August 2008 : Volume 8 - Issue 11

Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of
Hicksville High School Hicksville, New York

The Editors:
Buffalo Bob Casale '61	Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden '60
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll '56	Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61

Contributing Editors: Bob Gillette & Walter Schmidt

Webmaster: Roger Whitaker

To contact the editors, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Dear Readers,

Please make sure that This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. are on your safe list. Announcements and welcome letters are being returned with 'not accepting' as the explanation by several ISP's; most notably AOL.com.

Thank you,
Your Editors

Are you Ready to Rock and Roll?

Class of 58 Reunion Just Around The Corner!

Hold on to your hats! The Class of 1958 will be blowing into town the weekend of September 20 for its 50^th reunion, and what a reunion it will be!

Some 120 members of the class, their spouses and significant others have already made reservations and will converge on the Holiday Inn, Plainview, for a round of activities that starts on Friday with tours and the presentation of a class gift to Hicksville High School totaling more than $2,500!

After a casual meeting for cocktails for anyone who wants to meet in the hotel lounge before going out to dinner on Friday evening, the full crowd with be in place on Saturday for a reception and buffet dinner highlighted with great food, music of the 50s and a power-point show of photos from our high school years, some never seen before.

As a memento of the event, reunion goers will receive CDs of the photo display and a class directory and biography so that they can keep in touch. The reunion website, www.hix58reunion.com will remain up indefinitely, posting photos of the event and class news. It will also provide a means for classmates unable to attend to connect with those who did. On Sunday, those who can, will re-gather for brunch at the Holiday Inn. The schedule of events and other information will be going out this month to those who have purchased tickets.

Because it is a buffet, the committee has been able to accept some last-minute reservations past the July 18 deadline. There's still room for a few more, so if you're among the stragglers or didn't think you could go, but now can, don't hesitate to contact the 36-member reunion committee through its website e-mail address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We'll take it from there. If you plan to stay at the Holiday Inn and want to get the special rate, let us know quickly. You have until August 7 to get the rate and you'll need a special password to qualify.

See you at the reunion!

I am trying to get together the Greasers of 1960 who can still boogie with the best - Myrna Hessel, remember me - One of Dr. Moser's groupies- I live in Hallandale Beach, Florida where I have resided for the past 32 years- a native to the newcomers! I know many of you have relatives down here as well as condos for vacation so let's get together and see if we can still appreciate "In the Still of the Night" and the scream of the Harley-Davidsons in the front of the school. We can do it anywhere it doesn't matter to me but the weather is great and the beaches beautiful and more restaurants than you can throw a stick at on the same street. My e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and my phone #954-457-7028. I saw your picture Jack Gould and I realized that a lot of water has gone under the dam and Forrest Dunbar-a name from my past! Let's do this-I think it will bring back so many memories of the Senior Trip on the Steamboat, etc, etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember the fun we had producing "Kiss Me Kate" and Marty and Noel's renditions)

See you soon,
Myrna Hessel Greenberg

Attention Hicksville High School Class of 1968!

Barbara Hoosack Sarluco and Dianne Gunnigle Burkhardt regret to announce that the plans to have a 40th Reunion this year are officially cancelled. We investigated many possibilities, and the price tag kept mounting higher and higher. We are facing an uncertain winter ahead of us with the rising gas, oil and airline prices, so we felt postponing our event is the sensible thing to do. We hope to get a larger committee together for future reunion plans so the burden of all this work and expense isn't on just two people. Please keep in touch with us if you are interested in helping out.Good bye for now, and Congratulations Graduates of the Class of 1968. Happy 40th to all !!!Memories of "Camelot", the Senior Prom, the Senior Play, "You Can't Take It With You" and the Washington D.C. trip, The Comet yearbook, Mr. Jaworski and Mr. Feigin and our senior class leaders: Chet Schnepf and Andy La Grega and all the stories we could tell about those days at Hicksville High.Remember to keep in touch with our fellow classmates through hixnews.com

Have a nice summer.
Barbara and Dianne

Dianne Gunnigle Burkhardt and Barbara Hoosack Sarluco recently announced that the tentative reunion for the class of 1968 is not tentative anymore...it has been postponed for the time being.

Their desire is to have as many alumni from their class of '68, living in the metropolitan area, show up at one of Anton Mure's local Long Island gigs. Anton and his Mid Life Crisis Band play locally during the summer and into the fall. Their thought is that even a mini reunion with old friends is better than no reunion at all!!

