HiI grew up in Hicksville, but did not go to Hicksville High School.

I came across
your HixNews site more or less by accident and saw responses to a presentation about
Hicksville history. I am interested in any information you have on Reidlinger's service
station. I am doing some research on this place in the 1940s and 1950s. Any help would
be greatly appreciated. Best,
Steven P. Gietschier, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of History and Geography
Faculty Athletics Representative for Student Life Sports and Competitive Programs
Lindenwood University
209 South Kings highway
St. Charles, MO 63301
Editor noteanyone with information about Gus Reidlinger and his service back in the
day, please send to SGietschier@lindenwood.edu

We have no background information on the company but you might find some
information by going to
Gus Riedlingers Hicksville - Automotive Service Companies
Phone Number:
(516) 931-1498
Address:
148 Duffy Ave
Hicksville, New York 11801-3640
United States
Gus Riedlingers is a small organization in the automotive service companies industry
located in Hicksville, NY. It opened its doors in 2010 and now has an estimated $87,388
USD in yearly revenue and approximately 2 employees. Hope this helps
buffalo bob casale

I created a video years ago about Hicksville. If you have not seen, you can go to
Hicksville New York Then and Now (20,110 Views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jacJ_v0ceuU
Bob

Yes, that's where I started. There is some evidence that Mr. Riedlinger, back in the 1930s
and 1940s, was a member of the German-American Bund, but I am in no way certain of
that. I grew up just north of the Plaza, went to Burns Avenue School and then the junior
high before going to St. Dominic (Class of '66). Good luck with your work, and thank
you again. Best
Steve

Yet another reason to visit Old Country Deli in Hicksville. Besides the potato salad (I
bought 1-1/2lbs to go) we are getting ready to head home after attending a Saturday
wedding and, of course, we had to stop at our favorite deli for an egg sandwich. Its
Sunday morning and packed of course. I strike up a conversation with a gentlemen in line
telling him I grew up here and would eat lunch at this deli every day while in high school.
There is another gentleman watching us and finally he looks at me and says "Walter"? Oh
manfor once I was wishing the line was longer. The gentleman was my old friend and
basketball team mate Gregory Walsh. We were able to cram about 30 years since high
school into the next five minutesLOL...and honestly, the guy who I had first engaged
in conversation....I think he was quite entertained...LOL. Egg sandwiches, heroes, potato
salad and old friends...can't beat OCD!
Walter Relling 1977

Turkey Panini Bacon & Egg on Roll

Hi to everyone from the class of 1956hope you are all happy and healthy!
As you may know, I've always loved performing. I've been so lucky in the past 12 years
after retiring from 30 years of Public Relations to finally be doing what I've wanted to do
since I was 6 years old. White haired "old ladies" have become quite popular in TV,
commercials and Indie films in the past few years. I guess the marketers of products have
finally realized that people over 65 have some dough (and they want it).
This November you can catch me as the "bird feeding lady" (feeding Elizabeth Banks as
a bird), on SESAME STREET'S latest special with the Muppets. "The Magical Wand
Chase" will start airing on November 11th on HBO. Check your HBO listings for time
and additional dates. Additionally, for all of you still living on L.I., You might get a
laugh from a promo I did for NEWS 12 NY as "Old Lady Johnson" jogging down the
street and losing my wig in the wind and rain! Here are pix of both. Wishing you all best
things!
Harriet Molese (AKA Harri Molese) 1956

My wife and I arrived in Sun City Center, Florida on August 30th for a visit with my
new half sister Mary and her husband Emile. On September 1st, we drove down to
Rotunda in Englewood to visit with old friends and fellow Hickvillians, Gary and
Marleen Schneider Sanders & Gary Sanders. Like me, they are both class of 1968. They
had just made the permanent move to Florida 6 weeks earlier.
We spent a lovely few days with them checking out neighborhoods in the area to see if
we would like to live somewhere nearby, but always keeping an ear to the news
reports about the march of Irma. The Sanders home does not yet have storm shutters or
upgraded windows. Gary and I visited a local supplier to buy some plywood and
fasteners. Considering the serious shortage of material, we were fortunate to find enough
to help protect his home. Irma's path was still unsure and she was beginning to wreck
havoc in the eastern Caribbean and they wanted to be ready.
We departed on Wed. the 5th of Sept. and drove over to the East coast and visit my
Father in Delray. We were only supposed to stay until Friday the 8th. My wife is a retiree
from American Airlines. We fly stand-by whenever we can since it costs us very little to
fly compared to regular fares. As of the 6th, Irma's cone of uncertainty was beginning to
close in on eastern Florida with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties well
within its projected path. The flights we thought we might be taking back to New York
filled up very quickly and we were locked out. My wife bought a ticket on Jet Blue, but
ultimately, that flight was canceled.
We decided to stay with my Dad who turns 100 in early January. It seemed like with
every hour that passed, Irma's eye was aiming more and more for us. In fact, by Thursday
morning it looked like the eye of the storm was going to head straight up Military Trail
cutting a path through the three most populous counties in Florida. And then something
happened.
Irma's eye began to swing to the west. We weren't out of the woods yet, but things were
beginning to improve a bit. And then things got worse. Not for us, but for our friends in
Rotunda. By late Friday afternoon Irma's eye was predicted to be right over their new
home. Their plywood was all up, but they weren't feeling very confident. They arrived at
my father's home around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.
We rode out the storm in Delray. There were gusts in excess of 100mph. The rain came
in waves, horizontal, stinging, and savage. Nature's power on full display. We lost power
early Sunday morning, but were able to keep our phones and pads charged in our cars.
Monday, Gary and Marleen contacted a neighbor expecting to hear the worst. But Irma
had one more surprise up her sleeve. After decimating the middle and lower Keys, she
marched across Florida Bay heading for Marco Island and Naples and as soon as she
made landfall with the eastern part of the storm over the land, she began to weaken. So
much so that by the time the eye reached Rotunda 50 miles to the north of Naples much
of her punch was gone. Bottom line for them was no serious damage and they never lost
power. They headed home on Tuesday.
Our power had been restored in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. My wife was able to
book a flight out of Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday. I returned to New York from West
Palm on Thursday still in awe of what nature can bring to bear. In the big picture, we are
truly insignificant.
(I can text you some videos of the storm if you want them)
David Teitel

