Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held January 18th, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Morgan Stanley.

The members of the Board of Directors are:

Larry Hardy
Mike Robertson
Ray Watt
Jim Rosenthal
Bruce Patterson

Preliminary matters -
1. Morgan Stanley is vacating this building by the end of the month and it is not clear where we will hold our cold weather meetings in the future.

2. Financial statements were distributed and Jim was available for questions.  The date of “Nov” printed on the statements was in error, they are actually the December statements.

 3. The discount available to members through the SAS for Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazine are used by only 7 members.  Subscription for Sky and Telescope is $32.95; a two year subscription to Astronomy is $60.  All members are eligible - talk to Jim about how the process works if you are interested.

4.  A question was asked about the dues structure. 
Larry stated that the Board, at its last meeting, was concerned about the structure that had been put in place because it may have bruised our cardinal principle of equality. The structure came from trying to accommodate concerns that had been expressed by members with the idea that an even/equal division of the projected expenses would have meant that dues would be $80 per year.  One concern expressed was that this was a very large amount for out of town members who would have very liile opportunity to use the Observing Field.  Another was that this was a large amount for potential new members that thought they might be interested in joining but were not quite sure and needed to get to know us first.  So we have a membership of $20.  Another concern that had been expressed by several members was that for people there is a kind of psychological barrier at spending 50 dollars for anything; so we have what might be called a “regular” membership at $45.  The problem of course is that these two amounts are insufficient to cover the expenses of the Observing Field and so it was hoped that some members who perhaps felt the benefit of the Field and the Observatory were important enough and who had the means to contributed more would step up to a $175 level (call it a “patron” level).  The problem is of course we do not want and do not intend to abandon our principle of equality.  The membership at large will not know who joined at what level, the financial reports will not differentiate.  So each member should pay the dues they are able and willing to pay.  The Board is committed to try to supplement revenue so that our problem may turn out to only be a one year thing.

SAS Programs and Activities -
1.  The Board is going to seek a sponsor, such as Meade, for our Star Party.  If we can succeed it may add to net revenue almost one dollar for every dollar they contribute and could conceivably add something to the drawing power of the Star Party itself.
2.  The Board is pursuing a meeting or a series of meeting with DNR in order to solve the problem we had last year about parking campers and trailers.  This issue if not solved could substantial limit the number of attendees. 
3. We want to initiate a membership drive.  More than one member has observed that SAS has a rather low profile.  We want to greatly improve the knowledge that the general public has of our existence.  We are absolutely confident that there are folks who once thought they would be interested and maybe even purchased a scope who are not member and would enjoy the company of others who are not only friendly but also willing to show a novice how to collimate their scope or whatever.  THEREFORE, Larry will be a guest on the Bob Murray radio show at 8:40 on Tuesday, January 23rd (WTAX 1240 AM).  Among other things he will say that SAS will host a “Come meet the Members” night at the KC Hall.  The date was not certain but could be as soon as the 25th.  We need the membership to turn out.
4. The Messier Marathon will be March 16 &17th.  We are expecting visitors form opposite corners of the state.  The price is $10 a head and the food at the moment is Pot Luck.  Some volunteer coordinators are needed (collect the fee, may the park, send out weather alerts). 
5.  Astronomy Day will be April 21st.  This date presents an excellent opportunity to show the public, and potential members, Saturn, Venus and a quarter Moon.  The more members who can come the better.
6.  A Members Outing is scheduled for July 13 &14th at the Observing Field.  A great time for Jupiter as well as Saturn.

Program  -
Mike gave a presentation about Star Cluster and what information is available from the Astronomical League and what the requirements are for recognition from the AL. For having found all 125 clusters on their list.  In the general discussion that followed the group decided to have members submit their five favorite targets and we will construct a list to hand out in the Star Party packets of the SAS Favorites.    

Next month Bruce will bring his Celestron Sky Scout.  Want to see what it does - come to the meeting.