Volume LXXIX Darien High School, Darien, Connecticut 06820 December 21, 1978 I DBS Parking Citations 'Said Null and Void Ticket Money By Greg Burns mail the fine to the police on either side of Nutmeg Lane. The Police Department has department, not directly to the This will place even more stated that all ticket money paid The 500 parking tickets distri­ school and, therefore, is not an pressure on student parking lots. by Darien High students was buted by a DHS teacher's aide in internal fine. Assistant principal Gerard transferred to the Darien September and October to un­ A car cannot be issued a police Coulombe has requested a General Fund for the public use stickered cars in the parking lot parking ticket in the high school change in town ordinance sec­ of the town. do not by law have to be paid. lot because there is no town ordi­ tion 50 R-5 which, if passed into Many students have refused to Dr. Donald Robbins stated nance which requires stickered law, would allow the police to pay the fines. A junior who that the tickets, which are iden­ parking at DHS. A police park­ enforce the stickered parking in received close to $100 in fines tical to standard Darien Police ing ticket can only be issued to a the high school lot. The town or­ commented, "The tickets are Department parking tiCkets "are car which violates a town ordi­ dinance is scheduled to be voted unfair because honest people are void because at the present time nance or statute. An example of on later this month. being punished under fraudulent the police do not have the legal a no-parking area, where a ticket The teacher's aid who distri­ circumstances. They believed power to collect them." can be distributed to a parked buted the parking tickets was non-payment would violate the The school administration car, is the circle in front of the sworn in by the Darien police law. I think the school and the does have the authority to issue auditorium and gymnasium, chief and was instructed by the police owe a lot of mQney to and enforce internal fines for which is a fire zone. The no­ Darien police youth officer as a some students. " parking because the lot is the parking area extends down one "special policeman." continued on ,page 3

property of the Board of Educa­ side of Nutmeg Lane and a no­ ':1" tion. An example ofan "internal parking sign will be posted on ",/, fine" is the 5 cent a day penalty the other side of Nutmeg Lane in In Case of a Disaster New Superintendent of Schools for overdue library books. the next few weeks because of Do Not Panic,' Repeat. ·· James Loughran However, the parking ticket fine snow rem~val. In other words, required the ticketed person to no cars wIll be allowed to park By Peter Croncota . ,. . For the first time sjnce the Kennedy years, students, are "Duck on command and learning the meaning of the'Cold cover head and face wj~h War ~nd ,its effects. )~res!9c::nt "hanld'~", ."..' i· ".".';":' . '-~ll 1.,t:J~mrvy~.a~t~.rl].~~p~.ss,e~Q,.~~~~Uit? The teacher,' h ndbook ' .' . pro Ide 2 bllhon for a ne cIvIl .. By Rick Richardson to be invoived in the learning Loughran, who ha ,been under the .. mer en . p r - defense pro ram. The program and Tom Walsh process as well as being involved Darien's assistant superinten­ lions Plan'.'"gives this as Ihe pro-' plans (or, the speedy evacuation in managing the organization," dent of schools for curriculum cedure for students' and faculty" ::Qr 14Q',miIUon Americans from is the personal philosophy of for the past two years, came in case n:l~IJ.-lTla.~.epJ;;;na.~ural" r:!!i:il.ipf~q~(~~,,(~~~t,~!l1 be done "A good administrator will earlier this month. . '.pf James J. Loughran, Darien's emergen~~,s:::';'';~I-{S;;students!"wiIhlhd ~\V~th·~~.het1;iltest;lV~an'd prepares always feel that he stays close to Darien's present superinten­ the classroom in dealing with the new superintendent of schools. follow .tb¢se, procedures 'during,,,, '..'edub~tiQ.nalqnstitutiQnssuch as The decision by the Board of dent, Dr. Joseph P.Porter, an­ the, newly activated bomb, alert ,,'.: HHS'"for iiminediate emergency teachers, the students and the nounced last summer that he curriculum. He has to continue Education to appoint Mr. program in the months ahead. ';'J,.\action'in case of sudden nuclear plans to retire at the end of July Darien High SchooV.is,','auaok. 1979. Mr. Loughran will take emergency program includes Since Russia has increased her over as superintendent of three alternatives. The first pro- civil defense program so that a schools August I. cedure.is used if there is suffi- minimal number of civilians will Mr. Loughran is no stranger , cient "warning and instructs be casualties in case of attack, it to the Darien school system. He . teachers to have students go follows that America has to first came to Darien in 1970 after home"if pQssible. If not, they either keep up with or outdo being a junior high assistant , stay with the teachers. them. principal in Greenwich where he The': second plan, for an still resides. He was principal at emergency when there is not suf­ ** ••• BUL LET IN····· Hindley School for three years ficient time to go home, instructs followed by two-and-a-half students and teachers to line the In the next issue of Neirad, years at Mather Junior High corridors facing lockers and the Darien High School com­ School and one-half year as in­ walls. munity will respond to the his­ terim principal at Middlesex The third plan is used for a toric restoration of diplomatic Junior High School. surprise nuclear attack or relations between the United ,Mr. Loughran, a native of natural disaster. This plan has States and China. Darien High Greenwich, received a Bachelor students and faculty duck under of Arts degree in political science School was one of the first desks and cover their faces with public high schools in America from lona College and a Masters their hands. This will protect the degree from Columbia Teachers eyes from blinding light. to have a group