To contact the editors, email editors@hixnews.com 

People Looking For People

I see Tom Ernst is looking for Gwen Cobb. I knew the Cobb family as I dated Gwen's older brother in High School. Gwen died many years ago. I cannot remember what year but it is more than 20. It was well before I left NY and that is over 20 years ago now. I no longer maintain contact with any of the Cobbs. Last I knew, her mom was still living on Sleepy Lane .

Hearing Gwen's name and thinking about the Cobb family sure took me back to a spot in my memory that I had not visited in a long time....good memories..a few not so good but that's what all of this is about I guess...taking ourselves back in time now and again...overall, it warms one's heart! Thanks for all you do!

Doreen (Jakabek) Wittig '65

Editor note...we sent a note off to Tom Ernst advising of Gwen's passing.

Tom

I'm sorry the news isn't better. Do you know if Gwen was married? I was curious about a married name to try to find more information. We have had so many people who have passed. If you look in the In Memoriam folder of the current newsletter, I am starting to build a file for all classes. If you know of anyone who has passed, please let me know.

Thanks
Buffalo Bob Casale - HixNews

Thank you for the information. It was sad to hear. I lived behind the Cobbs on Walnut Lane for a few years. Her brother, probably the one that Doreen dated, always threatened to dismember me if I went near Gwen. Seems funny and a little poignant now... As the world keeps turning..

Best of luck Bob..you're doing a fabulous job!!

Tom Ernst

Dear HixNews

I was contacted by one of Linda Soncini's sons in November of 2008. He informed me that Linda had unexpectedly passed away. I don't see her name listed on the 1968 In Memoriam, so I thought I would forward this information to you. Linda was married and had 5 children.  She was living in Michigan at the time of her death. Apparently her son went through her address book on her computer right after her death. He contacted some of her friends. I haven't heard from him for a long time, and the last e-mail address I had for him isn't good anymore. He told me she had gotten the flu, and had some other medical complications and her death was totally unexpected and very quick.  I think she was only ill for a week and then passed on. Linda and I did e-mail occasionally, so I know she was working as a manager at a McDonalds in Michigan. Her children are all grown and some are married. Her son did tell me she requested that her ashes be scattered on Montauk Point. They were planning on doing that last summer. None of her immediate family is from N.Y.

Maxene (Frimmer) Grove '68

Dear Alumni
Unfortunately, there are two deaths to report.
We lost Jim Genovese from the class of 1966
and Doug Rickmeyer who graduated in 1967.
See below for additional info.
The Editors

I can't believe that...I saw him about a month ago. We spoke of Hicksville High. He said he was supposed to graduate in '66, but graduated in '67 like I did.

Joyce Jurgensen '67

I received some sad news from Jim Rubins today.
Doug Rickmeyer, from the class of 1967, passed away.
I plan to write more and will include some pictures. 
Frank Koziuk '67
p.s. There’s no official obit…see below
-------------------------------------
Obituary Douglas S. Rickmeyer
Rickmeyer, Douglas S., 60, of Boca Raton, died Saturday.

All County Funeral Home and Crematory, Lake Worth.

Hi Bob,

I thought I would let you know that Jimmy Genovese passed away last week. He was a neighbor of mine.
I believe he graduated between 1964 and 1966. He was a year or two younger than me. There will be a memorial service at Wagner Funeral Parlor on Monday the 28th from 6-9 pm. Jim moved to Hicksville in 1952. He passed away shortly before Christmas. Jim was 61. I don't know any of his friends from school and thought the site might reach out to some of them. 

Thank you and have a wonderful New Year.

              Jim way back then                                             and more recently

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi again.   I just spoke to Jim's sister Mary. They didn't have an obituary.  Their mom passed away about a month ago and they were still trying to sort things out after her passing.   Mary is about 8 years younger than Jim and she thought he graduated in 1966. Jim was a DJ in Florida and up here too.  There are a few pictures in the website.

Bob:
He graduated with me in 1966.
Jim was so funny but had guts.
He was in a Shakespeare play at school.
Took it on as a dare because he was told he would never get the role.
He did set the record for most cole slaws eaten during a single lunch period.
You know those ones in the white cups.
I think he stopped at 21.
We were laughing but Jim had great pride in setting a "record" which we made up.
Who keeps records like that anyway?
We were taking odds as to whether he would throw up in the next class but he never did.
Always the champion!
Sorry if this grosses anyone out.
Ah the memories, fond ones.
Kind regards,

Jerry Gardner

From a Blog on the internet.......

I am so sorry to be the messenger of this sad news as I knew and loved Jim and recently re-connected with him via Facebook. Jim worked at WBAB, WLNG, WPAC, WSUF, WLIX and many other stations in NY and NJ..as well as WDUV and a host of other stations in Florida 'twixt and 'tween the Tampa and Sarasota markets.
Jim epitomized your "live and local friendly DJ."
Jim was instrumental in getting me on to do my first show on WBAB. In fact..he was there that day.
I used to call Jim on air for a couple of years before that day in '72.

He was always up..happy..entertaining..charming..engaging and a true friend to me.

Hi Bob,
Jimmy Genovese was a fellow graduate of Hicksville High's "Class Of '66"...

Didn't know him well, but did know enough about him to say that he was one of the "Good Guys".

His listed address in the yearbook at that time is 20 Plover Lane, Hicks., NY, 11801.

The best.
Mike Regan 

I want to wish the editorial team of HIXNEWS the happiest of holidays.
Thank you all for the great job you do in putting HIXNEWS together for us.
The consistent quality and timeliness of the production is wonderful.
Great Job! 

Larry Senn ‘64

Dear Bob
You are doing an excellent job with this newsletter.  You have done more to unite the grads of HHS who seem to have common interests in keeping in touch with what has happened in the past.  I am somewhat frustrated with my classmates from 64, there were almost 900 of us and look how small the participation is…we couldn’t even put together a 40^th reunion…how sad.

Unfortunately the In Memoriam section will grow commensurately with our aging population.  We have taken substantial steps to honoring those that served our country but there are many of our classmates that have left us that weren’t in the service…they too had many friends in high school and I am sure that their families will appreciate the posting on In Memoriam.

The list of athletes and school leaders from all classes that are no longer with us is sobering.  The newsletter has become a great vehicle for reconnecting and finding out where we all ended up in life…
It is too bad that you can’t get more people to write mini-profiles of what they have done since high school…HHS has produced a lot of successful people, not just celebrities but people who have succeeded in all walks of life…this would be a great platform for all. 

