion and receive the knowledge and confidence to handle and react to workplace situations in the most ethical manner. Audience members are urged to share reporting situations for feedback from the panel members experienced in court reporting education and official and freelance reporting.

Experience a Virtual CART Tennessee History Class A CART reporter will “perform live” while Dr. Derek Frisby, MTSU professor, leads us through a college-level Tennessee history class on the topic of “Tennessee The Land and Its People: A discussion of how geography has shaped Tennessee's history.” Discussion of CART preparation, realtime strokes, tips, tricks, and what to do with the text after the completion of the class will be covered.

Teenagers and the Law - David Raybin, Nashville attorney, has for years represented many teens who have broken the law. An overview of situations regarding the law that teenagers can fall into will be given, and suggestions on how to avoid these situations will be made.

Methamphetamine 101 See the “meth” picture in the Tennessee area through the eyes of a TBI Special Agent with 28 years' experience in drug enforcement and through actual photos of its effects.

An Excellent Path to Retirement: Anticipating a Rest Stop on the Highway of Life Patrick Stites currently works with court reporters in the financial management area. Let him help! After all, who wants to spend all day reporting and then go home to try to figure out if they are saving enough for retirement?!!

Realtime Solutions! - Strap yourself in for this fast-paced seminar and be ready to reach warp speed while being piloted through a galaxy of exciting solutions to the most common writing problems reporters face.

Get Ready for StenoStreams! - Put your thinking cap on for this one. Kick your writing into hyperdrive with stenostreaming streams of steno briefs with commonality and consistency. Input from attendees is requested through the sharing of “power phrases.”

Identity Theft What's It All About? A TBI Special Agent will describe current and past issues on identity theft, as well as give a brief overview of an actual identity theft investigation and prosecution.

Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Interpreted Proceedings Our presenter is a certified doctorate-level Spanish interpreter familiar with the legal setting. You might be surprised by the similar challenges of the court reporting and interpreting/translating professions!

Make a Plan; Build a Kit Preparedness for Disaster Just back from relief efforts for the recent tornado victims in Georgia and Alabama, this American Red Cross Disaster Nurse is so much more Professional Rescuer, Trainer, CPR Instructor, Pet First Aid Instructor, Community Disaster Educator, and Disaster Animal Rescue Team member. Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. Learn how to cope by being prepared.

AND enjoy a taste of Comedy Mystery on Saturday evening, June 2, beginning at 6:45 p.m., by joining the group at Miss Marple's Dinner Theatre on Second Avenue in downtown Nashville. The menu includes great family-style entertainment, along with a superb gourmet dinner served to you as the comedy mystery unfolds. Check out

for more details . . . it will definitely be a night to remember! www.missmarples.com


TENTATIVE AGENDA

“A Renewed Path to Excellence”TENNESSEE COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION

June 1-3, 2007Embassy Suites Hotel, Cool Springs/Franklin, Tennessee

Friday, June 1, 200712:00 1:00 - Registration/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 1:00 1:15 - Welcome to Convention/Opening Announcements 1:15 2:15 - “Realtime Solutions!” (.1 CEU) Jana B. Colter, RMR, CRR 2:15 2:30 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 2:30 3:30 - “Methamphetamine 101” (.1 CEU) TBI Special Agent Joe T. Copeland 3:30 3:45 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 3:45 4:45 - “Identity Theft What's It All About?” (.1 CEU) TBI Agent Jason Locke 4:45 5:30 - Door Prizes/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction **Cocktail Mixer/Cash Bar**Total CEUs for Friday seminars NCRA - .3 TCRA - .3 Saturday, June 2, 2007 8:00 8:30 - Registration/Continental Breakfast/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 8:30 9:30 - “Building the Bridge Between Student and Professional Reporter” (.1 CEU) Janice K. Bounds, CRI, CPE 9:30 9:45 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 9:45 10:45 - “Teenagers and the Law” (.1 CEU) David L. Raybin, Attorney at Law10:45 11:00 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction11:00 12:00 - “Get Ready for StenoStreams!” (.1 CEU) Jana B. Colter, RMR, CRR12:00 12:45 - Lunch served in Embassy Suites Hotel Atrium 1:00 2:00 - NCRA Rep Update; Presentation of TCRA Student Scholarship; TCRA Business Meeting;

