Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of
Hicksville High School Hicksville, New York

The Editors:
Buffalo Bob Casale '61	Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden '60
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll '56	Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61

Contributing Editors: Bob Gillette & Walter Schmidt

Webmaster: Roger Whitaker

To contact the editors, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, October 6th, 2012
Class of 1962 50-Year Reunion
7PM -12AM HOLIDAY INN, Plainview , N.Y.
Please be sure Karen Hubner Jenkins has your current e-mail address (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Our Reunion Website 62.hixreunion.com

Hicksville Public Library welcomes back Tommy Sullivan

Come see Tommy Sullivan in concert Sunday October 14 at 2:30 PM. A Hicksville High School graduate, Tommy is a founding member of the original Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge and an inaugural inductee to the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

In the late sixties, Tommy started the first rock band in the U.S. Army (which included three other HHS classmates!) while serving in the West Point Band. In nearly every interview he's done Tommy has ascribed his success in the music business to the excellent music education he received in the Hicksville Public School system'.and to his lifelong mentor, Charles Gouse

Sunday's show will feature Tommy on keyboards, guitar flute and sax; singing classic music from the fifties and sixties' even some jazz stylings and new original songs. You'll also hear some inside stories about the many legendary performers he's worked with over the years. Come join us in welcoming home Tommy Sullivan!

The Rhythm Method/Del-Satins/Brooklyn Bridge

In 1968, following Tommy Sullivan's leaving the West Point Band, he helped create a new 7-piece Long Island band. The group learned just enough songs to enter a Battle of the Bands at the hot Farmingdale nightclub, The Cloud 9. They didn't win the Battle, but did get picked by Johnny Maestro (who was headlining at the Cloud 9 that night with the Del-Satins), to be his new band. Together with Johnny, original Del-Satins Les Cauchi & Freddy Ferrara and their 'new' (1968) member Mike Gregorio merged to become the Brooklyn Bridge. Just prior to teaming up with Johnny, The Del-Satins backed up Dion's post-Belmonts hits, including Runaround Sue & the Wanderer.

Tonight's Rhythm Method reunion of Hicksville High grads Tommy Sullivan, Jimmy Rosica, Carolyn Imbrie, Shelly Davis, Joe Ruvio and Artie Catanzarita along with Valley Stream's Richy Macioce marks only the second time they've appeared under that name. Appearing together tonight in tribute to Johnny, the collaboration of the Rhythm Method and Del-Satins marks the historic reunion of Long Island Music Hall of Fame charter inductees the original Brooklyn Bridge.

They are joined onstage by long time Brooklyn Bridge drummer Lou Agiesta and close friend Neal Ferraro, a multi-instrumentalist who has performed with the Bridge on several occasions.

The passing of Freddy Ferrara last year was a heartbreaking loss to his family, friends and millions of fans around the world. He was truly loved, and a pro in every sense of the word.

* FLASHBACK *

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 (HHS) 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 sometimes daily updates of names and addresses were eagerly anticipated by the growing list of alumni. Her emails were augmented by a collage of tidbits and trivia, a result of feedback from others. She put up special photographs that we all enjoyed and 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 did 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.

Buffalo Bob Casale 1961

Happy Birthday HixNews

We start our 13th year with the October issue. HixNews has come a long way since 2000 and the success is because of participation. It seems we begged so long for information from "you all"! The begging has ceased and the editors want to thank everyone for contributing information that piques the memories of many!
There have been disappointments where the editors have tried to implement an idea for a "special section" only to see it fail. Obviously, some of you have ideas for such a section. Please submit your ideas to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. but be prepared to offer your time as a contributing editor who will collect, organize and maintain that particular "special section."

Hi everybody, some of us from the 50's & 60's classes are cruising to Bermuda on the NCL Star from New York (see attachment flyer) on October 7, 2012 and we would like to invite any other HHS Alumni to join us, we have some great group rates and are planning some fantastic parties aboard. Pack your HHS MEMORIES and come join us. Please contact me for details or booking.

