Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

 Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 51.

 Public Service Announcements

 CLASS OF 1969 50^TH+-YEAR VIRTUAL REUNION –A SMASHING SUCCESS!

Writes Mark Goldberg - At long last, the Class of ‘69 got its act together and had a virtual 50^th+-year reunion on Saturday September 12, 2020.  Attempts to put together an in person gathering last fall fell apart and we were on the verge of having a reunion in New York City this past May when the pandemic put a halt to those arrangements.  Bill Kirchick and Mark Goldberg decided to plan a virtual reunion after hearing about the Class of ’70 event this past June.  An informal poll did not show much interest in a virtual reunion, but Bill and Mark decided to persevere.  The invites were sent out 8 weeks in advance and the acceptances started rolling in.  The end result was that there were over 60 attendees, which exceeded expectations.  Half of the attendees were from outside the NY, NJ, CT area, with Florida and California being very well represented.

 Jon Rutenberg served as the MC and did a terrific job controlling the flow of the event.   We had two guest attendees:

• Art Engoron (’67), the editor of the Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter, helped kick off the event and decreed us as the coolest class ever in Wheatley history (aw, shucks).
• David Israel, Wheatley English professor from 1965-2007 (amazing!) followed with a wonderful talk about teaching at Wheatley and some thoughts about reunions.   It was fun hearing the “buzz” in the ‘room’ when people realized that David was ‘in the house.”

 Bill Kirchick led a memorial recognizing our class members who are no longer with us.

 Then the show began, with everyone having a couple of minutes to speak on what they have been doing over the past 50 years or about their high school memories or whatever moved them.  Some people had memorabilia that they showed (e.g., Mark’s Ricky Dink t-shirt).  There were a lot of laughs, a lot of stories, and a lot of terrific memories that were shared.  We completed the presentations at the 3 hour mark and then spent the next 30 minutes telling stories and reminiscing.  It was amazing how many of the 60 stayed for the entire 3.5 hours.

 The feedback (both at the event and after) was extremely positive.  Two of the common themes were that it exceeded their expectations; and that because it was virtual, we were able to see and hear from everyone.

 We will strongly consider having future reunions virtually in order to assure the attendance of those who may find it inconvenient to travel.

 Below is a sampling of the comments that we received by email, and some Zoom photos that we took during the event.  Not all of the attendees were present when the photos were taken.

 Some attendee comments:

 It was a terrific reunion.  It is evident how much work you put into it.  I didn't quite know what to expect, it exceeded all my expectations.  It was funny, emotional, heartfelt and satisfying.  I hope after all this we can have one in person.  It will be easier for me to attend having been to this one.  Thanks again. 

– Gayle Young Escolar

 That was a very nice setup.  It went on a little long but gave everyone a chance to participate.  In some ways, it was better than a live reunion because you got to see and hear more about everyone.  Thanks for all your work on this!

– Dan Ross

 Great night, thank you so much for your efforts to stage this event.  Although being doubtful as to the success of a virtual event, it turned out to be a great night.

– Bill Diamond

 Great job, guys.  I had my doubts, but in many respects this was better than the in-person reunions we organized, because everyone shared with everyone else and everyone got a chance to talk to everyone else.  The entire event brought back a flood of memories, from my father taking me to the 21-inning Yankee game that someone mentioned to my mother becoming close friends with Jonny Rutenberg’s mother when they reached their 80s.

– Jay Hack

  Thank you so much for all your work on putting the reunion together!!   It was fantastic!   It was really fun and so interesting to hear about people's lives!

– Jane Leifer

 I just want to let you know what a terrific job you did in getting this together. As you know I was skeptical about doing it on Zoom, thinking it would be too chaotic and disorganized.  But I was way off.  The participation was outstanding thanks to you, and I truly enjoyed listening and participating in what everyone had to say.  Stay safe and healthy.

– Ed Curland

 Thank you for all your efforts in making our class reunion possible.  It was a sweet gathering and particularly wonderful to see so many classmates who I’d not seen in too many years.  I was a nay-sayer for Zoom and am so glad you didn’t listen to me.

-Martha Radovsky Feinstein

A SAVIOR FOR HILDEBRANDT’S?

Writes Craig Artim (1969) – “Greetings and salutations, hope all are well and healthy.  Are there any lawyer/accountant alumni who can create The Wheatley Consortium to purchase the iconic Hildebrandt’s?  Surely there are legions of us willing to buy $100 shares (good for one free ice cream treat during the fiscal year).  We can take turns scooping!  Retirees will flock to Hillside Avenue to help out, some by volunteering, most by devouring ice cream!  To arms!  To cones! –CCEARTIM@YAHOO.COM”  I live in Sarasota, FL.  My wife worked for Venice Theatre and we would go on their Broadway spring trips and our own trips. Reading and seeing ‘old’ New York disappearing (Stage Deli!), we’ve made it a point to hit Katz’s, Russ and Daughters, Veselka, Barney Greengrass.  We’re overdue for a visit.  We made it to Jones Beach and Hildebrandt’s at the 60th.  Want to go back for Old Westbury Gardens and Sagamore Hill.  The older we get, the more important History is.  For the love of God, Jehovah, Vishnu, Allah and Buddha may we all get out and vote.  Serenity Now!

Wheatley Football – Good Times and Bad

Writes Jon Bagdon (1962) – “Despite suffering two fairly serious injuries, I loved football.  My most vivid memories were of Steve Perlin, John Votano, and Eddie Kleban.  Years after graduation I met Steve in Greenwich Village in his pilot’s uniform, and Eddie picked me up one night in NYC in his cab.  He was one free spirit.”

