The RASC Dark Sky Preserve program and the efforts of Robert Dick and the Light Pollution Abatement Committee, of which he is the Chair, get a mention in this recent Canadian Press article.

Ottawa Centre member Paul Sadler has posted this excellent Newbie's Guide to the 2015 Oberver's Handbook on his blog. 

Messier Marathon

As we peer up at the night sky, drinking in photons from celestial objects far, far, away, one easily takes on the relaxed position with no schedule. As the months goes by, we greet our favourite Messier object as they emerge from the dawn sky into the blackness of the night. This game is repeated throughout the year until we have recovered all 110 Messier objects. There is however a very tight window of opportunity where all Messiers can be found on a single night.

Paul Delaney, long-time RASC member (Toronto Centre), has won the 2015 Qilak Award bestowed by CASCA, the Canadian society of professional astronomers. Paul has been a tireless and effective promoter of astronomy in Canada over three decades. He is presently Director of the York University Observatory (1986-), and Director of the Division of Natural Science at York (2002-).