Sunday, Oct. 1 is approaching fast. That is the date of the Mineola Centennial Parade, which figures to have 80 units and eights bands. The parade is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. The route begins at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Wardwell Road proceeding east to Roslyn Road, continuing south to Westbury Avenue and east to Union Street, and south to conclude at Wilson Park. It will feature a carnival with rides, block party, free entertainment and fireworks. Fireworks will begin at approximately 8:30 pm.

The Grand Marshal for the parade will be Beatrice Hubbard, who is practically a lifelong resident of Mineola. She will be turning 100 years old on Dec. 19 and what better way to celebrate her birthday than to be the Grand Marshal is biggest parade of the century. Hubbard is a retired teacher who taught at Mineola High School for 37 years.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, village officials will have the time capsule from Mineola's Diamond Jubilee dug up. The capsule was buried in 1981. The opening will be held at 6 p.m. in front of 171 Jericho Turnpike, the original village hall.

The capsule was made by Tony Bellissimo, who was one of the village's most respected citizens in its history. Bellissimo, who passed away earlier this year, served as village trustee, was a captain in the fire department and was a member of County Seat Kiwanis.

The application by Christian Crespo to open a MUD Café on the corner of 2nd Street and Mineola Boulevard near the train station received approval from the village board. Mayor Jack M. Martins, Deputy Mayor Larry Werther and Trustees Linda Fairgrieve and John DaVanzo voted in favor of the application to build the café while Trustee Paul Cusato voted against the application. Trustee Cusato felt the café would add to the traffic problems in the area. Mayor Martins felt there would be traffic no matter what business was put in that location. Crespo is hoping to open the café by the end of the year, although the location needs a lot of construction to fit the plans.