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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HUGE CONTRIBUTION TO VIETNAM ERA MEMORIAL FUND!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joe Platt, a classmate of mine (HHS 1964) and neighbor, for his most generous contribution to the Hicksville Vietnam Era Memorial Fund in the amount of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000.00). With this most generous contribution, we have surpassed our funding goal and can start construction at the memorial site where the already cast bronze plaque will be dedicated and mounted.  

I must add that Joe did not serve, but was compelled to help the fund bring recognition to those who did during an era in our country's history that was tearing us apart from within. 

Please do not stop the contributions for there is a lot of work to be contracted, plus maintenance of the site and study grants to students of the community - all of which will take additional funding.
Joe Platt (middle) giving his contribution to John (Jay) Tranchina (left) and Bill Walden (right). The picture was taken by Norman Reed, Class of 1963.

    

Sincerely,
Jay Tranchina

HICKSVILLE VIETNAM WAR ERA MEMORIAL - PROJECT UPDATE

November was a tremendous month and our biggest single month ever, with 6 new donors, plus 3 repeat donors bringing in an additional $9,391! The tremendous generosity this past month of Joe Platt, HHS 1964, was a huge help to November receipts. Please see the home page article written by Jay Tranchina, a Project Team member, regarding Joe's contribution.

In addition to Joe, it was great to see excellent contributions from 5 other new donors, along with our repeat donors.

We have now exceeded our $25,000 goal with $28,788 in total contributions. For those of you who have not yet made a contribution, you still have time to be part of the Memorial. Details on where to mail your donation check are shown in the complete Project Update, which appears in the Honoring Our Veterans section of this newsletter. As always, should you have any new information to report for either the Confirmed or Unconfirmed Lists of Names, particularly to fill in missing data on the Confirmed List, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On behalf of the Project Team, I'd like to wish each reader of HixNews a Wonderful Holiday Season, along with Happiness, Prosperity and Good Health in 2018!

Sincerely,
Joe Carfora, HHS 1962

The Newsletter

Photo Gallery

Man Spends Almost 2 Years Building Something In His Basement With Insane Results

By Maggie Watson, Head Cramp Staff

Everyone dreams of having the perfect home with all of the amenities they could ever need, but few of us actually make it a reality. Committing to a massive renovation or improvement project can be costly and take a great deal of time and effort that most people just aren't willing or able to spare!

That's what one man was thinking a few years ago when he began his dream project, but he was determined to build something that he'd been coveting for years. When you see the results, you might just get inspired to try this project yourself.

After years of dreaming about what he'd like to do with the extra space he had in his home, this man was determined to carry out his master plan for the ultimate basement, which began to take shape right almost right off the bat. This was his basement before he started:

To begin such a massive home renovation he would have to do a lot of planning, though, and it would take serious action to make his dreams a reality. He began by removing all of the ceiling tiles, the closet front, and its shelves.

That was not all that he was going to have to remove from his basement for his dream project. In fact, another closet space was removed and expanded to make room for an A/V cabinet. He was taking every possibility into consideration.

He then started adding soffits, which help the ceiling of a structure take shape. For this particular project, this meant the soffits were going to be critical to the design and functionality of what was about to be created in the basement.

This is when he began to install the necessary elements of the new room. For his next step, he installed a vintage projector in the ceiling to give it the authentic feel he really needed. He wanted it to feel cozy but with a vintage vibe. That's when things really began to come together.

With the projector in place, the basement movie theater of his dreams was in the works! While the project was still in the very early stages of production, photographs that he took during the process show that he was making some serious progress early on. The ceiling was really coming along better than he'd expected.

Luckily, the man had a family who could lend a helping hand whenever he needed it. No home theater would be complete without the proper screen, of course, so his son pitched in by helping him measure out the screen before it was made.

After they were finished getting the correct measurements for the screen, he turned his attention back to the ceiling. For the next step, overhead lights were installed directly int0 the ceiling, and sheet rock was placed all around.

Once the ceiling was in good shape, the lights were installed and the projector was securely fastened in its place, it was time to bring the theater to life. He hit the walls and the ceiling with a fresh coat of primer to start things off.

The primer was going to help his color stick to the walls and ensure that the paint wouldn't show up in splotchy sections. After that, the final coat of paint was applied and all of the preparation he'd done was about to pay off big time.

To get the full movie theater experience, he knew that he had to make the sound of the best possible quality. So, on the front wall of the basement, he added a specialized insulation that would improve the acoustics.

Not skipping out on any of the details that could get lost along the way, he knew that it was important to also install a small stage directly in front of the screen. He decided it would be best to build this stage by hand. It began taking shape nicely.

Once the acoustic insulation was fully in place, he continued with the insertion 0f the sound equipment. After purchasing quality speakers from a local store, he installed three of them in place. The sound was going to be amazing.

For his next step, he was going to build a frame around the screen, so it wouldn't move while he and his family were watching movies. So, the screen was mounted in place, and the finished product was getting closer to reality.