Your work and the work of the editorial staff is greatly appreciated.  I hope that more of the classes from the 70s and 80s start participating too…

Have a great holiday and a Happy New Year.

Larry 

I would like to add to the list my sister in law Joanne Alfano Brown passed away about 2 yrs ago and she graduated in 1969. Kevin Blochl who just passed away last month he graduated in 1968. Please just add the names to In Memoriam.

Judy Alfano

After reading the note from Tommy Sullivan re: Charley Gouse, I began wondering if he (or anyone) had information about his wife, Carol Gouse, my 6th grade teacher at Dutch Lane .  Does anyone know anything about her now?

Thanks,
Diane Harvey Anderson
Class of 1975

A second note from Diane…

I know Ms. Gouse ended up in the high school by 1975, the year I graduated.  She must have done everything...been everywhere!!!

Editor Note…Hi Diane,

If you were a subscriber of our HixNews Google Group (instead of your membership in HixNews2, which is "announcement-only"), you could submit your inquiry about Mrs. Gouse to the entire HixNews Group of 627 subscribers.

Alternatively, I could submit your inquiry on your behalf, but then all the replies would be emailed directly to me, instead of to you. But, if you give me permission to include your email address in the inquiry, I can request that all replies be directed to you instead of to me (the sender of the email inquiry).

Best regards,
Henry

Hi Diane,

I approved your message to HixNews about Mrs. Gouse, and you will receive an email copy along with everyone else who is subscribed to HixNews Group (but those alumni who are subscribed to the "announcement-only" HixNews2 will not). Charlie Gouse, BTW, was the HHS band leader when I was in the band playing trumpet (very poorly, however).

Anyone who simply replies to your inquiry will send an email directly to you only. If you receive any information that you think would be of interest to the group as a whole, feel free to share it the same way you sent your inquiry. But be careful not to include the email address of the person who replied to you, unless you have their permission to do so.

BTW, since you are now subscribed to HixNews, I have unsubscribed you from HixNews2, because you will be receiving all the announcements from HixNews that we also send to HixNews2 on a monthly basis.

Best, 
Henry

NEW READER

My name is Jayne M. Trentanove. I am a graduate of the Class of 1975. I currently live in Baltimore , Maryland .

I just found the newsletter. What a wonderful thing, I just had to subscribe. I wish I knew who from my class of '75 also subscribes.

By the way, I'm single.

Thanks
Jayne

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Jayne,

Welcome to HixNews! There are other '75 alumni here, and Diane Harvey Anderson,
Class of 1975, is organizing a reunion for your class. She might also fill you in on who else might be a member of HixNews (unfortunately, I am not at liberty to reveal that info, for privacy concerns).

Hi Editors,

Please include this in your next newsletter.  Thanks!
Diane Harvey Anderson
Class of 1975

*35th Reunion - Class of 1975* 

July 24, 2010
7 PM - ?

Sheraton Long Island Hotel
Hauppauge, NY

$75 per person
Send your payment (checks payable to HHSReunion75) to
POB #154, Kings Park, NY 11754

For more information: info@hhsreunion75.org
Or visit our web site at hhsreunion75.org

Editor note…the announcement will be shown on the home page up until the time of the reunion next year.

------------------------------------------------------

BTW, Diane, I just checked our data base and counted 30 alumni from your class of 1975. But some of these people are subscribed to HixNews2, because they don't want to be bothered with emails other than our monthly announcements (that the latest issue of the Newsletter has been posted). So, if you make an announcement about your class reunion plans, your personal message to HixNews will not reach those folks who are subscribed to HixNews2 (which comprises almost half of our readership).

Therefore, I suggest you also consider sending a note to the editors at: editors@hixnews.com

so it will appear in following month's issue of the Newsletter, which every one of our subscribers will be informed about.

Best, 
Henry

Hi,
I noticed that Edye Zeig Kasteel, new reader, was asking about our class of '75 reunion on July 24, 2010.  Can you please send her my contact information?  We have been looking for her!
Thank you!

Diane Harvey Anderson

--------------------------------------------------

Hi all,
I was just reading the December HixNews and saw that a classmate of mine, Edye Zeig Kasteel (’75), had written a letter and was asking about the 35^th high school reunion for the class of ’75.
There is a FB page - Hicksville High School Alumni Class of 1975 – that she can sign up for to get more info,
Diane Harvey Anderson is one of the folks spearheading the reunion effort.

Jan Greenberg '74
----------------------------------------------------------

Hi again Edye,

I am forwarding some more contact info about the 35th high school reunion for the class of ’75.

Best, Henry

-------------------------------------------------
Hi Jan,

Your contact info has been emailed to Edye (as well as Diane Harvey's).

Didn't Mrs. Gouse also teach at either East Street or

Willett Avenue between 1961-1967?

June Lauer Henley '74

Hi there,

Is this the same Mrs. Gouse that taught at 1st and maybe 3rd grade at Woodland Ave. Elementary? If so I would be interested to hear about her as well. I had a Mrs. Gouse for both grades and wondered if it's the same person????

Thanks for any info and Happy Holidays to all.
Jan Yasen Lincoln '70

Dear HixNews

Just a note for the editors, ---Kathie Minardi, Mary Jane Waters and Pat Kofahl, class of 60' got together for lunch the Monday before Thanksgiving.  We really had a great time catching up, and it was wonderful to see each other.  On a sad note, Kathie’s first-born grandson, hit by a car on the Wed. before Thanksgiving, as was sadly taken from her.  Please say a pray for Kathie and keep her in your heart. Also, Robert Kofahl, class of 1964, has not been with us since 1984.

Patricia Kofahl DeMaria '60

         Kathy                   Mary Jane                      Pat

Bob,

Before classmates was originated, I believe a classmate died in 1970. His name was Fred Grumet. I can't be sure because my yearbook was burned in effigy by an old girlfriend, Ann Krex.

Jerry Bair  '61

-----------------------------------

Editor Note...

Jerry

I checked the '61 yearbook and see no Fred Grumet. Was he in a different class?

Hope you had a nice thanksgiving!!!

Regards,
Buffalo Bob

----------------------------------

Bob,

I just read the recent HixNews and wanted to let you know that I married Barbara Koglin from the class of 65'. We were married in 1967 and divorced in 1979. She died in 2005. Ann Krex and Barbara lived on the same street ( Bamboo Lane ).