of students and College. He then took a two­ faculty travel to China. year graduate course at the Bank Street College of Education en­ titled "The Principal as an Educational Leader." In an interview with Neirad, he outlined a number of strengths of the Darien K-12 (Kindergarten- 12th grade) system. "The quality of our profes­ sional staff (teachers and ad­ Seniors Tim Appleton and Derrick Wenger net a wtId and dangerous ministrators) and students, who scotch pine for the Senior Class Christmas tree sale being held through have an interest in learning for this week. The sale will continue this week until all of the 775 trees are us to develop and motivate, are sokI, Continued on page 3 Foreign StUdents Share First American Christmas By Glenn Heitsmlth his reindeer for white Boxing Day, leftover food is kangaroos. Few homes need boxed and given to the needy. Six DHS students will experi­ fireplaces, so Santa has to come Summer vacation for students ence something new this year­ in through the door instead of lasts from the second week in an American Christmas. In re­ sliding down the chimmney." December until the end of cent interviews, students from Depending on the January. Australia, Denmark, Germany, temperature, the family will Roast Duck Feast Spain, Sweden and Thailand have a salad or something else Susanne Andersen from were asked, "What is Christmas cool for lunch. Dinner features Odense, Denmark, is staying like in your country?" baked chicken or turkey. For with her uncle while in Darien. The Macnish family moved to dessert, plum pudding is topped Susanne, a senior, told Neirad Darien from Sydney, Australia. with custard. Inside the pudding that on Christmas, Danish Cameron, a senior, responded, is a silver coin that belongs to the families feast on roast duck, red "Since Christmas occurrs at lucky person who finds it. cabbage, potatoes and earrots. mid-summer, Australian legend On Christmas Day, gifts are A special Christmas treat is states that when Santa Claus exchanged around the Christmas "risalamdi," rice pudding top­ Shown above is the proper sequential procedure in case the . reaches the equator, he trades tree. The next day, known as continued on page 3 high school is the center of an enemy attack or other disaster. Page 2 NEIRAD December 21, 1978 Here We Go Again Once again the parking problem at DHS has reared its ugl}' head. ---Viewpoint-- Once again the administration is faced with the task of resolving' a dilemna that has beset this high school for the past several years. Editor's note: Tbe Ideas expressed In tbls column do not necessarily After beginning a new program for the registration of motor represent tbe editorial position of Neirad. Readers are Invited to tum vehicles and distribution of parking stickers to juniors and seniors and in their views In editorial form to the Neirad bOll In tbe .'ront office. then the enforcement thereof, it has become known that parking cita· Submission of10lumn does not auraDlee pubUclltJon, but we will at· tions cannot be placed on those autos without permits and be legally lempt to print as many wortby "Vinvpolnts" as possible. enforced. The burden of blame for the failure of this latest effort can· not be placed upon the administration. The policy would have, and should have, worked. With the cooperalion of the students and those Chairman Writes Concerning Student Rep responsible for establishing Ihe ordinance, or rather the lack of the or· dinance to make legal the tickeling of cars, there would be no serious problem. Dear Editor: that we would be willing to board meetmg or may com­ We urge the town and the Police Oeparlmenl to help crack down on I read your editorial concern­ discuss any other means of in­ municate in writing with the this problem before we are stuck under several inches of snow, when ing student representation on the creasing communication which Board at any time. In addition, I getting 10 school becomes a hazard, not jusI a hassle. Darien Board of Education with the student government might see no reason why students may Though some will urge Ihat the parking lots be open to all students interest. I believe the Board has feel would be helpful. not be named as representatives on a firsl-come first-served basis, this is just the Iype of modus operan­ always been willing to listen to I think it is important to to the Board, attending each di that should try to be avoided. It was this lack of an organized system student's viewpoints. In discus­ realize that communication is meeting and reporting to the stu­ that showcased the need for a parking program just Iwo short years sing this matter with Mr. Cor­ not entirely dependent on dent government in the same ago. siglia early last fall, I reiterated students having an ex-officio manner as other school and In the spring when many sophomores receive their licenses, a park· the Board's desire to meet with status. At present, any student community groups. students during the year as we ing 101 that is presenlly at just below its capacity to contain autos, or group of students may ad­ I hope all students will use any becomes a hundred or so spaces too small. This figure must then be in­ have done in the past and also dress any a~enda item at any or all of these methods to voice creased by the number ofjuniors and seniors, who don't have a sticker their opinions on issues which now and that park on Nutmeg Lane, who will also try to squeeze in. concern them. What are those thaI gel here after the 101 has been filled supposed to Student Claims Parking Policy 'Unfair' do? Turn around and go home and Ihen walk to school? Somehow Sincerely, that just doesn'l seem feasible. Dear Editor: imately 500 tickets were given Dorothy G. Perkins WAIT! Why don't all those who get to school too lale 10 secure a The present system of con­ out before the DHS administra­ Chairman, parking space just go into a holding pattern like Ihe planes al JFK and trolling parking at DHS is unfair