Babylon recognizes Village volunteerism
Mary Ellen Sullivan receives Nathaniel Conklin Award at annual event at Conklin House
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANINE LOGAN

Nathaniel Conklin Award winner Mary Ellen Sullivan with her family, left to right: standing Millard Warren, Pat and Richard Warren; close friends Joan Rumplick and Roberta Jiminez. Sitting, Jane Warren, her sister; Steven Warren, Mary Ellen Sullivan, and Nancy Warren.

Babylon Village resident and active volunteer Mary Ellen Sullivan was presented with the 2007 Nathaniel Conklin Award for Volunteerism at the 12th annual All- Village Celebration held Sunday, July 8, 2007 on the Conklin House lawn. Also recognized was Bob Pasch, who received a special award from the Conklin House Awards Committee for his dozen years of service and leadership to this committee. He is now honorary chair of that committee and villager Betty Siegel is the new active chair.

Sullivan's service list is extensive. Currently a Conklin House Steering Committee member, she has served as recording secretary of the Babylon Youth Project, as historian for the Babylon Business and Professional Women, and she helped found the Percival Scholarship Program for Excellence in History presented by the Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society. Having served as a member of the advisory council for the Lighthouse Preservation Society, she was one of the first 100 people responsible for re-lighting the Fire Island Lighthouse's light. Upon acceptance of the Conklin Award she simply said, "Thank you. This is a great honor."

The Conklin House, now nearly completely restored, is listed as a national historical landmark and has become the showpiece for the Village and community. It has evolved into an historical, cultural and educational center.

According to Karen Petz, one of the co-chairs of the annual All-Village Celebration, this yearly event under the big tent is the major fundraiser for the house and proceeds from the event also support cultural activities that take place at the house throughout the year. These include the Apple and Art Festival and Christmas week celebrations, among others.

Our mission is to promote the historical and cultural aspects of the house," said Petz. "School groups and scouting groups now regularly come to the house for historical tours."

The house and its grounds also host cultural and artistic community groups that offer programs. "These programs must be free to the community," said Petz.

The evening before this year's All-Village Celebration the Babylon Village Arts Council (BVAC) hosted a classical rock and blues concert, featuring the band "Rock Island," under the tent. "We had about 200 people 'rockin out,'" said BVAC organizer and founder Bob Norman.

Petz says this is the type of event the Conklin House Steering Committee welcomes, and it would like to expand these offerings to the community. On tap are a Decoy Show, solo art exhibits, and an Aire Mid Theater Group presentation.

In top right photo, previous Nathaniel Conklin award winner Aaron Stein, left, talks to S.C. Leg.

and Babylon Village resident Wayne Horsley at the event. Top right, Village officials Debbie Basile,, Mayor Ralph Scordino and Alice Vanderveldt congragulate Sullivan. Bottom photo, left, Bob Pasch speaks after being recognized for his 12 years of service on the Nathaniel Conklin Award Selection Committee. At right, All- Village volunteers Mary Aripotch and Beryl Menger greet guests.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Editorial	1
West Babylon Alumni Foundation installs new officers	1
Heard It On The Grapevine	1