Please, if you could add Barbara to the In Memoriam list, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance as always.
Jerry

---------------------------

...Barbara's name has been added to the In Memoriam List.

If we don't correspond for a while, please have a very Merry Christmas.

Regards  
Bob

Dear Bob

I have to, unfortunately, make an addition to your In Memoriam column. My sister Jayne Berkowitz Ponton passed away in 2003. She was a 1968 graduate of Hicksville High School. I also must report that Tom Carlucci, class of 1960,  passed away some time ago.

Ellen "Sandy" Sandler Wolfe ‘60

Hi Gang,

I noticed in the List of Memorandum under 1964, some names were missing. One is Diane Maynard, my best friend. She died when she was forty years old from breast cancer.  So, she is gone almost 23 years now. The other is Bruce Solid who died before he graduated but would have been in the class of '64. He passed near the railroad tracks.  He was also a very close friend to me.

I think it is a great idea to list the deceased under their graduate year

Great job you are all doing.

Happy New Year. 
Judy Marcus Shivers ‘64

Dear HixNews

After reading the HixNews every month for years, I decided to send my own hello. I am Judy Wycoff Neely.  My dad was a doctor located on Old Country Road for many years. My big Brother John (55) lives in the Palm Springs area of CA. I loved my growing up years in Hicksville so much and have terrific memories. For many years I have lived in the Saint Louis area.  I have 2 children nearby and see both often. I've been divorced for a long time. Always thought I should have married a Hicksville boy...probably would have been a better choice.

Just retired this year from teaching. I actually did teach one year at HHS right after I graduated from college.  I was a PE teacher then and taught with Gloria Franke, Flo Saunders, and Fern Zeitlin....it is a wonder I remember all the names. Here in MO, I taught 4th grade and just loved it.....but must say retirement is wonderful.

At my 50th reunion, I reconnected with Alice Sitler Huffstutler.  She lived within 10 miles of me and I never knew it.  Now we get together often and Ginny Mohr my BFF from 6th grade and HHS is still my BFF.  I visit her on LI whenever I can.

As I said I miss LI, and when I last was in Hicksville , I thought it looked wonderful.....wish I was there.

Judy Wycoff Neely '57

------------------------------------------------------------

Judy...

My graduation year, 1961, we did South Pacific. I originally tried out for the part of Luther Billis, but wasn't selected. Another person trying out got the part. Two weeks before the production, the staff, including Mother Fletcher, came to me with bad news. The fellow selected had to drop out. They asked if I could help out and take the part. You probably know the work involved in such a production. I said I would give it a try and they handed me a book with my lines. To make a long story short, my teachers, the other kids in the play and the staff doing the show were so helpful. I was allowed to read my lines during class. At noon, I would get together with some of the other kids and we would go on stage and walk the part...just to get the positioning. The best thing was that Ms. Zeitlin had to teach me how to do the hula. I would see her several times a day when I had some time. Understand, too, that this was my fifth year in high school. I opted at the end of the previous school year to stay an extra year. I only needed one and a half credits to graduate. I failed the problems course (that was Pat Naso's class). I even went to summer school and took two courses but not problems. The only thing I really had to take that fifth year was problems. I took other courses. But I had less pressure than most of the students. I stayed because my girl friend was a junior in 1960 and had one more year. She was President of the Student Council, Captain of the Varsity Cheerleaders and in the National Honor Society. It was one of the best years of my life. I had a lot of fun doing the play and participating in other activities. Thanks for taking the time to share with our alumni. If you have some pictures, send them along and I can post them with your note.

love yah bob

p.s. below is my picture from South Pacific

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the fun reply.

I am going to forward it to my brother John. He remembers everything about high school. Everyone should have the great times we did. The photo is a LOL.

Judy Wycoff 

I just wanted to thank you for posting my flyer about my doo-wop group, Stardust, on the HixNews site. When I scrolled down and saw it, I was blown away!

I've already heard from one fellow '62 grad who saw it yesterday, and I hope to hear from more, as well as getting a few gigs, especially for class reunions.

Thanks again for your continued support of all things Hicksville.

Bob Masone ('62)

PS:  If I wanted to make a donation to help keep HixNews going, how would I do that?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Editor Note...

Bob

Thanks for the offer of making a donation. We currently have sufficient funds to sustain our operation for quite some time. We asked several years ago for some help because, when we moved to the Internet, and opened a website, our expenses increased. The response was tremendous. It was heartwarming to see so many alumni reach out because they appreciate the effort we make to produce the newsletter each month. Because I am retired, I do have time to devote to something I really enjoy. We'll keep you in mind should we need some additional help.  We are glad that you are happy with the notice in the December newsletter.

Were you able to get in touch with Tommy Sullivan?

Warm Regards

Buffalo Bob Casale and the Newsletter Gang

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, Bob...

I did send an email to Tommy and I hope he can get together with my group to do a show. The libraries don't pay enough for two groups to split the fee, but maybe somewhere else.

I was so disappointed that I missed Tommy's Hicksville show, but it was my birthday and I had family coming.  He did a show earlier that week at my hometown North Shore library (Shoreham-Wading River), but I had to go to a wake in Hicksville that night!!! Go figure.

I was excited to hear from my classmate Bill Dylewski last week.  We were singers in a doo-wop group called Henry & the Starlights and we sang "Sometimes" and "Don't You Just Know It" at our Junior Prom.  Every time I sing "Sometimes" with Stardust, it brings me right back to the gym.  

Take Care,  
Bob Masone

Dear HixNews…

Sorry to let you know that Ed Kramer (class of 1963) passed away a few years ago.

Ed and family lived in Cold Spring Hills before his death. Ed and his wife Peggy had three children ( I believe all boys). Peggy moved to Massachusetts to be near one or more of their sons and grand children. I think, aside from his family, Ed's proudest moment may have been his completing the NYC marathon. I know he would want me to mention this to all of you. He trained hard, ran hard and lived hard. Best wishes this holiday season to the HIX news staff and all the readers,

Fred Winkel (62')

I saw that Jeff Muller, class of 1960, was on the Memorial Wall. He was my neighbor and I'm wondering if anyone knows the time and circumstances of his passing.

Thank you

Donna Alu, 1964

Editor Note...Donna is going to see if she can contact Dick Muller, class of 1956, Jeff's brother.

From: Jackie O'Dell Carter

To: Buffalo Bob Casale

Let me be the first to wish you a happy (upcoming) birthday (December 3rd) and I hope your thanksgiving went well.

