FROM THE WIMBERLEY VALLEY DARK SKY COMMITTEE: “Well, here's some Great News! Last Saturday, DarkSky International named the Wimberley Valley as the 2023 Dark Sky Place of the Year. There are over 200 official Dark Sky Places (Preserves, Parks, Urban areas and Communities.) We don't have the darkest skies in the world but were recognized for our community's efforts to protect our small slice of the heavens for as long as possible. In fact, at the last star party at Blue Hole, participants were still able to see the Milky Way 28 miles from downtown Austin and one mile from the Wimberley Town Square. Thank you to the cities of Woodcreek and Wimberley, the citizens and businesses of the Wimberley Valley and a giant shout out to the volunteers on the Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee. Help us keep our starry skies by shielding all outside lighting and turning out lights when not in use. This week, turn out your lights, go outside, look up and enjoy the Wimberley Valley Night Skies. (photo by Clay Ewing)” Posted in the BCFNS Facebook Group on November 6.

______________________________________________________________ OUTREACH TO OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

We all know how the BCFNS has helped other groups in the Texas Hill Country get up and running. Well, the word spreads. So far in 2023, BCFNS has provided information and assistance to night sky groups in Winthrop, Washington; Fairfield, Iowa; Billings, Montana; High Point Community, Kerr County, Texas; and Elgin, Texas as well as continuing to work with the Hill Country Alliance and DarkSky Texas. These groups were given permission to use information provided on our website to start or improve their own groups as well as educate and promote light pollution abatement.

______________________________________________________________ COMMENTS ABOUT OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Recently the following comment was sent from a reader:

“Thank you for the newsletter. I have been confined to the indoors for three months now and look forward to again beholding the wonders of God’s vast heavenly array of night lights. Do not falter in your efforts. You are greatly appreciated.” ~Keith McClellan

Keith McClellan is a member of the Blanco City Council and is a longtime supporter of the night sky. We wish him well in his recovery!

We hope all our readers enjoy our monthly newsletters. We are always looking for ways to make them better and more enjoyable. To that end, we invite your suggestions, comments and ideas for articles. In fact, if you would like to write an article to be published in our newsletter, we will certainly consider including it. Please send them to: newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org

______________________________________________________________ NEXT BOARD MEETING

Our regular Board meeting, scheduled for December 20, has been cancelled. Our next Board meeting, which is open to everyone, will be Wednesday, January 17th @ 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.

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CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER

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.