Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is the Oct/Nov/Dec installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

Reminder. Christmas Party on December 20th.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is the August/September installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

Reminder. National Astronomy Day is Saturday September 15th.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is the June/July installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

Sorry everyone for delaying the June issue. Being a new Dad is a real thrill and finding time to write was a challenge.

Clear Skies!

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is this month’s installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

Reminder. National Astronomy Day is Saturday April 21st.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is this month’s installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

This month, Robert Wade shares his experience at Okie-Tex 2006.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is this month’s installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Here is this month’s installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

-Jim Reier, Editor

N E W S L E T T E R !

Beginning December 2006, we are reviving the Shoreline Observer as the official newsletter of the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association.

Here is this month’s installment of the Shoreline Observer newsletter.

-Jim Reier, Editor

Board Minutes – November 2, 2006

In attendance: Peter Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 517.96

Old Business

1. Park Township Night. The October 19th presentation covering Deep Sky Objects went very well. Thanks to all who helped make it a success!
2. Proceeds. Jim Reier is awaiting a check from Park Township containing admission proceeds from our Deep Sky Objects presentation.
3. Planetarium training. Training for the new Planetarium console was held on September 27, 2006. In attendance were Peter Burkey, Jim Reier and Mark Logsdon along with science teachers from West Ottawa. A follow-up session occurred on October 10th and was attended by Mark Logsdon and Jim Reier.
4. Meeting topics. Robin Hudson has solicited ideas for meeting topics from all members and will share them at the November meeting. Robin also requests ideas for the upcoming Christmas program in December.
5. Constellation of the month for November is Taurus the bull, presented by Robin Hudson.
6. November Refreshments. Provided by Larry Logsdon.
7. Officer elections will occur in November for all positions: Club President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These are 2-year terms and anyone can volunteer.
8. Club membership cards. Mark Logsdon will research and gather quotes from area printers to replenish membership card surplus. Membership cards will be endorsed and distributed at the January meeting.

New Business

1. Mercury Transit. Mr. Douglas Furton of the Grand Haven Tribune asked the SAAA if they were planning any community events on November 8th to cover the transit of Mercury. He intends to include them in his next newspaper column. Many thanks to Peter Burkey who replied to Mr. Furton and coordinated with the Science department at Hope College to jointly participate in a community event on November 8th.
2. Guest Speakers. Mark Logsdon has contacted Dr. Kevin Cole of Grand Valley State University who has agreed to be a guest speaker. Dr. Cole is a specialist on meteorites and held a weekend conference in 2005 covering natural meteorites and unnatural meteorite blending. A second guest speaker is also in the works, to be announced. The availability dates for guest speakers is unknown, but strongly desired for our Jan or Feb club meetings.
3. Great Lakes Planetarium Association. Peter Burkey has volunteered to represent the SAAA by joining the Great Lakes Planetarium Association. We recently learned about the association through Mr. Mark Perkins who conducted the planetarium training. As a member of the GLPA, we are entitled to resources such as slide-shows, audio and planetarium presentations. Senior membership dues of $10 will be reimbursed to Peter Burkey from the Club Treasury.
4. Meeting Night. Peter Burkey acknowledged that junior SAAA members are unable to attend meetings on school nights, and proposed that monthly meetings move from Thursdays to Fridays on the 3rd week of the month. This proposal is to be put in front of the members for a vote at the November meeting.
5. Star of Bethlehem. Peter Burkey will present a slide show on the Star of Bethlehem in December.
6. New Members. The SAAA welcomes Yolanda Williams to the Club.
7. December Refreshments. All club members please bring a treat for our December Christmas party.
8. Star Party. The next star party is November 17th. Sunset at 5:20pm.
9. Next Month’s Constellation. Need a volunteer for the next constellation of the month.

Respectfully submitted by Jim Reier

Board Minutes – October 5, 2006

In attendance: Peter Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 507.49

Old Business

1. Discussion of October’s open house at the planetarium on the 19th. The theme will be “Deep Sky Objects”. I am e-mailing our contact at NASA to see if there are materials we can get from them to possibly pass out for our open house to the kids that attend. Cosmic Voyage will be shown. We will see how many people will be attending this event to see if we will need to split the group again.
2. Constellation of the month will be Cassiopeia presented by George.
3. Refreshment will be brought by Helmut.
4. Mark will pay our annual fee to the State of Michigan of $20.00.

