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Town Focus: Valley Stream

Richard Infield, 53, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dogs, has lived in the village for 15 years and helped bring the first dog park to the community. He left his 12-year-old rescue beagles, Dakota and Chippy, at home because they don’t like playing in the dog run. 
 Community affiliation: Board member of Long Island Dog Owners Group. 
 What are the rules of the new dog park located near Valley Stream’s Village Green? 
 You must keep an eye on your dog at all times. You shouldn’t let a big dog play in the area that holds little dogs. It will intimidate owners that want to bring their small dog to the park. Dogs, 30 pounds or smaller, can play in the small dog run. Any dogs larger should be in the large dog run. But it really depends on the demeanor of the dog and how it reacts to the dogs running around. 
 What other projects have you worked on? 
 Two weeks ago, Eisenhower Park opened its first dog park. Ultimately, Valley Stream still needs to be more dog friendly. It’s a matter of getting the village to allow dogs to walk everywhere, like in parks. People just need to make sure their dog doesn’t cause a mess. 
 What’s your reason for getting so involved in making Nassau County and, specifically, Valley Stream, more dog friendly? 
 It’s a quality-of-life issue, really. If you keep a dog cooped up, they become more aggressive or just behave poorly and bark, even annoying the neighbors. You have to give your dog exercise regularly. A dog run is perfect for that because they run around for hours and then when they go home they sleep better and behave. That’s why I fight the fight. 
 Tell me about the dog park that just opened up in Eisenhower Park and what it has to offer. 
 It’s located at the junction of Salisbury Park Drive and Stewart Avenue, around the back of the golf course at Eisenhower Park. Nobody knew about this section of the park until now. It’s bigger than the one in Valley Stream and is about an acre in size. It has two dog runs; one for larger dogs 25 pounds or more and then one for smaller dogs. 
 How did Friends of Valley Stream Dogs get its start? 
 It started in June 2011 when I wrote an op-ed for the Valley Stream Herald, asking for a dog run to be put in the community. There was already a petition going around to get a dog run. There was clearly a need for a dog run within the community. When Mayor Edwin Fare was running for election, I asked him to work on this initiative to install a dog run. After he was elected, I followed up with him a month later and then formed Friends of Valley Stream Dogs. A dog park opened about eight months later on May 6. 
 And, you’re holding a second grand re-opening of the dog park because the village installed a new and more paw-friendly surface recently. Tell me about it. 
 We’re having the first annual Howl-O-Ween Party to celebrate the grand re-opening [today] from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the dog park near the Village Green. People can dress up their dogs in Halloween costumes and pay $10 to enter their dog into a contest.

