THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER # 72
Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,
Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 72.
Note - Anything underlined is a link, or a link-to-a-link, and anything not is not, because Substack will not allow you to underline anything OTHER THAN a link.
More SubStack Statistics
After 24 hours:
3,055 views
19 likes
The Peer Program - Two Memorable Moments
L-R (Les Paul and Bucky Pizzarelli)
Writes Alan Peterson (1975) - “A few issues back, there was some question and doubt over the claim that legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul had visited Wheatley. Well he did, and here's my picture to prove it.
It was May of 1972; Ms. Auerbach's new PEER Program was in its first year (visiting performers, authors and personalities were invited to Wheatley in lieu of substitute teachers) but there were no real "names" that graced the auditorium during those first months. Then Les Paul rolled into Old Westbury with jazz guitarist and "Tonight Show" musician Bucky Pizzarelli, and the program had its first verifiable hit.
To most of the student body, Les was symbolic of "Mom's music" from 20 years prior. But every student who slung an axe back in the early '70s cut their classes to be in the presence of Les and Bucky. In the above photo, Les Paul is playing a Les Paul, and Bucky is playing a green 7-string Gretsch "George Van Eps" model. It was fifty years ago this season . And yeah, it really happened. What a day that was?!”
Writes Brad Feuer (1978) - “Your mention of the Peer Program reminded me of when I was involved with it, and we hosted NY Mets famed relief pitcher, Tug McGraw. I waited for Tug at the entrance circle, as he pulled up late in his Mercedes SL convertible (NY license plate: TUG-45). During his presentation he was asked how he got the name "Tug". Visibly embarrassed, he asked all the girls in attendance to step out of the room. He then explained that, as a young child, he liked to "tug" on his mother's breast when she breastfed him, so she called him "Tugger." YOU GOTTA BELIEVE!”
Have Screenplay, Contacting Agents
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - As noted in Newsletter # 71, Tom and Jill Glaser (1968) and I have written a screenplay based on Tom’s father’s Holocaust experiences. Much of the material is based on Tom’s father’s letter of August, 1945, published in Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 41, WHEATLEY ALUMNI NEWSLETTER # 41. We thank the nine Wildcats that have helped us with this.
We are still looking around, so if anyone else knows an agent(s) or producer(s) who might be interested, please contact me (ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM) or Tom (TOMPGLASER@GMAIL.COM). Initial feedback has been positive, with readers describing it as “riveting, just riveting,” and “compelling.” Be forewarned, Tom’s parents (incredibly) survive, but the story is a real tear-jerker, causing many people to stop to dry their tears before continuing to read.
The Usual Words of Wisdom
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 71 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) at
Wheatley School Alumni Association Website
Also, thanks to Keith is our handy-dandy, super-duper search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, voilà, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I use it all the time. Amazing!
Meanwhile, if you are completely uninterested in Wheatley matters, please ask me to remove you from our distribution list.
I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I do not have a fact-checking department, and I do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me, although occasionally I correct obvious errors or refuse to publish blatant falsehoods.
Unless you indicate otherwise, I will assume that you have given me permission to publish anything you send me; but please indicate whether or not I can publish your contact information (otherwise I will assume not). Scores of alumni email addresses can be found on
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.
Good Question
Rick Ardito, 1981, asks, “Why are Wheatley yearbooks called ‘Aurora’”? Does anyone know?
Faculty
Jeanine (“Mrs.”) Brescia - North Side School Student and Teacher
Writes Vivi Cilmi Kunz (1964) - “Happy Birthday to Mrs. Brescia….She was my mom’s ‘over the back fence’ weekly chat for many years!”
Writes Daniel Paisner (1978) - “I saw the notice about Mrs. Brescia in the most recent newsletter. She was my first grade teacher! I remember Mrs. Brescia fondly. That year came during the height of “The Monkees” mania, and she very kindly allowed/encouraged a group of us to make our own instruments and act out bits from the show on the mornings after the show aired!)”
Writes Carla Schorr Rose (1980) - “What a pleasure to have read about Mrs. Brescia at age 102! I still have fond memories lots of creative activities we did in first grade in 1968, including creating a life-size papier maché tiger. Both she and Mrs. Greenberg were early influences on my chosen profession of being a Creative Arts Therapist!”
Writes Kerri Cohen Dumelle (1992) - “I cannot believe Mrs. Brescia is 102! That’s incredible. I didn’t have her, but my older sister did. I remember the location of her classroom and seeing her every morning and afternoon. Such a friendly and helpful teacher.”
Parents
Julius Eisenstein - Father of Tobi (1966) and Fred (1969) j- Recently Deceased
Writes Rick Jalonack (1966) - “Art, I've eaten too many slices of 7 layer cake. Julius's Eisenstein’s (father of Tobi, 1966, and Fred, 1969) bakery is no longer in the Westwood shopping Center, but I remember it fondly. As you can tell, I have found a replacement bakery, but it's not the same. LOL
Graduates
1958 - Steve Nelson - Editorial Writer
Editorial in the Berkshire Eagle
1960 - Jay Cummings - Gracious Host
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - Despite some stark philosophical differences between us, Jay and I have become friends. He hosted a lovely dinner for us on Flag Day, June 14, 2022.
