Andrew Warde High School Classes of 1976, 1977, and 1978 to Hold Informal Gathering This Sunday Afternoon at Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport

An informal gathering for Andrew Warde High School alumni from the classes of 1976, 1977, and 1978 will take place this Sunday afternoon, July 12, from 1 to 7 o'clock at Captain's Cove Seaport in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. The event originally began as a casual get-together a few years ago by members of the Warde Class of 1978 as a means to stay in touch. However, it has quickly become an annual tradition by expanding to include the two prior classes.

"An annual event like this helps bring together classmates in the years other than those spaced out every five years from graduation," offered Tony Procaccini of the Warde Class of 1976 and president of the 30-year reunion committee in 2006. "A student missing one formal reunion, effectively, doesn't see his high school peers (other than those close to him/her) for 10 years. Thus, this opportunity brings together friends unable to attend on other dates."

Procaccini, who said about 20 classmates from the Class of 1976 attended the event for the first time in 2007, thinks the gathering is ideal for Warde alumni who still live locally. "It's easy to bring children and spouses, have no worry about formal RSVPs and admission charges, and just show up in casual attire at any time during the time span," he pointed out.

"For those who live far away, if they happen to be vacationing, have a need to visit family in the home town, or just want to get away and find long-time friends in a relaxed atmosphere, it's perfect," added Procaccini, pictured below with classmate Joanne Amelung Lavista during the July get-together two years ago.

The highlight of this year's event will be a performance by the local band To the Maxx, featuring Andrew Warde High School graduates Rob Fried (1977) and Jerry Vigorito (1976), local businessmen and musicians who founded Band Together in 2005. Band Together creates great musical events which unite a community of talented musicians with concerned citizens to raise money for Connecticut families in need or local charities.

As for the venue, since 1982, Captain’s Cove Seaport, located on historic Black Rock Harbor, has grown from a vacant lot and a handful of slips to one of Connecticut’s premier tourist attractions and seaport complexes. Food and drinks are available in the 400-seat restaurant, which includes everything from different varieties of seafood to hot dogs and hamburgers to chicken sandwiches.

There are many novelty gift shops built in Colonial and Victorian architectural styles along the boardwalk. Visitors may also enjoy an hour-long boat ride on Long Island Sound aboard the Chief. There are many other seasonal attractions as well. Captain's Cove is an active maritime and amusement center for residents of southwestern Connecticut.

Procaccini, the music director at nearby St. Patrick's Parish in Bridgeport, said the early response has been encouraging. "This year, approximately 20 classmates have responded 'yes' to our invitation," he said. "So, adding in a spouse and a kid here and there, we'll probably number 25 to 30, in my estimate. Again, look at our Web soon after July 12 for another set of photos of classmates having fun in the sun!"

Sunday will be the warmest day in quite some time with the afternoon temperature climbing into the mid 80s. Any early showers will give way to clearing skies by late morning. At this point, Mother Nature looks as though she is going to cooperate and offer a dry and warm afternoon for us.

Paul

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Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

High School Tug-of-War Contest Between Warde & Ludlowe Highlighted Barnum Festival's Annual Fairfield Day on This Date, Sunday, July 2, 1972

The Barnum Festival's annual observance of Fairfield Day brought out a record crowd Sunday, July 2, 1972, at Jennings Beach with as many as 20,000 people reported participating and observing in the various events and festivities.

The highlight of the day was the tug-of-war competition between the town's two public high school teams, a performance by the Fairfield Colonades, a karate demonstration, field games for youngsters, and a visit from the Barnum Festival Royal Family. Music was provided by the Virgin Island Steel Band, and there was a community sing-a-long, too.

Both the girls' and boys' Roger Ludlowe High School tug-of-war teams pulled their Andrew Warde High School rivals through a pit of mud to win the tug-of-war contests. Each of the winning teams received trophies from Peter Januska, chairman of the event.

