New Year's Resolutions? How About, "I Am Who I Am and That is Good Enough." From Twenty Years Ago; January 2004 Starting the New Year at the Space Center. Imaginarium Theater.

                           

Hello Troops,   
     I didn't make a list of New Year resolutions.  I stopped performing that barbaric act of self-depreciation years ago.  What is the sense of listing my shortcomings and faults?  Sooner or later, the list will become evidence that I'm a slave to slothfulness and gluttony.  
     My New Year's Resolutions were once my Super Ego's 95 Theses.  They were drawn up yearly and posted to the refrigerator's door in hopes of reforming (by guilt) an old decaying institution which refused to adapt and change for its own sake.  As time passed, those lists became my accusers, which condemned me to the eternal flames every time I reach for a decadent Klondike Bar.  There I would stand, ice cream bar in hand, knowing what I had done.  I'd confess my guilt, unwrap the bar and eat it.  What more could I do?
     "I hereby resolve not to be short tempered with my class" I once wrote a few years ago on a New Year's list of character flaws. I was successful, until the first day back to school.   My sixth graders pushed every button all morning long; yet I held firm to my resolution; and that determination held .................. .................then cracked at lunch.

     I walked my students to the cafeteria.  Several of them were marching down the hall out of line.  A few jumped into the path of oncoming students making a game of chicken out of our walk to lunch.  Other students kept talking after being told not to. The ice finally cracked when one of my more incorrigible boys tripped one of his friends.  Down he went, causing my long line of soldiers to break into a flash mob of laughter.
     Needless to say, the return of my pockmarked "old school" teacher face soon calmed the savages. Peace and tranquility was restored. The Universe was at one with itself.
    Now that I'm older I don't need or want to keep lists outlining my 'areas needing improvement'.  I know them all too well.  What I do to become a better kinder person must pair nicely with a "one day at a time" philosophy and the understanding that some days I'll succeed and some days I won't.  It is the human experience. 

     I am who I am, and that is good enough.  Could I do better?  Sure.  Will I try?  Sure. But I will always remember that wherever I am on this journey, I am who I am, and that is good enough. 

     I'm happy many of you are on this same path and that we can share a fire on those dark and stormy nights. So let's soldier on into 2024 and fight the good fight until the final bugle sounds. 

Mr. Williamson 

A Look Back in Time from the Space Center's Original Blog "Space EdVentures".  

The Space Center Reopens. January 2004

Hello Troops,

We are back to work. Vacation ended Tuesday. Back to normal on Wednesday.  I decided not to have a field trip on the first day back. I felt teachers wouldn't have the time to brief their students, or if they had before the Christmas break, the kids would have forgotten the briefing anyway.

I was excited to reopen the Space Center. The Briefing Room has new carpet and some touch up painting. The Voyager's Bridge has some new paint as well. I walked up on the Voyager's Bridge Wednesday morning, sat in the Captain's chair, and listened. The sound of the air conditioner lightly masked the whispers of a theater ready and waiting for an audience. The chairs were neatly pushed in and keyboards at the ready.

The Voyager's Bridge. 

When it was quiet and everyone gone, I'd sit in the captain's chair and remember the great adventures we shared together over the years. Before leaving I'd say, "What's Next?" and pat the drywall heading down to the Control Room.

A slight worry opened the door of doubt in my mind; was I was ready? Would I remember the Supernova story for the field trips? You may be laughing as you wonder how could I forget a story I tell two or three times a day, four days a week - especially only after a two week pause?  Sometimes you do, but it all comes back quickly.

We started the overnight missions again. Last Friday we had 46 campers. 43 were from Cherry Hill Elementary School and the other 3 were regular general public kids. The overnight mission was touch and go for the Magellan.  Last week the Magellan's new control room was on the front burner. The counter tops were put in on Thursday. 

Wednesday morning, the first day back to school from Christmas Break,  I started up the Voyager to be sure everything was working. To my surprise it was! How odd - a long break and nothing broken. I couldn't be so lucky. On Thursday morning, just as we were getting ready to start the field trip mission, I found Mrs. Remy bent over one of the Voyager's VCR's. The middle VCR - the one that has been with us almost from the beginning - wasn't working. Every time you turned on the power it would begin fast forwarding. My theory proved true. On Friday evening I sat waiting to hear from the other simulators. The first news came in from the Falcon. I was told the network was down. Bill and Mark began working on that. I was surprised by the Galileo. Nothing to report unless it was something they took care of.

