President Jim Browder called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.

Attendees (8):

• Jim Browder, President
• David Medici, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• Chris McCann, Secretary
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Gary Cowardin
• Betty Wilson
• Ken Wilson

Secretary’s report given by Chris McCann

February’s board meeting minutes were distributed, discussed, and the following needed to be corrected:

• Barnett was spelled incorrectly with an ‘e’ on the end.
• Gary Cowardin was incorrectly labeled as the Vice President.  The Vice President is presently David Medici.
• The word ‘planetarium’ in the ‘New Business’ section should be changed to ‘observatory’.

Treasurer’s report given by Jim Blowers.

Balance Summary (as of 5/17/2010):

• General Fund:                $6213.90
• Observatory Fund:           $156.56
• TOTAL:                         $6370.46
• Checking Account:        $1323.84
• Savings Account:           $2858.29
• Certificate of Deposit:    $2188.33
• Pay Pal Acct:                          0.00
• TOTAL:                          $6370.46

The report reflected the funds towards the new fence build on the observatory property.

Treasurer’s report was approved by the board.�
Observatory Report given by John Barnett

• The fence along the property line between the shopping center and the RAS observatory has been repaired, actually replaced, by the Hercules Fencing company for the agreed upon price of $1000, which was allocated by the RAS board.  John Barnett stated that the fence looks good, but needs to be extended a little lower at a tree root.
• There was also a brief discussion about possibly selling the 13” Dobsonian telescope that the RAS owns.  It is presently stored at the home of John Barnett, and needs to be moved soon. 
• A minor leak was repaired in the observatory.  No damage had occurred.

• Another Open House has been scheduled, weather permitting. 

Education Report (Jim Browder) :

• John Raymond, RAS Outreach coordinator, continues to schedule and hold several public skywatches at various places.
• There are several requests for skywatches in the near future. 
• Astronomy Day went really well, but was clouded over, therefore, no solar observing was done.
• The VAAS meeting for 2011 will be held by the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers in Virginia Beach.  RAS was scheduled to host the meeting in 2011, but decided to give the Back Bay society the opportunity to host it.  RAS will host it in 2012.  The Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society will be the host for the October 9, 2010 meeting.  More information later.
• Area skywatches should be processed through John Raymond, who is doing a great job.

Library Report

• Discussion about library issues will be discussed during New Business.

Old Business:

• David Medici and Jim Browder have been doing research into getting our RAS library moved from a climate-controlled storage facility to the VCU library.  The response from the VCU library was ‘No’.  The library does hold volumes for some groups, but refused RAS, because of no astronomy program at VCU.  More discussion will be found in the ‘New Business’ section.

New Business:

• RAS needs to fill a Form-990-N with the IRS within every 3 years.  We agreed upon a goal for RAS to submit the form every year, soon after the new slate of officers has been elected.
• Disposition of library volumes: 
• Discussion was continued to determine what can be done with the contents of the RAS library.  The following were ideas (with pros and/or cons):
  • VCU – will not hold our library. 
  • University of Virginia – too far away for RAS members to use.
  • University of Richmond, Richmond Public Library, Randolph-Macon College, a few selected private companies – will be contacted to see what they have to offer
  • Long-term storage in present climate-controlled storage facility – high-cost over time, limited accessibility.
  • Storage in individual home/office – no one asked yet, but it would require that person to be the librarian (or library support)
  • Storage in observatory – limited space available.
  • Discussion into possibly purchasing a storage shed to be built on the RAS observatory property.  Research has begun through several companies into the significant cost estimates for purchasing the building, cost of possible wiring, permits . . ., etc.  This building can be used to house the library contents or the tools and hardware from the observatory.  In the later case, the library contents may be kept in the observatory.
  • Further discussion suggested that the value of the library contents needs to be determined, especially for any possible insurance coverage.  An idea was brought up to donate any extra copies or (non-collector) out-of-date books to either members, charities, groups, or libraries.

Next Board meeting will be Monday, August 16^th, 2010 at Extra Billy’s at 7pm.  If you want to come early for dinner, come by at 6pm.

