RAS Board Meeting August 17, 2009

 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.

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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.

RAS Board Meeting May 18, 2009

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

RAS Board Meeting February 16, 2009

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.