Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons, Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 83. According to Substack, in its first 24 hours Newsletter # 82 received 3,398 views, 7 likes and two (positive) comments. Please note that anything underlined is a link-to-a-link or an email address, and anything not is not, because Substack does not allow underlining of anything else. The Class of 1973 50th-Year Reunion is being planned for early fall, 2023. If you are interested in joining the organizing committee please email Nancy Dreyer at nancy@koffmandreyer.com or Bonnie Greenberg at Bonnie.greenberg@mac.com.
Takemi Ueno '83 will play in a free concert with the Doctors' Orchestra on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 PM, at the High School of Fashion Industries (225 West 24th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues). The program will consist of the overture to Wagner's Tannhauser; Bach's concerto for two violins; and Dvorak's Eighth Symphony. The concert is FREE; donations are welcome; masks are appreciated.
Another Response to The Passing of Walter Wesley (“Wes”) Wathey, Wheatley Principal 1961-1979
Writes Gene Razzetti (1961) - “I had a great conversation with Dr. Danielle Gately, the East Williston School District Superintendent, about creating what will eventually become ‘The Walter W. Wathey Memorial Award for Excellence in Education’ (working title). This will be an annual award for a deserving teacher, principal, or other administrator in the district whose professionalism, hard work, and dedication reflect those of Mr. Wathey. Dr. Gately was enthusiastic about the award, and I expect to hear more from her people soon, and we can hammer out the particulars. Best to you and the gang, Gene" The Usual Words of Wisdom
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 82 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) at Wheatley School Alumni Association Website Also, thanks to Keith is our search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me. We welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, and the people who administered, taught and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967 Faculty
Writes Gene Razzetti Remembering Messrs. Pagliaro and Maskin - “I was sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Pagliaro and Mr. Maskin some time ago. Mr. Pagliaro taught English and History in my time, and ran Audio Visual Aids. I had him in a study hall. He was never too preoccupied to talk with me - even though I was not technically one of his students. When I saw him at Wheatley's 50th, I introduced myself and said, ‘Do you remember me?’ He looked at me and said: ‘Yes!’ I believe him to this day. Mr. Maskin added ‘Guidance’ to his skill set during my time there, having coached Basketball and Soccer. Wheatley was truly blessed to have these great professionals and many others like them. Best, Gene” Deborah Silverman Sloyer, 1970, Remembers Mr. Fradkin - Writes Deborah - “Hi Art, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Fradkin, my Latin teacher at Wheatley. Aside from being an excellent teacher, he gave us a piece of advice which I have found extremely helpful. The simple piece of advice was to ‘always go with your first impression.’ Deborah Silverman Sloyer, 1970” Parents
Scott Reich, 2001, Remembers Mary Dwyer - Writes Scott - “Hi Art, I was very sorry to learn of Mrs. Dwyer's passing. She was my North Side teacher in both first and third grades, and some of my oldest school memories are being in her classroom and observing the many kindnesses she bestowed on her students. She was a wonderful woman, really concerned about each child's welfare. One particular lesson she imparted comes to mind. Each week in first grade, a different student would co-lead with Mrs. Dwyer a book reading to the entire class until everyone had gone, whereupon the rotation would begin again. I was inadvertently not given a turn during the first cycle, and I remember feeling disappointed, but I didn't say anything. After a few students had gone a second time, Mrs. Dwyer approached me, noting her realization that I had not yet had my chance to go. In a very endearing, concerned manner, she apologized for the oversight and asked: ‘Scott, why didn't you tell me about this so I could fix it?’ I shrugged, and she moved closer to me to make sure I was looking her in the eye. ‘Never be afraid to speak up for yourself,’ she said with a smile. ‘Never!’ I always remembered and appreciated it, and I wanted to share the anecdote here in the hope that some members of the Dwyer family will see this happy reminiscence. May she rest in peace. Scott Reich, Class of 2001” Graduates
