Supermarket wins in court
Valley Stream area residents had reason to think they'd have a new, improved and larger King Kullen supermarket to shop in, thanks to a decision by a State Supreme Court Judge in early January. Approved by the Village of Valley Stream in the spring, the project had been delayed by neighbors' legal action.The court dismissed objections made by a group of residents calling themselves the "Concerned Citizens of Valley Stream, Inc." Eight named petitioners had filed an Article 78 application with the court, asking that the Village Zoning Board's April 1999 approval of the project be overturned for failure to follow required procedures.An appeal of the Supreme Court judge's ruling continued to thwart progress on the project throughout 2000.
Firefighters injured
Three Valley Stream firefighters were hurt battling a house fire on Emerson Avenue. An oil burner caused the serious house fire, according to officials.At 6:38 P.M. on Jan. 14, the Valley Stream Fire Department was alerted to a fire at 123 Emerson Place. Chief James Murphy transmitted a Signal 10, a working house fire. The fire originated in the basement of the house, according to Chief Terrance O'Neill.Three firefighters were injured putting out the fire. Firefighter Eugene O'Brien, Jr. received a laceration to his neck, Firefighter Billy Croak, Jr. suffered first and second degree burns to his face, and First Assistant Chief James Murphy also suffered first degree burns to his face. The injured volunteers were treated at Nassau County Medical Center and released. "Now they must go through the process of getting the burns healed," said Chief O'Neill.Janette Pellegrini/Herald
The blaze on Valley Lane West was quelled by the VS Fire Department under the direction of Lt. Eli Lazar.
Fires blamed on candles
A house fire brought Valley Stream firefighters out in subzero wind-chill temperatures after midnight Jan. 22 to combat the third candle-caused fire in Valley Stream in 60 days.In a blaze during the week of January 20-also candle related-Firefighter Tony Bianco received second and third degree steam burns to his left and right knees. He was taken to Nassau County Medical Center by Hewlett Fire Department ambulance, treated, and released. He was expected to be out of work for two months as a result of his injuries, according to Chief O'Neill.
Snow storm hits
While main roads in Valley Stream were plowed clean and passable after two storms, many side roads and dead-end streets were covered with solidly packed snow and ice, much to the irritation of residents who live on them. Four days after the snow and freezing rain of the late January storms stopped, cars were sliding on west end and other roads in the village.
Mayor Cahill and his wife, Mary Ann, cut the cake to start the 75th Anniversary year.
Valley Stream celebrates
The cutting of a Valley Stream cake on Sunday, Jan. 30 was just the icing on a planned year-long celebration of the village's 75th anniversary.Close to 200 residents came to Village Hall on January 30-the same date the village was incorporated in 1925-to commemorate the occasion and to officially declare the start of an entire year of anniversary festivities.Mayor Edward W. Cahill presided over the happy afternoon of history.
Conference Champions
The Valley Stream South boys indoor track team became the Conference Champs for the first time since 1980 on Sunday, Jan. 30.The South Boys winter track team included Coach Chris Baker, Joe Nuara, Joe Cannova, Chase Muratore, Eric Tarr, Charles Ristano, Mike Apap, Jamie Cohen, Cary Verasco, Leo Jacques, Matt Toscano, Vitaliy Zhivotenko, John Paul Veneziano, Kevin McKeefrey, Chris Cooper, Chris Mammone, Brian Calhoun, Adam Dominiak, Noah Shurgan and Ed Pryor.
Betty DeGrace dies
Elizabeth DeGrace died Jan. 28 in Valley Stream. Former Valley Stream Mayor John DeGrace eulogized his mother at her funeral on January 30th at Holy Name of Mary RC Church."My mom had a tremendous zest for life." he said. "Mom, you have succeeded more than you could imagine. You will forever be missed, you will never leave our hearts."