I want to wish you, and all the HixNews readers, a BLESSED CHRISTMAS and a very good new year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Robert Casale

Jackie...
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Elvis always said he would die around the same age as his mom. I hope the same holds true for me when I say I wouldn't mind dying around the same age as my dad...he was 87.
Thanksgiving was very nice. Just sorry I couldn't share with my son Chad and his family who live in NY.
You, too, have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
love yah bob

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jackie Carter

Bob

Odd you speak of dying at the age of your parent, My dad died 16 days before he turned 73 (in 1985) and my mom died 16 days before turning 73 (in 1990) I joke with my husband and tell him if I make it to my 73rd birthday (and hopefully beyond) I want a BIG birthday party on my 73rd !!!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Robert Casale

Jackie...

...and I'll gladly come to your party. Can't wait.
love yah bob

Thanks for the Birthday Card.
I love Jacquie Lawson’s work and with a waltz by Johan it just topped off the day.

Dear HixNews...
Thanks for the birthday card...it's so nice to be remembered.
I will have my speakers installed this afternoon, so I will play the card again...this way, I can appreciate the sound.
It was especially appropriate for me because my Dad taught me to waltz.
I have always loved the Strauss music and look forward to hearing it tonight.
Nice idea.

Cecelia Schwarz Youden Horn
p.s. It's hard to believe I'm 83.
Pretty healthy overall…Best regards to all of you and especially those who graduated in 1944/45 and are computer literate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Bob,
It is so great to read all the news from our friends who have been classmates at HHS.  I have been on the list for a long time and wondering if you could add my birthday to the list.  It would be fun to hear from some friends on my birthday.  It was November 24th.  I am not sure what you need other than email at this point.  Thanks so much,

Myra Giansante Grist '60.
----------------------------------------------------
Thank you for the lovely birthday card and music.
It was greatly appreciated and fun to know I have dear friends back 'home'
 Love and blessings,

Myra

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just had to comment on Tom Ernst's post about Mr. Morocco because it made me laugh out loud. Reading it, I immediately recalled my 10th grade Spanish class with Mr. Morocco. Even though I was kind of shy in school, for some reason I'd like to cut it up in Mr. Morocco's class. Maybe because of how he would turn beet red with exasperation. As soon as he faced the blackboard, I was at it. I'd hold up handwritten signs, make funny faces, pantomime behind his back. Robin Bagatelle, who sat behind me, would start cracking up first, which then caused me to snort with laughter. A red-faced Mr. Morocco would spin around on his heels, stare me down and demand," What are you laughing at?" "Noth-ing...," I'd answer, eyes downcast, trying hard to stifle my laughter. And then, he'd say, "There are places for people who laugh at nothing, Señorita," in that characteristic nasal falsetto of his. Thanks for the memory. I guess he had a pretty good sense of humor. I wish I would have appreciated it back then.

Sue Z Smith (Ambrico) '68

Thank you so much for the birthday and anniversary card.  They were really appreciated.

Kathy "Cookie" Koziuk Hannaman ‘60

Hi Bob,

Terrific December issue!

FYI, Hope Lambert was class of '69 and was voted "Best Dressed." 

It sounds like the library concert was fabulous. To this day, Brooklyn Bridge is one of my favorite bands. Finding their music is not easy. It was cool to see the mention of Mr. Gouse - a great musician and educator; and of Henry Gates - he was our next-door neighbor for many years. 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Take care.

Tina Gardner Kwiatkowski '69

NEW READER

My name is Jane Deveau Kalka. I graduated from HHS in 1969. I would love to get the newspaper in my email. I lived in Hicksville from 1951 to 1979. I live in Michigan and am married to Larry Kalka. Our anniversary is August 14, 1987, Love to keep up on the news.

Thank you.

Jane

Dear Bob:

Thanks so much for the great birthday card, it was greatly appreciated!

Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Harold Buttitta, class of 65

Hello

Guess I missed the 40th reunion ... heck were there 39 others???  In any case count me in on the next one just contact me for assistance....

Bob Bittner

Or the preferred way

Snail Mail:  PO Box 186  Cutchogue NY 11935

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Thanks for the birthday card, it was great.

Bill Stahley (FL)

Class of 46 and Korean War Veteran

Your section titled In Memoriam is a great source of information regarding the passing of friends and former students of HHS.

It is also a haunting reminder of how special life can be.

I read the names of people that were sports heroes of their days in high school and or academic achievers/class leaders that we all looked up to.

It is frightening to see the numbers of those in the class of ‘62’ who have passed. 

If you are going to continue developing these lists I would like to provide you with some more names from the mid 60’s classes. 

Class of 64:  Michael Samberg and Robert Kofahl
Class of 65:  Greg Hoberock
Class of 66:  Joe Motylenski

Thank you for what you do!

Anonymous

An aircraft flying from an air force base somewhere in Europe to Dubai…

Conversation recorded on VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz: 

Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.' 

U.S. Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'  

Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace, we will launch interceptor aircraft!' 

U.S. Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up. I'll wait!'  

Iranian Air Defense Radar: (   .   .   .  total silence) 

Robert Casale

Ann Cassese Costantino

Robert Casale

Maybe we'll have a reunion in 2011 and we can get together.
Living in Georgia is okay. We do get some nasty wearther but nothing in comparison to what we had in good old New York.
Take care..
love yah
bob

Howard Toomey

Ann Cassese Costantino

Robert Casale

People Looking For People
Judy (DeVincentis) Morgan,'58 is looking for Marion Brennan,'59

People Looking For People

Harvey J. Olitsky '58 looking for Jack H. Bayer '59

Pat Appelman Levitin '62 looking for Barbie Brewer and the rest of the gang
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to All for my Birthday Card.
Traveling back and forth between LI and Fl., my e-mail seems to just pile up and I don't get to open important mail like yours for a few days after it has been sent.
So Thanks again.

Hi Bob
You guys did a great job on the newsletter (as usual.)  It is so sad to learn of so many deaths of my classmates.  Billy Poma's death was really sad to hear about.
Judy Manning, Billy Poma, Mike Clair and I used to have some fun times together.
I can't find my yearbook, but I think I'm glad, because too much looking back can become depressing.
Enjoy today is what I say!!!

Love, Arlene Andersen ‘63

This is a great website. View weekly sales by stores and save yourself a trip.

If you're into Black Friday sales, It's all here. I checked it out.

Big, big sales on LCD/Plasma TV's. When buying, make sure you get the 1080P.