Class of 1958 (Wheatley’s First!) Mini Reunion - Nelson, Neman, Hennefeld
L-R - Steve Nelson, Barbara Newman, and Julien Hennefeld Writes Steve - The three of us met for lunch at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on the Hudson River north of Albany. We came from Williamstown, MA; Manhattan, NY; and Bennington, VT, respectively. It was a beautiful fall afternoon for renewing old friendships and remembering Wheatley. Barbara and Julien still compete in ping pong (she) and tennis (he) tournaments. We’re not ready to become dinosaurs yet!” 1959 - Linda Leaf - Appreciating Teacher Joe McCormack’s Letter to Linda’s Classmate Matt Sanzone, Published in Newsletter # 82 - “Dear Matt, What a beautiful letter- thank you for sharing it with us. Condolences to Mr McCormack’s family.” [[[The letter reads as follows: “Dear Matt, It was really a pleasant experience talking to you at the recent interviews at Wheatley. I just want you to know what a favorable impression you made on all of us. I was proud to see what a fine person . . . you have become. As you know, you came as close as you did out of almost 300 candidates. Most of them weren’t even in the ballpark with you finalists. I’m sure that you are going to be a terrific leader. Your humanism and concern for kids shines through like a light. I just couldn’t pass up this chance to say how impressed I was with you. Best wishes, Joe McCormack”]]] Class of 1961 61st-Year Reunion
Writes Gene Razzetti - “As the newest and least productive member of the Wheatley Class of 1961 Reunion Committee, it fell on me to write the input for the newsletter. So here goes. We got together at a really nice Hilton Garden Inn, right up the road from the Roslyn Clock Tower. There were over 30 of us, counting spouses, during the weekend of 14-16 October. The main events were a get together Friday night and a dinner Saturday. Everything was exceptional. The Staff at the Inn could not have been more accommodating or professional. Daytime saw lots of individual and group trips and sentimental journeys. Some folks stayed for Sunday Brunch before going home. It was a very special time. Here is the Saturday night group shot of the Class and spouses. The four cabbages in the front were awarded to those of us who had achieved the lowest grades each of the four years. (Only kidding, thank heavens.)
Standing L-R: Mrs. David Kotz, Mark Luria, Mrs. John Rigrod, Jerry Mintz, John Rigrod, Mike Jablon, Debbie Kerstein Brosowsky, David Kotz, Kent Salisbury, Joan Matlick Sunshine, Tim Jerome, Gene Razzetti, Carol Jalonack Blum, Dickey Safft, Lenny Symons, Cathy Safft, Carol Symons, Audrey Lewis Johnson, Carol Kopelman, and Paul Johnson. Seated L-R: Charlie Hill and wife, Judy Schaffel Rubin, Jeanne Messing Sommer, Richard Kopelman, Nancy Kurshan, Carol Matlick Rosen, Camille Napoli Cannizzo, and Jill Davidson Blaney. Lots more pictures are on the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/j68jhpPd1ViXJJb26 I went over to Wheatley on Saturday morning, walked the perimeter, and peeked into windows when I could. The school looked great; clean, classy, and inviting. The baseball and soccer fields were busy. Lots of enthusiastic kids and parents. The tennis courts were filled, and the signs suggested that the school has a tennis team. The Gym was open and young ladies were warming up for a volleyball game. The vestibule outside the Gym was filled with trophies, plaques, and other sports commemoratives. The hallways leading to the classrooms were locked, as you would expect. Out in the parking lot stood a lonely school bus. The name on it was not "Pierce." Nothing lasts forever, although Larry's busses were trying. Wheatley looked as good or better than my best recollections. There was still a strong sense of quality, professionalism, and high standards. You can't help but appreciate that these days. I have to say that the Class of 1961 can still feel very good about Wheatley. I then had lunch at