Etcetera for February 2025
Notes from Readers
Thanks to those who read the article from our webmaster about using the comments function for articles. We also received emails, and we are so glad to hear from our readers!! Below are a few of the comments we received. Remember, if you are signed in you can leave a comment on an article.
*Allied Shopping Center...from Austin Bowles "Stefanie, Thank you for your article. I do remember my family using the bakery even though we lived on the other side of Hicksville near Wantagh Parkway. If I remember correctly, there was a bar (Alpine?) that I sometimes frequented as a recent 1961 graduate, but not much later, as I moved away from Hicksville after graduating from college. Eighteen drinking law was still in existence"
*Allied Shopping Center...from Eugen Lewan "I believe the bar was called the Alpine. As kids it was a mysterious place. Allied was a few blocks away from where we lived. I, too, have fond thoughts of the businesses and folks that provided for the community. The 5 and 10 we knew as Jack's, and the luncheonette as the Candy Store (I think the proprietor was Phil). I also recall a drug store, I believe, next to Crown Bakery. There was at one time a laundry service between the candy store and the Grand Union. I also recall all the discarded gum that decorated the sidewalks outside the deli and candy store and the delightful aroma of the Kosher Meat store. Later years there was Rizzo's Pizza across the street where what now is I believe is now a 7-Eleven. Thanks for this walk down memory lane."
*Hicksville Revitalization...from Eugene Lewan "Very nice article Wendy. It's nice to see some of the upcoming developments though some of the upgrades will change the Hicksville we knew growing up there. Hicksville of old will always be a part of the collective memories for each generation. Thank you for dedicating your time to this forum. It is appreciated by those who no longer reside there. Still it will always be home."
Response from Wendy Elkis Girnis..."You're welcome. I can't wait to visit Hicksville in the future to see all of the changes taking place. You are right though. Those of us who left will always think of Hicksville as a small town where you could play kickball in the streets, ride your bike from one end to the other to go to your friend's house, or spend time at the mall with your friends."
*From Robert Bittner... Bob's article on President Truman showed just how far those seeking office have fallen. It's take the money and run like a bunny. Talk about integrity, and President Truman was our last President who did not attend college! I would suggest he believed in George Washington's farewell speech. He was a President for all regardless of party. Well that's my three cents. I know it should be two cents but hey inflation. Bob Bittner Class of '68 I believe we had close to 1100 in that class
*From Wayne Lyons...from latest issue of hix news found out about teacher I had (Paul Vetrano).
Thanks for letting me know you read it. I work on getting those in there. Some of the teachers in your article are listed under Faculty and Staff under In Memoriam on the website. Mr. Alfieri passed a few months ago. Stefanie
Mr. Alfieri was also an excellent basketball player...I remember watching him play when faculty took on basketball team...he also wrote an excellent book which I read awhile ago...
In Memoriam
- Joan Knight Gavin, Class of 1967. Passed January 20, 2025. Thank you to Michael Hand for the submission.
- Charles Newton, Class of 1977. Passed January 31, 2025.
- Mary Jane Gillette, Class of 1962. Submitted by her daughter.
- John Mayorga, Class of 1960. Enlisted in the Air Force. Submitted by his daughter.