February
DWI driver pleads guilty
A Valley Stream man pleaded guilty to a drunk-driving incident last May in Atlantic Beach, which killed two friends from Valley Stream when they were thrown from his car, officials said.Louis Chirco, 26, of Woods Lane, pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and driving while intoxicated. He appeared stoic and gazed straight ahead at Nassau County Court Judge Donald DeRiggi as he entered his plea.The defendant admitted to the crimes as the families of the victims-Paul Grammatico of Roosevelt Avenue in Valley Stream and Michael Penny of North Valley Stream-sat in the first two rows of the courtroom, some dabbing their tears with tissues.In April, Judge DeRiggi sentenced him to the maximum 2 1/3-to-7 years in prison.
$4.7M increase
Only three residents attended the High School District's public meeting on Feb. 15, to discuss the proposed budget for the coming school year. That proposed budget, including the bond issue principal and interest payments for the 2000-01 school year, was $57,765,615.Superintendent Martin G. Brooks presented an analysis of the budget to three administrators and two board members including board president William P. Stris. The budget for the coming year represented an increase of $4,751,613 from the 1999-00 school year budget which was set at $53,014,002.
Bert Keller hits Broadway
The man for whom Valley Stream Central High School's auditorium is named has yet another tribute in his honor. Bert Keller's name will grace part of the newly refurbished Selwyn Theater at 42nd Street and Broadway when it opens in March, thanks to attorney James F. O'Rouke, Jr., a 1954 graduate of Central High and actor in several of the plays Mr. Keller directed while at Central.Mr. O'Rouke has made a donation to the Roundabout Theater that's restoring the Selwyn to the luster it enjoyed seven decades ago. In appreciation for all Mr. Keller did while teaching English and drama at Central High, Mr. O'Rouke has stipulated that a dressing room in the theater be named the H. Bertram Keller Dressing Room in his former teacher's honor."You have been an inspiration to many, many people in many ways and very significantly through your love of the theater," Mr. O'Rouke wrote to Mr. Keller on January 28. "It is only fitting that you, who have used your enthusiasm for the theater as a superb educational tool, have recognition on Broadway."
Two killed in VS Blvd. blaze
Death came with burning fury for an elderly couple in February, when they perished in a house fire in Valley Stream despite heroic efforts of firefighters to save them.Agnes Celli, 79, died at the scene, and her husband, Louis Celli, 81, was seriously burned and died later at Nassau County Medical Center.Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department Chief Terrance O'Neill and Firefighter Daniel Christman were the first on the scene at 265 Valley Stream Blvd., followed moments later by Second Assistant Chief William Croak and Peter Lynch.
Crime declines since '89
Crime figures in Valley Stream showed a significant decrease from incidents reported in 1989 and 1999, but an increase when compared with figures for 1998, according to the Fifth Precinct.
March
Paving the way
The roads throughout the Village of Valley Stream were to get a $3 million make over, according to an announcement made at a Board of Trustees work session March 6. Village Clerk Vincent Ang described the proposed project as "the most aggressive road program in the village's history."Trustees proposed a bond of $3,150,000 to pay for the cost of getting the roads in Valley Stream back into shape. The road construction was slated to begin in the summer.The idea for reconstructing roads in Valley Stream has come up before, according to Mayor Edward Cahill. "When Mayor Darcy was mayor we had a price to go over all the streets of $9 million plus." Mayor Cahill said the road construction scheduled to begin in the summer would be the first part of improving the streets and curbs in the village. "I hope this will really attack a lot of the streets that are in bad shape."
Chamber honoree
Paul Lipani, Valley Stream's postmaster, was named Professional of the Month by the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. At the Chamber's monthly luncheon, Mr. Lipani was honored for his tenure at the Valley Stream post office.
Fears not cleaned up
Residents came to an environmental agency hearing at Village Hall to get questions answered about a Valley Stream "inactive" hazardous waste site, and left dissatisfied.About 30 people attended the public session on Mar. 15, scheduled by the State Department of Environmental Conservation to present its plan to finish clean up of 101 Green Acres Road. The site-on the southeastern edge of the Green Acres Mall-was used by Bulova Manufacturing during World War II.
