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 ISPs; most notably AOL.com.

Thank you,
Your Editors

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Changing your email address?

Dear Alumni,

This is a special request from your editors. When processing a change of address, please make certain the email is addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This means it will be sent automatically to all the editors simultaneously. Please identify yourself as a subscriber to the Hicksville High Newsletter. Also, in the subject line, please indicate that the email is specifically for a change of address. This will draw attention to your request and helps us identify you as a reader. Thanks so much.

Warm Regards
The Editors

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A note from the webmaster while we're on this subject.. Did you know that you don't have to use the email address your Internet Service Provider gives you? There are plenty of free email services out there. I recommend gmail.com myself, but there are also Yahoo and Hotmail among many others. The advantage to using an independent email service is that you can keep the same email address even if you change ISPs for whatever reason. If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact us.

Roger Whitaker, webmaster for hixnews.com

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We're starting a new feature this month, the Geek's Corner, written by Bob Wesley. It's a monthly column covering computers and the Internet. You'll find a link in the navigation bar at the top.

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CLASS OF 59 REUNION

In a rewording of the children's classic by Dr. Seuss.. The time is now classmates. It is time to pay. It is time to go. Look at the site, 59.hixreunion.com, and see how many classmates have already sent in their money. Just send in half to reserve your place if money is tight. And please remember, we do have confidential assistance (see notice posted separately). We want as many classmates to attend as possible for this rather special 50th anniversary. Some details are still being worked out.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR HERE, IS A RESPONSE. IF YOU ARE COMING, LET US KNOW. IF YOU ARE NOT, LET US KNOW AND WE WILL STOP SENDING E MAILS.

Our reunion of the Hicksville High School Class of 59 will take place on October 3, 2009. We hope you are looking forward to this event as much as we are. Most of all we are hoping you are planning to attend. This announcement will keep everyone up to date concerning the reunion plans. The party will take place at The MacArthur Airport Holiday Inn in Lake Ronkonkoma.

Arrangements have been made with the hotel for a substantial discounted rate of $95.00 per room per night. Availability of this rate is per room for any nights from October 2- October 5. The web site address is HolidayInn.com or you can contact the hotel directly at 631 585-9500.

You must use Block Code AW1 to receive the discount. Should you be unable to secure the discount, let us know and we will have the hotel set aside additional rooms. In addition, the hotel also provides free shuttle service from the airport (Islip) and train station and provides breakfast buffet for an additional $10.00 per person. Please check the web site for hotel amenities.

The party will start at 7PM with a cocktail hour followed by a 4 hour party with buffet offering an excellent variety including two carving stations, open bar, and a disc jockey featuring "oldies but goodies".

The fee for the party is $93.00 per person and that is only $3.00 more than the 1999 reunion price. Dress will be informal meaning whatever you like, from casual to dressy. Please remit payment by check to Carl Probst at 71 Willoughby Ave. Hicksville, NY 11801. Make checks payable to Carl Probst.

In addition, we are in the process of arranging for a tour of the high school on October 2nd, and there is a football game at home on Saturday at 1:30 with Hicksville playing against Hempstead. We would like to offer a picnic at the Ecology Park in Holtsville near the hotel on Sunday or possibly a pizza party at a restaurant near the hotel on Sunday afternoon for those of you who will still be around. Cost would be minimal at around $15.00 at most. We also need a head count for this event. Let us know if you would like to participate.

Lastly, a difficult topic. There are a few people who would like to attend but cannot due to financial considerations. We have some funds available to cover that possibility, thanks to the generosity of some of your fellow classmates. Please contact Carl or Joyce. We promise all requests will remain confidential. We just want you to come. If you would like to send anything additional to enable one of your classmates to attend this special reunion, any and all donations are welcome, please include with your payment. Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing all of you again.

Your committee members

• Joyce Anglim This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 859 445-9417
• Mickey Anselmo This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Joan Gabriel
• Carl Probst This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 516 822-4872
• Mike Sherin
• Ghyll Owen Simoneschi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Eileen and Tony Toscano This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special thanks to Gene Yetter for getting our website 59.hixreunion.com up and running.Please check the web site for additional information on classmates and confirmed as attending so far.

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ANNOUNCING 40 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 1969

When: October 10, 2009 from 7-11pm
Where: Holiday Inn, Plainview (215 Sunnyside Blvd, Plainview).
Cost: $118.00 per person.

Make checks payable to "Reunions of America" and write "Hicksville High School, Class of 1969" on the envelope as well as on the memo section of the check.

Mail To: P.O. Box 618, Melville, NY 11747-0618.

They also accept Visa or Mastercard. Ladies, please include your maiden name with your check.

Alumni can contact Reunions of America at the following e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include any addresses you might have for other alumni. Alumni can contact the committee at the following e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Committee members are Diana (D'Antuono) DePalma-Henne, Bill Henne, and Mary (Mansfield) Mollineaux.

We are hosting a breakfast the next morning at the hotel's restaurant; a block of rooms are available for those who wish to stay overnight after the reunion.

Contact the Holiday Inn directly for reservations @ Tel: (516) 349-7400

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I currently live in Brandon, Florida (a suburb of Tampa, FL). It seems that many of our classmates have moved to Florida, and I was wondering if some sort of a reunion can be held in Orlando (a central location), for all who have moved here? How can we get something like that accomplished?

Mary Ann (Malerba) Hartman class of '62

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

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People Looking for People

As Of July 18, 2009

 

If there's someone you're looking for, just send your request and we'll be happy to add it to the list.If anyone knows these folks, send an email to:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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MID LIFE CRISIS BAND

The Dynamic Sound of a "Band of Renown"
Featuring the Scintillating Voice of Anton Mure, and
DAN CAVALUZZO- GUITAR/ VOCALS, LOU TOPLIN -DRUMS, NEAL PLATT- KEYBOARDS/VOCALS, TOM MOTYKA-LEAD GUITAR, ARTIE SCHWARTZ- BASS/VOCALS

Future Appearances
SAT AUG 1st CALLAHAN'S, SAT SEPT 5th CALLAHAN'S, SAT OCT 3rd CALLAHAN'S, SAT NOV 7th CALLAHAN'S, SAT DEC 5th CALLAHAN'S
Watch for other appearances

The Newsletter

Art Spotlight

Pat (Appelman) Levitin, Class of '62

Pat has been a calligrapher since 1979. She has taught calligraphy since 1981 at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Guilford Technical Community College, Visual and Performing Arts, Guilford College, local churches and organizations. Pat has attended 12 International Calligraphy Conferences. She has over 3000 hours' training in classes and workshops and has studied with almost all the internationally known calligraphers.