Bob Birk
2402 Waverly Avenue
Medford, NY 11763
(P) 631-447-1892

COME CRUISE WITH US HHS ALUMNI TO BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA

7-Night Cruise on the Fabulous Norwegian Star

October 7, 2012

No Flights. No Hassles. Sail round-trip from New York City to the beautiful island of Bermuda on the magnificent NCL STAR renowned for her beauty, food and entertainment. Enjoy freestyle cruising, being pampered in the spa, winning big in the casino, dancing the night away in the disco or just relaxing by the pool and that's before you step off the ship! Upon arrival in Bermuda, go shopping, stroll the island and view the homes the colors of flowers; in hues of yodeling yellows, pretty pinks, pleasing peaches and gentle greens that adorn the landscape. Enjoy their famous pink sand beaches or take some of the many shore trips we will be offering for our members only. As Mark Twain once said, 'you go to heaven if you want; I'll stay in Bermuda'

For more information please contact: Bob Birk Tel:631-447-1892 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Deposit of $250.00pp is required to secure booking. Credit card or checks made payable to Direct Marketing Plus, 2402 Waverly Avenue, Medford New York 11763. Standard NCL cancellation requirements apply.

Hicksville Vietnam War Era Memorial - PROJECT UPDATE

With three more names added in September, the current List of Names now totals 1,794, thanks to the continued interest shown in the Memorial by the many readers of HixNews!  Please keep up your efforts to review the List of Names available via the website link located at the bottom of the full Project Update in the Honoring  Our Veterans section of this newsletter.

Most of our data work continues to center on filling in missing data for the names we already have.  As a HixNews reader, you can also continue to be of significant help with the data we are missing, by reviewing the List of Names as noted above.  All missing data continues to be noted in red on the List of Names to make it easier for our readers to pick up.

In conjunction with the Class of 1962's 50^th Reunion on October 6^th, a breakfast meeting will be held with all local Project Team members to facilitate the site selection and fund raising process for the Memorial.

On behalf of The Project Team,
Joe Carfora, HHS '62

The Newsletter

Photo Gallery

There are photos, then, there are photos. These Kodachromes are from the era of World War 2. Incredible and they tell a story. Our 'Stay At Home' family really took care of business, big time!!!

Memory Lane

I had a note from Joe Starpoli, class of 1960...

Hey Bob,

I found the 1957 Babe Ruth League Opening Day roster book. Do you remember T. Pagano Furniture and MR. Aaron Chaffkin? Mr Chaffkin was our manager. We were both on the Pagano team in 1957. I played three years of Babe Ruth baseball and all on the same team.

Some old names...

Pete Anselmo Gene Burke Chris Polansky Ray Sitler

I forwarded the Starpoli note to Steve Blust...his response...

Dear Bob:

It's amazing how time flies when you're having fun. It's great that you come up with all the trivia stuff. I kinda remember the old baseball teams. There was a team called Pan Am managed by Charley Morris who was a Pan Am Captain. I worked for Pan Am for over 40 years and was one of the last employee's to leave and close the doors. Now living in Tampa Fl in our community we have 4 Pan Am Captains which I used to send them their paychecks. We only met in Florida. To keep my mind active I do mediation with the 5th circuit court and can write a book of funny and in some case sad stories. It does keep me busy on Tuesdays with white shirt and tie.

I am very pleased to be in good health and getting ready to celebrate my big 70^th (11/16/42). We have been in Florida going on 12 years and keep chasing the little white ball. I am currently in Atlanta, Georgia visiting my brother/sister in-law. We plan to head to Pinehurst NC and play some of the golf courses there.

Bob, I really enjoy the monthly newsletter and when I tell people about it they wish they had something similar. The pictures from the class of 1960 celebration were great. I am sorry I missed it and if there is something in the near future I will do my damnedest to get to it.

If you are ever in the Tampa area I would like to get together and talk about the good old days.

