Our on-line database of Observing Program awardees is missing 13 entries for the Sky Puppy Observing Program. We would like to get this fixed. If you, your children, your grandchildren, or a member of your club has earned this certificate and they are not in the on-line database, please send an email to aaron@clevenson.org with the information so that we can add them in and give them the recognition that they deserve. Thanks. Aaron
The Astronomical League depends heavily on its team of volunteers, and is grateful for all their efforts. This past fall, Mike Benson, administrator of the Double Star Program, the Arp Peculiar Galaxy Program, and the Master Observer Program, decided to step down after many years of valuable service. His input and assistance were indispensable in developing, launching, and administering these and other programs. Mike was presented a special service plaque from the Astronomical League by Theo Wellington, president of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society in Nashville, TN. Thank you, Mike! 
Long time Longmont Astronomical Society (CO) member, Tim Brown, is to receive an award, the “James Craig Watson Medal for Astronomy, from the National Academy of Sciences on May 1st in Washington DC. The award recognizes Tim for “his visionary scientific and technical advancements that have been critical to the fields of helioseismology, asteroseismology, and the emerging field of spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets, and for his critical role in helping a new generation of scientists and facilities to succeed”. For more info see the press release at the Las Cumbres Observatory website, http://lcogt.net/blog/dr-tim-brown-to-receive-distinguished-watson-medal/
You may now register for the Astrocon 2017 conference in Casper, Wyoming onAugust 16 through August 19, 2017. Visit the Astrocon 2017 webpage at https://astrocon2017.astroleague.org and click on the “Registration” tab at the top right of the page.
If you are interested in helping the AL as an Observing Program Coordinator, we need to hear from you by Friday 1/15/2016. We are beginning to contact those we have already heard from. These programs are in need of a leader: Analemma, Double Star, Galileo, and Sky Puppy Observing Programs. Please send an email to Aaron Clevenson, Observing Program Director, at aaron@clevenson.org