December 2008 : Volume 9 - Issue 3

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

Dear readers,

We still have hundreds of names without a state of residence. No we don't mean nursing homes, just HX, L.I. (other towns besides Hicksville), NYC, NY (places other than L.I.), FL, Germany - you get the idea. We don't need your snail mail address because we can't afford the postage. ;)This is used when compiling annual statistics.

Thanks for your cooperation.
HixNews Editors, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hicksville High School Class of 1961

We are planning a Florida Reunion on Saturday, March 7, 2009 in Historic Everglades City, Florida near Everglades National Park. It is located Between Naples and Ft. Lauderdale. If interested contact by December 15, 2008.

Doris Fischman Roth This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bonnie Scharr Papes This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Undated, blue stone HHS ring found in either Princess St. yard or Kolmer Ave. yard a while ago so can't be sure anymore. Ring found by Walter Probst, class of 1983, turned over to Walter Probst, class of 1957, turned over to Carl Probst, class of 1959, turned over to Bob Casale, class of 1961. So the question is: how many HHS classes will it take to get this ring back to its original owner? There are some difficult to read marks in the ring band. Contact Bob Casale for particulars at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Subject: MID-LIFE CRISIS PRE- XMAS PARTY @ CALLAHAN'S ( EAST MEADOW) SAT DEC 6TH !!!!! SAVE THE DATE !!!!!!

THAT'S RIGHT !!! JUST 11 MORE DAYS AND COUNTING ! C'MON DOWN TO CALLAHAN'S AND HAVE A GREAT TIME !!! SHOW STARTS AROUND 9:30 AND LASTS ALLLLLLL NITE !!!

FREE ADMISSION !!! LOCATED ON S.SIDE HEMPSTEAD TPKE JUST 1 MI WEST OF THE WANTAGH OR 1 MI EAST OF THE MEADOWBROOK,IN THE MODELL'S STRIP....DON'T MISS IT! DANCE TO YOUR FAVORITE TUNES,SEE OLD FRIENDS AND JOIN IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT !!! FOR INFO 542-0723... VISIT OUR WEBSITE !! HAPPY THANXGIVING TO ALL !!

http://MYSPACE.COM/MIDLIFECRISISLONGISLAND

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and that Christmas is only a month away. And in between, The Glass Menagerie's Holiday Concert.

Yes, it's almost time again for our annual holiday bash of song and good cheer. This is going to be a terrific show featuring The Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham and several seasonal selections. We will be accompanied, as usual, by the incomparable John Kolody on piano and a four piece brass ensemble.

The show is Saturday night, December 13th at 8 pm, at St. Joseph's Church. The church is at 371 6th Ave. in Manhattan. That's at 6th Ave. and Washington Pl. which is two blocks below W.8th St.

Tickets are $ 20.00 at the door, $ 15.00 for seniors. Come early for the best seat selection. Happy holiday's and I hope to see you all there.

Best to all,
David Teitel, '68

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.

The Newsletter

Just to let you know of some extracurricular writing I'm doing for a Chrysler (Mopar) enthusiast Web site, allpar.com. Here's the url for a recent article on a 1932 Plymouth coupe by yours truly. http://www.allpar.com/cars/plymouth/1932.html Also, I'd like to hear from any Hix alumnus or alumna who owns a classic or hotrod Mopar.

Gene Yetter, '59
New York City and Melbourne FL

Hello and thanks for all you do!!!!

I see in the current newsletter that there was a response from Ronald Landau to the request for information about Hope Lambert.

I have been looking for Ronald Landau for many years. He lived down the street from me in Hicksville and we were close friends. Could I ask for his email address or make a special request that you send him mine. He hasn't been to our reunions and has been difficult to find.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Don Engelman, Class of 1969
Foxboro, Massachusetts

Hi,

I noticed that you posted my name as Vicki Maas looking for Bob Jones class of 72. Maybe it would help if it was posted: Vicki (Berk) Mass looking for Bob Jones Class of 72

Thank you
Vicki Berk Mass

I thought the Carvel that got hit with the tornado was the one on Newbridge across from Holy Trinity High School. Besides Crown Bakery (where we went every weekend for fresh rolls and crumb buns - why can't you get anything that good nowadays - esp. in south FL?) in Allied shopping center was the deli where they had the best Cole slaw and potato salad. I've found Cole slaw almost as good but have never found anyplace that could match their potato salad. It was good to see the reminiscences of Mr. Buttice, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Grouse from the music department. There was also Mr. Abt and Mr. Grippo. What a great group!

Tina (Gardner) Kwiatkowski '69

Here is an old picture of Chris Anderson from his St. Iggy's (St. Ignatius School) Days. Reading about him in the newsletter reminded me. I thought I would just send it in. I enjoy the newsletter tremendously. Can't get over how punctual you all are'the 1st of every month, the Newsletter is out and ready to be reviewed. What a joy it is. I too remember the bakery on Broadway. They just don't make pastries like that any more. Thanks for all you do.

Darlene (Grecz) Sacks '67
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Hi Bob C., Pat, Bob G., Linda, Walt, Bob W. and Roger,

Thank you for the Birthday card. It was really beautiful, and what a nice idea. And Jacquie Lawson cards are my favorite'I send them often to my friends. I must admit when I read in the subject line, 'A card from Robert Casale,' I thought, 'Why would Bob Casale be sending me a birthday card???? He couldn't possibly remember me!' But then, I got it. So on behalf of all the November Hicksville alumni, thank you for the card and for the connection.

Keep up the good work,

Best regards,
Kathleen (now Katie) Kennedy Class of '62

My 5 year term for fire commissioner is up this year and I am running again Dec. 9th at the fire house. If you know anyone who can vote in Hicksville, I would appreciate the support.

Charley Hearon, '71

I am writing because I just read the note from Lauren Gonzalez asking if anyone knew her mother Hope Lambert while in high school. I did and was very sad to learn that she passed away. Could you please forward my email address to Lauren and ask her to contact me as I don't see how to contact her.

Thanks and regards for the wonderful service you are providing. The newsletter is getting better each month!

Warm Regards,
Ira Woods, '67 Las Vegas

Hi all,

Mike Regan here from the class of '66. Thought you might get a kick out of the enclosed (Below) link. Great tune, great photographs and packed with some awesome memories.

"Great Newsletter". Keep up the fine work & "Thanks"

Catch ya' later,
Mike

http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm

Looking at the basketball photo, I think it might be Bob Malaby from Dutch Lane Elementary School that John Ebbecke was referring to in that photo. As I recall, Bob moved out there while we were in 9th or 10th grade. I knew Bob since the Dutch Lane Days and he always played bball up at the courts.

Bill Claudy 1973

Hi all,

Wrote the enclosed story a while back and thought yourselves & readers might enjoy... Both Veterans & Non-Veterans alike...

Sincere regards,
Mike Regan
Hicksville High's Class of 1966

About five years ago, 3:00 AM or so on a Memorial Day, I found myself alone with thoughts of all the great guys I had served with while an infantryman with the 3rd Marines up around Vietnam's DMZ in '68... With special regard to those many who were lost in combat. And, yes, thoughts, too, of my parents (My father was a WW II Vet) who had passed on not so long ago...Depressing time, indeed...

Should also add that I was also quite tanked up on about my 2nd 6-pack of Guinness and found myself staring at an 'ole typewriter in the corner of the room. No computer in those days, so I pulled out the dusty ink cartridge, rammed a fresh one in place and, simply put, wrote whatever came to mind. As you can guess, I was in a bit of a stupor and the words flowed out as free as a new found breeze... Even found some humor in a bad situation... Dozed off about an hour later, eventually found my way to bed, and conked out. Not giving thought to whatever I had written...

Woke up at around noon, went out toward the kitchen to start up some much needed coffee. As I passed through the living room I spotted my wife sitting on my easy chair with the typewritten page she had taken out of the "Brother" in hand. Obviously, she had been crying... Big time... Suzy had lost her brother (And a good friend of mine), Gregg, during a fire-fight near the DMZ in March of '68 while serving with the 4th Marines and something, whatever it was in the writing, touched her about as deep as it gets. When she spotted me, she wiped some tears, got up and gave me one hell of a hug. Then I read what was written. And, as screwy as this sounds, we both cried and laughed for the next few minutes. For whatever this worth, we've both found some major solace in the outcome, no real thanks to me, but probably to the Guinness Brewery...

To make a long story a bit longer, thought I'd share that story. It's below... Hope you, and anyone else out there who has lost a loved one or friend, find some share of both hope and solace in the words. No doubt, some of you may think me quite the nut case... But, screw it, I sometimes wonder if a teenager named Christopher Columbus was a bit tanked up (Not sure if Guinness existed in those days) while he stared through a telescope, watched the 50 foot mast of a sailing ship slowly sink into the horizon and came to realize (True story) that something out there was curved. By Golly...! The World Is Round...! And, of course, the most respected intellects of the time hung up on their "world is flat" definition wrote him off. At least for awhile...

