| 48 | | 
Name: | Jane Lovi Goldstein
(jgoldst27@aol.com)
| | Date: | 6/24/2007 8:54:52 PM | | Subject: | planetarium | | | Good Luck with the planetarium !!!!!!!!!!!!!
My brother, George Lovi, was a astronomer who was involved with the Novins Planetarium. It is a very worthwhile and necessary venue. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 47 | |
Name: | Julie Kostas
(jkostas1970@yahoo.co.uk)
| | Date: | 5/29/2007 5:36:07 PM | | Subject: | My thoughts are with you! | | | I hope very much that all can be done to save this beautiful facility. I've personally witnessed its magic and this, like every planetaria I've seen, has a special place in my heart.
Good luck with your endeavors!
Respectfully,
julie | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 46 | |
Name: | Sarah
(Secretary@savetheplanetarium.org)
| | Date: | 5/7/2007 10:53:56 AM | | Subject: | What A Day | | | It was a WONDERFUL feeling to attend the Kick off of the Ocean County College Fund raiser on Friday 5/4/07. To hear the promise to reopen the Planetarium from the School and Foundation was very exciting for me. Freeholder Kelly also anounced the Freeholder's support to see the project through and promised the money needed to renovate the building. All other money raised will go to the equipment. Save The Planetarium was mentioned as our continued effort will keep the public informed throughout the project and allow their Financial and verbal support to be heard. During the conversations at the gathering, I was told by a few important figures involved that this never would have gotten this far if it wasn't for Save The Planetarium Fund. So for all thos involved - pat yourselves on the back because EVERYONE made this happen/ possible. Looking forward to everyone keeping involved and seeing where the next step takes us. Keep in touch and active as we still need everyone TILL THE DOORS ARE OPEN. See you at the next meeting/ May 22nd. Thank you everyone : - ) | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 45 | |
Name: | Phil Zollner
(pazap@juno.com)
| | Date: | 4/30/2007 3:32:00 AM | | Subject: | Teamwork | | | Novins Planetarium and the Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area are one of the most successful examples of how teamwork produces benefits for both organizations. The only two organizations I know of that are the most successful at bringing a healthy consciousness of the universe to the public are planetariums and amateur astronomy organizations (A few observatories have also been successful at this). Attendance at this year's Astronomy Day gave ample proof of how two institutions can reap huge mutual benefits as they work together.
On May 19th we shall gather in the star theater at Novins to honor the memory of a far-sighted man who had the rare priviledge of being able to bring everyone of all ages the wonders of the universe through BOTH institutions. If you come you will find out that he believed so strongly in the need for this mutual support and cooperation that he (Novins' first director) created the club that we know as ASTRA. See you there. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 44 | |
Name: | Sarah Waters
(Secretary@SavethePlanetarium.org)
| | Date: | 4/28/2007 9:36:58 AM | | Subject: | The Wonderful Public | | | It has been wonderful to experience the support of the public. Everyone is so positive about saving the Planetarium. The stories of knowlege and enjoyment obtained at the Planetarium over so many years. The stories of that scientific interest sparked by a trip to the Planetarium and carried on through life to effect a career or hobbie. The volunteers have brought great ideas to the group and are now signing up for organized events in order to spread the word even further. If everyone can take just one event, it is one more group of people that will be aware of the support needed to make sure the doors of the Planetarium open. It is amazing how one person can make a difference and the support of eachother can change things in such a short time. Thank you for the lettter writing, the donations and personal time given to speak at events in person, like infront of the Freeholders and College board, that made such a huge difference. Now we are focusing on the general public at some fun, summertime festivals. We will all see this project through together. So keep up the good work everyone. We have a long way to go till the doors are open. If you havn't signed up yet please join the group and see how your help with just one event can make a big impact on spreading this exciting message. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 43 | |
Name: | Mary Ann
(@Companis@Comcast.net)
| | Date: | 4/21/2007 11:25:01 AM | | Subject: | Save the Planetarium | | | Our family has lived in Ocean County for 26 years. I can remember taking my children there when they were little and seeing the awe and wonder on their faces. They are adults now and I have another generation of children who I have taken there. What a shame to not have such a wonderful place to take the next generation of children to. Many of us prefer not traveling to NYC to a Planetarium and it was wonderful to have one right here at home. We all need to take part in the effort "To Save the Planetarium" even if it means only buying a T shirt. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 42 | |
Name: | Erika B
(Cablegerl@aol.com)
| | Date: | 4/12/2007 10:08:14 AM | | Subject: | I want to help | | | I went here when i was younger and i would love to go back. I was very disapointed to here it was no longer open. I'm glad this site is opened and that there is events and what not, and action being taken to help. I will do more research and se what i can do.