Pat holds bachelors and masters degrees in Economics and a Fine Arts degree in metal sculpture. Some of her calligraphic works include resolutions, poems and certificates for the local universities and many private clients. Her works has been exhibited throughout North Carolina and at the international conferences.

Her website is located at: http://www.calligraphybypat.com/index.htm

Calligraphy samples of her work:

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Hicksville Vietnam War Era Veterans Memorial

With your help, we've managed to overcome vacations and all the usual distractions of Summer with the addition of 60 new names in July. The list now totals 398 names! We've added 176 new names in the past 3 months. In addition to our monthly publication in HixNews, we were able to run an article in the Anton Press' Hicksville Illustrated News in July and have gained more names from this as well. We hope to get Newsday to publish an article in August, as part of the effort to continue to expand our general press coverage.We again ask that for your part as a reader of HixNews and former alumnus of HHS, please see our update in the Veterans Section of this newsletter. After reviewing the qualifications for the Memorial, please review the list of names and let us know who we have yet to find. Also, we would appreciate if you can help us fill in some of the missing information or clarify information we have that is uncertain (shown in red and with question marks). While we have gained significant momentum, we still have a long way to go, since we estimate there could be between 2-3 thousand veterans with ties to Hicksville who served in our Armed Forces around the world during the Vietnam Era.

Thank you,
Joe Carfora
HHS 1962

NEW READER

I am a new member.
I am married to Tom Hartman.
We are living in Florida.
Please put me on your mailing list.
You are doing a wonderful job and I really enjoy reading the newsletter.

Mary Ann (Malerba) Hartman '62

NEW READER

Please sign me up to receive Hixnews.
Was not aware of it until recent email from Joe Cafora.
I am married to Alan Zaretsky.
We live in NY
Thanks,

Marilyn (Schwab) Zaretsky '62

NEW READER

I would love to be added to your email list.
I am married to Leonard Max Teich and we live in Texas.
Many thanks,

Susan Froehly Teich '62

NEW READERS

Hi, I enjoy reading the HixNews. I flip open the old yearbook and re-live old times.
Thanks for all your efforts.

Please add my wife and me to your mailing list.
Thank you,

Ken and Joanne Arnold

Hi Guy's:

I was very sad to hear about Mickey Anglim. I knew and played ball with Mickey since we played Little League, Babe Ruth, CYO and HHS ball. We were good friends and a lot of my sports memories and successes included Mickey. In 1957 Mickey, Billy Schrimpe and me competed at a Brooklyn Dodgers Happy Felton's Knothole Gang contest at Ebbits Field. We were all catchers and had the honor to have Sandy Koufax pitch to us. We all had "sponsors" and Mickey's father was mine. Koufax through us fast balls, curves and a few in the dirt, he was something else. It was on TV and Mickey won, he was the best catcher back than. After the show we got to meet all the Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snyder, Pee Wee Reise, the whole team, what a thrill.

I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Anglim family, he was a great guy and he will be missed.

Fran DeCabia

I was sorting through pictures today for a small ceremony here in Kentucky. One of
the pictures is the very one you are talking about. He had such great memories of
that day and he still had the ball that Koufax signed along with a signed card of
Roy Campanella and a Duke Snider autograph on a poster of the last Brooklyn
team. So thank you for remembering and rest assured that he remembered that
day so long ago. I can't believe this myself.
Joyce Clements Anglim

Fran
I know what you mean about a "thrill" meeting all the dodgers.
I went to a NY Giant Cleveland Brown game back in the 50's.
Went with some friends.
I grew up in Philadelphia living next door to the Katcavage family.
Jimmy, who played for the Giants, was several years older than I was.
Jim's brother Bobby and I were best friends and we used to give Jim a hard time.
Their dad, Mike, used to ask Jim to watch Bobby and me.
But we were real pains in the ass.
To make a long story short, after the game, I told my friends I was heading to the locker room to see Jim.
They went along thinking I was joking.
The guard at the locker room door was hesitant to bother Jim.
I convinced the guard that if Jim knew I was here and didn't see him, he would be very disappointed
I gave him my wallet and he went inside.
Next thing, Jim comes running out the door and gives me a big hug and asked me if I'd like to go into the locker room?
I did and met most of the Giants and it was a "thrill."
Regards
buffalo bob Casale

Hi!

I had been receiving the newsletter, but haven't received it for the past 2 months via my e-mail.
Ann Carmody Burley has been forwarding it to me. Please resume sending it.
I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I look forward to receiving the newsletter again.
Keep up the great work.

Sincerely,
Kathy Millevolte, class of 1960.

A new reader this month was Peggy Meier, class of '64.

I would like to know if she lived on Underhill Ave.
Also, I don't Think you have my birthday.
Arlene (Richards) Wellbrock, '65, Greensboro, NC

Editor Note: I added your birthday to our master list.

Hi,

Marc Joosten was Vietnam
Jimmy Bravaco '66 was Marine

Joyce (Thorburn) Jurgensen.'67

Bob,

Another great issue. You and the rest of the editors are a GREAT TEAM!

I had no idea of what's on your plate at home with babysitting Sara and Joyce's condition. That, to me, makes your ability to be involved in HixNews, to the level you are, extremely awesome. I'm definitely impressed!!

I'm glad to see that the email I sent to my class from Karen Hubner Jenkins' master reunion list had the additional benefit of gaining some new readers for HixNews!

Speaking of new readers, the picture of Vinnie Hannigan caught my eye as I remember him from school. His note also said he was in the Navy, but he wasn't on our list of Vietnam Era Veterans. I've added him, but need to know where he served. Can you please ask him to send me an email?

I also noted the picture with Richard Uhlich with a group of Veterans, saying he served in Vietnam. Our list shows a Richard Ullrich as Army and RVN. Is this the same guy with the name spelled wrong? The one I have is from before I started handling the list and I don't have any source info for it. Nor do I know what class he's from. I can use some help here too, if you can have Uhlich send me his info.

In the March 2007 Mega-Reunion photos you asked for names of those in the pics. The 3rd picture shows Howie Dolgin ('62) signing the guest register. The 7th pic, left to right, is Howie Dolgin, Bob Giffen and Kevin O'Neill, all Class of '62.

Last, thanks again for the prominent coverage you're giving to The Vietnam War Era Memorial effort. It's really helping as I already have 13 new names in the first day of HixNews publication!

Best regards,

Joe Carfora

Feedback on names from Mega Reunion Pictures

Ed Delaney in Yellow Sweater * Howie Dolgin Signing Guest Register

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Bob Casale in background with dark shirt * Antoinette Colascione Black Dress

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Howie Dolgin * Bob Giffen * Kevin O.Neill All class of 1962

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Henry Lichtenstein recognized this one * It's my old buddy "Buffet Table"

Greetings!