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 50 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) athttp://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 in publishing material I am not taking sides or advocating for or against any thing or any one, I am only distributing what people send me.  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, or refuse to publish, errors or falsehoods that I notice.

 Please let me know if you will permit me to publish your email address, snail-mail address, and/or telephone number, 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 any of your contact information).  Scores of alumni email addresses can be found on the Wheatley Public Directory,http://wheatleyalumni.org/PublicDirectory.htm

 I welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School and the people who taught and/or studied there.

Faculty

Aaron Kuriloff and Peggy Meisel

Writes Jon Bagdon (1962) – “I had Mr. Kuriloff for one year and remember him well.  I did not participate in the class about objects with no use, or remember his ‘Zen like’ musings; but I do remember that one of his pieces, 3 shelves with pillows, was displayed in one of NYC's museums, The Museum of Modern Art, “MOMA,” I think.

 For all who remember her, Peg Meisel is doing well, still teaching in her assisted living community.  She has remained a  close friend since she was my 9th grade English teacher.  We actually traveled quite a bit together, including trips to Easter Island and Papua New Guinea.  Wonderful days!”

 Writes Victoria Unger Hochman – “Aaron Kuriloff made such a lasting impression on me during the 60's.  I went into Art Education because of him, and I  taught art education in Hicksville and Mineola.  A remarkably kind man and wonderful teacher. He will always be remembered.  Thank you for this article about him.”

Robert Brandt - Scholar

Writes Robert – “I began in the Fall 1962 as a student teacher in the Social Studies Department as I was completing my last semester of University study after returning from Viet Nam.  I graduated finally at the end of the semester and became the permanent substitute for Wheatley.  In the fall of 1963 I went to Graduate School in Political Science at the University of Vermont and as research assistant to Raul Hilberg for the revision and expansion of his book “The Destruction of the European Jews.”  For the next two summers I was sent to Europe to research in archives and in interviewing people for Professor Hilberg.  In the fall of 1965 I went to SUNY Stony Brook as an assistant Dean of Students while polishing up and finishing my master’s Dissertation on Allied Plans for Post War Germany.  I graduated with an MA in Political Science in the Spring of 1966.  At Stony Brook I took a master’s Degrees in History, in Comparative Literature and in Philosophy.  I returned to Wheatley in the Fall of 1968 I believe and was there until the end of the 1999-2000 school year when I retired.  While at Wheatley I also went to St. John's University in the PhD History program and completed all of the courses and passed all of the comprehensive and language exams.  I was half way through my dissertation when a Book on the same area I was writing on was published, so back to square one.  I began a second dissertation but another program caught my attention and I left with an ABD (all but the dissertation).  In the fall of 1972 I went to seminary completing my degree in theology in the spring of 1976 and was ordained a Deacon in June of 1976 and a Priest in December of 1976.  Following retirement I returned to SUNY Stony Brook as a student in the Art Department and completed a master’s in fine arts in Painting and Sculpture and an MA in Art History.  I would go back to University now if there was one that was less than two three hours away but right now it is a bit too far to drive on a regular basis so I must rely on my library to suffice.  Sorry to be so chatty but it was wonderful to reminisce.  Bob”

 Steve Finkelstein – Current Science Teacher – In Touch with Grads from an Earlier Era

Writes Steve – “Janice Buckner- with whom I have played music and helped conduct the high holiday children's services for Kehilath Shalom, the reconstructionist temple in Cold Spring Harbor, for over 15 years; she is an accomplished children's educator, entertainer, song writer and spreader of good will.

Judy Orgel Meilinger - she also joins us for those children's services, another dear friend, one of the most positive sunshine-filled people you will ever meet.

Joe Cilmi - he was my first yoga teacher here at Wheatley many years ago, late afternoons, helping us teachers to decompress after a stressful day of teaching.

Bill Shechtman - a grateful lover of great music, we know each other through the Long Island jam band music scene.

Susan Davis- Brazilian samba style percussionist and vocalist extraordinaire.” 

Graduates

Bruce Richardson – 1958 – “The War Is Over”

Writes Bruce – “My family moved to East Williston in 1941 when I was one year old.  One of my earliest memories is that I was outside playing and my mother comes running out of the house yelling ‘The war is over. The war is over.’  Another memory is of our refrigerator, which had a small freezer at the top that was about 10” wide and maybe 12” high.  With a couple of ice trays in it, there wasn’t much room for anything else.  On many Sunday afternoons my father, my brother and I would go to Hildebrandt’s for a pint of hand-packed ice cream that would be our Sunday dessert.  Since our freezer wasn’t large enough to hold the ice cream, we had to purchase it just before dinner.  They would pack the ice cream in a paper container and used a rectangular metal container to hold the paper container as they packed the ice cream in.  You could get two different flavors if you wanted. My favorite was pistachio. I now live in Boulder, CO and have had the opportunity to be back on LI four times in the last 15 years.  Each time I go back I make it a point to have lunch at Hildebrandt’s and sit at the counter and order a cheeseburger with a slice of onion and a chocolate malt  It is such a shame that Hildebrandt’s is being forced out of the place that has been its home for 93 years. But maybe as Art recently mentioned, maybe not.”