Superintendent resigns
After eight years of leadership in Valley Stream schools, the last three at the helm of the Central High School District, Dr. Martin G. Brooks resigned as superintendent of schools effective in July. He was to assume the superintendent's duties of the Plainview/Old Bethpage school district.Dr. Brooks said he regretted that he will not be staying in the district that he "cares very much about," to see through to completion a number of initiatives begun during his tenure. He had not been looking to leave Valley Stream, and was not actively seeking employment elsewhere, the superintendent said.Robert Remler/Herald
Impromptu memorial was installed at the scene of fatal crash.
Fatal accident on Merrick Road
A Valley Stream resident was killed when he was hit by a four-wheel utility vehicle traveling westbound along Merrick Road. Matteo "Mike" Viola, 78, who lived on Fir Street, was struck by a Chevy Suburban as he was crossing Merrick Rd. At 4:50 P.M. Saturday, Mar. 11. He was hit with such force that he landed on a car parked on Carroll Avenue.Fifth Squad detectives reported that Mr. Viola was struck by the 1977 vehicle driven by Carl Piro, 24, of New Jersey. Police said Mr.. Piro's Chevrolet was traveling in the westbound lane 50 feet east of Carroll Avenue prior to striking Mr. Matteo. Police Sgt. Roden said there was "no criminality" involved in the incident.
Trustees reelected
Richard A. Coffman and Joseph Zabatta each won reelection to the position of trustee following a vote held on Tuesday, Mar. 21 throughout 27 districts within the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream.Village Clerk Vincent Ang announced 454 votes were cast in the election. "That's one-half the number of people who voted to incorporate the Village of Valley Stream 75 years ago."Trustee Coffman received 405 votes. Trustee Zabatta received 438 votes. Robert Remler/Herald
Firefighters cleaning out charred remains from empty bays at Hendrickson property on March 15.
Suspicious fire
An afternoon blaze destroyed the contents of five sheds on the former Hendrickson Brothers property on Mar. 15, but was rapidly quelled by firefighters. The fire near Central Avenue one block north of Merrick Rd. Was labeled suspicious.Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department Chief O'Neill said he considered the fire suspicious because it occurred "at a vacant building with no electric and no gas." The chief reported a resident living near the fire scene "saw two kids running from the complex."
April
Robert Remler/Herald
Police looked toward Fairview where suspects at the jewelry store heist were believed to have fled.
Gunfight in Rockaway jewelers
More than a dozen gun shots were fired inside Matthew James Jewelers II on Rockaway Avenue during an attempted robbery on Apr. 5. The hail of gunfire was exchanged between one of the store's owners and two armed men who had announced a robbery, according to police.Two men entered the jewelry store at 76 Rockaway Avenue at 2:35 P.M. Police said the two men, armed with semi-automatic handguns, announced a robbery shortly after entering the store. According to police, two proprietors and an employee were in the store at the time. The electronic door to the jewelry store, according to police, was believed to have been left open when the gunmen entered the store.John C. O'Connell/Herald
Paul, Claudia and Christine Grammatico in their Valley Stream home after the verdict.
DWI driver gets max in deaths of 2
A Valley Stream man who was convicted in the drunk driving deaths of two passengers in his car in Atlantic Beach last May appealed to the judge for leniency during sentencing on Apr. 12."I'm not a threat to society. I'm not a substance abuser. I'm not a criminal," said Louis Chirco, 26, of Wood Lane, in addressing Nassau County Court Judge Donald DeRiggi before sentencing. "I'm a flawed person who made a terrible mistake."Calling Mr. Chirco "a nightmare to every parent of a child out there" because he was speeding and driving drunk, Judge DeRiggi sentenced him to the maximum 2 1/3-to-7 years in prison. The judge said he would have sentenced Mr. Chirco to even more jail time if the law allowed.
