18 Members and Guests were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:37 PM by Club President - Andy Weeks.
Andy opened the meeting by reviewing the last two FVAS Public Star Parties. Both well attended by the public due to the recent media coverage on the close proximity of the planet Mars. He told the group about a literature table that he set up at the September 6th Star Party.
He then talked about the upcoming September 13th special Mars Viewing Public Star Party. Anna Guerin volunteered to staff the literature table at this event.
Jim Griffin told the group about an incident at the September 6th Public Star Party where one of the kids jumped on his telescope like it was something to ride. Fortunately no damage occurred, but he asked what the options were if a piece of equipment were to get damaged by this type of activity. Andy stated that the club has insurance that would cover this sort of incident. Jim asked about possibly putting up some signs indicating that there is expensive and delicate equipment at the Public Star Parties and asking parents to control their kids. Andy stated that he made this type of announcement during his opening presentation and he has agreed to make some signs to put up for the next Public Star Party.
Jeff brought up an idea about possibly charging a small admission fee for the Public Parties to help discourage unruly behavior of kids and also to help the FVAS treasury. The use of a donation box was discussed and it was decided to try one at the next Public Party. Andy agreed to make the donation box and it will be placed on the literature table at the next Public Star Party.
Andy asked for ideas of different types of hand-outs that can be placed on the literature table.
Andy stated that the election for Club Officers and Board Members would be held at next month's meeting and encouraged others to run for any of the positions.
Club finances were discussed and Andy mentioned that it costs approximately $21 per month to produce and mail out paper copies of the newsletter to roughly 18 people. Our Treasurer, Dave Johnson, reported that there is currently $204 in the club's treasury. Dave had a list of club members that still have not paid their dues yet for this year. Please send in your dues as soon as you can!
It was decided to sell the "Getting Started in Astronomy" booklets for $1 each at the next Public Star Party.
Jim Griffin offered to donate 100 flashlights containing the FVAS logo and the logo of his company. These will be available for a $5 donation at the Public Star Parties.
Andy polled the membership and decided to put the Member's Observing Challenge back in newsletter. It seems that several people like it and use it regularly.
Andy told the group that our current Web Server Provider accepted a counter offer of $90 per year for the FVAS Web Site so we have decided to remain with the current provider. Andy thanked Scott Wegner for his generous offer to host the FVAS Web Site, which helped secure a lower price with the current provider.
Jim Griffin told the group about an offer to get laser pointers for approximately $77 each in lots of 10. Contact Jim or Andy if you are interested!
There was some discussion about a possible Club Star Party in So. Wilmington if enough people are interested.
The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM, and a few people stuck around to chat afterwards.
Respectfully submitted,
The meeting was called to order at 8:15 PM by Jeff Benuzzi, who filled in for the vacationing Club President - Andy Weeks. Initially, we waited for a little while to see if someone was going to come and run the meeting in Andy's absence, and then at 8:15, Jeff decided to proceed and called the meeting to order.
Jeff opened the meeting by reviewing a couple of upcoming club events, the Club Star Party on August 22nd, 23rd, & 24th, the Mars Public Observing at Peck Farm Park on August 22nd and 23rd, the Club Star Party on August 29th, 30th, & 31st, and the Public Star Party on September 6th. Please come out and support the club's Public Star Parties and bring your scopes!
We talked about the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower on August 12th & 13th, and the nice article on the Perseids that appeared in the August Newsletter.
We then talked about the FVAS Public Star Party and the Adler Planetarium's Member Star Party that were both scheduled for August 2nd. Both were canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, and the Adler Star Party is being rescheduled to Saturday, August 30th. E-mail Andy if you would like to attend on the 30th and were not registered for the Adler Party on August 2nd.
Next, Jeff mentioned that the names of the Board Member and Officer candidates were published in the August Newsletter. He stated that all of the existing Board Members and Officers have agreed to stay on for another term, but encouraged other members to run for any of these positions.
Jeff then asked if anyone missed the Members Observing Challenge that appeared in previous editions of the newsletter. A couple of people indicated that they liked the monthly challenge and used it frequently.
