THE TURNOUT WAS UNBELIEVABLE at the Presbyterian Church in Aiken, South Carolina where a memorial service was held several weeks ago for former Babylonian, Merritt Thurlow, who died in her home in Silver Springs, Maryland, where she lived with her daughter Betsey Shields and her family. She had lived in Aiken for 30 years after moving from Babylon where she had been active in a number of organizations and volunteered much of her time. She was admired and loved by everyone she knew. Among Merritt’s relatives attending the services, some of them from our area were: Nan Hanaway, Tom and Paula Hanaway, Alline Thurlow, Rowland Thurlow, Betsey and Ken Shields and family, Molly Thurlow and family, Kathy Hanaway Samson, Susie Lawrence Goldhirsch, Janie Lawrence, Debbie and David Johnson and family, Trinkle and Tom Brueckner and John Walbridge. Every family member spoke in glowing tributes about Merritt. TheAiken community also gave tremendous support and love to Merritt and spoke of her late husband, Bill, who also donated generously of his time to the Aiken community.

A BIG SUCCESS Spoke to Bertyl Menger, who, along with Jackie Marsden (her fellow countryman) co-hosted the harvest tea fundraiser at the Episcopal Church last Sunday. Everyone enjoyed the delicious tea sandwiches, scones and lots of other delicacies. There were many prizes for lucky winners. Thebest part was the funds raised for the church.

COMING UP. Come on down for the Christmas treat in Babylon. We’re talking about the Friday night open house, Dec. 4th, at the Conklin House where several of the rooms in the beautiful old house are all decorated by various organizations in the area. Feast on the tea sandwiches contributed by the Babylon Busy Women and the delicious cookies from the cookie contest baked by local kids. The Conklin House will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. So first stroll around the Village, do some shopping, then get to the beautiful Conklin House and see what Christmas in Babylon is all about. If you miss out on Friday night, not to worry, the House will be open on Saturday afternoon from 2 until 4 p.m. Denise Reilly is the chair of this very special event.

THANKSGIVING TIME IS FAMILY TIME, and Babylon families are visiting with their families to celebrate. Dr. “Mittie” Beyers will be flying down to Wilmington, North Carolina to stay with his daughter Beth and her husband Rick Frankel for the big day; Claire Meirowitz and her husband Joe Spiegel are also North Carolina bound and will visit with Claire’s three daughters and their fivegrandchildren. Mary Freund will be with her son Rick and his wife Arlene and their family of West Islip. Several families who otherwise might have celebrated alone, will spend the day with friends in the area in the true spirit of Thanksgiving. What a community we live in.

SPEAKING OF “MITTIE” BEYERS, “Mittie” celebrated his birthday last week, and treated the members of the “Sewer Society” to their weekly breakfast at the Delphi Diner as is the custom of the group. So Happy Birthday wishes and many, many more to a great guy.

SEND GET WELL WISHES TO UWE PAULSEN who was hospitalized in New York, and now is at home recuperating. Patrons of the old La Grange Restaurant remember him as the gracious host, the handsome, smiling gentleman who made us feel so welcome. Get well real soon Uwe.

AND BEST WISHES TOO to John Ramsey who’s a patient at a Farmingdale Hospital. We hope he’ll get well soon. John is the husband of Jean Ramsey, one of the most dedicated volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital.

AND DON’T FORGET The annual “Busy Women” Christmas Party at Southward Ho on Thurs., Dec. 17. Lots of fun and delicious food are planned for the event and guests are most welcome. Write Lois Baisley, 14 Dolphin Lane, West Islip, NY 11795, or call her at 631-587-0589.

Readers can write to columnist Jane Warren, or submit items for her column via the Beacon, 65 Deer Park Ave., Babylon NY 11702 or email: acjnews@rcn.com.