The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 112

Glad News and Sad News

Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 112.

According to Substack, in the first 25 hours after publication Newsletter # 111 was viewed 3,191 times, was “liked” 27 times, and received five comments (all positive). In all, 4,652 email addresses received Newsletter # 111.

All underlined text is a link-to-a-link. Left-clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then left-clicking on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination.

The Usual Words of Wisdom

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 111 Newsletters (and much 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, wow!, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I use it all the time; it works!

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

The ‘Hood - More History

Writes Bette Spiro Neuman (1966) - “Hi Art, I worked for a long while at the Nassau County Museum of Art, where the setting, a Gilded Age mansion, draws interest in Long Island history and is part of the museum’s focus. People once lived in a stately manor house set in the middle of our community of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired low-slung homes. Nassau County Museum of Art Nassau County Museum of Art - History

Wheatley Football - What happened?

Writes John Warde (1967) - Art, in response to the question from Paul (Spirit of ‘76) Giarmo as to why the bottom fell out of Wheatley Football after 1965, I would like to perhaps add some clarity. I was one of the captains in 1967. It was a very depressing experience, to say the least.  I wish there had been 30 teammates. If we were fortunate, we had perhaps 20. Most of the more athletic members of the team not only played both offense and defense but special teams as well. We were up against very tough competition. I became friends with many of the players from Carle Place that year. Their line averaged 250 lbs. Mike Sinkowski, Shane and Basso all went to college on athletic scholarships, specifically two of them to Ohio State. Their QB, Ronnie Rappaport, was All-County. Our lineman averaged between 125 and 160 lbs. The backfield was heavier than the line, as Dom Foresto was about 165 and I weighed 175. We had to use an old ‘T’ formation and occasionally a variation in order to ‘attempt’ to block our opponents and open a hole. Our lineman tried to the best of their ability, but we were outclassed. The week prior to playing Carle Place we actually practiced a wedge formation. Trust me, there were no holes. Our passing attempts were hurried, as you could image. On numerous occasions Coach Davis would tell me, ‘Just make your own hole.’ Most of our best athletes, such as Shep Messing, Robert Rico, and Robert Silverstein, were playing soccer. We left our blood and guts out there on the field, but we just didn't have the horses for the courses.”

Faculty

Wheatley English Teachers Appreciated - Writes Howard Grindlinger (1962) - “Dear Art, Isabelle Auerbach, Howard Storm, and Peggy Meisel were English teachers par excellence! They exposed us to Ginsberg (Howl), Ferlinghetti (Coney Island of the Mind), Joyce (Portrait of the of Artist As a Young Man), Shakespeare, Sophocles (Antigone), etc. We were taken to see 'Tiny Alice,' by Edward Albee. He was gracious enough to talk with us about his play and its meaning. That he was gay was never a relevant topic. We were taken to Connecticut's Stratford-on-Avon to see Fred Gwynne in Shakespeare's 'As you like It.’ Gwynne was noted for 'Car 54' and 'The Munsters’ on TV, though he was extremely underutilized.

-We read Hemingway's 'The Old Man and The Sea,' predating Spencer Tracy's extraordinary portrayal.

-My college training was aridly empty by comparison.

-I am so grateful to those folk for teaching me how to be literate and to see what timeless literature really was and to learn how to express myself in clear and concise prose. While I became a physician, I strongly pursued becoming a TV/Screen writer. Starving did not agree with me, though I gave it a three-year shot.

-I doubt that these teachers are still with us. I hope that they are meeting with all of the greats that they admired and wanted us immature students to remember.

-Mr. Storm was 'here and gone.’ I wondered if he got too frisky with the pretty Senior gals.

-It is interesting to me that those ex-students respond with a focus on athletics when their hormones were raging. It took the 1960s to allow the floodgates to open and to be expressed. YIPPEE!!!

-I'm still here!