New Business

1. Mark will be providing the refreshments for our October’s Open House.
2. Robin will call NASA Nancy on Monday to ask when the packet will be sent for our open house. She is planning on sending materials to be passed out for the kids that attend the event.
3. Pete is planning on getting to the Planetarium early the night of the event to make sure everything is ready for presentation.
4. Robin will be e-mailing all club members for suggestions for topics to be discussed in future meetings. I will also ask for suggestions on what we can do for our Christmas gathering, especially for the kids that attend.
5. Novembers Constellation of the Month will be Taurus done by Robin.
6. Refreshments will be provided by Larry Logsdon.
7. Election for board members will be held in November.

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – September 7, 2006

In attendance: Peter Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 529.03

Old Business

1. Viewing at the State Park this summer. Pete is looking into when would be a good time for viewing at the park, whether at the end of July or beginning of August.
2. Constellation of the month will be Virgo presented by Mark Logsdon.
3. Pete is also looking into showing a video at this month’s meeting as well.

New Business

1. Discussion of October’s open house at the planetarium on the 19th. The theme will be “Deep Sky Objects”. I am e-mailing our contact at NASA to see if there are materials we can get from them to possibly pass out for our open house to the kids that attend.
2. Constellation of the month will be Cassiopeia presented by George.
3. Refreshment will be brought by Helmut.
4. Mark will pay our annual fee to the State of Michigan of $20.00

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – June 1, 2006

In attendance: Peter Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 514.68

Old Business

1. May 24th meeting with Dave Zimmer was cancelled, by Dave. The meeting was set up to discuss the status of the planetarium. Hopefully another meeting can be set up again soon.

New Business

1. Viewing at the State Park this summer. Pete is looking into when would be a good time for viewing at the park, whether at the end of July or beginning of August.
2. Constellation of the month will be Virgo presented by Mark Logsdon.
3. Pete is also looking into showing a video at this month’s meeting as well.

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – May 4, 2006

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Carson Mantooth, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 483.68

Old Business

1. The Club received a thank-you letter from the Monastery for our donation of $50.00.
2. Jim Reier will present Leo as the constellation of the month for May.
3. Mark Logsdon will present Virgo as the constellation of the month for June
4. The Club will sponsor a fall presentatin for Park Township on October 19th covering deep sky objects.
5. A Club donation of $50 will be made to the International Dark Sky Association.
6. The Executive Board voted unanimously not to file for tax exempt status with the Federal Government.
7. George Miller will provide refreshments for the June Club meeting.

New Business

1. In observance of National Astronomy Day, the SAAA will setup telescopes at Kollen Park following the Tulip Time fireworks display on Friday, May 5th.
2. The Executive Board will contact Dave Zimmer of West Ottawa Public Schools concerning clutter in the Planetarium including the removal of the old console. The Club will recommend improvements to the Planetarium such as the cove lighting, electrical outlets and routing of power cords.
3. Refreshment schedule is as follows:
   June – George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – March 30, 2006

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 540.01

Old Business

1. No updates on training of the new console at the Planetarium.
2. Pete, Jim and his wife Jennifer attended the IMAX-Roving Mars. It was a wonderful program.
3. The Messier Marathon in March was cancelled due to mostly cloudy skies.
4. The SAAA will host the Girl Scouts at our April meeting. A tour of the May night sky will be provided. Mark will provide a count for the number of girls in the scout troop.
5. Constellation of the Month for April is Leo, presented by Jim Reier

New Business

1. For the May SAAA meeting, we will view a movie from the Club library. The Executive Board will decide which title at the May board meeting.
2. Sky & Telescope dues will be collected at the April meeting. If you are a member who wishes to receive S&T, the SAAA Club provides yearly subscriptions at a reduced price.
3. The SAAA will host a star party for the campers at Holland State Park in July. Peter will contact HSP to arrange a date in July.
4. The SAAA will donate $50.00 to Vivekananda Monastery for hosting our Star Parties in 2006.
5. Constellation of the Month for May will be presented by Mark Logsdon. Refreshments will be provided by Carson Mantooth.
6. Mark is researching the minimum contribution for International Dark Sky Association (IDA) to maintain our sponsorship status.
7. A Fall presentation is planned for Park Township in October. The theme of the presentation will be discussed in the next meeting.
8. Robin Hudson will submit our request to the Federal government to establish our tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(7) non-profit educational and scientific organization.
9. Constellation of the month for June will be an extended sky tour in the planetarium.
10. At the April SAAA meeting, Larry will present a video and demonstrate howto collimate telescopes. Members are encouraged to bring their Telescopes in to be collimated.
11. George will provide refreshments for June.
12. Refreshment schedule is as follows:
    April – John Alderson
    May – Carson Mantooth
    June – George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – March 2, 2006

