Letters: What’s in a name?

NORWALK, Conn. – Moccia–Mocciae, Mangiacopra–Macchiarulo, Bondi –Biondi, Kimmel-Krummel … and then there’s Wallerstein-Weinberger.

You get the picture. Many names are similar. Most of the time people we know can tell the difference between us. That’s why it’s so interesting that, after nearly 40 years, some people are still confused. Some of it is understandable:

• We both taught foreign language at Norwalk High School.

• We both have doctorate degrees.

• We each have two children who graduated from Norwalk Public Schools and five grandchildren.

• We both care about Norwalk, have been actively involved in the community, and speak out at times.

But that’s where the similarities end. We’re hoping that with these few additional details people may be able to distinguish between the two Susan W’s going forward.

Susan Gordon Weinberger is also known as Dr. Mentor. She is originally from Brookline, Mass., and has been married for 51 years to Dr. Norman Weinberger, a local pediatrician. Their son, Gordon graduated from Brien McMahon High School and daughter, Lisa graduated from Norwalk High School (caught in the redistricting of Silvermine at the time). Weinberger recently resigned from the NEON Board.

Susan Olsen Wallerstein retired several years ago from Greenwich Public Schools. She is originally from Seattle, Wash., and has been married for 42 years to Steven Wallerstein, a retired middle school art teacher. Their children, Sara and Ben, graduated from Norwalk High School. Wallerstein recently resigned from the DTC.

Susan Weinberger is a few inches taller (and a little bit older) than Susan Wallerstein. Weinberger has longish brown hair and brown eyes while Wallerstein has shorter silver gray hair and blue eyes. Weinberger is a rabid Red Sox fan. Wallerstein prefers boating.

Fortunately, our friends and families can tell the difference.