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 

Imaginarium Theater

This Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Saint Sheila Powell. My Hero. Today, a Tribute to Shiela Powell, a Space Center Educator Who Passed Away July 29th. Videos Celebrating the End of the Summer Camp Season. This Week's Imaginarium Theater

 

Saint Sheila Powell escorting a group of field trip students to the simulators from their restroom break.  Sheila and Lorraine Houston were the dream team of Space Center field trip instructors back in the day.  Sheila had recently retired as a sixth-grade teacher from the Jordan School District when I convinced her to come join our staff as a field trip teacher. Those years rest nicely on my memory. 

Hello Space Center Family,

Our dear, gifted, and beautiful friend and former Space Center educator Sheila Powell passed away on July 29th. Her many contributions as a teacher in Jordan District, the Utah Geography Alliance, and the Christa McAuliffe Space Center made a difference for good in the lives of thousands of children and her coworkers. She retired from the Space Center in 2011 to fight her final great battle against Parkinson's disease. Only something like that could force her to leave the Center. It was her home away from home. It gave her a chance to combine her love of teaching and space to excite our field trip students to look up and imagine what lies out there in the vastness of the cosmos. She truly exemplified the mission of the Space Center, to create a space faring civilization.

My nickname for Sheila was "Saint Sheila of Lehi" because she was just that to all of us, a Saint.

The people I proclaim ‘Saints‘ encapsulate my vision of heroism. They are selfless with their fellow man. They are kind to a fault. They bear their burdens with a strength that inspires. All this, and much more, defined our Saint Sheila.

Sheila’s rise to sainthood was the result of several factors. Sheila was a sixth grade teacher in the Jordan School District. That fact alone drew Vatican attention. Sheila was a cancer survivor. Cancer survivors no longer exist in the same world as you and I. They experience life differently, knowing how fragile it is and how quickly it can end. They have the power to stop time and enjoy life’s special moments. You see them sometimes, standing alone, looking at something so innocent to us that it would hardly cause a moment’s thought, yet they sit memorized - lost in the fraction of a pleasant second.

Saint Sheila, Always Willing to Try Something new

A few weeks before Sheila’s Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011, her father passed away. It was yet another burden for her to carry, being the eldest and responsible for her surviving mother.  And then came the news.....

“I’ve got Parkinson’s Disease,” she told us one day in March of that year. It was said much like you would say you were coming down with a cold. The calmness of the statement was followed by the brightening of her halo. Such a statement can leave the listener uncertain of how to respond. For a moment you visualize the meaning, then realize the uncertain road ahead. The “I’m so sorry,” that inevitably follows are the only words that manage to surface.

And so, our Saint Sheila embarked on another journey of faith, and we stood amazed and her spirit and determination to make the best of the hand fate had dealt. 

I wrote the following in the Blog the week we learned of her diagnosis in March 2011

Recently I overhead several of the staff discuss a member of BYU’s basketball team. I believe his name was Jimmer. The word ‘hero‘ was used to describe their perceptions of his character and abilities. I thought for a moment of how life changes you as you age. When you’re young you admire people that excel in doing things you dream of doing yourself. You make them your heroes. You put their posters on your walls. You dress like them, talk like them, and eat the cereals endorsed by them

Now that I've reached the Autumn of my life, I choose my heroes differently. My heroes are the men, women and children who carry the burden of misfortune and illness with a faith that inspires me to be a better person. I see them playing a hand none of us would want, and yet manage to do it in such a way that we are all the better for it.

Saint Sheila is my hero. Thank you Saint Sheila.

Saint Sheila and Husband Lee 

Our thoughts are with Shiela's husband Lee and her family at this time. I want them to know how special Sheila was to all of us who knew and worked with her. She was a brilliant teacher, a devoted and loving friend, and an example to all on never quitting no matter what the foe - be it a Utah blizzard, an difficult student, or a devastating disease.

Saint Sheila on her dependable tractor Hercules

God Bless You Saint Sheila. Your work here is finished. Now you are free to explore the vastness of space and experience those wondrous things you taught about. And in your journeys, find that incredible something just waiting to be discovered; and when you do, think of us. 

The Troubadour Blog's Salutes to Saint Shiela's Work 

Friends, Shiela was featured in several Troubadour blog posts during her time at the Space Center.  Each post is a testament to the contributions she made to our mission and purpose.  Please take a minute to revisit these stories as we celebrate the magical and mythical Saint Shiela of Lehi!  

     •. Saint Sheila and the Storm of the Century

        • Saint Sheila and the Standing Ovation

       • Saint Sheila Writes About a Funny Classroom Experience 

     • Saint Sheila Wrote about Space Center Field Trips.  Redcoats to the Rescue!  

And Finally, This Story about Saint Sheila on BYU Television

Yes, our very own Saint Sheila of Lehi appeared on BYU television last week. They ran a piece on the Space Center as part of their nightly news. The reporter spent nearly an hour at the Center. Most of the time was with Aleta Clegg. A few minutes of the reporter’s time was with Sheila. Well, what did the reported choose to do? She decided to use the Saint Sheila footage and nothing from Aleta.

Aleta admitted defeat the following day. Up until then Aleta privately doubted the sainthood of Shiela. She ignored the growing evidence claiming it was all random occurrences brought on by statistical chance. Not any more. Aleta is now suggesting we have an official portrait painted of Sheila to hang in the Discovery Room. Small prints of the portrait could be sold in the Center’s Gift Shop along with candles. Surely a portrait of Saint Sheila with a candle or two on any home’s mantle would bring blessings.

