Hundreds March At Favorite Park Of LI Boy Who Froze In Garage

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Hundreds of supporters wearing blue turned out under sunny skies Sunday for a walk and gathering in Valley Stream to remember 8-year-old Thomas Valva, who died of hypothermia after police said he was left overnight by his father and his father's fiancee in a frigid Center Moriches garage.

Edwin Fare, the mayor of the village, welcomed marchers at the "Justice for Thomas" walk and gathering at A.J. Hendrickson Park. Many carried signs or wore T-shirts calling for justice in the case, which has reverberated throughout the island; those in attendance brought stuffed toys and other gifts for Thomas' young brothers.

Fare presented Thomas' mother, Justyna Zubko-Valva, and his brothers Anthony and Andrew a large golden ticket that they can redeem to participate in the summer's recreation program, Camp Barrett, at Barrett Park. Village sanitation workers also collected money in the boy's memory.

The event was coordinated by Tatiana Cruz, a mother of three children who took time to give back, Zubko-Valva said. New York State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and members of the village board attended.

As the group marched around the expansive and sparkling duck pond, Zubko-Valva shared memories with Patch of what she said was Thomas' favorite park.

"We used to come here every day in the summertime," Zubko-Valva said. "This park was absolutely a beautiful place for them to run, ride their scooters, their bicycles. Tommy loved to play outside."

Marchers stopped for a dedication of a plaque in Thomas' memory beneath a weeping cherry tree.

"The cherry tree is weeping for Thomas — and it will be here forever," Fare said.

Zubko-Valva said she appreciated all who'd turned out for the event and tree-planting.

"It's in the best spot, overlooking the pond," she said. "Tommy used to love watching the water, going to the beach, the lake, the pond."

Looking out at the water, she added: "This is just beautiful." Tommy, she said, was with them at the gathering. "You can tell — the sun is shining so bright," she said.

Those present placed white carnations at the foot of the tree.

"The loss is immeasurable," Thomas' brother Anthony said.

"We love you, Tommy," Zubko-Valva whispered.

Fare thanked the residents of Valley Stream for their "outpouring of support and their warmth and love for this family, this mother, this grandmother these boys — all in the name of justice for Thomas. It warms my heart."

Speaking to the crowd, Zubko-Valva thanked all for their outpouring of love and support.

"I'm so thankful for everyone I've met during this journey, who is fighting for justice for Tommy," she said. "Because it is Tommy. Through the hands of God, he has touched so many hearts. He's already made so many changes. And we cannot stop."

They won't stop, she said, until every child is safe.

To the crowd, she added: "This journey wouldn't be possible without your love and support. You are my angels, who made this healing process possible. . . God bless all of you."

"We stand with you, Justyna," a woman in the crowd cried.

A huge flag, erected by the Valley Stream Fire Department, flew in Thomas' honor; fire officials told his brothers that they could see the fire trucks after the march.

Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini unsealed five-count indictments last month against Thomas' father, Michael Valva, 40, and fiancée, Angela Pollina, 42. Valva and Pollina, of Bittersweet Lane, were arrested Jan. 24; both have been charged with second-degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

At the unsealing of the indictments, prosecutors said Thomas and his brother Anthony endured abuse. They were beaten and sent to school soaked in urine and starving, prosecutors said.

Pollina and Valva pleaded not guilty. Pollina's attorney, who asked for $50,000 cash/$100,ooo bail, said his client has maintained her innocence.

The issue of bail for Valva was deferred until he could secure private counsel or it was determined that he could not afford to do so, the judge said. Both were remanded back to jail without bail. If convicted, both face 25 years to life behind bars.

Thomas' death has sparked grief among those who knew him and complete strangers, with hundreds who have come together to honor him at vigils, fundraisers and at his funeral. Many have demanded change, questioning how his case fell through the cracks despite reported calls and complaints about suspected abuse.