Good Luck! | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 41 | |
Name: | Chip Fichot
(cfichot@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 4/6/2007 10:34:14 AM | | Subject: | Letter to Freeholder | | | I thought I would share an email that I have sent to Freeholder Bartlett in reaction to his response to my first email and the funding reported in today's paper. Hope to see many people on the 24th.
Dear Mr. Bartlett,
Thank you for responding to my email regarding the Ocean County College Planetarium.
Unfortunately, I found your response disappointing as it seemed to evade the suggestion that the Ocean County Government should help to fund the planetarium project and instead recommend that the fundraising efforts being undertaken by the Ocean County College Foundation would be the ultimate resolution to the issue.
The fundraising efforts are important and it is my intention to make a donation as you had suggested. I also intend to donate my time to the Save the Planetarium Foundation.
However, I could not help but question the priorities of the Ocean County Government when I read in the newspaper today that there are plans for an additional fishing pier to be built in Brick at a cost of $1.8 million, which by my understanding is $300,000 more than would be required to refurbish the planetarium. Is it really necessary to build a fishing pier where one already exists? Would a recreational fishing pier benefit more Ocean County residents than the educational services provided by the Planetarium? Would more people use this fishing pier than students would attend Planetarium programs? Which project would have a more lasting benefit to Ocean County residents, particularly considering that these funds are being raised through bonds? Does it not make sense to maintain existing programs and services before undertaking new projects?
I hope that you and the other Freeholders are willing to consider these questions and re-evaluate the priorities of the Ocean County government. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
Gaston Fichot | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 40 | |
Name: | Michele Branda
(mbranda@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 4/6/2007 10:26:58 AM | | Subject: | Kindergarten teacher chimes in | | | “There was a star danced, and under that was I born.”
William Shakespeare quotes (English Dramatist, Playwright and Poet, 1564-1616)
We must do all that we can to save the planetarium. The stars inspire students young and old to dream about their lives on our planet and beyond the Universe. They inspire not only scientists but writers, dancers,poets and artists.
I've been to the planetarium countless times in my 30 some years on this planet. I am so proud to have neighbors that care and have gone the step beyond to do something to try to save it. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 38 | |
Name: | Melissa Edmons
(Angelmae3995@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 3/22/2007 11:21:36 PM | | Subject: | Help | | | I want to help but I cannot atternd the March 27th meeting due to work. I'm very good at raising money and convicing people to donate to a worthy cause, ask my boss, I won on the Jimmy Fund sales by 300 sales more than anyone else. Just give me a can, something people can read about the cause, and a place where people go. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 37 | |
Name: | william smith
(fatobuzig@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/22/2007 9:41:02 PM | | Subject: | save the planetarium for my kids | | | I am a OCC graduate, and I am ashamed that the trustees can't find the money to keep the planetarium open. This is dispite all the money the Ocean County freeholders give the college. As a grade school student I remember going there, and I really enjoyed it. As a OCC student I took my astronomy class and spent a lot of time within the planetarium. We need to keep it open for my kids. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 36 | |
Name: | Anthony Carillo
(amcarillo@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 3/20/2007 9:57:02 AM | | Subject: | Save the Planetarium | | | The planetarium has been educating school children about the wonders of the universe for over thirty years. The kids come from miles around for a three dimensional experience that you can't get from books or videos. Keep the planetarium open. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 34 | |
Name: | Michael Heller
(Michael.S.Heller@gmail.com)
| | Date: | 3/19/2007 12:55:57 PM | | Subject: | Planetarium | | | I no longer live in Ocean County, but I have very fond memories of the planetarium when I was a student at West Dover Elementary. I came across this website with the hopes of bringing my daughter to the planetarium this summer, and was disappointed to find that it won't be around. Please let me know if there's a way to help.
