Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held May 15, 2003, at 7:25 PM at Don Jardine’s home.

Attendance:
Rick Branson
Glenn Cunningham
Larry Hardy
Travis Hindman
Anthony Hopp
Darren Hulskotter
Don Jardine
Ed McClure
Fred Pilcher
Mike Robertson
Jim Rosenthal
Larry Trutter
Donald Walker
Clarke Woodruff

President Larry Hardy called the meeting to order and presided over the same. This was a quorum meeting.

Past Business
Jim Rosenthal made the 1st motion to accept the minutes of the March club meeting. Ed McClure seconded the motion and the motion was passed.

Treasury report was presented by the treasurer. State of Illinois do not want to use PO Box as the contact so the State will use the club president’s home address as the mailing address. Don Walker made the 1st motion to 1)Renew liability insurance 2) Change of address notification for State of Illinois non-profit papers 3)Change the agent 4) accept the treasurer’s report. Mike Robertson seconded the motion and the motion was passed. The insurance policy was given to the club secretary for safekeeping. A motion was made and seconded to reimburse Rick Branson for the tent bill (tent for the Star Party). The motion was passed.


Star Party Update
A very brief update of the Star Party progress was given.

Jim Edgar Panther Creek
Discussion about holding a club outing at the site on May 30th weekend. Secretary noted that in email information from Ray stated that it is better to reserve both group sites so that we would be able to turn off the lights without having to worry about having to ask a someone in the other group site permission to turn off the lights. A letter and $5 per shelter would be needed to make reservation. Members can bring their own food/refreshments. A motion was made, seconded and passed to reserve both group sites for both nights, May 30th and May 31st.

Club Budget
Larry Hardy gave a general overview of the budgets to club members. All the numbers in the budget are approximate. This is a rough budget that intended to be a starting point for discussion and ideas.

Observing Contest
President Larry Hardy passed out the handouts for the needed for the observing contest.
Observing contest involves filling out the SAS observing sheet and observing 1) Lord Roses Sprials 2) Colorful Doubles.

Objective: All members are encouraged to participate and attempt to observe all targeted objects. And to enhance members observing skills. Each observation to be submitted should be entered on a separte observing log. Each log will be judged separately.

Awards: 1st place - Telrad, 2nd place - 4 pack of filters, 3rd place - ALPO membership, 4th place - Sky and Telescope subscription, 5th place - red light.

Judges will critique entries using the following criteria:
1. 3 points for each object observed
2. 4 points for sketches
3. 3 points for accuracy of star field drawing
4. 2 points for accuracy and completeness of data

Don Jardine will be the judge to critique members’ entries. So mail your entries to Don at least 7 days prior to the next club meeting in June. Awards will be given out at that meeting.

Observing time!
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm. After the meeting, members observed with their telescopes set up in Don’s backyard. Lunar eclipse was observed that night along with other objects.