November 2008 : Volume 9 - Issue 2

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.

Meeting notice:

The Hicksville Historical Society will meet Tuesday, November 25th in the Kenneth Barnes Community Room at the Hicksville Library. Meeting begins 7:15 p.m.with a brief business meeting beforehand. Our special guest for the evening will be John Riley, a comic book/superhero historian who also owns Grasshopper's Comics in Williston Park. Bring the kids and enjoy learning the past and present of comic book characters! Refreshments served. For more information call (516) 796-3826 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hixnews contributors as of Nov 2008

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People Looking for People

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The Hicksville Historical Society will meet Tuesday, November 25th in the Kenneth Barnes Community Room at the Hicksville Library. Meeting begins 7:15 p.m.with a brief business meeting beforehand. Our special guest for the evening will be John Riley, a comic book/superhero historian who also owns Grasshopper's Comics in Williston Park. Bring the kids and enjoy learning the past and present of comic book characters! Refreshments served. For more information call (516) 796-3826 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Newsletter

Dear Editors,

I would like very much to be in contact with any Alumni from the classes of 1940-1944. With special interest in classmates who graduated in 1942. The latter may remember me as the VP of that class who was also the editor of the Comet and the 1942 Yearbook. Thanks and best wishes for keeping up your very good work!

Sam Levitt '42

P.S. Contact can be made with my E address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sandy Sandler Wolfe was looking for my brother, Richard Ollins (Class of '60). He is happily retired, married and living in Las Vegas, but also travels between two vacation homes -- one in Australia, the other in Mexico. I don't think he is in touch with anyone from Hicksville.

Michael Ollins Class of '63

Hi Everyone,

What a wonderful time we had at our 50th reunion! It was so interesting to connect with our old classmates and find out what they'd been doing all these years. Music was great and just the enthusiasm and energy when all got up to do "The Stroll" told a story about our age group! Thanks so much to Vicki, Jeff, Marilyn and all the others who helped arrange this great weekend. It was so worth the trip and to others facing a 50th....don't miss it!

Judy DeVincentis Morgan

Hi Guys,

Just to add to the Hicksville Bakery list, how about:

Englert's Bakery (Marie St. and Broadway), I remember that one fondly as I ate too many "snake buns" (cinnamon rolls) from there in my younger days.

Crown Bakery (I think it was on Newbridge Road or Jerusalem Avenue).

And there was a bakery in Mid-Island Plaza (near Arthur Maisel's restaurant).

Charlie Henningsen, '64

REPLY:

Charlie...

The Crown Bakery was in the Allied Shopping Center across the street from the Carvel stand where the "tornado" touched down years ago. That was on Jerusalem Avenue. The bakery was renamed Princess (don't remember when) and went out of business last year sometime. They had cheesecakes that I loved and enjoyed all the time. I really didn't see their closing in the works. It seemed like they were always busy. Who knows? The shadow knows!!!

Didn't your family live near that bakery? Where was your house?

Regards,
Buffalo Bob Casale

Thanks for feedback, Bob. You're right about Allied Shopping Center. I could picture it in my mind, but not grasp the name. We lived on 10th Street (98) until just after I left to go away and finish college in Oklahoma (in '68). My Mother owned a delicatessen on Broadway (72) just across the street from the Bingo Hall (old A & P) between Sausmer's Hardware and Van Anken's. That's how I know about Englert's Bakery. Frank Englert (the old baker) made all his own products, good stuff!

When we moved to Hicksville from New York City in '54, we lived in an apartment above our store until our house was built. I was a regular at Englert's, Van Anken's, the Sweet Shop and looked it.

Charlie Henningsen

The article in Casale’s Corner in regard to the Retirement Story was hysterical. When I first moved to Florida it seemed I was the only one who did not have gray or white hair in the movie theater! Now I must say I am one of the white heads!

Jane Harlin, ‘67

In our area of FL, we are referred to as Q-TIPS! Pat

I would like to thank the editors and the other alumni who followed up my nomination for honoring Miss Farley to the HHS Hall of Fame.

Tom Haller, Class of '56, Vero Beach, FL

Happy Birthday to Kathy McMaugh Pearce and Happy Birthday to Kathy Kennedy

From Herb Pearce, ‘62

Just read the Oct. issue - once again, great job as usual!

