WriteOn — Valley Stream Stories
Welcome to the historical society's literary project, WriteOn —Valley Stream Stories
We invite you to submit your memories of Valley Stream for posting on our websiteand on the Society's Facebook page, "Valley Stream of Yesteryear."Submissions may be any length—one page or 100. In addition to your submission, please complete the Writer's Bio and Release Form (links below) and email to: Jaclyn Kunz, Editorvshistorical@gmail.com Please submit your document in Word. Accompanying photographs are welcome.Jeff Heston's description of mental illness and religious zealotry is a tough read, yet he confronts his past with blunt honesty that earns our respect and compassion. Childhoods are rarely ideal, yet we often cling to a fantasy rooted in cruel optimism. "Shattered" is one of those childhoods.
In 1962, nine-year-old Jeff moved to Lynbrook. His home, a lovely 1930 Tudor, was located in the Yorkshire section of Lynbrook on the southeast border of Valley Stream. Because of the proximity to Valley Stream, Jeff attended Valley Stream schools: William L. Buck Elementary and South High School. He considers Valley Stream his hometown.
Heston (original surname Powitz), a writer, graphic designer, and photographer, is also an actor, appearing in many made-for-television movies and series, including Married with Children, Roseanne, Cheers, and L.A. Law. Jeff and his wife Aviva live in North Hollywood, where they've raised three children: Margo, Roxanne, and Alex. To read more of Jeff’s writing, please visit http://www.jeffheston.com/
January 1, 2019
Steven Cahn is a life-long Islander and member of the Valley Stream Historical Society. In 1952, his family moved into their newly built Chanin home on Brook Road in the Green Acres (Mill Brook) section of Valley Stream, on the very day he was born. After proudly graduating from South High School in 1970, he completed his education at Alfred University, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, and St. Johns University. He works with his brother, and his eldest son in a family business, providing litigation support in complex patent litigations nationwide. An Eagle Scout, Steve's focus for volunteerism is with the Boy Scouts of America, an organization he has been associated with since 1963. Steve and his wife of 38 years, Bonnie, live in Roslyn Heights and have three adult children, who all reside in the greater New York metro area. Please read Steven's essay on his 1950s boyhood in Green Acres.
"I was fortunate to have been brought up by two loving parents, in a time and in a place where life as a child seemed more like an adventure than the mere passage of time." —Steve Cahn
November 23, 2018
Walter F. Todd was born in Brooklyn, raised in Valley Stream, and currently lives in Las Vegas. Walt has written many short stories and two books: "The Studio," a journey of family loss, countered by newfound hobbies; and "My Pack," an endearing tale about a puppy's adventures in Beverly Hills. In addition to writing, Walt enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and creating stained glass. "I Grew Up In Valley Stream" is an abridged version of the original.