June 2008 : Volume 8 - Issue 9

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

P.S. to the June edition:

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

Class of '58 50th Reunion

Saturday September 20, 2008 (with optional events planned for Friday, September 19 and Sunday, September 21)
Holiday Inn, Plainview, NY
215 Sunnyside Boulevard at Long Island Expressway, Exit 46

Invitations are in the Mail

Class of '58 alumni, your invitation is on its way! Our 50th reunion will be September 20 at the Holiday Inn, Plainview. If the location sounds familiar, you're right. It's where we celebrated our 25th.

But if you attended that event, you're in for a pleasant surprise. It's not the Holiday Inn you remember. It's new from head to toe and definitely upscale! Though completely rebuilt and refurbished, as it did 25 years ago, the Holiday Inn, Plainview, still offered the best price and best-priced accommodations that made it the committee's top choice for our 50th reunion site. Tickets to the reunion will be $68 per person. The event begins at 7 p.m. and skip the tux and tiara. Dress is casual.

There will be plenty of time to catch up with old friends as you mix and mingle over drinks and appetizers and then partake of a sumptuous buffet dinner and dessert. (Cash bar). In the background will be soft music from the 50s provided by a local DJ.

A reservation form is included with the invitation and must be received by reunion committee treasurer Janet Wilson Moeller by July 18. A letter of confirmation will be sent to you in August along with details of optional events on Friday and Sunday. If you're coming from out-of-town and need a place to stay, you'll find the Holiday Inn, Plainview's special reunion rate of $129 per night plus tax rate one of the lowest you'll find in the area. (that's quite a savings over the normal $173 per night senior citizen's rate--the normally lowest deal you can get).

Even better, it gives everyone an informal place to get together on Friday night for cocktails and music in the Holiday Inn Lounge and to gather for Sunday brunch. Dinner on Friday evening will be on your own. The hotel's Brunch on Sunday will also be at your option. Hotel reservations must be made separately. The reunion rate applies from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21. To get that rate, you must make your reservation by August 7. Information about the reservation process and the special code number you'll need to get the discounted rate are included in the invitation.

Have a question? Drop us a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am trying to organize a reunion for class of 1960 and would appreciate any listing. I can be reached by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 954-457-7028---thanks for keeping the faith, Myrna Hessel Greenberg, '60

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

This photo (left) of Jim Tweeddale and Jane Tweeddale Adams '55 was made in April of 2008 during a recent visit to Cypress Gardens. Jim lives in Mt. Dora Florida and Jane lives in Yorktown Virginia. Both are still going strong.

Hello friends @ Hixnews! My aunt Carol Berry (Mack) turned me on to your newsletter and boy what an awesome job you have done.

I now reside in Nashville, TN

I am looking for the following friends:

Jimmy Florio, Class of 1976 Phil Bova, English Teacher @ HJHS

I was a graduate of the Class of 1977. One of my fondest memories of HHS involved cool cars and the two-lane strip in front of the school. Before I get myself in trouble, let me say we kept it under the speed limit? I grew up with a bunch of car guys (before "Meguiars" stole that saying) and we lived for the sound of a hot V-8. My Dad worked at Eisemann Buick and I hung out there frequently. His passion for cars was instilled in me to this day.

I began to hang out with what would be considered "the greasers". You know...leather jackets, fast cars, etc. If you saw the movie "Grease" you know what group I'm talking about. Some of my car buddies included James Florio (the coolest Fonz-type friend a guy could ever wish for), Robert Jennett, Tony Cotugno, Billy Dizinias, John Martorello (think "John Milner" from "American Graffiti"), John Boseman, Ricky Eiffert, Pete Kwashan, Kenny Znack, Steve Nethersole, Ronny Rose (RIP), and I few more I cannot recall.

Getting back to my fondest memory introduction, "the strip" in front of HHS was our "drag strip" so to speak. While it wasn't a quarter mile long, it did allow us to bang gears and put on a show for the "students" peering out the windows. We had some great times and never crashed, hit any students (in a car or out walking), or even got ticketed by Hicksville's finest although they tried many times.

Looking back I feel extremely fortunate to grow up in Hicksville; a great town with little or no crime, great friends, and lasting memories. I have so many more memories I could write a book!

Thank-you Staff of Hixnews for this opportunity to reminisce!

John DeLuca, Class of 1977

(Editorial note: Ask Chris Thiel if he ever crashed into anything in front of Hicksville High?)

Bob;

Keep sending your excellent work on Hicksville, Hixnews. I've had computer trouble, new hard drive and spam issues. Probably that's the reason for the reject.

I wanted to say thank you and your team for the first rate journal you publish. It has brought back a lot of memories. I so much want to visit New York and Hicksville. I am going to steal the time, and combine trips so I can make it possible.

Thanks for publishing Chuck Wilson with Frank S. and me. Chuck would have been very happy. He was in contact with Pat Driscoll before he died. I keep promising to send you something and I will.

