BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. Yes, the 34th annual Beautification Society Fair at Argyle Park last Sunday attracted a huge crowd (some say bigger than last year). One of the most popular sellers was the used books table. Also very popular was the roasted corn, with people lined up with bags for carrying. Home baked goods were not allowed due to Board of Healthregulations. It was a very special moment for Isabel Gallagher, founder of the society, when her son Rob and his wife Lil brought her to the big event. Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley, who was with Isabel and the society almost from the very beginning, spoke about all that the group had accomplished under her direction through the years. She looked beautiful as always all dressed up with a very stylish hat. Another amazing lady, Fran Pasch, spent the day working, her 34th year on the job. Fran is an outstanding volunteer and an outstanding person. Congrats to all who worked so hard on the fair, which goes to benefit our beautiful Village.

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL LABOR DAY WEEKEND and Babylonians celebrated the end of summer in grand style. Grace and Ed Ricketts threw a luncheon party on Saturday for their friends on the rear deck of their beautiful waterfront home. Guests were able to enjoy the view of the bay and watch all of the boats out fishing, clamming, etc.. People are still talking about the fabulous luncheon and all of the delicious hors d'oeuvres, etc.

MONDAY WAS "NEW SMYRNA DAY" at the Babylon Yacht Club. We had the famous New Smyrna punch with lots of wonderful snacks and hot dogs cooked to perfection on the grill. The youngest and most beautiful guest at the party was little 3-month-old Margeux Mayward, whose very proud parents are Libby and Ryan Mayward - she was the hit of the party. This one was hosted by Sue Howell and Joan St. John, with a big assist from Fran Pasch who brought the hot dogs. The place was a beehive of activity - fathers and sons were playing basketball; there were sailing races, and of course kids and their parents were enjoying their last swim of the season. A perfect weekend.

OOPS WE'RE SORRY. In last week's column we wrote an item about the wonderful hot meals served by volunteers at the First Presbyterian Church every Thursday evening. We listed a number for those interested in take out service incorrectly. The number should have read 631-587-5838. We regret the error, but it gives us another chance to tell our readers about the volunteers who give their time for those who appreciate a hot meal every week.

LOTS OF BIRTHDAYS TO TELL YOU ABOUT. We'll start with Carmen Accettella who celebrated on August 31. Nick Maya, son of Robin and Greg Maya celebrated his 18th at the family's summer at Point O' Woods. Then we have Jane Kane, Mary Rinklin, Sue Howell, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Nancy Parker, Robin Maya and last but not least our favorite lifeguard, Michelle Warren in September.

AND STILL ANOTHER SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY. It was Owen O'Neill's turn to treat for breakfast last Wednesday. It was his birthday and tradition calls for the celebrant to pick up the check for his fellow members of the "Sewer Society" at their Wednesday meetings at the Delphi Diner. Many, many more Owen.

EVERYBODY LOVES CAROL MCTIGUE, and we were all sorry to see her move to Saratoga Springs where she was born and has numerous family members living in the area. Carol and her very close friend Barbara Schlerf have been teaching school in West Islip for many years, and over time have become like sisters. Last week Barbara and a host of bridge and pool friends threw a fabulous farewell party in Carol's honor at the club. Everyone was there - that's because everyone loves Carol. We wish her lots of happiness up in Saratoga.

RAVE REVIEWS: Lindsay Crouse who recently starred in the Bell of Amherst at the Gloucester State Theatre received rave reviews from the critics for her performance. Her very proud mother-in-law Molly Blue, Lindsay's husband Dick Blue and Dick's son Alex were all on hand for the opening night performance.