|
Click here for more photos from the Ball! Friday, June 20, 2008, Wellman Commons in Bangor was the location for the first annual Astronauts' Ball, a fun-filled evening of fine dining, dancing, and many door prizes from local businesses, plus the Grand Prize of a three day trip to Orlando for four that includes the opportunity to tour the Kennedy Space Center or watch a space shuttle launch. Chad Thomas, a graduate of Bangor High School, and student at Husson College, was chosen as the excited winner of the trip from the more than 100 guests. The event also featured special guests, actual astronaut artifacts and exhibits from NASA.
As guests arrived, a large statue of an astronaut, on loan from Maine Military Supply in Brewer, greeted them from the walkway, setting the tone for what was in store once they entered the building. Display cases on loan from the Bangor Museum & Center for History were filled with NASA artifacts including a satellite heat shield, Apollo mission patches on loan from Dick Cattelle, and a tray of astronaut food, an actual joystick that astronauts used in training, and mission flight manuals on loan from Richard Glueck. Framed autographed photographs, and a large model of the Skylab were also on display. A large floor exhibit of the moon from NASA and beautiful panels of galaxies drew the attention of all who entered the hall. Each guest received souvenirs to take home, including fiber optic wands donated by Oxford Networks.
Special guests, former Astronaut William F. Readdy and ,Bridget Ziegelaar, an extravehicular activity flight manager at NASA in Houston, inspired guests with their talks about the important role the Challenger Learning Centers play to inspire students about space, science, math, engineering and technology.
At 7:59 pm Readdy led attendees in a rousing count down to greet the Summer Solstice. Following dinner by Anne Marie's Kitchen and the prize drawings, facilitated by Challenger Learning Center of Maine President Bill Buckley, Brian Catell & Jump City Jazz drew many to the dance floor to spend the rest of the evening bobbing and twirling to their lively tunes.
 “Neil,” an astronaut replica on loan from Maine Military Supply in Brewer, greeted guests at the first annual Astronauts’ Ball. 
Challenger Center Volunteers Steve Calderon and Jessica Quigley congratulate Chad Thomas (right) on winning the grand prize trip for four to a shuttle launch in Orlando.
Former Astronaut William Readdy, CLC Executive Director Nathan Michaud, and CLC Board Member Bob Ziegelaar.
|
