April 2008 : Volume 8 - Issue 7 - The Newsletter

The Newsletter

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I "joined" the Hicksville News Letter about 1 year ago, or less, and enjoy reading all the information you send out to so many classmates of Hicksville High. I graduated in 1946 and haven't seen many listed from that class. At that time, the classes were much smaller than they are now. I did recognize the letter from Harvey Weiss. I believe we were in a couple of classes together. The others that I know are Fred and Sonja Fluckiger. (Belated birthday, Sonja and Happy Anniversary to you and Fred). As for others, they are probably related to "those of our time."

I played in the orchestra and marching band, and belonged to the glee club, played some tennis, as well as attending ball games, etc.. Between that I also roller-skated 6 - 7 nights a week in Mineola and if Figure 8 was doing a performance, that was another nite to rehearse.

I lived at 259 Jerusalem Ave. all my growing days (attending Nicholai and Jr./Sr. High). I married George in 1947, lived in Farmingdale for 29 years before moving to Venice, FL in 1977. We still live in the same house here that we had built. George graduated from HHS in 1939.

My brother, Dick ('45), and his wife and 3 of their 5 children live in Morehead City, NC. We don't get to see them too often or vice versus. Our dad passed away in 1987 and mother in 2005. George's folks passed away in 1978 and 1984.

We enjoy reading the Newsletter every month. All of you on the staff do a fantastic job and it is interesting to read letters and see pictures of others that send in info. Keep up the good work.

Bea (Eisemann) Baldwin

An old picture of Mr & Mrs RauschMr. NasoMy wife and I had the pleasure of having lunch with Mrs. Edna Rusch, wife of Raymond Rusch, teacher and principal at HHS. Mr. Rusch was my home room teacher his first year as a teacher and my freshmen year. She is just a delightful person and doing VERY well for her 80 plus years. I also got to visit with Mr. Pat Naso this past Christmas as he lives about 15 miles from my daughter in North Carolina. He also is doing well for 88 years "young" age. His first year HHS was 1949 and he was one of the best. Thanks to all who work so hard to put out the newsletter.

Stephen Moddle 1953

Editors HixNews,

I am deeply touched, humbled, and honored to be selected to be among those inducted into the Hicksville High School Hall of Fame. My thanks to the committee for considering my nomination and to my dear brother, Joe for thinking I am worthy of this recognition. Thank you for all you do to help us keep in touch and informed.

Peace,
Santo Carfora

Hi, I'm Charlie Alesi... 1968 Alum. I'm looking for Linda Sucarino (1968 Alum) and Elaine Cloke (1969 Alum)...please include this in your list.

Thank you.
Charlie Alesi

Any Hicksville High alumnus who served in a Charles F. Adams class DDG (U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer) should check out this web site: www.adamsclassddgvets.org

The City Council of Jacksonville, Florida has passed a resolution supporting the establishment of the ex- USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) as a Naval ship museum in Jacksonville.

Mike Cava '66

Hey,

I'm here in Port Saint Lucie in Florida. I moved from Dix Hills in March of '06 and I'm loving it here in PSL. It is warm.My real address the same as when I was on LI. It's a sub-address on my son's account in Deer Park.

I read the newsletter each month when I get the time. I've been meaning to send a picture of my house on Maglie Drive in Hicksville from 1954-1955. We moved from NYC in July 1954. Do you have a way to scan a black and white photo? If you do I'll send them along. Maybe you can get a shot as it exists now for comparison. Just let me know.

Thanks for a great newsletter.
Mike Anselmo , '59

Thanks for creating this great newsletter. I have been living in the Los Angeles area since 1982 and am fond of re-visiting all those memories each month. I especially love hearing about fellow alumni and would like to catch up with some of them personally. Is it possible to create a directory page on which we could list out E-mail addresses, so others can contact us and vice versa? I already see a couple of people I'd like to catch up with in the current issue. Otherwise, keep up the great work.

Michael Ollins Class of '63
Los Angeles, CA

HixNews reply:

Dear Michael,

Thanks for the suggestion but we do not publish email addresses unless the sender requests it. This is to protect the privacy/security of our readers. We averaged almost 67K hits a month last year but have only 938 readers on our current list. The internet is worldwide and we have no idea what some people might do with such a list so we have made it a policy to handle email addresses the same way that an unlisted phone number is treated.

Let us know the names of the people you want to contact and we'll send them your address. Then they can get back to you. This method has been working very well so far and many people are back in touch.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My maiden name was is Carol MacArthur. I graduated from Hicksville Jr. High School and moved to N.J. I would have been a 1960 graduate of the high school. Looking for Maria Heileg ( sp?) who did graduate 1960 and went on to Parsons , NYC. Also girls who lived close by and also graduated 1960, sorry can only remember first names, Jean, Jan and Joan. Would love to hear from anyone who was in Jr. High with me.

