A long-time advocate of beautifying Wimberley both on the ground and in the heavens, the popular EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens recently garnered the Night Sky Friendly Business Award. The award goes to local companies using lighting that does not pollute people’s view of the stars and planets.
Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee (WVDSC) members presented the award to Ann Rolling, executive director of Emily Ann, and her husband and co-founder of EmilyAnn, Norm Rolling, atop Memorial Hill on the facility grounds.
“I’m thrilled that EmilyAnn can be a part of this,” said Ann Rolling. “It’s really thanks to our wonderful flag company and their innovative lighting.”
Earning the award is accomplished primarily by turning off or limiting night lighting, and by using lighting that does not shine into the sky. Emily-Ann had previously taken steps to prevent night sky pollution by shielding lights on its flags in Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, atop Memorial Hill. That was accomplished a couple of years ago with new flagpole lighting created by local Eagle Mountain Flag & Flagpole.
“We’re really a test site for flag lighting, some of the first with this lighting that enables us to view the sky and the stars,” said Rolling. “We are so proud to be in Wimberley and of being dark sky compliant.”
The Award is a project sponsored by the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce, endorsed by the Hill Country Alliance and awarded by the Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee.
“Ann and Norm had already shown their commitment to our Dark Skies, and we are glad to show our appreciation with this honor,” said WVDSC Chair Greg Webb.
