The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 91
Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,
Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 91.
According to Substack, in the first 25 hours after publication Newsletter # 90 was viewed 3,112 times, was “liked” 22 times, and garnered seven comments (all positive).
All underlined text is a link-to-a-link (or, rarely, an email address). Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination.
Editor’s Note
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - “Like a bad penny, the issue of including strong opinions in this Newsletter keeps returning. Last time around, sentiment seemed approximately evenly divided, and I think I just let the debate burn itself out. This time I’m taking a stand: I will continue to include strong opinions in the Newsletters. First, I am a free speech absolutist, and I oppose censoring, and I just won’t do it. Second, people’s opinions seem as indicative of their character as what they (or, by now, their children) do for a living, or where they live, or what they remember from 11th grade science class. Third, if you don’t want to read occasional strong opinions, then just ignore or skip over them. I don’t include my own strong opinions, and I print whatever I receive, even if I strongly disagree. Occasionally I turn down the heat a little, particularly if I sense an ad hominem attack against another Wildcat. The “anti” crowd often points out that there are other outlets for venting. I agree, but that’s irrelevant. I don’t print strong opinions because otherwise there would be no outlet for them; I print strong opinions because that is what Wheatley graduates want to say to other Wheatley graduates; and because it tells us something about them; and because we are all adults. So no, I will not stop publishing strong opinions; and if that makes you want to unsubscribe, just tell me, and I will (sadly and reluctantly) remove you from my Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter Distribution List.
Six-Year-Old School Shooting
Writes Fred Carillo (1960) - “Hey, Jay! Great in-depth, profound response to the ‘six-year-old shooting.’”
Writes Michael Garin (1964) - “Poor Jay, You obviously learned nothing at Wheatley. How you can ascribe responsibility for the possession of a firearm by a six-year-old on anything but poor parenting and terrible gun control laws says more about you than the society at large.”
Writes Steven Morris (1964) - “I cannot remain silent after reading Jay Cummings’s vitriolic claptrap regarding the recent shooting by a 6-year-old. Randi Weingarten a child killer? Dr. Fauci a mad scientist? Cute. This really adds a lot to discussions about many of the difficult issues we face in America. But, free speech is free speech, even if it’s nonsensical.”
Writes Rosemary Biancavilla (1970) - “In this particular forum, where we share memories of going to school, summer camp, sports, the arts, music and social events, we recall days filled with challenges, adventures, at the very least the experience of a sanctuary for growing pains, and sometimes learning difficult life lessons. Fearing a shooter among us, I dare say, was unimaginable. I don't think it ever occurred to any of us that the walk to school or the bus ride would, one day, be a one-way trip. It was a time of innocence and naiveté. For anyone and everyone grappling with yet another school shooting, as each ensuing one is further evidence that we have not yet hit rock bottom, please read, listen to, buy, borrow from a library, if you have not already done so, a critical expose of the modern-day, multi-billion dollar gun marketing and manufacturing industry of our country. Where each school shooting means increased sales and another run on guns. A ‘behind the scenes’ view of the firearms industry in America reveals so much more than a ‘gun’ issue. While there is plenty of blame to go around, we see exactly where the nexus of the problem lies. The critically acclaimed book is Gunfight, written by Ryan Busse, a former firearms sales executive. He has pulled back the curtain and given us an unforgettably disturbing view of the landscape. You get to the end and wonder, “How did we ever get here?”
Ryan Busse, Author of Gunfight
Writes Jeff Asquith (1972) - “Jay Cummings (1960) is completely misguided. Every ‘high crime’ city he mentions (and query whether they are actually ‘high crime’….apparently not) has gun-crazed states/cities within a very short distance that are providing guns without regulation. I live in the Chicago area. Virtually ALL criminal guns come from Indiana and other states in the midwest. Yes, Charlie Nash (1973), those parents need to go to jail! And Anthony Fauci saved us from hundreds of thousands of more Covid deaths.”
Writes Jacqueline Obrant Millstein (1972) - “Geez Arthur - It’s difficult to enjoy the newsletter when it starts out with “Child-Killer Weingarten” and “Mad Scientist Fauci.” I understand that you don’t want to edit content, but Jay Cummings almost made me toss my cookies.”
