In a presentation called “One Small Step: The Voyages of Apollo,” amateur astronomer Alan Witzgall will present a program on the journey of the first manned spaceflight to land on the moon at the September meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, at the Shady Rest Scotch Hills Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains.

Witzgall, past president of Amateur Astronomers, Inc., of Cranford, also will review the missions that followed Apollo 11 and discuss reasons to expand space exploration and return to the moon. He will augment his presentation with genuine lunar rocks and other celestial specimens.

The speaker, who earned a bachelor’s degree in earth and planetary science from Kean University, is the recording secretary and chair of the Instrument Qualifications Committee for Amateur Astronomers, Inc. In that capacity, he trains the group’s members in the use of the telescopes at Sperry Observatory on the campus of Union County College and conducts research in astronomy. Witzgall is a senior optician for ESCO Optics in Oak Ridge, New Jersey.

The Osborn Cannonball House will be open to visitors on Saturday June 29th, 2019 from noon to 6pm for the Stage House Founder’s Day. Come see our newly renovated grape arbor! It is located at 1840 East Front street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Scotch Plains & Fanwood:

Do you know when Memorial Day became a National Holiday? Do you know who proposed May 30 as the day to celebrate or memorialize soldiers? What was the difference between the North (Union States) and the South Confederate States? What is the significance of Waterloo, NY? If you know the answers to these and other questions on the Holiday you will do well on the quiz to be given at the monthly meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood on Tuesday evening May 28th. Afterwards we encourage people to talk about their memories of Memorial Day parades and celebrations as well as family members who served in the military. Pictures are encouraged.

This program takes place on Tuesday evening May 28th beginning at 7:30PM, at the Shady Rest Scotch Hills Country Club located at 820 Jerusalem Road (and corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. It is free and open to all. Please bring your family and friends. Fellowship and refreshments follow the meeting.