Life at the Space Center. March 2002. Another Famous History Post with Historical Photos from the Space Center's Voyager Era. 2007. And, The Imaginarium.

The Galileo. Summer 2007. A Simple Small Ship, yet very Popular

Space Center Journal.  Getting Through the Rough Part of the Year - the Valley of Despair.
A Parent's Thanks for our Work.  Josh Webb Highlighted as a Good Example. Magellan Mission Patriot Games First Telling. The Space Center's Current Logo is Presented.

March 3, 2002

Another week come and gone. We are entering the Valley of Despair. This Valley covers the months of March and April. This is the hardest time of the year for the Field Trip Space Center Staff (me, Lorraine, Jennifer, Chris, Fred, and Mark). This is the time of the year where the repetition eats at us like termites on rotted wood. Day in and day out - always the same - two identical programs a day - sometimes three. But, like faithful troops off to battle, we wage our war against boredom and strive to deliver the best learning experience these kids have ever seen! I want to thank my daily staff for their patience and willingness to devote their time to our Center. 

This Valley will not defeat us. We have survived it for 11 years and will make it again. We support each other and remember that for these kids this is their one and only time to experience the EdVenture of their lives! Here is an example. On Thursday I drove to TTOD to order a new series of T-Shirts for the Center. On the way back my car, totally against my will, stopped at Harts for a 32 ounce Belly Buster Big Gulp (or whatever the heck they call it). I know I drink too much pop but come on troops - I've got to have some kind of vice in this rotation. If I didn't ........... well.............what would keep me anchored in this existence? Why, I'd be caught up in the wings of angels so I'm actually doing all of you a favor by drinking all that caffein. I'll stay with you all for the duration! 

The Magellan Admiral. Summer 2007

Anyway, not to wallow longer in this expose of self gratification, I shall continue. I entered as I usually do and followed the worn path to the fountain. The ritual is familiar. A 32 ounce plastic cup - one squirt of cherry flavoring - a 3/4 fill of Diet Pepsi (or coke for variety) - and a top off of real, sugar infested, Cherry Pepsi. YES....... nectar of the Gods, taken from the temple wall of the Oracle of Delphi in Greece. I approached the attendant at the cash register and took out my nearly empty wallet (I add the word `empty' to dispel rumors that someone can actually make money working at the Space Center! Something you volunteers know all too well ;)... As I fished around for a buck or two the lady noticed the Space Center logo sewn onto my jacket. "My daughter was at your place last week," she said as she rang up the sale. Before I could inquire about her daughter's reaction she continued her story. "She loved it soooo much. She keeps talking about it - even after a week. She says it is the 
"Most Awesome" time she has ever had! You folks keep up the good work - because whatever you do - it's working!" I thanked her for the feedback and left the store. That was a needed shot in the arm as we round the corner into the Valley. 

Daily Field Trip Workers...... let's keep up our spirits and remember that each day our ships and classroom fills with kids that are excited to be here! On each flight or class, look for those couple of students whose life's will actually be affected by being here. Don't let the repetition get to you. Find ways to stay interested. Focus on the students. Look for ways to enrich the program. Try something new each flight - this is the time to start experimenting with fresh approaches. We know the missions and lessons so well that if an experiment goes south you can drop back into the groove and rescue the program. 

Birthday:
We celebrated Mr. Daymont's birthday on Friday evening. Matt Long also celebrated his 16th birthday! March is another month littered with birthdays. Prepare to eat a lot of cake this month on the overnighters. 

Quality:
I want to take a minute and thank a member of our staff for really emphasizing quality this last week. I've talked and talked about quality to the point that I'm sure you are sick of hearing it but there is one person who I want to thank for bringing it to my attention once again. 
Josh Webb: Josh went the extra, extra, mile this last overnighter to be sure the Voyager was cleaning than it has ever been. The ship sparkled as the crew boarded the ship. That made a difference on how I ran the mission. When I start a mission in a clean ship where even 
details were taken care of my attitude changes and I'm ready to give the kids the best experience possible. I'm sure the Set and Flight Directors will agree with me when I say that you can't make a first impression twice. All of us love taking our crews into clean sets that 
speak of detail. 

The Magellan ran the first trial run of its new mission, "Patriot Games" this Saturday. I walked in a couple of times to run errands and deliver messages and noticed the detail put into the story and even new costume pieces. I was impressed. 

Everyone please remember that when any one of us makes a child's visit to the Center a cherished memory we all win! Kids go home and talk about the Space Center. Parents remember their children's comments and place them in a general memory of the Space Center. When one of us does well it reflects on all of us. When one of us is rude, impatient, or doesn't give his or her all everytime then that reflects on all of us. We are a team. 

