BCFNS NEWSLETTER

April 2021

Stat Report

Best Western Lighting Retrofit

After having been stalled for a year, BCFNS Board member, Elizabeth Miller, has successfully coordinated the replacement of most of the outdoor lights at Blanco's Best Western Luxury Inn and Suites. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds administered through the Blanco Chamber of Commerce will be used for this ongoing project that we hope to complete in May.

New HCA Night Sky Program Coordinator

Our longtime colleague at the Hill Country Alliance, Cliff Kaplan, has been promoted out of his Night Sky Program Manager position. We hate to see him go but — sound of trumpets, please — HCA has hired Dawn Davies for the position. Dawn has been very active in the Austin Astronomical Society for years and was instrumental in getting the Travis County Friends of the Night Sky up and running. Welcome aboard, Dawn!

New BCFNS Video

Thanks to the initiative and support of Park Ranger Cynthia Dorminey of the LBJ National Historical Park in Johnson City and the exceptional videography of BCFNS board member Larry Seiler, we have produced a 30 minute video entitled “Light Pollution: What's the Big Deal?” It's not exactly a polished Hollywood production, but it does get the message across. You can see it on our website under “Videos.” Light Pollution: What's the Big Deal? 30 minute BCFNS video.

Blanco Market Day Info Booth and Light Bulb Swap — CANCELLED!

Unfortunately, the Wizard of the Night Sky did not make an appearance at Market Day because we had to cancel this event due to bad weather. We'll be working on plans for a future light bulb swap opportunity and hope to be back at Market Day in July. Stay tuned!

Plant Swap at Gem of the Hills

Many thanks to Sandy Switzer for “holding down the fort” at our Night Sky information table at the Plant Swap in the GEM's Pavilion while we were judging the artwork from our contest. It seems she recruited three new members! And thanks, of course, to Connie and Irene at the GEM for graciously hosting us. All in all, great Teamwork

Membership Sign Promotion

45 of our 63 members' households have purchased Membership signs to be displayed on their property. This is great! But, as this is the best advertising the night sky can have, we're after 100%. So, if you haven't ordered your sign, here's the link: Membership Signs on our website. Only $32 including tax. If you are considering joining the BCFNS and will purchase a membership sign, we'll waive the 2021 dues of $20. Same offer stands for any former member who do not already have a sign and forgot to renew this year. Such a deal!

Art Contest — Discover the Night — Deep in the Dark of Texas™

You may have seen our picture in the local newspaper a couple of weeks ago. We were judging the artwork submitted by the Blanco County Middle School and High School art students. WOW! We had a tough job. The students are so talented and their teachers, Diane Hudson (Johnson City), Kris Baker (Blanco Middle School), and Callida Borgnino (Blanco High School) have done an excellent job guiding that talent.

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .