Gail Rast Class of 1960,

Still in "Entertainment"

As you may recall Our classmate Gail Rast was a vocalist in a band called "Tan lords Opera," in the early seventies. I did manage to see a few of her performances, at the "Country Tavern," in Farmingville, NY. Gail together with her sister Connie, and the Band, "Tan lords Opera," put on a performance that was second to none! I can still recall their presentation of a song originally recorded by the Fifth Dimension.; the "Age of Aquarius." Gail and Connie, together with the flawless musicianship of the band, literally "tore the house down!" The band was of such a caliber that they were invited to, and actually auditioned for the "Johnny Carson Tonight Show."

Gail, using the stage name "Gail Alexander," is still enjoying music and entertainment. She is currently a member of a band called "Sahara," that often plays in the Hamptons! A short audio clip of "Sahara," and a current photo of Gail, can be found at her band's web site!

Sahara and noted entertainer Prentiss McNeil, are also appearing together in their fabulous "Drifters Show." Check the links on Sahara's web site for appearance dates.

http://www.northforkband.com/

Gail managed to re-connect with our alumni group via a chance meeting with John Cassese.

Letter From Gail Rast Miner:

Thanks for the email. Yes, it was so great to see John Cassese.
I now live out east in Southold. Connie has moved to North Carolina and Rene also lives on the North Fork. I'm in Real Estate, a Great Grandmother and still singing! Not sure about publishing an "article" about my band - but you can visit the website. Tell all of your "classmates" we'll be at "The Riverview" in Oakdale Thursday April 26th - if you can come out on a school night- it would be great to see you. Better wear a name badge - it's been a l-o-n-g time.The best way to keep in touch is to email me at my husband's address fminer22@hotmail.com

Best Regards

Gail Rast Alexander Corwin Miner (whew - 3rd times the charm!)

Our next gig:Sahara with Prentiss McNeil - Friday March 30 @ Porto Bello - Mattituck - 298-5577
visit northforkband.com

News From Back Home!

Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

What did we do at this location? Whatever we did at this location, we certainly can't do it now!

As you can see, the road is going straight into Lake Ronkonkoma! If you left click the photo, you may be able to enlarge it, so that you can see the Guard Rail; this rail is totally submerged. I would guess that the water level in Lake Ronkonkoma, must be about three to four feet higher than normal, in order to engulf the entire Guard Rail!

We are looking at our "Treasured Refuge From Civilization," the parking lot that was between, what we knew as Turners Park, and the Bavarian Inn. In the fifties and Sixties this location was used for Canoodling, drinking Beer, and watching the "Submarine Races!"

(Note: To any Sachem Students, that may be reading this blog. "First; you did not invent the wheel!," and secondly; we found this place first! Ha Ha)

It's a shame that this location is currently "under water;" to this day I still enjoy visiting this area whenever possible, just to relax, and reflect on the great times we had in the fifties, and sixties!

I would guess that this facility, which is now a Town of Brookhaven Park, has been inaccessible for about a year. Hopefully the water level will go down in the future, so that we could all visit this wonderful location!

Ben Vitale

Lloyd Roberts Quintet Reunion 2007

DON'T MAKE RESERVATIONS!

I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE HALL.

The date of "The LRQ Reunion 2007" had to be moved to the month of September. The actual date is yet to be determined.

Lloyd Roberts Quintet Reunion will be Scheduled for September 2007

PLACE: Flaming Hearth?, Farmingville, New York

TIME: Usually 8 to 12 PM (to be determined)

The people in this photo are raising their hands in the air, as the LRQ plays the song "SHOUT," at Reunion 2006.

This Blog does not directly support Video, so I Emailed the "SHOUT," Video Clip to each of you.

Both the younger generation, and the older generation, enjoy the activity at the Flaming Hearth. In this photo from Left to Right; Jackie Tiffany, Carol, and Windy.

Who is Coming So Far?

(Click the link below)

http://reunion98.blogspot.com/2007/01/important-message-for-our-consideration.html#links

REUNION, HOTEL AND ACTIVITY INFO.
(Click Link Below)
http://lrqreunion2007.blogspot.com/

Another photo from the Saint Patty's Day Parade

Lake Ronkonkoma, March 11, 2007

50 Years Later the Sachem Spirit is Still "Alive and Well"

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Hi All
This Sunday, March 11, 2007, I went to the St Patty's Day Parade in Lake Ronkonkoma, because my daughter was marching in that parade. I couldn't believe what I saw!