Anyway, the computer came into play a few years later and I shot off a copy to each and every faculty member of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). No doubt, there's some screw-ball Irish Professor, dumpin' one brew after another, working out a solution even as you read... Enjoy

Keep The Faith,
Mike

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"Keepin' The Faith"

The story regards a small group of Marines, haggard and tired from day's events, sitting at their jungle outpost as night approaches and attempting to find solace after the loss of friends in battle. Ceremony, designed to sooth, and which normally surrounds loss of those close to us is not to be. Mingling among family and friends at the wake, kind words from the preacher, the funeral procession to the cemetery for more kind words and capped off with roast turkey, drinks and even a bit of laughter as the pleasant memories take over. To be able to pay respect. In a proper way, to a friend. None of this was to be. Simply there one moment, with talk of the future and, of course, tales about the incredible babes back in "The World". And gone the next moment, with the unceremonious zipping of a body bag.

For reasons only an infantryman can fathom, the talk turns to the atom. It seems, according to one Marine, that every thing as we know it, the wind, the rain, the hub cap off a '55 Chevy, even those of us, are made up of different combinations of only eighty some odd atoms; each with its select number of electrons orbiting at various levels above a proton/neutron nucleus.

"Did ya' know?' he adds, "That the ratio of the nearest electron to its nucleus is greater in distance as compared to the earth from the sun.". His friends are impressed. "Not only would you need a million atoms, piled on top of each other, to equal the thickness of a page, but to be able to compress the electrons into the nucleus would also mean that you could fit an entire sky-scraper into the eraser head of a pencil.' Now his friends are amazed.

A few moments of silence. "Kinda' makes you wonder about the guys.' another Marine suggests. "I mean, if all those millions of bucks were spent to split a single atom, are they really dead? Seems to me that those electrons are still goin' through a spin cycle."

Discussion continues, cigarettes are smoked in cupped hands and, bingo, ARE is founded. Atomic Recovery Employment systems. Until someone pointed out that would be ticked off if recovered with the head of a moose. A long moment of laughter, and they pondered some more.

To the scientist, there is the atom. To the theologian, there is spirit. To that young group of Marines, having found their solace, there is Comparable Atomic Recovery Employment systems. CARE.

Seeming to sum things up, one of the Marine's who has remained silent throughout, simply listening, finally speaks. "You guys are gonna' think me wacko on this one, but when I was a kid my family went on a cross-country trip and at one point I found myself in one of those rare moments in a large family. I was standing alone with my Dad. We were at the very lip of the Grand Canyon, gazing at the awesome beauty, when he says to me, completely out of the blue, and we're not talking a religious fanatic here, "Ya' know, sport, I think this is what Christ had in mind when He said, probably in frustration, "The Kingdom of Heaven is here, now."

Heads nod, cigarettes are snuffed, and talk comes to an end as a Marine glances at his watch, stands with an M-16, and heads off to guard duty.

"Catch you guys later." he concludes.

Semper Fi,
Mike Regan,
3rd Marines
Vietnam's DMZ, 1968

Click here: NY State Senator John J. Flanagan Honors John Andrew Thorburn, Ra The Rugged Man's Father - GRANDGOOD

From Joyce (Thorburn) '67. This is my brother John Andrew Thorburn. We are very proud of him, unfortunately, as I said before he has lung cancer stemming from Agent Orange.

Hi,

I was surprised not to see my birthday listed among the November celebrants. It's the 29th. My year of graduation was 1958. Kathleen M. Donovan (maiden name) Agiesta (married name).

Also I must congratulate Vicky Penner Whitaker et-al for the fine job they did on our 50th reunion. I know Vicky had been working on it most of this year and continues to do so by being the intermediary for a number of people. Thank you again Vicky

I enjoy reading the Hixnews ......keep up the good work

Kathleen Donovan Agiesta

Bob,

You can still get your cheesecakes from the Princess Bakery; you just have to travel a little further. They also make incredible jelly donuts! They consolidated into the one in Massapequa on Route 107, 1334 Hicksville Road, Massapequa. They are in the same shopping center as the Massapequa Key Shop, owned by Steve Egglinger (class '68) and Marshall's.

Rich Delia, '68 (HX)

Tom Burns Happy birthday bro

Herb Pearce, '62

Absolutely loved the special greeting for my birthday. As always, enjoy reading HHS Newsletter. Living in Plainview, I get into Hicksville every week. It's not the same Hicksville most of us enjoyed, but we have to go with the times.

Keep up the good work - we all appreciate what you do for us!

Ellen Boos Bruwer, '54

Hi "Newsletter"!

I took my first Judo lesson on Saturday and was surprised and pleased to find out that my instructor is/was from HICKSVILLE! I think he would have graduated around 1961, if he had not enlisted in the military.

His website is below. Pretty impressive. You may want to contact him for details. I sent him a copy of the last newsletter, fyi.

Joanie (Joan Komar Langlois '61)

Thank you guys so much for the e-mail birthday card. It is cute and very much appreciated. It was such a pleasant surprise to open my e-mail and get the card from you. Reading about the bakeries in Hicksville, I don't remember the name exactly (I think it was German) but it was on a corner of Broadway diagonally across from the movie house. They made the absolute best 'clairs ' yummy! After all these years I don't think I've ever had better ones. Keep up the great job. I enjoy reading about 'our town'. Have you heard anything about a possible 50th reunion for the class of 1960? I sure would love to attend if it can be done. Thanks again.

