Saturday May 8, 2004

     Today was the AAAP's groundbreaking ceremony for the new MCPO Observatory.  The weather gods smiled on us with a partly sunny, warm, dry day.  Even the hillside dried out from yesterday's rains, and allowed us access.   

     At 2:00pm, MCPO Committee Chairman Ed Moss, serving as Master of Ceremonies, began the pavilion program by welcoming the approximate 85 members and guests in attendance, and gave a brief history of the 'South Hills Observatroy' project, Ed introduced the Reverend Bill Roemer, who gave an invocation for the event.  AAAP President George Guzik then reviewed the AAAP's club history.  Then AAAP MCPO Committee member Dick Haddad made a few inspiring statements, followed by various remarks from Washington County Commissioners Lawrence Maggi, and J. Bracken Burns, and the Director of Washington County Parks, Lisa Cessna.

     The pavilion program ended with two special presentations.  First was Lou Waller Jr., representing the Washington Federal Foundation, who presented the AAAP with a check for $10,000.  Then the Honoarable State Representative John Maher announced that the AAAP has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the State of Pennsylvania for purchasing a 24" Ritchey Cretien Telescope! (the audience expressed their appreciation via applause at both announcements)

     The MCPO Committee members, invited guest, and AAAP members in attendance, then proceeded up the road to the top of the hill for the actual 'diggin of dirt'.  The ground was broken with the use of two special shovels for the occasion.  The original shovel used in the Nicholas E Wagman Observatory Groundbreaking in 1987, (spruced up for the event), and a new gold painted MCPO shovel. 

     MCPO Chairman ED Moss and AAAP President George Guzik paired with the government dignitaries present and broke ground for the new observatory.  Afterwards, members of the MCPO Committee and other AAAP members there took turns at the shoveling work.

     Once the dirty work was complete, the attendees enjoyed the scenic view from the hill top, then everyone proceeded back down to the pavilion, where cookies and  punch awaited. Additionally, schematic drawings of the new observatory were on display, along with photos of the existing Wagman Observatory, and starparty handouts and a club AV slideshow.

Submitted by: Larry McHenry