DaveThanks for the information. Please send the videos Thanks

buffalo bob Casale
Editor noteThanks for the videos. Unfortunately, the download corrupts and I cannot
use. We know the ferocity of the landfall was catastrophic and have other videos that
attest to the onslaught. Thanks for responding and am glad that you are safe

BobThanks for putting John E's articles in HixNews! Enjoyed them and have sent
them to my classmates, I know they will enjoy.
Art Lembke 1949

Dying for a Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich

We had a great time in Portland. We ate out almost every meal and the food was great! I
must admit though I did have one issue....LOL...in one place I ordered a BLT (it was the
daily special) the waiter came over and said I'm sorry but we are out of avocado mayo.
So, your BLT will have to be dry. I said no sweat; just put regular mayo on it. He says,
we don't have mayonnaise. So I'm thinking any society advanced enough to legalize
marijuana should know you don't serve BLTs if you don't have mayo in your
kitchen.....Portland...a city full of contradictions! LOL
Walter Relling
That's insane!
Jim Sweeney, Holy Trinity 1976

If they were making their avocado mayo with mayo and ran out of mayo... couldn't have
either. That's what happened in my restaurant, sometimes.
Hannah Elizabeth Sams
Reminds me of the film 5 Easy Pieces and the diner scene with the omelet and chicken
salad sandwich on wheat toast.
Tod Raphaely 1977

Too cool for you.

Richard Mepherson

Gotta be Hellmans also.

Ken Ponsiek 1974
Of course.
Cheryl Gries Brown 1972

A sin!
F. Pat Englert
Mayo yuk! One of the only foods I cannot stand! Can't even wash out a dish that
contained it without gagging!
Annamay Thomas Adams 1975
A note to Annamay from WalterOh my friend, you poor unfortunate soul! Funny, as
a kid I wouldn't touch it, it was miracle whip....now miracle whip makes me gag!!!

Robert Casale Someone a long time ago said I couldn't eat a spoonful of Miracle Whip. I
ate two!!! There is no comparison to the vinegary taste of Miracle Whip that draws out
the flavors of foods it caresses. LOL
Robert Casale

EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE

1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
1 cup cold water
1 tsp. vanilla

Note: Do not use mayonnaise or fat-free dressing.

Sift together cocoa, flour, baking soda and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, Miracle Whip, water and vanilla on high speed
for 1 minute.
On low speed, gradually add 1/3 flour mixture; scrape bottom of bowl; stop mixer and
stir in half of the liquid, another 1/3 of the flour mixture, the remaining liquid, and the
remaining flour. Stir in vanilla.
Bake in greased round layer cake pans, a loaf cake pan or muffin cups in a preheated
350F oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (about 35 minutes).
Frost with Fudge Frosting or Coconut Frosting, or any favorite.

Egg and oil? No blender? No whisk? Stone age.

Margie Exelberth Felman 1970

And a little mustard.

Lane Baker (shown above with Nina Cybriwsky Iovino)
Just stay weird, OK? That's it.
Steve Egelhoff (shown above with Lynn Wickstrom Wigell)

Amen to that no mayo on a blt is like a pastrami sandwich without a pickle.

Glenn Bragman 1966
A note to Glenn from WalterGlen, someone was just asking about you!? Dog gone it
I can't remember right now who it was! Oh I just remembered, it was John Barbera. We
got reconnected on Facebook and he was asking me about Corey, and the rest of the
Bragman family. I told him you were the only one I knew of using Facebook and I don't
know where Corey, Stacy, Fran, Andrew, Robbie or Bruce live.