• Meeting was adjourned at 8:24pm.

President Jim Browder called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Attendees:

• Jim Browder, President
• Gary Cowardin, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• Chris McCann, Secretary
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Bill Jeffries
• Jeff Pike
• Prashant Reddy
• Tim Streagle
• David Medici
• Betty Wilson
• Ken Wilson

Secretary’s report

• November’s board meeting minutes were distributed, discussed, and accepted with no changes.

Treasurer’s report given by Jim Blowers.

Balance Summary:

• General Fund:                $7630.97
• Observatory Fund:           $210.76
• TOTAL:                         $7841.73
• Checking Account:        $2819.35
• Savings Account:           $2857.94
• Certificate of Deposit:    $2164.44
• Pay Pal Acct:                          0.00
• TOTAL:                          $7841.73

Treasurer’s report approved by board.�
Observatory Report:

• John Barnett has reported that the fence is still deteriorating and falling down.  Discussion about the fence will be found in the New Business section.
• Another Open House has been scheduled, weather permitting.  John reported that the last chance to see Mars during it’s approach to Earth is coming soon.
• Thanks to those who took care of the facilities and grounds around the observatory.

Education Report (Jim Browder) :

• John Raymond, RAS Outreach coordinator, has scheduled and held several public skywatches at various places.  John will continue to provide this service during 2010.
• There are several requests for skywatches in the near future. 
• A skywatch request has come in from St. Emma Military Academy in Powhatan.
• Discussions are under way to have a skywatch in Bryan Park. 
• There was a successful skywatch at Rockwood Nature Center on Courthouse Road (David Medici, Tim Streagle, John Barnette, and Dave Walton were among the RAS members that participated).

Library Report

• Discussion about library issues will be discussed during New Business.

New Business:

• There was a brief discussion about whom to send the meeting presentation topics to.  They are to be sent to the Vice-President and also copy the board members to keep them informed.
• Jim Browder discussed the meeting that he and Dave Credicott had with Rich Conti, SMV Director and CEO, and Elizabeth Voelkel, Director of Guest Operations.  A large portion of the meeting involves looking at slides.  Jim and Dave discussed the global relationship between RAS and SMV, including the long-time history and activities that the 2 groups have shared.  It was found that RAS is not in the future strategic plans of the SMV.  It appears that Rick Conti wishes to ad pizzazz and excitement, rather than inspiration and education, to the museum.  His attention is intended towards the family rather than the schools and their SOLs.
• The latter portion of the meeting brought some “Challenges and Issues” for RAS.  The impression at the meeting was that the over 600 volumes of books and manuscripts in our possession had to be moved out of the RAS library at SMV by the end of February.
• Options and their pros/cons were discussed pertaining to the books:

1. Get atmosphere controlled rental storage
2. Long term storage inside the observatory,
3. Short term storage inside the observatory, with plans to create a new separate building on RAS property, to house the books.
4. Reduce the amount of books by donating to different charities and libraries.
5. Long-term storage in the 4^th floor library at VCU.  Only RAS people will be allowed to check out the books.

• The following motions were considered and passed by the board:

Members of the board were going to assemble at the RAS library on Feb 20 to box the books.  Betty Wilson strongly encouraged that we lined each box with a plastic garbage bag before loading the books into it.  There are several old, important, and fragile books in our library.

The moving of the books will be done within the following week, but is not planned to be on the day of boxing.  The primary destination will be the VCU library, if David Medici can arrange it with VCU by that time.  If not possible, the books will be put into a near-by climate-controlled public storage facility.  If not possible, the books will be moved into the observatory.

The board discussed the condition of the fence around the RAS observatory, and has realized that no one else will be found responsible to fix it.  The board has agreed to a maximum of $1000 to be used to replace the fence, in efforts to improve the security of the planetarium.  Research will be made and several possible construction choices will be considered.

Next Board meeting will be Monday, May 17^th, 2010 at Extra Billy’s at 7pm.  If you want to come early for dinner, come by at 6pm.

