Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 54,
The Class of 1962 Zoom Reunion
The Wheatley Class of 1962 Zoom Reunion will be taking place on
Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 4 PM (EST).
We hope that all our 1962 classmates will join in the fun of catching up with one another!
The Class Reunion Committee,
Ruth Rennert
Harriet Feinglass
John Kapinos
For more information contact Ruth at RENNERT@RUTHRENNERT.COM.
The Passing of Wheatley’s First Principal, Norman J. Boyan
Norman J. Boyan, Wheatley’s first Principal, who reigned from 1955 to 1959, passed away on December 2, 2020, peacefully, at home in Santa Barbara. He was 98.
https://newspress.com/boyan-norman-j/
Writes Walter Wathey, Wheatley’s Principal from 1961-1979 – “I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Norm Boyan. I had the honor and privilege to be his assistant as we set-up a brand new school called “The Wheatley School.” He raised the bar quite high in introducing many innovations at the secondary level. I will always remember Norm as Wheatley's first principal, and I consider it a true honor to have worked with him.
Sincerely,
Wes Wathey
Writes Art Engoron (1967) – “I don’t think I ever met Principal Boyan, but we correspond for approximately the last 15 years, until shortly before his passing, which came as a shock, to the extent that someone passing at 98-years-old can come as a shock. He generously slaked my insatiable curiosity about Wheatley’s early years with information that I published in a few prior Newsletters. Here’s a complete list of all Wheatley principals (http://wheatleyalumni.org/Wheatley%20Principals.htm)”
|
Principal |
Tenure |
|
Norman J. Boyan |
1955 - 1959 |
|
Clayton I. Akin |
1959 - 1960 |
|
Armand C. Vertucci |
1960 -1961 |
|
Walter W. Wathey |
1961 -1979 |
|
Richard J. Nixon |
1979 - 1980 |
|
Michael Glennon |
1980 - 1990 |
|
David J. Helme |
1990 - 1992 |
|
Edward P. Keenan |
1992 - 1995 |
|
Steve S. Kussin |
1993 - 1994 |
|
Marjorie K. Mayerson |
1994 - 1995 |
|
James S. O'Brien |
1994 - 1995 |
|
Richard A. Simon |
1995 -2008 |
|
Sean Feeney |
2008 - |
More on Wheatley’s Number One Ranking in the 3/30/98 Newsweek
Writes Rick Simon, Wheatley’s Principal from July 1995 through June 2008 –“As I wrote in a Wheatley Wildcat column about our ‘Number One in the Nation’ ranking in the 3/30/98 issue of Newsweek, a culture that looks for ways to improve is far more important than any ranking. I am grateful for my 13 years at Wheatley and all the wonderful students, staff, alumni, and parents that I had the privilege of working with. Those 13 years were professionally and personally the best years of my life.”
Writes Art Engoron – “Rick sent me lots of material about the ‘backstory to the story,’ some touched upon in the last newsletter, but I’ll just post here the heart of the matter, a copy of the Newsweek page listing Wheatley as the top High School in the country:
Athletic Prowess
Writes Art Engoron – “Coach Dan Walsh (the father of student Dan Walsh, 1990) has sent me a treasure trove of athletic records (many of which he received from Coach Bill Lawson). I’ll publish a few in every issue going forward.”
High Jump
2006 Scott Gorski 6’ 2.5”
1966 Jay Keillor 6’ 2.5”
1961 David Kotz 6’ 2”
1992 Brian Roff 6’ 1”
1964 Steve Simmons 6’ 0.5”
2001 Travis Senat 6’ 0”
1964 Glen Greenbaum 6’ 0” (as a sophomore)
1986 James O’Connell 6’ 0” (as a sophomore)
Pole vault
1965 George Glaser 13’ 0” (two feet higher than number two in this listing)
1982 Ken Collucci 11’ 0”
A (Possible) New Feature
Gerry Gersh (1969) suggests that the Newsletter publish links to graduates’ favorite songs. Here’s one of his (and mine), and yours are welcome, too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFjjO_lhf9c (Bryan Adams, Summer of ’69)
The Usual Words of Wisdom
I hope that you and yours are safe and healthy during these unprecedented, turbulent, difficult days. To state the obvious, next year WILL be better.
