School districts will have more time to prepare students for this year’s state tests, but the schedule change caught some officials by surprise. more

Q. We have a turn-of the-(last)-century front-porch colonial. It needs substantial modernization, and I've found that problems that seem unrelated in fact do contribute to one another, leading to bigger costs than expected. For example, we need new wiring. I've seen knob-and-tube in parts. What’s the best way to rewire, since we need new insulation, there’s some termite damage and the steam boiler needs an overhaul? more

For the second straight year, children of the St. Mary’s Healthcare System were invited to watch the Valley Stream North High School Spartans in action at one of the team’s first home games of the 2009 season. more

Lisa DePace was always a fan of the MTV series, Made. The self-improvement reality show documents teenagers who have a goal of becoming something they only dreamed of, and MTV gives them a coach to help accomplish that feat. more

Each year, drunken drivers cause deadly accidents and claim innocent lives. Their stories often become local and sometimes national lore, cautioning others about the potentially deadly consequences of a crime that some see as socially acceptable. But there is another type of loss that goes with drinking and driving, I recently learned. One that may be considered insensitive or politically incorrect to discuss. Three defense attorneys I interviewed saw the possible loss of one's reputation and even future employment as an unfair fate that befalls many of their clients. I contacted the lawyers after the Nassau County Police Department and the district attorney's office gave me a firsthand look at what a DWI arrest entails. Police simulated my arrest for DWI, including everything from handcuffing me to locking me up. Later, the district attorney's office brought me to District Court, where I took a tour of holding cells, courtrooms and assistant district attorneys' offices. I wrote about the experience for Herald readers. But as I spoke with defense lawyers, expecting to hear mainly about the financial burden of a DWI conviction, I learned that some of the most serious consequences for the convicted are harder to quantify. more

Imagine walking into a store in Valley Stream where the aroma of sweet, savory chocolate titillates your senses; where servers continuosly offer you an assortment of delicious chocolate covered treats; where champagne, gourmet coffee and soft drinks flow endlessly. more

Kevin McDermott gives the word "determination" a new definition. The Chaminade and Duke alumnus, just 22, suffered a life-changing accident in July, and has shown a tremendous strength of will in his efforts to prevail over his severe injury. Many of his friends are taking action to help. more

District 24 Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale was recognized by the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Rotary Club last Sunday for his service to the youth of the community. more

The Brooklyn Avenue Firehouse is getting a makeover — a decidedly scary one. Members of the Valley Stream Fire Department are nearing completion of the second annual haunted house, which opens next weekend and runs through the end of October. more

The Chinese American Association of Long Island opened its new school year on Sept. 12. Classes for children and adults are held every Saturday morning at Memorial Junior High School in Valley Stream. more