INTRODUCING
L’TANYA J. SHIELDS
“SONGSTRESS EXTRAORDINAIRE”
Class of 1980
A native New Yorker whose singing credentials span from choir concerts to corporate events, private parties, national singing competitions and an international tour. L’Tanya has been humming hymns and singing songs since childhood. Her vivacious personality comes across in her music. Whatever song she sings becomes her own. Her vocal foundation lies in the church, where she is a lead vocalist in the choir and can often be found belting out a solo that stirs the soul. Having very little formal training, you know L’Tanya’s talent is a gift from GOD.
Since relocating to Atlanta in 1990, L’Tanya has been blessed to be involved with some very talented people. In addition to her singing, she has theatrical credits under her belt. She has had major roles in some local productions including “WORK”, Delayed but Not Denied”, and “Tambourines To Glory” by Langston Hughes. In 2007, she made her big screen debut in the award winning film, “Dirty Laundry”. L’Tanya has performed many one-woman shows in Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX and New York, NY. She won the Grand Prize in the National Karaoke competition and 1st runner up in the Regional Apollo competition. She was a soloist with the All Atlanta Gospel Chorus for 5 years where she performed with the award winning Atlanta symphony Orchestra. She participated in the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, sharing the stage with the likes of B.B. King, Winton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Little Richard and a host of other veterans in the music industry.
1998, L’Tanya was asked to join multi-talented vocal group “Mistyque VocalsEase” an opportunity she had hoped for. Now as a member of the recording groups “Liege” and “Voice of Atlanta” (VOA), you may hear L’Tanya’s melodious voice anywhere. The Voice of Atlanta choir was nominated for a Gospel Choice and Grammy award in 2001. Early 2004 brought the most exciting adventure to date. Along with the voice of Atlanta choir she was asked to record with the legendary Sir Elton John. As if that wasn’t enough, L’Tanya and seven other VOA members had the incredible opportunity to perform with Sir Elton in Atlanta for the release concert of his “Peachtree Road” CD and on to an eight show mini tour in the United Kingdom. VOA went on to tour with Sir Elton John in the US and Europe. When asked why she sings? L’Tanya responded, “I sing because I believe its what GOD sent me here to do, its my purpose
Way to go L'Tanya, Thanks for keeping in touch..It's been a pleasure.. Hope to see you perform one of these days....
Best Regards to all
Sherry
Friday, November 20, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
RON CARNER..CLASS OF 1957
Hello everyone........If you remember back in May of this year I sent out a notice about Ron in the following paragraphs.
Ron has been involved with Maccabi since 1986 and is currently the General Chairman of the USA 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee, First Vice President of Maccabi USA and Vice President of Maccabi World Union.
The night of May 19th (which happened to be Ron's birthday) was declared "Maccabiah Night". At a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets in Los Angeles, Ron represented Maccabi USA and threw out the first ball from the mound....
Following is some additional information about Ron that I have, and thought you would enjoy it as well......Sort of a follow up on a very passionate cause that Ron has taken upon himself to persue. Worthy to send out to all. to read.
In the early '80's during a conversation with his wife, Ron mentioned that it was time for him to "give back" to his community. His primary interests were the Jewish people, the State of Israel and sports—and he loved spending time with young people. What would be a better fit than the Maccabiah? Soon after, at a party, his Israeli-born wife, Talia, introduced him to someone who was involved with the organization. He immediately jumped into the role of Basketball Chair for the 1987 Pan Am Games in Caracas , Venezuela .
In the over twenty years of actively working for the organization, Bob Spivak was Rons primary mentor, but he was also helped by others such as Alan Sherman and a host of volunteers that have made it possible for the organization to grow both in size and in quality of athletic achievements.
The most challenging test—and finally the highlight of excitement—was the process of organizing the USA team for the 16th Maccabiah. Just as they prepared to leave for Israel , the Second Intifida took a turn to the worse, and the Games seemed to be off. In an act of solidarity with the people of Israel , they put new teams together in merely three-and-a-half weeks. The most memorable and proudest moments of his life will forever be otheir marching into Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem in July, 2001 and receiving an extraordinarily warm reception.
Rons pride in the Maccabi movement and his steadfast belief in its goals have also compelled him to work hard at the several Pan Am Games in which he chaired the USA team. He witnessed the positive effect these games have had on Jewish communities in South America; the more teams the USA brought, the more competition was created, with a growing representation and involvement of the South American Jews. Reports from Santiago , Chili, for example, relate how the previously disjointed Jewish community has consolidated since the 2003 Pan Am Games.
Sports, his early love, is always alluring, but it is not the be-it-all in the Maccabiah Games. Sports is the hook that lures young people and gives us the opportunity to instill in them Jewish identity and pride, the sense of belonging to Jews of all nations, and the understanding the centrality of Israel to it all.
In the last ten years, Ron served as vice-chairman of Maccabi World Union in addition to wearing several hats at Maccabi USA , the latest of which is his chairing the 2009 US team to the Games in Israel . They will be bringing over 1000 athletes and twice as many family members and supporters.
As they move deeper into the 21st century with its increasing tribulations—and dangers to Jews that never seems to abate—he would like to see the Maccabiah recognized among non-Jews and the media both for its sheer size as the third largest international sports event and for the level of athletic competition and international record-breaking in so many sports. Also, while many Jews have heard their name, they are still unfamiliar with our importance to Jewish continuity and pride.
And finally, Ron would like to see more participation of Jews from Diaspora communities whose sizes suggest they can make better use of the Maccabiah Games to bring together their communities and help them achieve that pride that has filled his life these past twenty-two years and will continue to be so important to him in the coming two decades.
Well done Ron , another Madisonian to be proud of.........Ron just informed me this evening that he was just nominated to be President of Maccabi USA and will start his 4 year term in December
He also acknowledged my request to include his e-mail address and his cell number , so if you are inclined, do contact him, I am sure he will welcome hearing from all.
His e-mail address is................Bigrsc@aol.com
His Cell Number is..........516-819-9365
Well done Ron and best of luck..
Regards to all
Sherry Gordon (Mandel) alagorf2@aol.com
Ron has been involved with Maccabi since 1986 and is currently the General Chairman of the USA 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee, First Vice President of Maccabi USA and Vice President of Maccabi World Union.
The night of May 19th (which happened to be Ron's birthday) was declared "Maccabiah Night". At a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets in Los Angeles, Ron represented Maccabi USA and threw out the first ball from the mound....
Following is some additional information about Ron that I have, and thought you would enjoy it as well......Sort of a follow up on a very passionate cause that Ron has taken upon himself to persue. Worthy to send out to all. to read.
In the early '80's during a conversation with his wife, Ron mentioned that it was time for him to "give back" to his community. His primary interests were the Jewish people, the State of Israel and sports—and he loved spending time with young people. What would be a better fit than the Maccabiah? Soon after, at a party, his Israeli-born wife, Talia, introduced him to someone who was involved with the organization. He immediately jumped into the role of Basketball Chair for the 1987 Pan Am Games in Caracas , Venezuela .
In the over twenty years of actively working for the organization, Bob Spivak was Rons primary mentor, but he was also helped by others such as Alan Sherman and a host of volunteers that have made it possible for the organization to grow both in size and in quality of athletic achievements.
The most challenging test—and finally the highlight of excitement—was the process of organizing the USA team for the 16th Maccabiah. Just as they prepared to leave for Israel , the Second Intifida took a turn to the worse, and the Games seemed to be off. In an act of solidarity with the people of Israel , they put new teams together in merely three-and-a-half weeks. The most memorable and proudest moments of his life will forever be otheir marching into Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem in July, 2001 and receiving an extraordinarily warm reception.
Rons pride in the Maccabi movement and his steadfast belief in its goals have also compelled him to work hard at the several Pan Am Games in which he chaired the USA team. He witnessed the positive effect these games have had on Jewish communities in South America; the more teams the USA brought, the more competition was created, with a growing representation and involvement of the South American Jews. Reports from Santiago , Chili, for example, relate how the previously disjointed Jewish community has consolidated since the 2003 Pan Am Games.
Sports, his early love, is always alluring, but it is not the be-it-all in the Maccabiah Games. Sports is the hook that lures young people and gives us the opportunity to instill in them Jewish identity and pride, the sense of belonging to Jews of all nations, and the understanding the centrality of Israel to it all.
In the last ten years, Ron served as vice-chairman of Maccabi World Union in addition to wearing several hats at Maccabi USA , the latest of which is his chairing the 2009 US team to the Games in Israel . They will be bringing over 1000 athletes and twice as many family members and supporters.
As they move deeper into the 21st century with its increasing tribulations—and dangers to Jews that never seems to abate—he would like to see the Maccabiah recognized among non-Jews and the media both for its sheer size as the third largest international sports event and for the level of athletic competition and international record-breaking in so many sports. Also, while many Jews have heard their name, they are still unfamiliar with our importance to Jewish continuity and pride.
And finally, Ron would like to see more participation of Jews from Diaspora communities whose sizes suggest they can make better use of the Maccabiah Games to bring together their communities and help them achieve that pride that has filled his life these past twenty-two years and will continue to be so important to him in the coming two decades.
Well done Ron , another Madisonian to be proud of.........Ron just informed me this evening that he was just nominated to be President of Maccabi USA and will start his 4 year term in December
He also acknowledged my request to include his e-mail address and his cell number , so if you are inclined, do contact him, I am sure he will welcome hearing from all.
His e-mail address is................Bigrsc@aol.com
His Cell Number is..........516-819-9365
Well done Ron and best of luck..
Regards to all
Sherry Gordon (Mandel) alagorf2@aol.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
LORIN REISNER
Hello Everyone,
Roberta (Goldglit) Reisner class of 1955 and her husband Ira,most certainly do have something to boast about these days, I thought this would be of some interest to those that remember Roberta and graduated with her. Their son Lorin has come a long way, with much success in a very lucrative career.
WALL STREET JOURNAL
July 2, 2009
SEC Names Deputy Enforcement Director
WASHINGTON -- The Securities and Exchange Commission, in an effort to rebuild its enforcement division, hired a former federal prosecutor as deputy enforcement director Lorin Reisner, who was a federal prosecutor in New York in the early 1990s, will join from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
Mr. Reisner's appointment is the latest shakeup in the enforcement ranks. The SEC's enforcement division has been criticized for missing leads that could have led to the discovery of Bernard Madoff's multibillion investment fraud, among other problems.
To shore up the agency's reputation, SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro brought in former federal prosecutor Robert Khuzami to reinvigorate the division. He recruited George Canellos, also a former New York prosecutor, to lead the agency's New York office. Mr. Reisner's hire fills out that group of newer blood.
Mr. Khuzami is working on a significant reorganization of the enforcement division, including creating specialized units to focus on specific areas, such as structured financial products.
"Lorin has demonstrated throughout his career the characteristics critical to protecting the nation's investors -- a remarkable legal talent, exemplary work ethic, and a genuine commitment to prosecuting wrongdoers and protecting the public," said Mr. Khuzami in a statement.
Mr. Reisner, 47, was a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York from 1990 to 1994, where he prosecuted gang and murder cases and worked for three years in the public corruption unit. He overlapped there with Mr. Khuzami.
After leaving the government, he returned to Debevoise, where he began his career. He has represented companies in internal investigations, commercial litigation, and media and intellectual property.
Mr. Reisner said Ms. Schapiro and Mr. Khuzami have brought "a sense of renewed energy" and "intelligent aggressiveness on enforcement issues. I look forward to working with them."
We all wish you much success,
Roberta consented to her e-mail address being published, so here it is in case any of her classmates wish to contact her robira57@cs.com
Regards to All
Sherry Gordon
Roberta (Goldglit) Reisner class of 1955 and her husband Ira,most certainly do have something to boast about these days, I thought this would be of some interest to those that remember Roberta and graduated with her. Their son Lorin has come a long way, with much success in a very lucrative career.
WALL STREET JOURNAL
July 2, 2009
SEC Names Deputy Enforcement Director
WASHINGTON -- The Securities and Exchange Commission, in an effort to rebuild its enforcement division, hired a former federal prosecutor as deputy enforcement director Lorin Reisner, who was a federal prosecutor in New York in the early 1990s, will join from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
Mr. Reisner's appointment is the latest shakeup in the enforcement ranks. The SEC's enforcement division has been criticized for missing leads that could have led to the discovery of Bernard Madoff's multibillion investment fraud, among other problems.
To shore up the agency's reputation, SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro brought in former federal prosecutor Robert Khuzami to reinvigorate the division. He recruited George Canellos, also a former New York prosecutor, to lead the agency's New York office. Mr. Reisner's hire fills out that group of newer blood.
Mr. Khuzami is working on a significant reorganization of the enforcement division, including creating specialized units to focus on specific areas, such as structured financial products.