Maddy (Bianco) DeLousia, '60

I think you're referring to Bahrenburg's. I loved their crumb buns. Pat

Thanks Pat,

Just let me be of help whenever I can since I live in the Hicksville area and I'd be happy to oblige. I do have limited time to spare these days even though I passionately believe in everything I'm doing.

I taught Social Studies in Brentwood until I retired in 1992. Since then, I've been active with the retirement group www.robsny.org and have been helping with the History of Brentwood Project.

In addition, and as an educational consultant in business for myself as L.I. Learning Systems Institute Inc. I've trademarked and patented a kit www.csquares.com to teach high performance teambuilding and enhance emotional intelligence in schools and in business. I provide materials to corporate trainers and facilitators all over the world.

I also market, produce and sell manipulative educational teaching aides to help kids at the 4^th grade level learn about the region and locality in which they live.

Geography left the classroom as a funded subject (it became Social Studies) around 1980 and that has hurt American kids and their parents. No one knows where they live anymore. Visit www.mapzzles.com to read about what I'm doing there. Attached find a photo of myself at the recent annual meeting of the Long Island Council for the Social Studies that was held in the Melville, Marriott Hotel in Huntington.

Incidentally, one of my photos was recently chosen to compete in a State Senatorial 5^th District Photo Competition. To view the entries, - mine in particular, - scroll down to #37, 3^rd row from the bottom. Click each to enlarge. http://www.senatormarcellino.com/5/MediaCenter/PhotoGallery.aspx?gid=2

To vote you have to live in the District. Cut off date is November 20^th. http://www.senatormarcellino.com/5/news.aspx?nid=17775

John Sherin, '56

OCR School 1956 class 4-144
This photo submitted by Claramae Gross

Standing Left to Right:

Ronnie Lebow * Mark Salz * David Weinstein * Mrs. Cohen * Charles Hassel * Sid Weiss * Warren Himmelstoss

First Row Left Front to Back:

Valerie Clemenz * Susan Sirkin * Valerie Taylor

Second Row Front to Back:

????? * Anne Marie ????? * Carol Fahey * Edward Goldmacher * Thomas Hesbach

Third Row Front to Back:

Hillary Marco * Gail Schall * Carol Petruney * Kurt Ulbrecht * Thomas Witzenberger

Fourth Row Front to Back: Carol Meyer * Claramae Gross * John Dorenbecker * John Bidwell

From: Chris Andersen. Taken in April of 1960 East Street School Class 4-110 HHS Graduating Class of 1968

Hi Pat,

The bike ride went well. October 5th was a cold, wet and dark morning. The sort of dreary morning that doesn't particularly inspire someone to spring out of bed. In fact, had it not been for the fact that everyone I knew was aware that I was supposed to be riding that day, I'm sure I would have stayed in bed. Instead, feeling accountable to my supporters, I pushed myself out into the pouring rain.

In the end, I raised over $1100 and spent more than 7 hours riding my bike to complete the 100 miles. It was nearly an hour faster than my previous attempt (done in a training ride for the MS ride). I was left with a wonderful sense of personal accomplishment that I would not have had without the supporter of yourself and others. Thank you.

Riding 100 miles is tough. I debated with my girlfriend, who recently completed the NYC Marathon, which was tougher. Marathoning or cycling 100 miles? I think marathoning is because it is more intense. But biking 100 miles is no joke. I am pretty active on my bike and ride to work most days, which is about 7 or 8 miles from Brooklyn to Rockefeller Center. To get ready for the ride, I started adding longer weekend rides. Starting with a few 25 milers and then gradually increasing to 30, 50, 65 and 100 on a day that was went to be only 75. I didn't train as much as "they" suggest and I'm sure it was tougher for it, but it went ok. I felt much better the next day than I would have expected.

The ride itself was a challenge. As I suggested, it was a challenging day for a bike ride. After being soaked in the first few minutes, I didn't dry out until I was home. The sun didn't come out until the last hour of my ride. I also ride a beaten-up, hand-me-down bicycle that had been dragged under the hood of a car just the week before after my bike and I suffered an accident (the bike got worse than I). My 1980s Motobecane (a French racing bike) wasn't the type of bike ridden by most of the other riders, but it carried me through the day. The biggest challenge was mental, however. As we rode further and further away from the city (crossing into New City, NY at one point), I worried about my bike developing a serious ailment and how I would get home. It wasn't until we turned the corner and started heading back to the finish line that I really started to enjoy myself. AT about mile 75, there was also a group of Girl Scouts (or Brownies or the like) that were manning the water station and they gave a great cheer when I pulled in to fuel up and rest for a minute. Their encouragement also went a long way. It's nice to be done. Although I'm continuing to try to ride my bike all winter, I think the long rides are done for now.