We then had an informal discussion about counter-balance weights for an equatorial mount, and a couple of ideas on where to obtain them were talked about.
It was a very brief meeting, we adjourned at 8:32 PM and a few people stayed around and chatted afterwards.
There were a couple of questions about the cost and payment of club dues that came up. Perhaps some sort of a reminder message or info sheet listing all of the different membership options might be in order.
Respectfully submitted,
14 Members and Guests were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM by Club President - Andy Weeks.
Both Andy and Mark Christensen brought doughnuts for the group, Thank You guys!
Andy opened the meeting by reviewing a couple of recent events, Twilight in the Park, and the Public Star Parties on 7/5 & 7/12.
He then talked about the upcoming August 2nd Public Star Party and the special Mars Public Viewing Party planned for August 22nd and 23rd.
Next, George Babel showed us and provided some background on an Ancient Star Chart that he brought to the meeting. It was one of the first Star Charts to list Messier objects!
Scott Wegner offered to host the FVAS Web Site on his server. This will save the club approximately $150 each year!
Andy then told that group that he would be on vacation for the August 11th FVAS Club Meeting and asked for someone to run the meeting in his absence. Mark & George both volunteered.
Andy mentioned that according to the club's bylaws, the names of the Board Member and Officer candidates need to be published in the August Newsletter. He stated that all of the existing Board Members and Officers have agreed to stay on for another term.
Next, Michelle Nichols for the Adler Planetarium addressed the group. She described Adler Membership to the group, and invited FVAS members to an Adler Member Star Party that is scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd from 7 PM until 11 PM at Fermi Lab. FVAS Members wishing to attend will need to notify Andy, as access will be restricted and names will need to be provided in advance. There is a 120-person limit. Michelle also talked to the group about the possibility of combining some club efforts and mutual associations between clubs.
George then talked to the group about a potential new Club Observing Site near Batavia that he and Jim Griffin were looking at. He stated that they need to look at it a little more before making any decisions.
Jeff Benuzzi brought Astrofest 2003 Registration Packets for the members in attendance.
And finally, Andy presented a wonderful Overview of the Constellation Scorpius along with printed handouts for the group. Nice job Andy! Now we all have a few new targets to hunt for the next time we're out observing.
After the Overview of Scorpius, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
4 Members and Guests were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 PM by Club President – Andy Weeks.
Rich Klappal started off the meeting by showing some of his pictures from the Nebraska Star Party of 2001.
Andy then showed the members in attendance pictures of the May 15th, 2003 Lunar Eclipse that were taken by FVAS members Herman Zwirn, Andy Weeks, Bob Shabowski, Jeff Benuzzi & Mary Alice Anderson.
Next Herman Zwirn showed the group some pictures of a ‘homemade’ observatory that he built on his farm in Iowa. It was made from a plastic modular shed kit, which is available from Menards or Home Depot. It looks like it made a very nice home observatory with plenty of room for viewing and accessories.
Andy gave a report on the May15th Lunar Eclipse viewing at Peck Farm Park. He reported that 9 members and 15 guests attended the event. He mentioned that the next Public Star Party was scheduled for June 7th.
Andy then asked how people felt about the Club Observing Parties, stating that attendance was down since moving to the new site. Most people seemed to indicate that their busy schedules prevented them from going out to the new site to observe.
Next, Rich Klappal reported on recent sunspot activity, and a good possibility of Aurora sightings in the next couple of days.
Andy reported that next month’s meeting would contain an overview of Scorpius and a portion of Sagittarius.
Andy reported that a few people have volunteered to take over a few of the duties that he has been performing. Mark Christensen has taken the FVAS Newsletter, Mary Alice Anderson has taken the FVAS Web Site, and Tom Guerin has volunteered to be next year’s Astronomy Day Coordinator. Thanks to those who have volunteered! Please give these people any help that you can to make their transitions as easy as possible.
The next “Twilight in the Park” is scheduled for July 12th and the FVAS will have a booth at this event.
Jeff Benuzzi offered to bring Astrofest 2003 registration forms to the next meeting for FVAS Club Members wishing to attend Astrofest 2003.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM and a few of us went outside where Andy had his 10-inch SCT set up to view some of the ‘Member Challenge’ objects.