-Warm Regards,

Howard M. Grindlinger, MD”

Writes Art Engoron - Howard Storm is “missing.” Peggy Meisel is still with us. Isabelle Auerbach (not surprisingly, given what her age would be, but unfortunately) is not.

Wheatley Gym Teachers and Coaches Appreciated - Writes Elvira (“Vivi”) Cilmi Kunz - “Hi Art, I greatly enjoyed Peter Till’s coach memories. I had many moments when those amazing guys allowed me to enter the boys’ track world even though I wasn’t supposed to be there! Being coached by them, and certainly by Audrey Erickson and Loretta ‘Lori’ Wilson Roux, helped to form me in so many physical, emotional, and spiritual ways! Thank you to all of them.” [Editor’s note - ‘Lori’ is still alive and in touch.]

Graduates

1959 - Virginia Nichols Lohmann - Deceased - Writes her daughter - “On April 10, 2023, my mother, Virginia Lohmann (née Nichols), passed away peacefully in her sleep, unexpectedly. I know that she enjoyed the Newsletter.”

1965 - Gibb (“Saleem Pernath”) Geery - Deceased

Writes Brother Scott Geery (1967) – “Art, My brother, Saleem Pernath (formerly known as “Gibb Geery”), went the Way early this morning, having been in hospice care for a few days.

My brother Gibb was an interesting fellow.

My brother Saleem was a really interesting fellow.

The following post was offered up and out from the daughter of one of his many good friends following the services at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury.  Saleem was “of their families.”  It speaks to his simple Spirit more so than I feel able.

—————————

‘With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Uncle Saleem Pernath, who returned to Allah on June 30, 2023.  Uncle Saleem embraced Islam over 30 years ago and became an inseparable part of our family.  He was a kind and gentle soul, a loyal friend who brought warmth and happiness wherever he went.

I have a vivid memory of Uncle Saleem being the first to greet my parents with flowers at the airport upon their return from Hajj.  I still remember his infectious smile whenever he visited our home, always praising my mother's cooking.  My father and Uncle Saleem often ate lunch together, sharing stories and laughter that strengthened a bond built for the sake of Allah.

He delighted my brothers with riddles and jokes, calling them just to bring a smile to their faces. His presence brought joy to our lives, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts. The loss of Uncle Saleem is not only deeply felt by our family but also by the entire community.

He was a remarkable soul who touched our lives in countless ways.  May Allah grant him the best of abodes in the highest of heavens, and may He bring ease to his loved ones in this trying time.

Saleem was buried on Saturday, July 1st at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, located at 41 Main St., Center Moriches, NY 11934.

1965 - Robert (“Bob”) Halper - Author

Writes Art Engoron (1967) - My buddy Bob Halper has asked me to publicize his new story, Belize, Please!  It is a short memoir of his time in Belize in 1989. A very different Belize than today’s version.  You can read it at: roberthalper.com. The first paragraph should give you a flavor of the whole:

After an arduous trip to Corozal, a city of just four thousand a few miles south of the Mexican border, I was relieved to be back in Belize City. It almost felt like home. I stopped by Shen’s Pagoda, hoping to run into Sumei and renege on a commitment I’d made earlier in the week. No luck. She was off duty. During daylight hours Shen’s was a popular dining spot, although never without its quota of marginal characters. After dark, however, it hosted a decidedly less reputable crowd.

Check it out.

1965 - Jeffrey Orling - Sports and Teachers

Writes Jeff - Art, I was not involved in extracurricular sports activities, and I never liked gym class. Sure, I watched baseball on TV and rooted for the Yankees..…played in little league and the pick up baseball games at Willets Road.  But I suppose the ‘team’ stuff is what many remember most.  I do remember the extramural basketball games in the Gym.  Attending was also a weekly "social event"... I didn't attend football games.

In retrospect I really appreciate the teachers (I had) at Wheatley.  They were very good.  I suppose we didn't appreciate what a terrific school Wheatley was at the time. I sure do now!”

