"Birthday Boy" & Raffle Winner Shares Thoughts on 50th Birthday Party & Return to 'Changed' Fairfield

The following was written by Mark Waxman, who celebrated his 50th birthday on the same day as our class birthday party. Mark (pictured at the far left in the photo below) also won a raffle prize. He shares his thoughts about the party and his return to Fairfield with his wife, Sherri.

Being able to celebrate my 50th with the class was very special. My wife, Sherri, had been trying to figure out how to celebrate my birthday. When this opportunity came up, to have a birthday back in Fairfield with friends from high school, I knew this was the right way to celebrate. We all came of age together back in high school. To be able to celebrate another milestone, turning 50, with the people I went to school with was very special.

Fairfield has changed so much since I left in 1981. I see new houses, lots more people, lots more traffic, and many different stores downtown. Of course, there are some things that are the same, such as Duchess, Poster Hardware, the Pike Diner, and the Angus Steak House.

Driving by Warde, Osborn Hill, Fairfield Woods and the library all brought back good memories. I didn't get a chance to see my old house this time. I did two years ago during the 30th reunion (documented elsewhere). It's still a nice town, but so different from where I live in Ohio.

The turnout was great. I think we must have had around 50 people, if not a few more. The committee did a wonderful job at Bravo's. Being able to see you, Tony Pro, Steve Syarto, Bill Biedermann, Tom Yanik, Bob Berman, Nina Bonnacci, Wendy Williams, Tommy D, Bob Vadas, Joe O'Brien, Debbie Kamlani ... boy, the list just goes on and on. I don't think I got a chance to see everyone.

I believe I was the only person who brought his spouse to the party. I know someone approached my wife, trying to figure out which classmate she was. Of course, since she's from Ohio, there was no connection, but it was fun to have him ask her who she was. I thought the birthday cake and raffle was a ton of fun. The food was good also.

I won an interesting raffle item, the Mary Kay gift set. Fortunately for me it made a nice gift for Sherri! Sherri and I spent Friday in New York City with my dad and stepmother. We came up to Fairfield on the train Saturday afternoon. Steve Syarto and his children, Chloe and Conner, picked us up at the Fairfield train station and took us to our hotel, the Marriott in Trumbull, which has been nicely upgraded since our stay there two years ago.

After a quick change, we headed back to Steve's house. His wife Marilyn had prepared some snacks and we had a nice visit with her, their kids, Steve, and then Tom Yanik showed up. I hadn't seen Tom in a long time so it was nice to catch up with him. His three kids are the same ages as our three. Then Bob Berman and Bill Biedermann arrived.

After hoisting a few beers, we headed to the party. Sunday morning we woke up and invited Steve, Marilyn, Chloe, and Conner to the hotel so the kids could go swimming. We all had breakfast together.

Steve and the kids then took us to the train station and we headed back to the City to meet with my dad and stepmother. On Sunday night I had special plans. We made reservations at Bobby Flays Mesa Grill. The dinner there was absolutely fantastic. The wine, appetizers, food and desert were more than we expected, and the service was fantastic. It was truly a meal and a restaurant to remember.

Monday, we took a trip to the Empire State Building, then walked up 5th Avenue from 34th to 55th and then over to my Dad's place (55th Street and 1st Ave). We took my Dad to lunch and had a slice of "real" pizza. The pizza in Ohio is OK, but nothing like pizza in New York City. We had an uneventful flight home this evening, getting home around 8:30pm. We had a wonderful weekend.

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Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 Holds 50th Birthday Celebration at Bravo's in Fairfield

The following was written by Tony Procaccini, president of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 reunion committee.

Once again, the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 reunion committee put on a class event which was well-attended and enjoyed by all. The party took place at Bravo's (ex-Center Restaurant, as we knew it in 1976) in Fairfield Center starting at 7:30 PM on Saturday, September 13.

The evening was offered free of charge to all. Food and drink were abundant, the chatter and conversation were non-stop, and cameras flashed all night, all good indications of the strong camaraderie of this group. Jerry Vigorito, Nancy Leonard, and Mark Vida are all smiles in the photo below.

Debbie Russo served as the event's main organizer, while many other members of the committee helped in very significant ways. The recently-established Executive Committee consists of Tony Procaccini (President), Debbie Kamlani (Vice President), Debbie Russo (Treasurer), and Joanne Amelung (Secretary). Non-committee members Paul Piorek and Donna Anderson donated the raffle prizes.

Turnout was likely around 60 persons, including Keith Horosko, Lauren Karpinski, and Bill Biedermann pictured above. Many who missed the 2006 reunion attended, and all were happy to see them. In addition, three or four attendees were among those "found" only very recently. Thus the evening was most likely their first time back with the class in a long while. Paul Rossitto, Barry Brown (AWHS 1977), and Nina Bonacci, pictured below, enjoyed the party.

