A quick update for those who made the day GREAT, and to those who were there in spirit. We were very happy that Mrs. DeFilippo and the Long Island family members joined us at the picnic. They look forward to the October 21st dinner at the Race Brook Country Club in Orange.
Left to right - Chiara, Diana, and Nick Serednitsky
Nick and Diana Serednitsky wish to thank all the TD members, children, football players, cheerleaders, pom-pom girls, and parents who helped to make the 1st picnic an incredible day. The 200 plus folks made for a fun time for all ages.
It was an awesome day and we are especially happy to have hosted such a nice group of high schoolers. Nick and Diana wish to note the great work done by their staff in putting out a feast, playing games and best of all, meeting up with old friends to support the kids and DHS.
The day was so beautiful because 20 to 25 kids under 13 were having fun with wiffle-ball and legos from John Saccu. There were bubbles, a treasure hunt, egg toss, and the 70 high schoolers who joined us, stayed and showed great spirit. It was so nice to have many of their parents attend. We sent a note to DHS applauding their student's behavior and spirit of the kids.
Children of TD Family members who are out of high school (Russ Faroni's 19-year-old son, Julia Romano, and Chiara Serednitsky) attended and were a welcome part of the party. It is a joy when your child who is out of high school comes to your event.
We had the alumni and Joe Daddio Jr. brought his 2 fine kids from Mass. Longest distance prize - Danny Allen came in from Windsor to join his brother Peter and his son who is on the current team roster. The old guard, like my dad, Neni (class of 46) were on hand, as well as old alum like Tommy Baklik, Jimmy Mascolo, and Joe Romano.
So when we talk about the GREAT times, this is on the top of the list.
FIELD GOAL COMPETITION: The day started with the Red-White scrimmage and a half-time field goal competition with alum Art Gerckens, Glenn Gaetano, and Jay Benanto competing against the lefties (Carmen DiCenso, Tom Altieri, and Tyler Gaetano).
Art was incredible in warm-ups hitting them from 40 yards, prompting classmate Alex Fabiano to ask why he did not kick for their team in high school. The crowd was truly stunned when Art missed badly from 25 yds and went to the sideline to hang his head in shame. (Editor's note: In Glenn's message to me, he simply said that I went to the sidelines. I added the hang my head in shame line because I can't believe I missed it. Everytime I drive by DeFilippo field, I will have flashbacks of that ugly kick. Of course, I blame my holder (Mike Kieley, the wind conditions, and the cheeleaders...it's been a long time since I had young ladies cheering for me and I obviously choked under pressure - Art).
Jay Benanto, class of 88, and Tyler G tied from 30 plus yds with the cheerleaders and pom-pom girls on the field cheering us on. It was a blast!!! Mike Kieley, Dennis Kisyk, and John Saccu ran the competition and even had the girls kick. It is not easy standing out there alone and kicking. I was pleased with my 15 yd effort.
Left to right - John Saccu, Mike Kieley, Tom Altieri, Dennis Kisyk, Frank Romano, and Tom DeFilippo.
PICNIC:
- Major sponsors Attorney Robert Romano and Paul Sheehy - thanks!!!
- Art Gerckens with Alex Fabiano had banners flying and the mood was festive.
- Vin Lazzaro, Russ Faroni, Ben Blue and Ron Slowik were part of the start up and the big clean up crew.
- Dennis O'Connell and Ron Culmo from the Department of Public Works, had the area in super shape.
- Nick and Diana with Laurel had the Picnic Grove ready as the high school guests made their way up the hill in a hungry and thirsty state.
- Chef de Barbecue, Tom DeFilippo had his staff of Frank Romano, John Saccu, Mike Kieley, Tom Altieri, and Dennis Kisyk on the grills with the delicious Hummell hot dogs and burgers ready to go.
- Desserts were brought by the students.
- Tony Delprete provided the many beverages - remember how thirsty you were after a scrimmage?
- Chris and Michele Mastriani provided the rolls.
- Leo the Grape and his super sauerkraut.
- Mark Nuzzolo had the soda on ice.
- Billy Korolyshun had the big grills delivered.
Tom D and staff had no easy task, but all hands were well fed. The Hummell hot dogs were a huge hit with Leos kraut.
Our DJ, Bernie Wade asked where we got such a treat. Tom and Frank, 2 Maryland alumni, mentioned doing Maryland crab cakes in 2007.
Laurel, Barb Dege, and Marilyn Saccu were signing up folks, selling our 2 shirts, taking donations, and then put on a great raffle. Tom Daddio, Coach Carmen and Art get a nod for bringing in a slew of wonderful prizes.
Shirt sales of the official TD Family polo shirt were steady all day and we had a special surprise when Bob Kalesavich from Blanchette's donated white tee shirts with the Dana Tinti sketch of Coach blazed across the front.
Left to right - Attorney Pat Filan, Vin Lazzaro
Prizes included: Laurel with propane fills, Diana Cirillo from Panche and Roseland. Scotch from Leo. There were over 35 prizes and Pat Filan, who traveled from Fairfield with his 2 youngsters donated 2 tickets to a July 5th New York Mets ballgame…thanks, Pat.
Laurel reports that Joe bagged a bear out west and his luggage was found. She is also ready to put more $$$ into the Lou and Dolly Scholarship as she even raised over $1,200 on the day of picnic.
EGG TOSS - Yes, Kieley/Kisyk organized a fun competition with the youth first, followed by high-schoolers, alum, and then alum with children. Each winning team received the Golden Egg. The high-schoolers were impressive. Joe Pascuzzo came in from Wallingford looking to take the Golden Egg but only made it to the Alum Elite 8 with Tom Altieri.
So we had a GREAT day and a ton of activities. Our own Markanthony Izzo took some super photos and Bill Pucci was on hand to show his support to DHS.
Nick and Diana say thanks!
Stand by for our program letter due out any day regarding the October 21st dinner.
Aug 19th - Gary Cirillo and Coach Carmen have a golf outing to benefit the football team. TD Family supports this event solidly and if anyone wants more information, please respond to this email and we will get your name to the appropriate people.
Give us an email and thanks to those who have been telling us you couldn’t physically make the picnic but were with us in spirit (Dave Berey with 11-year-old twins in Glastonbury, Steve Dripchak busy with 5 youngsters, Anthony Rapuano, and Rich Bruciati).
Go TD Family.