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February 2002
Volume 2 Number 5

A Note from Linda
Our Alumni
Reunions
Announcements
Where Have You Gone Dottie Brooks, by Bob Casale
Echoes

A Note from Linda

To everyone that sent well-wishes, many, many thanks - it was greatly appreciated.

To Pat and Bob, a great job the past few months and thanks for taking up my slack.

Now that the rotator cuff is on the mend hopefully I can give up the dinky exercises that I have been doing and go for the burn again. The Orthopedic Doc made me feel that it was not a ladylike thing to have happen to someone my age. He said, "Geez, who do you pitch for? Never saw anyone your age do this, much less a woman". I said to him, "Listen here, until you've seen me pitch you can't say that". We cleared the air after that and got along just fine. I hate people under 35, or maybe he was 12 he looked so darn young.

Do you remember the Big Duck in Flanders? He is now becoming landmark status and now has a gift shop in his belly. When I was in Sag Harbor last week I found out that he was built in 1931 on a duck farm in Riverhead. He was moved to Rt 24 in Flanders in 1936 and used as a (what else) poultry store. Thought he looked pretty good for a 72 year old, 20 foot concrete Duck.

Towns that we drove thru on the way to Sag Harbor were towns that I remember as just Pine Barrens. Well they are building Castle Wannabees all over the place and lots of strip malls, never saw so many car dealerships in my life. Never thought when I was a kid that I would be able to drive out there and in one day be able to buy a car, get Indian or Chinese Takeout and a Tatoo all at once. Isn't progress grand! Have to figure out on my next trip out there what kind of Tatoo I should get. Probably a baseball & bat - that should really shake the Doc up.

Signing Off - Spitball Linda

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Our Alumni

• Hi, I am Janice Breeden Manaskie ( Class of 62) and my husband Tom Manaskie graduated in 1960. Thanks for listing me for the newletter, never knew it existed. Tom and I didn't attend the "big reunion" although we still live in Hicksville. Many we talked to told us it was more of the classes of the late 60's and 70's.

  My husband coaches at good old HHS, has been for over 20 years. Girls Soccer and Softball. Mr. M as he is known is being honored by the HHS Booster Club at the Milleridge this Feb 23 as the "Coach of the Year". Would love to have this in the newsletter so some of his old classmates can know about it.

  Thanks again and let me know if I can help in any way with the newletter.

  Jan Manaskie

  Congratulations Tom.

• Ken Strafer, class of 1962, has recently been promoted to Vice President and Director of the Washington Office for E-Prime Aerospace Corp. This keeps him traveling between the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Washington, D.C. at least every other week.

  Congratulations Ken.

  Ken also wrote:
  
  By the way, just for the book, my brother Raymond graduated in or about '67
  timeframe and he is today V.P. for Personnel of LIRR. My youngest, William, (can't call him kid brother anymore) who graduated in or about '70 is a senior engineer on the line (Hmmm, family business?).

• Dear Pat, Linda and Bob...

  I am happy to announce that my husband, James Cameron Mahan, was confirmed by the United States Senate early this morning and is now Federal Court Judge James C. Mahan, Nevada District. He is moving into his chambers over the weekend and will be begin administering his new duties on Monday. Naturally, we are excited and I just wanted to share this news with all my friends from Hicksville and especially the class of 1959 at Hicksville High School.
  
  Jim was a District Court Judge in Nevada and will step down. His appointment as Federal Judge was announced by the White House several months ago, but his confirmation was not completed prior to the Christmas recess. President George Bush was a little disappointed that the confirmation was not expedited.
  Thanks and keep up the good work. We love the newsletter.
  
  Regards from Las Vegas
  Eileen Casale Mahan 1959
  
  Congratulations Jim.
  

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Reunions

• CLASS OF 1962
  
  Dear Pat, Linda and Bob,
  
  One of my classmates forwarded me the newsletter and it was great to read! I'm Joe Carfora, president of the Class of '62. We are planning our 40th Reunion on August 10, 2002 at the Imperial Manor in Bethpage, beginning at 7 p.m. Thanks to Marcy (Lipschutz) Seus, Karen (Hubner) Jenkins and Janice (Breeden) Manaskie, our reunion planning is nearing completion and it sounds like we'll have a great weekend in store for all who attend. I live in Michigan these days and have been doing all I can via email, which is a great tool.
  
