Valley Stream Herald

01/02/2025

The 2025 Long Island Choice Awards Are Here and it’s time to celebrate the best businesses Long Island has to offer! 🏆

Voting is officially open now through January 31st, and your favorite businesses and organizations need your support.

How It Works:�
✔️ Vote for your favorites in each category.�
✔️ Cast votes in 25+ categories to automatically enter to win a $500 gift card! 💸

Let’s shine a spotlight on the amazing local businesses that make Long Island special. Vote now and make your voice heard!

Your Voice. Your Choice.

Click here to cast your vote: www.lichoiceawards.com

01/02/2025

🎉New Year, New You! 🎉

Do you have an interesting goal for 2025? The Herald wants to hear from you!!

What do you hope to accomplish In 2025?

Email us at: [email protected]

12/23/2024

Looking to recharge after the holidays? Read where to recharge in the story below!

After the hustle and bustle of holiday hosting, parties, and endless to-dos, it’s time to focus on you. Long Island offers the perfect post-holiday escapes for a mini-retreat that will leave you refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the new year.

12/17/2024

Looking for Fun this holiday season? Read about what all Long Island has to offer!

This holiday season, Long Island is the spot for unforgettable fun. Whether you’re chasing thrills with the guys, soaking in festive vibes with kids, uncovering hidden gems with the girls, letting loose with coworkers, or craving some solo time to exhale, Long Island offers holiday vibes for all s...

12/16/2024

Looking for local shopping this holiday? Read the story below about Long Island's walkable downtowns!

Long Island is a place where shopping goes beyond just picking out the latest trends—it’s about connecting with the community, finding something truly unique, and supporting local businesses. From charming boutiques to one-of-a-kind antiques, Long Island’s walkable downtowns offer a shopping e...

11/27/2024

Looking for fun things to do this fall and winter? Check out the story below!

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, Suffolk County Parks on Long Island become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. These parks offer scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and plenty of family fun to enjoy during the fall and winter months. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful fishing spot, a s...

11/07/2024

🐾🎃 Howl-O-Ween Fun at Valley Stream Dog Park! 🎃🐾

This year’s Howl-O-Ween costume contest on Oct. 27 was a tail-wagging success! 🐶✨ Dozens of Valley Stream’s furry friends showed off their Halloween spirit, strutting their stuff in adorable costumes—some even matched with their owners! From cackling witches to mini superheroes, these pups brought smiles and spooky fun to the park.
https://liherald.com/valleystream/stories/valley-stream-halloween-2024-howl-o-ween-brings-the-canine-cuteness,211046

11/07/2024

🚨 Election Night Shake-Up! 🚨

Democrat Laura Gillen has claimed a close victory over Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a high-stakes congressional race. Speaking to a packed crowd at Garden City Hotel, Gillen said she was “humbled and honored” to be the district's new Congresswoman.

In State Senate District 9, Republican Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick held onto her seat with a solid win, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages celebrated a decisive victory, ready to continue her sixth term of service.

https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/general-election-2024-michaelle-solages-laura-gillen-anthony-desposito,211138?

Democratic challenger Laura Gillen narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a high-stakes congressional race in Tuesday’s election. “I am so humbled an …

10/23/2024

🌟 Big Opportunity for Valley Stream Downtown! 🌟

Albany announced a $100 million investment plan to revitalize downtown areas across New York, and Valley Stream has officially submitted its bid for a share of the funds. 💰✨

David Sabatino, a key member of the village’s Economic and Development Committee, presented the village’s exciting vision for the future of Rockaway Avenue. If Valley Stream is selected, the $10 million investment would:

🏙️ Create a fresh, vibrant brand for the business district — “The International Downtown”
🎨 Transform underused spaces into community-friendly areas with $300,000 in placemaking upgrades
🏛️ Revitalize the fire-damaged corner at Rockaway & West Lincoln into a versatile, community space for art galleries, pop-up shops, and more!

