RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes

July 8 2022

Co-chairperson Anastasia Vail hosted the meeting in-person at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as virtually using the Zoom platform.

14 participants in-person, 21 participants via Zoom.

Presentation: “Zooinverse and Beyond: Citizen Science From Preschool to PhD” by Kerry Vail.

Business

RAC Announcements by co-chairperson Anastasia Vail

Upcoming meetings:

  • July 14 – Imaging Meeting: Galaxies M81/M82
  • July 22 – RAC Observing Session (RACOBS)
  • August 19 – RAC Indoor Meeting: Curiosity’s 10th Anniversary

Treasurer’s Report by Steve Izzo

Membership – 408 total (11 new members, 0 emails removed – inactive members)

  • 267 single memberships
  • 80 family memberships with 56 secondary members (53 registered)

Balances:

  • Business checking: $ 1325.61
  • Savings: $ 19742.67
  • Special purpose checking: $ 48.27

The RAC constitution requires that any expenditures above $500 be approved by club vote. As quorum was available, a vote was held to approve the expenses listed below. The expenses were approved.

Recent large (approved) expenses:

  • $542.13 – outreach-related equipment
  • $647.70 – A/V equipment for meeting streaming (table, tripods, etc.)
  • $2156.82 – Astronomy League annual renewal

The co-chairs will propose one or more RAC constitutional amendments to change the expense approval limits, to be presented to the club at a later meeting.

Raffle by co-chairperson Anastasia Vail and Kerry Vail

The following items were raffled off to celebrate the return to in-person meetings:

  • Raffle 1: binoculars, Mr. Spock figure, Dr. Cooper’s book on citizen science, Zooinverse book, miscellaneous to Frank Westmorland.
  • Raffle 2: USS Enterprise bottle opener and assorted books to Felipe Cruz.

Outreach Committee Update by Matt Lochansky

Recent outreach events:

  • June 15 – Stars for Ft. Bragg (Dana Bostic)
  • July 1 – First Fridays Under the Stars at Three Bear Acres – Anastasia Vail

Upcoming outreach events:

    • July 12 – JWST First Images at NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Need volunteers.
    • August 3 – The Willard Rooftop
    • August 5 – First Fridays Under the Stars at Three Bear Acres
    • August 12 – Skywatching at Dorothea Dix Park – Persied meteor shower
    • Augsust 27 – Starlight Cruise
    • August 28 – Skywatching at NC Museum of Art
    • October 1 – Skywatching at White Deer Park

The observing committee is looking for volunteers to coordinate events and assist at events with or without a telescope. To join the committee send a blank email to [email protected]. Any club member is welcome, regardless of experience level.

Member Milestones by Anastasia Vail

  • Frank Westmorland – new photographic images
  • Anastasia Vail – boosting RAC social media before meetings

A/V Committee Update by Dana Bostic

  • Purchased two tablets for meetings and outreach events.
  • Currently borrowing a soundboard and mic, but we will need to purchase these items soon.
  • May be able to arrange a storage locker for A/V equipment at the museum.
  • May decide to purchase one or more laptops; donations appreciated.
  • Volunteers needed.

RGAS Meeting – Sammy’s Tap & Grill, 2235 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606 – 919-755-3880