• Meeting was adjourned at 8:38pm.

• Jim Browder, President
• Gary Cowardin, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• Chris McCann, Secretary
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Preston Kirby
• Bill Jeffries
• Jeff Pike
• Prashant Reddy
• Tim Streagle
• David Medici
• Betty Wilson
• Ken Wilson

Secretary’s report

• August’s Board meeting was distributed and accepted with no changes.

Treasurer’s report given by Jim Blowers.

Balance Summary:

• General Fund:                $7168.47
• Observatory Fund:           $220.74
• TOTAL:                         $7389.21
• Checking Account:        $2367.19
• Savings Account:           $2857.58
• Certificate of Deposit:    $2164.44
• Pay Pal Acct:                          0.00
• TOTAL:                          $7389.21

Treasurer’s report approved by board.  Charts were presented as part of the report.  It was recommended and agreed that the charts should be presented to the membership at the next RAS meeting.

There was a question regarding the reasons behind the need for insurance, and if the insurance is for injuries occurring at all RAS events.

Observatory Report:

• John Barnett has reported that the fence is still deteriorating and falling down.  Our legal representative has been attempting to speak with Thalhimers Corporation, the owners of the adjoining shopping center.
• Dave Credicott’s son will be spending time patching up the fence as a scouting activity.  Our legal representative states it is OK for now. 
• The observatory staff has 3 new members and recently had a computer donated to the observatory.
• Another Open House is scheduled for Nov 22, weather permitting.  John reported that weather has allowed only 3 RAS open houses this year.
• John and Joe Hetmanski have spent some time speaking with 2 electrical engineers about the use of Solar energy to help complement electrical power to the observatory.  If ever used, RAS will not cancel its account with Dominion Power.  RAS power line runs 0.5 miles through the woods.  The necessary battery arrangement would provide a trickle charge, and would probably not be noticed in the electrical bill.
• This was investigated to provide a means to keep the telescope dry and prevent humidity build-up in the case of a long-term electrical power outage.
• The insurance adjuster inspected the observatory and was impressed with the new flooring around the base of the telescope.

Education Report (Jim Browder) :

• John Raymond is the RAS Outreach coordinator and has scheduled and held several public skywatches at various places including schools, nursing homes, and neighborhoods.  John will continue to provide this service during 2010.
• The regional Science Fair will be held in Powhatan this year.  RAS has an on-going practice of giving monetary prizes to impressive projects that support study into Astronomical research.  David Medici will be the lead RAS representative to judge the projects involving Astronomy and similar studies.  John Barnett and Chris McCann will also attend as RAS judges.

Library Report

• There are several issues regarding the allowed hours for the library to be open, and access to RAS books and manuscripts.

New Business:

Election of 2010 RAS officers from the new slate of board members were held.  Also assignments of monthly presentation responsibilities were decided.  Both will be listed below:

• Jim Browder       President                           December
• David Medici      Vice President                  June
• Jim Blowers        Treasurer                          April
• Chris McCann     Secretary                          August
• John Barnett        Observatory Director       January
• Gary Cowardin                                             November
• Bill Jeffries                                                   October
• Jeff Pike                                                       September
• Prashant Reddy                                            July
• Tim Streagle                                                 May
• Betty Wilson                                                 March
• Ken Wilson                                                   February

• Virginia Eckert was appointed to continue as librarian for 2010.
• John Raymond was appointed to continue as our Outreach Coordinator for 2010.

• There was a brief discussion about the database of past presentations.  It can be accessed through an existing link on the RAS webpage.
• A goal has been set to provide Jim Browder (and the remainder of the Board) with our tentative presentation topic during the first couple of months in 2010.

• There are several issues regarding the allowed hours for the library to be open, and access to RAS books and manuscripts.  We have over 600 volumes of books and manuscripts in our possession.  After board discussion, we will attempt to have 2 RAS representatives meet with SMV officials to discuss our questions and concerns.

Reminders:

• 60th anniversary RAS dinner: Date Friday December 4th.  Place: Holiday Inn on Staples Mill Road, near Staples Mill and West Broad Street.
• The cost is $30 a person.  Provide payments to Jim Browder or Jim Blowers by Nov 30.  John Barnett and others are assembling some historical material for display, while Gary Cowardin is providing audio/visual equipment.  Bill Jeffries has scheduled our speaker for the evening to be Jim Condon from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Charlottesville.  The topic of his talk will be “Weighing a Black Hole”.
• Thanks was given to all that have helped, including Preston Kirby for researching the possible dinner locations.
• The anniversary dinner will take place of the regular December meeting and will be RAS’s 723^rd consecutive monthly meeting.

• We briefly discussed the group purchase of the RASC Observer’s Handbooks.  After looking at the 2008 and 2009 versions, we decided we needed to approach the membership before deciding.  Motion was table.

• Tim Streagle presented a legal insurance agreement for the RAS Board to consider.  If accepted, RAS would be legally covered for any liability concerns at events held at the Boy Scout Camp in Goochland.  The main concern would be for the allowance of minors at events.  It will be passed on to our legal representative for their approval.

Next Board meeting will be Monday, February 15^th, 2010 at Extra Billy’s at 7pm.  If you want to come early for dinner, come by at 6pm.

• Meeting was adjourned at 8:47pm.

 Attendees:

• Jim Browder, President
• Gary Cowardin, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• Chris McCann, Secretary
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Preston Kirby
• Bill Jeffries
• Jeff Pike 

Treasurer’s report given by Jim Blowers.

Balance Summary:

• General Fund:                $7150.85
• Observatory Fund:           $198.28
• TOTAL:                         $7349.13
• Checking Account:        $2327.47
• Savings Account:           $2857.22
• Certificate of Deposit:    $2164.44
• Pay Pal Acct:                          0.00
• TOTAL:                          $7349.13

Treasurer’s report approved by board.

�
Observatory Report:

• John Barnett reported that grass  cutting is going well, and gave a general reminder of the maintenance schedule (grass cutting, …) duties through October, 2009.

• John reported that a section of the fence is still falling down and allows entrance into the RAS Observatory property.  John will attempt to meet with the RAS legal authority and our Chesterfield political authority. He has been in conversation with Reverend Wilson about the common fence that is between the shopping center and all adjacent properties.  According to arrangements made long ago, the shopping center is responsible for repairing the fence.
• Three (3) formal training classes will be planned in late October for new staff members.  Classes will cover the overall set-up and history, a telescope demo (securing the telescope), and finding objects with the telescope.
•  There was a concern about the observatory funds falling off in the budget.
• He was interested in looking into the use of solar panels for some of the electrical power. 

New Business:

• Concerned about the new website to be used by RAS, including login for editing, brightness of screen if it was to used during night observing (consider dark background).  Preston Kirby made a motion to conditionally accept the new RAS website, with a provision to go back to the old one in a year if necessary.  Passed with 1 abstention.
• Brief discussion about the loaning of RAS telescopes to club members.  It was strongly suggested that contracts need to be written and signed by both parties, for reasons of tracking the location of RAS equipment.
• Concerns over the use of the new Yahoo blog site, separate from the new RAS webpage.  Result:  traffic is low, so blog site will be discontinued.  It was decided that future RAS communications (webpages) will not be separate from the website, but will be developed “through” the RAS website.
• RAS 60^th anniversary:  Suggestion made for a full catered picnic and observation activities to be held at the Boy Scout camp in Maidens.  Most members felt as if the observatory activity would keep spouses away.  The board decided to consider having a similar event as the 50^th anniversary at Embassy Suites.  A decision was made for Preston to research what was available at area hotels and meeting facilities.  Instead of having the celebration close to the actual October 15 anniversary, the dinner can be held at a local establishment in early December and will replace our standard December party.  Possible speaker candidate (Kathy Thornton) was mentioned.  There was an idea to get original RAS documents and photos, and have them on display at the dinner. 
• Jim Browder reminded us about the website called Café Press, where items with the RAS logo are for sale. 
• Jeff Pike volunteered to be the Chairman of the 2010 RAS Board Nomination Committee.  He will be assisted by Chris McCann.