Respectfully submitted,
22 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Mark Christensen brought doughnuts for the group, thank you Mark!
Andy opened the meeting by talking about the upcoming lunar eclipse on Thursday, May 15 th . He asked for volunteers to come to Peck Farm Park to show the eclipse to the public. Several people volunteered to come out Thursday night.
Andy mentioned that he will be the "Star Party Coordinator" for the June 7th
Public Star Party, but he is looking for someone to serve as "Star Party Coordinator" for July 5th Public Star Party. Jim Griffin & Rich Klappal volunteered.
Next was a review of Astronomy Day.
It was estimated that we had 90 to 100 visitors for the May 10th Astronomy Day. Brief reports were given on various segments of Astronomy Day.
Welcome Center – everything went OK
The Solar System Walk – OK, not many people participated though. A suggestion was given to have some sort of a flyer for next year, advertising and describing the different events.
Crafts – can use more volunteers and a couple of new crafts for next year. Mary Alice volunteered to show an easy planisphere design for next year’s crafts.
Literature – not many people seemed to visit the room where the literature was available – needs more exposure. A suggestion was made to relocate the sign pointing to the crafts and literature in the back of the house instead of up front – no one can see it until they walk up front and then it’s too late.
Games – OK, but a suggestion was made to replace the Saturn Ring Toss for next year
Comet Building – went well, with good attendance
Andy then passed out and explained a report on the Astronomy Day financials, which showed a net loss of just over $100. A question was raised about the need for the Club Newsletter. Some additional discussion occurred. Andy shared an idea that was brought up and voted on at the last Board Meeting – a separate Astronomy Day Coordinator for next year’s Astronomy Day. Andy mentioned that although he enjoyed being the President, the Newsletter Editor, the Webmaster, and the Astronomy Day Coordinator, he does not have the time for all of these. He is looking for volunteers to take over a few of these positions and responsibilities. I can’t say that I blame him, he definitely DOES do more than his share for the club! Tom Guerin expressed interest in being the coordinator for next year. More on this subject will be discussed at future meetings.
The raffle prizes were drawn next. Third prize was drawn first, and went to A.J. Argyrou. Next was 2nd prize, and it went to Maria Argyrou. Then the 1st prize ticket was drawn…….…….drum roll…………Howard Guerin!
Jim Ammeson showed the group some pictures that he took at Astronomy Day, and also some from NIAGfest (Northern Indiana Astronomical Group).
That concluded the business portion of the meeting and Mark Christensen had a video for the group to watch, but there was a problem with the overhead projector so it could not be seen. (He later fixed the problem and three of us were able to watch the video after the meeting and observing had concluded for the evening. He said that he would show it again, so stay tuned, for this is a very good video.)
Since the sky outside was clear, we went out after the meeting to do a little binocular and telescope observing.
Respectfully submitted,
22 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Andy mentioned that he is looking for a couple of people to serve as "Star Party Coordinators" for upcoming Public Star Parties. Contact Andy for more information or to volunteer. An idea of possibly having both a Friday night and Saturday night for Public Star Parties, or two Public Star Parties in a month was presented to the members in attendance. This might help reduce the number of Public Star Parties that are canceled because of the weather. More information on this subject, plus a schedule of future Public Star Party dates will be made available in the newsletter and possibly discussed at the next meeting.
Andy had a few pictures and talked about the 12-inch telescope mount that is for sale. It is all-steel construction and has motor-drive capability – contact Andy for further details or to purchase.
After the meeting was over, there was a small discussion regarding the possibility of a small business, owned by one of our members, becoming a sponsor for this year’s Astronomy Day. More to come…
Next, the status of some of the Astronomy Day items were discussed:
An advertising update was given by Mary Alice Anderson.
Raffle Tickets were available and a ‘sign-up’ sheet for tickets was passed around for pre-Astronomy Day sales.
Astronomy Day flyers and Raffle flyers were passed out to everyone to distribute.
Andy gave an update on the ‘kids games’ and he brought one of the games that he built for the group to see – Nice Job Andy!
