Etcetera for April 2025
Editor's Note: In the February 2025 issue of HixNews, we ran a story about Walt Staehle, Class of 1972, who needs a kidney, hoping to help get the word out. If you click the link to the article, you can find the contact information if you know someone who can help Walt. We received this update from his classmate:
Hi editor!
I’m just checking in about the article I submitted a few months ago.
It’s the “Walt Needs a Kidney” story in “Misc Articles”
He’s still waiting. He’s in an assisted living facility currently, fighting his numerous health issues. He’s still upbeat, hoping for a miracle. It all comes down to a kidney. That would enable him to go home again, and help his faithful wife Loran with preparing for their retirement move. He’s the kind of guy who gave back his whole life, and will continue to do so for as long as he’s able.
Thanks for reading his story.
Kurt Spielmann
Notes from Readers
Hi,
I graduated from HHS in 1960. My wife (not a HHS grad) and I attended my Class’ 50th reunion. It was a lot of fun and a memorable event. As the years go on, naturally, there are fewer of us left. However, I wonder if enough of the 1960 graduates are left to explore organizing another reunion - perhaps in conjunction with another class or two. Please add me to your mailing list.
Thanks.
Jack Gould, Class of 1960
email:
Below is a comment we received from a reader. Remember, if you are signed in, you can leave a comment on an article.
* The Battle of Long Island - From Eugene Lewan: "The Antifederalists were worried that the President would be an elected monarch who would develop small groups of secret plotters that would go against the government. They worried that the pardon power and the veto power would be abused. A prophetic appraisal that seems to be playing out right before our eyes".
*Hicksville High School Dedication Centennial - From Eugene Lewan: "Thank you for posting this, Stefanie. I read Ron Wencer’s article and was dismayed that we can be so easily duped by vile organizations and individuals. I’m sure Ron, when writing his article in 2018, wouldn’t have thought these repugnant ideologies would again be bolstered in our community. As a recently retired veteran of the military, I am afraid that this seems to be the course our country is taking. I served to protect the rights of all people. And those rights are human rights. They are applicable worldwide. There is no bravery in persecuting those most vulnerable. There is no honor in violating civil rights. Fear and lies are being used to enflame the ignorant and repress the ideals of our country. Anything that instills hate and bigotry is contemptible. The title of a book by Omar El Akkad sums it up in the title "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This." I hope we wise up and stop being fooled into repeating the past."
* Dr. Giedré Kumpikas - From Eugene Lewan: "What an incredible life story. Thank you for contributing this article, Ron".
In Memoriam
*Edward Zwisler, Class of 1977, passed March 24, 2025
*James "Jimmy" Santos, Class of 1979, submitted by his friend Ray Luisi: He should have been Class of 1979 but he moved to California ( Huntington Beach, CA ). He went to Hicksville Jr. High School, some of HHS and Lee Ave Elementary School, and Dutch Lane for 3rd Grade. Jimmy was the "Keyser Soza" of Long Island. If you mentioned his name, they would say, "I’ve heard of him." Jimmy and I laughed about that all the time. Feel free to tell that story to honor him. He was a true legend.
*Ralph Sirico, Class of 1965, passed March 2025