Spacemen land in VS
NASA astronauts came to two Valley Stream schools in April, much to the delight of hundreds of star-struck children. Space Shuttle Commander Kevin R. Kregel and Mission Specialist Michael J. Massimino visited the Brooklyn Avenue School and the Willow Road School, respectively, and made entertaining and informative presentations to the attentive and curious kids.At Brooklyn Avenue, Commander Kregel told the children how he'd grown up not very far from Valley Stream, in Amityville. He said that studying hard and that taking his school work seriously had prepared him well for his career as an Air Force officer, pilot, aerospace engineer, instructor and astronaut.
Valley Stream mourns Msgr. Fagan
A man of faith and caring, a gentle man of ministry, a "total priest," died. Monsignor Daniel E. Fagan, pastor of Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Valley Stream since June 1995, passed away Tuesday night, Apr. 25."Monsignor Fagan was total priest," said Sister Elizabeth Marie, principal of the parish school. "He was a sensitive and gentle man, who lived his priesthood by touching everybody's life in a very special way."Monsignor Fagan, 64, died at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center.
May
Candidates vie for school seats
Four incumbent school board trustees ran for reelection on May 16 in Valley Stream. In District 13, two incumbents faced reelection. William P. Stris, president of the Valley Stream High School district, ran unopposed while Harris Dinkoff faced a challenge from Paul Turco.Joseph Conrad, a trustee in District 24, sought his second term and was being challenged by Barry Schlossberg.In District 30, Maria Fletcher, a newly appointed trustee, ran unopposed for reelection.
School budget decision day
School boards said it will cost upwards of $112 million to educate students in Valley Stream's four districts and 14 public schools next year; and sought residents' approval to spend it. The present amount of $112,825,730 in the four Valley Stream school districts is an increase of $6,590,037 from the four proposed budgets during 1999-2000.
David C. Cooke, famed writer, passes away
David C. Cooke, author of some 97 books and countless short stories, screen plays and articles, passed away at Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Valley Stream on Friday, May 5. He was 82, and a resident of Valley Stream for 60 years.
Ristano throws third no-hitter
The storied career of the all-state senior pitcher from South High School took a Cinderella-like twist, when Charles Ristano threw his third consecutive no-hit game of the season on May 15. This time Mr. Ristano blanked Locust Valley High School. His two previous no-hitters were against Manhasset High School and North Shore High School."I don't know. I was just in the zone," said Ristano who struck out 16 batters after walking the first batter.
All VS school budgets pass
Voters in three elementary school districts of Valley Stream went to the polls on Tuesday, May 16. Incumbent trustees were all returned by the voters and the budgets of District 13, 24, 30 and the high school budget passed.Current trustees in District 13-Harris Dinkoff and William Stris-won reelection; District 24 trustee Joseph Conrad won reelection; and District 30's Maria Fletcher; a recently appointed trustee, won for the first time.The high school district spending budget passed with 60.4 percent of the vote.Kristen Sendlein/Herald
Pastor Robert Howard leading those gathered in prayer with the help of these Valley Stream youngsters and Barbara Ehlinger, member of the Valley Stream Historical Society.
Prayers for a glorious 75th Anniversary
The Village of Valley Stream's year-long celebration of its 75th Anniversary Sunday, May 21, with an ecumenical service at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration on Hendrickson Avenue. Almost a hundred residents attended the inspirational commencement of the village's schedule of events and festivities.The prayer service was organized and supported by a committee including Marie O'Connell, Richard Sullivan, Barbara DeGrace, Carol McKenna, Karen and Hank Selah (former and new president of the Valley Stream Historical Society, respectively), and Ted and Agnes Libath.
June
Darcy gets GOP nod
Assemblyman James Darcy would leave the Albany's state legislature for Hempstead's town council, if voters would elect him to the new councilmatic 3rd District in November. The Nassau County Republican Party nominated the one-term assemblyman in June. "The breakup of the Town of Hempstead into districts provides an opportunity to restructure town government and makes it more responsive to the needs of the people," Mr. Darcy would go on to win the council election for the third district in November.