"Lorin has demonstrated throughout his career the characteristics critical to protecting the nation's investors -- a remarkable legal talent, exemplary work ethic, and a genuine commitment to prosecuting wrongdoers and protecting the public," said Mr. Khuzami in a statement.
Mr. Reisner, 47, was a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York from 1990 to 1994, where he prosecuted gang and murder cases and worked for three years in the public corruption unit. He overlapped there with Mr. Khuzami.
After leaving the government, he returned to Debevoise, where he began his career. He has represented companies in internal investigations, commercial litigation, and media and intellectual property.
Mr. Reisner said Ms. Schapiro and Mr. Khuzami have brought "a sense of renewed energy" and "intelligent aggressiveness on enforcement issues. I look forward to working with them."
We all wish you much success,
Roberta consented to her e-mail address being published, so here it is in case any of her classmates wish to contact her robira57@cs.com
Regards to All
Sherry Gordon
Sunday, June 28, 2009
LOIS (GLOTZER) DERMER and ARTHUR DERMER
A few months ago my name and e-mail address was given to the couple whose story will follow, It was Myra (Holman) Reider class of 1953 that had them contact me. This is not the regular Bio that I usually send out, but I thought it would be such a delightful human interest story to get out to all of you to enjoy, in fact, many of you may remember the two that I write about and the situation that took place in their lives. Enjoy their story as I did. Their names are..
LOIS GLOTZER.. Graduate of Class of 1958.. Now Lois (Glotzer) Dermer and ARTHUR DERMER graduate of class of 1952.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES MADISON H.S. will always hold a special place in the heart of Lois because it is where she met and married the love of her life, Arthur Dermer. Arthur was a social studies teacher at Madison in 1961 when Lois became a foreign language teacher at the school. She was teaching at the annex on East 33rd Street and rarely had the opportunity to come to the main building.
On the last day of the school year, fate stepped in. She was walking into the school elevator on her way to a meeting. Arthur was also in the elevator. The rest was history. They made an instant connection and were married a year later. They tried ever so hard to keep their dating quiet but on the day they got engaged all of Arthur’s students lined up in the hallway outside her classroom to see her ring. Everyone was so excited and sweet they gave them a bridal shower, how nice is that. Leave it to Madisonians they know when to do the right thing. It was a wonderful time in their lives, a memory that will never be forgotten.
Coincidentally, they had both attended James Madison as students. Arthur graduated in 1952 and Lois graduated in January 1958. Arthur went on to receive his Doctorate in Education from New York University and have a successful career as a school administrator, becoming a High School Principal in Montville, N.J and in Bellport, LI .He was also an Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Middle Country School District on Long Island for 20 years. Lois continued to teach foreign languages in the Three Village School District in Stony Brook, Long Island.
They have three wonderful daughters; Madeline, an attorney who married Herbert Tabin and gave them their two wonderful grandsons, Sam, 12 and Max,9; Their second daughter, Marissa is a CPA and owns her own firm. Their third daughter, Jennifer, is an elementary school teacher. Their entire family has relocated to South Florida and are living in the Boca Raton area.
Both Lois and Arthur are totally enjoying their retired life. They both do volunteer work in the local hospital, Lois also works as a volunteer for ORTAMERICA as a National Consultant. She has been involved with this wonderful organization for almost 40 years because of the outstanding work they do in training students to be competent in the fields of science and computer technology.
Madison will always hold a special place in their hearts, they still keep in touch with many of their colleagues to date.
Lois consented to my request to make their e-mail available for those that perhaps remember them and would like to drop them a line. Please do, I know they would love to hear from some students. Here is their e-mail address. adermer@aol.com
Thanks to both of you for letting me share your most delightful life's story.
Regards to all.
Sherry
LOIS GLOTZER.. Graduate of Class of 1958.. Now Lois (Glotzer) Dermer and ARTHUR DERMER graduate of class of 1952.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES MADISON H.S. will always hold a special place in the heart of Lois because it is where she met and married the love of her life, Arthur Dermer. Arthur was a social studies teacher at Madison in 1961 when Lois became a foreign language teacher at the school. She was teaching at the annex on East 33rd Street and rarely had the opportunity to come to the main building.
On the last day of the school year, fate stepped in. She was walking into the school elevator on her way to a meeting. Arthur was also in the elevator. The rest was history. They made an instant connection and were married a year later. They tried ever so hard to keep their dating quiet but on the day they got engaged all of Arthur’s students lined up in the hallway outside her classroom to see her ring. Everyone was so excited and sweet they gave them a bridal shower, how nice is that. Leave it to Madisonians they know when to do the right thing. It was a wonderful time in their lives, a memory that will never be forgotten.
Coincidentally, they had both attended James Madison as students. Arthur graduated in 1952 and Lois graduated in January 1958. Arthur went on to receive his Doctorate in Education from New York University and have a successful career as a school administrator, becoming a High School Principal in Montville, N.J and in Bellport, LI .He was also an Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Middle Country School District on Long Island for 20 years. Lois continued to teach foreign languages in the Three Village School District in Stony Brook, Long Island.
They have three wonderful daughters; Madeline, an attorney who married Herbert Tabin and gave them their two wonderful grandsons, Sam, 12 and Max,9; Their second daughter, Marissa is a CPA and owns her own firm. Their third daughter, Jennifer, is an elementary school teacher. Their entire family has relocated to South Florida and are living in the Boca Raton area.
Both Lois and Arthur are totally enjoying their retired life. They both do volunteer work in the local hospital, Lois also works as a volunteer for ORTAMERICA as a National Consultant. She has been involved with this wonderful organization for almost 40 years because of the outstanding work they do in training students to be competent in the fields of science and computer technology.
Madison will always hold a special place in their hearts, they still keep in touch with many of their colleagues to date.
Lois consented to my request to make their e-mail available for those that perhaps remember them and would like to drop them a line. Please do, I know they would love to hear from some students. Here is their e-mail address. adermer@aol.com
Thanks to both of you for letting me share your most delightful life's story.
Regards to all.
Sherry
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ron Carner Class of 1957
Hey everyone, another Madisonian to be proud of indeed, Our graduate from Madison..RON CARNER, Class of 1957.. Played on the Varsity Basketball team at school. Now a practicing Attorney in NY.....and adding to his credit read the following,
I thought you might enjoy the great article, that follows......as it is always a pleasure to share good news with you. So turn on your TV set tomorrow the 19th check the time and watch the Dodger and Met game, you will see a familiar face throw out the first pitch. read on.
Way to go Ron
Regards to all
Sherry Gordon alagorf2@aol.com
Ron Carner has been selected to receive the Yakir Maccabi Award, the highest and most prestigious award given by Maccabi World Union, the organizers of the Maccabiah Games and the world's largest Jewish membership organization.
This award is given every four years to a maximum of 12 Maccabi leaders from around the world who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Maccabi organization at the international level. The award will be bestowed upon Ron at a distinguished ceremony held during the 18th Maccabiah Games.
In the 77-year history of Maccabi World Union, only 5 Americans have been honored as Yakir recipients, including Nat Holman, Harold Zimman, Max Sheldon, Bob Spivak and Alan Sherman.
Ron has been involved with Maccabi since 1986 and is currently the General Chairman of the USA 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee, First Vice President of Maccabi USA and Vice President of Maccabi World Union.
The night of May 19th (which happens to be Ron's birthday) has been declared "Maccabiah Night". At a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets in Los Angeles, Ron will be representing Maccabi USA and will throw out the first ball from the mound.
Mazel Tov and Happy Birthday, Ron!
I thought you might enjoy the great article, that follows......as it is always a pleasure to share good news with you. So turn on your TV set tomorrow the 19th check the time and watch the Dodger and Met game, you will see a familiar face throw out the first pitch. read on.
Way to go Ron
Regards to all
Sherry Gordon alagorf2@aol.com
Ron Carner has been selected to receive the Yakir Maccabi Award, the highest and most prestigious award given by Maccabi World Union, the organizers of the Maccabiah Games and the world's largest Jewish membership organization.
This award is given every four years to a maximum of 12 Maccabi leaders from around the world who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Maccabi organization at the international level. The award will be bestowed upon Ron at a distinguished ceremony held during the 18th Maccabiah Games.
In the 77-year history of Maccabi World Union, only 5 Americans have been honored as Yakir recipients, including Nat Holman, Harold Zimman, Max Sheldon, Bob Spivak and Alan Sherman.
Ron has been involved with Maccabi since 1986 and is currently the General Chairman of the USA 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee, First Vice President of Maccabi USA and Vice President of Maccabi World Union.
The night of May 19th (which happens to be Ron's birthday) has been declared "Maccabiah Night". At a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets in Los Angeles, Ron will be representing Maccabi USA and will throw out the first ball from the mound.
Mazel Tov and Happy Birthday, Ron!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
STEPHEN VERONA
STEPHEN VERONA ....Class of 1958
Let me introduce you to Stephen Verona Graduate of James Madison ..class of 1958.....Needless to say what you read, and what you will see on his web site will surely amaze you as it did me, Here is a man who has such an amazing career..his love and energy he put into his work shows in all the awards he has won.
Read on and then go to his web site, many of you will remember the work he has done, I certainly do.
Stephens extensive resume can be found on this website: www.stephenverona.com - He has had success in many fields, most notably in the motion picture and video and more recently art worlds. You may know that he made (produced, co-wrote and directed), a movie about his youth titled: "The Lords of Flatbush." This is the film that gave Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, Richard Gere and many others their start. He also made (Directed & Co-wrote) "Boardwalk" with Ruth Gordon, Lee Strasberg and Janet Leigh about his grandparents and the "old" neighborhood. I personally remember these very well, as I am sure many of you do as well.
He is also credited by People magazine as having been the grandfather of Music Video as he did the first two for the Beatles and then Streisand and about 250 other well known recording artists. All during this he always painted and photographed. The Getty Museum recently acquired his photography for their permanent collection.
His book on the Making of the Lords of Flatbush will be out in the Spring. Barnes & Noble just bought a slew so watch for it. He was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a hundred other awards. I could go on and on about Stephen, but I think you will enjoy his web site, It will give you an amazing insight of his talent that brought him such success.
Another Madison to make us proud.
Best to All and enjoy
Sherry alagorf2@aol.com
Let me introduce you to Stephen Verona Graduate of James Madison ..class of 1958.....Needless to say what you read, and what you will see on his web site will surely amaze you as it did me, Here is a man who has such an amazing career..his love and energy he put into his work shows in all the awards he has won.
Read on and then go to his web site, many of you will remember the work he has done, I certainly do.
Stephens extensive resume can be found on this website: www.stephenverona.com - He has had success in many fields, most notably in the motion picture and video and more recently art worlds. You may know that he made (produced, co-wrote and directed), a movie about his youth titled: "The Lords of Flatbush." This is the film that gave Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, Richard Gere and many others their start. He also made (Directed & Co-wrote) "Boardwalk" with Ruth Gordon, Lee Strasberg and Janet Leigh about his grandparents and the "old" neighborhood. I personally remember these very well, as I am sure many of you do as well.
He is also credited by People magazine as having been the grandfather of Music Video as he did the first two for the Beatles and then Streisand and about 250 other well known recording artists. All during this he always painted and photographed. The Getty Museum recently acquired his photography for their permanent collection.
His book on the Making of the Lords of Flatbush will be out in the Spring. Barnes & Noble just bought a slew so watch for it. He was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a hundred other awards. I could go on and on about Stephen, but I think you will enjoy his web site, It will give you an amazing insight of his talent that brought him such success.
Another Madison to make us proud.
Best to All and enjoy
Sherry alagorf2@aol.com
Saturday, March 7, 2009
HYMAN KOPPELMAN
JAMES MADISON GRADUATE, OF 1938
Now known as CHAIM KOPPELMAN
Just turned 88 November 2008..Go to his web site, and enjoy his most lucrative career in art, a Master in his field indeed. Since his web site has such extensive information for you to read I thought it would be nice to send it off to you with all his art work and Bio
So everyone, enjoy his story
www.ChaimKoppelman.net
Sherry Gordon
alagorf2@aol.com
Now known as CHAIM KOPPELMAN
Just turned 88 November 2008..Go to his web site, and enjoy his most lucrative career in art, a Master in his field indeed. Since his web site has such extensive information for you to read I thought it would be nice to send it off to you with all his art work and Bio
So everyone, enjoy his story
www.ChaimKoppelman.net
Sherry Gordon
alagorf2@aol.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
ALLEN SCHWALB ...Class of....1955
Allen has such an amazing career, it would take me forever to write about it in detail, that is why I have included his web sites for all to enjoy.
