Skyscrapers 75th

Congratulations Skyscrapers on reaching another milestone. 75 years rich with history, travel, science, public outreach programs, and camaraderie. A Standing “O” to the 75th committee for putting together a memorable event., especially Kathy Siok, Dave Huestis, Dolores Rinaldi, and Bob Horton. Those attending were treated to an incredible presentation by Gerry Dyck that let us revisit “Sidewalk Astronomy at Roger Williams Park” the first “AstroAssembly” in 1952, the “Portable Planetarium at the Warwick Mall”, the “Solar Eclipse of 1925”, the “1970 Transit of Mercury ” and many more memorable moments in our history.

In addition, our guest speaker William Penhallow re-introduced us to our old friends of Skyscrapers: Charles Smiley founder of Skyscrapers; Phil Newmarker; Donald Reed; Dr. Fred Whipple of the “Dirty Snowball” theory of comets fame and Charles Oliver of the American Meteor Society.

As I reflect on the evening I am amazed at the history of Skyscrapers and I am proud to be a part of this tradition.

Secretary’s report – May 5, 2007 May’s monthly meeting was very special: it marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration of Skyscrapers’ 75th anniversary! Members gathered at 5:30 p.m. at Romanzo Café in Coventry, RI for dinner. The 75th-Anniversary Planning Committee made the arrangements – Thank you to all the committee members! Business meeting: A brief business meeting was called to order by President Huestis after dinner.

Old business: Pending motions to admit Mark Bronson (Canada), John Biafore, and Dave Rose into the membership were passed.
President’s announcements: President Huestis introduced the recently elected Executive Committee.

The business meeting was adjourned and followed by two presentations. Member Gerry Dyck gave the first presentation, entitled “Skyscrapers at 75,” which included slides about Seagrave Observatory and Skyscrapers and their activities – such as meetings, trips, outreach, photography; the musical theme of the presentation was Haydn’s 75th symphony. Life-member William Penhallow, the monthly meeting’s featured speaker, gave the second presentation entitled “Skyscrapers – A Historical Perspective,” some of his personal memories over 60 years (1947–2007). The evening was a success and a great start to this year’s celebration!

2006–2007 Secretary’s note: I have enjoyed serving Skyscrapers the past three years. Thank you.
&emdash; Mercedes Rivero-Hudec

Tom Barbish and Jerry Jeffrey - Tom is currently the organization Librarian and Jerry is currently one of our three Trustees.

Dave Rose, Scott Tracey, and Francine Jackson

The Banquet Princess and Skyscrapers events coordinator Dolores Rinaldi. She is an active member of the organization and is always seen at star parties with her binoculars and laser pointer educating the general public and recruiting new members.

Bob Horton (looking snappy!), Bill Gucfa, and web master Jim Hendrickson

Dan Lorraine has served in several capacities within the organization including President on two seperate occasions, First Vice President, and others.

... and look who had the winning ticket and claimed the door prize!

President Dave Huestis prepares to turn the reins over to newly elected President Glenn Jackson, but before he does many thank you's were in order.

Dave presents current 1st VP and in-coming President Glenn Jackson with a certificate of appreciation for all of the hard work and support that he's given to Dave throughout his two years as President. As Dave said,

Out going President Dave Huestis was presented with a token of appreciation from the organization -- a beautifully framed photo of Skyscrapers founding father Dr. Charles Smiley of Brown University. There is also an engraved plaque thanking Dave for his service and noting his three seperate 2 year terms as President of Skyscrapers!

Keynote speaker and long time Skyscrapers member, Professor Emeritus William Penhallow from the University of Rhode Island and his son.

Bill spoke on the history of the organization and his intimate involvement with it throughout the years.

Dave Hurdis and Mercedes Rivero enjoy the keynote talk by Bill Penhallow. Dave is a past President of the organization and Mercedes has served as Secretary.

Steve Siok and his father Chet Siok (By the way, Chet is younger looking guy on the right). Steve and Chet have been long time members and made many wonderful contributions over the years.

Dave Rose provided the entertainment by singing soprano for part of the night while Frank Debeau looks on in disgust. Francine Jackson turned her back hoping he would just go away!!

Past President and the holder of many other illustrious positions in the organization is Steve Hubbard and his wife Sue.

$Al and Tammy Hall. Al is a long time member of Skyscrapers and spearheaded the restoration project of the Alvan Clark refractor several years ago.$

Jim and Jane. Jim is one of our newer member and has already stepped up to the plate in leadership positions in the organization.

Glenn and Stormy - Glenn Jackson is relatively new to Skyscrapers and has already had a major impact in shaping the direction of orgnization. At the banquet, Glenn finished a two one year terms as First Vice President and steped into his new role as the

Tracey Haley and his wife Mary - Tracey is a Trustee in the organization and also completes all of the needed electrical work needed on the property.

This certificate was displayed on a chair draped with a black shawl to honor all of the Skyscrapers members that have left this earthly spaceship throughout our 75 year history. Without their hard work, dedication, and spirit of volunteerism, the organization may not be here today celebrating its' 75th anniversary. And the spirit of volunteerism is stronger in the organization now than it ever has been!

Pat Landers, Dan Lorraine, Steve Hubbard, and Steve Siok

Steve and Cathy Siok - Cathy is a past President of the organization and currently sits on the 75 year anniversary committee and is the 2nd VP.

Outgoing first Lady Tina Huestis with her hubby, Dave

Rick Lynch (right) and Al Hall (left) engaged in some kind of important discussion ... actually, I think Rick's just hungry and getting cranky!

Ted Fernezza and his Patty - Ted has served in many different capacities within the organization. However, he is most known to thousands of scouts and other group visitors as the face and voice of Skyscrapers. Ted has a very unique and engaging way of describing the universe and all of its glories to our young visitors and really captures their imagination and curiousity.

Joe Sarandreas and Jack Szelka - Joe is a welcome new comer to Skyscrapers and is currently a

Jackie Sarandreas, Karen Lynch, and Ileen Szelka

Cathy Siok and Dolores Rinaldi did an exceptional job in planning of the well attended Skyscrapers 75th anniversary ... we can't wait to see what they've got up their sleeves for the 100th!