September 2026: Volume 26 - Issue 12

Thank you to our readers for contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with comments and stories. We appreciate you! We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. The founding Webmaster of Hixnews, Roger Whitaker, recently passed away so we are reprinting an article written by Ron Wencer about him and his wife. We try to follow postings on Facebook with notices to put in our Reunion, In Memoriam and Etcetera sections, but we don't always see them, so please send them along also. 

Written by: Ron Wencer, Class of 1964

In Praise of Roger Whitaker

by Ron Wencer,
HHS Class of 1964

Introduction

I usually write about the village of Hicksville, but not this time around. This time, I’m writing on behalf of all of us – those who make Hixnews, and those who read it – to acknowledge the long and invaluable service of our former webmaster, Roger Whitaker. While I’m at it, I’ll also touch upon how connections among Hicksville families and friends led a man in Minnesota to play matchmaker for Illinois resident Roger (whom he’d never met in person) and a woman from Hicksville.

Overview

Roger was not part of the Hixnews founding team; his involvement began with a website he built for the 50th-anniversary reunion of the HHS Class ofRoger Whitaker, webmaster extraordinaire, courtesy of Vicky Whitaker Victoria Penner Whitaker1958, of which his wife Vicky Penner Whitaker is a member. As that website took shape, it became clear that Roger’s skills and technical knowledge could serve Hixnews well, and he soon became our volunteer webmaster. He served in that capacity from 2008 until the original “Newsletter” ceased publication following the death of Bob Casale. Even then, Roger continued to serve, assisting the team that built Hixnews anew, so that it could reappear in 2024.

It is all too common to hear about people who take their knowledge and computer data to the grave – well, that will never be said of Roger Whitaker. With the passing of Buffalo Bob, for a time, it seemed likely that there would be no future issues of the Newsletter and that the archive of past issues, wherever it existed in cyberspace, would perish – but Roger knew how to prevent that. He had retained digital copies of all the past issues. He alerted the new volunteers to the upcoming expiration of the contracts, which was essential to keep the old issues online and accessible. Equally important, he allowed the new Hixnews team to tap into his wealth of experience, even when we besieged him with “newbie” questions.

Vicky and Roger have each “worn many hats” and won many accolades throughout their lifetimes. In addition to their individual careers, at times, they have worked together, both in business and for charity. I find it impossible to write about Roger’s life without also writing about Vicky’s – which is, I believe, the way that they like things to be.

Vicky Before She Knew Roger

Victoria Penner, 1958 Comet YearbookVicky Penner majored in Journalism at Hofstra, where she became the student newspaper editor. After graduating in 1962, she worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, earning the respect of her peers and becoming President of the Press Club of Long Island. Her last job on the Island was serving as head of Public Relations for SUNY Stony Brook, a position that she held for nearly 15 years. During those 15 years at Stony Brook, Vicky was widowed when her husband of 26 years died in an airplane crash.

Roger Before He Knew Vicky

Roger Whitaker grew up in and around Springfield, Illinois. Interested in electronics from an early age, he became a licensed amateur radio operator at 11. Note that his mother encouraged him by studying along with him; she got her ham license at the same time! He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. You may be interested to learn that one year, he interrupted his studies to go to Tunis, where he served as a radio operator onboard the hospital ship S.S. Hope during a lengthy humanitarian mission. 
Roger at the Ships Radio k9ljb.comS.S. Hope circa 1960-1974 Wikipedia

Ketch BarakaAfterward, his return to school was delayed by an unexpected adventure. A 56’ ketch moored at Tunis, unable to continue its voyage because its autopilot needed repair. Parts and expertise were nowhere to be found along the North African shore, but someone from the Hope persuaded the ketch owner to let Roger look at the problem. Roger did, and he repaired it. Invited to remain on board as crew, Roger got to sail partway home via Gibraltar, Casablanca, the Canary Islands, and finally, Barbados. 