Aleta, we welcome you to the growing congregation of Sheila admirers. She is one great gal.
And yes, you may keep all the proceeds from the sale of the pictures and candles. That will be your blessing.

Well, have a great week everyone. Thanks for reading, and to our staff and volunteers -thank you for your dedication. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the fantastic people that work here. I’m am your greatest fan.

 

Celebrate the End of the 2023 Summer Space Camp Season in Video and Picture

Imaginarim Theater

The Week's Best Videos from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience 

The Christa McAuliffe Space Center Welcomes a New Member of the Few, The Proud, and the Chosen. The Rooms of Transformation Judicially Hidden From View at Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers. This Week's Imaginarium Theater

              Emily W in the Odyssey's Inner Sanctum Holding the Wand of Power 

     Once Emily was a happy Space Center volunteer, earning her simulator passes, and dreaming of the day when she too could sit in a Flight Director's chair and hold in her hands the simulated lives of hundreds of Odyssey crew.  

     Today Emily's dream became reality.  Emily is the Christa McAuliffe Space Center's newest Flight Director. The Supreme Commander of All Space Forces, James Porter, offered the promotion after observing her fly one of the Space Center's Day Camps last week.  When asked to comment on her promotion, James Porter replied,"The color of her shirt speaks for itself. She wouldn't be wearing the Navy Blues if it wasn't deserved. And she deserves it."  

     Standing beside the Supreme Commander was Mitch Foote, the Odyssey's Set Director. When asked for his thoughts Mitch replied,  "Emily is one of those outstanding volunteers who set goals and reaches them.  If I wasn't as good as I am at being the Odyssey's Set Director, I'd be worried about Emily's meteoric rise to power. She's the type of person who isn't happy until she reaches the top."  Mitch's answer was intended to be taken tongue in cheek but this author detected an uneasiness in his voice combined with a wariness in stance that spoke otherwise.  

    At the sound of the gong, a hush descended over the Odyssey's Bridge as Emily stepped forward to accept her Navy Blues from the Supreme Commander. Positioned around the Starship Odyssey were Starbase Williamson's Ships of the Line: Magellan, Cassini, Galileo, and Phoenix - all prepared to release a phaser light show upon the completion of her oath. 

The Falcon was also detected on extreme long range sensors at full stop, wanting to participate in the salute - but at a reasonable distance. 

     Emily accepted her Navy Blues, then rose her right hand and took the Flight Director's Oath, the key to unlocking the doors to the Flight Director's Guild.   

 "I pledge to honor the training and craftsmanship of the flight directors who trained me. I pledge to set a proper example of professionalism for my staff, volunteers, and crew. I promise to lead and guide my crews by adhering to the mission's goals and objectives. I promise to honor the pioneering spirit of the first ship Voyager by continuing to learn and improve upon my craft. These things I will do until I lay my microphone down."

     And with those simple words, another name was added to the Odyssey's list of outstanding flight directors with Dave Wall's name at the Beginning, and now Emily's occupying the last position.  

     Congratulations Emily on your Navy Blues. 

Mr. Williamson

 

The Rooms of Transformation Judicially Hidden From View at Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers

Two Volunteers Exit the CMSC's Room of Transformation 

not quite themselves

Welcome to the wondrous and enchanting Rooms of Transformation! Nestled deep within hidden corners of Utah County's Space EdVenture Centers, these mystical chambers are veiled from the prying eyes of the ordinary world and only accessible to those with the magic keys of their Voyager Rank Achievement Cards.

As you step inside, you find yourself in vast rooms filled with an array of mesmerizing artifacts and peculiar contraptions. The air crackles with magical energy, and a faint glow emanates from the walls, revealing silhouettes of past adventurers who have undergone extraordinary metamorphoses.

The rooms seem unassuming at first and are easily mistaken as mere costume closets, but as you traverse deeper into their hearts, you'll discover an assortment of captivating items, each with its unique ability to transform the very essence of those who dare to embrace their enchantment.

Others who've exited the CMSC's Room of Transformation

Some enter the Room of Transformation as humble unassuming middle school students and exit as weathered, charismatic pirates whose veins throb with the swashbuckling spirit matching the seafaring adventurers of old.

Jon Parker, after a recent visit to the CMSC's Room of Transformation

Others undergo a more daring transformation and emerge with the rugged visage of battle-hardened mercenaries, armed with an aura of fearlessness and skill.

For those volunteers whose simulators require an extraterrestrial, the "Alien Apparatus" awaits. This otherworldly device, pulsating with alien energy, envelopes the young volunteers in a cosmic glow, altering their forms into that of enigmatic and fascinating spacefaring beings.

Transformations from the Discovery Space Center at American Heritage School's Room of Transformation

But beware young volunteers, for every transformation comes with its consequences. While you shall exit the Room of Transformation disguised as someone else, a part of your true essence will forever remain intertwined with the identity you have temporarily donned. The memories and experiences of the entity you embody will whisper in your thoughts, leaving a mark on your soul that cannot be easily erased.

Transformations from The Space Place at Renaissance Academy's

Room of Transformation

The Rooms of Transformation are not a place for the faint-hearted, but for the adventurous spirits eager to explore new realms and embrace the mystique of altered identities.

As you leave these magical rooms, your eyes glimmer with the thrill of newfound possibilities, and a sense of mystery lingers in your heart. Remember, the Rooms of Transformation shall always welcome those brave enough to venture into their depths and discover the magic that lies within. Who will you become next? The answer lies in the embrace of these extraordinary chambers of wonders, and the orders given by your Flight Directors of course.

Mr. Williamson

 

Imaginarium Theater

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