BCFNS NEWSLETTER
February 2022
Contact us at newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
SAVE THE DATE: BCFNS Annual Gathering and Star Party on April 26, 2022
Mark your calendar and wish on a star that we will be able to celebrate the night sky during International Dark Sky Week. Having been postponed for two years, the member and guests event is set to happen. We are very excited to have a chance to visit with everyone who has supported us through these difficult times.
We are planning to gather at 6 pm on April 26th at Los Senderos Ranch, home of Terri & Larry Seiler. The physical address is: 8409 North Highway 281, Blanco. That is just south of where US 290 coming from Austin meets US 281.
You will have time to enjoy refreshments while visiting with other members and their guests. Then, we’ll tell you about what’s been going on with BCFNS. The highlight of our event will be time to observe the night sky through the telescopes of the Hill Country Astronomers. The approaching new moon should provide perfect viewing conditions. We can’t wait to see you there!!!
If you are not currently a member, it is not too late to join and attend this unique event. Just click here: Membership Options
Successful Event
You may remember that last October the owner of the 4th Street Gallery, Lisa Tipps, was presented the “Night Sky Friendly Business Certificate of Merit”. Lisa was just opening a new exhibition, “On Gathering”, at the gallery and she pledged to donate 5% of the profits from the exhibition to BCFNS. That exhibit just ended and we received the generous donation! We are so happy with your success Lisa and thank you very much for your support of BCFNS.
In the photo are (l to r) Blanco City Councilwoman Connie Barron,local artist
and exhibitor Peter Mangan, Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky (BCFNS)
Business Recognition Program Coordinator Sandy Switzer, Blanco Mayor Rachel Lumpee,
Gallery Owner Lisa Tipps and BCFNS President Wayne Gosnell
High School and Middle School Art Contest
The contest is underway with the theme “Under One Night Sky”. Students around the county are beginning to contemplate how they will express their creativity about the night sky through art. This year’s contest is open to students in the Blanco and Johnson City schools as well as home schooled students. This is such a fun event for all of us as we enjoy these original creations. Details will be posted on Facebook and Instagram. The contest runs from now until April 21st. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.
Meet the BCFNS Board Members
Linda Whitlow
Prior to moving to Blanco, Linda worked at the Midland Independent School District for 25 years. She has a B.A. in Physical Education and Health, and a master’s degree in School Counseling.
After moving to Blanco Linda began volunteering for a variety of organizations. She completed the Texas Master Naturalist Program whose “mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.” Certification as a Master Naturalist involves many hours of instruction in both the classroom and the field. Linda volunteered at various State Parks to acquire the hours required to stay active as a Master Naturalist, although inactive now, she still volunteers at Guadalupe State Park assisting with Archery.
Linda is a past board member of the Blanco Fire & EMS and Gem of the Hills. Currently, she is a Blanco County Friends of the Night Board Member. Her love of camping and nature drew her to this organization. Seeing the stars at night above beautiful Big Bend National Park made her realize that we are slowly losing that beauty here in Blanco County and she wants to help make a difference. Linda also enjoys playing golf and walking to stay active.
Next Business and Brainstorming Session
Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 16th @ 9:00 a.m., at El Charro Restaurant in Johnson City. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to attend via Zoom, just let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Other News
New Membership Options
You asked and we found a way!!! Below are two new options for you to purchase or renew your membership plus our ongoing special membership sign offer.
Lifetime Membership – If you really would like to make a difference in protecting the night sky, become a Lifetime Member. For a one-time payment of $500 you can become a member of Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky for LIFE! In addition, Lifetime Members will be awarded a Lifetime Membership sign. This is a non-refundable membership.
We already have 4 Lifetime Members!!! See who they are at Lifetime Members!!!
Prepaid Membership – If you would like to prepay your membership for five years or more you are now able to do that. This will save you time and it will be easier to make sure your membership is always up to date. This prepayment option is non-refundable.
For more information on these and all our membership options click here: Membership Options
Membership Sign Promotion - A membership sign is the best publicity the night sky can have. For folks thinking of joining the BCFNS or renewing their membership, we are offering a free membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included). Here’s the link: BCFNS Membership Signs. There are already 75 member signs out there!!!
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.
Stat Report
Type |
December |
January |
February |
| Lifetime Members | - | - | 4 |
| Paid Households | 92 | 80 | 84 |
| Household Members | 171 | 159 | 167 |
| Business Members | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Signs Displayed | 64 | 72 | 75 |
| Facebook Group Members | 535 | 544 | 558 |
| Facebook Reactions | 428 | 597 | 396 |
| Instagram Followers | 265 | 269 | 284 |
| Instagram Reactions | 74 | 46 | 65 |
| Website Visitors (Unique) | 1120 | 613* | 1120 |