Re: BBAA April 2025 Update
Jeremy
Thank you for the email.? Appreciate your sharing club news, events and updates. ?
Roland
Good evening, friends, and welcome to April!
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We just had a great East Coast Star Party - and that's no fooling!? Special thanks to:
- Bruce Powers for chairing the ECSP Committee (herding cats in straight lines), obtaining some amazing prizes for the picnic, and coordinating the phenomenal restoration of power to the field and the new restroom!
- Shawn Loescher for being the on-the-spot go-to mover and shaker in getting the field setup and keeping the whole event running smoothly and keeping me sane while we tried to figure out what "endless hotdogs" looked like.
- Jeff Goldstein for his exceptional prowess as our Italian chef and single-handedly pulling off the reprise of the spaghetti dinner!
- Rich Roberts for quietly and patiently supporting the committee's antics, processing an embarrassing?number of small receipts, and swooping in to snatch victory from the jaws of a port-o-potty company's poor communication.
- Kent Blackwell, for starting a legendary party and inspiring a small army to attempt to pull off what he managed on his own!
- Our hosts, Park Manager Trevor Johnston for helping arrange the Party and getting the repairs done, Ranger Joel Morris for supporting a public night of over 50 visitors, and Ranger John Savage for ensuring our spaces were setup, clean, and ready for us!? If you haven't already, please consider recognizing one (or all) of them at:?.
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This week, we will have our monthly club meeting at TCC Virginia Beach's Science Building.? In addition to the usual excitement of business matters, observing reports (including those from the Star Party!) and door prizes, we have two additional key points:
- Our own Vice President, Jeff Goldstein, will be sharing his formidable skills as an Astronomer Outreach coordinator and educator par excellence to teach a topic on Planning and Executing Astronomy Outreach
- The Georgie June Scholarship raffle drawing will take place!? As a reminder, tickets will still be available for $5 each up until the drawing, with a prize of a Celestron StarSense 114AZ newtonian reflector and equipped with a solar filter, a zoom eyepiece and other neat accessories!? After the raffle, we'll still happily accept $5 in exchange for commemorative tickets.
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Upcoming Club and Outreach Events:
- 2 Apr (6pm):? Malibu Elementary School Science Night
- 3 Apr (7:30pm):? Club Meeting at TCC Virginia Beach
- 8 Apr (8:30pm):? Garden Stars at Norfolk Botanical Gardens
- 9 Apr (7:45pm):? Astronomy 101 at Kempsville Rec Center
- 11 Apr (11am):? STEM Day at Deep Creek Elementary School
- 12 Apr (10am):? Saturday SUNday at Elizabeth River Park
- 18 Apr (7:30pm):? Cornwatch at Cornland Park
- 19 Apr (7:45pm):? Skywatch at Northwest River Park
- 19 Apr (6pm):? Earth Day Movie Night at New Quarter Park (Williamsburg, VA)
- 25 Apr (7:45pm):? Cornwatch at Cornland Park (Yes, TWO this month!)
- 26 Apr (7:45pm):? Nightwatch at Chippokes State Park
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Upcoming Astronomical Events:
- 10 Apr:? Venus becomes stationary, then resumes prograde motion
- 22 Apr:? Peak of the Lyrids
- 27 Apr:? Venus (morning star) at maximum illumination
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I strongly encourage anyone who is able to make it to go to an outreach event or two.? Even the newest amateur astronomer can help share your love of the skies and enjoy the warmth of someone else's wonder!
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Eyes up and clear skies!
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Jeremy
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Re: BBAA April 2025 Update
Thank you to Jeremy for all of the cooking he did while at the ECSP.
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In addition to the Recognizing A Ranger we ( the ECSP committee) would appreciate the feedback of the attendees. You can follow this link: to access a Google Form. Also please feel free to share any and all photos you would like on the club's Google Drive at the same link. Thank you.
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Shawn
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Good evening, friends, and welcome to April!
?
We just had a great East Coast Star Party - and that's no fooling!? Special thanks to:
- Bruce Powers for chairing the ECSP Committee (herding cats in straight lines), obtaining some amazing prizes for the picnic, and coordinating the phenomenal restoration of power to the field and the new restroom!
- Shawn Loescher for being the on-the-spot go-to mover and shaker in getting the field setup and keeping the whole event running smoothly and keeping me sane while we tried to figure out what "endless hotdogs" looked like.
- Jeff Goldstein for his exceptional prowess as our Italian chef and single-handedly pulling off the reprise of the spaghetti dinner!
- Rich Roberts for quietly and patiently supporting the committee's antics, processing an embarrassing?number of small receipts, and swooping in to snatch victory from the jaws of a port-o-potty company's poor communication.
