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Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 47.

Public Service Announcements

Wheatley Class of 1970’s 50th

The Wheatley School Class of 1970 will have a virtual 50th-year reunion via Zoom on June 20th, 2020 beginning at 7:30 pm EDT (4:30 pm PDT).  For information contact Joseph (“Rocky”) Elterman at  josephelterman@yahoo.com  or Jane Roeder at  jane.roeder@gmail.com .

Wheatley Wildcat Researching Covid-19

Writes Howard Davidson (1972) – Wheatley Class of 1972’s own David Perlin recently appeared on 60 minutes about his research on the novel coronavirus: novel coronavirus

An Innocent Man on America’s Got Talent

The clip of Archie Williams (an innocent man who spent 37 years in prison) on America’s Got Talent can best be accessed as follows: Clip (Thank you Tony Baer, 1969).

Pandemic Charity

Writes Linda Caterino (1967) – “My cousin, John Botti, founded a charity called Farms to Food Banks to help during the pandemic.  It funds transportation so that food can be shipped from farms in the south to food banks in the north.  Even a small donation would help.


Living Long Island History

Writes Art Engoron – In 1964, in the Lyndon Johnson “landslide” victory over Barry Goldwater, Lester Lionel Wolff, a resident of Great Neck (where I now happen to live), was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New York State’sThird Congressional District, which (I believe) included the entire East Williston School District.  Many Wheatley students campaigned for Johnson and Wolff, who served in Congress through 1981.  Currently he lives in Muttontown.  At 101 years old he is, and has been for three years,   the oldest living current or former member of Congress.  I would love to get in touch with him; does anybody know how?”

 

 

The Usual Words of Wisdom

I hope that you and yours are safe and healthy during this unprecedented, turbulent, difficult time.

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 46 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) at www.wheatleyalumni.org. Also thanks to Keith is our handy-dandy, super-duper search feature, prominently displayed on our home page:  type in a word or phrase and, voila, you’ll find every place it exists 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 (although I do filter out the occasional personal attack, if it goes beyond mere disagreement or criticism).  Particularly given the current political climate, with its deep divides, please remember that I am not taking sides or advocating for or against any thing or any one, I am only distributing what people send me.

Please let me know if you will permit me to publish your email address along with anything you send me, or just standing alone.  If you do not indicate either way, I’ll assume that you are “opting out” (i.e., that you do not want me to publish it).  Scores of alumni email addresses can be found on the Wheatley Public Directory.

I welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School and the people who taught or studied (and in some cases, both) there.

 

Faculty

Steve Ehre – The Beginning and End of Papers Required to Graduate
Writes Steve – “I haven’t written a narrative in a while, so here are some more memories.  In or around 1967 it became the policy of Wheatley that students were required to write a major paper to graduate.  The papers would be done in the senior year and alternate between English and Social Studies.  Topic...discussion, outline…discussion, notecards handed in, first draft…discussion, final draft...grade.  Of course you had to use footnotes, along with ibids and op.cits, and loc.cits, and proper page centering, and paragraphing…Intro paragraph and conclusion... AND bibliography correctly typed!!!!  And at least 5 pages long, although I personally felt that long papers were a waste of time for anyone but academics.  I always fought to get the school to end the nonsense, but it persisted for about 5 years.

Two papers come to mind.  One done by a VERY wealthy (he had his own business) male senior on the break-up of Standard Oil.  I saw it, started to read it, and said, “whoa!”…. I checked the footnotes and the bibliography…Hmmmm…doctoral dissertations held at Purdue University and also doctoral dissertations from Stanford (home of Leland Stanford)…both unpublished!!!  I called the student in and said, “You didn’t write this."  He insisted he did, and his family backed him 100% and raised a ruckus, and the Principal pleaded with me to let him pass so he could graduate.  I said “nope.”  Later he admitted it was written by someone he paid.   (BTW, I never learned who did write it…it was a great paper, about 50 pages long, and very learned, with a lot of minutiae.)  The student attended summer school.

Next story…a really sweet, gentle soul (who I really liked, as did every else, teachers and students), who had trouble spelling “hello.”  He did nothing the entire time leading up to the deadline for handing the paper in to Ted Tchack.  Mind you, this student was getting a generous “D” in the class as Ted (and I) knew he wasn’t going to college and needed to graduate to go into the right branch of service.  Title of the paper: “Byzantine Literature.”  The first sentence began: "I have always been interested in Byzantine literature.”  To this day, I still laugh.  Thank heavens those senior papers ended!!!

