The Space Places Voyagers and Young Astronauts at Renaissance Academy Prepare for the InfiniD Challenge. They Say, "Bring it On!" Also Jon Parker, the Purple Shadow, A Wanted Man. And This Week's Imaginarium Theater

      Spring Break started with another snowstorm.  "When will it end?" I shouted from my porch into the white void this morning after realizing another shoveling was needed.  Saying that I'm at my wit's end is an understatement, and I'm someone who was raised in the Dakotas where we wear blizzards as casual dress.   

     It's all quiet on the western front regarding news from the space centers so I don't have much to post except to say that our good friends at InfiniD are getting ready to host this year's InfiniD Challenge.  All schools in the InfiniD network can participate.  A special mission is in development (I recorded my computer parts for Austin last Friday) and pleased that my voice was in good form.  In a few weeks time the mission will be released. Classrooms will have one try to fly the mission with the goal of accumulating as many points as possible.  Points are earned by answering questions correctly, time needed to finish the mission, the health of the starship and crew, etc.  The winning team is given bragging rights and a pizza party.  I'm hoping one of my Young Astronauts and / or Voyager teams will succeed.  I'm putting them through their paces this month by having all 22 squadrons do an InfiniD mission as part of their monthly club meeting.   

 

The Young Astronaut 5th Grade Tiger Squadron doing an InfiniD mission

    Our motto will be "To InfiniD and Beyond!" in our hopes of becoming victorious in our quest; however I must be optimistically cautious.  Last week one of my middle school squadrons tried a kindergarten mission just for laughs to eat up 15 minutes before a class change. The mission was to free a cute fishy from tangled seaweed. They took forth place overall in the scoring.  The score was brushed off with a laugh and a good deal of finger pointing at that one of their own who caused the penalty due to a texting distraction.  

Jon Parker Prepares for the Summer Camp Season

The Purple Shadow, the most recent photo taken just before he escaped from the correctional center on the Salt Flats of Rurapentae 

The Space Center's Director of Simulations is preparing for the summer camp season by recording videos segments for the Cassini's new mission schedule to launch sometime soon (soon should be regarded as a wish more than a fact).  

Jon Parker is the Center's man of many faces; someone who is always ready to transform into any space hero or villain with a moment's notice and a briefly stated objective. Jon enjoy's the challenge and takes, with pride, the poetic license to do what he will with the character. While I don't remember who he is in the official summer mission, my imagination tells me a different story of the person in the photo I took on Saturday.

WANTED FOR CRIMES AGAINST THE UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS

Name: Purple Shadow

Description:

• Height: 5'8"
• Weight: Fluctuates
• Race: Humanoid
• Skin Color: Pale
• Eye Color: Depends upon the disguise.
• Hair Color: Dark
• Distinctive Feature: Always wears a purple tunic, never takes it off except for his yearly bath in the Raven's Waters of Whisky Willows.

Crimes:

• Dilithium theft
• Smuggling of Romulan ale to religiously dry colonies
• Fraud and embezzlement
• Swindling and theft
• Confidence scams
• Grand larceny

Last Known Location: Unknown

Reward: The United Federation of Planets is offering a bounty of 10,000,000 credits to anyone who brings the Purple Shadow back in person or 5000 credits to anyone in possession of his purple tunic and able to give information as to his whereabouts.

If you have any information about Purple Shadow's whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Federation Bureau of Investigation immediately. Do not attempt to apprehend him on your own as he is known to use his charm to disarm the weak minded into releasing him with their banking information and credit cards.

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Two Magellan "Has Beens" Reunite at the Home for Retired Space Center Staff and Make Plans for a Daring Escape. The Space Center's Newest Blue Shirt Mentor. Plus, Enjoy This Week's Imaginarium Theater

                   Conner and Metta at their recent meeting up in North Carolina

It was a dreary long afternoon at the Home for Retired Space Center Officers, and Conner was feeling particularly grumpy and bored. He pondered the possibility of filling an hour or two by playing the old Wurlitzer organ in the dining room as the residents gathered for the afternoon bingo. They loved to hear him play the old Space Center mission music remembered so fondly from their days in Starfleet. But after a moment's thought he waved the idea away like an annoying fly buzzing around his head. He could only stomach so much of The Last of the Mohicans and Crimson Tide. No, his decision was final, he'd spend the afternoon staring out of his window, watching the raindrops slide down the glass. That's when he heard a knock at his door.

Conner enjoying a microphone sandwich in the Magellan's Control Room

"Who could that be?" he grumbled to himself as he made his way to the door. He opened it to find a familiar face: Metta, his old shipmate from the Starship Magellan from those good old days.