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 519.92

Old Business

1. Robin will file the SAAA with the Federal Government as a non-profit club. The name will remain “Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association”, as agreed by the board.
2. Robin was elected to serve as Secretary for the remainder of the term. The next officer elections will occur at the November 2006 club meeting.

New Business

1. Mark will prepare an updated list of member names, email addresses and numbers for distribution to all SAAA members.
2. Community turn out for March 16ths open house is going to be abundant. It was decided to divide the group into two sessions. One group will watch an informative JPL video, while the other group will have a Planetarium presentation. Once the presentation is done, the groups will switch. Pete will provide snacks for this event. It was also decided to have a donation jar as well. This week, Pete and Jim will be learning how to use the up-dated Planetarium.
3. Jim is arranging an IMAX Theater-Roving Mars movie-field trip for a Sunday Matinee on March 19th.
4. Messier Marathon is March 24th and back up is March 25th at the Monastery.
5. Since February’s club meeting was cancelled and the club was going to collimate telescopes, it was decided to move the collimation training to April.
6. Mark indicated that the leader of a Girl Scout Troup is requesting training for her scouts. They have a camping trip in May and would like to learn about the constellations, etc. The SAAA is considering a private showing for this group using the Planetarium. Jim has agreed to prepare sky charts for this event.
7. In May the group will be viewing a video.
8. LEAP Program. The SAAA will present a program at the Planetarium or an outdoor show for the LEAP group.
9. Refreshment schedule is as follows:
   March – Pete Burkey
   April – John Alderson
   May – Carson Mantooth
   June – George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – February 2, 2006

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson

Treasurer’s Report: $ 499.92

Old Business

1. Membership Dues: Please have all dues paid at the next club meeting.
2. February’s Club meeting will be collimating telescopes, by Larry and Terry for members.
3. Schedule to Monastery-Jim Reier
4. Mark Logsdon looked into a guest speaker from GVSU for May’s meeting, but was unable to contact professor.

New Business

1. Tax exempt status needs to be filed with the Federal Government, which I(Robin) will be looking at getting for the club. Discussion of the club name to stay the same or should be filed as Holland Astronomy Club.
2. Terry to provide February’s refreshments.
3. Pete will call Lois Yonker at West Ottawa Schools about the Planetarium. Discussion of a tentative club board meeting at the Planetarium for March, if it is done, to look over and try it out. If the Planetarium is not done, then a slide presentation will be done for the open house that is scheduled in March for the public.
4. Telescope Workshop-Pete will call Robert to see how their group’s workshop went at the Air Zoo. This was the night before we attended the Air Zoo on Saturday. This may give our club the insight of possibly doing a workshop. We will also have to look at when would be a good time to have it and where. Commitment from club members in doing it
5. February’s club meeting will also hold a special election to elect me (Robin) or someone else for the Secretary’s position.
6. Refreshment schedule is as follows:
   February – Terry Amante
   March – Pete Burkey
   April – John Alderson
   May – Carson Mantooth
   June – George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Robin Hudson

Board Minutes – January 5, 2006

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Robin Hudson, Jim Reier

Treasurer’s Report: $ 399.65

Old Business

1. 2006 membership dues ($20) to be collected at the January 19th Club meeting.
2. George Miller met with Holland Public Library and requested permission to setup a telescope workshop on May 6th (Nat’l Astronomy Day). The library is willing to house our workshop, but not on May 6th because that’s the start of Tulip Time. The Club will discuss a new workshop date at the January meeting.
3. The Club was informed that the planetarium upgrade would occur during January. Jim Reier will contact Dave Zimmer to arrange planetarium training.
4. January 21st Field Trip to Kalamazoo Air-Zoo
1. Members must RSVP to Robin Hudson no later than Monday 1/16/06.
2. Please identify all members in your party. Be sure to indicate number of children ages 15 years or younger and seniors over the age of 60.
3. Robin Hudson will purchase tickets online on 1/17/06. Participants are asked to reimburse Robin at the January 19th SAAA Club Meeting or on the day of the field trip. Robin will email each member to advise on the amount of reimbursement (as our discount will be determined by number of guests).
4. We will meet and group at the Air-Zoo at 10:00am. Tickets will be distributed upon your arrival.
5. We will break for lunch at the Kitty-Hawk Café located inside the Air-Zoo.

