October 2022 President’s message
by Linda Bergemann
Last month, I wrote about browsing through “75 Years of Skyscrapers: 1932 – 2007”. While flipping through the pages, I stopped and read several of the member profiles, the first by long-time member and good friend Dave Huestis. Most of Dave’s story was familiar to me. But, what stood out most to me on that particular day was these statements by Dave: “I derive the most satisfaction from public outreach when thousands of people are enlightened to sky happenings they can observe with little or no optical aid. . . . And when I personally participate in a public outreach program that involves showing the wonders of the heavens to students of any age, I am on a euphoric high for days.“
Dave’s words ring true. Just ask him about the recent star party that he hosted at the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library in Harrisville, RI. Dave and eight volunteers, and six telescopes, introduced 106 library patrons to the night sky.
I, too, get great satisfaction from public outreach. Although far less knowledgeable of the “wonders of the heavens” than Dave, I know much more than the vast majority of the people who visit Seagrave Memorial Observatory or participate in our off-site star parties.
In September, Skyscrapers returned opening the observatory to the public every Saturday night, weather permitting. To do this effectively, we need five volunteers every Saturday night for a few hours. While trained telescope operators are needed to run one or two of our main telescopes, others are needed to greet and interact with our guests. These tasks require little or no knowledge of the sky.
I, for instance, have been a member of Skyscrapers for over 40 years, but am not an experienced observer. However, I can greet people, park vehicles and show videos. I am able to recount the history of the observatory and Skyscrapers. And, every time I am asked a question I can’t answer, I learn something new.
I write this because we need more volunteers and because participating in these events is the best way for you to get to know the other members of Skyscrapers. As of this writing, we have 126 members; most names are familiar, but most I have not met. Please consider participating in one of our many outreach events. Remember that you know more than most. I promise that you will learn something new, make some new friends, and have some fun. You may even experience a “euphoric high” like Dave.
