Above right, the next generation of volunteers (these teens helped out at the event) from left to right: Hanna McGarvey, Chris Jans­son, Brittany Rohl and Jillian Jacinth. The Annual All Village Celebration and Fundraiser for the Nathaniel Conklin House, held Wednesday, July 30, 2008, took place in a different setting this year ­— Lily Flanagan's Restaurant on Deer Park Avenue in Babylon Village—just across the street from the Conklin House. The event also celebrates the spirit of volunteerism in the village, and this year's Nathaniel Conklin Award for the highest level of volunteer ser­vice was presented to Fran Pasch.

"Having the Conklin House under construction gave us the opportunity to feel out a different venue," said Karen Petz , co-chair of the event committee along with Debbie Basile. "We had a terrific turnout, with many first timers attending." Petz credits the numerous vendors for part of the event's success, as the merchants, restaurants, other businesses, as well as individuals, generously donated gift certificates and merchandise as raffle prizes. "The grand prize raffle - a 42 inch plasma flat screen televi­sion donated by Doris and Bert Pedersen - drew a lot of response," said Petz. This year's honoree, Fran Pasch, was selected from among a pool of candidates nominated by fellow Babylonians. She has extensive volunteer experi­ence in the pediatric units of Southside Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. She is one of the original volunteers to work the "country kitchen" at the now decades old Babylon Beautification Society's annual country fair. "Whatever you like about the village are the things we [volunteers] have done through community ser­vice," said Betty Siegel, a member of the Conklin Award selection commit­tee.

Above, left, honoree Fran Pasch with Mayor Ralph Scordino. "The Conklin House is a symbol of community ser­vice and all restora­tions are done via volunteerism." Celebration attendee, Joe Leone, said while he enjoyed the evening, he hopes that next year the event is once again held under the big tent on the Conklin green. "It's more intimate, and you can converse easily," said Leone. Petz said no decisions about next year have yet been made.

At right, Pasch is shown with, left to right, Joy Torrey, Charles Spencer and Betty Siegel, all former Conklin Award winners.