Example, my Sony Bravia 40" LCD 1080P I bought on sale last year for $999.00.

This sold normally for $1,299.00. You'll see it listed, I think, at WalMart for $598.00.

Anyhow, it's a great year round link to your favorite stores.

Bob Gillette

Possibly the best ever NASA pictures...the Space Shuttle...pictures from space...Incredible, so Enjoy!!!!

Space_Shuttle-Slv2.pps  Note that this is a link to a download site. Once you've downloaded it, you must have Microsoft Office PowerPoint, PowerPoint viewer or the free OpenOffice.Org equivalent installed to open it.

98 percent of Americans say "Holy Mackerel" (or something to that effect)
just before they slide into a ditch on a snowy and slippery road

The other 2 percent are from Dannemora, New York and say, "here, hold my beer and watch this!!!"

Hi

I recently was in Florida to take care of my mom and connected with Peggy (Margaret Werner) Petrone.

Peggy and I were friends in high school and graduated from Hicksville High in 1966.

After so many years of just emails, we met up for lunch and reconnected.

Now we will be seeing each other again when I go down to Florida to visit my family.

This was a very happy day for both of us.

Loretta McMahon McLaughlin

Peggy Werner Petrone & Loretta McMahon McLaughlin

Hello Robert,

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  Thank you and the editors of Hix News for a great publication.

I am sending you photos of my visit with Aileen (O'Campo) Dixon and her husband Steve.  They arrived on one of the largest cruise ships to berth in Portland Harbor.  It had a capacity to house over 3,000 people.  My little ferry looked like a toy next to this ship.

We made an attempt to do some site seeing but a torrential rain made it very unpleasant. We opted to pick up lobster at the Harbor Fish store on the wharf and then we took the ferry to Peaks Island, where I have a small cottage.  The rain did lighten up a bit, just enough to use the golf cart to cruise around.

We visited one of the civil war museums that sits overlooking the ocean and then it was back to my home for lobster.

Here we are sitting in my kitchen just about ready to dig in.  You can see the steam rising from the table.

               Carol – Aileen - Steve

It was such a treat to be with old friends.  We were remembering a time when Aileen's daughters joined us for a night at Wilson's Garage to see the Grease Band.  It was a fun time.  It must have been in the mid 80's, when we were young.

Life took us both in many directions in the years to come.   How wonderful true friendship is.  You can pick up the conversation like it was just the night before the senior prom or the day after sports night.

I like what I see of the mini-reunions that have cropped up for the class of 61. How much nicer to talk to people in small groups as a prelude to the 50th.

I will keep you and your family in prayer as you navigate through the struggles of Alzheimer’s.  

Sincerely,

You asked for a cherished memory and here it is.
I was in the Navy (1956-60), and home on leave prior to Christmas.
After a night out with old friends, we parted company at the Empire diner.
I chose to walk home.
It had been snowing very gently and Hicksille was covered in a bed of white.
As I left the diner I recalled seeing the old cops booth on the median of W. John Street.
There was a clear view as well of the old Polish Hall across the street.
I started the walk into town on Broadway.
Everything was very still, with only one or two cars on the road.
I don't recall the exact time but it was late in the evening.
Because it was so dark, the Christmas lights in the various stores were all aglow.
I remember seeing Jabbys' tavern and the towns' Christmas tree all lit up across from the old Professional building.
I proceeded to walk into the main part of town, over the tracks, past the bank building on my left.

There, too, was Boslets' stationery store, my old dentists' office, Dr. Stein, and the pharmacy on the corner of E. Marie street and Broadway. The picture below shows the old pharmacy (Whelan’s Drugs at one time) that is now Sign-A-Rama. Originally, it was Henry Huettners Department Store.

Below is an old mural that hangs in the TD Bank and shows what it looked like way back when.

On my right I recall passing the 5 & 10 cent store as well as the sweet shop and Bahrenburgs(?) bakery.

The fire department & movie theatre on E. Marie loomed just beyond a string of street lights.
Huettners Department store was on the corner across from the bakery.
On the left as I continued I can recall the shoemakers shop, a church (the
denomination of the church I can't recall) Millevolte's shoe store

 and then St. Ignatius where I received Confirmation.

On the right, just past Huettners', I can only recall Esslingers jewelry store where I bought my fiancee' her engagement ring.

The only other stores I remember on the left were Schwartzes' furniture and Goldmans' department store and that was before reaching Old Country Road off in the distance.

This I recall and all are treasured memories. I shall remember them always.

Hank Chupka Class of 55'

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When I first learned of Hixnews, it was my immediate task to locate my classmate, John Petree. As there was no response under "People looking for People," I called my classmate, Ron Rocek, who began to search the Dallas, Texas area, but his efforts were unsuccessful.  At that point, I called John's alma matter, Muhlenberg College, whose alumni department informed me that John died, but provided no details.  I was devastated and profoundly upset.

John was my boyhood friend who lived around the block from me.  We met at the age of 8 and remained close throughout our school years. Because the letters of our last names are so close to one another, we often were in the same homeroom and classes at Nicholai Street school, junior high and HHS.  Due to our close proximity to the high school, and with no bus transportation, we often walked to school until that magical age of 16 when we were able to drive.   

Both John and I went to college in Pennsylvania, kept in contact, but our paths separated after graduation, when John returned home to Texas and I to Long Island.  He sent me a congratulatory note when I married Louise Clark, HHS '61, in 1966.  Still wanting to learn more about John's death, Muhlenberg College put me in contact with his sister, Judy, who called me from Florida.  I was touched when she reiterated that just before he died, John was fondly reminiscing about HHS, his teachers, and his boyhood friend.  John died on December 2, 1983 of colon cancer, at the age of 41.   

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Bill Ramos, HHS '60

People Looking For People

Hi...I hope you can help me locate a few old friends..

Tony (Anthony Deflippo) class of 64 ??

Mike Familgetti  class of 67 / 68 ??

Thanks,  
Don Myers  '65

Bob,

I saw the item Ray Strassburger sent about Paul Tava (class of ’63)

Paul was one of the most dynamic and funny people any of us in that class ever knew. I was lucky enough to not only be his friend from 8^th grade on, but also his roommate in college. After a gap of over 20 years after college graduation, we once again became close friends, starting in 1998 at a college reunion.

Paul passed away in April of 2002 of complications from inhaling too much of the “dust” that erupted from the collapse of the twin towers. He was in a meeting on the 76^th floor when the first plane hit the North tower. He was also in the World Trade Center in the 1993 bombing. Each time he got out, but not easily.

