IN WITH THE NEW

NCTA members at the annual brunch in Berkeley

The annual NCTA New Year’s Brunch, held at Skate’s on the Bay on January 23 was, as always, a great success. BY NINA BOGDAN

A group of 37 translators and interpreters gathered to talk shop and socialize at the waterfront restaurant in Berkeley. Even the weather was cooperating. After weeks of rain, it was a wonderful sunny Sunday and the San Francisco city skyline was showcased in the huge picture windows of the restaurant.

This was the last NCTA social event prior to the February General Meeting, when board election results will be announced. There will be a new contingent on the NCTA board this year including a new President and Vice President. Luckily, the transfer of power at NCTA is always peaceful. This year, outgoing and incoming board members met to usher in both the New Year and a new era in NCTA.

As always, the group consisted of a nice mix of long-time and newer members, making for interesting and enlightening conversation, including thoughts on the translator and his or her “identity” – and what that means for those who live and work in a place that is not their “native” country. People shared recollections and reminiscences about the “old days,” how it all began for some, and how it is all beginning for others.

As usual, NCTA provided tea, coffee and dessert.  The brunch concluded with the traditional walk on the nearby pier and a group photo. This event is a great low-key way to meet your fellow NCTA members and re-connect with old acquaintances. If you missed it, mark it on your calendar for next year – it’s always mid-month or so on a Sunday in January and well-worth the effort. NB