Jeff Stone provided the program on the upcoming Solar Eclipses. Jeff formerly worked for NASA and helped train crews on the shuttle flights. He has seen a number of eclipses, and the first one was in Mexico in 1991. As he explains, it was a phenomenal event that hooked him for life. He has even built his own telescopes for night sky viewing.

 

Jeff tells us that the best place to observe an eclipse is on top of a hill, where you can see the shadow coming on the horizon. During the  four and one half minutes of the total eclipse, you will be able to see the sun's corona while the moon blocks the actual outline of the sun. It is always there but not visible to us because of the brightness of the sun.

 

There are some interesting things to notice leading up to and during the total eclipse. Planets and stars will become more visible shortly before totality. The approaching shadow is a surreal experience as it leads up to darkness. You may notice a perceptible drop in temperature, and the wind may pick up, die down or change. Shadows will become much sharper, and the color of the sky will change. Wildlife and birds may act differently, thinking night is approaching. 

 

 

The annular eclipse will be on October 14, 2023 and the total eclipse will be April 8, 2024. Kerrville is fortunate in that we will be right at the epicenter for both events. You don't want to miss this because the next one in the U.S. isn't until 2044.

 

 

 

Jeff also spoke about the importance of keeping the night sky as dark as possible. Plants, birds and wildlife have adjusted to the daily cycle of day and night, and excessive lighting disrupts their life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators.   Kerrville has recently passed a dark sky ordinance, so when installing new light fixtures or when  replacing existing ones, be sure to buy dark sky friendly fixtures. They are no more expensive than regular lights, and will help keep our skies as dark as possible. In general, avoid upward directed light, and use warmer temperature lighting (3,000 degrees K or less).

 

 

George Eychner led us in singing "You are my Sunshine" in honor of our program about the eclipse.

 

Dennis Glenewinkel provided the prayer and pledge.

 

 Tivy Interact Club leaders Cadence, Trevor and Tillman joined our meeting and gave a report of their activities over the past few months.  Covid put a damper on their club for the previous two years, but they are now very active in the community, and members have volunteered for a number of projects including the Rotary Walk-a-Fun, Rise Against Hunger,  the Homecoming Parade, packaging  meals for the Dietert Center, the Starkey Sausage Supper, the Kerrville Triathlon, Adopt a Highway, Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, The Croc Harvest Festival and the Lions Camp.

 

Jimmy Hutto is having a heart procedure on March 20, so please keep him in your prayers.

Janelle Peralt reported that the Blood Drive was very successful, as 29 people donated blood last week. Thank you to all who volunteered.

 

Marta Diffen reported that our club and the local Interact Club participated in the District Days of Service by helping organize the Hill Country Crisis Council's storage room. They worked for four hours last Saturday and sorted, labeled and organized clothes to help this very worthwhile organization.

 

Marta also tested our Rotary knowledge by asking if anyone knew what a "Rotary Ann" was.  In the not so distant past, Rotary was a men's only club, and the wives of members were often known as Rotary Ann's. After a Supreme Court Decision in 1987, women were finally allowed into the club. Our own Betty Vernon was the third woman who joined our club in 1991, so we've come a long way.

 

The Josh the Otter program on Water Safety for Elementary age kids is gearing up and volunteers are needed to go to the local elementary schools to help out. COntact Dave Rittenhouse if you are able to volunteer. dorittenhouse@gmail.com 412-302-7301 Cell

 

Bob Schmerbeck was recognized as being a Rotary member for 55 years, and has perfect attendance. Congratulations, and thank you for 55 years of service!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kim Woods was wearing her Rotary pin when her name was called, and won a bottle of wine.