 1961 – Anthony (“Tony”) Conti - Remembered

L-R – Ed Brown (1958) and Tony Conti (1961)

 Writes Ed Brown – “I was stunned to hear of Tony Conti’s passing.  Tony, or Nino as he was called “way back in the day,” was truly my first best friend.  I was ten years old when we moved out from Queens to Roslyn in 1951.  I was a total nerd – had no friends, played no sports, etc.  And that first Monday morning when I was to begin my schooling at North Side, I walked alone and terrified down the block to where the school bus stop was.  And this little kid ran up to me and said “Hi, I’m Nino.  Welcome.”  From that moment he was, indeed, my best friend.  I remember playing with him (and misbehaving with him!!), and with Tommy and Rena and Mary, and having dinners at his house, which was just three doors down Westwood Circle from my house.  His mother, Tina, cooked absolutely amazing dinners.  The picture I have attached is of Nino and me in his front yard.  He remained my friend for almost 20 years, until I went into the Army and moved down to Washington.  And then I lost touch with him, and I have felt terrible about that.  So now I offer my sincerest condolences to his family members, and I say Goodbye to my first best friend.

And I was not exaggerating when I say this stunned me.  He was really a big part of my life at the time.  It really just enhances my firm belief, as taught to me years ago by my mentor (and which I now include in French under my signature block in every e-mail I send):  “Life’s too short to drink cheap wine.”  Life is indeed too short for all this nonsense we involve ourselves in these days.”

 Writes Patty Kirk Hefferan (1961) – “As to Anthony Conti I can add little except to say that he was a man who lived a life that inspired love and inspiration in all who knew him.  I am absolutely certain he will know never-ending peace.”

 Writes Gene Razzetti (1961) –“The write-ups about Tony Conti by brother Tom and pal Kent Salisbury were especially loving and meaningful. Tony was truly one of a kind. Congrats and thanks to Judy, Mark, Camille, and the others on a great "Virtual Reunion" for the Class of 1961.  Best to all, Gene”

1963 – Mary Lee Holley Cerillo – Riding that T-Bird

Writes Glen Hammer (1965) – In Newsletter # 49 I especially enjoyed seeing the photograph of Mary Lee Holley Cerillo, who looks as classy today as she did driving around in her baby blue T-Bird back in the early ‘60’s.”

1964 – Stewart Fox – Deceased

Writes Lawrence Fox (1966) – “Art, my dear brother, Dr. Stewart Fox, passed from this life on Friday, September 18^th, 2020 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a mere three weeks earlier.

Stew and I were like twins born 22 months apart.  Growing up we slept in beds six inches apart and talked and laughed together constantly.  That was for 16 years. We were so close all our lives.  He was a great brother and my best friend.  My wife, Sue, and I spent time with him and Myra often. They were married 48 years; then, four years ago, she was stricken with brain cancer and suffered for a year before passing.  Stew was caring for her every second, and Sue and I were with them through that ordeal.  We were fortunate to have bought our house in Hudson, NY as Stew and Myra lived 30 minutes away in Saugerties, in a beautiful dream home Stew designed that fronted on the Hudson River, where he had his pontoon boat and many kayaks.  He loved the river and had a panoramic view from his bedroom window.

After a difficult year of grieving he decided to try to resume life.  He eventually met Lorraine and fell in love again with a wonderful woman who totally adored him.  Sue and I spent many dinners and boat rides with them, as did Ali and our grand kids.  Lorraine would sit next to him on the driver’s bench seat and Stew usually had his arm draped around her shoulders.  Indeed, he had that expression you generally see on a high school boy in love.

Six weeks ago at a small Covid-appropriate event at his home attended by us and his and her grown children and his four young grandchildren, Stew and Lorraine were married.  He was over the moon happy.

Three weeks later he wasn’t feeling well and a Covid test was negative. He surmised he might have an ulcer, so went and got a CAT scan.  To his and all of our shock it revealed he had severe pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and spleen.  We had connections at Sloan Kettering, where the chief of the pancreatic unit became his attending physician.  After a week of attempts to stem the advance of the cancer it was clear nothing more could be done except get him home to be in his bed, with his caring and loving wife, surrounded by his family, and with an ever present view of his Hudson River.  This we accomplished this past Monday. Sue and I slept in the room next to his and were with him whenever Lorraine took a break.  Through the entire week he was never without his siblings, children and grandchildren by his side showering him with love. On Friday morning he passed from this life, just six weeks after his wedding and three from the realization he was unwell.  Oh the swiftness!

When he arrived home I had set up a CaringBridge website page to keep his family and many friends up to date on his status. I provide the URL to the site below so if you wish you can see Stew looking good and some of the comments from the many people he touched.  I am heartbroken but feel blessed to have had such a good friend with whom laughter and joy of life were our common diet, which we consumed often and with gusto.  So many really great memories.  I also am very happy that Sue and our daughter Ali and her Zach and ours got to know him and love him as did his grandchildren Cairo and Gus.  We all will miss him deeply . 

Here’s the site I mentioned:  

URL: www.caringbridge.org/visit/dr.stewartfox

Site name: dr.stewartfox 

Below also is the obituary for Stew that was in his local Saugerties newspaper. 

‘Dr. Stewart Fox, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away in his home on September 18, 2020 at the age 74 of pancreatic cancer.

Stew will be remembered as a family man.   He was a devoted husband, a supportive father and grandfather, and a fun-loving brother and uncle to his nieces and nephews.  He retired from medical practice to Malden on Hudson to enjoy his love of Hudson River views, fishing and kayaking.  There, he treasured building his Hudson River house with his wife of 48 years, Myra, who preceded him in death.  He delighted in his walks along the Hudson with his wife Lorraine, his children, grandchildren and his dog Roxy.  He is survived by his wife; his children and their spouses Rob (Laura), Jillian, Amanda (Justin), his step-children, Michelle and Drew; his siblings and their spouses: Larry (Sue), Susan (Steve); and his grandchildren: Zara, Kara, Neve and Lily and his nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife Myra, he was preceded in death by his parents Bea and Stan.