Democrats pick Sciglibaglio
Eleanor Sciglibaglio, active in Valley Stream education and Democratic Party politics for years, was nominated by the Nassau County Democrats for the Hempstead Town Council race for the 3rd District seat."I am very pleased to have been selected," said Ms. Sciglibaglio, "and I think it's exciting because of the change in Councilmatic districts."
More flights over VS ?
Faced with the potential of an air traffic increase at Kennedy Airport, local and Town of Hempstead leaders-as well as many Valley Stream and neighboring residents-remained frustrated by the failure of the State Senate to pass a bill requiring a study of air pollution around the airport. The State Assembly passed the legislation for a second time in March, but the bill remained stalled in the senate at the conclusion of the past session.Known as the "Bubble Bill," the legislation has failed to make its way out of the senate's Environmental Conservation Committee, chaired by Senator Carl Marcellino (5th District, Long Island). During the last week of May, Kendall Lampkin, executive director of the Town-Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC), fired off a letter to Senator Marcellino urging the "speedy passage of this important measure."Janette Pellegrini/Herald
North's Callie Viggiano, #13, as she lands on home base scoring the winning run. Callie and her Spartans teammates were overjoyed with their victory.
Spartans win Nassau title
For the first time since 1992, the Valley Stream North girls softball team is the Nassau County Class C champion.The Lady Spartans clinched the title in dramatic fashion at Cantiague Park. Junior Andrea Giarraffa singled home Callie Viggiano with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth to lift North to a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over Oyster Bay to sweep the best-of-three series two games to none. North took Game One, 2-1.John C. O'Connell/Herald
The Powell and Brown families joined hundreds of others at the family picnic held on the village green in June.
A picnic for posterity
Beneath a hazy sky and sweltering 90 degree temperatures, as many as a thousand people came to the Village Green on Saturday, June 10, to join in the 75th Anniversary picnic for the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream. Recent residents stood side-by-side at the band shell with people who've lived in Valley Stream for many decades.The opening ceremony for the 75th Anniversary Picnic began with a presentation of the colors by local Brownie and Girl Scout troops.Dominick Minerva, former Valley Stream mayor and chairman of the 75th Anniversary Committee, served as master of ceremonies for the day. Mr. Minerva had participated 25 years ago at the 50th anniversary of the village.John C. O'Connell/Herald
Mary Ann Cahill joined her husband, Mayor Edward Cahill as he was honored on the field at Shea Stadium with the Mets' Community Spirit Award.
VS Community Night at Shea
The first-ever Valley Stream Community Night was a big success June 7, with hundreds of Valley Stream residents coming out to Shea to enjoy the game.Before the game's crowd of 34,000 fans, the Valley Stream community, its mayor, and its champion kickline teams and choir were honored on the field. The Central High School Streamers and the Memorial Jr. High School Vallerettes performed routines in the outfield after Mayor Edward Cahill, with his wife, Mary Ann, was the recipient of the Mets' Spirit Award at home plate ceremonies. Prior to the on-field kickline championship performances, the Valley Stream Central Choir sang for the thousands of assembled fans.
Graffiti spoils Central Ave.
Graffiti vandals scrawled their "tags" on half a dozen walls north of Merrick Road along Central Avenue. The mostly illegible markings, many identical to one another, appeared on walls and fences.Officer Giannone of the Problem Oriented Policing Unit said the Fifth Squad was investigating the graffiti attack along Central Avenue. "We don't have anything yet. They are just putting together all the evidence, then they are going to find the person or persons that did it."
Assaults at graduation party
Five young Valley Stream residents were arrested in June and charged with assault.According to police, a Valley Stream teenager was confronted by a 16 year old, also a Valley Stream resident, at Fir Street and Broadway at about 10:30 P.M., the night of Central High School's graduation ceremony.It is believed that the victim had been on his way to a private Central High School graduation party already in progress at that house.
