Letter from the President

As you are reading this my first year in office is coming to a close. This has certainly been a year of change for the club. I believe the club is much stronger now than it was 12 months ago.

In the last 12 months

- We have revitalized our Beginner’s Astronomy Class. We now regularly have as many people attending these programs as the regular meetings.

- Our web site has a completely new look thanks to the contributions of a number of members. It is now much easier to find out information on club activities and to communicate status (such as weather cancellations) than before.

- We have added a new program, the Beginner’s Workshop, where the club will help people use their own scopes. This program will expand in 2008.

- The club has made major investments in the loaner program. Prior to 2007 the program was limited by what was donated. Starting in 2007 we began a complete reevaluation of the inventory. Several scopes were eliminated as not being suitable. Another scope is being rebuilt by noted designer (and General Meeting Speaker) Albert Highe. Several additional scopes have been or are in the process of being donated. We also have documented, repaired, and, in some cases, improved the scopes that remain.

- CalStar has returned to its roots. Starting in 2007 the Golden State Star Party committee composed of some of the most active local amateurs is once again involved in the planning of CalStar. SJAA continues to operate the event, but now with GSSP assistance. I am looking forward to our partnership continuing in 2008.

One of the most important changes has been internal. Your board of directors is now much more involved in the operation of the club than it has been since I have been a member. For example, the loaner program is now a partnership between myself and Vice President Rich Neuschaefer. In addition, other board members such as Lee Hoglan have offered their services.

Under the leadership of board member Gordon Reade the Ephemeris production process is now much less stressful.

Our school program remains strong thanks to the continuing work of Jim Van Nuland and others. The Coyote program will resume this summer.

Next year we will continue work on the loaner program. The delivery of 3 planned donations should have occurred by the time you read this. We are thinking about rebuilding our 18” scope this summer. Now that we understand the inventory better we will continue to ask ourselves whether the inventory meets the needs of our members. We will ask ourselves if there are enough beginner scopes. We also need to cast a critical eye on some of the remaining inventory to make sure these are the right scopes for our members.

As a member your contribution is critical also. Your dues and donations at the auction enable the club to make these improvements. Our member volunteers make our star party system work. Your positive response to the improvements we have made encourage us to do more.

Thank you for all the help you have given us. We will need your continuing help to keep the momentum going another year

Rob Hawley