[sac-board] Re: Joint SAC/EVAC guest speaker...
- From: "AJ Crayon" <acrayon@xxxxxxx>
- To: <sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:48:56 -0700
Chris, I see many pluses here trying to secure a famous speaker. Take the
best meeting date and location that can be secured with both EVAC and SAC
participation. As far as the honorarium is concerned, the price is right. I
know Tom and Jenn have permitted speakers in the past to stay at their home
and without making much fan fair over this. All for which I am very
thankful for.
As I recall, in the past, we have partnered together with EVAC for a famous
speaker - Jeff Hester. The venue was the AZ Science Center. I don't
remember which day of the week - it didn't matter. Fortunately Jeff lives
in the Valley of the Sun so there wasn't any problem there.
Also planning on later in the year gives much time for negotiating in
addition to avoiding the summer temps.
AJ Crayon
Phoenix, AZ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Hanrahan" <chris.hanrahan@xxxxxxx>
To: "[Sac-Board]" <sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 8:03 PM
Subject: [sac-board] Joint SAC/EVAC guest speaker...
Board Members,
I'd like to bring you all up on an informal meeting held last night.
Attendees were Wayne Thomas (VP, EVAC & SAC member), Tom & Jennifer Polakis
(SAC members & gracious hosts) and myself. The main topic of discussion was
a possible SAC/EVAC joint meeting with a higher-caliber guest speaker. What
follows is a brief layout of our discussions.
Prospective speakers (off the top of our heads):
Sue French - advanced amateur astronomy, writer
Alex Fillipenko - UC Berkeley cosmologist
Caroline Shoemaker - comet & asteroid hunter
Story Musgrave - former NASA astronaut
Wendy Freedman - astronomer
Caroline Porco - Cassini Imaging lead
Others to be determined as we move forward/if needed
Estimated number of attendees:
Possibly 75 to 100. We did discuss having the public attend assuming we
have a public venue.
Possible month/day/date:
Stick to a Friday if at all possible; exact Friday most likely will be
determined by speaker's availability
Wayne and I both have September and October open (plus it's easier to get
someone to come to the Valley when it's not 110° outside)
Possible Location:
AZ Science Center - planetarium
Grand Canyon Univ. (possibly the large lecture hall SAC has used before)
Gilbert - possibly the Library where EVAC holds their meetings
Other locations to be discussed as we move forward
Until we meet again:
Wayne - contact Mike George, AZ Sci Center to find out if they would be
willing to allow us to hold the event there
Jennifer (volunteered) - write to Story Musgrave and Sue French (for
starters) to see if either would be available for a Sept or Oct date
Chris - update SAC Board members and pose questions (see below)
The questions I have for the Board are as follows:
1) If SAC is interested in providing financial assistance to support this
endeavour, how much "support" is the Club willing to provide given our
financial situation? Mr. Thomas has proposed a sizable sum (< $500) to the
EVAC Board (to date unapproved). Let me say there are still numerous
unknowns and the speaker will have to be negotiated with, based on their
needs. Tom and Jenn have offered up their home if we have a guest willing
to stay at the Polakis home. Discussions were had regarding airline
tickets, lodging, meals, etc. All were aware that we are trying to get the
best person possible and spend the least amount of money.
2) How does SAC feel about possibly having the meeting moved to a non-full
moon Friday, if necessary?
3) Would SAC members be willing to attend another venue if necessary?
Honestly, I'm looking for guidance here from our senior members. My gutt
tells me that an annoucement should be made to the club informing all
members of this proposed event, thereby obtaining the Club's general pulse
regarding questions 2 and 3 above directly. Obviously, the Board should
discuss the proposed financial support off-line from the club, proposing a
sum to be voted on by all members later.
Clearly, I wanted to bring this entire scenario up with the Board, first and
foremost.
As always, your input is greatly appreciated and respected.
Regards,
Chris Hanrahan
(humble) VP Saguaro Astronomy Club
623.455.9836 home
602.694.1396 wireless
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