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 53 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 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 obvious errors or refuse to publish blatant 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.
Graduates
1964 – Michael Liebert – Bucket List Events
Writes Mike – “Art: I guess it's time for an update. Back at the beginning of 2019 I reported that I had stage four ureteral cancer, and I had completed two rounds of chemo. I finished the six rounds my Sloan oncologist recommended, and these completely wiped out the metastases. My doctor thought a wait-and-see approach was best, so they took pictures every three months for about 15 months.
Meanwhile, I worked on my Bucket List. First up was a trip to Camron Indoor Stadium to see the Duke-UVA Basketball Game. This was an awesome experience; but, unfortunately, UVA's top shooter missed an open three point shot with a minute to go that would have given UVA a four-point lead, and Duke eked out a victory. Next up was taking my small family to Israel for Passover with my cousins there. This was a great experience, too, as my granddaughters interacted beautifully with their (fourth) cousins, who were mostly of a similar age. Besides the Passover Seder up north, we toured Tel-Aviv, the Dead Sea area, Jerusalem, and the Negev. In the fall I spent a week at Kentucky Downs, which is a European style racetrack (all grass, not oval, and not level ground). They don't even have a grandstand! (I had a couple of sturdy portable chairs waiting for me at the local Walmart.) Bucket List planning for 2020 included a trip to London for the European Soccer Championship (EURO 2020) and the British Open (golf), but both were postponed to 2021. I retained my tickets, but I'm not hopeful that I'll be able to attend; and not because of my cancer.
Anyway, the wait-and-see was long enough. No new metastatic growths appeared, and my oncologist recommended that the original source of the cancer be removed. I do whatever he and his colleagues recommend, so one of my kidneys and its associated plumbing were removed in mid-May. Recovery was a bit rough, but after a few weeks I was back to normal. And I continue that way as tests that show nothing bad continue.
Meanwhile, I continue to work programming computer microprocessors that are embedded in some larger product (usually involving motion control), albeit less than before COVID. I haven't been to my client's site since March. They sent me equipment so that I could do what I need to do for them at my kitchen table. And since I doubt they care what kitchen table I do the work at, I'm planning to spend a couple of months down in Palm Beach, probably January and February. Michael Liebert, ’64, MLNJ@att.net”
1965 – Peter Altschuler – Remembering Barbara von Philp O’Brien, 1963
Writes Peter – “Reading about Barbara von Philp O’Brien transported me through decades. She was, to me, the Tuesday Weld of Wheatley — a girl so out of reach that it was shocking when she seemed to take an interest in me. I wasn’t sure why.
I was not either sportual, like the boys who flocked around her, or average (I doubt there was another boy at Wheatley who wore ascots as a general rule). And I suspected that the jocks who considered me weird persuaded her to make me believe that she liked me. Then, if I responded, she could drop me like a bauble of emotion, so I’d break and be revealed as a fraud — an insecure kid who was nowhere as cool or experienced as he appeared to be.
When we spent time alone in her car, my parents expressed their alarm. (Why they saw danger was a mystery; we were parked right in front of my house in plain view.) And I was flattered to have any time at all with her. It just seemed so unlikely.
I’d given up trying to play football (the wind sprints in late August in 90-degree heat had given me pneumonia), and I didn’t have the endurance for soccer. Besides, the only time girls were around was at games. The rest of the time was spent solely in the company of sweaty young boys, and that was not my vision of ideal. If I wanted to be near females, there was only one place I could go: the Drama Club.
In that very brief time between a first kiss and moving from Roslyn for good, Barbara and I would sit together in the Wheatley auditorium whenever I wasn’t on stage. She was ahead of me by two grades, so we never crossed paths during class time, and she wasn’t in the choir, which was my only other activity that had students from different grades.
By the time I left in sophomore year, she was ready to graduate, and my parents had made it clear they disapproved of my association with “an older woman.” When I finally returned to visit my friends in the community, Barbara was gone.
I don’t know what I expected her to do. I can’t even recall what we talked about more than half a century ago. But, after doing a little research, I’m very glad to have learned about her life, her creativity, her art, and her legacy. I envy Jeffrey Jacobs for having stayed in touch with her through the years.”
