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

The Newsletter

It's always a fine morning when the HixNews arrives with the first emails of the day! I got a cup of coffee and sat back and read and enjoyed. The pictures of the Drama kids of l960 reminded me of l959 because so many of them were juniors and sophomores then, working with us, the seniors. I recognized most of the faces and it gave me a warm feeling of belonging.

Thank you, Editors, for your hard work and efforts.

Lilian Giller (now Gordon) class of '59

My name is Bob Birk, HHS class of 1952. I would like to second the motion of Tom Haller class of 56 to include Mabel Farley in the hall of fame. I was fortunate to work for the school district during my junior and senior years under the direction of Miss Farley from 1950 to 1952. I was amazed at how she ran every department of the school, from the teachers to the custodians and the administrative staff without the help of any assistant principals. She did all this without forgetting that her students were her most important responsibility. I saw and listened to her many times taking time out to call parents when a problem arose, or just to congratulate them on their child's achievement. She never was too busy to listen to a student or teachers' problems. She was a stern, but yet fair disciplinarian. Miss Farley went on after retirement from HHS to become the Assistant to the Governor of Pennsylvania on education issues. She sure gets my vote...

Miss Farley gets my vote. She was misunderstood by some because of her age and the limp from a broken hip but I always found her to be caring and willing to listen to new ideas. At the end of my freshman year, a group of us asked if we could take the whole year of biology during the summer before our sophomore year. We had heard that it was a hard subject. Miss Farley went to bat for us with the School Board and Dr. Lamb, Superintendent, and told us if we could get enough students interested, she would get us a teacher. I seem to remember about 25 to 30 signed up so she got Mr. Glass (before his PhD) as our teacher. He was great and we all took the Regents and the lowest grade was 88.

I learned the subject so well that I aced the biology exam in college. Sure made a mess of the curve!

Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll, '56

The legacy of educators is their influence on the lives of the students they have touched. So it is with Mabel R. Farley, who, for nearly 50 years, motivated and enriched the lives of Hicksville students. To a legion of graduates, she represented what education was all about. She came to Hicksville in 1912 from a state teachers' college. She was principal of Hicksville High School for 31 years and on retirement was a member of the School Board. This exemplary lady was admired and beloved by three generations of Hicksvillites.

From: IMAGES OF AMERICA ' HICKSVILLE by Richard E. and Anne Evers

I ditto the nomination of Ms. Mable Farley for the HHS Hall of Fame. She was a woman WAY AHEAD of her time. Unfortunately she did not get the recognition and respect she deserved from us as students.

Steve Moddle class of 1953

PS My mother had her as a teacher

What I'm doing: Doing lots of oil painting these days getting ready for fall art show (not rushing the fall mind you). You can visit my web site at: www.didley-squat.com to see my work. Working on another children's book. Just finished a principal part in TV commercial that may or may not go national. Sailing on Lake Travis and playing with my grandsons.

Walter (Butch) Allan, '60

June (Olsen) Cullen, '58 sends this link for those of you with roots in the Bronx:

Really nice pictures of the old Bronx

Remembering the Bronx

http://www.nostalgictimewarp.com/bronx.html

Marie VanacoreI was just forwarded an issue and I love it! My name is Marie Vanacore and I graduated in 1963. Please add my name to the mailing list.

Many thanks.
Marie

While reading the July Newsletter, I noticed Buddy Weber's name on thebirthday list. I was wondering if he remembers working with me in 1963 at the offices of Stackler and Frank, the owners of Mid Island Plaza. We worked together in the advertising office for Mr. James Cummings.

Ann Celentano Walker (62)

Dear Mesdames and Sirs,

My wife, Antoinette Zasa Gentile, '59, would like to be added to your mailing list. Not only was she a graduate of HHS, but she also taught French and Italian at HHS for her entire teaching career, 1963-1996.I also taught at HHS, 1966-1997, as a teacher of French, Spanish and English.

Yours sincerely,
Richard Gentile

Hi,

I'm a graduate of Hicksville High School (1965) and I just now learned that you had a newsletter. Please include me on your list.

Thanks so much.
Susan Scott

Murray the "K" was on WINS 1010. Also, does anyone remember the "T-Rose" Luncheonette? I believe it was on the corner of North 8th and Havemeyer in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Does anyone remember the Grand Theater on, what else, Grand Ave.?

Mike Cava '66

...and remember his name in pig Latin....or whatever they called it....me-a-surry key-a-soff-man.

And the infamous Submarine Race Watchers Club....I had a card for years.

Don't remember the T Rose luncheonette.

Buffalo Bob '61

Another Murray The K...'Do you believe in the hereafter?'Cause if you ain't here after, what I'm here after, then you'll be here after I'm gone!'

Walt Schmidt, '65

Hi all, especially the class of 1956.

If you watch the Comedy Central Channel, you can catch me throughout August in a Quixnos Sandwich commercial portraying a comic "intervention." I'm told it should air around The Daily Show, or The Colbert Report. I'm the "grandma," and my "grandson" is "addicted" to Quixnos sandwiches! It's quite funny and this real grandma had a ball doing it!

Hope everyone is happy and healthy.

Harri Molese, Class of 1956

Dear Editors,

In the July HIXNEWS - Honoring Veterans - you have my name spelled wrong. It should be Robert Cheeseman not Chessman. I'm married to Lorraine (Kirwan) Cheeseman - 1964. I was almost a '64 grad but due to my Dad's ill health we moved to Lindenhurst. I returned to Hicksville after graduation, married Lorraine and left for the USAF from our Alpine Lane, Hicksville, apartment in March '67. I retired from the USAF in 1996 and joined the Texas Adjutant General's Department where I'm still serving but in a state role!

Brig Gen (TX) Bob Cheeseman

Loved all the pictures from the Senior Class of 1960-----many people in the pictures should contact me to get together in 2010 for our 50th reunion.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 954-457-7028----Let's make it happen-

Myrna (Hessel) Greenberg

Good news!

Matthew A. Bruckner, HHS class of 1996, 2000 undergraduate studies @SUNY Binghamton, degree in PPI, world traveler extraordinaire, 2007 graduate of NYU Law, JD, 2007 employed by Allen & Overy, NYC, 2007 passed NYS bar exam is being admitted in the NYS Bar Association on July 16, 2008. Matthew is currently residing in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY.

Son of Craig G. Bruckner ('71) & Paula L. Bruckner (nee' Jargo) ('72)

I believe that some time ago, I mentioned I took up the sport of competitive racewalking (an Olympic event) and joined a Racewalking Club located just north of San Francisco.... about 45 miles from my home here in Santa Rosa.

I've been training for and participating in this sport for the past 7 years, traveling to various venues here in California to compete with men in my age group, (e.g. I'm presently in the 75 to 79 year old category). I have truly enjoyed this experience, having made many new friends and have achieved modest success (by being awarded about 25 medals for my efforts to date).

In this regard, I thought you would like to know that I'm still out there doing my thing....by sharing this forwarded e-mail with attached June 22nd picture of me, receiving the Men's Best Style Award at this year's Alongi Racewalking Classic (our annual major racewalking event). Pictured with me is Frank Alongi, who for the past 50 years has been a nationally renowned racewalking teacher, coach and judge; notably having been a former Olympic middle distance runner for Italy.

I know this sport isn't as popular as golf, but for an old guy like me who never seemed to have the time for golf in the past, racewalking has proven to be a healthy and enjoyable pastime, along with enabling my competitive juices to be satisfied!

Cheers,
Tom Fellenz, '49

I am sending snail mail, some more photos. In most of the photos on one page, its the snowstorm of 1956, at 52 linden blvd. In the top left is an aerial view of Mid Island Plaza, circa 1957. The other photo is me at Yosemite Sep 2005. Chuck, my brother, was working at Shiners Drug store and going to L.I. Agricultural & Technical Institute, which allowed him to be able to pay for the flight time on the aircraft. He paid for all the flights! An unimaginable feat today. I took some flying lessons about 6 years ago and they were $79 @ hr for the plane and $25 @ hr for the pilot!

I have a correction on the letter I sent. The person I remember is Richard Lyman. Any way I was close.

I will enclose more photos as soon as I can scan them.

Best regards,
Ron Wilson

snail mail, May 8, 2008

Dear Robert:

Congratulations on a first class journal. As a former Hicksville person, it is a fine piece of work. I know what a time and money consumer a labor of love this publication can be. Even with the help of computers. I was vice president of the Okras Dive Club (SCUBA) in Orange Country, California until Diana and I and the kids moved to San Diego.