Here’s my burning question of the day:

what to do with aging, yellowing Hicksville memorabilia? I have photos (Sr. Trip), some Comet newspapers, football programs, news clippings, play programs, etc. in at least one box of "stuff" (aka junk to my spouse) that I’ve kept over the years (not to mention my alleged "creative writing" - English papers - yikes!)

I’m ready to give it up (I just read "how to conquer clutter" for the 4th time) but before I do, any suggestions?

• The Gregory Museum
• HHS School Library
• Hix. Public Library
• the TOB dump

Any ideas? Any takers? Let me know what you think.

Martin Brandfon HHS, class of '67

I read that Hope Lambert's daughter might like to communicate with her mom's classmates. We shared homeroom in our high school years and senior English. If she is interested, Lauren can reach me at (email deleted for security).

Ronald Landau

Okay folks. It's that time of year again. Time to tell you about the upcoming holiday concert for the little group I sing with, The Glass Menagerie.

The concert will be on Saturday, December 13th at 8 pm. We will once again be at our performance home of St. Joseph’s which is at 371 6th Ave, ( 2 blocks south of W. 8th St.). Tickets are still only $2 0.00, ($15.00 for seniors).

The highlight piece will be Pinkham's Christmas Cantata. The rest of the program is varied and wonderful. And did I mention we will have a small group of musicians accompanying us.

It will be hard to beat our past spring concert celebrating the musical life and work of Bob De Cormier, but we will do our best. And with this program, I think that no one will go away disappointed.

I do hope to see all of there to help herald in the holiday season.

Love to all,
David Teitel, ‘68

PS Advance tickets are available and will save you time when you arrive. If you're interested, contact me via e-mail and I'll give you the particulars.

Dear Bob and Gang,

What a nice surprise to open my email and have a birthday card from you. It was so thoughtful!

Also wanted to reply to the question of how many bakeries there were in Hicksville way back when. There was a fourth -- it was Crown Bakery in the Alpine Shopping Center on Jerusalem Avenue, across from Carvel. It was there when I moved to Hicksville in 1956 and still there in the 70s, but I lost track of it after that.

Thanks again for the birthday wishes and for all you guys do to keep the memories alive for us!

Carol Ann (Mack) Berry Class of '63

Hi Bob...

I wanted to say thank you to all the staff of the monthly Hicksville Newsletter. I anxiously look forward to reading each line every month. It gives me a great, warm feeling and takes me home again to Hicksville. Even as much as the town has changed and even though I cannot get back to visit, the newsletter gives me a tremendous boost each month.

Much has changed and friends I knew when growing up have scattered except for you and many others. Plus the memories never go away. The newsletter helps me live some of those fond memories and I feel like it was only yesterday when I was a student.

Please find my enclosed donation to help you with the costs to keep our Hicksville Memories alive.

signed,
Bill Canham - Class of 1961

Dear Hixnews Editors,

Shortly after my email to you appeared in the OCTOBER NEWSLETTER, I had a surge of visits to my blog, "Remembrance in Spacetime". One of the visits was from Jed Schaiman (Class of 1959), who offered some interesting comments on one of my posts, "Jackpot in Spacetime". Jed and I became good friends in Mr.Bongarzone's Chemistry Class (it was either in Sophomore or Junior year). I hope Jed won't mind if I relate one exchange that I overheard between him and Mr.B in class, which I recall vividly to this day. Jed asked Mr.B, "Mr.Bongarzone, what should I do with this test tube?" To which our outspoken teacher replied, "Young man, never, ever ask such a question!" Pretty good advice then, and now.

I was also contacted via email by my neighbor and friend throughout the 1950's, Arthur Isaksen (Class of 1959). Arthur and I, as well as Marty Polsenski (Class of 1959), who lived on Arcadia Lane too, used to play stickball on our street, among many other games during summer vacations. I recall that I introduced Arthur to the game of chess, but Arthur quickly surpassed my own meager skill level. He currently plays chess internationally!

It was nice to hear from them, and I welcome comments on my blog from anyone who is so inclined.

Best wishes,
Henry Lichtenstein, Class of 1959
TheBigHenry,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
hl98.blogspot.com

Robin Kriss (now Robin Rhea), class of '72, but got out in '71 and went to C.W. Post College; my freshman English course at the college counted as my senior English in high school, and I got my high school diploma when I completed my first year of college. Got a B.A. in English Education at SUNY Albany, then an M.S. in Reading at the College of Saint Rose, also in Albany. On April 13, 1996, I married Dan Rhea, a software programmer. Live in Coral Springs, FL.