tion was informed that Darien Board of Education just circle the school until given clearance 10 land, so 10 speak. and incompetent. It should be distributing the tickets was replaced by a competent method useless, as the violations were of control that is fair to all considered null and void and Caution Necessary During Holiday students. payment was unnecessary. This The existing method of con­ was extremely unfair to the Student ·Challenges This is the time of year that mosl all of us are full of good will and trol, parking by permit, is unfair students who unknowingly paid Dikeman Request love. The Christmas season is rich in laughter, good limes, the joy of for numerous reasons. The per­ the fine when they had not com­ giving and tradition. It is also Ihe time Ihal many p~rties and social mits were distributed during the mitteed a legal violation. gatherings take place. This is a note 10 party-goers" We realize Ihal last week of August, a time when The methods of control were Dear Editor: you've probably heard it a thousand limes, bul it's worlh hearing a many students were vacationing. also unfair to those students who The trip to China last spring thousand times more. Road conditions are oflen hazardous. Please When these students returned were discouraged by the pros­ by a group of 46 DHS students drive slowly and carefully. and requested a permit, they pect of receiving a fine. Many and teachers was an experience To Ihose who don'l drive, the supposed "bi~ sport" of "skitching" were no longer available, as students were forced to park on which has educated those 46 and or getting a free ride on the back of a car is nol a sport, it's sheer many permits had been Nutmeg Lane and walk to hundreds who have learned from stupidity, distributed to students who did school, or not drive at all, even accounts of the trip. The China Perhaps Ihis has placed a ralher negative light on Ihe season, but it is not even hold a driver's license. though space was available. trip was a great success, but the not meant to do so. This is nothing more Ihan a very importanl Those students who chose to Now that the distribution of efforts of one man, as reported reminder 10 some of the dangers that are synonymous with the vaca­ take their chances and drive to tickets has ceased, there seems to in the October Neirad, threaten .t9"JP.\!:r,J!l~,~~~s~S\>-t;~s#,~, tion. Christmas is supposed 10 be fun and a peaceful reminder to the school regardless of the rules ~e,t<~hw~.t<;" r;;9t,21~QJ~(1t.%--,.l¥H¥'~ .... , : ,,,-,,,, wonderful existence we all share. Enjoy it, Merry Ct,ristmas. rece'iveda $2 Jine. These t.iclcets "10'5'-"" e ·presen "system prbves Alan .Dikeman of' Norwalk were' fraudulent,' as there is no itself inadequate every day,' as termed the trip a "pro-Com­ town ordinance stating that one one can see by looking out over a munisL ..jaunt" and brought must display a sticker to park at jammed parking lot. It is ob­ the Darien Board of Education DHS. According to Captain' vious that something must be before the Freedom of Informa­ Neirad...... is published by the sludents of Oarien High School on a Angelo Toscano of the Darien done. tion Commission to obtain the tri-weekly basis. Letters for the "Viewpoint" column may be Police Department, approx- Jay McMahon names of the parents of partici­ mailed to Neirad, Darien High School, l>arien Connecticut pating students and a list of 06820. Annual subscription rate, $5.00. All Neirad features are financial contributors. We copyrighted 1978. believe it is unfortunate that the Commission has sided with Mr. Editors In Chief Bill Waggener Student Argues for Open Campus Dikeman. I support the Board's Jo a nne Kelley decision to oppose the Freedom of Information Commission and materialized into real problems. Sports Editor Gail Bruggemeyer Dear Editor: to bring the case to court. Mr. The high school years are said Many young adults as they leave Dikeman should not be given the high school, especially those not Assistant Sports Editor Doug Page to be a time of. preparation. information he has requested. They are years of learning, ex­ planning to attend college, are Under the Connecticut not prepared to face society. Feature Edilor Peter Croncota perimenting, experiencing and Freedom of Information Act, an gaining a sense of responsibility. Consequently, these people individual has the right "to ob­ often become confused and are News Editor Kathy Evans Many people feel that high tain records ...of all public school students are overly pro­ lead astray. agencies." I support this right, What I am proposing is to Circulation Manager Sue Goodall tected and that they are situated but believe that another basic in an environment not closely make this high school a more right would be trampled by full­ realistic environment. One way Business Manager Greg Burns enough related to the real world. filling Mr. Dikeman's request. Why, then. are the people of of achieving this simulation is to This is the right to privacy. change policies from a mostly Art Editor Nelson Ehinger Darien so avidly opposed to the The parents of the students in­ concept of open campus? closed campus to an open one, volved and the contributors have' where students would be allowed Photo Editor Cathy Singer I have often heard teachers re­ the right to remain anonymous. mind students that after gradua­ to come and go during free periods. The Freedom of Information Entertainment Editor Lisa Evers tion they will be faced with the act was enacted so the public real thing and that they will no The main argument opposed to the idea of open campus is may know what public agencies Advisor Judith Jaramillo longer be under the protective that teenagers do not know how and public officials are doing. supervision of high school. The right of an individual to ob· These warnings have often to handle such responsibility and that many would take advantage tain records from and attend of the freedom and cut their meetings