You can publish this email for me and send the Hixnews there and here; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks,

Ron Wilson
Santee CA

My wife and I just recently returned form a vacation to China and Japan. This is the first time we participated in a escorted tour, normally we and our travel partners pick a country and cities we want to visit and get on the plane and away we go, But because of the major differences in written and spoke language we decided on a tour from Pacific Delights. We all met for the first time in Beijing, China, and for the next two weeks traveled and got to know one another. Two of the group was a mother and daughter traveling together, the mother living in Hicksville and the daughter from Livingston, N.J. I asked if she went to Hicksville High and she did, class of '66, we had a lot to talk about during the trip.

So you never know where our paths may cross with ex Hicksville residents. I introduced her to the Hicksville Newsletter, and she was going to look it up when she got home, so I hope you have another new reader.

George Baritt '56

George and his wife, HanneThis might bring back fond memories, this person I mentioned is Janet Cashion, (Janet Kapsol Cashion), she mentioned her sister was your prom date, and they still have the prom photos in their family album.

Hi, thanks for the great work you do to bring memories of Hicksville to the forefront. My name is Jim Gorman and I noticed that Margaret Korma and Judy Molinari (hi Frank) have found the newsletter.

I used to live on Lowell Place in Hicksville. I remember Margaret and Karl Korma. Frank Molinari is a memorable character, who always made me laugh and while I didn't know Judy very well, I knew Billy; we played music together.

Jim Gorman, '66

Please add me to the Hicksville Newsletter list. Although I didn't graduate from Hicksville High, I did go to Lee Ave and lived in Hicksville throughout my college years. After Lee Ave I went to Catholic School.

Rudy Caruso (67)
North Massapequa, NY
DOB 7/27
Anniv 10/31/82
Wife Debbie

When I saw those pictures of Sal Barlotta and his buddies, I got goose bumps. This is Louis Siracusa, HHS class of '68. Sal and Louann were my first cousins. My mom and their dad were sister and brother.

When we moved to Hicksville from Brooklyn in 1963, we lived about 1 mile from them off of Woodbury Road. We spent many holidays with them because our grandmother lived with my parents. Sal and Louann were wonderful people. It's just a shame that tragedy and disease had to take both of their lives.

Sal was working and getting around with his hand-controlled steering wheel on his car. He would always show up at a family gathering, whip himself out of the car into his wheelchair and enjoy himself. He loved to socialize.

Louann was quiet. When she got married, she did the family thing with her husband, Al, and their son, Ken.

The other guy in the photos with Sal is Doug Berry. He was Sal's best friend and might have more info to share. I hope I gave you a little more insight on what wonderful people we lost at an early age.

Keep up the good work with the newsletter. I look forward to it every month.

Lou Siracusa, '68
Wolfeboro, NH

Pat,

I recently noticed that a friend of mine from Lee Avenue Elementary had visited my Classmates.com site and we've been in touch since. I haven't seen him since elementary school as he went to St. Dominic's Jr. & Sr. High. He had asked if I still had any of the class photos from Lee Avenue since his were lost when his parents moved to Florida. I sent him the ones I've attached, which I believe to be 1st, 2nd & 4th grades. I thought you might enjoy seeing them and possibly including them in the Hicksville Newsletter for others to enjoy if they come through ok.

Frank (Koziuk '67)

Rudy Caruso identified some of the people in the above photo of Lee Ave. School, 1957
Back row standing: John, Pete Garcia, Joe, Doug Hodges, Joe Patalona, Frank Koziuk, Buddy Rose, ??, Tim McAleese, Rudy Caruso
First row on left: ??, Rudy Koegl, ??, Chuck Coffee
Second from left: Margaret Hoppe, Rochelle Riservato, Marianne Morabito, Bruce DaCosta, ??
Third from left: Doreen Parmercy, Florence Koziuk, ??, ??, Paul Klarin
Fourth from left: ??, Elsa Green, ??

"I noticed you've recently added the list of names to the 1957 Lee Ave. class photo. Below is an updated list. Coming up with the names was a joint effort between Rudy Caruso, Rochelle Riservato and myself. I hope to have names for the other two photos soon."

Frank Koziuk

Back row standing: John O'Brien, Pete Goussius, Joe Cubow, Doug Hodges, Joe Patalona, Frank Koziuk, Buddy Rose, ??, Tim McAleese, Rudy Caruso
First row on left: ??, Rudy Koegl, ??, Chuck Coffee
Second row from left: Margaret Hoppe, Rochelle Riservato, Maryann Morabito, Bruce DaCosta, Robert Scolaro
Third row from left: Doreen Parmercy, Florence Koziuk, Doris Navesky, ??, Paul Klarin
Fourth row from left: ??, Elsa Green, ??

Hi Guys,

I wonder if anyone knows what happened to my friend, Marion Brennan (class of 59). We were very close friends, both living on Dartmouth Dr. during high school. I believe she was a cheerleader. Please, if anyone knows her whereabouts, e-mail me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thanks,
Judy DeVincentis Morgan

Dear Editors,

It has been a wonderful year for me. I'm attaching two pictures, the first: Best of Show Award in January for 'The Animas at Sunset' from the Durango Chamber of Commerce. The award was $500 and 1,000 prints of the painting. The second picture: While spending the rest of the winter in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, I danced the Can-Can in the Melodrama. Even at age 67, things are getting better!

