The meeting was gaveled in at 12:00 and a festive holiday meal was provided by the wonderful TCC folks. The spread was quite prolific and as good as everything was—the mole turkey was exceptionally tender and flavorful—but I digress.
The meeting started promptly at 12:15 following a lovely music video of the song “Imagine”. President BRUCE introduced JASON FLAX to lead us in the pledge and song. A moment of silence was held for the recently departed DON LAIDLAW who passed on 11/7/2022 at the age of 87.
The inspirational moment was provided by JOE DANISZEWSKI. President JACOBS had KHRIS DODGE, Sargent at Arms, introduce the guests—and while I didn’t secure a count, there seemed to be 10-15 guests in attendance—that was pretty nice to see. The very significant raffle was held and the king of spades was pulled leaving the pot intact and growing over 1500 dollars thus far.
BOB LOGAN, former president, introduced our speaker Marcia Rieke, Professor at the University to talk about the Webb Telescope. Let me tell you she was pretty amazing to start with—her smart quotient was off the charts and yet, she did a wonderful job taking her information and translating it to laymen’s level. Some takeaways: - Webb Telescope took 20 years to go from an idea to launch—but it was worth the wait.
- The University of Arizona is particularly well positioned to be a part of the national and international astronomy future.
- Prior observatories in Arizona cements our leadership in the segment of telescopes.
- Colors shown by Webb are actually assigned by the astronomers to help guide contrast and make things more viewable—the actual cameras are infrared.
- Professor Rieke is the lead investigator of one of the 4 cameras/instruments—the near infra-red.
- Infrared works far better in space than from the ground.
- Because of fuel issues, it was thought that Webb might last 5 years—but because so little fuel was used to position the instrument, it appears that it may last 20 years.
- Big Surprise—far more galaxies are being found with Webb than were seen with Hubble.
The Make Way For Books donation was “The James Webb Space Telescope” signed by Dr. Reike.
Birthdays were recognized for ERNIE MONTAGNE, BOBBY LARSON, ALAN SCHROPE, and CAM MOORE. Happy Birthday gentlemen!
ROB LAMASTER introduced new member, DENISE WATTERS from the Boys & Girls Club. Welcome and congratulations!
Looking very festive in her Christmas Santa vest, CHAR HARRIS presented a Paul Harris to WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI and her husband Mark Wierzbinski. Congratulations!Announcements
- Miles of Memories by President JACOBS who continues to rack up the miles.
- The Holiday Mixer will be held on December 14, 2022 at BRUCE JACOB’s home.
- Hike—Blacket’s Ridge 12/11/22—meet at 7:30 AM @Sabino Canyon East Gate
- JOE DANISZEWSKI presented a blue badge to RICH KENNEY. Congratulations!
- JEANNE ZETAH told us about the ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE party New Year’s Eve at Casa Grande
The toast was held and the meeting adjourned at 1:18.