With its unique cultural diversity, Valley Stream has the potential to create an inviting, bustling hub for residents and visitors alike. However, some residents are concerned about how new developments will impact public schools and energy efficiency in older buildings.

The proposal is in, and now we await the decision from the state and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. Stay tuned for updates.

Albany will approve a $100 million spending limit across ten municipalities throughout the state, matching every dollar they spend to revitalize their downtown area. David Sabatino, a member of …

10/18/2024

🏈 Friday Night Lights at Valley Stream North! 🌟

On a cool September evening, Valley Stream North High School hosted its annual Friday Night Lights game against South Side High School. The stands were filled with students, families, and alumni, creating an electric atmosphere.

Despite a hard-fought battle, the Spartans fell to South Side with a score of 23-13. School spirit was high, fueled by energetic performances from the cheerleaders and kickline team. The Spartan Snack Shack kept everyone satisfied, while the VSN PTSA offered spiritwear to boost pride.

Star running back Izaiah Hill rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Imran Paul connected with Aidan Munroe for another touchdown. On defense, Munroe led with 10 tackles, while Luke Tartamella made a notable impact with an interception and a sack.

The Spartans are set to bounce back at their homecoming game on October 19 at 3 p.m. Let’s go, Spartans! 💙💛
https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/valley-stream-north-spartans-show-heart-at-friday-night-lights-game,210618

10/17/2024

Exciting news for Long Island's sustainable future 💡 Join us at The 9th Annual Energize Long Island Conference!

📅 Thursday, November 7, 2024
📍 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM • Hilton Long Island / Huntington / 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY
Register now: https://energizelongisland.com/

Discover cutting-edge solutions for a cleaner, greener Long Island:
• Battery storage with solar
• EV for businesses
• Geothermal technologies
• Heat pump solutions
• And much more!

Who should attend?
✅ Architects
✅ Building managers
✅ Business owners
✅ Contractors
✅ Engineers
✅ Manufacturers
✅ Property Owners

Learn from industry experts, network with professionals, and explore the latest in energy innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Long Island's sustainable transformation!

10/17/2024

🌟 Exciting Developments in Valley Stream District 30! 🌟

Valley Stream District 30 is set to enhance its social support services with a significant $1.4 million grant from the “Stronger Connection Grant.” This funding aims to bolster mental health resources and student safety in our community.

Superintendent Roxanne Garcia-France shared that the grant will help fill existing gaps and introduce new family support programs tailored to the needs of our working-class community.

A new Family Connection Center is expected to open in January, serving as a resource hub for families to access workshops and services from six federally approved organizations.

The district is focusing on improving collaboration among counselors, social workers, and psychologists to provide more integrated support for students, aiming to enhance overall well-being and school performance.

This initiative seeks to normalize the conversation around mental health and encourage families to view available resources as a form of empowerment.

Armed with $1.4 million in federal cash earlier this year, Valley Stream District 30 is turning that hefty sum into new programs to level up its social support services. The funding comes from the …

10/16/2024

🚀 Rethinking Education: Valley Stream’s Path to Real-World Skills! 🚀

As millions of high school students gear up for college, a significant shift is happening right here in Valley Stream! 📚✨ With soaring tuition costs and changing career landscapes, many students are seeking alternatives to traditional four-year degrees.

Valley Stream Central High School is leading the charge with innovative trade and career programs designed to equip students with practical skills in fields like cosmetology, automotive, nursing, and more—all at little to no cost! 💼🔧

“Our courses offer students the chance to explore various trades while still in high school, ensuring they make informed choices about their future,” says Jennifer DiMaio, the district's superintendent of curriculum. With the addition of a Construction Trades Program and a dedicated work-based learning coordinator, the opportunities are expanding.

