FACILITIES & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NEXT STEPS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

July 23, 2003

Dear Members and Friends of The Cincinnati Observatory Center,

I am pleased to report that 2002 was an outstanding year by every measure. Our educational programs have continued to grow (to more than 15,000 people served), renovation and restoration work is entering the final stages, and our fundraising effort toward creating an endowment to support the Observatory in the long term is becoming stronger.

From a management perspective, our Executive Director, Jim Neumeister, has done a terrific job of transitioning from Bob Casey's leadership to his flawlessly while maintaining and coordinating the many, many activities of the Observatory. In addition, Jim has helped to expand programs and the numbers of people served, expanded rental usage of the Observatory, and coordinated and facilitated fundraising and renovations efforts among many other achievements. His leadership in a multitude of roles, from construction management to fundraising to management of the activities of the Observatory, has been invaluable. We could not have accomplished nearly as much in 2002 without Jim's extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Observatory.

VOLUNTEERS continue as the key to our success. Again this year volunteers contributed more than 5,000 hours leading or assisting programs, maintaining and cleaning the facilities, moving equipment as the renovations continued, organizing events, doing strategic planning, and helping to plan exhibits, among numerous other roles. In particular, Ann Timpano, who is stepping off the Board, helped lead the museum committee and guide the process of thinking about the collections and their display. And, of course, Tricia Bevan again carried out a very successful House Tour, wrote all of the key grant applications, and was generally the backbone of the Observatory making most things work! As many of you know, while Tricia has moved New York she will both continue on the Board and continue to play an active role in the activities of the Center. Finally, just to highlight some key volunteers:

Members of the Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, and FOTO

Education, History, and Museum Committees
Neighbors
Key Bank employees
Boy Scouts
Students from Cardinal Pacelli School
Students from Madeira, Mariemont and Sycamore High Schools
And many more!

This year as always the volunteer effort has been a simply astonishing level of commitment and the foundation that makes the Observatory function.

Our PROGRAMS, of course, remain the heart and soul of the observatory and the reason for renovating and maintaining the Center. Here too we have completed an excellent year surpassing 15,000 (a 25% increase over year ago) children and adults served. Even through a difficult year that included major renovation and restoration work, the staff and dozens of volunteers carried out expanded programs and achieved an even higher number of people served than last year. Their dedication to teaching science and astronomy has been extraordinary! For perspective, the Observatory historically averaged between 1,200-1,500 annual visitors meaning we have increased the usage tenfold since we began operations. At the same time, we have done an admirable job of maintaining the integrity and setting of the quiet, residential neighborhood.

Our FUNDRAISING activities continue to gain momentum with the focus now shifting toward endowment and long term financial sustainability as the restoration work winds down. The effort began with 100% of Board members pledging over $125,000 in support of the campaign and to date the Observatory has been able to raise nearly $2 million, mostly toward restoration and educational programs. Members of the Observatory and Board have begun to cultivate potential donors and in several cases even secured pledges and gifts. As you know, securing the money needed for the restoration of the Observatory has been extremely important, but even more important is raising funds for an endowment that will support the educational programs and maintenance of the Observatory in the future. As a result, fundraising will remain the main focus of the COC Board for the foreseeable future.

As you will read in the Executive Director's report, the RENOVATION and RESTORATION of the Observatory again has been extraordinary in 2002. Massive work largely completed the restoration and renovation of the Herget building and landscape while the planning of the Mitchel restoration was initiated and is now being carried out. As 2003 winds to a close, as much as 90% of the complete restoration and renovation of the Observatory and grounds will have been completed!

I think the results of our operations and activities this year demonstrate a tremendous dedication to the FUTURE of the Observatory. I am sure that with the vision, dedication, and hard work of everyone involved next year will bring continued success in developing programs, funds, and renovations to carry out our mission. Again, thank you to everyone who has made the Observatory a special and dynamic place!

Sincerely,

Juan C. Santamarina

President

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ELECTIONS OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE OBSERVATORY ON July 24, 2003.