Fairfield's current Assistant Fire Chief, George Gomola, finished first in the pie-eating contest, while sixth-grader Richard Linley, who would eventually win a state award for drafting as a freshman at Andrew Warde High School in 1975, finished first in the corn-husking contest.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1969 Planning 40-Year Reunion Columbus Day Weekend

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1969 is planning its 40-year reunion Saturday, October 10, 2009, during the Columbus Day holiday weekend.

The event will take place at Tashua Knolls Restaurant in Trumbull, and the cost is $50 per person. Payment must be received by August 31. Please make checks payable to Class of 1969 Reunion, and mail to Marvin Kolaric, 1685 Redding Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824. If you have any questions, contact Debra (Glantz) Tendler at dgt1752@aol.com.

For more information, contact Marvin Kolaric at mjkolaric@aol.com or Ed Terifay at ejcat@yahoo.com. Classmates are encourged to visit the Web site by clicking the image below. The Web site includes information about the reunion, a Memory Lane gallery, and a contact form.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School's 20th Commencement Speaker's Prophecy One-Third to Fulfillment on Anniversary of Graduation of Bicentennial Class

Advances in medical science make a 100-year reunion likely, the 20th graduating class at Andrew Warde High School was told 33 years ago this evening.

The late Charles Abraham, chairman of the high school's English department, addressed the school's 487 graduates in the warm, sun-bathed school courtyard, Thursday evening, June 24, 1976. Referring to a 100-year class reunion, Abraham said, "You will be there."

Other commencement speakers included Mary Palladino, who asked "Which is the Real Success?" and Harvey Samowitz, who discussed "The Ends or the Means," a defense of student rights and privileges gained during the previous four years and the responsibilities the graduates will carry with them after high school.

Following the invocation by Rabbi Arnold Sher of the Park Avenue Temple and the singing of the National Anthem, class president Teresa Frillici welcomed parents and guests.

The last of the three commencement speakers, Mr. Abraham apologized for turning his back on the audience to talk to "his friends." Then, to the applause of the students, he swung the podium around to face the Class of 1976.

Abraham told them they have a choice of worlds in which to live --- worlds of dehumanizing computers and terrifying weaponry, or worlds of plenty in which they could "reach out toward the stars." He urged them to learn from the experiences of earlier generations when they make their choices.

"I vividly remember how Mr. Abraham, at the outset of his talk, lifted and turned the podium toward us, and spoke to us directly," recalled Tony Procaccini, president of the AWHS Class of 1976 30-year reunion committee in 2006 and pictured below between teacher Mildred Laskey and Larry Varholak 33 years ago this evening.

"He received a huge ovation from the graduates for that. He talked about our living to the age of 100. On a stranger note, that would also mean we've barely started having class reunions at this point, thus begging the question: Should we start sending in reunion RSVPs now for 2076?"

Procaccini also remembers other details from 33 years ago this evening. "We apparently lined up by home-room, because Larry Varholak was in mine. In other photos, we see that boys and girls were grouped by sex on the courtyard platform, before we received diplomas."

The graduating students were presented by headmaster Robert Genualdi, assistant headmaster Edward Shine, and interim Superintendent of Schools Edward Bourque.

Diplomas were awarded by vice chairman Elizabeth Morris and Sidney Postol of the Fairfield Board of Education. They were assisted by housemasters Paul Guss, Steven Solomon, Raymond Condren, William Bogg, and Arnold Wile, and senior class adviser Robert Cloutier.

"When our caps were tossed, one small misfortune occurred," Procaccini remembered. "A cap landed on Laura Howland's nose, causing a little bleeding. She was visibly upset, on the verge of tears, but a few students, myself included, helped her through this ordeal. Of course, after we all handed in our gowns, it was 'off to the races' or, more likely, whatever graduation party one was attending."

The Rev. James Hood of the Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church gave the benediction, and the students of the Bicenennial Class left the school to the strains of "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Procaccini, who contributed all the photos from June 24, 1976, is seen above (second from right) at a family graduation party with (left-to-right) eldest brother Vinny, a 1969 graduate of Notre Dame High School, his Uncle Louis Procaccini, and older brother Joe, who graduated from Warde in 1972.

