THANKS Santa, the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Babylon for the letting us have the red plastic gags for free parking during the holidays. But remember, it's still a two-hour parking limit and people can be ticketed for a fine. The bag advises everyone of the limit. So check the time before you park.

CHRISTMAS WOULDN'T BE CHRISTMAS IN BABYLON without the annual tree lighting ceremonies held by the Village and the "Busy Women," and hats off to our new President Claire Meirowitz who did a great job as the M.C. And thanks to Monsignor Chris Heller who gave an inspiring invocation, and to Paul Steinberg who played the beautiful Christmas Carols and to Santa when he gladdened the hearts of our little ones when he gave them their candy canes and to Assistant Fire Chief Anthony Cardale who advised us on the proper care of our Christmas trees. Now we can enjoy the tree as we approach the Village or leave it. It's a real Christmas treat.

SOME SAD NEWS TO REPORT. Judge Jack Dunn passed away several weeks ago and we have just learned that his wife Mary Dunn died last weekend. This couple has lived in our area for a number of years and were important members of our community - they will be greatly missed. Another local resident known by a lot of people, Bob Blossom, died several weeks ago. We send our sympathy to the families of these fine people.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY. Lucy Trumble entertained a group of her friends on Friday night where everyone had a super time.

AND MORE PARTIES. The staff of the Babylon Library enjoyed their annual holiday party held last weekend in the community room of the library and everyone had a great time enjoying the company and the delicious food catered by the Village Meat Market.

OLD FRIENDS GET TOGETHER Christine Turner and her husband Pete Peterson, along with her sister Susan, spent the weekend at the Turner home on South Carll Avenue which was sold last Monday. Joining them for the weekend were Trinki and Tom Brueckner of Rhode Island, Mary Gallagher and Tom Bernagozzi. The group enjoyed breakfast at the Greek Garden and dinner at the Parkwood Café. They also enjoyed playing with Tom Bernagozzi's dog "Stop It." Wonder what it means - kind of an unusual name for a dog.

AND ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY. The Wassail Bowl held by the Historical Society at the Society's museum last Sunday after the tree lighting also drew a large crowd and they all raved about the delicious pastries and cookies donated by our new bakery, Torta Fina, who is always so generous to community events and for all of the refreshments prepared by the members of the Society, and especially thanks to President Jackie Marsten who always works so hard for the Village and especially for the Society.

THIS JUST IN. Last week we wrote about Anita North's hospitalization - we have good news. Anita came home from St. Francis on Sunday and her son Charlie told me that she was much better. That's a relief to all who know this lovely lady.

Readers can write to Jane Warren, c/o The Beacon Newspaper, 65 Deer Park Ave., Babylon NY 11702, or send her items via email at acjnews@rcn.com. Please include "Grapevine" in the subject line.