Induction of Officers (.1 TCRA CEUs) 2:00 2:15 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction 2:15 3:15 - “Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Interpreted Proceedings” (.1 CEU) - Dr. Marvyn Bacigalupo-Tipps 3:15 3:30 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo and Silent Auction ** 3:25** - Silent Auction Closes 3:30 5:00 - “Experience a Virtual CART Tennessee History Class” (.15 CEU)

Dr. Derek Frisby, MTSU Professor, and Beth Frazier, RMR, CRR 5:00 6:00 - Door Prizes/Shop Vendor Expo/**Silent Auction Distribution**Total CEUs for Saturday seminars NCRA - .55 TCRA - .65 **6:45 - Dinner/Entertainment Optional - Miss Marple's Dinner Theatre - Prior Ticket Purchase Required**

Sunday, June 3, 2007 8:00 8:30 - Continental Breakfast/Shop Vendor Expo 8:30 9:30 - “Let's Talk Ethics” Panel Discussion (.1 CEU) - Janice K. Bounds, CRI, CPE; Cathy Leigh, RDR, CRR; Keith Lemons, RPR, CRR 9:30 9:45 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo 9:45 10:45 - “Make a Plan; Build a Kit - Preparedness for Disaster” (.1 CEU) - Nancy Meidinger, RN, BS, MS10:45 11:00 - Comfort Break/Shop Vendor Expo11:00 12:00 - “An Excellent Path to Retirement: Anticipating a Rest Stop on the Highway of Life” (.1 CEU) J. Patrick Stites12:00 12:15 - Door Prizes/Close of Convention. Turn in CEU punch cards/evaluation forms.12:30 2:00 - TCRA Board Meeting/LuncheonTotal CEUs for Sunday seminars NCRA - .3 TCRA - .3

TOTAL CONVENTION CEUs APPLIED FOR: NCRA 1.15/TCRA 1.25

As a courtesy to speakers and attendees, sessions will begin promptly at stated times. There will be no late entries permitted.We appreciate your attendance at the TCRA 2007 Annual Convention. Have a safe trip home!


SILENT AUCTION ITEMSNEEDED!!!

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:

WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS FOR THE SILENT AUCTIONAND DOOR PRIZES AT THIS YEAR’S CONVENTION.

THEME BASKETS, GIFT CERTIFICATES, BOOKS, ETC.,ALL WELCOME AND APPRECIATED!!!

HELP MAKE THIS YEAR’S CONVENTION A SUCCESSBY CONTRIBUTING TO THE EXCITEMENT WITH

CREATIVE DONATIONS!!!

AND BE PREPARED TO JOIN IN ON THE THRILLOF THE BIDDING WAR!

LOOK FOR THESE VENDORS AT THE CONVENTION:

-REPAIR SERVICE OFFERED AT CONVENTION-AFM Steno Repair will be doing minor repairs and adjustments at the

Annual Convention.If you need either of these please contact AFM at 800-331-5641 or

607-276-6754

Stenograph Eclipse ProCat

RPM Arbonne AFM Steno RepairThe Volunteer Reporter Page 5

REGISTRATION FORM 2007 TCRA ANNUAL CONVENTION

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL820 Crescent Centre Drive

Franklin, TennesseeJune 1-3, 2007

Name: ____________________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________Telephone: ____________________________________________________________________E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________

RPR: Yes ______ No ______ TN CCR: Yes ______ No _____ CSR: State ________

Contact Persons: Mail Registration To:Tammy Benefield Trish Smith TCRA-Convention (615) 594-9112 (615) 315-0873 109 Walton [email protected] [email protected] Smyrna, TN 37167

Registration Fees: TCRA Current Member $210Deadline postmark 5/11/07 Nonmember $275

Student (Includes membership) $75

Ø $25 fee will be charged for returned checks.Ø Registration fee includes beverage breaks and Saturday lunch.

____ Please check if vegetarian meal requested.Ø Saturday night Miss Marples available at extra charge.

Ø Prior to 5/11/07, $25 refund fee assessed.ØAfter 5/11/07, no refunds on registration.