The Magellan was different. The programming had a few bugs and it was too warm in the simulator. The air conditioning wasn't working correctly.  The biggest problem on the overnight mission was the staff of the Magellan getting use to the control room and the extra controls programmed into the system. The general talk around the tables during the 11:45 P.M. ice cream before bed ritual was the maddening number of buttons and indicators the Flight Controller and 2nd Chair have to monitor and operate.  All in all - the Magellan's first overnighter with a new control room went much better than I anticipated.

I had a pretty good crew from Cherry Hill Elementary. Many of them were from the 6th Grade A.L.L.program. They were excited to do the new Shadows story because of the comments they heard at school from their friends who had come a few weeks earlier. They told me they heard the story was really scary.

We got to the actually Shadow stuff Saturday morning. Josh Webb got dressed up in the costume and made his first appearance.  There was a significant amount of screaming. The campers found cover wherever they could.  The kids were focused - just too freaked out to do anything but hide.

Josh was down to the last two kids. All others were in Sick Bay. The first officer was hiding at engineering. He looked down and saw the computer on. Power was being restored. He shouted to all others to come and help get things running. Strangely enough, no one came. He was alone. He did nothing. He got up and ran to a new hiding place. At the end I questioned him about his decision not to try to escape from the dampening field. "This mission is too freaky," was his complaint.  He was frustrated because he knew their survival was up to him, but he couldn't bring himself up to taking a risk by returning to the bridge.

                       David (left) passing the Odyssey's Microphone to Chris

Tuesday evening, David Merrell performed his last official duty as a Set Director at the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. At 7:10 P.M. the ceremonial Passing of the Mic was performed. David stood by the Odyssey main entrance and handed Chris Call the Odyssey's main microphone. The event started at 6:00 P.M. A history of the Odyssey was given along with thoughts and comments from the current flight directors. David took a few moments and spoke about working at the Center. We learned that "The Great Space Race," was his favorite mission. "Comet Trap," was his worst. He won't miss training but said he will miss the moments when you get a crew that "gets it"

and rises to the occasion and completes a mission.

The meeting ended at 7:00 P.M. We enjoyed refreshments provided by Lorraine Houston in the Discovery. I want to thank all those who attended.

Chris Call is now the official Set Director for the Odyssey. I'm pleased to see him take ownership of the simulator. He is making changes to the set to reflect his own personal style. Scott Slaugh has been hired to create a new tactical stack. There are many new changes and upgrades coming.

I want to take a moment to voice appreciation for our outstanding female staff. This last overnight mission had six of them working.... Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Remy, Rio, Metta, Aspen, and Jennifer. They really brighten up the place and provide superb roll models for the girls that come to camp. They also provide a much needed female perspective to an overwhelmingly male dominated Space Center.

Thanks Ladies for what you do and your patience with "the boys".

And now, those famous words.

That is all..................

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

We're Starting a New Year and Getting Ready for School. A Few Bits of Cowboy Wisdom to Help You With Your New Year's Resolutions. Imaginarium Theater.

Hello Readers,

     Christmas is over and 2024 is fast approaching. On January 8 most of our Voyagers return to school (with a few returning this week). Returning after the Christmas holiday is dreaded by students worldwide. Teachers get to school first to turn on the lights, turn up the heat, try to remember where they left off in their curriculum, and review their list of sarcastic remarks intended to put overly sugared students back into learning mode. Students will slither back into the classrooms next between 7:30 A.M. and 9 A.M. You hear the roar gradually build as they gather in the hallways comparing their holiday adventures and gifts. 

"Do I look like I'm happy to be back!?"

     I do my best to kindly greet each student as they reluctantly enter my room, but I wouldn't place a wager on the number of optimistic responses I get back. Most give me a look of hopelessness. Others send a defiant stare as if to dare me to get them under control. I accept their challenges knowing that once that bell rings, they fall under my control.

Cherish Prudence, Student Class President, photographed the morning
of the first day back from Christmas Vacation.

     After the Pledge of Allegiance, I list five hours of homework assignments on the board. Next to the assignments I have a note which reads, “Due Tomorrow”. Now I have their complete attention. The silence of shock quickly evaporates into weeping and howling. I wait for the emotions to settle before telling them the part I purposely left off the board. "Give me a good day and good work and you'll be surprised at what could be erased from this list," I say with a kind smile.
     As the day progresses, one assignment after another disappears (depending on their attitude and work of course) until we are left with exactly what their assignments would normally have been.  I will also erase an unwanted assignment if given a positive comment about my lessons or appearance :)

      Soon, just like Pavlov’s dog, they are trained and my well oiled classroom is firing on all cylinders. Instead of the slang and slurs I heard at the start of the day, by 3:00 P.M. I hear only the Queen’s English. I'm also pleased that most have regained control of their emotions and bathroom needs. Its all good.

