Fun times on the avenue

VS Chamber's Thursday Night Thrills a happy and big success
      The street was crowded with folks from all over Valley Stream and beyond, and merchandise and food booths were set up outside stores on Rockaway Avenue as the Chamber of Commerce put on another successful Thursday Night Thrills last week.
      Headlining the entertainment for the evening was Nat and Diane Carbo, who entertained the crowd with some musical favorites. Valley Stream vocalist Catherine Glen started the night's celebrations with a great rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the nation's anthem.
      "Every year we come. It is good entertainment," said Jim Herman and Alice Huether.
      Filling the street with the sounds of tapping and cheers were the Tap To Pointe dancers. The girls got the crowd going and set the mood for the evening's celebration.
      "The dancers were fantastic, especially the second act, the little girls in the blue and pink outfits," said first time TNT-goer Evelyn Lark.
      Doggie Heaven gave the crowd a special treat by bringing three of their star puppies to the stage for "Pet Your Pet," a chance for the patrons to see and touch the fluffy puppies.
      "I am having lots of fun," said six year-old Louis Dionysiou as he walked to get a balloon.
      A free "I.D. A Kid" was sponsored by Mila Marenus, a financial planning representative for Prudential Financial Insurance of America. The booth "provided kids with their own I.D. cards," said Marenus. The cards can be used by parents in case of emergency because the cards contain the child's fingerprints, a photo and a physical description.
      The Looney Bin provided great rides and character shows for children, bringing smiles and laughter to all who attended.
      "It is a very nice and enjoyable event. The weather is great and all the little children are running around. They are all excited," said Ida Amerigo, a first-time TNTer.
      The staff of Bill Gallo Realty, Century 21 Fisher/Friendly Realty and The Bank of New York helped sell ride bracelets and raffle tickets. Pat Winter, Rich Rovenete and Arlene Drucker were some of the raffle prize winners.
       "Together this team turned out a fabulous event. The weather and the turn out was great. Most important of all, the stores, restaurants, cafes, ice cream places and pizzerias were all busy and the residents had a fun evening all at the same time," said Carol Gallo-Turschmann, Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce president.