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Sports New Ash Domes
On September 23rd, 1998, Ashton Observatory received two new Ash Domes from Plainfield, Illinois. The construction phase of adding the domes to the observatory went very smoothly thanks to the wonderful assistance by Ash Manufacturing representatives.
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DMAS members and workers from Ash Domes pose in front of a new dome.
| = The Construction = |
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| = The Dedication = |
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Bryan and Joanne await the beginning of the 15th Anniversary and Dome Dedication for Ashton Observatory on October 17, 1998. The program started at 3:00 PM and clouds were moving in fast. When the chili dinner began at 4:30, so did the rain. For nearly four hours the new domes were Christened by Mother Nature....a befitting guesture for such a beautiful place.
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Giving members an opportunity to talk about their memories and insights into why The Des Moines Astronomical Society provided to them moments of excitement and moments of challenge. 1998 was a huge year for DMAS, and dedicating the new domes was a great way to finish off what was by far one of the most memorable in recent club history.
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As Joanne gave the command, "Gentlemen, flip your switches!" Tom and Bryan officially opened the shutter doors on the new domes (frame 1). Bryan, giving the closing remarks, announced sprinkles of rain were beginning to fall and the western sky looked very black (frame 2). As soon as the remarks were over, members and guests collected chairs they were sitting on and made a mad dash for the door. The Christening had begun!
 Bryan provides club members with special instructions when partaking in the annual 'chili cook-off'. Never enough ROLAIDS! |  Members John and Lorri begin their turn in the chili line. Cheeses, crackers, veggies, and soda were provided by the society for the members and guests. | |
 Annie Wood, Lexee Butcher (taste-testing), and David Kallemyn become initiated to the 'chili cook-off'. Herb, one of the oldtimers who doesn't let any chili phase him, confidently returns to his seat to enjoy a nice hot (heat or spice?) bowl of chili. When the rains came, the menu selection seemed appropriate for the weather, and all, young and old, enjoyed good fellowship with a good meal. |  Dr. Tony Marsden waves to the camera as Harry Wood (back) and Phil Hahn dish up their first bowl of chili. By an overwhelming consensus, and the first empty chili pot, Dave Lynch took the honors yet again for the "Best Ashton Chili." Unfortunately, no award or trophy were presented to recognize Dave's accomplishments - perhaps the final test was the 'morning after.' |
| = The Appreciation = |
Thank you to all members who participated in making the shared vision of new domes at Ashton Observatory an overwhelming success. This kind of project can only be realized through hard work, dedication, and patience.Thank you to Joanne Hailey and all members who helped her keep the dream of finding the financial support needed to purchase the new domes.
Thank you to Tom Bailey and all members who helped him do the labor and research to replace the old silo domes with new Ash Domes.
Thank you to Ash Domes for providing a wonderful crew to help DMAS fit the domes onto our facility.
Thank you to Dr. Tony Marston for pointing us in the direction of the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust and securing the largest grant ever in the history of The Des Moines Astronomical Society.
And a big thank you to all members of The Des Moines Astronomical Society for providing encourgement, support, and trust that we can make dreams come true.
| = 1983 Donors = |
The Fred Maytag II Family Foundation
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
Meredith Corporation
Jasper County Conservation Fund
Dr. Peter T. And Ellen Madsen
Burton and Opal Wilson
Anonymous Trust
| = 1998 Donors = |
The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
The Fred Maytag Family Foundation
Townsend Engineering
Employers Mutual
Communications Data Services
John C. and David Kallemyn
Joanne Hailey
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