The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 85

Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 85.

According to Substack, in its first 2 hours, Newsletter # 84, which had 4,655 subscribers (all free), was viewed 3,127 times and was “liked” 16 times.

Please note that all underlined text is a link-to-a-link (or, rarely, an email address). Clicking anywhere on the underlined text, and then on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination.

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.

More Responses to The Passing of Walter Wesley (“Wes”) Wathey, Wheatley Principal 1961-1979

Writes Matt Sanzone (1959) - Art, Another Mr. Wathey story. In 1958, when the football team completed its unbeaten season (8-0), the team tossed both Mr. Wathey and Dr. Boyan into the showers, clothes and all! And, as I recall, both lit up cigars, as was Coach Davis’ celebratory routine. At the 50th anniversary reunion, I asked Mr. Wathey if he remembered the incident; he did.”

“Thanks, Linda Leaf for the shout out about Mr. McCormack.”

The Usual Words of Wisdom

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 84 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

Graduates

1958 - Patricia Judkoff Popolow (aka Lipton, Van Gorp) - Remembered

Pat Popolow, 81, passed away November 18, 2022, peacefully at home with the love of her life, husband Robert Popolow, by her side.  She was a loving mother to Scott (Amy) Lipsitz; Loren (Layne) Rigney; and proud Nana to four grandchildren, Reese, Nolan, Ellie and Michael. Pat was sister to Ronald Judkoff (Carolyn Stoloff, both class of 1965) and aunt to Jennifer Judkoff.  She is predeceased by her parents, Irving and Eleanor Judkoff.

Born March 8, 1941, in the Bronx, New York.  Pat’s passion for the theater started at an early age.  She attended the School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and even landed a small part to play a young girl in a Broadway show alongside Helen Hayes in the early 1950’s.  She went on to Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), a top drama school in Pittsburgh, PA.

Following that, Pat was an actress and operator at the White Barn Theater in Erwin, PA.  She also taught English at the Wheeler School, a vocational school in the Pittsburgh area. Pat started a new career as an executive recruiter at ALZED Enterprises where her success led to creating her own company, Pat Lipton & Associates (PLA), specializing in the recruitment of advertising and brand management talent for Fortune 100 firms. 

Throughout her life Pat generously donated time and money to worthy causes and community organizations, including Dress for Success, DramaWorks, Del Ray Playhouse, Brandeis, Wycliff Theater Club, and Cancer Research Fund. 

Pat’s love for the theater never ceased.  In her 70’s, she pulled together some of her favorite scenes to create a one woman show that she performed at venues throughout South Florida.

Services were held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach, followed by final rest at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens.  Donations may be made to the Cancer Research Fund (www.crf.com).

Writes Brother Ron Judkoff (1965) - “Art, A little more on Pat’s passing. She had been battling lung cancer for a number of years, but she had an iron will and training in the “method” school of acting, so, even though she was gravely ill and in great pain, she was an enthusiastic participant in life. I had flown down to Florida (after getting on her calendar…not easy) for what I expected to be a visit with my sister. The evening after I arrived Pat attended a family dinner comprised of me and our closest cousins. As usual, she was the spark for much interesting conversation and plans for the future, including an anticipated trip to NYC to see the new production of Death of a Salesman. Forty-eight hours later, her husband Bob and I were by her side when she died. Wherever she is now, I’m sure she is organizing a theater group, directing a play, and her calendar is full.

1960, 1962, & 1964 - The Iannotti Brothers

Writes Nancy Gittleson Hodson (1964) - “Hi Art, Our recent Thanksgiving celebration included the three Iannotti brothers, along with many of their children and grandchildren. From left to right: Joe: ‘62, Ron: ‘64, Jim: ‘60.  Still looking good! They each married a Wheatley girl: Nancy Gittleson ‘64, Gail Knetzer ‘64, and Marge Levy ‘60, respectively.  Alas, none of the marriages lasted, but at least we're all friendly, and we have great kids and grandkids.”

1961 - Richard Corben - Remembered by Classmate Peter Calderon - “Richard Corben was one of our classmates who got lost. I believe that he was the class valedictorian but very much a loner. We were Classmates at Princeton, but we didn’t interact.  I attach the obituary published in the Princeton Alumni Weekly that will fill in some of the blanks.

