August , 2007     Volume 7 - Issue 10

Walter "Butch" Allan, Hicksville High School alumni, class of 1960, traveled recently to Las Vegas and was a participant in a World Series of Poker Tournament (WSOP). Butch is a seasoned veteran of poker and can "hold" his own in most local contests of skill. The WSOP is a totally different environment with virtually every great poker player participating for cash prizes. Some of the stipends of these contests reaches into the millions of dollars.

Butch was feeling kinda funky and decided to test his skills with some big name people.

His initial comment to me was, "there is some good news, some bad news and some really great news to report regarding my WSOP trip to Las Vegas"

"First, the good news...had a chance to meet and see some of the TV Poker Stars such as T.J. Tran, Phil Ivy, Gus Hansen, Patty Duke and brother Howard Duke and, of course, the notorious Phil Helmuth. There were lots more, too many to mention!"

"The bad news," he said, "was that I busted out in the first two hours of the tournament."

The great news, Butch reiterated to me, was that he won some bucks in smaller tournaments that featured those who did not fare well in the big contest.

"All in all, it was great fun," Butch said.

A wonderful issue!!  Thanks so much for all the work you do.

Two quick questions:  does HixNews have a PayPal account?  If so, I'd be glad to send in a donation for your hard work.  Also, my family lived at 199 Seventh Street, just off Division Avenue, in Hicksville, a stone's throw from the High School and Administration Building.  Is there any possibility of seeing what the old homestead looks like now?  I was heartbroken to hear the next owners took down the beautiful big old oak tree on our front lawn... that beautiful tree shaded my bedroom window for years and made looking at full moons through the branches a magical experience!
My mother, Stella, who will be 87 in December, would love to see it I'm sure, as well as my brother Jim Thompson, Class of '61.

Oh, and my husband and I will celebrate our 27^th wedding anniversary on July 12.

Pat (Thompson) and Richard Dumas, 7/12/80, Red Lion, PA.

Many, many thanks!

Pat, HHS '75
Pat Dumas
Intuitive Reader
Tel: 717-858-7715
ptdumas@yahoo.com
http://patdumas.com

I really enjoy getting the newsletter. I don't see many entries from the class of '50. I am Joe Bausk and a member of that class. I would just like to say that the phrase "The British are coming" is incorrect; the real phrase is "The REGULARS are coming." At the time of the revolution most of the people here were British.  I live in Massachusetts and I am involved in Rev. War reenacting.

How about some of you '50 classmates get involved in the news letter? My email is joebausk@verizon.net . I would like to hear from  you. I don't get to go to NY very often.

Joe Bausk

I noticed that June Olsen was wondering who is volunteering. Though I did drop her a line, I'm answering her inquiry here also. 

I don't volunteer at any facility but I do make Linus blankets that are donated to various hospitals, group homes and shelters, etc. I turn out about 10 to 15 child sized quilts a year and a couple of larger ones for teens.

If there's anyone out there who would be interested in doing something like that, you can reach them at: http://www.projectlinus.org.

Pat McCarthy Schwalbach '56

Thanks for a great job with the newsletters. I look forward to seeing them every month.

I recently came across this photo from my high school "rock-n-roll" days. This was my first "real" RR band called the Dynamics. We played around town in churches (Redeemer Lutheran?), Temples and basements.

From left to right:

Jim Rosica, Ken Arnold, Vic Olsen, me, John Barcelona

I have been in touch with Jim and John. [Cunningham]

I know that Vic is somewhere in South Florida but I haven't been able to get in touch with him.

Anyone know where Ken is?

Rick Weick, '65 (FL)

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Hi to the HixNews people. This email is being written by Arthur Isaksen ('59) to ask if you have the email for Ann Grunewald? I read in the latest HixNews that she is looking for Connie Santacroce. Connie and I dated through high school and part of college. We went to several proms together. I learned at our 40th reunion, in Oct. 1999, that Connie died of cancer about 1995. This is a sad email but it may help Ann. I thank you in advance. Arthur Isaksen.

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I remember Mike Cucci from print shop. He was always chewing on those pills that turned his mouth white. I was the guy doing the pictures and was always in the darkroom. I'm still in the dark!

My wife and I are moving to North Carolina. We both have had it with the d*%# taxes.

Good to know you are still with us, Mike. Do you know where Pete Gillette is hiding? Tom would like to know too.

Herb Pearce, '62 (L.I. for now)

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I meant to write this after reading the June newsletter but sometimes life gets in the way. I was appalled to see the reprint of the Newsday article about Roz Goldmacher without seeing any comment or reb from Roz. I asked her why she didn't comment and she told me that she had no idea that it was reprinted and that the editors had not asked her permission (which was not need but would have been appropriate towards a Hix grad) nor had they asked her to comment. Yes, I know Roz but it was obvious that the writer had no clue what they were writing about and didn't understand that a not-for-profit entity was not always a charity. I believe that the newsletter owes an apology to Roz.

Lynne Lombardi, '71

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Hey, I have a question for you. When I sang in the choir at the Junior High, the auditorium had some very cool murals painted on the walls. I don't know if they are still there but I seem to recall there was an interesting story about who painted them. I thought they had been painted during The Depression. Can you offer any insight?

Also, would you please remove my current "people looking for people" listing and replace it with the following?

Ron Smith (73) is still looking for Peggy Levins (69-70), Bonnie Fuchs (73), Denise Bonsang (73) and Paul Cecery (sp?) (73).

I too had to relocate (to Colorado) with the family in 1969 for my Dad's job and lost all contact with some very special people besides never getting to see my old home. Would love to see some pictures around the property, if at all possible; 53 Pewter Lane, corner lot.

Ron Smith, '73 also writing for his brothers Kenneth and Richard

Please add a note that Mike Petrocelli, class of 1986, died on June 26th from a heart attack after fellow classmate and best friend, Joe Labrador, donated one of his kidneys. He will be missed by all, especially me.

Joe had been staying with Mike in Hicksville but is now staying in a hotel until after his doctor's appointment for the follow-up of the kidney donation.

Donations are being accepted for Joseph Labrador for all he has done. Checks can be forwarded to me. I moved to NC on July 5th.

Christy Lichtman-Lechzier, Class of '86 Chairperson
9000 Wagon Trail
Lincolnton, NC 28092

  
    MIKE PETROCELLI                         JOE LABRADOR

Finally had a look at your wonderful website. All I can say is bravo! Sure was fun strolling down memory lane, reading stories, seeing our old hallowed institution etc., etc. Particularly enjoyed Judy Marcus Shriver's donation on immigrants. Being so far away in Bavaria, Germany I am thankful for some old classmates who have kept me informed over the years.

Special thanks go to Barbara Sarluco born Hoosack for telling me about your website, Tom and LeeAnn Decillis for their warmth and hospitality and our everlasting friendship, Bill Haverkamp and George Valentino, two great guys who make all the memories real and Anton Mure for getting us all together at his brilliant reunions. Gee I could go on and on. You have made one expatriate very happy. After 30 years over here I still say I'm going home for my vacation when I make my yearly trip to good old Hicksville. I will certainly pass on your info to my 5 siblings. Happy 4th of July!!!

Warm wishes,

Loretta Tyler- Matysiak from the Tyler Clan
1968 Graduate   loretta.matysiak@web.de
Would love to hear from other '68 grads.

Hi,

My email address is caring5555@aol.com . I still want to be on the mailing list. I am widowed and searching for classmates who live in Florida. I live in Naples, FL. Please forward this on to keep me on the list and give my email to anyone who is interested in a meeting.

Shelly (Heyman) Baron, '61

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I had the opportunity to spend a few days in New Mexico and catch up with Judy DeVincenitis Morgan. We had not seen each other since the 25-year class reunion of 1959 graduates. She resides in Santa Fe, where she is showing her wonderful paintings in a gallery there. She is an award winning artist. Email her at: larrymorgan64@hotmail.com .

I am in Boynton Beach, Florida working as a Real Estate Broker. Email me at: Lindaw28@bellsouth.net .

What a fun time we had talking about the parties, boys and sometimes wild things we did.

Linda Frimmer Whitlock, '58

Linda and Judy

For those of you who remember Mid Island Shopping Plaza and wonder what's there now, you might add the following to the list of links:

http://www.broadwaymall.com/Storedetails.aspx?StoreID=1471

There does not appear to be a single original store left.

Ken Marcus, '67

[Does anyone know when the second floor was added? Ed.]

Just read Barbara Sarluco's account of the Ringling Bros. circus in Hicksville, around 1955 or so. I, too, remember it well. We were so excited when the circus came to town. My dad took us; my brother, Jim, my mom and myself to the train station at 4 or 5 AM to watch the circus unload. Then they paraded down Old Country Rd., elephants and all...what a great scene!