Glen just reminded me of a line by Jackie Mason referring to Bill Clinton's contention
that he smoke pot but didn't inhale. Jackie said that's like saying I chewed a pastrami
sandwich but didn't swallow....LOL
Walter

Getting close to the raising of the barn. Driveway done, and the barn "floor" just about
ready. I'm planning to work with the Amish on the barn. Hopefully learn something about
building, I know zero! Built by John Swartz and his brother Enos in September
Do you put gutters on the barn?
Chris Colasuonno 1976
A note from Walter to ChrisFunny you should ask...I actually bought a shit ton of
used gutters a while back. I put up some of them on the roof of the back porch and put a
300 gallon rain catching tank underneath. I think I will use the rest to put gutters on the
barn and move the rain tank down there. My new gardens are going to be in that vicinity
and the tank is very ugly where it sits now. Maybe get to it this Fall but more likely next
Spring.
A note from Chris to WalterThe gutters will help with the collection of rainwater.
(We are in a drought here if you can believe it) and helps keep away water from your
foundation and siding.
A note from Walter to Chrissummer 2016 was very dry here. Its what prompted the
rain catcher that I put up too late to make a difference. Naturally, in the summer of 2017,
we had more rain than we knew what to do with. But I agree whole heartedly on both of
your points.

Oh, Im disappointed, Walter. I thought you built that all by yourself?

J.d. Barnett
You'll learn from the best. Good luck on the build.
Cheryl Gries Brown

Do you throw a party after it's raised?? I totally agree with Cheryl's post too!!
Barbara Kargauer Castonguay 1970
A great way to learn...the Amish are amazing!! I watched a barn raising in Lancaster
years ago!
Felicia Rybak Adorno 1972

How big Walt?

Marshal Truckie
A note from Walter to Marshal60x30
What is the horizontal metal beam? Rain diverter?
Mary Relling Jager 1979 (shown above with George & Regina)
A note from Walter to MaryTrack for the doors, double sliding doors on either end
of the barn. There is a piece of metal over the track to keep it dry.

Wow, that's a big barn. Watched Amish work on a friend's barn. Great workers. You'll
benefit from their skills.
Carol LoCastro-Gallinat
What's going inside such a big barn?
Frank Darrow (shown above with Yona)

3 horses and a chicken.

Wendy Friot Relling
A note from Frank to WendyOnly one chicken?lol
A note from Wendy to FrankYep. All others crossed the rainbow road!
By the way
Whenever I click on newsletter from the hixnews.com website, I get a blank page. I am
using my personal computer to view the newsletter. I have that program Scribd on my
ipad, but encounter the same difficulty. Out of frustration, I just end up deleting the
monthly email you send me because I cannot access the newsletter. I am running Firefox
on my pc. Sincerely
Morton Richman 1965

Mortsorry you are having problems with the newsletter portion of the site. The scribd
file is rather large and takes some time to download, especially on a slower Internet
connection. We could try emailing you the PDF that is the original we send to scribd.

Hi BobOnce again the Hicksville 8-2 enjoyed another gathering hosted by Bob and
Rose Oehler, in their East Norwich home on Long Island, New York. (There are only six
of us now but we will always consider our group "The Hicksville Eight".)
Our festivities began on Thursday, Sep 14th, with a wonderful dinner at Bob and Rose's
home, during which we all had a chance to catch up on each other's lives. Of all the
things we enjoy the most, it is just visiting and sharing each other's life experiences,
along with some serious reminiscing.
Friday saw us traveling to the North Fork of Eastern Long Island in a stretch limo. Our
first stop was at the Riverhead Cider House, where mid morning found us sampling the
many different ciders the facility makes. We then went on to the Palmer Vineyard for
more tasting and a Gourmet "box" lunch. We were all feeling pretty mellow by then. One
more vineyard and a quick tour of the beeches and a glimpse of the Great Peconic Bay,
and we were once again on the LIE heading back to the Inn.
We spent Saturday morning at the Aviation Museum at Mitchell Field where we viewed
aircraft from before the Wright Brothers to the NASA Space Shuttle. Lunch at one of the
top ten Mexican food restaurants on LI, and then on to a very upscale auto facility in
Oyster Bay where we viewed the many varieties of Porsche Ferrari and BMW. Although
very beautiful and vary fast, we decided to keep our cars. The day was finished with
dinner at Bob and Rose's.
Normally, the gathering would end on this last evening together with everyone traveling
home the next day, however, the travel schedules permitted a special breakfast at the
Empire Diner in Hicksville. Remember breaking away from lunch to go over to the
Empire Diner for a hamburger? We did that every so often when hamburgers were 35
cents. After breakfast, we all hugged and kissed and said so long for now and until next
time.
Ron Rocek

Dinner at the Oehler's:

Left to Right:
Rose Oehler, Carol Henneberger, Marci Allan, Portia Wells, Martha Hannnon, Ginger
Goodell, and Linda Rocek.
Riverhead Cider House:

Left to Right:
John Goodell, John Hannon, Bob Oehler, (in the circle) Ginger Goodell, Ron and Lin
Rocek, Rose Oehler, Martha Hannon, Pete and Carol Henneberger, Marci and Bill Allan.