LIer lobbies for Valley Stream's dogs

Valley Stream resident lobbies for village's dogs

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There was a time in Valley Stream’s history when old-fashioned businesses were the legs of the community and hotels and famous roadhouses took center stage. Entertainers from <a href="/topics//New_York_(state)">New York</a> City once beckoned passersby with song and dance and airplane pilots flew in and out of its airfield. 
 “I think that Valley Stream was really hopping, especially in the 1920s,” said Carol McKenna, 65, who was appointed village historian in 1996. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had speakeasies.” 
 Before it was named Valley Stream, the community was referred to as “the land between Near Rockaway and Jamaica.” But oddly enough, settlers nicknamed sections, “Fosters Meadow,” “Hungry Harbor,” “Tigertown,” “Cookie Hill” and “Skunks Misery.” 
 The northwest section was named “Fosters Meadow” because of its farmland; the southwest section called “Hungry Harbor” because of the starving squatters and the northwest named “Tigertown.” When hotels took up Rockaway Avenue that name became “Rum Junction.” 
 The northern section was also named “Cookie Hill” because of its racy reputation and another section was called “Skunks Misery” because it processed manure. 
 Valley Stream was established in 1843 and incorporated in 1925. The first families to settle in the area came from England, <a href="/topics//Scotland">Scotland</a>, Sweden and Germany. 
 “In the 1840s and on, they came here and opened up general stores and maintained farms,” said McKenna, who has lived in the village since 1984. “Valley Stream was a farming community and that continued through the 1800s and early 1900s. Then all of a sudden, there was a need for housing and so a lot of development started in the 1920s.” 
 Robert Pagan, who emigrated from <a href="/topics//Scotland">Scotland</a> with his wife Ellen and settled in “Fosters Meadow,” in the late 1830s, is known for coming up with the community’s official name, which was formally accepted by the post office in 1840. 
 “It was a topographically decision on his part,” said McKenna. “He looked to the north and it was hilly and noticed we had a lot of water, so he came up with the name Valley Stream.” He also built a colonial home to settle in, which is now named the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, a historic landmark, museum and meeting space. 
 The first train from Valley Stream to <a href="/topics//Far_Rockaway,_NY">Far Rockaway</a> put the community on the map. After the Civil War, the first railroad station in Valley Stream was built in the early 1870s on Rockaway Avenue at Third Street. 
 The railroad brought more business to Rockaway Avenue and <a href="/topics//Merrick,_NY">Merrick</a> Road. Businesses such as Lang’s Drygoods and Shoe Store, Norwood’s General Store, Ben Siegman’s Meat Market and Edward Miller’s Paint Store filled the streets. 
 The first school district in Valley Stream was District 13, a two-room house built in 1891. Today, there are four school districts in the village, serving thousands of children. 
 Valley Stream was not without its celebrities. During the roaring ’20s, there were two famous roadhouses; Hoffman’s and the Pavillon Royal, where American singer Rudy Vallée and Canadian-American bandleader <a href="/topics//Guy_Lombardo">Guy Lombardo</a> got their start. 
 In the mid- to late- 1900s, the area began to change with the times. Different ethnic groups began moving in and smaller businesses crumbled, or moved from the area. 
 “It’s gone from basically a caucasian community to an influx of Hispanics, African-Americans and people from other islands,” McKenna said. “I believe that they came for the same reason others did, for security and a good education for their children.” 
 Curtiss Field opened in 1929 and became the largest commercial airport on <a href="/topics//Long_Island,_NY">Long Island</a>, with more than 800 planes flying in and out of the field daily. But by 1933, the depression caused activities to cease and the field to close. Decades later, the airfield was turned into Green Acres Mall. 
 “Curtiss Airfield was a take-off point for a lot of famous fliers like <a href="/topics//Jimmy_Doolittle">Jimmy Doolittle</a>, <a href="/topics//Amelia_Earhart">Amelia Earhart</a> and the Flying 99s,” McKenna said. “At one time, it was the busiest airfield in <a href="/topics//New_York_(state)">New York</a>. Some days, they had acrobats, people that would stand on the wings of airplanes. It must have been a very interesting time.” 
 For lifelong residents and new families, their reasons for living in Valley Stream may include its close proximity to New York City, hometown feel or education system. 
 For McKenna, it’s the sense of security she gets walking the sidewalks, knowing that her son received the best education and the proximity to the city that makes her appreciative. 
 “As far as I’m concerned, Valley Stream is it,” she said. “Do I sound like I love this place? Yes, I do. It’s taken me in and it’s given me a sense of security. Yes, I grew up in Brooklyn, but this is my adopted hometown. I love Valley Stream and everybody else should, too.”

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Valley Stream history includes moniker 'Skunks Misery'