"Honestly, I can't say it feels like yesterday, but I retain many fond memories of that night, a few photos, and many friendships which are just as strong now, if not deeper," admitted Procacinni, now the music director at St. Patrick's Church in Bridgeport.

"Funny, 'commencement' seems like a strange word for that type of event, but, after we had finished four years at such an excellent school, I can now see that it really all started ("commenced") that night, in many ways," Procaccini added. "By that I mean the rest of our lives, and the continuation of great friendships."

Paul

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Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andy Larsen Recalls His Memorable 1975 CIAC Singles Tennis Championship Victory Over West Haven's Pete Lyons 34 Years Ago This Week

Andy Larsen called it his top high school sports accomplishment. That's quite a statement from one of Andrew Warde High School's top multi-sports stars of the 1970s. The former three-time all-state hockey player, CIAC tennis team champion, and CIAC doubles tennis champion fondly remembered his 1975 CIAC singles tennis championship 34 years ago this week.

Larsen defeated Notre Dame of West Haven's Pete Lyons to claim the title, 6-4, 6-0, at Yale University in New Haven, Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 1975. The Warde junior completely dominated the fifth-ranked Lyons by winning the last seven games to earn the championship with his straight sets victory.

"I can still see Pete Lyons on the other side of the court at Yale’s number one tennis court," Larsen told me via email today. "He may have been a better player, but I was so pumped up I couldn’t miss a shot. Because I was in such good shape, I ran down all his big shots and returned them for winners," added Larsen, who gained his finals berth by defeating Dan Arenas of Manchester, 6-3, 6-3.

"I remember Pete looking at me as if (he was) saying, 'You have got to be kidding me?' He never got into the match. Every time he hit a big first serve and charged the net, I either hit the ball at his feet, or right by him. It was an awesome day, and one that I will never forget!"

Larsen defeated Arenas earlier in the day in the semi-finals, and he credits his stamina and strategy for carrying him through both matches that late Spring afternoon. "I can’t picture the face of Dan Arenas, but I’m glad I beat him," Larsen admitted. "I was in top shape that day, and playing two matches was not a problem. Because I played thinking a shot ahead, I would wear my opponents down while expending as little energy as I needed to."

The tournament, though, was marred by controversy over the withdrawal of top-ranked Wilton from the event. Second-ranked Drew Hastings of Wilton was disqualified from the CIAC tournament because of his participation in a non-sanctioned Farmington event. As a result, top-ranked and defending singles' champion Tom Mott, who had defeated Larsen earlier that year in straight sets, withdrew from the state event in protest over his teammate's elimination.

"It was a shame that Wilton and Tom Mott withdrew from the state tournament," pointed out Larsen, who recently visited with his former tennis teammate, Tom Knuth. "It was their (Wilton's) loss. You are only in high school for four years, and this opportunity will never be available again for them. I, on the other hand, welcomed the opportunity with great enthusiasm and cherish the result of that day to this day. I was looking forward to a rematch with Tom Mott with my goal to beat him, but we will never know."

Larsen, a senior sourcing agent with Atlantic Inertial, has fond memories of the state tournament 34 years ago. "I went to the tournament to play hard and was probably in the best shape of my life. (I) wish I could do what I did on that day today," he wrote.

"It was a great day, and I owe it all to my father, mother, the coaches --- Ed Lominski, John Honey, Tom Raslavski --- and the rest of the Andrew Warde tennis team, but most especially my best friend and sparring partner, Tom Knuth.

"I have to say, my days spent as a student at Andrew Warde High School were probably some of the best times I’ve spent in my life!"

Paul

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Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 Product Dan Cody Prepares to Race in the Fairfield Half-Marathon Sunday, June 28, at Jennings Beach

Dan Cody is an unusual breed, to be sure. The 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School didn't take up running until he approached his 50th birthday, and now the Milford resident is preparing to run in the Fairfield Half-Marathon later this month.