Thanks,
Judy DeVincentis Morgan (class of 58)

This was sent to me by Joan Siegl Rudolph.

Old age, I decided, is a gift from God.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be.
Oh, not my body!
I sometime despair over my body...the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, the sagging butt.
And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!).
But I don't agonize over those things for long.
Time now is too valuable and to lament is to waste.
I will never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself.
I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed.
I don't agonize about that silly cement gecko I bought but didn't need.
It looks so avant garde on my patio.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body.
I will dive into the waves with the same enthusiasm I once enjoyed as a child, if I choose to.
And this despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then again, some of life is, at best, forgotten.
And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers.
Just as bad is when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car.
But broken hearts are what gives us strength and understanding and compassion.
A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray.
I am fortunate to have many youthful laughs forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive.
You care less about what other people think.
I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer the question, I like being older.
It has set me free and I cherish the person I have become.
I will not live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have
been, or worrying about what will be.
And I shall eat dessert every single day, just because I want to.
MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART.

-Author Unknown

The following appeared in the May issue of the Hicksville High School Newsletter....

Hi, Class of 1960. I live in northern Virginia, near D.C., with Caren, my wife of 40+ years. I reunited with Forest Dunbar at the only reunion I was able to make it to, about a year ago. He and I ran cross-country when Mr. Earl was the coach.

I look forward to reading more newsletters and attending another reunion, hopefully with more members of the Class of '60 there. Keep up the good work!
Jack GouldI ran track with both Forest and Jack. Thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of the three of us...

. . Jack Gould left to right: Mrs. Dunbar, Mary O'Shaughnessey Korothy Cleary, Forest Dunbar & Bob Casale at the March 2007 Megareunion.

Hi, Well, here goes.

I graduated in 1951 and married Mike Pakaluk in 1955. We've been married for 53 years celebrating our anniversary on May 8th. We have 3 children and 11 grandchildren. Mike built Levitt houses and then worked for Metropolitan Life for over 25 years when he retired. Our daughter June Lewis and her husband Les live in Roswell, GA, our son Michael and his family live in McLean, VA and our youngest son Jim lives in Stamford CT. Mike and I live in the same house he was born in. The whole family graduated from the Hicksville school system.

I currently work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory where I coordinate scientific meetings and administer the Lab's Scientific Walking Tours. I've been very active in the Community serving as the current president of the Hicksville Public Library Board of Trustees. I also sit on the boards of the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club, the Hicksville Community Council, the Hicksville Gregory Museum and the Hicksville Historical Society. I'm immediate past president of the Council and founding president of the Historical Society. I work closely with the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce on the annual Street Fair Committee and invite everyone to come to Kennedy Park on July 20th for a great day of fun.

I was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the Town of Oyster Bay in 2006; awarded the Hicksville High School Hall of Fame Award in 2007 and most recently named a "Trailblazer" by Nassau County Legislator Ed Mangano.

I've just completed a journal that will be available for the dedication of the John Bull Steam Engine Replica on May 17th at Kennedy Park.

. HICKSVILLE'S JOHN BULL LOCOMOTIVE

A public ceremony will take place on May 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Hicksville's Kennedy Memorial Park to dedicate the John Bull locomotive replica that was built by Chamber of Commerce President James Pavone. The full-size, non-operating replica, which has taken Mr. Pavone slightly over two years to build, is based on the 1831 John Bull locomotive which was imported from Britain and ran on the Camden and Amboy Railroad. It served as the inspiration for Matthias W. Baldwin to build locomotives in this country. Baldwin built the Long Island Rail Road's first locomotive "the Ariel," the image of which can be seen on Hicksville's welcome signs and banners.

In conjunction with the ceremony, there will be a special exhibit on Early American Steam Locomotives at the Hicksville Gregory Museum and an afternoon luncheon and symposium for ticket-holders at the Hicksville Middle School located on Jerusalem Avenue.

The John Bull will remain in Hicksville's Kennedy Park, under the auspices of the Town of Oyster Bay. It will be a future reminder of Hicksville's past and its ties with Valentine Hicks' efforts in bringing the railroad to Hicksville in 1837 when he served on the railroad's Board of Directors. Today Hicksville is the second in use only to New York's Penn Station.

Val (Zalewski) Pakaluk, 1951
(This was received May 5th ' too late for the May edition.)

See the pictures that Bob Casale placed at Web shots that were taken at the ceremony on the 17th of May... http://community.webshots.com /user/robertcasale

A reminder that our links page highlights a number of sights that are interesting and may be helpful for those in search of certain information. Pat Driscoll and Bob Casale are building albums that contain very interesting pictures that all can enjoy. And, Bob Casale will be retired as of Friday May 30th. His first chore will be to move most of the albums he has placed on Classmates to the Web shots sight that is more user friendly.

CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS RECONNECTED

In the May issue of HixNews, I was privileged to write an article on two friends and classmates, reconnecting after not seeing each other in fifty two years, John Hattenback and Ray Babinski. In the June issue, this story continues with two more reconnects. Bobby Dunn and I met and became friends living right around the corner from one another from 1949 'till 1956 at which time we both joined the military and went our separate ways until this year when I spotted Bob's name on classmates class of 1956. I emailed him; he emailed me back and the reconnect was in work. Bob invited me down to his beautiful home in St. Mary's Georgia for a weekend visit and what a great weekend it was. It's a great memory jog when two old friends reunite after 52 years and start asking each other, do you remember this, do you remember that or this person and so on? Names of people that had been forgotten for so many years as well as times shared together. We hope to have another get together in the near future. This month's article has two parts. The second one is a reconnect with Eddie 'Jigs' Kasten. Eddie stopped by my home for a visit for a few hours on his way back home from vacation. Another reconnect after 52 years and it was wonderful to see Ed again and I must say, he looks great. The time that I was able to spend with these three old friends from the past was priceless, the memories wonderful, and I recommend this to all who may be reading this. If you have someone from your past who was truly a friend that you have lost touch with for a long time, give this reconnect thing a try, you may be in for a treat, I know I was. Looking forward to a trip to Ed's home in the near future. Maybe we all can reconnect together soon.

Written by Ray Babinski 05/01/2008

Ronnie Kasten, Ray Babinski and Ed Kasten Bob Dunn and Ray Babinsky

I really have never replied before, but I thought I would this time. I live in Connecticut and have for the past 33 years. I was transferred up here by Grand Union, the now defunct supermarket chain. I was fortunate enough to get work at Stop&Shop after Grand Union closed.

I've been married for 44 years to a girl from Bethpage. We have five children and thirteen grand kids. We recently moved into a house we built in East Haddam Ct. This is our sixth house, and, hopefully it will be the last.

We have your normal aging illnesses, but thankfully nothing serious.

I'm not on any mail list, but I do wonder where the time and the people have gone.

It's good hearing from you, and stay in touch.

Best regards,
Jerry (Collock) class of '61

I wasn't sure if this was something you folks include in the newsletter, but our middle child, Rachel, gave birth to a beautiful son, Connor Grayson Dumas, by Caesarian section on February 17, 2007. My husband, Richard, and I are thrilled to pieces. Connor is our third grandchild, second grandson (Haleigh, 9, and her brother Nathaniel, 6, are out oldest daughter, Rebecca's, two children).

Connor's picture is attached. While in all likelihood he won't attend HHS (LOL!) he's a Fighting Comet in every sense of the word! The photo of him wrapped up in the hospital bassinet is Connor at 5 minutes old, bright-eyed, calm and ready to take on the world!

He has already spent many hours in the arms of Great-Uncle Jim Thompson, Class of '61!

Pat Thompson-Dumas, Class of 1975

I have lived in Florida for 32 years and I am widowed for 20 years. I was a Manufacturer's Rep with my husband until he passed and then went back to teaching Jr. and Sr. High School, which I am still doing.

I am trying to organize a reunion for class of 1960 and would appreciate any listing. I can be reached by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 954-457-7028

Thanks for keeping the faith,
Myrna Hessel Greenberg, '60

Hi,

I would like to keep in touch and find some of my old friends from the class of '61. Also want to find out if there will be a 50^th reunion.

Thanks,
Richard Simpson, '61

Ed Zivica, '58 wrote on 5/16/08:

Noel (Horowitz) Heinz, '58 is in the hospital, serious operation; kidney. You can get a message to her through her daughter, Tracy Collins.

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

Hi - hope things are working better. We missed the May edition of May newsletter. As a result of my "blurb" in the April newsletter, I received a phone call from Ed Coleman. He graduated in '45 with my brother and his sister graduated with me in 1946. We got together at Bob Evans and chatted for at least 2-1/2 hours. I hadn't seen him for over 60 years, so we had a lot to talk about. Ed & his wife, Mary, have been spending 1-2 months vacationing here in Venice for the past 7 years and had no idea that we lived here (for over 30 years). Thanks so much for printing my letter in April and also sending a picture of the house that I grew up in Hicksville. George and I moved to Farmingdale after our marriage and we lived there for about 28 years, before moving to Venice.

Once again, thanks for the great job you all do. Keep up the good work!

Bea (46) and George (40) Baldwin (FL)

Hi, my name is Helen Wicks Boudreau. I would like to get the HixNews. I lived in Hicksville, went to Nicholai St. School. My 1st grade teacher was Miss Story. I went to 3 different schools and we moved when I was 13-years-old. But the old memories never die.

I moved back to Hicksville in 1958. I was still in touch with Richie De Luca at that time. But then my Aunt Aggie introduced me to Ed and we got married 9 months latter. We sold our house in Hicksville in 1961and moved to Bethpage; my first son was a year old. In 1963, I had a daughter and in 1967 our son, Bob, was born. In Jan. of '68 we moved upstate. I have been married 49 years this past March.

I think we all had a great place to grow up in. Hicksville was a special place for us all.

