October 2008 : Volume 9 - Issue 1

Happy Birthday To Us! HIXNEWS starts its 9th Year

A Tribute to Holly Horton.

The untimely death of Holly Horton in 2000 saddened our hearts. She was a very spirited person who enjoyed life and enriched those she touched with unselfish commitment. Holly was instrumental in bringing Hicksville High School together again just prior to a mega reunion, organized by Anton Mure and Rich Delia that was attended by a wide variety of alumni in September of 2000. Holly authored a mailing list that she put onto a website. Her updates of names and addresses were eagerly anticipated and were augmented with tidbits of trivia that was the result of feedback from others. She put up special photographs that we all enjoyed. That effort united a wide bracket of HHS students. She did this because she wanted to give back special moments to others by providing a source that could be accessed by all of us. The only thing missing from that reunion was Holly herself who looked forward, with obvious anticipation, at the prospect of seeing some old friends and sharing remembrances of times past. It was several days prior to the reunion when an uncontrollable asthma attack ended her life; a tragedy in itself for a person who battled this malady all her life just to survive.

A fitting way to pay respect to Holly was to continue what she started. That challenge was accepted by Pat Koziuk Driscoll (Class of 1956) and Linda Piccerelli Hayden (Class of 1960). They have done this out of respect for Holly but also because they see the enjoyment others realize from their effort. It's a way to introduce coming events; such as reunions for various classes. It's an avenue for contacting friends and sharing information that we all treasure. We have the capacity to put up pictures at various web sites for all of us to enjoy. In other words, the newsletter is a perfect vehicle for keeping people apprised of "what's happening!"

I want to personally say'THANKS" to Pat and Linda for all that you do for me and for the alumni of Hicksville High School.

Bob Casale, Class of 1961

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Homecoming Is October 18. Alumni'60-'62?
Join Us For A Special Celebration!

Homecoming this year is October 18^th. We are trying to get as many alumni from 1960-1961-1962 together for just one day and we will use homecoming as that day. We can meet earlier and go as a group or we can try to set up an area at the field where we can gather. We have an option of going to the Sweet Shop after the game or maybe go to Wickers for an early dinner. We can go somewhere and have a drink after the game. This is a solicitation for any one interested in spending a day celebrating those days when we were younger and actually able to play football or heading to school to support our team.

Please let us know your thoughts. Contact Bob Casale at 516-681-2279 or 516-495-4354. You can call Dennis Naso at 631-828-6912.

Thanks and please let us know.

Warm Regards,
Bob Casale amp; Dennis Naso

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Class of'58 Reunion A Success, Lots Of Fun Too!

What a weekend! The Class of'58 celebrated its 50th reunion with three days of events starting Friday afternoon, September 19 and ending Sunday, September 21, with a brunch. And did we have fun! Friday, Hicksville High School opened its doors and hearts to our class, with a reception and tours led by members of the National Honor Society. About 40 members of our class were able to make the afternoon event. The old school still looks great! It's bigger, but beautifully maintained, so much so that it was easy to imagine yourself back in the 50s.

The District went all-out in welcoming the class, with Superintendent Maureen Bright and principal Brijinder Singh on hand to bring us up-to-date on the school, its programs, and students. (Hicksville High School now draws its students from several dozen countries. This fall, Mandarin Chinese was added to the language program!) The Class of'58 was honored to present the school with the first of two checks, $2,500, to which another $1,000 is being added, money that will be used to fund a project of long-term importance, the Superintendent said. Class members each received folders (black and orange, of course), a pennant and bumper sticker and a chance to sample the wonderful assortment of cakes and cookies and punch before and after the tours. Later, class members gathered at the Holiday Inn for some pre-dinner cocktails and conversation and returned later for dancing and more chit-chat.

On Saturday, more than 130 people, nearly 90 of them members of our class, gathered for a delightful evening of food, 50's music, and fun. Highlights included a fun awards ceremony (see photos), a Power Point show created by classmate Jeff Vogel, and a movie of our actual graduation ceremony. The food and service at the Holiday Inn were great. The room was decorated with black and orange balloons on each table, and a display of Class memorabilia added to the fun. After dinner, but before dessert, the DJ turned up the music and the room emptied onto the dance floor for a turn at rockin' and rollin'! And when "New York, New York" was played, it signaled an impromptu kick-line! A professional photographer snapped a photo of the class, which we expect to receive in a few weeks.

Everyone who attended received a specially-created CD that included a 78 page Class Directory with photos, names and addresses and e-mail addresses plus personal biographies about the last 50 years. The CD also includes a geographical breakdown of the class, by state and city and a map; the complete Comet'58 Yearbook; the entire power point show; and the graduation film footage. On Sunday morning, about 50 people gathered for brunch in the Holiday Inn dining area, trading stories, addresses and memories before leaving for home.

Here's a sampling of the event. For a complete look at all the photos, go to http://hix58reunion.com.

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Dear Alumni

This is just a reminder to all that we have photo albums available for viewing that are a click away. If you go to the LINKS Page, there is a section with the heading PHOTOS. What you see is shown below....click on the below hyperlink highlighted in blue, you can then view Pat Koziuk's albums with photos of the class of 1956 and Hicksville, as it looks today.
http://community.webshots.com/user/Koziuk

Bob just finished loading some pictures from the 1956 fifty year reunion...click on the below hyperlink and you can view those photos...
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/566800982RicRON

If you click on the first picture of the school, the picture appears in a larger frame. Scroll down to the bottom of that picture and you will see a tool bar. If you click on the fourth item from the left, that will take you to a slide show of the reunion.

Additionally, we just finished downloading 53 pictures of the 50 year reunion for the class of 1955 that was held in October of 2005. To view this album, click on the below link...
http://community.webshots.com/user/robertcasale
Then select the reunion of'55 album that is highlighted with a banner that says Welcome HHS Class of 1955 in orange. When you select that album, click on the first picture and a larger version appears in the frame. Look to the bottom of that picture and you will see a tool bar. If you click on the fourth item from the left, that will take you to a slide show of the reunion.

There are other albums available...click on the below hyperlink and you can choose whatever album you want to see. We are in the process of loading more albums to this site.
http://community.webshots.com/user/robertcasale

Enjoy.
Warm Regards,
The Editors

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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

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People Looking for People

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The Newsletter

HelloWould you please add http://www.hicksvillefd.com to the links? Some find it interesting to read.

