Annual Meeting: Great Food – Stellar Time

It was just great to meet up, talk about the recent Supernovas (particularity the recent one  in M82), and share what scopes we use and what we’ve observed over the past club year. And it was tasty time socializing over delicious pot luck food. Thanks for all those great dishes, folks!

But of course this was SJAA’s annual Membership Meeting. We elected board members, and for the first time, presented awards to volunteers who helped make our Star Parties, Classes and Events a success.

SJAA had four board seats up for vote. Members reelected Dave Ittner, Greg Claytor, and Rob Jaworski for three of the seats.  We still have an open board seat, so if you or someone you know is interested in serving, let our board members know (board email: sjaa.mail@gmail.com).

The board gave recognition rewards to the following individuals for volunteer help:

Phil Chambers:

For his key participation in SJAA’s Fixit Program. Phil has constantly shown up at the Fixit sessions with his tool box in hand and ready to help. Phil brings with him years of knowledge with telescopes and the hobby and is always willing to share that knowledge.

Terry Kahl:

For her general volunteer help and help to make the new Solar Program at Houge Park a success. Terry is a veteran member of SJAA but moreover has been an “active” member attending SJAA programs and Star Parties for years. She also helps out at our school star parties.

Carl Reisinger:

For his generosity and technical support of the Solar Program. Carl is a veteran member of SJAA and an active member with SJAA and the astronomical community. Carl has contributed solar images to the newsletter and solar blog and has shared his Calcium K-line filter at solar parties for public viewing.

Bill and Susan O’Neil

For their across-the-board astronomy outreach. This past year Bill and Susan O’Neil have set up scopes at SJAA’s local star parties and outreach programs we hold at Open Space Reserves and City Festivals throughout the South Bay and beyond. And last year they became volunteer rangers sharing astronomy at our National Parks.

Frank Geefay:

For performing all the heavy lifting to move to the new SJAA website. Frank personally took it upon himself to not only help move the website content, but as a side effect, he also helped test the new site, and spent considerable time and effort formatting the data.

Richard Stone:

For his enthusiastic public star party participation and outreach efforts.
Richard is a regular contributor at our Star Parties at Houge Park as well as Rancho and other sites.  These public outreach events can’t be done without volunteers, and Richard is “the constant”.

Paul Mancuso:

For his years of being a very regular part of the regular School Star Party program.
The School Star Party program is probably the most low-key of all SJAA programs, but one of the most appreciated by its ‘customers’, local schools and educational institutions. Paul is one of the few individuals who can be counted on to be there, sharing a variety of telescopes with students, their families, and their school communities.

Bill and Susan O’Neil, above, are recognized for their outreach.

Paul Mancuso, above, is presented with a volunteer award.

Richard Stone, above, receives a recognition award.

Thanks again to all for a great Annual Meeting. See you in the field and upcoming meetings!