Best Regards,
Steve Blust 1960

Steve, Here's your team...

Tom Strati Nikitas Larry Werkstell Steve Blust Hank Ristow Hank Cierski Tom Doherty Len Grumo Mike RosenwasserLarry Sakadinsky Artie Clemenz

Rob McCotter Holton Casale Bill Holton Bob CasaleRich Simpson Bud Juppe Joe Starpoli Tom DeBrocke

Tune In for the next episode....

Casale's Corner

Here is an amazing story from a flight attendant on Delta Flight 15, written following 9-11:

"On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, we were about 5 hours out of Frankfurt, flying over the North Atlantic . All of a sudden the curtains parted and I was told to go to the cockpit, immediately, to see the captain. As soon as I got there I noticed that the crew had that "All Business" look on their faces. The captain handed me a printed message. It was from Delta's main office in Atlanta and simply read, "All airways over the Continental United States are closed to commercial air traffic. Land ASAP at the nearest airport. Advise your destination."

"No one said a word about what this could mean. We knew it was a serious situation and we needed to find terra firma quickly. The captain determined that the nearest airport was 400 miles behind us in Gander , New Foundland. He requested approval for a route change from the Canadian traffic controller and approval was granted immediately--no questions asked. We found out later, of course, why there was no hesitation in approving our request.

"While the flight crew prepared the airplane for landing, another message arrived from Atlanta telling us about some terrorist activity in the New York area. A few minutes later word came in about the hijackings.

"We decided to LIE to the passengers while we were still in the air. We told them the plane had a simple instrument problem and that we needed to land at the nearest airport in Gander , New Foundland to have it checked out.

"We promised to give more information after landing in Gander . There was much grumbling among the passengers, but that's nothing new! Forty minutes later, we landed in Gander . Local time at Gander was 12:30 PM! .... that's 11:00 AM EST.

"There were already about 20 other airplanes on the ground from all over the world that had taken this detour on their way to the U.S. After we parked on the ramp, the captain made the following announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, you must be wondering if all these airplanes around us have the same instrument problem as we have. The reality is that we are here for another reason." Then he went on to explain the little bit we knew about the situation in the U.S. There were loud gasps and stares of disbelief. The captain informed passengers that Ground control in Gander told us to stay put.

"The Canadian Government was in charge of our situation and no one was allowed to get off the aircraft. No one on the ground was allowed to come near any of the air crafts. Only airport police would come around periodically, look us over and go on to the next airplane. In the next hour or so more planes landed and Gander ended up with 53 airplanes from all over the world, 27 of which were U.S. commercial jets.

"Meanwhile, bits of news started to come in over the aircraft radio and for the first time we learned that airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and into the Pentagon in DC. People were trying to use their cell phones, but were unable to connect due to a different cell system in Canada . Some did get through, but were only able to get to the Canadian operator who would tell them that the lines to the U.S. were either blocked or jammed.

"Sometime in the evening the news filtered to us that the World Trade Center buildings had collapsed and that a fourth hijacking had resulted in a crash. By now the passengers were emotionally and physically exhausted, not to mention frightened, but everyone stayed amazingly calm. We had only to look out the window at the 52 other stranded aircraft to realize that we were not the only ones in this predicament.

"We had been told earlier that they would be allowing people off the planes one plane at a time. At 6 PM, Gander airport told us that our turn to deplane would be 11 am the next morning. Passengers were not happy, but they simply resigned themselves to this news without much noise and started to prepare themselves to spend the night on the airplane.

" Gander had promised us medical attention, if needed, water, and lavatory servicing. And they were true to their word. Fortunately we had no medical situations to worry about. We did have a young lady who was 33 weeks into her pregnancy. We took REALLY good care of her. The night passed without incident despite the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

"About 10:30 on the morning of the 12th a convoy of school buses showed up. We got off the plane and were taken to the terminal where we went through Immigration and Customs and then had to register with the Red Cross.

