Minutes, February 13 2008 meeting
In attendance:
The meeting was opened at approximately 7:00 pm by Scott Busby.
In the Treasurer's absence, Glenn Holliday (Secretary) presented the Treasurer's report.
Members discussed recent star parties at Caledon and Mott's Run, and the club's outreach to Cub Scout Pack 846 in January. Caledon will be open for the upcoming lunar eclipse on February 20.
The only current committee is the Web site committee. The Webmaster was not present, and there is no new information in this area.
Bart plans to visit Westmoreland State Park and follow up on their desire for an astronomy event.
We believe Mark Slade ordered the club's Personal Solar Telescope. He was not present to present an update.
In response to questions about the Virginia Astronomy Convention, Scott said we have decided not to pursue sponsership. Our membership is not large enough to accomplish the amount of work required to produce this event. The Secretary will contact Myron to check if we owe any communication to the Virginia Astronomy Association about this.
Potomac Elementary School has asked about a solar observing event when they do a science module about the sun later this year. Glenn will set this up when we know about the availability of the club's solar telescope. Other club members expressed an interest in participating.
Mike intends to reschedule an observing event for the Collegiate School, but we have no details yet.
Mike asked about teaching astronomy to new members. Scott discussed a desire to provide workshops, either as part of club meetings or during observing events. There was some discussion of our backup star party dates as good opportunities for these events.
Tom asked about interest in club discounts with astronomy retailers. Possible partners include Woodland Hills Telescope and High Point Scientific.
Bart presented a follow up program on his project to develop manual setting circles for Dobsonian mounts. He showed how his design has progressed since his previous program on this topic. He provided several resources which he would like to distribute to the membership:
The next meeting is scheduled for March 12 2008, 7:00 pm, at Headquarters Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
Glenn Holliday, Secretary