What A Perfect Day For A Parade - The sun was shining— it was not too hot nor too cool. In fact the temperature was perfect: a great day for the best Memorial Day Parade on Long Island. Theline of march started with the honor guard, followed by the local dignitaries: Mayor Ralph Scordino with Village Trustees Alice Vanderveldt, Kevin Muldowny, Debbie Basile and Tony Davida followed by Town and County officials, including SuffolkCounty Executive Steve Levy. Then there were the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daisy Troops and of course the St. Joseph kids. What would a parade be without music? ThePanthers as usual did a banner job and so did the special favorites, the Saffron Pipes, who are always terrific. Last but not least were the marching band of the Babylon Fire Department and the various companies marching with their trucks, all sparkling clean and looking great. Everyone assembled at the gazebo afterwards for speeches. It was the best ever and congrats go to the American Legion Post 94 for all of their hard work and preparation. What a great way to start off the summer!

Visitors From California - Yes, former residents Joan and Joe Vanderveldt, who now live in Garden Grove, California are here in town visiting with relatives and friends. Lots of summer visitors enjoying the beautiful beaches and scenery in the Village, which is looking terrific these days as always.

It's Official- Summer is here now that our local clubs and beaches have opened for the season. We'll start with the Long Island Yacht Club. Members are planning a busy and active season. Last Saturday Commodore Linda Bias cut the ribbon to "show off" the newly restored pool and tiki bar area. Lots of members attended as well as special guests which included Pastor Bond, Mayor Ralph Scordino and Senator Owen Johnson, and members of the Women's Auxiliary.

And In Keeping With A Long Held Tradition - opening ceremonies were held at the Babylon Yacht Club starting at noon last Saturday when a small cannon was fired to start the proceedings. Commodore Ken Goodwin, as well as board members and former board members and the excellent staff headed up by Manager Mike Barrett, were on hand. And the moment everyone was waiting for, the hot dogs and soda served and prepared by members of the Junior Yacht Club. Everyone is looking forward to another fun-filled season.

We Were Happy To Hear From Her Husband Bert- that Doris Pedersen is doing well after having undergone open heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital. Way to go Doris!

Congratulations to Claire Meirowitz who will be honored as the Communicator of the Year at award ceremonies to be held at the Blackstone Steakhouse in Melville on June 17 when Claire of Professional Editing Services, and C&M Business Writing Services, Babylon, will receive the Communicator of the Year award. Themeeting has been generously sponsored by St. Joseph's College. Claire lives in Babylon Village, and here, closer to home, she's the President of the Babylon Business and Professional Women's Organization. Melissa Kane Connolly, Vice President of University Relations at Hofstra University, will speak on how the University made history by hosting the third of the Presidential Debates.

A Possible Accident Waiting To Happen - A metal box on a light pole at Montauk Highway and Sequams Lane with a door hanging by one hinge, the other broken, a possible threat to pedestrians or motorists. The box is obviously not in use, so why is it still there?

A Beautiful Life - She raised nine beautiful children, seventeen beautiful grandchildren, and two beautiful great grandchildren. Thiswould seem like a full and happy life for anyone, but it didn't stop Peg Rendich from helping others during her long life. She was an active volunteer for the Good Shepherd Hospice for many years. She also volunteered for FISH, an organization dedicated to helping those who need a ride to Doctors' appointments, and other errands. And if that wasn't enough, she taught the children of St. Joseph's in the religious education program. But wait, there's more—it wasn't all work and no play for Peg. She loved the beach and often went to Overlook with members of her family. She could be seen riding her bike around the Village. She also loved music, especially the opera on the radio. There's more, much more about this remarkable woman whose life touched so many people. She was my close friend and my daughter Mary's mother-in-law. All those who knew her loved her, and will miss her as long as we live.