"Conner! It's been ages!" Metta exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

Metta Helping with Breakfast on a 3 day summer camp

Conner was taken aback. It had been years since he had seen Metta, and he wasn't sure how to feel about her sudden appearance.

"Metta, what are you doing here?" he asked, trying to mask his surprise.

"I live here now," she replied, gesturing around the room. "I did my best to avoid coming here but having retired a few months ago from civilian life, I discovered that this was the only place I could afford on my Space Center pension. I had no idea you were here too!"

Metta at home in her favorite simulator, the Magellan

Conner sighed. "Yeah, well, I've been here for a while now. It's not exactly glamorous, but it's better than living on the streets, I suppose. I do OK. I have my pension and I play the organ for the local Catholic parish on Sundays and the occasional Lutheran church for funerals. It gives me enough to afford this room and two meals a day."

Metta nodded sympathetically. "I hear you, Conner. It's tough being a retired space center staff these days. The glory days are long gone."

They sat down at Conner's small kitchen table and caught up on old times. They reminisced about their adventures on the Magellan, the strange alien worlds they had visited, and the hair-raising situations they had found themselves in.

But as they talked, Conner couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness creeping over him. He had always dreamed of retiring to a life of luxury, but instead, here he was, living in a cramped room with no prospects for the future and nothing but memories to keep him company.

Conner with admirers, staff, and volunteers

Metta must have sensed his melancholy mood because she suddenly clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "You know what we need, Conner? A good old-fashioned adventure!"

Conner looked at her skeptically. "An adventure? Metta, we're retired. We're not exactly spry anymore."

Metta waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, Conner! We may be old, but we've still got plenty of life left in us. Besides, what else have we got to do? Sit around and watch the rain?"

Conner couldn't argue with her logic. He had always been a bit of a thrill-seeker, even in his old age. The idea of going on one last adventure with his old friend was tempting.

"Alright, Metta," he said, grinning. "You've convinced me. But where do we start?"

Metta leaned forward conspiratorially. "I've heard rumors of a hidden planet on the edge of the galaxy. They say it's full of treasure and adventure, just waiting to be discovered."

Conner raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly are we supposed to get there?"

Metta stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Easy, Conner. We'll just steal a spaceship. The Space Center has six of them. And if we can't steal one of those - there is always the Voyager at Renaissance.

Conner shook his head in disbelief. "Metta, you're crazy. We're retired officers, remember? We can't just go around stealing spaceships."

Metta winked at him. "Who said anything about getting caught?"

And with that, the two old has-beens set off on one last adventure, determined to prove that they still had what it took to be space heroes. Whether they succeeded or not, one thing was for sure: they were going to have a lot of fun trying.

P.S.

Conner will be returning to Utah to attend graduate school at BYU.  

Michael W. Presented the Royal Blues as a New Christa McAuliffe Space Center Mentor

     In a prestigious ceremony held at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, Fleet Admiral James Porter awarded Michael Wiltbank with the Royal Blues for his exceptional contributions to the ongoing mission of the Space Center. With the Royal Blues come an appointment as a Space Center Mentor where he will guide new starfleet cadets as they embark on their training aboard the starships Cassini, Magellan, Odyssey, Phoenix, Galileo, and Falcon.
     Wiltbank, a veteran of many missions, some of which are classified, has been recognized for his exemplary service and dedication to his field. As a mentor, he will lead by example and inspire new cadets to become officers of distinction. His responsibilities include answering their questions and providing guidance to help them achieve their fullest potential.
     There are rumors among Starfleet's top brass that Wiltbank is positioned to continue his training and may soon be admitted into Command School. From there, he may one day have a ship of his own. Wiltbank's appointment as a mentor is a testament to his expertise and experience in the field of space exploration.
     The Royal Blues is a prestigious honor awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the Space Center and its missions. Wiltbank's recognition as a new mentor at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center is well-deserved, and we congratulate him on this achievement. We have no doubt that he will excel in his new role and continue to make valuable contributions to the advancement of space exploration and the molding of new officers, staff, and volunteers.

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Micah Clegg, From Revolutionary Leader to Cassini Supervisor. And, The American Heritage School's Space Center Goes Retro with an Odyssey and Voyager Recreation, And InfiniD Offers Programs to All Schools, And, New Planetarium Program, And The Imaginarium Theater

     

 Micah with his Dress Blues

As a child, Micah Clegg was found by a band of Orion Pirates in a life pod jettisoned from the Starship Galore. He was sold to a warp housing factory on the distant planet Quasaria and raised by the factory's kindly supervisors, Aleta and James Clegg. He was raised to be an honest and hard working.