His career as an engineer – he’s still working, albeit part-time -- has been successful but, presumably, less adventurous. He has designed and supported elevator control systems, taught electronics courses, and built, hosted, and supported websites since the early days of the World Wide Web.

How They Met

Mitchell FreedmanWhen Vicky was the student newspaper editor at Hofstra, she worked with another HHS grad, Mitchell Freedman (Class of 1960). Like her, he would go on to have a long career as a news reporter and later become President of the Press Club of Long Island. Over the years, chance meetings were inevitable and frequent when they both worked as reporters on the island.

Meanwhile, Mitch’s parents moved their family from Hicksville to Suffolk, not far from where Vicky lived. Her own parents were gone, and she sometimes turned to Mitch’s for advice, helped his mother with shopping, or just came over for a visit. They became herJack Freedman courtesy of Vicky Whitaker surrogate family. Mitch had a much younger brother, Jack, whom older readers of Hixnews might recall. (According to the 1967 yearbook, Jack was a member of the HHS Tactical Games Society, for which the faculty advisor was the man whom I recall as “the younger Mr. Horne.”)

Jack later became a hospital administrator and a consultant to healthcare organizations. Through extensive business-related email and telephone contact, he and Roger Whitaker became good friends, long before they ever met face-to-face. At some point after Vicky was widowed, Jack, who was working at a hospital in the Minneapolis area, decided that the divorced Roger would get along well with the widowed Vicky. After some preliminary conversations on that topic with each of them, he dispatched emails to Springfield and Long Island, suggesting that each follow through with the other. And they did.

According to Vicky, an exchange of emails eventually grew to a thousand printed pages. Deciding to spare whatever forests were left, they finally decided to meet in person. Vicky visited Roger in Springfield, and then Roger visited Vicky in New York. The spark was there (that’s an old radio pun, or at least it should be), and decisions were easy to make: they would marry, and Vicky would move to Springfield and become part of Roger’s family. More than 20 years later, that family boasts 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

As the HHS Class of 1958 looked ahead to its 50th Anniversary Reunion, Vicky was on the organizing committee, tracking down “lost” classmates and publicizing the event online. Coincidentally, the Whitakers had started developing websites together as a business venture. Roger volunteered his time to develop a special reunion website. As noted earlier, Hixnews had come into existence separately. All parties then agreed that Roger should become its webmaster.

Partial List of Their Services, Awards, and Accomplishments

Vicky and Roger are ham radio operators, and they both serve at the state level of the Amateur Radio Relay League, overseeing radio clubs that operate in Illinois.

Roger serves in a number of volunteer roles that entail liaison with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and/or the Office of Homeland Security. Many relate to the use of ham radio for essential communications should normal communications channels fail. Most notably, Roger is the County Coordinator of ARES (i.e., “amateur radio emergency services”). He is also the manager and trustee of the Illinois State Emergency Operations Center, which was built in part to facilitate state-wide ham radio communications. In addition, Roger sits on two counties’ emergency planning committees, which are mandated to manage or contain certain types of threats, such as the movement of hazardous materials through the area.

Vicky has served on the national Board of the Society of Professional Journalists.  She continues to serve as a judge for the Society’s Sigma Delta Chi national journalism awards.

Both Whitakers have put in many years of service to plan and realize the Springfield Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees. Recently, the event has had to evolve to fit a post-COVID world better. Still, in the past it featured 70 different performances that attracted as many as 40,000 visitors over a 10-day run. Roger’s electronics expertise, especially with respect to sound systems, was always in demand.

Vicky has served on the board of Friends of the Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Foundation for Frontier Studies, which supports archeological research in and around Illinois.

Roger and Vicky both remain active in the large (almost 700 members) Sangamon County Historical Society. Each has served as its President, and Vicky has served as Editor of the Society’s newsletter, Historico.

Earlier this year, Vicky was named recipient of the George M. Estabrook Award, awarded by Hofstra University to distinguished alumni.

Conclusion

I am certain that there are many, many other good things that I might have said about Roger and Vicky Whitaker. They are fine people, and they are impressive people – they excel at what they do. They both work hard to make the world a better place.