Job Well Done!
I want to congratulate Aaron Yeager, a flight director on the Odyssey, for passing his tests and receiving his private pilot's license. Aaron has been with us for years and is currently at UVSC working to become a commercial pilot. Rio is in the same program. Good Job Aaron!

T-Shirts
Troops, I'll be putting in a new order for T-Shirts with our new logo (see our new pins). Jennifer rendered the design in the type of program the T-Shirt and sign company can read.
If any of you are needed a t-shirt please let me know. We are also going to have some new Space Center signs made with the new logo. Jennifer also has contacts at a major sign company. This may lead to new backlit signs for the simulators. Stay tuned for details. 

A Voyager Crewman doing Death Time in a Voyager Crew Quarter's bunk

Honor's Night
Lorraine has been sewing away getting ready for this month's Honor's Night! Look for it on the Egroup calendar and plan on being there. Several blankets and pillow cases will be awarded, space shuttle advancement patches will be awarded, year pins given out, and a Blue Shirt level advancement. I've been told that the "Lord of the Votes" scroll is full. That means that special awards will be given out to the top three Lords/ Ladies at Honor's Night. Afterwards the Scroll of Honor will be retired and a new Scroll placed on the Trophy. 

Well Troops,
Enough said. Thanks to all for going the extra mile. Positive attitudes as we endure the Valley. Smiles all around and work hard in school!!!!! Not only is this a Valley for us but this is also the time of year where students can slip up as spring time approaches. Keep your noses to the grindstone. Let me know of your accomplishments. 

That is all.....
Mr. Williamson

We Celebrate Lorraine Houston's Birthday
March 5, 2002

A Special Happy Birthday to the Matron of the Space Center. Thank you Lorraine for:
9 years of devoted service!
9 years of treats, cakes, goodies, lunches, and suppers!
9 years of pillow cases, blankets, costumes, and uniforms!
9 years of sleepless Friday nights spent at the Center!
9 years of kind remarks, smiles, and gentle leadership!

So, here is a thank you for each of your nine years.

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

All the Best and Many More Happy Birthdays!

Victor

Swimming and Video Night. Summer 48 Hour Camp. 2007
On the way to Pleasant Grove Pool

Getting Ready for Honor's Night.  What Have you Earned? What Volunteers Could Earn in 2002.


March 6, 2002
Hello Troops,
We are preparing for Honor's Night, March 14 from 7 - 8 P.M. The following portion of this post is a form you need to fill out if you have an Honor coming to you for that evening. Also, remember you receive 1 class hour for attending and there will be refreshments!!!

There will be a few "Battle Field" promotions awarded that evening due to the adoption of the Specialists system. 

We will also be awarding prizes to our top "Vote Lords" and retire the current scroll. 

Thanks Troops and vote in the poll if you plan on coming.

Mr. Williamson

______________________________________________________________________

Space Center Honor's Night Award Notification Form

Name: ________________________________________________________

I've earned the following Space Center Honor(s) and will be in attendance on March 14th to receive the award.

________ Shuttle Patch(es) One patch is awarded for every 5 level 3 flight hours and 6 class hours.


________ A 1500 point blanket. (Attention all those not on the point system. Let me know if you haven't been awarded a blanket so we can take care of that on March 14th).

________ My 500 point pillow case.

________ My 1 year of volunteer service pin.

________ My 5 years of service pin.

________ My 10 years of service pin.

Young Mr. Halverson enjoying his breakfast. Summer Camp 2007

A New Blue Shirt Supervisor Needed to Assist Brady Young March 12, 2002

Attention Blue Shirts:
The Voyager has a job opening for any current Blue Shirt. Brady Young is the Voyager's Private Mission Supervisor. We need another Blue Shirt to be his assistant. You MUST be able to work all of the Voyager Private Missions. The pay is $10.00 per private mission. If 
interested email me asap. 

Voyagers: If we don't have a current Blue Shirt interested in the position then it will be offered to any Voyager with a promotion to Level 1 Blue Shirt. It must be a Voyager that has all of the Voyager passes. Preference will be given to a Voyager that has enough Shuttle 
Advancement Patches to become a Level 1 Blue Shirt. 

Thank you
Mr. Williamson

The Crew of the Magellan. So Brave. So Darning. So Summer of 2007

Blue Shirt Supervisors Given the Name Rangers March 13, 2002

Hello Troops,
In keeping with the tradition of naming our volunteer clubs and simulators after space programs or probes I've finally decided on a name for the Blue Shirts.

I was debating between the Vikings (named after the highly successful Viking Mars Landers) and the Rangers (The first moon probes). Because of the name conflict with Pleasant Grove Junior High and High School (the Vikings) I've decided to go with the Rangers. 

So... Blue Shirts are now Rangers. It will take some getting use to I realize but it will come.

