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Post by Paul Greenhalgh President on Feb 15, 2014 10:43:04 GMT -8
Breaking Ground ceremony at the Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission B.C. For a new proposed Observatory and Educational center. The Fraser Valley Astronomers have been invited to mark this day as the new project begins, SATURDAY MARCH 8TH at 10 a.m. Fraser River Heritage Park (Click here for Link)Delegations and Dignitaries will be in attendance for this exciting day, and you're welcome to come and celebrate as well. Donations towards the project will also be graciously excepted as more funds are needed to obtain all of the new equipment that's needed to give you an experience you'll enjoy for years to come. And you can send those directly to the Park Management if you wish, just make the donation with the words OBSERVATORY PROJECT.
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Post by craig on Jul 17, 2014 16:29:03 GMT -8
its their anything new on the observatory do you know when it is supposed to be finished
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 18, 2014 15:19:26 GMT -8
I know someone that went by the site and told me the buildings have taken shape, but have no cladding yet.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2014 16:05:52 GMT -8
Plywood is up and the deck is on. Looking good!
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Post by craig on Jul 21, 2014 20:05:47 GMT -8
what size telescope is going into it does anyone know
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2014 11:07:34 GMT -8
I heard....a 20 inch Meade ACF. Basically a hi performance Schmidt Cassigrain
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Post by craig on Jul 29, 2014 17:21:58 GMT -8
nice sounds fun are they planning on a research program with it or is it a public viewing thing
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2014 14:55:25 GMT -8
Took two pictures today. Quite large place. Looks like they still think we can set up on the deck ---> bouncy castle. The immediate surrounding area is too sloped for any other setting up. Oh well. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 19:12:16 GMT -8
This just in....The Observatory at Mission has been cancelled! The society that has run the park for 30 years isn't getting renewed. It all goes to the District of Mission to decide on how to rebuild/finish the current buildings as they now exist.
It was a good idea in the wrong spot! This is my 2 cents and in no way represents the position of the club or other members. MMc
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2015 19:38:42 GMT -8
It hit the front page news here in Mission. All building to cease on observatory. Estimate to finish given at $300,000. Yes,you read that right. Colossal waste of money,IMO. MMc
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Post by Paul Greenhalgh President on May 1, 2015 21:13:02 GMT -8
On behalf of Brian Antonson; Here's a quick summary of what's happened: When the new Mission council was elected in November, we at the Mission Heritage Association asked to meet with them to update them on everything that was happening at the Park. We were aware that a small "election issue" had been some complaints from some citizens about the "unfinished appearance" of the four new building projects at the Park. In actual fact, we finally obtained the timber in the fall, had it sawn into lumber free by a mill in Maple Ridge, and then went through the long and laborious process of staining it with Cetol wood finishing stain...a preservative and colour stain. When that was finished...a months-long process...it was ready to be erected, and that started this year and is now complete. Unfortunate delays, yes, but it simply couldn't be helped what with only a few volunteers being able to do all the work. Our meeting with the new council was delayed...and delayed...and when we finally met at the end of December, they served us notice that our "maintenance contract" with the District...which has been in place for three decades...would not be renewed "as is", effective December 31 2015, but they assured us we would be working together toward a new contract that would move forward beyond that date, with some changes to our governance model. We looked forward to engaging in discussions on this. We continued with many notes and several meetings since then, attempting to secure information on what this new contract might look like. In February, I became president of the association...a position I accepted 'for one year'...and continued discussions, with more meetings and notes. Unfortunately, there are many many 'rumours' circling around this, and I've spent much time investigating them, and finding them to be untrue, unfounded, inaccurate, mistaken, etc., and I've responded with factual information to the District. On April 22nd, we were asked to another meeting where we received a letter telling us our long standing contract would LAPSE on December 31st, and between now and then, we would be expected to prepare to "wind down affairs" and schedule a "full turn-over of the Park". This is 'termination language'...and my response was similar to that which appears on the front page of today's Mission City Record: "We're FIRED!" Life since then has been a whirlwind, with many notes flying back and forth, media interviews, postings to the Mission Voice website and other Facebook entries, several meetings, etc. I've taken pains to explain how we got here, and support has been gratifyingly positive. In fact, if you go to the Mission Voice page, www.facebook.com/mission.voice, you'll see they've asked