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April 2005
Volume 5 Number 7
FROM THE EDITORS
Bob Casale '61
Bob (Gleason)
Wesley '61
Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden ‘60
Webmaster: Nacia Miller (Nancy Portoghese ‘65)
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A Special Request for our
Readers
Congratulations
for a Job Well Done
A Little
Information
Honouring Our Veterans
Obituaries
Some Interesting Stuff
A Special Request for our Readers
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We hope this finds you all well, and we're looking
forward to hearing from you with interesting ideas
and stories.
Warm regards,
The Editors
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Congratulations for a Job Well Done
Pat Koziuk Driscoll Retires…
Pat Koziuk Driscoll has given much to so many over
the past five years as one of the editors of the
newsletter…Pat has asked to be relieved of
her duties. She wishes she could continue on in the
same capacity as before, but there are additional
responsibilities that require she retire as editor.
Pat, we wish you the best of luck in everything you
do.
We would like to welcome Bob (Gleason) Wesley ‘61
aboard as part of the editing team for the Hicksville
High School Newsletter.
The other Editors
Bravo to all for a fine job done, and congrats to Bob
Casale.
Anton Mure, Class of ’68, Hicksville, New York
Pat,
Thanks for all the work you put into the newsletter.
It is appreciated. I know it takes a lot of time.
Vinnie Luisi, class of ’72, Dunedin, Florida
Hi Pat,
Thanks for all you’ve done to launch this terrific
newsletter and grow it to what it is today. A great
feeling of anticipation of receiving it each month.
It is not often that we feel good about something,
but I hope you feel good for all your positive efforts
and hard work.
Thanks for keeping HICKSVILLE alive in our hearts.
Bill Canham ‘61
Please continue to send me the Newsletter . . . it
brings back so many memories.
Diane Lobel, class of ‘73
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A Little Information
Bob Casale wanted to know where Alan Aker was a little while back. If you Google
his name. he's in Boca Rotan, Fl. By the way, my brother, Peter Jonsson '61,
coached the hockey team when they played at Roosevelt Field.
Sue Jonsson Postel '66
Here’s a letter we received from Judy (Marcus)
Shivers. She’s sending it out to Mike Leep.
Hi Mike,
You don't know me, but I remember your name from when I was just a kid, maybe
ten years old. You were friends with my now deceased sister, Bernice, and used
to come to the house to visit with her. I think you both also played chess
together.
I can't imagine you having any privacy with her because there was so many of
us crammed into the small Levitt house on Brittle Lane. And I really remember
me and my two younger brothers, (Ken and Steve) lurking about spying on you
two. If my oldest sister Bernice were alive, she would have very fond memories
of you.
Judy (Marcus) Shivers
Class of 1961 (and others, mainly 1959, 1960, 1962,
1963)
Please Remember The Following:
Rock and Roll Shows at the Brooklyn Paramount
John and Jim Cunningham (The Twin Tones)
Eddie Giannelli and his run in with the canon ball
And Angel Anselmo Giannelli
Hanging out at the village green before Billy Joel
Trying to leave school at lunch time without a lunch pass
Larry Werkstell and Carol Jean Smith
Swinging Soiree with Murray the K
Tommy Doherty on the Clay Cole Show as part of the Double Dates
And Tom’s bride, Ginny Kolenik
The Comet Shop
And The Comet (Newspaper)
The Marching Band
The Friday night we decorated for the Senior Ball
The blizzard we had the night we decorated for the Senior Ball
The other Friday night we decorated for the Senior Ball
Ramayana (What the heck was that???)
Black leather jackets and motorcycle boots
Mrs. Daly’s Health Education classes
Never missing a Labor Day Tournament or Parade
Jackie Travers as Queen of the Senior Ball
And Paul Carbe
The Sweet Shop and Van Anckens
Dancing in the gym after basketball games (with no shoes and slippin’ and
a slidin’)
Hall Cops and the Fire Squad
Mr. Pat Naso patrolling the front lobby
Jocks and their letter sweaters
Girls Field Hockey
Leon J. Galloway
Mr. Rusch, Mr. Tomani, Mr. Horne, and the other great names…
How about some of the other classes starting a list of things they remember…these
are things we will never forget…
The Editors
The Press Wireless Towers . . . . . The mention of
potato farms in the last newsletter reminded me of
something that was over the potato farms behind our
house (on Cantiague Lane). There were several tall
towers with wires running between them, and it was
called Press Wireless. We were told that all the news
coming into New York from overseas came in by Morse
Code through the Press Wireless towers. I never found
out if that was true, but until the towers went down
and houses started being built on the potato farms,
every TV show we watched had Morse Code in the background!
Jim Wise '58
I am interested in finding out if there are any reunions
planned in the near future. I'm also looking for Tom
Tomlinson '65. If anyone knows his where abouts, please
email me an the address below.
Thank You
Mary Benson Haines '65
Benmareson@aol.com
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Honoring Our Veterans
George C. Lang ‘65
Unit Identification: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A,
4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Kien Hoa province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969.
Entered service from: Hicksville, N.Y.
Born: 20 April 1947, Flushing, N.Y.
Award: Medal of Honor
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Lang, Company A, was serving as
a squad leader when his unit, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission, encountered
intense fire from a well fortified enemy bunker complex. Sp4c. Lang observed
an emplacement from which heavy fire was coming. Unhesitatingly, he assaulted
the position and destroyed it with hand grenades and rifle fire.
Observing another emplacement approximately 15 meters to his front, Sp4c. Lang
jumped across a canal, moved through heavy enemy fire to within a few feet
of the position, and eliminated it, again using hand grenades and rifle fire.
Nearby, he discovered a large cache of enemy ammunition. As he maneuvered his
squad forward to secure the cache, they came under fire from yet a third bunker.
Sp4c. Lang immediately reacted, assaulted this position, and destroyed it with
the remainder of his grenades.
After returning to the area of the arms cache, his squad again came under heavy
enemy rocket and automatic weapons fire from 3 sides and suffered 6 casualties.
Sp4c. Lang was 1 of those seriously wounded. Although immobilized and in great
pain, he continued to direct his men until his evacuation was ordered over
his protests. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness exhibited
by this soldier over an extended period of time were an inspiration to his
comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
On March 16, 2005, George C. Lang unfortunately, and
far too soon, joined his other Nassau County, Vietnam
War, Medal of Honor Brothers. Stephen E. Karopczyc,
of Bethpage, Army first lieutenant, was fatally wounded
when he leaped to cover a live grenade with his helmet
to save two of his men. He continued to direct his
men until he died two hours later. John J. Kedenburg,
of Baldwin, Army spec-ialist fifth class, died after
staying behind to hold off the enemy as his men were
evacuated in an airlift.
They All Are Missed ... But Never Forgotten!
- Published in the March/April Issue of "LZ-NASSAU," the newsletter
of VVA Chapter 82
Submitted by:
Walt Schmidt
VVA Chapter 82 Newsletter Editor
Hicksville High Class of '65
Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Services Division
IV Corp Viet Nam - RM2 - RiverSquadron 57 - Oct '67 to Dec '69
" Let No Veteran Ever Stand Alone!"
The American Enterprise
14 March 2005
A Soldier Comes Home
by Greg Moore
SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK--There are no longer generators
running, or armored vehicles rumbling, or mortars exploding,
and the roar of the silence is deafening to me. What
I hear at night now is the gentle breaths released
from the perfect lips of my sons. The same lips that
I cannot kiss enough. The lips that make my eyes fill
with tears every time they touch my cheeks.
My release from Fort Drum came earlier than expected,
so when I pulled into my driveway at noon the house
was empty. I dropped my bags inside and walked alone
through the rooms, soaking in the images and smells
that had been only a memory during ten months in Iraq.
My oldest son's first-grade teacher had been wonderful
to me while I was away. She sent school updates and
pictures via e-mail almost weekly. So when I popped
my head into her classroom she came running and gave
me a "welcome home" hug.
"Easton is practicing a song. Why don't you surprise
him?"
My heart was racing. I followed the sound of the piano
and the little voices singing, then stood and watched.
Trickles of love and pride started involuntarily down
my cheeks as I listened to my son. He has gotten so
big. The anticipation built as I waited for him to
see me.
The little girl next to him was the first to notice
the uniformed man standing in the doorway. The image
she saw and the facts she had been told were doing
battle in her brain. Then her eyes grew wide and her
mouth fell open.
