KRS

I started observing variables in 1962.

I consider myself one of the luckiest guys on the planet. I joined the AAVSO after reading Clint Ford's article in the Dec. 1961 issue of Sky & Telescope (Sidelights on Observing Variable Stars). Margaret Mayall and Clint Ford then encouraged me and we had frequent correspondence (by snail mail at that time). I was introduced to Dick Wend, who lived nearby, and we began a lifelong friendship.

We contacted Leslie Peltier, through Carolyn Hurless, and my mentors ended up consisting of Leslie, Carolyn, Tom Cragg, Ed Halbach, Curtis Anderson, among many others! They were most encouraging and, of course, left a great impact on me.

I have tried to give assistance to others and have, and continue to give talks to clubs in the area. I now teach astronomy at Harper College in Palatine, IL and make sure that variable stars are an important part of my curriculum.

I am a member of the AAVSO Council and, as Chairman of the Program Committee, am looking at ways of improving our observing programs and giving better support for our members. I also am the Chairman of the Leslie C. Peltier Award Committee of the Astronomical League and am looking at ways in which we can get more interest in the AAVSO from AL members. Mike Simonsen and I have worked with the AL and they now have a Variable Star Program leading to AAVSO membership and are looking at a Binocular Variable Program, to be voted on by their Council.