Kudos to Roger for doing an exemplary job, helping Hixnews flourish for so long. In the time that he and I overlapped at Hixnews, he was always helpful, always prepared to do more than the minimal effort required, and when necessary, exhibited the best quality one can have in a crisis – a sense of humor. He deserves special thanks for his great patience, resourcefulness when adaptations had to be made, and always being a team player, no matter what.

And, of course, many thanks to Vicky for sharing him with us.

Written by: Ryan Vicino, Class of 2020

Did you know that Long Island wasn’t always the bustling suburbia that it is today? The ‘Great Plains’ of Long Island once covered over 50 thousand acres of land with tall grasses and many endangered species, from Garden City to Levittown, to East Meadow, and even Hicksville! This land was the home to many rare, Long Island native species, such as the beautiful Sandplain Gerardia flowers flouting their bright pink petals, and the elusive Frosted Elfin butterflies. Unfortunately, most of the ‘Great Plains’ has shrunken over time, with the Hempstead Plains Preserve remaining as one of the only places on the island where you can still experience the plain's beauty. This property, managed by the Friends of Hempstead Plains, is the largest remaining area of the ‘Great Plains’ on Long Island, and is located directly next to Nassau Community College.

Blooming of the endangered Sandplain Gerardia at Hempstead Plains Preserve. (Friends of Hempstead Plains)

Sadly, many of the varying species of plants and animals that once resided within the ‘Great Plains’ are no longer around. The most prominent example of species that have gone extinct is the Heath Hen, scientifically known as Tympanuchus Cupido Cupido. Similarly to the famous story of the Dodo bird's extinction, it is said that the Heath Hen was a rather naive species of bird, leading to its demise. In fact, some accounts even state that the Heath Hen was so unaware of the danger of human hunters that a single hunter could kill an entire flock in the Great Plains in a single day. Another important factor leading to the Heath Hen's extinction was the development of railroad systems across the Great Plains, which was in part influenced by Valentine Hicks, a prominent member of Hicksville’s local history who had established the same station stop in the hamlet today. Unfortunately for the Heath Hen, it could not keep up with the rapid expansion occurring across Long Island, leading to its official mark of extinction in 1932.

Illustration of the Heath Hen. Credit: Walter Herbert Rich in Feathered Game of the Northeast, 1907

Thankfully, some species have managed to all but barely survive the effects of the railroad expansion across the Hempstead Plains, allowing us to have some insight on how our communities truly looked in their past. As previously mentioned, the Frosted Elfin butterfly is one of these species to endure the dangers of industrialization, and can still be found in small numbers across Long Island’s Great Plains. These butterflies are primarily gray or brown in color, and can be found in sizes of 1 inch to 1.25 inches. It is not a species of butterfly that migrates, and relies on either lupine or wild indigo as a food source. Another distinctive characteristic of the Frosted Elfin butterfly is its white hairs, which cover the entirety of its body. Currently, this species of butterfly is listed as State Conservation Rank S1S2 by the New York National Heritage Program, or NYNHP. In short, this means that the Frostin Elfin butterfly is very vulnerable to extinction, and that there are likely only 20 or less remaining populations across the state. The NYNHP has also documented that "Prescribed burns should be timed to avoid time periods when egg and larvae are present.” This is important to take note of, as prescribed burns do occur at the Hempstead Plains as recently as within the past year. It is vital that more research is conducted on the endangered Frosted Elfin butterfly population within the Great Plains in order to judge the effects of prescribed burns on the remaining inhabitants. Conducting more research on the area can also help provide more outreach to the local communities on how to help protect areas such as the Great Plains, and ensure that future generations will still be able to appreciate the species that have lived on Long Island for generations alongside us all.