of public agencies is classes. The truth of the matter fair and just, but Mr. Dikeman is that prohibiting students to is taking advantage of the Act by leave school grounds cannot obtaining information about force them to attend class. The private citizens because it is con­ small percentage of students tained in a public agency's who would not go to class if records. I feel that the Act UNEMPLo'(MEJo/T . there were an open campus, do should be amended to prohibit COMP£~t"1 CJJ not go to class now. an individual's invasion of orr:ICf Teenagers must be privacy. An individual's right to forced to realize that they must accept responsibilities if they are privacy is a fundamental right to find their place in our society. shared by all American citizens. I am not overlooking the fact This right should not be usurped that the school is legally respon­ by Mr. Dikeman's right to infor­ sible for all students during the mation. If Mr. Dikeman's reo quest is met, we may find that school day. There would have to be some changes made in educational experiences such as policies, and I realize that it the China trip become less and would take a lot of work. less frequent. It would be a However, in the meantime, shame to curtail these trips students and members of the because of fear of harrassment. facultv who feel inclined to do so Mr. Dikeman might more ap­ could-start a peaceful campaign propriately examine his own advertising the arguments that I standards and those of his associates from the John Birch have outlined. Society, rather than question the Janet Warren integrity of DHS administrators THE HO-IDAY SEA-5QV IS ufOlJ US .II. and Darien citizens. Mark Blackwell December 21,1978 NEIRAD Page 3 Early Graduates Set for January Diploma Ceremony News Briefs *** This year's January gradua­ tion will be held"'fhursday, Jan. The National Honor Society is sponsoring a gingerbreadman sale 25, at 8 p.m. The ceremony will this week, Dec. 1l..-22. Proceeds will go towards the Senior Scholarship be held in the auditorium, and Fund. I William Brazee of the Business The members of the Honor Society are making the cookies Department will be the guest themselves to add a bit of Christmas spirit to DHS, since ginger­ speaker. breadmen have never been sold here before. Not only are they great to Students chose to graduate eat but they can also be used as Christmas tree ornaments. early for various reasons this year such as to work, travel *** before college, get a head start to college or delayed graduation. The International Club sponsored a Christmas party, including a grab bag and a bake-off of Christmas foods ~rom various foreign The 25 candidates to receive countries Wednesday. Students were entertamed by two Greek diplomas include Christopher dancers, junior Olga Jord~n ~~d foreign la~guage teac~er Mr. Anderson, Sharon Anthony, Kangamis. Today, the club WIll VISIt New York CIty to see Chmatown, Patricia Burke, Georgette Little Italy and Rockefeller Center. Camisa, Veronica Capellupo, Dawn DeLeo, Christopher Door, Carolyn Dorrell, Grace *** Gepfert, Victoria Grant, Alternate Learning Program students have been working on a Marianne Hammernick, Kris number of projects including the colle'cting and repairing of toys th~t Livengood, and W. Burton the Social Welfare Organization will distribute to needy children In Theatre 308 actor Dawson Willich, the psychiatri~t in the ~Iay Mercer. "Equus," anxiously examines his young patient, Marttn Hug~~s, m a time for Christmas. recent rehearsal for the upcoming spring state drama competttlOn. Also, Bruce Metzger, James At recent workshops ALP students and faculty were taught various Miller Jr., Eva Mucci, Scott crafts by each other, such as auto maintanance and decorative design. Nickel, Sallyann Procaccini, ALP plans to paint the inside of one of the portables, using money Katherine Seaman,Catherine from their fall car wash. Wide World of Christmas Here Singer, John Taubl Jr., Ann This interaction between students and faculty is a great way to Tuccinardi, Susan Ward, Peter enhance the learning process, say ALP members. continued from page 1 Willis, Gina Zangrillo and Dawn Coutermash. will be graduating *** ped with whipped cream. What Jultomten (Santa Claus) visits early. Several music students will be participating in The Connecticut makes "risalamdi" so special is on Christmas Eve and leaves his Dr. Donald Robbins, prin­ an almond at the center. The gifts under the ;family tree. The Music Ambassador's concert tour of Europe next summer sponsored cipal, said, "January graduation by Voyagers International. finder of the almond wins a family visits church Christmas consists of a small group and is marzipan, a sweet cookie made Eve and exchanges presents These participants, recommended by DHS musical director Edward therefore a personal and special Jantschi, will be part of a group of 250 students, including vocalists from almond paste. upon arrival at home. event. " "Glogg" is a holiday drink According to YFU exchange and instrumentalists. Co-chairman Gina Zangrillo The tour will be July 2-23. The group will visit England, The that is served hot. Made of red student Johann Bihl, the said, "We've worked hard on wine, Akavit (schnapps), raisins Swedish Christmas meal consists Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Mr. Jantschi and his this graduation and we hope that wife will be among the chaperones. and almonds, this drink is sure everyone will come. It is a very to warm up even the coldest of of roast pig (eaten with Among the DHS students tentatively set for the tour are Sue mustard), boiled potatoes, special time for all the January Mallory, Dan Wood, Greg Hartvigsen, Cammy Johnson and Marcie individualS. ltraduates. " Christmas goes by the name of various cheeses and sausages, Tobin. There are still openings for the trip which will include a "Jul" in Denmark. Children's apple sauce and porridge. minimum of five concerts and extensive sight-seeing. presents