Palmer Vineyard:

Left to Right:
John Goodell, Ron and Lin Rocek, Rose and Bob Oehler, Marci and Bill Allan, Ginger
Goodell, Carol and Pete Henneberger, Martha and John Hannon.
Empire Diner:

Left to Right:
Bob Oehler, Portia Wells, Rose Oehler, Pete Henneberger, Carol Henneberger,
John Hannon, Martha Hannon, Marci Allan, John Goodell, Ginger Goodell
Linda Rocek, Ron Rocek.
Walter Relling.....proudly wearing my shirt at HHS Homecoming last Saturday, October
14, 2017!

Carol Mack Berry 1963

How do you like my friends wandering on the beach?! LOL
Susan Germann Mongno 1964
Wish it was possible to post the ocean salty smell and send as an attachment. I miss it!
Lauren Hollenbeck
A note from Susan to LaurenSo do I! I would in a heartbeat!

So do I.
Carol Gugliotti
Do you talk to them Susan?
Connie Casella Shein 1964
A note from Susan to ConnieI did a little .

If you feed them, they will come.

Gloria Koenig (shown above with granddaughter Brooke Hartmann)
A note from Susan to GloriaI didn't feed them It was my bird appeal! Lol

I Love and miss Your Friends!!!

Carol Ann Larkin-Griffin
They look lonely out there.
Barbara Sussman Markowitz 1964

Thank you for the lovely anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much
appreciated.
Norm Nichols 1952 and Mrs. Nichols
Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Gail Fallon Hessel 1955 (shown with Charlie Cava)

Thanks for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.
Judy DeVincentis Morgan 1958 & Larry Morgan
Thanks for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.
Roberta Dictor Frankel 1958 & Mel Frankel

Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Jack Wyer 1959

Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Joan Malfatti Morgan 1960
Hi BobThank you for my Birthday Card. I look forward to your creations every year.
The best to you and hope all is well.
Bill Canham 1961
p.s. and a Happy Anniversary

Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. The birthday wish makes me feel close to
my friends and classmates as I did back in those Happy Days.
Mike Bisaccio 1961
Thank you for the card, and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated. TODAY we're
celebrating our 54th Wedding Anniversary!! No small feat. LOL!
Bonnie (Kiernan) Fogelberg 1961 & Bill Fogelberg

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Janice Breeden 1962 (shown above with granddaughter Erin Sweeney)

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It certainly made our 50 th
anniversary more memorable and was much appreciated.
Janet Stietz Masi 1963 & Tony Masi
Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Virginia Cabbe Reinhardt 1964

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
John Maniec 1964

Thanks, Bob, to you and HixNews for thinking of me. I appreciate the thought.
Charlie Henningsen 1964
Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated. No matter
what the calendar says, I sure dont feel like an elderly man.
Bill Palmer 1964

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated. Who
would ever think that turning 70 would feel this good.
Don Myers 1965 (shown above with his wife, Ellen)

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Mary DeFelice Stea 1965

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated. Thanks,
too, for our anniversary wishes from two weeks ago. We had a busy month with multiple
celebrations. I continue to have fond memories of Hicksville High School. Thanks again
for the cards.
Francine Phon Schwartz 1965

Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Carol Dukeman Piacenti 1966
Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Susan Donner Merkler 1968

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.
Marianne Carine-Ebbitt Hoerner 1968 & John Scott Hoerner
Thanks for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Denise Eisele Felipe 1969

Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Kevin McHugh 1970
Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Linda Romagnolo McHugh 1971

Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. Very Cute!!!
Alice Hayden Virgilio 1972
Thank you for the card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
Ed Coakley 1979

Thanks for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.
Suzanne & Philip Chester 1981
Etretat coastline, France

Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
Smoking-related diseases claim over 393,000 American lives each year. Cigarette smoke
contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is also
directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and
approximately 80-90 percent of COPD deaths.
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, and is a main cause of lung cancer and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including chronic bronchitis and
emphysema). It is also a cause of coronary heart disease, stroke and a host of other
cancers and diseases.
For every one person who dies from a smoking-related disease, about 30 more people
suffer with at least one serious illness from smoking. Total, there are more than 16
million Americans suffering from a disease caused by smoking.
Im sure that one-hundred-percent of those reading this note are sick and tired of hearing
how smoking is killing you slowly. I quit September 13, 1996, 21 years ago and, guess
what. After smoking for 40 years, about two packs a day, I finally was able to quit.
However, damage was done and the consequences follow me. I am seeing a cardiologist
every six months who monitors my damaged heart. With continuous care, Im doing as
well as can be expected. Today, my heart beats to a different drummer and I pray the beat
goes on!!!
Buffalo Bob Casale
And Then It Was GoneGreat Look at the past that is now gone!
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QoDXTAajEzY?rel=0

In 1967, Broadway in Hicksville was widened from two to four lanes. This meant the
demolition of the stores and all structures on the west side of the densely populated street.
NY State had decided that the street had to be doubled in width to accommodate
increased traffic to the mall and the coming expressway. I just came across this
fascinating shot of the shell of the destroyed buildings being bulldozed in preparation for
the south Broadway of Broadway construction.