Thanks,
Commissioner Charley Hearon (71)

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I would like to thank all of you for keeping this website alive. I look forward to reading the latest news every month. I would also like to say to Tom Sullivan, "Do you remember the night at the White Brick Inn when you got up on Jordan's shoulders and played?

Richard Weick, '65

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Just wanted to say hello to all my classmates...and especially those in the class of 1959.

Are we going to have a reunion next year.

luv yah,
Jeanette Martello Lupis, Class of '59

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Hello editors,

I really enjoy reading the Hicksville News letter every month. It certainly brings back memories. Several months ago some one mentioned that there were only two bakeries in Hicksville.

They asked can you name the two bakeries. Well there were three according to my brother Lenny that still lives in Bayshore. Do either of you recall their names?

The answer is Baronburgs(Sp), Just Right, and the Broadway Bakery, 83 N Broadway, that our family owned from the early 30's to 1955. The widening of Broadway helped in closing the store and apartment building.

Thanks for all that you do,
Ray Feierstein, class of'63
Oro Valley, Arizona

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Realizing that this is many years back, I would still like to hear from any friends and, especially, classmates from the late 30's to the late 40's These would be friends and fellow students of my brothers and me; Samuel Levitt '42, Eugene Levitt '44 and my late brother, Milton Levitt '49. Anyone who recognizes these names can get in touch with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Whoever you may be would remember us as the sons of Eva and Ben Levitt who operated a saddlery, harness shop, and auto upholstery business at 66 North Broadway, Hicksville.Thank you in advance,

Sam Levitt,
Great Neck, New York.

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Hi folks,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I saw the note from Lauren Gonzalez (Block) about Hope Lambert and although my memory is awful, the name brought back some nice feelings and I went right to the yearbook. Hope graduated in 1969, same class as me. I remembered her as being so beautiful and when I looked up her photo in the yearbook, I immediately recognized her. We didn't really travel in the same circles - she hung with the prom crowd and I was with the chorus/band nerds. But we must have had classes in common because I do remember her so well. I was so sorry to hear that she was in ill health. Please feel free to give Lauren my e-mail address. If she wants, I can scan Hope's yearbook picture and send it to her.

Thanks and take care.
Tina (Gardner) Kwiatkowski ('69)

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This summer while visiting our children from our home in Ocala, FL my husband and I returned to my old neighborhood in Hicksville. We visited East St. School, Woodland Ave. School and well as the Jr. High and Hicksville High School. The old neighborhood is the Hillside Terrace development. I was delighted to see how well it had held up. I would love to be in touch with some of my former neighbors from that area. Where are the Cocolichio brothers, Mike and Vinnie? Also does anyone know the whereabouts of Richie Ollins and Tommy Sak? I enjoy the newsletter every month. Keep up the good work.

Sandy Sandler Wolfe, Class of 1960

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Hi Buffalo Bob et al., I posted your photo of the tornado near Hicksville, along with a quote of your description, which appeared in the September Alumni News. Of course I included links to the Alumni News and appropriate attribution.

My blog "Remembrance in Spacetime" is at the URL: http://hl98.blogspot.com. Best wishes,
Henry Lichtenstein, '59

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Dear Editors of Hixnews,

I hope you can help me, I am a graduate of the class of 1975 and I lost my yearbook and my diploma do you know where I could get a copy of these and how much they would cost? I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks a lot
Cathy (Rowan) Doll class of 75

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To Buffalo Bob and all the crew at hixnews,

I've been following the news for a couple of years now and thought it might be fun to reach out and see how some of the old crowd are doing now that I'm 63 and class of '63 (funny how those numbers work). I really enjoyed that piece you guys did on the old Farmers Market. That really brought back some memories. I've been living in Santa Fe, NM for 8 years and working for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe taking care of the finances and project management for the mother church, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Before that I spent 22 years in NJ working for AT amp;T (20 yrs) and Oracle Corp (2 yrs). I was on active duty for 11 years (1967 - 1978) flying in the Navy based out of San Diego, and 15 years flying out of Willow Grove, PA with the reserves. Just wanted to let some old friends know I'm still alive and kicking. It would be nice to hear how they're all doing. Some of the names I remember: Tony amp; Frank DeCillis, Vinny De Stefano, Billy Bean, Ronnie Careaga, Gene Ferrara, Joey Barna, Bobby Lenguenis, Bobby Rzeszut, Ronnie Kenefick, Bob De Saro, Howie Hamm, Barbara Creegan, Caroline Woods, June Fife, Ginny Metaxis, John Foley, Artie DeRoy, Sal Mistretta, Artie Cohen, Tony Baglio, Jay Tranchina (and sisters Loretta and Cathy).

Jim Cutropia, '63

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Does anyone know what happened to Bob Jones from the class of 72? He lived on Froelich Farm Blvd. He had an older sister and a younger brother.

Vicki Mass, '72

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Thanks to my HJHS buddy, Bill Dylewski, who steered me to the Hicks site I offer the information below. Bill and I still stay in touch over all these years and still have good laughs about our Hicksville escapades.

Will bookmark Hicks site and check-in every so often. Good work creators and editors! Harry Butcher class of '62, birthday 09/04, has been living in Atlanta GA since 1978. Worked for Avon Products Inc. for 40 years as mid-level exec until retirement in September 2006. Do part-time consulting work in Japan for them since.

Will be married to Janet McMenamin (also HHS class of 1962, birthday 09/01) 44 years on February 20, 2009. She is still working, VP Administration for Jackson Healthcare Company. 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren.

Thank you
Harry Butcher
(HHS Class of 1962)

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My name is Joe Barna, class of '63. Please add my site to your list of business and sites of interests.

We are an actor headshot lab. We reproduce and retouch headshots, create postcards, compcards and business cards.

Thank You. www.colorworksnyc.com

Sincerely
Joe Barna Colorworks
55 West 39th Street, Suite 706
(212) 382.2825
http://www.colorworksnyc.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmaxnyc

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It is our senior year, l956, New High School. My Dad let me have the car to drive to school that day. (Big Shot) Well at lunch time my friends and I went out to lunch, a no no....... Arriving back at school we are slightly late... Barb, Peggy, amp;Loretta bail out. I have to park the car. I do same. Get into the building and I am running down the hall (top speed) turn into the front hall and slam right into Miss Farley. When I say SLAM, I am not kidding. I sent her flying, her cane went one way and the loudspeaker went the other. I then ended up in Mr. Horn's office. Believe it or not I talked my way out of it. It was a hell of long time before we went out to lunch again. Thought this would give all who knew Miss Farley a chuckle.

