April 2025 President’s message
by Linda Bergemann
April marks the beginning of Skyscrapers’ fiscal year, and consequently, planning for the next year,
We have an election in progress that will conclude on Saturday, April 5th at our Annual Meeting. And, the Board has also been working on a budget that will be voted on during the meeting.
Most of our income comes from membership dues, but this must be supplemented by monies from our annual AstroAssembly event and donations to fund our activities and to maintain Seagrave Memorial Observatory. I am happy to report that, financially, we are in a good position due to hard work, generous donations and good stewardship.
This year, we propose to use some of our savings to expand our programs and to improve our facilities. I have asked the Trustees to present the Board with a proposal to motorize the roll-off roof for the 12-inch Meade, and we have included this in our proposed budget. We have also budgeted for a small tent that will be used for AstroAssembly and other events.
On the program side, we have included funds in the budget to enable donation of one Library Telescope to a local library this year. We were fortunate in the past to have been awarded telescopes by the Astronomical League which we donated to our two town libraries, North Scituate and Hope. We would like to be able to donate one telescope each year going forward. Our method for choosing future recipient libraries has yet to be determined, but will likely engage the membership.
Lastly, Dave Huestis and I had been working with the Scituate Historic Informational Signage Committee to include Seagrave Memorial Observatory on The Scituate Heritage Trail. This will entail purchase of a sign for our property consistent with those on other historical properties in the town. We expect some assistance from the town the with installation, but we expect to have to purchase the sign. We have committed to this project and have included purchase of the sign in the proposed budget for the coming year. However, I must note that our work on this project is temporarily on hold due to Dave’s untimely passing and my recent surgery.
More than ever, I am excited about what the future holds for Skyscrapers. We are adding new members every month who, I hope, are bringing with them enthusiasm and new ideas. I’m always listening.
Hoping for clear skies and warm weather.
Linda
401-322-9946
lbergemann@aol.com