Hicksville Library photo

Was watching recent video on PBS about the Vietnam War, and was reminded of Jim
Letscher whom I corresponded with during the late 60's while he was in the Air Force
and serving in Vietnam. I believe he said he was a helicopter machine gunner. He came
to visit me in Pocatello ID twice when he'd come home on leave. Our last correspondence
was in 1973 when he tried to reach me thru the Dental Hygiene Department at Idaho
State University. I had since married and just given birth to our daughter.
I was so pleased to see the picture of him from high school in your newsletter. I do have
a large photo of him in uniform that he'd sent me. Not sure if anyone would want it?
Sorry to hear he died so young, as I have often searched for him and often looked for him
under Hicksville, figuring he might still have family there. I had a classmate at Columbia
University who had put us in contact that initiated our correspondence exchange and that
was probably 1966/67.
I probably never thought of what he'd been thru during the Vietnam era...until I saw the
photos of how helicopters were used in Ken Burns' retrospective. I do remember him
telling of rescuing villagers and how they wanted to bring their pigs with them. He was a
fun person...and believe he'd ended up going to college in TV broadcasting or related
field.? Thanks for letting me share about my memories of him.
Sincerely,
Betty Leslie
200 S. Roosevelt St.
Moscow ID 83843
ejleslie@frontier.com

BettyPlease send the photos when you have a chance. Id like to add some visual
contacts to coincide with your story about Jim. He was an interesting man. Thanks
Buff Bob

I will go dig the picture/s out of my saved stuff. I may have to send via snail mail as I am
not sure I can get my printer to scan just now. I may be able to get the photo scanned,
digitized, then e-mailed, but, do you have a snail mail address I should send to. Wow this
really tears into some ancient....memories...50 years ago is a long time! Thanks for
getting back in touch with me.
Betty

BettyI appreciate your effort but don't get yourself ill. I do have a snail mail address
that seems so unnecessary nowadays.
Robert Casale
335 Patton Court
Martinez, GA 30907
It's funny because I recently found a box of old photos that unfortunately featured much
of my family now in heaven. Memories, like the corners of my mind, misty water-colored
memories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT-r-CzKfes
They were pleasant for me to look at but who do I share them with??? You get my
drift??? I'll be 75 in December and am amazed at making it this far.
I do take care of myself but often, regardless of what effort you make at staying healthy,
something happens totally beyond your ability to combat.
And we continue to move forward. Thanks again for your input. I'm sure some of the
readers will enjoy!
Bob

Thanks for your kind words. I was able to get a local photo shop to digitize the pictures
and put them on disc... Not available until Monday...but will download and be able to e-
mail them to you...Will be easier to put picture on you newsletter....Glad you've made it
to 75!...I just turned 72...and am probably overanxious as my husband died in his 72nd
year...and then, to find that Jim had died at 40. Did his friend ever find an obituary for
him? I just cannot believe how lives drift along on their own course.
I am still trying to figure out the name of the woman that put me in touch with Jim
originally...She must have been a classmate of Jim's...was living in the same dormitory at
Columbia that I was...but, as with other memories, can pull up all sorts of detail...but no
name. In Peace.
Betty

BobPictures are attached separately. Im hoping that the info tagged at the bottom
might help someone figure out a bit more about Jim. I found that he got his social in New
York in 1963. [16 Jolan Ave, Hicksville]
He entered the Air Force on 4 Apr 1966 Service# AF 1276 3113 in 1969 he was listed
as Sgt (E-4) and was released 3 Feb 1970
{When I last heard from him in 1973 he seemed to have gone to college in
business/communications or some such possibly using benefits from the GI Bill}
Re-Enlistment was 22 Oct 1974 and finally discharged 4 Apr 1987 (apparently at his
death, at age 40+ a few months). He was born in the Bronx on January 12, 1947
His death listed while he was living in Duval, Florida. His last address was in Orange
Park, Clay County, Florida
He had married a Linda Jo Andor [Guerra divorced name.] on 4 Sept 1982 in Los
Angeles CA. Linda died in California in December 2012
I did find an obituary for his older brother Edward J...the obituary listed another brother
and a sister Margaret. It listed him as buried in the Calverton National Cemetery on Long
Island. Seems as if Edward, and a James William Letcher? father and Wife Lorraine are
buried there as well...and a Grandfather Letcher also...The brother and father seemed to
have served in WWII.
No sign of Jim in any national cemetery sites? He seemed to have changed his name to
just James at some point...
As I said, he visited me twice in Pocatello Idaho where I was teaching in the dental
hygiene dept. at Idaho State University.
I included a picture of the two of us that was snapped in 1967.

The larger military photo was dated 1969. As far as I know he served in Vietnam as a
helicopter gunner during his first enlistment.
So that is all I have been able to determine about him...someone might be able to trace his
military service better with his AirForce #
Not sure if there are any Letcher's left in Hicksville.