1965 - Andrea Levine - Fondly Remembered

Writes Peter Altschuler (1965) - “Andrea Levine and I were castmates in multiple Wheatley productions — “Stage Door” and either “Our Town” or “The Skin of Our Teeth” (or both, perhaps; the decades and my memory are not the best of friends). She was, to me, the epitome of a budding stage doyenne, and until I left Wheatley, I was sure we’d be the next Lunt and Fontanne. I was wrong, to my dismay.

I had heard in snippets over the years that Andrea had health problems, but there were never details. I didn’t need to know them, of course, but any suggestion that she was not well enough to perform made me wistful for the vibrant young performer I once knew. 

Andrea’s passing makes me sadder than I expected, especially because we were both friends with Gail Wittkin, and Gail’s recent death wounded my heart. If there is a theater in the afterlife, I’m sure that Andrea will have a starring role: may “flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Writes Alison Kent Bermant (1966) - “I was so terribly saddened to hear about Andrea Levine.  Andrea was a year ahead of me, and I admired her so much.  She had the most wonderful singing voice, and was immensely talented on the stage, in addition to being so beautiful.  To sing in the same choruses and to act on the same stage as she did was a privilege.”

1965 - Jeffrey Orling - Through the Decades

Writes Jeff - “I loved the photographs of the septuagenarians.….I would not recognize a single one…..except maybe YOU  hahahaha. Here’s a photograph of me in the 1970s:

And with my wife Elsa at Old Westbury Gardens from 2016:

And in 2020:

1965 - Cliff Montgomery - “I’m surprised that there isn’t more input from my1965 classmates.”

1966 - Sue Sand - Remembers Wheatley, and the Radio Station - “Dear Art, While I’m sure that not all of the time enrolled in the East Williston School District brought me joy, I am quite certain much of value happened to me there.  As I have lived in Boston since the early 70’s, and I have no family in the New York area, these shared memories bring me home.  Classmate Jeanine Brescia and I have recently gotten back in touch and have had many laughs about our formative years.  If there are other alums in the New England area (we have a summer cottage in the Berkshires), feel free to contact me at SUSAND1414@GMAIIL.COM for a stroll down memory lane. BTW I have an extra copy (unsigned and in pretty good condition) of Aurora 1966, if anyone is interested.

I remember the closet radio station.  It was right across the hall from the Yearbook room, to which I had a key and could come and go as I pleased!”

1967 - Abbe Levine Remembered - Writes Lois Hegyi Goldstein (1968) - “Abbe and I occasionally bumped into each other at Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia, Suffolk County. After the quarantine was lifted I never saw her anymore.  When I looked her up on Google and saw that she passed away I was shocked. She was so sweet and we enjoyed each others company whenever we would run into each other. What a shame?! May she RIP.”

1967 - Classmate Jill Simon Forte’s Tribute to Abbe Levine and Robert (“Bobby”) Silverstein - “I was sad reading about two classmates that passed away; not my close friends, but I do remember them. Bobby Silverstein I remember as a smiling guy I would pass in the halls. Abbe Levine was nice and brings me sweet memories. We are all aging, and I hate to see the ones I remember pass, but I know it is the fate of us all sooner or later.”

1967 - Classmate Gina Harman’s Tribute (on Facebook) to Bobby Silverstein - “The world has lost one of the very best ones. Bobby was a giant, but he used his strengths only to make the world a better place. His humor, commitment, passion, wisdom, skill and determination built a long list of wonderful accomplishments, historic accomplishments, alongside a remarkable family and a very long list of friends and admirers, I among them. As 14-year-olds, Bobby and I walked home, dismissed from Wheatley, when JFK was assassinated. In the nearly 6 decades since, this date, Nov. 22nd was a time to check in with one another. His voice was always full of sunshine and kindness. I will miss that always. To Lynne, and Bobby's big and loving family, I send my heartfelt condolences. And, add my words to others who cherished Bobby, personally and professionally, for the extraordinary man he was. May that bring some solace.  Gina Harman

1967 - Tribute to Bobby Silverstein By His Law Firm

February 19, 1949 – November 17, 2022

It is with profound sadness that POWERS PYLES SUTTER & VERVILLE announces the passing of our beloved partner, Robert “Bobby” Silverstein.  Often referred to as the “behind-the-scenes architect” of twenty pieces of federal legislation impacting persons with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Bobby was the epitome of the consummate professional, revered for his analytical skills while also incredibly thoughtful and compassionate.