I am officially letting it be known that I am living in South Florida and in my 32nd year of teaching.

C'est moi!

Ed Delaney, Jr., 1961 sent us this brief bio:

Now living in Senoia, Georgia, Class of '61 w Casale (since 2nd grade) Retired investigator New York State Police since 1990. Owned DELANEY'S RESTAURANT, South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville until 2007. Living in Georgia, wife Mary Ann (Webster), Division Avenue Levittown '62. All three of our children live here with seven grandchildren. All the kids, all the grandchildren, golf, great weather, retired for good-Heaven on earth.

Thanks for your time.
Ed.

Hi Everyone, especially the class of 1956.

I've finally gotten my website up and running with the help of another senior citizen actor who was a computer expert in his former life. Proves we seniors can do almost anything! If you'd like to visit my website, go to http://harrimolese.com to see some of my work. If you'd like to develop a website of your own, click on the information in the lower right-hand corner of my website. It will lead you to the website builder. His rates are affordable and he'll do everything for you including getting a domain!

Hope you are all happy and healthy!
Harri Molese
Class of 1956

Patricia Hughes, 1967

Hi,

I'm a 1968 HHS grad now living in Houston. I'm trying to put a retreat together for a company here in Houston. The focus of the retreat will be to visit T. Roosevelt's home in Sagamore. There will be about 100 folks attending with some children involved. We are planning this to happen in mid June or July of 2009. Does anyone have any suggestions for a hotel on Long Island that is large, has kid's activities, golf, close to a beach, and within traveling distance for a night in N.Y.C.? There probably isn't a hotel with all of the above, so any suggestions that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Maxene (Frimmer) Grove

Another bakery was located on the East side of Broadway between Thorman Ave and Notre Dame Ave. Next to it was an empty lot with a small shack on it. Newsday carriers, like me, picked up our papers there in the middle 50s. Ted's deli was across the street and the previous post office was a few doors to the right of Ted's place.

with award1970 at Wood's houseHey guys!

Attached excerpts are from the first third of my West Point Band book.

I focused on the Hicksville-specific parts (although most of the book is...)

I'm still hoping that some of our contacts may know someone in the publishing biz who could help me find an agent ...an advance would be a wonderful thing so I could zero in on finishing it (I'm just about halfway now).

A few people who've read it up to this point think it's a perfect story for a movie... would be nice for Hicksville High to get the Hollywood treatment...

Tommy Sullivan, ‘63

HHS Hall of Fame from the plaque in the high school

We’ve threatened for a long time to provide a listing of those alumni who are in the Hicksville High School Hall of Fame, the real Hall of Fame.

Chris Andersen was gracious enough to go to the lobby at the high school and took pictures of the plaques that hang in the hallway and depict exceptional students who have had exemplary careers. These people have distinguished themselves in the work place by going above and beyond to make a mark in history.

The bronze plaques do not photograph very well. The flash reflects a lot of light and most pictures were not legible. We were able to make a partial listing of our alumni friends who are in the Hall of Fame. Below are several names with their accomplishments.

1939 Virginia Mayer Schweizer
Record Breaking World Champion Glider Pilot and First To Soar Cross Country

1940 Henry C. Brengel, Jr.
Community and Business Leader Who Expanded Family Business To International Status

1943 Raymond L. Rusch
Educator for 32 Years and High School Principal from 1967-1981

1943 Howard Finnegan
Founding Member of Hicksville Alumni Association, Local Sports Writer, Editor of Hicksville Illustrated News

1945 LT. COL. Richard G. Eisemann
Air Force Chaplain, Commissioned in 1961, Serving in U.S. and Overseas Posts

1954 Lewis Yevoli
Outstanding State and Civic Leader, TOB Supervisor, Long Term Assemblyman & Town Councilman, Sierra Club Environmentalist of the Year

1955 Richard G. Hogan
Educator Who Became Principal of Hicksville High School in 1984

1958 Admiral Philip S. Anselmo, USN
Commanding Officer Aircraft Carrier USS Constellation, Distinguished Service in Vietnam Conflict

1963 Anita Miller Sostek, PH-D
Georgetown University School of Medicine

1967 Madeline A. Miller, M.D.
Captain U.S. Army Medical Corps, Specialist in Emergency Medicine

We will, in time, complete the list. If any one has a complete listing, please let us know. If you know where we can obtain a listing, please advise.

