The All-Weather Club House, in the Observing Area Clearing, was a donation of a complete timber frame in 1989. The 8' x 12' structure was designed by Jack Sobon as a workshop project for beginning timber framers.  Constructed of White Pine timbers up to 8" x 8" in size, it will last for centuries. The Club House was raised, by Arunah Members - led by Joe Zuraw, at the first Arunah Hill Days in 1990.

Then the structure was at the Northwest corner of the Observing Clearing in the forest.  Today that clearing lies 500 feet away! The foundation is a professionally dry stacked stone foundation donated by Master Stone Mason Ernest Zuraw. A sleeping loft accommodates four people.  The wood burning stove was donated by Steve Pielock.Original art work adorns the walls, including the Mars drawing by Steve Pielock, Bruce Blanchard and Joe Zuraw, as well as the series of Jupiter comet impact sketches.

Members and Visitors are welcome to use Club House. The Club House is normally locked. Those wishing to use the facility should contact Joe Zuraw or Steve Pielock. Members of Star Watch also have keys to the Club House.

Looking northwest toward the Summit (Note: This picture was taken the first spring after grass was planted.)

Solar Power at Arunah Hill!

Executive Board member Rich Volant's Solar Power Project has brought electrical power to the Arunah Hill Clubhouse.  It took multiple trips to Arunah Hill by Rich and his son Nick.  The switch was flipped on the August 7th, 2004.

When you see Rich and his family at Arunah Hill Days 2004, make sure to give them thanks for a job well done!

Special thanks to Ray Burk, Jim Downing and Bill Falcone for contributions that helped make this project possible.

Rich & Nick Volant at work

Two light fixtures have been installed, with two bulbs each. A wall switch is used to select white or red light.

Rich's description of the system:

We successfully completed the first phase of the solar energy project on the Hill.  We installed a 40 watt Kyocera solar panel on the roof of the clubhouse.  This feeds a charge controller which monitors a bank of 4 electric vehical batteries.   We also wired the clubhouse with LED (light emitting diode) clusters to provide ample light.  There are two clusters each of white and red LEDs downstairs and one cluster each upstairs.  So now all you have to do is flip a switch, just like at home.

Update: The new Anderson power pole distribution box and the 1000W inverter have been installed.   The documentation is in a binder with some connectors and fuses.   Training will be provided at Arunah Hill Days and Star Watch.

Distribution Box

1000W Inverter