From the mind of the President…

Dear Members,

I have been very remiss in getting a President's Letter out to you before now. My apologies! Time has been a rare commodity for me of late, but not a good excuse, so I won't attempt to give one…

The board has been busy accomplishing the work of the club.
Bruce Pollard has done an excellent job on the Novice Programs.
Aaron Clevenson has been busy working with the Outreach Program, and recently,
Bill Leach held an Advanced Program, so that we can again provide an alternative session for our advanced members.
JC Reina has brought some fantastic speakers to our membership for the General Meetings and has more lined up for this year. I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the education of our club.
Ed Knapton has been keeping the website up and running for the club. He has done a great job in posting the necessary information for our members. Thank you, Ed! In fact, Ed is the reason I am writing this letter; as he has requested it for some time…see he is on top of the info needed for our site!
George Marsden has taken on the responsibilities of taking care of the clubs funds and assures the effective running of all monetary requirements. Thank you, George!
Tom Rice is handling the membership requirements to the AL, so that you will continue to receive your Reflector and has handed out some pins and certificates to members completing AL programs. Thank you, Tom!
Charles Fletcher, Jr has been missing; due to some family duties, but we look forward to his return to the club as soon as he can and wish his family speedy recoveries…We miss you Charles!!
Wow, as you see the board has been busy. And that is just a small list of what all the board has been busy doing…

We recently held our first BBQ of the year. We had quite a turn out. It was great to see so many of you there!! The weather was beautiful, and cool…I even stood in front of the grill for a bit! That is how cool it was!! I want to Thank Dave Clark for his willingness to be our Barbecue Chef. He did a fantastic job! The food was wonderful!
Bruce and Aaron had a very informative Novice Observation as dusk approached. Thank you both for educating us!!
I look forward to the fall when we will have our next BBQ's. The opportunity for the club to gather together to share, learn, and observe is what I believe we are truly all about!!
A huge THANK YOU goes out to the Magby family for their willingness and commitment to the club in allowing us to use their land as our observing site. We always have a great time with them!! Thank you so much for your hospitality!!
Aaron is working on getting NGC-1 moved out to the site for storage of the Club's equipment. We are hoping to have that completed before our next BBQ.. If you would like to help Aaron; please get in touch with him. I know he would appreciate the help.

What I have observed this year, so far, is the willingness of members to get involved in the club. This is an area I would love to see grow even more. This is YOUR CLUB!! Your involvement is wanted and needed. We want you to feel a part of this club! By getting involved we get to know each other better and build a stronger club. Please do not hesitate to speak your mind, to lend a hand, to step out and get involved.
I want to Thank those whom have come up to me and let me know how they feel about whatever is on their minds. I appreciate you taking the time to inform me of your opinions. They matter and You matter. Please never hesitate to talk with any of the board members about the club. We are here to make this club a continued success!

Thank you!
Lorrie Patel
President, North Houston Astronomy Club