Thanks for printing Chuck (my brother), Frank and me in the April edition. It takes time to put together anything especially an engineering or scientific article on paper. I've done it and it has been published.

I am going to send more things from Hicksville and L.I., for example, I have a program from 1960 Long Beach Marine Theater. My mom saved it. I also have photos of flights I took with Chuck in 1957/1958. I have enclosed some of them, and, I will email more.

I would like to know what happened to Helene Louander who was shown in one of your issues. Also, Sandy Moos, Richard Cooper, Steve Bachman and Richard Lamb. You can publish this email only This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I've enclosed something to help out.

Thank You!!
Ron Wilson

P.S. Could you get a picture of my house? Yes, I have one from Nassau County, but it dates back to 2000. I am curious how it looks now!! address is 52 Linden Blvd, Hicksville, NY 10801

Ron Wilson '56 Snowstorm Mid Island Plaza

Ron Wilson at Yosemite 52 Linden Blvd - 2008 52 Linden Blvd - 2008

Hi,

Re: Jane Schaeffler looking for Maria Heilig

My name is Theresa Moehringer (Theresa Tisdell), I graduated with both Jane and Maria, Class of 1960. Maria and I exchange Christmas cards so I will be happy to help Jane out with this. They were neighbors growing up on Meadow Lane in Hicksville. Maria now lives in Manhattan, her married name is Mitchell (mailing address removed for privacy) I hope this will be helpful to Jane in contacting Maria.

My friend, Joan Mackin (Joan Deininger) also Class of 1960, told me of the website for the Alumni Association. Please add my e-mail address to your list. I still live in Hicksville. My parents are still living on St. John's Avenue. By the way, my brother, Michael, Class of 1965, was in the Army during the Vietnam War years. He was stationed in Korea patrolling the border between North and South Korea with his Guard Dog. I am going to mention the website to him. Hopefully, he will sign up too. All three of my sons John, James and David, graduated from HHS, Classes of 1985, 1987 and 1992.

I noticed you post birthdays. My birth date was February 12th. I was born in the Bronx and moved to Hicksville in April of 1954, over the Easter recess. So, I only had a short time in East Street School, where I became friends with Joan Deininger, and then onto the Junior High in September, where in 9th Grade, new friends that I met from other schools in the town started to call me "Terry" and so that seemed to stay with me from that time on.

I am very pleased to be a part of your e-mail network and look forward to future news, etc.

Thank you,
Terry

Hi Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll,

I was forwarded the newsletter by my sister in law and in the May Edition, you wrote about going to the Dodger Game. I related to that article as well, since I also was at the game.

I believe Mrs. Cunningham told me I was able to go with the leaders club of the middle school. It was my first ball game ever. I had such a good time on the bus, we sang songs etc. The boys outnumbered the girls as it was a sports related reward at the end of the year as I recall, so that was a big plus.

I remembered it rained and they covered the field with the tarps. After awhile the game continued. When I got home I heard that it was a history making game as it was a no hitter. I don't know if I was aware of that at the game.

Your article brought back that memory and you seemed to remember it more vividly then I.

Thank you.
Pat (Bruun) Celentano l956

Hi, I just had to tell you again that I'm so impressed with the wonderful, imaginative job all of you do putting the HixNews together each month. I look forward to receiving and reading it each month. You should all be so proud of your efforts and the great experience it brings to all those who read it.

Valerie Towsley (1960)

In the newsletter there was a photo of a flower that Bob Casale was asking for identification thereof. It is the flower of the Hoya plant. The only reason I know about it is that I have one and that's what it looks like when it blooms. Incidentally, it blooms only when it feels like it and there is no schedule or reason for its efforts. I have no idea where they come from or anything else about it at this time. Maybe I will Google it and seek further knowledge.

Thank you, Fondly,
Suzanne (Garrett) Cullen, '56

. Suzanne (Garrett) Cullen

Hi Bob -

Your plant is a Hoya or wax plant. There are several varieties, I happen to have the same one as you. Mine hangs in back of my house from the roof over-hang and when it flowers, they look like plastic or wax, hence the name. It's pretty common, so I would think you would be able to find it at most garden centers. Where you live, it would be considered a house plant. Hope you can find one, if not let me know and I will send you one or a clipping from mine. Happy hunting.