"I started running about a year ago," Cody told me via email today. "I was exiting the Yale gym and saw a flier for the New Haven Road Race. I figured that I could run a 5k, but a 20k? Well, that would take a little training. After all, I had four months to get in shape, so I signed up for the 20."

In addition to the New Haven 20 kilometer run, Cody also completed the Fairfield Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, although there is no official record of him actually participating in the five-mile race. He's to blame for that.

"I was going to run it with my friend Jim Dolan, but I didn't get registered," he admitted. "Moments before the start of the race I found Jim, and he pulled a hamstring the week before and couldn't run. So, I ran with Jim's number. I might add that it was Jim's best time ever. Just kidding, Jim."

So, what are some of the challenges he faces while competing in a road race? "Let me first state that I'm really not running," emphasized Cody, pictured in the 1976 Flame yearbook. "A better description would be a perpetual series of trips and stumbles until I fall over the finish line.

"That being said, the most challenging part for me physically was starting to run in my fifties," he admitted. "Some days when my mind says 'go,' my body says 'no.' I, as I'm sure many of our classmates, have accumulated a few injuries in the past 33 years. Those injuries do come back and haunt you, so there is a certain amount of discomfort when I run."

Cody, who received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Connecticut State University, is looking forward to the Fairfield Half Marathon, which began in 1981. More than 3,000 runners flock to the Jennings Beach area each year for the annual running of the race, which takes the runners past stately mansions as well as scenic beaches and bridges through Fairfield, Southport, and nearby Greenfield Hill.

"There is also a lot of anxiety with running a long race," Cody continued. "In the first mile there is the anxiety of, 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?' Then you get into a rhythm. Granted, my rhythm is a slow, methodic beat of a bass drum in a geriatric marching band, but a rhythm nonetheless.

"And then when you see the last mile marker the anxiety creeps back in. However, now it's about finally passing this 80 year old guy that I've been trailing after for the last 12 miles, and here is my last chance!"

Cody, who works at Yale University in New Haven where he's involved in video and television production, did some traveling after high school graduation. "After Warde, I went to college and left UConn in '79," he told me. "From there I worked a variety of jobs and did some travel. One summer I hitchhiked to California and back and another I spent traveling in Europe and the UK and down to Tangiers."

Today, Cody is enjoying his work at the Ivy League university. "Yale has offered me many opportunities in the past 22 years which has greatly enriched my life," he added. "I have done a fair amount of travel and have met many interesting people over the years at Yale. I've been residing in Milford for the past 25 years and I have a 19 year old son, Daniel, who is a sophomore in college."

Good luck to Dan Cody as he prepares for the running of the Fairfield Half Marathon on Sunday, June 28. I'm sure all of his former classmates are rooting for this "seasoned veteran" to finish the race. When he does, he'll be a winner in our book!

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School Song Written in 1959 and Sung by Joan Grapski of the Class of 1963

How many of you are familiar with the Andrew Warde High School song? Quite frankly, I didn't even know there was one. However, Joan Grapski of the Class of 1963 was kind enough to forward the school song to me. Joan also provided a video of her singing the school song. I hope you enjoy it.

Here are the lyrics of the Andrew Warde High School song, written by the Class of 1959:

With heads held high and voices strong
To you our thanks we raise.
For knowledge, guidance, and for love
All through our high school days.

For the many friends we've made here
Who will last our lifetime through,
Andrew Warde,
We find ourselves indebted to you.

And so be sure, dear Andrew Warde,
When long from you we've gone,
The memories of these happy years
Will ever linger on.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Fairfield Selectwoman & Andrew Warde High School Graduate Sherri Steeneck Introduced as 1977 Barnum Festival Queen 32 Years Ago Today

Bridgeport's annual Barnum Festival has a rich history and is renowned for its traditional series of well-known events in southwestern Connecticut. Some of the festival's highlights include The Great Street Parade, Champions on Parade, the Ringmaster's Ball, The Road Show, a spectacular fireworks display, the Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren competiton, and the King and Queen judging, to name a few.