1965 – Priscilla Paulsen Miller – Mystery Friend Photo
Writes Art Engoron (1967) – “Priscilla’s daughter, Melissa, found the following photos (and others) in a small Wheatley album. The woman on the left is Tove Christensen, an exchange student from Denmark who stayed with the Nadel family from 1962-1963. The woman on the right looks to me like Dana Keillor, 1967. Can anybody say for sure?”
Amy Gruskin Gerstein – Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen
Writes Amy – “i came across this picture of my Sweet Sixteen Party at the Roslyn Country Club. I find myself looking at photos all the time now; I am missing a lot of up-close and personal contact!
Top Row, left to right: Eliza Berman?, Gale Greenberg, Jane Pullman, Karen Seidenberg, Peggy Buonacuore, me, Janet Lagattuta, Teri Lauricella, Fran Reich, Monique Silver, Susan Cohen
Bottom Row, left to right: Denise Frank, Debbie Bond, Joyce Miceli, Bev Berman, Suzanne Stone, Charline Krakauer
Best to all, Amy Gruskin Gerstein”
1966 - Paul Malsky – Remembered Fondly by Classmates Allan Silver and Janet Lagattuta Maffei
Writes classmate Allan Silver – “On November 30th of this year, Paul Malsky died unexpectedly. Paul was my best friend since elementary school at Willets Road.
Paul and I face-timed with each other several times a week to share our lives. My wife would love to hear us laughing during our conversations.
Paul was a well-respected retina surgeon, who practiced in Albany, Georgia, prior to retiring to Destin, Florida several years ago. In Albany, Paul was the only retina surgeon who would provide eye care to the premature infants at the regional hospital despite the low reimbursement rate. Paul also provided retina care to indigent patients. He often told me that no one should lose eyesight because of an inability to afford proper medical care.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jan; a married daughter, Jessica, who is completing her Master’s Degree at Yale to become a Nurse Practitioner; and a son, Joseph, who is a physician. We will all miss Paul's kindness and wisdom..
Paul and I were planning a hiking trip in the Grand Teton Mountains as soon as we received the Covid-19 vaccine. I am so sorry that our plan has gone awry and that I never had the opportunity to say good-bye to him.”
Writes Janet Lagattuta Maffei – “I met Paul in tenth grade. I was immediately attracted to his handsome face and quiet demeanor. He was the complete opposite of me; I was always very boisterous and more interested in socializing and going out then my school work. I guess you could say I had a real crush on him. We dated for most of our sophomore and junior years at Wheatley. We went to the junior prom together. I have so many wonderful memories of our fun relationships. I remember when he gave me his senior class ring. I was so excited. Then it was gone, his big German shepherd decided it was something to eat, we never did find it. I was terrible at Math and Science, whereas those where his best subjects. He was so smart; he got me through those subjects, and after that I understood how to deal with Math and Science and did much better. He had the patience of a saint.
.
He had three adorable sisters that were so cute and nice. He had a wonderful family, and family was so important to him, all his life. His kindness showed through his entire life. Apparently he helped a lot of people in his medical practice, and they loved him, no surprise.
As time went on, of course, we drifted apart, and we didn’t date during our senior year. But it was still one of the most fun parts of high school. I can remember walking down the halls of Wheatley cuddled up together and so proud of being his girlfriend.
We lost contact with each other over the years. It’s funny how you never forget your first love’s birthday. Some years ago we got in touch again. I sent him a birthday text every year. He thought it was so funny that I never forgot his birthday. I will always have these special memories between us and will never forget him. He was such special part of my Wheatley years.
Paul’s funeral mass was on Facebook. It was a lovely service, and both of his children spoke. I still have tears in my eyes when I think of him gone. Good Bye, my sweet friend.”
1967 – Linda Caterino – Personal and Professional Success
Writes Linda - “Dear Arthur, I noticed that there wasn’t as much news as usual for the Class of 1967, so here’s a little more. While the pandemic has been so devastating, I have had a few positives. First, due to home schooling and my daughter’s work schedule, I have the pleasure of watching my granddaughter, Alessandra, every Sunday evening and Monday. We attend first grade home school as well as Spanish on-line. This is so much fun. Here is a picture of her in her Halloween costume, dressed as Medusa (her choice).