Paul’s wake was something not to be missed, as each of his close friends and relatives recounted all of his incredible humorous stories and pranks.

He was one of the best people I ever met, and I’m sure many others of the class of ’63 have similar memories.

I’ve attached a picture of Paul taken in our room in college. Some, who knew him well, may say he had an extended middle finger that I edited from the picture. I say they are probably correct J

- Ken Doris

PS: I still keep in touch with Ray Strassburger and his wonderful wife and children. He was too modest to mention that two of his sons have won Emmy’s for their work in TV special effects.

Dear Bob:
OMG - I cannot believe how many people I knew from my class of 1962 who have died. Some were even at our last reunion. I better count my health as an incredible blessing. They all died so young. The only one I had known about was Sally Gavril who died giving birth to her 3rd child. The rest, including Barbi Bruwer, were a shock.
Thanks

Pat Levitin '62

Thanks so much to all who have responded. Our success as a newsletter is because of you.
Send in those cards and letters...was that Perry Como....the cards and letters, I mean?
love the buff

Hey Bob,
After giving more thought to what I wrote-- everything else should be in line with the exception of the cops' booth and the Polish Hall. I even remember Wm Kroemer & Sons store on W. John St., which I neglected to include.
I remember these items, although the time frames may be off. Hey Bob I just turned 72...cannot remember every detail ?  I’ve been in Hicksville since 1945.  The folks built the house in 49', and I attended Nicholai St. School prior to Jr. & Sr. High, some 60 years ago.
The info I originally gave you were a few of my "favorite things" as pertains to Hicksville, whether they were in the consecutive order that they should have been in or not.  They were important to me. The staff asked for a cherished memory and I gave it as best as I can recall! I still cherish the good memories of Hicksville, regardless of the exact time frame!

Last night we had our first snowfall.  We had about 5 inches on the ground but it has been unusually warm so the streets are clear.  By this time we usually have two or three storms and I am strapping on my snow cleats to keep myself from falling as I walk down my steps (12 of them) and down the hill to the boat.  I sometimes ask myself why I do this.  It was my husband’s idea to move here.  It was his summer place as a child and a young adult.  

Now I am hooked on it.

I have a place in Palm City Florida but if it comes down to living in one place it will be here in Maine.

Will send you photos of the island once I get the hang of the phone camera.  My digital camera is missing.  My husband lost three of the cameras and I hid mine so well I can't find it, although I would like to think he found it and lost it.  He also lost my new bike.  He would take it for a ride and usually I knew about it and would reclaim it.  The last time I never knew it was gone.  Such is life with dementia.  You laugh with it or you don't survive.

They say that alzheimer victims don't make new memories. We went to Prince Edward Island a year before his death and he decided he liked Molson Ale.  He reminded me every time we went into the market.  Is that just a guy thing?  Of course we bought a six-pack each time.

I made one of the biggest decisions in my life this week.   I gave my Superintendent and Board President my retirement date, December, 2010.  Now it is official.  Yikes!

Be well,  

Carol Kinney

Dear All,

As of this writing, our "People Looking for People" (PL4P) list has grown to 84 classmates and friends that our subscribers are looking for. We've taken a new approach to that section of our Newsletter, which has been appearing on the main page of our website.

The list has been re-organized as an online spreadsheet. Beginning with the January Issue of our Newsletter, rather than publish the list itself directly on the main page, we will provide a clickable link to the online list instead, along with the following instructions: 

In the meantime, you can continue to peruse the list by clicking this link, and feel free to email the editors with additional info and requests.

Best, Henry

Henry Lichtenstein

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Hi Henry,

Thanks for the comprehensive listing of Hicksville H.S. alumni People Looking for People.

I would like to add my name to the list. I am Mike Lepp of the class of 56 and I am looking for Judy LaCagnin of the class of 56. 

Thanks for your efforts.

Mike Lepp

-----------------------------------------

Hi Mike,

I have updated the list with the name of your friend Judy LaCagnin. Click on the new permanent link PL4P, which will take you to the up-to-the-minute list spreadsheet.

Best, Henry

-------------------------------------------------------

Henry

Dear Henry:  Rich DaCosta was in the class of '62.  Jimmy Clarke is on the deceased list from '62.  I am sending this along as you might need this info.

The Newsletter is great!  Love it...and you all do a great job!

Regards,

Barbara Di Bella Dowd ('62), Palm Coast, FL

---------------------------------------------------

Dear Henry:

This is my #2 e-mail to you....I forgot to include that Bernice and Paul Cavalluzo were also class of '62.  Hope that also helps.

Regards.

Barbara Di Bella Dowd

----------------------------------------------------

It does help (I guessed they were all '62). I appreciate your input, Barbara.

BTW, are the Cavalluzo's twins?

Best, Henry

---------------------------------------------------

Dear Richard,

I am sorry to inform you that your friend James Clark, HHS Class of 1962, is deceased, according to the "In Memoriam" list of the HixNews website.

Best, Henry

(for the Editors) 

Peggy Maier '64 looking for email address of '64 Joe Sugamele

---------------------------------------------------

Linda Frimmer Whitlock '58   looking for   Agnes Arthofer '57
--------------------------------------------------

Hi

I'm looking for my friend of many years

Patricia Benson

a member of the graduating class of 1960.

Would you please post this name.

Thank you so much.

Carol Bianchi Hubbard '60
-------------------------------------------------
Good evening,
This is Jack Bayer and I would love to find Harvey Olitsky (Class of 58); Mike Donovan (Class of 59); Irwin Cohen (Class of 59); Robert Healy (Class of 59).
Go get em and have a super holiday season.
Thanks

Jack Bayer
---------------------------------------------------

Dear Harvey Olitsky,

Your old friend Jack Bayer is looking for you. Send him an email if you wish to re-connect:

(e-mail addresses omitted)

Best, Henry

(for the Editors)

----------------------------------------------------
Hi Jack,

I have forwarded your email to Harvey Olitsky, so hopefully you will be hearing from him (I can't give you his email address, for privacy reasons). And, since we don't have the other 3 guys you are looking for in our data base, I have added them to the PL4P list.

Best, Henry

(for the Editors)

---------------------------------------------------

Could you please add to your list
Class   Looking for                    Who is looking     Class
1962    Lee Hatch                      Dana Hayden        1962

Lee Hatch

Thank you

Dana Hayden Jackson

--------------------------------------------------

Bruce DaCosta class of 1967 is looking for John Leach.