Millions of high school students march toward earning a college diploma, treating higher education as an all-important step before joining the workforce. But what about those students whose interests …

10/15/2024

🎉 Valley Stream is Turning 100! 🎉

Get ready, Valley Stream. The Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, the third-largest village in New York State, is about to celebrate a century of vibrant history! From its humble beginnings in 1925 with just 7,500 residents to today’s bustling community of over 40,000, we’ve come a long way! 🌟

The village will kick off a year-long centennial celebration starting in January with the raising of a 100th Anniversary flag! 🎈 Mark your calendars for the grand parade and block party on September 27, featuring food trucks, live music, bounce houses, and an unforgettable light show! 🎆✨

With special centennial merch, a full slate of events, and the chance to connect with your neighbors, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss. For more, click the link below.

10/15/2024

🚨 BREAKING: COVID-19 Relief Scandal 🚨

A detective from the NYPD and three others have been arrested in an alleged wire fraud scheme that exploited COVID-19 relief funds.

John Bolden, 46, along with fellow detective Anthony Carreira and family members, allegedly submitted fraudulent loan applications, lining their pockets with funds meant for struggling businesses.

What does this mean for the public trust and the future of relief programs? For more, click the link below.

A New York City Police Department detective from Valley Stream and three others were arrested in connection to a wire fraud scheme that lined their pockets, and more than 65 others, with fraudulent …

10/08/2024

🚨 Is ChatGPT Changing the Way Students Think About Academic Integrity? 🤖✏️

Since its debut in 2022, ChatGPT has revolutionized the academic world 🌍. For students, it’s a game-changer—polishing grammar, sparking research ideas, and even completing assignments at the drop of a prompt. But is it helping or hurting? 😯

South High School senior Alyssa Gonzalez, through her AP Research project, wanted answers! She surveyed 206 students, uncovering some surprising truths:

📊 Over a third admitted to using ChatGPT not just to study, but to complete schoolwork. 💡 Ethical dilemmas abound: “Is using AI for assignments cheating?” Gonzalez’s findings show students struggle with that fine line.

Her takeaway? It’s not about banning AI tools but setting clear boundaries. Gonzalez warns that relying too heavily on AI could harm students in the long run, especially as they head into college and beyond.

Her teacher, Jeanette Azzaretto, agrees: AI can be an ally, but only if students stay true to their own thinking. “Nothing replaces the human brain!” 🧠✨

So what’s the verdict? Is ChatGPT an ally or an adversary in the classroom? Let’s keep the conversation going! 💬👇

Got an opinion? Send it our way: [email protected] 📧

Since ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, arrived on the scene in 2022, it has taken the academic world by storm. The bots’ usefulness is hard to deny. For students, it can help polish …

10/04/2024

🚨 Democrats File Complaint Against Nassau County Exec Bruce Blakeman Over Trump Rally Costs 🚨

Nassau County Democratic leaders have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, claiming that the Sept. 18 Trump rally, hosted by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, amounted to an unreported campaign contribution — funded by taxpayer money. 💰

Democratic Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, alongside colleagues Debra Mulé and Seth Koslow, raised concerns about the $1 million in overtime costs used to support the rally, including police presence and municipal resources. They argue that Nassau County taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for a partisan political event.

Blakeman defended the costs, stating that Nassau County budgets for large events to ensure public safety. But Democrats want the Trump campaign and Nassau County GOP to reimburse taxpayers for these expenses.

What are your thoughts on this? 🤔 Let us know in the comments or send an email to [email protected].

Democratic leaders in the Nassau County legislature have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the Sept. 18 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in …

10/03/2024

🚨 Hoax Gun Threat Triggers Lockdown at Willow Road Elementary 🚨

Willow Road Elementary briefly went into lockdown on Sept. 23 after a fake gun threat, which police quickly confirmed was a hoax. Nearby schools — James A. Dever, Howell, and Wheeler — were also placed on lockout as a precaution. 🚪🔒

Police swiftly arrived, found no credible threat, and lifted the lockdown by 9:15 a.m. Superintendent Judith LaRocca said the call was likely part of a “swatting” hoax, similar to others reported across the county that day.

Got questions or thoughts? Let us know in the comments or send an email to [email protected].

Willow Road Elementary School briefly went into lockdown Monday morning after a gun threat that police later confirmed was a hoax. The lockdown occurred shortly after students arrived, according …