July
Uncle Sam wants him
When Herman Boockvar had his birthday in April, he figured he was pretty safe from the draft. Having worked with the Department of the Navy for 18 years beginning a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and in other federal government positions until he retired at age 70, the 92-year-old Valley Stream resident had a right to feel his national service was complete.All the more surprised was he when he received his Selective Service form in the mail this July.. "I was just astounded at the United States government that they could make such an error."Mr. Boockvar took the surprise greeting from Uncle Sam good naturally. "I'm too old to run off to Canada," he told The Herald, smiling. "If they offered me a job as a general. I would agree to serve."
Popular administrator leaves Dist. 13
Dr. Robert Aloise, assistant superintendent for curriculum and special education in District 13, left the district on July 10. Dr. Aloise's resignation was accepted at the June 21 Board of Education meeting held at the James A. Dever School. Dr. Aloise accepted appointment as an assistant superintendent for instruction in the Massapequa School District.
Help wanted
Uncertainty might as well have been on the agenda at the high school district board's meeting in late July, when the trustees unexpectedly faced three top administration vacancies.While they have known for months that Superintendent Martin G. Brooks was leaving for Plainview / Old Bethpage, the Board of Education just learned that Deputy Superintendent Robert Greenberg decided to follow Dr. Brooks to Plainview after the board rejected him for the top job. They hadn't heard an acceptance from Dr. Ronald Valenti-to whom they'd offered the superintendent's post-and their technology inspector had quit, sources say for a Plainview / Old Bethpage position as well.John C. O'Connell/Herald
Phyllis Giglio, right, and her daughter, Reina, at a press conference in July to protest the possible granting of parole to the man convicted of killing her husband.
'Why did he shoot me?'
With all the sudden concussion of a gun shot, the Giglio family of Valley Stream was changed forever one October night 25 years ago.Nassau County Police Officer Matthew Giglio responded to a burglary-in-progress call at a West Hempstead store at about 2:30 A.M., on Oct. 7, 1975. When he got to the scene, the 11-year police veteran tried to arrest John MacKenzie as he was leaving Thelma J.'s Boutique.Mr. MacKenzie turned and fired once, point blank, into the officer's chest. After a ten-week battle at Mercy Medical Center to save Officer Giglio's life, the 35-year old father of three died just before Christmas.Mr. MacKenzie's first parole hearing was scheduled for the week of July 31. If granted, he could have been released as soon as Oct. 1. His hearing was postponed indefinitely at his request.Ira Lewis/Herald
Agress honored
Mal Agress was honored by Temple Gates of Zion for his many years of service to the congregation.
August
West End residents oppose restaurant
The site of one of Valley Stream's earliest auto repair shops was considered for use as a West Indian restaurant, much to the ire of nearby residents.Residents first voiced opposition to the prospective restaurant owned by Derrick Smith, of Cambria Heights, at a Zoning and Appeals meeting on July 11. Weeks later, residents brought additional concerns to the Board of Trustees at their August meeting."Simply put, this property under zoning review is a not a suitable site for a restaurant. It is a potential public health and environmental hazard," said John Huminiski of Washington Avenue in Valley Stream and resident for 52 years.
Fatal accident
Michael Como, 25, died less than three miles from his home, when the Honda motorcycle he was driving hit a traffic sign on Linden Street. Mr. Como was pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight, Aug. 6."The motorcycle hit the curb and caused it to flip over," said Sgt. Tilton from the Fifth Precinct. Sgt. Tilton said Mr. Como hit the ground along with the motorcycle with such force that he was killed instantly.Mr. Como, who lived on South Franklin Avenue in Valley Stream, apparently lost control of the motorcycle, police said.
Fire takes young woman's life
Former Valley Stream resident Toniann Connell, 15, perished in a fire on Sunday, July 23, in her house on West Cherry Street in Hicksville.She had led her mother, Rosana, and younger sister, Annmarie, 9, out of the burning house at 4 A.M., before re-entering the burning building to rescue her dog.It took 75 Hicksville firefighters two hours to bring the blaze under control. In the early morning hours, Toniann was found with her dog in a corner of the second floor.Marianne Perosi/Herald
Chris Mammone crossed the finish line first at the Valley Stream Rotary Run in August.
