Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society

by Liam McDaid, SVAS President

When I consider all the things that have happened in the past year, I am both distressed and pleased. I’m distressed because our volunteer base has eroded away to a small number of focused energetic people. I’m pleased in that the situation seems to be changing. Perry Preston Porter (or P^3) has taken point in organizing a party to refurbish Blue Canyon as resources permit. As the new Observatory Director I would like to commend his involvement, energy, and enthusiasm to this vast undertaking. Chris Hulbe has stepped down as Newsletter editor for personal reasons and our very capable former Director of Outreach, Lynda Hall, is taking over as editor. We are all fortunate for her continuing efforts and energy.

2010 is a year that may well be a turnaround for the SVAS (for the better). We have more newbies than I have seen in some time. The Board is well aware that our efforts to focus on inreach have not been as strong as they should. Our hope is that we can restart some programs dedicated to SVAS’ers just starting out. I will remind the membership again that if you don’t step up, then prepare to be disappointed. We are a volunteer organization – no one  gets paid for what they do here. Watch for the return of the Messier Group and First Light activities. Better yet, volunteer to help out or mentor such resurgences (not that I will mention any names, Forrest).

We are also trying to finally get the newsletter out to our entire membership by emailing them. Although the newsletter will always be available on our website, many folks don’t know when a new one has come out. We hope to have this service soon at a reasonable rate for our budget.

We also have a new focuser for the infamous RC at Blue Canyon. Once the snow has dropped to the point that the survivors of the last expedition there are recovered (joke), we hope to install this fine piece of equipment. Blue Canyon may very well undergo a revitalization this year, or at least that is my hope.

I will not be running for re-election as President of the SVAS, as promised. We may likely have a contested election for the Board, so be sure to show up in March and vote. It really matters. I will stay on the Board as Past President and expect to work with the incoming officers whom you will vote on this March. I have no plans to be an absentee Past President.

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