Not only did he build a box to fix the hole, but it added some real character and charm to his home movie theater. He didn't realize until it was done that it was such an important element to the overall look. Here it is in place!

Switching gears from the ceiling to the walls, he decided to add a classic theater touch to the basement. He constructed columns that were then placed accordingly along the side of the room and gave it a very vintage feel.

He couldn't help but look at his project fondly. When he began, there was little more to the room than four walls and carpet. With the right attitude and desire to build something great, he'd completely transformed his basement.

Voila! After a year and a half of work, his dream theater was complete. Yes, it took a lot of time, hard work, and some serious dedication, but in the end, it was well worth his time. This is the perfect getaway without actually getting away!

Now, at the end of the day and on the weekends, all he has to do is go down into his basement and it will be a realistic movie-going experience, without the long lines and high prices. Anyone have any movie suggestions?

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Memory Lane

A Note From Cheri Totter Mulholland

May 20, 2013 • Hicksville, NY

Linda SalvoLinda Salvo FacebookI grew up on Crescent St. and now live on Wilfred Blvd. I love our little North East corner of Hicksville. This morning I decided to see whose houses I could remember from my grade school days in Woodland Avenue and as a member of Hicksville High School class of 1971 when I was on my morning walk.

Marilyn SteinbergClinton BrownNick RagoneMarilyn Steinberg lived on Bruce Avenue.

Nick Ragone and Clinton Brown were part of the Arpad, Colony and Julian Streets group.

Colony Street rocked and has a long history!

Linda SorentinoKathy SorentinoLinda and Kathy Sorentino lived on Jerome Avenue.

Karen DiPietrantonio Maureen NefKaren DiPietrantonio and Maureen Neff on Vincent Rd

Lorraine RemyKathy MorandLorraine Remy lived on Miller Rd. I even counted Kathy Morand on Hicks Circle (even though she didn't go to Woodland Ave.) This was a wonderful neighborhood to grow up in the 60's and 70's and still a great place for me to raise my children in the 80's and 90's. Tomorrow I will take my 3 mile walk to and from Hicksville Library!

Cheri Totter Cheri Totter and Kevin MulhollandCheri Totter Mulholland 1971 (shown here with Kevin)

Cheri...

We lived on Smith Street. Is your husband Kevin Mulholland? If so, he and I graduated from Saint Ignatius together.

Tom Galvin

A note from Cheri to Tom...Yes, that is my husband and he went to St. Ignatius.

A note from Patricia to Tom... Tom, didn't you live on the same block as I did? I lived at 17 Smith Street..@Joann? I lived in Hicksville until 1988 and lived in West Babylon since then. Small world. ~ Patricia McGrane Johnson

A note from Tom to Patricia...Yes we lived at 12 Smith St and I know your family. You had a great family...one of many on our street. I graduated from grammar school in 1966 so I'm a touch older.

A note from Patricia to Tom...I had a feeling you were familiar. Your sister Mary was a great babysitter (loved her). And your family was one of the greats. My mom is still around. She lives in Bethpage. It was a great block to grow up on back then.

A note from Tom to Patricia...Yes Mary is terrific. I am the oldest and Mary is the youngest. I was likely long gone in your day. Mary and her family live around the corner from my family in Cherry Hill NJ (outside Philly) which has been great. I will give Mary the update on you and your family. Sounds like your Mom is at the senior housing in Bethpage? My mom moved close to us in NJ about 15 years ago.

A note from Patricia to Tom...Yes...she lives in the senior housing. My dad passed away 6 years ago. She just turned 80. Give Mary my regards. I'm doing great. Married for almost 25 years with two girls and living in West Babylon. So we're still on the island. Say hi to your mom as well!!

Karen DrascheCarol Greenstein Epstein 1971Cheryl Gries BrownKaren Drasche lived on Adams Street.

John Meisner John Meisner FacebookFor sure and those block parties were awesome. What happened there stays there because they would never believe it anyway.

Do we know where Nick Ragon is? Would like to say hi. ~ John Meisner

Nadine Priceman BelkinI have been looking for Nicky. No luck in finding him.

SchroederArleneI graduated in 1968 and I lived on Honved Street diagonally across from Matt Tedesco and Tami Steinberg. I was friends with Barbara Tedesco whose house backed up to the Steinberg's. There was Arlene Schroeder on King Street, Susan Ambrico, David Teitel etc, etc.

There were quite a few 1968 graduates on these streets. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in. So many kids to play with outside all the time.

Susan AmbricoDavid Teitel

Haven't heard those names in years, there also was Janice Schwartz Block, Matt Errico, Billy Devoe, Christine Pisano, and Audrey Cappola. I can't think of anyone else but I do know there were dozen's more.

Janice Schwartz

Block 1968Matt ErricoBilly DevoeChristine Pisano

Audrey

Cappolla Susan McNally Joe McDonald Susan McNally & Sue with Bill Devoe & Helen Bereznik

We lived at 57 Crescent Street until the summer of 1967. The Forts to the south on the corner. VanSise next door to the north. Grebbers directly to the west.

