What does this picture have to do with supporting the Planetarium? Lots... On a cold, wet, windy day in June (’96), I made an ascent to the summit of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington along the Huntington Ravine Trail. It is listed as the most difficult passage in the White Mountains, and when this picture was taken, I was on the most arduous portion, known as the "Headwall." Once I had committed to this 100 foot scramble, there was no turning back. There were other rain-slicked rocks to climb, a vertical ascent, places to get a foot stuck, and your backpack wedged, and all infinitely more difficult to descend than to ascend. I was scared, but thankfully, I made it to the summit. The most curious part about this whole adventure was hearing the shrieks from the whistles of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway engines as they too laboriously pulled their way to the summit. There were happy people enjoying a train ride not more than 2500 feet from where I was climbing. During the late spring of 1993, the ASD Planetarium was left to make headway upon precipitous terrain, a financial Huntington Ravine. The Board of School Directors withdrew all funding for the operation of the Planetarium. They said to me, "Climb--don’t fall!" The Board was never nasty about it; I believe they wanted the Planetarium to succeed.

It will be my goal to continue the outreach programs of the Planetarium, to tell the stories about the majesty of the heavens, to involve as many interested persons as possible in the drama of celestial discovery, to give something back in return for the generous support which has been shown by so many. Contributions are always appreciated, but consider attending school programs with your son or daughter, reserving the Planetarium for an evening presentation or birthday party, or encouraging other school districts to patronize the Planetarium's programming. With the help of so many, the future of the Planetarium is more optimistic, the ground beneath our feet more level and secure, the summit in sight. Thanks for your generous support in helping to save the Planetarium and continue its fine programming.

MAKING A CONTRIBUTION

The Allentown School District Planetarium is the only public school planetarium in the United States that must raise all of its operating capital. The Director’s salary and fringe benefits are paid for by the District.

Sure, it would be nice to find that corporation or sponsor which could "lay the golden egg," and solve all of the Planetarium’s financial problems indefinitely. But let’s be realistic. It probably won’t happen. What has occurred is a ground swell of literally thousands of children, individuals, and groups who have made modest, but vital, contributions to keep the ASD Planetarium financially alive. ASD elementary pupils pay $1.00 to visit the facility. In return, the Planetarium provides them with a classroom orientation, a participatory planetarium lesson, and even pays for the transportation of these pupils to and from the Planetarium. This is an excellent deal for the schools and the kids... Obviously, the Planetarium loses money in this proposition, but it’s not as bad as it might seem.

Classes from other school districts now utilize the Planetarium’s programming, and the facility is open on many weeknight evenings for special group programs. The cost per hour is a very affordable $50.00. Inservice seminars for teachers also raise a substantial amount of capital.

The ASD Planetarium has organized many successful fund drives. Eclipsers were sold in 1994 to view safely the May 10th partial solar safely. Moon rock samples were secured from NASA in 1995, and about 800 Comet Hyakutake Photo Packets were retailed with the help of Dan’s Camera City of Allentown, PA in 1996.

In addition, concerned individuals and organizations have made spontaneous contributions. Most are small, in the $5-$15 dollar range. All are deeply appreciated. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, your check should be made payable to the ASD Planetarium Fund and sent to the ASD Planetarium, Dieruff High School, 815 North Irving Street, Allentown, PA 18103-1894.

Thanks again for your support!

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©1996-2008 Gary A. Becker   •   All photographs/diagrams, except where noted, are copyright Gary A. Becker