The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 180
Back on Track
Welcome to the Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 180,
[Editor’s Note - The hiatus I intended was an abject failure. Wildcats keep performing concerts, receiving awards, planning reunions, attending reunions, sending photos, sending news, and, alas, dying. Some of the material (like concerts and funerals) is time-sensitive, and all of it clogs up my in-box. Thus, the “Special Editions,” but they cause complexity and defeat the purpose So I’m back to the normal routine.”]
Class of 1965 60th-Year Reunion Plans
Class of 1974 50th-Year Reunion
Saturday, October 19, 2024, The Wheatley School Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th-year graduation anniversary at The Vanderbilt in Westbury. The venue was provided by classmate Michael Dubb’s Beechwood Organization. Everyone wondered, “Where did the time go?” In attendance were classmates from California, Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, Madrid……90 people in all, a great turnout. Attendees were encouraged to meet someone they didn’t know, as well as talk to their friends. The Class is awesome and supports one another in numerous ways.
The evening included two videos: (1) The buddy video -- childhood, teen, adult buddy photos and photos from reunions throughout the years; and (2) the "This is Us" video -- showing our grad photos with side-by-side photos of our more adult selves. Debra Copeland planned, organized and executed the reunion overall. "Juniper,” a five star restaurant, catered. Classmate Cliff Gaines, master photographer, worked to create the magic that was the videos and overlaid music of our time - the 70s. The party room didn't empty out until midnight. It was such a success that people were suggesting we do this again in 5 years...10 years. Who knows?! More in the next Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter!
Class of 1975 50th-Year Reunion Plans
The Class of 1975 is planning a 50th-year reunion for the late summer or fall of 2025. Contact Robert Vincze at vinczelaw@att.net, cell phone: 303-204-8207, if you are interested in serving on the reunion committee or have a great idea to share.”
Help Wanted - Storm Recovery
Steve Lee, Husband of Cathy Gerson Lee (1970), Writes - “Cathy and I were in the middle of the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to western North Carolina in September. We watched from higher ground across the street, in our neighbor’s house, to which we had fled, as Cathy's studio and a large body of her work was lost. We are still trying to figure out next steps. Cathy is wounded and struggling to process the whole thing. Watching the studio be swept away was a shock. It still is. Cathy remains numb. We just don't bounce as well as we did years ago...
But she will start over - as all artists do. There are a few GofundMe accounts set up to help us - including an effort for Cathy to buy a new kiln, potter's wheel and slab roller - as we also look for new housing. I have heard that you Wildcats are a smart bunch…..and Cathy is, indeed, a ‘Wild Cat.’
GoFundMe for Cathy Gerson Lee (1970)
Please note that Patricia Burns Fiore, listed as the “beneficiary,” is Cathy's friend in Southborough, MA, who set up that particular GoFundMe account. She is a trusted friend and knew that we literally had no access to banks for a few days after the flood.”
Open Jazz Jams in the Flatiron District
Mark Lubin (1975) hosts a monthly open jazz jam at Wallflower NYC (formerly Sentry Flatiron) in New York’s Flatiron District (37 W. 24th St., 18th fl). The jams, which usually start at 6:30 pm on the first Wednesday of each month, feature a house band set (Mark on guitar) followed by an open jam where guests can come up and play. Musically minded Wildcats are welcome to play or just listen! There is no cover or minimum, and amps, drums, a keyboard, music stands and microphones are provided. More information is available at eventbrite.com.
Mark Lubin, MARK@MARKLUBINMUSIC.COM
Appreciating Wheatley…..and the entire East Williston Union Free School District
[Editors Note - As indicated below, several readers questioned The East Williston Union Free School District, containing Wheatley, being ranked # 1 in New York State, or at least wanted to know who was doing so. I should have indicated the source, which was the following: https://greaterlongisland.com/11-long-island-school-districts-among-the-top-100-in-the-u-s-for-2025/ The link to the website was forwarded to me by a 1970s Wheatley graduate. I should also have acknowledged that other organizations do not rate the EWUFSD nearly as high]
Ed Brown (1958) Writes - “As a member of the Class of ’58 – the First Class – this report is not unexpected, but it makes me incredibly proud, and it is emotionally very moving for me. I would like to think that our class can claim at least some small responsibility for setting Wheatley on its amazing path.”
Audrey Lewis Johnson (1961) Writes - “I’m curious. Does anyone know who is responsible for rating WHS #1 in NY and #4 in the USA?”
Richard Cohen (1965) Writes - “Congratulations to everyone!”
