Photo from home

Fishing Boat at the Shinicock Boat Basin.
At the start of the 4Th of July holiday a lightning bolt almost hit this marina. While enjoying dinner at local restaurant; a storm came through, and a lightning bolt came very close to the Marina, and me! LOL

Comments From our Alumni Group's Facebook Page!
Mary T. Hynes



Happy Canada Day today and happy 4th of July to my American friends. This being 2012, I urge all to learn more about the War of 1812 which was the real beginning of Canada. It's the only war I know of where both sides won.


LikeUnlike · ·Follow PostUnfollow Post · 9 hours agoJerry Brandt and Carol Byerly Nelson Brooke like this..


OptionsMary Rooney


HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!!!! HAVE A GREAT TIME AND GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!!!! LOVE MARY FUSCO-ROONEY

Word From Old Friends!
Tina Vazqueztell
Virginia DeCastro


This afternoon, quite by accident, I had a Facebook conversation with Tina Vazqueztell, who is Virginia DeCastro's sister. Tina just joined our Sachem Alumni Facebook Group. Needless to say I was thrilled to have Virginia materialize! Unfortunately Virginia is not a computer person; that might be why we never made contact with her.

I asked Tina to speak with her sister, and deliver Facebook messages to our group, on behalf of her sister. I will copy any Facebook messages and post them on our Blog.

Word From Old Friends!
Marian Stewart Eskijian

Hi Ben, ----------- It is always good to get your messages. I am not a computer person either. I can just do these easy e-mail messages and I am not a "Facebook" joiner. We are here in Missouri, and all is going well. I haven't gotten back to Long Island recently, but we do travel quite a bit. In July we will be in Scotland for my birthday to celebrate my "Stuart" heritage with clan plaid and all the frills !! It is great to hear from you and read about all the activities there. Best Wishes from the mid-west.

PS:
I will be XX in a few weeks. OMG!!!! Where have the years gone?? My kids are grown, married, and have families. My daughter is now a "grandma"!! I enjoy all the letters and it is good to hear from back home. Marian E.


Marian (Stuart) Eskijian

Word From Old Friends!
Deanna Giardina Mauch

Hello Tina,

I remember you so well from our classes at Sachem High, and our graduation together in 1963. We will always remember, with love, your dear Nick. He was our classmate, too.


Deanna Giardina Mauch

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Italian Mothers
Ben Vitale

If you are from Italian descent, the following videos will put a smile on your face. 50 years after High School, I now feel free to share some information with you that I dared not to do when I attended Sachem.


Old generation, Italian parents did not want their children to get married, before they are 4o years old. This is meant to make you smile! Every time I brought a young lady home to meet Mom, I would always hear the same question after they left; complete with Hand Gestures. "AaaaH whereDoUget that Butanna from." LOL. The word "Butanna," is an Italian word. If you do not know what it means, just type it into Google. Yes classmates! If I ever brought you home to meet Mamma, you were eventually called a "Butanna." Yes every female was called a Butanna! The female that I am currently married to was also called a "Butanna." LOL. There is one, and only one, exception; my mother loved Marietta Pascucci. Marietta was the only female in Ronkonkoma and Brooklyn, that was not called a Butanna, by my mother! LOL.


(Please view the following videos)


Shit Italian Mothers Say 1


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eac91tZsZMw


Shit Italian Mothers Say 2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCPV0sl4GdE


Italian Hand gestures:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0n4Vw6twKo&feature=related


Growing up Italian


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKITsQ7NQVw&feature=related



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From Tony B:

Ben, Happy Fathers Day to you and other Sachem -ites. Tony B

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My wife's plant

Marie's Plant! You could Email Photos and Videos to our Blog. 

Ben

New blog feature

Doo Wop Music Trivia

From: Carol Hovelmann

I meant to send that Music Trivia email with a little note to say "hi" and that I thought it might be something fun to put on the blog. I wasn't sure how to do that, or whether or not I should, so I'm sending it to you to do with as you will.