All the Best!
Mr. Williamson

The Galileo Crew. Summer Camp Rotation ?. 2007

Which of Our Many Rangers Should be Honored at Honor's Night? March 17, 2002

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the spaceedventures group:

Congratulations to Bryson Lystrup for becoming Lord Chancellor of the Votes. He was chosen by the campers to receive that  title. 


Question: All Staff, which of our Rangers do you think should be honored on the next Honor's Night for their kindness and attention to you, the volunteers? Which Ranger gets your vote for being honest, kind, fair in giving out work assignments, works just as hard as anyone else, leads by example, and goes out of his/her way to make you feel welcome as a 
fellow volunteer? Your vote is anonymous so don't worry that anyone will know who you voted for. Thanks, and let's recognize this outstanding Ranger. 


o Randy J. 
o Brady Y. 
o Bryson L. 
o Soren S. 
o Charlie H. 
o Matt L. 
o Jamie S. 
o Bryce R. 

A Random Crewman enjoying a Delicious Vitamin Ring.  Summer Camp 2007 

Space Center Journal. Summer Camp Registrations are Pouring In.  The Summer Missions of 2002. New Things are Bring Tried. A Recap of Honor's Night: Who Won What.March 17, 2002

Hello Troops,
My apologies to you few that really read the Journal from week to week for missing last week. Of course there are always things that happen but I just didn't care to comment. Remember, we are in the long dry days of spring for the Center. Full energies are being expended on maintaining program quality and customer care. By the time last Sunday 
came around I didn't feel inclined to comment further on a busy week.

Last Week:
We have come full circle and are in the summer registration season once again. Each day I'm receiving several registrations. Our first 48 hour camp is about to fill. In addition to the summer registrations I'm seeing a large interest in our private mission programs. I believe 
this is due to the awesome flyer Mrs. Jennifer Remy created for the summer camp season. The back of the flyer is a large advertisement for the private mission program. The flyers were distributed to students throughout the Alpine School District last week. The phone has been ringing steadily since then. The only non busy time I have is from 8:30 P.M. 
to 7:30 A.M. then is all starts again. 

I'm not sure if the events of 9/11 will have an impact on our summer program. I've read that the majority of summer camps nationwide are experiencing a decline in enrollments. Camp directors blame the economy. I've not seen the same with our summer program but it is also far too early to tell. Another couple of weeks will tell the entire story. 

Flight Directors are working frantically on their summer missions. The deadline for submittal is approaching. We'll be trying a new rotation system this summer. The Voyager, Magellan, Odyssey, and Galileo will be telling one 14 hour long mission and one 7 hour mission. The 
Falcon will be doing three 7 hour missions. Students will really have the opportunity to get involved in a story with that kind of time. We shall see i they enjoy it more than last year. 

Summer Camp 2007

The Aviation Merit Badge Class started on Wednesday. Bill Schuler is teaching. 

Thursday was Honor's Night once again. Our list of Honorees included Bryson Lystrup, who earned his second Ranger rank bar and the Silver Chalice of Zod for become Lord Chancellor of the Votes. Julie Collett and Randy Jepperson took second and third places in the vote category and were awarded ribboned metals, knighted, and given seats in the House. 500 point pillow cases were presented along with 1500 point blankets. I want to take a couple of sentences to thank Lorraine for her dedicated service to the Center. Lorraine Houston sews the pillowcases and blankets donating her labor for her "kids". Thank you Lorraine for making volunteering at the Center a warm and personal experience for all of us. 

Several patches were presented.
Landon Hemsley and Dustin Robison both received their second rank patch. Scott Slaugh, Landon Helmsley, and Dustin Robison will be advancing upwards in the May Honor's Night. Thank you to all that attended. 

The overnight mission was composed of students from the gifted class of American Fork Junior High School and the 5th grades from Highland Elementary School. The Voyager crew did very well on Shadows. They were the 52nd crew to attempt the mission and the 18th to successfully finish in the level 2 range. During the evening break Clint Sanderson visited. Clint was a member of the original staff of the Center. He came to share news of his upcoming wedding with the staff. Congratulations Clint! 

I got to bed around 1:50 A.M. The kids were good. Saturday was busy. After the overnight mission all the ships went into their private missions. I left the Center around 5:30 P.M. Late, but I'm pleased that all my work is caught up so I can start next week fresh on Monday morning.

Birthday:
We celebrated birthdays for Lorraine Houston, Brady Young, Jennifer Halverson, and Joey over the last two weeks. On this overnighter we had cake for Jennifer H, Brady, and Joey. We had a full staff - almost to the point where the Briefing Room can't handle it anymore. We have 23 staff on most overnighters and a crew of between 41 and 45 people. That is about 2 campers for each staff!  Wow, it does take a lot to run a mission! 

Quality:
We've been awarding the new Camper Care points. Remember, we are looking for staff that go out of their way to make the campers and students feel welcome.

The Voyager Just Before a Fateful Launch. Summer Camps 2007

Troops, I want to again stress the importance of treating our campers with kindness and respect. DON'T EVER SHOW YOUR FRUSTRATION WITH A CAMPER THAT IS A BIT SLOW WITH THE CONTROLS OR IN COMMANDING THE SHIPS. Yes, you of course can get sharp and direct with a camper that is a discipline problem. During the day programs remember there are teachers and parents always watching. We are always being judged by 
the words that come our of our mouths, the tone of our voices, and our body language. We should never be too rushed to care for a camper. It is better they all feel special than finish a mission.

T-Shirts
Troops, new T-shirts with our new logo (see your year of service pins) have been ordered. They should be here sometime at the end of this week or beginning of next.

Upgrades:
This weekend the Galileo's engines were sanded and painted. Kyle Herring also had to repair the main Galileo hatch. I've noticed several camp surveys with complaints about the heat in the Galileo. That is being dealt with. I've given Kyle the green light to purchase an air  conditioner for the Galileo. It will be mounted in the nose cone. This should make the missions in the Galileo much more comfortable for the kids and end the discussion of the heat. We are also looking at a new lighting scheme for the Galileo and Odyssey. If it works 
successfully these neon lights may be added to the other simulators.

Thank you all for your dedication and hard work. Together we make one "heck" of a team putting out a world class program unequaled anywhere. 

That is all.....
Mr. Williamson

Time for Another Breakfast. Summer 2007

Space Center Journal.  Galileo Gets an Air Conditioner.  Galileo Gets New Lights.  Magellan Upgrades. The Voyager Mission Mercy Strike is Ready for its Summer Tellings.  The Waiting Volunteers are Given the Name Explorers. 
March 24, 2002
(In a hurry this week. Didn't proof read. Forgive errors)

Hello Troops,
An interesting week laced with a few surprises. Let's start with the Galileo. Several late nights were put in by Kyle Herring on the Galileo. After last week's comments from Galileo 
campers, "Its too hot!", I gave Kyle the green light to air condition the Galileo. In addition to that the Galileo's warp nacelles were repaired and look as good as new. 

Galileo Air Conditioning.
I thought Kyle would buy a small room air conditioner and place it in the nose cone of the ship. Instead Kyle surprised me by placing it on the roof and venting the air into the simulator through the ceiling. A much more efficient method of cooling the set because the air is spread more evenly around. The unit is also quiet. It does make the ship a bit heavier but what can we do? A comment was made on the overnight reviews this last weekend I 
thought I'd never read. One camper wrote, "The Galileo is too cold!".  Music to our ears!!!! My thoughts on that comment - LET `EM FREEZE!

Galileo Lights:
I'm calling Kyle a damn average raiser. That's a term applied to someone that is making life harder for everyone else around him because of his job performance. Kyle has spent the entire week getting the Galileo ready for the summer and taking their term `realistic' one step further. The Galileo has new cool interior light and neon blue and red light on either side of the main viewer! The only word to describe it is cool. I look at what he is doing and wonder what I can do to make the Voyager cooler. As a matter of fact - what can we do to make all of our simulators `cooler' for summer? It is nice for our returning campers to see improvements everytime they come. 

My compliments to Kyle for taking the lead and getting the Galileo ready for summer missions and taking the quality of our sets to new heights. Kyle, let us all give you a collective pat on the back. I also want to invite any of our volunteers and staff to stop by and see the new and improved Galileo. 

Magellan:
Kyle and his dad were in on Friday installing the ceiling supports in the Situation Room. This will continue the theme from both sets of the Magellan. Soon, the ceiling of the S.R. will be 
painted blue. I got a call from Chase Wooton's dad. He did a fantastic job enlarging the Magellan's control room and has some time to help us further. I'm going to ask him to give us a bid on building a new station for the Magellan thus allowing the Magellan to increase its flight load to 18 students instead of the current 15. We will also be opening the wall to the crawl space under the top platform of the Magellan to create a new engineering station.

Voyager:
The Voyager's new summer mission "Mercy Strike," is written. The Voyager also has a new overnight mission in development. The mission is called "Time Rangers." As always, the Voyager will attempt to push the envelope and experiment with some new story elements such as in the mission "Shadows". I'm very please with Shadows popularity. I see it going into the Voyager's permanent library of missions taking it's place with Greenpeace, Intolerance, Supernova, The Grand PooPah, The Canada, and Stazi. Mr. Wootten will also be building the EMT (Engineering Maintenance Transport),  our own Space Center subway system!!! It will be soooo cool. More details some other time. The EMT will be used primarily by the Voyager and Falcon this summer. I've also asked Matt to design two new bridge 
stations for the Voyager. One for the science station and one for the Captain's Quarters. This will allow the Voyager to increase our camper numbers to 12 if necessary. Increasing the numbers in the Voyager and Magellan will allow our smaller simulators to decrease their load to more correct numbers. The Falcon shouldn't have more than 6 and the Odyssey 6 maybe 7 max. 

