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Dear
Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons, Welcome
to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 72. Note - Anything underlined is a link, or a
link-to-a-link, and anything not is not, because Substack will not allow you
to underline anything OTHER THAN a link.
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After 24
hours:
The Peer Program -
Two Memorable Moments
L-R
(Les Paul and Bucky Pizzarelli) Writes Alan Peterson (1975) - “A few issues back, there was some
question and doubt over the claim that legendary guitarist and inventor Les
Paul had visited Wheatley. Well he did, and here's my picture to prove
it. It was
May of 1972; Ms. Auerbach's new PEER Program was in its first year
(visiting performers, authors and personalities were invited to Wheatley in
lieu of substitute teachers) but there were no real "names" that
graced the auditorium during those first months. Then Les Paul rolled into
Old Westbury with jazz guitarist and "Tonight Show" musician Bucky
Pizzarelli, and the program had its first verifiable hit. To most
of the student body, Les was symbolic of "Mom's music" from 20
years prior. But every student who slung an axe back in the early '70s cut
their classes to be in the presence of Les and Bucky. In the above photo, Les
Paul is playing a Les Paul, and Bucky is playing a green 7-string Gretsch
"George Van Eps" model. It was fifty years ago this season . And
yeah, it really happened. What a day that was?!” Writes Brad Feuer (1978) - “Your mention of the Peer Program
reminded me of when I was involved with it, and we hosted NY Mets famed
relief pitcher, Tug McGraw. I waited for Tug at the entrance circle, as
he pulled up late in his Mercedes SL convertible (NY license plate:
TUG-45). During his presentation he was asked how he got the name
"Tug". Visibly embarrassed, he asked all the girls in
attendance to step out of the room. He then explained that, as a young
child, he liked to "tug" on his mother's breast when she breastfed
him, so she called him "Tugger." YOU GOTTA BELIEVE!” Have Screenplay,
Contacting Agents
Writes
Art Engoron (1967) - As noted in Newsletter # 71, Tom and Jill Glaser (1968)
and I have written a screenplay based on Tom’s father’s Holocaust
experiences. Much of the material is based on Tom’s father’s letter of
August, 1945, published in Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter #
41, WHEATLEY ALUMNI NEWSLETTER # 41. We thank
the nine Wildcats that have helped us with this. We are
still looking around, so if anyone else knows an agent(s) or producer(s) who
might be interested, please contact me (ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM)
or Tom (TOMPGLASER@GMAIL.COM).
Initial feedback has been positive, with readers describing it as “riveting,
just riveting,” and “compelling.” Be forewarned, Tom’s parents (incredibly)
survive, but the story is a real tear-jerker, causing many people to stop to
dry their tears before continuing to read. The Usual Words of
Wisdom
Thanks
to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale
yourself with the first 71 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana)
at Wheatley School Alumni Association Website Also,
thanks to Keith is our handy-dandy, super-duper search engine, prominently
displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, voilà, you’ll find
every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material.
I use it all the time. Amazing! Meanwhile,
if you are completely uninterested in Wheatley matters, please ask
me to remove you from our distribution list. I edit
all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without
any indication thereof. I do not have a fact-checking department, and I
do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me, although occasionally I
correct obvious errors or refuse to publish blatant falsehoods. Unless
you indicate otherwise, I will assume that you have given me permission to
publish anything you send me; but please indicate whether or not I can
publish your contact information (otherwise I will assume not). Scores
of alumni email addresses can be found on 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 and/or
studied there. Good Question
Rick
Ardito, 1981, asks, “Why are Wheatley yearbooks called ‘Aurora’”? Does anyone
know? Faculty
Jeanine (“Mrs.”) Brescia - North Side
School Student and Teacher
Writes Vivi Cilmi Kunz (1964) - “Happy Birthday to Mrs.
Brescia….She was my mom’s ‘over the back fence’ weekly chat for many
years!” Writes Daniel Paisner (1978) - “I saw the notice about Mrs.
Brescia in the most recent newsletter. She was my first grade teacher! I
remember Mrs. Brescia fondly. That year came during the height of “The
Monkees” mania, and she very kindly allowed/encouraged a group of us to make
our own instruments and act out bits from the show on the mornings after the
show aired!)” Writes Carla Schorr Rose (1980) - “What a pleasure to have read about
Mrs. Brescia at age 102! I still have fond memories lots of creative
activities we did in first grade in 1968, including creating a life-size
papier maché tiger. Both she and Mrs. Greenberg were early influences
on my chosen profession of being a Creative Arts Therapist!” Writes Kerri Cohen Dumelle (1992) - “I cannot believe Mrs.
Brescia is 102! That’s incredible. I didn’t have her, but my older sister
did. I remember the location of her classroom and seeing her every morning
and afternoon. Such a friendly and helpful teacher.” Parents
Julius Eisenstein - Father of Tobi (1966) and Fred
(1969) j- Recently Deceased Writes Rick Jalonack (1966) - “Art, I've eaten too many slices of
7 layer cake. Julius's Eisenstein’s (father of Tobi, 1966, and Fred, 1969)
bakery is no longer in the Westwood shopping Center, but I remember it
fondly. As you can tell, I have found a replacement bakery, but it's not the
same. LOL Graduates
1958 - Steve Nelson - Editorial Writer Editorial in the Berkshire Eagle 1960 - Jay Cummings - Gracious Host
Writes
Art Engoron (1967) - Despite some stark philosophical differences between us,
Jay and I have become friends. He hosted a lovely dinner for us on Flag Day,
June 14, 2022. 1962 - Gail Anne Wilkinson - Best Friends
with Naomi Klotz Obie Writes
Gail - “Naomi Klotz
Obie and I became best friends as seventh graders when
Wheatley opened in 1956 -- and we're still best friends today.” 1965 - First Grade (1953-54 School Year)
- Submitted by the Tallest Kid in the Class
First
(Front) Row - Malcolm Dobrow, ???, Mimi Gordon, Billy Levin Second
Row - Dave Orlins, Jay Robbins, ??? Third
Row - Mitch Ditkoff, David Cornfield, Penny Asbell, Valerie Siegel, Jane
Goldenberg, ??? Fourth
Row - Marilyn Sherwin (mostly obscured) ???, ???, Caren Putterman, Allison
Bernstein, Ann Greenberg, Margie Newman, Ellen Senft Fifth
(Back) Row- Mrs. Royer (classroom teacher). Cory Friedman, Ira Kent, Neil
Firetog, Hank Alpert, Bruce Aufhauser, ???, Miss Pulick (music teacher),
Skippy the Parakeet (Hank Alpert’s) 1965 -
Hank Alpert - Outdoor Dining
Writes
Art Engoron (1967) - Hank and I had a WONDERFUL long lunch on 6/13/2022 at
Pepolino in Tribeca. Most of the stories centered on some unlikely Wildcat
coincidence somewhere in the USA. WE ARE EVERYWHERE! 1965 - George Glaser - Wheatley’s Annual
Award in His Honor The George Glaser Memorial Award was created to honor the memory of
George Glaser, a 1965 graduate of The Wheatley School. George
represented the epitome of a true scholar-athlete. He excelled in all
academic and athletic pursuits. From schoolboy exploits to competition
at the national level, George constantly strived to achieve and enjoyed
considerable success. His legacy includes a National Championship in
the Marine Corps Physical Fitness competition, various Track and Field school
records that remained over 40 years later, Co-Captain of Wheatley’s first
Nassau County Championship soccer team, charter member of The Wheatley Hall
of Fame and a member of the United States National Ski Team. In
recognition of his exemplary academic performance, George was also inducted
into the National Honor Society. Tragically, George passed away shortly
after graduating from The Wheatley School, and the award is dedicated to
honor his memory and celebrate his qualities as an exceptional person and
student-athlete. The
George Glaser Memorial
Award is presented annually to the senior student-athlete who
most exemplified the qualities of excellence and dedication to the Wheatley
athletic program. Writes Barry Gordon (1965) - “George Glaser was my dear
classmate and a close friend. He had a brilliant mind and was an
incredible athlete. How many people that you know were able to ski in
Chile during our summers? I still think about him and miss him.” 1965
-Peter Till - Meeting in the Park
L-R
- Peter Till and Art Engoron Writes
Art - On June 9, 2022, Peter recognized me in Foley Square Park. He had just
successfully argued a criminal case in federal district court. I had just
finished lunch! 1967 - Linda Caterino - Talented
Granddaughter
Writes
Linda - My granddaughter was a co-star on the Mayim Bialik show, “Call me
Kat,” about a month ago. She played Mayim in a flashback. While she only had
a small part, she got the most out of it and loved taping at the Warner
Brothers Studio. This photo is from her entry in IMDB.com. Her stage name is Alessandra M.K.
