Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,
Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 40.
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first thirty-nine newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) at http://www.wheatleyalumni.org/ Also thanks to Keith is our handy-dandy, super-duper search feature, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a term or phrase and, voila, you'll find it in all previous newsletters and other on-site material. Amazing!
Meanwhile, if you are completely uninterested in Wheatley matters, please ask me to remove you from my distribution list.
I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I am a card-carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union, and I do not censor ideas, which often are not the same as mine.
Public Service Announcements
The next Wheatley School Alumni Association NYC Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Mark your calendars; details to follow.
The Class of 1958, Wheatley's first, will gather in Boulder, Colorado the weekend of October 9-11, 2020. Mark your calendars; details to follow.
A Shout-Out from Florida : "Hey Florida Wildcats, this is Andy Wilkins, Class of 1969. My wife and I spend winters in the Sunshine State in Delray Beach, and I'd be glad to hear from you about the possibility of getting together at some point. Hope all is well (at least as long as we stay above water). Andy, AWILKINS@AHWILKINS.COM.
Faculty
Stephen Ehre: Memories of Old
Writes Steve : " Hi, Art. Seems like I may be one of the few remaining teachers who actually remembers lots of things from my first days at Wheatley, starting in Sept. of 1965. Here are some small items. Wheatley was a 7-12 school with the East wing being for the junior high. When Grade Seven moved to Willets Road people argued whether teachers went over, as the teachers argued, or down. A few of the faculty refused and left. The original Faculty cafeteria was where the AV office was later relocated, near the main cafeteria. We then switched to the most southern room in the 200 corridor. In the beginning the library was in the big square building in the courtyard down by the gym, which later housed science offices and two big labs. The library was switched to the area between the main lobby and the small lobby at the end of the 200 corridor, and its name was changed to the Study Center. The junior high area was made into the Junior High Social Space, and the main lobby now incorporated the Senior High Social Space (to compete with Room 101 the School Within a School Social Space. The Study center also now included actual full offices for the Math, Social Studies and English Departments, with a conference room (much later the Foreign Language Dept.) and a periodical room. Today's students will NEVER get to enjoy ripping out pages from magazines for reports, or learning the Dewey Decimal System, or using the card catalogue (or asking the amazing duo of Alice Rutenberg or Eve Barrow for help).
The Study Center was VERY noisy with the constant traffic so eventually big heavy glass doors were added. A fight soon ensued about locking the glass doors at the East end, between periods and then opening them during period changes. Then they were permanently closed to all except teachers with a key. Many of us refused to use those doors and like the students had to walk around through the Lunch Room or did a no-no by letting students follow us through the doors when we used our key, which engendered a lot of teacher anger towards other teachersyup. Lastly the Junior High Social Space was made into the teacher's cafeteria, and another math room was put into the 200 corridor. If you didn't remember, a Language Laboratory was at the end of the 200 Corridor. The new Library/Study Center was added on after I left in 1996 (removing some frisbee/streaking space in the process ( sorry, had to put that in).
In the spring of 1968 Stu Doig, Larry Levin and I created a huge mock Democratic Convention with over 300 kids participating. Rooms in the 100 Corridor became State caucus sites, and the final convention was, of course, in the auditorium, with candidate signs and placards all over the walls and on wooden sticks. Backroom deals were made, offering jobs such as VP and Secretary of State, if a state would join the coalition. Yes, Eugene McCarthy (Be Clean for Gene ), who had a LOT of support, beat out Robert Kennedy (still alive at this point), with Hubert Humphrey coming in 3rd, unlike in real life. Pigasus did not run (check it out)!!! More memories to come, including my coaching days with football and the early School Within a School. BTW, I'm on Instagram as stephenehre. Best, Steve (Ehre)
Sheldon Avery Maskin, Deceased
Sheldon Avery Maskin, 93, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at his home, in Anna Maria, Florida. He was born July 9, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY, to Israel "Mac" Maskin and Anna (Schwarz) Maskin Levy. He graduated from Long Beach High School in Long Beach, NY, and went on to serve in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, he received his degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland, where he met Phyllis Klingman. They were married in 1950 and had two sons, whom they raised in Long Beach, Plainview, Farmingville, and Afton, NY. Phyllis passed away in 1983.
