2005 Friend of the Stars Award Dr. Joe Shields Each year the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society and the Ohio University Department of Physics and Astronomy presents a local individual or business with our "Friend of the Stars Award". This award recognizes local businesses that have outdoor lighting that does not add to the light pollution problem. These businesses have lights that are shielded so that all of the light is directed down toward the ground where we use it and not up into the sky where we don't use it. The first recipient of this award was Taylor Team of Dealerships on Columbus Road in Athens, in March of 2000. The Athens Community Center, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, and Wal-Mart have also received this award for their outdoor lighting. Last year, Athens City Council received the award in recognition of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance which became part of the Athens City Code on July 7, 2003. This year, we are presenting the award to an individual for the first time. The "2005 Friend of the Stars Award" is presented to Dr. Joe Shields of Ohio University's Department of Physics and Astronomy for his tireless efforts in reducing light pollution through education and the development of the City of Athens Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Joe was instrumental in getting the Athens City Council to consider and eventually vote on the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. He is constantly educating people on the benefits of intelligent outdoor lighting. Thanks Joe for all of your hard work!