I also was asked to submit a chapter to the book ‘Women Leaders in School Psychology’ (Ed. Carol Lidz). The book, which describes 20 leaders, was released just last month. It was a wry, thoughtful experience to process the significant events of my life while writing the chapter. I was also chosen by the Governor to be one of four psychologists on the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. We oversee the professional behavior of psychologists in the state in an effort to protect the citizens of Arizona from unethical and illegal practices by psychologists and behavior analysts. It’s a very interesting, but demanding, position.”
1967 – Linda Dimmler LaBarca – Learned Lifelong Skills at Wheatley
Writes Linda – “Dear Art, A while back some people shared their favorite teachers. I enjoyed my four years of home economics, which I believe was called ‘homemaking.’ Mrs. Florence Saxon was the teacher. The class eventually specialized in sewing. The class put on a fashion show in the clothes the students made. I can still remember my outfit, a fully lined skirt and suit jacket. I have enjoyed sewing for many years. I did switch quite a few years ago from sewing to quilting. I have made every quilt on my home and have given away many quilts.
My other favorite teacher was Mr. Levin, who taught Social Studies. He was my teacher for two years. He had a unique way of teaching. His tests were often just two essays, and you could choose which one. Either you knew the material or you did not. I was left with a life-long love of history. I love reading and I often pick books based on history or ones about different cultures.
During this quarantine time I have had the opportunity to read an enormous number of books. Our library was closed for a few months, so I ordered all the books from Amazon. I will be able to donate them to the library.
I hope you and your family keep safe during these trying times. Linda Dimmler LaBarca”
1967 – Art Engoron – In the News
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/trump-organization-documents-ny-attorney-general/index.html
1967 - Jill Simon Forte – Memories of Then; Realities of Now
Writes Jill – “The most recent Newsletter reminded me of my across-the-street neighbor Bobby Eastman ð and of my everlasting thanks (every time I sew and fix anything for my kids and grandkids) for Mrs. Florence Saxon, who taught me to use a sewing machine (even though she sent my mother a letter, which I still haveð, complaining about my behavior in class ðð). I was never an easy student, haha, especially after I met my future husband Bob (Forte, 1965), and I would get Assistant Principal Colin Bentley on my case about holding handsðĪŠ (imagine how antiquated the rules were back then). I’ve been mostly staying inside since March, social distancing, and wearing masks. Hoping all the Wheatley people stay safe.”
1968 – Donna Brescia – Remembering Nina Venezia Kotarra
Writes Donna – “It was so sad to hear that Nina Venezia passed (my goodness, she looks SO much like her mom, Linda). The Venezias lived on Charles Street, a few houses down from ours. The father and mother, Mike and Linda, were a bit younger than my parents, but they became close. (My maternal grandmother's name was Venezia, and they always tried to identify our relationship...). I remember Mike, Sr. (a large, commanding guy - also a Villanova grad) coming down the street when he saw I was home from college and calling out to me about the "radical" college I went to - it was the year the black students had taken over Willard Straight Hall at Cornell - and he wanted to know if I planned on staying there. (Actually, I was fine - some of those guys who made the cover of Newsweek brandishing rifles were my friends!) Nina was such a sweet and loving kid - and I am not surprised that she became a nurse and healer. My sincere condolences and warm memories to all the Venezias. Fondly, Donna”
1968 – Ken Gallard – Momentary Amazement
Writes Ken – “Say Art......Breezing through the newest newsletter, I got about 60% of the way down and ran into a bold (and underlined) headline that said ‘Bill Kirchick-Elected President.’ Holy cow!! I mean...I'd have voted for him, but I don't recall seeing his name on the ballot here in New Mexico. I know we live in the woods and all, but I thought I heard that Joe Biden won. Congratulations Bill! LOL... Cheers, Ken”
1969 – Rhoda Garfinkel – Teaching in the East Williston School District
Writes Rhoda – “I taught one year at North Side. By then it was the primary school, and I. U. Willets was the intermediate school. Mrs. Brescia had to take the year off, and I replaced her with a first grade class. It was Mr. Heroy’s last year, and I attended his retirement party. I remember Mrs. Donnelly, both Viscos, Mrs. Hughs, and Mrs. Deaner. The teachers I did not like as a student, I did not like as a teacher. I had never been at North Side, because I was an I. U. Willets girl. The year before, I taught in Great Neck, where Dr. Schroederman was the Superintendent. He greeted me publicly at the teachers’ meeting. I stopped teaching when I moved to Boston and became a mom. I will not mention names, but I thoroughly enjoyed being in the Teachers’ Room listening to some of the teachers reminisce about troublesome past students, many of whom were my peers.”