Thanks Very Much
The Gang at the Hicksville High School Newsletter

To Ray Feierstein:

Ray, I just read your note concerning a bakery on Broadway. I use to run with your brother Lenny. I remember him owning a light yellow '51 Pontiac convertible. When I worked at Armstrong's Shell (on Broadway) we pulled the old straight 8 engine out and repowered it with a 53 Olds rocket 88. He'll definitely remember that. Also, didn't a Feierstein family member own a tire shop across from the shell station that specialized in Michelin and Pirelli tires? Tell Lenny I was asking about him and put me in touch if you can. Ahhhhh....the memories.

Thank you,
Mike Carter (’58) USN retired

I received a request from a Carl Place friend who is looking for a few Hicksville old friends. I told her about Hix News and she asked if I could please send a request out to say she is looking for Anita (Kargauer-sp.?) Scarola, Pam Hiscox
and Oscar Mifsud. If anyone can help that would be great, her name is Jacy (Coady) Needles (her father was the CP football coach) she can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thanks!
Marilyn Bowles '66

Thank you, Bob and Hix News Team! I guess I can't deny my age to you guys, but here is a photo taken last August. (it is AMAZING what a few days of "spa-ing" on a ship will do!) The newsletter is wonderful! Reading comments from waaay back and recent grads are so interesting and show the loyalty to HHS.

Regards to all,
Joan (Komar) Langlois

Photo Gallery

Alberta (Hunt) Bolettieri, Class of '59

Birthdays & Anniversaries

New Readers & Returns

Honoring our Veterans

National League Of Families Of POWs & MIAs: They Need Your Help

These are tough times. They require tough decisions. Decisions made with a tough but fair hand... a tough, but fair hand.

They Need Our Help

National League Of Families Of American Prisoners And Missing In Southeast Asia
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170, Arlington, Virginia 22201
PH (703) 465-7432 http://www.powmialeague.org/ FAX (703) 465-7433

October 16, 2008

Dear League Members,

This letter is to alert you to an alarming reality , without your immediate help, the National League of POW/MIA Families, our small non-profit organization that has effected such great change in our country, may soon be forced to close its doors.

A major part of our mission is closely monitoring and urging the support of governments,  U.S. and foreign , to achieve our longstanding objective: the return of all POWs, the fullest possible accounting for the missing, and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Our cause requires national involvement and support, both to help fund our efforts and to participate in calling on elected and appointed leaders to honor commitments to leave no one behind, to make every reasonable effort to return these men to our country and to us, their families and friends.

With the support and action of some very dedicated U.S. officials, we've succeeded far beyond what anyone thought possible when formed in 1970; as of this writing, 834 US personnel have been accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, though much remains to be done.

Beyond our narrow, threefold goal, we have also offered the prospect of final answers to countless thousands of Americans who lost loved ones in earlier wars, setting the bar high on the need to stand behind those who served and sacrificed, and will serve and sacrifice, for our country. Due to the League's efforts, an unprecedented national accounting objective has set the example and now is emulated by other nations seeking answers on their own countrymen who served and never returned.

The League's success was evident most recently in the countless number of ceremonies held across our country and literally around the world to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day, for most on September 19th, the date proclaimed by the President. Most observers would assume by looking at the vast sea of POW/MIA flags across our country that the League receives royalties and therefore has no funding challenges.

Though recognized by the U.S. Congress in law and successive Presidents by proclamation as having originated the POW/MIA flag, the League receives no royalties from their distribution. Though the League spends less than 10% on administrative and fundraising expenses, is a 501[c]3 nonprofit, tax-exempt (FEIN #23-7071242) organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, U.S. flag manufacturers sadly don't even donate a small percentage of their profits to help sustain our efforts.

Our determination to meet the League's longstanding goals has never faltered, despite ups and downs in the attention level of our government and the American people. Some , both in and out of government , mistakenly believe that the League is US Government-funded. That false assumption is sometimes promoted by those making this and other such claims, trying desperately to undercut or destroy our organization. Their efforts have failed.

