I’m strictly a hobbyist astronomer. I describe myself as a beginner since 1962. I’ve watched the sky since then, though not with the dedication I admire in some people in RAC. I have simple equipment and I live in the woods. That means I observe bright objects overhead. Most of my time goes into the family. I’m happy that my family spends some time observing with me, too! I get out most nights for a few minutes of naked eye or binocular astronomy and get the telescope out a couple of nights a month. My astronomical slogan is “No matter where you look, there’s something pretty up there.” In past years I have served RAC as Vice-President, Secretary, and Webmaster. I’m currently one of the members in our Communications Committee. Another hobby is storytelling, so I enjoy telling stories and myths of the stars as we are looking at them.

Astronomy and Scouting

I have been Rappahannock Astronomy Club’s Scouting Coordinator since 2010. I have been working with Scouts doing astronomy for longer than that.  I first became interested in the night sky through the Scouting program. I have contributed a section of this Web site for doing astronomy with Scouts.  It includes resources for working on various badges and programs of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts. I hope this helps other amateur astronomers who may wish to assist Scout groups to learn astronomy. I have also been involved in Scouting since 1962, and my own children have been involved in Scouting since 1987. I have been a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, an Eagle Scout, an Explorer, a Girl Scout parent and volunteer, a Cub Scout parent and volunteer, a Webelos Den Leader, a Boy Scout parent and an Assistant Scoutmaster.  I am currently a merit badge counselor for Mattaponi District, National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. I also volunteer with Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia to provide astronomy programming and leader training. I have been trained in teaching astronomy to youth at the Astronomy Camp program at the University of Arizona. I have been trained in working with youth and in youth safety by Boy Scouts of America and by Girl Scouts USA. I counsel Astronomy and other merit badges.

You can email me. You can also contact Rappahannock Astronomy Club to assist your astronomy program.