God Bless,
Kay (Iller) Byrne, '56

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Matthew A. Bruckner, class of 1996, is participating in a 100 mile bicycle ride in NYC to raise funds for M.S. I hope that our alumni would be interested in sponsoring Matthew.

MS Matthew Bruckner donation/sponsor page.

Thanks!
Matt's Mom (Paula)

Dear Friends and Family,

On Sunday, October 5, 2008, I will join 5,000 cyclists participating in the 24th annual Bike MS New York City. I will ride 100 miles to raise money for the National MS Society. This year's goal is to raise $3 million and I want to do my part to reach that goal. To make a donation, you can simply click on the link above.

I've never ridden 100 miles before and I bet a lot of you have never donated money to benefit MS research. We can both try something new. I'm hoping to get as little as a $0.10/mile donation from ya'll. That's only $10 (or less if I don't make it).

Many thanks in advance for your generous support.

Warmest regards,
Matt

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Hi, I lost my 1974 yearbook in a house fire is there anyone who miraculously has an extra? How ridiculous does that sound?

June (Lauer) Henley

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Reading Frank Scarangella's comments about Mabel Farley bring back so many fond memories of HHS. On one occasion we boys on the school bus were squirting the girls during the ride to school. Later that day I and others from the bus were called to Farley's office and our water pistols were confiscated. There was no resistance. She had a safe in her office. When she opened the safe to put our pistols in, a bunch of pistols fell out. I will never forget that day.

Denis Rossi '53

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I want to thank HixNews for locating someone that knew where my brother was and I want to thank that person too. I have since heard from my brother after 36 years. We are now in touch with each other. So thanks again.

Jackie (Reeder) DiBlasi, '57

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Dear Editors,

Thank you so much for posting my email. I was wondering if you could post one last thing for me. I am looking for Joyce Lieberman who was friends with my mother Hope Lambert, class of 1969. I think she also had a twin sister?? Not sure of her name. I would love to speak with them about my mother, Hope.

Lauren Gonzalez

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Bob:

I can't express the surprise when I opened the E mail to find the year book picture of me and Tom. Yes that is the same Tom Murphy that we went to school with in Hicksville.

Now let me try and put 48 years into a few paragraphs. Feel free to edit, shorten or throw away, as you deem necessary.

Tom and I were married in 1964 and have three grown children and five grandchildren. We currently live in Hauppauge, NY.

Tom joined the Suffolk County Police Department in 1965 and retired in July 2000. He had an interesting and varied career during his 35 years. Early on he spent four years working undercover with the Narcotics Squad. Later in his career he spent time as Commanding Officer of the Homicide Squad, Major Crimes Bureau and was Incident Commander at the TWA 800 crash site. When he retired he held the position 'Chief of Detectives.'

Our three children are all members of the Suffolk County Police Department. Our oldest, Michael is a Lieutenant, married and has three boys. Next is James who is Detective/Sergeant, married and he has a boy and girl. Last but not least is daughter, Debra, who has been a Police Officer for four years with nine years prior experience as a police dispatcher.

Tom said that I had the hard career. I was a 'stay at home Mom' taking care of the house and, more importantly, helping our three children overcome the everyday problems of growing up.

My hobby (Tom says it is a passion) is Genealogy, in particular Family history research. I have attended numerous seminars and conferences on genealogy research. At the present time I volunteer at the Family History Library in Plainview. If anyone is doing their family history and has a problem I would be happy to help. Tom amp; I enjoy traveling throughout our Country on our motorcycle. We have traveled over 340,000 miles in the last 30 years visiting 46 states.

Barbara (Mathews) and Tom Murphy

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I received the following from Lillian Manzo Ramirez, class of '61

I will never forget where I was when I realized what was happening...I was doing my morning thing...flipping on the computer and heading to the kitchen to make coffee...then back to the screen to meet the day...As I gazed at the screen my first thought was what a nutty new movie to have planes flying into the towers...then I turned on my radio and in total disbelief I looked back at my computer...listening to what I could not begin to comprehend. I thought of the first time I went to Windows on the World, the hours and hours I had spent there with friends and then Annie came screaming into my heart and mind...my dear friend, roommate and confidant for years. I grabbed my phone only to get busy, I called her sister busy and then in sheer panic dialed her Mom in Florida...no answer. I watched as people were running up Fifth Avenue, hoping to see Annie...I just could not get my mind around what I was seeing....To this day, I will never forget the shock, the emptiness, the pain and the horror of those first moments.

This year, I will honor my friends who died that horrible day by remembering the joy each and everyone of them brought into my life! Laughter and smiles from another time and place...it is the very least I can do...and maybe, just maybe they will see me smile as I blow them a kiss from this place they once knew as earth.
May God bless and keep each one of you safe...

Best regards,
MARY ANN MONACO

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I sent the following note to Lillian...

Lillian...

Thanks for forwarding this to me. Who is Mary Ann Monaco. The name sounds familiar but I cannot place it. Can we use this in the newsletter? Please advise.

Love
Buffalo Bob Casale

I received the following note from Lillian...

Hi Bob - Mary Ann is a good friend I met in AZ. She was originally from Connecticut, so I don't think you know her??? By all means use this for the newsletter. Hope all is well in Hicksville. I was back briefly in July, as my Dad passed away (he was living in AZ) so you can't imagine the problems trying to have him transported from here to there???? The different laws that apply from state to state.....makes you wonder if we are "the United States of America". At times through the 5 day ordeal just to get him on a plane from here. It was like we weren't in America. Anyway, we muddled through it and he is at peace with my Mom. He was 93.

Lillian

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Hi all,

Please add my e-mail address to your newsletter mailing list. My name is Kathy Millevolte of class 1960. I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin and recently retired from the Green Bay Police Department. I know I'll enjoy the news from Hicksville. I got your address from Ann (Carmody) Burley who recently visited me. We hadn't seen each other for about 12 years and had a wonderful time! I'd love to get in touch with some other former classmates also. Thanks for having the newsletter and I look forward to reading them.