Sheldon worked as a physical education teacher and later as a guidance counselor. He also coached Varsity basketball and taught drivers' ed. He met Kathy (Allyn) Miltz while teaching in Endicott, NY. The two were married in 1990. Sheldon always enjoyed a highly active lifestyle, with a particular love of playing tennis. He was also talented in woodworking, making beautiful furniture and keepsakes, and even building the family house on Afton Lake. He was passionate about progressive politics, dedicating large amounts of his time to volunteering, calling his representatives, and writing letters to the editor. He was known for his phenomenal sense of humor, kindness, and intelligence. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Sheldon is predeceased by his parents, Israel Maskin and Anna Levy; his first wife, Phyllis Maskin; his two sisters, Carol Spielberg and her husband, Norman Spielberg, and Rosalie Birkholz and her husband, John Birkholz; his brother, Burton Maskin and his wife, Kathryn "Kitty" Maskin; his brother-in-law Charles "Bus" Klingman; and his sister-in-law Louise (Klingman) Wheeler. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Maskin, of Anna Maria, FL; his two sons, Daniel Maskin and his partner, Diane Georgeson, of Oneonta, NY, and Alan Maskin and his partner, Brian McLaughlin, of Port Townsend, WA; his stepson, Jay Miltz, of Endicott, NY; his stepdaughter, Kristin Kulik and her husband, Michael Kulik, of Athens, GA; his six grandchildren, Emily Maskin, Jessica Maskin, John Kulik, Zachary Kulik, Christopher Kulik, and Katie Kulik; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bradenton/obituary.aspx?pid=187406404
Daniel Walsh, "Coach" : Wheatley Athletics and Spirit
Wrote Coach Walsh (on 2/5/19) : This announcement is from a Teacher/Coach intimately concerned with all things Wheatley. My time has come. It has been a full career in Physical Education and Athletic Coaching 51 years, 44 of which were served at Wheatley. I also served three separate stints as Acting Athletic Director. My privilege!
I am resigning from all Coaching positions at the end of this Winter Season. This is not an easy decision. I will miss the challenges of preparing athletes for competition, and the personal interactions between athlete and coach. Each year was unique, especially at Wheatley. A true challenge, as redevelopment, as opposed to reloading, is the theme most often required in aiming for athletic success.
When I divided my Varsity coaching responsibilities between Football, Wrestling and Track & Field, I was often asked which was my favorite. My answer was always the one I was doing at the time. Those athletes deserved that keen interest. All earned and learned from their experiences, as did their coach, and assistants, who provided support and depth of positive experience for our athletes. Thanks to all for these moments that meant so much to me. A book of names and experiences would only scratch the surface of my gratitude to all. This global thank you must suffice. Love to all.
My admiration for the District has never wavered. A highly ranked School in the nation says it all. I thank all of the Board of Education members through the years that expressed confidence in me. This is extended toward all of the Athletic Directors (6 in total) for excellence in their roles in creating opportunity for athletes. The trust of School administration, allowing for unique training, a great bonus for the athletic community.
I'll ask that the tradition of celebrating Track, Field, Cross Country, high level accomplishments, continue with locker room boards. This history is invaluable for so many reasons. I'll request that Coaching Boards also be continued. Again, history is honored!
It has been my HONOR to have served our school system.
My wife and I have will now enjoy the fruits of our labors of love, among them 12 grandkids ranging from 19 to 2 years of age. I hope to continue serving in substitute positions as time allows.
Esteemed colleagues....I'll see you around campus. I give permission to share this communication.