- Kent Blackwell, for starting a legendary party and inspiring a small army to attempt to pull off what he managed on his own!
- Our hosts, Park Manager Trevor Johnston for helping arrange the Party and getting the repairs done, Ranger Joel Morris for supporting a public night of over 50 visitors, and Ranger John Savage for ensuring our spaces were setup, clean, and ready for us!? If you haven't already, please consider recognizing one (or all) of them at:?.
?
This week, we will have our monthly club meeting at TCC Virginia Beach's Science Building.? In addition to the usual excitement of business matters, observing reports (including those from the Star Party!) and door prizes, we have two additional key points:
- Our own Vice President, Jeff Goldstein, will be sharing his formidable skills as an Astronomer Outreach coordinator and educator par excellence to teach a topic on Planning and Executing Astronomy Outreach
- The Georgie June Scholarship raffle drawing will take place!? As a reminder, tickets will still be available for $5 each up until the drawing, with a prize of a Celestron StarSense 114AZ newtonian reflector and equipped with a solar filter, a zoom eyepiece and other neat accessories!? After the raffle, we'll still happily accept $5 in exchange for commemorative tickets.
?
Upcoming Club and Outreach Events:
- 2 Apr (6pm):? Malibu Elementary School Science Night
- 3 Apr (7:30pm):? Club Meeting at TCC Virginia Beach
- 8 Apr (8:30pm):? Garden Stars at Norfolk Botanical Gardens
- 9 Apr (7:45pm):? Astronomy 101 at Kempsville Rec Center
- 11 Apr (11am):? STEM Day at Deep Creek Elementary School
- 12 Apr (10am):? Saturday SUNday at Elizabeth River Park
- 18 Apr (7:30pm):? Cornwatch at Cornland Park
- 19 Apr (7:45pm):? Skywatch at Northwest River Park
- 19 Apr (6pm):? Earth Day Movie Night at New Quarter Park (Williamsburg, VA)
- 25 Apr (7:45pm):? Cornwatch at Cornland Park (Yes, TWO this month!)
- 26 Apr (7:45pm):? Nightwatch at Chippokes State Park
?
Upcoming Astronomical Events:
- 10 Apr:? Venus becomes stationary, then resumes prograde motion
- 22 Apr:? Peak of the Lyrids
- 27 Apr:? Venus (morning star) at maximum illumination
?
I strongly encourage anyone who is able to make it to go to an outreach event or two.? Even the newest amateur astronomer can help share your love of the skies and enjoy the warmth of someone else's wonder!
?
Eyes up and clear skies!
?
Jeremy
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Thank you, Shawn.? I had the QR code and was about to post it, when I saw your link.? This is even better. I recognized Trevor Johnston and Danielle Hedgpeth for their actions during the ECSP.? I hope others will recognize Trevor for his outstanding assistance. ? Jeff G? BBAA VP ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Shawn Loescher via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 8:32 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BackBayAstro] Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.? You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: .
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Thanks for the link, Shawn.? Here is the text of my kudos for Ranger Trevor:
"As usual, Trevor went out of his way to accommodate the East Coast Star Party and the members of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers.? His over-and-above effort to make the restroom in the barn functional and available to us was wonderful, and very much appreciated.? Also, his spotting of the tardy Port-a-Johns from Spivey is appreciated.? The gas grill was excellent, and made our Saturday cookout possible.? And thank you for setting up the tent and canopy and for providing plenty of trash bins and bags.? Ranger Trevor Johnston deserves our gratitude in a big way.? Thank you!"
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
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On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via groups.io <shawn.loescher@...> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/customer-service.
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
I agree with Mark about posting the link for recommending a ranger here.? I seldom go to Facebook, perhaps only 3 or 4 times a year.? I have to look up my password every time.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:07:24 AM EDT, jimcoble2000 via groups.io <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
Thank you to Jeffery, Shawn, Bruce, Jeremy, and all others who made the star party come off.
If we could remember to post the site to thank the park and commend a ranger on the IO group chat that would be nice. It may be on facebook already as that seems to be the main way of communications but being on IO (not facebook) I don't want to miss the ability to thank the park.
Once again thank you to the organizers.
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Also, it was decided to try to do a Messier Marathon, and late March is the optimum time for that.? But yes, we had to work within the state park's schedule.? We don't like to compete with SRSP, because some of us like to go there.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:33:34 AM EDT, jimcoble2000 via groups.io <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
It varied Stu. Dealing with a State Park is quite different than Kent's private arrangements back in the day. I believe that was the only time available. One thing to think about also is May is now quite hot and buggy. Coinjock would be horrible, bug wise, by May.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:24:44 AM EDT, Stu Beaber via groups.io <wd4sel@...> wrote:
Memory sometimes fails me...but didn't spring ECSP used to be in May? Seems like lots more people would have attended if it were in May, not in the windy month of March and in direct conflict with SRSP. Of course there may have be other circumstances that dictated the March date.