ØMake reservations early! Cutoff date for TCRA rate is May 9, 2007.ØTCRA group rate for single or double occupancy is $129, includes complimentary cooked to order

breakfast and evening manager's reception.ØEmbassy Suites (615) 515-5151.

Payment: TCRA Member $210 $________________Nonmember $275 $________________Student $75 $________________Saturday Miss Marples ticket(s) ___ @$55 ea. $________________Late/On-site registration fee $25 $________________

Total Due $________________*Note: If renewing TCRA membership, please include separate payment and membership application.Payment Method: Make checks payable to TCRA or charge Visa or MasterCard. Credit Card:Amount to Charge: ________________________________Card Type: ________________________________Card Number: ________________________________Expiration Date: ________________________________Signature (Required): ________________________________

FOR TCRA use only: Postmark: ____________ Check # ____________ Date: _____________Check Amount: $__________ Charge Amount $__________

Late/On-site Registration $25 Late fee


Refunds:

Hotel:

FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE REPORT

Pam Billingsley and Donna McWhorter, Co-Chairpersons

On behalf of the entire Board, we would like to thank everyone who attended the different President's meetings held throughout the State, and also those who attended the CART seminar in March. All of these events were well attended by members, even some non-members. We believe the meetings were all very informative and educational. All of these events were profitable for the Association. The President's meetings were not only profitable financially, but hopefully they bolstered everyone's confidence in the state of their Association. I worked the registration desk for the CART seminar during the morning hours and I know that all who attended that seminar were very impressed with Beth Frazier, Kasie Hardy and Linda Hershey's presentations. If you didn't know much about CART before you got to the seminar, you certainly knew a lot by the time you completed it!

st nd rdOf course our convention, which is planned for June 1 , 2 and 3 , will be here before you know it. Please make plans to attend. Tammy Benefield and Trish Smith have worked extremely hard to put this together and make it a very informative, educational and an exciting experience. Please also plan to go to

ndMiss Marples Dinner Theater on Saturday, June 2 . If you've never been, well, you just don't know what you've been missing! And if you have been before, surely you won't want to miss out on it this year! I went for the first time during the convention I believe in 2003 or 2004, can't remember exactly which year, and have been back every year since. Absolutely too much fun! Also, if you have any items or ideas for items for the Silent Auction during the convention please don't hesitate to e-mail Donna McWhorter at her e-mail address listed below.

As always, if anyone has any good money-making ideas please don't hesitate to contact me, , or Donna McWhorter, Please don't forget our

merchandise which we have for sale! Again, we look forward to serving you and working with you in the coming months.

Cookbook $ 4.00 Jotter Pad $10.00 CD/DVD Holder $10.00Coaster $ 6.00Umbrella $15.00Portfolio $15.00Marker $ 3.00Flashlight Keychain $ 3.00Flashlight Keychains $ 3.00Hand Sanitizer $ 3.00Tote Bag $12.00 Short-Sleeve T-shirt $10.00 (Available in red w/logo)Long-Sleeve T-Shirt $20.00 (Available in red, also white, w/logo)Sweatshirts $36.00 (Available in navy, also sandstone, w/logo)Golf Shirt $15.00 (Available in white, w/logo)Stress Cars $3.00Screen Sweep $3.00

[email protected] [email protected]


Mentoring Committee ReportMary Muffler, Co-Chairperson

We are still looking for volunteers to mentor new reporters and students.

Let me introduce Paula Berard. Paula is a current court reporting student and a member of TCRA. She attends Chattanooga State, is currently at the speed level of 130, and is interested in captioning and CART. Upon asking Paula if she'd like to share some thoughts about having a mentor, she offered the following comments: “Studying realtime to get ready to become a CART provider is kind of lonely. Our teachers want to answer questions about how to spell words or how to set up files, but they can't necessarily tell us what it's like in a classroom, or working with an interpreter, or going to a doctor's appointment with a client. That's what I would hope to get from a mentor, as well as hints about how to build enough speed to pass these tests.”

If you would like to mentor Paula or any of our other student members who sign up for this program, please fill out and submit one of the enclosed mentoring sign-up forms today.


BECOME A MENTOR TODAY!

TCRA is recruiting members for a mentoring program for our students and beginning reporters. Court reporting students hold the key to the future, so let's encourage them in school and as they begin their careers. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out the form below and mail to Mentoring Committee, TCRA, 109 Walton Avenue, Smyrna, TN 37167.