The three longest distances traveled by classmates exclusively for this event were those of Marge Gintoli (Florida, by car), Joe O'Brien (Chicago, by plane and staying in Connecticut just 24 hours), and Mark Waxman (Cleveland, by plane). Honorable mention goes to John Varholak, who drove in from Washington, D.C. It was also Mark Waxman's 50th birthday, so we wished him the best individually.

In addition to singing "Happy Birthday to Us" over a class birthday cake, prizes were awarded for, among other criteria, first to leave, oldest classmate, and youngest classmate. The raffle prizes were won by Ken Catandella (who won twice), Nancy Leonard, Marge Gintoli, Mark Waxman, and Joe O'Brien. Joe is now on a two-event streak, having also won a raffle prize at the 2006 reunion. He'll be tough to catch!

Once again, Happy 50th to all members of AWHS 1976!

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Andrew Warde High School Football Memories: 1972 Crimson Eagles Plagued by Poor 1-3 Start Despite Solid Running Attack & Shutout Victory

The high school football season begins tonight for the Fairfield Warde Mustangs. The squad travels to Wilton to battle the perennial powerhouse Warriors at Fujitani Field beginning at 7 o'clock. Warde head coach Tony Catapano is hoping his charges get off to a good start this year.

However, that wasn't the case 36 years ago during our freshman year. The Andrew Warde High School Crimson Eagles started the 1972 season with just one win in their first four contests after dropping a hard-fought game against Darien. The Eagles had a fairly strong ground game, though, as illustrated by running back Tom Davis leaping for extra yardage in the photo below.

"The 1972 team had a bunch of great guys playing," Davis told me via email today. "A few injuries hurt us as quarterback Glen Hlavaty had a shoulder injury, so it changed our game as he was a great throwing threat."

In their 1972 opener against Trumbull, the Eagles took a 7-0 lead early in the game on a touchdown by Hlavaty. In fact, they dominated play for the first quarter. However, the Golden Eagles came alive and coasted to an easy 34-7 victory.

The Eagles defeated Norwalk in their second game of the season, 27-0, as Bob Maffei ran for a pair of touchdowns, Hlavaty ran for one score, and Neal Karker caught a touchdown pass. Warde's running attack, led by Maffei and Ken Aiello, ran the Bears off the field.

"The running game was a strong point of our game," pointed out Davis. He said Maffei, Aiello, Jim Delvecchio, George Lemon, and he all contributed to the attack. "It wasn't just one guy doing all the labor."

Norwalk also had its problems trying to move the ball as the Eagles intercepted five passes and recovered two fumbles. The photo below shows Chris Ford running for a gain during the 1972 win over Norwalk.

The Eagles lost their home opener to arch-rival Roger Ludlowe, 20-0, as the Tigers stopped the hosts every time they had the football. The Eagles constantly gave Ludlowe the ball in good field position due to costly mistakes. Warde's defense again played well, but it was on the field over 75% of the time. "Ludlowe was a much stronger team than Norwalk," admitted Davis.

Darien edged Warde, 16-13, in the fourth game of the season. The winning margin was provided by a 25-yard field goal by the Blue Wave quarterback. Both Warde touchdowns were scored by Maffei. Harry Caston kicked one extra point. Warde was 1-3 to open the campaign.

Fast-forward 36 years. This year's Mustangs are coming off of a season in which they were 4-6. Warde should have a terrific number of weapons to complement Coach Catapano's double wing offense. Junior Eric Burns will be the quarterback for the Mustangs since the team is without starter Ralph Fidaleo.

"I follow Warde's football team as much as I can," said Davis, who is looking forward to the season opener. Last year, Wilton was 7-3 and roughed up Warde, 34-0, in Fairfield. "I have become very close to Head Coach Tony Catapano and try to help the team with whatever I can do. I think the team will have a good season as the boys have worked hard during the off season."

Davis said he has been invited to the team's annual banquet two years in a row to present the "Bill Davis Award" to an outstanding football player as selected by the coaching staff. The Davis family also awards a graduating senior football player a $1,000 scholarship in memory of the late Bill Davis, Tom's brother and Warde's former football coach, at the Senior Awards Night.

Here's hoping the 2008 edition of the Warde football team gets off to a better start than its ancestors of 36 years ago. Any chance Coach Catapano would use Bob Maffei and Ken Aiello, circa 1972, in the backfield to generate more offense? I didn't think so.