Below is information taken from Ancestry.com website

Andor James W Letscher F: (Name Unknown)

Family Birth: 12 Jan 1947
Tree Death: 04 Apr 1987 M: (Name Unknown)
Public (4 Apr 1987) - Duval,
Member Florida
Tree Marriage: 04 Sep
4 attached 1982 (4 Sep 1982) -
records, 4 Los Angeles,
sources California

Byram James William F: (Name Unknown)

Family Letscher
Tree Birth: January 12,
Public 1947 (12 Jan 1947)
Member Death: April 4, 1987
Tree (4 Apr 1987) - Duval
4 attached County (Duval),
records, 4 Florida
sources Marriage: September
4, 1982 (4 Sep 1982)
- Los Angeles County
(Los Angeles),
California

Betty found an obituary for James brother Edward

LETSCHER - Edward J.
LETSCHER - Edward J., of West Islip, L.I., on November 13, 1998. Loving brother of
Margaret Kruger, Walter Letscher and the late James Letscher. Proud uncle of many
nieces and nephews. Distinguished World War II veteran, U.S. Army. Former employee
of Hazeltine Corporation, Greenlawn, N.Y. Reposing at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons
West Islip Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Hwy. ( 1/4 mile west of Robert Moses Cswy.).
Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial, Wednesday, 9:45 AM, at Our Lady of
Lourdes R.C. Church, West Islip, L.I. Interment Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton,
N.Y. Visiting, Monday and Tuesday, 2-4:30 and 7-9:30 PM.
Below is a letter from Jims wife Linda Jo Letscher that was written October 26,
1996
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of the loss of my husband Jim, 9 years ago
to a heart attack. We were out for a Saturday drive with my parents who were visiting
from out of town, Jim got sick and had a heart attack in the car while I was driving. I
stopped, had someone call 911 and did CPR until the fire department arrived. We were
flown to a trauma center where they tried valiantly to save his life. I knew in my heart he
was gone but they tried so hard. I left that day for a nice ride along the ocean with my
husband and parents and came home that evening alone with a trash bag with his clothing
in it, single, 40 years old, widow, no longer a Navy wife. What a change in 3 to 4 hours.
(4/4/87)
Jim was 40 years old, handsome, in top health, naval aviator, playing 3 handicap golf &
"A" tennis. He jogged every other day and lifted weights. He was one of the most
intelligent men I have ever known.
He loved me, life and his US Navy. He was such a special person in my life. We met in
our mid 30's and fell in love on our first date. He taught me strength, trust, and love. I
will feel forever fortunate to have had Jim in my life, even though it was for way too
short a time. Lcdr. James William Letscher, Jr. was honest, fun, loved life, and
everything it had to offer.
He will always be in my heart and I will always love him. My life was enriched beyond
words, on this earth by knowing and being married to him. I have worked through my
grief and gotten on in my life but the empty space in my heart left by my loss will never
be filled. Sometimes the grief resurfaces and I feel it, deal with it and then it passes.
With love to you Jim,
Linda Jo Letscher

I am still puzzled about not having found an obituary for Jim Letscher.
Started looking via his wife and found additional information on the internet...
He must have had two careers in the service....? one in Vietnam with the Air Force and
one in the Navy as a Pilot? where he died in Florida...
Still can only find his family from WWI and II in Calverton National Cemetery on Long
Island. I would hate for my visits with Jim in the late 60's be the only record of him...
Per his USAF photo...
There must be more about him in the Naval Records...His wife states he was a Lt. Cmdr.,
and a pilot...and that is what his friend had stated in your newsletter.????
I have been looking up my Uncle who was buried in the Florida National Cemetery and
some friends who are buried in the Black Hills National Cemetery. He had received the
French Legion of Honor and an award from the Sioux Indian Tribe. Hoping all is well....
Betty
My searches were equally fruitless. Im going to try other sources available to me to try
to find out additional information. Wish me luck.
Bob
Glacier National Park Wyoming

https://www.facebook.com/raiderfit/videos/1699621613390306/
If there are any who do not know who the man in the video is, tell them to look him up.
Art Lembke 1949

Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada

From: Martin Winkel Class of 1962

To: editors@hixnews.com
Subject: Old Photo
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:41:37 -0400

I came across the attached picture of Mrs. Sheehans 3rd grade class at Lee Ave
Elementary School taken in October 1952 and Im included in the photo along with my
classmates. Also attached is a list of the names of those that I could identify. I thought
you may want to run this in one of the Hix News issues.
Editor noteif you recognize a classmate that is not named, please send a note to
Buffalo Bob Casale

Lee Avenue Class 3-207 Photo from October 1952

Class Roster

1 - Ken Brady
2 - Rich Humann

3 - Vin or Frank Colleta

4 - Bill Dylewski

5 - Joe Fatula
6 - ?????
7 - Joe Szczesniak

8 - Marty Winkel
9 - Artie Cook
10 - ?????
11 - ?????
12 - ?????
13 - Patty McMann

14 - Judy Sadler
15 - ?????