Bonnie (Scharr) Papes '61
Singer Island, FL

Hi,

I've always enjoyed your newsletter-you are doing a great job. I was so surprised to see myself in the 1957 picture of the 2nd grade class from Lee Ave School. I am the last one in the fourth row from the left-right behind Elsa Green.

Robyn (Murphy) Olson, 1967

I was so pleasantly surprised to receive a birthday card from the HixNews staff. Thank you so much.

I really enjoy reading the newsletter every month. Really makes you think about your high school years remembering faces to go along with the names that are so familiar. I moved to Port Jefferson Station in 1972 and I have stayed in the same house for 36 years. I used to visit my mom in Hicksville but she moved in with me in 1989 and is still with me, she's 86. When I go through Hicksville it looks like a different town to me. The railroad station is so busy and the streets I used to frequent appear so different. I did see a lot of the train station this past year. My son is in the Army National Guard and was stationed as a guard in Penn Station and in Kennedy Airport. He rode the LIRR train to and from work but frequently missed the Ronkonkoma line so I had to drive him to Hicksville quite often. He is being deployed to Iraq the end of August for nine months. My husband and I will be doing a lot of praying in the months to come. Thank you again for remembering my birthday.

Maureen Kilkenny Rizzo, '64

How nice! Thanks for the birthday greetings from the Newsletter group.

Marcia Rubinstein Pollack, '58

My name is Joan Sabatella Plock and I know it's been a long time since anyone has heard from me. The reason is my total involvement in the community where my husband and I are now living.

I am a product of the Hicksville education system and can say proudly that I graduated from Hicksville High School in 1961. My dad grew up in Hicksville, too. I thank heaven for teachers who cared about me personally and the success I gained in life was because of their perseverance.

I have so many memories, all of them good. My memory of Hicksville High takes precedence because it was there my personality formed and I met so many wonderful people who helped influence my life and my destiny. I marvel at the way things worked out for me over the years.

I think about all of the guys and gals from the class of '61 often and have had a little contact with one or two people from the class. Unfortunately, I get very busy sometimes, especially at election time, and find the years just speeding by.

In recent correspondence with Bob Casale, I found out about those classmates of ours who have passed away and it saddens me that they died so young.

I have been back to Long Island a bunch of times and even attended an earlier reunion but have missed subsequent ones'probably because no one could find me.

My husband, Harry, is a licensed pilot and we own a Cessna 172. When we do visit the island, we usually fly over the sound from Connecticut. My son, Cory, is a Commercial Pilot and an instructor but is currently working as a Computer Scientist at Microsoft. Cory is a graduate of NYU with a degree in Computer Science.

We know I graduated in 1961. What did I do after High School??

I worked on Long Island in several hospitals and a nursing home. I was involved with Admissions and Utilization Review.

In 1975, we decided to move to Ridgefield, Connecticut. Harry, my two sons, Michael and Cory and I finally left Long Island after all those years. My son Michael is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs and works now as a scientist. We live in North Ridgefield (on top of a mountain) and our house is in close proximity to the Danbury Airport and the Danbury Mall. The town has an approximate population of about 24,000 people.

Aside from raising the boys and being a housewife, I worked with a software designer. My job was to try to make the programs being designed to crash. Good fun!!

Joan Sabatella PlockI was also very active with the Board of Education from 1985 until 1995. My total involvement culminated with me being elected Chairman of the Board of Education in 1987 and I held that position until 1995.

In 1997, the town voted me into the position as Justice of the Peace. I am one of twenty one justices in Ridgefield and maintain that position today.

In 2001, I ran for and won a seat on the Board of Selectmen. For those not familiar with this type government, Selectmen are similar in some ways to a city counsel. In Ridgefield, we have a Town Meeting type government that means most big decisions are made at a Town Meeting or submitted as a referendum.

My position as Selectmen qualifies me to serve also as a Fire Commissioner. The town supports five Selectmen and five Fire Commissioners.

Currently, I handle the financial transactions for our family consulting business and that includes doing tax preparation. I do have a personal garden that is hard to maintain because of where we live'on a solid ledge.

Finally, when I grow up, I think I would like to be a lawyer or a detective. I'm not quite sure, yet!!!

Dear Editors,

See if you can find a place for this link in the next edition. I'm sure many will remember.