Highly regarded on Capitol Hill as well as throughout the nation as an authority on disability issues, Bobby has been praised by legislators and staff, disability leaders, clients, and colleagues for his commitment to bipartisanship, his principles, dedication and hard work, and tireless advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Always humble, Bobby often blushed when anyone referred to his very long list of amazing accomplishments.

Bobby initially developed his consensus-building style while serving in various capacities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, including staff director and chief counsel for the Subcommittee on Disability Policy of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources (now the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions). In that role, he negotiated and drafted bipartisan, consensus-based legislation, that has had – and will continue to have – a lasting, positive impact on persons with disabilities.

Bobby was “an icon in the field of disability policy,” said POWERS’ Managing Partner, Peter Thomas, J.D.  “Bobby’s integrity, hard work, and brilliance made him a true leader in the field,” he added.  “Bobby was much more than an exceptional lawyer, policy expert and advocate; he was a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to so many,” Thomas noted.

A prolific author, speaker, and trainer, Bobby wrote several peer reviewed journal articles and over 100 papers and articles on public policy issues from a disability perspective.  He served as a keynote speaker before multiple national and state organizations and facilitated training sessions in more than 40 states on various public policy issues and the policymaking process. Bobby received dozens of national awards, including the Distinguished Services Award of the President of the United States.

From 1997-2007, Bobby served as the Director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy. From 1997-2000, he also served as an Associate Professor of Health Care Sciences at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and as an Associate Professor of Health Services Management and Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. Bobby joined POWERS in February 2007 and for the past 15 years has been a principal with the firm.

While Bobby enjoyed professional success, he always said his greatest achievement in life was his family.  His wife Lynne, sons Evan and Mark, along with his grandchildren, were his pride and joy.  Bobby loved to share stories of summer “Camp” spent with his grandchildren at his home and how he and Lynne enjoyed planning adventures both exciting and mentally stimulating for their grandchildren.

Bobby had an unfailingly positive attitude and held firm to the motto to disagree without being disagreeable.  His smile, encouraging words, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders will be missed every day.  For those who knew and loved Bobby – his legacy will help light the way to a brighter future.

May Bobby’s memory be a blessing!”

1967 - Student Government President Candidates - Engoron, Stephens, Weiss, Wirth

Wirth Won! (“G.O.” stands for “General Organization,” the student government back then).

1968 - Ilene (“Cookie”) Levine - “Hi Art, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of my Dickson Circle friends, Abbe and Andrea Levine, who were cousins of each other. I am sad and actually shocked to hear this. It’s funny how our early experiences still seem so vivid to us. All the kids on the block used to play Ringolevio at night. It was most exciting to me to be running all over our little neighborhood, hiding behind bushes in someone’s backyard, my heart pounding, hoping not to be caught.”

Writes Art Engoron (1967) - “Dickson Circle, an East Williston cul-de-sac off of High Street, had nine houses. Three of the families were named ‘Levine.’ Andrea (1965), Robert (1968), and Jodi (1973) lived at 207 and were cousins with Abbe (1967) and Eric (1971), who lived at 225. Joel (1964) and Ilene (“Cookie”) lived at 212 and were unrelated (call it a “coincidence”). My classmate buddies and I used to play Ringolevio at Richard Friedman’s house, 201 Dickson Circle, and later at George Krauss’s house, at 124 Percheron Lane, in Roslyn Heights. More fun could not be had!”

1969 - Roger Gimbel - Published Book about Publishing

“I’m Not Anyone,” by Roger Gimbel, is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories covering the author’s 50+ year career in the printing industry. Available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook. 
Check out Roger's book online at ether Amazon or https://www.rogergimbel.com/elibrary

“We’ve had great feedback from the paperback edition,” said Gimbel. “People seem to enjoy the stories about the print business and my observations about industry trends and developments.”