During those early years, Micah witnessed firsthand the oppression and injustice of the ruling class. Micah could not stand idly by, and so he joined a revolutionary movement that sought to overthrow the oppressive regime and establish a new government that would be fair and just.

For years, Micah led the movement, inspiring people to stand up against their oppressors and fight for their rights. He risked his life countless times, but he never wavered in his commitment to the cause of bringing Quasaria into the United Federation of Planets.

Micah, Leader of the Revolution!

Eventually, the revolution succeeded, and a new government was established. Micah had played a pivotal role in the movement's success, and he was hailed as a hero by his fellow citizens. But the years of fighting had taken their toll on Micah, and he realized that he needed a new purpose in life.

It was then that he decided to join Starfleet. He had always been fascinated by space exploration and the idea of discovering new worlds and civilizations. He knew that serving aboard a Starship would be a new and exciting chapter in his life, and so he began his training.

Micah quickly proved himself to be an exceptional officer. His experience leading a revolution had given him a unique perspective on leadership, and he was able to inspire his fellow crew members to work together towards a common goal.

He was assigned to the USS Cassini, one of the finest Starships in the fleet. Micah threw himself into his work, studying everything from astrophysics to warp field theory.

Micah found a new purpose in life serving aboard the Cassini. He was no longer fighting for a cause, but instead, he was exploring the galaxy and making new discoveries every day. He felt fulfilled and content, knowing that he was contributing to the greater good of humanity in his own way.

Nearly two years passed, and Micah continued to serve aboard the Cassini, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow crew members. He had found a new family, one that shared his values and beliefs.

As Micah looked out into the endless expanse of space, he knew that he had found his true calling. He had led a revolution on a distant planet, but he had found a new life among the stars.

In a statement released today, Admiral James Porter's office rewarded Micah's dedication to the Cassini and announced Micah's promotion to the position of 2nd Officer and Supervisor aboard the USS Cassini, one of the finest starships in the fleet.

As part of his training, Micah spent countless hours under the close supervision of his superior officers, Commander Ella and Commander Hyrum, and has undergone grueling observations and lectures from the Cassini's aging captain, Jon Parker.

Despite the challenges, Lt. Clegg has risen to the occasion and has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow crew members.

In a statement, Captain Parker praised Lt. Clegg for his dedication and hard work, stating that "Micah is an exceptional officer who has shown an unwavering commitment to the mission of the USS Cassini. He has proven himself time and time again, and I have every confidence that he will continue to excel in his new role as 2nd Officer and Supervisor."

Lt. Clegg's promotion is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it is a proud moment for the USS Cassini and the entire Starfleet community. We wish him all the best in his new role, and we look forward to seeing him continue to achieve great things in the years to come.

The American Heritage School's Space Center Goes Retro with an Odyssey and Voyager Recreation

Alex Debirk and his gifted staff of high school students at American Heritage School are recreating and upgrading the original Odyssey's Engineering Crawlspace (Jeffries Tube) and the original Voyager's Bridge Engineering Station.  News like this warms this old man's heart and should bring joy to all those old campers from years gone by who gouged their heads open on the protruding screw in the Odyssey's hatchway.  And let's not forget the bumps bruises from exiting the tube incorrectly.  There were many times when I had to make a decision between a bandaid or stitches :)

     Alex and team are mindful of our shared history and will make adjustments to meet all OSHA requirements for a safe and happy engineering station.

The engineering platform with engineering crawlspace beneath in the 

Discovery at American Heritage

     The platform will be accessible by using the same ladder hundreds of engineers used on the Voyager during its 23 years at the Space Center.  And sitting atop the platform over the crawlspace will be the engineering desk rescued from the Voyager before the school was demolished.  

The Voyager's Bridge with the raised Engineering Station 

The Voyager's engineering station and ladder

The Voyager Engineering Station during a crew's training

The Notorious Odyssey Engineering Station and the "Enter at Your Own Risk" hatchway 

entrance. 

You can see the brave engineering in the crawlspace

Another picture of the engineering station behind the kid's head.  The Odyssey had 

4 bunks for the Overnight Camps.  

InfiniD Learning for Your School

Skyler Carr and Casey Voeks embarked on their journey to bring innovated, experiential education to the masses when they started volunteering at the Space Center years and years ago when they were in junior hight. That love of space and education led to the creation of InfiniD Learning.

Today, InfiniD Learning announced a FREE version of the program available to all teachers and classrooms everywhere. Sign up at http://ow.ly/GJxS50NkAlI and start using this incredible National Science Foundation program. Tag your kid's teachers to get them plugged in!

The Christa McAuliffe Space Center Offers a New Program for the Planetarium

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience