I think what I remember most was a Haleys Comet Star Party that had traffic backed up to I-80, and a group campout with 1,000 girls and 1 telescope not the fun you might imagine. Yes, I have been to RTMC, Texas Star Party, and the Southern Cross Party in Florida and few understand the extent of the public outreach of SLAS. National Recognition seems to concentrate on Astronomy Day Activities, IE one event as opposed to what a club does all year. All SLAS Club members can take credit for that. I think I will bring that up to the AstroLeague. --- 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 11:36:23 -0600 Thanks, Erik. I couldn't remember those specifically involved the year that the schedule was so intense. I do remember trying to attend most events and I was overtaxed doing so. I also recall that we double-booked on some weekends or special star party nights, thinking that we would have the support. It didn't work then and I'm sure it wouldn't work now. I've always thought that our club deserved some kind of special recognition for our extensive outreach efforts. I've attended events at RTMC and elsewhere when I've heard members of other clubs brag about the efforts they make and the attendance they get for the ONE public star party that they do every year. Not once have I heard anyone mention numbers that approach the attendance that we get on a weekly basis at our public star parties that are usually scheduled from April through October. Factor in the many hundreds or thousands that might attend something really special like the week-long, nightly observing sessions we held for the close Mars opposition (in 2003?) and there simply isn't any group that compares. There oughtta be a prize... Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of zaurak@digis.net Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:15 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] SLAS star party commitments 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 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