Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Tue, 01/31/2023 - 14:58

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

At our Annual Meeting in November, my plans to retire from the AAVSO were announced. With yesterday being my last day of work, and a lovely send-off from my fellow employees, I am now a regular AAVSO member and (very occasional) observer, looking forward to having the time to pursue other interests and adventures in life.

However, I can’t step away from my day-to-day involvement without first saying how much I enjoyed and appreciated my 33-year working career at the AAVSO. It was hard work, but also fun and challenging and a huge part of my life for all those years. I learned a lot about MySQL databases, and dabbled in Java, Perl, and Python. I had the privilege to work with many wonderful Directors and Staff who became my family, and at the Annual Meeting in 1996 I even met the member/observer John O’Neill (ONJ) who became my husband two years after we reunited at the Nantucket meeting in 2008.

Most of all, I would like to thank everyone for making my work enjoyable and interesting and inspiring me with your dedication to the AAVSO and to science in general. I will likely continue to hang out in the forums and hopefully see some of you at future meetings.

All the best,
Sara

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
The best wishes for your…

The best wishes for your retirement although I hate to see you go.  For a lot of years, when ever I had an issue with something AAVSO I have known to "Get a hold of Sara.  She will fix it."

Fair winds and following seas.

Jim Jones, JJI

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Thank you for all your help,…

Thank you for all your help, especially when I was a newbie making so many newbie mistakes! Best wishes in the next state of your life.

Mike

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Sara,

Its been great…

Sara,

Its been great knowing you and hope to spend more time with you in the future. Maybe Stellafane again this year??

Clear Skies,

Peter

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Very best wishes...

Sarah, I'm sad for AAVSO, but so so happy for you and John.  I hope retirement is as marvellous as you can imagine.  Thank you for your years of exemplary and cheerful service to our community!

Gary Billings

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
New contact for help emails

Hi. I'm new to the AAVSO community. I tried to install VStar yesterday on a Mac running macOS Monterey but was blocked by Apple. The contact for help is sara@aavso.org. Following Sara's departure, who will be the new contact for help? This has not been updated on the page.

Thanks,

Sian