Paul

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Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Jerry Vigorito (AWHS Class of 1976) and Band Together Ready to 'Rock the House' in Fairfield to Benefit the Pilot House on September 25

Jerry Vigorito, one of the founders of the musical group Band Together, has been involved in a number of very successful charitable events over the last few years. In fact, Band Together is preparing for another fundraiser later this month which promises to Rock the House in Fairfield. It's something Vigorito and the members of the group are very much looking forward to.

Vigorito, a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School, said that helping others is rewarding and gratifying. "I find that I get very down if I am not concentrating on the concerns of others less fortunate," said the Fairfield resident. "My problems and situations seem to take care of themselves when I devote myself to service work. (In the last few years) we have passed $100,000 in funds raised for charities. Plus it's fun!"

Members of Band Together were invited by United States Congressman Christopher Shays to discuss the upcoming music event scheduled for September 25th at Fairfield Theatre Company Stage One. Rock the House will feature musicians of local and national acclaim to benefit The Pilot House Special Needs Resource Foundation.

“It gives me great pleasure to join in the enthusiasm for Band Together’s compassionate work," wrote Shays in a letter to Vigorito and Rob Fried (AWHS Class of 1977), co-founders of Band Together. "Your achievements have benefited individuals and their families as well as inspired people to come together for the betterment of the communities."

Shays added, "Your work in bringing together musicians has meant a great deal to organizations and individuals such as Habitat for Humanity, The Connecticut Burn Care Foundation, The Pilot House, and Gianna Sarica (a young Fairfield girl) and her family. Band Together’s devotion to music as an instrument to helping those in need is an inspiration for all of us.”

The Pilot House provides programs and resources for families raising children who have developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enrich, empower, and embrace families striving to restore balance in their lives.

"Parents with special needs kids have a special kind of love," said Vigorito when talking about the upcoming event. "In all our shows, most involving children's causes, I am most moved by the parents and the way they love their kids. I witnessed this with the Pilot House parents, and that is why we are raising money to send as many as 20 kids to the program."

The show promises to be outstanding, according to Vigorito. "We have attracted not only great talent, but the professional people involved in staging the event is mind-boggling," he admitted. "Ron Kovis (Class of 1977) is our creative director, and he brought us the graphic talent pool from New York City.

"In addition, one of the most respected entertainment producers in the industry was at our last show and has volunteered his services for our upcoming shows. Rob and I had taken it as far as we were capable of doing. Now it's like getting the world's best coaches to take us to the Olympics."

Band Together's vision is to create great musical events that raise people's spirits and are fun to attend. Its goal is to unite a community of talented local musicians with people and organizations interested in raising funds for families in need of a helping hand.

So, how and why did Vigorito originally get involved in helping others? "About three years ago I received a call from my bandmate and bass player Rob Fried (Class of '77) suggesting we organize a show and raise a little money for the local Habitat for Humanity Youth Project," he told me.

"We rented the Grange in Weston, printed tickets, set up chairs, served apple pie and ice cream, and put on an Evening of Blues and Gospel featuring the legendary Georgia Lewis along with a number of guess musicians and singers."

Vigorito said it was a big hit. "Everyone loved it," he said. "From there we moved to the FTC Stage One in Fairfield, got better organized, (produced) a broader talent pool, and we never looked back. We have sold out five shows, all for various charities, and it appears September 25 we will do the same."

Vigorito, who has two college daughters, Sammy and Tori, said two recent events won't soon be forgotten. "The concert for Gianna (Sarica) was a life-changer for so many people, especially her," he stated. "Putting her on my shoulders in triumph at the end of the show signified we had won over her life-threatening disease," he added.

"A lot of people worked very hard on that show, and I became overwhelmed with the attention that the two of us got. Being involved with that little girl saved many lives in the process." Over $30,000 was raised to benefit 10-year old Gianna and her family to help defray her enormous medical expenses. Since then, the Fairfield girl has miraculously recovered against tremendous odds.

Band Together was also recognized at the state capitol. "Being honored by Govenor Rell was another great moment," he said. "Afterward, Rob and I were dazed by the realization of how much this meant for the future of Band Together."

Jerry Vigorito and Band Together are an inspiration for all of us. Their dedication and service to others are to be admired. Please support them as they Rock the House and perform later this month in Fairfield. Congratulations, Jerry, from the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976.

Paul

For more information about the band and upcoming concerts, visit http://www.jerryvigorito.com

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1968 Alum Excited About New School Year at Alma Mater

Donna Green always looks forward to the start of another school year. Even though it's been 40 years since she graduated from Andrew Warde High School, Green will be at the Melville Avenue campus this week to welcome back the staff and students.

That's because she's been working at her alma mater for 13 years, serving as the headmaster's secretary the last three years. The position is a perfect fit for the lifelong Fairfield resident.