Kathy

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I think that JOE INGINO should be inducted into THE HALL OF FAME. He is a man who has given his heart and soul to his country and everyone he has meet along the way. He is also involved in many organizations that help the veterans and their families; A TRUE HERO.

Betty Pilero, 1969

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Another year and another generation begins, 1st Class:

Susan and Robert McCotter (classes of 63 amp; 62) are now the grandparents of their son Steven's first born son!

Liam Tracey came into this world on September 4th, 2008. Steven is Rob and Susan's only born son. Only time will tell if other grandsons will follow. Rob already had another first grandson, Jacob (Jake), by his second son, JR (James Robert). That's, two first grandsons for Rob. Rob and both his grandson's have the honor of being their father's first born sons. The name Liam is Gaelic for William which is Rob's father's given name.

The McCotter bloodline is strong, ongoing and clearly intertwined.

Susan of Brookfield (Sue Gray'63)

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I have known JOE INGINO from childhood. He was a great human being back then, to this day he a PERSON WHO HAS SERVED HIS COUNTRY IN TIME OF WAR, continues to help others by donating his time to all kinds of support organizations. HE IS A TRUE HERO.

FROM DANNY PILERO

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(I am) looking for an email address for Thomas Larkin class of 1964. His brother, Harry (Nick) class of '59 is seriously ill with cancerous brain tumor. They had a falling out some time ago and of course, time is now precious. Carl Probst and I are trying to locate him for Harry and his wife Diane. I see he is signed up at classmates and tried to send email through them but don't know if he received it or if he will be able to read it.

Thanks for your help and hi Bob,
Joyce Clements Anglim class of '59

UPDATE: We were able to locate Tom Larkin, class of 63. Harry (Nick), class of 59, is in bad shape; malignant tumor on the left side of the brain. Joyce Clements Anglim may have contacted you for search help. Won't be needed now but thank you anyway. In the memoriam section please note Robert Wilson and Robert Zeltmann, both class of 1959.

Thank you,
Carl Probst, class of 59

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As some of you already know, I'm writing a book about when I was stationed at West Point from '65-'68... revolving around how I was tapped to start the first rock group at West Point (and, we think, the first "official" rock in the Army...) Myself and three other HHS grads, Carolyn Wood '63 (my ex-wife), Bill Jordan '63, and Jimmy Walker '65 became the nucleus of the band... the story of how Walker amp; Jordan's orders were changed from Infantry to rock band members is the crux of the plot, but how the great music of the period helped define everyone's memories of those years is a major thread throughout the narrative.

From '66-'68 the cadets were dancing to many of the songs at the link as played by us and I've recently heard from dozens of cadet alumni about how important a part of their lives the music was.

Tommy Sullivan, '63

I sent a note to the 'contact' on the website featured on our Vets page this month. Here is the reply:

Great!

You know...many of the men from the 50th Infantry who served in Vietnam with us are not Computer types. Your thought and subsequent posting of our website might catch an eye of someone we'd love to find!

Thanks again,
Jim Sheppard
Association Historian/Webmaster

Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll

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Hi,

My name is Mike Carter. I should have graduated in '58 I believe. Instead, dropped out and worked in a transmission shop near Grumman aircraft. I joined the Navy in late '59 and retired in '80. I was looking at names listed on your Vietnam memorial site. Some I remember, but one really caught my attention: Robert Rausch USAF KIA. Do any of the readers out there know if Robert was also known as 'Birdy'? May he rest in peace. Please put me on your list.

Thank you,
Mike Carter

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The year mighta been '55 or '56. Al Nicolini and I decided we were gonna play hooky and do some fishing. I think the ultimate destination was Oyster Bay. We were trudging along the 2 lane (at that time) totin' our fishing gear. We were just outside of Hicksville but not yet to Syosset Only a few vehicles had passed, with none willing to pick up two miscreant hitch hikers. We walked a ways and I heard a car approaching (I think I remember a light green 53 0r 54 Chevy) as I turned and stuck my thumb out I said "geez Al, that looks like Galloway's Chevy. It WAS Leon J. Galloway wearing that fedora he always wore. Mr. Galloway absolutely recognized us and was so kind as to give us a ride directly to school. It turns out he was on his way to some luncheon/meeting at a fancy restaurant in, or near Syosset. So much for our poorly planned fishin' trip. Funny....I also remember Mr. Chittenden (truant officer) also had a light green vehicle in the form of a 54 Pontiac. Man....I have dozens of stories. Most of 'em started out wrong and ended in disaster. Anyone remember the name of that restaurant that was in or very near Syosset? It was very 'countryclubbish.'

Thanks for the memories,
Mike Carter

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I am pleased to add my name to the recent number of HHS graduates, who have supported Tom Halley's (Class of '56) nomination of Miss Mabel Farley for induction into the Hall of Fame. During my senior year as a member of the Class of '49, I applied to Villanova University for admission to their School of Engineering. Much to my chagrin, I was not accepted because I had not completed certain prerequisite high school courses, in part, as a result of my having graduated after only spending a limited time of three amp; a half years in school.

After presenting my dilemma to Miss Farley, she granted my request to return to HHS for a postgraduate year for completion of an additional year of math, science and 2 years of a modern language. I had no problem with the math amp; science courses; however, taking both French 1A amp; 1B classes simultaneously presented a new problem for me.... when I failed French 1B. Of course, our dedicated French teacher, Miss Burt, disapproved my advancement to French 2A amp; 2B classes because I had failed French 1B.

I petitioned Miss Farley to make an exception in my case, since the alternative decision would render my postgraduate year of studies fruitless. She mercifully granted my wish, along with her admonition that obtaining credit for 2 years of French, would be predicated on my ability to pass the State Regents final exam as prescribed for French 2B. I am pleased to relate that I passed my math amp; science courses and received a final grade somewhere in the 80's for French 2B....receiving congratulations from both Miss Farley and Miss Burt (who devoted much of her free time to tutoring me for that final exam).

This having been said, I enrolled in the School of Engineering at Villanova in the fall of 1950 and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 1954. I went on to enjoy a successful career as an Engineer and General Building Contractor in California. In addition, it was my good fortune to have first met my late wife, Mary Donovan (Class of '52), when we temporarily shared a textbook in French class.