"After that we (the crew) were separated from the passengers and were taken in vans to a small hotel. We had no idea where our passengers were going. We learned from the Red Cross that the town of Gander has a population of 10,400 people and they had about 10,500 passengers to take care of from all the airplanes that were forced into Gander ! We were told to just relax at the hotel and we would be contacted when the U.S. airports opened again, but not to expect that call for a while.

"We found out the total scope of the terror back home only after getting to our hotel and turning on the TV, 24 hours after it all started.

"Meanwhile, we had lots of time on our hands and found that the people of Gander were extremely friendly. They started calling us the "plane people." We enjoyed their hospitality, explored the town of Gander and ended up having a pretty good time.

"Two days later, we got that call and were taken back to the Gander airport. Back on the plane, we were reunited with the passengers and found out what they had been doing for the past two days. What we found out was incredible.

" Gander and all the surrounding communities (within about a 75 Kilometer radius) had closed all high schools, meeting halls, lodges, and any other large gathering places. They converted all these facilities to mass lodging areas for all the stranded travelers. Some had cots set up, some had mats with sleeping bags and pillows set up.

"ALL the high school students were required to volunteer their time to take care of the "guests." Our 218 passengers ended up in a town called Lewis Porte, about 45 kilometers from Gander where they were put up in a high school. If any women wanted to be in a women-only facility, that was arranged. Families were kept together. All the elderly passengers were taken to private homes.

"Remember that young pregnant lady? She was put up in a private home right across the street from a 24-hour Urgent Care facility. There was a dentist on call and both male and female nurses remained with the crowd for the duration.

"Phone calls and e-mails to the U.S. and around the world were available to everyone once a day. During the day, passengers were offered "Excursion" trips. Some people went on boat cruises of the lakes and harbors. Some went for hikes in the local forests. Local bakeries stayed open to make fresh bread for the guests. Food was prepared by all the residents and brought to the schools. People were driven to restaurants of their choice and offered wonderful meals. Everyone was given tokens for local laundry mats to wash their clothes, since luggage was still on the aircraft. In other words, every single need was met for those stranded travelers.

"Passengers were crying while telling us these stories. Finally, when they were told that U.S. airports had reopened, they were delivered to the airport right on time and without a single passenger missing or late. The local Red Cross had all the information about the whereabouts of each and every passenger and knew which plane they needed to be on and when all the planes were leaving. They coordinated everything beautifully. It was absolutely incredible.

"When passengers came on board, it was like they had been on a cruise. Everyone knew each other by name. They were swapping stories of their stay, impressing each other with who had the better time. Our flight back to Atlanta looked like a chartered party flight. The crew just stayed out of their way. It was mind-boggling. Passengers had totally bonded and were calling each other by their first names, exchanging phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses.

"And then a very unusual thing happened. One of our passengers approached me and asked if he could make an announcement over the PA system. We never, ever allow that. But this time was different. I said "of course" and handed him the mike. He picked up the PA and reminded everyone about what they had just gone through in the last few days. He reminded them of the hospitality they had received at the hands of total strangers. He continued by saying that he would like to do something in return for the good folks of Lewis Porte.

"He said he was going to set up a Trust Fund under the name of DELTA 15 (our flight number). The purpose of the trust fund is to provide college scholarships for the high school students of Lewis Porte. He asked for donations of any amount from his fellow travelers. When the paper with donations got back to us with the amounts, names, phone numbers and addresses, the total was for more than $14,000!

"The gentleman, a MD from Virginia , promised to match the donations and to start the administrative work on the scholarship. He also said that he would forward this proposal to Delta Corporate and ask them to donate as well. As I write this account, the trust fund is at more than $1.5 million and has assisted 134 students in college education.

"I just wanted to share this story because we need good stories right now. It gives me a little bit of hope to know that some people in a faraway place were kind to some strangers who literally dropped in on them. It reminds me how much good there is in the world."

"In spite of all the rotten things we see going on in today's world this story confirms that there are still a lot of good and Godly people in the world and when things get bad, they will come forward.