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Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Attn: Virgil Goodwine

Regional Manager

1901 Buck Creek Lane

Springfield, OH 45502

 

January 13, 2011

 

 

 

Mr. Virgil GoodWine:

 

The Miami Valley Astronomical Society has been a part of the Dayton area community since 1918.  One of our founding members was Colonel Edward Deeds.  We pride ourselves on being one of the oldest astronomical societies in the United States and for being able to provide our knowledge of the science and hobby of astronomy to the community.

As President of the Miami Valley Astronomical Society I would like to provide you with an update on our activities for this past year as well as our continued thanks for your support and assistance which allowed us to expand and complement our outreach work. 

The MVAS conducted over 60 outreach events this past year.  Twenty-four of those events were held at John Bryan State Park, either at the observatory or elsewhere on the park grounds.  In our outreach activities this year we have touch no fewer than 4,000 individuals, most of which were children between the ages of 5 and 18.  Our youth audience included boy scouts, girl scouts, and numerous elementary, middle school, and high school-aged individuals. 

The foundation and charter of the MVAS has always been our outreach and educational programs.  The support by yourself and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has been fundamental in providing us with the venue to allow us to do this work.  In addition to the importance of John Bryan Observatory, we are also very grateful for the grounds and building improvements that you were able to assists us with.  Our relationship with the ODNR over the past two years has been better then we have ever experienced in any prior year since taking residence at the observatory.

Here is a breakdown of events held specifically at John Bryan State Park.

Camper Stargazes:  An activity for the campers.  This is a presentation of basic astronomy information, followed by a stargaze activity where everyone can look through numerous telescopes and discover for themselves the wonder of the night sky.  We held 8 such events this past year with over 150 campers in attendance.

Scout or Special Group Stargazes:  These are arranged or impromptu events for scouts or school-aged children, as well as the occasional adult group.  While more were planned, due to weather, we were only able to hold six such events this year.  Over 125 total attendees participated at these activities.  The scouts enjoy these events because they often allow them to obtain their astronomy badge after spending time with us and learning about astronomy as well as exploring the universe.

MVAS Members Nights:  Generally, these are nights earmarked for MVAS members and their guests to use the Observatory and the grounds for private stargazes or for other activities concerning member-invited groups.  The MVAS held 10 of these events with over 130 participating members and their guests.  We have done both day and night activities and usually try to do a cookout and/or work party in conjunction with doing something related to astronomy.

Apollo Rendezvous:  This is the MVAS’s annual Exposition.  We pull in other amateur and professional astronomers from surrounding states to learn more about astronomy.  Apollo Rendezvous begins with a two-day program at the Booneshoft Museum of Discovery, followed by a BBQ and stargaze at John Bryan Observatory the evening of the second day.  This event usually draws between 100 and 200 people each year.

This is only a list of formalized events held at John Bryan State Park.  Other individual member programs and activities were also conducted. An exact number of these activities are not possible, but our log book for attendance at the Observatory is in the hundreds for the year.

The Board of Directors for the Miami Valley Astronomical Society, its members, and I, cannot thank you enough for your overwhelming support of the MVAS and the work we do.  You are always reachable, open to suggestion, and willing to take time out of both your professional and personal day to assist us.  We look forward to continuing our fantastic and rewarding relationship with you, your staff, and the entire ODNR.

As we have indicated to you in the past, please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like us to perform a program at any of your locations.  It is the least we can do to thank you for helping to bolster our cause and the tools we need to do it, namely John Bryan Observatory!

 

With great respect and gratitude,

Rick Weiss

President

Miami Valley Astronomical Society