DHS Ranked High by U.S. News
U.S. News magazine recently released a list of top high schools, and nationally Darien High School came in a very respectable #214th place. The school has a graduation rate of 97%.
Additionally, DHS is ranked tied for FIRST (!) in the nation in the ranking of Math and Reading Proficiency (determined by state administrated tests).
The high school is also ranked No. 3 in the state. Local high school Weston was ranked higher in CT but ranking slightly below the Wave were Westport (4), New Canaan (5), and Greenwich (7).
Darien’s national ranking in the important Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) category was a respectable #84.
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Tom Lane's old house on Noroton Avenue - one of the few you can still recognize!
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Darien Reopens Parks and Beaches
Darien has been experiencing cooler weather recently. Saturday the town even had a snow squall blow through.
But warmer days are heading this way and, just in time, the town is reopening the local beaches to vehicles. As of May 7, Darien beaches will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM. While this is a welcome step towards a return to normalcy, officials are discouraging large gatherings. To this end, the town has removed all picnic tables, and closed the Weed beach playground and paddle tennis courts. Tennis courts will be open but for singles and not doubles.
Additionally, the town is now encouraging all residents to be tested for Covid 19. The town is offering drive thru testing at the Darien High School on Mondays and Fridays.
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Darien Steps Up
Forced to close during the present pandemic, Darien’s Sugar Bowl turned to GoFundMe to help the workers suddenly out of jobs. Thanks to the generosity and a loyal fan base, the restaurant was able to raise over $22,000.
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Great DHS Athletes
Anybody remember Bob Staak? Bob was a DHS graduate in 1966, a year before our class arrived. He is the all-time DHS basketball scorer with 1,166 points. And this was before the 3 point shot.
Bobby started playing basketball at the age of 5 or 6 and was always good at it.
After graduating from high school he transferred to UCONN his sophomore year. He was co-captain his junior and senior years, MVP his senior year, and at graduation was the 4th all-time leading scorer at UCONN with 1,288 points.
Bob eventually entered coaching, where he worked with a number of college teams including being the head basketball coach at William and Mary. Bob has also been in the NBA for nearly 20 years in various assistant coaching and front office positions.
There is now a movement to have Bob’s DHS No. 21 jersey retired.
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Michael Joseph Catering Post Road, Darien
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Darien Helping In Crisis
Many residents and organizations are stepping up in creative and thoughtful ways to help others during the Corona crisis.
Michael Joseph Catering, in partnership with Darien business SwimmPools, is delivering meals to families in need. To date, the partnership has raised over $19,000 and fed 476 families. SwimmPools donated the first 100 meals and Michael Josephs contributed the desserts. The partnership is hoping to deliver over 1,000 meals.
Corbin Cares initiative launched in March provides about 40 healthy, ready-to-eat lunches prepared by local restaurants each day for seniors, as well as substantial dinners for 75 families suffering impacted from the coronavirus outbreak.
Local artist Nobu Miki donated 20 paintings on online auction to assist in the fundraising effort.
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Post 53: Covering the Front Lines
While the cops are the first responders to all 9-11 calls in town, in life-threatening cases Post 53 is on its way. The new protocol for helping is having a single supervisor enter a home wearing protective equipment. They will evaluate and determine the proper way to handle the situation. This limits the exposure to the rest of the ambulance crew. In cases appearing to involve COVID 19, a mask will be provided to the patient and all close contact will be limited.
Fortunately staffing has not been badly affected by COVID-19 and members still only work their regular shifts. To date, only one member has tested positive for coronovirus. Several members of the EMT staff who were in contact with that individual quarantined at home for 14 days, the CDC recommendation.
The director of Post 53, Joe Larcheveque, said early preparation was the key. “We made sure we had all the equipment on hand to protect our members.”
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Pot Making a Comeback
The medical journal JAMA reports that marijuana use among Americans over the age of 65 doubled between 2015 and 2018. In 2006, while a mere 0.4 percent of seniors reported using marijuana, that percentage leapt up to 2.4 by 2015, only to double again by 2018, when 4.2 percent of seniors said they’d used marijuana in the past year.
Much of this increased may be attributed to a growing curiosity about marijuana’s medicinal uses. “What I’m seeing in my clinic are a lot of older adults who are very curious about cannabis to treat chronic diseases and symptoms,” according to Dr. Benjamin Han, assistant professor of geriatric medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and one of the paper’s co-authors.