Photograph of the Frosted Elfin Butterfly. Credit: Steve Walter, NYNHP

As a community, it is vital that we keep Long Island’s natural landscape intact. The remaining Great Plains are currently under the preservation management of the Friends of Hempstead Plains, whose goal is to protect the wildlife and educate the community on its history and environmental importance. The Friends of Hempstead Plains also practices multiple scientific studies within the Great Plains, working alongside local colleges to “collect and analyze key scientific data”, according to the group's statement on their public website. Currently, the Friends of Hempstead Plains is actively accepting students from local schools to visit the Hempstead Plains for field trips in order to help contribute to our youth's education. They are also currently accepting volunteer work, which includes individual tasks, team-focused work alongside other volunteers, and “Drop-in Events” as stated within the group's website. Without organizations like the Friends of Hempstead Plains, we likely would have more apartment complexes and roadways rather than the beautiful preserves being protected today. 

Trail map of the Hempstead Plains Preserve, Courtesy of the Friends of Hempstead Plains.

Written by: Karl Schweitzer, Class of 1981

ORGANIZED 1893
HICKSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
20 GEBHARDT PLAZA
HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK 11801
BUSINESS PHONE (516) 933-6444
FAX (516) 933-6417
https://www.hiclsvillefd.com

September 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hicksville Fire Department Announces 25th Remembrance of September 11 with Memorial Mass and Ceremony

Community Observances will be held September 11 and September 13, 2026

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. - Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief of Department will host two events commemorating the 25th remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Family members, friends, firefighters and community residents are invited to gather on Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, to remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks.

“As we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, we remain committed to ensuring that the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the courage shown on that day are never forgotten,” Chief Wright said. “We invite every member of our community to stand with us as we remember our fallen brothers, our neighbors and all those whose lives were forever changed.”

Memorial Remembrance Mass

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Holy Family Church, Fordham Avenue, Hicksville

The commemoration will begin with a Memorial Remembrance Mass at Holy Family Church. The community is invited to join members of the Hicksville Fire Department in prayer and reflection as they remember the somber events of September 11, 2001, and honor all those affected by the attacks and their lasting consequences.

• Download booklet here.
• Download program here.
• Karl Schweitzer remarks.

September 11 Memorial Ceremony

Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Strong Street Fire Station Memorial, Hicksville

On Sunday, September 13, the Hicksville Fire Department will gather at the September 11 memorial located at the Strong Street Fire Station. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with the presentation of colors.

The memorial was erected in honor of Ex-Chief Terrence Farrell and Honorary Chief George Howard, both of whom lost their lives while participating in rescue efforts on September 11, 2001.

Ex-Chief Farrell was a member of Citizens Engine Company No. 3 and an elite member of the New York City Fire Department’s Rescue Company 4.

Honorary Chief Howard was a former Captain of Emergency Company No. 5 and a member of the Port Authority Police Department’s Emergency Services Bureau assigned to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In addition to Ex-Chief Farrell and Honorary Chief Howard, the Fire Department will recognize the following individuals who once called Hicksville home and who died either on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered as a result of the attacks:

“The names read during this ceremony represent far more than a list,” Program Chair and Honorary Captain Michael Kretz said. “Each name represents a life, a family and a connection to Hicksville. Our program has been carefully prepared to honor them with the dignity, respect and gratitude they deserve.”

The approximately 45-minute memorial service is expected to include:

• A color guard procession led by representatives of the United States Marine Corps League, Port Authority Police Department, New York City Fire Department and Hicksville Fire Department
• A procession of Hicksville firefighters led by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums
• Performances of the National Anthem and “God Bless America” by Freddie McFarland of the Levittown Fire Department
• Personal reflections from New York State Senator Steven Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker
• Blessings and prayers offered by the Reverend Christopher Sullivan, Pastor of Holy Family Church
• The tolling of the bell for those who once called Hicksville home and died on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered in the years that followed
• There will be a Helicopter Flyover by the Nassau County Aviation Bureau.

A member of the United States military will play “Taps” as officers of Citizens Engine Company No. 3 and Emergency Company No. 5 place memorial wreaths.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, residents will be invited to place a single carnation at the base of the memorial as a personal expression of remembrance.