Last story.  My economics student was late to first period class and a test.  His excuse: "My horse (which he rode to school in the morning and then back home) was spooked and wouldn’t let me put the saddle on him.  So, sorry I am late.”

Today’s world…gotta smile.….Be safe!!!!  Steve (Ehre) ’65-’96.

 

Graduates

1958 – Edward A. Brown – Pushing 80 (and Pedaling)-----Wow!

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Writes Ed – “The Newsletters make me think (way!) back to those days.  I hardly ever see anything by any of my classmates – the First Class – ’58, so I thought I would just write a little something in so people don’t forget who we were and what we did in the original creation of Wheatley.  Currently I am snowbirding down in Florida for six months and then back up to Maryland.  I’m still officially “employed,” but my company doesn’t have very much for me to do these days in terms of billable tasks.  But other than the ‘terminal boredom,’ this isn’t too much of a problem.  As with the rest of my classmates, I am now pushing 80 (Wow, doesn’t that sound spooky??!!).  So in an attempt to remain vertical on the right side of the grass, I do something physical pretty much every day.  I run (2-4 miles), I bike (20-30 miles), or I work out with a personal trained – these days via Zoom!  The photograph above was taken when I recently biked into town (Palm Beach) for a celebration of this past Veterans Day.  I’m also writing a little.  I self-published my autobiography, and now I am working on a second volume, which expresses ‘my views’ on all kind of topics.  We had been booked on a dozen or so trips for the next several months – both foreign and domestic, but with the current ‘situation’ we have pretty much canceled all of them.  Other than that, I read a book or two, and then pretty much do nothing!  But I do think of Wheatley from time to time, which is why I appreciate so much your preparing these newsletters.  And so, with that, let me just offer my best wishes to all, and particularly to any Class of ’58 members who may be reading this.  Keep safe (and 6 feet apart!!).  ED”

 

John (“Monk”) Moncure – 1960 – The Wheatley School Physical Fitness Team is Born, 60 Years Ago

Writes Monk – “Art, Ahhhh, such fond memories.  I was on the very first Wheatley Physical Fitness Team.  I remember going to the gym and meeting Coach August every morning at 7:30 and the two of us training for the First Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test.  He would  coach me through sit ups, pull ups (got me to 16), shuttle runs, etc.  Our first competition was, I believe, at Syosset.  We all competed very hard, and the kids from the other schools did not take the test as seriously as we did, and I think we won it—it was a lot of fun, and I got to know the up-and-coming athletes.  Coach August had prepared us so well; he was just great.  Unfortunately, this was during my final Baseball season, so I was not focused.  Anyway … Cheers from Maine – let’s get over this—Monk.”

 

1961 – Steve Bond - Deceased

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Steve visiting classmate Joan Mahoney last summer, playing with her dog and cat.

Writes Sister Deborah Bond Berk (1966) – “It is with profound sadness that I am letting let you all know about my brother’s passing.  Steve loved his time at Wheatley.  He was co-editor of the Wildcat, and I think he got in some trouble for a Halloween edition.  He was always forwarding me the Alumni Newsletters and was irked and puzzled that I hadn’t signed up myself to receive them.  Such a wonderful brother!” 

BOND--Stephen Robert.  July 5, 1943 - May 29, 2020.  Mr. Bond resided in London and passed away in Paris following complications from heart surgery.  He was born and raised in Roslyn Heights, Long Island and obtained his undergraduate degree at Brown University (1965 cum laude) and law degree at Columbia University (1968).  He is survived by his wife Bruna Rizzi Bond; his children, Catherine Bond and her husband Nicolas Ponset, Matthew Bond and his wife Audrey; his sister Deborah Berk and brother-in-law Dr. Steven Berk.  He was the most devoted grandfather to Alexander, William, Sarah and Eva and a beloved uncle to Alexandra and Elizabeth.  He was senior of counsel in the London office at Covington and Burling specializing in international commercial arbitration.  Previously, he was co-head of the international arbitration practice group at White and Case LLP.  During his career, Mr. Bond held a number of high profile positions that included Secretary General of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) from 1985-1991 and the U.S. Member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration for the period 1994-1999.