Next Board meeting will be Monday, November 16^th, 2009 at Extra Billy’s at 7pm.  If you want to come early for dinner, come by at 6pm.

• Meeting was adjourned at 8:31pm.

Attendees:

• Jim Browder, President
• Gary Cowardin, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Preston Kirby

Notes from previous meeting accepted.

Treasurer’s report (presented by Jim Blowers):

Balance Summary:

66 members, drop from 73 last year for Astronomical League role.

• General Fund:      $7,460.89
• Observatory Fund:    $236.25
• TOTAL:             $7,697.14
• Checking Account:  $2,725.44
• Savings Account:   $2,855.79
• Certificate of Deposit: $2,115.91
• Pay Pal Acct:                0.00
• TOTAL:                  $7,697.14

Treasurer’s report approved by board.

Observatory Director’s Report (presented by John Barnett):

• John replaced clock.
• Observatory has acquired an artificial star for collimating telescopes.  May be used by members to collimate their personal scopes.  Will have it deployed at next observatory open house for members to test their scopes and it will be available after that time upon request from John Barnett.
• Dick Ryan and Bill Jeffries did the last lawn mower duty.  Gary and Jim Petty are next up for lawn duty.

Education Report

• John Raymond appointed education outreach coordinator.
• University of Richmond / Society of Physics Students, about 150 attendees; went very well
• Caroline County – David Medici, scheduled for May 27 (John Barnett, maybe Betty Wilson have indicated that they may attend)
• Impromptu session at Goochland Scout Camp
• Brandermill request for skywatch; John Raymond to address.

Library Report

• Observed that we should specifically invite Virginia to Board meetings

Other Reports

• Virginia Solar / Lunar Convention and Imaging Conference held on April 4.  Went very well; logistics good; attendance somewhat light, but very reasonable considering this is the first year.
• Astronomy Day – Thanks to Kathy Fatyga, Laura Graham, Gary Cowardin, Bill Jeffries, Dick Ryan, Joanne Baker, Jim Blowers, Phil Roberts, Neal Kinder, Prashant Reddy, Leslie Bochenski and David Hagan.
  Blog entry:  http://richastro.blogspot.com/

Old Business

• Discussion on meeting date – will retain second Tuesday for now.

New Business

• Update on meeting location – will continue with SMV in Eureka Theater or Planetarium
• Goochland lighting ordinance – Laura Graham following.
• Education outreach coordinator – John Raymond appointed to this position.
• Web site refresh in progress – Terry Barker preparing template; Jim Blowers and Chris McCann will test when available.
• Some problems updating web site, now functional.  Observed that we need to keep Jim Blowers and Chris at a minimum in loop on updates.  Consensus is that web site needs refresh.
• 60^th anniversary gathering:  Preston Kirby has obtained one quote – Holiday Inn near Science Museum, $35/person.  Might check “The Place” at Innsbrook, Embassy Suites or Science Museum (catered); discussion around a semi-formal dinner with spouses with a speaker/slides.  Consensus – tentatively suggest Thursday, October 15.  Gary will provide audio visual equipment.  Decorations?  Mailed invitations?  Preston will be on committee.  Gary, John and Preston will help with local legwork.  Need a speaker (Kathryn … at UVA)
• Reminder – Neil DeGrasse Tyson – Richmond Forum, November 14.  Question raised as to whether we could invite him to a skywatch Friday, November 13 or maybe have a coffee with him.
• Club observing sessions at Goochland Scout Camp – would like to schedule specific dates with Tim Streagle at the Camp.  Jim Browder will consult with Tim.
• Makemie Woods site available – Bill Jeffries, suggestion made to check with Bill and see if he will lead an expedition to Makemie Woods, consider doing a regular event there.
• Image display makeover; existing wooden display not acceptable for use.  John Barnett will check prints; Gary will reprint on laser printer to update display.