I think somehow I must have missed at least last month's newsletter. I was saddened to learn of Pat's passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting her and I most certainly have enjoyed the newsletter in which she started. My condolences to all her family and friends. I've been remiss in thanking you for taking the time to acknowledge our occasions with cards. I was reading other members who did and said Oops I need to do so. It is a very nice feature that you have included.

Paula (nee' Jargo) Bruckner Class of 1972

Craig Bruckner Class of 1971

Hello! Great newsletter I look forward to it every month
(and a hello to my dad who also reads the newsletter!)

For those of you that are on facebook check out the site for Hicksville Hgh School Alumni:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=16855113527

Connect with old friends for free (Facebook does not charge to belong) Those of you with college age students, get them to help you get on board! Class of "75 there is a facebook page just for us created by Cathy Rowan! Hicksville High School Alumni Class of 1975

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=67266179651&ref=ts

It has been great to see how we all have aged gracefully and thanks to Diane Harvey Anderson and others for posting our yearbook pictures (many of us have had quite a few laughs at hairstyles and clothing!)

Class of '75 there are plans in the works for our 35th reunion next year!

Susan Stahley, '75

Huntersville, NC

Dear Editors

Thank you for publishing the HIXNEWS, Bob and I always look forward to reading it.

We just wanted to let everyone know that FACEBOOK is a great way to find high school classmates. If, when building your profile, you list Hicksville High School and class year under "Education" then you can locate your classmates using the "Friends" search. It may take a little bit of playing around to figure it out but it's definitely worth it. We've caught up with our HHS classmates and Bob with his Lindenhurst HS classmates (since he moved to Lindenhurst mid Junior year).

Lorraine Cheeseman, HHS '64

Bob,

We just returned from a week at Bar Harbor in celebration of our 58th anniversary. Thank the staff for their thoughtfulness in sending the beautiful card.

Harvey and Shirley Weiss '47

NEW READER

Hi!

My dear friend Vicky and her hubby Roger told me to send out a note to you asking if anyone has done anything regarding the class of 1960 50th reunion?

! wow time sure goes fast... I'd like to get involved if there is any committee...

My reach info is below...

Thanks,
Maddy

Maddy Leibowitz (Frischman)

NEW READER

Just found your website after 40 years! terrific job.

Can anyone send me info on how to connect with the class of 1970.

Wondered if there is a 40 year reunion in 2010? If so, how can I get any details?

RA Schatz '70

NEW READER

Hi bob,

So sorry to hear Joyce isn't doing well. Patty Warren and I used to walk to Joyce's house in the morning and we would all walk to the bus stop together in Jr high and high school. I even went steady with her cousin Artie Anderson for a while. I remember her mom was so nice. Alzhiemers is a mean disease and I know it's not easy on you either. It's been a year since my husband passed away, and its still sort of surreal to me. We were married 44 years. I'm sure your beautiful grandchildren can put a smile on your face'mine do. Well I've babbled on long enough.

Love Annlynn Brough Stougaard

NEW READER
Hi,
i would like to subscribe to HixNews. Below is the information you requested. Please let me know when I will receive my first issue.
Graduated Hicksville High School in 1967.
No spouse, No anniversary!
I live in New Jersey.
Looking forward to receiving your newsletter.
Thanks!
Nancy Glick

NEW READER

Hi,
Please add me to the new member list'
HHS class of 1972
Married to Mike Fariello
Anniversary 8/24/74
West Islip, NY
Nancy Lauro Fariello

NEW READER

I am a Vietnam Era Veteran - Active duty - 1963-1965. Reserve duty an additional 10 years, all in the U S Army.

Left the Army with the grade of Sergeant First Class.
Mary Ann (Malerba) Hartman - class of HHS 1962.

Hi Mary Ann!

Thanks for sending us your name and information.

This is special as you are one of the few woman we've been able to find who served during the Vietnam War Era. We are sure there are many
more, but finding them has been difficult, so, if you know of others who served, please let me know. One more thing. We need to know where you spent most of your active duty time from 1963 - 1965. We have room for only one location on the Memorial plaques and preference is being given first to RVN, then any other international assignment and finally a US assignment (CONUS).
Please let us know how you'd like to be listed as far as location goes.
Thanks,
Joe Carfora
HHS 1962

Hi Joe

Even though I asked to serve in Viet Nam, at the time, only nurses (female) were allowed to go to Viet Nam. While on active
duty, I was stationed only stateside, Ft McClellen, Ft Benning, Ft Ord, Ft Mason, White Sands Missile Range, NM, and Ft Hood.

Thanks for including me!

Mary Ann

Thanks, Mary Ann!

We will list you as CONUS'

Joe

Editor Note: CONUS means Continental United States (for non military alumni)

Joe

Just wanted to thank you and all who are helping with the Newsletter.
I am having fun keeping up with old friends and times.

Mary Ann

Hi Mary Ann,
Since I am not part of the HixNews staff, I have forwarded this to Bob Casale, who is an editor of the newsletter.

He will likely want to publish your note in the August 1 edition and will probably ask
your permission to do so.
All the best,
Joe

Mary Ann...
That is exactly what I'd like to do.
If you'd like to do a bio sketch, your fellow students would love to hear about your accomplishments.
Warm Regards
Buffalo Bob Casale

Buffalo Bob

You asked about my accomplishments!!

Thanks for the compliment, but, I turned out to be just an average person that had a few interesting jobs in my lifetime.

I was on active duty with the Army serving from 1963-65. After my stint in the military, I worked at the Tampa VA Hospital, for a prostate cancer research program. When the program ended, I got a job for the Defense Investigative Service, where I retired as an Investigator (for 18 years). I did join the US Army Reserves at age 35 and stayed for ten years before leaving. It got to be too much work, holding down very active jobs. I retired when I was 55.

Currently, I'm working as a docent at our local Historical Village here in Tampa, FL, (Cracker Country), where I teach Florida History to school children (with a New York twist and accent)!!!!

My husband of 44 years and I have one son (Richard), who is married and living in Alexandria, VA. Richard has a PhD from the University of South Florida from the College of Public Health and currently works for the Veterans Administration in Wash DC.

We have lived in Brandon, FL for 34 years and love it! We have two Golden Retrievers and one talkative Cockatoo! Life is good for us both and I would love to have contact with HHS 1962 alumni who live near me.

I also would love to be part in planning for some sort of a reunion for HHS alumni who live in Florida. So, if anyone has any interest in this reunion, please contact me and we will take it from there. It seems that many of our classmates have moved to Florida, and I was wondering if some sort of a reunion can be held in Orlando (a central location), for all who have moved here? How can we get something like that accomplished?