Writes Tim Clarke (1973) - “In response to Jay Cummings, Class of 1960: Just this past week in New Mexico a would-be politician who ran, and lost, for the State House hired men to shoot at elected members of the State House. He then fired on their homes and cars himself. https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f
NYC, which has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, has had a reduced murder rate for the last 50 years. Whether it was a Republican Mayor (Rudy Giuliani 1994-2001, Mike Bloomberg 2001-2012 - both gun control advocates) or a Democratic Mayor (Bill de Blasio 2014-2021), they reduced access to guns, which has made NYC a safer place. According to the FBI the murder rate for the entire US has dropped since 1970. Although there was a slight increase during the pandemic, overall the rate of murders is lower. When I was at Wheatley our teachers expected us to back up our arguments with facts not fiction.”
Writes Julie Frohman Badion (1973) - “Kudos to you, Art, for saying it like it is regarding the mental states of our Second Amendment-crazed legislators and supporters in the populace. What you said is inarguable. Thanks.”
Writes Andy Schwartz (1975) - “I get the First Amendment, but is this guy Jay on another planet?”
Writes Peter Berlin - “Art, I appreciate the work you do with the newsletter, but I am now way too tired to read the right and left, conservative and liberal, political posts after every tragedy in the country. If you cannot see that what we all want to hear about is how our former classmates and teachers are doing, and not their angry diatribes, then please, ‘take me off your list.’ I can read left and right extremism elsewhere, as those that want to provoke others with their opinions have many other places to do so.”
Late Breaking News - Ten Murdered in Monterey Park
The Usual Words of Wisdom
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 90 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, mirabile dictu, 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
More about Murray The K!
Found on-line - “While Murray the K's traditional Easter break shows were a ‘can't miss’ for young rock and roll enthusiasts, the 1967 event, which featured five shows a day at the RKO Theater from March 25th-April 2nd, proved particularly momentous due to the American debuts of unknown British bands Cream and The Who. Much has been written about this fabled Easter week of performances on and off stage produced by Murray the K.”
Writes Peter Altschuler (1965) (Murray’s son) - “The shows at the Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn Fox, Academy of Music, and RKO 58th Street were, as in vaudeville, continuous. They got rolling at 10 am and went until as late as midnight with four to six performances a day... by every act on the bill... though not every act was booked for the entire run. A movie screened between the live shows, giving the groups a chance to recharge, and the length of the film determined how many times the acts performed: shorter films, more live performances.
Writes Dan Ross (1969) - “Murray the K’s concerts were like the old-style early rock concerts, where each band played just 2-3 songs. I was a Phil Ochs fan at the time, but I remember thinking he was really out of place there.”
Writes Frank Samberg (1969) - “ Hey Art et al., Some of my friends and I were also at the Murray the K Brooklyn Fox Theater shows. I remember seeing The Who, Cream, Mitch Ryder, Wilson Picket and some others all in one day. Great shows.”
Administrators
Clayton Akin - Raymond Roller (1960) Remembers
Writes Ray - “The latest edition of the Newsletter brought back a very special memory about Clayton Akin. When I was a Junior in 1958 I was called into Dr. Akin"s office for a conference. His message to me was that my grades did not reflect the scores that I was getting on all of the tests that we were required to take. His comments had a big impact on me and changed the way that I looked at my future education. I hope that you will be able to forward this to his family so they learn how much he was appreciated.”
Faculty
Scot Feld, 1974, forwarded me a copy of the October 2006 Wheatley Wildcat 50th Anniversary Edition, prepared by Betty O’Connor Bradley and Ann Karp, consisting entirely of “Retirees Recollections, 1956-1965.” Here’s the link:
WHEATLEY WILDCAT 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Graduates
1961 - Jerry Mintz - A Few Comments about Items in the Most Recent Newsletter (# 90).
Writes Jerry - “Arthur Miller (famous playwright and, for five years, Marilyn Monroe’s husband) was mentioned among Tim's credits. Arthur’s nephew, Ross (“Rusty”) Miller, graduated from Wheatley in 1964.
I totally agree with Ted Lipsky about the sad situation of the Roslyn Country Club. This community needs to wake up and reclaim it for the next generation. People in the RCC have the right to do it in their deeds. BTW, I used to play tennis with Ted’s father. Shelley (“Sheli Nan”) Hershcopf was close to my sister, Lisa (1968). Many Wildcats took piano lessons from my mother, Ouida. I used to teach ping pong at the Club, and I still play and teach. It keeps me young!”
1964 - Steven Morris - Two Great Teachers
Writes Steve - “Hi Art - I was lucky enough to have Dr. Scheinen as my German teacher at Wheatley because, as fate would have it, and unbeknownst to me at the time, I was to spend much of my professional career (international finance) traveling to Germany and working with numerous German counter-parties. I am fortunate to have formed life-long friendships with people who started out only as business contacts. Dr. Scheinen’s skills as a teacher and influence clearly played a major role in the paths I eventually followed in my life (in fact, I just returned from a 2- week trip to Berlin to catch up with many of my friends).
