This is going to be a special issue of SIGNALS. It will be special in two distinct ways.

First — it is being composed and produced by the very first editor who put out the initial issue of NAAPO NEWS back in 1985. This is no great deal except for the fact that since that time there have been four or five different editors and yours truly is greatly out of practice. Besides I am breaking in a new computer, operating system and a new (to me) word processor.

Second — There will be no compilation of meeting notes in this issue. It is not that they do not exist, but we have a minor crisis of time, money and rapid response. It seems it will be easier in all respects to do a short newsletter with as quick turn-around as possible before the next issue, which will come out as soon as the dates in the next few weeks are settled.

Just a few words on the status of your organization. Since the move from BIG EAR in the winter of 1997-98 we have been very busy and much progress is to be described in future issues of SIGNALS.

ARGUS is progressing on several fronts and we are anticipating growth of the prototype ARGUS array now situated on the roof of our present office/laboratory building.

Much effort has been given to generating a fitting memorial to the instrument dubbed BIG EAR and the people who built and operated it for over 40 years. Our efforts are drawing rapidly to a close and we anticipate a dedication ceremony this fall. Part of the planning for this ceremony is the reason for this special issue of the newsletter.

We have some favors to ask of our friends. We also wish to assure that all who are interested can attend the ceremony when it finally occurs.

   Philip E. Barnhart

A number of tasks are under way that can use some volunteer assistance. The individual tasks range over a wide variety of involvement so that all our friends and volunteers can help. From the categories below select one that most nearly fits your present capability. We are most appreciative of what our volunteers in the past have done.

DEDICATION PREPARATION

1. Manual labor will include site preparation and mounting of the historical marker. This will be coordinated by members of the active volunteer corps. Call Phil at (614) 882 6711.

2. Editorial assistance. The dedication program will have to be arranged and published.

A brochure summarizing the history and accomplishments of radio astronomy at Ohio State University will be prepared for distribution at the ceremony.

Another brochure with reference list will be published to be placed in a weatherproof kiosk near the marker for people interested in further information about Big Ear and radio astronomy.

Work on these projects can be volunteered through Phil or Jerry. Call (614) 882 671l.

Letter of invitation

One other editorial task will be the letter of invitation to a wide variety of people and organizations. Call Phil.

News Release

A news release is in preparation and will have to be polished and sent to local and national publishers. We are hoping to reach a variety of media — Print, Radio, TV, Magazine, Internet, etc.

The dimensions of the marker are 45 inches wide by 42 inches high. It will stand on a post and will carry a different message on each side.

A full copy of the text on each side will be included on the descriptive brochure and in the letter of invitation to all friends of the observatory. In addition there will be a picture on each side. On the 'front' will be an aerial view of the telescope and on the reverse will be a copy of the "WOW!" signal.

Watch for news of the dedication and details of the program in the near future.

BE SURE TO KEEP US INFORMED OF ANY ADDRESS CHANGES YOU MIGHT EFFECT!!!

By all means check out our web site:
   www.bigear.org

TAKE NOTE

Contrary to what you might suspect our clothes are not wrinkled. Our BUDGET is.

For a large number of years NAAPO has operated well within the means provided by generous donations from our friends. We continue to operate even when the balance in the NAAPO account brushes the barrel bottom.

Since we are totally volunteer we need not be concerned with salaries or other forms of overhead. Even our present lab is offered to us as a 'benefit'.

Since leaving the Big Ear site, three things have arisen to apply pressure to the available funds.

The move from the observatory site cost significantly. As it also involved the hiring of the movers to evacuate the lab and archive space in Dreese Laboratories, it represents a large fraction of what we have expended over the past three years.

Housing the archive of radio astronomy data and information has placed a monthly lease amount to cover the 45-foot semi-trailer we are using. The cost of this lease is being raised this month.

The cost of the historical marker is $1950. We have some corporate support, but could sure use more.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATING YOUR REGULAR GIFT TO NAAPO BUT HAVE NOT SENT IT, PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT NOW! IF ONLY 100 OF YOU WOULD RESPOND, WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THE NEXT 14 MONTHS!!!