A beloved doctor and respected surgeon, Dr. Fox graduated from Medical College of Virginia and did his residency in surgery at Yale. He was the chief of thoracic surgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital and Mercy Hospital.

Stew recently remarried and was looking forward to a long life with Lorraine.  Sadly, his diagnosis and passing came quickly.  He will long be remembered for his warm smile, his kindness, his love of life, his commitment to patients and most importantly, his love of family.

A private graveside service for family will take place at the Natural Burial Ground at the Town of Rhinebeck Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to Temple Israel of Catskill, 220 Spring Street Catskill, N.Y. or Hudson Valley Hospice, 400 Aaron Court, Kingston, New York, 12401.

Writes Marilyn Bardo (1964) – “Stewart Fox was one of the most beloved, sweetest, talented, and smartest guys in my class.  I am totally in shock as I saw him and his wife at a mini-reunion a few years ago, and they were just planning to retire fulltime to enjoy life in their 2nd home in the Catskills.  He was in my circle of high school friends, so this really hits home.”

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyfreeman/obituary.aspx?n=stewart-fox&pid=196822232

1964 – John Sullivan – Ministering In Kansas City, MO

Writes John – “I recall Hildebrandt’s when I was in school, but more recently twice - once, when we had a meeting in Garden City.  Being based in Kansas City, MO, my associates had never heard of Hildebrandt’s or lemon ice cream.  I satisfied them with both when we made a detour on our way back to LaGuardia – was well worth the time spent.  Last time was at the 50^th reunion for the class of 1964 in 2014.  Ken Rosanski, Gene Grindlinger, Bruce “Maynard” Buhrow & I sat in a booth and had a great lunch – saw Jill McClure there and visited with her – was good to catch up with all.

I am still touching lives with the homeless Ministry I Chair in KCMO – we have regained our 501(c)(3) status, are solvent, and are moving forward despite COVID 19.  We serve sack (Midwest term – ‘bag’ on the East Coast) lunches at the door – up to 100 per day.  Success has a totally different measurement and outcome in the world we operate in vs. the commercial, medical or academic.  To have a woman in her mid-30’s who has been an addict and prostitute since she was 15 say to us, “I want to change my life,” and we help her – our success is seeing the expression on her face change from hostility and desperation to one of peace – that is success.  She backslid once – pulled herself out of it, is gainfully employed, won “employee of the quarter” award where she works and conducts speaking engagements for women who were in her position.  Still another lady who is a bi-polar prostitute who is kicked out of our host Church due to her behavior and language – success is measured in daily interaction with her.  Some good/great and some bad/worse.  We still pray for her and hope one day she will see the inner passion and drive she has and direct that in a positive way – I am not her and she is not me, so we can’t direct – can only try to help.

If anyone is interested in what we do – IRS knows us as N2N, Inc./Neighbor to Neighbor. EIN is 26-0346152.  We are in Guidestar – first 3 levels as we don’t have audited financials.  Thanks for listening, Art, and for keeping the Wheatley connection alive.”

1965 – Jeffrey Orling – Opera Fan

Writes Jeff – “Art, Another strange trip... a fun read... who knew!  I am amazed or maybe not that not only do Wheatley people have strong memories of their time at Wheatley... but so many have maintained continuous friendships for 5 or 6 decades!  I am not surprised at the careers they had, and it affirms what a great foundation Wheatley was.  It's still hard to relate to someone who I have a memory of as not even 20-years old now, as a grandparent.  I don't think I could recognize anyone... well maybe a few.

Here's a few fairly recent photos of me. Anna Yuryevna Netrebko (Russian: Анна Юрьевна Нетребко; born 18 September 1971) is a Russian-Austrian operatic soprano.  Sheis one of the most famous sopranos in the word.... Anna Netrebko.  This photo was taken at an ‘album signing' at the Met Opera house.

Jeff with wife, Elsa

Jeffrey Sandor Orling Architect
675 North Terrace Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
914.665.2003
914.494.4706 – mobile

1966 – Richard Jalonack – “You’re In the Army Now” -1967, Anh Kay, Vietnam

1966 – Jay Keillor – Memorial Tribute Video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IAhj7pf2_trgOhn8wsWACoqlC3hEqipu/view?usp=sharing

Writes Charles Trantum (1966) -Jay Davidson Keillor, b. 1/25/48, d. 5/22/20 - Jay was in the hospital in Sarasota Fl. for some minor complaints, and never recovered from a procedure on his lung.  He is survived by wife Sabrina Keillor, Brothers Ronald (Buffy) Keillor, Fred Keillor, and sister Dana.

1967 – Art Engoron – Articles About Decisions

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/23/trump-subpoena-court-arguments-on-new-york-investigation-.html

https://www.law360.com/articles/1311503/eric-trump-must-give-deposition-before-election-judge-rules

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/nyregion/eric-trump-investigation-election.html

https://gothamist.com/news/judge-voids-city-permit-controversial-upper-west-side-luxury-mega-tower?utm_campaign=shared_email&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email

https://therealdeal.com/2020/09/28/judge-throws-cold-water-on-extells-uws-condo-development/

(Copies of Decision(s) available upon request)

1967 – Amy Pastarnack Hughes on John Hughes

Writes Amy – “Dear Arthur, Thank you so much for including John’s passing in the Wheatley newsletter.  He had bile duct cancer and it was awful.  We are all just so heartbroken.  I still cannot wrap my head around everything. I am including some other articles about John and in case anyone wants to make a donation (I have been asked), I am also including a link to The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN) where donations can be made in his memory.  Our daughter Sarah Hughes also posted a tribute in her public Facebook page & at Sarahehughes.com.  Thank you for considering a donation.  We have a page set up here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/hughes.  For everyone who donates, we will receive a note.

Thanks again Art
XO❤️”

NHL-NBC Tribute to John Hughes – Short Video

https://ql.mediasilo.com/ql/5f4c592ae4b0877b7684a4ea

Here are also some articles in memory of him:

https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/John-Hughes-USTOA-legal-counsel-obituary?fbclid=IwAR2CT04ecpaIexSYEP4KrHmYcLFDRNEaV6XvEYFD_MQoeiRcjaFm5dm1KD4

https://www.14850.com/081915275-john-hughes-cornell/

https://cornellbigred.com/news/2020/8/19/mens-ice-hockey-cornell-mourns-the-passing-of-john-hughes-70.aspx

Writes Amy’s 1967 Classmate Jill Simon Forte and her husband Robert Forte (1965) – “For those of you that remember Amy Hughes, but did not have the great privilege of knowing her wonderful husband, I want to tell you all this was a great man, with an intellectual and humorous personality.  He was a fantastic family man, with a high achieving set of children and grandchildren.  An interesting and fun friend, certainly a caring, loving husband.  We had the privilege of being friends with the Hughes family (my friendship with Amy goes back to kindergarten).  It is with sadness that this sweet man has gone.  All our love, Jill and Bob (Thanks for including this heartfelt note)

1969 – Gerald Gersh – Hippie-Jock

Writes Gerry – “Some30 years ago, at a class reunion, a male classmate said to me: ‘Gerry Gersh!  You were the Hippie-Jock of the school.’  Not inaccurate, lol.  Dave Kushner and I were the only two 9th graders who made the starting JV football team.  What was cool was for the ‘away’ games, both of us were excused from class early to make the bus.   Stardom! But while I was a great receiver in practice, I always dropped the ball🏈in games.  Reality!  (And personally, as proud as I was for making the team my father never came to any of the games).”

1969 – Roger Gimbel – Printing Professional

Roger P. Gimbel, Electronic Document Professional (EDP), is President of Gimbel & Associates, a global consulting firm providing business development services and sales and marketing strategies to print providers and organizations.  Roger founded the firm in 2003 and oversees a team of consultants with expertise in developing and facilitating sales training and sales process management, workflow analysis, marketing strategies, multi‐channel campaigns, trans‐promotional applications, MicroModeling™ data services, and distributed print strategies.

Roger is widely recognized as an authority in the digital printing industry, with over 40 years’ experience as an accomplished printer and worldwide speaker at industry events.  He has been a keynote speaker in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Africa, India, China, and the Middle East, presenting strategies for sales and marketing in the digital print industry.

Prior to establishing Gimbel & Associates, Roger was Director of Worldwide Operations for Global Document Solutions, overseeing global sales and the operation of several print facilities. Previously, he was President of Xerographic Reproduction Center (XRC Inc.), a worldwide leader in digital print-on-demand.

Roger is a founding member of the International Printer’s Network (IPN), the world’s foremost alliance of leading companies in the printing, visual communications, and graphic communications industry.  Having served as chairman of IPN for 10 years, Roger continues to serve on the Board of Directors and is currently the Director of Sponsorship.

Roger maintains his credentials as an Electronic Document Professional, which he earned from XPLOR International (The Electronic Document Systems Association) in 2001. Roger was recognized for 10 years of service to the electronic document industry at the XPLOR International Conference in 2011 and has been recertified through 2025

In January 2019, seeing a growing need for wide format and signage, Roger formed the Gimbel Signage Group to assist in the production of signage for the ever‐growing list of Gimbel & Associates’ clients.

In April 2018, Roger was elected to serve on the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) Board of Directors.

Roger holds a bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology and was a member of its Board of Trustees from 1989–2003.

400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 405, Garden City, New York 11530 Ÿ 646-472-1936 Ÿ www.rogergimbel.com

Geared to Your Success

Industry Awards

·        IPN Innovation Award, January 15, 2020 by The International Printers Network in Tokyo, Japan.  Roger Gimbel attended and received the Gimbel & Associates prestigious award for sharing their concept for Strategies for Continued Growth in Print Services. Using a live link between New York and Tokyo, Gimbel & Associates demonstrated their visionary ideas to this group of print and print-related companies from all over the world. 

·        Honorary Certificate of Premier Partner Ambassadorship in recognition of Xerox Premier Partner's Global Network Advisory Council contributions, 2014

·        Service Recognition for ten years of service to the Electronic Document Industry. Xplor International Conference, 2011

·        Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of leadership and personal contribution to the International Printers Network, 2005

●   Technical Excellence Award at Mailcom, 2004

·        Pioneer of the Decade for outstanding contributions to the digital printing industry, 2000

Sister Gail Gimbel Steiger (1973), Executive Director of Gimbel & Associates,resides in the Roslyn Country Club Community.  Her sons, Adam Steiger and Mark Steiger also graduated from Wheatley.

Roger’s first publication, “Individualized Media Essentials” (Co-Author), published by Xerox Corporation, was reissued in 2015 by Gimbel & Associates to explain effective techniques that use variable data campaigns to market to an audience of one.

In April 2020, Roger published a book of Industry Insights.  Attached is the Press Release and below is the book cover.  It is a great read.  The link is on their  website at www.rogergimbel.com under the blog tab as well as in the attached release.