Best regards,


Carol

http://www.tlhs1970.org/class_custom2.cfm

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Lloyd Roberts Quintet Special Reunion Performance at the Casa Basso, in Westampton, NY

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Lloyd Roberts Quintet Playing the Country and Western Tune,"Memphis."

LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW
(Left click the link below; use back arrow to return to this page.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph0MgKKx678&feature=youtu.be

We were surprised by a special Broadway Performance by Andrew Cassese and Philip Cassese.

The selection, "Me and my Shadow," was first made popular by Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. The "Rat Pack" comes alive again!

LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW
(Left click the link below; use back arrow to return to this page.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5YoO7Pavh4&feature=youtu.be

Alumnus John Cassese Entertains the Crowd!

LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW(Left click the link below; use back arrow to return to this page)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fenOJOzRYkE&feature=youtu.be

The Audience loves to Sing "Sweet Caroline."

LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW(Left click the link below; use back arrow to return to this page )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOtNW9tiUp4&feature=youtu.be

Fellow Alumni, great food, great entertainment; we had a wonderful time!

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Update:
Lloyd Roberts Quintet to Play at Casa Basso in the Hamptons

UPDATE: 7 alumni want to attend.

On Sunday June 3, 2012 members of the Lloyd Roberts Quintet, together with alumna John Cassese, will be entertaining at the Casa Basso in Westhampton. John currently plays at the Casa Basso, and the entire band will be featured for this special event.


Most Sachem alumni from the classes of 1959 through 1975 would be intimately familiar with the Lloyd Roberts Quintet, because they played at what was then a night club called the Country Tavern, in Farmingville, and also at the Bridal Path in Westhampton.


I attended a LRQ event last year and had a wonderful time. The LRQ played music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. I found myself singing "Sweet Caroline," dancing to "Shout;" and raising my hands in the air! Once my wife saw me thrust my hands into the air, she smiled and said," wow, this is just like it was at the Country Tavern!" The spirit of the Lloyd Roberts Quintet once again came alive!


I decided to send an Email to John Cassese, telling him that we had a fantastic time at the Casa Basso function. I was thinking that it would be wonderful if he could have another affair at the Casa Basso. John also thought that it would be fun to have another event at the CB. How bizarre is that?


How many of you would be interested in attending this event at the Casa Basso? Everyone is invited! Bring your friends! It would be wonderful if Sachem Alumni from our group could attend this affair.


Please respond to this email if you think you may be attending. This affair is "informal;" just show up! If you want drinks, buy drinks; if you want dinner just buy dinner!


This is starting to get exciting!


Date: Sunday June 3, 2012


Time: 2 PM to 6 PM


Place: Casa Basso. 59 Montauk Highway, Westhampton, NY,11977


PLEASE REPLY IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW 



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My Brooklyn Rock and Roll Heritage
Ben Vitale

I am very proud of my "Brooklyn, NY," heritage. I refuse to relinquish, my Brooklyn accent often called "Brooklynese." My Brooklyn accent; it is an integral part of what I am today. Yes, I do not always speak "Brooklynese;" I flaunt my accent only when I am with friends!


As I recall my days in Brooklyn; it was not "drugs, sex and rock and roll," but "good times and rock and roll." As a youth in Brooklyn, I found myself out dancing and meeting new people sometimes three nights a week. My crowd would regularly socialize at "youth dances," that were held at the local, K of C, the Jewish Center, and at local social clubs.


In the 50s people could get involved, helping and guiding the local youth without fear of being sued. I learned Ju Jitsu, and Boxing at the local Italian Social Club; taught by a retired officer from the United States Marines. When two young adults had a serious confrontation with each other, the coach at the social club would drag the individuals into the club, put Boxing Gloves on them, and have them settle their problem.


In the "City" the youth participated in what we called "Seasons." At certain pre-defined times of the year we as a group participated in the same type of activity. We had "the Carpet Shooter Season," the "Pea Shooter Season, Yo-yo Season, Marble Season, Scooter Season, Sports Card Season, and "Balsa Wood Plane Flying Season." On Halloween we would put crushed chalk into a Sock and hit each other with these powder filled bags; we all came back home at night looking like Snow Men.


