VALLEY STREAM
WINNER HERALD
Kimont Person, Emily Heeralal, Christopher Srour, Gianna Perlaza, Taylah Martin, Morgane Kapto (front)
Photo: Tim Baker
Cover design: Jeffrey A. Negrin
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A letter from the
publisher
Stuart Richner
We are pleased to present our annual Living In Valley Stream, a special supplement to the Valley Stream Herald. Not only does this guide include vital information about Valley Stream, but it also gives you a look at some of the people and places that represent the best of the village.
Think of Living In Valley Stream as an “owner’s manual” for newcomers and longtime residents alike. As you’ll see in these pages, there’s an amazingly rich social fabric here.
Those of us who live here know Valley Stream has a storied history and unique “hidden gems,” which are an integral part of what makes it such a wonderful village in which to live, work, shop, and play. Discover why we’ve identified these spots unique to Valley Stream as “hidden gems” as you read through this guide.
Diverse cultural and religious groups have found a home in the village, yet the instinct for community remains stronger than ever. Whether living here for generations or new to the neighborhood, residents are captivated by the village’s charm often discovered in the small things and tuckedaway places, from the children’s lion head water fountain that has graced the village pool for over 50 years to Wheeler Deli, a cherished decades-old eatery that best embodies both Valley Stream’s growth and its historic roots.
Valley Stream has come a long way from its origin as a small farming community. Learn about up-and-coming projects like its first-ever community garden that is expanding opportunities for residents to learn and grow together. As the village approaches its centennial anniversary next year, its hidden gems show how it honors its rich history and looks forward to the future.
Living In Valley Stream is published in cooperation with the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to mark another year as the Chamber's official publication.
We hope you find this edition useful and informative and enjoy reading the Valley Stream Herald 52 weeks per year.
Stuart Richner Publisher
P.S. If you're not currently receiving the Valley Stream Herald by mail each week, please help keep quality local journalism alive in your community by subscribing. See our ad on P age 26 for subscription information, or find us online at LIHerald.com/subscribe, or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 7.
Editor Juan lasso
Publisher stuart richner
Vice President of Sales rhonda Glickman
Deputy Editor Jeffrey bessen
Features/ Special Sections Editor Karen bloom
Multi Media Marketing Consultant Glenn Gold
Creative Director Designer Jeffrey Negrin
GreetinGs from mayor fare
Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of our entire Village Board, myself, Deputy Mayor John Tufarelli, Trustee Dermond Thomas, Sean Wright and Kevin Waszak, Village Justice Melanie Jenkins and Village Clerk James Hunter.
Another year has passed, and we welcome this latest edition of Living In Valley Stream.
The word is out that Valley Stream is a great place to live, and as a result our population has grown to 40,000. We are the third largest incorporated village in the entire State of New York, and proud of our designation as the “Best Place to Live In New York!”
Although it is a mere 30 minutes away from mid-town Manhattan, Valley Stream is truly a beautiful suburban oasis, rich in recreational, social and community character. We are home to more than 100 acres of beautiful parkland, affording our residents lots of green open spaces. From baseball and soccer fields to basketball, tennis and now pickle-ball courts, a miniature golf course and a popular state-of-the-art pool complex, recreational opportunities for all ages abound.
Our Village staff works hard to provide great services so that there is truly something for everyone in Valley Stream. The summer months
bring an outstanding array of outdoor concerts and movies, the Barrett recreational program and the everpopular Farmers Market! Throughout the year there are always plenty of seasonal activities for all to enjoy.
Abounding in civic spirit, Valley Stream is fortunate to have a uniquely dedicated group of citizens who donate their time and talents to the betterment of our community. Our Village’s volunteers include the members of the Historical Society, the brave men and women of the Fire Department, first-rate Auxiliary Police and Civilian Patrols, and organizations catering to residents of all ages, from our Youth Council to our Silver Threads.
Our website at www.vsvny.org, as well as our social media platforms, provide a great way to keep informed of everything that is going on around Valley Stream. The Mayor’s Helpline (1-855-99MAYOR) is another way to let us know of any concerns our residents may have.
As a lifelong Valley Streamer, I am proud to call this Village my home. The entire Village Board joins me in urging you to take advantage of all that is offered here!
Sincerely,
Edwin Fare
Edwin Fare Mayor, Valley Stream
Holden Leeds/Herald
Mayor Ed Fare, left, rubbed elbows with beloved baseball icon Mr. Met alongside a crowd of baseball fans.
a message from the Valley stream Chamber president
Greetings!
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce is an organization composed of local businesses and their owners, community organizations and educational institutions. Our members have the opportunity to meet monthly to network, meet local leaders and learn about local issues.
SaSan ShavanSon PreSident Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce
In addition to promoting the interests of the business community, the Chamber also strives for community involvement in many ways, some of which the public may not be aware.
We award scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsor community events such as the Rockaway Avenue Summer Car Show, Concert Series, Community Fest, Pumpkin Painting Contest and Winterfest. Chamber members have also participated in career days
with the local schools. This year the Chamber also started holding food truck events at the Village pool parking lot.
The Chamber has also worked in conjunction with the Village Administration to obtain grants to support the downtown and beautify the community.
We also arrange ribbon cuttings to welcome new businesses and march in the Memorial Day Parade.
As president of Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank our member businesses for their continued support of our organization and I’d like to remind our community to shop local. Our businesses are the backbone of our community.
Sasan Shavanson, President
Nora Toscano/Herald
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce presented roughly $5,000 in donations split evenly among the businesses ravaged by the downtown Rockaway fire earlier this year.
Important numbers
Mayor’s Office (516) 825-4205
Valley Stream Building Dept. (516) 825-4200, Ext. 3
Village Emergency Management (516) 592-5140
Valley Stream Police (Emergency) 911
Village Department of Recreation (516) 821-3786
Village Treasurer (516) 825-4200, Ext. 6
Village Assessor (516) 825-4200, Ext. 4
Village Attorney (516) 592-5126
Village Clerk (516) 825-4200, Ext. 5
Village Court (516) 419-5602
Valley Stream Fire Department (516) 825-8830
Village Public Safety (516) 369-3875
Village Sanitation (516) 825-8108
Village Recycling (516) 825-8108
Nassau County Health Dept. (516) 227-9697
Nassau County Police Department (516) 573-8800
Nassau County Public Works (516) 571-6900
Waldinger Memorial Library (516) 825 6422
Carol McKenna preserves Valley Stream’s rich history
By Roksana Amid
CI like to say that Hendrickson Park is an oasis compared to the concrete of Manhattan and the entire city," McKenna said. "Walking around, people in Valley Stream say hello or good morning, something that you would not get ordinarily in the city.
arol McKenna has spent nearly three decades as the dedicated Village Historian of Valley Stream, shaping the way her community remembers its past and builds its future. Appointed to the position in 1996 after the untimely passing of her husband, John McKenna, she has remained a constant presence in the village's historical society and civic life, guiding the preservation of local history with passion and persistence.
Carol McKenna served as president of the Association of Public Historians of New York State from 2004 to 2011, creating a network of historians and fostering collaboration across the state.
“History was one of my best classes when I was going to school,” McKenna said.“It was meant to be.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, McKenna's journey to Valley Stream began in 1984, when she and her husband moved to
Tim Baker/Herald
Carol McKenna has been Valley Stream's decdicated historian since 1996, preserving local history with passion after the sudden passing of her husband, the previous historian.
the village, seeking a quieter, more spacious environment to raise their young son. As a child growing up in a Brooklyn railroad flat, McKenna had always dreamed of a home with more space, and Valley Stream offered the perfect balance of suburban serenity and a strong sense of community. She quickly became involved with the Valley Stream Historical Society, working closely with her husband, who served as the village historian before his death. Just months after his appointment, he passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy that McKenna felt compelled to continue.
Her work as the editor of Panorama, the historical society's newsletter, has kept residents informed and connected to the rich stories of their town. Under her leadership, the society was awarded its Absolute Charter in 2000, an achievement she helped secure as Chairperson of the Absolute Charter Committee.
McKenna also co-authored the 75th anniversary book, Valley Stream at 75, a milestone publication that captured the essence of the village and its growth over the decades. Her contributions to this book, alongside coauthor Bert Keller, are a testament to her deep understanding of the area’s history.
“I was lucky enough to meet a great group of people, not only here on Long Island, but all over the state of New York,” she said. “That's what's kept me going.”
But McKenna’s influence extends far beyond the village. She has served as president of the Association of Public Historians of New York State from 2004 to 2011, connecting with historians across the state, fostering a network of professionals dedicated to preserving local histories. She has also served as a Long Island History Day judge, further underscoring her commitment to nurturing an appreciation of history in younger generations.
Despite her formal achievements, what truly sets McKenna apart is her love for Valley Stream and its people.
“I like to say that Hendrickson Park is an oasis compared to the concrete of Manhattan and the entire city.’” she said.“Walking around, people in Valley Stream say hello or good morning, something that you would not get ordinarily in the city. It was a place where the
two of us weren't concerned about our son going out.”
Her connection to the village runs deep —her in-laws purchased the home she now lives in back in 1950, and the McKenna name has been tied to the local history ever since. The garden at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration — dedicated to her late husband and named the "John J. McKenna Memorial Garden" — stands as a permanent reminder of the family’s enduring contribution to Valley Stream.
At 77, McKenna remains an active and beloved figure in her community, continuing to preserve and share the stories of the village she calls home. For McKenna, history is not just a profession — it’s a way of keeping her husband’s legacy alive and ensuring that future generations understand the value of remembering where they come from.
At 77, McKenna continues to actively share the stories of Valley Stream, seeing her work as a way to honor her husband’s legacy and pass on the importance of local history to future generations including places like the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Baha’i Center of Nassau County 11 W. Jamaica Ave.
Valley Stream 11580 (516) 887-0181
LIBahai.org bahai.information.li@gmail.com
Bethlehem Assembly of God 12 E. Fairview Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 561-6150
Pastor: the Rev. Steven Milazzo BethlehemAG.org info@bethlehemag.org
Church of the Blessed Sacrament (Roman Catholic)
201 N. Central Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 568-1027
Pastor: the Rev. Lawrence Onyegu BSVS.us blsrcc@bsvs.us
Chabad Outreach Center (Orthodox) 550 Rockaway Ave. Valley Stream 11581 (516) 825-5566
Rabbi: Yitzchak Goldshmid ChabadOfValleyStream.com
Gateway World Christian Center 502 N. Central Ave.
Valley Stream 11580 (516) 596-7222
Senior Pastor: Dr. Sunny Philip GatewayNYC.com info@gatewaynyc.com
Grace United Methodist Church 21 S. Franklin Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 825-1182
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jeffrey L. Hooker GraceVSNY.org
Holy Name of Mary Church (Roman Catholic) 55 E. Jamaica Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (561) 825-1450
Pastor: the Rev. David Regan HNOMary.org holynamemary@aol.com
Jesucristo La Esperanza de la Familia 34 Locust St. Valley Stream 11581 (516) 792-2999
Pastors: Revs. Raul and Iveth Ruidiaz Lutheran Church of Our Saviour 888 Rockaway Ave. Valley Stream 11581 (516) 825-5453
Pastor: the Rev. Alfred Thiagarijan pastoralfy@gmail.com
Masjid Hamza Islamic Center of the South Shore 202 Stuart Ave.
Valley Stream 11580 (516) 285-8585
MasjidHamza.com info@masjidhamza.com
New Covenant Baptist Church 215 N. Hillside Ave. Valley Stream 11580
Pastor: Hi S. Lee (516) 887-3700
Keith Rossein/Herald
Blessed Sacrament clergy and parishioners took their faith to the streets of the village during their annual Eucharistic Procession earlier this year.
New Hope Lutheran Church
60 Oliver Ave.
Valley Stream 11580 (516) 285-9782
Pastor: The Rev. Robert Cederstrom MNYS.org/locations/new-hoplutheran-church-valley-stream North Woodmere Jewish Center Congregation Ohr Torah
410 Hungry Harbor Road
Valley Stream 11581 (516) 791-2130
Rabbi: Aryeh Dachs OhrTorah.org
Olivet Baptist Church 34 Locust St. Valley Stream 11581 (516) 825-9462
Pastor: the Rev. Karen Pickler
St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont 2105 Stuart Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 285-6003
Pastor: David Ball StJohnsUMCE.org
Temple Hillel (Conservative) 1000 Rosedale Road
Valley Stream 11581 (516) 791-6344
Rabbi: Steven Graber rmarkowitz@templehillel.org
Unity Church of Christianity 14 E. Mineola Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 825-1488
Pastor: the Rev. Charles Foley UnityValleyStream.net info@unityvalleystream.net
Valley Stream Baptist Church 1865 N. Central Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 285-7565
Pastor: the Rev. Dr. Sherby Clarke ValleyStreambaptistChurch.com valleystreambaptistchurch@gmail. com
Valley Stream Jewish Center (Conservative) 322 N. Corona Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 561-2308
Rabbi: Yechiel Buchband
President: Bruce Wulwick, Shlomo Spritzer ValleyStreamJC.org
Valley Stream Presbyterian Church 130 S. Central Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 561-0616
Pastor: The Rev. Kymberley Clemons-Jones ValleyStreamPres.org vspc@valleystreampres.org
Outreach Centers
Holy Name of Mary Parish Outreach 55 E. Jamaica Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 825-0177
Coordinator: Sister Margie Kelly HNOMary.org hnmoutreach@verizon.net
Blessed Sacrament Parish Outreach 201 N. Central Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 561-8969
Director: Judith Miccio
House of Hope, Bethlehem Assembly of God 12 E. Fairview Ave. Valley Stream 11580 (516) 887–1708
Director: Norma Pascualini
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Juan Lasso • Editor
Valley Stream Herald, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, N.Y. 11530
Website: www.liherald.com
Editor: Juan Lasso (jlasso@liherald.com) (516) 569-4000, Ext. 236
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History takes the at the Keller Auditorium STAGE
By Juan Lasso
It’s hard to imagine a high school auditorium on Long Island that — in matters of sheer grandness and history — rivals or surpasses that of the “Bertram H. Keller Auditorium.” To this day the performance venue at Valley Stream Central High School, which opened its doors in 1929, gleams with the era’s iconic Art Deco style.
Nowadays, while many of the newer school auditoriums have traded adornment for sleek minimalism and bold expression for an inoffensively neutral look, the Keller Auditorium has stayed the exception. Today, it is a timeless rebel of refreshing over-the-top splendor — and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Much of the original grand décor, which teeters on the verge of extravagance, is there for all to see.Visitors can crane their necks up at the sculptured plaster floral ceiling. Look back down at the ground level and see a Greco-Roman frieze — a
As a cast, we would always stay in here, even when we didn't have rehearsal, just to have a place that we were comfortable with.
— Gianna Perlaza, performing art student alumni
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Performing arts students cherish the venue for its unique charm, quirks, and character, making it a meaningful and rewarding place to perform.
visual tapestry of epic images and scenes from ancient history — wrapping around buff-colored art stone walls. It is chock-full of symbolic-rich imagery with its subject titled: “The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon.” There are palms representing peace and victory. There is an ear of wheat indicating fertility; an oar showing the navigability of the Euphrates River and its expansive flow; and a merchant caravan fleeing the advance of Alexander’s victorious army.You get the idea.