Helen (Wicks) Boudreau

Hi,

Just tripped upon this site & it is great. Brings back lots of memories, and I look forward to receiving it as it comes out.

Ken Pohl, Class of '64
Birth date: 5/30
Wife: Rosemary
Anniversary: 4/12
Home: San Diego, CA

Thank you.

Dear All,

We enjoyed our vacation to Tahiti and Hawaii, best of all was the scenery. It took your breath away it was so beautiful.

My husband had gone on one of the tours without me to see how they are and it turned out it was a good thing I didn't go. They took back roads then had to climb up a mountain to the top. Fred got sick after it and we had to cancel the others that were like that.

The back roads had lots of bumps over rocks, limbs and holes and would have hurt me too much plus I couldn't climb up a mountain even if it wasn't almost vertical. LOL

We did go on a dolphin and whale watch, but it was the wrong time of year for whales but we did see the dolphins jumping and spinning.

We got to go on a submarine that dove 145 feet, that was neat, not sure if I would do it again though. I thought we were just going to go down into an old submarine and see the bunks and stuff, turns out its a small sub that has seats with port holes and it really dives down to the bottom and moves around so you could see a boat down there and the fish.

The fish were all colors but the tiny medium dark blue ones were unbelievable and the gold ones, and the white/yellow/ and black striped ones were breath taking to see. The coral was beautiful.

We did go on one tour that a person from the island was the tour guide and he showed us all the different flowers, and land marks and how the people lived there and told us so much it was unbelievable.

At Honolulu we did get to go to a Luau, had some games like they played in the old days, Fred was the only man to get the spear to stick in the bullseye that was drawn on hay. We saw how the men used nets to haul in fish and then they got the pig out of the ground were they cooked him and topped him with banana leaves. They made pulled pork which was good but I was hoping for just slices like they showed in movies.

At all the ports we got off to see the little shops or tents they had around and of course bought souvenirs. The "Tender" that brought us from the big ship to the shore was nice and the men that carried my scooter on and off were so kind. Some of the places were too sandy for the scooter to move on and some too rocky but those that I could manage were great. I managed to get a big shell from a tiny island in between Tahiti and Hawaii, one place where tourists go were selling it for $185.00 but at the tiny island where tourists rarely go sold it for $25.00; Managed to get it home in one piece too.

The dancing shows on the ship were great, the two comedy shows they had, I didn't think were that funny but they can't please everyone anyway.

The buffet had prime rib, fish, chicken, pork, and so much that was so good we never went to the dining room where they got dressed up to eat. We enjoyed the buffet food and dessert a lot more.

The weather was great for us, no rain. I even got some color. We took lots of pictures and hope they come out. It was too sunny to see the picture window part of the camera to see what was being taken. LOL

I came home to find 208 e-mails waiting for me so I'll be busy for a while. LOL Just wanted to let you all know what a great time we had and thank you for your Prayers; we got home safe and sound.

Take care, God Bless.

Love,
Joan (Siegl) Rudolph, '61

Hi,

How are you? Sorry it took me so long to read the newsletter, but I had recent surgery. Okay, I worked at The Alibi back in the 70's. I met many wonderful Friday night "regulars"...We didn't even have to take their drink orders. As soon as they walked in we went to the bar & ordered their "usual." It was like a small family. Joe Umbrea (HHS football coach) tended bar at night, Sometimes Mr. Hilsky would visit him. Hap & Pat Holden would be there & so many more fine upstanding citizens of Hicksville I could not name them all. I would sit and talk to Frank on many nights. Before Frank owned The Alibi he owned a cab. His favorite numbers to play on the horses were 312 (cab). Jay Poggiali also tended & so did his brother Frankie. Most of the grandchildren worked as bus boys etc. Jay Poggiali stayed with the new owners after the Alibi was first sold to a seafood restaurant. The seafood restaurant did not make it; no famous Alibi bar pies. I believe Jay died in the 80's. (Actually 1991. ED) I still meet some of the old customers & when I look at them I say "Manhattan on the rocks". Some things you don't forget.

Joyce (Thorburn) Jurgensen '67

Dear Editors,

First, I would like to thank each of you for the great job you all have done on our newsletter. I look forward to receiving it each month. Many things published has brought back some wonderful memories. Keep up the fantastic job.Secondly, I am attaching a site that I found very interesting and thought you all may want to share with all of the readers: http://books.google.com/books?id=6NWHSvEmloIC

Blessings to all,
Lorraine Dalaimo (Miltenberg) 1960

Hi Guys

This is a great site for some good old memories. I have been able to contact some of the guy's I use to hang around with, even contacted my HHS girlfriend, hadn't contacted her for 46 years, it was great to hear from her. Are their plans for a 50 year reunion for the class of 1960? If so, I'm in. Keep up the good work.