Looking back on my final year at HHS, I feel compelled to declare that I will be forever indebted to Miss Farley for enabling me to successfully pursue my educational goals back in 1949 and 1950. I am sure that there are countless students who attended HHS during Miss Farley's tenure as Principal, who share the esteem that I felt for her, based on their own personal experiences.

I submit that Miss Mabel Farley's entitlement for induction into the Hicksville High School Hall of Fame is beyond any question or doubt.

Tom Fellenz, Class of '49

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Patty and Ray's Story

Many, many years ago, times were much different than today.......life was simpler, people were kinder to one another and lives could be lived in a peaceful, stress free manner and it was a wonderful time to be a teenager....that's where this story begins.

There was a pretty young teenage gal enjoying all the typical teenage activities of the day...school, hanging out with friends and flirting with the young fellas. This young girl met a young man who was not only strikingly handsome but had "wheels" and was so fun to be with.....he had it all. He and this young girl dated and before she knew what was happening, she fell head over heels for him. They had many wonderful years together until their life was interrupted....her family moved to another state and he enlisted in the Army.

Time and separation, unfortunately, hurt their relationship. Although she loved her young man very much, she thought it was time for them to go their separate ways. He went on to marry and have a family. She did, as well.

Their paths did not cross again for 50 years. Both were now retired, living in different states and happily married to others. Both of the once young lovers had been through many ups and downs in their respective lives...both good times and bad.

One day, as if it were meant to be, the now mature woman saw her teenage beau's name listed on a High School Alumni list. She had carried him in her heart for the past 50 years and had always hoped to know how he was, had he accomplished all he had planned to do and was he happy.

A note was sent off to him not knowing if he would want to respond, but he did. The re-connection was made! They began a dialog after all those years and for the "young girl", it was like time had stood still.

The thought of being able to talk to him again and ask how he was became an over-whelming experience. Here she was able to talk to her 1st love...through the years, she had never met another to equal the likes of her young teenage beau. The first time she heard his voice, she again was unable to speak as that voice was the same as she had dreamed about for years.

Several weeks were spent catching up on their lives and our young gal was happy to know that the young man had done well, he was professionally successful, owned lovely homes and was living a full busy life.

She had married a wonderful man who was lovingly seeing her through a progressive medical problem.

Now, if you're a "romantic", this story will not have a happy ending but it does prove that true love can last forever when it is felt as..."love from the heart, even though you're apart". If you're a "realist", you'll be happy for the young gal who was able to get the answers to the questions that had haunted her for years.

The story has now been told......I know, because I was the young girl.

Hopefully, you enjoyed the story of Patty Bryan Carstons and Ray Babinski.

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What a great nostalgic look at the old HVFD Engine Company#7 Pumper truck. I was a member of HVFD in the '64-'65 time period. At the time I lived in an upstairs apartment at 92 East Marie Street. When the fire alarm sounded I would run to the fire house and jump into Chemical Pumper truck Company #3. It was quite a rush for a 19-20 year old driving a fire truck, all siren and lights, around the streets of Hicksville. Unfortunately a change of jobs forced me to move away, so my time with HVFD was short lived. They were, and I am sure still are, a great group of folks. I have some fond memories for the rest of my life. I did go on to be a volunteer EMT for 7 more years in Upstate NY and New Jersey as corporate moves had me moving around some.

On a different subject; Janet McMenamin (class of '62) and I have been married for 43+ years now. We have 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren. I am semi-retired from Avon Products after 40 years, but still do some consulting for them in Japan from time to time. Janet is the Vice President of Administration for Jackson Healthcare (a 400 million $ firm) headquartered in Atlanta where we have been living since 1978.

I keep in touch with Bill Dylewski (class of '62) via phone and an occasional trip to San Diego.

I enjoy the site. Keep up the fine work.

Harry Butcher (class of '62)

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My family moved to Hicksville at the start of my sophomore year, the first year in the new Hicksville High School. My first memory was the fact that we (there were other students on my street) had to walk to school. We walked through the empty lots and over the railroad tracks. If we had walked on the streets, it would have been a little over 2 miles. We convinced the school district that they measured "as the crow flies", not as we had to walk, so they had a school bus come to our area. There was something about it was only a mile and we had to be two miles from school, (they were measuring "as the crow flies").

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Other fond memories were when I was chosen both as a sophomore and a junior to be in the "Daisy Chain". We had to go out in the open fields, pick bunches and bunches of daisies, bring them back to tie them around a rope that was about 3 inches in diameter, to have it draped shoulder to shoulder the next day for the graduation ceremony.

There were the greatest Variety Shows and Class Plays/Musicals that were organized and directed by Mrs. (or was it Miss?) Fletcher.

Who can forget the wonderful Senior Class Trip up and down the Chesapeake Bay, sight seeing Annapolis, Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. (haven't been back since, but would love to)? Of course, if you classmates remember, it snowed, snowed and snowed the night before we left; I was told it was about 18 inches. My dad helped me carry my luggage, our car was snowed in, (we weren't on a main street to be plowed readily). Luckily, on the plowed street, (New South Road) a classmate was being driven, they stopped and picked me and my luggage up (my dad went back home). Does anyone remember picking me up? I can't remember who that was.

I loved doing the sports, but wasn't flexible enough to enjoy the gymnastics/tumbling etc.

Gerry Ferri (Geraldine Visalli), 1958, CA, August 5th

Photo Gallery

Birthdays and Anniversaries

New Readers and 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: nbsp;This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Harry Butcher, 1962 (GA)
• Janet (McMenamin) Butcher, 1962 (GA)
• Linda (Blust) Rocco, 1964 (NY)
• Matthew Bruckner, 1996 (NY)
• Ron Careaga, 1963 (NC)
• Janice (Schwartz) Block, 1968
• George Reilly
• Barbara (Mathews) Murphy, 1960 (L.I.)
• Tom Murphy, 1960 (L.I.)
• Elynn Lambert, 1966 (NYC)
• Harry Berkowitz, 1960 (L.I.)
• Cheryl (Totter) Mulholland, 1971 (HX)
• John Kevin Mulholland, 1970 (HX)
• Kathy Millevolte, 1960 (WI)
• Robert Koenig, friend L.I.
• Betty Pilero, 1969 (L.I.)
• Danny Pilero (L.I.)
• Mike Carter, 1958
• Diane (Bassett) Brown, 1965

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 nbsp;This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. nbsp;. Also, you may want to contact your ISP and advise them that HixNews is NOT SPAM.