Barry Gordon (1965) Writes - “Hi Art, When US News & World Report performed its first-ever national ranking of high schools, Wheatley was #1 in the USA! That was before US News & World Report started to include private schools in their evaluation.”
Gretchen Gersh Whitman (1966) Writes - “Holy cow! Go Wheatley! Now let’s keep the tradition of dynamic dialogue going among us alumni!”
Amy Gruskin Gerstein (1966) Writes - “Very proud, not surprised!”
Judy Bregman (1967) Writes - Whose ranking is this? It doesn’t match the simplest Google search.
Ellen Frey Wineman (1967) Writes - “Where is this information coming from? US News and World Reports ranks Wheatley number 280 nationwide and 35th in New York. All the numbers are amazing, but the school is not rated Number 1 anywhere that I can find.
Still, I will always rate Wheatley Number One!
Dan Silver (1967) Writes - “Arthur, our classmate Richard Friedman suggests that after a lifetime during which he — &/or his children — either attended, resided in &/or worked in public school districts ranked between #1 and # 6 (out of 731 total) in NY State, something of all that excellence "would have rubbed off" on him. I'd wager the other way around: Richard's brilliance more likely contributed to those schools' success.”
Ken Gallard (1968) Writes - “Hi Art, Reading about how highly the Education World ranks Wheatley is, indeed, fun. I attended Wheatley for six years (I took typing twice - which has proven very handy!), but I am certain that its excellent reputation has absolutely nothing to do with that. LOL... Hope you're well. All the best, Ken (Mummy-Man)”
Jeffrey Asquith (1972) Writes - “We all knew that about Wheatley!”
Eddie Ryder (1973) Writes - “It’s time to kvell. A school that sent forth well-educated youth into the national pipeline to do good works is a legacy that bears celebration.”
David Caine (1974) Writes - “Good afternoon, Arthur, This news is so amazing! Over the years, the faculty was/is first class. I recently encountered a guest staying at the hotel at which I work, The St. Regis Atlanta, who grew up in Plainview and knew of Wheatley's outstanding reputation.”
Richard Levy (1975) Writes - “The distinction may be very subtle, but I believe the ranking was for the entire district; not just the high school. I would not want the teachers and staff of North Side and Willets Road to feel unappreciated.”
‘Hood History
Steve Nelson (1958) Writes - Here’s some old film of W.C. Fields driving on the old Motor Parkway.
W.C. Fields Driving on the Old Motor Parkway
Built by William K. Vanderbilt and his wealthy cronies as a private toll road, it was the first paved thoroughfare in the U.S intended specifically for motor cars, and it was part of the course for the Vanderbilt Cup car races in 1910-11.
There’s lots more about the road on YouTube. Search for Long Island Motor Parkway and/or Vanderbilt Motor Parkway. I didn’t Google it, but I’m sure there’s more if you’re interested.
Richard Friedman (1967) Writes - “Art, among our many adventures on and around the Old Motor Parkway over the years was the day when Mark Friedberg, you, and I (all 1967) and our bikes followed the on and off again defunct roadway all the way into Queens until we came across a concrete cornerstone with the legal name of the roadway carved into it and, presumably, the year it was completed. Had we taken our (non-existent) cell phones with us, I presume we'd have taken a photo of it. We then turned back home, having the satisfaction that we finally completed this ‘mission’ to find the origins of ‘The Highway Time Had forgotten.’ Obviously, Wheatley students have not!”
Linda Watnick (1977) Writes - “Hi Art! The beloved Old Motor Parkway, between Bengeyfield Drive and Croyden Court, was quite the devilish and divine teen hangout! I would meet up with my bestie, Debbie Giman (1977), who lived on Bengeyfield, and my other bestie, Debbie Goldstein (1977), who lived on Valentine Drive, at the trestle over the Long Island Rail Road tracks at the western end. We would blast David Bowie and Led Zeppelin tunes while waiting for a train to flatten our pennies! (Since that is illegal, I’m hoping the statute of limitations has kicked in)!”
Good ‘Hood Food
Jim Russek (1964) Writes - “If you're ever in central Connecticut, try our local favorite:
Thai Food in Connecticut - The Elephant Trail
Dan Silver (1967) Writes - “Go Indian, Arthur. As far as I'm concerned, it has no Asian peer.”
Edward Ryder (1973) Writes - Comme Jean-Claude Killy à Grenoble il y a plusieurs décennies, l'art de célébrer et d'honorer la cuisine française orne désormais Los Angeles, où à New York, les anciens élèves de Wheatley envoient une "bonne chance" collective.