people whether they support the District taking over the Park or not, and the absolutely overwhelming majority are saying "NO". Our letter also told us that effective May 1, the District would assume all responsibility for our building projects, and we were directed to "...stop all work on the Observatory, including fundraising, until the District completes a formal review of the Observatory Business Plan." So, the project is NOT 'cancelled', but work is to stop on it until this review is completed. As part of this, we have asked many questions, including "What statutory authority gives the District the right to take over OUR building projects and to tell us to stop work on the Observatory?" To date, we haven't received an answer, but we suspect there is none. In a heated discussion last week, the mayor told me he didn't know ANYONE who supported the idea of an observatory. I told him I had talked with many...into the hundreds. He replied that we obviously move in different circles! Indeed. Well, if he's paying attention to posted comments just now, he'll see there are MANY people who support the Observatory. I sat at a breakfast this morning hosted by Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson and talked with five others seated close by who were extremely enthusiastic about the project, and shocked by the District's moves. One even asked to see the Observatory, so I headed down to the Park with him and gave him the Cook's Tour inside and around it, and he was most impressed. We have much work to accomplish. We now have about $225,000 'in the ground', and perhaps another $100,000 needed to finish inside construction and another $200,000 to fulfill all our equipment goals. But then we knew that when we started. NO project at the Park has ever been completed with all funding in place when we started, ALL projects have been completed as more and more fundraising was successful, etc., etc. The Park is the wonderful place it is today because we seized many opportunities to make an impact, worked hard with volunteers to create these various elements, and can point to them today with the pride of a job well done, though obviously NOT accomplished over a typical construction cycle of a few months. My week has been a blur of meetings, postings, discussions, planning, fielding media calls, etc. Where will the coming weeks take us? We don't know. I found out from the media just yesterday that the mayor had said this move is part of a larger plan to manage ALL parks in Mission under a new governance model, though what that might look like is uncertain at this point. This was the first I'VE heard of THAT...and...we've had many meetings, so I'm uncertain why we weren't told of this earlier. So, bottom line: NO, the project ISN'T cancelled, but it's to be studied over the next while to see if it's viable. The mayor doesn't think anyone will be interested in astronomy because he's never talked to anyone who is. I have. So we agree to disagree. I've asked if I will be a part of that "study", and have been told "maybe". That would seem logical, wouldn't you agree? Our business plan is, I believe, quite solid. We believe inviting paid field trips from classes which study astronomy (grades 3, 6 and 9) across the Valley will provide a solid rationale for running the Observatory. in an ongoing fiscally responsible manner. In short, there are thousands more students in those grades whose teachers might bring them here than we can handle on the 179 possible visiting days per year. We believe those students will bring back their families on observing evenings to see the wonderful night sky above us. We see our evenings involving a growing group of enthusiastic astronomers who will enjoy viewing the night sky here, and sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with visitors. We have identified potential costs and revenues, erring on the conservative side in each case. We have worked with various interested groups, and engage with enthusiastic people at each turn. The mayor told me recently that schools don't DO field trips anymore, thus our business model is flawed. My wife retired just recently from 25 years as a teacher, my daughter is a teacher in Chilliwack...and both are unaware of this, nor are their colleagues. But to confirm, I met again with a strong supporter of our concept, our school district superintendent, who confirmed that, indeed, field trips continue as a viable part of school life. He supports our concept, and believes other districts will too. I have reported this to the mayor, and again, we have to agree to disagree. There you are: an update on what's happening with our Park...'the jewel of Mission'...and our Observatory project. We were planning on installing a wheelchair ramp to allow access to the top deck shortly, and then holding regular viewing nights there, but that will have to wait for the time being. Both David and I attended the grand opening of Howard Trottier's new observatory at SFU a couple of weeks back, and for that evening's "Starry Nights" star party, they already had 1500 registrants. Amazing. Just the tourism impact alone of numbers anywhere near that would have Mission spinning. We can only hope that things straighten out soon and that we get back on track. If you have any questions, fire away!...and thanks for your ongoing support! Brian
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2015 22:23:57 GMT -8
I object!
There was not this much content even in our local paper. Oh, the news hit the front page alright, and page three too. Even a nice color picture.
Since when did this become Mr B.A. s personal forum and mentored by our club President?