The reality is that sustaining an office (rent, storage, insurance, salaries, phones, postage, printing, Internet, etc.) in the Washington, DC, area takes money, about $12,000 per month, or $72,000 for six months, an amount that does not include special activities, such as public awareness brochures, delegations to Southeast Asia, and sending speakers around the country. Maintaining a viable presence in our nation's capital is central to the League's ability to represent the POW/MIA families to the Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodians and other foreign officials, as well as Congress, the national media and the Administration. There is no substitute for having our national office, but it can't continue without funds.

These are the facts we face, and this alarming reality is what prompted us to make a heart-wrenching decision. If unable to bring in sufficient funds by the end of this year - December 31, 2008  - to sustain our national office for at least six months, the League as we know it will be dissolved. There will be no other choice.

That is why we are turning to you, the members  families and concerned supporters  to appeal for donations. We know you must share our dismay and concern over the prospect of leaving the fate of our POW/MIAs solely in the hands of US and foreign governments, without the scrutiny and advice that the League has so consistently provided over these many years.

Generous donations are urgently needed, not only from League members, but other concerned citizens and organizations that recognize what the League has done for our country and why the League must continue. There is no organization that has done more to account for our POW/MIAs - unreturned veterans - still missing from the Vietnam War.

The League has generated  and continues to generate  productive results, whether advocating additional resources and personnel for field operations, new facilities, or to garner high level support wherever needed. Also important is our voice to the governments of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with whom we maintain frequent contact. Examples are far too many, and over too many years, to list in this letter, but they are well known to those who care, deal with facts and know the region. Only a lack of funds prevents the League from doing even more to realize our goal.

Additional donations must come now, so please look to yourselves, and spread the word. Ask your friends, churches, businesses, veterans, professional athletes (NASCAR, NHRA, football, basketball & soccer teams) - really all Americans  to help now!

Unless all of you step forward, donate generously yourselves, and ask for help, the League will not be able to continue. We're not giving up without a fight, but we can't do it alone. It is up to you, and we're appealing for your help. There is no more time to wait.

Hopefully and in faith, 

10 To The 100th Veteran Project: Submitted It Was

Google is having a 10 to the 100th Project: ideas to change the world by helping as many people as possible. I submitted my entry, including a 30-second YouTube video. While the odds are great, with a little luck my entry just might make it into the finals. So here for your personal edification is my full entry. Enjoy! And, if my idea should make it into the top 100 (A selection of Google employees will review all the ideas submitted and select 100 for public consideration), I'll let you know in February, 2009, how you can help push it into the top 20!

Google's Project

Google Project 10^100 ( http://www.project10tothe100.com/)

Why this project?

Never in history have so many people had so much information, so many tools at their disposal, so many ways of making good ideas come to life. Yet at the same time, so many people, of all walks of life, could use so much help, in both little ways and big.

In the midst of this, new studies are reinforcing the simple wisdom that beyond a certain very basic level of material wealth, the only thing that increases individual happiness over time is helping other people.

In other words, helping helps everybody, helper and helped alike.

The question is: what would help? And help most?

At Google, we don't believe we have the answers, but we do believe the answers are out there. Maybe in a lab, or a company, or a university -- but maybe not.

Maybe the answer that helps somebody is in your head, in something you've observed, some notion that you've been fiddling with, some small connection you've noticed, some old thing you have seen with new eyes.

If you have an idea that you believe would help somebody, we want to hear about it. We're looking for ideas that help as many people as possible, in any way, and we're committing the funding to launch them. You can submit your ideas and help vote on ideas from others. Final idea selections will be made by an advisory board.

Good luck, and may those who help the most win.

Q: What criteria will be used to select the winning ideas? The following five criteria will be considered by the advisory panel in evaluating and selecting the winning ideas:

1. Reach: How many people would this idea affect?
2. Depth: How deeply are people impacted? How urgent is the need?
3. Attainability: Can this idea be implemented within a year or two?
4. Efficiency: How simple and cost-effective is your idea?
5. Longevity: How long will the idea's impact last?

Served Your Country Now Let Us Serve You... Project

Your idea's name: 

Served Your Country Now Let Us Serve You...

What one sentence best describes your idea? 

Served your country, many benefits exist, yet learning of and getting to these benefits can be daunting - we can help put you on the right track.

Describe your idea in more depth.