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Tony Cannonito, 51, has lived in Valley Stream since he was a baby and became president of the Valley Stream Running Club in January. The club has 60 members, running, walking and cycling at places like Hendrickson Park and Valley Stream State Park. 
 How did the Valley Stream Running Club get its start? 
 The club started back in 1979. I believe that it was started by a group of people who ran on their own in Valley Stream and wanted to formalize their group to attract more runners. I joined in the 1990s. It’s not just people from Valley Stream who run with us -- people come from Malverne, Rockville Centre and Farmingdale. 
 Is the club concerned with the dangers of running/biking on major road arteries, or on roads in Valley Stream? 
 The vast majority of our runs take place at Hendrickson Park and Valley Stream State Park. At Hendrickson, running around the lake is one mile. It really is a good, safe place for people to run, walk and in some cases ride their bike. We sometimes run at Norman J. Levy Park &amp; Preserve in Merrick to get the hill workout, or even Alley Pond Park in Queens. At certain points, we do end up crossing major roadways, but after getting familiar with the routes, members know how and where to run and all the hazardous points of the trip. 
 How did you personally get involved in running? 
 For me, it started as exercise. I was not a runner, so I started walking in Hendrickson Park and gradually converted to running. I just wanted to get out there, clear my head and get some exercise. At first, I would see a pack of runners pass me and they would later ask me to join them, but I was too afraid that I couldn’t keep up. Eventually, I met up with them and started running along with them. Now, I run five times a week, three miles to 10 miles at a time. I’ve done three marathons; one on Long Island, another in Maryland and one in Connecticut. It was a personal goal of mine when I hit 40 years old to run a marathon. 
 How much are the annual club dues and what is the money used for? 
 We collect $20 annually from each member and the money collected goes back to the members in one way or another. It subsidizes relay races we’re involved in or breakfast at meetings. 
 What are some of your goals for the club? 
 The primary goal for 2012 has been to stabilize and build up our membership. This is to keep one of Valley Stream’s best-kept secrets, the running club, still going. This year is about stabilizing and growing membership by updating our Facebook page, improving our website and making it easy for the community to find us. In 2013, we want to re-establish a race that used to take place in Valley Stream years ago. It would be a 5K or 4-mile run. 
 For those of us who are not great runners, but are looking to get involved in something within the community, what would you say to us? 
 The biggest concern for newcomers is if they can keep up with us or if they’ll hold back the group. The nice thing about this club is that we have people running at all different paces, which is perfect for beginners. Newcomers just need to set realistic goals for themselves. 
 What makes Valley Stream so conducive to running, walking or cycling? 
 If one does a complete loop of Hendrickson Park and the state park you’ll get in over three miles. You’ll also see the lake, stream and heavily wooded areas along the way. You get a little bit of everything. Valley Stream is the perfect place for a running club.

Man helps Valley Stream get running start

Man helps Valley Stream residents get running start

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Stephanie Pontillo, 26, co-owns Sip This, a popular coffeehouse on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream, with her longtime friend David Sabatino, 26. 
 How did you two pair up? 
 We've been friends since seventh grade at Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School. 
 What do you remember doing growing up in Valley Stream? 
 We went to the pool and played sports. My parents still walk to Hendrickson Park every day. Everyone knows each other on our block and we walked everywhere as kids. I graduated from [Valley Stream] Central High School in 2004, but I remember walking to the business district for lunch. Unfortunately, they stopped that at the junior high school, but we were allowed to walk to get lunch in 10th through 12th grade at Central. 
 How did you tackle the challenge of owning a business at such a young age? 
 I never felt scared. My dad [Joseph, 56, of Valley Stream] opened a bakery supply business [in College Point, Queens] at age 24, so I always thought it was in our reach, just like it was in his. [Her father opened the business 32 years ago, but sold it five years ago.] I was excited for this. The scariest thing was that we’d close, wouldn’t have enough employees, or they wouldn’t be trained right. Now, we have five employees, including me and David. I work 10-hour days, but I feel weird not being here, so I don’t mind. 
 How has business been since you opened in August 2011? 
 We’ve seen a larger following on our Facebook page and we have tons of regulars. People who live in Valley Stream still come in and say they didn’t know we were here, so we’re still reaching people. On average, I have to say between 150 to 200 customers walk in daily. On a Friday night, we’ll have up to 400, especially during events. 
 What do you think is so attractive about Valley Stream? 
 The train is close and the parks are wonderful. Even if I left Valley Stream someday, I wouldn’t go far because this is home. Nobody in my family really moves that far away. 
 Tell me something not many people know about you. 
 I do trivia night here because I’m obsessed with trivia. Part of the fun for me is to get to learn new things every time we hold the event. In the past, you could win a gift certificate to Sip This, but now the Paramount in Huntington is donating concert tickets. 
 Above: David Sabatino, 26, co-owns Sip This, a popular coffeehouse in Valley Stream, with his longtime friend Stephanie Pontillo, 26, who also grew up in the village. (Oct. 24, 2012)

Woman combines love of coffee, trivia in biz

Valley Stream resident combines love of coffee, trivia in business

Today is my last day in Valley Stream for our Town Focus series. 
 I’ll miss trying the seasonal specialty drinks at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue, taking a tour of the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, walking in Hendrickson Park and getting to know the community while happening to discover most, if not all, of its hidden gems. 
 Last Friday, I invited David Sabatino, co-owner of Sip This, Kimberly Thomas, a local community blogger, and Richard Infield, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dogs, to a Google Hangout session to discuss Valley Stream. We’ll continue these sessions as we move forward with our monthly Town Focus series. 
 Over the past five days, I discussed issues within the schools, how business has changed over the years, the history of a community with almost 40,000 residents and much more. 
 I spent my time speaking with active members of the community like the mayor, village historian, business leaders, school officials, even comedian and actor Jim Breuer, who grew up in Valley Stream. I’m sure there are more people to meet, but I’ll be back, don’t worry. 
 I have to say that the food in Valley Stream has been quite delectable and I’m so glad I received so many recommendations throughout the week. 
 Again, if you’re wondering what kind of Halloween events are happening in Valley Stream, refer back to my <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/town-focus-day-3-in-valley-stream-1.4146977">Day 3 post</a> for details. 
 Today, I’ll be covering the community, along with reporter Jessica Stallone. 
 I’m meeting with Richard Infield, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dog Park. Jessica is stopping by Kidz Stuff, a children’s consignment store on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream. 
 If you have any questions, concerns, or you just want to recommend another place to eat lunch, please reach out to me via <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a> or the comments below. You can also reach out to Jessica via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JessStallone">Twitter</a>. 
 Follow us! We’ll have lots to share with you. 
 Above: Kidz Stuff in Valley Stream 
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Town Focus: Day 5 in Valley Stream

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)

Chamber members discuss village's downtown

Chamber members discuss Valley Stream's downtown

Jim Breuer, 45, is a stand-up comedian, actor and radio host who grew up in Valley Stream. He’s known for his time as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” and for his role in the 1998 cult “stoner” flick “Half Baked.” He currently lives in Chester, N.J., with his wife of 20 years, Dee, and his three daughters: Gabrielle, 13, Kelsey, 10, and Dorianne, 7. 
 Tell me what it was like growing up in Valley Stream. 
 I grew up Valley Stream until my parents moved to Florida when I was 20. I graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1985. It was the best childhood anyone could ever ask for. You’ll find 10 to 15 people packed at someone’s house for parties. It was a very tight community. I actually still want my kids to eventually grow up there. It was the era everyone knew each other. As a kid, we were outdoors as much as possible. Still to this day, I keep in touch with everyone who grew on that street, on Jefferson Avenue. I’m actually in the middle of writing a book about growing up on that street. It was a phenomenal time and when I look back on my life it’s one of the most cherished parts of my life. Every year, we would look forward to riding our bikes at the Village Green. I remember playing Little League at Firemen’s Field and watching fireworks there each year. We also used to hangout at Green Acres Mall all the time. We’d go to the movies at the multiplex. We loved going to the best pizza place, Ancona Pizzeria. 
 Tell me how you got your start in stand-up comedy. 
 A year after my family moved to Florida, I moved back to Jefferson Avenue and lived with a friend and then I started my career in standup comedy. I lived on Long Island, but I’d go to the city every night. I also performed my first gig at a rock club called February's in Elmont. My high school friends played in a band and they asked me to introduce them and tell jokes and stories. I did stand-up comedy at Valley Stream Central and Governor’s in Levittown in 1985. 
 Has it changed much from when you lived here? 
 The last time I visited Valley Stream was in June. Oh yeah, it’s changed a lot. When I drive around there I don’t see people out. The kids aren’t out on the street anymore like they used to be. The culture has changed a lot and different people have moved to the area. 
 For those of us who have not read your first book, “I’m Not High,” what does it reveal about you? 
 It reveals a lot about growing up on Long Island and my childhood experiences. It’s about the real Jim Breuer and where I got my start. My father James, 89, worked for the village as a sanitation worker in Valley Stream for 30 years. The book states how I hold family more valuable than anything in the world. No matter how many times I was tempted with fame and vanity I always go back to Valley Stream, which was always about community and family. 
 Do any of your comedic skits come out of living in Valley Stream? 
 My older stuff goes back to living in Valley Stream. On the DVD “Hardcore,” half the material was about me growing up in Valley Stream. There’s a piece I talk about my dog Duffy and the bully of the neighborhood. 
 What do you think is most attractive about Valley Stream? 
 I don’t know much about it now, but I know about it then. Like I said, if there was a map, or a way to write a book for a modern-day outline of the way good living was and the way it’s supposed to be, then take a look at Valley Stream. It’s the greatest place in the world to grow up.

'SNL' alum recalls his Valley Stream past

'Saturday Night Live' alum Jim Breuer recalls Valley Stream upbringing

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This is my second-to-last day in Valley Stream. So far, I toured the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration and learned some history along the way; spoke to officials about the school system; and talked to business leaders about how they are coping with a tough economy. 
 Today, I’m meeting with Tony Cannonito, president of Valley Stream Running Club, to talk about recreation and staying active in the community. 
 Look out for an updated photo gallery of Valley Stream, along with a new gallery of historical photos. Also, we’ll have a story on the history of Valley Stream. 
 If you’re interested in going to some Halloween events this coming week, please refer back to my<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/town-focus-day-3-in-valley-stream-1.4146977"> Day 3 preview,</a> where the events are listed in detail. 
 So far, I’ve had no problem getting advice on where to eat lunch. On Wednesday, I had a spicy chicken club sandwich at P.J. Harper’s on Rockaway Avenue. Yum! 
 Where shall I eat next? Keep the suggestions coming. Please feel free to reach out to me via <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a> or the comments below at any point during my coverage this week. &nbsp; 
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Town Focus: Day 4 in Valley Stream

LI National Register of Historic Places

Bill Heidenreich, 40, of Merrick, was appointed superintendent of Valley Stream Central School District in July 2011 after serving as assistant superintendent for personnel and administration for seven years. 
 Tell me a little about your home life and what you do outside of the office. 
 I’ve been married 14 years to my wife, Susan, and we have two daughters [Kate, 11, and Amy, 8 ] who keep us busy. I run in marathons and have medals on the wall of my office over there. Since my wife is a fashion designer in the city, we have to live no more than one hour from the city. 
 What’s your background in? 
 I went to Brown University for undergrad and got my doctorate at Columbia University. I was a social studies teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School from 1994 to 1999, director and instructor of technology at Bellmore-Merrick Central High School DIstrict from 1999 to 2004 and then came to Valley Stream Central High School District. 
 Tell me about the school system. 
 We have four schools: Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School, which serves grades 7 to 9; Valley Stream Central High School, which serves 10th to 12th, and North High School and South High School, which both serve 7th through 12th. 
 What are you most proud of within your district? 
 Ninety-five percent of our students graduate with a Regents diploma. Last year, we had students accepted to Columbia University and Dartmouth College [in Hanover, N.H.]. We have 266 advanced-placement students. 
 What does the district have to offer? 
 We have 4,700 students in the district. In addition to a strong academic program, there are so many activities and sports that these kids can get involved in. 
 Although you don’t live here, what do you find most attractive about Valley Stream? 
 When people are looking for homes, they look for a school district with a high graduation rate. We have that. Not only is there that academic piece, but there’s a tremendous amount of opportunities for the kids at the school paper, athletics, fencing, rifle, gymnastics and other clubs. 
 In your opinion, what’s most&nbsp;outstanding about the community? 
 I think it’s a combination of things. In Valley Stream, you have the best of both worlds. You can get to the beaches in 15 to 20 minutes and into the city in 30 minutes or so. Geographically, you get the best of both worlds.

Man runs school district, marathons

Man runs Valley Stream school district, marathons

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Valley Stream Village Mayor Edwin Fare, 50, was elected trustee in 2004 and then mayor in 2011. He teaches technology at Valley Stream South High School and has been a volunteer at Valley Stream’s fire department since age 18. He is also the chair of the village’s historical society. 
 What has kept you in Valley Stream all this time? 
 I’ve been here my whole life. My grandparents settled here, both my parents settled here, and now me and my wife raised our kids here. Our three children are the fourth generation in our family to go to the Valley Stream school system. 
 What do you find unique about your community? 
 It’s very unusual to find a village this size. We have about 38,000 residents. At one time, it was considered the largest incorporated village in the state. 
 You have been chair of the historical society for three years, so you know your fair share of history. What do you find the most interesting about Valley Stream’s history? 
 Before it was called Valley Stream, people nicknamed certain sections Tiger Town, which became a happenin’ type of place, and Rum Junction, which was a little bit of a racier and seedier area with speak-easies. There was an area called Foster’s Meadow that had farms, and Hungry Harbor, which was home to squatters. Every community has a history, and there’s a rich history here. For example, the village’s first Village Hall was built at 195 Rockaway Ave. in 1926. We’re halfway through making it a historic landmark. Having the courthouse at 195 Rockaway Avenue will bring more people to our main business district to not only pay that parking ticket but also grab lunch. 
 What do you find most attractive about the area and reason enough to raise your children here? 
 Here you have parkland, a fantastic pool system at Hendrickson Park and high quality of schools and recreational programs for young people. We have Hendrickson Park in the middle of Valley Stream, like Central Park is to New York City. The park used to be a beach when my parents were young. All the kids would swim in the lake in the 1920s and 1930s. 
 What do you think brings families here and keeps them here? 
 We’ve always been a crossroad. You can take the train or get on the highway and make it to Manhattan in 30 minutes or so. Not to mention, we’re like five minutes away from JFK Airport. Strangely enough, Valley Stream still has a hometown feeling. People see each other, shop together, and you have suburbia right near an urban center.

Mayor discusses village's 'racier' past

Valley Stream mayor discusses village's 'racier' history

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I’m not even halfway through my Town Focus week exploring Valley Stream, and I’ve already spoken to so many people to get a better idea of what the community is like. 
 So far, I’ve met with Mayor Edwin Fare, Village Historian Carol McKenna, Bill Heidenreich, superintendent of the Valley Stream Central High School District, and Kimberly Thomas, a stay-at-home mom who blogs about community events and issues. 
 I’ll start my Wednesday grabbing a cup of coffee at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue. I’ll be meeting with Amanda Douville, who will be helping provide our coverage today, then interviewing actor and comedian Jim Breuer over the phone about growing up in Valley Stream. 
 Later, I’ll sit down with Sip This owners David Sabatino and Stephanie Pontillo to discuss business and growing up in the village. Oh, and don’t miss “Trivia Night” at Sip This at 8 p.m. 
 After that, I’m meeting Debbi Gyulay, president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the business district of Valley Stream and whether it’s thriving or struggling. 
 I plan to spend my last two days speaking with Richard Infield, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dog Park, Tony Cannonito, president of Valley Stream Running Club, and Mike Stanko, a local artist. 
 Don’t miss out on the Halloween events happening in Valley Stream. 
 The Friends of Valley Stream Dog Park’s annual Howl-O-Ween Party will celebrate the grand reopening of the community’s first dog park on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Food and entry into the dog costume competition is $10. 
 That night, check out “Valley Scream’s Jack-O-Lanterns Ablaze Night” at Hendrickson Park at 7 p.m. Bring your carved jack-o-lantern to be judged as scariest, funniest and most original. 
 Check out the Valley Stream Historical Society’s Kids Costume Contest on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, 143 Hendrickson Ave. 
 Halloween Babies Storytime is at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. Children ages 3 months to 4 years can listen to Halloween-themed stories and songs. The annual Children’s Room Halloween Parade, for ages 4 and up, is on Oct. 31 at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library at 4 p.m. 
 So far, I’ve eaten at Mitchell’s Restaurant and Ancona Pizzeria &amp; Restaurant, both on Rockaway Avenue, so I’m going to need even more suggestions. I think I might try Seeda Thai Restaurant on Central Avenue. 
 Any story ideas or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to me at any point during my week in Valley Stream via <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a> or the comments below. 
 Above: The inside of Sip This in Valley Stream. 
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Town Focus: Day 3 in Valley Stream

Sip This 

Community Journalist Briitany Wait is profiling Valley Stream residents all week for our latest Town Focus. 
 Carol McKenna, 65, grew up in Brooklyn, but has lived in Valley Stream since 1984. She has been village historian of Valley Stream since 1996. 
 Tell me about yourself and how you got in the position of village historian. 
 I met my husband, John, in 1968 and we married in 1973 and decided to move to Valley Stream to get our son in a good school. My husband graduated from Thiel College in [Greenville, Pa.] with a BA in history and used to be president of the historical society and village historian. He died in 1996 at the age of 49 and I personally think that the mayor thought I needed something to distract me from focusing on our family’s loss. 
 In your opinion, what’s the most interesting period of Valley Stream’s history? 
 In all honesty, when Valley Stream was a hotbed of entertainment during prohibition in the 1920s. I can just hear the alcohol running and people ignoring prohibition. I also find it interesting that locals called the northeast section of Valley Stream Foster’s Meadow, called a section Hungry Harbor, another section Tiger Town and another Cookie Hill. 
 Tell me about the different ethnic groups that migrated to Valley Stream. 
 In the 1840s, 50s and 60s, immigrants came from Scotland, England, Germany, even Sweden. We had a protestant population for a while and then Irish Catholics came in. Valley Stream became more diverse within the last 20 years. We’ve welcomed Hispanics, African Americans and people from the West Indies and other islands. It’s a very diverse community, a big change from the 1950s. 
 Tell me about the house we’re standing in, the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration. 
 The house was built in 1840. This house has watched Valley Stream’s history develop. It was owned by Robert Pagan and his wife Ellen, who immigrated from Scotland. Robert Pagan is credited with naming the community. In 1847, the house was turned into a two-story farm house as a wedding gift for Robert’s daughter Catherine and husband William Fletcher. 
 What do you think attracts families to live in Valley Stream? 
 Security. They feel more secure living here than in other suburbs. Valley Stream offers a tremendous number of programs for the kids like soccer, basketball, baseball and football. For people like me who travel into the city every day, it’s a blessing to live 35 minutes from Penn Station.

