The meeting was held at the new Boxford Community Center at 10 Elm Street in Boxford, as well as via Zoom. There were 21 participants (19 in-person and 2 on Zoom). A quorum of members was present, and the Business Meeting was official.

Guests and new club members were asked to introduce themselves:

Welcome to Elena, Eric from Marblehead, Mike, and Mike!

Officer Reports:

President – Kathi Freeman:

Kathi called for approval of the November Business Meeting Minutes, which were approved by acclamation. Brewster and Dennis both noted that Brian was not present to note it was a “riveting read”.

Vice President – Justin Murray:

Justin reported no updates.

Treasurer – Ron Sampson:

Ron was unable to attend.

Secretary – Tolga Yazicioglu:

Tolga reported no updates.

Membership Director – John Gall:

John reported that there are currently 147 Members, with 3 new members joining since the last meeting. Of the 144, 12 are Honorary Members and 135 are Regular members.

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.

11/3 – Postponed for clouds

11/10 – Postponed for clouds

11/17 – 18 cub scouts and chaperones, followed by 23 students and local guests

11/23 – 15 Girl Scouts and chaperones, followed by 15 students and local guests

12/1 – the main gear on the winch for the observatory broke (again!). Observatory will be closed until the repairs can be made.

Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College – Brewster LaMacchia:

Merrimack College has asked us to temporarily pause public observing due to a recent injury from a visitor.

Star Parties – Brewster LaMacchia:

Brewster provided the following update:

Star Party at Crane Beach (11/17) had a good turnout with approximately 50 guests.

Star Party in Boxford (11/24) had a very large crowd of adults and children.

Those are the last star parties of the year. Has been a great year, with lots of engagement with the local community. Thanks to everyone who participated. After the New Year Brewster will start coordinating Spring star parties.

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.

Justin gave an overview of the Scope Clinic, and mentioned that it is the “pride and joy of the club”. Justin also noted that the club has loaner telescopes available for club members.

Dennis noted that if you need parts to fix your scope as part of the scope clinic, material costs are on you, labor is free on behalf of the scope clinic.

At Large Board Members – Cyndi Hopping:

Cyndi was unable to attend.

Old Business:

Telescope Sales Committee:

- Two telescopes remain, including an Edmond Scientific Newtonian

Membership/Dues Discussion:

- Kathi provided a summary overview of the ongoing discussion

- The survey provided good insight; Brewster sent out survey results to the Listserv

- Dedicated Membership Dues Discussion is scheduled for Wednesday 12/17 at 8PM via Zoom. Opportunity for detailed discussion on any questions, comments, and concerns. If you cannot attend this dedicated session, feel free to reach out to Kathi or any of the Board Members via email (email addresses are on the Club Website) to get your questions or concerns addressed.

New Business:

Next Board Meeting is Monday 12/15 at 8PM via Zoom. Reach out to Kathi if you’d like to attend.

Justin gave an overview on Astrospheric for any club members who weren’t familiar.

Business Meeting was Adjourned by President Kathi Freeman at 7:50PM

Following the Business Meeting, John Adler was back with us again after presenting about The Valley Vista Getaway in October to bring us a new presentation on Historical Observatories.

Respectfully submitted,

Tolga Yazicioglu, Secretary

Return to Previous Page