"Easton! Easton...your Daddy's here!" she
said in an electrified whisper.
My son's head snapped around. The excitement and disbelief
on his face is something I will never forget. I motioned
him to me and he ran into my open arms. There was no
hiding my tears, and I didn't care to. This was the
day I had waited for.
I choked out my words of love and hung on to this
boy who had cried so many nights, who said he didn't
care if he got any other presents for Christmas, he
only wanted his Daddy to come home. This boy who had
used all his wishes on me. He kept pulling his head
back from my shoulder to look at my face. Cheers rose
from the other kids and teachers.
Hand-in-hand, Easton and I stepped outside and drove
to the other side of town. I had another little boy
to catch up with. When I went inside he was napping. "Marshal,
wake up. I have a surprise for you," I heard his
day-care provider say.
She came out with his head on her shoulder. When he
looked up his eyes grew wide and all signs of sleepiness
disappeared. "Daddy!" he exclaimed in pure
excitement as he fell forward into my arms. My heart
ached with love, and pure joy soaked my cheeks.
I was complete again. I had my boys. And there have
never been more perfect words spoken to me than "I
love you, Dad."
It may take my wife and children a long time to realize
that while I look the same, I am not the same person
who said goodbye to them many months ago. I will never
be the same again--thankfully so.
Each day now I am acutely aware of what makes me happy,
and what it is I do that makes other people happy.
Walking point through the volatile streets in Iraq
helped me see this much more clearly, and I will make
every effort to preserve that awareness for the rest
of my days.
When I look through my photo album I think about the
men I served with, and learned to count on, who are
no longer by my side. The men who had their bodies
pierced by the hatred of terrorists, men who left their
last breaths in a place far away. Great men doing a
job that allows this noble country the freedoms it
deserves.
I have seen the dark side of humanity and it has forever
changed me. As I sit here in my house, with the sun
streaming through the windows, I look out and see the
boughs of the evergreens blowing in the breeze.
There are no armed guards on the roof. No sandbags.
I don't call in grid coordinates of my whereabouts
any more.
Mission briefs have been replaced by wonderful communication
between two parents. As I drive through town, I am
alone; with no turret and no gunner above me. I don't
have to scrutinize every pile of dirt, every plastic
bag to check whether it may explode.
Amazingly, I am safe.
[Greg Moore is a staff sergeant in the N.Y. National
Guard's 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry.]
We have a new generation of patriots returning to
our communities. As this generation assimilates back
into our various collective communities, they will
ultimately assume community responsibilities and leadership
roles. And we will be much better off with having them
in our midst.
Dear Friends,
Hi, This is Cathy Albert Lipstein residing in Syosset, class of '79. I'm in
need of a few extra prayers from my friends and fellow Hicksville alumni.
In August I was diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer, and to date
I am not in remission. I have finished my rounds of chemo (I am in-operable)
and I am hoping for just a few more prayers from everyone. I'm hoping I will
at least get rid of the one tumor I have left at the moment. Unfortunately
this is a fast spreading disease and it can pop up anywhere in my body. I
have great spirits and I still get out to do things. I'm just worried about
my kids. My daughter is 19 and my son is 13, and I know they need me and
I want to be there for them for a very long time. So all the support and
prayers I can get will hopefully keep me around for a little bit longer.
If anyone would like, they can email me at the below address. Please put
in the subject line 'Hicksville Alumni' so I know it is not spam mail.
Thank you all for your support,
Cathy Albert Lipstein '79
clipstein@aol.com
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Obituaries
-
George C. Lang, '65
George C. Lang, age 57, of Seaford, LI, on March 16, 2005. Recipient of
the Congressional Medal of Honor, U.S. Army, 47th Infantry of the 9th
Division, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, Feb-ruary 1969. Beloved
husband of Jacqueline Lang. Loving father of Angela and Kevin Egan. Cherished
grandfather of Kevin, Sean, Jillian and Jacqueline Egan. Survived by
countless loving family members and friends. Reposing at the Fredrick
J. Chapey & Sons Bethpage Funeral Home, 20 Hicksville Road (1 mile
north of the Southern State Parkway, Exit 29). Celebration of the Liturgy
of Christian Burial, Maria Regina RC Church, Seaford, Monday 9:45AM.
