U-46 Planetarium to remember longtime director

Submitted by Elgin Area School District U-46

Monday, May 9, will be a special night at the Elgin Area School District U-46 Planetarium, 312 Watch St. in Elgin.

In addition to the sky show, the district will be commemorating the work of Don Tuttle, the first director of the U-46 Planetarium, who passed away last fall at the age of 90.

When it was deeded to the school district by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1960, Tuttle opened the planetarium to classes and opened young eyes to the mysteries of the stars. He served as director for 25 years sharing his love of astronomy with thousands of students.

For U-46 school board members, teachers and administrators, as well as hundreds of community members — all former students — the planetarium brings fond memories of the director.

At 6 p.m. a plaque will be placed on the building in recognition of Don Tuttle’s years of service to the children of the district. The sky show will follow at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Reservations are not required for the ceremony, however, if you want to attend the sky show, call Deb Englehardt at (847) 888-5000, ext. 5312, to reserve your place.

Another sky show will take place June 6 with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the sky show beginning at 6 p.m. The sky show will be a live presentation of what is happening in the sky this spring. Call Englehardt for reservations.