Dan Walsh 1975/76 . 2018/19
Physical Education
Coach
Recreation
Acting Athletic Director
More from Dan Walsh :"Art, context might help. Batons passed are important in framing lives. My passer was Jack Davis. He saw something in me. As young 27 year old Jr. High/ assistant coach in Levittown, I had his sons on the wrestling teams. So my Wheatley door opened. I met with Dr. Nodell and became the Varsity Wrestling Coach for the 75-76 season. This position lasted through 96-97. When Jack and Doc in retired in 81, I was fortunately added to the Wheatley Teacher staff with Head Football and Head Track added to my resume. No vacuum, just baton passing, and my good fortune....Dan."
Herbert Wheeler “ Wheeler" : Wheelers Remembered
Writes Richard Jalonack, 1966 I was sorry to learn of Mr. Wheeler's passing. I remember him well. He ran the Bicycle Club. One year approximately 10 of us rode out to Hither Hills State Park on the eastern end of the Long Island. The ride was long but lots of fun. Good memories.
Graduates:
1958 Roberta (Bobbie) Kaufman M.P.S., A.T.R. (1940-2019) - Remembered
Last Address: Wellington, Florida (formerly Southampton, New York)
Born: November 18, 1940, New York
Died: February 2, 2019 in Boston, MA after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bobbie was being treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute when she died. She was cremated and a memorial service held in South Hampton, NY, July 19, 2019.
Career: Registered Art Therapist specializing in treatment of children who were victims of sexual abuse. Kaufman was a poet and stone carver in her spare time. She maintained a practice in consultation and in psychotherapy in Centerport, NY before moving to Florida in 2018.
Kaufman was an adjunct instructor at Long Island University, CW Post (2006-2008), Associate Professor at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY (1986-1999), a director at South Fork Mental Health Services (2000-2005), and a consultant to the Coalition for Abused Women to Empire State College, Westbury, NY. She was also employed as the Long Island Regional Training Coordinator for the New York Institute of Technology, a guest lecturer for the Greater Alcoholism Council of New York City, and various other agencies.
Education and Later Life: In the 8th grade Bobbie moved to Roslyn Heights from Valley Stream, Long Island where she spent her teenage years living in the Roslyn Country Club (on Parkway Drive). Here she attended the nearby Willets Road School. Since her school district had no high school, Bobbie next attended the Mineola High School in Mineola, NY for two years. Bobbie then moved into her school district's new high school, The Wheatley School, Old Westbury, NY in the fall of 1956. Bobbie was part of this high school's first graduating class (1958) and was a member of the National Honor Society, Thespians, Newspaper, Dramatics Club and Yearbook. She had fond memories from her days in high school.
After graduation from The Wheatley School in the spring of 1958, Bobbie went to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with fellow Wheatley classmate Howard Cohen. Marriage interrupted her college education after one year when she married Dr. Donald Rosen, who was finishing dental school at Marquette University, Milwaukee. They were married August 14, 1960 on Long Island and eventually settled on eastern Long Island, where Don would practice dentistry. They had three children: Janice, 1962; Michelle, 1966; Larry, 1964.
Bobbie eventually returned to college and graduated in 1974 with a degree in Art and Psychology from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. She then received her master's degree in Art Therapy and Creative Development from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY (1974-77). In between, she divorced and went back into the job market as an art therapist in 1977. She remarried in 1982 to Malcolm Dankner, her surviving husband. They lived in Southampton, on the southeast shore of Long Island.
About a year before her untimely death, Bobbie moved from Southampton, New York to Wellington, Florida with her husband, hoping to spend her retirement years and continue her love for travel.
Bobbie once said she liked the exotic, primitive and her favorite trips included Africa, Nepal, Patagonia, Peru, Alaska, Morocco and southeastern Asia. She also traveled to Europe with her husband, Mal. Bobbie would also write that she liked to dabble in art, write poetry, and kayak, living for spring and summer so she could plant her garden and walk along the beaches, loving the beauty of eastern Long Island.
Bobbie wrote in a brief autobiography (April 2008) that "If I were to identify my theories on life, it is that everything is a trade-off; there is much beauty and a lot of awful things. We need to focus on the beauty . . . polish the pearls so to speak. And then, choose our causes. Mine is helping folks who struggle with emotional pain and heartache."
Finally, Bobbie remarked that she loved her home, the beauty of the land, the water and felt really blessed, and so life was good.