• Robert Antonetti, 1961
• Mike Linihan, 1965
• David Berger, 1965
• MAILBOX FULL Anne-Marie (Simco) Hayes, 1977

DELETED:

• Art Clemenz, 1961

Honoring Our Veterans

My Veterans Column For Oct08

Folks -

On October 13, the U.S. Navy was established (1775), on the 29th the Internet was created (1969), and a favorite holiday of mine falls on the 31st, Halloween.

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A Rose By Any Other Name...: Can You Spell P.R.I.V.A.T.I.Z.E?

As has been said:

"Money makes the world go around

...the world go around

...the world go around.

Money makes the world go around

It makes the world go 'round."

However, there comes a time where other considerations must take precedence.

P...

We Veterans get the best care anywhere, at the VA. A given, known to most of us. And, this care is given at a 'cost' significantly lower than similar care given at and by many other caregivers.

Pr...

Still, there is an element within the current governmental bureaucracy that understands this: there is money to be made if a veteran's treatment includes 'others' from outside the VA; another given. Don't agree? Take a look at the "Compensation amp; Pension (C amp;P) examination arena" to mention just one area; one that is mentioned again, below.

Pri...

When the "GI Bill for the 21st Century" had not yet become law, certain high VA officials began suggesting the implementation of the bill from the VA's point of view would be 'problematic.'

Priv...

In a letter to the American Federation of Government Employees ("AFGE"), one of the VA employee's unions, National VA Council president Alma Lee, VA Secretary James Peake said, "The implementation of this new program [the new GI Bill] and subsequent new work will have a profound impact on VA. The challenges of creating the procedures and systems to support a new program ... will tax VA's resources."

Priva...

It should be noted that: 1) it is the VA's 'job' to administrate these types of programs; 2) they do this for 'other' programs and do a good job, and; 3) they do so using existing procedures and systems which could be used for the new Bill's program, with the expansion of their existing employee base.

Privat...

Still, Secretary Peake continued in his letter, "...The decision has been made to seek private-sector support to implement this new program... We intend to move quickly to select a contractor...."

Privati...

Using the private-sector to implement the Bill's new program would prevent the VA from hiring new employees, and since some company is sure to make a good size profit, it would cost more than if the VA did it themselves; not to mention concerns over the quality of work that would not exist if the VA did the work directly.

Privatiz...

It is being said by individuals from the VA that in VA management meetings one company's name is being mentioned as a shoe-in to receive this contract. That company's name is QTC Management, Inc., which looks to make over one billion dollars with this new contract.

Privatize...

It just so happens that past VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi heads up QTC Management, with current VA Secretary a past key executive of QTC Management. Oh yes. Remember my mention of C amp;P exams? And the company who is currently providing that service to the VA, and making a tidy profit from it, is... wait for it... QTC Management.

Privatize, N...

AFGE has already responded: "AFGE... sought help from Virginia senator Jim Webb after VA announced it will outsource the work of processing applications for education benefits under the new GI bill Webb championed. In a letter sent to Webb's office, [it] said VA has plans to transfer to other VA offices more than 400 employees working in the Education Division processing applications for benefits provided under the old GI bill. VA will then staff this office with contract workers, who will need to be trained to do the work these 400 employees already know how to do. [They] said this absurd move would waste VA's time and the taxpayer's dollar while uprooting workers, many of whom are veterans. [They] suggested that VA train the current workers to apply the new law while hiring veterans and temporary workers to help with the surge. AFGE also filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office... protesting outsourcing of federal work without competition."

Privatize, No...

The American Legion has also responded: "To VA: Outsourcing is Not the Answer. [R]eports are circulating that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to hire an outside company to implement the New GI Bill.... "Our newest generation of veterans deserves the benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, not outside contractors." "Patients, critics and most media all cite the outstanding job the VA is doing. Outsourcing is not the answer." In a resolution opposing outsourcing the new GI Bill, The American Legion argued that VA should hire the staff necessary to fulfill the law's requirements. The Legion, ...strongly opposes the movement toward outsourcing critical services that could be handled internally at VA. The American Legion family is urged to contact their members of Congress at (202) 224-3121 and insist that VA be persuaded not to use outside contractors for duties that should be performed by VA personnel.

Privatize, Not!

"Money money money money

Money money money money

Money money money..."

I surely hope not!

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This Week's Almost Not Commented on Story -- We Always Support Our Military... Almost As Much As We Support Ourselves.

SENATORS TOSS AMENDMENTS IMPORTANT TO SERVICE PERSONNEL TO SAVE EARMARKS -- About a third of the ignored amendments would have improved military quality of life or the management of service personnel programs.

My Hicksville Trivia: nbsp;Our Lady of the Surf Day Part III: The North Shore; Preston Hunt, We Are Still Sorry! nbsp;It was a year or two after the 'fun' we had at Jones Beach; let's say it's '64 or '65. One of us was ingenious enough to get a day event-pass to use at Center Island Town Park (don't know if they called it that, then) in 'east' Bayville. There were tens of us, perhaps over a hundred, who showed up that day. At the time, there were still private homes on the north side of Bayville Avenue, and the bay-side was used by Hicksville's scullers for practice; a friend, Carl Wieberg was one of them. After 'opening' the closed kiosk to use the facilities and generally making ourselves at home, the local police came by to let us know permit or not, we had to leave. About that time Preston Hunt drove by and three of us got into his car for a ride back to Hicksville. We didn't leave right away and a police officer told us to pull-over. The officer told Preston to turn off the engine -- Preston initially said no, we argued he should, for whatever the reason Preston eventually did, and the officer preceded to give Preston a parking ticket! You see, Preston had pulled the car over at a 'no parking' zone, and by turning off the engine he had 'parked' the car. Why do I say we're still sorry? As I recall, even though Preston asked us to pay for part of the ticket... we refused. Sorry guy.

Lest We Forget: Currently there are (at least) 5,164 (51 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 amp; 24/7 Voice Mail
- - --- Anytime: 24/7 Voice Mail 516.799.8300
- - - - Website: nbsp;http://www.waltsdorsai.net/
Ken Sun - Weekly Column: nbsp;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

Some Notable Events of 1958

(Seems like just yesterday to some of us)

President - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Vice President - Richard M. Nixon

 

 

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Some 1958 Cars That Didn't Make It

1958 Janus

1958 Ford Edsel

1958 Lotus Elite1958 MGA Twin cam

1958 DeSoto Fireflight Sportsman

1958 Packard Hawk  - Sure looks like a Studebaker, another gone but not forgotten brand name

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http://www.tropicalglen.com/  This is a fantastic music site that lets you play the top 100 songs from any year 1950 to 1989 plus there are other collections available to be played including Gospel, Jazz, Rythym & Blues, etc. For Instance, you want to hear the top 100 from 1959. Click on 1959 and a window opens that says 1959 Top Hit Songs and shows a picture of one song from that year. Below it says Our Top Hit Songs Play 24/7 In Random Order. You can join this programmed play at any one of the following: and there are several songs listed. Click on the one you want to start with, then sit back and enjoy 99 additional hits from that year. And you can do this with any year. Remarkable sight. I usually log on and play the music in the background as I work.

Bob Casale

In Memoria

ROBERT WILSON, class of 59, passed away April 2007. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughter Laura and son Robert. Also his mother Helen and brothers Jack and Steve. Bob lived in Levittown, NY for many years and retired from the post office. He served in the Army as an MP and did a tour in Viet Nam.

ROBERT ZELTMANN, class of 59, passed away in May 2008. He is survived by his wife Ann. Rob lived in Zionsville, IN for many years. He had been working for the Atlas Sign Co. for 25 years.

Both sent by Carl Probst, class of '59

 

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Rich Digiulo

Rich Digiulo passed away on August 12, 2008. He was not only the bravest, noblest, caring person; he was my best friend for 45 years. My love to his wife, Alice, who was by his side to the end.

Here is a poem Rich sent me in 1998.

Joe Barna, 1963

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Adam Daniel Bruckner April 26, 1982-September 06, 2006 Class of 2000

On Saturday, September 6, 2008 family and friends of Adam D. Bruckner gathered at his Pinelawn gravesite for his 2^nd annual memorial.

Paula & Craig Bruckner (parents) Matthew, Kaitlin & Josh (siblings) Alice Jargo (Grandmother)

Casale's Corner

HICKSVILLE NEWSLETTER HUMOR CORNER

A kleptomaniac woman had been caught shoplifting in a supermarket. She was issued a citation and had to appear in court. She decided to take her "long-suffering" husband for marital support. The prosecution proved that the theft had taken place. The judge told her that, considering her record, he was forced to impose a jail term.

"This time you stole a can of tomatoes."

"Yes," she said.

"And there were six tomatoes in the can. Do you agree?"

The woman agreed.

"Then I sentence you to six nights in jail."

The husband jumped to his feet, addressing the judge.

He said, "Your honor, may I approach the bench?"

"Well," said his honor, "this is somewhat unusual but I will make an exception in this case."

"You may approach the bench," the judge said.

The husband wasted no time getting to the bench.

He leaned forward and said in a low voice, "She also stole a can of peas."

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RETIREMENT STORY - HUMOR

For those of you contemplating retirement, I would like to share my retirement experiences with you, which I hope will be helpful.

Fifteen years ago my wife and I moved into a retirement development on Florida's southeast coast. The last time we saw our grandkids was on Grandchildren's Day when they were dragged down by their parents. We were living in the Delray/Boca/Boynton, Golf, Spa, Bath and Tennis Club on Lake Fake-a-Hachee. There are 3,000 lakes in Florida, only 3 are real. It would be great if the kids came down to visit us this winter, as there is so much going on.

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Back by popular demand, the feisty, Hip Replacement Tappers Club will be tap dancing to the 'Flight of the Bumble Bee'. It promises to be quite a production with lots of singing and dancing. This year I am not in the cast but will be standing by with the defibrillator volunteers.

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Our biggest retirement concern was time management. What were we going to do all day? Let me assure you, passing the time is not a problem. Your days will be eaten up by simple, daily activities. Just getting out of your car takes 15 minutes. Trying to find where you parked takes 20 minutes. It takes 1/2 hour on the check-out line in Wal-Mart and 1 hour to return the item the next day. Then of course, there are the visits to the doctors' and dentist's offices.

Let me take you through a typical day:

• We get up at 5 AM, have a quick breakfast and join the early morning Walk and Talk Club. There are about 30 of us and, rain or shine, we walk around the streets, all talking at once. Every development has some late risers who stay in bed until 6 AM. After a nimble walk avoiding irate drivers out to make us road kill, we go back home, shower and change for the next activity.
• My wife goes directly to the pool for her underwater Pilates class, followed by gasping for breath and CPR.
• I put on my 'ask me about my grandchildren' T-shirt, my mid-calf shorts, my socks and sandals and go to the clubhouse lobby for a nice nap. Before you know it, it's time for lunch. We go to Costco to partake of the many tasty samples dispensed by ladies in white hair nets. All free!
• After a filling lunch, if we don't have any doctor appointments, we might go to the flea market to see if any new white belts have come in, or to buy a Rolex watch for $2.
• We're usually back home by 2 PM to get ready for dinner. People start lining up for the early-bird about 3 PM, but we get there at 3:45 because we are late diners. The dinners are very popular because of the large portions they serve. You can take home enough food for the next day's lunch and dinner, including extra bread, crackers, Sweet-and-Low packets and mints.
• At 5:30 PM, we're home ready to watch the 6 o'clock news. By 6:30 we're fast asleep. Then we make 5 or 6 trips to the bathroom during the night, and it's time to get up and start a new day all over again.

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Doctor-related activities will eat up most of retirement time. I enjoy reading old magazines in sub-zero temperatures in the waiting room, so I don't mind. Calling for test results also help the days fly by. It takes at least half an hour just getting through the doctor's phone menu. Then there is the hold time until you are connected to the right party. Sometimes they forget you are holding, and the whole office goes to lunch.

I must say, many of the receptionists are quite rude. They keep you standing at that dopey little, closed glass window, totally ignoring you. After 1/2 an hour, I ignore the 'do not tap on the window' sign and tap on the window. This always drives them nuts. If you do, they put down their Egg McMuffin or their copy of 'National Enquirer', and fling open the window, ready for a fight. I lie, explaining I tapped on the window accidentally because I have Parkinson's.