The World Renowned Space Center Breakfast Buffet. Summer Camp 2007 

Kitchen:
Mr. Schuler will be in charge of all summer cooking and meals. He will be playing the "Chef". He is having his own special uniform created. This will add more realism to the summer camps and hopefully improve the quality of the food for the campers. Bill will interact 
with the campers and even deliver treats to the ships and serve them in character.

WHAT A FANTASTIC SUMMER WE HAVE PLANNED. Volunteers, look over our 
summer calendar in the egroup and start thinking about your time. I know that some of our summer stories will require major acting roles. These parts will be given out based on the following criteria:

1. Acting skill
2. Availability to work most camps.
3. Seniority

Rangers will be given first crack at the parts then Voyagers and finally Pioneers. Again - remember acting skill will come first in these major acting parts and your availability to work most summer missions. More information at a later date.


Other News and Comments:
We have a new Voyager. His name is Jon Houston. He is Lorraine's oldest son. Welcome Jon to the Voyagers!  Congratulations to Jennifer Remy for running her first public  Odyssey missions on Monday! She did a fine job and is looking forward to running her own flights in the Odyssey soon. The Odyssey is, and always has been, our busiest simulator (flight numbers can be found in the egroup database `attendance'). My sincere thanks to Chris Call for directing the Odyssey and keeping it in tip top form. Chris has also got of ideas to improve the Odyssey set. Look for those improvements soon. Scott Slaugh is also working on the Odyssey's stacks. Our first meeting of the Explorers will be Thursday. The Explorers is the name for our new club of Waiting Volunteers. The Explorers will not be working missions but will begin earning patches so they can advance into the Pioneers. Everyone that sends in a volunteer application automatically becomes an Explorer. This give 
them the chance to work their way into the Pioneers instead of waiting and waiting for an opening. 


All volunteers and staff in Junior High please let your friends and others know that the Space Center is currently enrolling students in the summer camps. We don't send flyers to the Junior Highs so these kids must rely on word of mouth to know it is time to register.
Again, please spread the word. If you need flyers to hand out please pick them up at the Center or I'll be happy to mail some to you. 


Happy Birthday to Ben Hoglund! Congratulations to Metta Smith on being this week's Lady of the Votes from the overnight mission. Bryson Lystrup was in second place. Several volunteers were awarded passes and Camper Care points. 

Well troops,
I've talked on and on. It is time to shut up. All the best and I'm looking forward to working with many of you this week.

Mr. Williamson


The Imaginarium

Another Escapee from the Space Center Finds Life Outside of "The Order". Celebrate Devin Sudwick's Escape, the Hounds have Been Released. Telos DSC's Dr. Ryan Anderson Upsets Fortuna During Flight Director Training. The Voyager's Great Staff. Theater Imaginarium.

Devin Sudwicks Enjoying the Odyssey One Last Time Before Retirement

Admiral Devin Sudwicks Retires from the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center After Eleven Years (off and on) of Service Protecting Earth and its Colonies from the Dangers of Deep Space (and other things)

     "He will be missed." said Fleet Admiral James Porter, Commander of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center.
     "What can I say, a Legend has passed."  said Admiral Jon Parker. Assistant Director CMSEC.
     "I'll miss him..... there I go getting teary eyed again." sobbed Commander Lindsey Hatch, co-worker and confident.
     "I'll miss his calm manner and great attitude." said Commander Tabitha Long. Fellow Odyssey Flight Director and certified example to all.
     "Devin who?" A random midshipman (new volunteer) said in reply to my question concerning his thoughts on Devin's retirement.  I found him wandering the halls of Central Elementary looking for the Space Center's storage room. Nathan Young sent him to fetch a gallon of blinker fluid for the Magellan.  The simulator got pulled over last week for failure to use a blinker when navigating a sharp turn near Europa when coming out of warp.  
     These are just some of the tributes pouring in for Admiral Devin Sudwicks who retired from active space service at the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center yesterday.  I contacted Emily Paxman and asked her to send along a few thoughts on Devin's retirement. Emily was one of Devin's Odyssey flight director trainers during the Space Center's Voyager Era.  Emily is recently returned from receiving the Silver Chalice of Zod from none other than Michelle Obama for her hard work in the Romulan refugee community.