She co-authored Two Books (with Agnes Wohl):
"Casualties of Childhood: A Developmental Perspective on Sexual Abuse Using Projective Drawings," (1992)
"Silent Screams and Hidden Cries, An Interpretation of Artwork by Children from Violent Homes'" (1985)
Predeceased: By Parents Irwin and Lee Kaufman, and Sister Judith Arfa
Survived by:
Husband: Malcolm Dankner, Wellington, FL
Former Husband: Dr. Donald Rosen, D.D.S., Hilton Head, South Carolina
Daughters: Janice Bedsole of Massachusetts, Michelle Rosen of California, Allison Danker of Florida
Son: Larry Rosen (spouse Shelley Seto) of California
Sister: Harriet Kozitsky (spouse Harvey Kozitsky) of Boca Raton, Florida
Five Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews
Biographical Info: Howard L. Cohen (September 2, 2019)
1958, Steven Nelson,Latin Lover
Writes Steve : "Reading about Hildebrand's in Newsletters # 38 and # 39 reminded me of my friends and Wheatley classmates Joan Hildebrandt and Julien Hennefeld. The year before the new Wheatley School opened, we were sophomores at Mineola High, where we were the Latin team. Yes, there was such a thing. Every year NYU held a Latin reading and translation contest which attracted high school teams from all over the metropolitan area. To practice up, on Tuesday evenings the three of us went to the apartment of our Latin teacher, the wonderful Mrs. Woolley. Joan brought along two pints of ice cream from the store, chocolate and vanilla, the classic combo for reading the classics, and we devoured them after practice. Our team didn't win, but we did rack up the highest combined score of any high school on Long Island (including Brooklyn and Queens). That was quite an accomplishment when there were so many teams from large Catholic high schools, where everyone had to take years of Latin. I always attributed our success to the motivation of having that ice cream after practice!
1960 - John (Jack) Langlois, Scholar/Athlete Remembered
Writes classmate Paul Hennessy :"Hi Art, A nostalgic reflection on Ken Martin's memoir of our late class president, Jack Langlois, who died a decade ago, way before his time.
I do so from the perspective of someone who spent much of his career telling tales of "scholar-athletes"-- a much over-used accolade -- while managing communications at four universities.
Jack was a guy who ACTUALLY earned the description in important ways. Modest and humble, he was an undersized center on Wheatley's winning football teams of those halcyon days and a champion distance runner who went on to earn a BA and PhD from Princeton in Chinese language and history, and had notable success in both academe and international finance.
Speaking fluent Chinese and Japanese, his early career included being a popular professor and chair of the History Department at Bowdoin College in Maine before transitioning to become an investment banker in Asia with such major institutions as Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan. He was also one of the first and very few foreigners ever to serve on the boards of Chinese banks.
His New York Times obituary described him passing smoothly between the worlds of academia and finance and having significant influence because "his discreet advice was valued by finance and treasury officials in both Beijing and Washington."
If you Google his name you'll find a rich collection of comments -- from former students, business and governmental leaders in Asia and the U.S. -- expressing great respect for what the NYT described as gracious and subtle scholarship delivered with gentle humor and quiet integrity that endeared him to his many friends on both sides of the Pacific.
In these times highly contentious over trade issues between the U.S. and China, I often think of Jack and how he might have been the kind of leader who could have helped bridge the gaps in East-West understanding.
He was a true scholar-athlete who it was our good fortune to have as a comrade and teammate. Touching to me, and I'd guess others, was his comment to Ken that after all his accomplishments and experiences, he still counted his Wheatley classmates among his closest friends.
I hope that you might be able to use these heartfelt and well-deserved comments about Jack Langlois in your outstanding alumni newsletter, Art. He was one of a kind. Best regards, Paul Hennessy, Newton, MA.
1960 Carl Stewart, Football Redux
Writes Carl I am writing in response to Matt Sanzone's comments on my approval of the end of the football program at Wheatley.