Historian: Valley Stream was a 'hotbed'

Historian: Valley Stream was a ‘hotbed of entertainment’

hlHIST22_cropped

Over the next four days, I’ll continue my exploration of Valley Stream, an incorporated village in southwest Nassau County, speaking to residents and finding what makes the community tick, while tackling a piece on its history. 
 Today, I’m meeting with Kimberly Thomas, a local mother who runs the valleystreammom.com blog, at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library at 11 a.m. 
 After that, I’m sitting down with Valley Stream schools Superintendent Bill Heidenreich to and then with Village Mayor Edwin Fare for an on-camera interview. 
 In between, I will continue shooting video in Valley Stream for the historical documentary that will run on newsday.com on Wednesday. 
 Later in the week, I’ll be talking with actor and comedian Jim Breuer, Sip This owners David Sabatino and Stephanie Pontillo, Debbi Gyulay, president of Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, and others. 
 Also, thank you for all the lunch recommendations on Monday. I had a tasty tuna sandwich with a macaroni salad at Mitchell’s Restaurant on Rockaway Avenue. Where should I go next? 
 Feel free to reach out to me via <a href="http://twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com?subject=Valley%20Stream%20Town%20Focus">email</a>, or the comments below. 
 And keep come back here throughout the day for updates. 
 Above: Valley Stream Village Hall. 
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Town Focus: Day 2 in Valley Stream

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Dr. Joseph Pompilio, 53, of Huntington, has been the principal of Valley Stream Central High School for 11 years. When community journalist Brittany Wait caught up with him last Friday for our Town Focus series, he was wearing a royal blue mesh jersey over his business attire, which read “Tough guys wear pink,” to raise money for breast cancer research. 
 Explain this neat shirt. 
 Today is Pink Day. Our school has raised over $3,000 for breast cancer research by selling these shirts. It’s part of our spirit week, leading up to our homecoming football game Saturday. 
 You don’t live in Valley Stream, but something has kept you here. What is that? 
 When I took this job in 2001, I was immediately attracted to the area because it’s a very blue-collar environment with hard-working people, family values, traditions and diversity. I think our teachers work very hard, and we constantly strive to motivate and challenge these kids. We’re not a wealthy district, but the teachers here come early and stay late. These kids want to be here even after the bell rings at the end of the day. 
 As principal, what do you try to instill in students? 
 Central has a culture of very high expectations. In my experience, once you put expectations out there, no matter what race these kids are they do respond well. 
 Tell me something else that the kids have been involved in lately. 
 We prepare our kids to be better citizens of their country by having students vote for their school body president and at the same time practice-voting for the president of the United States. Teachers have to be engaging and up to speed with what’s going on. Also, I just want to say that when there’s a commitment in the building the students follow through with it. The Class of 2012 raised the money to display two electronic signs showing school events in front of the school. 
 What has made you the most proud of your school? 
 Well, many things have made me proud, but as you probably already know schools just began implementing DASA [The Dignity for All Students Act, protecting students from bullying] over the summer. We’ve already been enforcing this for years. You won’t hear another kid say, “That’s so gay,” in this building. Our teachers address bad behavior or language. I’m just so very proud that our kids walk the halls without barriers, and they’re kind and supportive of one another.