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Stu
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It looks like we will have a full house for next week's Garden Stars.? Already 30 people have registered for the event.??
So far only my name is on the RSVP list, but I'm sure we will have more club members participating.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
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January!
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 01:13:55 PM EDT, RapidEye via groups.io <rapideye.us@...> wrote:
I know I attended them in March, April, and May, depending on the year and the campground's availability. And I don't know what month the bugs weren't bad at Coinjock ;-)
Memory sometimes fails me...but didn't spring ECSP used to be in May? Seems like lots more people would have attended if it were in May, not in the windy month of March and in direct conflict with SRSP. Of course there may have be other circumstances that dictated the March date.
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Stu
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I know I attended them in March, April, and May, depending on the year and the campground's availability. And I don't know what month the bugs weren't bad at Coinjock ;-)
Memory sometimes fails me...but didn't spring ECSP used to be in May? Seems like lots more people would have attended if it were in May, not in the windy month of March and in direct conflict with SRSP. Of course there may have be other circumstances that dictated the March date.
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Stu
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
done!
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 11:46:35 AM EDT, Jeremy via groups.io <jsaria@...> wrote:
If anyone is interested in spreading the appreciation to more Rangers, Joel Morris was the ranger that manned the tent on public night, handing out flashlights and directing guests towards us.
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025, 10:46 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks! He is listed in the drop down menu for the park. I just finished a thank you note and commendation.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 09:37:23 AM EDT, Richard W Roberts via <richard.w.roberts74= [email protected]> wrote:
Trevor Johnson On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 9:01?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Ha.................Shawn could you provide the name of the ranger please. I think it was Trevor. Need a name 
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via <shawn.loescher= [email protected]> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: .
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Yes, thank you to the ECSP Team that put together a terrific weekend! We know it took a lot of hard work "behind the scenes".?
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
If anyone is interested in spreading the appreciation to more Rangers, Joel Morris was the ranger that manned the tent on public night, handing out flashlights and directing guests towards us.
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025, 10:46 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks! He is listed in the drop down menu for the park. I just finished a thank you note and commendation.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 09:37:23 AM EDT, Richard W Roberts via <richard.w.roberts74= [email protected]> wrote:
Trevor Johnson On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 9:01?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Ha.................Shawn could you provide the name of the ranger please. I think it was Trevor. Need a name
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via <shawn.loescher= [email protected]> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: .
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Fw: Thank you for Recognizing a Ranger
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: do.not.reply@... <do.not.reply@...> To: "jimcoble2000@..." <jimcoble2000@...> Sent: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 09:22:55 AM EDT Subject: Thank you for Recognizing a Ranger
Thank you for taking time to help us recognize one of our staff who exceeded your customer service expectations. Please be assured that the employee will receive your positive comments and be recognized by their supervisor and Virginia State Park management. Adam Bresnehan Chair, Customer Service Working Group
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Thanks! He is listed in the drop down menu for the park. I just finished a thank you note and commendation.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 09:37:23 AM EDT, Richard W Roberts via groups.io <richard.w.roberts74@...> wrote:
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 9:01?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Ha.................Shawn could you provide the name of the ranger please. I think it was Trevor. Need a name
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via <shawn.loescher= [email protected]> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: .
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 9:01?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Ha.................Shawn could you provide the name of the ranger please. I think it was Trevor. Need a name
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via <shawn.loescher= [email protected]> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: .
|
Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Ha.................Shawn could you provide the name of the ranger please. I think it was Trevor. Need a name
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via groups.io <shawn.loescher@...> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/customer-service.
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Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
Thanks Shawn.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:32:00 AM EDT, Shawn Loescher via groups.io <shawn.loescher@...> wrote:
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/customer-service.
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It varied Stu. Dealing with a State Park is quite different than Kent's private arrangements back in the day. I believe that was the only time available. One thing to think about also is May is now quite hot and buggy. Coinjock would be horrible, bug wise, by May.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:24:44 AM EDT, Stu Beaber via groups.io <wd4sel@...> wrote:
Memory sometimes fails me...but didn't spring ECSP used to be in May? Seems like lots more people would have attended if it were in May, not in the windy month of March and in direct conflict with SRSP. Of course there may have be other circumstances that dictated the March date.
?
Stu
|
Re: Thanks for the nice star party and thanks to those who made it happen.
You're welcome and thanks for coming out. Here is a link to the Recognize A Ranger page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/customer-service.
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Shawn Loescher
Jeff Goldstein