GRAAA Reflections: September 2025

Each month this year, we will share with you a significant image from the GRAAA archives as the group commemorates 70 years of existence in 2025. The images are selected to reveal not only significant history, but also some lighter moments.

Tom Strach was a leader in the GRAAA whose family, following his death in the mid-1970s, established the Tom Strach Award. This award is given primarily to younger members of GRAAA who have done exemplary work for the organization. Pictured here with Mrs. Strach sometime in the 1990s are four former recipients of the award: David Deremo, David Staskiewicz, Michelle Stark, and Andrew Harwood.

Andrew Harwood is this year's presenter for the James Marron Memorial Event on Thursday October 16th, an ideal presenter for this annual tradition as he recalls that Jim Marron inspired him and many others to pursue a life enriched by astronomy. Andy has traveled to eclipses, practiced astrophotography, and built telescopes, all while juggling family, career, and other interests. During this presentation, titled "Fitting Amateur Astronomy Into a Busy Life," he will share memorable experiences and strategies that began on Kissing Rock Hill as a youngster.