Vicki Guidry, Vice-President of the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky, presented a $200 check on October 24th to Kris Baker, Blanco Middle School Art Teacher, in appreciation for the participation of his students in last year's annual Night Sky Art Contest. Witnessing the presentation are Clay Rosenbaum, Blanco Independent School District Superintendent (left), and Jordan Leverett, Blanco Middle School Principal.

The 2026 contest theme will be "Animals Need the Dark," emphasizing the effect of light pollution on animals and how important the night is to their survival. Winners will be announced in April.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES PROTECT THE NIGHT SKY

The Blanco Chamber of Commerce and Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky recently honored two local businesses for their commitment to responsible outdoor lighting. Michael Green is shown (in the pictures below) presenting certificates of recognition to Noel and Richard Katay, owners of The Feed Store, and to Crystal Spybuck, Brian Fields and Katie Gentry of the Blanco Library. These Blanco businesses were recognized for implementing lighting practices that reduce sky glow, glare, and light pollution.

















The Night Sky Friendly Business Recognition program is sponsored by the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, endorsed by the Hill Country Alliance, and supported by the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky. The program’s goal is to promote outdoor lighting practices that prevent light from escaping above the horizon, ensuring the Hill Country night sky remains our natural treasure. Participation is open to all businesses and organizations in the Blanco area, regardless of Chamber membership.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

The "Senior Women's West Texas Championship" golf tournament hosted by the Senior Women's West Texas Golf Association (SWWTGA) was held at Vaaler Creek Golf Club on October 5-9, 2025. A supporter of the group and member of BCFNS anonymously arranged for a hole sponsorship for Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky. When asked about the sponsorship our donor told us, “I feel that it is important to take every opportunity we can to bring awareness to BCFNS and their mission to protect the night sky from light pollution.” The sponsorship sign with the BCFNS logo was placed at the 6th hole tee box as shown in the photo below. Thank you to our donor!





















Always looking for ways to “advertise” BCFNS while supporting our community, another anonymous donor sponsored a local barrel racer by having our logo put on the horse trailer!

Twin Sisters Dance Hall sent us a Thank You note for our participation in their “Raise the Roof” event. BCFNS feel that it is important to support our community because we are all in this together. Blanco County offers many unique experiences and getting the word out about night sky preservation contributes to those things that are special in our area.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• If you love the Texas Hill Country, please take a few minutes to watch this video. It is outstanding! We're for the Hill Country
• Our Comal County Friends of the Night Sky (CCFNS) neighbors are trying something new. They have created a cool YouTube channel. You can check it out at: CCFNS YouTube

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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Dawn and Jim Scott, Blanco
Theresa Koehler, Blanco
Tyler Krueger, Blanco
Business Member: Martin Bros Customs, Johnson City (Amanda Martin)

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CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER