Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 148.

According to Substack, in the first 24 hours after publication, Newsletter # 147 was viewed 3,432 times, was “liked” 11 times, and received three comments. In all, 4,733 email addresses received Newsletter # 147.

All underlined text is a link-to-a-link (or, occasionally, an email address). Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then clicking on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination (or address an email).

The Usual Words of Wisdom

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 147 Newsletters (and much other Wheatley data and arcana) at

The Wheatley School Alumni Association Website

Also, thanks to Keith is our search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, wow!, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I use it frequently; it works usually!

I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof.  I cannot and do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me, as TWSAA does not have a fact-checking department.

We welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, and the people who administered, taught, worked, and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967

The Class of 1985 40th-Year Reunion is Scheduled for June 21, 2025…..That’s 2025, not 2024

Wheatley Class of 1985 40th-year reunion webpage

For further information contact Jared Goldstein, JAREDG@PIPELINE.COM.

San Francisco Bay Area Wheatley Reunion Update

Writes Larry Rosenthal (1965): Laura Herbst (’74) and Mark Lauria (‘61) will be joining “Larry Weiss (‘73),  Lizzy Lynn (‘64), Peter Siegel (’66), Roy Nierenberg (’63), Barry Gordon (’65), Rich Weissman (‘72), and yours truly (’65), at The Third Annual (?) Unofficial San Francisco Bay Area Wheatley Reunion Potluck—TTA(?)USFBAWRP-- Sunday May 26, 2024, 12:30 - 4:00, in my Berkeley back yard. Interested Wildcats, please email me at larros99@gmail.com.”

Southern California Wheatley Reunion Contemplated

Writes Sydell Howoritz Weiner (1964) - “I see that there are many Wheatley alums in and around San Francisco. I’ll bet that that’s true of Los Angeles, too. So I’m calling on SoCal Wheatley Alums to get our act together. I’m in Beverly Hills and I’d love to plan a reunion! sydellweiner@gmail.com

Wheatley Alumni Softball Game - Memorial Day Weekend

Details of Wheatley Alumni Softball Game, Saturday, May 25, 10:00 AM, at Wheatley

Saturday, May 25th 10:00a (Memorial Day Weekend)

Where: The Brandon Lustig Memorial Field -  11 Bacon Road Old Westbury, NY 11568

Contact Bernadette McCrave at 516 297-8147 or Coach David Burke at BURKED@EWSDMAIL.ORG.

SOCCER, TOO

Please note - Link currently unavailable in this forum.

Free Concert, Saturday, 5/18, In Greenwich Village

“Sheli Nan” is our own Shelley Nan Hershcopf, Class of 1968

Wheatley Fight Song

Writes Eliot “Ike” Evans- “In response to Steve Hanft's (1966) question about a Wheatley fight song, I recall that we used the tune ‘On Wisconsin’ and replaced the words with ‘Onward Wheatley.’ Being a band player, my recollection does not extend to the lyrics!”

‘Hood History

Starting in 1952, the Nathanson graduates — David, 1967; Maddy, 1969; and Laura, 1970 — lived at 1 Pebble Lane, at Club Drive (above). Their father, Dr. Morton Nathanson, was a clinical neurologist and Chair of the Department of Neurology at Long Island Jewish/Hillside/Stony Brook School of Medicine. Their mom, Margret, escaped Nazi Germany with her immediate family and came to the USA in the late 1930s. She was a naturalist who worked at BOCES.

Writes Laura Nathanson (1970) - “That corner was iconic…..at least for us and our friends, who would often sit there overlooking Club Drive. Our house has since been torn down and replaced by two mansions.”

Note - Doctor Nathanson took the photograph; Madlyn “Maddy” Nathanson Flavell submitted it.

Wheatley Swag

All items obtained at Career Day, April 5, 2024, except genuine 1959 Wheatley Baseball Cap obtained that month from Leonard Jacobs, 1961.

Graduates

1960 - George “Dixie” Howell - Tributes

Writes Martha (“Marty”) Corbett Leith - “George ‘Dixie’ Howell, Linda Sue Beattie and I were in nursery school, North Side, Willets Road and The Wheatley School Class of 1960 together. George and Linda were my first friends. Although we all grew apart and together at different times in our lives, the mini-reunions we held for the last fifteen or so years brought us all back together and a lot closer in so many ways then we were before.  George was such a sweet soul.  You really had to listen when he spoke, and listen we did.

At one of the minis, George and Lucy Mullman couldn’t stop talking to one another…..and lo and behold they married each other.  It was fun to be with them and enjoy their blooming interest in each other. We’re getting old and we keep losing people, and this time we lost a special one.  So hold tight to those you love and tell them often that you care. You will be missed, Dixie.  Rest in peace.”

1960 - Kenneth Martin - Fun in Bickey’s Barn

Writes Ken - “Art, this afternoon I enjoyed my normal happy hour, howling at the moon, and, of course, figuring out life’s mysteries.

The family of my classmate, Paul ‘Bick’ Keister, owned property on the north side of East Williston Avenue, east of the LIRR tracks. Behind the main house was a lovely barn that we kids called ‘Bickey’s Barn,’ which still exists!

In any case, Bick’s parents would often travel away on weekends, and ‘Hello, Party.’ Unbelievable venue and time…..literally 50 to 60 of us would show up, most often after football games, and crank up the music, dance, and just be teenagers in a truly golden age. We reveled in and enjoyed our innocence. Fabulous memories!”

1965 - Roger Morris and Jeff Orling

Writes Roger - “Hi Art, I just want to let Jeff Orling know that I have an indelible memory from very early grade school of somehow winding up at his house, and he and his brother Alan (1966) asking their mom for permission to give me an old red bicycle that had been sitting in their garage that down-straightened my path home down the Shepherd Lane hill, which I had only attempted on a large three-wheeled bike that  shook and crashed each time at the bottom of the hill, leaving me bruised and confused.

I only discovered much later that the three-wheeled bike wasn't shaky; rather, I was shaking the bicycle with a post-polio ‘gift’ that wasn't resolved until brain surgery in my fifties.

Much of my adult career was regularly involved with advocating in Family Court for families I was treating in my practice, and as you might imagine, each time I was sworn in to testify my arm shook like a windsock tossed about in a storm come to challenge my credibility.

This so graciously tempered by Family Court judges who were nothing short of astonishing with too many adventures and misadventures to relate here.

I should also add a caveat that I've checked out some of these childhood memories with Roddy Nierenberg, which he has kindly told me he does not recall : )”

1967 - Scott Frishman - “On March 6, 2024 I lost my wife, Linda, from a severe cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 74. We were married for 52 glorious years. She was the love of my life, and I will always miss her dearly. She leaves behind our sons, Michael (Julie) and Daniel (Faran), and our wonderful and loving granddaughters Hayden, Shaye and Sofia and grandson Sam.  May Linda Rest In Peace Forever.”

1967 - Jill Simon Forte - “I love the photograph of Club Drive and Pebble Lane. Jo- Ann Dembo lived on that corner, and I often walked to her house after school. At Wheatley’s annual talent show, the Varsity Review, I saw my future husband, Bob Forte, and his band playing. Naturally, I followed him in the halls, telling him how great he was 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Shortly after that, I first encountered him after school, driving his Corvette on Roslyn Road. He drove me to Jo-Ann’s house, and that started my after-school meetings with Bob, which were the beginning of a great marriage of almost 55 years. We have two kids, both of whom are teachers, and six grandkids, between 22 and 12 years old. One grandkid is going to Nashville for law school in a couple of weeks, with her really nice boyfriend 😊. Others are studying at Purdue and in South Carolina.”

1967 - Jack Wolf - “I enjoyed the essay of Gary Briefel, Class of 1964, in Newsletter Issue # 145. My older sister, Wendy Wolf, was in that class. Gary brought up the incident with the Refuseniks who wouldn't say the Pledge of Allegiance, and I was one of them. In addition, Wendy or I wrote a letter to Newsday. Principal Walter Wathey may have stood up to the folks clamoring for our heads, as Wheatley was dubbed “The Commie School,” but he also was not easy on us or happy that we were adding to the brouhaha by writing Letters to the Editor.

My own belief remains that I don’t approve of any required pledge, as that violates the right of free speech, which also includes not having coerced speech. I consider myself patriotic and moderate politically, but I am a firm believer in not being forced to recite things. I never cared for the religious institutions, temples or churches, where you were always standing up and reciting something then sitting down; I never could get the hang of it, and it seemed forced. Regardless, I have nothing against doing Jumping Jacks, and I own that given name, but I prefer to say what I want over scripted words. Interesting to me, having spent much of my later years as a Quaker, is that they received much initial notoriety for refusing to swear oaths, with many Quakers imprisoned for not swearing allegiance to the King of England, and they have no liturgy but speak when the spirit moves them.”

1968 - Sandra Brodkin and Rebecca Consolo Freer Freedman - Friends

Writes Rebecca - “Congratulations, Sandy, on your poetry book. You have led quite a glamorous life. I remember going to your house one day for lunch when we went to the North Side School, and I tasted matzah for the first time. When I moved from Wheatley in February of my senior year, you were kind enough to collect signatures for my yearbook. You are kind and talented and always made me laugh. Be well my friend.”

1968 - Ken Gallard - Traveling Man

Writes Ken - “Whew.….I finally got caught up on all the previous Newsletters (10 in all)!  My eyeballs have gotten a serious workout today.  I had planned to go for another road-bike ride, but the weather didn't cooperate.  I figured it was a good time to work on the Newsletters.

I enjoyed the hitch-hiking story of Art Engoron (1967) in Issue # 137.  I used to hitch-hike all around North America and had some great--and some rather bizarre--adventures.  Similar to your serendipitous experience in recognizing a classmate in an adjacent vehicle causing you to ‘jump ship,’ I experienced something similar 50 years ago. I had several hitch-hiking trips along the length of the Alcan Highway (the Alaska Highway).  Fifty years ago it was a barely navigable dirt and gravel track across the expanse of western Canada and on into Alaska (1,387 miles).  Traffic was so sparse, I would often hitch with my tent set up next to the road, as you might not see a vehicle come by for an entire day (or more). On one particular trip, when I was returning from a climbing expedition on Denali (Alaska), I was similarly encamped at the side of the road by Haines Junction, Yukon Territory.  Nothing happening at all.  I was hoping to get to a ferry at Haines (150 miles further) to travel down the coast of Alaska.  All of a sudden a Toyota Land Cruiser skids to a stop in a cloud of dust and picks me up (I had to pack up my tent, stove and all belongings first!).  The guy who picks me up turns out to be the public defender in Juneau, Alaska (the capital), and he is hoping to catch the day's last ferry (good luck on these kind of roads!).  As we pack my stuff into the Land Cruiser, we take off in a blast.  Then, of course, we diverge into conversation.  Turns out he went to Roslyn High School and was the classmate of someone that I, and the Gettingers (1968), and the Glasers (1965, 1968) used to ski with as kids (sometimes still do).  Here I am at ‘lands-end,’ and after a day-and-a-half of no vehicles coming by, I get picked up by a Roslyn High alumnus--quite absurd.  And we both know the same people.  We didn't make that evening's ferry, but we had a memorable evening in a bar in Haines that was populated by miners, fishermen, and Native Americans.  Crazy stuff.

I also enjoyed reading about my Old Westbury neighbor Howard Kirchick's (1967) odyssey through life.  Seems he's done many great things, contributing to worthwhile knowledge and the benefit of society at-large.  Well done, Howard! Thanks! Ken”

1969 - Richard Abraham Frankfort - Deceased - 11/6/49 - 4/1/24

Writes sister LauRha Frankfort (1974) - “I write this with the heaviest of hearts: my beautiful brother Richard Frankfort passed away suddenly on April 1, 2024. I hear him saying over and over, ‘Rha, I wanted to go with my boots on!,’ and he sure did. He was working up until the day he died. Matter of fact, he installed a bathroom sink the day before. He was just 74 years old.

Those of you who went to school with Rick might remember him as the big, strong, redheaded captain of the football team. Dressed in his black leather jacket, riding motorcycles and driving cars he was rebuilding in the family garage, or the motor cycles he would rebuild in his bedroom upstairs, that he and his buddies would carry down the stairs while my parents were sleeping. He was hanging out with the wild ones, for sure, and doing wild things.

Thank God for Doctor Wills, who nurtured Rick’s beautiful voice. Doc made him believe that you can sing beautifully and still be tough. Yeah!!! Thank Wheatley for recognizing Rick’s huge talents in the automotive field, instead of reading and book smarts, which were especially difficult for Rick, being Dyslexic. Half the day he would head off to trade school and learn his soon-to-be craft.

Richard had golden hands, for sure, just like our Dad. We would say that Dad and Rick came from the same mold. They could repair or build anything! They had big warm hearts. They were kind, generous, supportive, non-judgemental, curious, creative, and smart, with a huge love of life and especially a love of animals.

Like our dad, Rick loved to create things with his hands; they were two peas in a pod. He worked in my father’s jewelry manufacturing business, next to him, engraving precious snd semi-precious stones. He eventually went on to work in the silk screening business, screening panels for aircrafts and many other things. He was working still at 74 and didn’t want to retire.

Richard loved to ski, and living in Lynbrook with his wife Toodie they often would go up north where he would ski, teach skiing, and embrace his love of speed! Toodie said he skied like a ballerina and embraced Jean-Claude Killy’s style of skiing..

Richard grew his love of speed. He got his pilot’s license and started building race cars….he was racing his beautiful cars right up until he passed. Yup, he died with his boots on!

There was a chapter in Rick’s life that brought him down to the very bottom. He was addicted to cocaine. He lost everything he had in life to addiction. But you know what? He came back up again, and when he did, it wasn’t only about helping himself to survive and heal, but helping others. My brother would get hit with lemons and make lemonade.

When he got straight he went into the prisons and spoke with the addicts to help them have faith and truly believe that there is a happy life after addiction.

This April would have marked 36 years of sobriety for him. Toodie found an award that Richard received from the Nassau County Police Dept. thanking him for his work in the prisons. Of course, he never showed this to anyone. Always a humble and kind soul. When you had a problem, you could call him. His ears were so big and patient and his heart so understanding, he could always help solve the problem. Generous,

When Rick met his wife, Toodie, both their lives changed. They saved each other with unconditional love and support. Thank you so much, Toodie.

Rick had so many friends and family that loved him. He just was easy to be with. Our beautiful brother will be sorely missed by those he inspired and loved, especially his loving wife Toodie Frankfort, sister Barbara Frankfort Patrick, brother William Frankfort, and me, LauRha Frankfort.

Rick’s favorite animal was his golden retriever Dylan. Any donation to “Golden’s Without Borders Rescue” will be smiled upon from heaven for sure!

If any one wants to reach out to Toodie, her email is rafrankfort@yahoo.com…..or you can email me at LauRha.frankfort@gmail.com, and I will pass it on.

Rick, you make some huge angel up there, Bro!!!!”

Rick with wife Toodie and dog Dylan

Top Row L-R - Richard Frankfort, William “Bill” Frankfort (1963)

Bottom Row L-R - Barbara Frankfort Patrick (1960), LauRha Frankfort (1974), Mollie Frankfort (1974)

Rick’s BMW Race Car

Rick and sister LauRha

Rick and wife Toodie

Rick and the Harley-Davidson he rebuilt

Rick’s Graduation Photo

1970 - Mitch Shapiro - Asking You to Submit Your Stories

Writes Mitch - “Probably all Wheatley alumni have memories to share about growing up in the area, themselves, teachers, administrators and fellow students  From time to time I see a new story popping up, but, by golly, there are funny, not so funny, personal, and adventurous stories worthy of being told.  OK, so some may be ‘embarrassing’…..but again, we are all adults now, right?  Who really cares about those kind of things anymore.  It may or may not stoke the imagination, things you didn’t know about your friends or rather did know but, well, didn’t think worthy of sharing.

I love the fact that we learn about the successes or failures along our way through life, the books some have written, the concerts they perform in, the places to which they moved, how their family has grown.  Many of us who have moved away will find it interesting to read about the Y2K grads and their experiences at Wheatley and living and growing up in the area.

Thanks to Ken Martin for sharing his stories about George ‘Dixie’ Howell. The ‘young & restless’ lived life to the fullest in those days, dared to do in their time what, oh gosh, would get us locked up today. Ken himself has lived an interesting life, and I’m confident he has many stories to share as well…..(it’s a challenge to you Ken)..…

Seriously folks…..send Art an update on you..…your family, where you grew up, what you accomplished or wish you had. Many of us may even have crossed paths without knowing it. I challenge each of you, Wheatley Alumni, to write a paragraph or two for the 3-4,000 readers to enjoy!”

1977 - Glenn Gerstner - Bowling Book

Writes Glenn - “My first book, Andy Varipapa: Bowling's First Superstar, is now available in paperback and eBook formats. Visit Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, or McFarland Publishers to order it, or go to Google Books for a preview.

Unless you are a bowling junkie like me, you may not know the name ‘Andy Varipapa,’ but he was the world's most famous bowler in the 1940s and 1950s. He first rose to fame by starring in short films in the 1930s, where his amazing trick shots were seen by millions. He went on to win several major bowling titles while in his 50s, and even appeared on That's Incredible! at age 90. For a sample of what made him famous, watch his last short film, Bowling Tricks at 

(((Note - You may have to click several times, in several place to view.)))

I knew Varipapas’s son, Frank, who owned the Bowl Mart on Jericho Turnpike just west of Sheridan Bowl. If you went to Wheatley and had a bowling ball professionally drilled, it was probably done by Frank Varipapa.”

Writes Art Engoron (1967) - The nine-minute video is amazing and worth watching, even if you have never bowled a strike.

1982 - Jeffrey Zaremsky - Holocaust Survivor’s Story

Writes Jeff - “Suzanne Schneider, the widow of legendary Wheatley Tennis Coach Mo Schneider, is a Holocaust Survivor. On May 10 and 11, she will be telling her powerful story live at the Beth-El Shalom congregations that I lead in New Port Richey and St. Petersburg, Florida. People are welcome to attend in person or through our livestream service. Go to www.Jewishheritage.net for more information.

Suzanne Schneider is on the left

Jeff with wife Barbara

PS - Jeff heard aboutSuzanne’s story from Newsletter # 129, which had the following:

1960 - Ken Martin - Small World Story

Writes Ken - “Recently I was in Orlando, FL participating in a military exhibition. One of the events was a lecture given by a woman named Suzanne Schneider, who survived the Holocaust as a young girl. She told her story full of harrowing experiences. She eventually emigrated to the states and landed in Great Neck, NY. I spoke to her after her lecture, and I found out that her second husband was Mo Schneider, who was the tennis coach at Wheatley - for 30 years! According to Suzanne and her daughter, the tennis courts at Wheatley are named after Mo. Suzanne now lives in Orlando, after spending twenty years in New Smyrna Beach, where I live. BTW, both of her husbands were proud US Marines! Her grandson is a graduate of West Point and is currently on active duty.”

1989 - Peter Sultan - Amateur Pianist

Peter Sultan and Jerome Foster Lewis performing Peter’s “Season of Love.” Note that you’ll have to click several times. Don’t give up, keep trying.

1992 - Kristina “Stina” Effron - “I reconnected with Matt Haig (faculty) recently. It was so wonderful. 

Fan Mail

Administration (Wheatley Principal Joseph Wiener) - ❤️

Faculty (Robert Brandt) - “Thank you, Arthur, for all the work you do on the marvelous Newsletter. Its unique quality fits the uniqueness of the school community for which it provides a forum.”

1958 (Barbara Newman) - “Art, Great issue, as usual.  I love the photos in the snow.”

1964 (Richard Ilsley) - ❤️

1965 (Eliot “Ike” Evans) - “Great Newsletter, # 147, as always.”

1965 (Cliff Montgomery) - “Thanks for another ‘memorable’ edition, Art.” 

1965 (Jeff Orling) - “Thanks, Art.”

1967 (David Nathanson) - “Art, Thanks for your work as school archivist/networker.”

1968 (Rebecca Consolo Freer Freedman) - “Thank you, Keith and Art, for the Newsletter. There's always something in it that catches my eyes and heart.”

1969 (Maddy Nathanson Flavell) - “I love the Newsletter.”

1970 (Laura Nathanson) - “Thanks for all of your hard work on the Wheatley Alumni Newsletter.”

1970 (Mitch Shapiro) - ““Another interesting newsletter, especially Ken Martin’s extremely heartfelt and personalized recollections of his good friend George ‘Dixie’ Howell, who recently passed away.”

1974 (LauRha Frankfort) - “Thank you.”

1977 (Laura Slaski Rabinowitz) - ❤️

1980 (Adam Goldstein) - ❤️

2002 (Benjamin Brodsky) - “Great job as always. Reading these stories is so interesting.”

Closing

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 148.  Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.