Michael | | | Post Reply | | |
| 31 | |
Name: | Sherie Ensor
(sherie_matt@yahoo.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:28:11 PM | | Subject: | A valuable learning tool! | | | (original guestbook posting 3/16/2007 1:42:33 PM)
We must save this planetarium. It has been a part of Ocean County history for many years. I attended the planetarium as a child with my school, and now I wish to bring this exciting experience to my second grade students. Let's do this Ocean County! | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 30 | |
Name: | Noreen McGillick
(Npmcgillic@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:26:55 PM | | Subject: | SAVE THE PLANETARIUM ! | | | (original guestbook posting 3/16/2007 11:19:34 AM)
All of my children have attended the Planetarium, whether it be on a school or scouting outing, and just loved it. It was actually their first exposure to a planetarium, and so great that Ocean County has had this available for our children to experience and learn from. It would truly be a shame to loose such a place in our community. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 27 | |
Name: | Karen
(MrsSoup67@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:23:06 PM | | Subject: | A Real Shame | | | (original guestbook posting 3/15/2007 3:21:35 PM)
I have had all three of my children to the planetarium, many times. We have gone for school events, Girl Scout events and have even celebrated by holding birthday parties there. It is a real shame that the money cannot be found to preserve this jewel of Ocean County. So much money is wasted daily on less important things. So many children will not know the joy of experiencing the sky show. Too bad our town values athletics more than the arts & sciences. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 26 | |
Name: | MaryLou
(cpamsw@juno.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:21:59 PM | | Subject: | We love the planetarium! | | | (original guestbook posting 3/15/2007 1:36:54 PM)
I took my son to the planetarium when he was 2 1/2 years old and that experience has inspired a love of the universe in him. He is now 3 and knows the names and much info about all of the planets and all phases of the moon. I can not imagine him never going to view the skys in this way again! | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 24 | |
Name: | Vinny Illuzzi
(chenz759@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:19:14 PM | | Subject: | Inspiring the next generaton | | | (original guestbook posting 3/11/2007 9:51:08 PM)
Growing up in Staten Island meant a half day of travel to NYC for a visit to the local planetarium. The show was always worth the trip. After moving to Toms River 21 years ago, you could imagine what a treat it was to find the Novins Planetarium in my backyard. Many children never have the opportunity to visit a planetarium. For the school children of Ocean and Monmouth counties, a visit to the Novins Planetarium was a regular event. The unique educational experience provided to these students by the Planetarium is priceless. How many future scientists will miss their calling with the closure? Even one is too many. For the school age children of our community, OCC can do no better service than to inspire. That is exactly the role of the Planetarium. Ocean County College needs to remember that it is a “Community” College first and a profit center never. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 23 | |
Name: | Kyle
(saint24fc@msn.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:17:55 PM | | Subject: | Keep it open | | | (original guestbook posting 3/11/2007 6:39:57 PM)
I hope funds can be found to keep the Novins Planetarium open. I went to several shows at the Planetarium and found them to be enjoyable and informative. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 22 | |
Name: | Teresa
(saintangelo29@msn.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:16:26 PM | | Subject: | Ocean County's "star" attraction | | | (original guestbook posting 3/11/2007 6:33:18 PM)
I have been to the planetarium at Raritan Valley College and Newark Museum and the Novins Planetarium is far superior in both size and quality of programs! What a loss for all those who want to learn about the night sky with the closing of the Ocean County College Novins Planetarium. I hope funds can be obtained to keep the Novins Planetarium open for our children to continue learning, dreaming and enjoying the universe! | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 21 | |
Name: | Grandma Rose
(kcg0275@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:15:16 PM | | Subject: | More politics? | | | (original guestbook posting 3/9/2007 1:34:13 PM)
Why would Ocean County ( or the powers that be)even consider closing the Novins Planetarium? There are little enough things for our children to enjoy and be inspired by, as it is. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 20 | |
Name: | George
(astroman_cd47@yahoo.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:12:52 PM | | Subject: | THERE ARE NOW NO OPERATING PLANETARIUMS IN THE SOUTH JERSEY AREA!!! | | | (original guestbook posting 3/9/2007 12:37:55 PM)
Ray Bradbury once said that planetariums are the "cathedreals of the universe". I loved this place, my brother lives in Jackson and I got to take my niece here just before the shutdown. As of right now there are no operating planetariums in the south Jersey area! I dont count the Fiels becaus they dont have a star projector and they just use it as a dome shaped projection screen. The planetariums in Trenton and Rowan are both closed for renovation. I think that this facility being potentially shut down is an absolute crime. You should be approaching corporate donors such as Lockheed and Grumman. Offer courses in celestial navigation to the Army, Navy and Air Force. Look into laser/music and concerts anything to keep it going. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 19 | |
Name: | Justmyopinion652
(frgttn652@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:11:38 PM | | Subject: | OC Library | | | (Original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 5:01:56 PM)
Just a thought triggered by the last guest book entry. The newly re-done Toms River library includes a great fiber-optic sky. I recall the sign reading that it was the summer sky as seen from Toms River, and that planetarium staff consulted on it to ensure the sky was accurate. It seems to imply that the night sky is somewhat important to the people and lifestyle of this coastal community. It would be a shame to think that the library's version of the sky and fond memories were all that we have left of the Novins Planetarium. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 18 | |
Name: | life long residents
(ladybugmkd @aim.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:09:37 PM | | Subject: | remember when you were a kid... | | | going to east dover elementary, intermediate east, and later high school in toms river,the only field trip TO look forward to, was the planetarium. the same way our kids look forward to it now. did our taxes build the rittaco center?-did our taxes build the new indoor soccer bubble building?-the ocean county library was rebuilt, castle park, etc. THE NOVINS PLANETARIUM IS EDUCATIONAL, and ENTERTAINING. is money the reason to lose this landmark, while other structures of our town receive new facelift . . .?
(original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 3:39:03 PM) | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 17 | |
Name: | Christine Girtain
(cgirtain@yahoo.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:07:55 PM | | Subject: | Bank Foundation Grants | | | (original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 11:12:11 AM)
I am an Earth Science Teacher at Toms River High School South. My students were very upset when news hit that the College was not going to have the money to fund the planetarium. My students and I grew up going to the Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College. I know Sovereign Bank, Commerce Bank, and Ocean First Bank have Foundations that help communities. Is there anyone working on these applications from OCC? Many families cannot afford a trip to North Jersey or NYC but can afford to take their children to the Novins Planetarium. I have a 2 year old girl named Jaime. I would love to be able to take her to the Novins Planetarium. It is close by, educational, and safe for our children. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 16 | |
Name: | Peggi Gamba
(peggi@estitches.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:06:40 PM | | Subject: | Let's expose our children to the wonders! | | | (original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 10:37:47 AM)
As parents in this community, we make sure our children are exposed to the most varied and positive experiences available. We encourage them in soccer, little league, piano lessons, Pop Warner, dance, karate…the list doesn’t end. A wide range of experiences gives them the confidence, the curiosity and the drive to pursue what ultimately interests them. The planetarium is one of these experiences. I want my children exposed to the wonders the planetarium offers. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 15 | |
Name: | Leigh F. W. Murphey
(sailette@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:05:03 PM | | Subject: | Save the Planetarium | | | (Original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 9:33:45 AM)
It was my good fortune to experience several resources which now assure me of the importance of The Planetarium. We regularly visited the Franklin Institute (Philadelphia), the University of Penna.Museum, the night skies of the Philadelphia suburbs and the Toms River, Barnegat Bay area. Night sailing taught us the importance of celestial navigation. Life on the River has taught us the relationship between the earth and the universe and man's impact. Observing travels in space alerts us to the fact that we don't know it all and we must use all paths and facilities to explore what these relationships hold for the future. We must never take any action that will impede intellectual curiosity and the knowledge that follows. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 14 | |
Name: | Phil Zollner
(pazap@juno.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:03:52 PM | | Subject: | Bringing the Planetarium back to the citizens of the Jersey shore | | | (Original guestbook posting 3/8/2007 4:24:23 AM)
I estimate that I have welcomed and lectured to over 10,000 children in the star theater at Novins Planetarium over the past 28 years (a few thousand adults, too). I cannot think of a better way for a college to bring the wonders of astronomy (and other sciences) to it's next generation of students than to provide a lasting educational experience at Novins Planetarium. It's director for the first 28 years, Dr. Erik Zimmermann, brought his wide ranging talents in mathematics, art and music as well as astronomy to the most dramatic and informative planetarium programs I have ever had the priviledge to present. Letting all this just slip away because of a lack of will to come up with the money required for renovation is unacceptable. GET MOTIVATED --- GET INVOLVED. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 13 | |
Name: | John Endreson
(oldjedi2001@msn.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:01:41 PM | | Subject: | Before you can teach, you must inspire. | | | (Original guestbook posting 3/7/2007 9:35:49 PM)
I have been an Ocean County resident all my life and I can remember going to the Novins Planetarium in 1979 for the first time. It was a school trip I took when I was attending Toms River Intermediate East. I can remember afterward becoming interested in all things science. And now that I have children of my own I want them to have the same if not more of an opportunity to experience the thrill of learning something new and to be inspired to do well in school. I know that not every child who attends one of the Planetarium shows will end up doing well in school or go on to attend college, but I think if it can inspire just a few of them then it is well worth it. Help save the Planetarium. Thank you | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 12 | |
Name: | Rosemarie Spedaliere
(compor@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 10:00:04 PM | | Subject: | Importance of the planetarium | | | (Original Guestbook posting 3/7/2007 7:41:18 PM)
In a society where reality shows,sports,celebrity lifestyles,fashion, rowdy talkshows and chatrooms are the main interests of the young people, it is extrememly important that we cultivate their interest in education and "outer space" instead of "cyberspace". As a young girl in the 50's and 60's it was very hard to show my interst in science. I was fortunate to have a mother who regularly took me to the Hayden Planetarium and who bought me my first book of constellations when I was 6. I also was lucky to attend a high school that offered a course in Astronomy which I took in my senior year. My own children visited Novin's Planetarium regularly with the Berkeley School District and with my husband and I. Now my grandchildren can go there with me but the doors are closed. My grandson asks all the time if the planetarium will open again. Space is our children's future. What better a place than a local planetarium to learn all about it? Please help us to keep this wonderful place open. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 11 | |
Name: | Chip Fichot
(cfichot@comcast.net)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 9:52:43 PM | | Subject: | Together we can make this happen | | | (original guestbook posting 3/6/2007 1:33:30 PM)
I'm sure I'm not the only supporter of the planetarium who has been through a roller coaster of emotions regarding this issue due to the 'cruel hoax'. Annual trips to the planetarium were highlights each year I was in elementary school at Clara B Worth in Bayville. The thought of denying future generations this fantastic educational opportunity makes me very sad. How many potential astronomers, astronauts, and physicists will not be motivated to study these subjects because they were not exposed to this fantastic resource? I agree that the National Science Foundation and various private foundations may have opportunities for grants. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do to help. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 10 | |
Name: | Norman Bosley
(bosleys@mac.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 9:51:09 PM | | Subject: | sources of assistance | | | (original guestbook posting 3/3/2007 12:25:14 PM)
I'm pleased to know what you're doing. I didn't know of the scope of your efforts and join with others in hoping for their success. I wondered if private foundations like the Rockefeller and Ford foundations might have an interest in our need. The National Science Foundation also occurred to me as a relevant body. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 8 | |
Name: | Forgottennotgone
(forgottennotgone@hotmail.com)
| | Date: | 3/16/2007 9:47:30 PM | | Subject: | Community Support | | | (originally posted in the guestbook 2/27/2007 2:18:09 PM)
Great job! The Novins Planetarium definitely needs to be saved from closure. I hope all members of the community will give what they can. If not funds, at least time, effort or a letter of support to the decision-makers who seem to lack the awareness of what a valued part of the community the planetarium is. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 7 | |
Name: | BOB SAL
(betbob11@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/12/2007 10:54:04 AM | | Subject: | I had plans! | | | I took my kids to the Planetarium when they were small, we went when they were older. We planed to go again soon. I planned to take my future grand-children. I planned to make a field trip with the Astromariners astronomy club at Toms River North High School. I planned to go when the ASTRA members were invited again for a show. I planned to help out and talk, if they needed a volenteer. I'm sure I'm not the only one who had plans involving the planetarium. It's one less place in this world we can plan to go and have a great time.
SAVE THE PLANETARIUM, SAVE THE FUN!
That's it;
BOB SAL | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 6 | |
Name: | Angela Randall
(teachr4life@yahoo.com)
| | Date: | 3/10/2007 9:56:04 AM | | Subject: | Let Me Know How I Can Help! | | | Where do we buy the t-shirts? I have an extensive email list and would like to forward all the information to as many Ocean County residents as I can.