He also held several positions with the United States Department of State, serving as Assistant Legal Adviser in the Office of the Legal Adviser and as Counselor for Legal Affairs in the United States Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.  Mr. Bond began his law career clerking in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York.  Over the 52 years of his career focusing on international law and arbitration, he received numerous accolades some of which are: Global Arbitration Review and Who's Who Legal: arbitration "leading lawyers worldwide in the field of arbitration" (2018), recognition as one of the 20" most highly regarded individuals for commercial arbitration by Who's Who Legal, and the U.S. State Department's Distinguished Honors Award.

Above all, Mr. Bond was cherished by his family.  His wit, charm, generous spirit, invaluable guidance and keen sense of humor will be greatly missed by all. The love he provided us all will be forever part of us.  A celebration of life will be held in London later this fall. Deborah Bond Berk;  dbondberk@gmail.com

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?pid=196294533

Writes Joan Mahoney (1961) – “Steve and I were in the first class to go all the way through Wheatley.  True, we spent seventh grade at Willets Road, but that was because the new building wasn’t finished, and the North Side group merged with the Willets Road group there, before we went on to Wheatley itself.  The school meant an enormous amount to Steve.  He believed that we had received an amazing education there, and, in fact, he found college a bit disappointing, after the intellectual stimulation of Wheatley.  People who worked with Steve admired his intellect, his knowledge, and his ability to mentor more junior members of the practice; and everyone who knew him admired his wit and sense of humor, his warmth and his loyalty.  He will be missed.”

 

1961 – Ed Roman – More “Motor Parkway” Memories

Writes Ed – “Art, I watched the video on ‘The Vanderbilt Motor Parkway – A Long Island Relic,’ which brought back memories from over 70 years ago.  We used to call it ‘The Old Motor Parkway.’  In the late 40's, I would often play in a wooded area at the east end of Roselle Street, which, to us, was wooded, but had an unused, very old road dividing our housing development from an old potato field.  Roselle Street was just one block south of the East Williston border, and at the very eastern limit of Mineola, and just one block from my home.

Legend had it that the old road traversed Long Island, and back in the day had no speed limit.  I could imagine my dad taking the old Hudson at 100 MPH.  I remember it being a big deal for us suburban kids to be able to wander in the woods, because they were few and far between.  My neighbor and I even fashioned slingshots, and went bird hunting....but never got one.....although my neighbor did get someone’s house window once, and that put an end to the slingshot era.

I also remember some older kid showing me how you could dig for a potato, wipe it off, and eat it right there in the field.  Wow, was I a country boy!  I also remember using my dad’s hatchet and trying to knock over a broken tree with the blunt end of the ax.  Did not break the tree, but my head did draw blood from the other end of the ax. That was the end of the ax era.

The part of the old parkway that we knew seemed to stop at Hillside Avenue, and would have continued north along the east side of Wheatley Hills Golf Club up towards the Willets Road School.  The road also went south and through a tunnel  under Jericho Turnpike.  We explored that area as well, once coming across a homeless person, who we thought was dead.  Of course, when he got up and walked away, we ran like hell.

The wooded areas, the potato field, and The Old Motor Parkway were eventually cleared and developed into a residential area; we called it ‘Pembrook.’  It housed many of my friends who went to Northside and eventually graduated from Wheatley.  Fond memories.”

 

1964 – Elvira (“Vivi”) Cilmi Kunz – Two Athletes and Four Coaches

Writes Vivi – “In 1964 Alan Ibanez and I represented Wheatley in the JFK Physical Fitness Nassau County Competition.  We each came in 4th place, just missing any scholarship money.  If I recall correctly, the awards were $500, $300, and $100 for the first three qualifiers.  William Lawson, Bill Stevenson, Lori Wilson, and Audrey Erickson were our encouraging coaches and sponsors!