Mary Ann Hartman

Dear Bob

I am going to send you pictures of my late husband Ray Blum and his brother Randy Blum. I may have to have some slides made into photos before I can send them. I just wanted to let you know that I am working on this and will get the photos to you ASAP.

Can I have your SNAIL MAIL address? Thanks very much.

Sincerely,
Jill A. Blum
Ackerly Pond Vineyard

 

Jill

What is your association with Ackerly Pond Vineyard? Let me know, please.

Warm Regards,
Buffalo Bob Casale

 

Hi Bob, Ray & I started Ackerly Pond Vineyards 10 years ago after Ray sold his other winery. We work this business together until Ray passed away. Now my step daughter Kerri & I run it together and have kept the dream alive. Lots of hard work but truly a labor of love. Thank you for asking.

http://www.ackerlypondvineyards.com/

NEW READER

I would like to get on the mailing list. I just came across the site, never knew we had an alumni newsletter.

Thanks.

Eileen (Maldener) Lazarus, class of 1977

Dear Friends & Family

We will have a small ceremony here in Kentucky, followed by cremation. I am trying to arrange to have a mass on August 1 at St Ignatius in Hicksville or at St Bernards church in Levittown. Don't have it all nailed down yet. Mickey's family hold a Joe Anglim Memorial (Mickey's father) every year. This year it is being held in New York.

So golf and a barbeque on Friday and the mass and whatever on Saturday. Don't know how long I will stay in New York yet. Hope to see all of you outside of any service.

Joyce Anglim

NEW READER

Hi Bob,

Hope all is well. Tony Petritis told me about your newsletter but he gave me the wrong url address. I look forward to seeing it.

I'll stay in touch.

Thanks.

Lew Fenigstein '61

NEW READER

Bob

"I can't believe how fast the time is flying. I've been wondering what happened to so many of the people from high school and where they are currently?

Regards,
Frank Schwartz '61

NEW READER

Dear Newsletter Staff

Please add my name to your mail list. I am married to Gail. Our anniversary is November 21, 1970 We currently live in Florida.

Thanks

Ron Zeier 1963

Dear Editors

As always, I enjoy reading the monthly news. In the July issue, I noticed that Art Pardo (62) has become a new reader. Please send me his email address or any information you may have so that I can get in touch with him. We lost touch many years ago and it would be great to catch up on the many years that have slipped by.

Thanks,

Steve Baum ('62)

PS - In your list of Viet Nam vets, would you correct the spelling of my first name (Steven Baum) Thank you, & keep up the great job you are doing with the news letter.

You may want to go on the New Mexican and Albuquerque Journal North web pages
to see the story and the photos.
Jim Cutropiahttp://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/New-sounds-for-the--old-girl-

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Cathedral--Archbishop-blesses-and-anoints-south-tower-s-new-bel

http://picasaweb.google.com/RayRGonzales/InstallationOfTheBellls6109#

http://charityadvantage.com/Cathedral_Basilica_of_St_FKICNID/Home.asp go to the photo page to see the bells

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/local/central/local_krqe_santa_fe_cathedrals_bells_blessed_by_archbishops_200905312133 see the video.

Dear Bob,

Thank you for the birthday card.

It's always fun to get greetings for a birthday, no matter how old you are! I read in a newsletter that Judy Marcus (class of 64) was looking for my e-mail address. It's fine to publish it, Once again thanks for the birthday wishes.
Leslie (Worley) Smith class of 64

----------------------------------------------------

Thank you for the e-mail address.
I will be in touch with Leslie "soon!"
Judy Marcus

Hi, Bob (and the rest of the editorial staff):

Thank you so much for remembering me on my birthday. I just wish the years wouldn't add up so fast. I loved the card. It was precious. How can any card from the Jacquie Lawson collection be made any better? - by having it come from dear, ole friends!

Thanks, again.

Jean (Goettelmann) LaPointe

Class of 1959

I graduated in 1965, and am wondering if you have any knowledge of, or information related to, a former teacher. Her name was Antionette Zaza, and taught French at the high school. I would greatly appreciate any leads you might be able to provide.

Sincerely,

Harold M. Buttitta

Class of 65

Dear Mesdames and Sirs,My wife, Antoinette Zasa Gentile, '59, would like to be added to your
mailing list. Not only was she a graduate of HHS, but she also taught French and Italian at HHS for her entire teaching career, 1963-1996.I also taught at HHS, 1966-1997, as a teacher of French, Spanish and English.Yours sincerely,
Richard Gentile
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks for the adorable birthday card!
Thanks for all your hard work!

Donna Lombardi LaFramboise '66

Thanks guys! That was a cute card.

Linda (Faraone) Connelly

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

Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 3:14 PM

To: Gail (DiLeo) Cuoco

Thanks for the update.
Was Dick your brother?
We were pretty close growing up.
Played a lot of sports together.
The last time I saw Dick was in the 70's
He was umpiring a softball game.

Thanks
Warm Regards
Buffalo Bob Casale

Bob,

Yes, Dick was my older brother, He died in 1992 at age 50. Dick was married to Joyce Phillips. He was very involved in sports and did quite a bit of umpiring until he went blind and lost his leg. He knew lots of people whom I didn't know. It is nice to hear that you knew him.

I know it must be hard with Pat's loss to get everything back in order, but the newsletter brings great pleasure to many, and I thank you for doing it. Good luck with all of the organizing. I know it requires a great deal of work.

We all appreciate it, though.
Gail

Bob:

I read your newsletter the other day. Nice job!

Has there been any news of Eileen Catalano that has come past your desk?

By the way, I'm still working but I can make some time if I can help in any way. I'm pretty good with graphics and layout and writing.

Let me know - I'll be in touch.
Lew Fenigstein '61

Editor Note: Help is always great. If you have any ideas to enhance the newsletter, Let us know. I'll send a note separately.

Newsletter Staff'

I cannot thank you enough for the information about Antoinette Zaza! You have made my day!

Please note my new e-mail address.

Sincerely,
Harold M. Buttitta

I was drafted from Hicksville on Aug 1966 through Aug 1968.
I wound up staying stateside working AWOL apprehension in the Military Police.
I was in the Detroit, Michigan MP's detachment, then worked a field office in Paw Paw, Michigan.
Walt Schmidt knew me. I have always gone by Fred Siegl but my Birth name is Godfrey H Siegl Jr.
When I was discharged I worked for Bell telephone, and in 1969 Joined the Van Buren Co Sheriff Office.
I am retired now after 33 years full time and 7 years part time.Fred Siegl '64

I noticed a short note from June Olsen Cullen.
She was a friend of my sister Carol Rocek Sigloch, and also helped me with a real estate
requirement in the late eighty's. I would like to contact her if possible.
Thanks
Ron Rocek

Editor Note'separate Note sent to Ron

People Looking for People Gene Zonis (63) is looking for Tony Baglio (63)

Received the following from Art Pardo class of '62

Thank you! I have been looking for Steve Baum for years!!