  We've been using classmates.com so far to get the word out. They have over 200 of our class listed out of 510, not bad. Plus, there are literally thousands listed from all HHS classes on the site. If a person is listed, you can email them individually, plus we've posted our reunion to their bulletin board.
  
  We will have a mailing going out soon as well.
  
  I certainly would be pleased if you could post The Class of '62 Reunion on your next newsletter and also please put me on the HICKSVILLE NEWSLETTER distribution list. I'd love to continue receiving the newsletter.
  
  So far, we have roughly 35 confirmed attendees (not counting spouses or significant others) through our first posting on classmates.com and we haven't even done our mailing yet, so we are encouraged. Our committee thought a reunion of just our class would bring a good turnout, as did our 25th in 1987. I will canvas the committee about opening up invitations to at least the Classes of '61 and '63 to capture classmates from just before and just after our class.
  
  Thanks!
  
  Joe Carfora
  Class of 1962
  jcar4a@core.com
  
  29761 Harrow Drive
  Farmington Hills, MI 48331-1965
  248.661.6364 home
  248.353.9180 business
  630.248.4719 mobile
  
  COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
  
  Roy Garman ROYNNAN@aol.com
  Dana Hayden Jackson dhj44@yahoo.com
  Janice Breeden Manaskie jmanTgm@aol.com
  John Grillo jagrillo@jagarchitect.com
  Karen Hubner Jenkins mamaj26@aol.com
  Marcy Lipschutz Seus MommaSeus@cs.com
  Sue Hodges Mruz suemruz@yahoo.com
  Steve Smith ssmith@reedreed.com

• CLASS OF 1957
  
  I've been communicating with some of the class of '57 members and we're toying with the idea of a reunion. I've managed to locate quite a few people and I have a list of names and addresses from our last one in '87. Many more of them are listed on Classmates.com and will be easy to contact. What I'd like you to do is put out a feeler in the next Newsletter to see if anyone knows of the whereabouts of '57 class members and if any readers are '57 graduates and are interested in attending a reunion this year. Any responses can be sent to me by e-mail
  Thanks,
  
  Phil Fulco
  pfulco@optonline.net
  
  (Editor's Note: Since this was written, we have received word that Phil has been sick. We wish him a speedy recovery. As of 1/26, Phil is home from the hospital and doing well.)

• CLASS OF 1952
  
  "I am living in Atlanta, GA for the past 30 years. Retired, married, and have 3 children and 2-step children. We are trying to get up a reunion for either the 3rd weekend or the 1st weekend in Oct. We have located about 10 or 12 people so far around the country that are interested. If anyone from '52 that reads your newsletter is interested they can contact me at: Nick34@mindspring.com
  
  Norm Nichols, HHS Class of 1952"

• FLORIDA
  
  The response to that offhand remark to having a multi year reunion in Florida has brought a lot of positive comments and questions. Does anyone want to tackle the job of getting such a reunion off the ground? This newsletter will be happy to do whatever it can to get out the word. If you live in Florida, please send us your name and address and we will get it to the committee.
  That's what you call positive thinking!

• Class of 1956
  
  Jack DeVaul sent some pictures of the reunion held in November 2001. You can view the pictures at http://photos.yahoo.com/grandmagadget
  
  Regretfully, we did not receive the names of the people in the pictures in time for this newsletter.

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Announcements

• From Bob Casale
  My photopoint.com website is gone, probably never to return. The carrier pulled the plug back in December and never gave an indication that the site would become available again. Another site was located that explained the facts...regarding photopoint...they will make every effort to "try" to return the photos submitted, but will not, ever, be back on line.
  
