Minutes, December 12 2007 meeting
In attendance:
The meeting was opened at approximately 7:00 pm by Myron. Some introductory discussion surrounding handing over the president's records from the outgoing president to the president-elect covered past presidents dating back to Al Ventura, who founded the club in 1983, and past successes at planning meetings and star parties.
Tim Plunkett presented the Treasurer's report.
The solar telescope the club authorized at the November meeting has not yet been purchased. Mark Slade has chosen a vendor for a Coronado PST, and would like to make the purchase by the end of December in order to gain a rebate. He arranged with the treasurer to get a check for that purpose.
Myron informed the club that he authorized the charitable group Westmoreland Center of Hope to join as a group at the family rate. The center serves children.
At the November meeting we mentioned a request from Cub Scout Pack 846. They originally asked for an astronomy program in October. We had been unable to find members available on their meeting dates yet. The Pack proposed two dates in January. Myron and other members offered to help with an event on Friday January 18 6:30 at Spotswood Elementary School. Glenn will email details to the membership. Myron proposed a February rain date.
Edited December 15: After the club meeting, Pack 846 confirmed the January 18 date. They do not yet have a backup date.
Mike Masters reported the public outreach he set up for December 1 at the Collegiate School has been postponed. It may be rescheduled for April. A new date will be announced later.
Myron solicited Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation to sponsor a stargazing program. They have set star parties for the club to support:
In answer to a question, looked up the date of Astronomy Day. It will be May 10 2008. No club activity is planned yet for the event.
Myron reported that no events are set up yet for Borders Books for the coming year, though he would like to have some. Glenn commented that the librarian at Potomac Elementary School has also expressed an intention to set up sidewalk astronomy events at Borders. Myron discussed his past contacts with the managers at Borders for this purpose. The club owns an A frame display board for use at this sort of event. Arondo may have that at the moment. Scott took an action item to follow up on this.
Bart reported the resource officer at Westmoreland State Park would like to set up an astronomy event. The club discussed an event at this location.
The program was presented by Jeff Goldstein of Astro Gizmos. The company set up their Astro Gazer portable observatory dome for the club to inspect.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 9 2008, 7:00, at Headquarters Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
Glenn Holliday, Secretary elect