It will be a totally informal get together. Most of Anton's gigs are on a Saturday night and usually last at least three hours. His schedule follows...

• Saturday, July 26, Callahans (East Meadow)
• Saturday, August 2, Charles Street Cafe (Hicksville)
• Saturday, August 9, Port Jazz (Port Jeff)
• Saturday, September 6, Port Jazz
• Friday, September 12, Callahans
• Saturday, October 4, Callahans
• Saturday, November 8, Callahans

If you see a date that appeals to you, please send a note to either Diane or Barbara or to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you have a different thought, please let us know what you have in mind. If anyone from out of town is looking for overnight accommodations, get in touch with Buffalo Bob Casale at the Hicksville Newsletter and he will steer you in the right direction.

Warm Regards,
Bob Casale
Hicksville Newsletter

People Looking for People

If there's someone you're looking for, just send your request and we'll be happy to add it to the list. If anyone knows these folks, send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hicksville Tidbits

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS '2008'

The Town Of Oyster Bay Music Under the Stars summer schedule kicked off on in early July. The music extravaganza is held each year during July and August and provides a wide variety of musical talent 'free' of charge to those attending the concerts held at locations in Nassau County. Normally, the only requirement'bring a beach chair or blanket.

Featured thus far have been Tony Orlando, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Jack Jones, The Tokens and the Fireflies.

The schedule for August is shown below:

• AUGUST 1 - STAYIN ALIVE (Bee Gees Tribute) and ABBAMANIA (recreating the sights and sounds of ABBA)
  Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance
• AUGUST 2 - PATTY SMYTH & SCANDAL - Hit songs: 'The Warrior,' 'Good-Bye To You'
  John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
• AUGUST 4 - SOUL BE IT- 'New York's Funk Solution'
  H. B. Mattlin Middle School, Washington Avenue, Plainview
• AUGUST 5 - MAXINE NIGHTINGALE Hit songs: 'Right Back Where We Started From,' 'Lead Me On' and GLORIA GAYNOR- 30th Anniversary of hit song 'I Will Survive'
  John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
• AUGUST 6 - PAGING GRACE- winner '2008 Best on Long Island' young band and BIG SHOT- The best Billy Joel tribute band around
  Theodore Roosevelt Beach, Larabee Avenue, Oyster Bay
• AUGUST 7 - JOE KANE BIG BAND- 'A Tribute to Benny Goodman' (Special 7 PM start)
  John F. Kennedy Middle School, Broadway, Bethpage
• AUGUST 8 - THE LETTERMEN - Hit songs: 'When I Fall In Love,' 'Going Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You,' Theme from 'A Summer Place,' 'Hurts So Bad,' 'The Way You Look Tonight'
  Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance
• AUGUST 9 - THE BRONX WANDERERS- A tribute to the oldies and SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES- former lead singer of the Shirelles
  Hit songs: 'Baby It's You,' 'Soldier Boy,' 'Mama Said,' 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow'
  Stehli Beach, Bayville Avenue, Bayville
• AUGUST 11 - THE PETER DUCHIN ORCHESTRA- America's premier dance- band leader - (Special 7 PM start)
  H. B. Mattlin Middle School, Washington Avenue, Plainview
• AUGUST 12 - THE SPINDOCTORS-Popular rock group - Hit songs: 'Two Princes,' 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong'
  Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance

HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE IN EISENHOWER PARK

There is a continuing and comprehensive schedule of free summer concerts, shows and films again this year in Eisenhower Park. The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is named appropriately for the man whose legacy continues on Long Island. Harry Chapin will always be a Long Island man!

Movies are shown every Thursday night on the giant screen throughout July and August.

The Long Island Philharmonic will perform on August 15^th. The Ditty Doodle Imagination Celebration will be there on August 9^th.

A mid summer favorite, Salute to Veterans, will be presented on August 2^nd and features the Charisma Boys, Randy & The Rainbows, Risky Business and the USO entertainment troupe. On August 30^th, 'Long Island Rocks For Freedom' will provide a salute to currently deployed armed forces (the rock concert will also be broadcast to troops in Iraq).