Caterino and she’s 8. She loved acting and would definitely be available for
another gig.” 1967 - Art Engoron - In the News National Public Radio Publishes Associated Press
Article 1968 - Jill Silvering and Tom Glaser - Married 51 Years! Writes
Art Engoron - Jill and Tom were born one week (not two, as previously
reported) apart and have spent their lives together! 1968 -
Chris Srinivasan - Media Man Lunches with a Friend
L-R
- Art and Chris 1969 - William Kirchick - His Son, the
Author - Continued Writes
the New York Times - “‘Secret City,” by James Kirchick, is a sprawling and
enthralling history of how the gay subculture in Washington, D.C., long in
shadow, emerged int the klieg lights. But it’s also a whodunit to rival
anything by Agatha Christie. How did so many promising men in government wind
up dead before their time, by such variously violent means? * * * As an epic
of a dark age, complex and shaded, ‘Secret City’ is rewarding in the extreme.” 1969 + 1970 - Susan and Mitch Shapiro -
At Charity Benefit Mitch Organized
L-R
- Fran Shapiro, Art Engoron (1967), Susan Shapiro (1969), Mitch Shapiro
(1970) North
Hills Country Club - June 13, 2022 1972 - Reunion Approaching Writes Seth Michael Katz - “So...its been several weeks
since our first email blast - thank you to our early responders, especially
those who said they will definitely be joining our celebration! Thanks
to the work of Art Engoron, Rich Weissman, Ilene Kent and others, we were
able to put together a list of 194 of our classmates, many of whom we are
still waiting to hear from. Also a special thanks to those who
volunteered to be part of our reunion committee ! As
more than a few responses had October conflicts, we are now also considering
2 dates in September: the 17th and the 24th - as September and October are
popular 'event' months however, spaces are filling up fast, so we are
requesting that those who are planning to attend let us know by June 30, 2022
- also, even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate confirmation
that we were able to 'reach' everyone, and that no one was 'missed'.
As details firm up, we will continue to send email updates - in the
meantime, stay healthy, and stay tuned! Best, Seth Michael” 1974 - Cathy Gould Rath - Final Stop on
East Coast Book Tour Writes
Cathy: Hi again Wheatley-ites! I would love for you to join me at Barnes & Noble, 91 Old
Country Road in Carle Place on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 pm for
my last East Coast book event. Feel free to share this with your friends and
family. With
gratitude, Cathy
1975 - Eric Asimov - Late Night Dinner with Hanger-On
Eric
Asimov (1975) and Art Engoron (1967) after Greenwich Village Dinner 5/25/2002 1975 - Jon Kirwin - Keeping Up With Old Friends Writes
Jon - “I enjoy keeping up with my old friends from school. Recently I had
dinner with Mark Lubin, Jeff Karasyk, Chuck Berlin and, after a near 40-year
absence, Shelly Steinmetz. We had a great time together. I am still
working as a Vascular Surgeon at SUNY Downstate, where I have been on the
faculty for the past 38 years.”