Did you know that Fairfield Selectwoman and Andrew Warde High School graduate Sherri Steeneck was the 1977 Barnum Festival Queen? Ringmaster S. George Santa introduced his "royal family" at a luncheon hosted by the Bridgeport Lions Club at the Three Door Restaurant on Madison Avenue 32 years ago today, Wednesday, June 15, 1977.

Members of the Bridgeport Rotary, Civitan, Kiwanis, Exchange, North End and East End Lions Clubs were invited to the Salute to the Barnum Festival event, which featured the presentation of the Ringmaster's top hat by a member of the Lions Club, and the formal introduction of Mr. Santa as Ringmaster by Mayor John Mandanici.

"When I was a kid, we went to the Barnum Festival religiously, and I was always enamored with Lavinia Warren and Tom Thumb," Steeneck told me via email yesterday. "When I was in first grade, you had to write an essay, and they chose the kids from that. I was disappointed that I didn't make it. My mother used to tell me that one day I would be the queen of it," she remembered.

Other than Ringmaster Santa (seen accepting his top hat at left), the 1977 Royal Family included King Kirk Taylor of Central High School, Queen Sherri Steeneck of Andrew Warde High School, alternate King William Platt of St. Joseph High School, alternate Queen Jean Anne Altieri of Derby High School, Joe Kunkel of Trumbull as Tom Thumb, and Erin Marie Regnier of Bridgeport as Lavinia Warren.

Steeneck recalled the events leading up to her selection as Queen of the Barnum Festival. "We had a lot of events, picnics and things, to go to before they selected us, I think to see who would show up," she wrote. "They (the former queens and kings and other muckety mucks who were involved in the festival) also interviewed us. Considering my mother told me that I would get this to make me feel better as a kid, it was particularly poignant that they forgot the camera at home on the selection night. I guess they were fairly certain I would lose, too!"

What else does she remember about being selected? "I remember feeling like a dope because some reporter stuck a microphone in front of me and asked me why I wanted to do this, and I said because I thought it would be fun. Later that evening, I remember thinking that must have sounded like a bad answer, but when I think back to it now, it was both a truthful answer and the best possible answer. If the Barnum Festival wasn't fun, what the heck was it? It turned out to be a lot of fun and culturally interesting as well."

So, what was the reaction from her fellow classmates at Andrew Warde High School after she was chosen as Queen? "Some of my closest friends were there that night," she told me. "They teased me about it a little, but I think (they) were amused and a little proud. Most of the students were oblivious to it."

Steeneck recalled being on a whirlwind tour as Queen of the Barnum Festival. "We went to a Carribean night in downtown Bridgeport in (a) social hall which was awesome. We went to Champions on Parade (with) all the marching bands, a variety of luncheons, photo ops all over the place, (we) went to Fairfield Day, Trumbull Day, and every other day. There was something in all of the surrounding towns. We were theirs from May through the 4th of July," she added.

"The best thing we did was be part of the Road Show," admitted Steeneck, who graduated from Warde in 1977. "We went on the bus with the clowns for a weekend all over the state. We learned how to make balloon animals and went to nursing homes and visited the residents, and we went to Southbury Training School and visited the kids who lived there. It was very gratifying."

Steeneck vividly remembered many of the details of the festival and members of the royal family. "We had to wear heavy purple velvet robes in May and June. I had a tierra, (and) the king, Kirk Taylor, had to wear a crown that looked like they borrowed it from a Parkay commercial," she joked "He also had an afro and it was always perfect. He was continuously picking out the 'dents.' So, he really got annoyed when he had to put that on. Talk about hat hair!

"We routinely teased the alternate king, Bill Platt, and told him he was so good that he should become a priest," she continued. "He was from St. Joe's. That annoyed him because the priests there used to tell him that. When we heard that, we told him that he was so good that if we could vote for Pope we would vote for him. Ironically, he did become a priest, and he studied in Rome for some time."