     ​Devin first caught my eye in the role of Doctor on an Odyssey overnighter. He had great instincts, connected with the crew, and coached the participants through the mission the way a flight director would. When it came time to select a new trainee he was the obvious choice; knew the controls inside and out, highly adaptable under pressure, quick learner, how could we *not* train him?Throughout his training he continued to excel, demonstrating a willingness to work hard, listen to difficult feedback, and perfect his craft. Anyone who has flown with Devin, either as crew or staff, knows that he brings his A-game to every flight. Since becoming an Odyssey flight director he has achieved so much. From being the first African-American woman in space to the success of his Broadway musical, Hamilton, he continues to prove that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. I know that Devin will continue to inspire those around him in all his future endeavors and I wish him all the best. 

     Thank you Emily for those kind, confused words.  Everyone please remember that Emily is an outpatient resident at the Nearly There Conveselant Home for Retired Flight Directors.   

Emily, on a good day

     
     The Home does great work with former Flight Directors requiring extraordinary help in returning to civilian life after many years at the microphone. It's the problem of separating reality from fantasy that gets them.  

     On September 1, 2007 Devin did his first observation as a young "observer" on the USS Voyager. Bracken Funk was the flight director.  He was thrilled because he got to play an Orion Pirate.  "I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but it was fun. I was hooked," he said of the experience.

     In February 2008 he became a Pioneer, an official volunteer.  His status to Pioneer was delayed due to a misunderstanding. He thought one had to be invited to work an overnight camp.  Once his neighbor, Metta Smith, set his straight, he volunteered for the overnights and the rest, as they say, is history.

Devin in full make up? Either that or what he looked like when woken up during an Overnight Mission

     Devin trained to fly the Odyssey under the watchful eye and sarcastic wing of Emily Paxman, along with the tender care given him by Christine Grosland and Adam Hall.   His hard work paid off in March 2011 when he received his Odyssey flight director wings   

Devin, a new Odyssey Flight Director

     Devin flew the Odyssey until the Voyager Era ended on August 1, 2012.  He reminded me that I had him lined up to be the Odyssey's new Set Director before the closure.  The Odyssey was demolished during the winter of 2013.  "Just my luck," he says in retrospect.  Devin served an LDS mission. Upon his return he flight directed at the CMSEC and at the Discovery Space Center when it was headquartered at Stone Gate in Pleasant Grove. He had his moment in the sun as Odyssey Set Director from January 2016 to August 2016.  Today Devin has a license to fly all four simulators at the CMSEC.  

   

Devin passing on the Odyssey's Set Director Microphone to Natalie Anderson in August 2016

     Yesterday I stopped by to say goodbye to Devin and take a few pictures of his final missions as a CMSEC employee. 

Devin directing one of his final missions.  To celebrate the occasion he wore his first flight director shirt.

The flight had the Paklid Ship Pink Bunny of Death.  I got a kick out of the name.

  

     Without cake there is no celebration, so I picked up some cupcakes from the local Smiths.  Unfortunately, I put them in my trunk while I spent an hour or two working in my classroom at Renaissance.  What were once beautiful superhero cupcakes at purchase had turned into a grotesque menagerie created by a frosting landslide - the kind that occurs on warm afternoons when one takes no care in putting cupcakes in one's trunk.  Ninety degree angles aren't good if you want to keep the frosting on the cupcakes as seen in the photo below.

I attempted to refrost the cakes with a handy Bic pen.  While not happy with the results, at least
I was able to guarantee every bite was frosted to some degree.

Lindsey and Devin doing the Waiting Game

      Lindsey and Devin waited patiently for their final crews of the day when I left at 6:20 P.M.  His last mission would be Stake Out. 

     It is always sad to see a long time volunteer and employee leave Space Center service.

It is a job that requires you to always be at your best. It is a job that demands extreme attention to detail when flying a crew because of the importance each mission has in the reputation of the many centers in Utah. Devin was one of the best.  We will all miss him, and speaking on behalf of the Space Center diaspora, wherever they may be, we wish Devin the best in his future endeavors as he pursues a career in production design and media arts.  

Mr. Williamson

P.S.  Remember Devin, your original contract signed with me has that reactivation clause just in case of planetary catastrophe or imminent invasion.           

And in Other News...
Fortuna vs. Dr. Ryan Anderson, A Man With So Many Degrees and Certificates that the Cyrillic Alphabet is Being Used for Some Abbreviations. Is the Hyperion Doomed Before its Official Launch in May? 
 

Master Flight Director Maeson Busk Giving Dr. Anderson a few Pointers in the art and science of Flight Directing.

