Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held August 18th, 2005 at 7:00 PM at Don Jardines Observatory.

The members of the Board of Directors are:

Larry Hardy
Mike Robertson
Ray Watt
Darren Hulskotter
Glenn Cunningham

Updates

SAS has decided to radically change the way in which our meetings are conducted. Starting with next months meeting we will hold our meetings in the following format. The first few minutes will be a short discussion of club business. This will be very short. Next we will go into discussion of a topic that was chosen at the last meeting. We will no longer simply do presentations like we did in the past where one person will get up in front of the group and inform us on a certain topic. Although this may still happen from time to time, the primary discussion will be from everyone in the group. Once a topic is chosen for a meeting, it is up to the members to learn as much as they can about the subject in time for the next meeting. This should make for a very educational discussion for everyone. Following this general discussion there will be time for discussion about observing projects that the club will be handing out. Members who wish to do these projects can bring back their findings to the club. After that there will be time for discussion on observing logs that members may wish to share with the club. And finally at the end of the meeting members will decide on a discussion topic for the next meeting.

We feel that this will greatly enhance the meetings and hopefully get a greater turnout to the meetings and more club members.

Treasury Report:   Darren handed out the latest numbers.

Planning and Grants:  No Report.

Observing Program:  No Report.

Light Pollution Committee: No Report.

Public and Private Events: SAS held a club member only outting at the Jim Edgar State Park on Friday July 29th - 30th. All food and drink was supplied by the club. We had a good turn out for this event as well as good weather. The SAS also did a observing session for the kids of St. James Academy in Rockford Illinois. They are affiliated with the Dominican Sisters here in Springfield and were here to work at the Jubilee Farm near Burlin. There were about 35 students who came out to learn about the night sky.

Star Party: We are about at the same level as last year as far as attendance goes.

Presentation

There was no presentation

The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.