New Business

1. Upcoming SAAA meetings:
1. January 19th - Membership dues collected followed by Quiz Bowl.
2. February 16th - Collimating telescope tutorial (performed on 4.5″ and 6″ Club scopes and member scopes.)
3. March 16th - Park Township night, power-point and planetarium presentations of our Solar System
4. April 20th - DVD Video recently received by Jet Propulsion Labs (JPL).
5. May 18th - Guest speaker (to be announced).
2. Jim Reier will forward this year’s observing schedule to Vivekanada Monastery.
3. Pete Burkey will contact Holland Parks/Recreation to request permission to setup telescopes at Kollen Park on Saturday, May 6th (Nat’l Astronomy Day). Note; this night is the Tulip Time fireworks show.
4. Mark Logsdon to contact/arrange a guest speaker (GVSU Prof.?) for our May 18th club meeting.
5. Mark Logsdon to forward active member list to Pete, Jim and Robin.
6. Jim Reier proposed the Club solicit donations at public events as a way to fund proceeds that go towards the Int’l Dark Sky Association and other valued charities/services.
7. Mark Logsdon to produce a copy of the Non-Profit Organization filing with the State of Michigan that identifies the SAAA Non-Profit identification number.
8. Robin Hudson volunteered to consult with a friend who is a CPA about legalities governing the acceptance of donations, and to investigate state and federal laws for non-profit organizations.
9. Refreshment schedule is as follows:
   January – Jim Reier
   February – Terry Amante
   March – Pete Burkey
   April – John Alderson
   May – Carson Mantooth
   June – George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Jim Reier

Board Minutes – November 3, 2005

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Jim Reier, Carson Mantooth, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon

Treasurer’s Report: $ 399.65

Old Business:

• Mark Logsdon will do a presentation regarding the Chinese space program for the November meeting.
• December meeting – Pete Burkey will do a short presentation on the Star Of Bethlehem. The annual club Christmas party will follow.
• Feb and/or March, 2006 – Park Township presentation. Jim Reier will contact Park Township.
• ODC public star party was held Oct. 25th. Six members were in attendance with scopes.
• Business cards have been printed and were given to Board members. Cards will be available for all members at the November meeting.

New Business:

Future meetings:

• November – Mark will cover status of the Chinese space program.
• December – Pete will do a short program on the Star of Bethlehem followed by the club’s Christmas party.

Carson will contact Herrick District Library to determine if subscription exists for Sky & Telescope as the subscriber. Carson will also check out a subscription to Night Sky.

Extensive discussion continued this month concerning gaining new members and retaining old members. The following will be done.

• Pete Burkey – contact members from 2004 membership list.
• Conduct a clinic on “telescope basics” prior to the Christmas season. Session would be held at ODC. Mark Logsdon will contact ODC to determine if this is feasible.
• Contact Riders Hobby Shop and invite them to the “telescope basics” seminar. Pete Burkey will make this contact.

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon

Board Meeting – October 13, 2005

In attendance: Pete Burkey, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon

Treasurer’s Report: $ 399.65:

Old Business:

• Discussions of methods of increasing club membership continue and Pete Burkey is working on this.
• During the September Jim Reier suggested ways of improving the SAAA web page. More to follow in upcoming months.
• Program plans for 2006 had previous discussion and are covered under “new business.”
• Observing night is scheduled for November 4th.

New Business:

Future meetings:

• October – Larry will cover the 2005 Great Lakes Star Gaze.
• November – Mark will cover status of the Chinese space program.
• December – Pete will do a short program on the Star of Bethlehem followed by the club’s Christmas party.
• Board spent considerable time discussing methods of increasing membership.
• February or March – Park Township will be invited to the club meeting.

Moved and approved SAAA offers and pays for all future guest speakers
suppers.

The club is now getting publicity. Monthly meetings are scheduled to appear
in the GR Press – Lakeshore Section, Holland Sentential, and on WHTC Holland Radio.