I also have Mr. Robert Hanson to thank for opening up for me a life-long interest in the study of history (from university degrees to my own personal adventures). I’ll never forget the story he told in class one day about a trip he made to Europe and upon landing found that a can of shaving cream had exploded inside his suitcase. He had the whole class in stitches. And that was approximately 60 years ago! What an engaging teacher!!”
1964 - Susan Obrant - Painter of Men
Art Reception: "SUSAN's MEN," by Susan Obrant
Sunday, February 12, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00 pm
Halperin Building - 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY - Community Room
The exhibition is on display from February 5 to March 3, 2023.
The gallery is open to the public during regular library hours.
Artist's Statement:
“The concept of this exhibition was my husband's, who loved my portraits of men. These started when I was a burgeoning illustrator of both Record Albums and Book Jackets. The Albums culminated in a Grammy nomination for album cover design. Some of these portraits were commissions, some were requests, and some just great friendships. Sadly, several are now deceased, therefore even more memorable. Their variety is proof of the variety of testosterone! And a salute to men.”
1965 - Glen Hammer - Great Memories
Writes Glen - “The Newsletter brings back great memories of an innocent time, long before we became ‘woke.’
I spent many hours playing handball at the wonderful Roslyn Country Club with many friends. Does anyone remember the famous ‘Yagoda Drop,’ which was a handball shot that was very difficult to return, named after my classmate, Kenny Yagoda, who perfected it?
I also enjoyed reading about Murray ‘the K’ and knew his son, Peter Altschuler, who was in my class. Through the years, when the great days of rock’n roll were discussed, I mentioned that I knew Murray’s son when at Wheatley!
Lastly, I remember a “sock hop” at Wheatley, which was highlighted by Tony Orlando (years before he added Dawn). He was probably around 19 years old.”
Writes Art Engoron - "“I saw/heard Tony Orlando at Wheatley, in the gym; probably that same event. I remember it as a concert, not a sock hop, and I think he was the only performer…..but I could be wrong. I especially remember the song “Bless You,” which was a hit at the time, and which I thought he said he wrote in honor of his disabled sister. Wikipedia says that (the great songwriters) Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote it. Maybe Tony said he was dedicating it to his sister. BTW, Tony is still alive.”
1966 - Amy Gruskin Gerstein - Life In and Near the Roslyn Country Club
Standing, L-R - Denise Frank, Debbie Bond, Amy Gruskin Gerstein, Suzanne Stone, Charlene Krakauer. Seated L-R - Joyce Miceli, Beverly Berman Hornick
Writes Amy - “I enjoyed reading the shared memories of the Roslyn Country Club. I lived right across the street on Locust Lane, and I enjoyed the woods as a place to explore and have assorted adventures. I also spent endless hours on the squash and tennis courts (I am still playing today)! The Saddle Lane hill was a source of much enjoyment on snow days..…it seemed so steep at the time! The photograph is from my sweet sixteen party, held at the RCC clubhouse. Those were definitely ‘the good old days.’”
1967 - Jill Simon Forte - Roslyn Country Club Memories
Writes Jill - I certainly remember the RCC (waiting in the rain to be picked up by the front entrance on many days 🤣. Also, many years later, not sure who owned it at the time, we had my father-in-law’s 75th birthday party there; it was lovely. I much enjoy the memories of that place. Glad to see some names I remember from way back when. I hope that everyone stays healthy.”
1970 - Nina Galerstein - Diploma Holder for the Asking
Writes Nina - “Hi Art, I've been cleaning out stuff and found this from graduation. It's a nicer holder than I got from college! I intend to keep the diploma....but if anyone would like the holder I am happy to give it away! I can be reached at ninagalerstein1@gmail.com
1985 - Jared Goldstein - New York City Tour Guide
Writes Jared - “To Art and Keith: I am still Tour Guiding in NYC and loving it. Some of my career highlights include touring for Wheatley alumni and their friends. I was about to list them; but I retain my guests' confidentiality; and I didn't get their permission; so I'll say that they were delightful and stimulating to see and discuss NYC with. And, to the extent that their spouses and friends could stand, we reminisced a little about our high school days. Best regards, Jared Goldstein, Jared@JaredtheNYCTourGuide.com; 917-533-1057
1989 - Peter Sultan - The Roslyn Country Club With Friends and Classmates
Writes Peter - “Very interesting reading about the earlier days of the Roslyn Country Club. It was still booming among my friends throughout my youth. The Class of 1989 was well represented there.”
