So, folks have been asking me about our  Region 10 blog. I admit I have neglected the blog this spring. With too much to juggle, something had to give and this was it…but SPJ life is returning to normal, and I am committed to keeping this blog up to date. Want to help? Send me your chapter news, events and updates so we can learn from each other and share ideas!

Here’s a brief recap of our spring so far:

- February-March:  Approximately 2,500 contest entries were submitted to the 2009 Pacific NW Excellence in Journalism Contest, and passed on to out-of-state judges at SPJ chapters around the country.

- March 1:  Regional Director reports on individual chapters were due.

- April 10:  The Western Washington Pro Chapter hosted the spring SPJ conference in Seattle. With about 150 in attendance, the conference drew about 50% students and 50% pros, a big change from the 25%/75% split usually seen. National SPJ president-elect Hagit Limor from Cincinnati attended the conference which focused on providing skills-based training. The conference also included an awards ceremony to honor student MOE winners. Regional winners will go onto compete at the national level.

- April 17:  As regional director, I attended the national SPJ board meeting in Indianapolis where I learned about SPJ’s proposed budget for the 2010-2011 year; HQ’s plans to launch its new and improved, user-friendly website complete with video training; that the joint SPJ-RTDNA 2011 conference will be held in New Orleans; and more.

- April 20:  Added a Facebook group for Region 10. Join us here.

- April 27:  The last week of April chapter presidents were given the names of contest winners to begin making announcements. The Oregon/SW Washington and Western Washington Pro chapters host a formal banquet, while the William O. Douglas chapter will honor its winners with a less formal BBQ.

What’s new in your chapter? Send your news to me via email or post comments here.