Front
Row - Mark Lubin, Jon Kirwin Back Row
Chuck Berlin, Jeff Karasyk, Shelly Steinmetz 1980 - Carla (Schorr) Rose - Small World Story Writes
Art Engoron (1967) - "In the 1980s Carla studied art therapy in
Turin/Torino, Italy with Elizabeth Stone, 1963. At the time, neither was
aware of “The Wheatley Connection”; but they learned of it through a recent
Wheatley Alumni newsletter and are now back in touch with each other. We are
everywhere! Carla has a BS from Cornell University (1984); an MA from NYU
Steinhardt (2004), and is a licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board
Certified Art Therapist. Fan Mail
Faculty (Stephen Ehre) - “Art: Thanks again for all you (and
Keith) are doing. I love finding out how former students, that I taught or
knew, have fared.” 1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - ❤️ 1959 (Matt Sanzone) - “Art, Keep up the good work.” 1961 (Jill Davidson Blaney) - “Hi Art, I appreciate the
Wheatley Newsletter very much. Thank you. I’ve gotten to love Wheatley more
the older I’ve become.” 1963 (Barbara Gottesman Miller) - “I enjoy every issue of the
newsletter. Thanks so much for all you do.” 1964 (Frank Brescia) - ❤️ 1963 (Donna Harmelin Rivkin) - ❤️ 1964 (Vivi Cilmi Kunz) - “Hi Art, Thanks so much for all the
news. You have given us another treat!” 1964 (John Sullivan) - “Art - Thanks for forwarding the
Newsletter. Always good to keep up with Wheatley news.” 1965 (Richard Cohen) - ❤️ 1965 (Jane Mannheim Claud) - “Thanks, Art, for all you do for the
alumni.” 1965 (Malcolm McNeill) - “Nice job, Art. I like the new
formatting.” 1965 (Cliff Montgomery) - “Good memories, Art. Thank you. I
appreciate your and Keith’s efforts to keep us all connected after all these
years.” 1965 (Carmel Panzeca Silk) - “Thank you Art. Your letters are
always enjoyable.” 1966 (Claude Levy) - "Thanks for this Newsletter,
Art.” 1967 (Dr. Linda Caterino) - “Wonderful job on the newsletter, as
always.” 1967 (Scott Frishman) - “Great as usual, Art. All of us
appreciate you and Keith and all your efforts😊👍” 1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “❤️ - As
always,I enjoy this publication.” 1968 (Sandra Brodkin Dreis) - ❤️ 1968 (Janet Paley Sapir) - ❤️ 1969 (Craig Backel) - ❤️ 1970 (Deborah Silverman Sloyer) - “A note of deep appreciation for
keeping us updated.” 1971 (Steven Brautigam) - “Thank you, Arthur, for your
informative Newsletters.❤️” 1971 (Merrie Sesskin) - ❤️ 1973 (Vera Kaltinick Peterson) -
❤️ 1974 (Ann DeMilta) - ❤️ 1974 (Gail LaPasta Gannotti) - ❤️ 1974 (Joseph LeoGrande) - ❤️ 1975 (Jon Kirwin) - “I look forward to the newsletter.” 1975 (Ruth Resnicow) - ❤️ 1976 (Carol Ann Marie Dondiego) - “Dear Art, On behalf of Wheatley’s
Class of 1976, many thanks for your ongoing Wheatley School newsletter! I
don’t see many of my former classmates posting, but I wanted to let you know
it’s fun for me to read about my former HS and the old & current
going-ons! Thank you for your continued hard work!” 1976 (James Joachim) - ❤️ 1978 (Brian Rohman) - “Art, Thank you for doing this. It
is truly of labor of love, and it shows.” 1979 (Sharon Lazar) - “Hi Arthur, Thanks for all the great
things you do for Wheatley!” 1980 (Peter Cohen) - “I love receiving your email
newsletter; thank you so much.” 1980 (Gregory Colucci) - ❤️ 1988 (Ariel Kalish Glassman) - ❤️ 1990 (Dana Lieber Moriarty) - ❤️ Closing
That’s
it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 71. Please
send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary. Art Arthur
Fredericks Engoron, 1967 646-872-4833 If
you liked this post from The
Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter, why not share it? © 2022 ARTHUR ENGORON
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