Dr. Kenneth Schramm, Debbie Schramm, and newly-arrived associate, Dr. Scott Jurica, were presented the Blanco Chamber of Commerce’s Night Sky-Friendly Business Certificate of Merit by Curtis Knutson, Chamber President, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. The outdoor lighting fixtures on Dr. Schramm’s office on Highway 281 just off Blanco’s Square now comply fully with Blanco’s Unified Development Code in that they do not shine above the horizon to cause light pollution in Blanco’s skies nor do they cause any significant glare off premises.
Upon receiving the Certificate of Merit, Dr. Schramm stated, “Dr. Jurica, my wife, Debbie, and I fully support preserving the Hill Country’s nighttime skies. The health, well being, and enjoyment of all Blanco citizens is significantly enhanced by a dark night sky. We are glad we could help out in even a small way by making sure all our outdoor lights are night sky-friendly.”
The Chamber’s Night Sky-Friendly Business Recognition Program now has nine local businesses that have been singled out for recognition. Curtis Knutson, Chamber President, stated “The Chamber is delighted that another of our members has qualified to be a Night Sky-Friendly Business. We make these recognitions in conjunction with the Hill Country Alliance, so we’re part of a Hill Country-wide effort in night sky preservation. We hope our entire membership will eventually follow the Schramm’s good example.”
Because Dr. Schramm’s office is situated in Blanco’s Historic District, the outdoor lighting at the office is particularly important. Retta Martin, Chairperson of Blanco’s Historic Commission, emphasized this point stating, “Having good outdoor lighting in Blanco’s Historic District is essential to maintaining the unique, rural ‘sense of place’ that is the Blanco we all love. Businesses such as the Schramm’s that place high value in preserving our night skies by controlling their outdoor lighting also preserve our rural heritage. This is something we should all greatly appreciate.”
For more information about the Chamber’s program and how to become a Night Sky-Friendly business, contact the Blanco Chamber of Commerce at (830) 833-5101; info@blancochamber.com. For information on how to join, for free, the Hill Country Alliance’s Night Sky Co-op, go to www.hillcountryalliance.org/HCA/HillCountryNightSkyCoop.
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