2002 - Benjamin Brodsky - Chronicling the Roslyn Country Club
Writes Ben - “Thanks for all of the Roslyn Country Club stories! They are helping current residents get a grasp of something they've never experienced. I hope they will motivate the community to work on rebuilding it. I've been adding these alumni RCC stories to the RoslynCountryClub.org website I created, citing this newsletter: https://www.roslyncountryclub.org/history/stories/. Hope that’s ok with all!
Fan Mail
Faculty (Steve Ehre) - ❤️
Staff (Librarian) (Jo Beth Roberts) - ❤️
1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - “Thanks for all the news. I enjoy reading the newsletter every the time.”
1960 (Joanne Festa) - ❤️
1960 (Raymond Roller) - “I always look forward to receiving your Newsletter, as I have wonderful memories of my school years in the East Williston School District. Keep up the good work.”
1961 (Jerry Mintz) - “Very nice issue, Art.
1963 (Marcia Friedman Mayer) - 💜
1964 (Natalie Cobb) - ❤️
1964 (Steve Morris) - “Thanks for all your work, which keeps the Wheatley community a tightly-knit one. The reminiscences, photos, and individual bios bring back so many wonderful memories. Keep up the good work.”
1965 (Glen Hammer) - “As usual, I enjoyed reading the newsletter. Thank you, Art, for (As Murray would say), “the blasts from the past.” Keep up the great work; we did live ‘in a Swingin’ Soirée.’” ❤️
1966 (Rick Jalonack) - “I read EVERY issue……Great Work. One of the things I love is seeing the name of classmates I remember. Steve Shakin and Suzi Berger are people I haven't thought of in years. Thanks for the FOND memories.”
1966 - (Jane Rosengarten Rosenof) - “I enjoy getting the Wheatley Alumni emails and appreciate the work you do to make it happen.”
1966 (Robert Sarnoff) - “Thanks for all of your efforts with the Newsletter. It brings great joy to so many of us.”
1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “Of course I enjoy seeing the newsletter 😊.”
1967 (Barbara Smith Stanisic) - “Great as always.”
1967 (Merrill Stanton) - “Your newsletters are always fabulous, and I love reading them. Thanks for your tireless efforts to keep us all close regardless of the distances we live from each other.” ❤️
1968 (Cheryl Goldberg Siegel) - ❤️
1968 (Lois Hegyi Goldstein) - ❤️
1968 (Carol Wisker) - ❤️
1969 (Frank Samberg) - “Thanks, Art, for all the work you put in on the Newsletter.”
1970 (Rosemary Biancavilla) - “Thanks for all you do. I rarely miss an issue. I think you have created a great community for all to contribute and learn about others that we may not even have known personally before.”
1970 (Jonathan Gold) - ❤️
1971 (Merrie Sesskin) - “Thank you for latest news. Happy New Year.”
1972 (Jeffrey Kargman) - ❤️
1972 (Sheri Nathan Risolia) - ❤️
1972 (Janet Schaffel Fraga) - ❤️
1973 (Laurie Gould Kappe) - “Thanks for these newsletters; they bring back nice memories, and it's always fun to read about lives after high school.”
1974 (Ann DeMilta) - ❤️
1974 (James Elefonte) - ❤️ - “Once again, thank you and Keith for all your hard work.”
1974 (Isidore Mayrock) - “Thank you for your tireless work.”
1975 (Margaret Christian D’Agostino) - ❤️
1976 (Robin Firetog Glanzberg) - ❤️
1978 (Peter Berlin) - “I appreciate the work you do with the newsletter.”
1979 (Kieran Duffy) - ❤️
1982 (Robert Vella) - ❤️
1985 (Jared Goldstein) - “Thank you and Keith for knitting our community together.”
1986 (Sarah Schwadron Mizrahi) - ❤️
1989 (Peter Sultan) - ❤️ - “Another great newsletter.”
1990 (Dana Lieber Moriarty) - ❤️
1992 (David A. Day) - “Art, I hope that you and Keith get the gratitude you deserve for publishing these thoughtful newsletters. The stories contained in them are timeless and transcend all Wheatley generations. Even though I graduated in the early 90’s, I find it very easy to relate to the memoirs of those who graduated decades before me.
2004 (Kerry E. Nienstedt Wystrach) - “I love reading these newsletters.”
??? (Denise ???) - ❤️ - “Thank you, Art! Reading about our Wildcat community is always a pleasure.”
Closing
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 91. Please send us your autobiography before someone else sends us your obituary.
Art
Arthur Fredericks Engoron, Class of 1967
WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM
ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM
646-872-4833