1962 - Gail Anne Wilkinson - Best Friends with Naomi Klotz Obie
Writes Gail - “Naomi Klotz Obie and I became best friends as seventh graders when Wheatley opened in 1956 -- and we're still best friends today.”
1965 - First Grade (1953-54 School Year) - Submitted by the Tallest Kid in the Class
First (Front) Row - Malcolm Dobrow, ???, Mimi Gordon, Billy Levin
Second Row - Dave Orlins, Jay Robbins, ???
Third Row - Mitch Ditkoff, David Cornfield, Penny Asbell, Valerie Siegel, Jane Goldenberg, ???
Fourth Row - Marilyn Sherwin (mostly obscured) ???, ???, Caren Putterman, Allison Bernstein, Ann Greenberg, Margie Newman, Ellen Senft
Fifth (Back) Row- Mrs. Royer (classroom teacher). Cory Friedman, Ira Kent, Neil Firetog, Hank Alpert, Bruce Aufhauser, ???, Miss Pulick (music teacher), Skippy the Parakeet (Hank Alpert’s)
1965 - Hank Alpert - Outdoor Dining
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - Hank and I had a WONDERFUL long lunch on 6/13/2022 at Pepolino in Tribeca. Most of the stories centered on some unlikely Wildcat coincidence somewhere in the USA. WE ARE EVERYWHERE!
1965 - George Glaser - Wheatley’s Annual Award in His Honor
The George Glaser Memorial Award was created to honor the memory of George Glaser, a 1965 graduate of The Wheatley School. George represented the epitome of a true scholar-athlete. He excelled in all academic and athletic pursuits. From schoolboy exploits to competition at the national level, George constantly strived to achieve and enjoyed considerable success. His legacy includes a National Championship in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness competition, various Track and Field school records that remained over 40 years later, Co-Captain of Wheatley’s first Nassau County Championship soccer team, charter member of The Wheatley Hall of Fame and a member of the United States National Ski Team. In recognition of his exemplary academic performance, George was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Tragically, George passed away shortly after graduating from The Wheatley School, and the award is dedicated to honor his memory and celebrate his qualities as an exceptional person and student-athlete. The George Glaser Memorial Award is presented annually to the senior student-athlete who most exemplified the qualities of excellence and dedication to the Wheatley athletic program.
Writes Barry Gordon (1965) - “George Glaser was my dear classmate and a close friend. He had a brilliant mind and was an incredible athlete. How many people that you know were able to ski in Chile during our summers? I still think about him and miss him.”
1965 -Peter Till - Meeting in the Park
L-R - Peter Till and Art Engoron
Writes Art - On June 9, 2022, Peter recognized me in Foley Square Park. He had just successfully argued a criminal case in federal district court. I had just finished lunch!
1967 - Linda Caterino - Talented Granddaughter
Writes Linda - My granddaughter was a co-star on the Mayim Bialik show, “Call me Kat,” about a month ago. She played Mayim in a flashback. While she only had a small part, she got the most out of it and loved taping at the Warner Brothers Studio. This photo is from her entry in IMDB.com. Her stage name is Alessandra M.K. Caterino and she’s 8. She loved acting and would definitely be available for another gig.”
1967 - Art Engoron - In the News
National Public Radio Publishes Associated Press Article
1968 - Jill Silvering and Tom Glaser - Married 51 Years!
Writes Art Engoron - Jill and Tom were born one week (not two, as previously reported) apart and have spent their lives together!
1968 - Chris Srinivasan - Media Man Lunches with a Friend
L-R - Art and Chris
1969 - William Kirchick - His Son, the Author - Continued
Writes the New York Times - “‘Secret City,” by James Kirchick, is a sprawling and enthralling history of how the gay subculture in Washington, D.C., long in shadow, emerged int the klieg lights. But it’s also a whodunit to rival anything by Agatha Christie. How did so many promising men in government wind up dead before their time, by such variously violent means? * * * As an epic of a dark age, complex and shaded, ‘Secret City’ is rewarding in the extreme.”
1969 + 1970 - Susan and Mitch Shapiro - At Charity Benefit Mitch Organized
L-R - Fran Shapiro, Art Engoron (1967), Susan Shapiro (1969), Mitch Shapiro (1970)
North Hills Country Club - June 13, 2022
1972 - Reunion Approaching
Writes Seth Michael Katz - “So...its been several weeks since our first email blast - thank you to our early responders, especially those who said they will definitely be joining our celebration!
Thanks to the work of Art Engoron, Rich Weissman, Ilene Kent and others, we were able to put together a list of 194 of our classmates, many of whom we are still waiting to hear from. Also a special thanks to those who volunteered to be part of our reunion committee !
As more than a few responses had October conflicts, we are now also considering 2 dates in September: the 17th and the 24th - as September and October are popular 'event' months however, spaces are filling up fast, so we are requesting that those who are planning to attend let us know by June 30, 2022 - also, even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate confirmation that we were able to 'reach' everyone, and that no one was 'missed'.
