Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held March 20, 2002, at 7:00 PM at the Morgan Stanley office on 3731 W. Wabash Avenue, Springfield, IL.

Attendance:
Rick Branson
Glenn Cunningham
Larry Hardy
Travis Hindman
Tony Hopp
Don Jardine
Luis Perez
Fred Pilcher
Mike Robertson
Hank Rohs
Jim Rosenthal
Larry Trutter
Donald Walker
Ray Watt
Matthew Will
Gary Woerner
Kerry Wright

Guest:
Gary Moore

Meeting Reports
Larry Hardy began the meeting by asking if anyone had a chance to review the minutes to the last meeting which is posted at the web site. There were corrections to the minutes. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. The motion was approved. The treasurer’s report was given. A motion was made and seconded to reimburse Don Walker for his double payments on his membership dues. The motion was approved. A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report and the motion was approved.

Jim Rosenthal was planning to bring his 10" LX-200 GPS telescope to the meeting. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating -it was very cloudy with a chance of rain.

Star Party Update
The Star Party committee meeting was held at 6pm, one hour before the regular club meeting. A brochure design was developed. It will be used for mailing Star Party information to potential attendees. Vendors will be informed via email about the Star Party.

Astronomy Day
Our last year astronomy day event was successful, resulting in award from the Astronomical Society for doing most for a small group - this club’s award was mentioned on page 79 in May 2003 issue of Sky and Telescope magazine! Please share any ideas you have for this year’’s Astronomy Day, your input is welcomed.

An astronomy club in Naperville has expressed an interest in observing at Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife and Conservation Area during certain times of the year. Luis Perez contacted the group and they were invited to participate in this year’s Messier Marathon at that site.

A suggestion was made about having SAS hold quarterly observing at the state park. Mike Robertson volunteered to coordinate this and it will be held around May 31st weekend.

Messier Marathon
Mike Robertson reported that the boy scouts will come out to camp near the East Shelter at the group camp site. There will be at least 15 scouts out there. At least 9 of the club members indicated that they will participated in the marathon. Two members of the Chicago Astronomical Society are planning to attend on Saturday. DNR staff and their families might come out to observe.

If anyone is bringing side dishes, please let Mike Robertson know so he can coordinate. Any SAS club member can participate and dinner will be provided each night. The food is $5 per night. On the dinner menu: Italian beef on the 1st night and BBQ on the 2nd night.

Mike Robertson plans to be at the site on Friday afternoon. He also got blank Messier Marathon log sheets available for anyone who wants one.

Call for Presentation
There is a need for volunteers to give presentation for the club. Travis Hindman signed up for May, Kerry Wright signed up for July, and Jim Rosenthal signed up for October. Fred Pilcher is tentatively signed up for September. Any additional volunteers are welcomed - please let Larry Trutter know your topic and the month.

Equipment Proposal
Tony Hopp presented a proposal to use the club’s money to buy 8" LX 200 GPS telescope. Once the equipment is bought, a person will be trained to use it. Those who wanted to check out that telescope for a number of nights will first be trained on how to use it. Once the person is certified, that person can check out the telescope. Meade stated that they will raise their prices on LX200 scopes soon. Another idea is to purchase the telescope from one of our Star Party sponsors. Personal liability insurance could be purchased.

A lenthy discussion was held about the merits of the proposal. The issues raised are whether personal liability insurance is adequate, if the club members have a need to check out the 8" telescope (a poll was taken), club’s ability to have volunteers to hold the scope, the financial ability of the club to purchase the telescope, and what about the idea of working with education group to obtain robotic telescope with dome. One member pointed out that the club needs to have set goals, have some volunteers and planning.

After this discussion, Tony Hopp made a motion to create a committee to determine what the club wants. The committee will be the “Equipment Committee.” Larry Hardy will appoint committee members. The motion was seconded by Luis Perez. The vote was counted. 12 members at the meeting are in favor of the committee and the motion passed.

Larry Hardy wants to give club members time to consider becoming a member of the equipment committee. Please let Larry Hardy know if you would like to volunteer. He will make appointments sometime next week.

Next Meeting
All members are encouraged to bring their telescope and equipment to observe at the April meeting. The meeting will be held at Don Jardine’s home.

The meeting was adjourned around 8:30pm