Our 2024 Holiday Party Toast from the AOS President
Good afternoon, everyone!
As we gather here today, lit by the glow of the holiday season, let us take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary year we’ve had and the even brighter future that lies ahead. Today, we celebrate our shared passion for the cosmos, the bonds we’ve built as a society, and the milestones we’ve reached together.
This year, through unwavering dedication and generosity, we achieved something truly remarkable: we met our target donation goal for the new observatory! This is not just a financial milestone—it is a testament to the collective spirit of this community. Each dollar, each hour volunteered, and each conversation advocating for this dream brought us closer to this achievement. The new observatory will be more than just a building; it will be a gateway to the universe, a place where countless eyes will gaze upward, and countless hearts will be inspired. It will be a gift to future generations, a beacon for discovery, and a hub for fostering curiosity. To everyone who supported this effort, whether with your time, your donations, or your energy—thank you. You’ve made history.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, we are also entering a momentous chapter in our own story: the start of our 60th year of operation. Sixty years! That’s six decades of dedication to astronomy, education, and outreach. Think about that—six decades of star parties, meetings, public events, and a commitment to understanding and sharing the wonders of the night sky. This milestone reminds us of the visionaries who founded this society and the countless members who have contributed their time, knowledge, and passion to carry it forward.
Being a member of the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York means being part of something truly special. It’s not just about attending meetings or peering through a telescope; it’s about engaging in a tradition of wonder and discovery, about belonging to a community of kindred spirits who share the same awe for the universe. And it’s about something even bigger: sharing that awe with the world.
One of our most important missions has always been outreach—bringing the night sky to the public. Through our star parties, school visits, and community events, we’ve opened the heavens to thousands of people. Who can forget the look of amazement on a child’s face as they see Saturn’s rings for the first time, or the quiet wonder of someone staring at the Moon’s craters through a telescope? These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do. We are ambassadors of the universe, bringing the stars to people who may never have thought to look up.
But outreach isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating connections. When we set up our telescopes in parks or at schools, we’re not just showing people celestial objects, taking them back in time—we’re fostering a sense of wonder and perspective, reminding them of their place in the vast tapestry of the cosmos. In a world that often feels divided, the night sky is a powerful unifier. Under the stars, we are all the same—tiny travelers in an immense universe, bound together by the simple act of looking up.
As we stand at the threshold of our 60th year, let’s also look inward, at what this society has meant to us as individuals. For many of us, the Amateur Observers’ Society is more than just a club; it’s a home. It’s a place where we’ve found not just knowledge, but camaraderie and inspiration. It’s where we’ve shared laughter over telescopes that just won’t focus, and where we’ve stayed up late debating the mysteries of black holes or the possibilities of life on distant exoplanets.
This society has been a source of joy and wonder, a place where we can come together to marvel at the universe and to remind ourselves of the beauty and mystery that surround us. As we celebrate this afternoon, let’s take pride in what we’ve accomplished together, and let’s look forward to the future we’re building—one filled with new members, new discoveries, and new opportunities to inspire others.
And finally, on a personal note, I want to say how honored I am to serve as your current president. I couldn’t be more pleased to lead a club whose membership has grown by an impressive 10 percent per year since COVID. That growth is not just a testament to renewed interest in the night sky—it’s a reflection of the incredible makeup of this club and its members. It’s because of you—your warmth, your enthusiasm, and your willingness to welcome everyone, from seasoned astronomers to curious newcomers. Whether through outreach or the simple act of making a new member feel at home, you’ve created a community that draws people in and inspires them to stay. Thank you for making this society a place of wonder and belonging.
So, this afternoon, let us raise our glasses—not just to the stars, but to each other and the members no longer with us in person but still in our hearts. Let us toast to the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York, to 60 years of shared passion, and to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s to the joy of discovery, the power of community, and the enduring wonder of the night sky.
In closing: Here’s to our history, our present, and our bright future together. To us—and to the universe that unites us all.
Cheers, and warm regards!
