Additionally, 2009 has been designated as the International Year of Astronomy. The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) have been supportive of the BBAS establishing a fund to assist in offsetting all or part of the cost, when necessary, to individuals and businesses bringing their outdoor lighting into compliance with the City of Alpine and Brewster County’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinances. Another benefit of replacing existing light fixtures with dark-sky friendly ones is the reduction of energy consumption, thus a reduction of electric bills. Visit the IDA web site at DarkSky.org for more information on dark-sky issues.

Tax-deductible contributions to the JTWDSF can be mailed to the BBAS c/o Bernie Zelazny, PO Box 523, Alpine, TX 79831-0523. Please make checks payable to the BBAS and indicate JTWDSF on the memo line. Donors may be made public unless anonymity is requested. This fund will be used exclusively for distribution of dark-sky educational materials, an area advertising campaign regarding dark-sky issues and to assist individuals and businesses financially, when appropriate, with the conversion or replacement of existing light fixtures to dark-sky friendly ones. If you wish to request financial assistance in making your home or business’ outdoor lighting dark-sky friendly, contact Bernie in writing at the address above.

Contact your local retailers for assistance in selecting dark-sky friendly light fixtures. However, if you have an existing mercury vapor security light on your monthly electric bill and wish to have it converted to a full cut-off HPS fixture, please contact you electric service provider for complete details.

Please do your part in helping Alpine achieve the IDA's Dark-Sky Friendly Community designation, whether it be through a contribution to the James T. Walker Dark-Sky Fund or by converting your outdoor light fixture to dark-sky friendly ones. You and your neighbors will be glad that you did!