Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky was proudly represented at the conference by your very own Newsletter Editor and Vice President, Vicki Guidry. She participated in a panel discussion on “The Power of Partnership: How Grassroots Groups and Local Leaders Protect Our Skies.” Cliff Kaplan of the Hill Country Alliance was the Moderator for the panel which included Kathleen Brinkman - Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky, Michelle Molina - Comal County Friends of the Night Sky and Vicki Guidry.

Vicki explained the success BCFNS has had working with the City of Blanco regarding its Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Pictures of “before and after” lighting, as presented above, were shared with the attendees illustrating how lighting changes can make a big difference in mitigating light pollution.

Kathleen and Michelle graciously told the group how BCFNS has shared all our information, experiences, projects, and “lessons learned” thus making their work much easier as they do not have to “reinvent the wheel.” Our efforts have led the way to their successes. Our president, Wayne Gosnell has always maintained that whatever we can do to help each other; helps us all to preserve the night sky.

A press release by Hill Country Alliance stated that presentations highlighted local government initiatives, dark sky-friendly lighting practices, state park stewardship efforts, utility partnerships, and community-led advocacy. Speakers included representatives from Gillespie County, the City of Boerne, the Hill Country Alliance, Arup, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky, Comal County Friends of the Night Sky, and Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky.

You can read the Press Release by clicking here: https://blancocountynightsky.org/news.php

Left to Right: Cliff Kaplan, Kathleen Brinkman, Michelle Molina and Vicki Guidry

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BCFNS SUPPORTS THE ROTARY CLUB OF BLANCO COUNTY

Through the generous donation of one of our supporters, BCFNS was once again a HOLE SPONSOR at the 2026 Joe Garcia Memorial Golf Fundraiser held at Vaaler Creek Golf Club in early May.

Doug Mckenzie, President of The Rotary Club of Blanco County sent a thank you letter and told us that “With your support, last week we awarded six $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Blanco and LBJ High Schools. These Scholarships were awarded in the categories of academics, vocational/technical training, and community service.”

We are happy to have been able to help the Rotary Club in this endeavor.

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THE LAST POEM FOR 2026

Below is the last poem entered in our annual contest. We do this just for fun but are wondering if we should continue with this event. What do you think?

NIGHT CREATURES
by Vicki Guidry

We enjoy the animals
But did you know
some are diurnal and some are nocturnal
Some move by day and some at night

Do you sleep at night
Do you think of the night creatures
But why do they need the dark
Navigation, migration, protection, and health

Hawk likes day, owl loves night
Bunny prefers daylight, Raccoon desire dark
Butterfly needs sunshine, Luna Moth wants the moon light
Squirrels gather by day, Opossum rummage at night

Lights on outside at night
Upset the night creatures
Lights disturb their hunt for food
It disrupts their rhythm

Let the animals live as they were made
Don't upset their ways
Let the earth have her day and her night
Don't disturb the balance with your lights!
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NEXT BOARD MEETING

The next Board meeting will be July 15th @ 9:00 am at Texas Regional Bank in Blanco.

You are welcome to join us.

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CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER

A membership sign in your yard is a great way to let others know that you care about the night sky and perhaps make them curious about the organization. A membership sign is the best publicity the night sky can have.

If you have been thinking of joining BCFNS or renewing your membership, you can take advantage of our special offering of a free one-year membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included).

Click here to purchase your sign today: https://www.blancocountynightsky.org/membership.php

An automatic, reoccurring payment for your membership is a great benefit. One and Done!

For more information on all our membership options click here: Membership Options

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THIS NEWSLETTER

We hope you enjoy our newsletter and are always looking for ways to make it 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

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.