Name:__________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

City: ________________________State:______________Zip:____________

Office Phone:______________________Fax:__________________________

Home Phone:______________________

Email:___________________________

County of Residence:______________________________________________

County of Practice:________________________________________________

Certification(s) - (check all that apply):RPR______RMR______RDR_____CRR______CCR_______Other________

Your Practice:

Freelance_____Captioner______State Official_______Federal Official______

Length of Time Reporting:___________________

Method of Reporting:_______________________


STUDENT SIGN UPFOR MENTORING PROGRAM

Court reporting students hold the key to the future and TCRA wants to support its student members as you go through school and begin your careers. If you are interested in having a mentor, please fill out the form below and mail to:

Mentoring Committee, TCRA, 109 Walton Avenue, Smyrna, TN 37167

Name:________________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________

City:__________________________State:_____________Zip:___________

Home Phone:___________________________________________________

Email:________________________________________________________

Court Reporting School:____________________________________________

Speed Level:____________________________________________________

Mark the area(s) of practice you are interested in:

Freelance_____Captioner_____State Official_____Federal Official______


TCRA Annual Scholarship Updateby Sarah N. Linder

I am very pleased to report that TCRA has received numerous entries for the annual scholarship to be awarded at this years convention, “A Renewed Path to Excellence” to be held on June 1 - 3, 2007. We will be announcing the winner of the annual scholarship during the convention.

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and staff of the respective schools for all their hard work getting the scholarship entries in on time. We are excited to see who will be awarded the 2007 TCRA Annual Scholarship.

Scholarship DonationMaxine Cleeton contributed $100 to the TCRA Scholarship Fund,

in honor of John Hamlin.

Thank you Maxine!


MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORTDonna McWhorter - Chairperson

With the convention fast approaching, it's a great time for members to step up and support the association in a fun and exciting way. As most of you already know, one of the biggest thrills of the convention is bidding on that hot item at the silent auction, then keeping watch on it throughout the convention, until that last 15 minutes before the close of the auction when the bidding comes fast and furious, and then anxiously awaiting the announcement of the highest bidder. Is there any member out there who has attended the convention and hasn't bid on at least one item at the silent auction?

This is where TCRA is asking for your help, as all of that excitement would not be possible without the generous donations we receive from vendors and businesses, as well as TCRA members. And while everyone appreciates and enjoys bidding on reporting-related items, some of the most highly sought-after items have come from members in the form of theme baskets, beach bags, vases, and everything in between. As we are also in need of door prizes, gift certificates and other smaller items would be greatly appreciated, as well.

The silent auction is a fundraiser for TCRA, and all proceeds go to further the cause of the association on behalf of its members. So please help us make this years' auction a great success by contacting Donna McWhorter at 615-356-5723 or by e-mail at and pledging your support. You may bring these items with you to the convention if you plan to attend or contact me to make other arrangements. Be creative and have fun, and don't be surprised if you find yourself bidding on your own donation!

[email protected]


MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The time is upon us for membership and CCR renewals. If you hold a CCR certificate, please be sure to renew by June 1st to keep your CCR status from lapsing. It is important that your membership application be filled out in its entirety so that we can make sure TCRA's database is accurate and up-to-date with your most current information.

If you plan on paying for the convention and renewing your membership at the same time, TCRA is requiring that you pay for each one with a separate check. It makes it easier for bookkeeping purposes if they are paid for separately.

We look forward to each of you renewing your membership for the upcoming year, and we encourage you to endorse new members and help TCRA to grow so that we may strengthen our profession in the state of Tennessee.


q New Member q Renewal q $75 Professional Only q $95 Professional and CCR q $35 Associate q $25 Student q $50 First-Year Member School_______________

The TCRA estimates 10% of the dues payment is nondeductible as a business expense due to TCRA's lobbying activities on behalf of its members.

Name:________________________________________ Certification(s): Check all that apply.

Address:______________________________________ RPR q RMR q RDR q _____________________________________________ CRR q CBC q CCP CCR _____________________________________________ CCR State:_______________________City:___________________State:______ Zip:_______ Other Classifications: ______________Office Phone:________________ FAX:_____________ Your Practice:Home Phone:________________ Freelance q Captioner q CART q E-mail:_______________________________________ State Official q Judicial District_____List under _____________________ city in membership Federal Official qdirectory.

Length of Time Reporting:____________For TCRA use only: CCR #:_____________ Method of Reporting:Postmark:____________Check #___________Date:___________ Machine Writer q Penwriter q Check Amount: $____________Charge Amount: $_____________ Other (specify):______________________Renewal Date: From_____to _____ Date CC Processed:________ CAT System:________________________

I am willing to serve on committees: ____________________________________________________I am willing to do pro bono in the following counties:________________________________________

Check here if you do not want your business information provided to professional directories: TCRA would like to communicate with you by E-mail. If you do not wish to receive E-mail from TCRA, check here: q

Associate Members Only: I am: Reporting Teacher q School: _________________________________________________ Scopist q Vendor q Specify: _________________________________________________ CLVS q Specify: _________________________________________________

ENDORSEMENT (Required for new members only) by an active member in good standing: New student members need to be endorsed by an instructor who is a TCRA associate member or by a TCRA professional member.

Endorsing TCRA Member (Print):_____________________________________ (Signature):_____________________________________ Date:_______________________

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing data is true and correct, and I understand that any false or misleading statement shall be grounds for automatic expulsion from the Association. (Incomplete applications will be returned to you.)

Signature:________________________________________________________ Date:_______________________

Make checks payable to TCRA or charge Visa or MasterCard. Mail completed form to:Credit Card: Tennessee Court Reporters AssociationAmount to Charge: $_________________________ Attn: Membership ApplicationCard Type: _________________________________ 109 Walton AvenueCard Number:_______________________________ Smyrna, TN 37167Expiration Date: _____________________________ Signature (Required):_________________________ Membership application also available at www.TNCRA.com. Send questions to [email protected].

q

Membership ApplicationMembership year is June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008.


NEWSFLASH

March 28, 2007

House Version of Realtime Writer Training Bill Introduced

Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) on Monday introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to provide competitive grants to schools for training court reporters and captioners. H.R. 1687 has 30 cosponsors from both parties. A Senate version of the bill, S. 675, was introduced February 16 by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). Both bills call for $100 million in funding to be made available to schools over five years.

"We salute Rep. Kind for his dogged efforts on behalf of 30 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people," said Mark Golden, CAE, NCRA's Executive Director and CEO. "With leadership on the Republican side from Rep. Ralph Regula of Ohio, Congressman Kind has attracted strong bipartisan support for this legislation. He and Sen. Harkin are leading the way by holding Congress accountable to help fund ways to meet the access requirements it enacted a decade ago."

H.R. 1687 has been referred to the House Education and Labor Committee, and S. 675 is with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Dallas Airport 'Best in the Americas'

If you are flying into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to attend the NCRA-TCRA Annual Convention this August, be prepared to feel good. DFW is the reigning best airport in the Americas as determined by the Airports Council International. Best in the world, says ACI, is Incheon International Airport west of Seoul in South Korea. The awards recognize customer service efforts made by airports taking part in the ACI program and are based on responses to a survey of passengers conducted throughout the year.

Hearings Proceed on Health Care Insurance

NCRA continues to pursue opportunities to enact legislation that would make affordable health care insurance a reality for our members. The Association is active in the Small Business Health Plan Coalition, which brings together several organizations with memberships similar to NCRA's. We are monitoring the activities of the House Small Business Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, both of which have been holding hearings on various approaches to addressing the insurance issue. We will keep members informed as plans firm up and as opportunities appear for involving you in the process.


Member Logo Available Online

Members are eligible to use the NCRA Member logo in their advertising and on business stationery. Downloadable versions of the Member logo are on the NCRA Web site, along with instructions on proper use of the Member logo. If you have questions or problems accessing the logo, contact the Member Services and Information Center by e-mail or at 800-272-6272.

Intersteno Registration Deadline April 24

The deadline for registering for the Intersteno Congress in Prague this July is April 24. For information about Intersteno and this year's Congress, visit the Intersteno Web site. NCRA's Advisor to the President on International Reporting, Virgene Biggers, RPR, would be happy to answer e-mail questions about the Intersteno experience.