Fran DeCabia, 1960

Photo Gallery

Dear editors:

I recently came across a box of old photos of many of my Hicksville High friends 1968 - 71. In looking at them they certainly seem to capture the spirit of the sixties. In these photos you will find, the Collins brothers (John and Peter) and the Capel brothers (Bob and Ken) who made up the band "The Corporate Image" who played at numerous Jr. High and High School functions. Bob Capel passed away last year. Also included are Barbara Caporale, Susan Strehl, Debbie Mauro, Diane Morrissey, Mark Ferdschneider, Phil and Terry Bottitta, David Collins, Don and Ron Dalen, Paul Mosher, Tommy Caferio, Patty Blair, Debbie Dysart and Bill Knack, all Hicksville High alums.

Best regards,
Bill Knack (class of '71)

Birthdays & Anniversaries

New Readers & Returns

New Readers

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.

• John DeLuca, 1977 (TN)
• John Kovsh, 1973
• Rudy Caruso, 1967 (L.I.) friend of HHS Dolores (Oehler) Garger, 1977 (HX)
• Tom Garger, 1975 (HX)
• Frances G. Kosinski, 1969 (AZ)
• Myrna (Hessel) Greenberg, 1960 (FL)
• Ernest Boos, 1956 (CT)
• Sandra (Koch) Boos, 1960 (CT)
• Richard Simpson, 1961
• Helen (Wicks) Boudreau,(NY)
• June (Lauer) Henley, 1974(NY)
• Jeffrey J. Kaufer, 1974 (FL) #1,000!!!!
• Phil Sarano
• Sandy Brindisi, 1966 (FL)

Returns

Remember the 3 strike rule: Three returns and your name will be removed from our mailing list. If you see your name listed below and still wish to be contacted by HixNews, please send a change of address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Also, you may want to contact your ISP and advise them that HixNews is NOT SPAM.

• Frank Anderson, 1980
• Gail (Whitson) McCarthy, 1960
• Ralph Powell, 1957 (x2)
• Linda (Mastrosanti) Aragoncillo, 1961 (AOL says not accepting mail)

DELETED:

• Rita (Paesani) Felt, 1962
• Bill Kozma, 1963

Honoring our Veterans

William "Parkey" Pakaluk lost his life serving with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, 341stEngineers Regiment, while assigned to the construction of the Alaska Highway. Tragically, on May 14, 1942 at Charlie Lake, British Columbia a pontoon barge carrying 17 soldiers and equipment, needed in the construction, sank taking the lives of 12 soldiers. The Alaska Highway has been sited as one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th Century.

Roger Gregoire, president of the Northern Trails Historical Society, felt it important to honor the deaths of the 12 U.S. World War II soldiers who perished. Members of the Society invested much time and effort to locate archived documents in order to verify the facts of the historic incident. The monument, constructed of concrete and rock, will feature laser-etched display panels including; the factual account, the identity of the soldiers involved and recognition of the sacrifice of their lives to the war effort; and will include a map pinpointing the location of the accident. 

Their efforts have been successful and the City of Fort St. John, B.C., along with Canadian and American dignitaries, former soldiers and families of the soldiers lost will officially dedicate a monument in memory of these men at the shores of Charlie Lake on May 21, 2008.

Construction of the Alaska Highway, formerly known as the Alcan (Alaska-Canadian) Highway, began on March 8, 1942. The highway winds its way through wilderness connecting Dawson Creek, B.C. and Fairbanks, Alaska. More than 11,000 American troops, including seven regiments of engineers, 16,000 civilian workmen from Canada and the United States and 7,000 pieces of equipment were thrown into the overwhelming task of penetrating the 1500 miles of mountains, muskeg and mosquitoes. Amazingly, the highway was completed only 8 short months later, on October 25, 1942.For the soldiers and workers it was a difficult life. Fatigue, hypothermia and accidents were a part of everyday life as the workers set down eight miles of road a day, seven days a week.

Parkey was a Hicksville resident, attended Hicksville schools and married his high school sweetheart, Jen Zalewski, in Manhattan, Kansas, just three short weeks before his fatal accident. Pfc. William Pakaluk Parkey & Jen cut the cake Pfc. William "Parkey" Pakaluk On their way to Fort St. John.

Status of Hicksville Vietnam Era Memorial Project 

Summertime and the breezes are blowing, palm trees are swaying for those Alumni down in the Carolinas and Florida.  The days are long and the sweet tea is good!  Time is moving fast and the planning continues for the Hicksville Town Vietnam Era Memorial Project. 

Our goal this summer is to acquire 300 names for the plaques which will adorn the monument to those who served in our Armed Forces during the 1960's and 70's.  Soon we will release the draft design for all to see and recognize that you, your family member(s), or loved ones can be memorialized for their service to our nation. Come about August, you will see the draft designs for comment and support.  This is your memorial.  Please join us to make it a very positive happening. 

The development team made up of Ken Strafer of Virginia and Joe Carfora of North Carolina has been working to gain the attention of folks through various website and other sources that might help identify those individuals from Hicksville who have served. We have had messages from California, Florida, New York, and elsewhere letting us know names and service affiliations for many people. Some names that were recognized brought joy and others stories of the heroics of our "home town residents" that made the supreme sacrifice.  

