Well, it was a busy weekend in Babylon! On Friday, the James Street Players performed “The Pajama Game” at the Methodist Church, while Babylon High School’s Drama club opened the curtains on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Both plays received good reviews by the attendees I spoke to afterward.

On Saturday afternoon, the Babylon Little League Parade stepped off from North Carll Avenue, with about 400 players, escorted by the Babylon Fire Department Band as well as members of the Village Board and other local dignitaries.

Saturday night, the Babylon Fire Department installed their new officerswith a banquet held at the Marriott Windwatch Hotel. The new Chief is Anthony Cardali; First Assistant Chief is Paul Twardy; with Michael Sasuk as Second Assistant Chief, and Scott Glen serving as Third Assistant Chief. Congratulations, gentlemen! And thank you to outgoing officers, led by ex-Chief Kevin Morrow. These brave men and women in the Fire Department and Rescue keep the citizens and property of Babylon Village safe, and deserve our gratitude.

Sunday started with the one o’clock dedication of the monument commemorating the “Cuban Giants”, the first African-American baseball team, in the northwest corner of Argyle Park. There were numerous local dignitaries as well as several sports heroes and writers. Mayor Scordino did the honors, introducing all the dignitaries to the crowd. Wayne Horsley was able to tell the crowd about how the Giants got their start with the Argyle Hotel and went on to win several championships. Alice Zaruka, of the Babylon Historical Society, had the honor of lifting the drape from the monument.

Following the dedication ceremonies, the Babylon Historical Society hosted a lovely reception at the Museum, and displayed a special exhibition regarding not only the Cuban Giants, but other area baseball teams back in the early 1900s.

Later on Sunday afternoon, the Babylon Business and Professional Women celebrated their 75th anniversary as an organization, with a cocktail party in the Clubhouse at the Harbor Club in West Babylon. The Babylon Chorale entertained the guests with music from Broadway shows. Mayor Scordino helped with the raffles, winning many prizes himself and generously donating them back for others to win.

Belated congratulations go to Alex Leitch, who celebrated his 18th birthday in a big way, - Disney World! Babylon H.S. Chorus Director Kroll led Alex’s friends in a chorus of “Happy Birthday”, then Alex and the Babylon High “EXPRESS” Chorus performed in Disney. When Alex arrived home last week, the festivities continued with the announcement of another birthday surprise: Alex was one of the recipients of a Babylon Community Scholarship. Happy Birthday, Alex, and many more!

Get well wishes go to the Beacon’s own Jane Warren, who is recovering from a fall.