AL: Astronomical League News Update

To all Council and Committee Officers
Astronomical League:
(via bcc)

It has been some time since we last communicated, and I would like to
share the latest news. Please feel free to distribute this notice to
newsletter editors and your member societies. Again, let me thank each
and every one of you for your outstanding service to amateur astronomy
and to the Astronomical League.

New Member Societies: Since our last update, we have gained 18 new
member societies. We will be publishing the full details of all these
new member societies in the next Reflector. Yes, we have had a few
member societies drop, but we believe we can attract these clubs back
to the League soon. We do plan to offer a new dues option for
discussion at the council meeting in Kansas City on August 11.

League Sales Remains Closed. Due to circumstances beyond our control,
the League Sales web site was temporarily closed on March 25. We
regret, but League Sales must remain closed. This includes website,
postal, and telephone orders. In addition, online MALs and ALPO
memberships will be affected. We are currently considering how to
establish a back-up capability at our National Office, but it will be
some time before this will be possible. Your patience is appreciated.


Spring Mailing is Underway: All member societies, MALs, and patrons
will soon be receiving the Spring Mailing. Among other items, we will
be asking you to vote for the position of Astronomical League
Secretary. We received one nomination, John Goss, who accepted the
nomination and agreed to run. John is highly talented, and has served
several years as Chair, MERAL.

President's Relocation: In a few weeks, starting in mid-June, my wife
and I will be moving from Virginia to Arizona. It will be several
weeks (mid-July) before the dust settles from the move. During this
period, I request that any postal mail for me be sent to the National
Office (see address below). Also, I may be slow on replying to e-mail
during the relocation. If something is very urgent, please contact
Vice-president Terry Mann or one of the other members of the Executive
Committee. Incidentally, this should be my last move. My wife is
retiring from her federal judge position (Colonel, USAF JAG). We are
looking forward to observing under dark skies of Southern Arizona.

Council Agenda: I will be e-mailing you a draft agenda soon. Also,
Jackie Beucher, Executive Secretary, will be collecting and
consolidating all committee and regional reports. Please send these to
Jackie not later than June 15. We have many exciting topics to
discuss. Let me know if you have any other proposals, and I can add
them to the agenda.

League's Website: We are now running a test with the NorthCentral
Region to allow them to update their part of the League's website.
This improves the quality and timeliness of updates, and we are looking
forward to extending this opportunity to other regions soon. The
website is looking great thanks to the work of Matt Ganis and others.

Dark Skies: Momentum is building for control of light pollution. A
new state law passed in Texas, and more communities are establishing
new zoning standards. Every member society needs to be riding the
wave. Make sure your dark sky officers and committees are working to
protect your observing sites before it is too late. Good luck and
don't forget to visit www.darksky.org for help.

ALConExpo: I hope to see all of you in Kansas City, August 11-13. The
council meeting will be on Thursday, August 11, and it will be the
first time we ever met at our own national office. A number of
astronomical vendors will be participating, and they are already
sending impressive donations to the League. This is really exciting.

Clear skies and good observing, Bob

Astronomical League
Attn: Robert L. Gent, President
9201 Ward Parkway
Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64114
www.astroleague.org