The meeting was held at the new Boxford Community Center at 10 Elm Street in Boxford, as well as via Zoom. There were 26 participants (22 in-person and 4 on Zoom). A quorum of members was present, and the Business Meeting was official.

Guests and new club members were asked to introduce themselves:

Mary Beth from Newbury (who was recruited by a friend who attended last month)

Officer Reports:

President – Kathi Freeman:

Kathi called for approval of the October Business Meeting Minutes, which were approved by acclamation.

Vice President – Justin Murray:

Justin reminded the club that the Club Version of Astrospheric is live on the website and for club members to join via the app. Astrospheric provides good cloud/weather prediction info. See Justin if you would like more information.

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 144 Members, with 4 new members joining since the last meeting. Of the 144, 11 are Honorary Members and 133 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.

October was unfortunately not that active. Was able to open on 10/6 to a full moon, with 61 guests. Closed for Columbus Day, then closed for bad weather, and lastly closed Halloween week due to the craziness that is Salem in October.

Cub Scout and Girl Scout events are coming in the next few weeks.

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:

Not much happened last month, thanks to the Government shutdown.

Next week (11/11) we have a Star Party in Boxford. Same spot as last year.

Crane Beach the following week (11/18) – a little cooler than last time, but always a good spot!

Brewster talked to the folks at Parker River – will try to squeeze one more in this year if possible.

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 an overview of the Scope Clinic, but did not mention that it was the “pride and joy of the club” in an effort to keep the meeting moving.

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

New Business:

Next Board Meeting is Monday 11/10 at 8PM via Zoom. Reach out to Kathi if you’d like to attend.

In Memoriam of Al Nagler

Brian Stone led a discussion on the life and legacy of Al Nagler, who passed away suddenly last month.

Business Meeting was Adjourned by President Kathi Freeman at 7:48 PM

Following the Business Meeting, we were joined by Greg Shanos who’s talk was entitled “Journey to a Comet”.

Respectfully submitted,

Tolga Yazicioglu, Secretary

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