March 2024 President’s message
by Linda Bergemann
It’s March, but I am going to begin with April, the start of our fiscal year. Our April meeting is our Annual Meeting, when we elect our officers and establish the Society’s budget for the next year. Normally, we would hold this meeting on the first Saturday of the month. But, due to the Great American Solar Eclipse on Monday the 8th, we will hold the Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 13th, back at Seagrave Observatory. When business is done, our historian, Dave Huestis will present a history of Seagrave and Skyscrapers.
While I am thinking of April and the eclipse, the observatory will be open on April 8tth for eclipse viewing. Here in RI, the sun will be about 92% obscured. We will have a small staff present with several telescopes available. We will project a live feed from the centerline of totality in the meeting hall. Eclipse glasses will be available. This will not be promoted widely, but we will be there for anyone who wants to pay us a visit. If you are not traveling to observe totality, please pay us a visit.
Back to March. At our March meeting, the Nominations Committee will present a slate of candidates endorsed for election. Late in the month, members in good standing as of October 31, 2023 will receive an email notice of the election containing a link to the electronic ballot along with instructions. Election results will be reported at the Annual Meeting.
March 31 means that it is time for most of us to renew our membership in Skyscrapers. A renewal notice will be sent to all shortly.
And lastly, we have four open nights scheduled in March. Please plan on attending at least one. Let’s hope for clear skies and no mud!
Warm wishes, Linda