The parade started at Hans Blvd. and ended at Church St. The event was about 90 minutes long; and I estimated the total number of people watching this parade, could be as high as 5,000! I couldn't believe the spirit and participation!

Well take a guess! Who do you think appeared in that parade? "Yep," the Sachem Marching Band. I knew that many of you were members of the Sachem Band when we attended High School; so I shot a video with my still camera, for you to enjoy! The video has been sent to Alumni via Email. If you would like a copy,

Email davis.park@yahoo.com

I put a still photo of the Band, in this Blog. "See Ya," Ben

It was a wonderful experience to attend this event!
"Same Place 50 Years Later, Same Event! Different People!"

These kids are carrying-on what we started!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Judy Belden Lloyd Said:

Man, have the uniforms changed!!!!

Richard Williams Said:

THANKS FOR THE NEWS. GOOD GRIEF! 5000 VIEWERS AT A PARADE IN LAKE RONKONKOMA! BET THERE WEREN'T 5000 PEOPLE IN LAKE RONKONKOMA, HOLBROOK, AND HOLTSVILLE-FAMINGVILLE IN THE 1950'S.NEW SUBJECT: I'M GONNA TRY TO COORDINATE A 50TH GET TOGETHER IN 2009 ON THE ISLAND AND I'M GONNA DO IT FROM HERE, I THINK. I STILL HAVE SOME RELATIVES IN NESCONSET AND MY NEIGHBORS ON HOLBROOK AVE ARE STILL THERE ( THE DAUGHTER, ANGELA GIANUZZI, LIVES IN THE HOUSE WITH HER HUSBAND. I'M FIGURING A BLOCK OF ROOMS AT A HOTEL/MOTEL AND A DINNER/DANCE WITH A NO-HOST BAR FOR NOW. THERE'S LOTS I WUD LIKE TO DO. JUST CHECK THE PLACE OUT AGAIN, VISIT MY MOTHER'S AND GRANDPARENTS' GRAVES, ETC. IF ANYONE HAS ANY IDEAS, I'D APPRECIATE HEARING FROM YOU. JUNE SOUND LIKE A GOOD MONTH BUT MY WORK SCHEDULE SHOULD B PRETTY FLEXIBLE (THAT IS IF I'M STILL WORKING) SO I'M OPEN BUT WINTERS IN NEW YORK ARE NOT MY IDEA OF FUN. BY THE WAY "HERE" IS CHARLESTON, SC. SO IF Y'ALL ARE PASSING THROUGH, MY PHONE NUMBER IS 843-452-8359. TAKE CARE. RICHARD WILLIAMS. P.S. I MADE CONTACT WITH RICHARD ULRICH'S SISTER WHILE TRYING TO TRACK DOWN AN OLD HOLBROOKITE WHO GRADUATED FROM SAYVILLE HS IN 56. HE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A 50TH TOO BUT HE DIDN'T SAY WHERE HE LIVED NOW.

Ben Vitale Said:

"Yep," as per the Chamber of Commerce, the normal crowd is usually 3000 people; this year, there was no room to walk, in the village. Everyone was wondering where all of the people came from.

Vista from Back Home!

"The Hamptons"

Do you remember either of these two "Clubs," situated along the east end of Dune Road? These two "New York Style Yuppie Clubs," have been around forever! The one in the foreground is "Neptunes," and the Club in the background is "Sommers." I'm sure that the names have changed a few times! When driving down Dune Road, in "the Hamptons," during the summer; it usually took about ten minutes to drive through the multitude of Yuppies, that populated not only the Club, but the parking lot, and also the access road!

Although I do not frequent these Clubs, I did enjoy the "Scene," as I drove through this area, on route to one of my favorite Restaurants. The drive energized my day, it was like taking a day trip to the Zoo! The action was reminiscent of the movie"Animal House." There hasn't been much action at these locations recently; unless I have driven through this area, at the wrong times! I believe that Sommers may be closed; I did not see a sign!

If you know the actual fate of these clubs, please Email davis.park@yahoo.com


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Proceeding East along Dune Road to the end, you will find yourself at the Shinnicock Inlet; I have taken this photo from the Parking Lot, along side of the "Inlet." Many of the "Jet Set," as well as the "Rich and Famous," gather at the Club on the Right. A "scene," similar to that of the Davis Park Casino, everyone dances and drinks on the deck, watching the Sunset, until they drop; with a big smile on their faces! Well, not that bad, just "kidding;" but great fun! Ha Ha. As I understand, this Club is also a "World Class Restaurant," I must try it some time! I could think of no better way to spend a Summer Afternoon!