Belated birthday wishes to Bob Brennan. He sat behind me in geometry class and, due in part to his antics, I never did learn geometry. My name is Judy (DeVincentis) Morgan, class of 1958. Please do publish my email: larrymorgan64@hotmail.com  and my website: http://www.judymorganart.com .

Many thanks for doing such a wonderful job with the newsletter. It has allowed me to get in touch with many old friends; Linda Frimmer, Vicki Penner, Richie Sneckenberg.

If, it's not too much trouble, could you photograph my old house at 121 Dartmouth Dr.?

Thanks again, Judy

Bob Uhlich, '67 wrote:

I went to Hicksville yesterday (7/8/07) to see my brother and father, who is visiting. Hicksville has changed. The old Alibi restaurant is now a Thai restaurant. I went by the old Plainfield Cemetery (off Old Country Rd.) where Charlie Wilson and I used to go on Saturday mornings and hang out on our bikes getting water for people who were visiting graves. We went for "movie money." If we were lucky, we'd make maybe 50 cents for the day.

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Yes, our dad's worked at the Army Pictorial Center in Astoria for many years.  In fact, I am heading to Pompano Beach, FL this week to visit my dad who is 95.  He still lives in his condo, has a girlfriend who is 86, and enjoys his life to the fullest.  My sister, Doris lives in Pompano also and sees him quite often.  Many of the Glenbrook neighborhood, Hicksville neighbors settled in the FT. Lauderdale, Pompano, Boca area.

Bio update:

After HHS class of '65, went to Russell Sage College, graduated in '69, taught 6th grade in Ronkonkoma for a year, married a college boyfriend from RPI, Rick Lawrence, an architect, and moved to Manchester, CT in '70.  I taught 5th grade in CT, Rick is President of his own architectural firm, The Lawrence Associates, and had 2 children.  Our daughter, Jess, was born in '75, graduated from Ithaca College in '97, lives in Portland, OR and is an Health Educational Consultant. Her husband, Jered, a graphic artist, is a Senior Designer for Brand Jordan Division of Nike.  Our son, David, was born in '78, graduated from Bowdoin College in '00, lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil and works for AgCert as project coordinator for South America.  He is single and loves the expat life.

Rick and I travel internationally quite often and to Fl to visit our parents a few times a year.   We still live in Manchester, CT and have a weekend house in Charlestown, RI

I am in touch with Diane Bassett Brown, Terry Madden Best, Paula Madden Mulhearn, Sandi Notov Katz and my Senior Prom date, Nick Carrera all from the class of '65.  Nick and his wife Sue Messinger (HHS '66) live in NM, and travel to Fl and LI each year.

I have Sr. class trip pictures, graduation pictures, and misc. sorority party pictures but I don't know how to use the scanner....

So if anyone is looking for me, you can give them my email, phone #, or address.

Elin Fischman Lawrence  Class of 1965
860 643 4560
elawrlaw@sbcglobal,net
139 Wyneding Hill Road
Manchester, CT 06040

Keep up the good work on HixNews.

Regards, Elin

I just came across this wonderful web site and would LOVE to get on your mailing list!

I graduated from Hicksville HS in 1979—maiden name—Sprufera

Date of birth—April 24th

Currently living in Euless, Texas (a town between Dallas and Fort Worth)

My spouse is Brent—anniversary 6/20/97

I would love to see a photo of the house I grew up in: 17 Prose Street, just outside the mall.

Thanks so much,

Barbara (Sprufera) Ruggles, '79

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I just found a book at the local library called: Billy Joel: the biography, by Mark Bego, June 2007. Billy was given his high school diploma June 24th, 1992.

Diane (Burke) McGinn, '60

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Hi all,

Hope all goes well with Bob [Wesley].

I do have some memories of growing up in Hicksville. The first time I performed on stage, I was ten-years-old and going to Lee Avenue School. I sang "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" to the whole auditorium and my knees were knocking, but I got through it. I am singing now and you can see my website: http://www.putfile.com/annfisher . I was a finalist in the New York State Senior Idol two years in a row and have been singing all over the Island for the Idols and the Senior MS New York State Pageant shows. I also do my own shows for senior clubs, cruise ships, libraries, etc. It's been a lot of fun and I hope to do more in the future.

Hoping all of you are well and I will try to find some pictures of my young years in Hicksville. I lived across the street from the Jr. High School and remember all my friends from school and the neighborhood.