All net proceeds of the book go to the Herman L. and Audrey M. Gimbel Memorial Scholarship fund, in honor of Roger's parents.  This scholarship, administered by the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, impacts the lives of college students with financial support that makes a college education more affordable for students while promoting the graphic arts industry.

Roger Gimbel, president of consulting firm Gimbel & Associates, started his business career working in his father’s print shop. Gimbel relates the events that steered his life, and sometimes changed his trajectory, in “I’m Not Anyone,” through amusing and interesting anecdotes and stories.
Interspersed with a narration of developments in digital printing are stories about sailing, reality TV, unscrupulous business associates, celebrities, and even gangsters! Readers will learn about the print industry’s evolution, while being entertained by Roger’s stories and adventures.

ABOUT GIMBEL & ASSOCIATES - Gimbel & Associates is an international management consulting firm working to ignite business growth through digital technologies. As an independent company, they offer clients customized consulting services to achieve their sales and marketing goals. With an extensive background in print services, print production, digital print, marketing communications, database management, training, and direct marketing, Gimbel & Associates helps their clients accomplish their growth and efficiency goals.

1970 - Nina Galerstein - On Wheatley and Its T-Group. - “In 2020 we had our 50th reunion on Zoom during Covid, and it was so much fun! The best part was hearing all the stories about peoples’ experiences at Wheatley. It took 50 years for me to understand just how special this school was. I particularly remember the T-Group evenings and weekends (and several people talked about this). I tell my friends about T-group, and they can't believe a public high school actually made this possible. I am so grateful for Wheatley. And if anyone ever wants to talk about T-group memories....I would love to do that! ninagalerstein1@gmail.com.”

1971 - Carolyn (“Cakky”) Braun-Evans Thanks Classmate John Poulos - “Thank you and kudos to my classmate John Poulos for your leadership and First Responder community service, shared in Newsletter #82 (Nov. 13, 2022). May you keep on shining!”

1971 Mark Greco - Writes Art Engoron (1967) - I grew up on Bengeyfield Drive a few houses away from Mark and sister Renee Greco (1973). Last night (12/5/2022) Mark and I chatted at great length about the people we knew from our neighborhood and a certain high school. He had particularly nice words for Hy Wolf, father of Peter (1960), Wendy (1964), Jack (1967) and Jill (1970). Mark is a gracious, unpretentious guy who’s had a successful career and keeps in touch with many of his classmates.

1972 - Richard Weissman - Lauded by Edward B Ryder (1973) - “Weissman is a wise man, and so, too, is J.D.  Their advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community is something to be applauded and lauded.  The fact that ‘Aunt Maxie’ and the Speaker from Pacific Palisades were present their recent event just adds an additional level of glorious luster to a gathering of good citizens.”

1973 - Gail Gimbel at Print Industry Conference

Gail Gimbel, Executive Director of Gimbel & Associates, with Kevin Brown, owner of Rio Crest Winery, in Guerneville, CA, and Randall Hardy, Senior Consultant for Gimbel & Assoc., at the Xplor22 Conference for the Print Industry, in Florida- September 2022.

1974 - Elyse Rame Beyer - “Hi Art.   While enjoying dinner recently with our close friends Glenn (1972) and Sue Monk, I thought I would send over a photo.  Glenn is quite the Sous Vide chef.  Sending best wishes to you and all our Wheatley friends for a happy and healthy holiday season.  Best regards.  Elyse Rame Beyer.”

Glen Monk and Elyse Rame Beyer

1974 - SuZanne Zenker Gilbride - Quilting For Peace, in the Shadow of the Parkland Murders and the Ukraine War

The Girl in Gray AKA Disturbing the Peace.….(a Graffiti inspired Quilt)

Peaceful Bloom 2022 - Donation Quilt for MD Anderson Ovarian Cancer Research (MDA Quilt Project 2023)

Writes SuZanne - “The family of my brother, Steven Zenker (1965), lives around the corner from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida (a Coral Springs suburb), where, on February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff, murdering 17 people and injuring 17 others. Wikipedia

Both of Steven’s daughters graduated from MSD High School, years before. It has been a sad time in the neighborhood, with many memorial events……now that the trial has ended at least that part is over. According to my sister-in-law, most of the community wanted the Death Penalty, but on November 2, 2022, after a jury deadlocked on imposing it, Cruz was sentenced to “life without parole.” Very sad situation that doesn't end….. Gun reform would be nice, and mental help for young, isolated men with problems would also be great…..