Outdoor Discovery Center public observing night has been confirmed as Monday, October 24th with observing beginning at 7:30 PM.

Our membership list needs updating. If you have changed e-mail address, phone number, etc. please let a board member know ASAP. If possible let us know at the October meeting.

Larry Logsdon has designed a club business card and a proof will be available at the November meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon

Board Meeting - September 12, 2005

Present: Pete Burkey, Jim Reier, Carson Mantooth, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon

Treasurer’s Report: $442.38

Old Business:

• Holland State Park observing night went over very well. Good skies and many campers visited, learned, and observed
• The school board has approved the planetarium upgrade. Between $25,000 - $30,000 was approved
• Approved, each month a portion of the monthly meeting will be devoted to astronomy history
• SAAA received a certificate from NASA for SAAA using NASA articles in the newsletter. Peter has acquired a frame for the certificate and it will be placed in the planetarium

New Business:

• Board spent considerable time discussing methods of increasing membership. Web site was discussed and Jim and Carson are working on the site to get it updated. Thanks guys!
• Discussion held regarding program schedule for 2005-06
• Mark Logsdon provided master of the SAAA brochure and Larry Logsdon provided copies for membership

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon

Board Meeting - May 17, 2005

Present: Pete Burkey, Carson Mantooth, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon

Treasurer’s Report: $495.59

Old Business:

• Astronomical League dues have been paid
• Noted the November observing date was incorrectly listed as 10 of 2005. Revised to 11 of 2005
• Great Lakes Star Gaze III is scheduled for Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st. Call or see Larry Logsdon if you need a registration form

New Business:

• Sky and Telescope dues subscription has been paid. Mark Logsdon noted the wrong expiration date on the mailing label and called S&T. Members, please check your July issue to be sure the correct date is shown
• June 20th school board meeting will review and hopefully vote in favor of repairing and/or upgrading the planetarium
• Approved SAAA again begin with the “constellation of the month.” Peter will do the September constellation
• Approved, each month a portion of the monthly meeting will be devoted to astronomy history. Robin Hudson will do September
• Holland State Park annual public observing is in July. Peter will follow-up on possible dates and report back at the June meeting

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon

Board Meeting - April 21, 2005

Present: Pete Burkey, Jim Reier, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon, Carson Mantooth

Treasurer’s Report: $529.94

Old Business:

• Astronomical League membership has been paid
• Logo status - Terry indicated it will be Summer before he has time to work on the logo
• Great Lakes Star Gaze III is scheduled for Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st. Call or see Larry Logsdon if you need a registration form
• June 10-11, Dayton Ohio Star Party
• Refreshments reminder:
  • May - Carson Mantooth
  • June - George Miller

New Business:

• Due to SAAA being unable to get into the school at 6:30 P.M. for the monthly Board meeting, the meeting was set aside so our speakers could begin a little after 7 P.M.
• Robert Wade and Richard Bell of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS) gave a great presentation on the Winter Star Party they attended in Florida during February, 2005. Thanks Robert and Richard

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon

Board Meeting - March 17, 2005

Present: Pete Burkey, Jim Reier, Mark Logsdon, Larry Logsdon

Treasurer’s Report: $561.28

Old Business:

• Get Sky & Telescope subscriptions of $32.95 in by the April meeting. If you
  have received an invoice, give it to Mark Logsdon
• International Dark Skies payment has been made
• Clear Sky Clock has been paid $25.00
• Astronomical League membership has lapsed. Mark Logsdon will review
• Planetarium status - school administration is in the process of negotiating to get equipment repaired/updated
• Logo status - Terry and his wife continue to work out details concerning number of stitches for the logo
• NIAGfest Star Party in Northern Indiana is scheduled for April 22-23. Call or see Larry Logsdon if you need a registration form

New Business:

• April meeting will be April 21st. Robert Wade will be speaking to us about his February travels to the Florida Star Party
• Board approved 2005 gift of $50.00 to Vivekananda Monastery
• June 10-11, Dayton Ohio Star Party
• There was discussion of changing the name of SAAA. Due to legal state requirements and paperwork involved, the name will be unchanged
• Refreshments reminder:
  • April - John Alderson
  • May - Carson Mantooth
  • June - George Miller

Respectfully submitted by Larry Logsdon