Category: Meeting Minutes

A hasty board meeting was called when it was learned that our 501-C tax status might be in danger.  For many years, it was unnecessary for CAAS to file a tax return so its not surprising that when the rules apparently changed a few years ago, we missed it.  The overall feeling among the group after the discussion was that CAAS would probably not be liable for any back payments even now but that we would have to start filing paperwork each year.  It was decided that the President and Vice-President would co to the Arkansas Secretary of State and discuss the incorporation of CAAS first and then the Secretary would file a 990N with the IRS.  There was some discussion about whether we should get a tax professional’s opinion or not.

We also talked about liability vis-a-vis someone falling off a step ladder while looking through a scope (not to make light of it) or some other kind of injury on CAAS property.  We’ve discussed this before and decided it was too expensive.  We discussed a simple release of liability form and also the idea that the Astronomical League might actually carry liability insurance for member clubs.

Meeting was adjourned at 7 PM.

President Don Ferren called the meeting to order at 7 PM.  There were 31 members and visitors in attendance.

Don presented an article from the periodical Emerald City about a recent conjunction of the Moon and Venus featuring a picture by Rocky Togni.

Don then showed a banner that Carolaina has created for the International Year of Astronomy (2009).  It was very well made and is a gift for CAAS to use in our public events. Thank you, Carolaina!

Upcoming events:

• For the April 11 meeting, we will have the Master Naturalist group visit us.  We will give them an introductory class in astronomy and hopefully be able to show them the sky.
• National Astronomy Day is May 2 this year and as always we will be at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Pat Morris gave the Treasurer’s Report.

Presentation:

Jim Fisher then gave us a presentation that he and Wade put together for the Arkansas Section of the International Dark-Sky Association entitled “Protecting the Night Environment”.  Jim was kind enough to allow CAAS to include it on our web-site.

The meeting was adjourned and the group moved outdoors to enjoy the night sky.

President Don Ferren called the meeting to order at 7 PM. There were 12 members and 20 visitors in attendance. Boy scout troop 770 from Jacksonville was camping at CAAS today.

New Business:

• It is January so annual dues are now due.  You can mail your sue to the treasurer, Pat Morris, and you can download the membership form from this website which gives you an opportunity to update your address and such.
• Next month, the meeting will be moved the the 21st to avoid a conflict with Valentine’s Day.
• The “100 Hours of Astronomy” project in April to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s discovery of the moons of Jupiter was mentioned and covered earlier in this website.
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park has requested assistance with more group oriented public events.
• A work party has been scheduled for the day of the next meeting 2/21/2009.
• The French Camp Star Party in Mississippi is scheduled for the first week of April.
• The Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League (MSRAL) convention will be in early March.
• Wade talked about the Perry County Quorum Court Light Zone project. PCQC is amenable to the proposal but many lights in the county are not under their control.

Presentation:

Rocky and Don gave a virtual sky tour and an explanation of eclipes to help the visiting boy scouts with their merit badges.

The meeting adjourned at about 8:30.