Steeneck, currently serving on the Fairfield Board of Selectmen, especially enjoyed her role as Queen of the Barnum Festival. "It was a really nice part of my senior year," she admitted. "I met a lot of really nice people and did have a lot of fun. But I really had a great time in high school, especially junior and senior years."

Sherri, the alumni of Andrew Warde High School were proud of you as Queen of the Barnum Festival, and we are proud of you today as a member of the Fairfield Board of Selectmen. Keep up the great work.

Paul

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Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Crimson Eagles' Nine Defeated Milford in State Class A Baseball Tournament 48 Years Ago Today

Andrew Warde High School's well-balanced baseball team finished runnerup to Norwalk for the Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference baseball championship in 1961. However, the Crimson Eagles were victorious while Norwalk was eliminated in the opening round of the CIAC Class A championship tournament on this date 48 years ago.

Coach Bob Jackson's Warde squad advanced to the tourney semi-finals with an impressive 2-0 victory over Milford's higher-rated Metropolitan Bridgeport Conference champions as Dick Bernard, who remained unbeaten since the baseball season opened, hurled a two-hit shutout to earn his ninth straight victory in a pitching duel with the Indians' Ricky Grich at Quigley Stadium in West Haven.

The Crimson Eagles, ranked seventh among the eight teams which qualified for the Class A title competition, backed Bernard with a nine-hit attack and tallied single runs in the fourth and sixth innings to defeat the third-ranked Milford team. It was the 17th victory in 21 games for the Fairfield squad, and just the fourth setback in 19 contests for Coach Ray Stoviak's Indians.

Outfielders Mike Siavrakas and Larry Gill connected for two hits each to lead Warde's attack against the veteran Grich, but it was rightfielder Tom Dardina and third baseman Frank Chimelewski who drove in the two runs for the Eagles with extra base hits in the June 12, 1961 contest.

It was a scoreless game until the fourth inning. Grich walked Gill with one out and when Chimelewski hit a grounder down the third base line, both runners were safe when the throw to second base for the attempted force out was too late. One out later, Dardina smacked a double down the left field line to score Gill with Warde's first run.

Tom Cody, Milford's rightfielder, made a fine catch of a long drive by Joe Magdon to open Warde's sxith inning, but Gill singled and Chimelewski bounced a triple off the fence in left-centerfield to bring home the Eagles' second run.

Both of Milford's hits off Bernard were bloop singles by third baseman Art Bungerford in the first and sixth innings. Although both hits were preceded by walks to Vic Nelson, the Indians were unable to capitalize. Warde's second baseman Hank Bahe made a poor throw following Hungarford's first single, but catcher Joe Vige threw out Nelson trying to advance to third base. In the sixth inning, both Nelson and Hungarford were picked off first base on throws by Vige and Bernard.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School Alumnus & St. Patrick's of Bridgeport Music Department Honor Noted Musician & Fairfield Resident Thomas Woodman

Saint Patrick's Church (Bridgeport) Music Department, led by Music Director Anthony Procaccini (AWHS 1976), held its third annual Guest Artist Day, honoring Fairfield resident Thomas Woodman, Sunday, June 7.

The Greenwich-born Mr. Woodman (pictured at left), a baritone, has performed in most of the major concert venues in the USA as well as numerous prestigious concert halls around the world. For this event, he interpreted the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" as well as adding his rich voice to the church choir in a mix of Classical style (Beethoven), Gospel style (Pepper Choplin) and traditional chorales.

This day was also the final Sunday of the choir season and, as Procaccini noted at the podium near the conclusion of the mass, "This is our end-of-season opportunity to thank the choir members for another year of hard work and commitment to the parish." A well-deserved and sustained round of applause followed.

Parishioners mingled with Fairfield native Procaccini (pictured above in the suit at the right), Woodman and the chorus for "coffee and..." soon after the mass ended.

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".