CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
December 15th, 2004
Board members present:
Ray Jones
Frank Gutowski
Paul Kronenwetter
David Furrow
Pat Weeks
Frank Sperl
Walt Hamler
Laurence Lurie
Tony Urzi
Guests Present: none
Old Business:
Alan informed the board that the TEC mount was to be shipped this week.
New Business:
Scholarship and Grants
Frank motioned to vote for a $500 SCC grant and a $500 UCF Astronomy student scholarship . Walt seconded and the vote was unanimously approved. Alan brought up the question of proper procedures in making the check out to recipients and mentioned that UCF should be contacted to tell us how to make out the scholarship check.
Frank brought up a discussion about how to go about selecting candidates for the scholarship funds and Ray proposed that the board further discuss and potentially put a committee together to aid in candidate selection.
Patrons
Ray requested input from the board as to what should be done for patrons for the next year. He requested that the board put together some ideas to vote on at the next meeting.
Some ideas that were presented included:
-adding chevrons below the CFAS badge listing the member as a patron
-no charges for Astrofest
-hat pins
Astro fest
Astrofest will be held March 11 and 12. Ray discussed board member responsibilities for setting up, running and securing the site.
Ray discussed that there are several issues that make the Star Range a less attractive option this year due to increased firing traffic. The possibility of additional sites was discussed by the board.
Secretary:
After brief discussion Ray made a motion to accept the November board meeting minutes and Dave Furrow seconded. The board unanimously approved.
Treasurer:
Alan handed out the new budget for 2005. Ray motioned to accept the new budget and Frank seconded – The board unanimously approved.
Membership:
No new members.
Programs:
Harmony will be hosting a Dark Sky night on 4/19 and is requesting volunteers to man scopes and give presentations.
Astronomy day is 4/16 and volunteers are also being recruited to assists with events that will be planned at various sites.
Publicity:
Tony Urzi handed out a list of publicity initiatives and asked for board input on ways to improve publicity.
Orlando Science Center:
The board once again thanked Larry Lurie for his assistance in having OSC host the club while the building the planetarium is attached to is refurbished. Larry informed the board that a room at OSC is booked for February meetings as well.
Larry discussed Astronomy Day on April 16th and asked CFAS members to get involved and participate in planning sessions.
BMAL:
No report
Nite Sky:
Paul informed the board about two new kits coming out regarding spectroscopy. Also the network will be looking for a black hole volunteer to work with programs and provide feedback in that area.
Observing:
Walt discussed the need to find another site to tentatively replace the SCC Star Range as it will not be usable on a regularly scheduled basis and more law enforcement groups are signed on to use the facilities.
Frank requested assistance for visitor’s night now that schools are in session. Paul requested a detailed schedule of visitor nights to post on the website.
DSAC:
Walt recommended that CFAs hold off on renewing our affiliation with IDA. The board discussed the possibility of presenting a plaque from CFAS to Osceola County for their initiative in lighting.
A request for a new DSAC chairperson was discussed.
Science Committee:
No report
Astrolog Committee:
Ray Jones reminded the board that articles needed to be submitted in a timely manner.
Librarian:
The library will not be available until after the SCC Planetarium is reopened.