 

1963 – Steve Rushmore – In the Beginning

Writes Steve – “Up until the Roslyn Country Club was built, along with the Willets Road School, all lower grades went to Northside (in fact my Father went to Northside).  For high school (I am not sure about junior high school), everyone in East Williston and Mineola went to Mineola High School and everyone in the Country Club (and Albertson Downs and probably Old Westbury) went to Roslyn High School.  The residents of East Williston thought they were of higher status than the residents of Mineola; and the residents of Roslyn Heights thought they were of higher status than the residents of Roslyn.  Unfortunately, ethnicity was also an issue; certain neighborhoods of Roslyn and Mineola considered “undesirable.”  During my years in the East Williston School District I could count on one hand the number of African Americans I knew.  Also, the quality of education was very important to the Jewish residents of the Country Club and Old Westbury - and they didn’t think Roslyn and Mineola High Schools measured up.  Thus, to solve the “status issue”, the “ethnicity issue” and the “quality of education” issue, “The Wheatley School” was born.  The name was chosen to convey the image of a private prep school - which fit all the issues described above.  My sole source for these observations is having listened to my mother’s telephone discussions and dinner meetings with other Board members at the time.”

Writes Donna Kenton (1963) – “Steve Rushmore (and others) might be interested in this picture I found in a small book on East Williston history that the Village Librarian published in 1977 (updating the 1970 original):

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Writes Art Engoron – “I don’t think the vegetable stand was still there in December, 1954, when my family moved into East Williston, but I recognize the locale.  That’s Sagamore Avenue, looking south, with the East Williston Village Green on the left and the East Williston train station on the right.”

 

1965 – Jonathan Silver – Extolling The Innocence Project and Donna Kenton, 1963

Writes Jon – “I thank Ms. Kenton for publicizing, and serving in, The Innocence Project, founded by Barry Scheck, Professor of Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (of which I am one of ten Founding Faculty) of Yeshiva University. The Innocence Project, under Barry's extraordinary leadership, now has many branches in many States, and has freed a great many innocent, though erroneously convicted, men, usually of rape, through Barry's pioneering use of then nascent DNA evidence. The Innocence Project has been a subject, under a barely veiled pseudonym, of several Law & Order episodes.  It is a unique contribution to the Rule of Law, to which we all aspire, and of which we, in the U.S.A., are justly proud.  Barry is also a leading voice against capital punishment and is one of those responsible for the gradual decrease of the death penalty in the States.  Ms. Kenton is one of a great many whose work has made the Innocence Project such a powerful success, all of whom deserve applause and gratitude for expanding the Rule of Law, with ‘Liberty and Justice for all.’"

 

1966 – Geniuses Compete on Television – It’s Academic!

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Left Photo – Lee Nagel and Ned Lagin
Middle Photo – Lee Nagel
Right Photo – Steve Hanft
Thanks to – Karen Wattel Arenson (1966)

 

1966 - Andrea Ibanez – Motor Mystery Solved

Writes Andrea – “The piece about the Old Motor Parkway intrigued me because I remember as a 10- or 11-year-old exploring north of East Williston with a friend and coming across a portion of an elevated roadway off of Roslyn Road.  It was near the border with Albertson, on the west side of the road.  My friend said it was the “Old Motor Parkway,” and I thought about it each time we drove by in later years, but I never thought enough to inquire what it was.  Mystery solved!”

 

1966 – Jay Davison Keillor – Deceased

Writes Charles Adron Trantum – “Dear Arthur, As we get older we start to lose friends at an alarming rate.  Depression can set in, but the memory of loved ones who have passed can bring the joy of a life lived to the fullest.

My dear friend Jay Davison Keillor passed on from this world on May 21, 2020.  He was born to Gene and Ronald Keillor on January 25, 1948.  He will be missed by older brother Ronald (“Buff”), younger brother Fred, and sister Dana.

He, like his good friend Jeff Knetzer and I, graduated from Wheatley in 1966.  He and Jeff were the athletes out of our little group, although I was able to follow them into the Varsity Club.  Jay was on the football, basketball and track teams, on the latter of which he excelled at the high jump, holding the Wheatley record for many years (approx. 6’ 7,” which stood until about 2014, some 48 years, although memories are getting older, and corrections are welcome).  In any case I think it’s time for the Wheatley Athletic Hall of Fame to admit Jay to membership.

Jay furthered his education at the University of Vermont, where he earned a degree in civil engineering and made a circle of friends with Douglas Kerr, Tom Watkinson, Arnie Brown, and Rob Sydney.  Over the years Lois Kerr, Ginny Watkinson, Annette Brown, and Bootie Sydney were added to this list of close friends of Jay.  And every friend of Jay’s was a friend for life.

