I retired in 2008 from a career in technical sales support because my husband Ron had the opportunity to move our family to France. We enjoyed living west of Paris for almost five years, returning to Texas in 2012. I still don’t speak French very well.

We began visiting the Hill Country regularly after returning to Texas. We enjoyed hiking, bicycling, and the growth of the wine industry. Eventually we decided to purchase property and relocate when Ron was ready to retire.

We made the move in 2021 and are happy to be here. Ron is semi-retired, spending about a third of his time consulting.

I’ve been working on mastering several hobbies. I finished a master knitter certification from The Knitting Guild Association and have been able to place several original patterns in various publications. I’m also working towards a master beekeeper certification from the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. I began with the bees a few years ago and find them fascinating.

This year Ron and I are cycling locally, completing the rides associated with the European Tour of Texas. Next year we hope to ride across the United Kingdom from Lands End to John O’Groats.

I learned about Friends of the Night Sky at the Blanco fair last year. I’ve always done some volunteer work, from Girl Scouts to Adult Literacy so when the presentation team project launched it seemed like a good fit. I’m impressed by the ability of this local group to make meaningful improvements to our beautiful Hill Country.

I’m finding that most of the successful bookings of the presentation team come from warm recommendations. I’d like to ask our supporters to consider inviting the presentation team to the other community, homeowners, or religious groups they may belong to. Please send an email to bookings@BlancoCountyNightSky.org if you have a lead for me.

Save The Date: September 22-23, 2023

This event is held each year to raise money for the preservation of this historical dance hall. There will be music, vendors, silent auction items and usually, a dance on Saturday evening.

BCFNS will have an information table at the event on Saturday, September 23rd; be sure to stop by and visit with us. We are looking for volunteers to help us at the table. If you would like to give us a hand, we would sure appreciate it. Don’t worry…we won’t leave you all alone. There will be an experienced volunteer to show you the ropes. Email us at info@BlancoCountyNightSky.org if you can help.

______________________________________________________________

PROBLEMATIC OUTDOOR LIGHTING IN BLANCO

We recently surveyed the City of Blanco at night to identify the most egregious sources of light pollution within the city limits. We just sent letters to 19 local businesses offering our services to help them improve their outdoor lighting.

______________________________________________________________

GOODBYE, IDA. HELLO DARK SKY!

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) recently changed its name to simply Dark Sky. In some contexts, they are now known as Dark Sky International. Our statewide organization, IDA-Texas, is now known as Dark Sky-Texas. Both are now updating their websites, all of their literature, and their logos. We will incorporate the new Dark Sky logo in our night sky preservation outreach efforts. Read more about it at: Dark Sky

______________________________________________________________

FREE TELESCOPES

These two telescopes are old but they both work…sort of. They do magnify the moon pretty well. Might be a good one for a child’s or grandchild’s first telescope to see if there might be an interest before you spend actual money. Free for the asking. Just contact info@BlancoCountyNightSky.org

______________________________________________________________

BLANCO’S IDSC ROAD SIGN

We have been trying for over a year to get TxDOT’s permission to install a sign at each of Blanco’s highway entrances announcing to the world that the city is an International Dark Sky Community (IDSC). We have now elicited the help of our state representative, Ellen Troxclair, to get a decision from TxDOT.

______________________________________________________________

PMI BLUEBONNET REALTY VENDOR FAIR

by Bob Heinonen

Our thanks and appreciation goes to PMI Bluebonnet Realty. They specialize in managing Homeowners Associations. Saturday, June 17, they held a vendors fair at the Blanco County Courthouse in Blanco for their homeowners and we were invited to have a display table. The turnout of vendors was overwhelming: realtors, construction companies, landscapers, pet training, brush clearing, lighting, water purification, and many more. In the chaos of so many vendors setting up, we ended up having both a 4-foot table next to the entrance and an 8-foot table in the center of the room. Wayne Gosnell and I spent 3 hours talking with home owners and vendors. The dark sky support from everyone was amazing plus we were able to teach a lot of people about how to preserve the night sky and handed out a lot of brochures. The pictures below are from late in the afternoon (when I finally remembered to take some pictures). Earlier, you could not see across the room because of the crowds.

______________________________________________________________

SHIELDS FOR PEC-INSTALLED STREETLIGHTS

We are working with the City of Blanco and PEC to have shields installed on all streetlights in Blanco. Both entities are cooperating, but funding may be an issue.

______________________________________________________________

CONSIDER SUPPORTING US!!

Supporting Member Sign Promotion - A supporting member sign is the best publicity the night sky can have. For those of you thinking of joining BCFNS or renewing your supporting membership, we are offering a free one-year supporting membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included). Here’s the link: BCFNS Supporting Membership Signs. Any supporting member without a sign that renews for two or more years, gets a free sign if they want one…and we hope they do!

For more information on all our supporting member options click here: Supporting Membership Options

Remember we are an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Please consult your accountant or tax adviser for details regarding deductibility for your donation.

______________________________________________________________

Next Business & Brainstorming Session

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, July 19th @ 9:00AM, at El Charro Restaurant in Johnson City. If you would like to attend via Zoom, just let us know a few days ahead of time so we can make arrangements. Contact us at info@BlancoCountyNightSky.org