They claim they are required to keep the window closed because of the Privacy Law but I don't believe it. Are they afraid if I were to overhear Sol Lipshitz has hemorrhoids, that I would blackmail him or sell the information to a foreign government? In Florida everyone has hemorrhoids!

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Should one find they still have time on their hands, volunteering provides a rewarding opportunity to help the less fortunate.

Florida has the largest concentration of seniors under five feet tall, and they need our help. I myself am a volunteer for 'The Vertically Challenged Over 80'. I coach their basketball team --'The Arthritic Avengers'. The hoop is only 4 1/2 feet from the floor. You should see the look of confidence on their faces when they make a slam dunk.

Food shopping is a problem for short seniors or 'bottom feeders' as we call them, because they can't reach the items on the upper shelves. There are many foods they have never tasted. Whenever I see one of them struggling to reach a jar of Gefilte Fish, I rush over to lend a hand.

After shopping, most seniors can't remember where they parked their cars. They wander the parking lot for hours looking for their car while their food defrosts.

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As for housing, choosing a development with suitable amenities is an important decision. The various clubs in these communities provide most of the activities. Our development has over 300 clubs. There's something for everyone; Clubs like the Kidney-donating Club, the Taliban Club, the East-meets-West Club, etc. A truly active community is one where the ambulance is there several times a day and is part of the Travel Club.

Lastly, it's important to choose a development with an impressive name. Italian names are very popular in Florida. They convey world traveler, uppity sophistication, and wealth. Where would you rather live...Murray's Condos or The Lakes of Venice? There is no difference; they are both owned by Murray who happens to be a cheapskate!

The Italian names appeal to those name-dropping, phony snowbirds that are out to impress their friends up north. I once heard someone say, 'We spend our summers in the Catskills, but we winter at Villa Borghese in Delray Beach'. I have been to Villa Borghese. There are 1,200 Jews and two Italians.

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I hope this material has been of some help to you future retires. If I can be of any further assistance, please look me up when you're in Florida. I live in The Leaning Condos of Pisa in Boynton Beach.

- Anonymous

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HICKSVILLE TIDBITS

Third Track Project

We reported earlier about a third track project for the LIRR that would run between the Hicksville station and Floral Park. The controversy continued to swirl and the culmination of the whirlwind was the abandonment of the project. The reason cited for the cancellation was lack of funds.

However, a 3.1 billion dollar project to send LIRR trains into Grand Central Station in Manhattan, otherwise known as the East Side Access project, is in full swing. This is slated to be completed by 2015 when train service is scheduled for the new LIRR stop at Grand Central Terminal.

Additional items on the agenda for the billion-dollar project are supplemental issues regarding track repair, track reconfiguration and signal improvements in Jamaica so that service demands can be met for the East Side Access project.

High Heel Benefit Race

Congratulations to Amy Palmiero-Winters of Hicksville, a below the knee amputee and world record holder, for competing against able-bodied women in the Live with Regis & Kelly High Heel-A-Thon.

The High Heel A Thon is a 150-yard dash competition for females only. The event is held in Central Park and benefits the March of Dimes and is sponsored by "Dr. Scholl's For Her."

Palmiero-Winters is the current record holder for female amputees in the 5 kilometer, 10 kilometer, marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon. In addition, she is the world champion in the Olympic distance triathlon and the world record holder in the Ironman Triathlon.

Palmiero-Winters's recent awards include the Peoples Choice Runners World Heroes of Running Award, Erie Times Female Athlete of the Year, and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Sportswoman of the Year, Pittsburgh Chapter.

  

Hicksville Library

Senior citizens who do not drive or just have trouble getting around. Others confined to home because of handicap or illness. You may be eligible for Homebound Services.

Call the library if you are interested in this service. Reading material can be brought to your door.

Also, Notary Public Service is available at the Hicksville Library, 169 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801. Call 516-931-1417 for further information.

Hicksville Water District

Thomas Cunningham and Warren Uss were looking to fill the Water Commissioner seat on the water district board. The vacancy was created when Richard Humann announced his retirement. Humann held that position for 24 years. Commissioner terms are three years.

Elections were held on September 2, 2008 and Warren Uss received a majority of votes @355 to 340 cast for Cunningham.

Uss is third generation Hicksville resident. He was a registered representative of the New York Stock Exchange specializing in tax free municipal bonds and fixed income securities. He also operated his own home improvement business for 15 years and is currently employed as a fire-alarm dispatcher for the Hicksville Fire District.

Uss is an active member of the Hicksville Fire Department for over 35 years. Uss has been very active in the Hicksville community for years.

Uss was sworn in as commissioner on September 9, 2008 at a board meeting.

West Nile Virus On The Move

There hadn't been much activity with respect to the West Nile Virus in Nassau County this year. August, however, changed the scene to one of disaster as two people were diagnosed with West Nile and both have passed away.

One happened to be a friend of mine, 75 year old George Cody, who owned and operated a plumbing supply business. He lay in a coma for almost two weeks before succumbing to the virus.

The other was an 80 year old female from New Hyde Park.

Speed Monitoring Devices

In an effort to curtail speeding around Hicksville schools, an effort is being made to install speed monitoring devices. The device has been conveniently reduced in size and can be attached to a pole nearby to the street. As a vehicle enters the area in vicinity of the device, and electronic signal is displayed on the device that shows the speed that vehicle is maintaining at that particular time.

The first such device has been successfully installed at the Hicksville Middle School (HMS) on Jerusalem Avenue.

Many thanks to Assemblyman Rob Walker and Pam Lamonda-Jaffie, immediate past president of the Hicksville Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) for their effort in bringing this dream to fruition.

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TRULY USELESS TRIVIA

• If you put all the streets in New York City in a straight line, they would stretch to Japan.
• On Valentine's Day, there is no charge to get married in the Empire State Building's chapel.
• The Hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards.
• The city of Los Angeles has three times more automobiles than people.
• The first human made object to break the sound barrier was a whip.
• The smallest county in America is New York County, better known as Manhattan.
• Frogs never drink.
• Strawberries are the only fruits whose seeds grow on the outside.
• The starfish is the only animal that can turn its stomach inside out.
• Theodore Roosevelt was the only president who was blind in one eye.