[Fwd: Stromlo and Canberra fires]

[Jim Lovell <Jim.Lovell@csiro.au>]

-----Forwarded Message-----

From: David L.Meier <dlm@sgra.jpl.nasa.gov>
To: Jim.Lovell@csiro.au, David.Jauncey@csiro.au
Subject: Stromlo and Canberra fires
Date: 21 Jan 2003 20:44:48 -0800

Dear Jim and Dave,

I was shocked and saddened last night to read of the fires in the
Canberra area.  The loss to astronomy and to Australia is staggering.
Please convey my sincere condolences to all of our colleagues that were
affected, both at the observatory and in their neighborhoods.

I was glad to hear that no one at the observatory was seriously injured
or killed, but I am sorry that one elderly resident of the Stromlo area
was lost, as well as the other three in the Canberra area.  I also am
impressed and encouraged that ANU has come out so early and so firmly
in favor of rebuilding.  It will be a difficult period, but with all
the good people in place, I have no doubt that it will be done.

If a fund is set up for contributions, please let me know.  I realize that
the losses are so great that only governments, and hopefully insurance
companies, will be able to shoulder the main portion of the burden.
But, if there is any way that we can help, we would be eager to do so.

Please give my best to Dorothy and Jenny.  And please know that we,
as well as many other of your astronomy colleagues here in the U.S.,
are thinking of you as you deal with this tragedy.

Best wishes to all,

Dave Meier
-- 
Jim Lovell,                            Jim.Lovell@csiro.au
ATNF c/o RSAA, Mt Stromlo Observatory, Ph: (02) 6125 6715
Cotter Road, Weston ACT 2611           Fax: (02) 6125 0233
Australia                              Mobile: 0412 127364
http://www.atnf.csiro.au/people/Jim.Lovell
At Tidbinbilla Ph (02) 6201 7869 (RA Lab), x7800 (switch), x7829(shift)