Thanks!
Carol MacArthur Egan
Melbourne Beach, Fl.

Dear Editors,

HixNews is great, makes me want to come back and live in Hicksville. Unfortunately Billy Joel is right when he sang about the Village Green and Brenda and Eddie, he sang "but you can never go back there again." Memories are all I have and they are great ones. So please keep up the good work and the fond memories will live on.

I'm from the class of 66 and I only attended HHS my senior year. I believe anyone that remembers me will remember my car a 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Super Sport. Many times I laid a patch of rubber in the parking lot by the Drivers Ed trailers. I raced on Division Ave in front of the school against whoever thought they could beat my car. I only have slides of that car so I can't send any pictures of it. I do still have a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado that I bought when I lived at 67 Gardner Ave in Hicksville. I bought it in 1973 and still have it today. They only made 2100 of them and mine came from Commack, I bought it from the original owner's estate. It is in excellent condition except for some of the chrome needs replating. I drive it to shows and other events in the spring and summer. It still has the original engine, the 365 cu. in. V-8 with factory dual quads, producing 325 horsepower. I had the interior, nylon top and body restored in 1997. In 1976 when I moved to Ohio my brother-in-law drove it from Hicksville to Akron. I'm sure it could still make it home to Hicksville today.

If anyone wants to reach me I can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I sure would enjoy hearing from some high school friends. People in Ohio can't believe I went to high school with Billy Joel.

Thanks for the newsletter please keep it up. I've enclosed some pictures of the Eldorado that were taken in the spring of 2007.

Sincerely,
Bob Gerrets, Class of 66

I got a good laugh out of the comments about prices in 1955. I worked at Scheiner's Pharmacy in High School and for the four years at Hofstra. Old Doc Scheiner was a gentleman, paying $1.25 an hour. (He also let Charlie Wilson and I use the delivery car on Saturday nights.)

We got tips for delivering prescriptions... mostly dimes, but many quarters. So... I usually saved my "salary" and lived on the tips. Gas was indeed $.25 or $.29 and I could take Jane Engle to the movie for about a dollar if I remember correctly. (That included popcorn.) Many years later as my business life progressed and there were raises and such., I often joked that I had had more spending money in those wonderful days. One Saturday evening after the day at Scheiners was done I stopped off at Goldman Brothers and bought a sweater for $5.00! I loved that thing and wore it to tatters over many years. Five bucks for a sweater, hard to believe!

Frank Scarangella '55

Dear Editors,

Please add the following to your list of people looking for people. I've often wondered how Maureen Werner (class of 57 I think) is doing. Maureen and I dated awhile. She was quite beautiful, a real lady and lots of fun. So...

Frank Scarangella '55 looking for Maureen Werner '57. Thanks

How pleasantly surprised I was upon opening up the March newsletter and seeing Carol Christopher Fox's nice note about our last visit along with my yearbook photo. It is so nice to be reunited with old friends.

My husband Jerry and I are very happily and healthfully retired in Ocala, FL. We were both employed by the NYC Board of Education. My retirement finds me incredibly busy. We travel often and have completed two 107 day World Cruises. When at home I synchronize swim, dance, do yoga and we are very involved in a theater group. We have been involved in every aspect of theater production including acting. It is great fun. They do not however let me sing on stage. That has not changed since my student days. No talent along those lines.

We do come north often to visit with our three sons and their families. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. My e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I want to thank the production staff of Hixnews for a fun and informative newsletter.

Sincerely,
Ellen "Sandy" Sandler Wolfe. Class of 1960

Just learned of this site: Ken Kopher; class of 1974; b-day 11/23; live in suburbs of Baltimore, MD,
spouse name: Joyce.. Please add me to your newsletter list.
Thanks.

Dear Editors,

My brother is very honored and humbled by his selection to the HixNews Hall of Fame and I am tickled to death that he has been selected. Thanks for the consideration and excellent coverage in the March Newsletter. It is very much appreciated.

Best regards,
Joe Carfora '62

Hello all,

You are doing a wonderful job with the newsletter and I thoroughly enjoy reading it each month. Just thought I would update my information.Very few people remember me-I seemed to be invisible during my high school years. My maiden name is Claramae Gross, class of '64. While out with my girlfriend, Linda, I bumped into Sid Weiss ('64) and met my future brother-in-law, Carl Ceravino. Carl and Linda introduced me to Carl's brother, John ('64) and the rest is history!John and I were married September 20, 1969 and we now how four grown children, Dawn, 36; John, 35; Tracey, 34; and Christopher, 24. We will be having a very busy 2007. Our son, John will be getting married in April and our daughter Tracey will be getting married in July, in Bermuda. I am hoping that these weddings will bring us the grandchildren that we have been impatiently waiting for!!We have lived in Centereach for almost 30 years. I worked for Staples for 12 years as a manager, left for a year to work with my daughter, and I am now looking for another retail management position. John works as a driver for Hostess. John's birthday is August 23rd and mine is September 13th.Would love to hear from other 1964 grads, especially those who went to Old Country Rd. School.