Nominations for Aurelio Award for Altruism Due

May 10, 2007

Here's your chance to honor someone special. The National Court Reporters Foundation is soliciting nominations for exceptional court reporters who have been reporting for at least 25 years, have given selflessly to the profession during that time, and are NCRA Registered or Participating members, current or retired.

2007 Slate of Nominees Announced

At its February 2007 meeting, the NCRA Nominating Committee unanimously agreed to submit the following slate of nominees for consideration of the membership at the 2007 NCRA Annual Convention:

President-Elect: Karen Yates, RPR, CRR, CBC, CCP, Minden, Nev.Vice President: SueLynn Morgan, RPR, Lawton, Okla.Secretary-Treasurer: R. Douglas Friend, RMR, CRR, Portland, Ore.Directors: (three-year terms)Shirley Hall, RDR, CRR, CBC, CRI, CPE, Pittsburgh, Pa.Judith Lehman, RMR, Shelbyville, Ill.Adam Miller, RPR, CRI, Middletown, Del.


Ask Mr. Modem! - April 2007

Q. I read somewhere that I can enlarge my scroll bars, but I can't remember how to do it. They're so skinny, I keep missing them with my mouse pointer. I'm using Windows XP, if that makes any difference.

A. It's easy to expand the size of your scroll bars, which makes them an easier target for your cursor. Right-click a blank area of your Windows Desktop, then click Properties > Appearance tab > Advanced button.

Using the drop-down list under "Item," select "Scrollbar," then increase the value to the right to increase the size of the Scroll Bars. Your changes will be reflected in the little preview area at the top of the window. When finished, click OK twice, and your changes will take effect.

Q. I have a new computer, but it doesn't have a floppy disk drive. How do I use a USB flash drive to transfer data from my old Windows 98 computer, which has a floppy drive, to my new computer? Thank you for being there, Mr. M. I look forward to your newsletter ( ) every Friday.

A. If your old computer has a USB port and uses Windows 98, 2nd Edition, you can go to the Web site of your USB flash drive and download Windows 98 drivers. You'll find instructions on the site. With the drivers installed, plug in the USB drive and it should automatically be detected and installed. Once the drive appears in "My Computer," you can then drag files to it just like you would with a floppy disk, but obviously it has a much greater capacity than a floppy.

If your old computer does not have a USB port, you can purchase a USB floppy drive to use with the new computer. This is simply an external floppy drive that attaches to your computer by a USB cable. External floppy drives are inexpensive and are available at most computer and office supply stores. As soon as you plug in the drive, Windows will recognize it and you'll be ready to go.

For easy data transfer between two computers that have USB ports, you can't beat the ease and convenience of The Tornado device at .

Q. Can you help me change the size of my mouse pointer? I've looked everywhere I can think of, but I can't seem to find how to do it.

A. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, click Start > Settings > Control Panel or Start > Control Panel. Double-click the Mouse icon, followed by the Pointers tab. In the Pointer Scheme section, click the drop-down list and select the scheme named Windows Standard Large, then Apply > OK.

www.MrModem.com

www.MrModem.com

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Mr. Modem's DME (Don't Miss 'Em) Sites of the Month - April 2007

Airline On-Time StatisticsWho among us hasn't had the experience of racing to the airport to catch a flight, only to get there and wait, and wait, and wait? If you're flying into or out of any airport in North America, you now have access to statistics that may help you resolve that problem. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides detailed information regarding airline punctuality, or lack thereof.

Polar InertiaA self-described journal of nomadic and popular culture. This unusual online magazine is updated bimonthly with visuals and articles that record the ever-changing landscape of modern urbanism. The January-February issue featured Soviet bus shelters, Hong Kong mansions, street graphics, India's reclaimed construction, and more. My only criticism is that the site's default font is bifocal hostile. If you experience the same problem, click View > Text Size (or your browser's equivalent wording) and increase the size of the display font.

Trivia LibraryJeopardy fans and other trivia buffs will want to bookmark this library of interesting and eclectic facts. Categories of random facts include History, Religion, Words, Love, Psychics, Film, Sports, and many other topics. Be sure to check out the Lists section which contains obscure lists, facts and figures such as the "Nine Breeds of Dog That Bite the Most," or "11 Missing People Who Disappeared."