He added that marijuana use among aging adults could actually pose significant health risks. “As a geriatrician, I worry about any kind of prescribed medicine or substance use — anything that has any kind of psychoactive effects. I worry how it may interact with certain medical conditions.”
“Weed has been getting stronger over the past few decades,” study co-author Joseph Palamar, an associate professor of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told CNN. “A lot of these seniors don’t take dosing seriously, especially edibles. They think ‘What’s the big deal? I used to do this when I was a kid.’”
According to Palamar, however, today’s marijuana is “a very different situation. It’s not your 1960’s weed”
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Darien most recently reports 139 COVID cases
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When Duty Calls
Police officers Keri Isaac and Chris Jimenez, receiving a grocery order from Cindy Palmer. Darien cops have been helping deliver food to seniors and others in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Go Team!
We know things are rough right now. So who better than some cheerleaders to keep up our spirits to finish the fight!
Front row left to right:
Anahid Kavookjian, Josie Mullen, Joni Dobson
Back row left to right:
Sue Geiger, Sharon Denunzio, Cinny Cobb, Sue Perschino, Peggy McNeil, Sue Venarde
Sandy Young, Carol Ann Augustus
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First Selectman Closes Beaches to Cars
Jamie Stevenson, Darien First Selectman, announced Darien has a total of 40 cases of Coronavirus with 2 hospitalizations. The affected ages range from 17 to 76. 2 people have been hospitalized.
Additionally, Ms. Stevenson has closed Darien beaches to vehicular traffic.
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Lily Genovese
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Darien Senior Laments Close of School
DHS senior Lily Genovese is upset, thinking her senior year may be over. Penning a letter to the Darien Times, Lily writes “Darien High School is an extraordinary place. The building is bursting with opportunity and has an outlet for every single passion you may have. If the club you want doesn’t exist, you can create one. If the sport you play doesn’t have a team, you can start one. We are incredibly grateful to have the resources to support almost every student activity…
The second semester of senior year is the time where we can let loose- just a little bit. The senior dinner. Senior prom. Senior skip day. The senior send-off. Graduation.
All those classic moments we have been looking forward are potentially flushed down the drain."
We hear you, Lily. By the way, did the Class of '69 start Senior Skip Day?
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Last Picture Show
The Darien Playhouse, the iconic property which defined downtown Darien for over 90 years, recently was sold. The amount was $11.3 million. The Playhouse is a 21,000sf theater building which had been converted into retail space, preserving the building's architecture and surrounded by upscale restaurants, boutiques and retailers. The sale may bring to an end having a movie theatre in Darien.
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Anyone have suggestions or first hand knowledge
Use the Blog to let us know!
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CIAC Cancels Winter Games
The CIAC has canceled all state championship events. The concern was for the new reality of the corona virus, coupled with the fact the Winter events were all held indoors, making spread of the virus easier.
However, a petition has been circulating with over 70,000 signatures to call for the games to continue.
More to follow.
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Bill Wright, Steve Craig, and Paul Hendrickson attended the CIAC State Track Open Championship in New Haven on Saturday.
In the 1969 track season, Mark Tinker, Rick Poccia, Steve Craig and John Fitzsimmons ('70) ran a DHS record time for the 4 x 220 yard relay. The event is now the 4 x 200 meter relay, so their record will remain on the books.
This year's winning time for the 4 x 200 m was 1:32.18. The 1969 record time for the 4 x 220 was 1:31.20. The 1969 relay was a full 45 feet (13.72 meters) longer and yet run 1.5 seconds faster then this year’s time! Well done!
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The Blue Wave boys and girls track teams competed in the CIAC Winter Track Championships held at Hill House HS in New Haven. Class L events were held Saturday, Feb 15. Both Blue Wave squads came into the event each having finished second in the FCIAC East Division behind Ludlowe.
In the state championships Darien boys finished a distance 12th behind State Champs and host, Hill House HS. Darien was fourth in 55m Dash (6.73), fifth in the 4X400 (3:32.95), and second in the Long Jump (21.00’).
For the girls, the team finished sixth in a field of 22 behind Champs Windsor HS. Darien was second in the 600 m Run (5:08. 50), fourth in the 4 x 400 m Relay (4:21. 00), third in the High Jump (5 – 0) and first in the Long Jump (16 – 11).
In the Open Event the Darien boys team finished tied in 29th place.
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Blue Wave Girls Hockey FCIAC Champs
Darien beat defending champs New Canaan to win the FCIAC Ice Hockey championship on Saturday. Darien had last won the championship in 2016. The 4-2 victory gave the team their sixth crown since 2003.