Angela Randall
Former Toms River Schools student who loved the planetarium
Former Brick Township teacher who loved bringing her students to the planetarium
Parent of two children (Laura,4, who got a chance to visit the planetarium before it closed and Michael, 16 months, who may never get to share our love of the planetarium)
Please keep my family informed of activities that will help with the fundraising effort. I'm a stay at home mom who is willing to help. I am a photographer, artist, writer and I can do webpages!
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| 5 | |
Name: | Rosemarie Spedaliere
(compor@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/8/2007 7:37:32 PM | | Subject: | I previously entered this on the guest book | | | In a society where reality shows,sports,celebrity lifestyles,fashion, rowdy talkshows and chatrooms are the main interests of the young people, it is extrememly important that we cultivate their interest in education and "outer space" instead of "cyberspace". As a young girl in the 50's and 60's it was very hard to show my interst in science. I was fortunate to have a mother who regularly took me to the Hayden Planetarium and who bought me my first book of constellations when I was 6. I also was lucky to attend a high school that offered a course in Astronomy which I took in my senior year. My own children visited Novin's Planetarium regularly with the Berkeley School District and with my husband and I. Now my grandchildren can go there with me but the doors are closed. My grandson asks all the time if the planetarium will open again. Space is our children's future. What better a place than a local planetarium to learn all about it? Please help us to keep this wonderful place open. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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| 3 | |
Name: | Dr. Paul Gitto
( cometman@cometman.com)
| | Date: | 3/8/2007 11:12:38 AM | | Subject: | It's the Children that Suffer. | | | The Board of Trustees blame the Governor.
The Ocean County Freeholders blame the Trustees.
No one has the guts to do what is right for the children and the community.
This is Ocean County's Planetarium at Ocean County College.
It is the college's responsibility to provide services for the community, not just college students.
It is the Ocean County Freeholders responsibility to provide financial support to the college, which in turn is providing these services at a below cost rate to the school children of Ocean County.
None of the Board of Trustees or the Freeholders has said anything on behalf of the children.
It's sad that these are the people who govern over the children of Ocean County.
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| 2 | |
Name: | Gloria Villalobos
(Gvill1@aol.com)
| | Date: | 3/8/2007 12:43:11 AM | | Subject: | Wonder and Inspiration | | | As a planetarium director, I, of course, have a bit of a bias about their importance. But I was once a kid like any other, learning about the world around me and what it had to offer. I was fortunate to have parents that gave me an array of experiences that helped me find my path in life and career. People often ask me how I became interested in astronomy. I'm not sure exactly when that happened, but I know many of my early memories relate to planetariums, observatories and the night sky.
Although I grew up in the Navy, traveling frequently, one place that always felt like home was the Morrison Planetarium in San Francisco. I remember many hours under that dome and the magic I experienced there. As the room darkened, the sun set over a metal silhouette of the San Franciso skyline. I remember watching in awe, their custom star projector recreate a sky not visible from Golden Gate Park, and the feeling as a constellation figure teased my mind, dancing on the edge of visibility and the presenter making me believe I could really see those figures . . . if I only concentrated hard enough.
Now, I know how all those effects were done, but they are no less magical. I can now appreciate the skill and talent of those who made that magic happen. Those of you who have whispered excitedly, "I see it! I see it!" or heard your child do so, as I or one of the Novins lecturers begins to bring the constellations to life, is experiencing that because of an awe-struck and inspired 9-year old, 30 years ago on the other side of the country. You never know how a child may be inspired by the experience and knowledge that a planetarium can provide, or where that may take them.
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Name: | Sarah
(President@ASTRA-NJ.org)
| | Date: | 3/2/2007 1:26:30 PM | | Subject: | Support for the Fund raising | | | The support of others can make an out of reach task possible. We have already had such a possitive response to our project of saving the Planetarium. Everyone has a good story of their own experience in the Planetarium. Many are just waiting to hear how they can help as we get the show on the road. It is a very exciting and hopeful time ahead of us. It will be nice to see how a comunity can come together to save something so important in their lives. Just think how the knowlege of the Universe has changed your life. Cell phones anyone? How can we not give the future generations a chance to become involved in Astronomy and the knowlege and excitement of a show at the Planetarium that can lead them to further ideas. Thanks everyone for your support and keep returning for updates on how you can help. | | | Post Reply | Display replies to this message
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I'll be contacting someone soon to find out how I can help this awesome fundraising effort.