I know Matt and both like him and respect the work he has done in education here in the Berkshires. But I think he has misunderstood my criticism of football. This is apparent by his comment regarding more ACL injuries in soccer than in football. But if ACL and meniscus injuries were the issue, I'd leave the issue alone. But with football, the problem is life-changing brain damage, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). In a recent study of 111 autopsies of former NFL players by researchers at Boston University, 110 of them showed evidence of moderate to severe CTE. The average life span of a person who has CTE due to repeated head injuries is 51, according to the NIH. That's about 25 years less than the average life expectancy for men. I expect that more than a few people will be angry with me for saying this, but I believe that allowing your teenage son to play tackle football comes very close to child abuse. Regards, Carl.
1961 Jerry Mintz, Healthy Living
Writes Jerry : "Leonard Weinstock (1973) has an interesting medical practice (featured in Newsletter # 39). I've always been interested in alternative medicine as well as alternative education. I still direct the Alternative Education Resource Organization (EducationRevolution.org). But when I was a teen at Wheatley I was one of 10 out of 700 who made it into the Waldemar Cancer Research Organization's summer internship program. We worked on the development of using the immune system to cure cancer. So we were 60 years ahead of our time.
Speaking of alternative medicine, I had a heart attack five years ago on New Year's eve. Two weeks later one of my readers sent me a book by Dr. Joel Fuhrman with a very radical diet that he said could reverse heart disease. I've followed it ever since, lost 30 pounds, am on no medication, have very good blood pressure and cholesterol ratio, etc. A year ago I won the national table tennis championship for my age." Jerry.
1961: Bari Mittenthal Mears , Responding to Classmate Gene Razzetti
Writes Bari; "I agree that Mr. Storm made the Drama Club and our productions fun. As a member of the cast of The Man Who Came to Dinner, it was such fun to see the photos of that and the write up of him in the last several issues of the Newsletter. If Janet Lasky is reading this, I remember Miss Preen with laughter; ¦you were fabulous. Happy New Year everyone!!! Stay well."
1962: Cyrus Elahi Remembered
Elahi v. Islamic Republic of Iran, 124 F Supp 2d 97 (D.D.C. 2000)
1965 - Erik Calonius : From the Boston Phoenix to The Wall Street Journal (and then some).
Writes Erik : Jack Langlois (1960, see above) was my cousin. My mother's maiden name was Jeanne Langlois, and we lived a few blocks away from Jack. The last time I saw him was in 1982, just before he moved to Asia.
At Wheatley I was in a band with my classmates Bob Forte and Wayne Waltzer. One of my toughest adolescent experiences came when I went into the gym and the band was playingwithout me. They had kicked me out. Oh, well.
After a poor showing in high school, I went from Wheatley to Ohio Wesleyan University, where I was a mediocre student. But I WAS in a band that opened for The Animals and went on to play in big clubs all around Ohio. After that I moved to Boston and helped found the Boston Phoenix newspaper, which went on to win several Pulitzers. From there, I entered Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, then (eventually) moved on to the Wall Street Journal, where I wrote frequently for the front page as a reporter and then London-based foreign correspondent. I went from there to Newsweek, where I was Miami Bureau Chief and nominated for the Overseas Press Award, and then Fortune Magazine, where I was a senior writer and nominated for the National Magazine Award. Since then I've written or collaborated on more than 20 books, including several with McKinsey and Company; and I also co-wrote (with MIT professor Dan Ariely) "Predictably Irrational," which has sold more than two million copies and has been translated into 34 languages. I'm still writing books, and I also direct an annual nonfiction writing conference in Charleston, South Carolina, where I live. I've kept up with the music, too, and play in two bands.
If adversity is a good teacher, I might say to my therapist (but I don't have one) that getting kicked out of Bob Forte's band in 1964 was the right kick to keep me moving forward in life.
Finally, BTW, I am sorry to learn that Mr. Tierney is no longer with us. He was one of my favorite teachers at Wheatley -- a wonderful man.