It was mentioned that the Welcome Center needs a Guest Book – Jim Griffin volunteered to put one together
A ‘Food’ update was given by Karin and Herman
We have several astronomy-related DVDs from Andy and Randy for the video presentations And an update on the Crafts was given
More volunteers are needed for Astronomy Day, please consider volunteering!
The business portion of the meeting ended and we watched a video called "All About Telescopes and Binoculars" and then went outside for some binocular and telescope viewing.
Respectfully submitted,
Board Members In attendance: Andy Weeks, Mary Alice Anderson, Rich Klappal, Mark Christensen, Karin Broten, Bob Shabowski, and Jeff Benuzzi
Mark volunteered to check with Orion Telescopes for price breaks or donations for the items the club needs to purchase for the raffle. Mark is donating a $100 toward the scope.
The Board Members voted to have the Orion XT - 4.5 Dobsonian as the First Prize telescope, and the Orion 8 X 40 WorldView binoculars as part the second prize.
The final design of the raffle tickets was approved by the Board Members in attendance, and then Andy printed up several sheets of tickets.
Some discussion took place, and then a motion was made by Mark Christensen to create an Astronomy Day Coordinator position for the calendar year 2004. The motion was seconded by Rich Klappal. The motion passed. It was mentioned that information about this position would be included in the next newsletter and discussed at the next club meeting.
Volunteers are still needed for some of the crafts.
Jeff will create an object list for the NightTime Observing.
Respectfully submitted, (with Andy’s help)
22 Members and Guests were in attendance.
There were a couple of new members attending the meeting so Andy started by having everyone introduce themselves.
Information on a couple of upcoming events was presented:
March 14th - Digital Sky Survey at Fermilab
March 17th – FVAS Board Meeting – Focus on
Astronomy Day
Andy has a 12-inch telescope mount for sale, which was donated to the club. He had it with him for people to see at the meeting. It is all-steel construction and has motor-drive capability – contact Andy for further details.
Andy mentioned that he is looking for people to serve as “Star Party Coordinators” for upcoming Public Star Parties. Contact Andy for more information or to volunteer.
Next, the ticket prices and the 2nd and 3rd prizes for this year’s raffle were discussed.
1st Prize for this year’s raffle will be a telescope valued at $220, and it was agreed by the members in attendance that 2nd Prize will be a pair of binoculars, a planisphere, and a Red LED Flashlight, totaling $50. It was also agreed by the members in attendance that 3rd prize would be the book “Night Watch” by Terrence Dickinson and a small astronomy-related item to bring the total up to $30. Karin volunteered to check with a coupe of bookstores to see if they would donate the book in exchange for having their name mentioned.
The ticket prices were discussed and voted by the members in attendance. The ticket prices will be
$2 per ticket, 3 tickets for $5, and 7 tickets for $10. Andy brought in pre-printed tickets for club members to sign out and sell and said that he would have more tickets available.
A sign-up sheet for Astronomy Day activities was also passed around. Andy mentioned that Astronomy Day opens to the public at 2:00 PM but that the volunteers should arrive by 1:00 PM so they can be set up and ready to go when it opens.
For kids’ games, some of the suggestions were a variation of the Bozo’s Buckets game, Shoot the Asteroids, and “Ring Around Saturn”. The FVAS is looking for a volunteer to be build a few of the games.
Andy mentioned that the April FVAS Meeting will be dedicated to Astronomy Day Planning.
Andy then discussed the Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge, M44, M46, & M47.
A couple of the FVAS Web Site entries for these objects were provided to the group via the overhead projector.
Next, Andy presented an interesting program on finderscopes with a few samples provided by both Andy & Jeff.
And last but not least, Andy gave a great multimedia overview on the constellation Gemini.
The meeting concluded and then several of us went outside for a quick peek at M44 and Jupiter through binoculars before the clouds covered them up.
Respectfully submitted,
21 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Andy Weeks brought in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for everyone to enjoy. Thank You Andy!
