Status Report - September 15, 2017
Nearly a year and a half has gone by since the passing of Dr. Bill Cruzen, so a status report of CBBHO is in order.
Last March, I traveled up to Wyoming to load a trailer full of Bill's astronomy assets and hauled them back to Texas. The intent has been to gradually sell-off the majority of these assets, which requires a degree of patience...I've had to test everything, organize everything, and then actually move the items. I figure that I am now ready to do this.
So, does this mean the CBBHO dream is over? Well, no!
Carla and I decided that those items that were to be used in the actual observatory, including the observatory itself, would be retained, whereas we find another location to build the observatory, with an alternate form of financing. In other words, she has no need for it in Wyoming, and Wyoming is too remote for me to sustain that effort.
Therefore, at present time, I am exploring some new locations...as well as new partnerships...so that the observatory can affect the lives of many people, just as Dr. Cruzen wanted.
What this partnership looks like is a mystery, but as an educator myself, I am hoping that we can develop a new curriculum that can be used in conjunction with remote instruments. I am also looking to include other observatories, forming an astronomy network for K-12 students and educators.
As such, CBBHO will certainly become the "Cruzen Memorial Observatory," regardless of the partnership arrangement and business plan that we form.
I will post news of these efforts as information becomes available!
Last March, I traveled up to Wyoming to load a trailer full of Bill's astronomy assets and hauled them back to Texas. The intent has been to gradually sell-off the majority of these assets, which requires a degree of patience...I've had to test everything, organize everything, and then actually move the items. I figure that I am now ready to do this.
So, does this mean the CBBHO dream is over? Well, no!
Carla and I decided that those items that were to be used in the actual observatory, including the observatory itself, would be retained, whereas we find another location to build the observatory, with an alternate form of financing. In other words, she has no need for it in Wyoming, and Wyoming is too remote for me to sustain that effort.
Therefore, at present time, I am exploring some new locations...as well as new partnerships...so that the observatory can affect the lives of many people, just as Dr. Cruzen wanted.
What this partnership looks like is a mystery, but as an educator myself, I am hoping that we can develop a new curriculum that can be used in conjunction with remote instruments. I am also looking to include other observatories, forming an astronomy network for K-12 students and educators.
As such, CBBHO will certainly become the "Cruzen Memorial Observatory," regardless of the partnership arrangement and business plan that we form.
I will post news of these efforts as information becomes available!
Remembering Dr. Bill Cruzen - May 12, 2016
For those who happen upon this CBBHO website, I need to let you know that Dr. Cruzen unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016. Dr. Cruzen leaves behind a loving wife, Carla, and two children, Kathryn and Jesse. Obviously, the Cruzen's have been hit hard over the last two years. Please be in prayer for them.
Dr. Cruzen endeared himself to me very quickly. As a teacher, he had originally contacted me in hopes that I would help him learn astronomy, not to mention the very difficult task of using advanced technical tools to do it. It hasn't been easy for Dr. Cruzen, working through the grief of losing Casey and Andrew, but his ambitious, "can't quit" spirit made me feel that the only thing keeping Bill from accomplishing his astronomy dream was his health.
I will remember Dr. Cruzen as a man who loved his family and friends...who spent quality time loving on my own son (also named William)...and as a man who yearned to impact the lives of countless others. I am proud to have called him my friend.
Of course, the status of the CBBHO observatory build is in limbo...nor is it even important compared to the grief we all share.
When a decision is made regarding Dr. Cruzen's dream of CBBHO, we will let you know.
With much sadness,
Dr. Cruzen endeared himself to me very quickly. As a teacher, he had originally contacted me in hopes that I would help him learn astronomy, not to mention the very difficult task of using advanced technical tools to do it. It hasn't been easy for Dr. Cruzen, working through the grief of losing Casey and Andrew, but his ambitious, "can't quit" spirit made me feel that the only thing keeping Bill from accomplishing his astronomy dream was his health.
I will remember Dr. Cruzen as a man who loved his family and friends...who spent quality time loving on my own son (also named William)...and as a man who yearned to impact the lives of countless others. I am proud to have called him my friend.
Of course, the status of the CBBHO observatory build is in limbo...nor is it even important compared to the grief we all share.
When a decision is made regarding Dr. Cruzen's dream of CBBHO, we will let you know.
With much sadness,
PurposeIn 2014, while planning to build an observatory at their new Wyoming home, Bill and Carla Cruzen lost two of their sons in separate events. Bill's observatory dream continues in their sons' loving memory. "CBBHO" borders the western side of the Black Hills National Forest in the nation's high plains at 6180 feet in elevation. It is a beautiful site with beautiful, big skies.
The purpose of the observatory is for deep sky observing, astronomical imaging, education and outreach. Site construction began in June, 2015. Completion of the main structure is planned for August 2016. Alpha-testing (debugging) phase begins thereafter, with Beta-testing during the Spring/Summer of 2017. Please return to our online webpage for more news and happenings surrounding the Cruzen Boys Black Hills Observatory.
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