2010 SVAS Annual Meeting & Awards
Those who missed the Annual Meeting on Friday, March 19, missed some good cake. The evening began with a moment of silence for Chris Hulbe while a slideshow of pictures of Chris showed him at various times in his amazing life. Many who have known Chris over the years relayed memories of wild “field trips” to the most unlikely places with the most pleasant results, his magnanimous heart, his astounding knowledge of Geology, Physics and Astronomy, and his tremendous positive influence on everyone around him (with several references to “Kris Kringle” interjected throughout). Claudia brought enlarged photos of several big players in Northern California astronomy history, including pictures with Art and Natalie Leonard.
It was nice to see a picture of the woman for whom the SVAS’ highest award is named. The Natalie Leonard Award is granted only on occasion to recognize extraordinary service to the SVAS. The Award was given that night to our former newsletter crew: Chris Hulbe, Claudia Hulbe, Dave Buchla and David Larzelere.
Also recognized with a Star Award for long-time service “above and beyond” were George Foxworth and Ray Brown, two long-time and unbelievably reliable outreach volunteers as well as all-around good-guy Tom Silver for his contributions to outreach, inreach, the membership committee and the board.
Last, but definitely not least, Margaret Minnick received a Service Award for her time as our former Community Star Party Coordinator. A brave thing, indeed, as Margaret had never actually attended a star party and wasn’t sure what it entailed when she agreed to take it on- which she did and quite well.
Our thanks go out to all of them, we are grateful for what you’ve given!
While we awaited word from the teller committee, the membership enjoyed a 65th Anniversary birthday cake for the SVAS provided by candidates Andrew Gallagher and Ross Gorman- it wasn’t chocolate, but it was still good. Thanks Andrew & Ross! After our treasurer, Kirk Alexander gave a report on our financial status (not great, not grim- we’re just breaking even), Liam entertained the crowd with talk of comets, the Oort Cloud, red dwarfs and the impending destruction of the solar system until the teller committee appeared just before 10 pm with the results of the election.
