American Astronomical Society Condolence and Offer of Aid (fwd)

[Frank Briggs <fbriggs@mso.anu.edu.au>]

I am forwarding (again) this first message from Kev Marvel from
the executive office of the AAS.  This is the guy who is 
coordinating the massive collection of journals and reference
materials.

I SUGGEST THAT HE MERITS A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR acknowledging
and appreciating his efforts, etc.

-- Frank

(I will also forward the more recent note...)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 13:55:47 -0500
From: Kevin Marvel <marvel@aas.org>
To: fbriggs@mso.anu.edu.au
Cc: catyp@astro.indiana.edu, milkey@aas.org
Subject: American Astronomical Society Condolence and Offer of Aid

Dear Frank,

I am forwarding to you below the text of a letter from Caty Pilachowski,
the president of the American Astronomical Society, that will be
sent on Tuesday by regular post to you.  Please share it with the Australian
astronomy community, especially those associated with Stromlo.

I would also like to offer, on Caty's behalf, whatever aid and assistance
the
Executive Office of the American Astronomical Society can provide.

We have already received requests from our membership for ways in which
they can help out our Stromlo and ANU colleagues.  Should you have any
specific requests, please let me know as soon as possible.  We will be
sending out a short informational email on the Stromlo situation to our
members
on Tuesday.

Specific suggestions on ways we could help include donated materials for the
library
at Stromlo and announcing any financial donation schemes so that our members
can effectively send funds to help with reconstruction or assistance to the
observatory workers who lost their homes and possessions.

Sincerely,

Kevin B. Marvel ( marvel@aas.org )
Deputy Executive Officer
American Astronomical Society

MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE A. PILACHOWSKI, PRESIDENT, AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY

The American Astronomical Society and its members are shocked and saddened
by the
devastating bush fires which have destroyed so much of the Mt. Stromlo
Observatory
and parts of the Australian Capital Territory.  Our condolences go out to
anyone who lost loved ones in this ongoing tragedy and we are extremely
grateful
that no members of the Observatory's staff were lost.

We stand ready to assist our colleagues and friends at Mt. Stromlo in any
way we can to
help rebuild their research institution and carry on as one of the premier
research centers
and observatories in the world.

Sincerely,

Catherine A. Pilachowski