  I spent hours building an inventory of photos for everyone to enjoy. Much time was spent organizing various albums and importing and exporting into the more than 20 different albums that were established...all gone. I can accept the fact that I spend several $, too, and they are not making any restitutions. I intended to continue building the albums, especially the Hicksville High School albums, to the point of including hundreds of pictures. I have to start over. What a bummer!
  
  The only fortunate thing is that I have back up photos...a lot of people were using photopoint for storage and their precious pictures will be lost forever in space...

• Last month eleven newsletters were undeliverable because of the changes in such ISP's as @home.net, excite.com, att.net and a few others. If you know of anyone who has not received their newsletter and would like to continue, please tell them to send a change of address to grandmagadget@netscape.net.

• Don't forget to send us your month and day of birth, if you would like to be included in our birthdays of the month list.
  
  

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Where Have You Gone Dottie Brooks, by Bob Casale

Where Have You Gone, Dottie Brooks

"Puppy Love," playing on the radio, was echoing throughout the house. The words of this now classic Paul Anka tune said it all and rekindled the pangs of love that tore at my heart when I was 13. Should one classify it as strange, at age 59, that a particular memory of someone whose mere presence awakened you to new sensations should enter the picture. Strange only if you think memories are meaningless. The song continued, "And they called it puppy love, Oh, I guess they'll never know, how a young heart really feels, and why I love her so."

Dottie Brooks lived a few doors down the street from me on Berry Lane. The first time I saw her is etched in my mind because she was walking past my house just as I was exiting the front door. I had been to the main office of the new high school, on Division Avenue, the day before and was told to board a school bus on the corner of Memory and Spindle. This would be my first day with new friends. It's important, too, to make a good first impression.

I knew where to go, so just walked at a comfortable pace a few steps behind the girl with golden hair. There were a few people gathered on the corner at the bus stop talking amongst themselves. When Dottie arrived, all eyes fell on her and a new guy stumbling onto the scene. I didn't actually stumble, but, in my effort to remain anonymous, sorta tripped over my own feet. Now that's what you call a grand entrance. I hope people remember me as the graceful sprinter and not the klutz I appeared to be. My face was tinged with red and I caught a glimpse of Dottie smiling. That was the first time she noticed me! The guy I almost knocked over was Bobby Gillette and he was not only kind enough to catch me before I hit the ground, he also allowed me to sit with him on the trip to the high school.

Many weeks went by. In the morning, I would wait at the window looking up the block watching for Dottie to leave her house. The first several times I walked in front of her...then behind...then it happened. With deliberate precision, I timed our meeting outside my front door.

"Do you mind if I walk with you," I asked?

"Not at all," was her response while displaying a whisper of a smile.

This would go on throughout the winter months of 1955 into 1956. We would walk and talk for a few blocks to the bus stop, then she would meet with her friends. I would see her in school occasionally and she would acknowledge seeing me. There were several times when I was doing chores around the house when she passed by with friends. We would chat for a few minutes, then she would be gone.

Spring arrived and I became heavily involved with track. Classified as a junior high school student, and attending the new high school, I had to go across Jerusalem Avenue for practice with the other junior high students. This meant I would not be taking the bus home from school and would not see Dottie in the afternoon. It was a tremendous sacrifice and the real first test of my growth years and new found responsibility.

Suddenly, track was over and school was out for the summer. I wasn't devastated because Dottie lived a few doors away and there would be plenty of opportunity to see her. That was not to be.

A few weeks into summer vacation, I stopped back at my house for lunch. The first to know there is a change in the way you do things is your Mom. Mom's have a special sense that knows something is different. Maybe it was because I was dotting all my "I's" (no pun intended) and crossing all my "T's" or showering 3 times a day. She had this smirky smile on her face and was holding an envelope and shaking it and sorta listening to see if there was something inside.

"The mailman dropped this off this morning, but knocked on the door before he left the envelope. Wanted to know if there was a Bob Casale at this address. I told him yes."

She handed me an envelope with my name on it. There was no return address, so I just ripped it open and read the invitation...
"You Are Cordially Invited To Attend A Party At The Home Of Joan Sabatella," for sometime in July. What a great thing. And I can remember seeing Joan and Dottie talking at school quite often, so, I imagined that Dottie would get an invitation, too.

