NSAAC Business Meeting January 03, 2025
President Jim Holland called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.
The meeting was held at the new Boxford Community Center at 10 Elm Street in Boxford, as well as via Zoom. There were 48 participants (42 in-person and 6 on Zoom). A quorum of members was present, and the Business Meeting was official.
Guests and new club members were asked to introduce themselves:
Guest(s): Jonas, Brian from Boston
New Member(s): Dan from Haverhill
Officer Reports:
President – Jim Holland:
Jim called for approval of the December Business Meeting Minutes, which were approved by acclamation.
The January Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Jan 14 @ 8PM. A Regularly Scheduled Board of Directors Meetings is open for all general members to attend. Any general member(s) may participate in a Board of Directors meeting provided they have secured a place on the meeting agenda with the President.
Vice President – Justin Murray:
Justin provided an update on the 12” Dob he’s been evaluating as part of the Telescope Sales Committee. Almost ready to go out the door – didn’t work out the counterweight issue, but the new owner can decide how to handle it.
Treasurer – Ron Sampson:
Ron reported working through insurance forms for new Insurance policy. Existing coverage is no longer being offered and ends Jan 10th. Going to use similar coverage as GAAC.
Also recently filed the tax postcard.
Secretary – Tolga Yazicioglu:
Tolga provided an update on the Telescope Sales Committee.
- Two of the six telescopes have been sold, bringing in $488 for the club so far
- The remaining telescopes will be offered for sale as they are refurbed and ready
Membership Director – John Gall:
John noted there are now 120 total members (including 5 honorary). Added 6 new members since the last meeting and had 38 renewals so far. We also have 1,006 Followers on Facebook!
Collins Observatory at Salem State – Dennis Gudzevich:
Dennis provided an update on the Collins Observatory, which has a Meade LX200 12” ACF. The observatory is typically open on clear Mondays 7pm-10pm when school is in session.
Collins was only open on 12/2, with just 13 guests
Clouds, rain, and then winter recess closed out the rest of the month.
Had to postpone the Star Party this coming Monday due to receiving a notice that the school is doing testing for “Geo Thermal Possibilities” and shut down the parking lot.
Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College – Brewster LaMacchia:
Brewster provided an update on the Mendel Observatory, which has an Optical Guidance Systems (OGS) 20-inch Ritchey-Cretien reflector. The observatory is typically open on clear Wednesdays.
The club was not able to open Mendel at all in December. Hoping to open, weather permitting, next week.
Star Parties – Brewster LaMacchia:
Brewster noted that he is working on scheduling Star Parties for the Spring.
Scope Clinic – Bryan Stone & Ron Sampson:
If you have anything on your telescope that you need help with, or if you need help with your telescope, Bryan & Ron can assess your scope, making recommendations, and performing some minor repairs.
Bryan provided a quick reminder of the scope clinic purpose, and noted it is the club’s “Pride and Joy” with a tradition that dates back over 20 years. Send an email and we’ll see what we can help with. No question is too simple or too complex.
At Large Board Members – Bryan Stone & Cyndi Hopping:
Members at Large are the go-between, so if anyone has any questions or concerns bring them to one of the two of the ALBMs and will pass along to the Board at the next Board Meeting.
Bryan provided a quick reminder of the ALBM purpose, and that Bryan and Cyndi are available.
Old Business:
Club Banner:
Jim provided an update on the Club Banner Committee. Summer, Jason, and Carla are working on a design for the planned 30”x 40” banner to advertise the club. Jim was able to track down an electronic version of the Club Logo that will work well for the Banner.
New Business:
2025 Club Elections:
Per the NSAAC bylaws, the Board must select a Director of the Nominating Committee by the January 2025 meeting. The Director will put together the nominees for the upcoming March 2025 NSAAC election. Summer Abusharkh was selected by the Board of Directors and will be coordinating ahead of the March 2025 election.
Summer noted that most Board members have confirmed they want to seek reelection. Still looking for nomination for one At Large Member – Bryan will not be seeking reelection.
Telescope use training session:
The club is planning a telescope use training session (final name to be confirmed later) for new telescope owners, or existing owners who want a refresh. Thought is to offer a training session prior to a club meeting. More information will be forthcoming.
Membership Dues:
The first round of email renewal notices were sent on 12/16 – please renew by March 2025. If you login to nsaac.org, you’ll get a prompt asking you to renew. It was noted, with many witnesses, that Bryan provided cash to Ron for his renewal.
Other New Business:
Bryan noted that the Telrad Reflex Sight Finder is now being sold at Astronomics.com – one of the best non-magnified finders available for your telescope.
Business Meeting was Adjourned by President Jim Holland at 7:54 PM
Following the Business Meeting, we were joined by Mckenzie Ferrari who talked to us about Type Ia supernovae. Mckenzie is a graduate student in the Astronomy & Astrophysics department at the University of Chicago. Hailing from Tewksbury, MA, she attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, earning an undergraduate degree in physics.
Following Mckenzie’s talk, 20+ Club Members & Guests with seven telescopes braved the cold for an observing session under clear skies at the Boxford Common.
Respectfully submitted,
Tolga Yazicioglu, Secretary