Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held December 16th, 2004 at 7:00 PM at Morgan Stanley.

The members of the Board of Directors are:

Larry Hardy
Mike Robertson
Ray Watt
Fred Pilcher
Glenn Cunningham

Updates

SAS Members were saddened to learn of the passing of fellow member Marty Morris. Marty was a teacher of Astronomy at Springfield College and was loved by everyone. Marty organized his class labs at outings with SAS Members. These outings were fun for SAS Members and a learning experience for Marty's students. Marty will be missed. A motion was put forth to donate $100 to Springfield College in Marty's name. The motion passed.

SAS Members elected the 5 board members for 2005. They are as follows, Larry Hardy (President), Ray Watt (Vice Pres), Darren Hulskotter (Treasurer), Glenn Cunningham (Secretary) and Mike Robertson. Ray Watt volenteered to be the chairperson of the 2005 IDSSP and will start to form committees.

Treasury Report:    A motion was made and passed to use the 2004 actualls as the budget for 2005.

Planning and Grants:  No Report.

Observing Program:  No Report.

Public and Private Events: SAS will try to organize a public outting for January 8th to view a new comet that should be very bright.

Star Party: The 4th Annual Illinois Dark Skies Star Party will be Sept. 29th - Oct. 2nd. The Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park should be reserved by the next meeting. SAS will reserve the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park for the 2005 IDSSP on Jan 2nd.

Presentation

SAS Member Larry Trutter gave a presentation on Light Pollution and the SAS Light Pollution Commitee's recent activities. Larry annouced plans to try and work with CWLP of Springfield in an attempt to change lighting practices at certain businesses. There will be more on this issue as time progresses.

The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.