BCFNS NEWSLETTER
August 2021
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
We are very excited to invite everyone to this event. All are welcome so please bring your family, friends, and neighbors to our biggest event of the year!!!
Stat Report
Type |
June |
July |
August |
| Paid Households | 64 | 70 | 72 |
| Household Members | 114 | 116 | 120 |
| Business Members | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Facebook Members | 453 | 469 | 472 |
| Facebook Actives | 403 | 392 | 359 |
| Instagram Followers | 209 | 221 | 231 |
| Instagram Interactions | 93 | 98 | 73 |
| Website Visitors (Unique) | * | 916 | 1297 |
Contact Email Address
There are several ways to contact us but the one we use here is:
newsletter@BlancoCountyNightSky.org
Next Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 15th @ 9 am, at El Charro's in Johnson City. You are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend via Zoom, just let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Membership Sign Promotion
A membership sign is the best publicity the night sky can have. For folks thinking of joining the BCFNS, we are offering a free membership ($20) with the purchase of a sign ($35 tax included). Here’s the link: Membership Signs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky has several volunteer opportunities. You can check them out at Volunteer Opportunities.
Annual Gathering and Star Party
In preparation for our Annual Gathering and Star Party you may want to purchase one of these “night sky friendly” red-light flashlights. This flashlight has a red LED and provides enough light to find your way in the dark while protecting your “night vision”. You can order one from our website using the link below. AND…be sure to sign up for AmazonSmile listing BCFNS as your charity. We will receive a donation based on your purchase!
BCFNS Products Red Light Flashlight
Night Sky Friendly Business Recognition in Blanco
Two more local businesses, Tractor Supply and Texas Cannon Brewing, were recently recognized for their night sky friendly lighting. This recognition program has been in effect for several years in Blanco. The program is a joint effort between Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky and the City of Blanco Chamber of Commerce to find and honor local businesses that have exemplary night sky friendly outdoor lighting. Sandy Switzer heads up this program for BCFNS and 30 businesses have been recognized so far! To support these businesses, look for this sticker in their window or to see a list of them and to find out how your business can become one that is recognized go to:
Night Sky Friendly Business
Ronnie Stearman, Manager of Tractor Supply in Blanco, receives a well-deserved Night Sky Business Recognition Certificate of Merit from Libbey Aly, Executive Director of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, and Sandy Switzer, BCFNS program coordinator.
One of Blanco’s newest businesses, Texas Cannon Brewing Company, is honored as the city’s newest recognized night sky friendly business. Accepting the Certificate of Merit from Libbey and Sandy is Elaine Dutton, CFO. Founder and owner of Texas Cannon Brewing Company, Lonnie Dutton, opened the business in December of 2020.
New Porch Light Board
In response to our call for an electrical genius to work on our Porch Light Demonstration Board, BCFNS member Jerry Thompson stepped up and completely recreated the board. It is pretty slick. No more fumbling with plugin extension cords!!! Jerry is VERY active in Blanco County, working with new home subdivision developers to insert night sky friendly lighting provisions into their development plans and Property Owners' Association by-laws. His on-going work is invaluable for securing our dark sky future. Jerry, all that you do is most appreciated. Thank You!!!
BEFORE
AFTER
Lights Out for Birds, Blanco County: August 15 – November 30
The Travis Audubon has this to say about “Lights Out for Birds”: “Did you know that most birds migrate at night? They often use the moon, stars, and sun to navigate. Light pollution can interfere with these signals and cause a serious problem for birds: they might be thrown off course or become so disoriented that they circle until they fall to exhaustion or collide with buildings. You can help with just a flick of a switch – plus you’ll save money on energy costs!” To read more check out their website at:
Travis Audubon Lights Out Texas
Even though we in Blanco County do not have tall buildings to contend with that may affect birds as they migrate, our outdoor lighting can still cause them difficulty as the more through our area. We can do our part by following these helpful hints:
• Turn off all exterior lights.
• If outdoor light is needed, opt for shielded lighting that directs light downward.
• Turn off lights at night in unused spaces.
• Close curtains and blinds.
Read what Laura Bush has to say about helping our migratory birds at: Laura Bush Lights Out for Migratory Birds
And one more helpful link: Lights Out Texas
Mark your Calendar for these Upcoming Events and stay tuned for details!
- Twin Sisters Dance Hall “Raise the Roof” event, September 24-25 in Blanco. We hope to have a booth at the event where you can pick up night sky information and visit with us about what you can do to “save our stars”.
- Hill Country Night Sky Month - Hill Country Alliance (HCA) is coordinating with groups across the Hill Country to celebrate the Night Sky the entire month of October. We will be participating with events that are still in the planning stages.
- Kerrville Folk Festival – It’s on! October 1-11, 2021. Stay tuned for more information!
- BCFNS Annual Gathering and Star Party – Evening of October 6th
- The Hill Country Astronomers will be providing telescopes for the star party. We thank you in advance for helping to make the evening special.
- This is the night of the New Moon so we hope for a clear dark sky!
- Blanco Marigold Festival - October 23-30, 2021 – “Marigolds by Day, Stars by Night”
- BCFNS is working with the Chamber of Commerce to identify ways we can participate.
- Planning to host a booth such as the type we have at Market Day to provide information on light pollution and saving the Night Sky. We hope to inform people about how this can promote the City of Blanco as a great tourist destination.
- The Hill Country Astronomers will be providing telescopes for the star party. We thank you in advance for helping to make the evening special.