Darien finishes the season 16–2– 1.
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Mardie Porter shares her winter adventure:
Another ski adventure! Three days at the Appalachian Mountain Club Lodge “Gorman Chairback”. We left home when the temp was a freezing -14 below. We trekked eight mile to the lodge as temperatures warmed to near 17 degrees.
The second day was on snowshoe on back-country trails. Day 3 we skied back out to our cars on a glorious day, with temps above freezing!!!
Sounds like a ball!
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Steve and Patti Craig did well in their apple orchard this fall. They report harvesting over 20 bushels of apples. (Note: 1 bushel = 48 pounds). The Craigbo Cider Co. made 16 gallons of unadulterated apple cider, while also donating apples to a local farmer and food pantry.
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Stop and Shop at Noroton Heights Closed
No more Stop and Shop at Noroton Heights :-(
They done turn off the lights December 19.
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Wave Football Coach Retires
Darien High head coach Rob Trifone is retiring. Taking over as head coach in 2007, Coach Trifone has compiled a 129 – 26 record (.832) including four FCIAC and three State championships. From 2015 to 2017, Darien ended each season ranked No. 1 in the state. Trifone has had four of his sons in the Blue Wave program: Kevin of the Class of 2007, twins Bobby and Christian of the Class of 2016, and Mark, a senior who will graduate in the spring.
Trifone has been with the Darien football program for 15 years, joining as an assistant coach in 2005 and then taking over as head coach in 2007. Including his earlier time coaching Brien McMahon, the Coach has compiled a 252-86-2 record (.741).
Trifone was inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame in 2014, and has also been named Coach of the Year 16 times, including two times by the National Football Foundation, one by the CT High School Coaches Association and four times by the FCIAC.
He was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Hall of Fame earlier this year.
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The Big 5-0
Reunion Central
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Check Out the Photo Album page with Pictures from all 3 Nights
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Send Us Your Pictures
From Our 50th!
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Chris Eng Leventhal, Kate Mason Gredinger, Sue Geiger Johanson
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Benny Bruno, Mark Tinker, Gary Gibbs
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Folks From Hindley School
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Sue Venarde Mahoney, Sue Geiger, Anahid
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Thomas Lane and Edward Tyler
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Upload by going to the Photo Album tab on left side
or send them to tapotts@darkfield.com or johndvdh@gmail.com
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Georgianna Smith Bloom, Rick Bloom, Tom Lane
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Charlie Smith and Lauren Fair
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Carol Ann Augustus Summers and Bev Bonfoey
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Patti Shaw Craig and Mardie Porter
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Mark Paddock, Dennis Sullivan, Sue Venardi Mahoney, Janet Martin Fisher, Martyn Goossen, Kathy DelleFontane Goossen, Steve Craig
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Dave Lynch, Barb and Jim Tully
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Cliff Powell, Gork Boneman, Sandy McGill
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Chris Eng Leventhal, Dennis Sullivan, Patti Shaw Craig, Dick Costello
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Rick Weber, Chris Weber, Eric Joosten, Paul Hendrickson
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Josie Mullen and Lauren Fair
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Peter Johnson, Paul Dominis, Paul Buckley, Carolyn Johnson
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Sue Geiger, Anahid Kavookjian Vrana, Ann Back Price
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Josie Mullen and James Tully
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Dick Costello and Rick Poccia
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Janet Martin Fisher and Sally Armus Shutts
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Charlie Smith, Bill Guptill, Kathy Strachan
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Tom Lane, Stu Traver, Jay Baker, David Miller
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Bruce Frail, Eric Joosten, Vandy Van Wagener
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Sue Venarde Mahoney, Kathy DelleFontane Goossen, Marty Goossen, Ed Tyler
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Gary Gibbs and Chris Bischof
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Our Schedule of Events
Friday
The Goose Restaurant at 7:00 pm.