Like Jean-Claude Killy at Grenoble some decades ago, the art of celebrating and honoring French cuisine now graces Los Angeles, while in New York, former Wheatley students send a collective “good luck”.Jennifer Karp Colbert (1976) Writes - “Thanks for the Thai food recommendation!”
Jason Resnick (1988) Writes - “Thanks for the tip about Little Thailand in Elmhurst, Art. We have amazing Thai food where I live in LA. Another place I like in NY is SriPraPhai which has locations in Woodside (64-13, 39th Avenue) and very close to Wheatley in Williston Park (280 Hillside Ave.). Best, Jason”
Wheatley Parent
November 21, 2001, New York Times Obituary of Jerry Jerome, father of Albert (1960), William (1962), James (1964), and Jerold (1966) Jerome -
Obituary of Wheatley Dad Jerry Jerome
Graduates
1958 - Ed Brown - “Hi Art, and all other Wildcats!! I always look forward to reading the Newsletter, but I rarely see anything from, or about, my class, 1958, The FIRST Class!!! But I was pleased to see Bob Holley’s article (Hi Bob!) about the Old Motor Parkway. And of course, he noted that he just turned 84, and I’m only a couple of months behind him, as are the rest of our class, and so our members are slowly “disappearing,” as would be natural. Our reunions have become smaller and less frequent.
But it is so important that our school remembers our class. We chose the school colors, the mascot, the names of the newspaper and yearbook, and so on. And most importantly, we set the truly excellent standards (grades, test scores, athletics, college entries, careers, etc.) that Wheatley students continue to meet today, and even in which to excel. It is often nationally rated as one of the top, if not indeed THE TOP, public high schools in the Nation. I am incredibly proud of our school. In my office, I have my diploma and a photo of that hallway wall-sculpture of two students looking up at the lamp of enlightenment, hanging on my wall where I see it every day.
One of the reasons we were, and are, so great is because of the importance of education in our community. I remember my father saying that no matter how often or how large additional real estate taxes were imposed by the County, if they were noted as going specifically for education, there was never even the slightest objection by the homeowners.
And so, I say to all of you as part of, or related to, our incredible institution – keep up the great work and maintain the amazing standards that we established. GO WILDCATS!!!! ED BROWN (or ‘Little Eddie Brown,’ as I was often called then) 😉”
1960 - Martin Rennert - Mexican Writer - Written by sister Ruth Rennert (1962)
A Link to Rogue, by Martin “Marty” Rennert
1967 - Jimmy Bressman - Facebook Photo
1967 - Linda Caterino Kulhavy - “Dear Art, I thought that my five minutes of fame were used up by now, but on Friday the Arizona Psychological Foundation awarded me the Hal Arkowitz Outstanding Mentor Award. Unfortunately, I am recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t attend the AzPsychological conference, which was in Tucson. But it was such a wonderful honor. In previous years I won the research and teaching awards of the association. But really, there are more than five psychologists in AZ!
We have such a strong group of alumni- a tv writer and Broadway playwright, several authors, physicians, doctors, judges, lawyers, psychologists, teachers, nurses, midwives, entrepreneurs, musicians and conductors, artists, a fisherman, models, professional athletes, actors, architects, and even the (former) head of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I’m sure I’m missing many others - there’s got to be at least one politician in there. Dr. Linda Caterino.”
1967 - Art Engoron - Faces and Food - Dhamaka - 119 Delancy Street, NYC 9/23/24
L-R - Art Engoron, Friend
1968 - Chris Srinivasan - Celebrating His Life - 12/7/24 - Noon
Paisley-Tribeca, 429 Greenwich Street, NYC
1969 - Gregory Stern - Jack Lipsky (1969) Writes “I want to add to what my brother Barry Lipsky (1970) wrote about Greg Stern. We shared so many good times with Greg. Friday nights playing hearts, recreation softball and of course the Boy Scouts. Greg was such a large part of our growing up and truly was a great friend. Greg will be missed!”
Steven Rosengarten - 1970 - Remembrances
Howard Senft (1967) Writes - “I remember the entire Rosengarten family.…. located high on Shadetree Lane, overlooking my home down on Sherwood Lane. Please accept my sympathy and condolences at your brother’s passing. It was great growing up with such fine children!”
Joan Edelstein (1968) Writes - “May his memory be for a blessing.”