The finals of the popular local Reach for the Stars Teen Talent Search will take place on August 8^th, with the competition featuring vocalists. There is no formal seating'bring a beach towel or chair. If weather threatens, call 516-572-0355 after 7pm to confirm. All lakeside programs are free and begin at 7:30pm, unless otherwise noted. Movies begin at dusk.

One final note. In commemoration of Lakeside Theatre's namesake, the fourth annual Harry Chapin Tribute will be presented on August 27^th.

HICKSVILLE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

The Hicksville Boys & Girls Club held its annual Appreciation night at the Knights of Columbus in Hicksville.

Awards were presented to retiring Hicksville High School Assistant Principal Nancy DeSorbo and club board members Valerie Pakaluk (vice president) Harry Single (president) and Janet Bergholtz (secretary).

ACTIVITY WARDS OFF STROKES

A recent Finnish study concluded that seniors who stay active lower their risks of stroke. The study also suggested that the average American senior spends at least half of their leisure time watching television, reading books or resting.

My concern since retirement in June was to remain active. I joined a gym in Bethpage and spend at least an hour each morning walking the treadmill and doing a moderate strength-training regimen. I'm hoping, too, that the extra pounds I've added since Christmas will go on vacation permanently.

And my good buddy and partner, Ted Swedalla, wants me to join him when he travels, by bike, from the Florida Keys to Maine next May. This would not be possible if Ted were still working'he retires in December. The best thing I ever did was quit smoking in September of 1996. It was a difficult thing to do'but, probably allowed me to stay alive.

I would enjoy the bike trip but doubt seriously I can attain the same condition Ted enjoys. He has ridden his bike from Middle Island, where he lives, to Montauk Point.

I think a trip to the store is sufficient.

Bob Casale, Class of '61

CONGRATS

Congratulations to the Hicksville High School class of 2008. Graduation from high school is the dawn of a whole, different ballgame. So many kids look forward to graduation because the new arena of activity is an interesting change to the rigors of education.

But, wait. The truth is that when you get older, you will want to go back to those hum drum days when you had not a care in the world.

Special congrats to Cheng Hung Tai, the Salutatorian and Viraj Shah, the Valedictorian for the graduating class.

Tai maintained a 100.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) while being a three-year recipient of the Hicksville High School Choir award. Most recently, he was awarded first place in chemistry at the Science Olympiad Regional. Tai was in the National and Spanish Honor Societies. He will be attending NYU in the fall. Tai was awarded a $27,000.00 per year scholarship to pursue his interests in science, particularly Chemistry.

Shah maintained a 101.8 GPA and, in addition to many awards, he won first place in both the Voice of Democracy Audio Contest and the Goudreau Museum Pi Day Contest.

Shah served as president of the Video Technology Club while attending the Simons Research Program, NYLF Medicine program and the Long Island Summer Academy as well as numerous college classes.

In the fall, Shah will be attending the University of California at Berkeley where he plans to study engineering.

MARON, DILORENZO FINISH SEASON ON TOP

On June 11, the Nassau Country High School Baseball Coaches Association hosted their 45^th annual awards dinner at the Uniondale Marriott. Congrats to Hicksville Junior Cam Maron for receiving an All County selection and senior Mike DiLorenze for receiving an All League selection. Maron finished the season with a .528 batting average and was named Newsday's 'Nassau County Plater of the Week,' for April 27.

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

The 17^th Annual Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing was held in June at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course in Syosset. Among those in attendance were Hicksville Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Tom Bruno, Hicksville Chamber President James Pavone, Oyster Bay Town councilwoman Rose Marie Walker and Hicksville Chamber member and Golf Outing Chairperson, Charlie Montana.

SEMI-ANNUAL STATISTICS:

1/01/08 thru 6/30/08:

• Average hits per month = 77,561
• Current readers = 1021

TOP 5 PLACES OF RESIDENCE:

1. NY = 330 (119 L.I., 56 HX, 55 other NY)
2. FL = 145 full time, 9 part time
3. CA = 35
4. VA = 23
5. AZ = 17

There are still 309 people who have not told us where they live!http://www.websiteoutlook.com/www.hixnews.com says: hixnews.com Estimated Worth $452.6 USD. That's funny because we do not advertise or charge for membership. HixNews is all volunteer from the webmaster, editors and readers' contributions; both articles and financial. That is what has kept this humble newsletter going since October 2000.

To me this newsletter is priceless. I have come to know so many people and reunited with old friends through working on the newsletter.Respectfully submitted,
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll