Welcome Baby Boston (the Newest Space Center Baby) to the Braydn and Jacquline Lystrup Family. The Long Lost Transporter Control Panel Found (and just in time too). Gov. General Jon Parker To Step Down as Cassini Set Director. A Call for News..

It is my honor and pleasure to introduce the Space EdVenturing community to the newest Space Center baby. His name is Boston. He is the son of Bradyn and Jacqueline Lystrup.

The title "Space Center Baby" is bestowed on those younglings born to parents who met and fell in love as Space Center volunteers or staff. Bradyn and Jacqueline met at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center where they both worked first as volunteers and then as staff. Braydn was a flight director and Jacqueline a supervisor.

Jacqueline works as an RN in the maternity ward at the American Fork Hospital. Bradyn is a teacher at Canyon Grove Academy in Pleasant Grove. As part of his teaching duties, Bradyn runs the school's Everest Starship simulator where he puts the school's students on InfiniD Learning's simulator modules.

Let's hope baby Boston grows up and continues his parent's legacy as a Space Center volunteer and member of staff. Who knows, we may have a Sparky Junior coming soon.

And for those who don't get the "Sparky" reference, Sparky is Bradyn's engineering character who has become a legend and favorite to so many young crews.

Starfleet Times Special Report: Governor General Jon Parker Retires from Command of the Starship Cassini

                                          Jon Parker and his Cassini Staff

In a momentous event that marks the end of an era, Governor General Jon Parker has officially announced his retirement from his position as the Set Director of the esteemed starship Cassini. The Cassini, a beacon of Starfleet's strength and dedication to freedom, has been at the forefront of defending democracy and safeguarding the Federation against those who seek its downfall.

Jon is demonstrating his teaching skills by advising and counseling the staff in detention for poor sportsmanship at a recent staff and volunteer party

Jon Parker's legacy is as vast as the galaxies he explored during his remarkable career. From the moment he took command of the Cassini as Set Director, he set a standard of excellence that propelled the starship into countless missions staffed by hundreds of visiting crews.

Under Jon Parker's leadership, the Cassini set the example of quality and professionalism to the Space Center's staff and volunteers. From the mysterious anomalies of the Beta Quadrant to the uncharted territories of the Delta Quadrant, Jon set the example to his staff on how to properly fly a starship simulator, how to maintain a simulator, how to improve and upgrade a simulator, and to never be satisfied with the status quo.

Jon Parker's retirement is marked with the utmost respect and admiration from his crew and colleagues. "Jon's commitment to the safety, well-being, and education of every member of his crews, staff, and volunteers has set an example all of us should follow," stated Space Center Director James Porter.

Jon sporting his new Starfleet credentials as a 4 Star Governor General and

Sector Commander

The Cassini wasn't Jon's first rodeo. In the past, Jon held many set directorships.

• In 2013-2014 Jon was the Set Director of Discovery Space Center's Starship Challenger
• In 2015-2016 Jon was the Magellan's Set Director
• In 2017-2019 Jon was the Phoenix Set Director
• And from 2019 - 2023 Jon was the Cassini's Set Director.

While Jon Parker takes his leave from active duty as the Cassini Set Director, he is not leaving the Space Center. He will continue as a Cassini flight director when time permits and continues his responsibilities as the Space Center's Assistant Director and Director of Simulations.

What prompted this change? Jon will start student teaching this semester. Jon realizes his new responsibilities as a student teacher will require his unwavering time and talents. His goal is to graduated this school year and secure a CTE teaching position in an Alpine District High School or Junior High.

The Space Center family joins in expressing its gratitude for Jon Parker's service as Set Director and wishes him well with his student teaching responsibilities. Jon will make an excellent high school teacher, there is no doubt about it and I should know. I've been in the business for 40+ years :)

The Long Lost Transporter Control Panel Found (and just in time too)

Starship Pegasus Transporter Controls Poster

1983-1990

     Most of you know that I ran the Starship Pegasus from 1983 to 1990 in my 6th-grade classroom at Central Elementary using poster controls.  That's how the Space Center got its start. Those original poster controls are framed and hang in the six simulator control rooms. What you didn't know is that one control panel has been missing for over ten years - the Transporter Control Panel. I found that panel last week. I was walking down the hallway at Renaissance Academy looking at the items teachers were sitting outside their rooms that they no longer wanted. Any items not adopted by another teacher is given to the custodian to take to the dump.  I usually find curriculum or furniture or files etc. that I can use in my room.  

     Something caught my eye as I walked past one of the 5th grade classrooms.  I stopped, looked, and stared in disbelief. Sitting on a table of things about to disappear into the dumpster was the 33-year-old Transporter Control Poster. It was fate or perhaps Fortuna decided to show a morsel of mercy instead of mischief.  Regardless, what was lost was found.  

     Let me introduce you to the Transporter Control Panel hundreds of sixth graders used in our Starship Pegasus simulations ran in my classroom from 1983 - 1990 (the picture is attached). The poster has been properly framed and will be hung in the Starship Voyager's Control Room at The Space Place at Renaissance Academy. 

A Call for News

I know I'm missing many things I'd like to announce in The Troubadour because I can't be at every space center all the time. Remember we have 14 simulators in Utah Valley, each has a staff and volunteers who should be recognized for accomplishments. This is a call to all Center Directors, Set Directors, Flight Directors, Supervisors, and Volunteers to send me news of what's happening at your space center.  Photos are fantastic.  Contact me at SpaceCampUtah@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Mr. Williamson 

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