Wheatley Alumni Monthly Newsletter
Number 15: November 5, 2017
Dear Wheatley Wildcat World,
Welcome to the Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter Number Fifteen (15). Sadly, it reports the passing of two of Wheatley’s “Old Lions,” Melvin Rosenstein (Science) and Joseph McCormack (Mathematics), who were at Wheatley from very early on; and of Peter Malm (Class of 1960) and Scott Lynch (1979). There’s also a “mini-bio” of one of Wheatley’s more Colorful Characters, Alan Michael Angell (Class of 1973) and notice of the publication of a book about college admissions by Wes Berkowitz (Guidance) (who happens to be a wonderful source of Wildcat News for me).
But Pride of Place goes to David Pinter (Class of 1968), a Bengeyfield Drive neighbor of mine (back in the day) who has become quite a philanthropist, and is the force behind a fundraiser (with the emphasis on ”fun”) taking place tomorrow night, Monday, November 6, at the B. B. King Blues Club in Midtown Manhattan. Sounds like a wonderful event for a worthy cause.
David Pinter (1968) - For the 13th year in a row, David, along with Haywood (“Woody”) Mann (Class of 1970; brother of Mark, Dana, and Jason Mann), is putting on an event to benefit a program of free tennis clinics in underserved NYC parks for senior citizens.
Says David, “Woody is one of the world’s great acoustic guitarists & just returned from a summer touring Europe.” David and Woody, along with David’s friend Virginia Wade (yes, the tennis legend) began with Virginia giving a tennis clinic to 30 participants in Central Park. They have served over 5,000 seniors in 16 parks in all 5 boroughs. The program provides equipment, such as yoga mats and tennis racquets.
Notes David, “B.B. King’s Club is very kind in charging us the bare minimum, as they have been with us forever. Most of the money comes from my business relations. HOWEVER, I do provide a deep discount for friends & family who wish to attend.”
Go to https://cityparksfoundation.org/seniorsbenefit
Where it says, “Enter Coupon,” type “pinter” (not case sensitive) and the price will miraculously go from $600 to $200 (I have not tested this, but that’s what I am told). Says David, “Not pushing, as we always do well, but it is a fun event for a great project & people are guaranteed a good time. Very informal. Open bar, plenty of food. Great music; & yes I perform, and this year we have with us Dave Keyes the legendary keyboardist who has played with everyone from Muddy Waters to Leon Russel to Poppa Chubby).”
You can reach David at DPINTER@ZWICKER-ELECTRIC.COM
Now for the sad stuff.
McCORMACK - Joseph T., of Levittown, on October 31, 2017. Beloved husband of Patricia. Loving father of Mary Connor (Michael), Thomas (Pauline), Peggy, Eileen Reish (Jeff), Joan Corsitto (Tom), Elizabeth Naughton (Jon) and Gerry (Eileen). Dear brother of Rosemary Lucas. Cherished grand-father of Jackie (Brian), John, Nicholas, Cameryn, Danielle, Jake, Sam, Christopher, Daniel, Greysen, Devin and Kendyll. Friends may call Sunday, November 5, 2-5 and 7-9pm at the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, Hicksville Chapel, 47, Jerusalem Ave. (corner of W. Marie St.). Mass Monday 11:15am at Holy Family R.C. Church. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Joe McCormack Memorial Fund at Alzheimer's Association. (alz.org).
Published in Newsday on Nov. 4, 2017
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-mccormack&pid=187143302&fhid=5054
Melvin Rosenstein – Mel lived in FL. Died at the age of 90.
“Mel Rosenstein was a unique and highly memorable teacher at Wheatley High, where I graduated in 1960. Highly intelligent, witty, handsome, he understood students well because he took such interest in them, inside and outside his chemistry class. A former athlete himself, he attended many school sporting events and often referenced specific plays/moves in his always lively classroom. He was very popular and appreciated as our class advisor and many of his humorous expressions are still quoted -- 57 years later! -- by our classmates. That is truly a "living legacy" that will never die (until we do). RIP, Mel.”
Paul Hennessy – Wheatley Class of 1960
Newton, MA
“Mr. Rosenstein was one of my, and almost everyone's, favorite teachers. Not only was he a great teacher, but had a winning personality with a terrific sense of humor. When I had the opportunity to see him several years ago, I found that he still was as handsome and personable as ever. Rest in peace Mr. Rosenstein.”
Jane Brody Baker – Wheatley Class of 1960
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Other eloquent Wildcat remembrances are at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/melvin-rosenstein-obituary?pid=186958096&view=guestbook
[Editor’s note – I knew Mr. Rosenstein almost 60 years ago(!!!), when he worked at the EWSD summer recreation program at The Willets Road School. He memorably taught my chemistry class in about 1965. The last time I saw him was in 2013, at the 50th-year Reunion of the Class of 1963. His address to the gathering was hilarious, in the “rolling on the floor laughing” category. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.]
Peter Malm – 1960 “My uncle passed away on August 7, 2017. Regards, Michael Ullrich.” Michael is Peter's nephew, the son of Susan Malm Ullrich, Class of 1964.
Now for an interesting life trajectory (which at first I refused to believe, but he swears it is all true).
Alan Michael Angell (Class of 1973)
“After leaving high school early I traveled the country, living in NYC, Miami Florida, Austin Texas and Marin County California, where both my boys were born, and where I buried my parents…….and out of the country in The Bahamas, The Caribbean, Colombia and Sitges Spain, ending up where I am now living, Jomtien Beach Thailand.
I was fortunate to be able to invest my Bar Mitzvah money into several successful but highly risky investments and have not really had a job or career or attended college.
My younger son, Nick (now 25), lives near me here in Thailand with his girlfriend. He teaches kindergarten at a government school.....it pays less than nothing, but he likes helping others. I gave my kids their inheritance a few years ago so I could see them enjoy life more. He was managing a brothel here but found it less than rewarding and bad karma. He is pictured here with some of his students on Thailand's Arbor Day.
My older son, Josh (now 30) graduated summa cum laude, with a triple major in finance, accounting and economics. He runs a special situation hedge fund in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and the Cayman Islands. It is in the top 10% of his type of fund, with returns of 12.5% over the life of the fund. He is seen here with his mentor; they say, “When Josh speaks, Warren (Buffet) listens.”
My whole story is pages long, with adventures of all kinds, including sailing my small yacht, which sank, and having spent 7 days on a sand bar, to flying planes from Colombia to Normans Cay in the Bahamas and Republic Airport on Long Island.
Pictured below is the yacht advertisement flyer with a photo of my ex- wife of 35 years, Lisa Howard (Wheatley 1975)
Now I live on a tropical beach in Thailand, just enjoying life every minute. I walk 10K every morning, swim, then go to the gym and finish with a therapeutic Thai massage. My days are full and I sleep well, eat well, and laugh a lot. Visitors welcome!
m5ama1@aol.com
Guidance Department – Wes Berkowitz.
Wes was a Guidance Counselor at Wheatley from September 1979 through June 2012. Before that, he was the Guidance Counselor at The Willets Road School in the 1976-77 school year. In the spring of 1974 he was Wheatley's very first “Guidance Intern” under Director of Guidance Will Monsell.
“It’s finally here! Jamie Reich and I are bursting with excitement to share that the new, expanded 2017 edition of our publication, "The Book of Answers: The Expert’s Guide to Navigating College Admissions,” is now available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/yc732dxa), and there is a Kindle version, as well (https://tinyurl.com/y8loawtj). Our book will also be available in bookstores in a few weeks. This substantive, user-friendly resource offers straightforward answers to the most frequently asked questions by students and parents, covering every nuance of the exciting/daunting college admissions process. We believe that you will find our book to be the "go-to" guide as you navigate the high school years leading up to and including application time.
I’m going to end by patting myself on the back for my “ginormous” Newsletter # 14 (http://www.wheatleyalumni.org/Blogpost/Blogpost-20170901.html), by printing some of your feedback:
Class of 1961 (Richard Kopelman) - Thank you so much for your wonderful newsletter.
Class of 1961 (Camille Napoli Cannizzo) - What a great job you do (at all hours, btw)?!
Class of 1961 (Judith Schaffel Rubin) - Art, this is wonderful! Not that we needed the reminder, but what a lovely, accomplished group of people. I did read all the way to the end - fascinating. I know it’s a lot of work but really worthwhile. Thank you, thank you!!
Class of 1965 (Sharon Neely Halm) - Once again Art, thanks for the wonderful newsletter. I loved reading every word that has been written and loved all of the memories.
Class of 1965 (Jane Wild Carrel) - Thanks for the newsletter. I loved the original, interesting format. It’s good to hear about Wheatley teachers and alumni. It must have taken a tremendous amount of work to put it all together. Thank you!
Class of 1966 (Alison Kent Bermant) - Thanks for this. Particularly loved the stories about Lynne Landsberg and Lauren Karasyk Oakley. And always wonderful to hear from Mr. Wathey (can't ever imagine calling him Wes!). What a treat?!
Class of 1967 (Lois Ertel Hara Burdge) - Thank you for all your work; I love reading the Newsletters.
Class of 1967 (Nancy Stevens) - Terrific newsletter! Wheatley-ites never cease to amaze.
Class of 1968 (Ricki Spier Cohn) - Thanks for all the news!
Class of 1969 (Nancy Weissman Frisch) – Thanks for doing this!
Class of 1970 (Jane A. Madison) - Thanks for this wonderful newsletter. I really enjoyed reading about these alumni, especially the reunion romance!
Class of 1973 (Susan Davis Pereira) - Thanks so much…….I’ve already heard from a few old Wheatley pals who signed up for my mailing.
Thanks again for all that you do for Wheatley Alumni!
Class of 1980 (Lawrence Michael Weiss) - Great newsletter. I very much appreciate all the work you do on behalf of the Wheatley community.
Class of 1982 (Kim Ianniello Costa) - Thank you for the Newsletter. I'm very appreciative of all the work you do for the Wheatley Alumni.
Teacher (Bob Brandt) - Thank you, Arthur, for this latest installment. Both a joy and emotional at the same time. It is wonderful to see the "kids" grown up and adult. Like seeing one's adult children. One’s children, but friends on a new level. The sadness comes from those former students who have died and for the opportunities missed in keeping up with them in contacts and notes. I thank you for the families’ news and for the wonderful and sometimes painful glimpses into their lives.
Guidance Staff (Wes Berkowitz) - Great newsletter, Art, in spite of the sad news.
That’s it for now. Remember, send me your bio, before someone else sends me your obit.
Art
Arthur Fredericks Engoron
The Wheatley School Class of 1967
646-872-4833
ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM
ARTENGORON@AOL.COM
WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM
WWW.WHEATLEYALUMNI.ORG
