Co-chairman Chris Cole hosted the meeting. 31 members and visitors attended. The evening’s presentation was “Binary Stars” by club member Jim DellaPenna. The talk was streamed live and recorded for YouTube, and it was very well received by attendees.
1. Club elections are coming up. We will need to elect 3 new Co-chairpersons and a new Secretary. Our current Treasurer (Steve Izzo) plans to run again. Please contact an officer at [email protected] if you have questions about fulfilling any of these vital roles.
2. Raleigh Astronomy Club, Inc. lost its registered agent when Jerry Watson passed away in late January. A registered agent is the contact person for the NC Secretary of State Corporations Division. Chris Cole was the only candidate volunteering for this position. A vote was held by members present, and he was elected by acclamation.
3. The officers have agreed unanimously to purchase a brick at the NC State Arboretum in memory of Jerry Watson. The brick will be inscribed with
In Memory Of
Dr Gerald F Watson
NCSU MEAS
Raleigh
Astronomy
Club
The brick will be installed in about a year at a cost of $250. Members will be notified by Phyllis Lang when the brick is installed.
3. Astronomy Days coordinator Chris Cole would like to evaluate successes and disappointments at this year’s Astronomy Days event. Please send comments to Chris via email at [email protected]
4. There will probably be informal observing at Big Woods this weekend since the weather looks favorable. Please see the raleighastro Yahoo Group for details.
5. Registration for the March Staunton River Star Party has opened.
6. Changes are afoot with the Club’s Imaging Special Interest Group. The group has moved it’s meeting location to the 4th floor classroom in the Museum’s NRC building. The Brickhouse restaurant was no longer available. Meetings will still occur on the 3d Thursday night of each month.
Longtime group leader Steve Izzo has stepped down; longtime group member Chris Cole has assumed the leadership role. Many thanks to Steve for his many years of service.
The Imaging Group is open to all RAC members. If you would like to join the Imaging Group’s Yahoo mail list, please send a request to [email protected].
7. Treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer Steve Izzo. 70% of last year’s members have renewed. Checking account has $1104.37, Savings account has $14146.92.
8. There are several outreach events coming up. The main one that needs club support is the Statewide Star Party on 8 April. We have events at Prairie Ridge Ecostation and Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve. Please stay tuned for more information on these events.