Having served your country, your service entitles you to many benefits provided by a variety of public and private sources. Yet the process of learning about and getting to these benefits can be daunting, with the 'directions' you are given often overwhelming and the 'answers' you obtain time and again misleading or downright wrong. The result, many veterans never learn of the benefits to which they are entitled. Or, once known, the veteran throws up their hands in disgust over their inability to cut through the red tape they must deal with.

As a current service-member or a veteran of military service, or as a veteran service officer to help your fellow veteran, using the information made available in the "Let Us Serve" project can efficiently assist you in locating the federal, state, county, and local government, veteran and non-profit organizations, universities, businesses, and (fellow) veteran service officers, all who have a personal interest in helping obtain the benefits the current service-member or veteran deserve, as quickly and as completely as possible.

The demographics of just Nassau and Suffolk counties (New York State) include a population of over 2.7 million that includes over 227,000 veterans (all population data from the 2000 Census), who live in over 295 communities; with over 20 veteran organizations, and; over 60 organizations whose purpose it is to provide services to military service members, veterans, and their families.

The services provided include: Addiction / Gambling; Bereavement Counseling; Children's Services; Educational Services; Emergency / Crisis Care; Emotional Support; Employment / Vocational; Era Specific Illnesses; Family Support; Homelessness; Housing; Military Sexual Trauma; Military Unit Organizations; Nursing Home / Adult Day Care; Social Security Issues; Traumatic Brain Injury; VA Medical Centers; Veteran Specific Services.

What problem or issue does your idea address?

While governmental and private business organizations exist whose function it is to provide military service members and veterans with the variety of benefits military service entitles them to, all too often many of the individuals at these organizations, with whom the service member and veteran have initial contact, are not fully aware of the nature or extent of the benefits their organization offers. Further, military veterans are often very opinionated as to from whom they will turn in order to receive the benefits they and their family need.

Yet there exists a nucleus of veteran advocates who, for the want of easily obtainable accurate and updated information, would be able to guide the veteran in obtaining the knowledge about, and the actual services available to them.

If your idea were to become a reality, who would benefit the most and how?

In the USA (Phase III and IV, see item 15), 8% to 15% of the population has served in the military -- over 26 million individuals. Looking at veteran family-units this increases to 25% to over 33%, or over 70 million, closer to 100 million individuals.

Phase I: Over 227,000 veterans with family units approaching 900,000.

Phase II: Over 1,300,000 veterans - family units approach 5 million.

As to Phase V, the sky is virtually the limit.

The project is designed to benefit US military, veterans, and their families (Phases I through IV) by efficiently and effectively providing benefit information. Eventually, this could be extended to any country who wants to participate (Phase V).

Further, this 'model' could extend into other areas as well. Any instance where everyday people are trying to navigate through an 'institution' that is supposed to help them, but....

What are the initial steps required to get this idea off the ground?

In order for "Served Your Country Now Let Us Serve You..." to get off the ground and become a reality, the initial steps must include the development of a scalable online organizational unit whose functions include the ability to identify and compile a managed, searchable resource for those who will use it services and of those who will provide the services.

This online organizational unit must be kept free from the 'overhead' that prevents the lack-of-understanding of services available and miss-information concerning for whom the services are available that plagues many existing hard-asset sources.

Looking at the USA, existing services are available at the hamlet or community level, the Town or aggregated community level, the County level (in Alaska it's Boroughs, in Louisiana it's Parishes), the Cross/Multi-County level, the sub-state Local Regional level, the State level, the Multi-State or National Regional level, and the National level.

Describe the optimal outcome should your idea be selected and successfully implemented. How would you measure it?

The optimal outcome, and its measure of success, would be the achievement of the initial four phases, followed by phase five.

Phase I: the development of online resources to provide 'services' at the community, Town, County, and the Cross/Multi-County levels for Nassau and Suffolk counties New York.

Phase II: Based on the positive results of Phase I, Phase II would include the development of additional Phase I sets throughout New York State and the expansion of Phase I sets within New York to include the sub-state Local Regional and the State level sets.

Phase III is the development of Phase I and II sets, in other states of the United States of America.

Phase IV is the development of the Multi-State and National Regional level sets, and the development of a National level set of resources.

Phase V, other countries.

You may also submit 1 YouTube video (max 30 seconds long) explaining your project. 