Cash Bar, Refreshments, Free Appetizers
Saturday
Breakfast at the Sugar Bowl
A golf outing at Ridgefield CC 11:00
Main Event at Tokeneke Club
6:00-11:00
Dinner and music at the Tokeneke Club
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Sunday
Weed Beach Paddle Pavillion
Lunch and refreshments
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| Pete White |
Dave Terry |
| Claudia Smith Davenport |
Kathy DelleFontane Goossen |
| Dennis Gavin |
Pete Johnson |
| Rick Poccia |
Janet Martin Fisher |
| Mark Beckwith |
Anita Conway |
| Bruce Frail |
Paul Dominis |
| Patty Mazza Sturges |
Sue Dickman Klein |
| Sally Armus |
Christy Rodgers |
| Mardi Porter |
Ed Tyler |
| Bill Guptill |
Mark Blackman |
| Georgiana Smith Bloom |
Kate Mason Gredinger |
| Pete Franklin |
Gary Gibbs |
| Tom Lane |
Billy Harper |
| Anahid Kavoojian Vrana |
Dave Lynch |
| Lauren Fair |
Jimmy Valente |
| Tim Potts |
Casey Nickerson |
| Suzanne Nikola Baldino |
John van den Heuvel |
| Jim Morrison |
Chris Bischof |
| Josie Mullen |
Paul Buckley |
| Johnny Maul |
Skip Kennedy |
| Bev Bonfoey |
Barb Thorne |
| Marni Kent Hansell |
Bob Mercer |
| Bob Ierardi |
Eric Joosten |
| Dennis Sullivan |
Tom Milek |
| Gary Swartz |
Dave Miller |
| Steve Verses |
Jay Baker |
| Cliff Powell |
Ann Back Price |
| Steve and Patti Craig |
Anne Marie McGarry |
| Vandy Van Wagener |
Bill Schade |
| George Farrington |
Todd and Martha Robbins |
| Rick Weber |
Jane Seyferth |
| Sue Venarde Mahoney |
Mark Tinker |
| Joan Dobson Glazebrook |
Paul Hendrickson |
| Sandy McGill |
Ted Vanech |
| Jim Tully |
Stu Traver |
| Dick Costello |
Mike Lopriore |
| Charlie Smith |
Chris Eng Leventhal |
| Jane Genster |
John Wuerthner |
| Carol Ann Augustus Summers |
Anne Irvine |
| Ken Broska |
Paul Hepp |
| Dave Jefferson |
Sue Geiger |
| Allison Poccia |
Joanne Schoepf Reisser |
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| Benny Bruno |
Kyle Hepp |
| Kathy Strachan |
Pam Burkhardt Mele |
| Peter Scholtz |
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Comments from Class Members!
Mary Bass Brown: Have fun everyone! Enjoy - post pictures.....lot's of pictures!
Anna Lamberton Whelpley: So sorry to be missing this great time😫Have a blast!
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Be sure to say "Hello" in the Guest Book section!
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Important Contact Info
Where to send Classmate info : darienhs1969@gmail.com
Where to update your profile and see classmate's info: www.50thdarienhigh69.com
Where to post your pictures: On Facebook, join
Darien High School Class of '69 members group
Thanks, and see you soon!
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Christy Rogers on the Camino de Santiago
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Pete White
Thanks for the Update!
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Joanne Schoepf Reisser
Thanks for the Update!
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We Thank the DHS 1969 Classmates Who Served
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Mike Lopriore and Paul Hepp get together in Jacksonville, FL.
Hey, where's the invite? It's freezing up here!
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Vandy Van Wagener - Good to hear from you!
Thanks for the Update.
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Anne Marie McGarry
Thanks for Your Update!
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Deb Ridabock preps for the end of summer
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Greetings Anahid!
Great to Hear from You
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Hot Fun in the Summertime
The perils of missing class on senior 'Skip' Day
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George Wehmann's Pontiac Super Chief
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Mary Grace Joynt and Suzanne Ferree
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Terry Cummings, Tim Maul, Cliff Powell
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Tina Rollins McKay in Bali
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George Farrington, Mark Tinker and Jay Baker
Photo by George Wehmann
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Shot of trip out west during summer of '69 when we hitchhiked to California. Mark Tinker's dad bought us the car to roam around California and back to CT. Thought I lost this. Great memories from that trip. Those were the days! -George Wehmann
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The names just keep on coming in!
(starting bottom left): Chris Garr, Ellen Johnson, Martha Whelan, Jane Hindenlang
Sue Dickman, Kathy McIntyre, Pam Burkhart Melee, Co Koppert (Young LIfe)
Bobby Grant, Kathy Fricke, Jackie Fitzpatrick, MaryLou Sivos
Heidi Gerber
Carol Augustus Summers, Anna Lamberton, Louis Belfour, Sara Schyler
Man in hat- L. (Ron) Hubbard, the kid on far right with hood is Mardie Porter's brother, Clark Porter
The guy near top row hat and glasses: Middlesex science teacher "Booger" Bates
Right Center back row: The man in the hat and woman next to him-
Mr and Mrs Hendrickson (Paul's parents)!
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