How many of us are really behind this project? Rhetorical question. It is laughable. Take a look at the last 3 star parties held there,all rained or clouded out. It rains a lot over here. Never mind the Truth that the light pollution at that spot is horrible, this is the number one problem. Now, I am all for an observatory,just not where it presently is. I do not believe an astronomer was ever consulted as to a practical location. The District will now decide what is next. I am not afraid to Poke The Bear in this matter. MMc
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2015 8:27:02 GMT -8
65 inches of rain per year. One bright, light polluted sky. No place for us to set up our equipment (from our vehicles) except up on the deck (bouncy castle) That pretty much leaves us out.
Not sure how you do student astronomy on a wet, cloudy day without a planetarium and high end exhibits.
However, if you had a guided scope on a pier with some sort of Malin cam and a big monitor for everyone to watch, perhaps you might be able to take the public on a tour. Lots of chances for technical difficulties though. Our own eyeball through the telescope astronomy is so much more reliable. But we're left out of the picture.
Clear skies are usually short notice. How do you man something like that?
I can't quite see how that would float financially. Perhaps Mission can't either.
DSD.
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Post by Paul Greenhalgh President on May 2, 2015 8:34:42 GMT -8
Because Mr. BA is a member and has all the same rights you have with regards to this society. And has the same rights to express his thoughts and opinions as you do. And sometimes its a good idea to get all the information from the source rather than a watered down version that some news paper puts out. So there you have it.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2015 10:18:28 GMT -8
Since when does having a membership give one exclusive rights over others. When where the meetings held to see what was going to be done.? Oh, i see, i have to become a Rotarian? Or not miss a meeting. Paul ,i love you like a brother, but you are putting your efforts in to something that will not fly. How dare you tell me to get my facts right. I have spoken to more people over here then either of you has. Including the Mayor. I do more for astronomy then anyone over here. I have all the information i need, crappy location,bad weather, too much money. Not to mention a self serving person with their own agenda. I did not know He was a member of the club. Maybe you should turn his efforts in to getting what the club has always wanted. A real dark sky park, for example. I got my facts all lined up! Mission does not support this as it stands.
MMc-"bear poker"
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2015 12:55:36 GMT -8
Gently Mark, gently.
I thought it was good to hear Brian's perspective on the happenings. It would hurt to go through what he has. Heavy handedness is not the most pleasant solution.
I hope we as a club can still have a presence showing the Mission folks the night sky. Perhaps the Mission parks board will have someone that wants to continue the Heritage Park's relationship with us. Hopefully with good PR and members willing to participate, we can continue there.
I would have thought the RASCals would have gotten the key to the road to the Manning Lookout and Blackwall Peak for an observatory, but it appears they just don't have the demand for darker sky observing. Pity.
DSD.
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Post by Paul Greenhalgh President on May 3, 2015 8:56:14 GMT -8
Well Mark it would seem that email or messages here are not the way to go with talking about such topics. I in no way told you to get your facts straight let's get that one straight, what I tried to express here, is here's further information from the other side of the coin that might shed some more "light" on the situation. That's it. And this project goes beyond LP or weather it more about education and out reach, promoting Astronomy as I've stated to you before. The bigger picture if you will.
Instead of bringing astronomy to the classroom with a laptop, projector and screen the classroom comes to the Observatory / Planetarium where everything is set up already and fully functional and waiting to give everyone a wondrous great time.
From an Observing point of view, yes I agree with you that it's not a prime location, is Light Pollution an issue...sure. But that's not what this is about, this isn't set up for the avid deep sky observer that has an agenda of items to research now is it? This is about showing the average person things in our Universe they'd never see in their life times. Not things that are so far away that they're just a smudge on the lens billions of light years away. The public would want to see the meat and potato's, Saturn, Jupiter, Andromeda, the Sun, Orion, things closer to home if you will.
And when it all comes down to EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS for the masses then I'm all for it. I've done a lot of viewing sessions in light polluted school yards and when a Mother comes up to you in tears of joy and gratefulness and say's her son went from E's and F's to A's and B's in all his classes because of something we did a couple of years prior. There's the golden egg... when a 82 year old woman saw Saturn for the very first time she was ecstatic and excited and so pleased to have actually seen it once in her life time. It was a great feeling to see the joy and excitement in her eyes. We've had many many golden moments over the years of showing off the night sky to people. And we didn't do it from seriously deep dark places either.