1970 – Andrew Rotman-Zaid – Deceased
Writes Class Correspondent Jane Roeder – “Andy Zaid passed away from COVID-19 on December 2, 2020, in Illinois. There are some beautiful tributes on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/andy.rz.10. Andy changed his last name to ‘Rotman-Zaid’ when he married Holly. Sadly, he passed away on their 42nd wedding anniversary.”
1972 – Dolores Waltzer Bernstein – Proud to be a Wildcat Graduate
Writes Lori – “Hi Art, Reading all of these recaps makes me especially proud to be a Wheatley graduate. How did it happen that the years have passed and my classmates, as noted [Ricky Frishman], are retirees?
I still live in the area, often passing what was the Strumpfler's Glen Cove Road home. I can't count the many times I've wondered what happened to the family, hence my appreciation of Karen Strumpfler's addition to Newsletter # 53.
I've attached a photo in which Doug Strumpfler (1969) is 2nd from left, the Faucella twins (Peter & Gene), Billy Pratt, Louis Mongonia (brother of Kathy Mongonia 1972) & Gary Vlahov (not in order of position) are also part of this, in Instagram verbiage, ‘epic capture.’”
1973 – Robert Valicenti, Charlie Nash, Scott Tunis – Still Friends
Writes Bob – “I have been keeping in touch with Charlie Nash and Scott Tunis. We were all in the same class at Wheatley. Charlie graduated early because he ‘wanted to get the hell out of high school,’ as he put it. He became the lawyer for the Melbourne, Florida Police Department and also was a state trooper... perfect job for him. We get together in South Florida once in while. He and his wife, Frankie, have come by the venue to hear my band play. Scott and I were getting together to jam with his rock band in Coral Springs, Florida until the pandemic hit. Now things are on hold indefinitely.”
1973 – Alan Angell – Owns Bars in Thailand
-->
Writes Alan – “I am still in Thailand, where I just bought another bar. In the street scene photo, Wet Six is in the foreground, La La Land is down the road near the water. BTW, I spent a fair amount of time in your house on Bengeyfield Drive during my Northside years.”
1973 – Nina Venezia Kotarra – Steve Ehre (Faculty) Remembers
Writes Steve – “Art, For many reasons, the passing of some students I have known has a greater impact on me than others, even if I have lost touch. The passing of Nina Venezia (Kotarra) is one such student. I remember her as one of the sweetest young women I ever taught. A solid student who was always prepared, seemingly perpetually in some type of uniform, her long blonde hair flowing behind her as she walked quickly, never slowly, as she had places to go and things to do. She always had a beautiful smile for everyone. Not surprisingly she was surrounded by friends anytime I saw her. I think she is the first student I ever danced with. It was at her prom, and I remember she asked my wife first. The obituary brought back many fond memories of her. The world is a poorer place by her untimely passing. Steve (Ehre)”
1974 – William Meyn – Five Years in a Row
Writes Bill – “I did not graduate from Wheatley HS. But I did attend Northside, I.U. Willets Road, and Wheatley through 9th grade, The quality of education at my four high schools in four years varied considerably. I graduated from Eastport HS (Suffolk County). I was accepted into the US Coast Guard Academy in 1974 (I credit my K-9 education). I spent 27 years in uniform and then worked as a civilian in the Coast Guard until January 2019 - retired now. Mari Clark from Illinois and I married in mid-life, the first and only marriage for both of us - no kids - going on 28 years now. I remember many of my Wheatley classmates fondly, although in truth I could not name more than half of them in the attached photos. I know most of their faces, but the names escape me.
