The annual Perseid Meteor Shower is taking place through Aug. 15. The observatory will be open on Aug. 14, and staffers will search the skies for the meteors. More info on the meteor shower can be found at http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/
meteors/article_649_1.asp.

The Observatory will host a special "solar observing" session on Friday, Aug. 23, from noon to 2 pm. According to Nicholle Zellner, director of the Observatory, "This is a great chance to safely view the Sun and see sunspots (dark spots on the face of the Sun) and solar prominences, flares of solar gas that extend out from the edge of the Sun."

For more information about the Public Observing program, call ext. 6763. 8/12/02

Rensselaer Celebrates Faculty-Staff Appreciation Day!

Rensselaer will host a Faculty-Staff Appreciation Day on Friday, Aug. 23, from noon until 4 p.m. at the Doris B. Robison Softball Field (next to the Armory). There will be a barbecue lunch catered by Miller's BBQ, music from A-1 Entertainment, giveaways, and prizes.

"Every employee contributes to the success of Rensselaer," said Curtis Powell, vice president of human resources. "This is our way of bringing the Rensselaer Family together to celebrate accomplishments and to create an atmosphere of teamwork among faculty and staff as we embract the new academic year."

Other highlights of the day include T-shirts giveaways, a CDPHP-sponsored chair massage, and a chance to win a car courtesy of Albany Dodge. The event is followed by the "Welcome Fest" celebration in downtown Troy.

For further information, contact Human Resources at ext. 6302. Rain location is Heffner Alumni House.

8/12/02

Rensselaer To Host Emergency Preparedness Drill
A high-level emergency preparedness drill is scheduled at the Houston Field House during the week of Aug. 10-17. Traffic delays may occur in the areas surrounding the Field House on the day of the drill.

This drill will be treated as an actual emergency involving Rensselaer County Public Safety, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy Fire Department, Seton Health, Northeast Health, Battalion One Decontamination Team, Rensselaer County Health Department, and the Troy Police.

Rensselaer County is required to stage such drills to maintain funding and the Institute agreed to host the event at the Field House.

In order to appropriately test the emergency response of these agencies, most staff have no details about the drill, including the actual day that has been selected. On the day of the drill, another notice will be sent to campus.

September 11 Memorial Service Scheduled
To observe the anniversary of last year’s terrorist attacks, the Office of Religious Affairs has organized a memorial service on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the horseshoe in front of the Rensselaer Union. The event will begin at 11 a.m., and President Shirley Ann Jackson, the chaplains, and students are scheduled to speak. Faculty, staff, and students are all welcome.