By John C. O'Connell
Valley Stream 2000 enjoys 75th Anniversary Gala Diamond Ball
Valley Stream neighbors went out on Friday night to celebrate the historic 75th Anniversary of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, and by the look of the smiles and the sound of the laughter, everyone had an equally as historic good time.
More than 260 residents and other guests attended the Valley Stream 75th Anniversary Gala Diamond Ball, danced to the music of the Don Michaels orchestra, saw the premiere of the Valley Stream commemorative video, and enjoyed the pleasure of each other's company at the Coral House in Baldwin on November 17.
"The vibrancy of Valley Stream has been confirmed by the outpouring of support and participation for our year long celebration," said Dominick Minerva, chairman of the 75th Anniversary Committee. "Today as we culminate that celebration, it is fitting that we recognize that it is the people of Valley Stream who made it the great place that it is to live, work and spend a lifetime."
Valley Stream Mayor Edward Cahill spoke of that same vibrancy - yesterday's and today's - in his remarks. "Our village, vibrant and flourishing, is deeply rooted in family and community values which cherish the hard working, civic-minded ethics of its founders," the mayor said. "Testament to their vision of a thriving, close-knit community is Valley Stream 2000. Each element of the village blends to create an outstanding locale in which to raise a family and operate a business. What a great honor and pleasure it is to serve as Mayor during this festive year celebrating a proud, distinctive and pioneer history carved into 75 years of incorporation.
Speaking of the special commemorative video premiered at the Ball, the mayor said that residents should "feel your Valley Stream pride swell." He called the video a "loving look at Valley Stream through the years," and a "grand culmination of a year-long celebration of what we have been, what we are and where we are going." The well-done video - which people loudly applauded - will be available soon at Village Hall.
The 75th Anniversary Dinner Committee consisted of Co-Chairs Barbara DeGrace and Jack McDonough, and James Buckley, Reina Buckhout, MaryAnn Cahill, Ida D"Angelo, Stephanie Darcy, Ted Libath, Marie O'Connell, Alison Walsh and Craig Weeden.
"I'm overwhelmed by the favorable comments I have received from many of the people who attended the Ball on Friday night," said Mr. McDonough this week. "It made all the hard work worthwhile."
The Valley Stream Historical Society received special recognition not only for their work this year with the anniversary, but their work every year in preserving and presenting the history of Valley Stream.
Assemblyman James Darcy presented a special New York State Proclamation from Governor George Pataki to 75th Anniversary Chairman Minerva, the entire anniversary committee and the people of Valley Stream.
As a conclusion to the formal program for the evening, Chairman Minerva introduced the committee that planned and brought about the entire year's celebrations and activities: Joseph Bergen, Bradley Blakeman, Kathleen Bogle, MaryAnn Cahill, Noreen Carro, Stephanie Darcy, Barbara DeGrace, Bert Keller, Jerome Leonardi, John McDonough, Carol McKenna, P. Michael McKenna, Eleanor Sciglibaglio, Richard Sullivan, Katherine Wallace and Craig Weeden.