1965- Neil Firetog: on the Right, with Larry Weiss (1967) on the Left
1967- Scott Frishman: Loves the Photos
Writes Scott : " I love the two photos of classmate Ginny Bindman. She and I went to University of Cincinnati together, and I knew her husband, Larry Westerfeld, very well as well. My wife, Linda, and I met each other approximately a year after Ginny met Larry. Also great to see classmate Judy Bergman, who lived behind me back in the day. We were also good friends. Also great information about Hildebrandt's being in "The Irishman" and where it was filmed in Mineola. How cool is that?! Happy holidays and Happy New Year.
1967- Robert Jacobs: Indelible Image
Writes Bob : "Amazing what triggers your mind and memories. I looked at the Willets Road kindergarten picture (Miss Hack) (Newsletter # 38) and noticed a drawing on the wall (just below and to the right of the American flag; two drawings to the left of Hack's head) that I saw for ages. It was signed "S H E"with a little p above the hat.
The artist was none other than classmate Shep Messing. We were very friendly for years, and I still remember seeing that drawing in his house hanging on the walls for quite a while!
1969- Gerry Gersh: Black and White
Writes Gerry - I, too, remember the "black and white" at Hildebrandt's!
1969 - Robert (Bobby ) Orgel: Music Man
1969- Paula Panzeca Foresto: Happiness in the Hood
Writes Paula : "Hi, Art. As you know, I met my husband, Dominick Foresto, Class of 1967, at Wheatley, and we will be celebrating 48 years of marriage this April. Dom chose to stay in the family business, Foresto Men's Shop, in Mineola, where we continue to work at the same location on Willis Avenue. (I've been trying to get him to slow down.) He has managed to keep our small business thriving by servicing many generations for their proms, weddings etc. Our business will be celebrating its 80th year in the same location in 2020!
Dominick and I have been blessed with two wonderful children, and five grandchildren. Our son, Christopher, a Radiologist, was recently named Chief of the Department of Radiology at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola. Our daughter, Lisa, is a Clinical Psychologist and a wonderful mom. Our children live on Long Island, so we are very fortunate to have them all nearby. The photos (above and below) were taken this Christmas season, the one on top at the Wheatley Hills Golf Club, in East Williston.
I have so many fond memories of my years spent at Wheatley, and I am pleasantly taken back in time when seeing those familiar names of our teachers and our classmates of both my Class of 1969 and Dom's Class of 1967. Regretfully, my class did not have a 50th-year reunion, but I did reconnect with some of our old friends at Dom's 50th reunion two years ago: Bobby Scandurra, Fred Amato, Judy Orgel, Amy Pasternack, and Corinne Zebrowski, to name just a few!
P.S. Watching "The Irishman" on Netflix and seeing our longtime favorite spot,
1969 Hildebrandt's, in a scene was definitely a treat!
Wishing a Happy & Healthy New Year to all!"
1972- Louis J. Elefonte: Deceased
Louis leaves behind James, 1974, and Maria Elefonte Steinberg, 1975. He is buried in Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY. https://www.everhere.com/us/obituaries/ny/mineola/louis-j-elefonte-10167277J
1978- Valerie Gomes: Nostalgia at My Father's Place
Writes Val : "The day after this past Thanksgiving I went to see Jimmy Webb, songwriter extraordinaire, who wrote "Wichita Lineman","Galveston","Up, Up and Away","MacArthur Park," etc. The show was at My Father's Place, which reopened last year at the Roslyn Hotel, just north of the Clocktower.
The show was great, with terrific songs from the 60s and 70s. After 40 years, thanks to Facebook, I reconnected with my high school classmate and fellow Jimmy Webb fan Pam Hirschhorn.
My Father's Place was such a great venue to go hear music in the 70's, and I was so glad to hear that Eppy reopened it in this new location. The show brought back lots of good memories, such as hearing Billy Joel, Pure Prairie League, and Hall and Oates at the old location. The Nassau Coliseum was the other venue where we'd go to see big acts, but my Father's Place was so much more intimate.
BTW, Eppy hasn't changed one bit. He looks exactly the same as he did in the 70s, including the bandana around his head, and he's still a down to earth nice guy! He made us feel extra special and welcomed us like family when we told him we used to come in the 70s.