are delivered by "Nisse" or "Yule Manden" on In Johann's home town of Citations *** Christmas Eve. Stockholm, a youth group tradi­ In Germany, where the tradi­ tionally prepares the church for continued from page 1 early morning Christmas wor­ tion of the Christmas tree arose, A police spokesman stated Christmas is refered to as ship. 1\vo tasks performed are turning on the heat and lighting that the department had "no "Weihnachten." For YFU idea that official police tickets 1978 A Mixed Year for Movies scholar Lucia Schwoerzer, it is a candles in the sanctuary. Paiboon "Chai" Panuwattan­ were going to be distributed at festive occasion. Lucia's family the lot. The violation circled on By Kip Hashagen Among the many characters in in Bavaria prepares for the event awong informed Neirad that there is no Christmas in the tickets was " failure to the film are a suicidal mother by spending countless hours display a parking sticker." This For the most part, 1978 has (Geraldine Page) and her three baking cookies, cakes and other Thailand because the religion been a terrific year for the movie there is Buddhism. However, $2 ticket violation is legally daughters (Diane Keaton, delicacies. issued a the Darien train station business. Films like "Grease," Kristin Griffit and Mary Beth Saint Nicklaus their new year's festival is very "Heaven Can Wait," "Foul much like our Christmas. parking lot which is covered by a Hurt), each of whom is suffering December 6 is the, most impor­ town ordinance. Play" and "National from a severe identity crisis. tant day of the year for German Mr. Coulombe was told by Lampoon's Animal House" Miss Keaton's husband (played children. On the eve of this day, The Thai family, including Chief Jordan that this would be have earned millions at the box by Richard Jordan) is a failing St. Niklaus comes to pay a visit. grandparents, awaken on new the proper violation to be check­ office, delighting huge audiences author who cannot cope with his Boots placed outdoors at night year morning to consume ed on the tickets. The tickets across the country. These movies wife's success. Important are mysteriously filled by morn­ "kawchea." Made up of a mix­ were then given to Mr. were fun and entertaining, but messages about the pressures of ing. Children awaken to find ture of rice and water, the per­ Coulombe by Chief Jordan at what about all of the discrimi­ Continued on page 4 them filled with small games, son who eats "kawchea" is pro­ the beginning of the school year. nating people out there who candy and toys. mised 365 days of good luck. The chief rescinded the right to want to see films with a little Lucia's eyes lighted up when After this, the family goes to the ticket when a complaint was more dimension and substance? Neirad asked about the temple to pray and to make an made by the parent of a student For the person who enjoys ~ous~ Christmas meal. She responded, offering. In return, monks bless who could not obtain a parking serious "thought-providing "Family members and relatives the family and pray for their sticker and was receiving tickets films," 1978 has been a big am­ ~ gather together for a big feast continued good health. for parking without one. Chief bitious flop. 0 served in early aft~rnoon. Jordan said at that point that a Sophisticated movies like "In­ Cooked goose, potatoes, rice or After prayer, the family mistake had been made. teriors," "Days of Heaven," noodles, "klesse" (steamed rolls returns home to exchange gifts. "The Boys from Brazil" and "A ~ with gravy) and red cabbage Later on, children help the Wedding" were all huge disap­ =o = with apples and onions, make up mother to prepare the holiday Loughran pointments, considering the the meal. For dessert, there are feast. Chicken, fish, curry and Continued from page 1 amount of talent involved in lots of homemade cookies." rice are served. A special casting, directing and writing. ~SnOH~ watermelon-rice combination Education and concerned par­ Woody Allen's "Interiors" is Noche Buena makes for good but sticky ents looking for quality educa­ probably the best of the four In Spain, the Magi or Three eating. The meal is topped off tion for their youngsters, new films, but that isn't saying Kings take the place of Santa with generous portions of fruit, although they may have differ­ very much. Mr. Allen is well­ Claus. They visit on the Eve of including bananas, pineapple ing opinions." Mr. Loughran known as the award-winning said. the Epiphany (January 6) and and more watermelon. director of such comedies as leave presents for children. The The Darien administratiol\ is "Annie Hall," "Sleeper," and family present exchange takes Chai, an AFS senior, says that presently working on five pro­ "Take the Money and Run." In place on "Noche Buena," the day is declared a national grams that were outlined by Mr. this film, he has chosen to deal Christmas Eve. Afterwards, the holiday by the government. In Loughran. They include the long with an intensely dramatic situa­ family attends midnight mass at Bankok, parades fill streets. range plan of continuing to tion involving a family in the church. Before evening, people gather in develop the learning programs to midst of an emotional crisis. The A big meal is served on both a huge square where they receive go beyond the present system, picture is so starkly serious that Travel the blessings of about 300 our strong points. We have and by Air ...Land...Sea Christmas Eve and Christmas it is almost claustrophobic. 7 Tokeneke Rd. Day. AFS student Teresa Ro­ monks. After this, entertain­ active and interested Board of quero relates that the main dish ment is provided by nine large is usually lamb or turkey. Al­ movie screens that show mond soup, chestnuts, escarole religious films in addition to (salad) and fish ar.e als~ serve~. western hemisphere films. The Christmas dehcacy In Spain Christmas has many traditions is known as turron. Consumed in common wherever it is by almost everyone, it is a kind celebrated. Feasting, prayer, of nougat or almond candy. '8 gift-giving and merri~e~t are its Turning of the Seasons In Sweden outstanding charactenstlcs. The The Community Store food and special customs are its Known as "Jul" in Sweden, On~ Christmas is a time for the new only differences. thing is Since 1923 year. The term "yule" may have certain, if the world IS to learn come from "hjul," meaning how to cope with itself, the Norton Hts. Shopping Ctr. Exit 10 on Tpke. wheel, which suggests the turn­ Christmas spirit of brotherly ing of the seasons. love must prevail the year long. 655-8753 NEtRAO December21. ]971 Alumnus Shares University Life: Offers Personal Perspectives, Experiences

10wn to is that at a big school By John Reichart October rolled around, I had ac­ tually come to like the place. I everyone can find his niche .... somewhere on campus. There Editor's Note: John Reichart is a had tRade some new friends, my classes were going great, and I are people getting together tfat /978 graduate of Darien High are the kind you love to be WIth. School. The following is his had trouble keeping up corres­ pondence with all the people I In the process, one encounters report of his first quarter at a an entire range of personalities large college, Ohio University. was receiving letters from. To top it all off I had two "eye con­ and activities, an exposure that is so important in growing up. Reflecting on my first quarter tacts" in one .lunch period that week with a girl I had been ad­ In this same vein, I found go­ as a freshman at Ohio Univer­ ing off to college brought about sity, I have no trouble under­ miring since the first day of school. some significant changes in standing why there is such a high myself as a person. First, I had suicide rate among college It took a while, but gradually I was adapting and fitting in. to learn the art of time manage­ students. ment. Without efficient use of To be separated from both From these classic "before and after" experiences I have made time, the life of a student can be Ox Ridge sixth graders, each the author of a slorJ which was bound friends and family and thrust nerve-racking, literally. It is a for ~hristmas gift-givi~g, spent the day here recently where they wer~ into a world in which everyone is some objective observations about my first impressions and cut and dried fact that pro­ advised by OHS Amencan Studies student proofreaders. Sophomore a stranger is a very thrilling ex­ crastination at college is im­ Wendy Foster edits the manuscript of her brother, Christopher. perience. The fact that I was at a lessons learned during my first quarter as a college freshman. mediately followed by a coffee school carved out among the diet and "all-nighters." The cornfields and occupied by Academically, I found myself well pr.epared. After being ex­ work load simply does not allow 14,000 other students did not for fooling around. Mixed Year for Movies help matters much. I found posed to students from other high schools from different parts I also found myself reevaluat­ writing long, frequent letters to ing my abilities and goals; I had continued from page 3 have mastered the art of movie my friends and studying to be of the country, my respect for the creative mind are evident, satire in pictures like the education I received at to find out if they matched. In my only activities. I wasn't searching for a major, a harsh but the end result of the film is a "M*A*S*H" and "Nashville," meeting the kind of people I Darien High School has come depressing mixture of overlapp­ but in this work all of his con­ into proper perspective. I found light is thrown on a person. The liked and was on the whole not reality of one's skills and the ing neurosis. Why is Mary Beth siderable talents are totally very excited about the prospects myself well above the "pack" in Hurt incapable of being crea­ wasted. The story of the movie most of my classes with a solid avenues to use them suddenly of a whole quarter there. (At this come into sharp focus. tive? Why does Diane Keaton involves the nuptials between point, you see, I was already background in writing being the fear death? Why did Geraldine two wealthy families. The char­ most useful. Hats off to the A moral choice is also made at thinking of where I was going to college. Without a watchful Page go insane in the first place? acters in the film go crazy at the transfer.) Darien High English Depart­ Why did Woody Allen make this wedding reception and every­ ment. parent or sibling, the student has This was all taking place free rein over his life. The true movie? thing that could possibly go The courses I took this past before my college career was a character of a person will make A notable aspect of "In­ wrong does (including adultery, month old, but by the time mid- quarter were definitely challeng­ teriors" is the brilliant ing though, five or six hours of itself obvious at this time if at no death and other assorted bizarre other. photography by Gordon Willis. occurrences). studying a night being the norm, Even more impressive is the quite a bit more than I ever did Overall, going to college is camerawork done in "Days of in high school. also a call for maturity. The stu­ Heaven," directed by Terrence Board to Vote on Class sizes at this large univer­ dent is now on his own, the Mallick and starring Richard sity are relatively small. I had course of the next four years be­ Gere and Brooke Adams. The one lecture course with 240 ing up to him. New friends and movie is set in the Texas pan­ English Require'ments students, but the other three new adjustments have to be handle at the beginning of this ranged from 25 to 45, not unlike made. The task of coexisting with another person, your room­ century and is about a migrant English requirements for jun­ Iglish for graduation. Under the teaching atmosphere at worker, his little sister and the Darien. mate, must be coped with. The iors and seniors