Is that bad??? I don't think sooooo...
Anyway you can have your say at the next meeting if you wish as Brian is coming to offer more information about the goals of the site.
Bear? What bear???
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Post by Paul Greenhalgh President on May 3, 2015 9:08:00 GMT -8
From Brian Antonson with more information to consider:
Folks in the FVAS: I can provide some information in response to your postings over the past 24 hours. This will, of necessity, be a little long. I had circulated my earlier note to a number of people with whom we've been involved in our project, Paul being one. Paul asked if he could post it, and then before I saw his note, said he felt my missive SHOULD be posted, so did so...and I was very pleased that he had shared that info. Clearly, I don't intend for this site to be my 'personal forum', but I appreciate Paul posting my info so that everyone can be aware of what's going on here. I've sent this to him requesting that he post IT, as I've misplaced my login information, but I'll straighten that out shortly. In the meantime, here are some answers to your points: Yes, we've had some weather challenges with our star parties, but that's life in the Fraser Valley. There also have been many grand nights here in Mission. We had a stretch through the recent winter where the night sky was ablaze for much of many weeks, and each night I was thinking how great such skies will be when we're operating. Prior to even considering this, I researched weather patterns in our area and found that the Abbotsford area, with the closest weather station, reports a yearly number of 'clear days' pushing 300. I've lived in Mission for 41 years, so immediately questioned that number, but then found that this speaks to days when there are SOME clear skies, and often TOTALLY clear skies. So that encouraged us to move ahead. I am confident we'll have some good seeing here, in some cases for many nights at a stretch. Light pollution is a factor. Here's how we came to our decision on a location for our building: First, it's a Park project, so it was going to be within the 44 acres of the Park, in the center of our population base, and not in the hills north of Mission where skies are darker. Paul and I walked through areas in the Park a long time ago and he took readings in various locations, and I believe...he'll perhaps recall...things were pretty consistent in most areas, not great, but not bad. Our focus is 'popular astronomy', appealing to the general public, and not a dark sky astrophotography site at all, so we were aware of the complications but felt we could live with them, given that focus. We evaluated several locations, and found them all wanting. Up by the Grotto? Higher, yes, but lots of light pollution from the buildings to the west. In the field in the center of the Park? That would put a permanent structure in the middle of that vast expanse of open field where so many Park events occur, like Old Car Sunday, Folk Fest, family picnics and games, etc., and views to the east and south would be obscured by trees and buildings, so that couldn't happen. We looked at the east end of the Park on the bench above the Tourism Info/Chamber of Commerce building, but there is a bright highway sign there, so we didn't move forward. And each of these locations had problems with access to utilities, like power, phone, Internet, water, sewer, and such. So really, we needed to be in the west end of the Park, near where all those utilities exist, and where other buildings were in place, and thus we weren't going to compromise the "green" of the Park. We discussed our proposed location with several people who know about such things, and were confident that this general area would work. There are 13 lights in that general area...street lights, security lights, etc.,...that require mitigation, and we built into our budget plan the funds to do so at our expense. The capper for me was an article in an astronomy magazine about the Baker Street Irregulars Astronomy Society that operates in Regent's Park in London. Over 8 million people live there, the light pollution is significant, and the weather is iffy year round, yet the Irregulars operate their frequent star parties with great enthusiasm, appeal, and success. The writer of that article asked the president why they would set up in the middle of this huge metropolis with all its attendant light pollution, and he responded "Because we're looking UP, not OUT!" He went on to say that they were able to bring the joys of looking at the night sky to all their participants quite successfully, and that said to me that if they can accomplish this in that huge light sink of London, we surely can do so in the Fraser Valley. We are close to building a bridge and ramp on the north side of the deck to allow for free access to it, for everyone, including folks in wheelchairs. Thanks to a suggestion from FVAS member Greg Subulsky, we'll also set up some concrete pads to the east of the building where astrophotographers