There were a few first-time members attending the meeting so Andy started by having everyone introduce themselves. (We might have a little help with some of our future light-pollution endeavors)
Andy mentioned that only two people showed up for the Public Star Party on Saturday, February the 8th , but they joined the club! He gave his "What You Can See Through a Telescope" presentation, and then it started to clear up outside so they got in a little observing.
Information on a couple of upcoming events was presented:
An overview of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey will be presented on March 14th at Fermilab. The cost is $5.00.
And on February 22nd , our own Rich Klappal will teach a "How to Use a Telescope" class at the St. Charles Park District.
Some Astronomy Day items were discussed including the raffle, and games. A suggestion that the raffle should have three prizes this year, 1st Prize being a telescope, 2nd Prize could be binoculars and/or a star map, and suggestions are being solicited for a 3 rd prize item. For kids’ games, some of the suggestions are a variation of the Bozo’s Buckets game, Shoot the Asteroids, and some of the suggestions from the membership were "Planetary Placement", "Ring Around Saturn", and "Pin the Comet on Jupiter". The FVAS is looking for a volunteer to be the "Games Coordinator" for Astronomy Day.
Andy then discussed the Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge, M103 and NGC457. Mel, Jim, and Jeff gave reports and information on M103, and Mary Alice gave information on NGC 457. Mel’s FVAS Web Site entries for both objects were provided to the group via the overhead projector. An updated "Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge" sheet for February was passed out to the group.
Rich stated that he was out observing at the Club’s private observing site on Friday night, February 7th and the weather was clear. He mentioned that he was going to try and get a couple of pictures of the light located on the barn of the adjacent property, to see what kind of shield might be needed.
Next, Andy showed some interesting movie clips including the Shoemaker/Levy 9 comet that crashed into Jupiter in 1994, the "Hubble Deep Field", the Birth & Death of Stars, and the "Age of the Universe".
Mark Christensen was originally scheduled to do a presentation at this meeting, but he was called out-of-town on business.
And last but not least, Andy gave a great overview on the constellation Orion and some of its magnificent double stars & deep sky objects. Andy prepared some nice handouts for the group. Nice job Andy! The meeting concluded and then several of us went outside to do some binocular viewing.
Respectfully submitted,
23 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Andy Weeks brought in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for everyone to enjoy. Thank You Andy!
Andy gave a report on the Public Star Party, which held on Saturday, January the 11th. It was pretty cold outside but 15 guests attended, the skies were clear, and there were some great views of "Kermit" and "ET" as well as the planets Jupiter and Saturn. There were two telescopes, several sets of binoculars, and five FVAS Club Members in attendance.
Andy then discussed the new Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge. He acknowledged Mel Poblocki’s entries in the FVAS Web Site’s Members’ Observations section, and asked others to enter their observations.
Next, there was some discussion on the Club’s private observing site and a newly erected pole-barn with a very bright light mounted on one of its walls facing the observing area. Mark Christensen, our VP of Observing, stated that he was going to start by talking to his contact at the Forest Preserve District, and Andy made a suggestion that the club possibly provide a shield for the light, if acceptable. They also thought that some sensitivity training could possibly help. There was also some early discussion on Mark’s idea of trying to get some of the various local Astronomy Clubs together to possibly lease or purchase a piece of property which would be used for observing. Andy and Mark wanted everyone to be aware of this new light the next time they go out to the Club’s observing site.
The business portion of the meeting was concluded, and then Andy introduced Peter Birren, who gave us a presentation on some of the background behind his book, Objects in the Heavens. After his talk, Peter fielded questions from the audience and gave a few ideas on how he has located viewing sites in the past. Peter also had copies of his book for sale to Club Members at a discounted price.
And finally, we watched a great video called Solar Max, which was brought in for us to see.
Respectfully submitted,
23 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Andy Weeks brought in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for everyone to
enjoy. Thank You Andy!
Andy gave a report on the Public Star Party, which held on
Saturday, January the 11th. It was pretty cold outside but 15
guests attended, the skies were clear, and there were some great
views of “Kermit” and “ET” as well as the
planets Jupiter and Saturn. There were two telescopes, several
sets of binoculars, and five FVAS Club Members in attendance.