VS takes honors at Rotary Road Run
The Rotary Club of Valley Stream held their third annual Rotary Run Aug. 13, and Valley Stream residents took the laurels in many of the running categories, including First Overall: Chris Mammone, age 16, with a fabulous time for the four mile event of 21 minutes, 1 second.The first female Valley Streamer to cross the line was Jessie Lusenskas, age 13, in 34 minutes, 52 seconds.
Emergency personnel evacuated a home in Valley Stream when a resident mixed up the wrong batch of cleaning materials in August.
Fumes hurt six in VS
A simple housecleaning chore nearly became a toxic tragedy in Valley Stream on Monday, Aug. 28, when a resident mixed ammonia and chlorine bleach, two chemicals which release dangerous gas when blended.Four members of the Bejot family and two police officers were rushed to the hospital suffering from toxic fume inhalation and eye injuries following the searing and noxious chemical gas eruption.
September
John C. O'Connell/Herald
Mayor Cahill dropped the first puck to officially inaugurate the new hockey rink in September.
VS hockey rink opens
The long-awaited Valley Stream Roller Hockey Rink finally had its opening day Saturday, Sept. 9, when young enthusiasts filled the new venue with the sharp sounds of slapped pucks and checked sticks.Uniformed players in Valley Stream's Roller Hockey League, parents, league organizers and officials all gathered for ceremonies at the rink, between Sunrise Highway and the Valley stream Long Island Rail Road station.Mayor Cahill dropped the first puck onto the new surface at 9:30 A.M. and an era of Valley Stream hockey began again, after more than a year-long interruption when Hendrickson Park's rink was closed.
October
Fallen hero honored
Slain Police Officer Matthew Giglio was memorialized on Sept. 28 at a ceremony dedicating a street corner in his name. The North Valley Stream intersection of Dutch Broadway and Corona Avenue will now be known as "Police Officer Matt Giglio Plaza" in honor of the Valley Stream resident who died in the line of duty 25 years ago.In ceremonies at the site, more than 100 people, including his wife, Phyllis, her family, and police and elected officials, gathered to memorialize his life of service to the community.John C. O'Connell/Herald
The Memorial Jr. High School Vallarettes joined the hundreds of marchers and thousands of spectators for the historic 75th Anniversary parade.
Village gathers for 75th
Saturday morning, Oct. 14 was a big day in the Village of Valley Stream. Hundreds of marchers and dozens of bands, floats and organizations paraded down Rockaway Avenue from Wheeler Avenue to the Village Green.And it didn't end there. As the line of marchers and sidewalk cheerers finished up at the Village Green, everyone was welcomed at a special Village Arts & Crafts Fair and Octoberfest right at parade's end. There were refreshment stands, antique cars, fire trucks, face painting, balloon figures, floats and more.The 75th Anniversary Parade's Grand Marshall was Mayor Edward Cahill, with his Marshals: Deputy Mayor Guido Cirenza, Trustees Joann Antun, Joseph Zabatta and Richard Coffman, and Village Justice Robert Bogle. The parade's honorary Grand Marshall was 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman Dominick Minerva.The Valley Stream community was out in full force. From the leading United States Merchant Marine Academy Color Guard to the proud and brave Valley Stream Fire Department, the line of march included 84 marching units, all to mark the village's historic occasion.
Eight isn't enough
Disappointed with the high school district's performance on state assessment examinations, Superintendent Ronald Valenti proposed implementing a ninth period in the spring to prepare students for the May 2001 English Language Arts and math tests.With about 50 percent of eighth graders scoring in the bottom two performance levels on state English and math assessments tests, and district scores falling below the county average, Dr. Valenti said intervention was needed. The district has to deal with the large percentage of students not performing well on assessment tests in a "dramatically and in a very comprehensive way," he said. Residents of North Valley Stream and Malverne had to choose between reelecting incumbent Republican Assemblyman Thomas J. Alfano, or giving the position to his challenger, Democrat Vincent Raimo, in the race for State Assembly this Election Day, Nov. 7. Assemblyman Alfano was District 22's representative since Feb. 1996. Mr. Raimo lives in Floral Park, and was the owner of a small business there for 25 years.On election day, Mr. Alfano prevailed.In the 21st Assembly District, Alan Bergstein ran against Robert Barra for the seat vacated by Jim Darcy when he chose to run for Hempstead Town Board. Republican Barra won.