1970 - David Packer - “Hi Art, I feel compelled to write this small acknowledgment of classmate Steve Rosengarten's death. I found him a bit cocky, but he did excel in tennis…..he symbolized some of the strong personalities we North Siders encountered from Willets Road kids. Regardless, Steve represented youth and accomplishment in his tennis playing that my own innate athletic ability could not match. To learn of his death reminds me, on a different level of athletic achievement, of Tom Seaver. How could these vital personalities die at such a young age or at all? I am surprised at my own reaction, but some people represent youth, including one's own, more than others. I hope this slightly ambivalent recognition of Steve's high school years conveys the message that he had an important and durable impact on Wheatley classmates, and that any ambivalence represented shortcomings of my own (and maybe just a touch of jealousy that he had earned an affectionate nickname,"‘Git," and I didn't). For whatever it's worth to those who knew and loved him well beyond the high school years, I meant this to be a personal celebration of Steve's contribution to Wheatley from someone I cannot be sure that he would have remembered at all.”
James Klepper (1973) Writes - “This is my first correspondence to the Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter. The reason is probably well-known to those of us who knew Steve.
My memories go back to the Roslyn Country Club. Although there was an obvious age gap between Steve and myself, if you were privy to hearing us talk and interact you would have never known about that gap. He was just that type of guy. He supported me as an athlete and tennis player but also as a youngster moving up the ranks of Wheatley High School. This quality was unique to Steve. His enthusiasm about the game of tennis and the game of life would ooze naturally out of his pores. As a result, I would always root for him in his tennis matches.
There aren't many people outside of my family that had this impact on me. So when I heard about his passing I was instantly saddened. He was a unique individual and one of whom I will always have fond memories. My sincere condolences to Phyllis Rosengarten (1973) (with whom I go way back) and the entire Rosengarten family. May his soul rest in peace. JIK”
Edward Ryder (1973) Writes - “Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Steve…..I was a classmate of Phyllis Rosengarten…..reading such a love-filled testimonial to a person who touched so many people, in such an uplifting manner, was a privilege. May his memory be a blessing.”
David Zazula (1974) Writes - “Hi, Art. I want to respond to the sad news of Steve Rosengarten’s passing. He was a few years older than me, and although I did not know him well, I remember him well. Incredible tennis player. I believe he was first or second singles on a very tough Wheatley tennis team. Always upbeat, fun loving, engaging, and incredibly nice to us younger kids on the team. I have vivid memories of him playing on courts 1 and 2 at the Roslyn Country Club. He was a big presence in our tennis community. He was someone I looked up to and admired growing up. I’m sure that his family and friends miss him greatly.”
1975 - Richard Tanner - Award-Winning Film in Long Island Film Festival
To all my homies... I'm pleased to announce that my award-winning short, THE MIRACLE OF YOU, was included in the New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF), October 16-20.
Film: The Miracle of You
Trailer: Trailer - NYLIRR Film Festival (watch till the end for a familiar face 😀)
Facebook: https://facebook.com/themiracleofyou
International Movie Data Base: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0849689/
1983 - Monique Lazar Ruane - Dinner in Manhattan
L-R Monique, Art
L-R - Ron Lazar (Monique’s dad), Ron’s friend, Art, Monique, Tom Ruane (Monique’s husband)
1979 - Adam Abeshouse - Star-Studded Concert in his Home Recording Studio
Brian Napack (1979) Writes - “Adam Abeshouse (1979) was such a nice guy — no artifice, just authentic and caring. His funeral was a wonderful celebration of his life. Adam’s brother David (1975), his wife Maria, and their two daughters Emily and Sarah each gave touching eulogies that perfectly described the special person I remember from my childhood: happy, caring, and joyful…..plus three Grammy awards. Exceptionally gifted musically and exceptionally giving as a person.
The last time I saw Adam was a few years ago at a Wheatley event on Long Island. He kept talking about his dream of building a performance space and recording studio somewhere north of New York. Apparently, he had been talking about this for many years. Fittingly, it opened just before he died. I’ll bet some great music will be made there, and I hope to hear some of it. Brian”
1986 - Spencer Bryant Siegel - Deceased (August 24, 2024)
2006 - Chelsea Nachman - Weds Actress Jessica Phillips
L-R - Jessica Phillips and Chelsea Nachman
NY Times Article about the Phillips Nachman Wedding
Question and Answer
Q - Where does the last name Wheatley come from?
A - Wheatley is a male English name that originates in Old English and means "from the wheat field." It has primarily been used as a surname and is very popular all across Britain and in parts of America.
Question and Answer
Which edition of The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter was the most viewed EVER?