Every night a crowd of about 40 youths would "hang out," on the corner. The adults were not at all intimidated by such a large crowd of youths, because they knew all of our parents. One word from a neighbor to our parents would get us into serious trouble.


During the Winter months we would eagerly wait for the first snowfall. Sides would be chosen and Two Snow Forts would be built. We would throw Snow Balls at each other for Four months!


During the summer we would take the Subway for 10 cents and go to Coney Island. No trip to Coney Island was complete without buying a "Hot Dog and a Nedicks Orange Drink," for 25 cents at Nathans. On days that we did not go to Coney Island, we went to Sunset Pool.


We were all just too busy to get into trouble. In between the "Seasons," we played "Kick the Can," Stick Ball, and "Johnny on the Pony." All of the above was held together by a strong foundation of "Rock and Roll;" Alan Freed was "The Man!"


Many of the youth at that time were actively involved with "a Singing Group;" we all worked feverously, hoping to be discovered by, Alan Freed. Please enjoy the "Rock and Roll," narration by "Angelo the Barber," all presented with a genuine Brooklyn accent! Hope this brings back memories!


(Click the link below)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_0gDS-XEQ&feature=related



From Anthony Perna:
That was excellent, it mirrored my childhood growing up in Manhatten..all the same stuff, the seasons the games, the people, joe nose, philly gabadeal, johnny cutrate. Did I see Ringaleveo,,as a game? opening the Johnny pumps in summer...Italian ices..(the real ones) Italian feasts, block parties. Yes it was something ,,we had the best of both worlds,,the city and the country.....I remember your father,, a quiet man as I remember,, was he a painter? and your Mom,,how she used to yell at Anthony...lol he was thick, your poor Mom!

From Pat Brida:
Hi Ben, Just had to respond to this. I grew up in Brooklyn too. Had to be very close to your house. I got lost when I was five and yes it was in Sunset park. My sense of direction was good back then and I walked home. Mom was frantic of course. I lived on 53rd st and Fort Hamilton Parkway. Thats where all the fun happened. Johnny on the Pony, ringolivio, marbles, stoop ball, King, queen Jack, Johnny may I cross your River, Red Light green light, rolllar skateing (metal clamps and skate keys) box scooters, yo yo,s , plastic bubbles, pitching charmes, I declare war on;;;;, the spalding ball and Jump rope (two on time) etc etc took place. And who can forget the subway last stop Coney Island . Remember the penut man ? How about the custard cones and the steeple chase park with the big slide and the horses on the track. Was that you on the merry go round catching the gold ring. Did you go to prospect park and ride the swan boats? I moved in 1956 to Lake Ronkonkoma so I missed the Alan Freed days, I do remember the guys harmonizing in the subway and entrances to store fronts. The Lake was a blast and Hollywood beach during high school was my home away from home. My brother bought me the book "Images of America Lake Ronkonkoma by Keith Oswald and Dale Spencer . Lots of Photos including hollywood beach. Go to www.arcadiapublishing.com . Gotta go now. Keep in touch Pat Brida.

From John Cassese:
Ben, like others, I loved this piece. It brought back great memories. I learned that Pat Brida is a Brooklynite...went to school with her. Have known her over 50 years and just learned she is from Brooklyn. Your blog is amazing...best John

From Brenda Sichenzia:
Loved your article. I was born in Brooklyn but my family moved to Lake Ronkonkoma when I was 2. I did go to the Brooklyn Paramount several times to see the Alan Fried shows. They were fantastic. People dancing in the aisles. Just fabulous. When I lived in California, I travelled by public transportation and walking on part of the highway just to get to see a Rock 'N Roll show in Oakland. After I moved back to New York City, I went to several shows at Madison Square Garden. Now most of them are held in Pittsburgh, PA. Even though I live in PA, Pittsburgh is about a seven hour drive. Hoping to see a venue nearer to home one of these days. Have to go. I am at work.



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