The last several years have weighed very heavily on many of us: Covid, School Tragedies, War in Ukraine…..I know for myself they have.

The war in Ukraine, is very upsetting; my mother’s father’s side immigrated from Zloczow, L’viv Oblast, Ukraine.

Peace has been on my mind and influenced my art/quilting this past year….. Peace on Earth has always been my mantra.….

Fan Mail

Faculty (Stephen Ehre) - ❤️

Faculty (Rob Gadamowitz) - “My grandfather (who raised me) was a brick foreman on the job when Wheatley was built, back in the mid 50’s, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have taught mathematics there for the last 25 years.  I luv all things Wheatley. Keep up the great work. I would luv to see some more info on Wheatley and its graduates from 1995-present.” “I love  your work.  I’m a big fan.”

1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - ❤️

1961 (Tim Jerome) - “Arthur, Your work on the Wheatley Alumni Newsletter is nothing short of extraordinary!  Thank you a zillion times.”

1962 (Jon Bagdon) - ❤️

1963 (Rita Silverstein Levin) - “I enjoy the Newsletters.”

1965 (Glen Hammer) - “Thank you, Arthur, I always enjoy searching through your Newsletters to see if I recognize any names from 60+ years ago.  I left Wheatley early and always felt I missed a great deal. Nice seeing what my ex-classmates are up to and have accomplished.  My wife and I just returned from a cruise and were reading your newsletter in the Uber on the way home to Delray.  Keep up the amazing hobby you have created for yourself!! 😊 ❤️”

1965 (Cliff Montgomery) - “Thank you Art and Keith for another wonderful newsletter and keeping us all connected. Regards, Cliff”

1965 (Jeff Orling) - “Thank you very much.”

1966 (Sue Sand) - “Thank you so much for keeping this connection going for all of us.  I delight in every newsletter, as there is always some note that triggers a memory and makes me smile.”

1967 (Scott Frishman) - “Another great Newsletter.”

1967 (Ronald Pierce) - ❤️

1967 (Barbara Smith Stanisic) - ❤️

1967 (Joseph Tartaglia) - ❤️

1968 (Rebecca Consolo Freer) - ❤️

1968 (Ilene “Cookie” Levine) - “Thanks for your monumental effort in producing this newsletter. As sad as it is to hear of people’s deaths, I enjoy reading about how our schoolmates’ lives turned out.”

1970 (Arlene Krauss Mandell) - ❤️

1971 (Cakky Braun-Evans) - "Thank you, Art and Keith ,for these more than memorable newsletters and website. May you keep on shining!”

1971 (Mark Greco) - “Thank you for all that you do.”

1972 (Jeff Asquith) - “Thanks so much for the Newsletter.”

1972 (Linda Kaufman Schroeder) - “Thank you 🙏🏽 so much for the Wheatley Alumni Newsletter, Art and Keith. I especially love reading items from the Class of 1972, along with all the news updates from each class year. Art and Keith, your consistent dedication and professionalism is very much appreciated 👏. Wishing you both (and your families) a beautiful Holiday season 🕎”

1973 (Gail Gimbel) - “You are the best.”

1973 (Denise Paine) - ❤️

1974 (SuZanne Zenker Gilbride) - “I enjoy keeping up with the Wheatley community. You’re doing great. Thanks for all you do.”

1976 (Tom Behan) - ❤️

1976 (Rodger Ribeiro) - ❤️

1979 (Charles Feinstein) - ❤️

1979 (Amy Gould) - “Thanks, Art.”

1984 - (Robert Zahn) - ❤️

1987 (Bonnie Schneider Sikowitz) - “Thanks for all you do running the alumni organization and for all the emails and updates.  Very much appreciated!”❤️

1993 - (Antoine Delgrange) - ❤️

Closing

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 85.  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