Mr. Modem's weekly computer-help newsletter provides prompt, personal answers to your computer questions by email. Use Promotional Code 25810 and receive two additional free months (8 issues!) with your 12-month subscription. For more information, to view a sample issue or to subscribe, visit .

http://tinyurl.com/dlzlb

www.polarinertia.com

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www.MrModem.com


Don't Forget Tto Thank Our Advertisers

When calling one of our business advertisers or responding to a classified, make sure to mention The Volunteer Reporter and thank them for their support.

If you are interested in advertising, please contact Pam Billingsley at 615-673-2944or Marilyn Rea at 662-236-9093.

TCRA appreciates and thanksAll of our advertisers!

Conflict Rules

Let's talk a little about how to manage a conflict. There are several ways that I've eliminated conflicts from my writing.

The asterisk. I put the asterisk into the least-common word, to capitalize common words and to denote sound-alike endings. For example, every ~ale word, such as pale, ale, hale, tale will get the asterisk. Pail, ail, hail, tail will not.

If you don't have a finger free to use the asterisk, such as distinguishing from we have, we've and weave, you can use the asterisk tap. (Ignore this if you use wide keys) Hold down at least one key of the word you're writing and reach up and tap the asterisk after you've written the word. Thus we have: WAOEF we have; WAEF we've; and WAOE*F for weave.

Use generic prefix and suffix strokes. JOUT for out~, YOUT for ~out, so outlook would be JOUT/HRAOBG, and lookout would be HRAOBG/YOUT. JOEFR AND YOEFR work too. There are other combinations that you can use.

Long, short, no vowel and inverted vowels. WAOEBG week; WEBG, we can; WAEK weak. THER they are; THR there; THR* - there; THAER they're.

Use your software conflict databases. All of the CAT software (up to date, not PP or OZ or whatever other antiques are out there) use conflict databases. If you have them turned on, each time you select a conflict, it will remember. And pretty soon your conflicts are manageable.

Advice: Don't work on them all at the same time. Pick your battles. Tape the conflict on a postcard to your machine. When you have that ONE mastered, go to the next.

BOXERS BRIEFS

ORDON’T YOU JUST LOVE THIS REGULAR FEATURE IN THE VOLUNTEER REPORTER? YOU DO? THEN STRIP DOWN,

STENOSWAPPERS, BECAUSE WE WANT YOUR BRIEFS! SERIOUSLY, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO KEEP THIs ARTICLE ALIVE AND BREATHING. PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITES WITH THE REST OF US. SEND YOUR EMAILS TO:

[email protected].


TENNESSEE COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATIONApplication for Voluntary CCR Program

q I am a Notary Public in the State of Tennessee. (Copy of Notary certificate must accompany application.)

I am an RPR q, RMR q, RDR q, CRR q, State of ________ CSR q, and a copy of my certificate is attached.

q I am applying for certification by examination.

q I am a current NCRA member. NCRA Member ID# ____________________ q I am not currently a NCRA member.

q I am applying for certification by reciprocity.

q I have enclosed by check for:

q $30 Application Fee

q $20 Discounted Application Fee (TSRA CSR’s only)

Address for TCRA Correspondence:

Name: _________________________Address: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________Home Phone: _________________________Office Phone: _________________________CAT System: _________________________Fax: _________________________E-mail Address: _________________________

Credit Card Information:

Amount to Charge: _______________________Card Type: _______________________Card No: _______________________Name on Card _______________________Expiration Date: _______________________

______________________________________Signature (Required)

I have completely filled out this application, attached required documentation, and understand that an incomplete application will be returned to me. By signing this application, I agree to abide by the rules, policies, and procedures set forth in the TCRA Voluntary CCR Program, June 1998.

______________________________________________ _____________________________________________ (Print name exactly as you wish it to appear on certificate) (Signature of Applicant)

Date: ______________________________________________

Please make check payable to TCRA and forward to:

Tennessee Court Reporters AssociationATTN: CCR Application

109 Walton AvenueSmyrna, TN 37167


CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS REQUEST AND APPROVAL FORM

Complete the following information to apply for CEU credits for non TCRA-related and non NCRA-related seminars. Seminars/events sponsored by third parties that have been NCRA approved for CEU credit will be honored by TCRA as well. Participating in a career day is also honored by TCRA.

