The Officer’s had a meeting at 5PM.  We discussed several items.  Cathy arrived at 5:50 and told us about new forms she made for the Treasurer’s Reports.  She told us that she would not be able to provide New Member information for a week after receipt or meetings. 

Tedda finally  had to leave at 6:20, so the officers' meeting officers’meeting came to an end. No arrangements were made to install Cathy as Treasurer. 

As scheduled, members started arriving for our 6-8PM  Eclipse station poster preparation.  Suzanne brought her Cat in the Hat Space story, and Stephanie, Margaret, and Tedda helped her put them in plastic and in order.  We went outside to staple the enlarged pages to a luan board, which Stan just finished cutting out with StephanR.’s help.  They cut out several other luan boards to size.  RickS. Came out of “nowhere” with great enthusiasm to help, and held down sheets and helped Tedda staple the  Leo the Lion story poster.  Lauren brought her Safety Solar Glass poster sheets.  We all agreed that it could be made larger for people to see from a distance.  She and Stephanie, and Margaret reviewed MarkM’s poster on Partial Eclipses viewed through tree leaves, and agreed that  it was good, but much too small for anyone to read.  They recommended that he enlarge the print and place the photos on separate pages.  He agreed, said he would email the pages and size luan needed.  We had some good conversation, and AJ and others had fun feeding Freddy pretzels.

We enjoyed some snacks: veggies & onion dip, cantaloupe, and Margaret’s beanie weenies.  Thanks so much.

At 8:50 it was time to walk up the hill and look for Mercury near the setting sun.  We had a good time doing it, including AJ and Wade, but never did see Mercury on this pleasant but somewhat clouded night. 

Meanwhile, Pat tried to help Kenneth with his scope, but with some missing parts, the solution has been delayed.  Chris’ dad, NevinS helped him and his older brother set up their scope, and spent good time observing during the evening.  RickS was delighted to observe and discuss astrophotography with SteveM.  John had an opportunity to review some northern stars with his daughter and grands.  We all saw Jupiter, Saturn, and the Summer Triangle.  Stan focused on double star, Albireo, Andromeda, and others. 

The viewing turned out much better than expected, and Steve got some great photos.

Respectfully submitted,

Tedda Howard

ACA Secretary



20170725ACATHMin

Kenneth and Tedda started at 7:30 from NMR, and drove up to Lexington to get our 10 ACA Eclipse Posters, meet with the Museum Director, and take our posters around town to get them posted. We stopped for directions once, and made contact with the manager of a rather large business, who was delighted to tell his employees about our Eclipse plans. We arrived just before 9AM and were thrilled with the results of Adela’s poster prep! Pine Press Printing did a great job, and we appreciate the funds that the Museum was able to put toward them.

LCM Director JR Fennell graciously posted the first poster, and took us on a tour of the buildings and field/mostly nice lawn so that we could plan our station locations. He also agreed to make a blow up map so that we could post it after people register on the morning of the Eclipse. Kenneth took photos, which are a big help in negotiating our way around. It will be great as there are many places with shade, but with sun close by.

We dropped off posters at the Bi-Lo across the street, Lexington High School for their registration day +, at the Post Office, the Bank, and several other places. Some businesses could not post due to corporate policy. Finally, we stopped by Jimmy John’s Sandwiches. When Tedda called them beforehand, they offered to sponsor our free lunches on Eclipse Day: with 36 subs, pickles, and cookies. We were glad to confirm this, and meet the manager that will be there that day. They asked us to pick up the order, so we need a volunteer to drive over there at ~11AM on Eclipse day. They posted one of the many 8.5x11” posters that Kenneth ran off. When leaving we needed to ask for some directions, and Tedda ended up next door at the ice cream parlor. They were a delightful Armenian couple, and had the most delicious ice cream. Kenneth treated Tedda, and they placed a BIG poster in their window! We drove down the Batesburg-Leesville and placed a poster at Shealy’s BBQ, and that was it for our day.

Later Aiken County Library was pleased to prominently place the last of our big 2x3’ posters. We have saved back two posters: one to put out on Hwy 378 where the public will enter the Museum grounds, and we will have our registration table. We kept one medium poster to put on the back of the truck when we head up to Lexington.

Respectfully submitted,

Tedda Howard

ACA Secretary