Greetings CHAOS and Guests,
I am honored that CHAOS has been named “Volunteer Group of the Year” by Virginia’s DCR.
The Chapel Hill Astronomical & Observational Society has had a long standing relationship with Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg, Virginia since 2011. It is a pleasure working with the staff and their volunteers there at the park. With them working along side us, together we have hosted, soon to be twenty-seven star parties.
During this course of time, I have met so many park staff. All have been a pure pleasure to work along side. Most have been high school juniors and seniors, that have moved on with their live. Many with families of their own. Occasionally, we cross paths when they return to the star party for a public night. It’s always amazing to see them.
As President of CHAOS, I need to gratefully thank Adam Layman and Stephanie Allen for making the park feel like home and working with family. They took a chance with CHAOS to host the Staunton River Star Party and creating an event that is just amazing and a lot of fun. Indeed stressful during the planning and getting everything together, but when the dust settles at the end of the event, we are looking forward to the next one.
Having this feeling of family, makes it easy to go to the park once a month to host observing session for the park guest. The star party assists the park when there is a need for some new equipment such as freezers, coffee machines and so much more. After all, the star party needs these items for our creature comfort.
Volunteering and working with the staff of Staunton River State Park is a pleasure.
Being honored as “Volunteer Group of the Year” is icing on a very sweet cake.
Clear skies,
Jayme Hanzak
President of CHAOS