BCFNS NEWSLETTER
November 2022
Issue 32
Contact us at newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
THANKS AND APPRECIATION
JERRY THOMPSON PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
In September you were introduced to our longtime volunteer Jerry Thompson. We told you that Jerry “began working to inform county officials of the benefits of keeping the sky dark in Blanco County” long before the formation of BCFNS. On September 27th Jerry was recognized for his work and presented a Certificate of Appreciation at the County Commissioners Court. Judge Brett Bray, on behalf of all the commissioners, shared a few words of appreciation and thanked Jerry for everything he had done to help preserve the night sky over Blanco County.
Judge Bray presides over a five-member Commissioners’ Court, which has budgetary and administrative authority over county government operations.
In the picture above from left to right are Bob Heinonen, BCFNS Board Member: Janice Thompson, Jerry’s wife; Jerry Thompson; Barbara Hudson, BCFNS Secretary; and Judge Bray.
DAVID LOOSE RECEIVES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Just had to share this awesome achievement by one of our neighbors just down the road in Cielo Springs and a BCFNS Member and Volunteer, David Loose. David says that “Thanks to Blanco County dark skies, we are now on the map! My photo taken here was shortlisted in the Newcomer by the Royal Observatory Greenwich!”
David’s fiancé and BCFNS Board Member, Elizabeth Miller tells us “When David retired in July 2021, he decided his new hobby would be Astrophotography. My Christmas gift to David in December 2021 was the coffee table book that’s printed annually from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich England. This book features many categories of astrophotography photographs. One category is Newcomer Of The Year."
I jokingly said to David "If you’re going to start this hobby, I expect you to be in this book as a Newcomer next year!" Well, you shouldn’t give David this type of a challenge, because it will be met! In January 2022, David entered one of his photographs into the Newcomer competition in April. We found out that he was shortlisted as a Newcomer finalist! Shortlisted means that he was one of the 12 finalists out of the thousands of entries and the 12 finalists were printed in the book. Although he was not chosen as the Newcomer Of The Year, making it to the shortlist in his first attempt, and only being an Astrophotographer for a year was quite a feat!
Congratulations on having your astrophotograph included in this awesome and prestigious publication!!!
MEET THE BCFNS VOLUNTEERS
When did you first look up at the night sky and just marvel at the beauty of it all? I started at age 5 when I saw my first "falling star” and my dad told me it was something I should wish upon. Well, of course I did!
Sandy Switzer
Then I learned about the “first star of the night” and again my dad said, "make a wish” and I did.
Now this has become a habit even into my old age. At age 10, I became a scout and loved the outdoors; pioneer camping was my favorite. During that time of my life till young adulthood, I learned all the Indian stories about the stars, followed up with Greek myths, and finally Science showed me even more delights about our night skies. I could not get enough of telescopes and sharing with others what I had learned.
Once I became an adult, my love for the night continued with my teaching in classrooms and showing young people the real beauty of the night and understanding our future adventures in the horizons. I started Young Astronauts groups in four different school districts and had one of my students earn a trip to Russia to work on a space station model with stars everywhere. Eventually, I arrived in Blanco, Texas with Wayne and Martha Gosnell as dear friends.
Now everyone knows if you know Wayne and Martha you are going to help in the Night Sky program. I am proud of what everyone in the BCFNS organization has done in education and for our community. I love it that so many businesses are supporters of the Night Sky. As you shop in our town, look for the night sky sticker in the windows of our businesses. That became my job…to help with business support.
I hope to see more of our new community and old community members join in more of our Night Sky preservation activities and keep on learning about the almighty beauty that we have above us.
Is it fun living in Blanco? Look around and you’ll find that there is always someone who knows about our “night sky” over Blanco.
Local graphic artist and entrepreneur, Luis Ramirez, has created two unique T-shirt designs celebrating Blanco's status as an International Dark Sky Community. We think the T-shirts are terrific! Even better, Luis is splitting the profits from sales of the T-shirts with the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky to help protect the night. Thank you, Luis! Order here: Buy T-shirt!
NEW NIGHT SKY T-SHIRTS -- GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
We were thrilled to have Julia McCullough join us at our November 2022 Board Meeting. It is always nice to have visitors who participate at our meeting. They bring a fresh outlook and an enthusiasm to the group that energizes us! You can join us too, our discussion is informal, and everyone is welcome!
Board Meeting Guest
We now have over 764 followers on Facebook. Are you one of them? If not, check us out and join the group at Facebook.
Facebook & Instagram
We also have 394 followers on Instagram. Check it out as well. Instagram
Next Business & Brainstorming Session
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, December 21st @ 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.
BCFNS Advisory Board – Are you willing to share your expertise? We would like to include:
A realtor, a developer, a contractor, a lighting fixture expert and other professionals who have a passion for the night sky. Contact us at info@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
For more information on all our membership options click here: Membership Options
Other News
Volunteer Opportunities at Volunteers Needed. Make a difference in Blanco County. This month’s featured Volunteer Opportunity:
New Member Follow-up Coordinator
• As required, refer new members' questions to others in the organization who can answer them more completely.
Consider becoming a Member
Membership Sign Promotion - A membership sign is the best publicity the night sky can have. 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). Here’s the link: BCFNS Membership Signs
Remember we are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Please consult your accountant or tax adviser for details regarding deductibility for your donation.