I't's always so heartwarming to go back to Long Island and revisit my hometown and all the fond memories.
Thanks, Pam, I'm so glad you had that extra ticket to see Jimmy Webb.
Next trip I'm going to include Northside, my old house on Latham Lane, Wheatley, and take a stroll down Hillside Avenue, where I used to walk with my dollar allowance to Big D and Smiles to buy toys and candy.
Wishing everyone a Happy Healthy New Year. Val Gomes, 1978
1982- Mary Ann Behan : Goodbye Tension; Hello Pension!
Writes Mary Ann (on Facebook) "That's all folks.......Today (1/2/20) is the first day of my life that I am waking up as a RETIRED person; time to hang up the hard hat. I have been blessed to have worked continuously since I was 18 years old; working full-time for Nassau County and going to college at night; Canon, USA; and then THE Company: LILCO/Brooklyn Union/National grid, which I am proud to say I worked at for 31 years! Working throughout Long Island; all the way out east to Montauk and then spending my last years working in Brooklyn; it has been an interesting ride, which included working with some WONDERFUL people, for which I am so grateful!! Stay tuned for the next chapter in my life.....I plan to work as a background extra for the shows/flicks that are filmed in my my 'hood. GOODBYE TENSION, HELLO PENSION!"
https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.behan/posts/10216028161282424
1982- Jeffrey Tannenbaum: Michigan Man
Writes Jeffrey : "I graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, which my two daughters now attend. I've been married for 21 years and live in Jericho, NY."
Fan Mail:
Coach (Daniel Walsh): "Compliments on all newsletters to date. Very informative."
1961 (Deborah Kerstein Brosowsky): "Thanks again, Art and Keith. Happy New Year, from a big fan."
1962 (Annie Wilkinson [formerly Annie Blachley]): "Thanks for all your work on the newsletter."
1965 (Ken Yagoda): "The newsletters are really well done, and you deserve a great deal of credit for your energy and persistence in making this all work as well as it does. It's an email that I always look forward to."
1967 (Suzanne Stone): Thanks for another heartwarming newsletter"
1967 (Scott Frishman): "Great newsletter, as usual."
1967 (Bob Jacobs): "Always interesting to see what Wheatley alumni have done and where they scattered. Thanks for your continued good work."
1968 (Martha Cornfield Fea): "Thank you for another great newsletter! I look forward to them all of the time!"
1968 (Laura Steinberger) : "Arthur, I enjoy your emails. I don't know everyone, but I appreciate hearing about those I know."
1969 (Gerry Gersh): "The newsletter continues to be a North Star (North Side notwithstanding :)) and provides meaning and sweet memories to all of us. You can quote me!"
1969 (Paula Panzeca Foresto): "I thoroughly enjoy reading each Newsletter. Thank you for keeping Wheatleyites updated and affording us a walk down Memory Lane."
1969 (Andrew Wilkins): "Thank you for your incredibly wonderful work in keeping the Wheatley family so well informed. I look forward each month to your publication."
1972 (Rick Frishman): "Great job as usual, Arthur."
1974 (Gregory Cave): "Great Job. Happy New Year. Peace and love."
1975 (John Fitzpatrick): I enjoy your newsletter very much and look forward to it."
1977 (Andrew Berman) : "Your newsletters are phenomenal."
1978 (Val Gomes): "Hi Art, I really appreciate the Newsletter; thank you so much for keeping us connected after all these years. It's really nice to hear from everyone, although it's really sad when we lose someone. Wheatley is family to me."
1978 (Karen Mittelmark Reiff): "Thanks for the newsletter!"
1978 (Bonnie Skrill Bailey): "Thanks so much for putting together the newsletter. I thoroughly enjoy it!"
1981 (Bob Freier): "Thanks for doing this, Art. I'm sure it's a lot of work, but obviously a labor of love. I just want you to know how much it's appreciated. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year."
1986 (Barbara Kayton Talbot): "Arthur, All the best in 2020!"
Closing:
That's it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 40. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.