Jay finally met his match and married Sabrina, the woman behind the man.  He went on to a few successful careers in the engineering business.  He owned a home in Monroe, CT, some cottages on the beach in Matunuck, RI, and a beautiful home in Sarasota, Fl.

What Jay loved the most was the water.  In Matunuck he would be in the water before the coffee was hot.  Visiting Jeff in Montauk, Jay was down on the beach before I could find my bathing suit.  And on a special vacation Jay, Jeff, Tom, Doug, and I took to the British Virgin Islands on a 55-foot sail boat for a week, Jay was in the water almost as much as on the boat.

I’m having a tough time dealing with this loss, but I find myself smiling a little more thinking of life with Jay, and reminding myself to tell Jeff, Doug, Tom, Arnie, and Rob that I love them, every chance I get.

With deep affection, and love to all, Charlie Trantum”

Jeff Knetzer, Jay Keillor, and Charlie Trantum (L-R), 1964 Junior Varsity Football

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Jay Keillor, Charlie Trantum, Tom Watkinson, Doug Kerr, and Jeff Knetzer – British Virgin Islands, 1/14/2016

More from Charlie Trantum – “While growing up on High Street near Glenmore Street, t he owner of the house next to us built it himself, without too much help.  He and his wife were Christian Scientists, and one day he fell off his scaffold.  When my mom got home he called to her.  She was going to call for an ambulance, but no- ‘Call my wife and tell her she needs to set my leg’ was the solution.

I thought I lived in a palace growing up.  However, I was on my motorcycle touring East Williston a year or two ago, and there was a man mowing ‘our’ lawn.  I had to stop by and say, "Hi. I used to live here."  The gentleman was very nice and invited me in.  I couldn't believe how much smaller it was than in my recollection.  Crazy the memories it brought back. Jay, Jeff, and I used to roller skate around the basement.  It was built with the staircase in the middle so we kept going around and around and around, you get the picture.  When we first moved there, in 1952, there was one old house north of Ludwig Lane; everything else north was dug-up foundations, ready to have houses built.  Great place to ‘play war.’  This was back in the day when "Be home when the street lights come on" was common.  Love, Charlie”

 

1967 – Carl Wirth – Sports Lows and Highs

Writes Carl – “Art...I really enjoyed Joe Iannotti’s piece on the 1962 Physical Fitness Team...if I remember right I might have finished last when we took that test...how else could I have created the Trolleycarls...to be part of the team you had to have either been picked last or second to last when we picked…well, whoever was captain of the team picked the players.  My running joke with people out here is that our high school was so bad in football it lost almost every game when I was in high school; I think we still have the New York State record for loses in a row.  But I was so bad that my junior year the coach came to me and said, "Carl, if I cut you, would you manage the team?"...I replied,  “Anyway I can help.  The next day a note announced....’cut from the football team...Carl Wirth...announcing our new team manager...Carl Wirth,, so I was so bad, I got cut from a team that would go 0-16 over the next 2 years, and I was the student manager...now what does this have to do with meeting the Yankees?  Well, in 1960 and 1961 the reserve outfielder and pinch hitter for them was Bob Cerv, and after a few weeks in 1961 with the Angels he came back to the Yankees and was roommates with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.  After he retired he later became the baseball coach at John F. Kennedy College, which is where I got my B.A.  Well, I became good friends with him and his family...and I was honored when he died at 91 and his family asked me to do the eulogy at both his wake and funeral service.  Long story short I was honored to be asked to remember a guy whose baseball cards I collected.  Yes, Art, I still have all my cards going back to 1955. ...and not bad for a guy who was picked last in our P.E. classes.  Another great Newsletter issue.  Hope the Class of 1970’s reunion goes well; my late sister Arlene was in that class...Carl”

 

1968 – Gary Kenton – Writing about Rock & Roll on TV

Writes Gary – “Hello, Arthur, Peter Lang has just published my latest book, titled  Transmission and Transgression: The History of Rock 'n' Roll on Television.

