The Babylon Arts Council (BaCCA)will host its Harvest Moon Mixer beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the Chateau La Mer in Lindenhurst. The evening has been planned with a very special purpose. Central to the festivities, the Council will be announcing the initiation of the Babylon Arts Council's Senator Owen H. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Babylon Arts Council has enjoyed a long history of supporting and promoting the arts within the Town of Babylon and has taken pride in developing, sponsoring and presenting artistic, musical, cultural and educational programs and providing support and encouragement to art organizations and artists of all genres as they pursue their endeavors. This would not have been possible without Senator Johnson's unwavering support and appreciation of the effect arts and culture has in defining and enhancing our community. The Babylon Art's Council and, in turn, the community at large has benefited from his enthusiasm and understanding that the arts influence a community's vitality and vibrancy and play a role in its endurance and prosperity.

The Senator Owen H. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award was conceived to recognize his leadership and pay tribute to his achievements in working to ensure the arts will always be a part of Babylon. Naming the award in Senator Johnson's honor will allow his example to inspire others and provide the Babylon Arts Council with a yearly opportunity to recognize individuals who have aspired to make similar contributions of time and talent to the arts in Babylon. The Council is pleased to announce the Senator Owen H. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award's inaugural recipient will be Gustave Fishel, III.

Mr. Fishel's selfless volunteerism, generous spirit, compassionate devotion to his community, advocacy and passion for the arts has influenced Babylon in a most positive way and has made an indelible mark on the community's identity. His efforts on behalf of the arts in Babylon typify the Senator's dedication to maintaining the arts as key to the community's character and longevity.

Tickets to attend this event (including light fare, drinks and live music) are available at $ 50 per person and can be purchased by contacting the Babylon Arts Council at 631-587-3696. The actual presentation of the award will take place next year, at the Babylon Arts Council's 35th Anniversary Gala.