If you have not submitted your name, or if you know of another person who served, please forward the names to us for inclusion on the plaques. Please recall from previous notices the goal is to publish the bronze plaques when we reach 500 names. Tentatively, we have said the dedication of the memorial should be made in 2010, now less than two years away. 

Please get out their and canvas the area, write newsgrams, articles, or just get word to us as soon as you can. Help us make this event a success.  Please notify us by email with any names, including branch of service, dates served and where they served.  Remember, to qualify, each individual needs to have served the Armed Forces of our country during the Viet Nam Era.  Both Viet Nam Veterans and all others who served during the time of the Viet Nam War will be recognized. 

Please send your emails to either Ken Strafer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Joe Carfora (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) as soon as you can!

June 6, 1944, Normandy, France: The Invasion Began 64 Year Ago...

The most fitting introduction to this month's first topic...

"'This is D-Day,' the BBC announced at 12 o'clock. 'This is the day...' The invasion has begun... Is this really the beginning of the long-awaited liberation? The liberation we've all talked so much about, which still seems too good, too much of a fairy tale ever to come true... the best part of the invasion is that I have the feeling that friends are on the way... [The] Germans have oppressed and threatened us for so long that the thought of friends and salvation means everything to us!" - Anne Frank, diary entry, June 6, 1944.

 Normandy Invasion

 Supreme Commander -- General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Allied Expeditionary Naval Forces -- Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay

21st Army Group -- General Sir Bernard L. Montgomery

Allied Expeditionary Air Forces -- Air Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh- Mallory

United States Forces Western Task Force -- First Army; V Corps; VII Corps; 1st Infantry Division; 4th Infantry Division; 29th Infantry Division; 82nd Airborne Division; 101st Airborne Division; Eighth Air Force; Ninth Air Force, and; Navy.

Prelude to Operation Overlord - During the first six months of 1944, the United States and Great Britain concentrated land, naval, and air forces in England to prepare for Operation Overlord, the assault on Hitler's "Fortress Europe." Before the invasion, 12,000 planes of the Allied air forces swept the skies, while the Allies' naval components organized and loaded a mighty flotilla to land the assault forces in France. Meanwhile, the nine army divisions (three airborne and six infantry) from the United States, Britain and Canada trained and rehearsed their roles in the carefully choreographed operation.

D-Day - Operation Overlord - In a single day over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, and French troops had entered France by air and sea, at a cost of nearly 5,000 casualties. From the American airborne on the far right to the British airborne on the far left, the invasion front stretched over 50 miles. The first men to see action on D-Day were the airborne troops. Three airborne divisions, two American and one British, dropped behind the landing beaches in the hours before dawn. Over 20,000 men, the largest airborne force ever assembled, entered Normandy by glider and parachute. Six divisions would assault the five landing beaches. Each beach had a code name. Utah Beach was assigned to the U.S. 4th Division. The US 29th and 1st Divisions would land at Omaha Beach. Further east, the British 50th Division would assault Gold Beach and the Canadian 3rd Division would attack at Juno Beach. The British 3rd Division would take Sword Beach. More than 5,000 ships, from battleships to landing craft, escorted and landed the assault force along the Normandy coast.

Omaha Beach - The landing on OMAHA Beach was even more difficult than expected. Enemy positions that looked down from bluffs as high as 170 feet, and water and beach obstacles strewn across the narrow strip of beach, stopped the assault at the water's edge for much of the morning of D-Day. By mid-morning, initial reports painted a bleak portrait of beachhead conditions. Slowly, however, as individuals and then in groups, soldiers began to cross the fire-swept beach. By D-Day's end they had a tenuous toehold on the Normandy coast, at the cost of 2,200 lives.

Utah Beach - In the predawn darkness of June 6, the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were air dropped behind UTAH Beach. Numerous factors caused the paratroopers to miss their drop zones and become scattered across the Norman countryside. Ironically, not only did they accomplish their missions, but with the paratroopers' wide dispersion the Germans never developed adequate responses to the airborne and amphibious assaults. While the initial landing went smoothly, they landed 2,000 yards south of the planned beach - one of the Allies' more fortuitous opportunities on D-Day. The original beach was heavily defended in comparison to the light resistance and few fixed defenses encountered on the new beach. Within hours, the new beachhead was secured, at the cost of 200 men, and they started inland to contact the airborne divisions scattered across its front.

Pointe du Hoc - Between Utah and Omaha Beaches stands a large promontory called Pointe du Hoc. Allied planners learned the Germans had placed a battery of 155 mm howitzers here. With a firing range of 14 miles, these guns threatened the assault forces on both American beaches. Allied planners gave two battalions of U.S. Army Rangers the job of neutralizing the German guns. These elite troops were trained to make an amphibious landing on the beach in front of Pointe du Hoc, scale its 100-foot cliffs, and destroy the German battery. On D-Day the Rangers used rocket-propelled grappling hooks attached to ropes and ladders to climb the cliffs. As they worked their way up, the Germans dropped grenades on them and cut some of their ropes. Still, within five minutes, the Rangers made it to the top and drove off the defenders. They then made a startling discovery, the German guns were missing. A short distance away the guns were found and destroyed. For the next two days the Rangers faced intense German counterattacks. They took over 50 percent casualties. 

