2005 News

Flanders Pavilion Construction 2005-Sep-22

• Flanders Pavilion Construction Update
  By November, the construction company had finished the Pavilion structure and it was weather tight. Still remaining to be done by the club or other contractors is the installation of a floor, electric power, lighting and exit signs, and Audio/Visual equipment for convention use.
  
• Star Party at Stellafane Saturday, September 24th
  There will be a public star party at Stellafane Saturday, September 24th. Bring you telescopes are a warm jacket and enjoy the cool & crisp autumn night sky from Breezy Hill.
• Sudden Death of Sue Rugelis

  Sue Rugelis

  It is with very deep regrets that the Springfield Telescope Makers announce the sudden death of Sue Rugelis on August 11th at her home in Syracuse, NY. An honorary member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Sue, of "Sue's Field", has been attending the Stellafane convention for many years. For the past 18 years, she could very often be found at her campsite, under her tree at the north-east corner of "Sue's Field", working on various convention logistical problems and coordinating the work of the convention volunteers. For those of us who knew and worked with her, the convention just won't be the same w/o her. However, we take comfort in the fact that " ... she loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.
• The 70th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers
  The Stellafane Convention was held August 5th and 6th. See our Convention Pages for reports, photos and videos.
• New Observatory Completed
  In the week prior to convention, the new Domed Observatory building was completed, including electric service. We expect to install the telescope in the observatory (a 10" Ritchey-Chrétien on a Springfield Mount) in time for the 2006 Convention.
• Flanders Pavilion Construction Update
  Unfortunately, it does not look like the Flanders Pavilion will be completed before the 2005 Stellafane convention due to delays in the permitting process. The parts for the building have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive a few days before the convention. The ground work for the pavilion will be completed by that time (the location where the big tent has been set up these past several years). It is expected that the pavilion will be ready long before the 2006 convention. However, we still need your help to raise the funds necessary to pay off the loan that the Springfield Telescope Makers aquired to pay for the construction of the pavilion!
• The Flanders Pavilion Construction Authorized
  The Springfield Telescope Makers authorized the financing and construction of the 6,000 square foot Flanders Pavilion at their January planning meeting. Financing was sought, a capital campaign kicked off, and permitting begun. At this time, the hope was to have the facility ready for the 2005 Convention.