Hildebrandt's, sitting next to three kids throwing ice cream at each other. A Happy and Healthy Holiday Season to all, Gene Razzetti, 1961” 1963 - Robert Arthur Jacobs - Professor Emeritus Writes Bob - “I retired in the summer of 2020 to the desert near Palm Springs after 46+ years at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/USC KECK School of Medicine. I remain Professor Emeritus at USC.” 1964 - Alan Ibanez - Remembered by Vivian Cilmi Kunz - “I enjoyed reading Andrea Ibanez’s (1966) story about Alan Ibanez and Darius Elahi (both 1964). I met Alan in 5th Grade at the North Side School, and he was my first crush! Our teacher, Mrs. Mandel, assigned us to clean out the class turtle bowl after school one day, and I was thrilled! Alan and I were friends for many years. He had a wonderful, kind smile!” 1967 - Robert (“Bobby”) Silverstein - Deceased
Disability Rights Organization’s Statement on Passing of Bobby Silverstein, by CEO Jake Cornett: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Robert ‘Bobby’ Silverstein. Among the long list of accomplishments in disability policy and law, Bobby was a key staffer in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to my time in the U.S. Senate, Bobby had served as staff director and chief counsel for the Subcommittee on Disability Policy of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). During my time working as disability policy staffer to U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s HELP Committee, Bobby was always available to support our work to advance the rights of people with disabilities. I will remember our moments of collaboration and shared passion for disability rights fondly. His expertise, experience, and historical knowledge of disability policy is a loss for the movement. We will lead on in his honor. November 18, 2022” Bobby’s Facebook page contains numerous encomiums (“encomia”?). Writes Art Engoron (1967) - “Bobby was my year’s Senior Class President, and he was clearly bound for glory, which he achieved. I’m shocked that he passed away at such a relatively young age; he seemed to me to be the healthy, happy type who would live on forever. Fortunately, his work clearly will.” 1970 - Mitchel Shapiro - Helping a Worthy Cause - Writes Mitch - “To my Fellow Wheatley Wildcatters………..As we approach what is considered the Season of Giving, I realize there are many worthy causes to support, each with a noble endeavor, whether it’s a cause for the environment, education, animals, health-related or so on and so forth. All play a role in our daily lives and effect each one of us to our core. When I think about my days at Wheatley, Class of 1970, and those of my sister Susan, Class of 1969, I reflect on the challenges we faced as students with hearing loss. Personally speaking, Oh how I didn’t realize as a young person what I truly missed out on by not being able to hear so well, hating the fact that I had to wear a hearing aid, not emotionally understanding how it affected me both learning-wise and socially. Think about, for a moment, what many students with hearing loss must deal with as they go through their educational studies. Although hearing loss is not life threatening, it is life altering and has a huge impact on a young person’s self-esteem. My organization, Help America Hear, provides a yearly Nationwide scholarship opportunity for high school seniors who suffer from hearing loss. Since 2011, we have provided over $50,000 to over 34 students; this also includes a pair of new, state-of-the-art hearing aids to each winner of the scholarship. If you are a person who believes in the power of education and can find it in your heart to help me in raising funds in any way possible, including and just as important spreading the message to others in your circle of influence, it will be more than appreciated. We have a goal to reach a minimum of $60,000, as we have received a matching grant in that amount Each dollar raised does go directly to the recipients of the scholarship. None of the monies raised goes to administration; nor do I receive any personal financial gain from any of this. You can visit our website, www.helpamericahear.org, to learn more or https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E356955&id=9 to donate to the Scholarship fund. I’m available if you’d like to discuss this by emailing me directly at mitchspeaks1@gmail.com or by calling me at 516-297-0872. With great appreciation, Mitchel Shapiro, Class of 1970.” Writes Art Engoron (1967) - “Mitch Shapiro is the real deal; he is sincere, dedicated, and hard-working, and he has a great sense of humor. I’m proud to be friends with Mitch and his terrific wife, Donna.” 1973 - John Oakley and Lauren Karasyk Ryan Oakley - Scenic View