      I found Maeson and Dr. Ryan Anderson at work in the Hyperion Control Room Wednesday afternoon. Ryan was at work learning the Hyperion's control features under the watchful eye of Master Flight Director Maeson Busk.  Sadly, one string of bridge lights blinked out during the training - a bad omen.  That's when I realized we'd forgotten to offer Fortuna, the goddess of Fortune, a proper sacrifice when the Hyperion opened for its first mission a week or so ago.  An insult she is not likely to forgive. 
     Fortuna has been the bane of my existence many a time during my tenure as CMSEC director.  She still, on occasion, pays the Voyager a visit when she's in a feisty mood (reference the Voyager lightening system's tendency to go all disco on us mid flight for no reason). 
     I'm researching ancient Greek manuscripts and scrolls looking for a proper remedy to appease her temper.  In the meantime, how cool is it to have someone like Dr. Anderson joining the Academy of Flight Directing Arts and Sciences?  Perhaps one day you'll be able to get a degree in Flight Directing from a university in Haiti or St. Kitts and Nevis!     

And in Other News....

The USS Voyager's Spencer Baird Trains to Flight Director.  He Still has the Training Wheels Firmly Attached to his Microphone but the Possibility of Going Solo is Close, Very Close.  

     Spencer Baird is one of my Voyager Supervisors at Renaissance Academy.  He's good and is getting better.  He, along with fellow supervisor Jensen Caldwell, have been a blessing this LDM season.  With 26 squadrons with 260 Young Astronauts and Voyagers, the daily grind of teaching all day, then running the Young Astronaut Club for another couple hours, isn't for the faint hearted or work challenged, but with the great staff I've got, and tremendous cadets, the job is still fun after all these months.  Thank you Isaac, Maeson, Alex Debirk, Spencer, Jensen, Chris, and our happy, dedicated, and talented volunteers.  

Mr. W.  

Theater Imaginarium
This Week's Best Gifs from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

I Climbed the Five Flights of Stairs and Saw the Promised Land of Simulator Based Learning for the Masses (or My Visit to InfiniD and the Amazing Things I Saw). The Space Center's New Flag. Theater Imaginarium.

InfiniD's Creative Cocoon's inhabitants pouring over demonstrations of the latest in simulator software

     On Friday, April 6th I was invited by my good friends at InfiniD Learning to visit their secluded Creative Cocoon hidden away atop the fifth floor of Telos Academy in Vineyard, Utah. I know my way around Telos from my weekly Space EdVentures meetings held with Dr. Anderson and the Telos Discovery Space Center gang, but gaining access to the InfiniD Level takes a bit of doing.  
     "I'm here to visit InfiniD," I said to the young Telos receptionist on the ground floor.  She looked a bit confused, then understood.  
     "The people on the top floor?" she questioned.  
     "Yes.  Can I take the elevator?" I asked kindly. I didn't want to walk all the way up if it could be avoided.  
     "No, the elevator doesn't go where they are.  You'll need to take the stairs. Do you want me to show you?" Navigating the stairwell wasn't the problem. Getting them to open the door when the InfiniD Imagineers are light years away riding waves of pure imagination was.  She grabbed her keys and up the many stairs we climbed.  Happily the door at the top was open and into one of the nation's centers of innovation and creativity did I step.  
     "Mr. Williamson!" I heard from up and down the hallway. It was a kind reception offered to someone noticeably out of breath and sporting lips with a light blue hue. 

The Vineyard Telos Campus, Home to the Telos Discovery Space Center and InfiniD Learning

     Casey Voeks sat me next to him and gave me a full description of the architecture behind InfiniD's next generation software.  I won't say I was blown away, that phrase isn't suitable for someone soon to be six decades old in June (I can't bring myself to say sixty).  Let me say I was impressed with the sophistication programed into the controls.  A level of sophistication that will make the new simulator software simple to operate yet robust enough to easily run an InfiniD Lab in any school worldwide - even that elderly teacher who still takes attendance with paper and pencil and calculates grades with an abacus.  
     I hesitated to offer an idea or two thinking Casey might reply by saying, "Thank you Mr. Williamson, but your ideas are as dated as your wardrobe."  Instead he kindly listened and may use them.  
     "Hey, let's get you a permanent and forever place in InfiniD lab simulators," Casey said.  "We're going to program an 'Admiral Williamson's' quarters into the ship's deck plans. There you go, you're going to live on beyond the grave."  There was something reassuring in his words.  Think of the thousands and thousands of students who will forever wonder who this Admiral Williamson is and why he isn't the one commanding their ship on the bridge.

InfiniD's Programming Team:  Brian Peterson, Danny Harding, Amy Jeppson,  Braysen Goodwin, and Alex Wilson

      At the end of the room sat the programmers converting Casey's imagineering, ramblings, simple drawings, and inspirations into code; not an easy task at all.

     "Casey, what is this?" one of them held up a note with writing that resembled my old doctor's handwritten prescriptions from thirty years ago. 