NOTE: Before attending a seminar or event that is not TCRA or NCRA related, approval must be obtained by the CCR Committee in order for CEU credit to be applied to your transcript. Fill out the request below for approval of the event you would like to attend.

CEU APPROVAL REQUEST

Name: _________________________________________________ CCR# ______________

E-mail Address: _________________________________ Phone Number: _____________

Seminar or Event Attending:

Seminar Sponsor: ______________________________________

Date of Event/Class: ________________ Location: City ______________ State ________

Event session or topic of seminar: ____________________________________

Length of Event/Class (hours): _____________ Total CEUs applied for: _________ (One hour equals .1 CEU)

Reporter Signature: _______________________________ Date of Request: ________

Approved By: ______________________________________ Date of Approval: ________

CEU INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO TRANSCRIPT

NAME: _________________________________________ CCR# _______________

E-mail Address: _________________________________ Phone Number: ______________

Seminar Attendance/Career Day Information:

Seminar Sponsor/School Visited: _______________________________________

Date of Event/Class: ________________ Location: City _______________ State _______

Event session or topic of seminar: ____________________________________

Length of Event/Class(hours): _________________ Total CEUs applied for: ________ (One hour equals .1 CEU)

Reporter Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________

Sponsor/Teacher Signature: _________________________ Date: ___________

Submit copy of certificate of completion and/or agenda from the event. Return form to TCRA, CCR Committee, 109 Walton Avenue, Smyrna, TN 37167.The Volunteer Reporter Page 21

TENNESSEE COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION2006 2007 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

President: Max Curry, BCR, RPR, CRI, CCR Office/Home: 615-595-00734208 Pete's Place Fax: 615-595-0823Franklin, TN 37064 Email: [email protected]

President-Elect: Keith R. Lemons, RPR, CRR, CCR Office: 615-244-3376309 Mosely Drive Home: 615-376-9962Brentwood, TN 37027 Fax: 615-244-0961

Email: [email protected]

Vice President: Tammy Benefield, RPR, CCR Office: 615-791-69832746 Owl Hollow Road Home: 615-594-9112Franklin, TN 37064 Fax: 615-794-9491


Secretary: Sarah Linder Office: 615-415-7764 437 Wellington Square Home: 615-232-8359 Nashville, TN 37214 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Charlotte Jaquet, CCR Office: 731-424-6528 P.O. Box 222 Home: 731-988-5801 Jackson, TN 38302 Fax: 731-988-5801


DIRECTORS

Western Division: Marilyn Rea, CSR, RPR, CCR Office: 662-236-9093 812 Park Drive Home: 662-607-1206 P.O. Box 2302 Fax: 801-469-4087Oxford, MS 38655 Email: [email protected]

Sheryl Weatherford Office: 901-523-89748080 Cape Charles Cove Home: 901-754-9636Germantown, TN 38138 Fax: 901-526-1244


Middle Division: Pam Billingsley Office/Home: 615-673-2944 4006 Sam's Creek Road Fax: 615-673-2903 Pegram, TN 37143 Email: [email protected]

Donna McWhorter Office: 615-356-57231500 Indian Springs Road Fax: 615-356-7629Pegram, TN 37143 Email: [email protected]

Eastern Division: Mary Muffler, CCR Office: 865-215-3387 3017 Gibbs Drive Home: 865-689-1779 Knoxville, TN 37918 Email: [email protected]

Donna Segars, CCR Office: 423-843-31146255 Dayton Blvd. Home: 423-842-4583Chattanooga, TN 37343-2710 Fax: 423-843-9621


The Volunteer ReporterA publication of:Tennessee Court Reporters Association109 Walton AvenueSmyrna, TN 37167

First Class Mail Please Forward

Special thanks to everyone at R&M Printing, Inc. for their assistance with the publication and printing of The Volunteer Reporter.

Please help keep our mailing list current.

Send any changes in your name, address, telephone numbers, fax, or e-mail to:

Tennessee Court Reporters Association109 Walton AvenueSmyrna, TN 37167

[email protected]

Please include any comments or suggestions regarding the newsletter or how weCan improve your association. We want to hear from you!

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