Students After a Day of Retraining

     Because we're starting a new year, may I take a moment and share a few bits of country wisdom I’ve picked up over the years? Remember now, I’m from South Dakota - the state that lies below North Dakota (if that helps you place it on a map). This may surprise you, but South Dakota does have indoor plumbing, highways, and airports. The Denver to Deadwood Stagecoach stopped running years ago after the first highway was built. Contrary to what you may have heard, you may visit the State without fear of Indian attacks. Best of all, South Dakota doesn’t have a state income tax! The American Dream is alive and well in this capitalist oasis on the northern plains.

Luella Stump, South Dakota Director of Tourism, encourages you to come see the Beauty of the West in South Dakota!"  (side note: South Dakota has a shortage of dentists but you won't find a better buffalo burger anywhere)

     I was raised in rural South Dakota. This is cowboy country. Cowboys have a unique, down to earth wisdom that seems to apply to everyone, no matter what side of the tracks you come from. So, to get 2024 off to a good start, here is a list of excellent cowboy wisdom I picked up over the years. Get you cowboy boots and 10 gallon hat on, play a good western CD, and get ready to get inspired.

• Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
• Don't squat with your spurs on.
• Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back in.
• If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
• If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
• After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him... The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
• Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
• There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.
• If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
• Never slap a man who's chewin' tobacco.
• It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
• Always drink upstream from the herd.
• When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.
• When you're throwin' your weight around, be ready to have it thrown around by somebody else.
• The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.
• Never miss a good chance to shut up.
• There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation, and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

"I got a fire goin' and the biscuits are hot. I'll be waiten for ya."

     Ya’ll enjoy the next few days of yer freedom. If ya’ll have some spare time, get yer horse and come on out and help us with a mission or two.

     My final thought, may the problems of 2023 forget your address so that 2024 will be the best year ever.

Ad Astra!
Mr. Williamson

Imaginarium Theater

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

A Merry Christmas to All Current and Past Staff and Volunteers and Proof I was a Good Boy Back in the Day. Jon Becomes a Teacher. Alex DeBirk's Talents. The Center Gets a New Desk. Theater Imaginarium.

Mr. James Porter and Mr. Jon Parker (the only picture I could quickly find of them together) Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas 

 

     The Space Center's leadership team wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.  Perhaps Mr. Porter and Mr. Parker will take some time off to spend with family and friends, they absolutely deserve it.  

     Aren't you impressed with the new additions to the Space Center programs over this last year - the laser shows, the new Christmas planetarium shows, the new lobby furniture?  And that doesn't even start to list improvements to the simulators.  Under Mr. Porter's leadership, look for more of the same in 2024.  The Space Center is the magical place to be.

     Speaking of Christmas,  are you embracing the spirit of the holiday (or at least enjoying some time off)? 

     Teachers and students relish every minute of every vacation day because we know each passing hour brings us closer to January 8th and the start of the longest stretch of government-sanctioned torture allowed by law and the International Court of Justice. I'm talking about the marathon of time between Christmas and Spring Break, where the hearts of teachers and students grow faint due to cramped enclosed classrooms, bitter temperatures, polluted air - which in turn bring multiple inside recess days, and a serious lack of celebrated holidays.  We are all possessed of near-fatal cabin fever come Spring Vacation. 

Honor's Night Back in the Day

   

     Now that we've reached the end of 2023, I want to thank the current and past staff and volunteers for the time you've given the Space Center over the last 33 years. I consider you friends, coworkers, and overall amazing people.  I'm grateful for the time you've given to help with the missions and classes. I'm honored that you respect these programs enough to make them a part of your lives. 

     What a blessing a simulator based experiential education program would have made in my life had one been around when I was a teenager in South Dakota back in the dark ages. I would have been that super annoying young volunteer needing to be kicked out the door at the end of every mission. 

     I feel rewarded and humbled to be associated with such outstanding young men and women. Thank you, and for you pre-drivers, please thank your parents for their time and gas to get you to the simulators and back. 

