Opinion
OPINION: Big and dark skies
Published
4 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Kathy Bouchard ROTARY CLUB OF BIG SKY
On an August evening in 1997, I grabbed a pillow, pulled open my bedroom window and crawled onto the roof of my Midwest suburban home. A soft wind whispered fragments of family conversations from round the neighborhood. The tang of barbecue scented the air. Peering beyond the arching elm branches, I counted the stars above, all seven of them.
Four months later, my sister-in-law helped me drag a rollaway mattress through sixteen inches of snow through my parents’ Montana yard. Bundled in wool and down, we flopped onto the mattress to gaze at the night sky and would almost forget to breathe. Above us, the Milky Way, sharp and majestic and threaded with impenetrable mystery. In a matter of moments, we’d counted shooting stars and watched satellites crawl across the sky like determined, unblinking fireflies. Seeing Montana’s stars for the first time remained with me as an unforgettable awakening, as it does for all of us that experience it.
By 1999, I’d moved to a condominium complex in the meadow of Big Sky. One evening, while driving from Lone Mountain, I tried to find where I lived. It wasn’t hard—the place glittered like Disneyland. This observation was made at our next HOA meeting. The idea that, for most of the residents, being able to view the stars was a primary benefit of living in Big Sky resulted in the removal of several security lights behind the complex. The property managers replaced all the 100-watt bulbs on porches and garages with 50s, and still found residents wanted less wattage.
The Sustainability Committee of the Rotary Club of Big Sky is seeking to reduce light pollution in Big Sky to quit losing the dark. The BSOA has been Dark Sky compliant for years now.
“They’re very strict”, said Rotarian Grant Hilton.
We are hoping to bring the benefits of Dark Skies to all of Big Sky.
As it happens, there’s a source for that: The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has been fighting light pollution, needless energy consumption and the ill effects of nightglow (generated by artificial light) on wildlife and humans since 1988. Their well organized website, darksky.org, describes the adverse effects of unnecessary artificial lighting on wildlife and humans, how to reduce energy consumption by selecting appropriate lighting solutions and highlights resources available to interested parties.
The concepts are simple and implementation is a matter of thoughtful choices, not increased cost. For example; light what you need, when you need it; no brighter than necessary; fully shielded to point downward, among others.
The IDA also designates regions of the world, from city parks to parts of states, as places of distinction in their accomplishment of preserving the night sky. Locals, visitors, wildlife and energy bills in Big Sky could all benefit from implementing Dark Sky practices and undoubtedly businesses promoting visitors could use the addition of the IDA designation. Why not go for it?
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
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enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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(Friday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm