______________ VALLEY STREAM _____________
HERALD
Graduation Keepsake Edition
June 26, 2025
Meet the
GRADUATES 2025
VOL. 36 NO. 26
Weighing a busing plan
An inclusive playground
Page 3
Page 10
JUNE 26 - JULy 2, 2025
$1.00
Village marks Juneteenth spaces. We recognize there’s still work to be done, but thank you for being here, for celebratThe New York State Office ing this day of joy with us and of Parks, Recreation and His- for continuing to move the toric Preservation held its work forward, we are on the inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee path to help shape a more just at Valley Stream State Park on and equitable future.” T he Juneteenth Jubilee June 19. The free event featured cul- included a performance by the tural performances, children’s Long Island Nets Dance Team. activities, educational discus- In addition to the performance, sions, and community engage- the Long Island Nets hosted a basketball clinic for children ment. between the ages “I’m so glad it of 7 and 14. came here to Valley Speakers at the Stream,” State event included Parks Deputy Hahn, District 22 Regional Director A s s e m bly wo m a n Kara Hahn said. Michaelle C. Solag“This is such a es and Nassau b e a u t i f u l s p a c e. County Legislator Today is a day of Car rié Solages. j o y, o f r e m e m - MIchAELLE c. The program was brance and reflec- SOLAGES opened by Thomation and marks a District 22 sa Jarrell, Regionpowerful moment Assemblywoman al Director of history and the ongoing journey towards jus- Administration Services, who tice, equity, and freedom for all. welcomed attendees and introWe are truly grateful you chose duced the scheduled speakers. Activities during the day to spend this day here with us, here in one of New York State’s included children’s games, inflatables, lawn games and most beautiful spaces. “Our parks are more than vendor booths. Attendees were green spaces,” she continued. invited to the front of the stage “They’re places of rest and cel- to participate in various line ebration, community, and con- dances led by state park officials. Infor mational booths nection. They belong to all of us. At New York State Parks, were also set up for various we are committed to ensuring organizations. The Juneteenth Jubilee was that everyone feels welcome. All are welcome here to our ConTinued on Page 2
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
W
e fight for justice every day.
Herald file photo
Families will return to Hendrickson Park Lake on Saturday and Sunda for the annual Family Fishing Weekend. The free event offers gear, guidance and fun for those of all ages.
Family Fishing Weekend returns By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Family Fishing Weekend is set to return to Hendrickson Park on Saturday and Sunday. Fishing sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, divided into three time blocks: 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Families will register when they arrive, and will be assigned designated fishing spots along the lake. The spots will be 20 feet apart to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants. Families are welcome to stay for one session or more throughout the day. The event was first proposed by Richard DeAngelis, a longtime fishing enthusiast who grew up in Valley Stream and who now coordinates Family Fishing Weekend.
After Mayor Edwin Fare was elected in 2011, DeAngelis approached him and the village board with the concept of holding a family-focused fishing event at the lake. With the village government’s support, the event launched in 2013, and has grown steadily over the years. “The event has grown each year as people keep coming back every year, while newcomers discover the event and join in,” DeAngelis said. “The New York State Department of Conservation partnered with us to bring the event to life. They supply fishing poles and bait for all participants. They can give instruction for those who have never fished, and most often help with catching and releasing the fish. New York State requires a fishing license to fish freshwater throughout the ConTinued on Page 7