seeking a private location with no one coming near will be able to set up. One of these will be covered with a Sky Shed Pod dome that was recently donated to us. And, the Rotary Plaza offers a solid concrete deck just a few feet north of the Observatory building. So we should be able to cover all those bases. The suggestion about a guided scope with a Mallincam is spot on...that's our plan. We've focused on a 20" PlaneWave CDK scope. Our pier is in place, a 20" pipe, buried in 55,000 pounds of concrete, filled with 6,000 pounds of round sand (not fractured sand), according to specifications provided to us by Craig Breckenridge, who many will know is the lead designer for the TMT project on Mauna Kea. Visitors will be able to see what the telescope is seeing on monitors, and also will be able to walk away with their own photo of their favourite space object for a small fee. I'll be attending the Society meeting later this month and will bring along a copy of our business plan, which we believe is quite comprehensive. Indeed, it's based on field trip visits from students in the Fraser Valley catchment area, including Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Agassiz. There are 73,000 students in that area, approximately 17,000 of whom have astronomy curriculum as part of their grade 3, 6, and 9 classes. If we operated 179 days a year...the maximum number of school days available...and hosted two classes of 30 students each per day, we could handle just over 10,000 of those, so we'll fall short of potential demand by several thousand. It will take time and personal outreach to encourage teachers to bring their students to our location, but we believe that will build, and students will pay a reasonable field trip fee of $10 to participate in a curriculum-based experience, developed in conjunction with teachers. Once there, they'll enter our 2200 square foot building, and find multiple monitor information displays, a spectroscope, some radio astronomy, an inflatable planetarium such as that in use at the Ontario Science Museum, and a small lecture area for instruction, with a capacity of over 50, so ample for a typical class size. If the Sun is out, our telescopes will operating with the appropriate filters and students will be able to see sunspots through filters or flares, etc., though H-Alpha scopes. And after their learning experience with us, we believe they'll be so impressed they'll bring their families back to the next viewing evening, were participation will be by donation. And overnight, university students and professionals will be able to use our facility. Along this journey, we've met with many knowledgeable people and have taken their advice, which is always given freely and enthusiastically. I've been so very impressed by the calibre of the people I've met, and who have given us input. If I'M the person who is referred to as having "a self serving agenda", I'll have to beg to differ. I don't. I have a great interest in the night sky, but can't call myself an astronomer, amateur or otherwise. I'm a radio guy, and a broadcast educator by background, now retired. Over the years, I've raised well in excess of $4,000,000 for various ventures, so I have some experience in that, too. This project started when we received a $20,000 legacy donation from Mission Morning Rotary Club after participating in a competition with 11 applicants. Today, with other donations and gifts-in-kind, and volunteer labour, there's some $225,000 in value 'in the ground'. Indeed, we have more fundraising to accomplish, but we've done well so far, and believe we will achieve our ultimate goals. In time, this Observatory should become a wonderful center for learning about the night sky and everything about it, just as the rest of our property is a "learning Park". As Paul has said to me repeatedly, if we can capture the interest of young kids, their interest in astronomy will grow and grow, and will benefit so many people in so many ways. Families, amateurs, professionals, tourists...we think this concept will capture the imaginations of them all, and lead to only good things. I'd be pleased to answer any questions, and to show anyone around our site so you can see first hand what we've accomplished, and what our vision is. And I thank everyone who has provided us with the input that has gotten us to this point. I'm learning every day, and it's a great experience. Brian Antonson
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 19:45:31 GMT -8
Not another PEEP out of Me on this subject. Will talk about...the flowers in the park. MMc
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2015 12:49:48 GMT -8
Mr BA says" I researched weather patterns in our area and found that the Abbotsford area, with the closest weather station, reports a yearly number of 'clear days' pushing 300. I've lived in Mission for 41 years."
Hahaha! so funny! Well i have lived here for forty seven and never ever seen numbers like this. If this where the case i would have done my M list in 1976.
