I see that we have a number of new members to this discussion group now.

I would like to say hello to everyone, and post a short update on what
is going on at the ranch right now.

We have been sucessful in raising enough money this past summer and
fall to begin construction on our warm up building. We are out pricing
steel buildings and concrete right now and gathering up the skills that
will be necessary to get this first phase completed within a few weeks.

I am very excited about this process moving forward right now.

We also have been issued a generous challenge matching grant from the
Kerr Foundation. We have a year to raise some money (or pledges to
raise it over the next 3 years) and that money will be matched. I feel
that this is do-able and would encourage those of you who are
interested in making a pledge to this project.

Brad will be sending out letters to the OKCAC membership shortly
outlining the program.

We will also be meeting shortly to outline the use policies at CRO for
those of you who would like to have your own concrete pad or even build
your own observatory there.

After a certain amount of quiet time in this group, we are about to
start moving again.

Jeff