1966 - Bette Spiro Neuman - “Hi Art, I want to recommend a trip to historic Kentuck Knob to those who once called the Roslyn Country Club home. In designing the Country Club homes, builder William Levitt was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Usonian’ homes. 

Kentuck Knob, near the Falling Water Museum, is a beautiful example of this work. It feels like home. It was surprisingly familiar to me when I walked thru this house museum. Impressive to see the good that Levitt — the quality of his houses’ wiring and heating systems aside — brought to new homeowners in our time. Falling Water Museum, also a great destination, is a short ride away.
Here’s the link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentuck Knob”

From the website - “Kentuck Knob, also known as the Hagan House, is a house designed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in rural Stewart Township near the village of Chalk Hill, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA, 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Pittsburgh.^[3] It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000 for the quality of its architecture.”

1967 - Scott Frishman, Kenny Hare, Robert Hecht, and Peter Kaplan - Scenes from a Different Italian Restaurant.

Writes Scott - “Hi Art, On the night of July 2 Kenny Hare, Robert Hecht, Peter Kaplan and I and our wives got together for dinner at La Parma on Willis Avenue. Robert and his wife Kathy were visiting from Vegas, where they now live.

L-R - Kenny Hare, Peter Kaplan, Robert Hecht, and Scott Frishman

L-R - Bunny Kaplan, Scott Frishman, Peter Kaplan, Kenny Hare, Thea Hare, Robert Hecht, Kathy Hecht, and Scott’s wife, Linda.

1967 - Barbara Smith Stanisic - Son Has Been Married For a Year

Wedding of our son Marc, June 2022, to Gila Liechtung

Gila and Marc

1967 - Sophomore Year - Class Photo - “E” through “G” (Eisner through Gelberg)

L-R - First Row - Rosalia Furfari Busceti, Lois Ertel Hara Burdge, Deborah Friedman Lieberman, Helene Feiner, Ellen Frey Wineman, Linda Furst, Arthur Engoron, Lorraine Eisner Fitelson, Cydney Gershon, Richard Nixon (not a typo, autofill, or Freudian slip)

Second Row - Lesley Falkoff Kesselman, Leslie Freier Grosbart, Scott Frishman, Joan Forero Hederman, Arthur Ernst, Elizabeth Freeman MacDonald, Barbara Gelberg Freundlich, Jim Floria, Stephanie Fliegel Nolan,

Third Row - Charlotte Foster Sperling, Dominick Foresto, Michael Frank, Janet Epstein, Richard Friedman, Scott Geery, Mark Friedberg, Lee Fein, Steve Galan, Phil Fea

Commentary by Art Engoron - Scott Frishman submitted this, so I figured I’d go with it. I’m relying on memory and my database, I don’t have any yearbooks here at home. I’m fairly confident of all the ID’s except Charlotte, but I think that’s her. Rosalia was placed in Mr. Pagliaro’s homeroom when she arrived in Seventh Grade because she spoke no English, but he spoke some Italian. Helene is on the West Coast and Linda is in NYC. Jim Floria has been missing for decades; does anyone have any leads? Lee signed one of my petitions for elective office, but he’s since moved to California. Michael became a lawyer AND a doctor, in Ohio. Scott became a metal sculptor out on the East End of LI. Phil was the star pitcher on the 1967 Wheatley Baseball Team. The only boy in the front row is there because of his short stature, not because of his social skills. We are all still alive, except for Cydney, who died many decades ago, and Dominick, who died a few years ago. RIP

1968 - Lois Hegyi Goldstein - “Responding to Jill Simon Forte’s comment about still having a few of her high school yearbooks: I still have all of mine from 7th to 12th grade. It’s hard for me to just throw them away. Too many memories of my youth!”