Thanks again for your support. Best,
Matt Bruckner, '96

Thank you for sending the e-mail each month as a reminder. My busy schedule of teaching physics and family prevents me from remembering the past. It is so pleasant to go down memory lane. High school was such a fun time!

Mary D'Amato Fenton, '60

Hello,

The HHS has started a Blog, http://hicksvillehistoricalsocietyny.blogspot.com/. Perhaps it can be added under Historical & Informative Sites?

While we're at it why not add the Hicksville Gregory Museum, http://gregorymuseum.org/

Thanks,
Richard Althaus
President - Hicksville Gregory Museum
Vice President - Hicksville Historical Society

Dianne Gunnigle Burkhardt, '68 found Roseann Chiccarelli Cudlipp, '68. Here is the note sent to Dianne from Roseann who Cc: the newsletter:

Hi Dianne,

I cannot tell you how many times you have been in my thoughts. Down to you wanting to get a house with the bedroom on the second floor because you liked the view from my bedroom window.

We have been living in Tampa, Florida for the last 8 years. We are all well. Tina, will be 39 Dec. 30th lives nearby, works for Bank of America, Christopher, 37, is an executive producer for SPIKE TV, he is still in NY, and Gabrielle (did you know about her?) is 13. She makes it easier to pretend I did not graduate 40 years ago.

Please tell Barbara, I have carried her senior picture proof in my Bible for 27 years. I hope both of your families are in the best of health.

I'm so glad you found me!

Roseann Ciccarelli Cudlipp

Thought you might like to read about the power of Hicksville kids collective success today in the current issue of the NYSUT publication November 20, 2008. http://www.nysut.org/cps/rde/xchg/nysut/hs.xsl/newyorkteacher_11500.htm

John Sherin, '56

Photo Gallery

Eileen Baker is the Bank Manager of TD Bank that allowed me to take the photo. The mural in the first gallery below was done originally by Commerce Bank when it was still located on that site. And yes, Mid-Island is now known as the Broadway Mall. 

John Sherin, '56

Birthdays & Anniversaries

New Readers & Returns

Honoring our Veterans

First some Holiday Greetings...

Two Open Letters To President Elect Obama

An Open Letter To Our President Elect: As We Approach Veterans Day 2008...

Dear President Elect Obama:

As a veteran who has health issues as a result of my service in Vietnam, I am all too aware of the difficulties facing veterans who attempt to obtain answers to even the simplest of health and benefit related questions. As a veteran service officer my own experiences help provide those missing answers to others.

If your choice for the Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary had their own experiences as a veteran service officer, perhaps at the 'county' level where one personally deals with veterans, these personal experiences could help them better understand the many issues they will be facing, in a way most of the recent past secretaries have not understood.

As to one thing your choice should avoid, any direct or indirect 'personal' involvement with QTC Management, Inc., something most of the recent past secretaries have not avoided.

Sincerely,
Walter C. Schmidt, VSO CPA

Another Open Letter To Our President Elect: DVA, VSOs, And The Internet

Dear President Elect Obama:

Now, even your Saturday weekly address is on the internet; a first. Considering your obvious understanding of the internet's potential, I am suggesting another internet based first -- the creation of a DVA's VSOs internet based Advisory Council or DVAC.

Let me briefly explain my idea.

Nation-wide there is a cadre of DVA (Department of Veteran Affairs) approved service organization representatives (VSOs, Veteran Service Officers, or SOs, Service Officers) that are authorized to present claims before (and process claims for) the DVA.

We are both book-learned and street-smart; to a lesser or greater extent we understand the USC/CFR Title 38 (Veterans' Benefits United States Code/Code of Federal Regulations), and, we assist veterans on a one-on-one basis. As such, we are a fountain of information both theoretical and applied.

DVAC could be an online resource (closed network, forums, webinars) of the DVA to which they could turn for immediate responses, nationally to locally, from vetted VSOs, on veteran issues.

Have I mentioned that we VSOs as a group will usually have experienced and have opinions on the pros and cons dealing with most veteran issues. You ask us for, and we can 'immediately' provide you with, experienced based input.

Further, this kind of internet advisory council should be feasible for many other disciplines.

Sincerely,
Walter C. Schmidt, VSO CPA

This Month's Almost Not Commented on Story -- Shredding Our Confidence in the VA... Ya Think - Part II.