 

 

1968 – Steven Saletan – Married a Decade Ago

From the October 24, 2009 NY Times- Michael Edward Koetting and Dr. Stephen Lee Saletan were married Saturday. Colleen R. Hains, a Connecticut justice of the peace, officiated at L’Escale, a restaurant in Greenwich, Conn.

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Mr. Koetting, left, 46, is a clinical social worker who has a private psychotherapy practice in New York.  He graduated from Webster University in St. Louis and received a Master of Social Work degree from New York University.  He is a son of Kathleen A. Koetting of Maryland Heights, Mo., and John E. Koetting of Chesterfield, Mo.  Dr. Saletan, 59, a hematologist and oncologist, is a senior director of medical affairs at Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceuticals company.  He works in Florham Park, N.J.  He graduated from Harvard, from which he also received a medical degree.  He received a master’s in journalism from Columbia.  He is a son of the late Alberta L. Saletan and the late Leonard T. Saletan, who lived in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 

 

1969 – Donald Cohen – Father and Son Saga

LANDMARK PUBLICATION OF A LIFETIME OF LETTERS BETWEEN EMINENT PSYCHOTHERAPISTS

The Inside Ride: A Journey to Manhood
A book that explores the father and son relationship from different psychological perspectives

“The Inside Ride, A Journey to Manhood offers a window into a complex and caring relationship between father and son.  Set over a lifetime, these powerful letters permit us to participate in the evolving ties between two thoughtful and loving men.” — Jeffrey Werden, Ph.D., Psychoanalyst; Former President, National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis

New Book by Dr. Donald Cohen and Dr. Max Cohen

The Inside Ride: A Journey to Manhood - Letters between Father and Son

Published June 1, 2020

In The Inside Ride: A Journey to Manhood (Nicolas Hays, Inc. June 2020), psychotherapists Dr. Donald Cohen and his father, Dr. Max Cohen, offer a unique view into the parent/child relationship by intimately examining their own lives in the exchange of a lifetime of letters that expose the evolution of their powerful relationship. Coming from differing psychological training, one Freudian and one Jungian, the men examine their personal family dynamics, resolve longstanding conflicts, and create effective techniques for improving parent / child relationships.

Through a lifetime of poignant correspondence, the authors address the deeply personal struggles that exist between them within the father and son framework. Their insights into issues of dependency, separation, individuation, and the need for support and reassurance cross all gender and generational lines.

As psychotherapists, the authors intimately investigate coping with suppressed feelings, learning to forgive painful misunderstandings, and letting go of misperceptions, always working towards a happier, healthier relationship.

The Inside Ride is a fearless book about relationships by a father and son that reveals the power of reflection, trust, and love.

Through their letters the authors revolutionize their communication and invite readers to hear their poignant stories, including the most tumultuous and joyful events of their lives.

The Inside Ride examines the meaning of adulthood in contemporary culture and each generation’s journey towards growing up.  The authors offer an essential prescription for the psychological health of modern societies.  Their interaction provides the reader with a look at the complexity of growing up in America's fast-changing culture and shares invaluable insights on the rites of passage towards adulthood in their own and others’ lives.

About the Authors:

Dr. Donald Cohen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in private practice for more than 40 years in Weston, Connecticut.  Dr. Cohen, known for his direct approach and the originality of his clinical skills, is an expert on issues of communication and relationships from childhood through adulthood, particularly with adolescents and marital and family issues.  Dr. Cohen received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Phi Beta Kappa; his M.S.W. from Columbia University; his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Berkeley, California; and his post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University Medical Center.

He created, produced, and hosted the popular weekly television and radio show, Kids Are Talking, and has published various articles, as well as lectured and conducted workshops relating to communication and family issues.  Dr. Cohen lives in Weston, CT with his wife.  They have two children and five grandchildren.

Dr. Max Cohen was a practicing psychiatrist and psychoanalyst for over 50 years in Garden City, New York.  He received his B.A. from Cornell University, earned his M.D. from New York Medical College, and completed psychiatric training at Columbia University.  Dr. Cohen served as a training and supervising psychoanalyst at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research and was a member of the faculty at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.  Dr. Cohen lived on Long Island, New York where he and his wife raised two children and later enjoyed four grandchildren.  He passed away in 2011 at the age of 87.

