Space Day 2011, Westbrook, Maine - Photography by Kirk M. Rogers

Astronaut Chris Cassidy from York, Maine, STS – 127


Space Day in Maine 2011...

Space Day Maine, sponsored by Lockheed Martin and the Maine Space Grant Consortium, was celebrated this year from May 2nd through the 6th, at the Westbrook School Department, Rockland District Middle School, Challenger Learning Center of Maine Open House in Bangor and the Brunswick Junior High School after School Program. The Capstone Space Day event was held on Friday, May 6th in Westbrook. Students, exhibitors, presenters, staff and parents joined together at both Westbrook Middle School and High School facilities to provide another terrific event. Generating student interests in STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and math, is one of the primary goals of Space Day and the event is always ably organized by the Northeast Regional Coordinator, Sharon Eggleston. This year was again exceptional. Sharon is a Lockheed Martin Senior Project Engineer, working on the DDG 51-Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers in Bath, Maine and has been involved with Space Day in Maine for over ten years. Through my astronomy interests I’ve always wished to be a part of this event, but I would comment that as far as I’m concerned, Sharon is the face of Space Day in Maine and much of my involvement stems from her participation. The entire week is filled with presentations and activities preparing students to get the most from Space Day.




My participation for the event generally starts the evening before Space Day, when a Presenter’s Dinner is held at a restaurant in the hosting municipality. This year Sharon made arrangements at Casa Novello, located at 694 Main Street in Westbrook and the group gathered at 1800 hours to break bread. I packed what I thought would be required for camera gear and went to visit with friends in our Space Day family.


Sharon Eggleston - Northeast Regional Coordinator and our 'Queen of Space Day Maine'...

Sharon Eggleston - Northeast Regional Coordinator and our 'Queen of Space Day Maine

Presenters' Dinner Group Photograph - Space Day 2011

Presenters' Dinner at Casa Novello - Space Day 2011 Presenters' Dinner at Casa Novello - Space Day 2011

Casa Novello - Westbrook, Maine



Brian and Amanda Ewenson, Aerospace Educators - Space Day 2011 I was pleased to speak with Brian Ewenson once again at the dinner. Brian was this year’s keynote speaker and traveled from San Antonio, Texas along with his lovely spouse, Amanda, also an aerospace educator. There will be more about Brian and his Space Day activities later on…



Brian and Amanda Ewenson...



Presenters' Dinner Views...

Presenters' Dinner Views - Space Day 2011


Everyone attending the Presenters’ Dinner was a dignitary and had a role in Space Day. However, it was a special pleasure to have Maine State Senator Elizabeth M. Schneider, attend this year. She has been involved with Sharon and the event for multiple years and is always supportive of the effort. Elizabeth represents Senate District 30, which includes the Penobscot County municipalities of Orono, Old Town, Lincoln and many more.


Maine State Senator Elizabeth M. Schneider...

Maine State Senator Elizabeth M. Schneider - Space Day 2011


Maine State Senator Elizabeth M. Schneider - Space Day 2011 Maine State Senator Elizabeth M. Schneider - Space Day 2011

Sharon Eggleston, Brian Ewenson and Senator Scheider - Space Day 2011






Space Day - Friday, May 6th...

The Friday of Space Day started early… Sharon wanted most of the group on-site around 0630 hours, but she also indicated being there a bit earlier may prove helpful. Fortunately for me, I live close to Westbrook where the event was being held this year, so this didn’t prove much of an issue. Space Day events follow the school day for the most part so start earlier and are over by mid-afternoon.


Soon enough people who would be doing presentations and exhibits began to arrive. Sharon was exceptionally pleased to welcome a group of sailors from the newly christened Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, DDG 111 Spruance, constructed by General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works. This group served to staff the exhibits, presented the colors as an honor guard at the opening ceremonies, served as keepers of the moon rocks that were exhibited, and fulfilled many functions during the day to aid the event. It was a pleasure to have them along and the morning started out with a group shot of the sailors orchestrated by Sharon.


Morning at Westbrook Middle School...

Morning at Westbrook Middle School - Space Day 2011

Sailors from the Crew of DDG 111 Spruance - Space Day 2011




Patch of DDG 111 - USS Spruance - Space Day 2011 The USS Spruance was named in honor of Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance. Born in Baltimore in 1886 and raised in Indiana, Spruance graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1906 and commenced his active career. With the onset of World War II Spruance commanded Cruiser Division Five, integrated into a task force under Admiral William Halsey and the carrier USS Enterprise. With Halsey hospitalized in mid-1942 and with his recommendation to accede command in his absence, it fell to Spruance to lead Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway against the superior veteran naval forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy. With the destruction of four IJN carriers and just as importantly, thwarting Japanese plans for the capture of Port Moresby in strategic New Guinea, Midway was a decisive and significant victory for the United States. After Midway (June 4-7, 1942) he served in various rolls and in August 1944 he became Commander of Pacific Forces, soon re-designated Commander Fifth Fleet. Spruance was in overall command of the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, November 1943; the invasion of the Marshalls, January 1944; operations for the capture of Saipan, Guam and Tinian in the Marianas, which included the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 – 20 June, 1944, and later for the capture of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. This gallant sailor saw much of warfare in the pacific theatre. Spruance died in Pebble Beach, California in 1969 and now lives on through this proud ship and crew of DDG 111. I believe the Admiral would have approved…



Ship's Patch, DDG 111 - USS Spruance...



The day started off with an assembly at the beautiful new facility housing the Middle School and Westbrook’s Performing Arts Center. There were many students in attendance and the presenters’ and staff staying at the middle school for the day came in for the opening remarks and Brian’s presentation. We were also joined by another dignitary, Ann LePage, the First Lady of Maine - spouse of our Governor, Paul LePage. The assembly started with presentation of the colors by the naval honor guard, a rendition of our national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.


Opening Ceremonies...

Opening Ceremonies - Westbrook Middle School/Performing Arts Center - Space Day 2011


There were two assemblies this morning, one right after the other at the Performing Arts Center followed by the principle event at Westbrook High School. Brian, as the keynote speaker, presented at each of these. Both gatherings will be represented in the following images groups before everyone broke off to attend to their assignments for the day,


Westbrook Performing Arts Center - Space Day 2011


Ron Thompson, representing Southern Maine Astronomers of Cumberland, presented a telescope to the school. It is hoped this instrument will aid to peak student interest in astronomy and study of the night sky.


Ron Thompson with a Gift from Southern Maine Astronomers...

Ron Thompson with a Gift from Southern Maine Astronomers - Space Day 2011


DDG 111 - Spruance Honor Guard


Opening Ceremonies




Opening Remarks - Space Day 2011 Jon Ross welcomed the guests and dignitaries to kick off the event. We thought he was wonderful in the role, serving with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. And we appreciated his NASA jumpsuit worn with his tie. Everyone felt welcomed at Space Day in Westbrook…



Opening Remarks by Jon Ross, Principle of Westbrook High School...



On the Podium, Westbrook High School - Space Day 2011 Anita Bernhardt – Maine Department of Education and Brian Ewenson, Aerospace Educator - Space Day 2011

Ann LePage, Maine’s First Lady, was gracious to read the Governor’s Space Day 2011 Proclamation. Over the course of the day Mrs. LePage participated in many Space Day activities and expressed a great interest in the event. Ann attended the assembly, read to elementary (K-2) students, walked the exhibits and sat in on some of the presentations and hand’s-on experiments demonstrated for the students. Her enthusiasm and encoragement was appreciated by all. It was truly a pleasure to have her join us at our Space Day events in Westbrook.


Ann LePage, Maine's First Lady Reading the Governor's Proclamation...

Ann LePage, Maine's First Lady Reading the Governor's Proclamation - Space Day 2011

On the Podium Proclaiming May 6th as Space Day 2011 Ann LePage with Westbrook Blue Blazes Tee-shirt - Space Day 2011


Anita Bernhardt - Maine Department of Education, Speaking - Space Day 2011 Anita Bernhardt from the Maine Department of Education, a State Science & Technology Specialist, got up to say a few words and read a letter from Maine Commissioner of Education, Stephen Bowen. Anita has been active with Space Day planning and activities for a number of years.