     "Look at me," Casey replied. "Look right into my eyes. I'll transfer my thoughts into your brain. It's the fastest way to explain."   Yes folks, these InfiniD folks are psychically connected. It has to do with quantum entanglements or something.  

InfiniD's Graphic Art Team. Connor Thompson, Carson Thompson, and Kendrick Gines.

     The graphic artists sit at the other end of the room illustrating the look and feel of the InfiniD controls, universe, and curriculum.  During the morning "Show and Tell" meeting we walked from station to station looking at their latest creations.  I kept thinking how nice it would be if I had a team of artist like this to help me with my Voyager missions.  Can I just say that this new software is going to be a game changer for the space edventuring world.   

Isaac Baker, InfiniD's young intern, working on an idea for an InfiniD school based club.  He comes down from Layton
to meet with the team. That is dedication.

After the Friday "Show and Tell" session. Time to eat and collaborate.

        

     Casey Voeks, Skyler Carr, and Brooks Heder are the Henry Fords of this educational movement begun so long ago in room 19 at Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, Utah.  Henry Ford changed the way automobiles were manufactured. He invented the assembly line. Until then, cars were made one by one in shops. With Ford's innovations, cars became mainstream and less expensive to purchase and maintain.  InfiniD is pioneering the very concepts of what simulators are and how simulations are run in the educational setting.  
     Having to build expensive simulators was the main thing that stifled the adoption of simulator based experiential learning.  InfiniD has that problem solved with their computer lab InfiniD simulators.
     Another brake on simulator learning was talent. Even if your school could afford to build a brick and mortar dedication starship simulator, who would run it?  Who has that rare combination of creativity, technological knowledge, political correctness, educational background, acting skills, love of science fiction, love of simulation learning, and patience - lots of patience? These people are rare. InfiniD is solving that problem by developing software which takes almost all of the heavy lifting of running a simulator off the backs of an educator or aide and puts it into the software. To sum up, InfiniD is finding the ways to make simulators and experiential learning affordable and doable for the masses.

Brooks Heder led a team building discussion after lunch

    
      I enjoyed my time in InfiniD's sky high Creative Cocoon.  The team is young and enthusiastic.  They have a vision and a desire to change the way children learn.  This type of learning is the future, whether it be in school based simulators or through virtual reality - it is the future.  InfiniD wants to be in the forefront.

     Is there then a place for school based full sized dedicated simulators like the ones found at the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center, Telos Discovery Space Center, The Lions Gate Center, Dream Flight Adventures, and Farpoint?  Absolutely!  These places are destination learning centers. They offer camps, parties, corporate retreats, field trips, classes, planetarium shows, etc. They offer targeted learning experiences in more depth than can be offered in a laboratory that functions both as a school computer lab and a simulator. However, as I said earlier, such Centers are destinations. You travel to them to experience simulations on a grander scale. They are not, and never will be, an item you find in every school district due to their construction costs and staffing. Both InfiniD computer lab simulators, and dedicated starship simulator sets fulfill a purpose unique to themselves.     

     To learn more about InfiniD and find out how you can have an InfiniD Lab in your school, contact Brooks Heder.  He'll be happy to come out and do a demonstration for your school's administrators and teachers.  Brooks@infinidlearning.com

Mr. Williamson    

      

Mason of Gallifrey, the CMSEC's Resident Time Lord and Consultant of Historical Truths, Designs the Space Center's New Flag.

     I had the opportunity to acquire one of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic flag poles after the games ended and had it delivered to the school. I wanted the flagpole to fly the flag of the earth over the school and space center.  Maybe some of you old time staff and volunteers remember the flag.

The Flag of the Earth

     It was large and looked real good fluttering against the blue sky.  Over the following year or two Utah's weather had its way with the flag.  I had it taken down and never purchased another.  They were expensive and didn't want to make it a regular expense.  The flagpole sat flagless for the last 13 years until this month. 

     Mr. James Porter, Director of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center, sponsored a staff and volunteer flag design contest.  Mason, the Space Center's resident Time Lord, submitted the winning design. 

Mason, the Time Lord

     I have my suspicions on where he got the idea.  Using his Tardis, I suspect Mason travelled into the future, looked at the flag high atop the flagpole, returned to the present, drew what he had seen and submitted it to Mr. Porter to secure the win. Mason denies it. He even denies his heritage as a Time Lord, but anyone with eyes can see what he sports on his wrists.  

Mason's Collection of Time Lord Wrist Apparel

     So the next time you drive by the Space Center stop, get out of your car, and salute this new flag flying proudly over the second happiest place on Earth (sorry if my Disney Proud is showing)

Mr. Williamson


Theater Imaginarium
The Best Gifs from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience.