______________ VALLEY STREAM _____________
HERALD Local teen earns Gold Award
Recognition at car show
Preschool relocates to V.S.
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VOL. 37 NO. 32
AUGUST 6 - 12, 2026
$1.00
Mall shuttle will improve shopper access Bread and Chipotle entrance at the rear of the mall. The new service is one of G r e e n A c r e s M a l l h a s the latest investments tied to launched Green Acres Connect, Green Acres’ redevelopment a complimentary shuttle ser- strategy, which aims to create a vice that will help shoppers more connected and convenient travel around its sprawling Val- experience across the property. Combined, Green Acres and ley Stream campus as the propGreen Acres Comerty continues to mons are home to undergo redevelopmore than 160 ment. retailers and resT he pilot protaurants. As redegram, which velopment contindebuted on July 11, ues, the property is operates on Saturexpected to weldays, from 1 to 6 come additional p.m. throughout the tenants, including summer. Branded Panda Express, with the slogan Paris Ba guette, “Hop, Shop, Dine,” Tony’s Tacos, t h e f re e s h u t t l e ShopRite, Fogo de enables visitors to KAyLA LEE Chão, Se phora, keep their vehicles Senior marketing Shake Shack, parked or arrive by manager, Dave’s Hot Chicken, public transportaGreen Acres Mall and The Cheesetion, and then travcake Factory. el between shopKayla Lee, senior marketing ping, dining and grocery destinations throughout Green manager for Green Acres, said Acres and Green Acres Com- the shuttle was created because of the property’s vast size and mons. The shuttle makes five stops: the number of shoppers who in front of Applebee’s entrance use public transportation to at Green Acres; Green Acres reach the center. Spanning Commons in front of Dick’s more than 2 million square Sporting Goods; Walmart; BJ’s feet, the campus often requires Wholesale Club; and the Panera Continued on page 16
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
Sue Grieco/Herald
Summer Fun in Mill Brook The Mill Brook Civic Association held its annual summer block party, as well as a Community Festival and Health Fair, last Saturday, bringing free health screenings, safety programs, community resources and family activities to Eastwood Lane. Above, Josiah Barnes enjoyed the face painting. Story, more photos, Page 8.
Valley Stream native leads foster-based dog rescue BARRK By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
For Kristina Howley, animal rescue is rooted in family, community and a desire to create something positive after the loss of her father. Born and raised in Valley Stream, Howley attended Holy Name of Mary Elementary School and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School. Her father, William Henry Howley III, served as chief of the Valley Stream Fire Department, following her grandfather in the role. Her uncle later became chief, and her cousin recently completed his term.
When William Howley died in February 2010, Kristina was already involved with other rescue organizations while raising her young daughter. “He was my absolute best friend in the world,” she said. “Starting the rescue was in his honor and just a healthier way for me to mourn. My dad was a lover of life, people, animals, everything.” That mission became BARRK Animal Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit that officially launched in 2015. Unlike a traditional shelter, BARRK — Bark Animal Rescue & Rehab for K-9’s — doesn’t operate a physical facility. Instead, every dog lives in a foster home until it is adopted. Continued on page 5
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t’s just a safer, more convenient and accessible way for our shoppers to get around.