1st grade – I am bottom row, second from right 
2nd grade, I am (again) bottom row, second from right
Third grade, I am top row, second from left
4th Grade, I am bottom row, third from right The front row, middle five guys are, L-R, Billy Wolf, Floyd Leeson, Joe Angell, me, Joe Pistocchi. I know the guys on the far left and far right, but their names escape me.
5th grade, I am back row second from right
I recall Mr. Kurloff from 1st period art class in 9th grade, playing Donovan and Melanie records. Many years later I picked up a Melanie record and experienced the intense smell of cheap Tempera paint as Melanie warbled and trilled about brand new roller skates. I believe this experience is called synesthesia. Dozens of other memories come back, but this one will probably resonate with some. RIP to David Hershcopf from that early morning class. I am so glad he had success in the field of art, and so sad that he died too young.”
1977 – Linda Watnick – Another Carvel Kid
Writes Linda – “Dear Art, I hope this email finds you well amidst this bizarre year! Since I have retired after 38 years of teaching, I have more time to do lots of different things, such as to contribute to your newsletter.
I have enjoyed following the Carvel thread in the past few issues. It inspired me to jump in! Above is a photo I believe was taken by Eric Kahan (1978). I am thinking this photo was taken in 1975. The photo may have captured my first successful small vanilla cone without sprinkles.
Working at Carvel back in the day was quite an experience. I worked with Wendy Gilmore (1977) and one of her brothers, Scott (1973). Aside from making root beer floats and sundaes, we created several activities to pass the slower times using the flying saucer graham crackers and some other items. Overall it was a busy store with lots of Wheatleyites stopping by. Best, Linda”
1984 – Frank Schnur – Success On and Off the Field
Writes Frank – “Hi Arthur, I recently posted a video of the 1983 Boys Soccer State Championship game on Facebook. We won! ð Coach Bernie Hintz, who sent me the VHS tape, said we were one of three Wheatley teams that won the state championship over the years. He said that we weren’t the most talented of the three teams, but that we stood out for our amazing team chemistry and incredible team spirit. The Wheatley cheerleaders give a great performance at halftime too! The post-game celebration was the best part for me. Those were great days! Great friends! The glory days. As we used to say: “We own the state, baby.” There are some great comments on the FB post from players and fans. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/frankschnurjr/posts/1556155914550081 The quality of the video improves as the game progresses and the post-game is very clear.
My brother Pete scored a hat trick in our 3-0 victory over Holland Central and won the game MVP. Pete and I both went on to win Ivy League titles and NCAA D1 Tournament berths with Columbia University, and Mike Masters went on to play at Williams College and played professionally in the lower divisions in England for a few years.
I live in Hopkinton, Massachusetts with my wife, Laura, and 4 of our 5 kids. I coached all 5 of them while they were young, and I’ve been an assistant coach for the Hopkinton High School Boys Varsity Team for the past several years. My oldest, Kyran, is engaged to be married and is getting his PhD and teaching History at the University of Illinois in Chicago. My second son, Duncan, is playing varsity soccer and studying Marketing and Communications at Ithaca College. My oldest daughter, Keira, is a dancer and is studying Fashion Design at Marist College. My youngest son, Owen, is a junior in High School and has been the leading scorer on the varsity team for the past 2 years (11 goals in each year). This year he was a captain and was selected as an All-State player. Owen was also invited to the Region One Olympic Development Team Camp in Florida before it was cancelled due to Covid. My youngest, Maya, is in 8th grade now and has recently started playing volleyball after dropping soccer and basketball a couple of years ago. On the work front, after spending 11 years with American Express, I started my own sales and marketing consulting business in 2011. I’ve worked as an outsourced CMO and CSO for many companies across several industries, including travel, meetings, healthcare and education. A couple of years after finishing my BA in Economics at Columbia, I got my MBA in Marketing and Management of Organizations from Columbia Business School. My greatest joy is watching my kids do the things they love.
Here’s a team photo from the yearbook, a picture of me with my youngest son Owen and a great action shot of Duncan at Ithaca.