Contact information:

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Donald Cohen, Ph.D. - 31 November Trail, Weston, CT 06883; 203-227-4780; memoryman32@gmail.com

 

1970 – Ellen David Friedman – Perspective on Life as 50th-Year Virtual Reunion Approaches

Writes Ellen – “I consider this ‘last third of life’ a precious and productive miracle ... to be able to coalesce experience into wisdom, reflection into illumination, and early tumult into enduring steadiness.  So the chance to witness this among our foundational cohort... it's a damn gift. Thanks to Rocky Elterman and Jane Roeder for  bringing it to us.”

 

1972 – David Perlin – 60 Minutes

Writes Bill Kirchick (1969) – “Dr. Perlin—great story!  Just saw him on 60 Minutes!!”

 

1973 – Charles Nash – Yankee Infield-Outfield Correction

Writes Charlie – “Good morning, Art,  The post pertaining to the Wheatley students who did so well on the Marine Corp Physical Fitness Test included several photographs, one of which indicated that Tom Tresh was an infielder.  Although he opened the  1962  season for the Yankees at shortstop, filling in for Tony Kubek (who was performing military service), and although he played at third base during the 1966 season, he played most of his games in the outfield, often with Yankee legends Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.  The Yankees traded him to his hometown Detroit Tigers in 1969, after which season he retired and coached baseball at Michigan State University.  He passed away in 2008 at age 70.     Incidentally, not until Derek Jeter in  1996  would another Yankee rookie start at shortstop on Opening Day. 

After Kubek’s return there was no room for Tresh in the infield due to the stellar performances of Moose Skowron (and later Joe Pepitone), Bobby Richardson, Kubek and Clete Boyer.  I got to hang out with all of those Yankee ballplayers (except Pepitone) on several occasions.  They were all very nice people who told fun stories about their days in the major leagues. 

 

1975 – Christopher Fleck – Mom’s Triumph’s

Writes Chris – “Some of you may remember my mom, Joan Fleck, a long-time EWSD School Board member, who was always cheering for Wheatley from the sidelines, for myself or my brothers Tony, Greg, Vince, and sisters Carmel and Mary.  I’m happy to share that at 93-years-old mom beat COVID-19 after a month-long battle and is back living in East Williston with my sister Carmel.  Here’s a feel-good photo of Mom leaving Northwell.”

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1980 – John Antonino – Deceased

Leaves behind Thomas (1982) and Carol (1983) Antonino.

 

1980 – Deborah Rosenthal – Bar Association Leader

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Writes Deborah – “Recently I was installed as Vice President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York for my second term in that position.  Previously I served as President of the New York Women’s Bar Association.  I have been a solo practitioner in Great Neck, NY, since 2002.  My practice areas are Wills, Trusts, Estates, Probate and Administration, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, Corporate, and Real Estate.”

 

Fan Mail, Coronavirus Thoughts, and a Few Miscellaneous E-Mail Addresses and Comments

Faculty (Steve Ehre) – “As always, a stalwart production.  Love the pics and seeing all the names. Auggie (Mr. Irwin August) looks so young, as does Dr. Paul Nodell.  Thanks!  Steve”

1958 (Ed Brown) – “Good job, Art (as always).  I enjoy reading these newsletters.  Thanks for your efforts.”

1960 (Joanne Festa) – “We, the graduates of The Wheatley School, enjoy each issue of the Alumni Newsletters.  They are packed with interesting facts, articles of interest, and your ambitious effort.  I THANK YOU, ART.  We’re good and have our yesteryear memories to fall back on as we wait.  Stay well, stay safe.  Smiles, Joanne Festa”

1961 (Leonard Symons) – “Many thanks for keeping all of us at Wheatley together.”

1963 (Steve Rushmore) – “Another great newsletter.  And to Webmaster Keith Aufhauser (1963), ‘ Thanks for everything you do with Art to keep as all connected.’”

1964 (Elvira (“Vivi”) Cilmi Kunz) – “Thanks for all your time and effort.”

1964 (Steve Morris) – “I want to express my sentiments about the wonderful job you’re doing in keeping the Wheatley family connected.  I have to admit that the ‘60s spirit, anger, and rebelliousness has returned to my soul as this great nation is being destroyed from within.  If the coronavirus wasn’t around,  I’d be organizing a million+ march on Washington.”