VA AUDIT FINDS OVER 50% OF CLAIMS AT NEW YORK OFFICE HAD DATES CHANGED -- Employees told VA investigators that their supervisor had instructed them to enter incorrect dates, and that the practice was widely known. Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse! It appears that Newsday got an advance copy of the VA's Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) report about wrongdoing at the New York Regional Office (VARO) of the Veterans' Benefits Administration (VBA). We have been reporting on this for some time -- about All VA shredder and mishandled documents. What we don't know is how the date changing was done. But, it appears to be "backdating," or electronic tampering, something mentioned in a previous article about problems at the New York VARO. This story is just the tip of the iceberg. If the VAOIG had the manpower to pounce on all 57 VAROs at the same time, I'm sure they would find dating irregularities at all of them. "Culture of Corruption" is the only way to describe the workings of the VBA.

This Month's 'Life's View:' I've started a new monthly section thanks to Google. Google together with Life magazine has published a photo archive of 2 million photos with 8 million more to be released in the future. Many of these photos have never before been published. The actual search behind this is a regular Google image but with the parameter source:life in the query. You can also access this collection from (http://images.google.com/hosted/life).

That said...

War And Conflict -- Vietnam War: Young American lieutenant, his leg burned by exploding Viet Cong white phosphorus booby trap, lying on ground while being treated by medic, during Vietnam War, 1966.

My Hicksville Trivia: Press Wireless... Voice of America in Hicksville. Press Wireless International constructed a Hicksville radio station for the purpose of increasing the flow of intentional news reports. Work on the station commenced in 1932. The 500 acre property was developed as a massive shortwave communication radio station with, at its height of activity, 47 shortwave transmitters and 70 antennas. This lasted for over 30 years. In 1965, Press Wireless was acquired and a few years later the station was dismantled. The multitude of tall towers no longer hovered over the landscape. And what landscape might have that been? The same area that we who were growing up in the north-west area of Hicksville in the '50s played regularly with our sling-shots, BB-guns, and bicycles, and which to this day is known as Cantiague Park. By the way, "Cantiague" is Algonquin for "where trees are being blazed," with "blazed" meaning marked or cut. Since 1745 a 4-foot square Cantiague Rock, originally at West John Street and Cantiague Road, marked the boundary between the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. In 1964, the rock was moved to the entrance of the then newly-constructed Cantiague Park.

Lest We Forget: Currently there are (at least) 5,215 (19 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: 516.797.7875 & 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

All of us that grew up in the 1950's remember St. John's Protectory. Many children in Hicksville found the old church a great place to explore and my friend Connie and I were no different, as curious 12 year olds this was great fun. On one such outing we discovered old pictures of the orphanage children and being children ourselves didn't see the importance of saving some Hicksville history, today I wish we had.

HISTORY - The property was owned by Bernard Earle and in 1890 was deeded, to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn for an orphanage and farm. The orphanage raised produce that was shipped, along with milk and dairy products to St. John's and St. Joseph's Homes in Brooklyn. For many years there were 200 orphan boys at the Protectory. The older boys worked the farm and tended a herd of about 50 cows. This property was one of the last, large undeveloped acreage in Hicksville. For 60 years St. John's Protectory stood along Broadway where the Broadway Mall is now located...

Ann Grunewald, '59

Pictures of St. John's Protectory in it's prime

...and the chapel in 1955 just before it was demolished...

... to make way for the Mid Island Plaza that opened in 1956

I'm on a memory lane thing lately...

The beginning of the evolution of Hicksville

We Hicksvillites are very proud of our long interesting history which started on May 20, 1648.

Robert Williams, a Welshman from the area, bought land from Chief Sachem Pugnipan of the Matinecock Indian Tribe. The majority of this 6.2 sq. mile purchase became known as Hicksville. Later this land was re-surveyed by the government and a huge rock was brought to the purchase site. Today this site is known as Cantiague Rock Road and West John Street (or Prospect Avenue). This rock marks one of the boundary lines of Hicksville that we can physically see.

There are five oil painted murals depicting historical Hicksville events in the Middle School which was built in 1923. One mural shows Robert Williams and Chief Sachem Pugnipan.

Yesterday's Indian trails are today's roads in Hicksville such as South Oyster Bay, Woodbury, Newbridge and Jerusalem. So as you drive the local roads, paved with concrete and blacktop, you are taking yesterday's Indian trails that crossed from Nassau (then Queens County) to Suffolk County and from the Sound to the Bay. The Indians placed these trails so perfectly that we just paved right over them.

Sometimes the Revolutionary War seems so far away in time, but the British soldiers walked along these very trails while they occupied Long Island for seven years. And yes, George Washington did sleep here. Exactly where - now that's another story.

Hicksville's namesake, Valentine Hicks, was a Jericho landowner and the second president of the Long Island Railroad. He was responsible for bringing the railroad to Hicksville. With the railroad more people could view what properties were available east of NYC and Brooklyn.