Editor Note'another connection gone right!!!

Thanks so much for the lovely birthday card!Maria(Gargano) DiPasquale '83

RENEWED READER

Hix News'

Please send the hix newsletter to Bob Klewicki class of 1954. His email is attached.

Thanks,
Carl Schulz

Editor Note: Bob, unfortunately, was removed back in November of 2007. When his email address was probably changed and we didn't have the new.

Thanks so much for the anniversary card.

We are celebrating our 30th and renewing our vows.

Linda (Parrella) and Ronnie Ruggiero

NEW READER

Dear Hicksville Newsletter.

I was playing on the internet and saw your website and am pleased to see all the work put into it! The site says new people should send name, year of graduation, date of birth (month and day only), anniversary date, name of spouse, and the state where you live.

I am Ellen Silverman from the Class of 1975. I was valedictorian, by the way.

I am married to Charles Pachter and we currently live in Illinois.
Is there anything else I should know in terms of getting or viewing news, or hearing about reunions and classmates?Thanks,
Ellen Silverman

Dear Bob,Thanks so much for the anniversary card. It was much appreciated. We celebrated our 44th anniversary on July 3. God has been so good to us over the years. We have five wonderful children, who have blessed us with fifteen grandchildren. There is always something going on in our family. I look forward each month to the next issue of HixNews and commend all of you for the tremendous amount of work that goes in to creating this.

Valerie (Palmer) Towsley '60

Please support this worthy cause:

http://www.gifttool.com/athon/OurTeamPage?ID=1349&AID=793&TID=4120

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

Thank you,
Paula (Jargo) Bruckner '72

Hi, We were very disappointed in the latest Harry Potter movie. It was entirely too long and quite boring. I liked all the others; I think they pushed the author along too fast to write the book so they could make the movie. Only one important thing changed, I won't tell you in case you want to see it or rent it.

Love, Joan (Siegl) Rudolph '61

HixNews

...for the birthday card Bob....I had a good day today.

Thanks again....
Jeanette Martello Lupis

Jeanette Martello Lupis and Buffalo Bob Casale Mega 2000

***Check out the additional photos in the Photo Gallery***

Gents,

Thanks to Tony Plonski for taking care of the list while I was helping my daughter move to Denver last week. We are now up to 384 names, a gain of 46 from the 338 we went to press with for HixNews on July 1st. This is another good month and it's only half over! I think the fact that we are now publishing every month in HixNews is getting us additional 'buzz' and more people are telling friends and relatives about the effort and hence we are getting new names at an increasing rate. I have high hopes for the work Jay and Tommy did to get us published in The Anton Press newspapers. We should begin seeing additional help from that effort soon. I'll send you all the new Master List soon. When you receive it, please look over the blanks we still have in the data columns for some of the names on our list and get me some help on this information if you can.

Best regards,
Joe Carfora '62

HixNews

Thanks for the anniversary card'it was our 45th. Yes, Bob, it is hot in Georgia in June, July, August and Sept, We have been here for 34 years.

Leona (O'Hanley) and Cliff Schilling

Bob

Working on my Bio, should have it by next week. Still working in Plainview for a printer and playing golf. If anyone wants to reach me they can E-Mail at work This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks
Bill Fuchs '60

Please include the following in the next newsletter:

Jan Greenberg ('74) is looking for Patti Tesoriere ('75)

Thanks!

Jan

People Looking for People
Gene Zonis (63) is looking for Tony Baglio (63)

Received note from Ron Careaga Gene can write to Joe Barna (63), he knows Tony's whereabouts. Say hi to Gene for me as well.

Editor Note: Sent Ron's email to Gene separately'

Received the following from Diane Burke McGinn

Penny Postcards from Nassau County, New York

Thanks for the anniversary card.

John & Adele Ziegler

Hi Joe (Carfora)

My brother, George Reilly, served in the USMC from 1960 thru 1980. He served in RVN in 65/66. We served in RVN at the same time along with my cousin. George attended East St. School & Hicksville Jr.High, before graduating from Charminade High School in 1960.

Thanks again for the great job you're doing.
Bill Reilly

Hi Bill!

Thanks for giving me your brother George's name and data. Were you in the same unit in RVN? You mention your cousin. Do we have his name? Does he qualify? Let me know.

Best regards,
Joe (Carfora)

Joe

My brother was in the Ist Marine Air Wing at DaNang while I was with the 11th Marines In Chu Lai and DaNang. Once my unit moved to Danang from Chulai. My cousin, who was on General Westmoorland's staff as a Marine Laison Officer, was able to set up a get together with us and a reporter from the NY Daily News. The reporter did a story on us since that was the first time we were able to see each other in over four years. That was because of George's overseas duty. My cousin, Martin Reilly retired from the USMC as a Colonel. Martin did not live in Hicksville.

Bill Reilly

Bill,

Thanks for getting back to me on this. The get together your cousin was able to arrange for you and your brother after not seeing one another for 4 years had to be very special. If you still have a copy of the article the Daily News reporter did on it, I'm sure Bob Casale would love to publish it in HixNews next month. You can reach Bob at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange getting a copy to him, if you still have it. If not, I'm sure he'd appreciate an email from you on that get together for publication.

Best regards,
Joe

Hi Bob,

Was very sorry to hear about Pat. Just got news yesterday of Mickey Anglim's (59) passing. Bill Ramos sent a note a while back about his friend John Petree(60) passing in 1983. Life is for living, and we must continue. I'm writing to see if there is anything I can do to help you with your Newsletter efforts, I'm still working full time but I have evening time and a desktop at home. I am in direct marketing services which is long for "I process mailing lists". I would be happy to help in any way that I can. I normally perform all processing on a mainframe through PC terminals, but I can perform PC stuff as well. We are our own ISP and have a FTP server. Let me know what I can do.

Sincerely,
Ron Rocek

Editor Note'We have had a lot of passings over the years. Hard to believe that we started this newsletter After the Mega Reunion in 2000.l We would like to establish an In Memoriam list of all who have passed over the years. We are asking all to send a list of those former alumni who have passed that you know about. Ask your classmates to help build this list.

Bob,

Thank you for the birthday greetings. This year is one of the milestone years. My Medicare card has joined the collection of cards in my wallet. And, thanks to the entire gang at HixNews for all your hard work each month. I have not had family ties to Hicksville for almost almost forty years. However, I, like many others, look forward to reading the newsletter each month.