Andy then discussed the new Monthly Observing Objects and
Challenge. He acknowledged Mel Poblocki’s entries in the
FVAS Web Site’s Members’ Observations section, and
asked others to enter their observations.
Next, there was some discussion on the Club’s private
observing site and a newly erected pole-barn with a very bright
light mounted on one of its walls facing the observing area. Mark
Christensen, our VP of Observing, stated that he was going to
start by talking to his contact at the Forest Preserve District,
and Andy made a suggestion that the club possibly provide a
shield for the light, if acceptable. They also thought that some
sensitivity training could possibly help. There was also some
early discussion on Mark’s idea of trying to get some of
the various local Astronomy Clubs together to possibly lease or
purchase a piece of property which would be used for observing.
Andy and Mark wanted everyone to be aware of this new light the
next time they go out to the Club’s observing site.
The business portion of the meeting was concluded, and then Andy
introduced Peter Birren, who gave us a presentation on some of
the background behind his book, Objects in the Heavens. After his
talk, Peter fielded questions from the audience and gave a few
ideas on how he has located viewing sites in the past. Peter also
had copies of his book for sale to Club Members at a discounted
price.
And finally, we watched a great video called Solar Max, which was
brought in for us to see.
Respectfully submitted,
December 2nd Fox Valley Astronomical Society Board Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Andy Weeks, Mary Alice Anderson, Bob Shabowski, Karin Broten, Rich Klappal, and Jeff Benuzzi
Andy brought Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & coffee – Thank you Andy!
Upcoming Courses:
Respectfully submitted,
25 Members and Guests were in attendance.
Andy Weeks brought in the pizzas, and Bob Shabowski brought the pop. Thank You Guys!
We had a little ‘heat’ problem so Andy told everyone to grab some pizza while it was still warm. Tom Guerin worked on the thermostat for a little while and was finally successful in turning it up. It was still a little chilly in the room, and it turned out later that the thermostat that got turned up must have been the one for the washroom. (It was nice and warm in there!)
While the group enjoyed pizza and pop, Andy passed out several handouts to the group. The handouts included copies of the December 2nd FVAS Board Meeting Minutes, a Member list, information on the Geminid Meteor Shower, copies of the December Monthly Sky Map from Skymaps.com, and a sheet containing the Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge.
2003 Astronomy calendars were available for purchase by club members at a discounted price.
Andy briefly reviewed a few of the topics that were discussed at Board Meeting which was held on Monday, December 2nd. Some of the topics included Rotating Overseers and Object Lists at Public Star Parties, Astronomy Day, Light Pollution, and a Monthly Observing Challenge for members. .
Andy mentioned that the Club Observing site is available for Geminid Meteor Shower observing. Those wishing to use the site for Leonid observing should arrive by 2:00 AM on Saturday, Dec. the 14th. The best time to watch the Geminids this year is between 2:00 AM and sunrise on the 14th.
Andy described the Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge and asked that club members participate by making their observations utilizing techniques provided on the Monthly Observing Objects and Challenge sheet that was passed out. Club members can then report their observations on the FVAS Web Site Members Observing Page and also share their observations at the next club meeting. He stated that a copy of this sheet would also appear in the January newsletter.
The business portion of the meeting was concluded, then Andy showed slides of pictures that were taken by various club members. Some have appeared on the FVAS Web Site, and some have appeared in the monthly newsletters. There were some beautiful pictures!
And finally, we watched a great video on Comet Hyakutake called Comet Odyssey, which was brought in by Ron Vann. Thanks Ron!
Respectfully submitted,
16 People were in attendance.
Mark Christensen brought and passed out doughnuts to the group. Thank You Mark!
Mark mentioned that the Club Observing site has been reserved for Monday night, November 18th, for Leonid Meteor Shower observing. Those wishing to use the site for Leonid observing should arrive around 1:00 – 2:00 AM on Tuesday, Nov. 19th, as the shower peaks between 4:00 – 4:30 AM on the 19th.
Andy Weeks began talking about the Club Star Parties, asking if people felt that the new location is too far away. No one seemed to think that it was too far, many people felt that the weather and other personal obligations prevented them from attending.
