WHERE WILL “THE FOUNTAIN” BE LOCATED? The replica of the Fountain, originally located at the corner of Main Street and Deer Park Avenue in Babylon Village some 100 years ago, will be replaced thanks to the very hard work of committee chairman Dr. Chris Proto, committee co-chairman Judy Skillen and Leg. Wayne Horsley and other committee members. After much work and discussion one of the places under consideration for the new fountain is on the east side of the Babylon Village Historical Society Museum. It will be 10 feet high, and will incorporate the features of its predecessor which was destroyed in an accident when the Village trolley, on its way to the dock from the railroad station, was in an accident with the fountain, completely destroying it. Wayne secured funds from Suffolk County for the beautiful Robert Moses statue, located west of Village Hall, and has been working hard on this project to see if he can secure funds from Suffolk County again. The committee members met last week and have been working on the preliminary plans for the project. My opinion: it will enhance the beauty of our lovely Village. What a worthwhile project.

IT TOOK QUITE A WHILE for Barbara and Gil Schlerf to claim their prize which they won at the Don Conroy scholarship dinner last spring, but last week they finally got out to the east end to enjoy their two-day stay at the Bartlett House in Greenport. Thebed and breakfast owned by former Village resident and Trustee Dianne Gilmore and her husband Jay, is located right in the heart of the Village and has been completely renovated. “It’s beautiful” is the way Barbara and Gil described it. They had a delightful stay in a lovely room and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. “Everyone connected with the place was friendly and accommodating, and we had a great time", Barbara and Gil said. Diane hated to leave Babylon when the time came several years ago. But, Jay’s job change made it a necessary move. If you’re planning a trip to the North Fork to see the foliage, do drive out to Greenport and stay at the beautiful Bartlett House.

AND SPEAKING OF BARBARA AND GIL, former West Islip resident Carol McTigue has been visiting with them here in their West Islip home. Carol lived here for many years before moving to Saratoga Springs last year to live closer to her sister and other family members.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to Owen O’Neill who celebrated with his “Sewer Society” friends at the Delphi Diner last week. It was Owen’s turn to pick up the check as is the custom at the weekly meeting of the group.

A FABULOUS TRIP. Yes, Judy Skillen had a marvelous time when she traveled to Egypt with her friends Theresa and Mike Del Toro. The threesome visited Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor and cruised the Nile River for six days. They saw so much, including ancient temples and more. Needless to say, they had a marvelous time.

BLOCK PARTIES ARE “IN” THESE DAYS. The weather is cooperative and people are enjoying the cookouts, games etc. TheDeer Pen community recently had one where we heard on the grapevine that everyone had a great time – lots of kids and lots of fun games.

OFF TO THE RACES where Ed Weinstein skippered his catboat, “Nueve,” to a first place finish in the over 19-foot class during the annual Catboat Association Rendezvous held at the Sayville Yacht Club. Ed’s crew included sons Dr. Victor, from Charleston, S.C.; Robert, from Madison, Ct.; Daniel from East Greenwich, R.I., and his son, eight-year-old Benjamin. That’s called “keeping it in the family.”

IT’S OFFICIAL. The “West Wing”, the nick name for the room on the west side of the Historical Society Museum is now a part of the Society since the seniors have decided to use other facilities of the Village at Village Hall. What that means to us is that there will be much more room for displaying artifacts such as paintings, old furniture, etc. And some of this material has been donated lately from well-known families such as the Ricketts and the Arinks. Lots of material running from 1940 until 2000 is on display in the room. Pictures from the Tulip Festival (remember that?), World War II, etc. will be available for visitors to enjoy seeing. So come on down.

THEY’VE ONLY BEEN GONE A WEEK but everyone misses Grace and Ed Ricketts, who are now living in their winter home in Stuart, Florida. Their friends hosted a farewell party for them before they left, and wished them well in the nice Florida sunshine. Talked to Grace on Saturday, and she said it was a gorgeous day, with bright sunshine and they are doing fine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to Seamus Cusack who celebrated his second birthday on Sept. 17. Seamus had a party for 15 of his friends at his home with “Thomas the Train” theme. Seamus is the son of Kerry and Brenden Cusack of Babylon Village.