Married 46 years to Harry Needleman, neighborhood guy and Stuyvesant alum. Harry remembers waiting for me after school across the street from the 68th street side exit where the School For The Deaf used to be. He said it was easy to spot me because I always came out of the door with Christine Duisin and we both dressed alike in tan raincoats.
Although Harry and I were proud Lower Eastsiders, we raised our two daughters in Pleasantville, NY where we have lived for the past 40 years. We also have a small apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to make it easier to see our two grandchildren who live nearby.
Both daughters made their way back to NYC: Jennifer, a TV script writer; Risa, owner of an Art gallery called Invisible-Exports on Eldridge Street in Manhattan.
My career began as an elementary school teacher and principal. I am now an adjunct in the Curriculum and Education department at Hunter College. I’ve also pursued photography for 25 years and have had a few of my photos in group gallery shows.
I met Mr. Kizner about 15 years ago. He was a retiree in the development in Smallwood NY where my parents lived. My parents and he figured out that he was my teacher when one day as they were all schmoozing by the pool, Mr. Kizner mentioned that he taught Latin at HCHS. I sent Mr. K a note which said, “Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit.” (And perhaps it will please us one day to remember these things)
My parents said when he opened up the note he cried. I made my way to the pool the following year and we chatted about Hunter. He said he taught in many schools in the city, including Chapin and Dalton, and the brightest and best students were his Hunter girls. I believe it. |
