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When I became President of Skyscrapers for a third time in May 2005, I wanted to increase the content of our Skyscraper newsletter. In preparing the 75th Anniversary book, and having been well informed about many of the key Skyscrapers who founded our organization and carried on our traditions for decades, I realized I really didn’t know much about these individuals other than what I could glean from the monthly meeting notes and occasional writings and letters to and from Professor Smiley and others. I did get some insight from Bill Penhallow on some of these early Skyscrapers pioneers, but I wished I could have had more information about them… a members profile if you will.
That’s when I decided to ask some of our members in 2005 to provide their stories in a series of articles entitled “How I Became an Amateur Astronomer.” Not only did I think they would have some interesting stories to share, but it would also provide a forum for our members to get to know one another a little better. To see what they had in common, and to see what they could possibly learn from each other.
These articles first appeared in The Skyscraper beginning with the November 2005 issue. Jim Hendrickson and I decided it would be nice to include them in our 75 year book to give future generations an insight into the Skyscrapers membership during the midpoint of the first decade of the 21st century.
Thank you once again to the members who contributed articles for this profile series.
: By Francine JacksonIt’s very hard to lose a friend, but to become aware of two in one day is very difficult. Recently, the Rhode Island astronomical community lost two of its most staunch lovers of astronomy.
: By Dave HuestisOn Monday, August 24, Skyscrapers hosted an Eagle Scout induction ceremony for member Alex T. Bergemann.
It was a wondeful ceremony, with accolades and awards coming from many individuals, including former astronaut Colonel (retired) Sherwood "Woody" Spring who called in to congratulate Alex. Woody also read a congraulatory letter from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.
: By Francine JacksonIt was with great sadness to learn of the recent death of Walter Dowhyj. Although not a presence lately, in past decades Walter had been almost a permanent fixture at Skyscrapers, serving as trustee and being at many public open nights.
: By Matt WhiteIn late March 2013 Matt visited Seagrave Observatory for the first time and after applying for membership, decided to share with us how he became involved.
: By Bob NapierSkyscrapers has benefited greatly from having John associated with the Society, almost from the beginning when Skyscrapers was founded in 1932.
: By Dave HuestisWhat connection could there possibly be between astronomy and the once grand experiment called the Midland Mall? Well, those of you who have been Rhode Island residents for just more than 36 years may already know the answer to that question. Perhaps you were one of many visitors who experienced a memorable display presented by Skyscrapers at the Midland Mall during a ten-day span from April 7 – 17, 1975. I dedicate this remembrance to the Midland Mall and all the people who helped to make the event a memorable one.
: By Gerry DyckSometimes I feel that my thirty years of variable star observing have been about as variable as the variable stars themselves. Next month I will send in my 300th consecutive monthly report to the AAVSO. Today I look back at highlights, lowlights, trends and changes in my astronomical endeavors.
: By Donna GaumondOn June 8, the Skyscrapers had the pleasure of meeting and hearing from Captain Alan Bean, the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 12, fourth man to walk on the moon, and Commander of Skylab Mission II. Captain Bean was the guest speaker at the annual Celebrity/Scholarship Dinner hosted by the Center for Business Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
: By Dave HuestisIn July 1994, Skyscrapers were both ecstatic and sad at the same time. While we and the world were anxiously awaiting the icy fragments of Shoemaker-Levy 9 to plunge into Jupiter's atmosphere, our colleague Brian D. Magaw lost his courageous battle with cancer.
: By Dave HuestisDave Huestis, society historian and member since 1974, wrote this article for Rhode Island Historical Journal in 1986 to coincide with that year's apparation of the famous Halley's comet.