Astronomy is Subject of February 27, 2022, Virtual Unitarian Service

Martz-Kohl Observatory, Frewsburg, New York

​Jamestown, N.Y. – You are invited to learn about astronomy at the Sunday, February 27, 10:30 a.m. virtual service of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ).

The subject of congregants Dan Fellows and John Anderson’s presentation is “Astronomy Introduction: Models of Reality.” With an extensive set of slides, they will look at how scientists and others build models and then compare reality to them.

The message most closely addresses the third of the seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

Dan Fellows grew up in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown Community College and SUNY Fredonia, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in physics education. He taught science at Jamestown High School and physics, astronomy and math at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Fellows said, “Growing up, I gained an interest in astronomy, building a small reflector telescope with my father's help. Later, I took a course in astronomy from Marshall Martz, the person who developed the Martz-Kohl  Observatory in Frewsburg.”

Also a Jamestown native, John Anderson has a degree in electrical engineering from the Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve) and a Certified Quality Engineer certificate from the American Society of Quality. His work has included designing electronic test equipment, electronic voting machines, and wind turbines.

Anderson became interesed in astronomy during childhood with help from his uncles. For many years he has been very active at the Martz-Kohl Observatory – where he gives tours and takes pictures of the skies – as well as UUCJ, having served as treasurer of both. You can learn more about the observatory at MartzoOservatory.org. 

A question-and-answer time will follow the presentation.

For those who are interested, an optional virtual coffee hour in breakout rooms follows the service.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, UUCJ Sunday services have remained virtual instead of returning to 1255 Prendergast Avenue. Anyone is welcome to participate with the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to promote and provide a community where diverse people of all ages may explore the meaning of existence, give expression to liberal religious values, and work for a just, sustainable society.

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