October 2024 President’s message
by Linda Bergemann
As I write this message, we are putting the final touches on AstroAssembly 2024. All of the advance work is complete. Tents will go up on Thursday. Food will be ordered on Friday. It’s a go! I hope to see you there.
What’s next? Observing, of course. In addition to our regular Saturday “open nights”, we have four off-site observing events scheduled in October and November. We need member participation in these events to fulfill the Society’s objective to “educate the membership and general public on matters pertaining to astronomy.”
First up is Steere Farm Elementary School in Pascoag on Friday, October 11. Dave Huestis is the host for this event, and he is expecting more than a hundred people based on past events. Dave is looking for about 8 people with telescopes to showcase the night sky to the school kids and their families.
Events are planned at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA on Fridays, October 25 and November 8. These are smaller events, but Francine Jackson can always use extra telescopes, accompanied by avid amateurs.
On Thursday, November 7, Dave Huestis will host the school children of Callahan School in Harrisville (Burrillville). Again, Dave is expecting more than a hundred people, and will need about 8 people with telescopes to effectively manage the attendees.
If you have a portable telescope, please consider “hitting the road” and participating in one or more of these events. Sharing your joy of the night sky can be very rewarding and fun. It only takes one enthusiastic youngster to make the night a success. Think about it, please.
Warm wishes and clear skies,