Gimbel & Associates Releases Printer’s Guide to Better Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Garden City, NY June 1, 2020

Gimbel & Associates, the well-known printing industry management consulting firm, has published a compendium of articles designed to help their clients and other companies in the printing business develop strategies for protecting and growing their businesses. Roger P. Gimbel’s Guide to Better Business is full of helpful guidance, tips, and resources.  The downloadable eBook includes sections on Business Strategy, Marketing, Sales Acceleration, Production, and more.  This 100-plus page comprehensive resource is available to print professionals at no charge.

“Companies in the printing business need new strategies, especially after COVID-19,” says company president and author Roger Gimbel, EDP.  “This is the time for printing companies to assess their business models.  The way they do business with customers is changing, and we decided it was the ideal time to create the guide.”

The Guide to Better Business is a collection of articles Gimbel & Associates has produced to help companies create successful businesses today and as business recovers from the pandemic shutdown.  Printers will find the eBook contains valuable information they can put to use in their own organizations among titles such as “Data Security Challenges in Your Print Environment,” “Enhancing Your Communication Skills,” and “Making More Money with Mail.”

Print company managers tend to focus on delivering the projects of the day to their customers.  They don’t spend enough time planning how to improve their businesses.  When the economy picks up, print companies will be extra busy.  Right now is a great time to browse through the guide and jot down strategic ideas relevant to their organizations.

Roger P. Gimbel, EDP

President, Gimbel & Associates

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerpgimbel/ Twitter:@RogerGimbel_EDP

Office: (646) 472‐1932

Mobile: (917) 414‐3125

Email: roger@rogergimbel.com

Roger resides in Old Westbury, has a home in Delray, Florida, and pilots an 82-ft. yacht out of Gurney’s Star Island Resort and Marina, located in Montauk, NY.  

He attributes what he has achieved in life to his learning experiences at Wheatly.  Both his children, Hunter and Erica, also graduated from Wheatley.

1970 – Nina Galerstein – Music at Wheatley and After

Hi Art, I recently attended the Class of 1970 50^th-year Zoom Reunion.  It was wonderful to see so many people there, and to learn things about Wheatley that I never knew all those years ago.  I thought it was a great school, but I thought all high schools were the same.  I had no idea we were that excellent and progressive. I guess I should have known - many of us participated in T-groups: what other school had that?!  We even had two versions simultaneously - the in-class group, and the evening/weekend group (mine).   Many of us said that it was THE highlight of high school. For me it certainly felt brave and exciting to be in that type of human awareness environment, not only learning about myself but participating side-by-side with parents and teachers.  It gave me incredible insight into the adult world that I would soon be entering.

Since we had a short time to speak, I didn't talk about the other significant part of my high school education: the music experience.  I was lucky to be in band, orchestra and choir.  These classes shaped my future big time: I went to the University of Michigan as a music major, and then ended up getting a master’s in music therapy.  (I retired from that wonderful career in 2013).  BUT - in addition to being in all 3 music groups, I also got to use my skills in Wheatley's drama club and class musical.  How many people reading this remember the drama club's production of "David and Lisa"?  I got to be backstage behind a curtain and be the real flutist for the person supposedly playing onstage.  And in "Guys and Dolls" I was in the pit orchestra - so much fun, and I shared a stand with Mr. Pane, the band teacher!  I saved both programs - so many of us were involved in these arts events! 

1975 – Kenneth (“Kip”) Adgate – Marathon Man

Writes Kip – “Regarding the recent 1967 Wheatley Cross-Country team/Dr. August articles, the following may interest people (and keep me ahead of my obituary):  

My three older brothers, Brian (1966), Bruce (1968) and Brad (1973), all ran Cross-Country for Wheatley.  Brad was the Captain of the ’72 team.

Recently, I saw a photo of the Wheatley 1967 State Championship Team, posed on top of the Carryall, and wondered why my brother Bruce, who was on that team, wasn’t in the photo, so I asked him.  He responded:  "I TOOK the photo !!!!"

I was the exception in the Adgate family.  I never ran Cross-Country for Dr. August.  I did, however, set the family record for getting “Attitude Marks” from him.   (I once got one for showing up at gym when it wasn’t my gym class!).  I still don’t know what the principle behind that one was.   (Was that one a “good Attitude” mark?   He told me to leave, so I guess not.)

Turning 30, I jumped into the back of the Boston Marathon as a "bandit," back when that was a tradition -- just to see if I could run a marathon.  I could, but slowly and painfully.  I did it again turning 40, but this time I put some effort into training.  It started well, but turned into one of those hot days of April, and we all more or less melted 20 miles in.  I looked for another marathon nearby and found the Vermont City Marathon on Memorial Day in Burlington, VT.   I signed up and off I went.  That was the first of my 90 marathons. 

I have now run in every state and in six continents.  Most recently, I ran in Antarctica this January.  I had made it my goal not to run Boston again until I had qualified and earned a number.  To do that, you have to run a marathon under a certain time for your age group.  I decided that was my new standard, and I am one of maybe one hundred people to have run a Boston Qualifying time in all of the 50 States.  I still have Australia and, arguably, New Zealand to do, as some believe that is its own Continent.  I have also run in DC and Puerto Rico, in case they become States someday, and in Cuba.  (I don’t want to have to go back when I’m 80.)

It’s hard to keep motivated to run now, as all marathons have been cancelled due to the Pandemic, but I’m still logging miles.  My brothers are all well, but not running competitively.  As Brad says, "We all got it out of our systems in High School."

