Yes, we did have an unexplained technical difficulty last month, and this cover photograph appeared only in black and white. We hope that you are able to see it this month with all the yellows and oranges we promised in September. Enjoy!

Several images of Olympus Mons were shot when the Mars Global Surveyor was in different orbital positions. Combined with a computer model of the surface, they yield this three-dimensional topographic perspective of the volcano, as viewed from the northeast. (NASA)

Club News and Notes

the plenary board session scheduled for October 15. Various board members will report on that session during the October general meeting. Club officers and directors will also attempt to contact each member by phone or by e-mail between the mailing date of this newsletter issue, and November 3 -- the new deadline for the November issue of Prime Focus.  Their intent is to reach the majority of members, and to solicit as many ideas as possible prior to publishing the ballot.

   While the scope of this situation presents an enormous challenge to our remaining leaders, it also give you a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of TVS. If you have ever said you yourself that you could do a better job on some aspect of club activities or management, plan to attend the general meeting set for October 20. President Dave Anderson will describe the full range of TVS leadership opportunities, and will lead a discussion on the responsibilities and privileges attached to each office or position. At the end of that discussion, the board will draft a list of positions to be posted for the November general election.

(Continued from previous page)

Looking for leaders

  Here's the straight scoop: Our president and vice president, as well as a number of directors, will retire from club service in December. As yet, we do not have volunteers or nominees for their offices. To protect our nonprofit status, we must annually elect or reelect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer. We thank Maggie Halberg for agreeing to continue as secretary, and Mike Anderson for his ongoing work as our treasurer.

   In addition to acknowledging the mandated officers, our bylaws also provide for a vice president and for a board of directors. We will, therefore, post these vacancies, so that the TVS leadership structure matches the statements filed with the California Secretary of State. Several significant appointed positions also have been vacant for the past several months. The most crucial of these is the program coordinator. While Dave Anderson has been combining this role with his presidential duties, it is unfair to ask that one individual fill both positions for the club. Likewise, Chuck Grant has been pulling double duty as the observatory director and the web master.

   Obviously the club must divide its leadership tasks differently. This topic will be discussed in detail at the

Dates and deadlines -- 2000

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