At Day's End - As in the OMAHA zone, the UTAH Beach forces had not gained all of their planned objectives. However, a foothold in enemy territory was secured, and, most important, once again the American soldier's resourcefulness and initiative had rescued the operation from floundering along the Normandy coast.

This Month's Not Commented on Story

FOR WOMEN WARRIORS, DEEP WOUNDS, LITTLE CARE -- Helen Benedict, a professor of journalism at Columbia, writes in The New York Times. (For the full story see - http://tinyurl.com/4nesul). With an ever-increasing number of mentally and physically wounded soldiers return from Iraq, the Department of Veterans Affairs faces a pressing crisis: women traumatized not only by combat but also by sexual assault and harassment from their fellow service members. Sadly, the department is failing to fully deal with this problem. Women make up some 15 percent of the United States active duty forces, and 11 percent of the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly a third of female veterans say they were sexually assaulted or raped while in the military, and 71 percent to 90 percent say they were sexually harassed by the men with whom they served. This sort of abuse drastically increases the risk and intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder. The threat of post-traumatic stress has risen in recent years as women's roles in war have changed. More of them now come under fire, suffer battle wounds and kill the enemy, just as men do. As women return for repeat tours, usually redeploying with their same units, many must go back to war with the same man (or men) who abused them. This leaves these women as threatened by their own comrades as by the war itself. Yet the combination of sexual assault and combat has barely been acknowledged or studied. Women are the fastest-growing group of veterans, and by 2020 they are projected to account for 20 percent of all veterans under the age of 45. Not all of these women will have suffered sexual assault, but many will have medical or psychological needs that conventional department hospitals cannot meet. The Department of Veterans Affairs must open more comprehensive women's health clinics, designate more facilities for women who have endured both combat and military sexual trauma and finance more support groups specifically for female combat veterans. The best way to honor all of our soldiers is to do what we can to help them mend.

Hicksville Trivia

Ed's Burgers - those with memories better than I might remember if it was called that, just 'Ed's,' or Ed's Hamburgers. But whatever its exact name, it was called the place to go for lunch (purists here would argue it was 'one of the places...'). Just west of the corner of Newbridge and Old Country roads, on the south side of the road, the burgers were inexpensive; the fries had the requisite amount of grease and the 'company' always those with who you wanted to be.

Lest We Forget

 Currently there are (at least) 4,975 (43 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

The first baseball game I ever attended was in the early 1950's. Miss Cunningham, the Jr. High gym teacher, took a group of us to a Dodgers ball game in Brooklyn as a reward for something. There was a rain delay and the most exciting part of the game was watching the grounds men put on and then remove the tarps. When I got home my father, a big Dodgers fan, asked how I liked the game. I told him it was boring to which he replied, "You just saw Carl Erskine pitch a no-hitter!"

Pat Koziuk Driscoll, '56

Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. Two different incarnations of a Brooklyn Dodgers football team also used Ebbets Field as their home stadium, as did the Brooklyn Tigers of the second AFL before they moved to Rochester in November 1936.

Though Ebbets Field was torn down after the 1957 season; its cornerstone has been saved at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

Related links for Ebbets Field:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebbets_Field

https://ballparkdigest.com/2015/07/14/best-of-the-ballparks-ebbets-field

https://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/ebbets.htm

In Memoria

The newsletter has been informed that Jay Poggiali, class of '55 died July 1991. His father was the owner of Frank's Alibi.

I am John T. Kovsh, class of 1973. I am sad to announce the passing of my brother, Kevin A. Kovsh, class of 1976. He had many friends from HHS, but I have no idea where they are now. He is sadly missed.

Published in The Miami Herald on 5/23/2008

ANDREW ROSENBLATTROSENBLATT, ANDREW BEN, died peacefully May 22nd 2008 at the age of 59. He had fought a long battle with cancer. Andy grew up in Hicksville, NY and attended Syracuse University. Post graduation, he accepted a position at the Miami News. After a year at the Miami News, he left to work for the Miami Herald, where he remained for 12 years. While at the Herald, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and received the prestigious Green Eyeshade Excellence in Journalism Award for investigative reporting. In his early 30's, Andy attended University of Miami Law School. During law school, he was a member of law review, and received several awards for academic excellence. Andy went on from law school, to become a successful litigator, who was known as being fair but tough to litigate against. From a young age, Andy had an enormous interest in politics. He founded the Fair Campaign Practices Committee, as an effort to reduce the amount of ethical and racial overtones in politics. He was also appointed to the community relation board. Andy will be remembered as a hardworking and honest man. He was an extremely loyal individual. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his children, Becky and Ben, and his brother Dennis. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am today at Mt. Nebo Memorial Gardens, 5505 N.W. 3rd St., Miami FL 33126. Donations can be sent to University of Michigan, section of Thoracic Surgery, and be noted in memory of Andrew Rosenblatt. They can be mailed to Marc Orringer MD 1500 East Medical Center Drive 212OTC Ann Arbor MI 48109. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.