1. YEAR 2002 TRUSTEES (Expiration date in parentheses):

Anne Timpano (2005) University of Cincinnati representative to COC

Denny Young (2005)

Dr. Juan Santamarina (2005)

Patricia Bevan (2005)

Robert Anning (2005)

Christopher C. Cole (2004)

Jack Gore (2004)

Charles O. Schiff (2004) Observatory Place property owners representative to COC

George Strietmann (2004)

John "Chuck" Strubbe (2004) FOTO representative to COC

Dobbs Ackermann (2003)

Oliver (Bud) Baily (2003)

Dr. Michael L. Sitko (2003)

Vacant (2003)

Vacant (2005)

2. NOMINATED FOR TRUSTEE (Expiration date in parentheses):

Greg Hand (2005) University of Cincinnati representative, replacing Ann Timpano (2005)

Jeanette Fisher (2004) Replacing Christopher C. Cole (2004)

Dobbs Ackermann (2006)

Oliver Baily (2006)

Dr. Michael L. Sitko (2006)

3. YEAR 2002 OFFICERS (Term expires May 2003):

President: Juan C. Santamarina

Vice President: Patricia Bevan

Secretary: Dobbs Ackermann

Assistant Secretary: Oliver Baily

Treasurer: Robert Anning

4. NOMINATED FOR OFFICER (Term expires May 2004):

President: Juan C. Santamarina

Vice President: Patricia Bevan

Secretary: Dobbs Ackermann

Assistant Secretary: Oliver Baily

Treasurer: Robert Anning

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Over 15,000 People served – Our Best Year Yet!

"Progress all around the COC"

By virtually every measure, the COC continues to make very real progress in our efforts to meet our mission. This progress is detailed in the following discussion and attachments.

Educational Programs continue to be the core activity for sharing the Observatory with the public. We have successfully built on the previous year’s successes with expanded offerings and a growing awareness of the COC within the Greater Cincinnati area. The notion of "success breeds success" seems to apply. For perspective, in 1996 approximately 1,200 people were served by the COC. In 2001 the number had grown to 12,000, and during the past year had further grown to 15,000 (+25% versus year ago).

This accomplishment continues to be largely the result of the enthusiastic and dedicated contributions of:

1. Our two staff professionals (Paul Nohr and Dean Regas)

2. The dozens of Friends of the Observatory (FOTO) volunteer presenters/assistants who generously donate their time and talents in support of our programs

The restoration of our facilities took an important step forward with the completion of the Herget Building Project. This project, which represents an investment of $1.2 million in the COC, restores the building to its original beauty and functionality. It now makes the facility safe, comfortable, accessible and technologically current for today’s visitors. Additionally, we now are in a position to provide a permanent home for displaying our valuable collection of historic instruments, documents and photographs.

With the restoration of the Herget Building largely complete, a new opportunity for building awareness of the COC and it’s unique role has emerged, namely the opportunity to rent our facilities to the public for meetings, receptions, parties and even weddings. While clearly secondary to our educational efforts, building rentals provide an important new way to expand our "reach" within the broader community.

The COC 2002 financial position is detailed in the attached report prepared by our accountant. Sources of revenue have been broadened and strengthened through our programming and rental efforts. This coupled with careful attention to spending has allowed us to maintain a positive operating position. Further, a record of fundraising successes among our institutional and community friends has allowed us to move forward with another important series of restoration projects, significantly in advance of earlier plans.

We are pleased to report on our progress in each of these areas, recognizing that much still remains to be done to ensure the long term success of the COC.

James W. Neumeister,

Executive Director

I. Educational Program Development
School Oriented Efforts

Outreach Education programs conducted with 100+ school groups (8700 students)
Project Astro Program – training and support for teachers
Teacher training in collaboration with Xavier University
University programs with UC, Xavier, NKU and Mt. St. Joseph’s
Collaboration with Cincinnati Public Schools on program/curriculum development
Evaluation of existing teaching aids and development of new tools (Dr. Ray McNeil sabbatical)
Monthly communication with area teachers highlighting astronomical events and COC programs

General Public Orientation

Astronomy Nights at the Observatory
Family Classes
Lecture Series in Spring and Fall
Communiversity Classes
ScopeOut 2002 learning sessions and Flerlage Lecture
Training classes for volunteers (multiple topics)
Introductory and Intermediate Classes for amateur astronomers
Programs for libraries, scouts, civic groups and clubs
Astronomy/History Programs for "rental events"
Stonelick Lake State Park viewing
Cincinnati Enquirer monthly "Skywatching" articles
Astronomy demonstration booth at Ault Park events and Kid’s Expo