Interment, Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, LI.
Donations may be made in memory of George C. Lang to:
Wounded Warrior Project
United Spinal Association
54 Nashua Street
Milford, NH 03055-3717.
- Published in Newsday on 3/18/2005.
-
Marty Watkins
It is with a very sad heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend
Marty Watkins. Marty died February 8, 2005 due to complications following
a massive heart attack suffered on February 3rd. I regret that you learned
of his death via a note rather than through a personal exchange. He spoke
fondly of you and I did not know of another way to tell you. It is a
big loss to me and equally to his family. Marty will be forever missed.
Take Care
GREGORY GRUOSSO
-
Thomas W. Patwell
Hicksville on March 4, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Carol. Loving
father of Christine, Barbara and James. Cherished grandfather of Jessica,
Michael, Allison, Thomas and Dylan. Retired Nassau County Police officer.
Friends and family may visit the Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, 125 Old
Country Road, Hicksville, NY on Sunday 2-5 and 7-10 PM. Mass will be
Monday at Holy Family, 10 AM. Interment at Holy Rood Cemetery.
Published in Newsday on 3/5/2005
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Some Interesting Stuff
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Doctor K’s Motown Review
Paul Korman (1969 Graduate HHS)
The legacy of such notables as Eric Burdon, Leon Russell, The Vanilla Fudge,
Christopher Cross and the Blue Oyster Cult is history. Their classic style “rocks” and
is copied by many, but is hardly ever duplicated. Paul has performed with
each of those mentioned above throughout his musical career.
Now Dr. K (Paul Korman) has created a Motown sound that is masterful. Dr.
K. has a history of playing bass with various, notable, and extremely talented
individuals throughout the metro area. Dr K. was able to create a musical
extravaganza from these hand picked musicians and singers who have a passion
for Motown and the classic sound. This blending of talent takes you on
an unmistakable musical escapade that covers hits from 1962 through 1969.
Their journey offers renditions of Motown music that is part of a decade
that was one of a kind and that no one can ever forget. Seeing a Doctor
K Motown revue is an unforgettable experience for both worlds...the kids
who have discovered a unique sound....and, the older generation that thought
it could never be revived. The ensemble is a history of music that remains
a part of our daily lives.
Doctor K was weaned on Motown. His passion is an extension of his years
of playing and promoting that unique sound. Isn't it time you were weaned
as well??!!
Listen to what others have to say....
" Dr. K's Motown Revue is the most authentic Motown music we have had in
our club"...
Dave Glicker, Owner, The Downtown, Farmingdale, New York.
" The Motown Revue always packs the house and had everyone dancing"...
Evans Anozine, Manager, Ashford & Simpson Bar, New York, NY.
Dr. K's Motown Review played in Central Park on Saturday, March 26th, and
the performance was so outstanding they've invited him to come back again
on Sunday, April 10th. He's also performing for a 'Mother's Day Brunch'
at the Downtown in Farmingdale, NY on Sunday, May 8th.
Additionally, the Motown Review is scheduled to open for Leslie Gore, in
August, on Long Island when the Department of Parks has their annual concerts
in the park.
Check future issues of the HHS Newsletter for dates and times.
-
We're outnumbered: 7,000 new insect species are
discovered every year.
-
No matter how cold it gets, gasoline won't freeze.
Below -180º it just gets gummy.
-
Why did Japanese scientists invent "square" watermelons?
They stack better.
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Mr. Potato Head was the first toy advertised on
TV.
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33% of Americans say being one hour late still
counts as being "fashionably late."
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William Shakespeare invented more than 1,700 words.
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Edward Valiz and Jose Gonzales were headed for
the tiny Turluck, California airport, but when
they emerged from their rented plane, they discovered
instead that they'd landed at Castle Air Force
Base . . . . in the middle of a training exercise.
" Base officials said they had tried to warn off the plane, but never got
any radio response.
"The pair were arrested when drug-sniffing police dogs found two pounds
of methamphetamine, along with $1,300 in cash."
--from the San Francisco Examiner, 1994
If you've got some interesting things to share with us, please send it
to: hixnews@hotmail.com
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