16 - Margaret Weston
17 - ?????
18 Renee Abramowitz

19 Pat Hanlin
20 - ?????
20 - ?????

21 - Fred Winkel
22 - ?????

23 - Vin or Frank Colleta

24 - Mrs. Sheehan
25 - ?????
26 - ?????

27 - Chris Colleta

Below are 2 photos submitted by Cheryl Gries Brown, one ancient!

Rich Budinich * Patti Thomas * Cheryl Gries * Clinton Brown

Cheryl & Jeffrey Larkin May 2016

Adam Sobol, class of 1998; opening restaurant in Beverly Hills

Adam was selected by Thrillist as the 2016 Best Chef in San Francisco

Thrillist is an online media brand covering food, drink, travel and entertainment. The
company was founded in 2004 and is based in New York City.
Sunrise in Bulgaria

How to cook a perfect Turkey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01_udUeZ2GU&sns=em

A Florida woman used her solar lights inside at night when her current was off during
a hurricane. She stuck them in a jar or bottle and said they gave off plenty of 'free light'.
She put one in each room and would put them back outside in the daytime and bring them
in at night as long as the current was off. They are safe to use and cheaper than batteries.
Bring in a solar light one night and test it.
Due to a thunderstorm, we lost power for about 5 hours. We were scrambling around in
the darkness, looking for matches, candles, flashlights, etc. We looked outside, and
noticed our solar lights shining brightly all around our patio, stairs, dock, etc. They were
beautiful. My wife walked outside, and brought several of the solar lights inside.
We stuck the solar light pipes into plastic drink bottles containers and they made
the nicest, brightest, safest, lighting you could ever imagine.
We put one in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc. There was plenty of light.
There are all types of solar lights available. We bought ours at Harbor Freight. We put
them all around our yard. They look nice and they do not attract flying bugs like the
outdoor lights around our doorway.
The lights we have fit into the small (20 oz.) water bottles and they also fit into most of
the larger liter bottles. If you need a weight in the plastic bottle to keep them from tipping
over, you can put a few of the pretty colorful "flat marbles" that they put in aquariums,
and vases. (you can also use sand, aquarium gravel, etc., whatever you have available).
The lights we have were perfect inside our home. They burn all night long if you need
them. The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they will instantly
recharge and be ready for you to use again any time you need them.
They are perfect for power outages. This is a great idea to pass around.

October 14, 2017

Hicksville Comets Varsity Football team beat Herricks Highlanders today 14-7.
Congratulations to a fantastic Homecoming. The bleachers were packed and the
weather was perfect. It was great to see some alumni there. Nick Pagano, Margaret Ort
Eaton, Pete Humann, Clint Brown, Mark Virgilio and Dick Eaton.
Cheryl Gries Brown 1972

Love this... great explanationShared from someone else:

"How does the flu shot make you sick?
Imagine youre at war. Your immune system is the total sum of your available troops.
When you get the flu shot, your troops are sent scrambling in multiple directions after
three different viruses, which may or may not be actually causing disease this year in
your area of the world. Subtract those troops from your total army. ~~They're busy.
Out of what's left, some troops are sent off to fight the toxins - formaldehyde and
mercury, because the flu shot triggers the toxin arm of your immune system, too.
~~Subtract those troops from your total army. They're busy.
Now... let's say while your viral troops and your toxin troops are out chasing down false
flags, something else comes along that is a REAL threat, and your immune system needs
to respond. Something like a bacterial infection... tonsillitis, bronchitis, strep, bacterial
meningitis... You really need your troops but they aren't there because they're too busy
chasing after three "hypothetical" threats of flu virus and two very real threats of toxic
assault.
What happens? You get sick. You tell your doctor, "The flu shot gave me the flu" and
your doctor says, "That can't happen because the flu shot is a killed virus." The flu shot
(killed virus) can't give you the SAME flu virus and technically, it can't give you the flu.
What it CAN and DOES do is send your available immune resources - your troops - off
in all directions chasing after false threats, leaving you more vulnerable to the real threats
- like bacterial infections... and other viral infections."
~ not sure who to give credit to(?)

Law Now Allows Retirees and Vets to Salute Flag when not in uniform

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the
hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag only
while wearing their organizations official head-gear.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-
uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during
the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by
veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense
Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
Here is the actual text from the law:
SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL
ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY
VETERANS.

Section 301(b) (1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs
(A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:

(A) Individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem
and maintain that position until the last note;
 (B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may
render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and

(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right
hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress
with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;
Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not
in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers -
non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

HiPlease add me to the list of HixNews readers. Thanks.