As details firm up, we will continue to send email updates - in the meantime, stay healthy, and stay tuned! Best, Seth Michael”
1974 - Cathy Gould Rath - Final Stop on East Coast Book Tour
Writes Cathy: Hi again Wheatley-ites! I would love for you to join me at Barnes & Noble, 91 Old Country Road in Carle Place on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 pm for my last East Coast book event. Feel free to share this with your friends and family.
With gratitude, Cathy
1975 - Eric Asimov - Late Night Dinner with Hanger-On
Eric Asimov (1975) and Art Engoron (1967) after Greenwich Village Dinner 5/25/2002
1975 - Jon Kirwin - Keeping Up With Old Friends
Writes Jon - “I enjoy keeping up with my old friends from school. Recently I had dinner with Mark Lubin, Jeff Karasyk, Chuck Berlin and, after a near 40-year absence, Shelly Steinmetz. We had a great time together. I am still working as a Vascular Surgeon at SUNY Downstate, where I have been on the faculty for the past 38 years.”
Front Row - Mark Lubin, Jon Kirwin
Back Row Chuck Berlin, Jeff Karasyk, Shelly Steinmetz
1980 - Carla (Schorr) Rose - Small World Story
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - "In the 1980s Carla studied art therapy in Turin/Torino, Italy with Elizabeth Stone, 1963. At the time, neither was aware of “The Wheatley Connection”; but they learned of it through a recent Wheatley Alumni newsletter and are now back in touch with each other. We are everywhere! Carla has a BS from Cornell University (1984); an MA from NYU Steinhardt (2004), and is a licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist.
Fan Mail
Faculty (Stephen Ehre) - “Art: Thanks again for all you (and Keith) are doing. I love finding out how former students, that I taught or knew, have fared.”
1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - ❤️
1959 (Matt Sanzone) - “Art, Keep up the good work.”
1961 (Jill Davidson Blaney) - “Hi Art, I appreciate the Wheatley Newsletter very much. Thank you. I’ve gotten to love Wheatley more the older I’ve become.”
1963 (Barbara Gottesman Miller) - “I enjoy every issue of the newsletter. Thanks so much for all you do.”
1964 (Frank Brescia) - ❤️
1963 (Donna Harmelin Rivkin) - ❤️
1964 (Vivi Cilmi Kunz) - “Hi Art, Thanks so much for all the news. You have given us another treat!”
1964 (John Sullivan) - “Art - Thanks for forwarding the Newsletter. Always good to keep up with Wheatley news.”
1965 (Richard Cohen) - ❤️
1965 (Jane Mannheim Claud) - “Thanks, Art, for all you do for the alumni.”
1965 (Malcolm McNeill) - “Nice job, Art. I like the new formatting.”
1965 (Cliff Montgomery) - “Good memories, Art. Thank you. I appreciate your and Keith’s efforts to keep us all connected after all these years.”
1965 (Carmel Panzeca Silk) - “Thank you Art. Your letters are always enjoyable.”
1966 (Claude Levy) - "Thanks for this Newsletter, Art.”
1967 (Dr. Linda Caterino) - “Wonderful job on the newsletter, as always.”
1967 (Scott Frishman) - “Great as usual, Art. All of us appreciate you and Keith and all your efforts😊👍”
1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “❤️ - As always,I enjoy this publication.”
1968 (Sandra Brodkin Dreis) - ❤️
1968 (Janet Paley Sapir) - ❤️
1969 (Craig Backel) - ❤️
1970 (Deborah Silverman Sloyer) - “A note of deep appreciation for keeping us updated.”
1971 (Steven Brautigam) - “Thank you, Arthur, for your informative Newsletters.❤️”
1971 (Merrie Sesskin) - ❤️
1973 (Vera Kaltinick Peterson) - ❤️
1974 (Ann DeMilta) - ❤️
1974 (Gail LaPasta Gannotti) - ❤️
1974 (Joseph LeoGrande) - ❤️
1975 (Jon Kirwin) - “I look forward to the newsletter.”
1975 (Ruth Resnicow) - ❤️
1976 (Carol Ann Marie Dondiego) - “Dear Art, On behalf of Wheatley’s Class of 1976, many thanks for your ongoing Wheatley School newsletter! I don’t see many of my former classmates posting, but I wanted to let you know it’s fun for me to read about my former HS and the old & current going-ons! Thank you for your continued hard work!”
1976 (James Joachim) - ❤️
1978 (Brian Rohman) - “Art, Thank you for doing this. It is truly of labor of love, and it shows.”
1979 (Sharon Lazar) - “Hi Arthur, Thanks for all the great things you do for Wheatley!”
1980 (Peter Cohen) - “I love receiving your email newsletter; thank you so much.”
1980 (Gregory Colucci) - ❤️
1988 (Ariel Kalish Glassman) - ❤️
1990 (Dana Lieber Moriarty) - ❤️
Closing
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 71. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.
Art
Arthur Fredericks Engoron, 1967
WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM
ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM
646-872-4833
I recognize the familiar shoulder tilt of Dave Cornfield. Didn’t realize it went all the way back to first grade!