At present Allen resides in Orlando Florida,he has three wonderful, children, and three grand children to be proud of as well. His older son is CEO of the sports Museum of America, and of course so very proud of that as well.
His College, Polytechnic University in Brooklyn has acknowledged and recognized his accomplishments and success by choosing him for their Distinguished Alumni Award, the plaque which, hangs in the lobby of that institution in downtown Brooklyn. He has 5 masters degrees and his is success in the sports, entertainment, and the investment industries has made him a master in his career ..
Enjoy his web site as I did, you will be amazed at what he has accomplished in his lifetime...
Thanks Allen, for letting me share your wonderful career with all our Madisonians. I am sure they will agree with me that your accomplishments certainly do deserve recognition.
Sherry
Type into your search engine...enjoy
http://allenschwalb.com/
www.InvestinSports.com
www.TheSportsMuseum.com
www.ModernWomenInc.com
www.CheyenneME.com
At present Allen resides in Orlando Florida,he has three wonderful, children, and three grand children to be proud of as well. His older son is CEO of the sports Museum of America, and of course so very proud of that as well.
His College, Polytechnic University in Brooklyn has acknowledged and recognized his accomplishments and success by choosing him for their Distinguished Alumni Award, the plaque which, hangs in the lobby of that institution in downtown Brooklyn. He has 5 masters degrees and his is success in the sports, entertainment, and the investment industries has made him a master in his career ..
Enjoy his web site as I did, you will be amazed at what he has accomplished in his lifetime...
Thanks Allen, for letting me share your wonderful career with all our Madisonians. I am sure they will agree with me that your accomplishments certainly do deserve recognition.
Sherry
Type into your search engine...enjoy
http://allenschwalb.com/
www.InvestinSports.com
www.TheSportsMuseum.com
www.ModernWomenInc.com
www.CheyenneME.com
ADRIAN HORN.....Class of.....1954
Adrian G. Horn, Director of the Finger Lakes Choral Festival, has had a lifetime of involvement in virtually every aspect of choral music. He sang with Robert Shaw for two years while still in high school, received a BS in vocal performance at SUNY Fredonia (where he was Captain of the baseball team and also played semi-pro football with the Fredonia Orioles) and a Masters Degree specializing in Choral Music from Columbia University. Adrian then entered the Navy and was appointed Director of the Naval Aviation Cadet Choir while undergoing training as a Naval Aviation Officer.
After completing his tour of duty, he became a professional chorister with the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera. Subsequently, he entered the doctoral program at Columbia University, but was sidetracked from completing a thesis on developing community choruses by the priority of putting his ideas into action. What followed was a remarkable adventure of choral activities, including:
Founding Director, San Francisco City Chorus, for which he was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the City of San Francisco for bringing great music to the people of the city
Director, Olympic Athletic Club of San Francisco Men's Chorus
Founding Director, Women's Chorus of San Francisco
Director, San Francisco State University Chorus, where he built the chorus from 35 to 225 members in five semesters
Founding Director, San Francisco Festival of Carols
Founding Director, San Francisco Choral Society, a 250 voice symphonic chorus, regularly performing before sold-out houses at Davies Symphony Hall
As a conductor, Adrian has an extraordinary ability to inspire singers to bring passion and meaning to their music. Singers stay on their toes because they don't want to miss any of his colorful comments or unique musical insights. At one rehearsal, before a chorus and orchestra of nearly 500 performing the Berlioz Requiem at the cavernous San Francisco Civic Auditorium he quipped, "All I wanted to do was get some people together to sing, and the whole thing got totally out of hand."
At the height of his success with the San Francisco Choral Society, after conducting three sold-out performances of Carmina Burana at Davies Symphony Hall in October 1992Adrian left San Francisco to pursue perhaps his most rewarding career, stay-at-home-Dad for his three young boys. But music always seemed to follow, as did the Directorship of the Sequim Community Chorus in Washington, and after relocating to New York, the Jamestown Choral Society.
The Finger Lakes Choral Festival, now entering its sixth season, is the current focus of his life-long obsession with bringing people together to sing great choral music.
Well done Adrian, You followed your dreams and you have proved that Madison has turned out another shining star.
After completing his tour of duty, he became a professional chorister with the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera. Subsequently, he entered the doctoral program at Columbia University, but was sidetracked from completing a thesis on developing community choruses by the priority of putting his ideas into action. What followed was a remarkable adventure of choral activities, including:
Founding Director, San Francisco City Chorus, for which he was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the City of San Francisco for bringing great music to the people of the city
Director, Olympic Athletic Club of San Francisco Men's Chorus
Founding Director, Women's Chorus of San Francisco
Director, San Francisco State University Chorus, where he built the chorus from 35 to 225 members in five semesters
Founding Director, San Francisco Festival of Carols
Founding Director, San Francisco Choral Society, a 250 voice symphonic chorus, regularly performing before sold-out houses at Davies Symphony Hall
As a conductor, Adrian has an extraordinary ability to inspire singers to bring passion and meaning to their music. Singers stay on their toes because they don't want to miss any of his colorful comments or unique musical insights. At one rehearsal, before a chorus and orchestra of nearly 500 performing the Berlioz Requiem at the cavernous San Francisco Civic Auditorium he quipped, "All I wanted to do was get some people together to sing, and the whole thing got totally out of hand."
At the height of his success with the San Francisco Choral Society, after conducting three sold-out performances of Carmina Burana at Davies Symphony Hall in October 1992Adrian left San Francisco to pursue perhaps his most rewarding career, stay-at-home-Dad for his three young boys. But music always seemed to follow, as did the Directorship of the Sequim Community Chorus in Washington, and after relocating to New York, the Jamestown Choral Society.
The Finger Lakes Choral Festival, now entering its sixth season, is the current focus of his life-long obsession with bringing people together to sing great choral music.
Well done Adrian, You followed your dreams and you have proved that Madison has turned out another shining star.
PETER MARK..Class of...1957
Peter Mark a graduate of James Madison High class of 1957. A "Leader" indeed. A talent that almost everyone would love to have. I guess we all at one time or other as a child at bed time, laid on our backs in bed and conducted some sort of big band, or even perhaps a wonderful symphonic orchestra ...Waving our arms back and forth to the music only in our heads. Peter fulfilled his dreams, and went on to become "MAESTRO". world renown. He Has accomplished what many have not been able to in our young daydreams. For Peter's daydreaming became his wonderful reality. His bio is quite extensive. I would like to include a link for you to enjoy so you will see what he has accomplished in his career over the years. It will give you an idea of how strong his love and commitment to his music took him to where he is now. Here are some of his reviews for the new opening season
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The large orchestra, under the baton of Peter Mark and provided by the Virginia Symphony, was in fine form opening night, playing with passion and consummate sensitivity to the dialogue between pit and singers.
Maestro Peter Mark guides the over forty-piece orchestra with the lush, rich colors that define Tales of Hoffmann
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Musically, matters were at the same high level. Peter Mark conducted, and this too was one of his best performances in recent seasons. Tempos were sensible and dramatically apt. He maintained excellent balance between stage and pit, and coaxed some beautiful string and wind performances from the Virginia Symphony musicians.
******************************
Virginia Opera started their season off with a bang. This production was absolutely amazing. I can’t imagine a better opener. This production had all the elements needed for a wonderful evening. I strongly urge everyone to see it. I promise you won’t be disappointed if you do.
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The Virginia Opera's orchestra, under the baton of longtime Artistic Director Peter Mark, produced a rich, romantic sound that underscored each singer's talents.
******************************
Again, Peter Mark was outstanding as the conductor. He is the most giving of operatic conductors as he handles his singers with "kid gloves" throughout and yet he gently coaxes them into full intensity without overwhelming them with the music.
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Virginia should be very proud of this traveling opera company. The huge standing ovations for all of their operas at the George Mason U. Center for the Arts attest to the fact that they are loved for their professionalism and quality.
******************************
This is a masterful production by the VOC, and kudos must go to maestro Mark for reviving it from the company's vault and putting it on display.
******************************
Enjoy the following links, on the top of the first one click on each Opera.....Copy and paste them into your search engine...
http://www.vaopera.org/
http://www.vaopera.org/html/currentoperas/popup_castCrew.cfm?opera=1&castCrewMember=1094
I thank you Peter for sharing your accomplishments with me, and giving me the opportunity to share your amazing career with all our Madisonians as well.
You have mastered an amazing career "Maestro," and by doing so, have brought beautiful music to the ears of the world. Keep up your continued good work.
Another distinguished Madisonian to be proud of.
******************************
The large orchestra, under the baton of Peter Mark and provided by the Virginia Symphony, was in fine form opening night, playing with passion and consummate sensitivity to the dialogue between pit and singers.
Maestro Peter Mark guides the over forty-piece orchestra with the lush, rich colors that define Tales of Hoffmann
******************************
Musically, matters were at the same high level. Peter Mark conducted, and this too was one of his best performances in recent seasons. Tempos were sensible and dramatically apt. He maintained excellent balance between stage and pit, and coaxed some beautiful string and wind performances from the Virginia Symphony musicians.
******************************
Virginia Opera started their season off with a bang. This production was absolutely amazing. I can’t imagine a better opener. This production had all the elements needed for a wonderful evening. I strongly urge everyone to see it. I promise you won’t be disappointed if you do.
******************************
The Virginia Opera's orchestra, under the baton of longtime Artistic Director Peter Mark, produced a rich, romantic sound that underscored each singer's talents.
******************************
Again, Peter Mark was outstanding as the conductor. He is the most giving of operatic conductors as he handles his singers with "kid gloves" throughout and yet he gently coaxes them into full intensity without overwhelming them with the music.
******************************
Virginia should be very proud of this traveling opera company. The huge standing ovations for all of their operas at the George Mason U. Center for the Arts attest to the fact that they are loved for their professionalism and quality.
******************************
This is a masterful production by the VOC, and kudos must go to maestro Mark for reviving it from the company's vault and putting it on display.
******************************
Enjoy the following links, on the top of the first one click on each Opera.....Copy and paste them into your search engine...
http://www.vaopera.org/
http://www.vaopera.org/html/currentoperas/popup_castCrew.cfm?opera=1&castCrewMember=1094
I thank you Peter for sharing your accomplishments with me, and giving me the opportunity to share your amazing career with all our Madisonians as well.
You have mastered an amazing career "Maestro," and by doing so, have brought beautiful music to the ears of the world. Keep up your continued good work.
Another distinguished Madisonian to be proud of.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
RUTH (GAMZER) GRUENER..A Survivor
Ruth (Gamzer) Gruener, Attended Madison for only one year . Her story is so incredible I thought it a perfect time to have her story told, especially this time of the year. I had the good fortune to be able to speak to Ruth many times, and we have been e-mailing since. Ruth stated that her one year at Madison was an especially wonderful and happy time of her life. She started classes there in 1949, she was in awe at how all the teachers and students welcomed her into their midst. Being fluent in German, and not so in English, some of the teachers suggested that she copy homework from other students,(can you imagine if we did that??) as to help her improve her English. Her friends always picked her up in the morning walked to school and walked her home as well..She felt so at home with all these wonderful kind things happening to her, she felt safe and she had new friends.
She was invited to become a member if a Social Club as well, the club was "Citiai" from the Latin word Friendship. Her best friend was Ruthie Kagen who I am trying to locate for her. Following is her story,
=================================================================
Over sixty years ago, Joanna Zalucka hid a young Jewish girl in her bedroom for eight months, saving the child from the Nazi killing spree in their native Poland.
Ruth Gruener - was reunited with her old friend from Poland in 2005 finally returning a lifesaving favor by hosting her World War II benefactor for two weeks.
"It is just so wonderful that no words can describe how I felt," said Ruth, who was sobbing as she and Joanna now 81, hugged in their emotional meeting.. Although the two have corresponded over the decades, they hadn't seen one another since 1944. "Its a miracle" Joanna said in Polish
Ruth's survival in their hometown of Lvov, Poland, was a miracle as well; she and her parents were the only ones from an extended family of 300 who survived the Holocaust. "Luncia" her nickname in Poland was a cheerfull eight year old girl growing up in 1930's Poland. But then the Nazis arrived-and Luncia's world was shattered.
Her father smuggled her out of the ghetto under his overcoat and placed her with Joanna's family because he expected to be slaughtered.
Ukrainian nationalists had already begun ransacking Jewish homes at night. Families disappeared in waves, presumably taken away to concentration camps.
"I heard screams every evening," Ruth said. "To a child's ears, it was just horrible."
Ruth then spent most of her eight months at Joanna's home just sitting in a chair, afraid to even look out the window from Joanna's bedroom. Joanna, then 18, was in charge of keeping an eye on the girl.
