On Wednesday, Debbi Gyulay, 60, president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, joined longtime resident Mary Ann Cahill, 76, and financial adviser Lee Feinman, 63, for coffee at Sip This. 
 Gyulay, who has lived in Valley Stream for 55 years, is a clerical worker at Valley Stream Central High School. Cahill, a 47-year resident of the village, stays active with the chamber to honor her late husband Edward Cahill, a former village mayor who died in July 2010. Feinman, a 17-year resident, is also a member of the chamber and volunteers as treasurer of the Mill Brook Civic Association. 
 Tell me about business on Rockaway Avenue, the downtown business district of Valley Stream, and how it has changed throughout the years. 
 Gyulay: When I was a child, Rockaway Avenue was the main street to shop, and when Green Acres Mall was built, it had a negative effect and hurt small stores on Rockaway. Since then, Rockaway has never been back to its peak level of business, and of course we all want that. Things seem to be getting better, though, because I’ve noticed that there have been more stores filled up than six years ago. The street has changed, but the look of the buildings hasn’t changed since the 1960s. We still have Itgen’s Ice Cream Parlour, Sal &amp; Vin’s [barber shop], Larry’s Pub, Mitchell’s Restaurant and Ancona Pizzeria [&amp; Heroes]. 
 Feinman: It [the mall] was economically disastrous for the community. The business district has a real mix of business. There’s a large concentration of beauty shops and car repair and body shops. Businesses have moved in and out over the years, but structurally, the street and buildings have looked the same. 
 Cahill: Ancona Pizzeria has been here since forever. 
 What are some of the benefits of being part of the chamber of commerce? 
 Gyulay: You feel that you’re a part of the community. It gives you that connection that you’re part of something. 
 Feinman: It gives owners the opportunity to come together and share ideas on how to market their businesses more efficiently. The owners typically use the chamber to further their voice. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among business owners belonging to the chamber. They tend to refer customers to other local businesses if the customer can’t find something. 
 Overall, what do you think Valley Stream has to offer residents and visitors? 
 Gyulay: We have wonderful recreation programs for children to seniors, beautiful parks, we’re close to the city, and the train station is very active, so you don’t have to wait long. 
 How would you respond to those who say Valley Stream is unsafe? 
 Gyulay: It’s safe to say that the world has changed. In the 1950s and 1960s, my parents never locked their doors, but things change in every community. Bad things happen everywhere. Truth is, I don’t feel any more in danger. 
 Above: Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Gyulay, 60, left, sits at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue to the left of chamber members Mary Ann Cahill, 76, and Lee Feinman, 63. (Oct. 24, 2012)

On Wednesday, Debbi Gyulay, 60, president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, joined longtime resident Mary Ann Cahill, 76, and financial adviser Lee Feinman, 63, for coffee at Sip This. Gyulay, who has lived in Valley Stream for 55 years, is a clerical worker at Valley Stream Central High School. Cahill, a 47-year resident of the village, stays active with the chamber to honor her late husband Edward Cahill, a former village mayor who died in July 2010. Feinman, a 17-year resident, is also a member of the chamber and volunteers as treasurer of the Mill Brook Civic Association. Tell me about business on Rockaway Avenue, the downtown business district of Valley Stream, and how it has changed throughout the years. Gyulay: When I was a child, Rockaway Avenue was the main street to shop, and when Green Acres Mall was built, it had a negative effect and hurt small stores on Rockaway. Since then, Rockaway has never been back to its peak level of business, and of course we all want that. Things seem to be getting better, though, because I’ve noticed that there have been more stores filled up than six years ago. The street has changed, but the look of the buildings hasn’t changed since the 1960s. We still have Itgen’s Ice Cream Parlour, Sal & Vin’s [barber shop], Larry’s Pub, Mitchell’s Restaurant and Ancona Pizzeria [& Heroes]. Feinman: It [the mall] was economically disastrous for the community. The business district has a real mix of business. There’s a large concentration of beauty shops and car repair and body shops. Businesses have moved in and out over the years, but structurally, the street and buildings have looked the same. Cahill: Ancona Pizzeria has been here since forever. What are some of the benefits of being part of the chamber of commerce? Gyulay: You feel that you’re a part of the community. It gives you that connection that you’re part of something. Feinman: It gives owners the opportunity to come together and share ideas on how to market their businesses more efficiently. The owners typically use the chamber to further their voice. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among business owners belonging to the chamber. They tend to refer customers to other local businesses if the customer can’t find something. Overall, what do you think Valley Stream has to offer residents and visitors? Gyulay: We have wonderful recreation programs for children to seniors, beautiful parks, we’re close to the city, and the train station is very active, so you don’t have to wait long. How would you respond to those who say Valley Stream is unsafe? Gyulay: It’s safe to say that the world has changed. In the 1950s and 1960s, my parents never locked their doors, but things change in every community. Bad things happen everywhere. Truth is, I don’t feel any more in danger. Above: Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Gyulay, 60, left, sits at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue to the left of chamber members Mary Ann Cahill, 76, and Lee Feinman, 63. (Oct. 24, 2012)

News

Chamber members discuss village's downtown

Chamber members discuss Valley Stream's downtown

Valley Stream

Newsday

hlVALLEY24

Homepage Trending

Latest LI weather forecast

Trump accounts: What LI parents need to know

Summer Fun Book

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

A draft rule introduced this month by House and Senate Republicans would significantly limit compensation for service-connected tinnitus and sleep apnea for veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

LI vets concerned about bill that would reduce benefits

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits Palmer Vineyards, where they host 'summer late nights,' which have become very popular.

Out East: Take a sip at this winery that's ready for summer

After the British took control of Long Island, George Washington created a special unit for intelligence gathering, the Culper Spy Ring. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

America 250: The Culper Spy Ring on LI

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus explores the new farmers market at Station Yards in Ronkonkoma.

Farmers market opens at Station Yards

Brianna's Law, named after an 11-year-old girl who died in a 2005 accident, requires all operators of motorized vessels to take a boating safety course. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

After her daughter's boating death, mom went from grief to 'unstoppable' safety advocate

The number of IOUs issued by LIRR conductors for fare evasion fell by more than half from 2024 to 2025. Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso Castillo explains.

LIRR IOUs for fare evasion are down

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits L'Etoile in Oyster Bay. The French restaurant is in the building that used to be Snouder's Drug Store.

Historic LI building home to new French restaurant

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Signorama in Huntington Station.

LI Works: Ken lights up the room as he makes signs

Two sharks were spotted off Long Island shores Thursday, at Lido Beach and Long Beach. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Sharks spotted off shores of two LI beaches 

Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman takes the High Line to Chelsea Market and Pier 57.

Exploring NYC's High Line

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Newsday investigation: Sex buyers go free ... Saving oysters in Great South Bay ... America 250: Nathan Hale ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

Newsday investigation: Sex buyers go free ... Saving oysters in Great South Bay ... America 250: Nathan Hale

News - megaslot

Newsday has the most up-to-date stories on Long Island & NTC. Join us & stay current with news articles on sports, business, health, technology & more.

Stay logged in.