The Lima Astronomical Society has been exploring the sky since 1952.
The Lima Astronomical Society was founded in 1952 by Herbert Doughty. LAS President David Humphreys told us that Herbert went to the library, got a list of people who had checked out books about astronomy and wrote to them, inviting them to join him in the new club. In 1964 the LAS built the observatory in Schoonover Park;
club members built the telescope by hand, including grinding the mirror and constructing the mount. The public is welcome to join the Lima Astronomical Society at its regular meetings on the first Friday of every month at 8:00 pm and, weather permitting, explore the sky afterwards. There is also public observing every Friday at 9:00 pm during the summer, weather permitting, and for special events such as eclipses and comets. Humphreys told us the club is hoping to build a higher power telescope at a location in the country where the darker sky will provide better star gazing.
Also at Monday's meeting, Johnny Appleseed Park District Director Kevin Haver announced that they are partnering with the Lima Rotary Club to rebuild the All People's Trail in Kendrick Woods. The Rotary Club built the 1/3 mile handicap-accessible boardwalk in 1987 so all people could enjoy the beauty of the woods, but the walk is beginning to deteriorate and needs to be replaced. The work will be completed before spring.Esther Baldridge also made a plea for people to donate to Shelter Boxes. These kits include a tent, cooking utensils and other items needed for survival. They are delivered to families that have been displaced by disasters. Club members generously gave $225.
The club also raised $1,914 to help fund Bob Ruehl's upcoming trip to South America. Bob coordinates our international projects and, until now, has always funded his trips out of his own pocket. This collection shows how much his efforts mean to all of us. Thanks for all you do, Bob!
The Lima Rotary Foundation presented $1,500 to ArtSpace/Lima, which interim director Sally Windle says will fund their educational programs, and we also presented our quarterly scholarships.