Regards,
Dick Osborne, '62

Bob;

What a very pleasant surprise getting a Jacquie Lawson card from the newsletter! I actually have subscribed to that website for several years because of the great choice of cards offered... Your group puts in a lot of time and effort every month and I appreciate all the work you do.

Thanks again,
Leila (Kriegel) Randazzo

Dear HixNews

Please add my name to your mailing list.
I graduated in 1977.
I am married to Edward Coakley, a 1979 graduate.
Our anniversary is March 9, 1984.
We currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Thanks.
Lorin (O'Neill) Coakley

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON.........HOW NEAT

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE 4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) A small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug (Microwave Safe)Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Forty Years Ago....

Hey all you alumni'

Where were you, when Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, walked on the moon?

Put your answer on the bottom and email back to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

I was at the Oak Beach Inn (OBI) watching it on TV.
Bill Fuchs HHS '60

I was stationed in Vallejo, California (Sonoma Valley). I was lying on the floor of the enlisted lounge watching the touchdown and the 'real moonwalk'!

Regards
Bob Casale HHS '61

Half of me was an egg & the other half a sperm. Both awaiting that magical journey that would lead to my existence. My parents, both former Grumman employees, were at home watching it on tv.
Kelly Kinsella HHS '90

I was on the USS Canisteo and watched from the crews lounge, amazing'
John Hrankowski, Survivor, USS LIBERTY, Rochester, New York

I was sitting in my living room in Bay Shore, Long Island with my family watching it on television.
Joan Siegl Rudolph HHS '61

I was 12 years old, and if memory serves, I was home, watching it on TV with my parents.

Pat Thompson Dumas, HHS '75

I was in the army stationed in Germany but on leave to London. Watched the landing on a huge screen in Trafalgar Square with a thousand other people. I was sooo proud to be an American.

Bruce Carlow, Owner

Trio Hardware

1032 Old Country Rd
Plainview, NY 11803
516-935-8385

I was out of the Army about 6 months and still in Active Reserve. We had just come home from a weekend visiting relatives and had just put our then 6 month old son to sleep when we watched Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon. As I recall, it was a Sunday night.

Joe Carfora HHS '62

Thank you very much for the birthday card.!

Mary Ann Smith

Thank you for the anniversary card. That was very thoughtful! 44 years - hard to believe.
Joyce (Van de Merlen) Landau

Bob, thanks for the card. I really enjoyed it. You all do a great job with the hixnews and i wanted to thank you all for giving us all such a great connection to the past. I`m really saddened by the passing of Pat Driscoll, I will miss her. Thanks again.

Ray Babinski

HixNews
Thank you so much for the lovely birthday card.
It is very much appreciated as well as all the effort you put into putting together such a great newsletter each month.
Peggy (Moldovak) Gill '67

Hi Joe,

I noticed my brother, Michael Tisdell, is on the Vietnam Era list. His graduation year is missing. He graduated Hicksville High School in 1965. I called him to tell him that his name was on the list, I was so excited to see it there. Anyway, he told me to let you know a couple of other names, one is James Queen, Hicksville High School Class of 1964. Jimmy was in the United States Army and was stationed in Vietnam. The other person Michael told me about was a Thomas Lamb, Hicksville High School Class of 1964. Thomas was in the United States Air Force, and Michael said Thomas was stationed in Colorado. I also remembered a classmate of mine, George Terlikosky, Hicksville Class of 1960, was in the military ( not sure which branch) and was stationed in Vietnam.

Thank you for honoring our veterans and all they have done for us. If I remember or hear of any other names for you I will email that information to you.

Enjoy the summer,
Terry

Dear Terry,

It's notes from people like you that make this project of ours more than worthwhile. Thanks for sending us this information about your brother and his friends who were also Vietnam Era Veterans. We are very pleased to add them to our list. Thanks too, for giving us Michael's graduation year.

All the best,
Joe Carfora, HHS '62

To all

Carl Probst here'

Got my hands on a Hicksville Illustrated Newspaper, July 10, 2009 issue. Indeed we, The Hicksville Vietnam War Era Veterans Memorial project, are on page three with a really big splash. Well done indeed to say the least! This ought to shake a few apples out of the trees, I hope. Doesn't mean I am always on top of things just because i still live in the same house in Hicksville for 61 years. I do make a conscious effort here and there. As more graduation years are reaching their 50th reunion, as I am this year, we obviously should make the pitch. Kind of preaching to the choir here I know, Sometimes things are better said twice than not at all. To all the newer members working on this worthwhile project, kudos for an exemplary job. You have far more than earned your stripes.

Well done!
Carl

Once again, thank you so much for remembering my birthday.
I am a bit of a gardener, and really appreciated the beauty of this particular card.

Carole (Kiever) Ohliger '57

To All

Please review the People Looking For People listing on the home page. If you know the whereabouts of any person listed there, please advise us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Also, if you have submitted a request and want it removed for any reason, let us know. Thanks this month to our alumni who helped reuniting friends who lost touch after so many years. And please pay attention to the readers who are in danger of losing touch with their classmates because their email address has changed. If you know any of those listed, and can provide a new address, that would be terrific!!!

Thanks

Warm Regards
The Editors

Hey Bobby

I wish you were closer. I'd invite you over to see the new girl in town ' Not me, the baby, Mango. Instead of waiting, I thought I'd share a snap or two with you. I included the little chirps' Alex and Andrea'

their 'beaks' were out of joint, a bit, when Mango first arrived but they are dealing' the baby is very interactive' she will be very enjoyable company.

You will find this hard to believe, but she already 'comes when called'. Being only 4 months and having her wings clipped at the breeders' she can't fly very well, but she can make it half way across the living room, on a downward angle!!! Then she walks the rest of the way till she can jump up onto my hand LOL

What a hoot!

Ok, I don't want to bore you to tears' you can rest now.
Sue (Gray) McCotter

Ahhhhh hummmm You Do realize that 'Mango' is her 'name'? As for her breed' she is a Sun Conure. What you see is her baby feathers. They are camouflage. Here is what she will look like when she is 2 years of age.

I wondered if you realized that?

You can't change the wind but you can adjust your sails.

Hello,

It is great to get high speed internet and a challenge to email all of my lists for a change of email address.
NEW EMAIL: (Not posted for privacy reasons)
Apologies ahead of time if you get more than one of these.

Best Regards,

Susan Makov '70

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bob,

Please ask the members of the class of 61 to pray for me. I've just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the liver. I start chemo on Tuesday. It's been a great shock. I had no symptoms except for a nagging back pain for about five weeks.

Eileen (O'Halloran) Holmes '61

All alumni send their prayers to you!!!

JIM RERISI ('61) looking for: Barbara Rudin ('61) Donna Sohaski ('61)

Dear HixNews

Thank you for the neat birthday card... it is appreciated.

by a friend from Hicksville.

vinnie Luisi, class of 72

We lost contact with the following alumni. Anyone you recognize on this list.
Can you please provide an Email address? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wendy (Karen) Stuart, 1957 (MA)
James Rodecker, 1966
Marie (Calandrillo) Alcock, 1951 (NY)
"Woody" Wood,1968 (HX)
Kathy Reilly, 1973
Bill Powers, 1963 (CA)
Jeanne (Morabito) D'Agostino, 1960 (L.I.)
Lee Neal
Ray Strassburger, 1963 (NM)
Marty Brandson, 1967 (CA)
Chuck Coffey, 1967
Judy (Cooper) Schlauchter, 1963
Deirdre Mac Alpine, 1968 (NC)
Bill and Marilyn Powers
Roy and Gayle (Sanders) Rotheim (NY)
Jan (Greenberg) and Gary Dickelman (VA)

Below is a link to an incredible video entitled The Lion Whisperer

Check it out Click here: Kevin Richardson - The Lion Whisperer

The Editors

AUG 1ST @ Callahan's East Meadow !!!!

LOOKIN' FORWARD TO SEEIN EVERYONE!!

THERE WILL BE A CONTINGENT OF HIXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI, INCLUDING JOHN PRICE , PHIL NOCERINO, BERT JANNSEN, JOHN TRELLA, JIM MICALIZZI AND MORE !!!

FREE ADMISSION, (AS ALWAYS)
A 30 X 90 OUTDOOR PATIO WITH IT'S OWN TIKI BAR!!!
LOCATED SOUTH SIDE OF HEMPSTEAD TURNPKE
1 MILE EAST OF MEADOWBROOK PARKWAY
OR 1 MILE WEST OF WANTAGH PKWY !
CALL 516-542-0723 FOR DETAILS!!! OR VISIT ........
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MIDLIFECRISISLONGISLAND

Hello,
I saw pictures of your class of 67 reunion. Could you tell me how to
get in touch with Judy Lilienthal-Coyle, or let her know how to get
in touch with me?
We were girl friends when we were teenagers, and I'd love to get back in touch.
Thank you.
Dariel Mayer
Nashville, TN

Hicksville Vietnam War Era Veterans Memorial

With your help, we've managed to overcome vacations and all the usual distractions of Summer with the addition of 60 new names in July. The list now totals 398 names! We've added 176 new names in the past 3 months. In addition to our monthly publication in HixNews, we were able to run an article in the Anton Press' Hicksville Illustrated News in July and have gained more names from this as well. We hope to get Newsday to publish an article in August, as part of the effort to continue to expand our general press coverage.

We again ask that for your part as a reader of HixNews and former alumnus of HHS, please see our update in the Veterans Section of this newsletter. After reviewing the qualifications for the Memorial, please review the list of names and let us know who we have yet to find. Also, we would appreciate if you can help us fill in some of the missing information you can see in the list on the "Honoring Vets" page or clarify information we have that is uncertain (shown in red and with question marks). While we have gained significant momentum, we still have a long way to go, since we estimate there could be between 2-3 thousand veterans with ties to Hicksville who served in our Armed Forces around the world during the Vietnam Era.

Thank you,

Joe Carfora
HHS 1962

Dear HixNews

My name is Harold Buttitta. I graduated in 1965. I currently live in Boynton Beach, Florida with my charming wife, Karen. Our anniversary is August 8.

Photo Gallery

F * L * A * S * H * B * A * C * K

S e p t e m b e r    2 0 0 0

M * E * G * A     R * E * U * N * I * O * N

Check it out.
Hard to believe it's almost 9 years since
MEGA REUNION ONE
Was held in Huntington

---

The following pictures are from another mini reunion at Delaneys
Do You Recognize Anyone
Name some Names!!!!

 

Birthdays & Anniversaries

New Readers & Returns

Honoring our Veterans

Walt's Vets News

Three veteran tales that have recently been making the rounds, two of which fall in the 'SSDD' category; I'll let you decide which two.

Gulf War Illness: Still Not According To The VA

Thanks to Scott Parks of The Dallas Morning Star, The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Larry Scott of VA Watch Dog Dot Com, we once again learn what is, unfortunately, still the case.

UT Southwestern 

The UT Southwestern Medical Center conference room was brimming with dignitaries on April 21, 2006. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Dallas billionaire Ross Perot looked on as university administrators and the federal government agreed to spend $75 million to research the causes of Gulf War illness. More than three years later, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has spent only a fraction of the earmarked money, and contract disputes between the VA and UT Southwestern are threatening the entire project run by noted epidemiologist Robert Haley.

A flurry of behind-the-scenes activity this month indicates that plenty of people were worried about the future of Haley's investigation into why so many 1991 Persian Gulf War veterans suffer from chronic fatigue, loss of muscle control, headaches, dizziness, memory loss and joint pain. A critical report issued by the VA's inspector general on July 15 sheds light on years of infighting and conflict between the VA's contract managers and UT Southwestern.

When the VA and UT Southwestern inked the research contract in 2006, the deal was said to be worth $75 million in federal funding $15 million a year for five years. Today, no one is quite sure how much of that $75 million UT Southwestern will see. The main bone of contention was how much medical information and data on human research subjects UT Southwestern is obligated to share with the VA. 

Inspector General 

The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reviewed a contract under which the VA is funding UT Southwestern Medical Center's research into the cause of Gulf War illness. Among the office's findings:

-The VA and UT Southwestern have struggled over which entity owns the data generated by research on thousands of Gulf War veterans suffering from various illnesses.

-UT Southwestern tried to prohibit the VA from getting access to some information gathered in the project. Both sides said they were concerned about veterans' privacy.

-VA officials claimed ownership of all equipment that cost $5,000 per item such as laptop computers. Only later did the VA realize that the contract stipulates that the equipment is owned by UT Southwestern.

-In an effort to work more closely together, the VA moved personnel onto the UT Southwestern campus to work with researchers. But the VA provided its people with laptops that didn't have the proper software to do their jobs.

The Gulf War Veterans 

Many Gulf War Veterans are ill. Yet unlike Vietnam Veterans the VA does not (yet !?!) recognize the Gulf War Veteran's service in the war has caused them to be ill. According to the VA there is no Gulf War Syndrome, which syndrome would entitle them to recompense.

One Court For All: Except If You're A Vet With Problems

Once again Larry Scott, of VA Watchdog dot Org, has brought to our attention an article (Rick Rogers, San Diego Union-Tribune) that helps us better understand a growing issue. Should there be a 'special' court that deals with veterans with certain problems. As a veterans advocate my initial reaction is it sounds like a good idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, my initial opinion needs to be re-visited when considering: Are veterans' courts on target or special treatment?

Veteran What

There's one in Santa Ana. And in Anchorage, Alaska; Buffalo, N.Y.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Phoenix; Santa Clara; and Tulsa, Okla. One is coming to Pittsburgh.

These places have or will have courts designed for criminal defendants who are military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and/or substance-abuse problems. The goal of these courts is to rehabilitate the veterans not by putting them in jail but by providing aggressive case management, which often includes closely monitored medical treatment, counseling and permanent housing.

The Debate

Debate over the concept is happening across the nation, including in Sacramento, where Assemblywoman Mary Salas, D-Chula Vista, introduced a bill this year to establish veterans courts statewide. Her legislation sparked such intense controversy that she quickly pulled it from consideration. Two years of negotiations have not produced a veterans court in San Diego County, which is home to about 250,000 veterans.

Supporters of the courts say they are an effective, humane and appropriately customized way of combating the revolving door of crime and punishment that some veterans experience. Critics say veterans shouldn't get special treatment and that judges in the court system are already equipped to deal with veterans' distinct circumstances.

Steve Binder, an attorney in the San Diego County Public Defender's Office, said former service members do elicit special understanding from judges and prosecutors. But one thorny issue in trying to establish a court here has been whether certain criminal behavior can be adequately addressed without time behind bars.  There is a legitimate concern about public safety where veterans are driving 100 mph or are engaged in violent offenses and harming other people,  Binder said.  We'd like to see a court that recognizes that veterans provided for our safety and that now our treatment services can provide for their safety, he said.  We don't want to lose another generation to the prison system, like we lost the Vietnam veterans.


VA Claims Processing Backlog Is Everyone's Fault But Theirs... Right

Recently, a Congressional hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs was held. The topic: Review of Veterans' Disability Compensation: Forging a Path Forward. Having watched the 130-plus minute session I question what if anything was moved forward. This meeting included: Noel Koch, Director, Office Of Transition Policy Care Coordination, Department Of Defense; Patrick W. Dunne, Under Secretary For Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department Of Veterans Affairs; Michael P. Allen, Professor, Stetson University College Of Law; Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, And Income Security, GAO, and; John Wilson, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans. From having watched the hearing three thoughts come to mind: Same Stuff Different Day; "I'll take that under advisement," and; The Emperor's (VA) New Cloths... all over again. However, the report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Veterans' Disability Benefits: Preliminary Findings on Claims Processing Trends and Improvement Efforts, GAO-09-910T July 29, 2009, did include points that we veteran advocates recognize as fact.

The VA 

Simply put, while various new-processes have been undertaken to attempt to reduce backlog, it seems the VA has not yet identified any measurement metrics to assess the progression of these new processes, no less determining what 'success' would be. It seems the VA will initiate and implement (read that spend the money) but when it comes to evaluate... they either haven't the foggiest idea, or prefer not to.

The GAO 

- The number of disability claims VA completes annually at the initial level increased about 60 percent - from about 458,000 in fiscal year 1999 to about 729,000 in fiscal year 2008. During this same period, the number of claims pending at year-end increased 65 percent to about 343,000. 

- Over the past several years, the number of appeals resolved increased 22 percent, from more than 72,000 cases in fiscal year 2003 to almost 88,000 cases in fiscal year 2008. However, it took on average 96 days longer in fiscal year 2008 to resolve appeals than in fiscal year 2003. 

- The VA has taken several steps to improve claims processing, but the effect of some of these actions is not yet known. For example, VA increased claims processing staff about 58 percent from fiscal years 2005 to 2009, which has helped to increase the total number of decisions VA issues annually. However, VA expects individual staff productivity to decline in the short-term in part because of the challenge of training and integrating new staff. 

- The VA has established 15 resource centers to which it redistributes claims and appeals for processing from backlogged regional offices, although VA has not collected data to evaluate the effect of its workload redistribution efforts.

The Senate Panel 

Panel Agrees On Need To Reform Veterans' Disability System: Chairman Akaka encouraged by Administration's willingness to admit shortcomings; witnesses suggest solutions to claims processing challenges

Witnesses testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs agreed today on the need to reform the veterans' disability compensation system. "The consensus is growing that the veterans' disability compensation system needs to be broadly transformed. Representatives from the veterans' community, academia, and government are coming forward with specific ideas. I am encouraged by the Administration's willingness to advocate for change, and I will be working with VA officials and others to develop a broad compensation reform proposal," said Akaka. 

My 2cents... 

We can only hope.

--- --- 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

Burma Shave Signs

There are many who never saw the many Burma Shave signs. Here's a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's, '40's and '50's. Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside. in farmers' fields and beside the road. They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave.

Here's one that was on famous Route 66

This was America's very popular shaving cream. Those signs broke some of the monotony of driving. Below are some words used on signs:

---

---

Do these bring back any old memories? 

If not, you're merely a child. 

If they do - then you're old as dirt...

LIKE ME!

BoB Wesley

In Memoria

Casale's Corner

HICKSVILLE TIDBITS AUGUST 2009

General Trivia Quiz

1. In the classic 1973 movie, "American Graffiti," who played the role of Bob Falfa???

1. Richard Dreyfuss
2. Paul Le Mat
3. Harrison Ford
4. Ron Howard

2. Who won the 1st James E Sullivan Memorial Award?

1. Ben Hogan
2. Glenn Cunningham
3. Bobby Jones
4. Joe Dimaggio

3. What is a baby giraffe called?

1. cub
2. calf
3. pup
4. hatchling
   

4. Who was voted the 1st Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1954?

1. Mickey Mantle
2. Bobby Thompson
3. George Mikan
4. Roger Bannister
   

5. Who starred in -Billy Madison

1. Adam Sandler and Madonna
2. Adam Sandler and Janet Jackson
3. Adam Sandler and Brigette Wilson
4. Adam Sandler and Halle Berry

6. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are:

1. Husband and Wife
2. Brother and Sister
3. Distant Cousins
4. They are not related

7. When was the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote ratified?

1. 1888
2. 1920
3. 1938
4. 1940
   

8. Who was Batman when he was out of his costume?

1. Bruce Wayne
2. Arthur Brooks
3. Dick Grayson
4. Clark Kent
   

9. Who became the first American skier to take a World Cup Downhill season crown?

1. Picabo Street
2. Tommy Moe
3. Dan Jennings
4. Shelly Thompson
   

10. What fell on the Sahara on February 18, 1979?

1. A Satellite
2. Snow
3. Six inches of rain
4. An airplane