Mom was smiling when I explained what was going on. She gave me a little kiss on the cheek and went about her business. There was a note to RSVP with a phone number. I called. YES!!! Dottie would be there. My little heart was pounding in anticipation. How would I possible survive the next several weeks waiting for the party to happen?!?

At the time, I think Robbie McCotter was dating Joan Sabatella. He's not sure because I asked him that question. He doesn't remember the party, either...but I do, vividly. Who else would be there?? Dottie, Dottie and Dottie. That's all that mattered. I arrived a little early and waited patiently for others to arrive. A few gals and a couple of guys showed up and little groups started to form...girls on one side....guys on the other side, near the food. I remember lights and balloons and the beautiful Saturday night with a starlit sky. What a perfect setting. There she was, coming through the door, her face radiant in the dim light, her hair reflecting the colors of the rainbow. She walked straight toward the cluster of girls standing nearby the victrola.

I don't remember the songs that were playing. I was mummified, standing there, and then my record started to play. I walked over to Dottie and asked if she wanted to dance with me.

"Sure, Bob," was her reply. "Excuse me girls."

There we were, in Joan Sabatella's back yard, in the summer of 1956, on a beautiful Saturday night, dancing to My Prayer by the Platters. What I remember most is the silence. I don't think we exchanged more than a few words while we danced. Toward the end of the song, Dottie told me that her family was moving to Deer Park on Monday and tomorrow would be her last day living in the house on Berry Lane!!!

Where have you gone, Dottie Brooks???

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Echoes

Subject: Stuff... rated PG13

Thanks to June Olsen Cullen, class of 1958 for this one.

Here's some "old" time humor from the original TV Hollywood Squares show. These are from the days when game show responses were spontaneous and not scripted like they are now.

Q: If you're going to make a parachute jump, you should be at least how high?
A: Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q: True or false... a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A: George Gobel: Boy it sure seems that way sometimes...

Q: You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A: Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q: According to Cosmo, if you meet a stranger at party and you think he's really attractive, is it okay to come out directly and ask him if he's married?
A: Rose Marie: No, wait until morning.

Q: Which of your five senses tends to diminish, as you get older?
A: Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.

Q: In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I love you"?
A: Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.

Q: What are "Do It," "I Can Help" and "Can't Get Enough"?
A: George Gobel: I don't know but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q: As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while you are talking?
A: Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing older question, Peter ... and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget!

Q: Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A: Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q: Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during your first year?
A: Charley Weaver: Of course not, Peter. I'm too busy growing strawberries!

Q: In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A: Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q: It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics. What is the other?
A: Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q: During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A: Rose Marie: Unfortunately, Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q: Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A: Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q: When you pat a dog on its head he will usually wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A: Paul Lynde: Make him bark.

Q: If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A: Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q: According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A: Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army!

Q: Is it possible for the puppies in a litter to have more than one daddy?
A: Paul Lynde: Why, that bitch!

Q: While visiting China, your tour guide starts shouting "Poo! Poo! Poo!" What does that mean?
A: George Goebel: Cattle crossing.

Q: It is the most abused and neglected part of your body - what is it?
A: Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused but it certainly isn't neglected!

Q: Charley, what do you call a pig that weighs more than 150 pounds?
A: Charley Weaver: A divorcee.

Q: Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A: George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q: Dennis Weaver, Debbie Reynolds, and Shelley Winters star in the movie "What's The Matter With Helen?" Who plays Helen?
A: Charley Weaver: Dennis Weaver - that's why they asked the question.

Q: Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A: Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. When couples have a baby, who is responsible for the sex?
A: Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car. The rest is up to him.

Q: James Stewart did it over twenty years ago when he was forty-one years old. Now he says it was "one of the best things I ever did." What was it?
A: Marty Allen: Rhonda Fleming.

Q: Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A: Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q: Do female frogs croak?
A: Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q: Imagine you are a child in your mother's womb can you detect light?
A: Paul Lynde: Only during ballet practice.

Pat Koziuk '56
Linda Piccerelli '60
Bob Casale '61

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