The Michael Greene Memorial Coaches Challenge September 9, painted a portrait of what it means to live in Babylon.

On a warm, breezy Saturday afternoon dozens of families descended upon the softball field between the schools on Ralph Avenue to participate in the Michael Greene Memorial Coaches Challenge, an event that was more than just a fund-raiser. It was a celebration of the life of Michael Greene, who selflessly contributed his time, talents and energy to his community and in fact lost his life earlier this summer in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter. But also it was a celebration of the fact that we live in Village where there are so many "Michael Greenes "among us.

The cornerstone of the event was a friendly game of softball between the parents who coach Little League baseball and softball and the parents who coach lacrosse. In between innings, there were fun activities for the seemingly hundreds of kids in attendance, including a race around the bases against the Long Island Ducks mascot, Quackerjack. There was DJ music and a mountain of food and drinks available,

as well. All of it was donated as were the scores of raffle prizes given away after the game was over. In a touching ceremony before the game the Greene family, led by Michael's widow Elizabeth, addressed the crowd briefly and expressed gratitude for the efforts of so many and eloquently described how she and her family have been overwhelmed by the support the Greenes have received since the tragic events of June 16.

Once the game was over and the raffle prizes disseminated, just as many men and women who set up the field, the tents, the tables and chairs and the barbecue grills stuck around to clean up. Everybody pitched in and did so cheerfully.

The Village residents who participated some of whom have never even met Michael Greene - all felt good about being able to do so. Most importantly, the Village children learned an important lesson about what it means to be a part of a loving, caring, compassionate community what it means to live in Babylon.