It is that time of the year when our children return to school. The schools open on Sept. 8. Please make a special effort to strictly obey "the rule of the road" especially the rules applicable to Stop Signs and school buses.

The law requires that you come to a complete stop at Stop Signs and you are not permitted to pass a school bus when the flashing red lights are on.

Our village is very fortunate to have so many that volunteer their time and talents.

The managers, coaches and volunteers in the Mineola Athletic Association are an example of the "spirit of volunteerism" that makes our village a great place to live.

The youngsters that participate in the MAA's baseball programs are many but only a select few are selected as "All Stars."

This is a great accomplishment and worthy of recognition.

I would like to thank Manager Mike DeStefano and Coaches Rocco Spinelli, Al D'Angelo, Steve Miller and Sid Medlock for their efforts on behalf of the "All Stars."

The MAA Major Division "All Stars" are: Frank D'Angelo, Daniel Medlock, Steven Dekanchuk, Steven Miller, Michael DeStefano, Michael Purdy, Daniel LaRose, Daniel Vezo, Mark Lupo, Derek Webber, Christopher Lyons.

The MAA's 14-year-old Junior Baseball Team recently returned from a successful trip to Oneonta where they played in the Toronto Blue Jay-Oneonta Tournaments. The team won both games that they played.

This summer also marked a string of five years where they played in the District 29 Finals. They were the District 29 Champions this year as well as in 1997.

Thanks to Coaches Ken Weiss and Art Egner for their efforts on behalf of the youth of our village.

The members of the team are: Rob Campagna, Matt Jeher, Chris Egner, Bryan Gallucci, Adam Minsky, Mike Goggins, Andrew Montanez, Dan Guido, Brian O'Neill, George Harrison, Chris Riccardi, Joe Hazel, Greg Weiss.

The board of trustees and I will honor all of the youngsters, their managers and coaches at our meeting on Sept. 8.

The public is invited to attend and extend to these fine men, their managers and coaches, congratulations on their achievements.

If you are planning a home improvement project such as a deck, a new bathroom or a dormer and you are going to hire a contractor, I encourage you to consider the following:

- Seek a referral from someone you know who was pleased with his or her contractor's work.

- Solicit bids from at least three licensed contractors.

- Insist on a written contract that outlines your entire agreement, including starting dates and comletion dates.

- Make sure there are no blank spaces on anything you sign.

- Do not give the contractor a substantial downpayment before any work has started.

- Make sure that the contractor is going to get all building permits before any work is started.

- Require the licensed contractor to supply you with proof that he/she have liability and workmen's compensation insurance.

- Personally inspect the work as it progresses to assure yourself that it meets your xpectations.

- Withhold final payment until the entire project is finished and the Building Department has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.

- Get an affidavit from the licensed contractor that all subcontractors and material supplies have been paid in full before making final payment.

If you have any questions regarding whether your project requires permits and/or the applicable rules related to your project, please call the Building Department at 746-0752.