1983 State Champs - Team Photo: Top Row: Left to Right: Coach Bernie Hintz, David Shapiro #18, James Rothstein # 3, Jeff Schneider # 7, Junior Captain Mike Masters #9, Senior Captain Frank Schnur #4, Peter Schnur # 10, Charlie Adair, John Schroeder #8.
Bottom Row: Greg Cassela 21, Pat Lucas, M. Silverstein, Alex Barnett 20, Darin Brown, Steve DeFranco, Pete Burns 13, Adam Feinstein 11, James Shifren 12, J. Riordan 15. Missing from Photo: Greg Levine, and Pat Leary
Thanks! Frank Schnur frank_schnur@yahoo.com
1985 – Sarah Tirgary – Helping End Domestic Violence
Writes Sarah - I, an attorney in solo practice since 2001, have been nominated “Advocate of the Year for 2020” by the New York City Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. With the growing demand for help due to the spike in DV, I’ve been working with the Family Justice Center to create a bridge between survivors in need of help and the court system to obtain orders of protection and exclusions of abusers from their homes. I do this work because I recognize the basic belief that no person has the right to harm another, neither physically nor emotionally. Helping survivors gain not only the courage to seek help, but to do so with dignity, is exactly the reason why I pursued a legal career.
https://www.facebook.com/nycendgbv/posts/3607098532685948
Fan Mail and a Few Miscellaneous E-Mail Addresses and Comments
Administration (Rick Simon) – “I love the Newsletter.”
Faculty (Steve Ehre) – “Art, thanks again for such a great job. The Newsletter is something I look forward to even if it sometimes brings bad news.”
1958 (Audrey Warde Muccio) – “Thanks for an excellent Newsletter. Ken Martin’s (1960) Hacker story was hysterical. Sending wishes to all for the Holidays and a healthy Happy New Year!”
1960 (Joanne Festa) – “Thank you, Art, for all your hard work. May you and yours have a healthy Holiday Season and be safe. Joanne”
1961 (Terry Frisina Levine) – “Art, I look forward every month to the newsletter. It’s always interesting, informative and fun, and I know it means a lot to many of the alumni. Thanks for all you do.”
1964 (Donnita Ryan Whittier) – “Hi, Art! I laughed a lot at Ellen Solow Holzman's memories of North Side, as we were in many classes together.”
1964 (Davida Tunis Philips) – “Thanks again for the newsletter....really great this time. davidap100@yahoo.com.”
1966 (Sue Sand) – “Absolutely love reading these newsletters. I am particularly grateful to Ellen Solow for her descriptions of North Side. I was just two years behind her and had many of the same teachers. Our memories align! Sue Sand 1966 ‘After these days of rending, of loss, of violence, of grief, of convulsant change, may we find a beautiful, grateful reimagining. May we land as the blue bird does, resting and peaceful.’ Laura Hillenbrand”
1966 (Allan Silver) – “I look forward to the newsletter every month (it is wonderful), and I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into it. The Newsletter becomes more meaningful to me each year to learn how my classmates are doing. It is sad that more and more space is being utilized for eulogies - that are well deserved. Thank you for keeping us all together. Best wishes to you and your family for the holiday season.”
1966 (Suzanne Stone) – “With gratitude and warmest wishes for all you do for us Wildcats!”
1967 (Linda Caterino) – “I enjoy reading your newsletter and look forward to it each month. Great job, as usual.”
1967 (Linda Dimmler LaBarca) – “Thank you for the great newsletters.”
1967 (Scott Frishman) – “Hey Art, Another great newsletter as usual ð. Thanks for all you do, my friend.”
1967 (Fred Hanft) – “Thanks for all your hard work.” 9324 Tillot Drive, Matthews, NC 28105-2572, 704-578-6327, FCHANFT@GMAIL.COM”
1967 (Ilene Kornblath Rosenbaum) – “Thanks for all your hard work with our newsletter! Everyone enjoys reading it!”
1967 (Jill Simon Forte) – “I love reading the Newsletters; thanks for another entertaining one.”
1968 (Donna Brescia) – “Art - thanks, again, for all your work on this newsletter. It is so nice, particularly in this difficult scary time to review memories and feel grounded! With five of us having gone to Wheatley, and my mom (still kicking at 100) having taught many North Siders, I so enjoy hearing about my old friends - and my siblings' old friends.”
1968 (Laurie Lutrin Goodmark) – “Hi Art, I look forward to your newsletter and appreciate the work and time you put into it. I did not graduate from Wheatley, because my family moved after my junior year, but I always considered myself an alum. Thanks – Laurie - lauriesue1950@gmail.com”
1968 (Laurence Schiller) – Art, thank you for doing the newsletter. I think over the years I forgot a great deal about Wheatley, having had literally no contact with anyone in my class, until you organized the 50th-year reunion. I am glad to reacquaint myself with my friends and have lots of fond memories bubbling to the surface. It is much appreciated.”
1969 (Paul Berkowitz) – “Thanks for your formidable efforts.”
1969 (Rhoda Garfinkel) – “Can't help but asking when the next alumni Newsletter will arrive. I do look forward to them.”
1969 (Gerry Gersh) – “Your Newsletter is needed now more than ever - but I am a little fearful of hearing peers, top risk group, passing away from this dreadful disease.”
1970 (Robin Halpern) – “Your effort to reunite and enlighten alumni through the Newsletter is greatly appreciated. Seeing people’s names from a half-century ago, and having them ring a bell, serves as a helpful reminder that my memory is still intact!”
1970 (Laura Nathanson) – “Thanks for your fantastic Newsletters, keeping us Wheatleyites connected through these many years.”
1972 (Susie Spielberger Porter) – “Hi Art, Thanks so much for your tireless Wheatley Newsletters - I always enjoy reading them and hearing about Wheatley alumni. Susie (Spielberger) Porter, 191 S Fairview Ave, Montauk, NY 11954, 516-554-4990, susie.porter39@gmail.com.”
1972 (Lori Waltzer Bernstein) – “Thank you, Art, the connection to The Wheatley School is strong. Your work toward that effort is deeply appreciated.”
1973 (Jeannine McClure Bradley) – “Good Morning Arthur, I am Jeannine Bradley, Class of 1973. My sisters Heidi and Gwendolyn graduated in 1978 and 1979, respectively. Thank you for your hard work as master administrator, connector, and sharer of Wheatley news, be it good, bad or otherwise. I'm looking forward to a possible 50th-year reunion for the Class of '73 in a few years; maybe COVID restrictions will be lifted by then. May we all stay healthy and strong for that. JBRAD089@UOTTAWA.CA
1974 (Vicki Abbott Pitcavage) – “Thank you Art, and have a healthy and safe holiday season.”
1974 (Bill Meyn) – “Thanks for the regular Newsletters!”
1974 (Elyse Rame) – “Hi Art, Thank you once again for your labor of love, which enables all of us to keep connected in some small way. Every time I read one of your Newsletters I am brought back a few (many more then I care to say) years, and although sometimes bittersweet, it is very much enjoyed. Hope you and all our fellow Wheatley community members stays safe and healthy.”
1975 (Laurie Senz) – “Hi Art, I enjoy reading your Newsletter. Thank you for your time and energy in compiling it. LaurieSenz@gmail.com”
1977 (Carol McDowell Shaheen) – “I continue to just love these Wheatley Newsletters, Art ! THANK YOU!”
1977 (Linda Watnick) – “I truly enjoy reading your newsletters. Our little niche of a community and the forum you have created to reminisce, continue to fill me with gratitude. Keep doing what you do best!”
1979 (Amy Gould) – “Thanks Art – I look forward to these Newsletters! Stay safe.”
1981 (Angelo Carbone) – “Reading these newsletters brings back nice memories of growing up in East Williston and attending school here from kindergarten to graduation. Thank you.”
1985 (Sarah Tirgary) – “Thank you for keeping our alumni together. The Newsletter has been a source of pride for many Wheatley alumni. Thanks for all you do.”
2009 (Amanda Hartman) – “I love the latest edition (# 53) of the Newsletter, Art, especially Roscoe's (my basset hound) shout-out. I showed him his photo and he kept snoring. Thank you!”
Closing:
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 54. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.
|
Arthur Fredericks Engoron The Wheatley School Class of 1967 646-872-4833 |
 |