"As a veteran who has health issues as a result of my service in Vietnam, I am all to aware of the difficulties facing others as they attempt to obtain answers to even the simplest of benefit related questions. As a veteran service officer my own experiences help provide those missing answers to others. If only I had the information from this project available to me, when my benefit journey began."

If you'd like to recommend a specific organization, or the ideal type of organization, to execute your plan, please do so here.

Veterans Health Alliance Of Long Island (Phase I) is comprised of representatives from state and county government, the VA, veterans organizations, mental health and substance abuse providers, universities, and business who have a personal interest in supporting Long Island veterans through advocacy, and a broad array of services.

This Week's Almost Not Commented on Story

-- Shredding Our Confidence in the VA... Ya Think.

NEW VA FIGURES SHOW NATIONWIDE PROBLEM WITH SHREDDING CRITICAL DOCUMENTS -- VA finds hundreds of documents critical to veterans' claims in shredder bins across the country. From Rep. Bob Filner (CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs: "These guys remind me of the Keystone Cops!" "We will have [a hearing] during the week of November 17th: Shredding Our Confidence in the VA"

My Hicksville Trivia

Circa 1963, Trinity Evangelic Lutheran Church Missouri Synod on West Nicholai Street. Remember its youth organization called the Walther League?  The Walther League had roots that go back to the 1840s, and was named in honor of C.F.W. Walther, the first President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, who one time told a seminary class, "You cannot use your time to better advantage than by serving well the young people of the congregation!" During the same period, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Stephen, on Broadway just south of Old Country Road and Robert's Chevrolet, had a similar youth organization called the Luther League. The Luther League began with a local society founded by delegates of six Lutheran church societies in New York City in 1888. Both leagues held activities that were well attended by Hicksville High School members throughout the 1960s.

Lest We Forget

 Currently there are (at least) 5,196 (32 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

You might have loved them as I did or hated them, but here it is the 1965 Junior & Senior High lunch menu. It will either bring back fond memories or waves of nausea.

Menu from John Ebbecke

Bon Appetit

Bill Hackmack 66

In Memoria

HICKSVILLE TIDBITS NOVEMBER 2008

Hicksville High School Student Government Honors 9/11

George Gerald Howard

Following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, the Hicksville Newsletter did a special story about George Howard. His heroic act on two separate occasions resulted in the saving of many lives. Tragically, though, his efforts cost him his life.

We go back to 1993 when terrorists attacked the Trade Center the first time and explosions rocked the parking area beneath the Trade Center. George Howard, a Port Authority of New York/New Jersey police officer was off duty. When George heard about the explosions, he raced into the city. He rappelled down an elevator shaft to rescue more than 60 students and teachers. For this heroic act, George received a Medal of Valor.

Another day off and more heroics on 9/11. George, assigned to the JFK Airport Emergency Service Unit, rushed again to the city and was one of the first rescuers on the scene. He was killed inside the World Trade Center by falling debris trying to save the lives of others.

George was a volunteer with the Hicksville Fire Department. Many awards have been given posthumously to Mr. Howard over the years. A most fitting award for George, given recently at a dedication on October 12 at Fire Station 3, is the renaming of West John Street from Newbridge Road to Strong Street. The new name is "P.O. George Howard Way."

Many friends and family attended the dedication ceremony.

Flu & Pneumonia Shots Available To Seniors

Seniors are especially vulnerable to flu and pneumonia and are encouraged to get immunizations past the age of 60.

The Town of Oyster Bay along with the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs and the Nassau Health Care Corporation are offering immunizations. This is at no expense to persons 65 years and older.

Locations and dates for immunizations follows:

• Wednesday, November 5th: Town of Oyster Bay, Syosset Woodbury Park Community Center, 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury from 9am to Noon. Register by calling 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.
• Friday, November 7th: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale from 9am to Noon. Register by calling 797-7940 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
• Thursday, November 13th: Hicksville Public Schools; VFW Hall, 320 Broadway, Hicksville from 9am to Noon. Register Monday thru Friday from 9am to 1pm at the VFW Hall; or at the Hicksville Public Library Monday thru Thursday from 9am to 9pm; Friday from 9am to 7pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; or, Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

You can also register at the Gregory Museum Tuesday thru Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm; or Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Monday, November 17th: Glen Head Community Center, 200 Glen Head Road, Glen Head from Noon to 3pm. Call 797-7940 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Wednesday, November 19th: Marjorie R. Post Community Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads, Massapequa from 9am to Noon. Call 797-7940 or visit https://www.oysterbaytown.com.

