By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

THE University of Guam’s 38-year-old Planetarium may close due to a budget cut of $55,000 and if the facility fails to come up with money for its operations, according to planetarium coordinator Pam Eastlick.
Eastlick, who has been known as the “star lady,” may also lose her job after working with UOG for 21 years.
“From what I was told last Friday, the (budget) cut may have to do with Bill 74 but the vice presidents told me that the auxiliary units demand that they become self-supporting,” said Eastlick.
Eastlick sent out a mass e-mail to her supporters and the media about the planetarium’s concerns.
“I’ve been informed that because of the severe budget crisis that’s affecting all of Government of Guam, I am now responsible for finding outside sources of funding for the Planetarium’s entire operating budget (of $55,000 annually). If I can’t generate that much money, the Planetarium will be closed and I will lose my job,” Eastlick’s e-mail reads.
Her e-mail also called for the public’s assistance in generating a business plan which she says she is not too familiar with. Additionally, the public law that established the Planetarium stated that they were not to charge residents admission for viewing a show.
“The public information officer of the university, Cathleen Moore-Linn, enrolled me into a business class to help with writing the plan,” Eastlick told Variety.
“I’m appealing to you, the people who are most interested in the Planetarium,” she said in her e-mail. “If you have fund raising ideas, can volunteer your time to help me come up with a business plan or help me with fundraisers; if you have grant writing expertise and can help me with that aspect of generating funds, or can donate money to the cause, any and all offers and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.”
Eastlick said she has received responses since she sent the e-mail.
“Actually it is better than I had anticipated…We are not yet doing any fundraisers. I am flooded with e-mails by people who want to donate, and people who are going to help me with fundraisers. I am a science geek; I don’t do this kind of stuff,” said Eastlick.
Anybody who wants to help save the UOG Planetarium may e-mail Eastlick at stars@guam.net or call her at 735-2783.
To show support in keeping the facility open, residents are invited to attend a show tonight and tomorrow night. Shows are at 6:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The 6:30 p.m. show, according to Eastlick, would help residents learn the sky as she takes viewers through Guam skies for the entire year. After the show, Easlick will take those interested to the parking lot and answer questions about the night sky.