Friend of the Stars Awards

We have been presenting our "Friend of the Stars Award" since 2000 in recognition of local individuals and businesses that utilize outdoor lighting that does not contribute to the light pollution problem. Pictured at left is Paul Grim, Principal Mike Meek, and George Eberts at the Athens High School Football Field. 

2000 - Taylor Team of Dealerships

2001 - Athens Community Center

2002 - O'Bleness Memorial Hospital

2003 - Wal-Mart

2004 - Athens City Council for Outdoor Lighting Ordinance

2005 - Dr. Joseph Shields

2006 - Abrio's Brick Oven Pizza and the Village Bakery

2007 - Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare - Athens Campus

2008 - City of Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant

2009 - no nominations received - no award given

2010 - no nominations received - no award given

2011 - Athens High School Footbsll Field Renovation Project and the Eclipse Company Town General Store

SEOAS Astronomy Award

2007 - Paul Grim

The Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society presented this special award - the 2007 Astronomy Award - to Mr. Paul Grim. This award is for the community member who has contributed the most in the area of astronomy education and public outreach. Paul has spoken to literally hundreds of area children about astronomy during the past year. He can frequently be seen at Open Telescope Nights guiding viewers through the wonders of our solar system. 

Paul grew up in Washington, D.C. He attended Johns Hopkins University where he received a BA in Geology. His graduate studies at Columbis University resulted in an MA in Geology. Most of his professional career was with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Paul retired from NOAA (Silver Springs, MD) in 1998 and several years later moved to Athens with his wife, Muriel, where his main interest has been in amateur astronomy. Paul served as web master for this group for many years. Thanks for all of your hard work, Paul!