When visitors came, Ruth would hide under Joanna's bed or duck into a trunk. She spent so much time silent and immobilized that she had to relearn how to walk and speak normally. After eight months, Ruth was brought to the home of another Christian family that hid her parents and was hidden for another two years.
Once World War II was over, Ruth and her family went to Munich and then to Brooklyn. Ruth eventually married another Holocaust survivor, Jack Gruener, and started a family.
Jack's path to freedom was more traumatic. His parents were murdered in the Krakow ghetto when he was 13. He then spent time in a series of concentration camps before being liberated at Dachau in 1945. None of his other relatives lived.
"To this day, I can't figure out how I survived," he said.
Joanna spent two weeks with Ruth and Jack Gruener and her family, a turnabout that was a long time coming.
Joanna would likely have faced the death penalty if she had been caught harboring a Jew during the war. The family was never found out, but Joanna herself was later imprisoned, first by the Germans, then by the Soviets, as a suspected member of the Polish underground.
The pair were reunited by The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, which was created in 1986 to provide assistance to non-Jews who risked their lives to rescue Jews during the Holocaust.
The foundation has been providing Joanna with a pension and helping her pay for medical care. So well deserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over time Ruth has become a docent at the Museum Of Jewish Heritage where she volunteers every Monday, Her Hubby Jack, a survivor of 10 concentration camps ,along with Ruth speak in public around the country to Hebrew and Catholic schools, where they tell the children their stories of survival. She has also completed her education in Interior Design, (which we found out we have in common) and she also teaches piano.
She has written a book "Destined To Live" by Ruth Gruener which should be in the book stores this year so do look for it and learn more about a brave little girl who survived a grueling time and grew into a loving and caring mother and wife. Such a splendid women.
. Thank you Ruth for befriending me, You are a joy and I shall treasure your friendship . God Bless You,and all who survived that horrible time.
Sherry Gordon
She was invited to become a member if a Social Club as well, the club was "Citiai" from the Latin word Friendship. Her best friend was Ruthie Kagen who I am trying to locate for her. Following is her story,
=================================================================
Over sixty years ago, Joanna Zalucka hid a young Jewish girl in her bedroom for eight months, saving the child from the Nazi killing spree in their native Poland.
Ruth Gruener - was reunited with her old friend from Poland in 2005 finally returning a lifesaving favor by hosting her World War II benefactor for two weeks.
"It is just so wonderful that no words can describe how I felt," said Ruth, who was sobbing as she and Joanna now 81, hugged in their emotional meeting.. Although the two have corresponded over the decades, they hadn't seen one another since 1944. "Its a miracle" Joanna said in Polish
Ruth's survival in their hometown of Lvov, Poland, was a miracle as well; she and her parents were the only ones from an extended family of 300 who survived the Holocaust. "Luncia" her nickname in Poland was a cheerfull eight year old girl growing up in 1930's Poland. But then the Nazis arrived-and Luncia's world was shattered.
Her father smuggled her out of the ghetto under his overcoat and placed her with Joanna's family because he expected to be slaughtered.
Ukrainian nationalists had already begun ransacking Jewish homes at night. Families disappeared in waves, presumably taken away to concentration camps.
"I heard screams every evening," Ruth said. "To a child's ears, it was just horrible."
Ruth then spent most of her eight months at Joanna's home just sitting in a chair, afraid to even look out the window from Joanna's bedroom. Joanna, then 18, was in charge of keeping an eye on the girl.
When visitors came, Ruth would hide under Joanna's bed or duck into a trunk. She spent so much time silent and immobilized that she had to relearn how to walk and speak normally. After eight months, Ruth was brought to the home of another Christian family that hid her parents and was hidden for another two years.
Once World War II was over, Ruth and her family went to Munich and then to Brooklyn. Ruth eventually married another Holocaust survivor, Jack Gruener, and started a family.
Jack's path to freedom was more traumatic. His parents were murdered in the Krakow ghetto when he was 13. He then spent time in a series of concentration camps before being liberated at Dachau in 1945. None of his other relatives lived.
"To this day, I can't figure out how I survived," he said.
Joanna spent two weeks with Ruth and Jack Gruener and her family, a turnabout that was a long time coming.
Joanna would likely have faced the death penalty if she had been caught harboring a Jew during the war. The family was never found out, but Joanna herself was later imprisoned, first by the Germans, then by the Soviets, as a suspected member of the Polish underground.
The pair were reunited by The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, which was created in 1986 to provide assistance to non-Jews who risked their lives to rescue Jews during the Holocaust.
The foundation has been providing Joanna with a pension and helping her pay for medical care. So well deserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over time Ruth has become a docent at the Museum Of Jewish Heritage where she volunteers every Monday, Her Hubby Jack, a survivor of 10 concentration camps ,along with Ruth speak in public around the country to Hebrew and Catholic schools, where they tell the children their stories of survival. She has also completed her education in Interior Design, (which we found out we have in common) and she also teaches piano.
She has written a book "Destined To Live" by Ruth Gruener which should be in the book stores this year so do look for it and learn more about a brave little girl who survived a grueling time and grew into a loving and caring mother and wife. Such a splendid women.
. Thank you Ruth for befriending me, You are a joy and I shall treasure your friendship . God Bless You,and all who survived that horrible time.
Sherry Gordon
Robert S. Walbaum M.D....Class of 1954
Ever since James Madison High School began turning out graduates, back in the 20's, a steady stream of highly educated
and totally competent young people began joining the various professions including medicine, engineering, law, the arts, religion, science, military, etc. The contributions to the community, the state and the nation were priceless and have been so since the very beginning.
One of those graduates who entered the medical field was
Robert S. Waldbaum, M.D. now clinical Professor of Urology at the Cornell University Medical College. Doctor Waldbaum is also Chairman Emeritus of the Urology Dept on Long Island's
North Shore University Hospital.
Bob's early education involved a lot of saying goodbye ahead of schedule. He attended P.S. 197 and left early after the 6th grade in 1949. Then it was off to Cunningham JHS, grades 7-9, leaving early in 1952. Then he moved over to our favorite High School, Madison from 1952 thru 1954. He was to graduate in 1955 but because he was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship, he left Madison at the end of 1954 to attend Columbia College. He graduated from there in 1958 qand went on to the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, gettin g his M.D., degree in 1962 and completing his internship a year later. Then it was off to the Marines for two years, serving as Battalion Surgeon of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marines Division, in Okinawa and concluding his service at the Quantico Naval Hospital in 1965.
After all that, Bob completed his surgical residency at Columbia in 1966 and an additional 4 year residency in urology in 1970 at Cornell. Then it was one more round of "goodbyes" as he left in 1970 to move to Manhasset, Long Island New York to begin private practice.
Now, one might think that after a hectic schedule like that, one might want to slow down a bit. but this is not the case with Bob.
For example.......
Bob has just been appointed to the Medical Advisory Board of the Florence and Robert Rosen family Wellness Center for Law Enforcement and military personnel and their families.
He has just been awarded the William P. Didush Art and History award by the American Urological Center.
He was selected as Best Doctor of the USA from 2001 to 2007 and best Cancer Doctor in the USA from 2004 to 2007.
He has been a recipient of the National Kidney Foundation John Kingsley Lattimer Award for excellence in Research, Teaching & Patient Care. The list of awards, honors and other professional recognition goes on and on and to list them all might mean you would spend so much time reading them, you would miss celebrating two of your own birthdays.
But this next achievement is truly over the top....literally and figuratively. In 2006, Bob and his wife Ruth, a psychiatrist, completed a climb across the Himalayas in Bhutan.
Much of the climb was at almost 86 hundred feet above sea level. What followed was amazing especially for a man of 68 years of age.
A few days after returning home, Bob complained of feeling "puny" but he continued with his busy surgical schedule. Then it was out to dinner where he felt tired and lost his appetite and this was definitely out of the ordinary, so it was off to the North Shore University Hospital Emergency room and after a series of tests,it was found he had experienced a tear in his aortic wall which interrupted the flow of blood.This was serious big time and is life threatening. A surgical team was rapidly put together and off they all went to the OR. The surgery took about 11 hours and was deemed a success,two weeks later, Bob was home recuperating. So, is he now a couch potato? Not on your life. He has resumed his full surgical schedule and on any given Sunday, you will find him jogging several miles, swimming some 30 laps or so, playing 18 holes of golf and is also often found on the tennis courts. In fact, he says he is in better shape now than he ever was.
and totally competent young people began joining the various professions including medicine, engineering, law, the arts, religion, science, military, etc. The contributions to the community, the state and the nation were priceless and have been so since the very beginning.
One of those graduates who entered the medical field was
Robert S. Waldbaum, M.D. now clinical Professor of Urology at the Cornell University Medical College. Doctor Waldbaum is also Chairman Emeritus of the Urology Dept on Long Island's
North Shore University Hospital.
Bob's early education involved a lot of saying goodbye ahead of schedule. He attended P.S. 197 and left early after the 6th grade in 1949. Then it was off to Cunningham JHS, grades 7-9, leaving early in 1952. Then he moved over to our favorite High School, Madison from 1952 thru 1954. He was to graduate in 1955 but because he was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship, he left Madison at the end of 1954 to attend Columbia College. He graduated from there in 1958 qand went on to the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, gettin g his M.D., degree in 1962 and completing his internship a year later. Then it was off to the Marines for two years, serving as Battalion Surgeon of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marines Division, in Okinawa and concluding his service at the Quantico Naval Hospital in 1965.
After all that, Bob completed his surgical residency at Columbia in 1966 and an additional 4 year residency in urology in 1970 at Cornell. Then it was one more round of "goodbyes" as he left in 1970 to move to Manhasset, Long Island New York to begin private practice.
Now, one might think that after a hectic schedule like that, one might want to slow down a bit. but this is not the case with Bob.
For example.......
Bob has just been appointed to the Medical Advisory Board of the Florence and Robert Rosen family Wellness Center for Law Enforcement and military personnel and their families.
He has just been awarded the William P. Didush Art and History award by the American Urological Center.
He was selected as Best Doctor of the USA from 2001 to 2007 and best Cancer Doctor in the USA from 2004 to 2007.
He has been a recipient of the National Kidney Foundation John Kingsley Lattimer Award for excellence in Research, Teaching & Patient Care. The list of awards, honors and other professional recognition goes on and on and to list them all might mean you would spend so much time reading them, you would miss celebrating two of your own birthdays.
But this next achievement is truly over the top....literally and figuratively. In 2006, Bob and his wife Ruth, a psychiatrist, completed a climb across the Himalayas in Bhutan.
Much of the climb was at almost 86 hundred feet above sea level. What followed was amazing especially for a man of 68 years of age.
A few days after returning home, Bob complained of feeling "puny" but he continued with his busy surgical schedule. Then it was out to dinner where he felt tired and lost his appetite and this was definitely out of the ordinary, so it was off to the North Shore University Hospital Emergency room and after a series of tests,it was found he had experienced a tear in his aortic wall which interrupted the flow of blood.This was serious big time and is life threatening. A surgical team was rapidly put together and off they all went to the OR. The surgery took about 11 hours and was deemed a success,two weeks later, Bob was home recuperating. So, is he now a couch potato? Not on your life. He has resumed his full surgical schedule and on any given Sunday, you will find him jogging several miles, swimming some 30 laps or so, playing 18 holes of golf and is also often found on the tennis courts. In fact, he says he is in better shape now than he ever was.
Harvey E. Schlesinger..Class of ...1958
Honorable Harvey E. Schlesinger
United States District Court
Jacksonville, Florida
Class of 1958
It was back in the mid 60's on NBC television when entertainer Sammy Davis Junior coined a new comedy line that struck with viewers. Davis pranced out in front of the cameras wearing judicial robes and a white wig of the style worn by British Judges and as he danced his way across the stage he chanted the following words: "Here come de Judge ! Here Come De Judge !" It was a funny line but it left us asking the critical questions: "What Judge and where is he coming from?" It didn't take long but we finally figured it out.
He was coming from the area around Bedford Avenue and Quentin Rd. in Brooklyn where James Madison High School is located. We are talking about Harvey E. Schlesinger. He was born in 1940 and for a while, it looked as though his career was going to be in the U.S. Army. Undergraduate school was the prestigeous The Citadel, the military college in Charleston South Carolina where he was considered a distinguished military student. Graduation came in 1962 but before heading off to active duty with the Army, it was off to law school at the University of Richmond School of Law in Virginia from 1962 until 1965. There he was President of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and a member of the National Moot Court team in 1964. He was also the recipient of several other University of Richmond School of Law honors.
Now, one might think it was now time to begin the practice of law but first, there was a military committment to complete. This meant putting on his Army uniform and beginning courses at the U.S. Army Logistics Management Center at Fort Lee Virginia. As might be expected, he graduated with honors. From there, it was off to the Judge Advocate General's School (JAG) in Charlottesville, Va. But, we are not finished. From 1975 to the present time, Harvey has attended seminars ranging from three days to one week dealing with the procedures and laws used in U.S. District Courts. What does that lead to? Well, in part it leads to his being qualified to practice in front of some of the most important courts in the land. They include, in this order:
Supreme Court of Appeals, State of Virginia.
Supreme Court, State of Florida.
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth District.
U.S. Court of Military Appeals
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Fla.
Tax Court of the United States.
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh District.
Now, those were the court in which he was deemed qualified to practice. Now, come the major leagues of "lawdom" (to coin a phrase).
From 1965 until 1968, Harvey was a Captain in the US Army, attached to the Office of the Army Staff Judge Advocate Headquarters, Third United States Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia.
1968 to 1970: Corporate Counsel, Seaboard Coastline Railroad, Jacksonville, Fla.
1970 to 1975 Chief Assistant United States Attorney, United States Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.
1975 to 1991: United States Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Fla.
1991 to the PRESENT: United States District Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Appointed by President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Now, that is about as impressive as it gets but would'nt you know it, it gets even more impressive. Not only does Judge Schlesinger preside over one of the most important courts in the land, he teaches law at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and at the Federal Judicial Center in Washington DC. Also, between 1975 and 1980 he could also be found teaching at the Attorney General's Advocacy Institute in Washington and for a brief time at the John Marshall School of Law in Atlanta.
During his years practicing law and while seated on the bench, Harvey has been appointed to many committees and task forces by US Supreme Court Chief Justices Warren Burger and William Rehnquist. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar Association, The Virginia Bar Association, the Montana Bar Association and probably every judicial committee extant in the world today.
I would also delve into the number of awards and honors he has received including "Boss Of The Year" by the Jacksonville Legal Secretaries association. The Boys Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, The Army Commendation Medal and the George Washington Medal of Honor for Patriotism. He is listed in Who's Who In America, Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In The United States, and if there was such a book, I would expect him to be listed in Who's Who in the Whole Wide World.
James Madison High School, in Brooklyn N.Y. has produced an amazing procession of Outstanding Americans in a very wide array of fields of endeavor. Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger ranks at the top of that list as he brings not only glory to our school but also pride, honor, and distinction. And he brings those same
attributes to America and causes us to stand out among nations.
Harvey you are awesome...well done and thanks..
United States District Court
Jacksonville, Florida
Class of 1958
It was back in the mid 60's on NBC television when entertainer Sammy Davis Junior coined a new comedy line that struck with viewers. Davis pranced out in front of the cameras wearing judicial robes and a white wig of the style worn by British Judges and as he danced his way across the stage he chanted the following words: "Here come de Judge ! Here Come De Judge !" It was a funny line but it left us asking the critical questions: "What Judge and where is he coming from?" It didn't take long but we finally figured it out.
He was coming from the area around Bedford Avenue and Quentin Rd. in Brooklyn where James Madison High School is located. We are talking about Harvey E. Schlesinger. He was born in 1940 and for a while, it looked as though his career was going to be in the U.S. Army. Undergraduate school was the prestigeous The Citadel, the military college in Charleston South Carolina where he was considered a distinguished military student. Graduation came in 1962 but before heading off to active duty with the Army, it was off to law school at the University of Richmond School of Law in Virginia from 1962 until 1965. There he was President of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and a member of the National Moot Court team in 1964. He was also the recipient of several other University of Richmond School of Law honors.
Now, one might think it was now time to begin the practice of law but first, there was a military committment to complete. This meant putting on his Army uniform and beginning courses at the U.S. Army Logistics Management Center at Fort Lee Virginia. As might be expected, he graduated with honors. From there, it was off to the Judge Advocate General's School (JAG) in Charlottesville, Va. But, we are not finished. From 1975 to the present time, Harvey has attended seminars ranging from three days to one week dealing with the procedures and laws used in U.S. District Courts. What does that lead to? Well, in part it leads to his being qualified to practice in front of some of the most important courts in the land. They include, in this order:
Supreme Court of Appeals, State of Virginia.
Supreme Court, State of Florida.
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth District.
U.S. Court of Military Appeals
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Fla.
Tax Court of the United States.
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh District.
Now, those were the court in which he was deemed qualified to practice. Now, come the major leagues of "lawdom" (to coin a phrase).
From 1965 until 1968, Harvey was a Captain in the US Army, attached to the Office of the Army Staff Judge Advocate Headquarters, Third United States Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia.
1968 to 1970: Corporate Counsel, Seaboard Coastline Railroad, Jacksonville, Fla.
1970 to 1975 Chief Assistant United States Attorney, United States Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.
1975 to 1991: United States Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Fla.
1991 to the PRESENT: United States District Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Appointed by President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Now, that is about as impressive as it gets but would'nt you know it, it gets even more impressive. Not only does Judge Schlesinger preside over one of the most important courts in the land, he teaches law at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and at the Federal Judicial Center in Washington DC. Also, between 1975 and 1980 he could also be found teaching at the Attorney General's Advocacy Institute in Washington and for a brief time at the John Marshall School of Law in Atlanta.
During his years practicing law and while seated on the bench, Harvey has been appointed to many committees and task forces by US Supreme Court Chief Justices Warren Burger and William Rehnquist. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar Association, The Virginia Bar Association, the Montana Bar Association and probably every judicial committee extant in the world today.
I would also delve into the number of awards and honors he has received including "Boss Of The Year" by the Jacksonville Legal Secretaries association. The Boys Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, The Army Commendation Medal and the George Washington Medal of Honor for Patriotism. He is listed in Who's Who In America, Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In The United States, and if there was such a book, I would expect him to be listed in Who's Who in the Whole Wide World.
James Madison High School, in Brooklyn N.Y. has produced an amazing procession of Outstanding Americans in a very wide array of fields of endeavor. Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger ranks at the top of that list as he brings not only glory to our school but also pride, honor, and distinction. And he brings those same
attributes to America and causes us to stand out among nations.
Harvey you are awesome...well done and thanks..
Dr.Robert Dallek...Class of..1952
Doctor Robert Dallek, Ph.D.
It is a sure thing that each one of us has had to sit through a test in which
we had to struggle with a bunch of historical events and write down the year in which they
occurred. You remember having to name the event that took place in 1492 or explain why December seventh, 1941 was important.
Well, who would ever have thought that one of us would take all that stuff seriously and not only
enjoy it but would also carve out a very distinguished career as one of this nation's
formost historians. Thats exactly what former Madisonian Robert Dallek, class of 1952 did.
But, not right away.
You see, back in those days, the fifties they had the same problems as entering freshmen have today.....they would have trouble getting into the college of their choice even with good grades and the students would have to sign up for majors in subjects where there was room. Robert Dallek became a Pre-Dental major. Okay, open wide and say..."He did what?" The idea being to get your foot in the door and then change your major to the field you were really interested in. It worked. Besides, Doctor Dallek confessed to me that math and science were not his strong points but he got on quite well in history and english classes.
But now, allow me to digress for a moment. Like most of us, Rob't Dallek was an habitue of Kings Highway like the rest of us and often could be seen with members of his "social athletic club", the Spades, patrolling that marvelous street as we all did, checking out the lovely ladies. Of course the base of operations was Cohens Ice Cream Parlor.
After attending James Madison for four years,it was off to the University of Illinois where he quickly abandoned the wide open field of dentistry and graduated in 1955 with a B.A. degree in history. From there, it was off to Columbia University where in two years he was awarded a Masters Degree in the same subject.
Now in the world of academia, the number of degrees you hold can often determine how rapidly you advance in your field and so, Bob began work on his Ph.D in, what else, history. To do this he had to get an honest job and as you might expect, he became an instructor in History at Columbia Univ. until 1964.
Not bad for a kid from Brooklyn. The story however, does not end there. His classroom career blossomed. From 1964 until 1994, Bob moved from Assistant to full Professor of History at UCLA. He was also the Graduate School adviser to folks seeking advanced degrees in history. But his astronomic rise was not over yet. From 1972 to 1974, Bob became Vice Chairman of the History Department at UCLA. Then it was off to the Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute where he was a research associate from 1981 through 1985. In 1993, he traveled across town to Pasadena where he was a visiting professor at Cal Tech and from 1994 until 1995, he was a Visiting Professor at Oxford University. Now lets wind it up with 1996 at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and professor of History at Boston University and Dartmouth Univ.
After reading of all the schools where Robert Dallek taught history, one might think that he would sit back and take it easy. But that was not the case. It appears that between classes, Bob was writing...a lot. His prime subject was and is Presidents of the United States. Bob considers his finest work to include his three volume study of Lyndon Johnson, his work on Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. His books also look at American Foreign Policy, The Cold War and former President Ronald Reagan. Add to that a seemingly never ending list of printed articles, interviews and work that total some 200 works.
Needless to say, Bob has won countless awards. He has served on more committees than I could count and his expertise is known around the world. If I were to name every honor, every article, every book and every school that bear the imprint of Robert Dallek, you would be reading for a week.
Bob Lives in Washington DC with his lovely wife Geraldine. They have two grown children Matthew and Rebecca.
If you want to know more about Bob Dallek, Google his name, Robert Dallek and you will find several websites devoted to him and his work.
An amazing career, another Madisonian to be proud of.
It is a sure thing that each one of us has had to sit through a test in which
we had to struggle with a bunch of historical events and write down the year in which they
occurred. You remember having to name the event that took place in 1492 or explain why December seventh, 1941 was important.
Well, who would ever have thought that one of us would take all that stuff seriously and not only
enjoy it but would also carve out a very distinguished career as one of this nation's
formost historians. Thats exactly what former Madisonian Robert Dallek, class of 1952 did.
But, not right away.
You see, back in those days, the fifties they had the same problems as entering freshmen have today.....they would have trouble getting into the college of their choice even with good grades and the students would have to sign up for majors in subjects where there was room. Robert Dallek became a Pre-Dental major. Okay, open wide and say..."He did what?" The idea being to get your foot in the door and then change your major to the field you were really interested in. It worked. Besides, Doctor Dallek confessed to me that math and science were not his strong points but he got on quite well in history and english classes.
But now, allow me to digress for a moment. Like most of us, Rob't Dallek was an habitue of Kings Highway like the rest of us and often could be seen with members of his "social athletic club", the Spades, patrolling that marvelous street as we all did, checking out the lovely ladies. Of course the base of operations was Cohens Ice Cream Parlor.
After attending James Madison for four years,it was off to the University of Illinois where he quickly abandoned the wide open field of dentistry and graduated in 1955 with a B.A. degree in history. From there, it was off to Columbia University where in two years he was awarded a Masters Degree in the same subject.
Now in the world of academia, the number of degrees you hold can often determine how rapidly you advance in your field and so, Bob began work on his Ph.D in, what else, history. To do this he had to get an honest job and as you might expect, he became an instructor in History at Columbia Univ. until 1964.
Not bad for a kid from Brooklyn. The story however, does not end there. His classroom career blossomed. From 1964 until 1994, Bob moved from Assistant to full Professor of History at UCLA. He was also the Graduate School adviser to folks seeking advanced degrees in history. But his astronomic rise was not over yet. From 1972 to 1974, Bob became Vice Chairman of the History Department at UCLA. Then it was off to the Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute where he was a research associate from 1981 through 1985. In 1993, he traveled across town to Pasadena where he was a visiting professor at Cal Tech and from 1994 until 1995, he was a Visiting Professor at Oxford University. Now lets wind it up with 1996 at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and professor of History at Boston University and Dartmouth Univ.
After reading of all the schools where Robert Dallek taught history, one might think that he would sit back and take it easy. But that was not the case. It appears that between classes, Bob was writing...a lot. His prime subject was and is Presidents of the United States. Bob considers his finest work to include his three volume study of Lyndon Johnson, his work on Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. His books also look at American Foreign Policy, The Cold War and former President Ronald Reagan. Add to that a seemingly never ending list of printed articles, interviews and work that total some 200 works.
Needless to say, Bob has won countless awards. He has served on more committees than I could count and his expertise is known around the world. If I were to name every honor, every article, every book and every school that bear the imprint of Robert Dallek, you would be reading for a week.
Bob Lives in Washington DC with his lovely wife Geraldine. They have two grown children Matthew and Rebecca.
If you want to know more about Bob Dallek, Google his name, Robert Dallek and you will find several websites devoted to him and his work.
An amazing career, another Madisonian to be proud of.
Dr.Richard J. Meyers.....Class of ..1950
Dr.Richard J. Meyer teaches film at Seattle University. He was the Distinguished Fellow of Film and Media Studies at Arizona State University in 2007 and the Distinguished Fulbright Professor at I’Universita’ del Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro in Italy for the spring 2005 trimester. Dr Meyers is Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Professor of Telecommunications Emeritus at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and Visiting Professor at the Center for Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Hong Kong.
In 2001, he was a Fellow of the Asian Cultural Council in Hong Kong. Prior to his appointment to the endowed chair, he was Fulbright Scholar at National Chengchi University in Taiwan where he studied Chinese Silent Films at the Beijing, Taipei, and Hong Kong Film Archives. Richard received his BA and MA Degrees from Stanford University and his Ph.D. from New York University. His post-doctoral fellowships were at Columbia University and the East-West Center in Honolulu.
While pursuing a career in public broadcasting as a producer and executive with WNET, New York and CEO at KCTS Seattle and KERA/KDTN Dallas, he maintained a passion for film by experimenting with the medium as noted by TV Guide in April of 1969. He has been published in Public Opinion Quarterly, Journal of Broadcasting, Educational Broadcasting Review, Film Comment, NEA Journal, Time (Asia) and other periodicals and books. His chapter “Blacks and Broadcasting” appears in the book Broadcasting and Bargaining published by the University of Wisconsin Press. His section on “The Films of David Wark Griffith” is featured in Focus on D.W. Griffith, published by Prentice-Hall. His piece “Reaction to the ‘Blue Book’ ” is presented in American Broadcasting published by Hastings House.
Richard has written about the Pordenone International Silent Film Festival for American Way Magazine, the Dallas Morning News and other publications. In addition, he has produced two CDs, “Piano Themes From the Silent Screen” and “Piano Portraits of the Goddess” and two DVDs, the 1934 classic Chinese film “The Goddess” and the 1931 Shanghai hit “The Peach Girl.” His book, “Ruan Ling-yu: The Goddess of Shanghai,” was published by Hong Kong University Press in 2005.
Throughout the United States, Asia, Southern Africa, and Europe, Richard has been a broadcasting consultant, technical and media advisor to public and private schools, cultural groups, the State University of New York, UNESCO, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the United States Information Agency, and various radio and television institutions. He has worked in all phases of film and educational television production.
The series “Communications and Education”, on which he served as Executive Producer, won the Ohio State Award in 1968. His film “The Garden of Eden” was responsible, in part, for saving the Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas. He has been a speaker at the Buster Keaton Celebration, the Taiwan International Symposium on Public Media, the International Film Studies Conference, the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Congress, and numerous venues about film and broadcasting.
Richard was a member of the President’s Communications Council at Howard University, an associate of the Columbia University’s seminar on public communications, and an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Educational Broadcasters, the board of managers of the Public Broadcasting Service, the board of directors of the Public Broadcasting Service, and the president of the Washington Educational Network.
He served on the Executive Committee of the American Program Service, the Executive Board of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, and as a member of the National Advisory Council of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and a Director of the National Museum of Communications.
Presently Richard is President Emeritus of The San Francisco Silent Film Festival. He produces and introduces restored silent films accompanied by music at various "LIVE CINEMA" presentations.
Richie is a certified scuba instructor of the National Association of Underwater Instructors. His underwater photographs and articles about diving have appeared in various magazines.
Richie's second book "Jin Yan The Rudolph Valentino Of Shanghai" was completed this year and will be published by Hong Kong University Press. The introduction was written by award winning Historian and Madison graduate Dr, Robert Dallek who wouldn't ya know, lived across the street from Richie on Kings Highway. Richie, you did good, and still going strong. Thanks for sharing your many accomplishments with me and all our Madisonians.
In 2001, he was a Fellow of the Asian Cultural Council in Hong Kong. Prior to his appointment to the endowed chair, he was Fulbright Scholar at National Chengchi University in Taiwan where he studied Chinese Silent Films at the Beijing, Taipei, and Hong Kong Film Archives. Richard received his BA and MA Degrees from Stanford University and his Ph.D. from New York University. His post-doctoral fellowships were at Columbia University and the East-West Center in Honolulu.
While pursuing a career in public broadcasting as a producer and executive with WNET, New York and CEO at KCTS Seattle and KERA/KDTN Dallas, he maintained a passion for film by experimenting with the medium as noted by TV Guide in April of 1969. He has been published in Public Opinion Quarterly, Journal of Broadcasting, Educational Broadcasting Review, Film Comment, NEA Journal, Time (Asia) and other periodicals and books. His chapter “Blacks and Broadcasting” appears in the book Broadcasting and Bargaining published by the University of Wisconsin Press. His section on “The Films of David Wark Griffith” is featured in Focus on D.W. Griffith, published by Prentice-Hall. His piece “Reaction to the ‘Blue Book’ ” is presented in American Broadcasting published by Hastings House.
Richard has written about the Pordenone International Silent Film Festival for American Way Magazine, the Dallas Morning News and other publications. In addition, he has produced two CDs, “Piano Themes From the Silent Screen” and “Piano Portraits of the Goddess” and two DVDs, the 1934 classic Chinese film “The Goddess” and the 1931 Shanghai hit “The Peach Girl.” His book, “Ruan Ling-yu: The Goddess of Shanghai,” was published by Hong Kong University Press in 2005.
Throughout the United States, Asia, Southern Africa, and Europe, Richard has been a broadcasting consultant, technical and media advisor to public and private schools, cultural groups, the State University of New York, UNESCO, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the United States Information Agency, and various radio and television institutions. He has worked in all phases of film and educational television production.
The series “Communications and Education”, on which he served as Executive Producer, won the Ohio State Award in 1968. His film “The Garden of Eden” was responsible, in part, for saving the Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas. He has been a speaker at the Buster Keaton Celebration, the Taiwan International Symposium on Public Media, the International Film Studies Conference, the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Congress, and numerous venues about film and broadcasting.
Richard was a member of the President’s Communications Council at Howard University, an associate of the Columbia University’s seminar on public communications, and an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Educational Broadcasters, the board of managers of the Public Broadcasting Service, the board of directors of the Public Broadcasting Service, and the president of the Washington Educational Network.
He served on the Executive Committee of the American Program Service, the Executive Board of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, and as a member of the National Advisory Council of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and a Director of the National Museum of Communications.
Presently Richard is President Emeritus of The San Francisco Silent Film Festival. He produces and introduces restored silent films accompanied by music at various "LIVE CINEMA" presentations.
Richie is a certified scuba instructor of the National Association of Underwater Instructors. His underwater photographs and articles about diving have appeared in various magazines.
Richie's second book "Jin Yan The Rudolph Valentino Of Shanghai" was completed this year and will be published by Hong Kong University Press. The introduction was written by award winning Historian and Madison graduate Dr, Robert Dallek who wouldn't ya know, lived across the street from Richie on Kings Highway. Richie, you did good, and still going strong. Thanks for sharing your many accomplishments with me and all our Madisonians.
Dr. Sandra (Levy) Ceren..Class of ...1948
Sandra Levy Ceren, Ph.D. is a practicing clinical psychologist with over forty years experience.
As an expert, she appeared on many T.V and radio programs, such as OPRAH, and GOOD MORNING AMERICA and the BBC.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Family Psychology, specializing in marital therapy, she served on the Board from 1982-85. And she is a Fellow of the Academy of Family Psychology.
She has a B.A. Brooklyn College, M.S. City College of New York, completed doctoral courses at Yeshiva University, and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from USIU. She also completed the training program at American Institute of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in New York.
She was editor: "The Family Psychologist" 1982-85, and Editor of The San Diego Academy of Psychologists monthly newsletter l985-1987
Sandy has been a weekly local newspaper columnist "Ask Dr. Ceren since 1978. Her columns focus on relationships and reviews of the latest psychological research.
However her accomplishments didn’t come easy. Self-supporting, she worked full time while attending college and graduate school. Rather than feeling deprived, she says she feels empowered by the process.
Although she was in the academic program at James Madison High School, she pleaded and was allowed to take a typing course in order to work after school. Typing proved very useful in her later professional career.
Among her early jobs were those in the Catskills where she was dining room hostess at the Concord learning the art of matching people at dining tables and enjoying the association of many entertainers. As a young woman, she worked as receptionist in a variety of interesting settings, arming her with useful knowledge about the workplace.
She married in 1963, divorced in l975. The mother of two children she raised them on her own. She is now a grandmother of four grandsons. She remarried in 1986 to Ely Levinsky, a aerodynamist she knew since 1980. They live in Del Mar, California.
She is especially pleased to have an early dream fulfilled. The impact of managed care played havoc with her psychological work, forcing her to work fewer hours, but leaving her time to pursue her passion for writing fiction.
She is a published author of two psychological thrillers PRESCRIPTION FOR TERROR, and SECRETS FROM THE COUCH, featuring Cory Cohen, a Brooklyn raised psychologist/sleuth. Scenes are set Brooklyn, as well as the North Coast of San Diego.
An avid reader, she always enjoyed writing. Encouraged at James Madison High School, she decided to major in English, but her dream evaporated after her first English assignment at Brooklyn College. Her psychoanalysis of Hamlet received a dismal, disappointing grade.
Devastated, head down, she practically crawled to her next class-psychology, catching the attention of her sympathetic professor who asked her to stay after class. When he asked what was wrong, tears rolled down her face as she showed him her paper. He read it and cheerfully said he’d have given her in A. He suggested she change her major to psychology.
A very wise decision. Writing and other creative arts can be frustrating careers where hard work, dedication, talent and perseverance do not assure success, and Sandy needed to earn a living. Psychology offered that and a chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
She is pleased to be able to work in professions that offer the opportunity to use her creative resources.
For further info on Sandy click on http://www.drsandralevyceren.com/
As an expert, she appeared on many T.V and radio programs, such as OPRAH, and GOOD MORNING AMERICA and the BBC.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Family Psychology, specializing in marital therapy, she served on the Board from 1982-85. And she is a Fellow of the Academy of Family Psychology.
She has a B.A. Brooklyn College, M.S. City College of New York, completed doctoral courses at Yeshiva University, and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from USIU. She also completed the training program at American Institute of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in New York.
She was editor: "The Family Psychologist" 1982-85, and Editor of The San Diego Academy of Psychologists monthly newsletter l985-1987
Sandy has been a weekly local newspaper columnist "Ask Dr. Ceren since 1978. Her columns focus on relationships and reviews of the latest psychological research.
However her accomplishments didn’t come easy. Self-supporting, she worked full time while attending college and graduate school. Rather than feeling deprived, she says she feels empowered by the process.
Although she was in the academic program at James Madison High School, she pleaded and was allowed to take a typing course in order to work after school. Typing proved very useful in her later professional career.
Among her early jobs were those in the Catskills where she was dining room hostess at the Concord learning the art of matching people at dining tables and enjoying the association of many entertainers. As a young woman, she worked as receptionist in a variety of interesting settings, arming her with useful knowledge about the workplace.
She married in 1963, divorced in l975. The mother of two children she raised them on her own. She is now a grandmother of four grandsons. She remarried in 1986 to Ely Levinsky, a aerodynamist she knew since 1980. They live in Del Mar, California.
She is especially pleased to have an early dream fulfilled. The impact of managed care played havoc with her psychological work, forcing her to work fewer hours, but leaving her time to pursue her passion for writing fiction.
She is a published author of two psychological thrillers PRESCRIPTION FOR TERROR, and SECRETS FROM THE COUCH, featuring Cory Cohen, a Brooklyn raised psychologist/sleuth. Scenes are set Brooklyn, as well as the North Coast of San Diego.
An avid reader, she always enjoyed writing. Encouraged at James Madison High School, she decided to major in English, but her dream evaporated after her first English assignment at Brooklyn College. Her psychoanalysis of Hamlet received a dismal, disappointing grade.
Devastated, head down, she practically crawled to her next class-psychology, catching the attention of her sympathetic professor who asked her to stay after class. When he asked what was wrong, tears rolled down her face as she showed him her paper. He read it and cheerfully said he’d have given her in A. He suggested she change her major to psychology.
A very wise decision. Writing and other creative arts can be frustrating careers where hard work, dedication, talent and perseverance do not assure success, and Sandy needed to earn a living. Psychology offered that and a chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
She is pleased to be able to work in professions that offer the opportunity to use her creative resources.
For further info on Sandy click on http://www.drsandralevyceren.com/
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jane (Castorina) Gordon..Class of 1956
Photography brings to Janes mind memories of some of the most wonderful times in her life. Since she was born the one constant in her family was the camera. Her father, besides being an attorney, was a great photographer. It was from him that she developed her love of photography. Throughout most of their early years her brother and she were involved with their SLR's, movie and video cameras. They still view the many family skits which they wrote, produced, directed of which they were the entire cast. When her dad lived in Lincoln Center, he still belonged to their photo group at age 93, learning PhotoShop on his 8th Computer.
Thanks to her fathers tutelage she became the ‘unofficial’ photographer in Pelham Middle School where she taught mathematics (for 31 years). As she go through her many photo albums it occurs to her that this is a visual history of her life. Her albums tell her story. Her relatives, friends and vacations are not only in her heart but are right here, visually, for the world to see. It is her legacy to her two daughters and little granddaughter.
Creativity, for Jane, has taken many forms, and after she retired in June of 1998, she seriously pursued photography. She gathered up her camera and joined a photo class at the Westchester Photographic Society where her photography really took off. She won 3 Medals and 38 Plaques and 14 Ribbons for her work. Then, two years ago she was presented with the much coveted ‘Photographer of the Year' award. She received her first creative award when she won the James Madison High School 2 Year Art Medal in the 1954. The WPS awards rank right up there in importance.
There is currently an evolution going on in her photography. Her unique style was emerging. Although, to her delight, having done well in all categories, lately she is leaning towards black and white photography and computer assisted ‘Open Mind’ works. She can feel herself falling into a trance-like state when she enters her creative world, and she experiences a deep sense of satisfaction when she sees what her subconscious mind has produced. She believes that there is a connection between the mathematical and the creative mind and she feels very lucky to be blessed with both."
Janes photograph was hanging in the Main Lobby of the Empire State Building until July 31st. 2007 as part of the magnificent exhibit of the Westchester Photographic Society.
For your enjoyment, the entire slide show will be open for all to see through their web site http://wpsphoto.org/ Enjoy
Way to go girl.
Thanks to her fathers tutelage she became the ‘unofficial’ photographer in Pelham Middle School where she taught mathematics (for 31 years). As she go through her many photo albums it occurs to her that this is a visual history of her life. Her albums tell her story. Her relatives, friends and vacations are not only in her heart but are right here, visually, for the world to see. It is her legacy to her two daughters and little granddaughter.
Creativity, for Jane, has taken many forms, and after she retired in June of 1998, she seriously pursued photography. She gathered up her camera and joined a photo class at the Westchester Photographic Society where her photography really took off. She won 3 Medals and 38 Plaques and 14 Ribbons for her work. Then, two years ago she was presented with the much coveted ‘Photographer of the Year' award. She received her first creative award when she won the James Madison High School 2 Year Art Medal in the 1954. The WPS awards rank right up there in importance.
There is currently an evolution going on in her photography. Her unique style was emerging. Although, to her delight, having done well in all categories, lately she is leaning towards black and white photography and computer assisted ‘Open Mind’ works. She can feel herself falling into a trance-like state when she enters her creative world, and she experiences a deep sense of satisfaction when she sees what her subconscious mind has produced. She believes that there is a connection between the mathematical and the creative mind and she feels very lucky to be blessed with both."
Janes photograph was hanging in the Main Lobby of the Empire State Building until July 31st. 2007 as part of the magnificent exhibit of the Westchester Photographic Society.
For your enjoyment, the entire slide show will be open for all to see through their web site http://wpsphoto.org/ Enjoy
Way to go girl.
Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Whythe Class of 2002
The recruiting slogan of the United States Marine Corps is..."We are looking for a few Good Men." In late 2003, when Nichalas J. Whyte walked into the Marine recruiting office,the Leathernecks knew they had found one of those Good Men. Whyte, a 2002 graduate of James Madison High School and an excellent student, looked just like those recruiting posters we have all seen. A Marine in dress uniform, standing ramrod straight, looking very intense...that was Nickolas.
In his formative years, he attended PS 221 and several prestigeous private high schools on scholarship, before returning to Brooklyn and Madison. At Madison, he was an out standing member of the swimming team.
He also spent a year, after graduation from Madison in 2002, attending Saint Francis College in Brooklyn Heights but now it was time to let the family in on his goals and ambitions.
Nicholas' dad Andre, a Jamaican immigrant, a Captain with the New York City Corrections Department was not surprised to hear his son express a desire to go into law enforcement. But Andre was not expecting to hear about the Marines and tried to talk him out of it. Nicholas prevailed and enlisted.
It wasn't long before he was sent to Marine boot camp at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine division of the 11th Martine Expeditionary Force. That was quite a mounthful but it suited Nick just fine.
As can happen so often in the military, things moved fast and Nick found himself preparing for his first tour of duty in Iraq. He would be heading to the not so scenic town of Fallujah, an area considered quite dangerous. And so, Nick sat down with his dad who gave him sage advice about being careful and alert at all times. Off he went. That first tour, while nerve wracking, ended safely and Nick returned home in September of 2005. But there was not much time to sit around and loaf. Nick had already been notified that his second tour of duty, when the time arrived,he would be returning to Iraq, Nick sat down again with his dad to have a very serious talk. They both knew that this second tour would be riskier than the one before and they were of course very concerned. Nick's father had a premonition that this tour would not be like the first but he remained calm and as positive as he could under the circumstances continuing to be so proud of his son.
Then the time came to leave. But before he left, Nick had a few arrangements and requests to make. First, should anything happen to him, he named his father as the one who would take care of things. Nick was very devoted to and loved his ten year old brother Triston. They loved to roughhouse around the house and Nick again said, if anything happened to him, his brother should get his weights and his Xbox and he also directed the family to get a new house where Triston could finally have a pet. They said their goodbys and so it was time to go.
Back in Iraq, Nick found himself in the seriously danger filled town of Ramadi in Anbar Province. The insurgency was underway full blast and Nick had little time to rest or even to contemplate his return home in August.
June 23rd, 2006 was to have been Nick's 22nd birthday. It was now the 21st and Nick, who had just days before called his father at home to wish him a happy birthday, was on combat patrol with some other Marines along a dusty, dirty street in Ramadi when the sound of a sniper's rifle reverberated down the street.
Three days later, the doorbell at the Whyte residence in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn, rang. On the steps stood a contingent of Marines in full dress uniform with the message that Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Whyte had been killed in action.
Lately the word HERO is used a lot to describe a lot of people for one reason or another. But in connection with Nick Whyte, the word fits perfectly. Here was a life cut short way before its time. Here was a young man, filled with promise, who knew exactly where he was headed and why and who laid his life on the line and paid the ultimate price.
For young Triston Whyte, his big brother was a superb role model. A good student, an athlete but most of all, a loving and respectful member of the Whyte family.
We too have a tie to Nick. It comes by way of James Madison High School. Nick brought honor to the school and in so doing, anoints us with that same honor. The people at the school are proud that Nick was a Madisonian. Most of us never met him, but the connection is there nonetheless making us just as proud.
Nick, your fellow Madisonians send you love, respect and honor. Rest in peace.
"Sempre Fi" Nick
"Always Faithful"
In his formative years, he attended PS 221 and several prestigeous private high schools on scholarship, before returning to Brooklyn and Madison. At Madison, he was an out standing member of the swimming team.
He also spent a year, after graduation from Madison in 2002, attending Saint Francis College in Brooklyn Heights but now it was time to let the family in on his goals and ambitions.
Nicholas' dad Andre, a Jamaican immigrant, a Captain with the New York City Corrections Department was not surprised to hear his son express a desire to go into law enforcement. But Andre was not expecting to hear about the Marines and tried to talk him out of it. Nicholas prevailed and enlisted.
It wasn't long before he was sent to Marine boot camp at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine division of the 11th Martine Expeditionary Force. That was quite a mounthful but it suited Nick just fine.
As can happen so often in the military, things moved fast and Nick found himself preparing for his first tour of duty in Iraq. He would be heading to the not so scenic town of Fallujah, an area considered quite dangerous. And so, Nick sat down with his dad who gave him sage advice about being careful and alert at all times. Off he went. That first tour, while nerve wracking, ended safely and Nick returned home in September of 2005. But there was not much time to sit around and loaf. Nick had already been notified that his second tour of duty, when the time arrived,he would be returning to Iraq, Nick sat down again with his dad to have a very serious talk. They both knew that this second tour would be riskier than the one before and they were of course very concerned. Nick's father had a premonition that this tour would not be like the first but he remained calm and as positive as he could under the circumstances continuing to be so proud of his son.
Then the time came to leave. But before he left, Nick had a few arrangements and requests to make. First, should anything happen to him, he named his father as the one who would take care of things. Nick was very devoted to and loved his ten year old brother Triston. They loved to roughhouse around the house and Nick again said, if anything happened to him, his brother should get his weights and his Xbox and he also directed the family to get a new house where Triston could finally have a pet. They said their goodbys and so it was time to go.
Back in Iraq, Nick found himself in the seriously danger filled town of Ramadi in Anbar Province. The insurgency was underway full blast and Nick had little time to rest or even to contemplate his return home in August.
June 23rd, 2006 was to have been Nick's 22nd birthday. It was now the 21st and Nick, who had just days before called his father at home to wish him a happy birthday, was on combat patrol with some other Marines along a dusty, dirty street in Ramadi when the sound of a sniper's rifle reverberated down the street.
Three days later, the doorbell at the Whyte residence in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn, rang. On the steps stood a contingent of Marines in full dress uniform with the message that Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Whyte had been killed in action.
Lately the word HERO is used a lot to describe a lot of people for one reason or another. But in connection with Nick Whyte, the word fits perfectly. Here was a life cut short way before its time. Here was a young man, filled with promise, who knew exactly where he was headed and why and who laid his life on the line and paid the ultimate price.
For young Triston Whyte, his big brother was a superb role model. A good student, an athlete but most of all, a loving and respectful member of the Whyte family.
We too have a tie to Nick. It comes by way of James Madison High School. Nick brought honor to the school and in so doing, anoints us with that same honor. The people at the school are proud that Nick was a Madisonian. Most of us never met him, but the connection is there nonetheless making us just as proud.
Nick, your fellow Madisonians send you love, respect and honor. Rest in peace.
"Sempre Fi" Nick
"Always Faithful"
Don Harris..Class of ..'49--Karl Bernstein..Class of..'51.Arlene Kay..Class of..'56
Over the years, James Madison High School has produced a long line of highly skilled graduates who went into a myriad of careers that brought honor upon themselves and the school that began their training. One of them is Donald S. Harris, class of 1949. While at Don spent a lot of time in the gym and performed as a member of the gymnastics team. But even after school, he was busy. Shortly after graduation, Don was hired as an usher at the Avalon Theatre on Kings Highway and in a manner to be expected from a Madisonian, worked his way up to Assistant Manager and Chief of Service.
But Don would again to answer yet another call of service. He joined the U.S. Air Force and by 1951, he found himself in Korea with the very important assignment, flying wounded soldiers out of the war zone.
In 1952, he was attached to the US Air Force Exhibit Group and in that capacity traveled the country explaining to audiences how the Air Force spent our tax money. And to put the emphasis on equipment, he carried with him the belly section of the historic ENOLA GAY, the B-29 that dropped an A-bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Don survived Korea and the service. Upon his return to stateside in 1953, he moved to California where he soon had a successful insurance agency. But that was not enough for him and in 1965 it was off to Southwestern Law School. Upon passing the bar exam, he began his practice until 1974 when he formed a new corporation, Educational Community Insurance Services, Inc. It was through that company that he began negotiating benefit packages for teachers all across the state of California.
Don and his wife loved travel and travel they did…to every country in the world except India. In 1996, Don retired and began taking care of his wife who passed away a year later. But Don still has not settled down into an easy chair. First, he watches with pride as his only child, a daughter, practices law in California. And Don is back in uniform, this time as a major in the USAF Auxiliary (CAP) Squadron 35 in Southern California, also known as the Civil Air Patrol. As such, he flies search and rescue missions for downed aircraft as well as lost skiers and hikers in local mountains and across the border in Mexico. Donald S. Harris is truly a Madisonian we and the school can be very proud of.
--------------------------------------------
Two years after Don Harris graduated from the hallowed halls of James Madison High School, Karl Bernstein, Class of ’51 accepted his diploma and went off to college to eventually become a science teacher. Thus began a 32 year career that included not only science classes but also a long and distinguished stint as an Assistant Principal. Karl says he feels he contributed a great deal to the youth of our society and we have to agree.
For Karl though, attendance at Madison had an unusual payoff. Karl played the cello in the Madison High orchestra and the young lady seated next to him always admired his musical abilities. It may be a good thing that she did not pursue music as a career because that young lady grew up to become United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Many years after orchestra rehearsals ended for them, Karl Bernstein was selected by PS 238 on East 8th Street,to present Justice Ginsberg with a special alumni gift. Just before the ceremony, Karl asked the distinguished jurist if she remembered him playing the cello in the orchestra and sitting next to her? She answered that she did indeed remember him and added that he played much better than she. Karl is still impressed by that compliment.
Karl, a dedicated teacher, a skillful Assistant Principal in the borough of Brooklyn and someone all Madisonians can be extremely proud of. That includes the long parade of students who were lucky enough to be recipients of his knowledge and his concern for them.
------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of these bios was to see the paths taken by various Madisonians as they followed careers in later life. Tales of wonderful, fulfilling and valuable endeavors were shared.
------------------------------------------------------
Another such tale is that of Arlene Kay class of 1956. Arlene's career path was not only one of service to others in the form of real estate sales but it was special because of the distance covered. First, lets take a quick look at the various aspects of her career. After Madison and traversing Kings Highway countless times with her best friend Glo, Arlene went to night school to get her college degree. She then begins teaching while at the same time getting married and having two kids. Then, unexpectedly, she got unmarried (is that a valid term?) All this happened on New York's Fire Island where for thirty years, she established a successful real estate agency. It was at the thirty year marker that Arlene made a major decision. It was on Fire Island, in 10 degree weather that Arlene decided she was in need of a change....to a warmer climate. And boy, was it some change......Acapulco, Mexico, where you can find those divers jumping off cliffs into the surf.
Acapulco is where Arlene can be found most of the year, engaging in her field of real estate. She does makes visits back to New York in the summer but she loves her home down there, calling it one of the most beautiful places.
Life is good Arlene, enjoy
Sherry
But Don would again to answer yet another call of service. He joined the U.S. Air Force and by 1951, he found himself in Korea with the very important assignment, flying wounded soldiers out of the war zone.
In 1952, he was attached to the US Air Force Exhibit Group and in that capacity traveled the country explaining to audiences how the Air Force spent our tax money. And to put the emphasis on equipment, he carried with him the belly section of the historic ENOLA GAY, the B-29 that dropped an A-bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Don survived Korea and the service. Upon his return to stateside in 1953, he moved to California where he soon had a successful insurance agency. But that was not enough for him and in 1965 it was off to Southwestern Law School. Upon passing the bar exam, he began his practice until 1974 when he formed a new corporation, Educational Community Insurance Services, Inc. It was through that company that he began negotiating benefit packages for teachers all across the state of California.
Don and his wife loved travel and travel they did…to every country in the world except India. In 1996, Don retired and began taking care of his wife who passed away a year later. But Don still has not settled down into an easy chair. First, he watches with pride as his only child, a daughter, practices law in California. And Don is back in uniform, this time as a major in the USAF Auxiliary (CAP) Squadron 35 in Southern California, also known as the Civil Air Patrol. As such, he flies search and rescue missions for downed aircraft as well as lost skiers and hikers in local mountains and across the border in Mexico. Donald S. Harris is truly a Madisonian we and the school can be very proud of.
--------------------------------------------
Two years after Don Harris graduated from the hallowed halls of James Madison High School, Karl Bernstein, Class of ’51 accepted his diploma and went off to college to eventually become a science teacher. Thus began a 32 year career that included not only science classes but also a long and distinguished stint as an Assistant Principal. Karl says he feels he contributed a great deal to the youth of our society and we have to agree.
For Karl though, attendance at Madison had an unusual payoff. Karl played the cello in the Madison High orchestra and the young lady seated next to him always admired his musical abilities. It may be a good thing that she did not pursue music as a career because that young lady grew up to become United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Many years after orchestra rehearsals ended for them, Karl Bernstein was selected by PS 238 on East 8th Street,to present Justice Ginsberg with a special alumni gift. Just before the ceremony, Karl asked the distinguished jurist if she remembered him playing the cello in the orchestra and sitting next to her? She answered that she did indeed remember him and added that he played much better than she. Karl is still impressed by that compliment.
Karl, a dedicated teacher, a skillful Assistant Principal in the borough of Brooklyn and someone all Madisonians can be extremely proud of. That includes the long parade of students who were lucky enough to be recipients of his knowledge and his concern for them.
------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of these bios was to see the paths taken by various Madisonians as they followed careers in later life. Tales of wonderful, fulfilling and valuable endeavors were shared.
------------------------------------------------------
Another such tale is that of Arlene Kay class of 1956. Arlene's career path was not only one of service to others in the form of real estate sales but it was special because of the distance covered. First, lets take a quick look at the various aspects of her career. After Madison and traversing Kings Highway countless times with her best friend Glo, Arlene went to night school to get her college degree. She then begins teaching while at the same time getting married and having two kids. Then, unexpectedly, she got unmarried (is that a valid term?) All this happened on New York's Fire Island where for thirty years, she established a successful real estate agency. It was at the thirty year marker that Arlene made a major decision. It was on Fire Island, in 10 degree weather that Arlene decided she was in need of a change....to a warmer climate. And boy, was it some change......Acapulco, Mexico, where you can find those divers jumping off cliffs into the surf.
Acapulco is where Arlene can be found most of the year, engaging in her field of real estate. She does makes visits back to New York in the summer but she loves her home down there, calling it one of the most beautiful places.
Life is good Arlene, enjoy
Sherry
JOSEPH F. PAONE Lt. Colonel U.S. Army Ret. (D)..Class of ..1956
USMA is renowned as an historic and distinguished military academy, and a leading, progressive institution of higher education. Made legendary in books and movies, the Academy's "Long Gray Line" includes some of our nation's most famous leaders: Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, George S. Patton, Omar Bradley, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Norman Schwarzkopf and Joseph Paone, Academy Class of 1961.
On Sept. 12th, Joe Paone a former student at James Madison High School, class of 1956reported for final muster as he was laid to rest among America’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, overlooking Washington DC.
Until Joe entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. he was one of the guys who often could be found on Kings Highway, at the Avalon Theatre or in the hallowed halls of James Madison High School. Joe's buddy, Carl Jensen described Joe as an average student who suddenly grew into a man far above average. You have to be above average to get an appointment to West Point and Joe did just that and if you had been there on that first day, you would have witnessed the start of a stellar military career that begin in 1957 and ended in retirement in 1981 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Early on in Joe’s career, he married his high school sweetheart Lucille Penzabene. herself a Madison graduate in 1957 and they went on to have two daughters and six grandchildren who made Joe swell with pride every time he saw them.
Being in the Army means travel and Joe surely did his share. Following his commissioning at West Point, Joe moved on as a brand new 2nd Lieutenant to Fort Benning Georgia for his officer training course. Then it was on to West Germany in 1962. Then, it was back to Fort Benning three years later. But Joe was still on the move. Would you believe he was transferred from Georgia to Manhattan where he attended NYU and classes to receive a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
It was about then that trouble was building in Vietnam and Joe was on the move again. His first tour of duty in Vietnam stretched from 1966 to 1967. He came thru that okay and was rotated home again and it was back to New York for more schooling. He was aiming for another Masters Degree, this one in Business Administration. As I mentioned military service requires a lot of travel. After being in New York from 1967 until 1969, Joe was sent back to Vietnam for his second combat tour.
Joe’s travels are far from finished. Returning from Vietnam in 1970, he heads back to his home base, Fort Benning, Georgia and stays there until 1973 when he is transferred again, this time to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He is not there for long though. The Army decides they need him at the Pentagon and in 1974, his duty station is on the banks of the Potomac River. Not too long after that, Joe who is by now spouting a chest full of medals, citations and military awards, is sent to Korea and placed in command of a combat unit there.
Returning later to the Pentagon, Joe, in 1981, decides to experience civilian life once again and with Lucille’s approval, he retires to Manassas, Va. But after some 22 years in uniform, just sitting back was not Joe’s thing and so it was off to the business world. Joe became a representative for companies doing business with the Federal Government. It wasn’t long though before Joe opened his Paone Associates, Inc, a consulting and home improvement contracting company. And things were going well until there was a surprise diagnosis of Lyme disease in 1998 followed by another later, of cancer.
Joe passed away on June 21st, 2007 with his family around him. The family included
daughters Anne Gunsolus and her husband Don and their four kids, Brandon, Dustin, Max and Isabelle. Also Maria Coombe and husband Scott, plus grandkids Alyssa and Lauren.
Internment was at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The Army band was there, a bugler, and an honor guard, all in full dress uniform. Joe’s flag draped casket was mounted on a horse drawn caisson as the procession moved to the chapel and then to the gravesite. As the casket was being lowered, the Army band, in the background Army Blues aka Aura Lee or Love Me tender. The Army General, who escorted Lucille during the ceremonies, expressed his astonishment at the turnout to bid farewell to a fellow soldier. And Joe’s long time buddy Carl Jensen said lots of tears were shed that day. The men gathered around the gravesite were members of Joe’s Academy class of 1961 and men who served with him in Vietnam.
They were all there to honor a man who devoted his life to protecting his country and at the same time, his family and friends. Joe’s devotion to duty, love of country and love of those he gathered around him or who chose to be near him, was in large measure, instilled in him early on while he, along with the rest of us, attended classes at James Madison High School. And Joe’s life is also a testament to the education he got, that turned a young kid into a young man our nation can be proud of and who James Madison High School can be proud to call its own.
Most of us never had the chance to meet Joe but I am sure there is a bond between us now that stretches from our hearts, thru the halls of Madison, to Joe. Rest in peace, Colonel, we’ll see you later.
On Sept. 12th, Joe Paone a former student at James Madison High School, class of 1956reported for final muster as he was laid to rest among America’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, overlooking Washington DC.
Until Joe entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. he was one of the guys who often could be found on Kings Highway, at the Avalon Theatre or in the hallowed halls of James Madison High School. Joe's buddy, Carl Jensen described Joe as an average student who suddenly grew into a man far above average. You have to be above average to get an appointment to West Point and Joe did just that and if you had been there on that first day, you would have witnessed the start of a stellar military career that begin in 1957 and ended in retirement in 1981 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Early on in Joe’s career, he married his high school sweetheart Lucille Penzabene. herself a Madison graduate in 1957 and they went on to have two daughters and six grandchildren who made Joe swell with pride every time he saw them.
Being in the Army means travel and Joe surely did his share. Following his commissioning at West Point, Joe moved on as a brand new 2nd Lieutenant to Fort Benning Georgia for his officer training course. Then it was on to West Germany in 1962. Then, it was back to Fort Benning three years later. But Joe was still on the move. Would you believe he was transferred from Georgia to Manhattan where he attended NYU and classes to receive a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
It was about then that trouble was building in Vietnam and Joe was on the move again. His first tour of duty in Vietnam stretched from 1966 to 1967. He came thru that okay and was rotated home again and it was back to New York for more schooling. He was aiming for another Masters Degree, this one in Business Administration. As I mentioned military service requires a lot of travel. After being in New York from 1967 until 1969, Joe was sent back to Vietnam for his second combat tour.
Joe’s travels are far from finished. Returning from Vietnam in 1970, he heads back to his home base, Fort Benning, Georgia and stays there until 1973 when he is transferred again, this time to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He is not there for long though. The Army decides they need him at the Pentagon and in 1974, his duty station is on the banks of the Potomac River. Not too long after that, Joe who is by now spouting a chest full of medals, citations and military awards, is sent to Korea and placed in command of a combat unit there.
Returning later to the Pentagon, Joe, in 1981, decides to experience civilian life once again and with Lucille’s approval, he retires to Manassas, Va. But after some 22 years in uniform, just sitting back was not Joe’s thing and so it was off to the business world. Joe became a representative for companies doing business with the Federal Government. It wasn’t long though before Joe opened his Paone Associates, Inc, a consulting and home improvement contracting company. And things were going well until there was a surprise diagnosis of Lyme disease in 1998 followed by another later, of cancer.
Joe passed away on June 21st, 2007 with his family around him. The family included
daughters Anne Gunsolus and her husband Don and their four kids, Brandon, Dustin, Max and Isabelle. Also Maria Coombe and husband Scott, plus grandkids Alyssa and Lauren.
Internment was at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The Army band was there, a bugler, and an honor guard, all in full dress uniform. Joe’s flag draped casket was mounted on a horse drawn caisson as the procession moved to the chapel and then to the gravesite. As the casket was being lowered, the Army band, in the background Army Blues aka Aura Lee or Love Me tender. The Army General, who escorted Lucille during the ceremonies, expressed his astonishment at the turnout to bid farewell to a fellow soldier. And Joe’s long time buddy Carl Jensen said lots of tears were shed that day. The men gathered around the gravesite were members of Joe’s Academy class of 1961 and men who served with him in Vietnam.
They were all there to honor a man who devoted his life to protecting his country and at the same time, his family and friends. Joe’s devotion to duty, love of country and love of those he gathered around him or who chose to be near him, was in large measure, instilled in him early on while he, along with the rest of us, attended classes at James Madison High School. And Joe’s life is also a testament to the education he got, that turned a young kid into a young man our nation can be proud of and who James Madison High School can be proud to call its own.
Most of us never had the chance to meet Joe but I am sure there is a bond between us now that stretches from our hearts, thru the halls of Madison, to Joe. Rest in peace, Colonel, we’ll see you later.
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