Steven Peck 1968
p.s. Joel Berman, Dr. Joel Berman, M.D. recently retired, lives in Southern Pines, N.C.
& Amy Brill, clothing designer in Ithaca, N.Y.
The Amy Brill Story - Amy Brill Sweaters: American Handcraft | Aurora, New York
What is the connection between Steven Peck, Amy Brill, and Dr. Joel Berman?
Henry Lichtenstein 1959 (shown above with his bride, Trish)

HenryWe were all class of 1968. Joel was my best friend in high school and we
roomed together and majored in Chemistry at UB (SUNY at Buffalo). I last spoke with
Joel just after his last birthday in September. I lived on Dartmouth and Amy lived on
Hunter. We went to Woodland Ave., Hicksville Junior High School and finally to
Hicksville High. We attended Midway Jewish Center. Our parents were friends.
I have not seen Amy since my sister Valerie's wedding back in 1982; she was at another
wedding at the hall! I don't remember how I found her company; I think I was gift
hunting. I hope that helps,
Steve

Thanks, Steven. That certainly clears up the connection with you!

Henry

Additionally, I noticed the names, Amy & Joel, in the People Looking for People list.
Susan Weber-Fishkin (1969) was looking for Joel and Stephanie (Schlegel) Manning
(1968) was looking for Amy.
Please add me to the Google master list.
Arnie Berger 1968

JoAnne Phelan 1972

Editor notewelcome to our new readers
September 28, 2017
Dedication at Nassau County District court today for my brother
Marty D'Amico, Hicksville High, Class of 1971. Today would've been his 64th birthday.
He passed away one year and one month ago and he is missed every day by his friends
and family.
Dorothy DAmico

A note to HixNews from Maureen Uss Bensen class of 1964

Robert T. Rowan, class of 1968, passed away in 2012 on June 27 th. I had a note from his
sister, Cathy Rowan. She contacted me and asked that her brothers name be added to the
list of those classmates who have passed away. Please make the addition at your earliest
convenience. Thank you.

MoeIt was good talking with you. When you finally head home, hope all is well with
your Florida home. I put the note you sent me into the September issue (see note above)
so if you look under passages in the newsletter portion you will see the posting.
love yah bob

They put it as Richard not Robert Class of 1968.

Moe

MoeJust checked and it says Robert not Richard. Don't know what you saw but it is
entered correctly. Please look again and then let me know!
love yah bob

Dan Schmitt

died this week. He is my second brother to die as a result of serving his nation in Viet
Nam. I was with him when he passed. Not one word of bitterness or complaint about this
other than he was so tired.

Jimmy Schmitt 1967

Sorry to see Mom pass but thankful for all the years we had together. She had a good life
and now joins her husband in heaven.
Ricki Pollak McKenna 1962
Prayers for comfort and strength for you. She is at peace now.
Suzanne Dodd Chadwell

Blessings to you and all family members, Ricki. So glad you were in close proximity to
your mom these past years!
Rita Marsh
She lived a long life and is now at peace with your dad. Hugs to you and your family.
Nikki Kaplan Elison

So sorry for your loss Ricki. My prayers are with you and your family. What a beautiful
thought.... them dancing together among the stars!
Maureen Mo Huddleston

HelloI wanted to add my brothers name to the In Memoriam listDaniel L. Arena,

class of 1975, passed away 11/08/2016. Thank you.
Peter Arena 1973
Editor noteSorry to learn of your loss, Peter. Thanks for letting us know. His name has
been added.
Roger Whitaker, webmaster for hixnews.com
On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 8:23 PM, HixNews was advised about the passing of

Barbara Jones Leedy from the class of 1959.

Submitted by Carl Probst 1959

Lenore Cristol Graham (1966) looking for Kenny Gatti (1965)

Anyone know where Lynn Camidge is now? She was in the class of 1969 and she lived
on Old Country Road.
Jen Cappiello

Some people are really out to lunch

https://biggeekdad.com/2012/10/move-the-deer-crossing/

How many pecks can a woodpecker peck?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPiCAPibtr4

Great Illusion
https://biggeekdad.com/2013/05/magician-kevin-james/

The flight of the Monarch Butterfly

https://biggeekdad.com/2017/10/the-butterfly-forest/

Neat Commercial
https://www.youtube.com/embed/iDpPStPlU0w

Rising Tide Car Wash manned by Autistic Men and Women

https://biggeekdad.com/2015/08/car-wash-for-change/
The Dog Photographer
https://biggeekdad.com/2017/10/the-dog-photographer/

Here Today Gone Tomorrow (thanks to Art Lembke)

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QoDXTAajEzY?rel=0

Memories of the fifties and sixties

https://biggeekdad.com/2014/09/back-50s-60s/

A flashback thats an oldie but goodie

https://biggeekdad.com/2013/09/remember/

Farmers
https://biggeekdad.com/2017/10/farmers-feed-america/

Wonderful Blue Planet

https://biggeekdad.com/2017/09/wonderful-blue-planet/

Transportation of the Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-UkdRzFvHc

Amazing Card Trick

https://biggeekdad.com/2013/08/best-card-trick-ever/

Magician from Britains Got Talent 2017

http://www.flixxy.com/magic-by-josephine-lee-britains-got-talent-2017.htm

See Note on Home Page