1982 – Susan Meltzer Long – Doing Great in the Mountain State

Writes Sue – “Hello Art!  I now live in West Virginia, where I have been practicing General Surgery for 23 years.  My husband Dave and I  are a blended family with 7 children - Kayla (a school teacher), Shannon (in medical school), Lauren (a junior in college), Benjamin (a senior in high school), Ariana (9th grade), Baylee (7th grade) and Seth (5th grade).   We live in the country and don't get back to Albertson too much (especially now with COVID) but my parents are well and still live there.” 

1982 - Craig Vogel – Fond Memories of Wheatley, and After

Writes Craig – ‘Hi Art, Reading your closing line of ‘Please send me your autobiography…’ has prompted me to forward this to you.

I have only fond memories of my years at Wheatley, and The Newsletter has provided me a chance to recall and relive some of them.  As I’ve enjoyed seeing so many student and teacher updates, I thought that it was time to share what I’ve been doing. 

After graduating Wheatley in 1982, I spent the next 14 years on Long Island (7-Year Medical Program at NYIT/NYCOM in Old Westbury, an Internship, and then 6 years training at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola (Medicine and then Cardiology).

For the last 20+ years, my wife Amy, our 2 sons and I have been living in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  Wheatley was such a great school environment and provided such a great foundation.  I always hoped that our children would have a similar high school experience.  Josh graduated UCF in Orlando and has been living/working in NYC, while Matthew, who also graduated UCF, is training to become an airline pilot.  Interesting that he chose this career, as I soloed at age 16, before taking “Drivers Ed” at Wheatley.  Although my Father (Jerry) passed away, we are very fortunate to have my mother (Harriet) living nearby in Florida.  My brother Gary (Wheatley 1984) lives in CT, and my brother David (Wheatley 1987) lives in Westchester, NY.

Immediately below is a TV Clip/Interview which describes a career highlight of mine, a Medical Mission to The Bahamas last September, immediately following Hurricane Dorian.

https://www.wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/palm-beach-gardens/local-doctor-shares-harrowing-journey-to-save-bahamian-mans-life

I would welcome the opportunity to hear from fellow Wheatley Alumni, Teachers and Staff. (cdvogel@comcast.net).  Good health and best wishes, Craig Vogel, D.O., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P.” 

2006 – Marc Rosen –Doomed to be Unforgettable

Writes Marc – “Dear Art, Thank you for inviting me to write this not-so-miniature bio.  I have maintained contact with only a small number of Wheatleyites over the years, so most of them have likely tried (and failed) to forget I exist.  Unfortunately for them, certain things, like my existence, leave scars on one's memory, doomed to be unforgettable.

It's been 14 years since I last gave any significant thought to Wheatley.  Granted, I still love and am in contact with a number of the faculty, but I never did connect strongly with anyone in school.  I was too much of an outlier, even back then.  I tended to barge through everything, more or less uncaring of the fact that more than half the neighborhood parents would have delighted in reading my obituary, tried to have me forcibly removed from the district as early as kindergarten, set themselves in bitter opposition against a child, even my own mother (but let's not get lost in those weeds, shall we?).  School-Within-A-School quite literally saved my life, and I doubt I'd be typing this now were it not for the support I found there.

After Wheatley, I got my BA in English from Dowling College, finishing in 2010.  I could've done better, but I was already fighting with my mother over college, and she was threatening measures (and preparing filings) that would've kept me legally under her iron fist for the rest of my life unless I played "nice,” so Dowling it was.  I made a few life-changing connections there, but academically, it was a dead end, and I was completely unsurprised when it closed.

While at Dowling, I freelanced as a journalist, attended a protest at Carnegie Hall (to this day, I still consider it a better way to get there than practice!), became extensively involved in the disability rights movement, and began work on my first poetry anthology (Perspectives: Poetry Concerning Autism and Other Disabilities).  My journalism, focusing on autism and disability, led me on a rather unorthodox path that had my articles cited in doctoral education classes, all while the professors were blissfully unaware that I was enrolled as an undergrad right under their noses!  That led to even more anthologies, such as Perspectives: Poetry Concerning Autism and Other Disabilities, Volume II, Unbelief, CHAOS: The Poetry Vortex (Amazon link to be released this or next week), and Stonewall's Legacy (coedited alongside Stonewall Veteran Rita "Rusty" Rose, who told me the truth of who threw the first punch that fateful night at the Stonewall Inn, and featuring contributions from Wheatley English teacher Rick Wilson).  I even somehow found the time to write a book of my own, Monster of Fifty-Nine Moons.

After graduation, I took a couple of years to focus on touring with Perspectives and providing consultations to families seeking help understanding their autistic and developmentally disabled children, as well as many seeking to improve their bargaining position at IEP meetings.  I also joined multiple boards of directors, including the New York State Independent Living Council, where I served until December of 2019 with distinction, then left due to term limits.

In mid-2012, I became a bankruptcy paralegal at Rosicki, Rosicki and Associates, P.C., located in Plainview, and deferred my dreams of law school and practicing law for the consolation prize of being almost adjacent to my passion for law, though not the specific field I had my heart set on.  I stayed there until 2018, when I became too sick to work, and at the same time, my employer closed its doors in disgrace after pleading out to defrauding Fannie Mae and the VA with regards to foreclosure cases.  In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I also wound up becoming a Disability Integration Advisor Reservist with FEMA, part of the first-ever reservist cadre the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination ever fielded, though in the wake of serious health problems that I acquired in March 2015, I was forced to resign.