John and Lauren at the Grand Canyon. 1977 - Lance Manning’s Aide and Partner: Kelly Prosnier
L-R - Art Engoron and Kelly Prosnier, Columbus Park, Chinatown, NYC, 11/18/2022 1989 - Joseph Apicella - “Instead of talking about politics, let’s talk about all the great things our classmates have done over the years. The great teachers we had. The friends we made. Politics has no business as part of alumni postings. I can do without Steve Ehre’s rants. The best to all my classmates and teachers, particularly coaches Daniel Walsh and Bernard Hintz. Happy holidays to all.” Fan Mail
Faculty (Karen Bartscherer) - “Reading through the Newsletter is always such a pleasure, often being reminded of former colleagues. Most of the alumni come from years before I came to Wheatley, but there are reliably some familiar family names at least. Most importantly, as I read through the entrees each month, the essence of what made Wheatley—and really the entire East Williston community—so exceptional and memorable is so apparent. All the warmth and interconnectedness I so cherished during my 38 years at Wheatley runs alongside the roster of memories, updates, anecdotes, and announcements. Art and Keith, this labor of love brings a lot of joy into numerous inboxes that have lately seen nothing but political junk mail and requests for money. Thank you both!!”❤️ Faculty (David Israel) - ❤️ 1958 (Audrey Warde Muccio) - ❤️ 1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - "Thanks for the newsletter. Art and Keith do a great job.”❤️ 1964 (Elvira Cilmi Kunz) - “Thanks again for your work and dedication.” 1964 (Ellis Stern Wittlin) - “I do periodically check the Newsletters and you do a fine job. A lot of pictures of you but otherwise a fine job (just kidding).” 1965 (Clifford Montgomery) - “Thanks for all you do to keep our Wheatley alumni together.” 1965 (Jeffrey Orling) - “Thanks, Art. You're a champ for doing these...I enjoy reading them!” 1965 (Kenneth Yagoda) - ❤️ 1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “Newsletter Enjoyment: Thanks again for another blast from the past 😊 . I always enjoy traveling down memory lane, seeing names both Bob and I remember.” 1968 (Jacqueline Abbott Mullan) - ❤️ 1968 (Rebecca Consolo Freer) - ❤️ 1968 (Carol Wisker) - ❤️ 1970 (Cathy Gerson) - ❤️ 1970 (Jonathan Gold) - “Another great newsletter; thanks for putting this together.” 1970 (Deborah Silverman Sloyer) - “Thank you, Art, for doing an amazing job of keeping us informed.” 1971 (Steven Brautigam) - “Thank you, Art, for all the time and effort you put into the Newsletter. I love the history of our school, and I am interested in all the students that went there. Being recently retired, I often wonder what happed when I was there, and I feel young again reading the newsletter.” 1972 (Rick Frishman) - “Art, Thank you for all that you do. Great newsletter!” 1973 (Elaine Najar) - ❤️ 1974 (Victoria Abbott Pitcavage) - ❤️ 1974 (Gregory Cave) - “With all the newspapers being so disappointing, it's so refreshing to see the newsletters from my old alma mater. The newsletters remind me how privileged I've been to attend such a fine Institution. Thank you for all the memories. I enjoyed everybody, including the cafeteria staff, Mrs Cross on the food line, as well as the maintenance workers, who were always there to make us feel good regardless of how their day was going. You do a fabulous job, Art, thank you for that. Caveman…1974” 1978 (Randy Rosler) - “Thanks, Art, for another informative issue, and for keeping us all updated!” 1983 - Takemi Ueno - “I enjoyed reading about Joan and Klaus Feindler (and Mme. Desbonnet) and Mr. McCormack in the most recent Newsletter.” Closing
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 83. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary. Art Arthur Fredericks Engoron, Class of 1967 646-872-4833
© 2022 ARTHUR ENGORON
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