Current News

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Submitted by John Reed, club president

August 17, 2002

John Reed began the meeting by noting that the Perseids Meteror Shower was begining. Several added that the peak would be on the following Monday night. Later several members that stayed late saw several early earth grazers. Of course as with all showers the best show is after midnight.

Chris Lasley talked breifely about his backyard observatory project. He has installed the motors which control the dome movement. More to come.

The Astro Physics mount has been moved from the old 6″ building to Chris’ old building. A little work remains to adapt the mount to the pier that is already installed there.

It appears that David Reynolds, our program chairman, may be leaving us. If so we will surely miss him. This will leave a hole in that position. If anyone wants to be program chair let me know.

A Boy Scout group from Conway has asked to use the property in December. A date has yet to be set.

Chris Lasley has donated a computer to the club which has a planetarium program for member’s use. Thanks Chris.

Submitted by Lenny Bradberry, club secretary

July 19, 2002

The meeting was called to order by President John Reed.

There were 12 members present.

John summarized the issues discussed in the Board meeting held earlier. He then reviewed selected news items in the Jul/Aug issues of Sky & Telescope magazine.

Old Business

Pat and Sandy Morris gave a report on the Pinnacle Star Party. There were three scopes available for viewing. There wasn’t a particular good turnout for this event.

Carl Freyaldenhoven said that he and others observed the July 10th lunar eclipse at Pinnacle.

New Business

Terry Johnson said that there will be a Star Party at Wolly Hollow State park north of Conway of Saturday, July 27th. All members are welcomed to attend.

Terry briefed the club on activities currently ongoing for getting a planetarium in the state. A feasibility study has been made. The site chosen is tentatively identified as being in Conway. Matching funds have been provided by the Science Advisory Group and the Board of Education. Timeline for planetarium to be available within the next two years. Clubs are encouraged to submit requirements for useage. Anyone with contacts, such as corportations or individuals, who would like to contribute money to this project are encouraged to contact Terry.

Program

Chris Lasley showed a slide show of his backyard Home-Dome project titled “The Backyard Observatory”. From his backyard Chris will be able to do all his CCD work without leaving the comfort of his home, except for some adjustments, problems, etc. A future capability would include remote operation away from home. A good presentation.

President John Reed adjourned the meeting.

Sky conditions did not present itself for any good viewing that night.

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Submitted by Lenny Bradberry, club secretary

July 13, 2002

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on July 13, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. at the River Ridge Observatory. Members present were President John Reed, Treasurer Chris Lasley, Secretary Lenny Bradberry, and Trustees David Reynolds, Thomas Baskins, Carl Freyaldenhoven, Pat Morris and Sandy Morris. Chris gave a summary of the club’s money market account. It was agreed to transfer the present money market account to an ING account paying three percent.

John Reed outlined the main issues to be addressed by the board. They are as follows:
(1) Plan what maintenance needs are to be completed at the facility; (2) Discuss potential candidates for president and club officers for next year; (3) Determine usage and disposition of empty buildings; (4) What is future use for the mount that isn’t being used?; (5) Do we continue with Yahoo website or create our own?; (6) What about doing a club brochure?; (7) Clubhouse bunker project; (8) Treasurer’s Report; (9) Trust Fund; and (10) Do we want to stay in the Astronomical League?. Discussions followed the President’s recommended agenda. Thomas Baskins asked whether we needed to buy a reflector for the six-inch mount. Chris suggested that we ought to look at purchasing an SCT optical tube or similar piece of equipment that is rugged, yet user-friendly. Chris said that he would be vacating the building that he is presently using for his CCD work. Chris said that our account presently has $2327.73 in the account of which approximately $1600.00 is available for purchasing needs. It was also urged by the board that members need to be reminded that all delinquent dues are now due. Chris will send a letter of reminded to all members whose membership dues are not current. It was approved by the board to spend no more than $1000.00 for the optical tube setup. Chris and David volunteered to be the committee to research options and recommend an option(s). A discussion followed on next year’s officer election and what leadership is needed to keep the club going. Anyone having suggestions for nomination are encouraged to contact any board member before year-end. It was suggested that new people with varied experience are needed on the board. John made a motion that the club divest itself from the Astronomical League due to problems experienced in our club. Chris seconded. The members
voted to stay in the AL. It was thought that the benefits outweighed the problems experienced currently. Pat Morris made a motion to drop the Yahoo website. David Reynolds seconded. It was approved to drop the Yahoo site and develop our club’s own website. Chris and David will be the committee to oversee and develop our site. We can buy a domain for $35.00 per year. Club publications, newsletters, photographs, etc. will be able to be posted on the site by each member. The new site address will be: www.caasastro.org. Carl Freyaldenhoven will be responsible for the club brochure. Some of the maintenance issues we discussed. We need to paint the 6-inch mount building, replumb the pump house and seal the well, fix the bathroom, put gravel in the driveway, clean/trim the trees on the south side of the property, and have three RV/trailer hookups available for group use. Of those listed it was agreed that the priority needed would be as follows: (1) Paint 6-inch building, (2) Fix bathroom; (3) Seal the well; (4) Trim the trees on the south side; (5) Bunk house project; (6) Gravel driveway and (7) Paint roof of old building. John motioned to adjourn the meeting. Lenny seconded.