1966 (Deborah Bond Berk) – “I appreciate all you’re doing, thank you.”

1966 (Andrea Ibanez) – “Thank you for your ongoing stewardship of the newsletter.”

1966 (Suzanne Stone) – “Dear Art, Thanks for another heartwarming newsletter....  During these turbulent political, COVID health-safety, and uncertain financial times, it is comforting to receive your monthly updates - sort of like providing Law & Order amidst the chaos.  Every Wildcat story touches me deeply, especially (BTW) the Sports Team info and pics, which brought back such nostalgic memories of my first love.....oh, if only we could rewrite the past!!!!  Again, thank you for being the BEST community organizer in the US!!!!  Take good care – Suzanne”

1966 (Charles Trantum) – “Thanks for all you do.”

1967 (Arthur H. Brown) – “I always get your e-mails and enjoy reading about our class.  Keep up the great work and keep the photographs coming.”

1967 (Richard Mark Friedman) – “I would never in a million years believe that an active NYS Supreme Court Justice, also the father of three young children, could make the time and have the tenacity to every month publish an alumni newsletter chock full of so many details while at the same time showing so much heart.”

1967 (Charles Short) – “I really enjoy your newsletter.  Thanks for all the hard work you put into it.”

1967 (Jill Simon Forte) – “I always enjoy your newsletters.  These frightening times call for interesting and enjoyable memories.  As always, thanks.”

1967 (Barbara Smith Stanisic) – “The last Newsletter was great, as always!” 

1967 (Shirley Vogl Quarantello) – SHIRLEYQUAR@GMAIL.COM

1967 (Larry Weiss) – “Your great work on the Newsletters is totally extraordinary and deeply appreciated.  I’ve been especially moved by your treatment of holocaust issues, especially in light of the lack of attention that they received during most of our own Wheatley educations and social lives.  In retrospect, the trauma was probably too close to handle in public, and even private settings.  As our 50th Columbia reunion looms. it’s clear that time marches on.  Keep on marching to the beat of your distinctive drummer.  You lead an impressive group of brothers and sisters from the old school.”

1969 (Deborah Willard Goldenberg) – “Art - I have no problem with you publishing my email address:  dropletauthor5@gmail.com .

1970 (Joseph “Rocky” Elterman) – “I enjoyed the latest newsletter, especially the piece about the physical fitness test competition.  I also found particularly inspiring the tribute to my deceased classmate Mary Ann Passarella by her brother John.  And thank you also for listing our missing classmates and announcing our reunion.  Here's hoping that we will find a few more of our fellow grads before the 20th of June.”

1970 (Jack Riefberg) – “I very much enjoyed this newsletter (# 46), particularly the part about the WHS 1961 Fitness Team, including my favorite WHS coach, Irwin August.”

1970 (David Rotholz) – “Thanks for taking the time to keep us all connected!”

1973 (Charlie Nash) – “Keep the fun newsletters coming!”

1975 (Chris Fleck) –“ Arthur, I enjoy the newsletter!  Thanks for your efforts.”

1976 (Robin Hegyi Sisskind) – “ Hi Arthur,  This Class of ‘76er also truly appreciates and looks forward to your newsletter.   I love not only reading about my class, but about the alumni in my sisters’ classes as well: Donna Hegyi Gillman, 1965, and Lois Hegyi Goldstein, 1968.  As a former Roslyn Country Clubber, I also enjoy the stories about former neighbors.  Keep those newsletters coming!  Thanks.”

1978 (Val Gomes) – “Wow … loved seeing the photos and the story about the Wheatley Physical Fitness Team.  What a great piece of history for Wheatley and all of the team members!  What a proud moment!”

1979 (Gwendolyn McClure) – “Thank you, Arthur!”

1981 (Barbara E. Schwartz) – “I particularly liked the last newsletter (# 46) with the America's Got Talent link--first time I watched the show--and the article about slavery on Long Island.”

1997 (Rick Jaime-Bettan) – “I enjoyed that fascinating and informative article on the Underground Railroad.”


Closing

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 47.  Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.

Arthur Fredericks Engoron

The Wheatley School Class of 1967

WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM

ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM

WWW.WHEATLEYALUMNI.ORG

646-872-4833

where?

© The Wheatley Alumni Association 2020