posted 10-18-2005 02:19 PM               

I thought I would let everyone know about some fun and exciting events that are transpiring in Massachusetts in November.

First check out http://www.mos.org/nessie/pioneersofspace/index.html. We will be having a great panel discussing both the Russian and American sides of the beginning of the space race. It will be interesting to hear from the scientist and engineers from both sides talk about their respective programs. Check out the web site for future updates. Event is on 11-11-05 at the Museum of Science in Boston. See C/S Sightings as well

The Ignite Foundation ( Iam Treasurer) along with some local schools will be having a current astronaut speaking to over 1300 students over a two day period. This will be an exciting time for those students. More detail to come on that. This is the second astronaut visit this year to MA (5 overall- Precourt, Loria,Williams, Burbank and Kavandi) that I have helped with. It has been fun to help arrange these events and to spend the time making new friends.

Lastly, The Museum of Science, Boston will be having a Space Day in conjunction with MIT in November as well. It involves High School students only.

It should shape up to be a very busy week or two here.

posted 10-28-2005 08:46 AM               

Also Dan Burbank ( STS 115 and 106) is coming up next week. He will be speaking at the Christa McAuliffe Charter School. I think Christa's mom - Grace Corrigan will be attending.

posted 11-12-2005 11:38 AM               

I did attend. I went with a friend, but forget his name.

posted 11-13-2005 06:33 PM               

Dan spent a tremendous amount of time talking with the kids ( ranging from grades 1-8), the teacher and parents. We drove him all over the area and he didn’t complain at all. His stories were humorous, interesting and enjoyable. Dan's many stories include his time training and flying the STS-106 mission as well as his training for the upcoming STS-115 flight. Dan regaled us with stories about life in the Coast Guard and his family too. Dan signed lots of photos for the kids ( well over 100). He is still waiting for the official STS-115 launch date. That launch date will all depend of the success of the STS-121 flight.

My family and Becky Cross, the Ignite Director, as well as Dan all joined the McGlynn's at their home for dinner. I do not know who was more talkative that night, Dan or Larry. They both have great stories to tell about the ocean, space and ships. The food and spirits were great and we talked well into the night.

Overall, it was a great time. We plan on having Dan back sometime after STS 115 in July.

Then on Thursday the 10th, I was able to attend a gathering of high school students and teachers at the Boston Museum of Science. The guest lecturer was STS 114 Spacewalker Stephen Robinson. Steve is a great speaker and had the students laughing and asking good questions. The sad fact that there is no real media attention of the space program was brought home to us when we found that one student in attendence did not know that we have men up in space right now. This has reinforced the need to bring astronauts here to New England to spread the word to our young students that we are still journeying into Space.

Steve signed my STS 114 crew photograph Still need Camarda only), but so was busy that he didn’t have time to sign anymore. Steve did stay and answer lots of questions before he had to leave.

Then on Friday , I went to the Pioneers of Space at the Musuem of Science in Boston. I sat next to some guy in a bow tie- nice fellow- a litle odd looking though. I wish the evnt was handled a little differenty but over all an informative night. I met the Russian photogher who was with Gagarin after his flight. he had some nice pictures and a hand written letter from Yuri with him.

As I stated at the beginning, it has been a very entertaining and educational week.

I plan on trying to get a few more astronauts up to MA this winter and spring.

posted 11-14-2005 05:56 PM               

Okay, funny guy, I was wearing the bow tie. I was heading for a dinner honoring the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. It was a formal affair and you were lucky I wasn't in the tuxedo.

I am glad you dragged me along to the panel event.

It was a pretty good week in Massachusetts for space related talks. Bryan brought Dan Burbank up to speak at several schools. Dan is Coast Guard and CG guys are always gracious to talk with and pleasant to meet.

Chris Kraft gave a two hour lecture at MIT on Tuesday morning, Scott Peterson was at MIT on Thursday talking about his space walk and the panel discussion at the Boston Museum of Science was very good.

I attended the Kraft lecture. A two hour lecture that moved from Mercury to the Shuttle to the future. He is a very inspiration speaker for the young group of engineering students in attendance.

Not bad for Boston.

I also want to thank Bryan for managing to get astronauts into the schools in our local area. The students are always inspired after such talks. Great job Bryan.