B.C.A.A.S. BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 26, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. with Barry Shupp, Melody Gardner, Linda Sensenig, Clarence Sensenig, Ryan Hannahoe, Ron Kunkel, Paul Becker, Dave Brown, and Barb Geigle in attendance. Barb distributed copies of the Minutes for the June Board meeting and September General meeting. Linda reported that we have a balance of $7,715.00. She also brought some old magazines that she had in her file cabinet. Melody will keep these in the library, and will compile a catalog to put in Pegasus.
Old Business: We have had one bake sale to raise money for a club trailer. The trailer we are looking at is 6’ x 12’ with a rear ramp and a side door and would cost $3,100.00. It is aluminum and would not have to be garaged, but someone would have to keep it at home. After discussing various options for raising funds, Dave moved and Ryan seconded that we sell the Unitron 4” refractor and Celestron C11, as they aren’t easy for the average amateur to handle and are not being used. The motion was approved unanimously to sell the scopes with the proceeds going toward the purchase of a trailer. Ryan noted that the remaining inventory from Pocono Mountain Optics would be auctioned off on October 26 in Easton. He suggested that the club buy two Astroscan telescopes for use at public events. It was also suggested that binoculars or other items, such as solar filters for the Astroscans, could be purchased for club use or as door prizes or raffle items. Barb moved and Ryan seconded that $250 be allocated to purchase items at the auction. This was unanimously approved. This will be brought to the general meeting for member approval along with the sale of the two telescopes and purchase of a trailer. The scopes will then be sold on Astromart or Ebay. Pictures of the scopes and trailer will be on display at the general meeting.
30th Anniversary Banquet: Linda confirmed with Chef Alan’s that the banquet will be on October 18, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. and paid a $200 deposit. A price for tickets will be set after we get John Dobson’s airline tickets about five months in advance. This will be reviewed at the April Board meeting. There was discussion as to whether we should secure a backup speaker due to Mr. Dobson’s age but this was decided against. Ryan noted that Mr. Dobson does not charge a fee, but we should give him $150. His airfare should be $300 to $400, and we would also give the volunteer who houses him $100 to cover expenses. As Barb no longer has a guestroom available, Dave Brown volunteered to have Mr. Dobson stay with him, and offered to donate the $100 back to the club. As Mr. Dobson likes to be kept busy, we will need to schedule various people to take him around. We may also need to arrange a special meal for him at the banquet. Barb will be handling door prizes and will start sending letters to vendors from the list that Ryan had supplied. As the local high schools weren’t interested in having Dobson speak, Gary Becker and Pete Detterline are going to be contacted to see if Allentown and Boyertown colleges would be interested. We should also have a public star party on Friday night that could be combined with our annual October starwatch at the Berks County Heritage Center. Ryan stated that he could get programs printed at school for the cost of the paper, if someone types one up.
Observing Programs: There hasn’t been much activity, but Ron will briefly discuss them at the next meeting.
October meeting with Dr. Stencel: Dr. Stencel is making is own travel arrangements. We will be paying for half of his airfare, and all of his lodging, meals and rental car. His airfare is about $300. He does not charge a fee. He will be arriving Wednesday night, and will be going to F&M College Thursday morning. The Board will take Dr. Stencel to dinner at the Olive Garden at 5:00 on Thursday. Ryan will arrive earlier to arrange a table. We will need to be at the Museum by 7:00 for his interview with the press and for us to set up extra chairs. Barry gave copies of the press release to the Reading Eagle and about a dozen school districts. Ryan invited all of the local astronomy clubs, and Dave will stop at WEEU tomorrow. Ron will bring a VCR, LCD projector and laptop. Barry will send postcards to all members, which will include a message that anyone needing to renew their magazine subscriptions should see Linda before the meeting or during the break. Linda will arrive by 7:15 to handle this. Dr. Stencel will talk from 8:00 to 9:00, and we should allow 40 to 60 minutes for questions. Dave will bring trays of donuts, Barb will bring cookies, and Melody will see about bringing a large coffee urn for after the program. Ryan will do the introduction.
Other upcoming events: It was decided that the Blue Marsh Star Watch scheduled for Friday, September 27 would be rescheduled for Saturday, September 28 due to the weather. It will be at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area at 6:00.
Ron is speaking at the Meade Scout Camp on September 30 and October 2, and is requesting help with telescopes. Barb and Paul will be helping; anyone else interested should contact Ron for details.
Megameet, sponsored by LVAAS, is October 4-6. The gate opens at 5.
October 11 is our public starwatch at the Berks County Heritage Center at dusk.
Dave Brown will talk at Nolde Forest on October 18.
Our monthly club starwatch will be at the Flying Field on November 1.
There will be a starwatch for boy scouts at Daniel Boone on November 2 at 7:00. Volunteers with telescopes are requested.
Ryan will be our speaker at the November meeting. His talk will be on astronomy in Hawaii.
Election of Officers: Barb will be taking nominations at the November meeting for the December election. Barry has decided not to run for re-election. So far candidates include Ron for President, Ryan for Vice President, Barb for Secretary and Linda for Treasurer. Anyone interested in running or nominating someone should contact Barb Geigle.
The final discussion was about speakers for next year. One meeting will be reserved for discussion of the anniversary banquet and trailer. We will also have our April meeting at the Planetarium, Member's night in July, the picnic in August, the banquet in October, and Christmas party in December. Other suggestions included Inge Heyer, Ted Nicholls, Dana Bachman, Ruth Daley, Jacob Trumpka, Ron Kunkel and Dave Brown.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Geigle, Secretary