In 2018, my health declined to the point where I had to go on disability.  However, idleness has never suited me, and I thus used my suddenly free time to prepare for the LSAT and apply to law school, as well as continue work on anthologies and other such projects as I can.  I was accepted to Hofstra in 2019, and deferred a year for medical reasons.  As such, I'm currently in Week Six of my first semester and somehow still managed to find the time to type this up.  While I'm sure plenty of my old classmates suspected me of masochism, let me assure them now that despite the fact that taking any time away from my studies might sound like an exercise in suffering, I'll be just fine with allowing myself this indulgence.

I suppose that's everything of importance for now.  No grand adventures, no glory befitting my past overachiever self, just a quiet life on this sandbar with my nose ever in a book.  Come to think of it, I guess not much has changed, besides abandoning my childish delusions of grandeur.

Monstrous regards,

Marc Rosen

Wheatley Class of 2006

BonusTorsoPhoto

Fan Mail,CoronavirusThoughts, and a Few Miscellaneous E-Mail Addresses and Comments

Faculty (Steve Finkelstein, Science Teacher) – “Thanks so much for keeping this newsletter going.”

 Faculty (Phoebe Gordon – PSG13@MSN.COM

 1958 (Geraldine “Geri” Boyce Lavite) –You are to be commended for preparing the Wheatley newsletter.  Even though I haven’t been an active participant, I have enjoyed reading about what has occurred in the lives of my classmates.  I was a member of Wheatley’s first graduating class, and to this day I appreciate the quality of education that was provided to us.  One day I’ll write a brief history of where life has taken me - I’m still not comfortable ‘tooting my own horn’ - but let’s say I have enjoyed the ride while hopefully contributing to make our world a better place.  All lessons learned at Wheatley!!  Being a Texas rancher is my avocation while education has always been my vocation.  Please continue with the Wheatley newsletter!”

 1961 (Patricia (“Patty”) Kirk Hefferan) – “Thanks, Art and Keith, for a very solidly packed newsletter.  If there are awards for high school newsletters, ours is the winner.  Wonderful presentation on Hildebrandt's.  I went to the grade school, the Cross Street School, right next door.  When I graduated we moved to East Williston, but Hildebrandt’s was never far away.  I took my husband there when we visited the island a number of years ago.  He loved it.”

 1961 (Gene Razzetti) – “Art and Keith: Great newsletter, as always.”

 1962 (Jon Bagdon) – “Hi Art, For me, this (# 50) was one of your best issues to date, a wonderful treasure trove of thoughts and memories.  Again, thanks for your hard work and dedication.”

 1962 (John Cilmi) – “Hi, Art,  Many thanks for helping us stay connected. JOHNCILMI@ME.COM”

 1963 (Donna Kenton) – “Thanks, as always, for keeping the Wheatley flame burning.”

 1964 (Andrea Alpert Robbins) – “A very special THANKS Art ...The newsletter is such a welcome read, especially during these extraordinary times....I would like to give an extra THANK YOU to the four lovely ladies of the Class of 1964 featured in Newsletter # 49: Marilyn Bardo, Nancy Gittleson, Meryl Moritz and Beth Sack.  Andrea Alpert Robbins [Mother of 2 daughters & Gramma of 4].”

 1964 (William Rutenberg) – “Great newsletter; thanks for keeping our memories alive.”

 1964 (John Sullivan) – “Art – many thanks for the most recent newsletter.  Great information re Hildebrandt’s.”

 1964 (Davida Tunis Philips) – “Thanks for a great and informative newsletter (# 49)!”

 1965 (Glen Hammer) – “I received your newsletter today and, as always, smiled as I read through the life stories and memories of all the Wildcats.  Keep up the strength to enable us to continue enjoying all the memories!”

 1965 (Jeffrey Orling) – “Thanks for your devotion!”

 1966 (Gretchen Gersh Whitman) – “Always grateful for your dedicated management of our insightful and entertaining Wheatley alumni newsletter.”

 1966 (Suzanne Stone) – “Thanks for keeping our history alive with news and bittersweet memories.....”

 1967 (Lee Fein) – “Love the Newsletters.”

 1967 (Scott Frishman) – “Thanks, as always, Art.  Loved the pieces on the football team.  You are the best.”

 1967 (Steve Presti) – “Thanks for doing all that you have done for so long.  What you are doing is great.  Thanks for finding the time to keeping us informed.”

 1970 (Ann Ballen) – “Thanks, Art.”

 1970 (James “Jimmy” Doyle) – “Thanks for all you do.”

 1970 (Mitch Shapiro) – “You do a fantastic job.”

 1970 (Victoria Unger Hochman) – “Thank you for the Newsletters.”

 1971 (Barbara Burri) –  8 Ridgewood Road, Plaistow, NH 03865 -  bburri@gmail.com

 1971 – Roxanne Galan Daugherty – “Love to all, Ronnie G”

 1974 – Bob Berta – “KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK............./s/  Bob”

 1975 – (Kenneth (“Kip”) Adgate) – “I enjoy reading the newsletter.”

 1976 (Paul Giarmo) – “LOVE, LOVE LOVE Issue No. 50 on the glory days of Wheatley Football.  You did a great job balancing the photos, articles, and our correspondence, and I thank you very much for that.  BTW, I especially liked the "Wheatley Football's Foremost Fan" moniker!!   If they ever gave out an award for best alumni newsletter you would win it hands down!

 1982 (Sue Meltzer Long) – “Thanks for all the work you do on the newsletter.  Keep them coming!”

 1982 (Craig Vogel) – “Thanks so much for all of your effort.”

Closing:

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 51.  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