August 2022

AstroAssembly is on my mind this month. AstroAssembly is a tradition of which Skyscrapers is very proud. This year will mark seventy years since the first “Amateur Astronomical Convention of the Skyscrapers” was held on August 2 & 3, 1952. Through the years, we have welcomed many notable speakers, including well-known astronomers, astrophysicists, scientists, and, even astronauts. This annual event brings together amateurs from all over the New England area to reconnect with old friends, learn something new and just have an enjoyable day. It is also our primary fundraising event for the year.

Second Vice President Francine Jackson is leading the effort on this year’s AstroAssembly, scheduled for Saturday, October1. The theme will be the Sun and the Moon. This all-day event will include at least one morning speaker, several afternoon speakers, and an evening speaker. An optional deli lunch will be available for advance purchase, and we will break for dinner on your at a local eatery. All activities will take place at Seagrave Memorial Observatory. Details of the program and registration information will be available soon, if not already available.

Now, we need your help to make this a successful event, for our guests and for Skyscrapers. First, we are soliciting items for door prizes and possibly a raffle. If you have any new or gently used astronomy-related items that you would like to donate, please contact Kathy Siok at kathys5@cox.net.

Beyond prizes, we will need a number of volunteers throughout the day on October 1. Parking attendants will be needed to safely pack as many cars as possible into our lot and overflow area; one or two people will be needed to tend to the refreshment area throughout the day; one or two to pick up and consolidate the trash during the day; and others to help with many small jobs will invariably arise that day. This is a team effort. Please consider volunteering for one of these jobs for a few hours on October 1. Working together is the best way to get to know your fellow members of Skyscrapers. Contact Bob Janus, senior Trustee, at rsjanus52@gmail.com to help with parking and trash; Kathy Siok at kathys5@cox.net to help with refreshments; or Francine Jackson at francine_jackson@brown.edu to help with other miscellaneous tasks. 

I encourage you to attend AstroAssembly 2022 on Saturday, October 1. Learn something new. Meet some new people. Or, just have a pleasant day. Mark your calendar now and watch for our formal announcement. I hope to see you there!