The meeting was held at the new Boxford Community Center at 10 Elm Street in Boxford, as well as via Zoom. There were 28 participants (27 in-person and 1 on Zoom). A quorum of members was present, and the Business Meeting was official.

Guests and new club members were asked to introduce themselves:

Jeff, a new member from Lawrence
Carol, a guest from Haverhill
Scott, a member who recently rejoined the club, having previously joined back in 2006

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 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 we currently have 144 active members, 12 of whom are honorary. We have 6 new members since our last meeting.

At Large Board Members – Rob Braczyk & Rob Vincent & Matt Bowler:

No updates reported.

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.

Back in December 2025, the main gear on the winch for the observatory broke (again!). Dennis reported that the Observatory is still closed, and will remain closed until the repairs can be made. Although still closed, but making progress.

Dennis is also trying his best to continue operating Salem State, but might need to step away soon. Volunteers needed!!! If someone is interested in the future of operating Salem State, please connect with Dennis, Kathi, or Justin!

Star Parties – Brewster LaMacchia:

Brewster reported successful Star Parties at Parker River, Sanborn Elementary, and Parker River.

This Tuesday 11/10 we’ll have Family Night at New England Biolabs.

On 11/18 we’ll have our local Boxford community event at Saint George Classical Academy.

That’ll wrap up the 2026 Star Party Season, and we’ll kick back off in Spring 2027

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 a brief overview of the Scope Clinic.

Old Business:

Lifetime Honorary Memberships

In February 2026, a Motion was made, seconded, and Approved to provide honorary memberships for anyone who has been an NSAAC member for 30+ years (not required to be continuous). Let Kathi know if you qualify and would like to take advantage of the offer.

Active Committees

Let Kathi, any BoD member, or Member at Large know if you’d like to join any of the current Club Committees:

Telescope Sales Committee
No updates
Young Astronomer’s Program
At the last Board Meeting, recommended a budget of $950 to give away one (1) Telescope and two (2) Binoculars.
Julian asked what the current bank balance is, relative to the requested YAP budget - Ron was not able to attend the meeting, but update will be provided to the club.
Brewster recommended providing a summary of the current YAP plan to the Membership via the listserv
Marketing & Social Media Committee
No updates

Club Loaner Telescopes

Brewster provided a reminder that the club currently has loaner telescopes that are available for club members to borrow. Reach out to Brewster or any BoD Member if you’re interested in borrowing a telescope. We have a Dobsonian, SCT, and tabletop Newtonian.

New Business:

November Board of Directors Meeting

Next Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday 09 November at 8PM via Zoom. Reach out to Kathi if you’d like to attend.

Business Meeting was Adjourned by President Kathi Freeman at 7:44PM

Following the Business Meeting, the club held a successful ‘Swap Meet’ where lots of members brought telescopes, accessories, and other items for sale and trade.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tolga Yazicioglu, Secretary

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