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18-JUL-06

All,

Please join me in thanking Sammy for the many years we have enjoyed his "Dark Site". He has been a wonderful and gracious host and partner in helping us promote amateur astronomy and the joys of the night sky.

As many of you know there have been some changes at the Dark Site in the past months. The Observations Committee learned yesterday that there are more changes planned for the site by the Neal Family. With this in mind, the Board last night decided that it was time to find a new home. We have a committee that is looking for one. If you have suggestions or wish to be on the committee, please contact me directly. We are also planning to move the equipment from the site.

As of this time, the Sammy Neal Dark Site is officially closed. We hope to have more information for you at the monthly meeting in July.

Again - Thank you Sammy for the many great times and great observation opportunities. We have greatly enjoyed our relationship.

Aaron Clevenson
Observation Committee

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24-JUN-06 BBQ- Star Party

Kingwood College

I wish to express my appreciation to all the great volunteers, members and guests that came to the NHAC BBQ! It was one of our largest turn outs yet! We served all 60 hamburgers, and nearly all the hot dogs and sausage that we had. ( Ran out of hamburgers right at the end!) Even Bill’s famous beans were nearly gone at the end. Even though we ran out of some sides, everybody got plenty to eat. Several members brought side dishes of watermelon, cookies and sweets ( the chocolate fudge and swirls were outrageously good!).

In spite of Suburban skies ( and a couple of lights that wouldn’t go out), it cleared off nicely and we got really good views of Saturn, Jupiter, M57 ( Ring Nebula) and M13 ( Great Globular in Hercules). We even got a dim look at M82 in the 20”. I counted more than 20 scopes setup in the parking lot. AND we got to meet the entire Krouse family for the first time!!!!

I thank everyone for their help and attendance. The large crowd surely made it all worthwhile.

Henry Norton
Observation Committee

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