The contract to construct the Bayville Commons on the former Pegno property at the corner of Bayville and Ludlam Avenues has been awarded to the lowest bidder, Cannon Contracting of New York Inc. The estimated cost will be $343,390 and the necessary bond resolution was unanimously passed by the mayor and trustees. There was some discussion about Cannon Contracting's questionable record regarding finishing projects within the agreed time schedule, but the company is now under new management. Furthermore, village counsel advised the board of trustees that failure to adhere to a time schedule would not be a legal reason for refusing to take the lowest responsible bid.

It seems that garage sales have proliferated at an astonishing rate during the last few years. In one case a homeowner has turned it into a regular business enterprise, certainly in violation of existing local laws. The mayor and trustees are planning to establish a local ordinance limiting garage sales to one or two per year for each household or eliminating garage sales altogether.

Empty stores at the entrance to a village make a poor impression. For too many years the retail stores on Ludlam Avenue near the bridge have been unoccupied. It is, therefore, good news that Frank and Sandra Cuba (natives of Boliva) have gambled on offering Bayville and Centre Island residents an opportunity to buy high quality fruits and vegetables close to home.

Frank and Sandra have been living in Glen Cove for the past 10 years, while working at the family-owned produce store in Queens run by their uncles and aunts. The young couple decided to start their own business and looked for a suitable location. Driving through Bayville they noticed the empty stores. "We know nothing about this community," said Frank, "We don't know any people here, but we thought we'd take a chance. Our motto is quality over quantity. We want to cater to the local people, find out what they want and provide it."

They are starting out with a limited inventory and will increase it as they discover what residents demand. I recently bought some truly sweet and juicy plums and nectarines at general market prices. It's now up to us to give this new enterprise a chance to take hold and become a welcome convenience for local residents.

The store is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. "You have to hustle and work hard to start a new business," said Frank.

We welcome Frank and Sandra Cuba and hope they will soon feel at home in our community and succeed in gaining loyal customers.

The Bayville Free Library will be offering the AARP defensive driving program 55 Alive/Mature Driving on Monday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a short break for lunch. Only motor vehicle operators age 50 and over may register for this class to be given at the library. Completion of the course entitles the participant to a reduction on auto insurance premium and removal of driving violation points.

The course is $8 for each participant payable by check or money order to AARP at the time of registration which begins Sept.. 28. Registration will be open to others beginning Oct. 5.

For additional information call 628-2765.

The Incorporated Village of Bayville will once again be sponsoring their fall programs for coed adults and teens.

The body becomes strong and relaxed through slow disciplined postures. For men and women of all ages. Please wear loose clothing, bring a pillow and a belt to assist with the postures. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bayville Intermediate School gym and will begin on Oct. 6 and run for 8 sessions. The cost is $20. For further information please contact Gerri McKey at 671-8987.

Basketball will again be held on Mondays and Thursdays at the Bayville Intermediate School gym. If you are interested in a pick up game, this program will begin on Monday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Volleyball will be played on Wednesdays at the Bayville Intermediate School gym from 7 to 10 p.m. beginning Oct. 7. If you have been looking for the perfect exercise program that is fun and noncompetitive than this volleyball program is for you.

For further information, please contact the village hall at 628-1439.