The Late 1990's.
Metta, Dustin, Chase, James, Rio, and Ryan Kneeling.
Yes, that guy in the white shirt is our very own Mr. Porter.

     The Space Center is a collective work of dedicated volunteers and staff united in an effort to increase people's interest and knowledge of space. Over time, our efforts will play a part in the creation a space-faring civilization  colonizing the solar system. From there, we will explore the farthest reaches of the observable universe. If you wonder what keeps me working as a teacher and volunteer in this field day after day – there it is, and you thought it was the money.  For shame.  

As you can tell by my healthy appearance, I've never been one in want of sweets.  It was one way to keep me quiet. That's me in my mother's lap wondering why Granny hasn't rewarded me for sitting so nicely for the picture, 1959.

     I hope Santa has you on his list of approved stops. I hope you find your stockings filled with sweets and toys. I hope you remember that giving brings more blessings than receiving. Don't forget the greatest gift you can give is the gift of yourself. Give a little love and kindness to those you care about this holiday season. And remember those who may be in need next door or around the corner. An act of  kindness could brighten the day.

Mr. Williamson 1961. A Good Boy for Santa then and now.

     Tonight I'll be settling down to a long winter's nap hoping Santa remembers my little cottage nestled on a hillside in Pleasant Grove. I should be on his list - it is one of those defined benefits outlined in every teacher's employment packet; as long as Santa uses the broadest definition of the word "good". 

I got a vase for Christmas. Perhaps 1960 wasn't a good year for me.

Well, now that I think about it,  there was the .......
And I can't forget about that time when..........
Then there is the time that ..........
I shouldn't of said that about...............
........ Well, at least I'll have enough coal for the fireplace. Yes - there will be enough coal.

Mr. Williamson and Older Sister Kim in 1963. We Were Santa's Favorites. I'm told by reliable elves that a copy of this photo hangs proudly in Santa's front parlor as examples of children practically perfect in every way.This was originally a black and white photo.  My Grandma Violet painted the photo. She went a bit too heavy on the lips. 

    I want to wish the staff and volunteers of this magical island of imagination a Merry Christmas.  

Ad Astra!

Mr. Williamson

A Congratulations and Tribute to Our Friend Jon

By Mr. Porter

As you can see, Jon has mastered the "Teacher Look" required of all new teachers. This look, when used properly, will stop a student dead in his tracks; and when cast broadly, will quiet even the most disruptive classroom.

     Over a month ago I mentioned something very big that was coming down the pipe. We often have major changes that impact our program and the trajectory of what we do. This is perhaps not one of those moments for us as a whole but it is something for an individual. This person, like so many, has poured their heart and soul into the Space Center. That often has meant sacrificing time that goes beyond a scheduled shift or doing the minimum before leaving for the day. Instead they have nestled a little niche not only into our physical facility, but into so many of our lives. That same sacrificing nature has had them spend many hours helping so many of us even when they probably had other important personal items needing their attention. Thankfully they took enough time and dedicated enough effort to achieve an accomplishment that I felt was significant to draw your attention to. Not to diminish the many, many, similar accomplishments that so many of you have equally attained. But it is my pleasure to share that from my understanding, Jon has completed all steps necessary to graduate and become a certified teacher. I hope you'll join with me in celebrating this milestone in his life. He overcame many challenges to get to this point and so I just felt it necessary to point a little bit of a spotlight on his accomplishment. 

     Congrats from all of us Jon.  

The Space Center's New Lobby Desk

     

     Mr. Porter's Christmas wish came early this year with the arrival of the highly anticipated new lobby desk. 

Hyrum and Marcus trying out the new desk. Marcus dreams of the day when he will sit in the tall seat. It will take time, but he will get there. I'm sure of it.

 

The lobby as seen from the tall seat

     This new desk accommodates two people and  reaches new heights of luxurious comfort when compared to the old desk.  "Knowing that I'm going to get to sit in the high seat of the New Desk motivates me to come to work," Hyrum was overheard saying. "I'm kind of torn now. Do I put in for more lobby shifts or continue my work as a Cassini Flight Director?  This desk makes me wonder."  

     Tours of the New Desk are free of charge.  Contact the lobby staff for an appointment.

Merry Christmas from our Friends at InFiniD Learning

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your favorite team of trouble-makers!

May your days be merry and bright,

/The Infini-D Learning Team

Alex DeBirk, Director of the Discovery Space Center at American Heritage School, Appears with the One Voice Children's Choir in a New Video.

Imaginarium Theater

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