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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Fellow Adler Telescope Interpreters and Chicago Astronomers

As a certified Telescope Interpreter, I have the honor and pleasure of being part of the Volunteer staff at the Adler Planetarium and working with the public as an Adler Representative. A great team of telescope operators, with varied and extensive skills, are available to show Adler visitors the skies and share our love of astronomy.

Many good astronomical sessions and activities at the Adler Planetarium are greatly enjoyed...but by just those who are present. I submit a narrative report on my time at the Adler, (at my own initiative), and the content may be of interest not just for Adler staff, but for amateur astronomers everywhere, and I thought I would share my experiences with you.

Thanks to the Adler for letting me play with their toys and in trusting in my ability & knowledge of the skies.

[John]

Hello All,

Joe, I want to echo your sentiments about the Adler volunteer program. I am getting so much out of it, and I really enjoy playing with their "toys" as well.

Hopefully, other members of ChicagoAstronomer will take an interest in volunteering from the logs you post here. Not only have I gained so much knowledge and experience, gotten to be associated with a great Chicago institution, and kept up to date with observing, but I also have gotten the chance to meet some exceptional people both on the Adler staff and volunteers.

Wherever you live, however you can get involved in spreading (or listening to) the word and enthusiasm about science and astronomy, I highly recommend it!

To borrow your tagline "Respectfully submitted,"

John Napoletano
Telescope Interpreter
Adler Planetarium

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

John,

No need to "borrow" the tag line, as you have earned it and should use it. And from what I noticed, your enthusiasm and knowledge is a great asset to the Adler.

Here at the Chicago Astronomer, I encourage all of my membership to post their accomplishments, certifications and recognitions freely. Not to boast or be better than everyone one else, (see my post of "astronomer attitudes" under the Soapbox board here), but to celebrate the acheivements of our fellow Astronomers. I have had it with downplaying of one astronomer to another. Everything they do is so great and accomplished , but whatever someone else does is so below them, done it, and not appreciated. Oh hum. Sorry there I go again. I guess I'll update my opinion in the soapbox board.

We have members who have been on television, written up in the paper, key holders to observatories, photographic work highlighted in the media and a great deal more. So go ahead, let us know what you have been recognized for, as it just makes us better all the time.

So enjoy the narratives, and for those of you who are Adler Telescope Interpreters, please feel free to add your own accounts.

[rajasi]

Joe, John - I agree, I have been volunteering at Adler for a little bit over a month now and I have learned a lot. Due to my schedule it took me a year to get involved and now that I am, I dont think I will ever get out of it.

I do want to thank you all for helping me with everything and I also thank Adler Planetarium for giving us such a great opportunity to explore what's out there. I was unsure about my career path (because of all the politics and stuff) but now after meeting with you all, I have realized I am doing this more out of passion than anything else. So Thank you all again for all your help.

Rajasi.