It all begins with an idea.
This page is dedicated to Dr. R. Erik Zimmermann, whose efforts have made all this possible.
President, A.S.T.R.A. 1977-2001
Director, Robert J. Novins Planetarium. 1974-2001
There is a degree of respect that seems to come from earning a Doctorate and achieving the position of Planetarium Director. And then there is the degree of respect that one commands for his accomplishments once he achieves such a position. In the rarest of instances, an individual unceasingly dedicates himself to his chosen field. From those with whom he interacts he commands both personal and professional respect. And still, if that's not enough, poking his head out from under all his various hats is Erik, the man we call colleague, mentor, and most of all "friend".
Erik is one of those rare individuals who has truly touched the lives of those with whom he's worked and associated. The outpouring of affection and admiration he commands has been overwhelming. Erik's dedication to ASTRA encompassed every aspect of creating an organization not just to promote Astronomy but also to create pride in membership. He welcomes new members to ASTRA with open arms. We are all new members to him so everyone knows the feeling. He never spoke down to any of us even though his knowledge surpasses all of us.
He made us feel like his equal. He wanted us all to excel at this hobby. Whether it was pointing out a satellite at a star party, discussing recent developments in the field, helping a new member with a small/new telescope, or just shooting the breeze, Erik wanted us to enjoy the Astronomy hobby to the max. Like it was his personal responsibility. Anything he could do to make our enjoyment of the night sky better was important to him.
By himself, Erik did what must now be done by at least 5 members. He gave the club stability, organization, and direction. For many years, he was the only club member who made presentations. A great storyteller, sharing with us many a tale both personal and scientific. He is the father who adopted ASTRA in its infancy and nurtured it through its childhood and teens. With his impending retirement, he began preparing his child to enter adulthood. Because of Erik, we consider ourselves Amateur Astronomers, not just hobbyists. We can run ASTRA without him. Not because we are so good, but because he taught us so well. We learned more than just Astronomy skills from Erik. We learned people skills as well, and if you have that, the rest is gravity (or is it gravy).
Because of Erik, many of us discovered hidden talents. We discovered we could understand many aspects of the hobby that seemed way over our heads. If you were stuck, Erik could always give you that push to get you started again, and was happy to do it. He gave you confidence. He would encourage you to speak at a meeting even if you didn't have much to say. He made you feel like it was important because it was important to him. Erik would help you prepare for a presentation and made you feel you were up to the challenge. The guy never separated the "big guns" from the "lightweights". He knew we all have something to offer and somehow he could bring it to the surface.
Erik has reached a crossroads in his life. He has retired from the Robert Novins Planetarium after 26 years of service. He is not retiring from ASTRA, but he will no longer be our club "Director". The two endeavors were so intertwined that Erik's retirement brings ASTRA to a crossroads as well.
Erik became the Director of the Planetarium in 1974 when it first opened. Erik's assistant, John Coolbaugh, started ASTRA in 1977. John left within about a year and Erik took over the operation of the club. Erik ran the whole show. As stated in the "Man of Many Hats" award that we presented to Erik last December, those tasks included publishing the newsletter, performing as the club Secretary, keeping club membership records, being the club treasurer, running the club meetings, presiding at all of the meetings, being the "Astronomical League" coordinator, buying cookies/refreshments, hosting the college star parties and was just as happy as he could be to do it. This was all in addition to his real job as Director of the Planetarium, preparing scripts for many shows, preparing the slides for all of the shows, being the Planetarium serviceman, teaching "Astronomy/Navigation" courses.
As ASTRA became more active, editing/publishing the "ASTRAL Projections", creating/managing the club web site, maintaining a list of e-mail addresses, hosting club picnics managing club telescopes, coordinating "Astronomy Day". Now that Erik is retiring, ASTRA has taken on the responsibility, through the election of club officers, of those tasks related to the club. A full executive board is necessary to accomplish what Erik has done alone for all of these years.
Erik and Gayle, his wife, have moved to Georgia. Erik will not be gone in spirit, however; as he will remain net connected to us, I am sure we will hear about his "Astronomical Adventures" in Georgia. We will, nonetheless, miss the interaction ASTRA has had with him over the years and on which it has come to rely in so many ways. Will he be missed? Certainly! Will he be called upon for advice and guidance? Probably! Will a time ever come when he and his achievements are not gratefully acknowledged? NEVER! And so we are here to wish him not "farewell", but "fare forward, voyager"! The club you founded is strong. If ASTRA had a last name, it would be "Zimmermann".
Addendum:
Erik had returned to the Novins Planetarium in 2003 as a part-time lecturer. He missed us and we missed him. Welcome back!
Dr. Zimmermann passed away on Jan 26th, 2007 at the age of 65.