Anita Bernhardt - Maine Department of Education...



Applauding the Speakers - Space Day 2011 Sharon Eggleston, the Queen of Space Day Maine


Space Day correspondence from Maine Commissioner of Education Stephen Bowen, and United States Senator from Maine,
Olympia J. Snow, pursuant to the Challenger Learning Center’s Space Day Open House.

Opening Ceremonies


The Keynote Address...

Maine’s Space Day was privileged to have Brian Ewenson, an Aerospace Educator from San Antonio, Texas, as the keynote speaker again this year. Brian is recognized as an aerospace expert in Canada and NASA’s Space programs and is a professional lecturer. Through his speaking efforts he has educated and entertained hundreds of thousands of students and adults across North America with his hands-on presentations using authentic space program hardware. This year he provided an outstanding presentation of what’s required and what it’s really like to become an astronaut. Brian took us all through a space shuttle mission from crew selection, launch, working in space and re-entry. This presentation was mesmerizing - students and adults alike were enthralled throughout – it was wonderful…


Introduction of Keynote Speaker, Brian Ewenson...

Introduction of Brian Ewenson, Keynote Speaker - Space Day 2011


No Shoes...No Shower...No Problem! - Space Day 2011
Brian Ewenson Presenting - Space Day 2011 Brian Ewenson Presenting - Space Day 2011 Brian Ewenson Presenting - Space Day 2011


Brian Presenting - No Shoes...No Shower...No Problem! - Space Day 2011


After Brian’s presentation everyone took a few minutes while the students returned to classrooms or moved on to the next activity. This provided a brief period for everyone to chat, make introductions or catch up with friends. It also provided some photo opportunities that we took advantage of…


Brian Packing Up...

Brian Packing Up - Space Day 2011


Lieutenant Commander Matthew Schraeder and Sharon Eggleston - Space Day 2011 Ann LePage and Jon Ross - Space Day 2011
Mrs. LePage and Spruance Sailors - Space Day 2011
Brian Ewenson and Ann LePage - Space Day 2011 Sharon Eggleston and Ann LePage - Space Day 2011
RicK LaPointe, Sharon Eggleston, Ann LePage, LCDR Matthew Schraeder and Tim Kienstra - Space Day 2011
Alien and Mrs. Governor - Space Day 2011 Mrs. Governor and Lieutenant Commander Matthew Schraeder - Space Day 2011
Doug Hodum - Mount Blue High School, Danielle Doucette - Winthrop High School, Ann LePage and Amy Troiano - Westbrook High School - Space Day 2011


Presenters and Exhibits...

Ed Ham in Discussion with Ann LePage - Space Day 2011 The school gymnasium area was used for a plethora of exhibits and activities and this is where we found ourselves quickly enough once the assembly was completed. There’s much to see and one can feel the excitement of the students as they make the rounds. Mrs. LePage spent some time in discussion with Ed Ham from Brunswick. Ed attends Space Day with various space program models like the space shuttle and International Space Station, which are helpful in explaining to students how these vehicles operate. Oh, and did I mention Ed is the father of astronaut Ken Ham (STS 132)?



Ed Ham in Discussion with Ann LePage and Student...



Ed Ham and Ann LePage - Space Day 2011 Ed Ham and Ann LePage - Space Day 2011


Some of Sharon's Space Program Patches on Display...

Space Program Patches - Space Day 2011


Views Around the Gym - Westbrook High School...