Two business property leaders bought much of Hicksville. Using the railroad station depot, which was the last transfer station, as their center, these business leaders laid out 1,000 acres of streets and lots. Population quickly grew around this area with farming on the outskirts and hunting on the plains.

In 1834, the Grand Central Hotel was built on what is now the approximate site of the American Medical Insurance building on Broadway across from Kennedy Memorial Park. Sportsmen came to Hicksville by train, hired a horse and buggy and traveled to Islip or Babylon for some fishing. In front of the Grand Central Hotel, they bought tickets on the stagecoach for all parts of Long Island to hunt or fish.

The hotel was the center of the Hicksville's community and social life until well past the turn of the century. The locals enjoyed food in the restaurant. Businessmen from NYC and Brooklyn had their families spend the (part or the entire) summer at the hotel. They would join their families on the weekends when work was over. It sounds like today's families who have cabins in the mountains. I have seen a copy of an 1896 hotel ad stating on the premises there were strolling gardens and bowling alleys available to the guests.

Around the turn of the century, there were seven hotels in Hicksville. The LIRR encouraged tourism and brought many sportsmen and visitors to Hicksville. Sportsmen could bring their dogs or hire thoroughbred pointers, Irish Setters and a variety of hounds from the Sportsmen's Hotel. The Sportsman's Hotel was located in what used to be Whalen Drugs.

In 1914, Hicksville had its own opera house laughingly called the "uproar house." The attendees were very loud and boisterous. As the piano player accompanied the silent films being played on the screen, there were always background disturbances, including a gunshot or two. Ahhhh, Hicksville's own movie theatre. Our ole opera house can still be found on the south side of Nicholai Street about 100 feet off of Broadway.

Before Broadway was widened, for 25 years this roadway was a beautiful sight during Christmas time. Holiday lights were strung from the sidewalk-to-sidewalk forming colorful and cheery arches over the entire downtown shopping area. This annual assessment event was spearheaded and organized by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce from 1939-1964.

The Hicksville Chamber of Commerce is now involved year round in projects for all to enjoy. The fence and gazebo in Kennedy Memorial Park and in the southern section of the park, the floral gardens, brick memorial walks and the park clock that lets everyone know that Hicksville is a Community that has time for you.

There is so much more to say. The "Goldbeaters of Hicksville" had formed so much of our history. The Vanderbilt Cup races ran through Hicksville. Hicksville boasted of the L.I. Aviation Club, the pickle and glass works, and the housing boom. I have touched lightly on some Hicksville stories but there is never enough room. Please go to the Hicksville Public Library and ask to read Anne and Richard Evers' series of Hicksville history books. I cannot think of another nearby town that has so much printed about their history. Take an hour on a rainy afternoon when you don't have any plans and read through a chapter at a time. But be careful - you'll enjoy yourself so much that it might become habit forming.

I can't claim author as I found this information on the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Website and with a little cut and paste, bingo! I'm putting together a memory lane scrapbook for my west coast family to my brother's honor. I'm kind of a history buff and since being back in touch with some HHS friends, Carl Probst for one, my interest has headed back that direction these days. I have class pictures from East Street School and recently dug up a photo from a holiday parade. The pictures were of a jeep driven float represented by my Boy Scout Troop and depicted a 1776 / 1976 Theme. I'm 3000 miles away but very resourceful. If I can ever be of any help let me know, I'm retired and have the time. My thanks to Carl Probst and the HHS Newsletter Staff for adding a Memoriam last month for my late brother Harry Larkin, class of 59.

Tom Larkin, Class of 64 (CA)

The Hicksville Opera HouseThis washing machine should look familiar to anybody who lived in a Levitt house in the 1950's
- Ken Marcus '67

In Memoria

Dear Editors,

Sadly I was just informed that Larry Gustella, HHS class of 1964 passed away this past June after a lengthy illness.

Pete Maiorino, 1964

Barbara May Allan Gordon DiPetrillo, Class of 1961

DiPetrillo, Barbara May Allan Gordon, of Margate, FL passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Barbara was surrounded by her loving husband, Ray; daughters, Theresa (Gail Patricia), Paula Marie; and son, Jimmy. She is survived by her son-in-law, George; grandchildren: Stephen, Candace, Jacqueline, Nicholas, Tana, Shayna, Dillon, William, Jr. and John; her stepchildren, Ray and Sue DiPetrillo and William DiPetrillo and his wife, Amy. She also leaves behind her sister, Ronnie; brothers, Bill and Don Allan and their wives, Marcia and MaryLee; along with her much loved nieces and nephews. Last but not least, her faithful dog, Pinto. Barbara was a long time resident of Margate. She worked as a CCU and ICU nurse for many years in the area. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Colonists, and the Broward County Genealogical Society where she served as a past President. Respecting her wishes for no viewing, family and friends will be received Tuesday, November 11th from 5-7PM ending with a celebration of life memorial service held at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. The family will hold a private interment of her ashes at a later date. The family requests no flowers. Memorial donations in her name may be made to: Alvin Sherman Library, Genealogical Section, Nova Southeastern University, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-1013.
 