Principal: 'Our kids walk the hall without barriers'

Valley Stream Central principal: 'Our kids walk the hall without barriers'

hlVALLEYP19

David Sabatino, 26, co-owns Sip This, a popular coffeehouse in Valley Stream, with his longtime friend Stephanie Pontillo, who also grew up in the village. 
 While he was studying urban planning in graduate school at New York University, he founded Envision Valley Stream in May 2009, a community-based organization which aims to create a brighter future for the village. 
 Community affiliations: Member of the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol, vice president of the Valley Stream Democrat Club and secretary of Friends of Valley Stream Dog Park. 
 First off, tell me about yourself and your past accomplishments. 
 I graduated Kellenberg Memorial High School [in Uniondale] and went on to Marist College [in Poughkeepsie] and got an undergraduate degree in history. From there, I thought I was going to go into education, but I decided to go into urban planning. We opened Sip This in August 2011. From there, I focused on Sip This and staying active in the community. I recently got married on August 16 to my wife Sarah on the Village Green in Valley Stream. 
 What’s your secret in managing to handle running a business like this at such a young age? 
 Stephanie and I were very keen to involve people early on in what we were doing. A couple of days after we signed our lease, we started a Facebook page to start the conversation. Many people were a part of that story as it was unfolding. Immediately, people were excited to see it coming into their community by people from their community. 
 Where did you get the idea for the business? 
 When we [he and Pontillo] were in college, we would take road trips with our friends, and when we got to these places we would find ourselves in coffee shops and critiquing each one. It became a conversation on all our travels with our friends, and then one day we opened our own coffee shop. We wanted to create a very comfortable, inviting place for our community and customers. 
 Describe the atmosphere of Sip This. What’s was your inspiration for creating its look? 
 We were avid fans of The Cup [Coffeehouse in Wantagh] and Witches Brew [in West Hempstead], a dark, gothic, cool hangout place. The Cup was more like a lighthearted living room -- very relaxed environment. We asked ourselves, “Where would our coffee shop fit into that spectrum?” We wanted to make our place comfortable for a wide variety of people. We also wanted to connect the name to Slip Disc, a record store that was in business here for more than 20 years, to carry on its legacy. 
 Can you give me a rundown of events that are held at Sip This? 
 The most popular event we have is BYOV, Bring Your Own Vinyl, on the first Friday of every month. People bring their own vinyl and our DJ puts it into the mix. It becomes a listening party. We have a poetry group that meets here. We have trivia nights and open mic nights, book clubs and a knitting group that meets here. 
 On another note, tell me about the organization you founded, Envision Valley Stream. 
 Everything that makes up a community, you want in an envision plan. We work with the people in our community, businesses and local government to get our ideas accomplished by holding meetings and collecting ideas and feedback. While we’re doing that, we’ve held graffiti and park cleanups and an annual Art in the Park event, displaying high school artwork. 
 Above: David Sabatino, 26, co-owner of Sip This in Valley Stream, and his wife, Sarah, 27. (Oct. 13, 2012)

Coffeehouse owner brews ideas for village

Coffeehouse owner brews up ideas to help Valley Stream

hlVALLEYP18

I am spending&nbsp; five days in Valley Stream, a village established in 1843 and incorporated in 1925 in southwest Nassau County. I will be talking to residents, walking into businesses and putting together a historical video on the 169 years of the village’s existence. 
 Today, I’ll start by exploring Valley Stream while shooting video for a historical documentary I’m working on. 
 This afternoon I’m meeting with Valley Stream Village Mayor Edwin Fare at Village Hall to discuss what makes the community so attractive, while touching on his interest in the village’s rich history. 
 After the interview with the mayor, I will be meeting with village historian Carol McKenna at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration to break down the most significant milestones in Valley Stream’s history. 
 Later, I'll also talk with Kimberly Thomas, who has a popular Valley Stream blog; Sip This coffee house owners David Sabatino and Stephanie Pontillo; and&nbsp; Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce president Debbi Gyulay. I’ll also chat by phone with Valley Stream native and “Saturday Night Live” alum Jim Breuer, an actor and stand-up comedian. 
 Look for my chat with&nbsp; Richard Infield, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dog Park; Tony Cannonito, president of Valley Stream Running Club; and local artist Mike Stanko. 
 I’ll need to find a place to get lunch every day. If there’s a favorite place of yours, give me a heads up and I’ll try to stop in for a bite. As the week progresses, please, feel free to reach out to me via <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a> or the comments below. I’ll need your help to explore all the village has to offer. 
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Town Focus: Day 1 in Valley Stream

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