November
Fire at fast food restaurant in VS
A general alarm fire lit the night Sunday, Oct. 29 and Valley Stream firefighters knocked the blaze down without injuries. Approximately 85 Valley Stream firefighters responded to a "General Alarm" for a reported building fire at 7:30 P.M. at Green Acres Chicken, 265 West Merrick Road.Within 10 minutes of entering the building, the fire was declared under control and by 8:30 P.M., only a few firefighters were still at the scene for mop up operations.
"Environmental cleaning" at Memorial
Two technology classrooms at Memorial Jr. High School had to get an emergency cleaning during the first weekend of November because some of the equipment was contaminated with lead, according to school sources.The equipment had reportedly been stored in the school's rifle range during the summer. The rooms were identified as 115,116 and the sports equipment storage area.
Darcy defeats Sciglibaglio
Two Valley Stream residents went head to head for the Town of Hempstead's Third District council election, and the village's former mayor and current assemblyman won. Republican James Darcy beat Democrat Eleanor Sciglibaglio by about 54 percent to 46 percent, or 23,9111 to 20,373.
School choice
Projected overcrowding at two of Valley Stream's four junior and senior high school buildings may soon mean that parents will have less choice of where their grade-school grads will be going. Revising the "attendance zone policy" was one of several initiatives proposed by new High School District Superintendent Ronald Valenti during a Nov. 12 meeting of the Board of Education.
New plan for old spill
A 10-year old oil spill may finally get cleaned up this summer, if a high school district plan is approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The plan-to have been submitted Nov. 30-calls for remedial action including new pumps and replacement of an underground oil storage tank at South High School.A fuel line at South failed a decade ago and leaked an estimated 14,000 gallons of oil, according to DEC records. Mark Lowery, the agency's regional director, said the spill "resulted in soil contamination, oil floating on top of the ground water, and leaching into Mill Creek." The fuel line leak was reported to the DEC on Oct. 22, 1990, and repaired within a week, according to Mr. Lowery.
Lady Falcons rule LI
Valley Stream South is the Long Island Class B girls soccer champion The Lady Falcons continued a memorable playoff run by defeating Suffolk champ Islip, 3-1, in Sunday's Class B Southeast Regional Final/LI Championship at Huntington.
December
To the rescue
If William Jacobsen had stayed pinned beneath the thousand pound Toro Groundsmaster much longer, it may have been too late. Thanks to the quick thinking-and quick action-of coworker Janine Perrone, the Valley Stream village mechanic suffered relatively minor injuries. Ms. Perrone responded to the worker's calls for help and used a jack to lift the heavy machine.Mr. Jacobsen, a village employee since 1981, was taken to Franklin Hospital Medical Center and treated for a bruised hip.
Youth group seeks support
The community coordinator of the Gateway Youth Outreach Program asked the village Board of trustees to officially recognize youth councils that are now offering services to young people in Valley Stream. Joyce Hummel told trustees at their Dec. 5 work session that the goal of the Valley Stream Collaboration Initiative, an organization overseeing the councils, was to work with "a spectrum" of residents in providing a variety of services for local youths.Ms. Hummel said that the village's only financial responsibility to the program would be an allocation of the recreational department.Later in the month, the board gave unanimous approval.
Crime spree stopped
Four Queens teens were arrested Dec. 15, charged with robbing two Valley Stream businesses in mid-December.One teen arrested was armed with a black handgun. They were apprehended on old Street at about 9:30 P.M., about an hour after the teens unsuccessful attempt to carry a cash register out the door of Kim Wong Chinese restaurant on West Merrick Rd.The teens were also accused of another robbery that happened days before.
