Those, like me, who are getting tired of this thread should probably just delete this message. Nate asked for corrections and since one of his statements involves me and one of SLAS's major contributors I guess I need to reply. Point #1: The contributor Nate referred to called me when I was still working at the planetarium saying he'd taken one of my telescope making classes at the planetarium and would like to contribute to the new observatory at SPOC. Please note that he DID specify that the money go to SPOC. He DID NOT ask that it go to the Dark Sky Fund. Unfortunately, in one of the biggest blunders of my affiliation with SLAS, when I picked up the check I talked him into letting me direct it to the Dark Sky Fund. A few years later, after the Dark Sky project was getting nowhere, the donor reminded me that his original intention was to have the money go to SPOC. He even followed up with a written request that the money go to SPOC. In addition to his cash donation he also contributed an estimated $10,000 in materials to the new observatory and has very recently made an additional materials donation to the Refractor House. Point #2 The most recent offer for a dark sky site is not the one from Dwight Ball. The most recent one was posted here last week when I reported that the owner of a local ISP has several potential remote sites around the state with very dark skies, power, road access, secure concrete structures and high speed internet. I noted he's offering the land and is willing to invest serious money in return for money and expertise from those willing to buy into the project. BTW, the response to this latest offer was luke warm at best. Patrick

I, too beg forgiveness for continuing this thread, but it seems that there are still some misconceptions about the old Dark Sky Site Fund and how SPOC II evolved. Nate's email refers to a series of events that began when I served on the Board as President. My memory is faulty at times about a lot of things, but my recollection is clear about the issues to which Nate referred. I'm sorry Nate, but you are mistaken about much. If you still have a problem with this dead horse, then let's discuss it in an appropriate forum. I would love an opportunity to correct you and others who have made erroneous claims about how the "Dark Sky Site Fund" was used or dissolved. No offense taken or intended, but if anyone is still bothered about all this, let's talk it over. I'll offer one specific correction: The concept drawings I developed long ago were for a new SPOC roll-off roof observatory to replace the old dome, not for a separate, members-only dark sky observatory. Kim Hyatt Architect 1849 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 801.631.5228 kimharch@msn.com<mailto:kimharch@msn.com> serius est quam cogitas ----- Original Message ----- From: Nathaniel Goodman<mailto:ngoodman@lgcy.com> To: utah - astronomy<mailto:utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 5:25 PM Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Dark Site Support at SLAS for Chuck. Chuck asked about SLAS support for a dark sky site. Here is my brief recap of the history of this, unfortunately I don't recall the dates. It was at one of the Holiday Parties held at Patrick's house that some of us got together and discussed how nice it would be if SLAS had a dark sky site like some of the clubs in California Polaris comes to mind. So later that week if I rember correctly three of us Patrick, myself and Deloy Pierce set off on a night time drive to see of there were Dark Sites within an hours drive from SLC & Stansbury. We drove out to Dell and then down a dirt road going towards the boundry of the Test & Trainning Range, and also on the road thru Skull Valley area. Our conclusion, there wasn't quite anything there, but that a committe should be formed to study this. A SLAS Dark Sky Committeee was formed after the idea was brought up at a montly meeting. Dave Chamberlain was appointed head. This committee met regularly one Saturday a month at the old JB'S Restaurant now a Korean Barbacue on 7th E. in SLC. At the same time this occurred the membership present at a meeting was poled and they approved fundraising, so Sue Chamberlain Dave's wife took over this function. A large collection Jar was put out at all club meetings for members to donate what they could,this jar was also at public star parties. I believe this occurred for about 2 seasons. Meanwhile the committee had reached the point of beginning to search for land that could be leased or purchased for a secure site, Kim Hyatt (on the committee) drew up some prelim drawings of what a facility might look like. At about this time a Donor (who shall remain nameless) in this recounting, gave a large amount of money to be used for Dark Sky . Then ALONG CAME SPOC. first we had to relocate the observatory and then under the able stewardship of Sig the move was transformed into the present SPOC II. In all the excitement and work on this other project Dark Sky languished and the donor claimed he had meant for his money to go to SPOC so when this money was re assigned into SPOC fund several Dark Sky Boosters Deloy in particular became very bent out of shape. If any of what I have posted needs correction others who have been involved can offer their own recollections. Chuck, there was once great support from SLAS Membership for a secure Dark Site. We blew our last offer of a Dark Site from Club Member Dwight Ball who has purchased Dark Sky land near I believe Payson and offered to let us use part of it for a SLAS DK. Sky site,in return for helping him improve his land. We turned him down I don't rember if anyone ever went to look at it . This offer came at the time that the Dark Site Funding was then transferred into the SLAS General Fund and the Dark Sky Site idea was considered Case Closed. A secure Dark Site would be nice but as a SLAS site, I really don't Know. NATO. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com<mailto:Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy<http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy> Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com<http://www.utahastronomy.com/>