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We heard you, now let's talk...
This questionnaire appeared in the last two Prime Focus editions. Here is a sampling of your responses. Please see the invitation, on page 1, to join the board in discussing these club-wide issues.
Changing the general meeting program
(The board recognizes that general meetings now run uncomfortably long for many members. We hate to lose you at the break! How can we restructure the meetings, yet preserve the featured speaker's lead-off slot.)
Start on time! (a popular response cited by many members)
Limit speakers to: a) 45 minutes or b) 1 hour.
Shorten the break.
Condense the announcements and abbreviate "What's Up" to the astronomical highlights only.
Outfitting a loaner scope for solar observing
(Some members would like to rent a solar filter-fitted scope for day star observing. The board is concerned about the potential liability resulting from accidental misuse of such a scope. Can you recommend ways to make this a safe addition to the rental program, or shall we scrap the idea?)
Draft a comprehensive hold-harmless release and rent this scope only to capable adults.
Publish a list of instructions and require the observer to sign that he/she understands it.
Permanently attach the most reliable solar filter we can buy, in a way that users cannot remove it.
Scrap the idea unless someone comes up with a foolproof design. A front-end solar filter is way, way too dangerous.
Providing insurance for TVS activities and locations
(In an increasingly litigious age, the board wishes to protect club assets and activities. Membership in the Astronomical League would allow us to purchase insurance. Other policies must also be available from private carriers. Can you suggest persons we might contact to better educate us on this matter?)
We should be scared witless at the thought of operating without insurance. Get some now!
Yes, go for it. It's worth the money!
Contact the other clubs and see what they have done. (Ed. Note: The board has done this already.)
Joining the Astronomical League
(In addition to its club liability insurance umbrella, AL offers a range of services that could benefit some TVS members. Are you already an AL member through another club? (Where?) Should TVS join the League?)
No, I am already a member through other clubs. (three members so indicated)
OK, I could care less, but not much less.
Yes, I would be interested to try this for at least one year.
No, AL does not offer any substantial benefits to TVS members.
Maintaining and upgrading the dark sky site
(What improvements or upgrades should we make at Hidden Hill Observatory ?)
Schedule a work day for club members who are willing to repair and paint the observatory.
Better bathroom facilities. A fiberglass outhouse/construction-style outhouse would be much better.
Add dry chemicals to the outhouse, particularly in hot weather.
How about some permanent piers we can use to mount portable scopes?
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