Views Around the Gym - Westbrook High School - Space Day 2011


I’ve always been duly impressed with the dedicated, accomplished and talented individuals joining us for Space Day in Maine. Much of this is no doubt due to Sharon’s perseverance and wide-ranging contacts. And this year was no exception. This account cannot adequately canvass the 2011 group – everyone was spread out at different facilities and presenting in the same timeframe. But we were able to obtain images on some of the going-on…


Dr. Lynn J. Rothschild is an evolutionary biologist, astrobiologist and synthetic biologist at NASA's Ames Research Center, and a consulting Professor at Stanford University, where she teaches Astrobiology and Space Exploration. Space Day in Maine was fortunate to have her join us. Steve Taylor from the AEGIS Test Team in Bath, Maine transported a high altitude balloon similar to those used by Dr. Rothschild in her research for exhibit. This was set up in an isolated part of the gym where she and Steve Taylor lectured over the course of the day to many student groups.


Dr. Lynn J. Rothschild Presenting...

Dr. Lynn J. Rothschild - Space Day 2011


Around the High Altitude Balloon - Westbrook High School - Space Day 2011


Dr. Monroe Dubois Presenting - Space Day 2011 Dr. Monroe Dubois, a University of Southern Maine Virologist/Professor, explores fundamental questions of life including life’s origins, distribution, and future on Earth and elsewhere in the universe, which he discussed with student groups. A team of scientists from the University of Southern Maine (USM), NASA, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya are studying the microbes and viruses that inhabit Earth’s extreme environments to understand the limits of life on Earth and to search for life elsewhere in the solar system and the universe.



Dr. Monroe Dubois of USM Presenting...



Dr. Monroe Dubois of USM Presenting - Space Day 2011


The Bowdoin College RoboCup Squad was on hand and is always well received by students and faculty as they discuss how to get humanoid robots to play soccer autonomously. This is pretty neat stuff…


Bowdoin College RoboCup's Robotic Goalie...

Bowdoin College RoboCup's Robotic Goalie - Space Day 2011


Jack Morrison of the Bowdoin College RoboCup Squad Presenting - Space Day 2011



Jack Morrison of the Bowdoin College RoboCup Squad Presenting...


Anita Bernhardt, Ann LePage and the Bowdoin College RoboCup Squad - Space Day 2011


Lauren Swett is a Senior Structural Engineer and the Region 1 Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Her talks with students centered upon strengths of composite materials and usages in space exploration…


Lauren Swett, Region 1 Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers Presenting...

Lauren Swett - Space Day 2011

Lauren Swett, Region 1 Director of ASCE Presenting- Space Day 2011


Parting Views from Westbrook High School...

MMC David Eggleston, USN and Ann LePage - Space Day 2011 Forrest and I had been at the high school for multiple hours and taken many exposures. It was nearly noon and time to return to the middle school to document activities there before the day ended. Sharon had things to do at the high school still, so we said our goodbyes and departed…



MMC David Eggleston, USN and Ann LePage...


David Eggleston, Ann LePage & Sharon Eggleston - Space Day 2011
Corridor Color - Space Day 2011 Darth Vader at Westbrook High School - Space Day 2011
Corridor View, Westbrook High School- Space Day 2011


Return to Westbrook Middle School...

We arrived just in time to learn that most presenters were breaking for lunch. As we didn’t know who was presenting where, or how to locate whatever room they may be using, we decided to go to lunch as well. This provided an opportunity to catch up with friends to learn how their day was progressing…


Lieutenant Colonel Lindon Christie - Civil Air Patrol...

Lieutenant Colonel Lindon Christie - Space Day 2011


Robert A. Burgess, Esq., Maine Solar System Ambassador - Space Day 2011 We spoke with our friend and associate Rob Burgess, which proved helpful in planning the next part of the day. Rob is a member our astronomy club, Southern Maine Astronomers (SMA) and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. His presentation was about current NASA Missions including the Mars rovers, the New Horizons Mission and the Search for Near Earth Asteroids.



Robert A. Burgess, Esq., Maine Solar System Ambassador...



Ron Thompson, another member of Southern Maine Astronomers, is an avid solar observer. He was presenting facts about our star. We didn’t plan a solar observing session this year – generally a solar telescope or two is set up nearby for views of the sun...


Ron Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomers Presenting...

