2006 Friend of the Stars Award

Presented to Abrios Brick Oven Pizza and the Village Bakery

On Friday, May 5th, Abrio's Brick Oven Pizza and the Village Bakery were presented with the "2006 Friend of the Stars Award" by members of the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society, the OU Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Astrophysical Institute at Ohio University. The awards were in recognition of the good outdoor lighting at Abrio's and the Village Bakery.

Joe Limoli, owner of both buildings and Abrio's, said he carefully considered what type of lights to put up outside. He didn't want the lights to add to the local light pollution problem, and he was aware of and wanted to comply with the City of Athens Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. He received his award from Dr. Joe Shields, Chairman of the OU Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Christine Hughes, owner of the Village Bakery, and Bob O'Neil, manager, received the award from Dr. Tom Statler, Director of the Astronopysical Institute at Ohio University. George Eberts, Vice-President of the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society, and several other members of the group noted how all of the outside lights focused their light down to the ground. None of the fixtures let light go up into the night sky. These fixtures are known as "fully shielded" lights. The bulbs in these lights do not hang down below the cover or cap of the light, preventing light from going where it is not needed.

On July 7, 2003, the City of Athens adopted an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (21.03.25)to help reduce the light pollution, glare, and light trespass within the city. According to the International Dark Sky Association, better outdoor lighting is a win-win situation. The light that the business or individual is paying for is actually going where they need it. Abrio's and the Village Bakery have otudoor lighting that fully complies with the city ordinance while providing necessary lighting for these businesses.