Next Board Meeting – August 17

Meeting adjourned

Attendees:

• Jim Browder, President
• Gary Cowardin, Vice President
• Jim Blowers, Treasurer
• Chris ~McCann, Secretary
• John Barnett, Observatory Director
• Preston Kirby

Treasurer’s report given by Jim Blowers. Balance Summary:

• General Fund:      $7,347.97
• Observatory Fund:    $301.21
• TOTAL:             $7,649.18
• Checking Account:  $2,679.25
• Savings Account:   $2,854.02
• Certificate of Deposit: $2,115.91
• Pay Pal Acct:                0.00
• TOTAL:                  $7,649.18

Treasurer’s report approved by board.

Jim reminded us that the RAS account will be listed under a new bank name (same bank, but new name).  Due to business mergers, Wachovia will become Wells Fargo.

Observatory Report:
John Barnett reported he has planned for a monthly open house, each occurring during the week of the 1st quarter moon.  The February open house was successfully held.  He also announced that the maintenance schedule (grass cutting, …) duties through October, 2009 have been assigned.

• John reported that a section of the fence is falling down and allows entrance into the RAS Observatory property.  He has also spoken with church officials about their fence, which is worse condition.  According to arrangements made long ago, the shopping center is responsible for repairing the fence.  John will meet with the RAS legal authority, and ask him to contact the shopping center.
• John stated that Jason at Total Wine will turn off their back outside lights when we request it.

Education Report:
So far, we have 2 planned skywatches (besides the SMV skywatches).

• At Disputanta, in March (more details later)
• University of Richmond Society of Physics Students requested another skywatch since RAS’s 1st one in January was a success.  Their requested date is April 17th, which is the same as the SMV skywatch.

Old Business:
Finalized all assigned months for meeting presentations by board members:

• Jan:  arranged for Leslie to do presentation.
• Feb: Jim Browder
• March:  <open>
• April: Jim Blowers
• May: Gary Cowardin
• June: John Barnette
• July: Chris ~McCann
• August: Jeff Pike
• September: Preston Kirby
• October: Bill Jeffries
• November: <open>
• December: Christmas Party

The mailing address of the RAS is not a P O Box number, but is Jim Blower’s home address.

New Business:

• Concerning meeting venue:  Leslie met with Karen, and RAS has the Eureka theater (or IMAX) through the next 4-5 months.  We need to keep an eye on this.
• Jim announced that Ken Wilson had tendered his resignation from the board, due to classes on meeting nights.
• Jim Browder will discuss with U of R personnel about making presentations during the empty months on the board presentation list.  Presently, we have opportunities is in March and November.
• John Raymond has made a request for our sponsorship of his Virginia Solar/Lunar Convention and Imaging Conference, to be held at the boy scout camp in Maidens on April 4th.  The board voted and approved to provide $100 to John Raymond to help with coffee and refreshments.  GaryC will provide the hardware needed for RAS to display digital astronomical photos.
• Astronomy Day is Saturday, May 2, 2009.  RAS will participate in this year’s activities, as they have in the past.  We are trying to find and select a coordinator for the activities.
• RAS 60th anniversary:  We had a discussion about possibly having dinner & speaker(s) on October 15, 2009 at a local establishment.  We are all looking for possible resources for the celebration.  October 15 is believed to be the actual anniversary of RAS.
• Jim Browder has been investigating a website called Café Press.  He has purchased 2 coffee mugs that have our RAS symbols on it.  Considering the idea of using those or other customized items, the board passed a motion to allow Jim to spend $100 to purchase customized-for-RAS items.  These items can be used as gifts for speakers.  Using Gary’s suggestion, he is going to look and see if they have red flashlights.
• 501(c)(3) – Jim Blowers and Jim Browder will review requirements to see if anything needs to be filed this year and what exemptions apply.

Next Board meeting will be Monday, May 18th, 2009 at Extra Billy’s at 7pm.  If you want to come early for dinner, come by at 6pm.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:43pm.