Janine WayRay Nowak

I remember your family! I lived on the other side of the VanSises. Granted I was only 8 when you moved.

All those names sound familiar; I grew up on Crown St. and later moved to the other side of Woodbury Rd. on Oak St.; went to TV Summer elementary, St. Iggies, and Hix High.

Hey Ray! My brother Kevin ( who is a year younger and likely your age ) and I went to Saint Ignatius. If my memory is correct, we used to play roller hockey (and maybe basketball) at East St school. We also played on the yellow jackets football team which I think you may have as well.

~ Tom Galvin

Hey Tom! I saw your name and wasn't sure if it was the same person I knew: long time, no see. Yeah, I remember you well; Kevin was in my classes in St. Iggies, and I remember being pretty good friends with him for awhile back on Smith St. (?). Didn't Eddie Maraldo live across the street from your family; and the kid next door to you -- what was his name? Eric Anderson (had an older brother, too) lived down the street; right? Yup, we played roller hockey at East Street and there was another blacktop hockey/basketball court where we played touch/soft tackle football over in the Birchwood Park section: do you remember? I did play CYO yellowjackets baseball/football for a few years until the going got tough, so I got going elsewhere. :) I went to Hix high with Regina, too, who was very active in school activities as I recall. How are you, Kevin, Regina doing (I know it been a very long time!)? I have great memories from those early days!

~ Ray Nowak

Michael MahlstadtHey Ray nice hearing your recollections of our early years, it certainly was a great time to grow up. In response to your questions, yes Eddie Maraldo lived across the street and Michael Mahlstadt was my next door neighbor. There was Eric Anderson and his brother Matt who lived down the street. When we played hockey and football I think Jackie Keough, Richie Maier and Rob (?) McMorrow used to play as well. Kevin is doing well and lives in CA, Regina is good and lives near Boston. We all have the trademark Galvin Gray (white) hair. I will let both of them know that we caught up. It has been quite a number of years since we had our last pickup game but they were definitely fun times. If I am remembering that you had a nickname...something similar to a small canoe like vessel propelled by double blade paddles. Do you recall?

~ Tom Galvin

Ralph GroontNaomi GroontRay great to remember the one and only Ralph Groont!

Enjoy the weekend.

~ Tom Galvin

And his sister Naomi Groont; their mother was at our house every day wanting my mother, because I got him everyday...then it was just being a tuffy now its bullying; I now know it was wrong but when you're in elementary school, it was fun...I think everyone in Woodland picked on him and his sister.

~ Susan McNally

I can't believe Ralph Groont's name came up. To this day I bring him up when the bullying subject comes up. I picked on him too, kind of sad now when you think of it. Sorry Ralph wherever you are! Anyone from Crown St area remember Wayne Rudin.

~ Janice Schwartz

Barbara DiBella DowdHow nice you still live there. It was a wonderful place to grow up in. I moved away in 1963, and have never forgotten the happy memories and the friends I had there. I am in Florida now, via N.J. Never really felt NJ was my home, but do love Florida and we are happy here.

~ Barbara DiBella Dowd 1962

Casale's Corner

The Train Of Life

Thanks to Tom Steedman class of 1960 for the following

At birth, we boarded the train and met our parents. And we believe they will always travel on our side.

However, at some station, our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

Sometimes we ride the train of life, looking out the rear; Watching miles of life roll by, and marking every year.

Sometimes we sit in sad remembrance, of wasted days gone by; We think of life for what it was, and hang our heads and cry.

As time goes by, other people will board the train, and they will be significant, i.e. our siblings, friends, children and even the love of your life.

Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum; others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize that they vacated their seats.

But let's don't concern ourselves with that, Let's take a different vent. Let's look forward to what life holds, And not what has been spent.

So strap us to the engine, As securely as can be. We want to be out on the front, to see what we can see.

We want to feel the winds of change, Blowing in our face. We want to see what life unfolds, As we move from place to place.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, Hellos, goodbyes and farewells.

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

We want to see what's coming up, not looking at the past. Life's too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast.

It's alright to remember, that's part of our history. But up front is where it is happening, there is so much mystery

The mystery to everyone is not knowing at which Station we ourselves will step down.

So we must live in the best way, love, forgive and offer the best of who we are.

It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down, and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories

For those who will continue to travel down the road.

I wish you a joyful journey on this Train Of Life.

Reap success and give lots of love.

More importantly, thank God for the journey.

Lastly, I Thank You for being one of the passengers on my train.

By the way, I'm not planning to get off the train anytime soon.

But if I do, please remember I am glad you were part of my journey!!!

The enjoyment of living, is not where we have been; It's looking ever forward, to another year and ten; It's searching all the byways, never should we refrain.

For if we want to live our lives, we gotta drive the train.