I have an update on a sad note. My brother-in-law, Frank L. Petrie Jr., class of '57, retired Air Force Major, passed away on December 18th, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Our family traveled to LA to be with my sister-in-law Carol, ('61). He left two children, Patti and Frank, a daughter-in-law, Amy, a son-in-law, Billy and three granddaughters, Alyssa, Jessica and Victoria. He will be greatly missed.Thanks again for all the work that you all do in putting together the newsletter.Claire (Claramae Gross) Ceravino

Hi:

It's E Zivica. I just put my novel 'Whispering Whale' on eBay. Perhaps you are willing to spread the word.

Thanks for the consideration.
EZ ('58)

Hi,

my name is John Ebbecke, (Big E to alot of my friends). I graduated in 1972. After graduating Oneonta in 76, I've lived in Commack since, raising a family and working out here. Unfortunately, I'm sure all my kids will not be living on Long Island after college. This area is ruined with high cost greed and taxes. Growing up in the Woodbury-South Oyster Bay Rd section of Hicksville, we had a little different take on things. Like walking home three miles even in snow, after playing my high school basketball games Friday nights. Any alumni from the Methodist Church league team out there? I was recruited to play with some other guys in 72. I was Catholic, others were Jewish and Baptist, a true interfaith team, we were so good that year we got to play a team for the right to play in a national tournament. My friends and I lived near "enemy turf", the triangle where Hicksville meets Plainview and Syosset. It was always fun to venture into their territory just to spy on them, or play in ball games against them. Mid Island stories on here were cool when we walked the two miles or less cutting across the LIRR when there was no fence. My brother and a lot of my friends worked at the Food Fair there and the one in Plainview. We used to meet there Friday nights and then go to Iaonne's on West John for pizza and brewskies. Also, had our own softball leagues. Can't do that now, need to pay for permits, or the school fields are locked up. Anyone remember the big theater on South Oyster Bay Road, so big they had boxing closed circuit, and concerts like the Hassles, Billy Joel's old group, as well as movies? Though I was too young to go, I think they had an Allman Brothers concert there. Anyone out there kids from the sixties from the Woodland Ave area or Hillside Terrace? We used to live at Woodland as I was two blocks away, stickball in summer, baseball after school, dodge ball classics during lunch, Hoops 365 days a year!! Those were the days.

If you want to email, love to chat, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I'm still confused with the Junior High since first day. Why did you go up a flight of stairs in the front section, yet still were considered on the same floor? No confusion, with 8th period, 10th grade English with Mrs. Sanderson. Great class and my first huge crush, she caused me never to cut out before the end of school!! Hey, BIG PROPS to Mr. Vetrano and his mass media class in 11th grade. Boy was he like 20 years ahead of his time? How the media brainwashed us with editorialized TV shows and news, subliminal advertising. Mr. V's class was truly a trip that made the HS bearable. Like Mr. Cohen's Ecology class with the whole "brick in the toilet tank" to save water.

Big E

Hi!

My name is Barbara (Jones) Benjamin and graduated in '66, lived on Cambridge Dr, and attended Woodland Ave. School. I live with my husband, Jim, and Golden Retriever, Lily, in Killingworth, CT. I am now completing my 36th year teaching grades 3-4 as a looping teacher and FINALLY plan to retire this June. We are leaving at the end of June to travel the eastern half of the country, called "The Great Circle Loop" on our 42 Nordic Tug trawler, Golden Lily. The route includes the Hudson River, Great Lakes, inland rivers to Mobile, AL, Gulf of Mexico, and finally the ICW. It will take us a year to complete the trip. We have a website, and I will be logging our trip as I did this past summer on our trip to Canada. If we pass any Hicksville High graduates on the way, please email us. We'd love to stop and visit!

It's a small world when boating. In 2001 when we were traveling the Erie Canal, we met a couple who live in Carmel, NY and had just docked after we did. We had never met them before, but decided to go out to dinner together. As we walked to a local restaurant, Judy (Kaufman) Levy '62 and I discovered we both attended HHS. In 2005 while docked in Westport, NY on Lake Champlain, I settled in to read the July issue of HixNews. Shelly (Heyman, '61) Baron had just written in to describe the fun she was having on a boat on L. Champlain, but never mentioned where. The next day I was talking to a woman on our dock, and it turned out she went to HHS, and she was the one who had written to HixNews!