Published in the Sun-Sentinel on 11/10/2008

Casale's Corner

HICKSVILLE TIDBITS DECEMBER 2008

Community Mourns Death of George Dillman

Many Hicksville residents and friends gathered together in Whitestone to mourn the death of 26 year old George Dillman. George was a splicer for Con Edison and died in a manhole explosion on October 9th. Con Edison had employed George for about three years. George joined the Hicksville Fire Department in April. Recently, he completed his New York State Firefighter 1 training at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy.

George is survived by his parents, Anne and Raymond Dillman and seven siblings. In addition, George leaves his fiancé, Alyssa Block, whom he was to marry in October of 2009.

Hicksville Water District Has New Budget

The anticipated rate increase for 2009 from the water district will not happen. Local control of the water district remains in force. Many officials felt intervention of big government control would be instrumental in improving service and cutting costs. Not so says Commissioner Karl Schweitzer. There was fear, too, that projects to improve efficiency and maintain high water quality standards would be jeopardize. Residents should rest assured knowing the same standards used in the past will continue. Schweitzer said, "It is our fiscal responsibility to work within our budgets. As public servants and residents of Hicksville, it is our duty to protect our fellow taxpayers and deliver the safest and best water possible."

Tax Dollars and Hicksville Schools

Many summer renovations were completed prior to the start of the school year while other projects will continue until completed. The most extensive and costly is the second floor extension at Woodland Elementary School. The project, supervised by School Construction Consultants, features two new classrooms, a small instructional classroom and a storage area to accommodate increases in enrollment. At the high school, maintenance concentrated on new flooring, lighting and ceilings. The art room received a facelift with resurfaced cabinets and a new sink. A new scoreboard with wireless capabilities was installed at the high school football field.

Hicksville Middle School concentrated on grounds maintenance. In addition to normal activity, new plants and additional irrigation piping was added. Middle School and High School lockers were repainted, all district gymnasium floors were refinished and painting took place district wide as is standard practice. There were many other projects that were completed but most notably was the excavation and replacement of four completely new basketball courts featuring new fencing, poles, backstops and nets at Dutch Lane Elementary School.

New Firehouse Finally Gets Approval

It has been a long time since it was determined that a new firehouse should be constructed at the site on Briggs Street between Woodbury Road and Ronald Avenue, the home of Engine Company 2. Six years to be exact. Dozens of public hearings have been the order of the "years." There probably were as many architectural drawings submitted over the same period of time. Site sheathing began the week of October 27 with demolition starting early in November.

Mulligan, Gallo To Wed

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mulligan of Hicksville are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer, to Michael Gallo, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gallo of Lindenhurst. The very happy couple plan a March 2009 wedding.

George Howard Way (9/11 Hero)

This month's humor from anonymous contributor

Four women were driving across the country. Each one was from a different state: Idaho, Nebraska, Florida and New York. Shortly after the trip began, the woman from Idaho started pulling potatoes from her bag and throwing them out the window.

"What the heck are you doing?" demanded the Nebraskan. "We have so many of these darn things in Idaho, I'm just sick of looking at them!"

A moment later, the gal from Nebraska began pulling ears of corn from her bag and tossing them from the window. "What are you doing that for?" asked the gal from Florida. "We have so many of these things in Nebraska, I'm just sick of looking atthem!"

Inspired, the gal from Florida opened the car door and pushed the New Yorker out.

ROCK & ROLL HISTORY TRIVIA

Below are several questions relating to rock and roll history. Read the questions and answer as best you can. The answers are at the end but don't peek until you've answered all questions.

1. In the Beatles "She's Leaving Home," what day did "she" leave?
2. What band recorded the 1980 LP entitled Hi-Fidelity, which sold over 6 million copies?
3. Lonely Weekends was a 1960 #22 hit for which "Silver Fox"?
4. "I'm So Excited" and "Dance Electric" were hits from the "Break Out" LP by what trio?
5. Which female vocalist had a #22 hit in 1966 with a song entitled "Trains And Boats And Planes"?
6. In what year did Steppenwolf have top 5 hits with "Born To Be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride"?
7. From the mid seventies until 1984, Tommy Shaw played guitar and wrote songs for what group?
8. In what Paul McCartney song do you hear the chorus, "hands across the water, hands across the sea"?
9. "With This Ring", a 1967 hit was the last chart hit for what group of the 50's and 60's?
10. "Pretty Paper", a song written by Willie Nelson, was a late 1963, early 1964 top 15 hit by whom?