“We hope families, friends and residents will join us for both the Mass and the memorial ceremony,” Honorary Captain Kretz said. “Their presence helps demonstrate that, even after 25 years, Hicksville continues to remember and continues to stand beside the families of those we lost.”

About the Hicksville Fire Department

The Hicksville Fire Department has been committed to protecting the Hicksville community since 1893. The Department strives to provide and maintain superb fire protection, fire prevention and emergency services while anticipating the needs and challenges of future generations. The Hicksville Fire Department provides emergency coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its companies are staffed entirely by dedicated professional volunteers who provide these services at no cost to Hicksville residents.

For additional information, visit www.hicksvillefd.com.

Media Contact: Ex-Chief Karl M Schweitzer, Public Information Officer

Hicksville Fire Department
Phone: 516-933-6445
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by: Stefanie Cedar Shames

Written by: Hicksville Class of 1976

Join the Hicksville Class of 1976 Facebook page to see the latest news!

Hello HHS Class of 1976!

We're very excited about having a 50th reunion for the Hicksville High School class of 1976!!!

Alice Hauser (Guariglia) and Cathy Caros (Tamburro) have been working through the details and would like to share with you what we have so far.

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Location: Patrizia's of Long Island, 1040 S. Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (the restaurant closes at 10:00pm so if anyone wants to hang out a little after, they can go to the bar at the restaurant)

Menu: Italian, served family-style at tables.  Wine, Beer, Sangria, and Soft Drinks are included - PLEASE NOTE: Mixed drinks are not included but can be purchased at the bar

Cost: $110 per person

We also thought it would be fun to schedule a tour of the High School prior to our reunion party, so more details to follow.  Alice will be contacting the HHS Principal to discuss.

There'll be plenty of music! We're looking at the cost of a DJ but we may just provide our own music to keep the cost down.

IMPORTANT: WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

To finalize the food and beverage arrangements, we need a final headcount!!! Please confirm your attendance by July 24th by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following information:

Name (first name, birth name, last name as appropriate)

Contact information (email address and cell phone number)

Number of attendees

NOTE: If you are bringing a guest, please provide their name as well, as we'll be creating nametags for each attendee!

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!!!

If you are in touch with any fellow classmates, please pass this information along and encourage them to join us!

Let's make this reunion one for the books!  The stories, the laughter and the memories we created made our High School days the time of our lives!!!  Let's celebrate together!!! Once we have a final headcount, we'll send another communication out with the payment method and the final details.

We can't wait to see everyone on October 8th!!!

Alice Hauser Guariglia (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Cathy Caros Tamburro (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Compiled by: Stefanie Cedar Shames, Class of 1977

Emails from Readers

-Hi,
I was amazed to read the article by Dr. Kumpikas, as she was my French I teacher in sophomore year at HHS, circa 1965.  The miniskirt angle really hit home, as I had signed up for German but was placed in Miss Kumpikas’ French class instead by some bureaucratic necessity.  First day, we got a look at Miss K and said “maybe this ain’t so bad after all”!
Thanks for keeping the flame alive,
Rick Hasbrouck

-Ron Wencer received this email from Vicky Whitaker about her husband, Roger, who was the Founding Webmaster for HixNews and we had the pleasure of working with him when the HixNews staff transitioned to the "new" staff. We are ending condolences to Vicky and Roger's family. We are publishing Ron's article about Roger again this month.

In Memoriam

 Daniel Hawxhurst, Class of 1964, passed away Sept. 15, 2026

Class of 1975

A big 70-ish birthday party is planned for Saturday, October 16, 2027, from 12 noon -4 pm. Place to be determined. It will be at a smaller venue with attendance limits, so join the Hicksville High School Alumni Class of 1975 Facebook page to stay updated.

Homecoming 2026

Volunteers Needed for Homecoming 2026 Hicksville Council of PTAs needs volunteers to sign up for an hour to help out your school or your past elementary school! Click here to sign up

Compiled by: The Webmaster

The following comments on various articles were recently posted by site members. Click on a title if you want to read the comment and/or join the discussion.