Thanks for your comments Kim, I have also served through the years as a board member in all capacities, Yes your opinion is still valued. As I recall you served as president a year or two after me. I was unable to get anyone to assume Rodger's role and had to commit to all Star Parties. It burned me out. It is hard to know the demands for Star Parties until you assume responsibility for them and commit to go to all of them. No other club matches our efforts on a year to year basis. I would challenge someone to find one that does, because I have looked at many websites from Astronomy Clubs and have not found one. We had a board member resign because the demand for time quickly became overwhelming for Special Star Parties and could find little help as far as support. I think my point, for Robert, was perhaps we could find an Astronomy Club nearer to Natural Bridges that would like to host a Star Party there. We can't be everything to everybody, lets get more Astronomy Clubs involved in this great effort. I would be happy to research that, with Robert, but it is an event I would be unable to support with a telescope. My equipment wore me out setting up and tearing down and it is permanently mounted in my observatory. The North Rim and South Rim seem to be covered and that is great. Perhaps the if Park Service is dissatisfied with the relationship, they should address that with the Tucson and Phoenix Astronomy Clubs. I don't think SLAS can or should try and take those over. SLAS has decided to support Bryce, on an official basis and has become a great event. I think this is because we have chosen to make it a priority. Erik --- kimharch@cut.net wrote: From: "Kim" <kimharch@cut.net> To: "'Utah Astronomy'" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] SLAS star party commitments Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 09:48:12 -0600 Hi all. I've served on the Board as president, vice president and member-at-large, for a total of six years (I think - memory isn't what it used to be). When I lived in SLC, I attended most public events and more private events than I am now able to do, but I hope my opinion still counts. I must (respectfully) disagree with Daniel and Robert. As Erik points out, the issue is one of having adequate support. It is indeed possible to be spread too thin, such that if multiple star parties are scheduled for a given night or weekend one or more may suffer from inadequate SLAS attendance, or worse, none at all. To paraphrase Robert, if you want to go, if it's not too far to drive, if gas is not too expensive or if you have no other obligations by all means go. No one is under obligation to stay home. However, let's not designate every possible event a SLAS-supported public star party, if for no other reason than it becomes a logistical nightmare for the Board and members who do want to support everything that the club does. I believe that I was between Board service the year that we took on too many star parties, as Erik alluded to. I recall that the few of us who did try to be there all the time were simply worn out. And yes, it did come down to just a few who provided support for the exhaustive schedule. Those who think that it isn't possible to do too many star parties either weren't there or don't recall that it did not work. I remember reading about a very active and successful fundraiser and supporter for some given charity - I don't recall which. Because of his success, he was often asked to help other charities raise money. His reply was educational: "Your cause is important, but it is not my cause." I don't believe that SLAS can or should support every cause, even proposed star parties at national parks. Just my thoughts. Kim No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.16/1651 - Release Date: 9/4/2008 6:57 AM _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com