The new telescope is a Dobsonian and CHHS spent $1500 of a $3750 grant for this telescope, phase one of the implementation of the grant. For phase two they expect to get a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. They want to get experience with one telescope before purchasing the next one.

Per Dan Cummings, community member and amateur astronomer who is helping with this grant, “the next scope will probably be a Schmidt-Cassegrain refractor design rather than a Dobsonian reflector. The Dobsonian is a lightweight, powerful, easy-to-set-up-and-use device good for viewing deep space object-like galaxies because it is such a good light collector for its size. However, the Dobsonian is a bit tricky to find stuff with while the Schmidt-Cassegrain can be hooked to a computer and will scan to the exact location of the sky. It is also better for astrophotography because it can track the deep space objects as they move through the sky and expose them for long periods.”

For last night’s star party Dan asked, “Just how tiny ARE we?… Imagine our Sun is the size of a grain of sand. Now, picture half a tennis court piled 1 meter (3 feet) high with grains of sand. That’s about 100 billion grains of sand. Pile it 10 meters (30 feet) high and you’ve got 1 trillion grains of sand. There are between 100 billion and 1 trillion stars (grains of sand) in the Milky Way Galaxy (our galaxy). The Sun is ONE OF THOSE stars (grains of sand)! And, just to make you feel even tinier, there are about 100 billion to 1 trillion galaxies in the known universe, each containing a similar number of stars to the Milky Way.”

It was a clear night and the group saw the planets Venus, Mars, and Saturn. They clearly defined the ecliptic (the imaginary line the Sun, moon and all the planets follow through the sky). Coincidentally, each planet was right next to a bright star: Venus paired with Castor and Pollux (the twin stars of Gemini; Venus was much, much brighter than both of them), Mars right above Regulus (Leo’s heart), and Saturn just near Zavijava – the star that Einstein used in 1922 to test his hypothesis that gravity bends light (it does). Participants also learned how to find celestial landmarks using the stars of the Big Dipper as a starting point.

If you would like to participate in the next public Star Party, send an email to crotonstar@gmail.com.

The evening started with a wonderful wine tasting hosted by Patrice Davidson. Beverage donors for the event included Captain Lawrence Brewery, Chilmark Liquors, Deprez Wines, Pepsico, Pernod Ricard and Van Wyck Liquors. Appetizers were donated by A & S Fine Foods, Grouchy Gabe’s, Samurai Japanese Sushi, The Tavern at Croton Landing, Toni Ann’s Good To Go Gourmet, and Verizon.

Dr. Furhman enjoys the evening with his wife.

Dinner was donated by Evan Lobel of Lobel’s Meats of New York, Scott Labis from Justin Thyme and Craig Purdy of Umami. These local residents pulled out all the stops to feed over 350 attendees. You can order Lobel’s fine meats online at www.lobels.com. Scott’s salmon was fabulous and is often on the menu at Croton’s Justin Thyme Café. And, Craig Purdy’s Evil Jungle Prince can be enjoyed at Umami on Riverside Ave. Salad was contributed by Zeytinia Gourmet Market.

Evan Lobel, of Lobel’s Meats of New York

Desserts were baked by many outstanding local bakers, including Dave Tuttle aka “The Pie Guy” and Susan O’Keefe of Baked by Susan. Lisa Moir from the Blue Pig served her organic ice-cream, and the Flour and Sun Bakery from Pleasantville contributed to the delicious assortment of cupcakes. Additional donations included coffee from Michael Grant of the Black Cow and flowers from Croton Country Gardens and Croton Florist.

Ice Cream, what could be better?

The Auction and Raffles showcased more than 90 great items, donated by countless local businesses and residents, and generating tens of thousands of dollars for the event. Safiya McCrea won the raffle grand prize, a new Apple iPad and case. Lighting arrangements and installation were donated by Sal Restuccia and Pete Martinez, along with Chris McMeen of Scharff Weisberg Lighting in Manhattan. The wonderful Curt Love of the Curtis Winchester Band, provided music for the evening.

Suzanne Smith, CHEF board member mans the IPod raffle table.

Local Businesses that generously provided sponsorship of the event included Hudson National Golf Club, Adam R. West Inc., Franzoso Contracting, Robert T. Gold DDS, Bear Mountain Physical Therapy, Children’s Space Inc., Conte Electric Inc., Croton Animal Hospital, E/T Equipment Company, Hudson Pediatric Dental, Happy Hearts on the Hudson, Nancy Kennedy/Realtor, Lloyd USA Inc., Miracle Home Improvements, Nappy Auto Collision & Repair Inc., Pircio Cleaners and Tailors, Dr. Gregory Schmidt, Sky View Rehabilitation, The UPS Store/Croton-on-Hudson and Verizon.

This year an exciting addition to the event was Dr. Science, Croton’s very own Mitchell Bring, who ran a science station sharing information about the new CHHS Science Labs and raising funds to start filling the labs with equipment. Science lab “kits” for Physics, Biology and Earth Science were for sale, generating thousands of dollars in targeted funds. Look for more CHEF fundraising activities for the Science Labs in
the coming year!

Croton’s Own Mad Scientis, Mitchell Bring makes an appearance!

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Some pictures from the 2010 CHEF Dine-A-Round:

Above, Dan McNatty, host of the dessert house, with his sons Noah and Zach watching The Real Rough Diamonds in action.

The dessert house — after a wonderful meal!

Gem Mitchell, CHEF President, and Dr. Ed Fuhrman, Superintendent of Schools

Frank Migliorelli and Erik Egol from The Real Rough Diamonds

…all donations, regardless of size, do make a difference. Please send your tax-deductible donation to CHEF, PO Box 172, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Press Release — CHEF — Hosts House Tour, Saturday, October 24, 12-5

Tickets Still Available!! Call Demetra Restuccia at 914-827-9048

Hudson National Golf Course Club House Just Added to Tour