Congratulations! Member Awards Recipients 2023
Member Awards Recipients 2022
Charline Norgrove Awards: Denise Chilton, James Luo
Andrew Elvins Award; Ontario Science Centre Solar Observing Team
Bertram J Topham Award: Ed Treijs, Lucy Winnicki
Ray Thompson Award - Julian Samuel
Ostrander-Ramsey Award - Eric Briggs
Award Recipients Details:
Andrew Elvins Award 2023
With the resumption of full operations of the Ontario Science Centre (OSC) after the COVID pandemic, the OSC Solar Observing Group presented solar observing sessions on the Teluscape on the first Saturday of each month. Using white light and H-alpha telescopes, the team of Eric Peters, Arnold Brody, Frank Dempsey, and James Luo showed views of the Sun while Sue Kralik greeted OSC visitors, answered their questions and led them to the telescopes. For many of the visitors, this was their first opportunity to see the Sun safely and learn about the RASC Toronto Centre. The members of the OSC Solar Observing Group have been excellent representatives for astronomy and the Toronto Centre, and most deserving of the Andrew Elvins Award for 2023.
Bertram J. Topham Award 2023
Members of the RASC Toronto Centre who live in west Toronto and Peel Region have often asked about holding observing sessions at a location more convenient to them than Bayview Village Park. After several weeks of searching, Lucy Winnicki and Ed Treijs suggested using Long Branch Park as a suitable site. The first observing session was held in August, and was a great success, attracting members of the public as well. The sessions have also come to the attention of members of the Mississauga Centre, leading to more interactions between members of the two Centres. The 2023 Bertram J. Topham Award is presented to Lucy Winnicki and Ed Treijs in recognition of their roles in establishing the Long Branch observing sessions.
Ray Thompson Award 2023
Although relatively new to the RASC Toronto Centre, Julian Samuel has long had a fascination with the art and science of astronomy. He has been an enthusiastic participant on the members’ email forum and shared images of his astronomy-themed paintings. The images have stimulated many email exchanges over the last year. In recognition of his astronomical art, the RASC Toronto Centre is pleased to confer the 2023 Ray Thompson Award on Julian Samuel.
Ostrander-Ramsay Award 2023
Throughout his many years as a member of the RASC Toronto Centre, Eric Briggs has been a frequent contributor to the Journal of the RASC, Scope and the national and Toronto Centre email forums. He first appeared on the masthead of Scope in its October 2009 issue and has produced every paper and digital issue since then. Despite his move from Toronto to Buffalo for professional reasons, Eric continued as Editor until the end of 2023, even as he became more involved in the RASC as National Secretary. The 2023 Ostrander-Ramsay Award is presented to Eric Briggs in recognition of his many years of service as Editor of Scope.
Charlene Norgrove Award 2023
The COVID pandemic resulted in the shutdown of all of the RASC Toronto Centre programs at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) from 2020 to 2022. Early in 2023, the City of Richmond Hill invited the Toronto Centre to resume its operations at the DDO. As Chair of the DDO Committee, Denise Chilton was tasked with recruiting volunteers to staff the extensive program of activities including training of operators of the 74-inch telescope and ensuring compliance with the City’s contract with the Toronto Centre. Denise spent much time mentoring the members of the DDO Committee on their roles and responsibilities, ensuring the successful resumption of outreach activities. The 2023 Charlene Norgrove Award is presented to Denise Chilton in recognition of her leadership.
Charlene Norgrove Award 2023
All of the RASC Toronto Centre’s activities depend on the use of web resources. Throughout 2023, James Luo has been the main contact for volunteers who are experiencing difficulties accessing or editing webpages. His cheerful, enthusiastic support and encouragement and quick responses have been a great help and very deserving of the 2023 Charlene Norgrove Award.