BCFNS NEWSLETTER
October 2023
Issue 43
Contact us at newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
918 Facebook Group Members -- 502 Instagram Followers
Click here for accomplishments in last year
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Blanco County students who attend Blanco or Johnson City ISD schools received eclipse glasses in time to safely view the October 14th annular solar eclipse. The glasses were provided, free of charge, by Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky (BCFNS).
Richard Kolek, Superintendent, Johnson City ISD was presented with 900 eclipse glasses and Clay Rosenbaum, Superintendent, Blanco ISD received 1300 glasses for distribution to all students, teachers, and staff. BCFNS President Wayne Gosnell tells us “Both eclipses are extremely dangerous to look at directly without the correct eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2). It is very important to protect your eyes while viewing a solar eclipse.” Sunglasses do not provide enough protection and we hope others in the community purchased glasses from local vendors. BCFNS wanted to make sure our children were protected while observing this phenomenal event. Although these eclipses do not directly relate to the BCFNS mission of “saving the stars” they do promote awareness of nature and its beauty here in the Texas Hill Country! Visit our website home page at: https://www.BlancoCountyNightSky.org and scroll down to find more information about the eclipses.
Presenting eclipse glasses to Richard Kolek, Johnson City ISD Superintendent (center) are Cynthia Keene,
BCFNS Member (left) and Barbara Hudson, BCFNS Board Member (right)
Holding eclipse glasses are (left to right) Jody Wright, BCFNS Member; Clay Rosenbaum, Blanco ISD Superintendent; Renee and Mark Rinehart, BCFNS Members
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Art that was submitted to BCFNS in our 2023 Art Contest will continue to be posted on our Facebook page. Check it out at BCFNS Facebook Group
The annular eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse because the moon blocked all but the outer edge of the sun, occurred on October 14, 2023. We hope you were able to view this impressive event. We would love to include your pictures and comments about the eclipse in our special eclipse edition newsletter so please sent them to: newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
The “crown jewel of eclipses” is still in our future; be sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss it. Blanco and Johnson City will be in the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse which will happen on April 8, 2024.
BLANCO ROTARY CLUB
Looks like we missed reporting on this one. On April 3, 2023, the team made their first presentation for the Blanco Rotary Club. BCFNS received 1 Lifetime membership, 3 new regular memberships with sign purchase, a promise from a business “light polluter” to fix his lighting and loads of questions. Our Presentation Team did a fine job with the program. Thanks to volunteer presenter Don Pitts and his able assistant CJ Pitts, Bernard Mollberg and Dee Hardiman for a superb effort!
Whew!!! We almost missed it. BCFNS made arrangements to make a night sky presentation for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas but we had a big mix up on the date. Board member Bob Heinonen channeled the night sky energy of the Wizard and managed to make it to the meeting on short notice. Members were very impressed with the information that he provided and they gifted BCFNS with a donation. We send our thanks and appreciation to the DRT. And Bob … thanks for “saving the day”.
WIZARD OF THE NIGHT SKY SPOTTED AROUND THE COUNTY!!!
The Girl Scouts of Central Texas and the Science Mill teamed up to make Saturday, September 23rd a special day for the scouts at the museum! The Fiddler of the Night Sky introduced the Wizard of the Night Sky who then shared with the girls the problems caused by light pollution and how easy lighting can be adjusted to save our night sky for all to enjoy. Hopefully this information will assist them in earning a badge!
The Wizard made a surprise appearance at the Texas Marigold Festival. He was accompanied by the Fiddler of the Night Sky, who announced his presence to festival goers. The Wizard remembered that October is Night Sky Month. He knew that the festival would be a great opportunity to share his concern about light pollution as well as his optimism that we can still save our night sky in Blanco County.
As a Thank You the Rotary Club presented BCFNS with this commemorative coin.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
If you know of a group who might be interested in having BCFNS make a presentation, just send an email to Dee Hardiman at bookings@BlancoCountyNightSky.org Please provide contact information if possible and we’ll take care of the rest.
THEN . . . .
Fiddler of the Night Sky (Bernard Mollberg)
It is with much sadness that we share news of the death of Paul Gosnell. Paul is the father of our President, Wayne Gosnell. Mr. Gosnell was over 100 years old and a World War II veteran. We send our sincere condolences to Wayne and his family.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 15th @ 9 am, at El Charro Restaurant in Johnson City. If you would like to attend via Zoom, just let us know ahead of time and we’ll make it happen.
Membership Sign Promotion - For those of you thinking of joining BCFNS or renewing your membership, we are offering a free one-year membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included) and a FREE CD from our very first Song Contest! A membership sign is the best publicity the night sky can have. Here’s the link: BCFNS Membership Signs
For more information on all our membership options click here: 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.
Copyright © 2018-2024 | All Rights Reserved
Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky
| P. O. Box 1402|Johnson
City | Texas | 78636 |
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