may change me new program, however, first quarter of college for a various problems which result students in grades II and 12 will The increased studying at col­ next fall. lege didn't hamperJmy soCial freshman is a very insecure time. when his girlfriend marries the The English Department will be required to take two credits of Depending on the individual, the wealthy owner of the farm, caus­ propose to the Board of Educa­ English that include three semes­ life, but it did make me choose ing death, destruction, etc., etc. my activities very carefully. Free experience can be either an ex­ tion, Jan. 9, that during the jun­ ters of literature-writing courses citing venture into a new phase As a parable on greed, the movie time was valuable and not to be ior and senior years English stu­ and one additional course from of Iife or a literal hell. is pretty effective, but the dents must take a minimum of among the English offerings. wasted. Being at a large school i,t wasn't a matter of finding an ac­ Looking back, my experience absence of any real dialogue in three semesters of literature Three new literature courses at a large university has thus far the film is distracting. Director courses that include writing as will be added for 1979-80: tivity to get involved with, but rather deciding which one. There been extremely valuable. It has Mallick prefers to express the well. American Literature: Thematic been an adjustment to be sure, story of the film almost ex­ Development I and II, Short were so many things offered that English Department members it took me most of the fall but definitely worth the price. clusively through the camera. It Story: Reading and Analysis, In the next issue of Neirad. is all very beautiful to look at, have said they feel that weak­ and 1\ventieth Century Drama. quarter to find out which ones nesses with the present English were .good and which ones were one of our ex-editors relates but that's about all it is. Another facet of the new plan "Life At A Small College. " Franklin Schaffner's "The elective program result in is geared toward students who to be avoided. What it boils Boys from Brazil," based on a students' not reading enough. have deficiences. in reading, book by Ira Levin, goes beyond The department believes that a writing or speech. These the pretentiousness of the other comprehensive public high students will be required to take Burkha·r'dt Elected to State two films and aims for pure school must provide a range of at least one course in Composi­ overblown inanity. It's a little courses that will satisfy the needs tion and Expository Writing, piece of comic book fluff ex­ of students as fully as possible. Writers Workshop, Creative Library Conference Problems that 'department panded to look like some kind of Speech, reading through the By Kathy Evans head librarian at DHS and pre­ movie masterpiece. Gregory members have seen are that a reading specialist or another sent director of the Stamford Peck and Laurence Olivier ham number of students end up in specialized writing course. Library. it up to the zenith degree as a courses they are not equipped The department plans to Throughout the state, 150 for in terms of skills. A few For the first time in Connect­ Nazi scientist and the Jewish in­ establish new placement proce­ icut, delegates were chosen to at­ were chosen to be represen­ vestigator who is pursuing him. students have had limited or no dures for students at the honors tatives to the convention. The exposure to literature during the tend a newly formed State Mr. Peck, donning a pencil level and for students whose Governors Conference on Li­ purpose of the convention, held moustache and white leisure two years of the elective pro­ records indicate need for still in Hartford earlier this month, gram. brary and Information Service. suit, struts about the screen as if further skills development. Mrs. Ann Burkhardt of the DHS was to improve and promote he were having the time of his Recent statistics have shown Students with skills defi­ Library was elected one of the library service to meet the needs life, and for a while the audience that nearly 20 per cent of DHS ciences will not be permitted to conference delegates. of the people in Connecticut. shares in his enthusiasm. Unfor­ graduates do not go on to col­ choose courses in the elective Mrs. Burkhardt has worked in The ultimate goal of the group tunately, the holes in the thread­ lege. Under the new program a program until they have taken the DHS library for 17 years, ;; to send a group of delegates to bare story (involving a plot to number of courses will be added courses to remedy deficiences. and her years of experience have Nashington D.C. to a White clone Adolph Hitler) become for non-college bound students The English Department plans made her very knowledgable in House conference. Mrs. Burk­ ridiculously absurd and the pic­ so that they may elect courses in to review its offerings regularly this field. To qualify as a con­ hardt and library representatives ture falls apart. which they can succeed. to be certain it is meeting con­ ference delegate, she was nomi­ from all over the nation will be Robert Altman's "A Wed­ Additional courses in speech stantly changing college re­ nated by Phil Baker, former eligible to attend the conference. ding" is probably the biggest and drama will also be offered. quirements and specific needs of disappointment of the four Both present and new pro­ students. The new plan is a films. Mr. Altman seemed to grams require four credits of beginning to this objective. ---_._-~------C. I. STUDENTS! Our up-to-date Category Index will direct

you to the information you need-facts 655-1566 655-0404 and all shades of opinion on contempo­ rary issues are at FOTO SHOP SUGAR 'N' SPICE HALLMARK C.f\t1£..RF\S CANDY • <'I\RDS (Catty-Cornered Across from the Town Hall) 1094-1096 Post Road 748 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut Darien, Ct Christmas is a time for sharing. This box located in the front office of­ 655-8344 fers the community the opportunity to help make the season just a lit­ ------Serving Darien Since 1947 tle bit merrier for someone a little less fortunate. Page 5