Kent Evans is looking for James Gorman

--------------------------------------------------

Bob

Thank's so much to you and the Hicksville Newsletter editors for the Birthday Card...it made me laugh. It seems like yesterday we were walking the halls of HHS. The years pass quickly. Next year I'll retire from the Government and finally move from Long Island. Thank you for the great newsletter each month.

Bob Heiss (61)

NEW READER

Hi editors

I have a new person who would like to receive Hix News. Her name is Michele D'orazio, class of 64. She is my oldest friend, not age wise but length wise! Her birthday is in February and she is married to her spouse Bob Vigliano for 40 years. So, please hook her up with the News and maybe send her a cheerful note because she just underwent abdominal surgery for a benign tumor, thank God.!

Thanks

Judy Marcus '64

I recently moved from Hawaii where I lived for 42 years. I now reside most of the year in Santa Rosa, CA. I am a widow.

My husband Tom Grist and I were married Dec 29,1962 in Hicksville at St. Ignatius Loyola Church. The Air Force took us to Hawaii and that is where we made our home all those years. I have two children, now both married with children, living on the mainland.  Have 3 granddaughters, 16, 12, and 8.  I became a teacher after graduating from the State University College at Plattsburgh in 1965 and joined my husband who went ahead to start his tour of duty with the military in Hawaii.  I taught 37 years on Oahu.

(FYI: One of my students was Akebono, famous Sumo wrestler (one of the only non Japanese sumos.  He was my kindergarten and first grade student.  He then was a tall skinny kid.  He has retired from Sumo wrestlng but still is very popular at home in Hawaii and does other freelance wrestling).

Hi,

I just realized I never sent you my new e-mail address when I was laid off from my job in October. Please change your records so I don't miss any more. I really enjoy reading the newsletter each month.

You guys do a fantastic job.

 Thanks,

Valerie Towsley (1960)

Editor Note…Sorry about the layoff, Valerie. Been there myself a couple times in the past. No fun. You've not missed anything. All the issues are there. Just go to http://hixnews.com and you'll see the December issue. There's a link at the top to see the previous month's issue. There's an archive back to volume 1 no. 1

Hi Valerie,

I have updated your email address in our data base and you will continue to receive monthly announcements about our Newsletter. And, as Roger has already pointed out, our Newsletters are all archived at:

http://hixnews.com

Furthermore, you can even retrieve the announcements that you missed, because they have  also been archived (since September 2009) at:

http://groups.google.com/group/hixnews/topics 

and at:

http://groups.google.com/group/hixnews2/topics

Helene Field-Hoffman, class of 1978, passed away on 12/2/09. I thought you could add her name to the memorial wall.

Sandi Notov Katz ‘65

Editor Note…Sandi…We’ve added Helene. Thanks for providing the information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello HixNews

For some reason I am no longer receiving the monthly newsletter. Please add me back onto the distribution list.

Thanks!

Judy Greenfield '74

Hi Judy,

I have checked our records and I find that you have been enrolled in the HixNews2 distribution list since October 21. This means that you should have received both the November and the December notifications that our Newsletter has been published online at: http://www.hixnews.com/

Our Newsletter is published online at the above indicated location. What we email via our distribution lists is the announcement that a new issue is available online. I have no indication that the emails sent to you by our announcement system is not finding its destination (I would have been notified that the email is "bouncing" from your email address, it that were the case).

Perhaps you have a so-called "spam filter" in place that is misinterpreting our announcements as not legitimate email. Have you checked to see if those emails wound up in your "spam" folder?

Please make sure to inform your email system that email originating from hixnews2@googlegroups.com

is legitimate, and should not be blocked from reaching your inbox.

Best, Henry

for the Editors

What a wonderful birthday card from HixNews. It really made my day.

Thank you folks.

Bob Wesley, editor and author of 'The Geek' column

p.s. Blessings to you, your family and all sentient beings.

Dear Hixnews

Marie Catrone, pictured below, from the class of 1960

passed away, but Im not sure when.

Probably a few years ago.

Virginia Farrugia Posillico

Dear Bob:
Enjoy reading newsletters and looking at the old pictures.  I really am looking forward to the 50th class reunion.  Where and what date has been set up?  Also you can add me to Vietnam veterans list:  1967-1968 Army Signal based in Danang.
To you and your family Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Best regards,

Steve Blust '60

Editor Note…I asked Steve about his brother Stu who was quite an athlete in his own right. Stu passed away in 2007.

TRY IT.  IT WORKS !

I wish I'd known this when my family was young during winter colds and coughs.  I am going to try it myself. Share with young parents. Isn't life strange. When we had a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils.  Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can 'taste' it.

Some of us have used Vicks Vaporub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I've never heard of this. And don't laugh; it works 100% of the time.

To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

Just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs, so I listened. It was a surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly. Polly tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes ... and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it.

If you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the effect.

Editor Note…thanks to

John Cole for the above

HI BOB

THANK YOU AND THE GANG VERY MUCH FOR THE BIRTHDAY CARD.

THAT WAS NICE OF YOU

JOE INGINO

Hi,

Can you please add 2 names to the Class of 1975 In Memoriam?

Paul Forman
Virginia McGowan

Thanks!

Diane Harvey Anderson '75

Dear All,

Sorry for the intrusion, but I would like to announce that a complete current list of our Newsletter membership is now available for your viewing. I would like to assure everyone that this list does not reveal any private information about our members; only names and graduation-class years.

This great idea was suggested by Bob Karen '64.

The new list is titled "HixNews Subscribers Name & Class List". You can view the list by clicking this link.

If for any reason you wish to opt out of this list, please email me and I will remove your entry. Also, if you see any mistakes in the entries, please email me and I will fix whatever is wrong.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays,

Henry

—
Henry Lichtenstein
--------------------------------------------------------

I continue to receive your notices and they are appreciated. Despite receiving them, I do not appear on your list.

Thanks for the good work you all do!

Jay Weber, class of '70

Burlington, NC 

---------------------------------------------------------

Hi Jay,

I found that you were subscribed to HixNews2 on October 20, but your info was not added to our master list. That may have been my oversight.

I will add you to both our master list and the new "name & class" list.

Thanx for your feedback.

Best, Henry

---------------------------------------------------------
Hi Henry
My last name is spelled Mass.
Vicki Berk Mass class of 1972.
Thank you!

Vicki

---------------------------------------------------------

Thanx for the feedback, Vicki.

