Here's what Steve Bentley said about the Star Party

Well, it's finally over. The Georgia Sky View of 2009 is now in the history book. Even though the event is over, I, for one, will never forget it. It was my first attempt at organizing an event of this magnitude. Too say the least, I was skeptical of my ability to pull it off.

In my opinion, the event was a great success. But, my opinion doesn't count. The opinion of the people that attended the event is what counts. I'll let them judge the success of the event. After all, that's what it was all about, those that attended the event.

The event lived up to its prime purpose of bringing familiar faces back together for a great weekend of observing, learning, and camaraderie. The fine bunch of people that come to the event each year is what makes the event what it is. The other things like the great speakers and the "pot luck dinner" are the icing on the cake so to speak.

Brian Combs and Norm Worsley were outstanding and gave excellent presentations. Each of them went far beyond what I had expected. Norm actually "saved my bacon" on several occasions with his help with computer problems. Of course, Phil Sacco was in true form. With him giving not one but four presentations was something I could have never expected from anyone. Larry Owens and Dr. Richard Schmude gave outstanding presentations as well. Larry Owens's presentation on astrophotography had information that was valuable to both beginners and experienced astrophotographers alike. Dr. Schmude always puts on a good show. If you've ever experienced one of his presentations, you know that he makes you get involved in the presentation. You're not just someone in the audience, he gets you involved in it. This time, it was in the form of a "pop test" after the presentation. Ironic that's he's a professor at a college, wouldn't you agree.

Although I was listed as the coordinator of the event, the success of the event was due to the many people that helped me pull it all off. First and foremost (for obvious reasons that I think you'll understand) I have to thank my wife, Betty, for her outstanding efforts in the kitchen. Her cooking breakfast and "midnight munchies" were invaluable. I'd also like to extend my thanks to everyone else that helped in making this event successful. Those people include Bill Warren for being the "glue" that held everything together during the planning stage, Felix Luciano & Larry Higgins for their help with the grilling, Tom Moore for managing the outstanding website, Doug Maxwell for his help with the heating and refrigeration problems at the site, Dan Pilatzki for his help with plumbing problems at the site, Dwight Harness for providing the satellite connections, and the host of other people that pitched in to help. People like Alan & Sally Bolton, Jerry and Beverly Williams, the list goes on and on. But mostly, the people that attend the event is what made it what it was. Without them, the event would be just another public gathering. I was especially glad to see several members from the Middle Georgia Astronomical Society (MGAS) at the event. The Georgia Sky View is more like a family reunion rather than a star party and that is what makes it different from other star parties.

So with that I'll send my most heart-felt "Thank You" to everyone that participated in the event at any level. It will be an experience that I will never forget. Now, let me get busy with planning next year's event. Hope to see all of you there again.

Steve Bentley

Here's what GSV'09 attendees are saying about the Star Party

Georgia Sky View 2009
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