If you ever find yourself in this area you might want to have lunch or Dinner at the Restaurant called Sunwaters, on the left side of the photo. The chemistry is unusual! This restaurant has an attached Deck, and Bar, that is sometimes frequented by the local fisherman; who want to have a "quick drink," before they "head-out" to sea, for a week or more! I often "kid Around" with the management, saying that I could swear that I saw Billy Joel, fraternizing with the Fisherman! Photo below was taken outside of the Sunwater Restaurant.

John Cassese Said:

Hi Ben, the one photo you took at the inlet next to Sunwaters, is Oakland's Resturant. We have played there several times and taken some jag rides to the resturant for lunch and liquid refreshments and to walk on the beach and enjoy the sunset. It's all perfect and one of the remaining joys of being on Long Island.Best, John

Nature at it's Best!

The rest of the unpopulated area of Dune Road is still kept in it's natural state. I love to take photos in this area! Miles and miles of natural scenery, and Mansions that I could only dream about!

Are You Homesick Yet? Ha Ha

Patty Perkins Said:

HI BEN, WOW, YOU DO SUCH A GREAT JOB WITH THIS BLOG. THANK YOU!!!!! IT IS SO NICE TO GET YOUR STUFF TO REMINISCE ABOUT. MY "SUFFOLK SAINTS" REUNION IS THIS COMING WEEK-END AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. STAY WELL MY FRIEND PATTY

More from Reunion 1985 Class of 1960

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Hi Ben

I found a few more photos . I don't think they were sent to the blog yet. Let me know. They are very dark..and maybe you won't be able to use them....But here they are.
Love Camille

Pat Brida,Don Watson,John Thelman, DON ?, Paul Albert,
Pat Nangle, Fern Coste, Gerry Commerdinger, Gerry Lavay

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Girls Leaders Club 1958

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Article Submitted by Fran Rodriques Steidel

Hi Ben,
I have loads of Sachem photos but they are from the Class of 61. I am sending this one because it represents 3 grades.
It was the Girls Leader's Club 1958. We were at Gatelot Ave School then. Everyone in the photo is from the class of 59, 60 or 61.
As best as I can remember here are the names, sorry for the misspellings.

Fran Rodriquez Steidel

________________________
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Bottom row left to right:
Rossanne Johnson, Chickie Marquez, Kay Miranda,Eli Elfast, Jeannie McKinnon, Mary Hooper, Pat Bedell, Connie Spirio,Janis Pavoa
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Middle row left to right:
Kathy Scott, Phyllis Pellicia, MaryJane Prentis, Joan Herdmann, Carolyn Fields, Alwyne Roettinger, Barbara Millevolte, Fran Rodriquez ,
Judy Ledwon, Carol Burns, Marietta Pascucci, Joanne Anselmo, ?
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Top row left to right:
Judy Erickson, Arlene Erickson, Marie SantAngelo, ?, Carol Davidson, Marion Stuart, Pat Prince, Brenda Schechenzia, Grace savino,
Pauline Millevolte, Ginny Williams, Pat Brida, Joan Knapp, Terry Duarte

John Cassese Said:

Ben...The vid came right up. You are becoming the official historian for Sachem...be careful. I printed out a copy of the Leaders Club photo from the blog. Have been showing it to all who would remember...met with four retired principals and they all remembered many of the girls in the photo....Gave the photo to the gal from the Patchogue Picture Frame on Main Street. She is a close friend of Kathy's. she is doing something with the photo before Kathy sees it. It will be a big kick for Kathy and her husband Tom thanks to Fran. Will keep you posted. Also, June 23rd has been confirmed with all parties for the band reunion. Thanks for all the promo with that.Best, John

New Alumni Contact

A few words from Gerry Paul:
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Hi,
Thanks for sharing this site....I was able to find my husband (class of 60) in one of the pictures!!!
Thanks,
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Gerry
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Ben Vitale Said:
Gerry
Please write something about yourself, and send it back to the Email address below; I will then publish your letter for all of our fellow Sachem Alumni to enjoy!
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davis.park@yahoo.com
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