Valley Stream Herald

05/09/2025

A 20-year-old former assistant lacrosse coach at Valley Stream Central High School has been charged with allegedly sexually exploiting a 13-year-old boy in a Snapchat sextortion scheme that federal prosecutors say may involve at least 30 minors.
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05/07/2025

Home Improvement Pros: You’re Invited!
Join us for Bites & Insights – a FREE, info-packed session just for local home improvement businesses!
📅 Wednesday, May 15
🕓 4:00 PM
2 Endo Blvd., Garden City NY 11520 (Richner Communications – Herald Community Newspapers)
Led by Branded Content expert David Arkin, this casual gathering will show you how to tell your story in ways that attract attention and drive results.
✅ No pressure. No pitches. Just great tips, valuable insights, and delicious snacks.
You’re guaranteed to walk away with something useful!
Space is limited – Call to Reserve your spot! 516-569-4000 ext 228

05/01/2025

🚨 Principal Shake-Up Shakes Howell Road Community 🚨

After 24 years leading Howell Road School, beloved Principal Frank Huplosky is headed to Wheeler Avenue next school year — and parents are not taking the news quietly.

The sudden March 25 announcement sparked an impromptu protest at a Board of Ed meeting and a Change.org petition nearing 700 signatures. Many fear losing the steady leadership that made Howell a rock of stability in a district where other schools have seen rapid turnover.

District officials say Huplosky’s experience is exactly what Wheeler needs after years of principal changes. But for parents like Stephanie Marquez, it's a painful goodbye:
💬 “I thought I’d have a long relationship with Frank into the future.”

With a search now underway for a new Howell principal and concerns over competitive pay and leadership burnout, the district faces tough questions — and a community watching closely.

📣 What do you think about the move?
https://liherald.com/valleystream/stories/valley-stream-district-13-howell-road-principal-frank-hupolsky-reassignment,214415

The message landed without warning on March 25: Howell Road School Principal Frank Huplosky is to take the helm at Wheeler Avenue School, filling the vacancy to be left by Ruth Peets-Butcher for the …

04/30/2025

🌸🐰 Spring magic in full swing! 🐣🎉

On a sunny Saturday morning, over 800 families came together at the Valley Stream Recreation Complex for the Easter Goodie Bag Giveaway — now more meaningful than ever as the village celebrates its 100th anniversary! 💯🎈

From bounce houses and bracelet-making to Easter Bunny selfies and a full-blown food truck rodeo, the day was packed with fun and community spirit. 🚌🍦🎨

New this year? A sensory-friendly session for kids who prefer a calmer atmosphere — part of the village’s commitment to making events welcoming for everyone. 💙✨

“There’s no need to leave town when you’ve got this right in your backyard,” said Rec Director Jimmy Fitzano. “It’s about more than candy — it’s about connection.”

👏 Huge shoutout to the hardworking village staff who made it
all happen!
https://liherald.com/oceanside/stories/it-was-a-hopping-good-time-at-valley-streams-easter-goodie-bag-giveaway,214574

04/21/2025

04/18/2025

New faces and familiar voices take the oath in Valley Stream’s government shakeup

The Village of Valley Stream held its annual reorganization meeting on April 7, officially swearing in elected trustees and renewing appointments across village government.

Political newcomer Sharon Daly began her first term as trustee, joining returning board members John Tufarelli and Dermond Thomas, who was also named the new Deputy Mayor.

Among the key appointments: • James J. Hunter as Village Clerk
• Carol McKenna as Village Historian
• David Sabatino as Deputy Treasurer for Planning and Development and SPAR Committee Chair

On April 3, the Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Chief’s election. Anthony Capone was sworn in for his final year as Chief of Department, joined by Assistant Chiefs Michael Colucci and Kyle O’Brien.

📎 Full story in this week’s Valley Stream Herald.

The Village of Valley Stream held its annual reorganization meeting on April 7 to formally install its elected officers to the board of trustees as well as to reshuffle and renew village government …

04/17/2025

🚨 “High-Speed. Drunk. Unlicensed.” Valley Stream man sentenced in fatal crash that killed his half-brother 🚨

Joshua Pena, 25, was sentenced to 3½ to 8¼ years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and multiple other charges in a 2022 crash on the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway.

Prosecutors say Pena was driving 127 mph while intoxicated and unlicensed when he lost control of his Mercedes, slamming into a guardrail. His half-brother, 23-year-old Xavier Pena, was killed.

The DA called it a “preventable tragedy” that cost a young man his life.

A Valley Stream man will serve up to eight years in prison for a deadly high-speed crash that killed his 23-year-old half-brother on the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. Joshua Pena, 25, was …

04/16/2025

📣 Big things are happening in Valley Stream’s high schools!

The district is stepping boldly into the future with a renewed focus on career and technical education, and leading the charge is Lori Rodriguez, our very first work-based learning coordinator 👩‍🏫🔧👩‍🍳🧑‍⚕️

From medical assisting to automotive tech, Lori is helping students turn classroom lessons into real-world experience through hands-on internships, local business partnerships, and life-changing career connections.

🚗 Just last year, students landed internships at Valley Stream Subaru and Crown Ford — and walked away with full-time jobs after graduation!

🛠️💇‍♀️🥘 With five growing CTE programs and a second Skilled Trade & Career Expo on the horizon, Valley Stream is showing students that success comes in many forms — and not all of them require a four-year degree.

💬 “It’s all about building a pipeline from the classroom to a career,” Lori says. And she’s just getting started.

In the halls of Valley Stream’s high schools, a new norm is taking shape as the district fully embraces trade and technical training, with Lori Rodriguez at the helm as its first-ever …

04/15/2025

📵 Bye-Bye Smartphones in Schools? 📵

Governor Kathy Hochul wants to kick cell phones out of classrooms entirely during school hours, calling them a major distraction and a mental health hazard for students. Starting in 2025, New York is diving headfirst into a bold experiment to ban phones from schools — but enforcing it? That’s a whole different story.

One Valley Stream student told a district official straight-up: “Miss, just give up. We already know how to hack the bags.” 😂 Yup, TikTok’s got millions of views on how to crack phone pouches like pros.

While the goal is to boost focus and protect mental health, educators warn that policing phones isn’t exactly what they signed up for — and many parents aren’t thrilled either, especially when it comes to safety and emergencies.

So what do YOU think? Smart move or doomed from the start?

Governor Kathy Hochul is moving to curb smartphone use by banning them entirely during school hours to ensure “distraction-free learning.” New York is gearing up to take part in a …

04/01/2025

📢 Valley Stream’s Centennial Merch is Here! 🎉🐾

As centennial fever sweeps through Valley Stream, the village has unveiled a special collection of merchandise to commemorate 100 years of growth, pride, and community. From elegant keepsakes to adorable collectibles, there’s something for everyone—locals, former residents, and memorabilia collectors alike!

But the true star of the collection? Congo the Lion! 🦁 Once mistaken for “Leo,” our beloved mascot’s real name was rediscovered thanks to a 1960s newspaper clipping. Now, Congo has been immortalized in plush form, keychains, and more—perfect for Valley Streamers of all ages!

✨ What’s in the Centennial Collection?
📌 Limited-edition commemorative coin (available for $10)
📌 Free centennial pens
📌 Stylish tumblers (debuting at the annual parade on Sept. 27)
📌 Congo the Lion plush & keychains for the kids (or the young at heart!)
📌 A digital history book capturing 100 years of Valley Stream’s legacy

The first major event, the Centennial Dance Party on May 3, will be your chance to grab a commemorative coin while enjoying live music, food, and community spirit. Plus, don’t miss the ribbon-cutting for the newly refurbished gazebo at the community center!

Want your piece of Valley Stream history? 🎊 Centennial swag is available at the Waldinger Memorial Library, Village Pool, and Village Hall.

As centennial fever takes hold in the Village of Valley Stream, the village has rolled out the merchandise to commemorate a century of growth, pride, and history. From elegant to cute, village …

03/19/2025

🚨 Sharon Daly Wins Special Election! 🚨

Trustee Sharon Daly, a political newcomer, sailed to a decisive win in Tuesday’s village special election, securing 89% of the vote and solidifying her position on the board. She'll now serve her first elected term after appointed to fill the seat vacated by Trustee Sean Wright after his appointment to the Nassau County 2nd District Court. 🗳️

However, with only 1,150 voters (just 4% turnout) casting ballots, concerns linger over the election process and its fairness. Challenger Anthony Bonelli voiced frustrations, calling the election "suppressed."

🔢 Election Results:

Sharon Daly: 89% 🏆
Anthony Bonelli: 11% ❌
Voter turnout: 1,150 of 28,800 registered voters (4%) 📉

Trustee Sharon Daly, a political newcomer, cruised to victory in Tuesday’s village special election, according to unofficial results, handily defeating challenger Anthony Bonelli. The win …

03/18/2025