BCFNS NEWSLETTER
May 2022
Contact us at newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
“Preserving the Night Sky!“ is the theme for BCFNS 2022 Night Sky Song Contest. This theme is just a suggestion to help you with some ideas, but we will accept any song about the night sky. Don’t wait; start working on your song now! Be sure to check for details, deadline, and the rules at BCFNS Song Contest. Mark your calendar for October 1, 2022, as we’ll gather for live performance of the entries at Gem of the Hills at 6 pm. Everyone will have a chance to vote for their favorite and help us pick a winner!!!
We have 2 NEW Lifetime Members!!!
Linda Vincent became the first person to take advantage of our prepaid membership option by paying $100 for a 5-year renewal. Welcome to you and everyone who has recently joined BCFNS. Thanks for your support!
High School and Middle School Art Contest
Each April, International Dark Sky Week is held during the week of the new moon. This event was founded in 2003 by high school student Jennifer Barlow of Midlothian, Virginia. Barlow explained that she started the week because “I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder.”
Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky (BCFNS) embraces these sentiments and so, we host two county wide art contests, with prizes, each April in conjunction with Dark Sky Week. Blanco County middle school students compete in one contest and high school students in another. Our theme for 2022 was “Under One Night Sky”. Below the winners are shown with their artwork. Check out our Facebook Group to get a closer look at this art and that of other students who participated.
Art Contest winners from Lyndon B. Johnson High School from Left: Barbara Hudson, BCFNS Secretary; Clara Baker, 5th place; Amelia Perez, 2nd place; Ava Hermes, 1st Place; Diane Hudson, Art Teacher; and Vicki Guidry, BCFNS Vice President.
Pictured from left are BCFNS President, Wayne Gosnell; with 4th place Art Contest Winner from Blanco High School, Evelyn Trammell; fellow contestant, Gemma Broglie; Art Teacher, Callida Borgnino; BCFNS Vice President, Vicki Guidry, and Principal, Patrick Hinson.
Emily Sapp, Blanco High School 3rd place winner.
Pictured from left are Blanco Middle School winners of the BCFNS 2022 Art Contest: 5th place, Jacob Carrasco; 3rd place, Cason Ricke; 2nd place, Madeline Lopez; 1st place, Sophia Mendez; 4th place, Emma Edmondson; Art Teacher, Kris Baker; and BCFNS Board Member, Elizabeth Miller.
“Leta Garcia has consented to serving as a member of our Advisory Board! Leta has a great financial/accounting background and can help us in that area should the need arise. She has already helped with our Annual Audit and, of course, has helped with our Art Contests. Larry Seiler (our Treasurer) concurs that this is a good move. The BCFNS Board has confirmed the appointment. THANK YOU, LETA for agreeing to serve!” ~Wayne
This just in from our President
A Facebook Poetry Contest, “The Night Sky through the Poet’s Eye” was held, just for fun, back in January. During the Annual Gathering the Wizard of the Night Sky recited the winning poem, “Requiem for the Night Sky” by Wayne Gosnell. Joe Guidry also recited his entry that evening, “A little star, twinkles from afar”. Wayne’s was the longest poem entered and Joe’s was the shortest! You can read all the poems and the comments on our Facebook Group page under tab for Featured or by clicking here.
We forgot to mention . .
Wednesday, June 15th @ 9 am, at El Charro Restaurant in Johnson City. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to attend via Zoom, just let us know ahead of time and we’ll make it happen.
Next Board Meeting
• 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
Other News
• Volunteer Opportunities at BCFNS Volunteers
Membership Options
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 special Lifetime Membership sign. This is a non-refundable membership.
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. We don’t have to send you reminders and receipts, and you don’t have respond. Win-Win!! 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. Here’s the link: BCFNS Membership Signs
For folks thinking of joining BCFNS or renewing their Household Membership, we are offering a free one-year Individual/Family Membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included).
For Business Memberships, if you pay for an annual business membership ($50) we will include a free Membership sign if you want one.
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 |
March |
April |
May |
| Lifetime Members | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Households | 91 | 89 | 88 |
| Household Members | 181 | 165 | 163 |
| Businesses | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Signs Displayed | 77 | 77 | 83 |
| Facebook Group Members | 568 | 575 | 609 |
| Instagram Followers | 298 | 312 | 333 |