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