It’s fair to say that the auditorium has become
an enduring monument to elegance and bold sophistication, but its larger purpose is and has always been to serve the community. There is a subtle irony about draping an auditorium for the wider public in a style once reserved for the wealthy industrial class. Beauty and art, it seems to declare, is for everyone. In this same regard, the auditorium is not fully immune to change, adapting its use in response to the needs of students and community stakeholders. It has been outfitted with modern lighting and acoustics. Some portions of it have remained largely unused. Others have been reconverted for other purposes. One thing, however, has remained the same: the community’s appreciation for its ageless charm. It is a sentiment shared widely and proudly by its performing arts students whose diehard devotion to
Despite its lavish design, the auditorium serves the broader community and nurtures the budding talents of performing arts students like cellist Morgane Kapto.
Continued on page 18
Kimont Person takes the stage at the Bertram H. Keller Auditorium. Built in 1929, showcasing grand Art Deco architecture, the auditorium is a striking exception among modern minimalist school venues.
Continued from page 17
the place is palpable. Emily Heeralal, a senior performing art student at Central, says a venue like this gives a unique stage presence to every performance.
“I’ve seen different types of theaters.You see modern theaters everywhere, but nowadays you don’t see this everywhere,” she said.“The character and design of older theaters make
The auditorium features intricate designs, including a Greco-Roman frieze depicting "The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon," filled with symbolic imagery.
The space holds deep personal significance for students like Emily Heeralal, with traditions like signing walls after each production, fostering a strong sense of connection and pride.
them special and more rewarding to perform in.”
“It has its little quirks,” too, said Gianna Perlaza, a senior performing art student at North, now graduated.
Perlaza and Heeralal say they and her fellow thespians have become intimately familiar with the venue’s every nook and cranny. They are fully aware, for example, that there is a slight slant to the stage platform. Know the hidden passages under the stage platform and can readily pick out which walls and stairways are scrawled with the names of student performers after every production.
“One of the traditions we have here is that after each show, whether it dance concerts, plays, musicals, all that fun stuff, we make a big mark of what show it was, and every member of the cast signs their name,” said Heerlal.
“As a cast, we would always stay in here, even when we didn't have rehearsal, just to have a place that we were comfortable with,” said Perlaza.“It’s become a second home.”
“When you're in here, we're all here for the same reason,” said Heerlal.“We're all here because we like to perform, but at the end of the day, this space makes what we do, what it is.”
Beauty and art, it seems to declare, is for everyone. In this same regard, the auditorium is not fully immune to change, adapting its use in response to the needs of students and community stakeholders."
Clubs & OrganizatiOns
All businesses are in Valley Stream, NY 11580, 11581 and 11582 unless noted
businesses
Valley stream Chamber of Commerce (516) 825-1741
962 Rockaway Ave. P.O. Box 1016
ValleyStreamChamber.org
Paw it Forward Pet Pantry 114 Claredon Drive Daniella Scala-Nathan, president
Civic
Village of Valley stream Civic a ssociation inc. P.O. Box 304
north Woodmere Civic a ssociation 729 Sherwood St. (516) 791-7860
Valley stream Historical s ociety (516) 872-4159 143 Hendrickson Ave. VSVNY.org
Cultural
Delight of Painting with Matt Khan 25 W. St. Marks Place (917) 225-9772
Adult art class
Fraternal
Knights of Columbus-Valley stream 2985 Kenneth Place, 94 S. Grove St. (516) 825-4566
long island s ociety of italian a mericans- Valley stream P.O. Box 12 LISIA.webs.com
Political
nassau County Democratic Committee
100 Garden City Plaza, Suite 115, Garden City 11530 (516) 294-3366
league of Women Voters of nassau County P.O. Box 221 Port Washington 11050 (516) 431-1628
LWVOfNassauCounty.org
Valley stream republican Club 51 Roosevelt Ave. VSRepublicanClub.wordpress.com
Valley stream Democratic Club 123 W. Merrick Road ValleyStreamDemocrats.weebly.com valleystreamd@gmail.com service
Valley stream b oy s cout troop 109 (516) 321-0952
VSPack109.com
Valley stream little l eague P.O. Box 544 (516) 405-3550 info@vsll.org
Valley stream runner’s Club VSRunningClub.com
Valley Stream Soccer Club kids let their flags wave high as they parade through village streets at Valley Stream’s 104th Memorial Day parade.
Valley stream Civilian Patrol P.O. Box 965
ValleyStreamCivilianPatrol.org (516) 823-9088
Valley stream Hornets
183 E. Melrose St. (516) 350-8989
Valley stream girl s couts troop 2243 vsgstroop2243@gmail.com
girl scouts of nassau County – Valley stream/Five towns service unit (516) 741-2550
GSNC.org
Valley stream lions Club ValleyStreamLions.com (516) 250-6801 valleystreamlions@me.com
nassau Chapter of Hadassah (516) 766-2725
430 De Mott Ave. Rockville Centre 11570\
Kiwanis Club of Valley stream tinacast@optonline.com (516) 508-1768
Kiwanis-NY.org
123 W. Merrick Road
Third Thursdays every other month at 6:30 p.m.
Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 65 E. Merrick Road (917) 627-5160
VFW.org
Department of Veterans affairs (631) 754-7978
99 S. Central Ave. a merican l egion Post 184 Valley stream P.O. Box 169 (516) 791-9719
51 Roosevelt Ave. AmericanLegion854.com alpost854@gmail.com
Disabled American Veterans member Vito Verga,
Avenue
Aaricia McIver, DAV Department of New York Vice Commander John
Jr., Wheeler Avenue second-grader Penelope Guzman, and DAV member George Schuchman.
Juan Lasso/Herald
Keith Rossein/Herald
with Wheeler
second-grader
Scalesi
communIty garden cultivates connection
By Juan Lasso
IWhat started last year as hammering out the basic bylaws and timeline for the project, has blossomed into a build-out that Sabatino expects will be fully operational by 2025.
t takes a village to grow a garden. Want proof? Look no further than what a group of devoted volunteers and environmental organizations are spreading across an empty plot of land near East Hawthorne Avenue, between Newbold Avenue and Horton Avenue. A committee is marshaling anyone and everyone to construct the foundations for the village’s firstever community garden. Their vision? Transforming an unused field into a thriving pocket of lush vegetation.
David Sabatino, deputy village treasurer for planning and economic development, said the garden ripens to its full potential when it both feeds and educates. To that end, Sabatino says the village has signed a memorandum with Rewild Long Island. The Port Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to sus-
Tim Baker/Herald
Volunteers and local organizations are working together to transform an unused plot near East Hawthorne Avenue into the village’s first community garden.
The garden is expected to hold 20-25 plots initially, with a long-term goal of accommodating around 40 plots, aiming to both nourish and educate the community.
tainable landscaping will have priority access to a part of the garden to educate the public on native plants, sustainable gardening, and composting.
“We’re really excited about our relationship with the organization,” said Sabatino. Far closer to home, community service groups are also making a concerted effort to leave their mark on the garden. The Boys Scouts of America are enhancing the garden’s design with two Eagle Scout community service projects down the pike.
“One of the Eagle Scout projects is a pollinator way station,” said Sabatino.“It's a spot, essentially, for bees, birds, and butterflies, to engage in native plantings that allow them to pollinate and cross-pollinate with other plants.”
Complimenting the haven for pollinators, the second Eagle Scout project aims to build two planters and a composting area. They are must-haves for the garden. What started last year as hammering out the basic bylaws and timeline for the project, has blossomed into a build-out that Sabatino expects will be fully operational by 2025.
A starting total of 20 to 25 is the sweet spot for Sabatino, depending on community demand. The garden is expected to eventually hold roughly 40 slots overall. While the construction is not moving at the leaps-andbounds pace Sabatino would have hoped for, visitors can already peek at the green space’s steady development. The on-call efforts of the volunteers are nothing to scoff at.
“Our volunteer community is 15 deep who routinely have a voice and come to the small
opportunities we’ve been having here and there,” said Sabatino. Right now, the team is in the throes of testing the soil with four planters as experimental guinea pigs to see what will grow and what will not.
“When we’re leveling out low spots in the garden, we’ll get the word out with volunteers to lend a hand. Or if ordering a fence, we ask for people to help build the fence,” said Sabatino. Juggling school and work, these green thumbs make time to see this project through. It’s an “exciting and rewarding” undertaking simply to prepare the garden, argues Sabatino. Wait for what comes next.
A dedicated team of volunteers take on a variety of jobs from garden painting to testing the soil to leveling land and building fences as they work toward completing the garden by 2025.
Volunteer Irene Crovets-Prager watches the planters grow as they meticulously see which variety of produce and greenery will grow.
Laura Davies and Sabrina Yazdpour tend to the blossoming community garden as they work to ensure a sustainable green space.
Legendary Lion is timeless poolside favorite
By Juan Lasso
SThis lion has been here forever — Rich DeAngelis, pool
maintenance supervisor
potting a lion roaming the rolling grasslands of subSaharan Africa is quite common, but what about seeing one right here in Valley Stream? For the better part of 60 years, this majestic feline has been making the Arthur J. Hendrickson pool complex of all places its natural habitat.
Of course, we’re talking about the lionshaped children’s water fountain. Standing 4 feet tall, the village lion — affectionately referred to as ‘Leo’ — has greeted generations of Valley Stream pool-goers. And, lo and behold, greets them to this day.
Aesthetically, Leo is less of a realistic animal replica and more of a child’s conception of what a friendly lion looks like, keeping a lazy watch over the children’s pool. His gaping mouth is cartoonishly out of proportion with his yellow paws.
Tim Baker/Herald
The children’s interactive pool is thoroughly enjoyed by young residents.
Herald file photo
While Leo guards the Arthur J. Hendrickson pool complex every summer, these two tikes have it under control.
A fountain spout juts out from his tongue and, when used, it releases a stream of water for children of all ages looking for refreshment. Sometimes, it inadvertently turns into a plaything — sand and debris reliably find their way inside its mouth to the understandable dismay of the pool maintenance personnel assigned to take care of it.
But if Valley Stream children have learned anything, it is this: sticking your head into the lion’s mouth is not all that scary. On the flip side, it’s one of their favorite things to do over the summer in the pool.
“This lion has been here forever,” said pool maintenance supervisor Rich DeAngelis, who has worked to maintain the lion’s condition through the years.“It’s held up really well. It’s been a constant and will always be a constant.”
Jimmy Fitzano, the village's recreation director, lauded ‘Leo’ as “an amazing artifact for this facility.”
“What’s great about this is that so many generations, so many seniors have come and said that they were kids when they took pictures right next to Leo,” said Fitzano.“The kids and the adults just love it.”
Much of Leo’s lore is lost to history, but Fitzano says that when it was first installed around 1961, it debuted originally as a circus lion with “a red mane and a circus emblem.”
Somewhere amidst periods of repainting and refurbishment over the years, maintenance crews ditched the circus paint, and went for a more, for lack of a better word,“natural look.”
Now the lion with its healthy brown mane, bright yellow fur, and pearly rounded white teeth, has never looked more in its element.
Even as the pool complex undergoes periodic renovations, there is no talk of taking down Leo. For some residents, the lion water fountain is an instantly recognizable token of their childhood. And others newer to the neighborhood are just as intrigued by it, wanting to know more about its origin and poking the pool staff for answers.
“There’s not a day or two that goes by that people don’t ask how this originated,” said Fitzano who promises that by popular demand, there are plans to install a historical marker for the beloved lion as he guards the pool for many years to come.
Davy Crockett/Herald
Originally painted as a circus lion when installed in 1961, Leo has since been repainted to a more "natural" look. Here is Leo in 2017.
Herald file photo
Due to popular demand, the village plans to install a historical marker to honor Leo’s legacy, ensuring the fountain remains a poolside staple for years to come.
Juan Lasso/Herald
The lion-shaped water fountain, affectionately called "Leo," has been a fixture at the Arthur J. Hendrickson pool complex for over 60 years, delighting generations of Valley Stream children.
Wheeler Deli
is where generations gather, and new traditions begin
By Juan Lasso
Wheeler Avenue
What we want to be known for is a place that jumps at every opportunity to serve the community.
Deli sits off the beaten track. Homes flank it on every side. Tucked quietly to one side of the main parkway that leads into the village, it is easy for drivers or passersby to miss. Little do they know the community deli is a household name for the surrounding neighborhood: equal parts go-to grub spot and social hang out. While humble looking, do not be fooled: this deli is a local institution whose legacy is as towering as its street cred. Its staying power has turned it into a storage house of memories shared through the generations of Wheeler families for over 60 years.
Throughout its history, ownership has repeatedly changed hands — each time bringing in slight variations of the original hometown deli.Yet in every chapter of its storied run, the deli
Skye Margies/Herald
Wheeler Deli, a neighborhood institution for over 60 years, has been a go-to spot for food and socializing, cherished by generations of families in the Wheeler Avenue area.
Antoine St. Louis and his three business partners, now at the helm for nearly three years, are looking to unveil a new menu with signature dishes.
has remained a cornerstone of community life. Today, its fate rests in the hands of four co-owners. Antoine St. Louis, who has spent the better part of his career working at Hempstead Sanitation Department, knows he and his business partners have high expectations to meet and aim to deliver. The West Hempstead resident says he and his co-proprietors are fully committed to elevating the eatery’s prominence, backed by the enviable work ethic they’ve shown thus far.
“We want to be here and be part of the community. We want to extend the legacy of this place for a long time to come,” said St. Louis.“I see my son growing up here. I see this business as a way of life for me.”
It’s been close to three years now since St. Louis and his business partners inherited the locale from its previous owner Sal Buttofuco. In many ways, the store is still growing into its new identity and stepping away from Buttofuco’s shadow. Traces of Buttofuco’s love for fast cars are sprinkled throughout the restaurant.
It’s even in the storefront sign. A flaming car roars above the lettering: Wheeler Deli. St. Louis, who has no natural inclination for cars in the slightest, is leaning toward an entirely different theme for the eatery — running. It would truly be a theme of his own, having found his community and eventually his wife and friends-turned-business associates through the local running circle.
As he charges toward his business goals, there is no doubt St. Louis has big plans for the deli’s future from new seating arrangements to a menu with new signature dishes
Although the deli has changed hands multiple times, each owner has preserved its community-centric character. Generational employees like Anthony Conlon, above, ensure its continued role as a cornerstone of neighborhood life.
to a website. Success, however, is a marathon, not a sprint. St. Louis knows his success is inextricably tied to a sense of community people find within its four walls. He’s paid extra close attention to nursing that neighborhood joy. When he is not manning the phone or helping with orders, he greets regulars at the door, calling them by their first name and cracking jokes.
“What we want to be known for is a place that jumps at every opportunity to serve the community,” said St. Louis.
Lifetime customer and former employee Robert Trimble, left, purchases his sandwich from Anthony Conlon at the Wheeler Deli. Robert used to work here for 10 years starting at age 12 in 1992.
St. Louis, who inherited the deli from previous owner Sal Buttofuco, is shaping the store's new identity with fellow co-owner Leticia Jara, left, and his wife Delmis St. Louis , alongside Delmis’ son, 2-year-old Antoine Carmen.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Edwin A. Fare
Mayor
Dermond Thomas Trustee
ToWN
Town of Hempstead Supervisor
Donald Clavin (R) One Washington St., Hempstead N.Y. 11550 (516) 489-6000 donclavin@tohmail.org
Councilwoman 4th District
Laura A. Ryder (R) One Washington Street Hempstead, N.Y. 11550 (516) 812-3252 lryder@hempsteadny.gov
Nassau CouNTY
Nassau County Executive
Bruce Blakeman (R) 1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3131
Nassau County Comptroller
Elaine Phillips (R) 240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2386
Nassau County Legislator 3rd District
Carrié Solages (D) 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6203
federal
Nassau County District Attorney
Anne Donnelly (R) 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3800
Nassau County Clerk
Maureen O’Connell (R) 240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2660
Nassau County Legislator 14th District
William Gaylor (R) 1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6206
Governor
Kathy Hochul (D)
State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224 (518) 474-8390
Assemblywoman - 22nd District
Michaelle Solages (D) 33 North Central Avenue Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580 (516) 599-2972 LOB 736
Albany, N.Y. 12248 (518) 455-4465
State Comptroller
Thomas P. DiNapoli (D) 110 State St., Albany, N.Y. 12236 (518) 474-4044
State Senate - 9th District
D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5516 Sean Wright Trustee
State Attorney General Letitia James (D) NYS State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224-0341 1 (800) 771-7755
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R) 265 E. Merrick Road, Suite 101 Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580 (516) 766-8383
New York State Senate Legislative Office Bldg., Room 415, Albany, N.Y. 12247 (518) 455-2400
Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce
All businesses are in Valley Stream, NY 11580, 11581 and 11582 unless noted
aeonic technology Solutions
David Saget (888) 637-5807
david.saget@aeonictechsolutions.com a rrowhead realty
Sal Pizzolo (516) 250-6638 twsbuild@yahoo.com
Bethlehem a ssembly of God
Charlene Cameron (516) 561-6150 ccameron@bethlehemag.org
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Nazmoon (NAZ) Karim (516) 310-1932
nkarim@bethpagefcu.com
BJ's restaurant and Brewhouse
Joey Verrengia (516) 256-8800 bjs581@bjsrestaurants.com
Blink Fitness
Malcolm Jackson (516) 206-1990
Malcolm.Jackson@blinkfitness.com
Central 32 North Corp.
Andy Dorant central32north@gmail.com
Charles rutenberg realty Inc.
Joosoo Kim (516) 575-7500
realtorjoosoo@gmail.com
Chase Bank
Yudelka Carrion yudelka.c.carrion@chase.com
Clarity aesthetics
Mareshah Williams admin@mwclarityaesthetics.com
Coldwell Banker a merican Homes
Kevin Aburto kevin_aburto@yahoo.com
Via Cuma
Luca Schiano Di Cola (516) 534-5240 cucchiarofood@gmail.com
Dave’s Bounce and Play
David Jarushewsky (516) 360-1986 djarushewsky@gmail.com
Destiny residential and Commercial realty
Linda Skliros (516) 778-2995
Linda@destinyrcrealty.com
DePalma Florist
Kevin Buckhout (516) 825-3777 kbuck1@msn.com
Dime Community Bank
Glenore M Anderson (516) 825-0140
glenore.anderson@dime.com
Done right realty
Anjelique Da Costa (347) 878-5860
anjeliqued@gmail.com
Doortronix Inc
Frances Mannino (516) 596-1304
flasusa@doortronix.com
Noreen Carro, former president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of LMN Printing, was recognized as the Valley Stream Republican Club’s 2024 Person of the Year.
edward Jones Investments
Annette Matthew (718) 969-2606
annette.matthew@edwardjones.com
emergency Services Company
Lucy Viggiano (516) 792-0437
lucy@emergencyservices.company
Fabulous Functions
Jessica Zarian (917) 204-9655
FabFunctionsNY@gmail.com
Flawless Vision Optical
Moses Isahar (516) 341-0485
Flawlessvisionoptical@gmail.com
Forest Hills Financial Group
William Stanley (516) 668-1472
william.stanley@fhfg.com
Green acres/ Consultant
Lauren Corcoran-Doolin lcorcorandoolin@gmail.com
Homes for Heroes®
Keller Williams l andmark
Renita Nal (917) 747-3126
renitanalrealty@gmail.com
House of Hope
Norma Pascualini (516) 887-1708
npascualini@bethlehemag.org
HouseCleanz
Drew Korn (646) 306-7064
dkorn725@gmail.com
Incorporated Village of Valley Stream
Barbara DeGrace (516) 236-9073
bdegrace@vsvny.org
itravel2U
mobile Phone repair
Virgilio Lopez (516) 823-5577
virgilio@itravel2u.com
Jewel Human Services, Inc
Kawandy Dixon (347) 741-8495
kawandydixon@gmail.com
John D. richards, Inc.
John DeGrace (515) 647-1392
john.jdrinc@gmail.com
Jovia FCU
Yogi Hariprasad (516) 561-0030
yhariprasad@jovia.org
Key Food
Edi Guzman (516) 285-4490
kf1786@keyfoods.com
Knights of Columbus
Mark Daley (516) 284-9129
daleym212@gmail.com
l aborers 4 Christ ministries
James Verdi (516) 292-9202
Laborers4Christ@gmail.com
lm N Printing of N y, Inc.
Noreen Carro (516) 285-8526
noreen@lmnprinting.com
l ong Island Cares Inc.
t he Harry Chapin Food Bank
Jessica Rosati (516) 980-9100
jrosati@licares.org
m& r entertainment
Marie Granato (516) 263-9595
marieag1959@gmail.com
mary Kay
Angela Ogurick (516) 263-4489
aogurick@gmail.com
mastromarino & a ssociates
Helene & John Mastromarino (516) 825-2827
Hmastro1957@aol.com
Holden Leeds /Herald
Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce
All businesses are in Valley Stream, NY 11580, 11581 and 11582 unless noted
Continued from previous page
mcDonalds
Mark Hendel (516) 256-0200
Susan.risi@us.stores.mcd.com
memorial Valley Stream
Central High School District
Laura Mesa (516) 872-7722 mesal@vschsd.org
michael Sage
Wedding DJ and mC
Michael Schmidt (203) 722-8181
mike.awesnap@gmail.com
mill Brook Civic a ssociation
Lee Feinman (718) 506-7076 leefeinman00@gmail.com
minerva & D'a gostino, P.C.
Dominick Minerva (516) 872-7400
dm@mindaglaw.com
mitchell’s Diner (516) 825-9708
mosquito Hunters of Valley Stream-Oceanside
Jose Alvarado josealvarado@mosquitohunters.com
New york life
Lauri Loquercio (516) 507-4663
lloquercio@ft.newyorklife.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Chantel Haswell (516) 980-1254 chantel.haswell@nothingbundtcakes.com
Ollie Ices Shave Ice mobile
Lorraine Russo (516) 784-8320 luluru816@gmail.com
One In a million
Sasan Shavanson (516) 829-1111 info@oneinamillioninc.com
Optimistic Solutions llC
Tonya Milne (929) 433-5155 milnetonya@gmail.com
Oz Credo Inc
Dr. Olga Zbarskaya (718) 755-6678
zbarskaya@yahoo.com
Paint a FaceNy
Juliana Ochoa (929) 249-9500 paintafaceny@outlook.com
Paramount Construction Corp
Alex Rivero (516) 218-1000 Alex@AR3.com
Paramount Physical t herapy
Leigh-Ann Edison (516) 218-2555
Paramountptmessages@gmail.com
Pelican's Snowballs of Valley Stream
Derek Johnson (516) 882-4524 pelicansvalleystream@gmail.com
Holden Leeds/Herald
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce plays an indispensable role in the setting up the village’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.
Precious Spirit Child Care
Catherine Reyes 516-341-7333
hello@preciousspirit.com
Premium Quality Painting
Edwin Cano (929) 379-4736
premiumqualitypaint@gmail.com
Primerica Financial Services
Dennis Camacho (718) 781-0432
camacho6264@Yahoo.com
Priority-1 Security Services llC
Glen Jacobsen (929) 989-5313
gjacobsen@priority-1security.com
ramaco tax and Financial Services
Mark Asomani (646) 379-6958
ramacogroup@gmail.com
rasheed l aw Firm PllC
Omer Rasheed (646) 470-8266
Info@rasheedlawfirm.com
regal event Services
Richard Ramsuchit Jr. (516) 587-3519
info@regaleventsvc.com
remarkable Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc.
Dr. Muhammad Amin (516) 284-6699
orthorpo@gmail.com
rich marin real e state
@ Signature Premier Properties
Rich Marin (516) 421-6172
RichMarinRE@gmail.com
richner Printing and mailing Services
Michael Karff
2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 x288 mkarff@richnerprinting.com
ronin tactical Fitness
Marcus Allen (516) 887-3746
ronintacticalfitness@gmail.com
Safispa Nicole Peters-Devis (917) 539-0118
safispany@gmail.com
Sipkin Orthodontics
Jennifer Sipkin (516) 561-1881
info@Sipkinorthodontics.com
State Farm
Nicole Eliopoulos (516) 825-0030
nicole@nicoleinsuresme.com
Streamline living Solutions
Sarah Sabatino (516) 320-9606
sarah@streamlinelivingsolutions.com
tall to Small Dogs llC
Pat Douglas (516) 820-7835
chop666.1@gmail.com
t he Bristal at North Woodmere
Dana Mori (516) 792-5100
dmori@thebristal.com
t he Candle Company thecandlecrusher@gmail.com total tax resolution
Lou Calixte (516) 243-7397
lcalixte@calixte-associates.com
transcend marketing a gency tutor Doctor Valley Stream- elmont Ziaur Rahman (213) 887-3123
zrahman@tutordoctor.org
Valley Stream Central High School District
Lori Rappa-Rodriguez (516) 872-7766
rapparol@vschsd.org
Valley Stream Christian academy
Sandra Shanhai (516) 561-6122 finance@vscaschool.org
Valley Stream Herald
Glenn Gold
2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 liherald.com
Valley Stream
Optometric Services PC Aleksandra Wianecka (516) 825-7455 wianecka@gmail.com
Valley Van & Sport Utilities Inc
Ronald Siegel (516) 561-1231 accounting@valleyvan.com
Giving Birth? Look No Further than the South Shore’s Only High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:
• Reduced C-section delivery rates
• Low early elective delivery rates
• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates
• Increased routine VBAC rates
• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates
• Low episiotomy rates
• Routine birthing-friendly practices
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.
MAYOR ED FARE & THE VALLEY STREAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOME
VALLEY STREAM
