Hewlett High School Class of 1971

04/23/2026

03/29/2026

🌿 HERITAGE IN MOTION — Now Available
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GLWRDGNQ
My grandfather, Samuel Finkelman, was a remarkable athlete in the early 1900s — a Semi‑Pro Boxer and World Champion Swimmer whose feats were covered in newspapers including The New York Times. Known for his superhuman strength, he completed daring long‑distance swims through treacherous waters, including towing a 2,500‑pound boat carrying seven men from East 23rd Street to College Point. He pioneered the powerful “seal stroke” and trained with the American Lifesaving Society and West Side A.C.
I wrote HERITAGE IN MOTION to preserve his legacy, along with other family history, and to share these extraordinary stories with future generations.

12/13/2025

‎Romance · 2025

11/03/2025

I wanted to thank all my classmates for your support as I run for Orange County Executive. Your messages have meant the world to me and I so cherish our days together. Much love. Michael

06/11/2025

An endearing memorial for those who are no longer with us.

Slideshow

06/09/2025

Janis Joplin, Texas days—where the story quietly began 🥰☘️

06/09/2025

August 15, 1966 – Somewhere in the haze of a California afternoon, Michelle Phillips leaned against a sun-bleached fence, her hair catching the light like golden thread. The camera loved her, but so did history. As the only female voice beside Cass Elliot in The Mamas & the Papas, Michelle wasn’t just a harmony—she was the image of a cultural shift. Those mid-1960s portraits, where she stared straight into the lens with equal parts innocence and edge, captured more than a beautiful young woman in paisley and fringe—they froze a moment when music, fashion, and revolution collided on the streets of L.A. and filtered through to radios across America. Michelle was California cool personified: windswept, wistful, and walking right into music legend.

Behind her iconic look was a remarkable story. Born Holly Michelle Gilliam in Long Beach, she became a central thread in the tapestry of Laurel Canyon’s music scene almost by accident—yet with uncanny timing. Her style, a mix of bohemian charm and effortless elegance, was as much a part of The Mamas & the Papas’ appeal as their tight harmonies. While the world sang along to “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday,” Michelle’s face became as recognizable as the songs themselves—her portraits appearing in teen magazines, record sleeves, and press photos that defined the flower-power aesthetic. But she was more than a muse. Michelle co-wrote songs, held her own in a male-dominated industry, and endured the highs and heartbreaks of fame with a grace that made her all the more captivating.

Looking at those portraits today, you see a woman standing at the edge of something grand—the swirling promise of the late ‘60s, when folk music met pop and everything seemed possible. There’s a softness in her eyes, yes, but there’s also a spark—a knowing that she was part of something transformative. Michelle Phillips didn’t just witness a musical revolution; she helped sing it into existence. Her legacy lives not only in those unforgettable harmonies but also in the captured stillness of a photo: barefoot on a hillside, a flower tucked behind her ear, looking like the decade itself.

06/09/2025

Nancy Sinatra turns 85 today!

06/09/2025

Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing on October 30, 1939, in Highland Park, Illinois, is an iconic figure in the world of rock music. As the lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane, she became a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence helped propel the band to the forefront of the psychedelic rock era. One of her most famous songs, "White Rabbit," released in 1967, remains a timeless anthem that captures the essence of the era's rebellious spirit.

"White Rabbit" is a surreal and evocative song that draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Slick's hypnotic vocal delivery and the song's hauntingly repetitive melody create a sense of otherworldly intrigue. The lyrics, which reference the fantastical imagery of Carroll's work, serve as a metaphor for the mind-expanding experiences associated with the psychedelic movement. The song's crescendoing structure and powerful instrumentation, featuring Jorma Kaukonen's mesmerizing guitar work and Spencer Dryden's dynamic drumming, make "White Rabbit" an unforgettable musical journey.

Grace Slick's influence extends beyond her work with Jefferson Airplane. She continued to make waves with Jefferson Starship and as a solo artist, demonstrating her versatility and enduring appeal. Songs like "Somebody to Love" and "We Built This City" showcase her ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining her distinctive voice and artistic integrity. Her fearless approach to music and her outspoken personality have made her a trailblazer for women in rock.

05/05/2025