Discussion then began on the organization of the FVAS Public Star Parties.
A suggestion was made that astronomy-related videos could possibly be purchased and stored at Peck Farm for use in the event of inclement weather. Discussion about some of the different videos and possibly a few different astronomy presentations or software presentations like Starry Night ProŽ took place. Another suggestion for times when the weather did not cooperate was an indoor telescope demonstration.
Recently, the Park District included a statement in their newsletter indicating that the Star Party would be canceled if the weather was bad.
An idea of having objects assigned to each scope was discussed. This would allow people go scope-to-scope in order to see a variety of objects. Another idea was to have the same object in each scope so that people could see how it looks in each of the different telescopes.
The organization of the Public Star Parties will be discussed further at the next FVAS Board Meeting.
The inventory of some of the FVAS materials, some of which includes mirror blanks and books, was discussed. It was mentioned that these items should be removed from Waubonsee College. Some of the options discussed for liquidating the items included selling to club members, selling to local astronomy students, and place an Ad on “Astromart”. Another suggestion was a “White Elephant” sale.
More discussion on these items will occur at the next FVAS Board Meeting.
WBIG Radio has invited FVAS to speak, possibly Wednesday, Nov. 13th – Andy is looking into this. Another date may be available.
The business portion of the meeting was concluded, then Andy presented overviews of the constellation Perseus, and one on the constellation Gemini. Great presentations Andy!
Mark then did a ‘show-and-tell’ on his travel refractor with a shortened CG-1 mount.
The Club Officers and Board Members in attendance got together and decided to schedule the next FVAS Board Meeting for Monday, December 2nd, 7:00 PM at Peck Farm Park.
Respectfully submitted,
18 people were in attendance.
Robert Jennings
brought and showed his homemade 8” F/6 Dobsonian -
Reflector telescope to the FVAS membership. His telescope won a
prize for its optics at this year’s Astrofest Astronomy
Convention. He described some of the various components used in
the construction of the telescope, along with the mirror, which
he ground by himself.
Andy then passed out doughnuts (courtesy of Mark Christensen) to
everyone in attendance.
Next, Jeff Benuzzi provided a description of Astrofest 2002, and
showed several pictures that he took of some of the different
telescopes at this year’s Astrofest.
Then Andy Weeks began discussing the club elections, and started
by describing the proposed additions and changes in the club
bylaws.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 2
E. Community Relations. The Community Relations Director is responsible for notifying the public, and media outlets, for all public events that the Society sponsors. This includes, but is not restricted to, Public Star Parties, Astronomy Day, and courses.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Proposed:
SECTION 1. The Society shall be governed by an eight-member Board of Directors selected from the membership.
Was:
SECTION 1. The Society shall be governed by a seven-member Board of Directors selected from the membership.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Proposed:
SECTION 5. At least five Board members shall be present to conduct business, including three of the five Officers.
Was:
SECTION 5. At least five Board members shall be present to conduct business, including two of the four Officers.
Each change and addition above was voted on by the members in attendance, and passed with a vote of 15 to 0.
Election of Society Officers:
President – one nomination: Andy Weeks
Vote – 14 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstained
Vice President of Observing - one nomination: Mark Christensen
Vote – 15 for, 0 opposed
Treasurer - one nomination: David Johnson
Vote – 15 for, 0 opposed
Secretary - one nomination: Jeff Benuzzi
Vote – 15 for, 0 opposed
Community Relations - one nomination: Mary Alice Anderson
Vote – 15 for, 0 opposed
Election of Board of Directors:
There were four nominations for three Board Member positions. The votes were counted by Jeff Benuzzi, and the results were:
Karin Broten – 15 votes, Elected
Mike Foster – 10 votes
Rich Klappal – 15 votes, Elected
Bob Shabowski – 14 votes, Elected
Congratulations were given to all.
After the elections, the group was treated to software overviews of the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda, and then we went outside for some wonderful views of the heavens through Bob Jennings’ telescope, and Jeff's binoculars.
Respectfully submitted,
20 members in attendance
Three new prospective members attended – David, Keith, & Peter