Ron Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomers Presenting - Space Day 2011


Thurston Searfoss of Blueberry Pond Observatory - Space Day 2011 Thurston Searfoss of Blueberry Pond Observatory, always a Space Day participant and supporter, was on hand again this year. Thurston was discussing how one can discover new comets, asteroids and supernovas using ‘modest’ earth-bound equipment – the kind the average person not involved with a superfund can afford…



Thurston Searfoss of Blueberry Pond Observatory...


Thurston Searfoss of Blueberry Pond Observatory Presenting - Space Day 2011


Michael Weiss, an educator at Yarmouth High School was discussing the importance of math and science in model rocketry. His presentation included some detailed rocket models and excellent visual aids.


Michael Weiss of Yarmouth High School Presenting...

Mike Weiss of Yarmouth High School Presenting - Space Day 2011

Mike Weiss of Yarmouth High School Presenting - Space Day 2011


Views Around Westbrook Middle School...

Views Around Westbrook Middle School - Space Day 2011


It was disappointing to miss one of my favorite people presenting this Space Day, but I did get a few photographs of Diane Bowen helping out a science class during her down time. Diane is an 8th grade science teacher at Brunswick Junior High School where she teachers astrobiology. She also heads up an EarthKAM Team consisting of 8th Grade science students. EarthKAM involves the study of our planet using pictures taken by the EarthKAM Team from a camera located on the International Space Station...


Diane Bowen of Brunswick Junior High School...

Diane Bowen - Space Day 2011

Charlie Groves - Rocket Man in the Gym - Space Day 2011 Forrest and I went into the gym to await the students returning after lunch. The Space Day rocket crew operated out of the gym where multiple classes would meet to view the exhibits. The students and teachers would attend a lecture and hands-on demonstrations, try out the stomp rockets in the gym, and then afterwards go outside for a supervised rocket launching session. The indoor stomp rockets are always a high point with the students and they did take advantage of the opportunity to get after these in the gym. The Space Day Rocket Crew consists of Charlie Groves, Kevin McAloney, Brad Krog, Rick LaPointe and Mark Phillips from the AEGIS Test Team...



Charlie Groves - Rocket Man in the Gym...



Another participant working in the gym was Sharon’s daughter, Cindy Eggleston. Cindy assisted with the exhibits and worked with students during the day...


FC2 Chris Sparkman and Cindy Eggleston...

FC2 Chris Sparkman and Cindy Eggleston - Space Day 2011


Views in the Gym - Westbrook Middle School...

Views in the Gym - Westbrook Middle School - Space Day 2011


The End of Space Day 2011...

End of Space Day 2011 It was just before 1500 hours and the end of Space Day 2011. Although not late, it had been a long day filled with a great deal of activity. It’s unlikely anyone can look back upon the event and not believe it was an unmitigated success. Space Day Westbrook was about as good as it gets…



The End of a Long and Eventful Day...



DDG 111 Spruance Sailors, Moon Rocks, Brian Ewenson and Sharon Eggleston - Space Day 2011




This humble web account is dedicated to Dr. Terry Shehata and Jana Hall of the Maine Space Grant Consortium and to Sharon Eggleston of Lockheed Martin for their encouragement and outstanding support in presenting Space Day activities in the State of Maine to inspire students to pursue STEM careers...








Kiro
May 2011



A note about Photography by Kirk M. Rogers… My primary photographic endeavors involve astronomy - shooting the night sky with telescopes or wide field lenses, and nature photography with both macro and long focal length lenses. In recent times I’ve done far more daylight work including many image sessions at National Wildlife Refuges in various parts of the United States. Should you be interested in viewing more of my work please visit my website, A Shot in the Dark. There you will find travel photojournals - a venue used for many of my 'daylight' images, a gallery of astronomical works and one of my specialty pursuits, a Bird Photography Index. The web versions of these photographs are nice, but a full resolution print significantly enhances the beauty of these images; all are ©2011 Photography by Kirk M. Rogers - any reproduction, publication or transmission of this content without the written consent of the author is prohibited. Please contact me should you have an interest in obtaining any of the images.



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