A delighted Marge Voohries has announced the graduation of her granddaughter, Sarah Schneider. Graduating from Cornell University (with honors), Sarah received a BS in Science & Technology, with an

emphasis on Forest Ecology. Later this summer, she will begin working on her Masters in Forest Ecology at the University of Maine Orono. Sarah's proud parents are Patty and David Schneider of NYC.

Sarah's graduation is not the only thing that has occupied the family's time. Recently, Marge, Patty, and Sarah all served as bridesmaids at a wedding in Albany! They served as three of eighteen bridesmaids and there were several other mother daughter pairs in the wedding party. Truly a multi- generational celebration!

Speaking of weddings, drivers on Prospect Street, Carll Avenue, and Main Street were treated recently to the sight of a bride and six bridesmaids walking to St. Joseph's Church! The bride, in white, and bridesmaids, in emerald green, certainly brightened up a dreary afternoon. All of the party looked beautiful!

Brian Killen, a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, was recently awarded the National Ancient Order of Hibernians Study Abroad Scholarship. Brian, a member of AOH Division 2 in Babylon, recently returned from his semester abroad at Trinity College's Marino Institute of Education, right in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. While there, he was enrolled in Irish history and literature classes for a total of 15 college credits. The program also consisted of three weekend trips to Northern, Western and Southern Ireland. Afterwards, he had the opportunity to travel through Europe. Taking full advantage of the opportunity, Brian visited England, Germany, Spain, France and Italy before returning home.

Brian's sister, Allison Killen, also a member of the Ladies AOH Division 2 of Babylon, recently graduated from Iona College, with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism. In the fall, Allison plans to broaden her education and attend graduate school for a Master's Degree in Journalism.

BaCCA and the Town of Babylon recently presented the 2009 "TOBYS": The Teen Theatre Awards. Several local students won awards. Best Leading Female (Drama) went to Meghan Ames of Lindenhurst for her role as Mama in I Remember Mama. Best Leading Male (Drama) was Christopher Nolan for his portrayal of Zeus in The Iliad, The Odyssey… at West Babylon. Michael Zigon from Babylon won the Best Male Vocal in a Musical as Bobby Strong in Urinetown: The Musical. Best Female Vocal in a Musical was North Babylon's Merissa Principe as Yum Yum in The Mikado. Additional awards will be featured in upcoming columns. School performances can highlight a school year and all of these talented performers deserve our congratulations!

The recent sidewalk sale, sponsored by the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce, had a rainy start but finished with lovely weather. There were some real bargains to be had, and I was given a free massage by Heather at Healthy Alternatives. A talented singer was performing in front of the old Bank of New York, and many children drifted happily by with painted faces. The event left shoppers looking forward to this fall's street fair,

More Babylon High School seniors have announced the colleges they will attend this fall. Grace Godfrey, daughter of Maureen and Dave, will be going to Long Island University at C.W. Post. Kathy and Mike Lang's daughter, Rebecca, will be attending Loyola.

Jackie Boehm is set to attend the University of Rhode Island. Her parents are Patty and Ronald. Per parents Helena and George, Brittany Fowler will go to SUNY Fredonia.

Alexa Banculli's destination will be Skidmore College, according to her proud mother, Gina. Patti and Ralph DelGatto will be sending their daughter, Racheal to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. At the same time, classmate Carissa Drossos, daughter of Tiffany and Andy, will attend SUNY at Oneonta.

Welcome home to Ada Johnson, who is now recuperating at home after serious complications following a routine surgery. Ada, who works at Horace & Sylvia's, is a popular figure in the business district.

Congratulations to the Friends of the Babylon Public Library for a wonderful book sale the last weekend in May. One collector found several autographed books on sale. Look for the next book sale in November!

Don't forget to hang your U.S. flag out on June 14th, when we celebrate Flag Day.

Isabel Gallagher will be celebrating her 94th birthday with her family. Isabel, who founded the Babylon Beautification Society, has five children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Many happy returns!