"Our business plan is, I believe, quite solid. We believe inviting paid field trips from classes which study astronomy (grades 3, 6 and 9) across the Valley will provide a solid rationale for running the Observatory. in an ongoing fiscally responsible manner." I only need to point out the HRMac in Vancouver and its recent happenings with the RASCALS. Even this great facility struggles to this day. John Dobson would be abhorred. Astronomy as i see it shouldn't be a money maker, as the real reason is for public viewing and education. You don't need a lot of others peoples money. Just a sidewalk. Or a dark sky park..... MMc I can't wait for the dinner meeting.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 11:21:28 GMT -8
Thank you Mr Mayor for killing this project. You are right, there is NOBODY in Mission who does astronomy. Now, if you screw around with the Raceway,(my other hobby) I will come and do a burn out in your driveway. A big one. And then set up my scope to show you what is really out there... Mr BA, keep up the good fight. He may yet come over to the light side. MMc
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2015 14:36:59 GMT -8
This just gets worse everyday. Please read the Mission Record online to get up to speed. MMc
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2015 8:21:19 GMT -8
Here's the most recent article I could find. The comments are especially interesting. www.missioncityrecord.com/news/313029031.html
This was all presented very well to the club by Brian A. in our May meeting. Since then most (all?) of our members have been sold on the observatory. (even Mark and I made major turn arounds) One concern mentioned was what would happen to the donations if cancelled. An example was when the planetarium in Vancouver wanted to rebrand their whole site -- as I recall, they tried to leave out the 'H.R. MacMillan' part and found out fast that the donor's name stays.
On clear nights, as we all get older our energy levels might be just right for dropping by the Heritage Park to help out rather than packing up for an all-nighter on a mountain peak.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2015 19:40:43 GMT -8
Here's a picture i took today while at the MHP. This is Nelson Tesky's "Pod" Observatory. It sits behind the uncompleted washrooms/maintenance shed near the back of park. I think Nelson would cry if he could see his donation locked up like a POW. Too bad Our short sighted town council can't keep this moving forward. Also holy cow i learned how to post a picture! MM
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 20:27:59 GMT -8
For anyone interested go to the Mission Record site and read the final report. It's officially dead. Funny how the District communication staff called us the...F.V.. ASTROLOGERS society! I only have one question and only one person can answer,.. How the heck did any of this proceed without the proper permits. You can't even f*Rt over here with out one. MMc
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 10:31:42 GMT -8
Well, were is my answer? In regards to permits? I expected to be jumped upon before this.
"So really, we needed to be in the west end of the Park, near where all those utilities exist, and where other buildings were in place, and thus we weren't going to compromise the "green" of the Park."
You have compromised the green of the park. Absolutely ruined the area near the rose garden. I don't think looking out the restaurant windows while eating is nice at all. Try taking a picture from the Gazebo area and see what you get.
"Our business plan is, I believe, quite solid. We believe inviting paid field trips from classes which study astronomy (grades 3, 6 and 9) across the Valley will provide a solid rationale for running the Observatory. in an ongoing fiscally responsible manner. In short, there are thousands more students in those grades whose teachers might bring them here than we can handle on the 179 possible visiting days per year."
179 days a year? Are these all clear days? And who is going to run this? The FVAS membership is quite low right now, how is this to be done? Never answered.
For those of you that are lamenting the loss of "educational facilities", you need to look no further then SFU. MMc
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Post by kimandruk on Aug 29, 2015 12:35:22 GMT -8
Just read Friday's Mission Record. Your comments on the dubious choices made are true enough Mark and it is always difficult to get volunteer commitments in any organization. Still I am sad that it is not to be as I have always had a love for Heritage Park and dearly hoped to someday have my scope on that already mostly complete viewing platform. I feel sorry for the folks of Mission too for the next four years. After 20 years of volunteering for Mission community groups I shall be glad to be taking my passion and experience to another small town. Maybe a South Cariboo Astronomy club? We'll see. I'm outta here.....
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2015 19:57:12 GMT -8
Hey Kim,
If you're going north to a non light polluted area, (they have great non summer observing skies) may I recommend getting a dome. One with a slit rather than opening all up. They're the ultimate for beating the wind in the winter for eyeball observing. Otherwise, remote scoping it with digital hardware and observing from indoors is the warmest way to go.
All the best on your move. Enjoy the peace and quiet and a better tasting water supply.
DSD.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2015 12:30:55 GMT -8
Read the story in the Mission Record today, the observatory is officially dead. Our council minus but one member has decided to not to go forward with this project. Looks like a vote will be done to see what can be done with the building. MMc
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Post by craig on Nov 6, 2015 13:41:43 GMT -8
lets take it apart and move it somewhere else u built it its yours. also i though their was building code issues why is it not good enough for our use but its ok for them to repurpose it for their use.
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