SHE REALLY KNOWS HOW TO RUN AN AUCTION. Anita North has been collecting treasures from her estate sales, etc. for months. And last Thursday the "busy Women" had a chance to bid on items from her collection at their months meeting held at Captain Bill’s. Many of us got a head start on our Christmas shopping the easy way, seated at a table with friends and enjoying a delicious meal while we bid on the wide assortment of gifts. Sat with Mary Rinklin, "Mac" Beyers, Libby Orr, Marilyn Winters and Lucy Trumble - everyone had a ball.

LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL GIFT? Why not shop at the Southside Hospital fair on December 8th. Talked to Molly Blue, president of the Babylon Auxiliary, who said members have been working very hard on some beautiful goodies. So come on down.

AND SPEAKING OF MOLLY BLUE, she’s just back from a spectacular cruise to the Panama Canal with Aaron Donner aboard the "Seven Seas Navigator." They sailed from New York, and after several days, the hurricane and floods came. So they missed some ports, and spent extra days at sea. Here’s where the small world comes in. While chatting with their fellow passengers, Molly was introduced to a gal who said, "now I know what Molly Blue looks like." It was Ginny Sweezey who lives right here in the Village and was traveling with her husband Bert, and they are Grapevine readers and had seen Molly’s name. Molly and Aaron sat at the Captain’s Table and received every attention possible from the crew - some 450 passengers were aboard to enjoy the gourmet food and impeccable service. And yes, they did sail through the Panama Canal and also stopped in California for a visit with Molly’s son Rick, a Hollywood director, and his wife Lindsay and his son Alex.

ON THE MOVE, Ginny Eckelberry is back in her Village home after a fabulous trip to Trinidad where she stayed at the Asa Wright Nature Center, founded back in the ‘70s by her late husband Don, an internationally known bird artist. Ginny is a board member of the organization.

SEND GET WELL WISHES to Mary Dunn who had a stroke last week. Saw Mary’s husband, Judge Jack Dunn, who said she’s recuperating and undergoing physical therapy at the Consolation Nursing facility. Her many friends say, "get well soon" Mary.

HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE. Friends tell us that Legislator Dave Bishop is being urged to run for Congress in the election next November. He would have a formidable opponent - the incumbent, Peter King is very powerful, especially in the Nassau area of the district. We’ll keep you posted.

A NEW HOME for the distinguished, well-known law firm of Fishel and Bowers. They’ve moved from their Deer Park Avenue offices, and the good news is that they’re still in the Village, and are now located on Cooper Street in the building that also houses the offices of CPA Ed Leitch (across from the Post Office).

DO YOU LIKE TO BAKE COOKIES? "If the answer is "yes," then register for the Holiday Village Cookie Contest. Call Eileen Molloy at 587-9599, Emily Letteriello at 586-5268 or Catherine Bracco at 587-6005 or stop by the Babylon Library to sign up. The deadline for entering is November 30, 2005. Winners will be announced at "Christmas at the Conklin House" on Friday, December 2nd from 6 to 9 p.m. during "Holiday Night of Shopping in Babylon village."

TOYS FOR TOTS FUN NIGHT. Come join the fun at the "Toys for Tots Night on Sunday, November 27 at the Post 94 American Legion Hall from 3 until 7 p.m. There will be a DJ for your dancing or listening enjoyment, with food, beer, wine and soda. The donation is $10 or an unwrapped new toy.