II. Restoration

Herget HVAC installation completed
Herget window repairs/restoration completed
ADA (wheelchair) access to both buildings completed
Herget elevator and adjacent staircase installed
New "period" lighting fixtures installed throughout Herget Building
Herget interior plaster repair and painting completed
Circular driveway resurfaced
Site landscaping completed
Historic marker installed in front of Herget Building; COC "information sign" refurbished
Herget West Wing ceiling reinstalled with "virtual night sky" panel
Herget woodwork and floors repaired and refinished
Plans for Herget Building restroom project initiated
Plans for Mitchel Building restoration developed

III. Preservation

Received a $10,000 consultation grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for professional help in establishing the COC museum

Grant provided guidance for organizing the historic collection and included visits to other historic observatories

Refurbishing of the Riefler clocks continues

Cataloguing of the previously scanned and stored 1150 glass photographic plates continues

Completed the scanning and proper storage of historic photographs

Hosted two visits by the National Park Service representatives with highly supportive feedback

Acquired an eight drawer flat file from UC for storage of historic documents

Began the cataloging and storage of historic documents using proper archival techniques

Made telescope repairs to the Clark telescope (drive weight, ascension drive and pier electricals)

Made repairs to the Herget Building dome (drive chain mechanism)

IV. Operations

Eight laptop computers were acquired to provide hands-on instruction, using StarryNight software

Herget Building was wired for comprehensive network and internet capability

COC operations moved from the construction trailer into the Herget Building

Additional computing capabilities were installed (office firewall and server/printer)

Conversion to Peachtree accounting software completed

Brochure developed for COC facility rentals

Capital Campaign "wow factor" materials developed

Hosted three major community events (ScopeOut 2002 telescope fair, Bi-centennial Marker dedication, Star Light Star Bright house tour)

Numerous media appearances related to Bi-centennial celebration, building restoration and astronomy events

V. Volunteer Recognition

Friends of the Observatory (FOTO)

Members of the Board of Trustees and Advisory Board

Education, History and Museum Committees

Neighbors

Key Bank employees

Boy Scouts

Students from Cardinal Pacelli School

Students from Madeira, Mariemont and Sycamore High Schools

CURRENT PROGRAMS

I. Educational Outreach to Schools

Education Outreach- Classroom visits to schools and field trips to the Observatory. Camp, Cub Scout, Girl and Boy Scout groups have become an important part of the community that we reach with our education programs.

Project Astro - High school teachers were paired with area astronomers and qualified amateur astronomers. The pairs are now teaching together in their respective schools throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Project Astro, a program approved by the prestigious Astronomical Society of the Pacific, was designed to encourage students to continue in the sciences once they enter college. Last year the project was coordinated by a Trustee and served 15 schools, providing 60 service units. Of the number of schools served six were Cincinnati Public Schools.

University-level Classes - The Observatory is an astronomy resource to Universities within the tri-state area. The COC Astronomer and two volunteer astronomers provided three classes in Astronomy per quarter for the University of Cincinnati CommUniversity classes. In addition, Northern Kentucky University, the College of Mt. Saint Joseph, and the University of Cincinnati were served on a regular basis.

Teacher Training - Paul Nohr has started a Teacher Training Class that was funded by the Ohio Space Grant Consortium and Hamilton County.

Summer Camp - Summer Space Camp at the Observatory for enthusiastic young astronomers!

Southern Heavens/Remote Telescope Project - Program development and discussions continue on this complicated project. We are redirecting efforts to enhance classroom viewing and Observatory viewing

II. Educational Outreach to the General Public

Public Astronomy Nights - In a tradition that dates back to1843, the Observatory provides free public viewing one night each week each Thursday. Our Astronomy nights program also continues on Friday and Saturday (1 per month) evenings and remains the cornerstone of our public events.

Introductory/Intermediate Classes - It was through the Astronomy nights that the idea of Introductory and Intermediate classes for the public might have an audience. Dean Regas started them in 2000 with support from Paul Nohr.

Amateur Astronomy - COC/FOTO provides classes in astronomy, telescope making, and other appropriate subjects for members and other local amateur astronomers. Some of these classes are for advanced amateurs, others provide training for newcomers who wish to become assistants during evening presentations.

Articles on Astronomy - The Cincinnati Enquirer is running a monthly article "Skywatching", written by Dean Regas, with the intent of educating the public while making them aware of the Observatory’s existence.

Advanced Classes - Paul Nohr instituted an advanced volunteer class during the year. It is conducted at the university level and intended to increase the skills and knowledge of the more experienced public.

Historical Tours - Tours highlighting the history of the Observatory are available to the general public on Thursdays and the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Our historian, John Ventre, has trained volunteers and helps carry out these wonderful tours.

Public Star Gazes at Stonelick Lake - FOTO sponsored Dark Sky observing continues as an excellent opportunity to learn about the night sky and astronomical telescopes.

FOTO/Kids - COC/FOTO provides a club for school age children that meets once a month to familiarize children with the heavens, teach basic observational skills using star charts, binoculars and telescopes, and generally encourages a knowledge and love of science.

Special Events - Special events held in 2000 were very successful, thanks to all the volunteers who made them possible. FOTO and COC sponsored Scope Out '00, a telescope fair provided to educate the general public concerning purchase and use of telescopes. This event drew over 350 people. In December the "Star Light, Star Bright" Holiday house Tour was held, drawing approximately 750 people.

The myriad of programs above provide a wide variety of astronomical learning for diverse populations. We are confident that the growth of programs and usage will continue apace with the skills and vision of our volunteers and staff.

Jim Neumeister, Executive Director Paul Nohr, Astronomer Dean Regas, Outreach Teacher Teacher

SUMMARY OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PLAN AND SUPPORT

SOURCE	GOAL	RECEIVED
Government and UC	$1,500,000	$1,017,165
Corporate	$1,000,000	Not started
Foundations and NEH	$1,050,000	$96,442
Major Gifts	$500,000	Not started
Founders and Family	$500,000	$156,850
Community TOTAL	$50,000 $4,600,000	Not started

FOUNDATION, PRIVATE PLEDGES, AND PUBLIC SUPPORT RECEIVED FOR RESTORATION

Maxwell Weaver Jun-99 $5,000.00 Windows

Ohio Historical/Cincinnati Jan-00 $10,800.00 Façade

Emery Foundation Apr-00 $25,000.00 Restoration

National Park Service May-00 $6,197.50 Termites

Reakirt Foundation Jun-00 $10,000.00 Restoration

Russell Trust Aug-00 $15,000.00 Restoration

Jack Smith Trust Oct-00 $9,445.00 Restrooms

Pfau Foundation Oct-00 $15,000.00 Restoration

State of Ohio(Request of Leg) Sep-99 $98,500.00 Restoration

State of Ohio(Request of Leg) Dec-00 $147,750.00 Restoration

U.C. Apr-02 $770,915.00 Restoration

Anonymous Jun-02 $20,000 Restoration

COC Board of Trustees $125,000 Restoration

Other Private Pledges/Gifts $75,000 Restotation

TOTAL RESTORATION RECEIVED: $1,333,607.50
FOUNDATION FUNDING RECEIVED TO DATE FOR EDUCATION AND OPERATIONS:

Marcia Brady Tucker May-99 $10,000.00 Education

Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jun-99 $625.00 Summertime Kids

Dater Foundation Aug-99 $10,000.00 Education

Greater Cincinnati Foundation Nov-99 $32,000.00 Program Director

MB Tucker Apr-00 $28,000.00 Outreach Educator

Greater Cincinnati Foundation May-00 $900.00 Summertime Kids

Davies Jul-00 $1,000.00 Education

Procter & Gamble Aug-00 $7,400.00 Education

Ohio Space Grant C Aug-00 $5,000.00 Teacher Training

Jergens Foundation Oct-00 $15,000.00 O u t reach Education

Jack Smith Oct-00 $5,555.00 ADA Viewing

Greater Cincinnati Foundation May-01 $900.00 Summertime Kids

National Endowment for the Humanities Nov-01 $10,000.00 Museum Consultation

TOTAL EDUCATION RECEIVED: $126,380
SUMMARY OF COMBINED FUNDS RECEIVED TO DATE:

TOTAL $1,459,987.50

PENDING REQUESTS FOR RESTORATION, PRESERVATION, AND ENDOWMENT

National Endowment for the Humanities May-02 $500,000 Endowment

Taft Semple June-02 $100,000 End/Restor.

National Park Service May-02 $10,000 Restoration

Greater Cincinnati Foundation May-15 $100,000 Restoration

TOTAL PENDING: $710,000.00

FISCAL YEAR 2002 FINANCIAL REPORT