Here is a you tube link to Kenny Dino's, '58 (AKA Kenny Doino) hit "Your Ma Said You Cried in Your Sleep Last Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KW13ENpodo

Here is another link to You Tube and Brooklyn Bridge a video featuring our hall of famers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4GwUtBd0DM

Tom Steedman (1960)

I have a strange question that you might not be able to answer. I saw on your web site that someone mentioned Pizza D'amore and there used to be 2 of them in AZ but they closed so I was wondering if you know of any in other states or similar pizza. I would love to get a hold of who can make that kind of pizza and if the owners are still around. Any assistance would be appreciated. I was born in Connecticut and the pizza here in Arizona sucks compared to east coast but Pizza D'amore was the best here.

Brian Zito

To all... This is from Bob Stermer, Jr. His dad graduated in '59.

Hi all,

Bobby Stermer, Jr.
and his two sonsI have 2 wonderful boys that are very busy with soccer ( both goalies), Boy and Cub Scouts, Basketball and both being hands on kids I don't have to build anything my 12 and 9 year old boys make it. They are the joy of my life.I was a very hard working Cable contractor working supervisor, then made an office supervisor until I got tired of the stress of contracting with Comcast. I loved the job though so I just became a worker again and bringing the money in. Until June 16,2005, when my ladder slid down the line and I was catapulted (not the first time) to the ground (I didn't land correctly) and it changed my life forever. I broke my rt wrist and developed a disease in my rt hand called RSD. A very painful nerve problem that spread to my whole body. I AM NOW DISABLED FOR LIFE/ THERE IS NO PERMANENT CURE..

For the Hicksville crowd, I am sorry to report that my Dad passed away on 3/9/2007 from cancer. He did not suffer, it overtook him very quick.

Hi Bob,
Per my Bio, I made reference to the fact that my wife is homebound with Multiple Sclerosis. It
is she that went to Hicksville HS, not I. Her maiden name was Patricia Bryan, more readily known as Patty Bryan. She was unable to complete her Senior year as her family moved to Florida, unfortunately. She should have been in the Class of '57. I am her Care-giver and we have both been very happy to reconnect with old classmates....

Perhaps we'll talk again.
Bob Carstons

Hi Bob,Dennis and I are brother and sister! I graduated Hicksville High in 61 - those were the good old days!! Yes, I do know about the newsletter and I love it!! Dennis actually told me about it! Thank you for doing it every month. I had gone back to Hicksville last summer (the first time since 1985 - when I moved to Florida) and couldn't believe how wonderful the house we lived in looked, and how great the high school and Jr. high looks. Have a great day!

Thank you, again, for the memories!!
Linda Carlucci

Bob, Thank you for this reminder. I enjoyed the read. I just sent my email address and info. I think I signed up correctly but if not I am sure someone will let me know. Nicely done!I live on an island in Maine and I am enjoying the sound of the surf, the melody of fog horns and the cool breezes. I wish there was a way to raise the water temperature. I do miss the Long Island beaches.

Carol Kinney

Photo Gallery

Hi Bob & Staff...

While going thru my parents possessions I came across a few old class photos They were done by Picot Studios. Two from Woodland Avenue & one from East Street School (my kindergarten class from 1952). I don't know if the names are readable on the second page of the one I'm sending you now, so I will try to list them below.

• Elaine DiPasqua
• Jimmy Fisher
• John Hall
• Nicholas Carrera
• Donald Martin Walter Barley
• Stephan Ragusa
• Dianne E. Millett
• Steven Walsh
• Elaine Endsley Kathleen Garvin
• Maureen Mahoney
• Patricia McNally
• Michael Mueller
• Myra Jane Rosen Robert Hughes
• Andrew Koehler
• Adrienne D.
• Mary Ann Greco
• Joanne Pani
• William Preston
• Muriel Lateir (Spelling ?)
• John McCann
• Ronnie Cobb
• Kathy Kutz
• Under "The Best Looking" were John McCann & Joanne P.
• Under "The Best Student" were John McCann & A.D.

Thanks for all the great work you guys do. I have once again become Commander of the Hicksville Veterans of Foreign Wars. If there is anything I may be able to help you with, do not hesitate to contact me.

Bill Walden, 1965

I think I can identify some of the people in the picture.  I am standing second from end on left looking at picture.  Class is 119T, 1957, Woodland Avenue School.

• Standing far right in stripped shirt - Steve Walsh
• Sitting directly in front of me to my right - Donald Martin
• Sitting directly in front of me to my left - John Hall 
• Sitting in front of globe - Stephan Ragusa
• To my right - Ronnie Cobb
• Young girl - far right row - first seat - Joanne Pani
• Young girl - third row from left - first seat - Elaine Ensley
• To teacher's left - first one standing - Michael Mueller ?
• To teacher's right - first one standing - Andrew Koehler ?
• Young girl - third row from left - third seat back - Mary Ann Greco

That's the best I can do.  I wish I could remember the teacher's name.  My wife would tell you I can't remember what we had for dinner last night. LOL

Bill

Birthdays & Anniversaries

New Readers & Returns

A Note From The Editors: To all, a hearty welcome to HixNews.Com. We hope you will all feel free to participate with memories and thoughts that you may have about Hicksville High, and your times growing up on the Island.

If you are a new member (or know of one), please send the name, year of graduation, date of birth (month and day only), anniversary date, name of spouse, and the state where you live. Send it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Honoring our Veterans

A Time To Remember, To Reflect, To Heal

The Weekend Of June 6, 2008... A Few Thousand 'Words'

 "We were friends from kindergarten We both were there I came back - He should have also."

Walter C. Schmidt, Radioman 2nd Class, U.S. Navy

This Week's Almost Not Commented on Story

-- I Know of This, Personally...

VA'S CRUEL BENEFITS POLICY: IF YOU DON'T ASK, WE WON'T TELL -- Lack of VA outreach costs World War II POW more than 60 years of benefits. When family files, VA loses paperwork and vet dies with nothing. A World War II veteran, was unaware he qualified for $2,700 a month and full medical and dental benefits through the VA because of his POW status. With the help of his family Jones filed for benefits but his paperwork was lost earlier this year. Jones died two weeks before receiving any benefits. How can this happen? Because the VA has no obligation to inform "older" veterans of their benefits. Until recently, the VA didn't notify any veterans about their benefits, but now they are required to do outreach to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. While this is a good thing, those "young" veterans make up less than 3% of the veteran population. That leaves the other 97+% without any mandated outreach. Congress tried to implement legislation requiring the VA to notify all veterans of all possible benefits...but, VA argued against it.   It's time for Congress to bring this legislation back. In this election year, we hear politicians of both parties talking about supporting the troops and caring for veterans...but, that's just 3% of the veterans.  Iraq and Afghanistan vets get priority healthcare and claims adjudication as well as a special outreach program to inform them of their benefits. The older vets just sit and wait their turn in line.  Anyone who served prior to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is truly "Old and in the Way." 

My Hicksville Trivia:

 Our Lady of the Surf Day Part I.

With over 3,300 students, the daily absentee-list contained more than just a few names every school-day. Yet in the mid '60s there was one day each year when instead of an absentee-list, teachers received an attendee-list. Why? Because of the very simple fact that on that day there were more students absent than present. In fact, circa 1964 this once-a-year attendee-list contained less than 900 names. Yep, over two-thirds of us students cu..., er, were absent that day. Our Lady of the Surf Day; you had to "not-be-there or be square." More on one of Hicksville's most famous non-holiday-days next month.

Lest We Forget

 Currently there are (at least) 5,067 (35 more since last month) Veterans of Modern Warfare who no longer will be "asking" our government for a dime . . .

Till next month be well... and remember, "Let No Veteran Ever Stand Alone!"
---------------------------------------------------------------

--- --- Walt Schmidt Veteran Services Officer
- - --- TOBay's Veteran Services Division
- - - - "Let No Veteran Ever Stand Alone!"
--- --- WorkDayTime: 516.733.8414 & 24/7 Voice Mail
- - --- Anytime: 24/7 Voice Mail 516.799.8300
- - - - Website: http://www.waltsdorsai.net/
Ken Sun - Weekly Column: http://experts.longisland.com/veterans

"To know yet to think that one does not know is best;
Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty."
- Lao-Tzu 71:1

Memory Lane

RAMBLINGS

By Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll, '56 

With the price of gas well over $4.00 a gallon, my memory goes back to my childhood days.  Not every family had a car and it was very unusual to have 2 cars in a family.  So the merchants came to the customers. 

Many of the milkmen also delivered bread, eggs and sometimes cakes and donuts.

The Good Humor man was around every afternoon with ice cream.

The produce man drove a flat bed truck outfitted to carry his products and sang a song as he drove along the streets, chanting the things he had on the truck that evening.

The insurance man came to the house to collect the premiums and also write new policies.

There was a man who peddled notions door-to-door. He always wore a suit and a bow tie and a hat to tip to the ladies, no matter how hot it was.  My grandmother always bought something from him, even though she really didn't need any more needles or shoe laces because there was a drawer full of them in the house.

Bleach was delivered by the gallon right to your door. But it was called something else Givelle Water or something sounding like that.

Of course there was the Fuller Brush Man and the Avon Lady and many vacuum salesmen.

Then there was the chicken truck delivering Chicken Delight. It really did look like a chicken.  Remember the jingle on the radio - "Don't cook tonight, call Chicken Delight?"

There were no pizza deliveries in those days because pizza hadn't caught on yet. Only the Italian families knew about pizza.

I remember the cookware salesman preparing a complete dinner for my mother and her friends to demonstrate the latest pots and pans.  He cooked a beef roast and Spanish rice and side dishes right on Mom's stove.  She did buy a set and they lasted until her death. My sister and I looked for them after her death, but they disappeared. 

Ah, yes, the good old days when gas was 25 cents a gallon. When it rained, the rain was pure - no acid rains in those days. Father knew best and Madison Ave. hadn't turned him into a whimp in all the commercials! Manners were in fashion and boys never swore in front of girls.

Pat...
Your memory lane article...how about the guy that sharpened your knives and scissors?

And I remember getting seltzer delivered each week and we used to make different flavored seltzer by mixing in syrups. And mixing in ice cream, too!!

And how about the doctors that used to make house calls.

I can remember my dad calling me when he worked at a drug store in Bayside to pick up a prescription or two and deliver them to customers in Springfield Gardens. I did that on my bike.

And you're correct about the swearing...girls never did. Now their favorite word begins with an "F."

Bob Casale

Pictures of Broadway in Hicksville

In Memoria

CINDY DeVAUL

Hi, 

This is Jack. I am sorry to inform you that on 6/24/08, my wife, Cindy, passed on from lung cancer.  She did not want anyone to know of her illness. Her final wishes were to be cremated the same day and no services to be held thereafter.

I apologize for the lateness of the notice and would appreciate if the news were passed along to other friends and family.

Sincerely yours,
Jack DeVaul, '56

ADAM BRUCKNER, CLASS OF 2000  

My son, Adam, an alumni of Hicksville schools (Lee Ave., Hix Jr. and Sr. High) passed away on 09/06/06. He was 24. He graduated HHS in June 2000. He was a HMS wrestling champion, ranked amongst college Judo players (he played PAL) when he was only 12 and held the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. He played Basketball for CYO. He attended Oneonta and worked full time for the Metropolitan Opera House as a stagehand in their electric department. He was a handsome, kind hearted, generous, loving you man who is most deeply missed by his family, long time girlfriend (Christina DiResto class of 2000) and friends, especially his childhood Hicksville friends; Brian Dubecky, Ed Foley, Julia McGowan and Erik Gonzaeez. I would appreciate it greatly if you would remember him in your Memoriam page.

Thank you.
Paula Bruckner (nee' Jargo) Class of 1972
Craig Bruckner  Class of 1971

ADAM DANIEL BRUCKNER - OUR ANGEL IN HEAVEN
APRIL 26,1982-SEPTEMBER 06, 2006
I loved the boy with the utmost love of which my soul is capable of and he is taken from me-yet in the agony of my spirit in surrendering such a treasure, I feel a thousand times richer than if I had never possessed it.

William Wordsworth

LARRY HEALY

Hi, Guys:

I just noticed Larry Healy's birthday for June 8th.  Larry passed away several years ago.  The reason I know this is because my Uncle Ray Rusch's sister, Joyce, was married to Larry.  I thought you may want to delete his name.

Thanks - and keep up the great work!
Jean (Goettelmann) LaPointe, Class of 1959

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that an alumnus of HHS has passed away.

Jean (Murray) DeFranco

• graduated: 1959
• b: 30 Oct 1941
• d: 13 July 2008 at her home in Pennsylvania.

She was waked here at Giove Funeral Home in Selden on Sunday July 20th.  Jean was my sister's sister in law.

Thanks,
Joan (Cornelius) Kani