Wheatley Alumni Monthly Newsletter

Number 10:  December 6, 2016

Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Wildcat Supporters,

Welcome to the Tenth Issue of The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter, featuring one Wheatley Life; one Wheatley Death; one person who is alive but needs a kidney donation; and a book by the son of a legendary, revered Wheatley Principal. The “Life,” “Book,” and “Kidney” articles have photos!

Wheatley Life

Claude Levy, Class of 1966

“When I was a high school junior in Paris, my classmates referred to me as "The American” (although I wasn't aware of it at the time). Perhaps this was because my father was an engineer for Air France and, shortly after WWII, worked for a time at the Lockheed plant in Seattle. Perhaps this was because I first traveled to the United States in 1964, alone, staying with a couple of Chicago orchestra musicians and, then, in New York City, with friends of my mother, who kept a little shop on Amsterdam Avenue. Now, half a century later, I live on Amsterdam Avenue. Yes, I was always fascinated with America.

But back to my high school in Paris. In senior year. my English teacher told us about the American Field Service, and I immediately asked my parents if I could apply. They readily agreed. I became the guest of the wonderful Gross family, at 30 Parkway Drive, Roslyn Heights: husband Alfred, wife Marge, son Bob (1967), and daughter Jean (1969)…..and, of course, of The Wheatley School. AFS proved to be a life-long experience for two major reasons. One was its goal of learning to "talk together, walk together", a nice way of summarizing the intercultural approach that it emphasizes in its quest for peace. The other reason was more personal, but I was asked to write about it.

In April 1966, Roslyn High School organized a gathering of the AFS students living in the area. A Roslyn senior named Laurie Lefferts, who was concentrating on French language and literature, managed to talk with the French student on the panel - and I must say it was not out of politeness that I accepted talking with her. In addition to French language and culture, we shared a love of music, and, why not just say it, we were in love at first sight. We dated, and we went to her prom.

She came to France the next year for the two of us to travel together. But our relationship just didn't work out.

Forty years later, after each of us had made a life and family on opposite sides of the Atlantic, chance had it that we weren't happy in the relationships we then had, and we still had the yearning of our teenage romance. Thanks to the Internet, we reconnected, and we married each other in 2013.

I was happy to meet many of my 1966 Classmates at our 10/14/16 50th-year reunion. Naming some people would be unfair to others…..but I do want to say that it was great to see Marta Pesa, the other 1966 AFS student, who came to New York, from Argentina, especially for the event; and to get to know Hal Whack, another former student from a faraway place, whom I wish I had known better at Wheatley. Also, Art Engoron (1967) and I connected after the event.

I understand there will be more chances to meet everyone. I definitely don’t want to miss them!

Wheatley Death

Edward Larry Klopfer

“Edward L. Klopfer, DDS, MScD of Hollis, NH died suddenly from cardiac failure on December 3, 2016. He was born on March 4, 1944 to Florence & Julius Klopfer, in Mineola, NY. After graduating from Colgate University with honors, he went on to study dentistry at New York University where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. Upon receiving his dental degree, he served in the US Air Force as a Captain and Dentist. Following his years of service, he took his Residency in Orthodontics at Boston University where he also earned his Master’s Degree in Orthodontics. While establishing his practice in Milford, NH, he also taught Orthodontics at Boston University for ten years. Dr. Klopfer loved being an orthodontist and was adored by his patients. It was not uncommon for him to make house calls by boat on Lake Winnipesaukee while he was vacationing at his camp in the area or to be seen cheering on his patients at their sporting events. He was particularly privileged to have had the opportunity to treat three generations of many families.

People were drawn to Ed, and Ed was drawn to people. In 1978 he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Roberta (Ricki) Schwartz. Soon after, they were married and started their family. He developed strong personal relationships wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor, was always smiling and only saw the good in people. He enjoyed living and was grateful for every day on this earth. “We are so lucky,” was a catch phrase he often spoke with sincerity. Ed was an avid Red Sox fan, loved to play golf, but most of all relished being with friends and family. Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, cousin and friend. Ed is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Ricki, his daughter Sarah, his son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Laura Klopfer, two adoring grandsons, Jacob & Daniel, brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Fredda Klopfer, nieces and nephews Heidi and Joel Sisenwine and Eric and Rachel Klopfer.

SERVICES: A funeral will be held at 10am on Sunday, December 4th at Temple Beth Abraham, 4 Raymond Street, Nashua NH with a burial following at Union Cemetery, 176 Academy Street, Laconia NH. Shiva will be held at 7:00pm on Monday (12/5) and Tuesday (12/6) evenings at the family’s home at 10 Springvale Drive, Hollis, NH and at 6:30pm on Wednesday (12/7) 60 Valley Road, Wellesley, MA. Donations can be made in Honor of Dr. Edward Klopfer to Temple B’Nai Israel in Laconia NH or Greater Nashua Dental Connection.” [[[Editor’s Note – Unedited]]]

Book by Drew Wathey, Son of Walter Wesley Wathey, Wheatley Principal 1961-1979

[[Editor’s Note – Mr. Wathey was Wheatley’s Principal during all my years there, and we continue to keep in touch. I have also had contact with Drew, who says that Walter is ”doing fine and still vibrant at 92.” Drew asked me to distribute the following.]]

Please help stamp out cancer in our lifetime.

Drew Wathey

SportsLink
(602) 570-5291
Author of “A Season With Hope”
www.aseasonwithhope.com

New Kidney

[[[Editor’s Note - I received the following a week ago. Mr. Harman (who is not related the the Harmans who graduated from Wheatley in the 1960s and 1970s) and Ms. Kaplan Novak graduated from Wheatley in 1994.]]]

Editor's Sign off

That’s it for now. Additions, corrections, and submissions welcome.

Art