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APRIL 20, 2023
Space super star
Local NASA Solar System Ambassador teaches ‘hands-on’ astronomy Sel Richard Staff writer
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4.9 Stars from 1,000+ Reviews
Big of the Year helps Little have a clearer future
spark was ignited in little Michal Warzecha’s soul when his parents tuned in to a TV broadcast of the Apollo Soyuz test project. As the first crewed joint mission between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1975, it represented the inception of Russian/ American cooperation and the 6-year-old was enthralled. “I was totally caught up in it,” reminisced Warzecha. “Wow they’re flying in space! This is what astronauts do.” His interest in astronomy was further stoked upon being given a telescope a few years later. “It was a 50 mm from Kmart, but it worked.” A Polish immigrant, Warzecha grew up in Michigan playing with Legos, subsequently discovering an affinity for science and math. With dreams of becoming an astronaut, he studied aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan and mechanical engineering at the University of Washington. And although he hasn’t made it on a spaceship yet, he has made a career in aerospace, having worked on the Artemis program, the Boeing 777 and other ■ See WARZECHA, page A5
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Jana Rossi Staff writer
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Courtesy photo
ig Sister Lalani Ratnayake immediately took notice when Little Sister Shalom, though capable of reading, headed straight to the picture books during their trips to the library. Her persistence and determination to help the young girl yielded an answer as to why 2022 Big Sister of the Year — Shalom’s eyes hurt Lalani Ratnayake after reading for a while and she chose picture books to avoid the pain. A trip to the optometrist revealed Shalom had a problem with the muscles around her eyes and needed vision therapy. Now, with this support making Shalom’s future clearer and brighter, Lalani describes her Little as a very special girl who is “smart as a whip, always happy and upbeat.” Lalani’s tireless efforts to nurture her Little earned the El Dorado Hills resident the title of 2022 Big Sister of the Year, awarded by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra. Lalani became involved in BBBS while living in Boise, Idaho. Her good friend was a Big Sister with the program there and encouraged Lalani to get involved. She began in the elementary school
NASA Solar System Ambassador Michal Warzecha of El Dorado Hills is ready to share his passion for space with the community.
■ See BIG SISTER, page A7
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 30 ■ ISSUE NO. 8
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■ YOUNG POETS HONORED
Take another look at this gorgeous El Dorado Hills home with an open floor plan and sparkling pool.
El Dorado County’s inspiring Poetry Out Loud winners will be celebrated at an awards event this month.
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