I have fixed the spelling of you last name; it was also misspelled in our master data base list (where I also fixed the spelling).

Best, Henry

---------------------------------------------------------

Hi,

In reviewing the list I noticed I'm not on it.  Josephine Walston (Cipullo) class of 1962.  It was great to see the names of some old friends.  Maybe we can get e-mail addresses down the road.  Thanks for all your work.

Jo Walston

----------------------------------------------------------

Hi Jo,

Sorry about that oversight; I have fixed it.

Perhaps you subscribed yourself to HixNews (on Oct 13, according to my records), but didn't inform the editors? In any case, I have added your info to our master list, though Buffalo Bob Casale likes to have birthday info too, so we can send you a birthday card when that special day rolls around. Also, if you don't mind telling us what State you live in, we can add that tidbit of info to your master-file entry as well.

Oh yes, if you tell us what your anniversary date is and your husband's name, you will get a special mention in the Newsletter too.

As far as email addresses go, that information is considered private by us. We will not reveal it to anyone without the permission of the owner, even if we are water-boarded by evil-doers! The latter is a joke, of course. But we do protect everyone's private info to the best of our ability.

If you would like to contact someone else who is on our membership list, you can email the editors, and we will forward your request to the person you want to contact.

Best wishes for the Holidays,

Henry
—
Henry Lichtenstein

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi,

My birthday is Feb. 17 and I still live in Hicksville, NY.  Thank you for such a quick response.

All the best,
Jo

-----------------------------------------------------------

Henry

What a great idea, thank you for doing this.

I did want to tell you my name is slightly wrong. Class of 1970, last name Hughes, First name Garnet, middle name Gay. I have always been called by my middle name and nobody will know me as Garnet but maybe you could say first name is Garnet Gay?  Whatever works easiest for you.

Thank you again for your hard work.

Garnet Gay

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi Garnet Gay,

I have modified your entry as you requested, namely, "first name is Garnet Gay".

Best, Henry

-----------------------------------------------------------

Henry

Nice job!!!!  Thank you for putting so much time and effort into creating an alumni listing.

Kathy McDonald Corey '60

----------------------------------------------------------

Thanx, Kathy.  
Best, Henry

----------------------------------------------------------

Hello Henry,
You forgot my brother Bruce Glatt. He graduated in 1968.
Thanks,

Alaina (Lainie) Glatt-Klein  1978

----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Lainie,

Your brother is not listed in our master data base; I am not sure he ever subscribed to our Newsletter, but we would be glad to add him to our membership, if we had his email address.

Best, Henry

---------------------------------------------------------

Hi Henry,

I remember he was the one who set up my membership. This was after our father, Dr. Lowell D. Glatt, passed away 5 years ago. So here is his email...set the man up! He just had a birthday Dec. 12. So this should really get him connected!
Thanks,

Lainie

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi Lainie,

I have subscribed your brother, but I would appreciate it if you would let him know that it was you who asked that we do that.

Idiots on the computer

Any time you feel dumb, don't worry. Check out the following excerpts from a "Wall Street Journal" article by Jim Carlton. Lots of people are dumber than you.

1. Compaq is considering changing the command "Press Any Key" to "Press Return Key" because of the many calls asking where the "Any" key is.

2. AST technical support had a caller complaining that her mouse was hard to control with the dust cover on. The cover turned out to be the plastic bag the mouse was packaged in.

3. Another Compaq technician received a call from a man complaining that the system wouldn't read word processing files from his old diskettes. After trouble-shooting for magnets and heat failed to diagnose the problem, it was found that the customer labeled the diskettes by rolling them into a typewriter to type on them.

4. Another AST customer was asked to send a copy of her defective diskettes. A few days later a letter arrived from the customer along with Xeroxed copies of the floppies.

5. A Dell technician advised his customer to put his troubled floppy back in the drive and close the door. The customer asked the tech to hold on, and was then heard putting the phone down, getting up and crossing the room to close the door to his room.

6. Another Dell customer called to say he couldn't get his computer to fax anything. After 40 minutes of trouble-shooting, the technician discovered the man was trying to fax a piece of paper by holding it in front of the monitor screen and hitting the "send" key.

7. Another Dell customer needed help setting up a new program, so a Dell tech suggested he go to the local Egghead. "Yeah, I got me a couple of friends," the customer replied. When told "Egghead" was a software store, the man said, "Oh, I thought you meant for me to find a couple of geeks."

8. Yet another Dell customer called to complain that his keyboard no longer worked. He had cleaned it by filling up his tub with soap and water and soaking the keyboard for a day, then removing all the keys and washing them individually.

9. A Dell technician received a call from a customer who was enraged because his computer had told him he was "bad and an invalid". The tech explained that the computer's "bad command" and "invalid" responses shouldn't be taken personally.

10. An exasperated caller to Dell Computer Tech Support couldn't get her new Dell Computer to turn on. After ensuring that the computer was plugged in, the technician asked her what happened when she pushed the power button. Her response, "I pushed and pushed on this foot pedal and nothing happens." The "foot pedal" turned out to be the computer's mouse.

11. Another customer called Compaq tech support to say her brand-new computer wouldn't work. She said she unpacked the unit, plugged it in, and sat there for 20 minutes waiting for something to happen. When asked what happened when she pressed the power switch, she asked "What power switch?"

12. True story from a Novell NetWire SysOp: Caller: "Hello, is this Tech Support?"

Tech: "Yes, it is. How may I help you?" Caller: "The cup holder on my PC is broken and I am within my warranty period. How do I go about getting that fixed?" Tech: "I'm sorry, but did you say a "cup holder"?" Caller: "Yes, it's attached to the front of my computer." Tech: "Please excuse me if I seem a bit stumped; it's because I am. Did you receive this as part of a promotion, like at a trade show? How did you get this cup holder? Does it have any trademark on it?" Caller: "It came with my computer, I don't know anything about a promotional. It just has '4X' on it."

At this point the Tech Rep had to mute the caller, because he couldn't stand it. The caller had been using the load drawer of the CD-ROM drive as a cup holder, and snapped it off the drive!

DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher.  He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for

Illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay, but don’t go in that field over there," as he points out the location. Don’t go in there!!!

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, "Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me."
Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.  "See this badge?  This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land.  No questions asked or answers given.  Have I made myself clear? 

Do you understand? "

The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull.

 With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety.

The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs over to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs.....

"Your badge. Show him your BADGE! "