1980, 1982, and 1983 - Group Portrait

L-R - Nancy Benz Rosengold (1982), Sheila Fitzpatrick Levine (1982), Scott Levine (1982), Lisa McGurk Pusey (1982), Gary Krasinski (1982), Anthony Zaino (1982), Michael Baltzer (1980), and Lori Lojacono Baltzer (1983). Submitted by Scott Levine.

Funny Feedback

Writes Ken Gallard (1968) - “Say Art.….Judging by all the photos in the various newsletters, you sure eat out a lot! LOL.….Ken”

Fan Mail

1960 (Joanne Festa Lemanis) - ❤️

1960 (Raymond Roller) - ❤️

1962 (Howard Grindlinger) - “I offer a deep gratitude for all of your work for connecting Wheatleyites!”

1962 (Lois Kass Kleinberg) - ❤️

1963 (Mary Lee Holley Cerillo) - “As usual the newsletter was informative and interesting.  I appreciate your dedication to all of us.  I have totally enjoyed talking with, emailing with, and texting so many of my classmates in the Class of 1963.”

1963 (Jeanne Langlois Kull) - ❤️

1963 (Mitchel Pastarnack) - ❤️

1964 (Elvira “Vivi” Cilmi Kunz) - “Great job, as usual!

1964 (Natalie Cobb Wentworth) - “I always enjoy reading the stories in the Newsletter.” ❤️

1964 (Jay David Roth) - “Thanks for your dedication to keeping Wheatley memories alive!”

1965 (Richard Ilsley) - ❤️

1965 (Jeffrey Orling) - “Thanks again for the read.  I don't know how you do it.  But we're glad you do, and I enjoy getting my memory jogged. You're doing a good thing. The Newsletters are precious.“

1966 (Bette Spiro Neuman) - “Thank you for all that you do. I always read your posts and enjoy them!”

1966 (Suzanne Stone) - ❤️

1967 (Scott Frishman, Kenny Hare, Robert Hecht, and Peter Kaplan) - “We all read and loved the last newsletter.”

1967 (Scott Geery) - “Thanks, Artie, for your service.”

1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “I enjoyed the Newsletter, of course; I love reading everything the alumni have to say.”

1967 (Barbara Smith Stanisic) - “Great as always, Art.”

1969 (Gary Metzger) - “Art, So wonderful that you keep this up. Great to hear from so many graduates. Memory Lane provides great inspiration. Thank you.”

1969 (Ronni Seltzer) - ❤️

1970 (Gregory Fitzpatrick) - ❤️

1970 (George Ryan) - “Thank You, Art and Keith; there is always something to learn about our history, and you continue to bring us great information.” ❤️

1970 (Mitch Shapiro) - “Hey Art, I just finished reading the newsletter. As always there are interesting facts about Wheatley and the surrounding area. I encourage all Alumni to share their stories and memories.”

1972 (Jeffrey Kargman) - ❤️

1973 (Jody Blumberg Coletta) - ❤️

1973 (Dorothy “Dotty” Giustra) - “Thanks for your hard work. I always enjoy reading the Newsletters.”

1974 (Laura Herbst) - “Thank you so much for the Newsletters; I look forward to reading each one. And thanks for all you do for us.”

1976 (Mary Costello Willis) - ❤️

1976 (Robin Firetog) - ❤️

1976 (Frank Stellato) - ❤️

1977 (Peter Fitzpatrick) - ❤️

1979 (‘Tracy Phalen Pupo) - ❤️

1985 (Rita Sansone Barufka) - ❤️

1985 (Sarah Tirgary) - ❤️

1990 (Dana Lieber Moriarty) - ❤️

???? (???? Calisson ????) - “Thank you for these newsletters, Art. And now that I have read this one in the Substack app, I know how all those other folks send hearts!” ❤️

Closing

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 112.  Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.

Art

Arthur Fredericks Engoron, Class of 1967

WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM

ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM

WWW.WHEATLEYALUMNI.ORG

646-872-4833