Barbara

www.goldenlilytug.com

You are doing a great job with pictures of Hicksville and Hicksville trivia. Here is some trivia about JABBY'S, if you want to put it in HixNews. In 1956, there was a piano player named BUZZY MOORE who played the piano at JABBY'S on weekends. You would know when he was there because he always parked his 1956 new Cadillac convertible right in front of the place. I want to become member of HixNews, as I like trivia about Hicksville and Hicksville High School as that was part of my life.>

TRIVIA: The picture of the bank on Broadway in Hicksville by the railroad overpass, there is an alleyway alongside the bank and a store. That store in 1956 used to be SPIRO'S appliance store. The alleyway was where I would go with my uncle (RICHIE HATTENBACK) who was delivery man for SPIRO'S to pick up appliances to be delivered. I was his helper in 1956.

I lived at 46 Haverford Rd, Hicksville from 1952 to 1962. I have not seen that house in 46 years. My parents bought it and were afraid they could not afford it but they wanted to get away from Jersey City, NJ. I also lived at 35 Oak Tree Lane in Levittown until 1994 when I retired to Florida. I have not seen that house in 14 years. I paid $14,000 for it (handyman's special) and now I understand it is worth $370,000!

Thank you. Keep up the outstanding work.
John Hattenback, '56

Classmates,

I was talking to Pete Zeiher ('49) Sunday night. He was rushed to the hospital Jan. 19th for an emergency operation. He had an ulcer in his stomach that ruptured, spent 11 days in ICU. (He is) Still having problems eating and getting his strength back.

If anyone wants to send a note or card his address is below:

8 Flower Hill Lane
Bayshore, NY 11706

Keep in touch,
Art Lembke, '49

Update: The newsletter received a 'thank you' note from Pete Zeiher for the card we sent. He says he's getting back on his feet and looking forward to a cruise in April.He also mentioned chatting with Dr. Michael Masciello, an HS grad, while in the hospital.

Ray Babinski ('56) is looking for a copy of THE COMET yearbook for 1956.

Ray also wonders what ever became of the luncheonette on the corner across the street from St. Ignatius? He believes it was owned by a Greek family. That place used to be like a second home to him.

Chuck and Ron Wilson (on motorcycle) Chuck piloting his Learjet 1977 Ron Wilson (in water) and Jerry Kelley

From Bob Casale:

Picture of the house taken in February, 2001I had an interesting call on my home phone several weeks ago. A man I don't know left a message... something that resembled the following: "You don't know me, and I don't know you, but I have some questions I'd like to ask you. If you want, you can call me at the following number."

I called out of curiosity pretty certain it wasn't the IRS looking for me.What transpired is pretty neat. It turns out the man was the second owner of the 14 Edgewood Drive house after my family sold it back in 1965. He researched the house through the property records in Mineola. He was unable to get the information he wanted from the previous owners, so went a little further and found the name Casale as former owners.

Then he searched Casale and Hicksville on the internet and while doing so, was brought to the Hicksville High School Newsletter. Not sure that the Casale listed would know about the 14 Edgewood Drive address, he sent a note to the Editors and Pat was kind enough to put him in touch with me.When I told him that I did live there until 1965, he was ecstatic. He was interested in any pictures I might have of the house when we owned it. I have several, so made copies and emailed them to him.

I didn't realize the newsletter pops up when you do a google search. I guess we're in the big time now and our mailing list continues to grow.Is there a place that critiques newsletters and is there a spot that gives awards for newsletters???

I found some pictures from 14 Edgewood Drive and they feature several of my sister Eileen's friends...just ignore me.

Bob Casale '61, Chris Heidt '59 Billy Holton '60, Bob Casale,
John Reichle '59 Bob Casale '61, Ronni Gardner '59 Bob Casale, Kathy Kapsol '61 Joy Gannotti '59, Bob Casale

Project Plan...I was in the junior high building when I (along with others) was chosen to be in "Project Plan" a learning strategy developed by Westinghouse. It was a "learn at your own speed" class format, where you started with a "module" which gave guidelines to a certain subject, and you had to read, research and investigate the information. At the end of the module was a test, on computer cards, and if you passed, you went on to the next "module" if not, you could take it as many times it took till you passed.

Not bad...EXCEPT, it contained no info relating to the Regents exam!!! With about 3 weeks to the Algebra regents, our teacher, Mr. Harmozi, realized this and crammed a whole year of math into our heads...Well, I passed with a 68.

Thanks, Mr. Harmozi, where ever you are.

Bob Goldmacher, '73

Any info on a guy named Gale King? He used to stripe all our cars, you know pin-striping.

Bob Uhlich, '57

Hi Everyone:

Hope all are healthy and happy, especially the class of 1956. If you have time, catch me on the web at www.howcast.com in "How to Appear Younger Than You Really Are." It was a fun shoot and the webisode is hysterical!

http://www.howcast.com/videos/3020-How-To-Appear-Younger-Than-You-Really-Are

All best wishes to everyone,
Harri Molese, Class of 1956