"It is very special," said Green when asked how she feels about working at the same high school which she attended in the mid 1960s. "To be back at the school I graduated from is special." Green began working as the bookkeeper for former headmaster John Dodig for 10 years before moving into her current position as secretary for headmaster James Coyne.

Are there any similarities from her days at Warde? "I think the teachers are just as good and just as nice as when I was there," she pointed out. "They are very helpful, and they go out of their way for the kids. They are involved in a lot of extra curricular activities."

As for any differences at the school over the last 40 years, "The kids are more independent because they have cars," she admitted. "A lot of them work. We didn't have cars, and most of us didn't work after school. The kids are a lot different," said Green, who still lives in Fairfield and attended Osborn Hill School and Fairfield Woods Junior High School before moving over to Andrew Warde High School. "The kids are more savvy. I don't know why."

Another glaring difference is the change in the school's mascot, from the Crimson Eagle to the Mustang. Is that a problem for Green? "No, that's not an issue at all," she said. In addition, there isn't anybody left at Warde from her days as a student. "There were a couple of teachers that were there when I was there, but they went over to (Fairfield) Ludlowe (High School). John Honey is one of them."

Opening day for freshman is this Wednesday, August 27. The entire student body reports the following day, Thursday, August 28. Green is one of five people who works year-round at Warde, but she is excited about the start of another school year and the opportunity to welcome the students back.

"It's kind of fun," added Green, who still hasn't decided whether to attend her 40-year reunion yet. Good luck, Donna. Here's hoping that you, the staff, and the entire student body have an outstanding year.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Former Andrew Warde High School Baseball Coach Says Ed Szymansky & His Shelton National Little League Team Have Memories to Last a Lifetime

Ed Bengermino knows a thing or two about winning. The former veteran Andrew Warde High School baseball coach guided his Crimson Eagles to the 1981 state championship in dramatic fashion with a 13-inning victory over Rockville at Quigley Stadium in West Haven.

One year later, though, his defending champions lost a heartbreaker in the title game to finish one game removed from back-to-back state championships. Bengermino still recalls gathering his coaches and players together after that painful loss to remind them of all they accomplished that season.

So, it goes without saying that he knows exactly what Coach Ed Szymansky (AWHS Class of 1976) and his Shelton National Little League team were going through after suffering a devastating extra inning defeat at the hands of Tampa in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Monday night. As a result, Shelton National was eliminated from the Little League World Series after finishing with a 1-2 record in pool play.

Bengermino, who saw the dramatic ending of the game on ESPN2, has a good idea how Szymansky approached his players after the game.

"The first thing you do is you get them (the players) away from everybody and get them all together," he told me by telephone just after Shelton's loss. "Naturally, you've got your fans who are disappointed. The kids need to be with each other whether victorious or in defeat."

Szymansky's Shelton National little leaguers had a 2-1 lead in the last inning and were two outs away from advancing to the quarterfinals when Kevin Merrill of Citrus Park, Tampa, hit a home run to tie the game in front of a crowd of 11,600 at historic Lamade Stadium. Tampa scored six runs in the seventh inning to win the game.

Bengermino said that the players need to be reminded of all the positives they can take from the season. "(Tell them) you have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be disappointed about," he said. "You've been winners. The sun's going to come up tomorrow, and for the rest of your lives you are going to remember what you accomplished.

"They need to be with their coaches and teammates first. You have to talk about how great it is to be where you are. There are many other teams that would have liked to have been where you are. The other team deserved to win the game. You reflect on what it took to get there. I'm pretty sure that's what he (Syzmansky) did."

Bengermino still considers that 1982 team, which featured many returnees from the previous year's state championship squad, the best one he ever coached. That Crimson Eagle squad advanced to the state championship game, but fell to North Haven at Penders Field in Stratford. "I told them, 'You have blue blood in you. You've been to the big games, won the big games, and you have a chance to do it again.' They couldn't wait to experience it again. They had that blue blood in them. That was the championship blood."

Despite the loss in the state title game, Bengermino still has vivid memories of that season. "I told them once a week that this is the best team I've ever coached. I remember telling them what a great group of guys they were." He's sure Szymansky will carry the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience with him the rest of his life, too.

"That's what it's all about," Bengermino emphasized. "My whole career really is about memories. When I walk around this town, I always bump into somebody who played for me. You never lose those memories. It's always special when you work with kids. Those memories will last a lifetime."

The memories. That's what Ed Bengermino and his former players at Andrew Warde High School will always enjoy. And that's what Ed Szymansky and his Shelton National Little League team will have the rest of their lives, too. Ed, we're proud of you and your team. Congratulations from the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976.

Watch highlights of Andrew Warde High School's amazing comeback victory over Rockville to win the 1981 state championship by clicking here.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".