A - The unnumbered one proclaiming that the East Williston School District, home to The Wheatley School, is the best on Long Island and fourth best in the nation (the alleged top three all being in Illinois). That edition was accessed 5,117 times.
Fan Mail - Issue # 179 (+ Miscellaneous)
Faculty (Stephen Ehre) - “I started teaching at Wheatley in the fall of 1965, so a year after the Class of 1964 graduated. But the names....I taught a number of brothers and sisters. Fun edition of the Newsletter. ❤️
1960 (Jeanne Messing Sommer) - “The Newsletter keeps getting better and better!”
1961 (Tim) - “Thanks for the Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter.”
1961 (Nancy Kurshan) - “Thanks for keeping us all connected. That’s the beauty of life.”
1962 (Carol Keister McCormick) - “Thanks for your dedication.” ❤️
1962 (Ruth Rennert) - “A big thank you!”
1964 (Jim Paley) - “Thanks very much for all you do!”
1964 (Karen Schaller Hampton) - “I appreciate all the time you spend putting together the Newsletter.
1964 (John Sullivan) - “Thanks, Keith and Art, for your ongoing passion for keeping all things Wheatley, regardless of age, alive for your readers.”
1965 (Hank Alpert) - “Thank you for all you do.”
1965 (Bob Gregory) - “Thanks for your hard work.”
1965 (Sharon Neely Halm) - ❤️
1965 (Linda Caterino) - “I’m so pleased with your work on the Newsletter, Mr. Wheatley! It keeps us together and makes us so proud of our classmates.
1967 (Lee Fein) - “I always appreciate and enjoy the Newsletters.”
1967 (Deborah Friedman Lieberman) - ❤️
1968 (Joan Edelstein) - “Art, I’m sure that I speak for most everyone when I say that we never take for granted your incredible dedication and hard work on our behalf.”
1971 (Karen Mannheim Fraller) - “Thanks, Art, great read.” (About Thai food in Elmhurst)
1972 (Howard Davidson) - “Thanks for your hard work on the Newsletter.”
1972 (Jeffrey Kargman) - ❤️
1975 (David Abeshouse) - “Huge kudos to you, Art, for all the prodigious work you do in consistently assembling and editing the newsletter and keeping our Wheatley community together.”
1974 (Melanie Artim) - ❤️
1975 (Linda LaPasta Kiley) - “I enjoy all the Newsletters.”
1979 (Brian Napack) - “Thanks for all you do for our Wheatley community.”
1979 (David N. Zuckerberg) - “I enjoy the newsletters tremendously.”
1983 (Monique Lazar Ruane) - “Nice Review!! Will have to try it!! Thanks!! (About Thai food in Elmhurst)
1986 (Navid Rabenou Malekmehr) - “Thank you for always doing the Newsletter.”
Fan Mail - Issue # 179-A (Steve Rosengarten)
1964 (Susan Obrant) - ❤️
1965 (Louise Kampa Triano) - “A very nice thing to do.”
1970 (Jonathan Gold) - ❤️
1973 (Vera Kaltinick) - ❤️
1980 (Adam Goldstein) - ❤️
Fan Mail - Issue # 179-B (Maison Matho)
1964 (Beth Sack) - ❤️
1967 (Deborah Friedman Lieberman) - ❤️
1968 (Sheli Nan) - ❤️
1970 (Jane Madison) - ❤️
1979 (Amy Gould) - “Awesome”
2001 (Michelle Kroop Harter) - ❤️
Fan Mail - Issue # 179-C (Class of 1964 Reunion)
1964 (Andrea Alpert Robbins) - “Thanks for the memories, Class of 1964.”
1965 (Jeffrey Orling) - “Thanks, Art.”
The Official Notices
All underlined text is a link-to-a-link or a link-to-an-email-address. Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then clicking on the text that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination or will address an email.
In the first 24 or so hours after publication, Wheatley Alumni Newsletter # 179 was viewed 3,012 times, was liked five times, and was commented on three times. In all, 4,722 email addresses received Newsletter # 179. For all of August, approximately 4,721 email addresses received this Newsletter, which was accessed approximately 18,000 times.
For all of September, approximately 4,717 email addresses received this Newsletter, which was accessed approximately 22,600 times.
The Usual Words of Wisdom
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 179 Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletters (and much other Wheatley data and arcana) at
The 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 edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I cannot and do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me, as TWSAA does not have a fact-checking department.
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, worked, and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967
Closing
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 180. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.
Art
Arthur Fredericks Engoron, Class of 1967
646-872-4833
Art,
So glad that you’re back. I brag to friends about what you have produced