Thursday, November 20th: Town of Oyster Bay, Shepherd Hill Housing, 115 Central Park Road, Plainview from 2pm to 5pm. Call 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.

Tuesday, November 25th: Town of Oyster Bay, Willim P. Bennett Community Center, 28 West Carol Street, Hicksville, from Noon to 3pm. Call 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.

Tuesday, December 2nd: Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. For more information, call 931-3907 or register in person Monday thru Friday from 9:30am to 9:00pm.

Thursday, December 11th: North Albany Avenue Community Center, 214 North Albany Avenue, North Massapequa from 9am to Noon.

Town of Oyster Bay Hosts September 11 Memorial Service

Tobay Beach was the site of the September 11, 2008 Memorial Service honoring those Oyster Bay residents who lost their lives on 9/11.

The memorial located on the bay side of Tobay Beach is in direct line of sight to where the twin towers once stood, Venditto said. Town supervisor Venditto addressed the audience at the ceremony. Venditto also mentioned the fact that a steel beam, recovered from the trade center, is part of the memorial.

The monument is inscribed with the names of Oyster Bay residents who were killed in the trade center terrorist attack.

Museum To Recognize Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

The Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center on Museum Row in Uniondale will honor the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The fund established in 2002 is in memory of Terry Farrell and was designed to help support the needs of firefighters and their families across the nation. The needs addressed deal with education, medical and equipment.

The fund has assisted so many families over the past six years. The Farrell family has turned a terrible tragedy into something positive, and we are grateful for all their efforts within the firefighting community.

Demolition of Hicksville Parking Garage is Underway

The aging parking garage on Newbridge Road near the Hicksville train station is being demolished. Awhile back, we printed an article that showed the need to close the facility was created due to stress cracks found in the foundation.

The company that is doing the demolition had to make concessions to the town. This was necessary because the well being of area residents had to be taken into consideration.

One major concern was the hours of operation. The contractor wanted six days a week, ten hours per day. The hours are limited to five days a week for eight hours per day.

The parking garage was boarded and enveloped in construction wrapping before work began to reduce noise and dust.

To limit dust, state of the art misting machines have been placed around the site.

Seismic monitors have been placed around the site to detect excessive vibration. Should this occur, the site would be shut down until vibration issues have been addressed.

There are numerous additional restrictions that were established to assuage the fears of those living in the neighborhood.

Hicksville High School Students Excel

See photos below of students who have distinguished themselves.

HICKSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW STAFF

Many Thanks to Walter Schmidt for the humor this month!!!

Two women were at a bar.

One looked at the other and said, "You know, 80 percent of all men think the best way to end an argument is to make love."

"Well," said the other woman," that will certainly revolutionize the game of hockey!"

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.

The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?'

The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.'\

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?'

INTERESTING QUESTIONS

(Answers are below - no peeking!!)

1. What do grizzly bears feast on at Yellowstone National Park just prior to their period of hibernation?
   A) Salmon B) Moths C) Tree Bark D) Surrounding Vegetation
2. What prescription drug is currently being used to combat lung disorders in children?
   A) Flomax B) Altace C) Plavix D) Viagra
3. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
   A) A gun shop B) Their birth place C) Police Station D) A 7/11 Store
4. What is the most requested boat name?
   A) Obsession B) Sea Monkey C) R&R D) Neptune
5. What do 100% of All Lottery Winners do?
   A) Gain Weight B) Quit their jobs C) Go on vacation D) Nothing
6. In a recent survey, Americans revealed that this was their favorite smell?
   A) Chocolate B) Vanilla C) Banana D) New Car Smell E) Burning Rubber
7. Which is the only food that does not spoil?
   A) Honey B) White Chocolate C) Peanuts D) Rice
8. What's unique about the Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby?"
   A) It's about Ringo's mother B) The Beatles did not play a single note in that song C) John played every instrument in that song D) It was recorded in Paul's basement
9. David Bowie decided not to use his real name because
   A) Davy Jones of the Monkees was popular first B) Davy Crockett was a hero who died at the Alamo C) Elton John stole his name D) Bowie was the name of a knife
10. When he's not acting, Dan Aykroyd spends a great deal of time studying what?
    A) Shakespeare B) Paranormal Phenomenon C) Baseball Statistics D) World Politics