South Shore Astronomical Society – Board Meeting

 

January 31, 2004

 

Before the meeting started, Chuck handed out a club directory.  It contains the most recently updated information on all our members.

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:45.  There were 8 attendees.

 

We agreed to join the Night Sky Network, a partnership of amateur astronomy clubs.  Paul said he would look into applying for us.

 

Andy reviewed the Total Trolley he bought to help carry his telescope. He is pleased with it and brought the manual for us to look at.

 

Andy talked to Goodwin Graphics about the cost of club hats. If we order more than 100 hats, they will cost $5-6 to make and there would be no setup charge.  Designs for these hats were discussed as well as options to sell them.  There were two designs that we liked best and we will vote on them as a club on Wednesday.  Andy said he would further explore the net cost.

 

Paul suggested turning the observing night scheduled on March 27 into a Messier Marathon.

 

Astronomy Day is April 24.  Plans include: slideshows, meteor display, observing, and maybe scheduled talks. Other suggestions are needed. Tenny will ask Rosemary for permission to use the Council of Aging from noon on that day. 

 

The 3rd Annual Essay Contest to win a telescope on astronomy Day was discussed.  The topic will remain the same as last year: “Why would you like to own a telescope?”  This contest is open to all 6th and 7th graders.  All entries must be postmarked by March 31.  Volunteers are needed to judge this contest.

 

Louis was contacted by Elyse Langer who is the Outdoor Education Director for the YCMA Camps in Sandwich.  She wants to arrange an Astronomy Weekend in April and would like us to help with this.  Louis will get more details for Wednesday’s meeting.

 

 Bill is looking for individuals to help bring telescopes to the elementary schools in Plymouth starting March 9 and running every Tuesday and Wednesday for four weeks.  He is making a schedule of times and locations.

 

A discussion of the July 4th parade in Plymouth ensued.  The Saturn dealer in Plymouth will give us a vehicle with which we can tow a float.  Volunteers are needed to help design and build the float.  The theme will be “Saturn”.

 

The next board meeting will be on July 31.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:45.