God love you all,
Ann Fisher (Antoinette Colascione), '61

I remember when the circus came to town! I lived in the development behind that open lot (at the time) on Amherst Lane. I moved there when I was ten, which was in 1952. I remember my brother and I walking over to watch all the goings on. It was wonderful. We saw when the trucks came with all the equipment and the animals. They did lend a fragrance to the area for a while. We watched as they did the rigging and lifted the big top. It was like magic. It was a very exciting time and one I've never forgotten. We were too young to look for jobs, but we certainly spent as much time hanging around as our parents would let us. I also remember attending the big top presentation and touring the side show and enjoying every minute. As an adult I went to the circus in Manhattan with my children, but it couldn't compare to the experience in my "back yard" when I was ten. Thanks for reviving this memory. Valerie (Palmer) Towsley, '60

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Hi,

I have not written for a while; Joyce Thorburn Jurgensen, class of 1967. I never attended the Jr. High School. I moved here and started Hicksville High. Luckily, I had a popular older brother and I was accepted into his "crowd." I lived in Hicksville for 45 years, and just recently moved further east. I still work in the Hicksville/Plainview/Bethpage/Jericho/etc. area. I am a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker for 18 years. It is amazing how many old classmates and their parents I run into. Recently, I sold Arlene Glazier Correll's ('67) parents' home. My list goes on and on. I love selling in Hicksville; I can tell the buyers about the school district (my kids went there too) or where to get the best bagels, or about Peppercorn's Restaurant. Let me know if I can help you or any of your relatives.

Joyce.

Hi editors.  First I want to say that the last issue of the news was exceptional. I think that was because so many of the alumni are writing!  It makes for a very interesting paper.

One of the new people we heard from was a guy by the name of Joe Platania.  Over the years I often wondered how he was and what happened to him.  Now I know.  Joe and I had a "date" the day President Kennedy was killed. As it turned out, neither one of us was in the dating mood" that night or even that week.  We were shocked and saddened, as was the whole country, of the Presidents shortened life. We never pursued "dating" again, for what ever reason.  I guess we went on to better and bigger things!  Anyway, I am happy to hear he is alive and well in Maryland, or was it Delaware?  And that he made it through the Vietnam War in one piece; so many didn't.

Judy Marcus Shivers, 1964

Preparing and enjoying the Mango

The mango is a tropical fruit which has become more readily available, yet few people know how to prepare a mango to serve and enjoy.

The mango is a juicy fruit which has a texture that is similar to the peach.

As with most fruits, there are many varieties, and the taste can change

Accordingly. With the mango, large is not always better! Most of the large mangos found in the typical supermarket are not worth the trouble to prepare, as the flesh tends to occasionally be pulpy with off tastes. The best tasting mangos in my opinion are the smaller mangos from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam and the Philippines. Mexico also does produce the smaller Asian mangos along with the larger sized ones. If there is an Oriental grocer nearby, that would be a good source for good mangos! Ask the owner where their mangos come from. He can also tell you the qualities of his mangos.

A mango should be ripe, but not overripe, as the taste goes downhill rapidly. A ripe mango is a golden color, firm but with a slight give under light thumb pressure. In Southeast Asia, many locals will also eat the green mango with a sprinkling of salt, for a tart refreshing break from the heat.

A word of caution; many people are mildly allergic to the outside skin of the mango, and so biting the skin should be avoided. Symptoms are a mild reddening around the lips which disappears after a few hours.

The mango has a single large flat seed which runs the length of the mango.

1- To start, hold the mango by the flat side, lengthwise and with the narrow part on the cutting surface, as shown in Fig 1.

With a sharp knife, start the cut about 1/4 inch off of the center line of the mango, the object being to cut as close along the seed as possible! (Also see picture 2 for the result.)

2- Once you have a feel for the seed shape and location, repeat the cut on the other side of the seed. You should now have two halves and the center with the seed as shown in Fig 2.

3- Now take the knife and carefully cut the skin off of the seed section, and make two longitudinal cuts in each mango half, as shown in Fig 3. Cut down to the skin, but do not cut through it!

4- You will now have two scored halves and the skinless seed section as in figure 4. Discard the skin that was cut off of the seed pod.

5-Now make a series of cuts across both halves of the mango, approx. 3/4 inch apart, as shown in Fig. 5. Once again, cut down to the skin but do not cut through it.

6- Now take each mango half and invert the skin by pressing in the middle of the skin so that the cut sections stand up as in Fig. 6.

The mango is now ready to eat! Pick up the seed section and using your teeth, scrape the flesh off of the seed pod. The mango halves can be eaten with a spoon or by biting off the chunks of mango flesh. The flesh should be as juicy as a ripe peach, with the sweetness of a mango! Do not eat the skin! Enjoy!

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