Hoopsters Look to Better Season; Entire Varsity Team Returning

By Gail Bruggemeyer "The competition will be very tough this year," commented The basketball team is looking Coach Ericson. Last season forward to improving last sea­ Darien finished sixth in its eight­ son's dissappointing record of team division. Most of the 3-17. Eastern Division teams have Basketball fans could often be many returning lettermen, in­ heard last year saying, "Wait til cluding division champion New next year." Well, it's next year Canaan. now and with their whole varsity As for the team's goal, Coach team returning, they are ready to Ericson is optimistic. "We're shine. capable of a .500 season, but we Head Coach Rick Ericson said have to play well. If we ac­ he feels that the team has a way complish that, then we'll be in to go, but the fans will be seeing contention for a playoff spot some exciting basketball. and will qualify for the state Seven players, all of whom tournament.', saw a lot of varsity action last The team will be having a year, will be battling for the five 20-game season. Coach Ericson starting positions. They include hopes to see many fans at the 13 co·captains Tom McNamara and home games. He commented, Jim Larkin, Mike Kolb, Drew "It adds so much to the at­ Darien hoopsters practice following their record.breaking 107-75 victory over Ridgefield Tigers in recent O'Rourke, Dave Graham, John mosphere of the game when you tap-off tournament. The hoopsters finished third overall behind Stamford Catholic and Wilton. Bavier and Dave Ruotolo. have a crowd behind you." (Photo b~ Charlot Ras-Allard) Grapplers Have Potential to Win

out of the last nine matches to Hoffman By Rick Richardson finish 7-10-1 overall, and, 140 lb.-Jeff Turner, Cliff and Tom Walsh according to Girard, "We can Foyster or Peter Humphrey keep that string going if we gain 147 lb.-Vinnie Parrotta An injury-free season coupled some early momentum before 157 lb.-Mike Algiere or Steve with the expected performance we hit some of the tougher teams Shelton by the key grapplers could lead on the schedule." The top teams 167 lb.-Bill Hughes to a very exciting 1978-79 season this year should be Trumbull and 187 lb.-Mark Dorsett or Don for the wrestling team. Staples (FC1AC East), Green­ McDonald Coach Jim Girard told Neirad wich, McMahon, and Danbury Unlimited-Charlie Bounty that the overall quality of the (FCIAC West), and Bristol Cen­ Of those, Girard says that Fer­ team is one of the best ever at tral and Eastern (non-league). reri (13-1-1 last year), Parrotta, DHS. He said that the team has This year's squad features 24 Brill and Frank Palmer have the potential to win big if members all with experience, in­ a good chance to be all-county everything is in the right place. cluding five returning starters prospects. He is; however;' "cautiouslyop­ (senior tri-captains Ron Ferreri, Tht;: sky is the limit for the timistic" about any prediCtions Frank Palmer and Vinnie Par­ DHSgrapplers. due to the team's lack of depth. rotta, and juniors Charlie Boun­ Filling all 12 weight classes may ty and Bill Hughes). The proba­ be a problem due to'a small turn­ ble starters are listed here in their out at tryouts. weight classes: Girard stated, "We are a team 100 lb.-Steve Brill Athletes Receive to be contended with and other 107 lb.-Tom Nastasi Captains Ron Ferreri and Frank Palmer practice wresUing techniques teams know that. Although we 114 lb.-None. ("We are look­ AU-County Honors for upcoming season. The jtrapplers first home match will be Dec. 2S are not a pre-season favorite to ing for anyone who can makie against Bristol. (Photo by Charlot Ras-Allard) win the state or county cham­ 1141b. and wants to wrestle.") pionsips, we have a strong 121 lb.-Steve Palmer, Tim nucleus and should be right in Gould or Phil Lopiano By Gail Bruggemeyer there. " 128 lb.-Ron Ferreri Gymnasts Year Looks Promising Last year the teall! won seven 134 lb.-Frank Palmer or Mark The fall season all-county awards have been announc­ New Members Exhibit Potential Season Preview ed, and many recipients of the award represent Darien High School. By Kathy Evans High School, is the coach of the New Swim Coach Is Optimistic All-County Football 19 girls on the team. Looking at All-county football recip­ the team right now, she said that ients are: first and second During the week, practically she feels that it will be very team, Charlie Bounty (de­ everyone has left DHS by 6 p.m. strong if the girls put their minds By Nelson Ehinger Jr. fensive tackle), Mike Koenig except for a few dedicated girls to it and if there are no injuries. freestyler and relay man. Senior (Running back), Doug Hart who make up the girls' gym­ Last year the team placed fifth The boys' swimming team has Geoff Mullen should do well in (guard), Dave Lynch (defen­ nastic team. From 3-6 p.m. one in the state. Combining the begun training for the 1978-79 the freestyle and butterfly sive back). The players can find them working diligent­ experience of the returning gym­ season. Arms and legs are get­ events. Senior Scott Gallagher a named to honorable mention Iy, preparing for their upcoming nasts with the potential of the ting in shape from the morning second team All-County are: Co-captain Keith Dayton season. new members, the team is hop­ and evening practices, and member should be the top man (linebacker), Bill Hughes Ann Geruso is this year's cap­ ing to do even better this season, through the use of the new diving this year. (center). tain and Mrs. Mary Martinik, a which officially opens the begin­ "Mini Gym" at the YMCA Other varsity members include Volleyball gym teacher at Mather Junior ning of January. which is weight training geared juniors Taber Smith, a long Volleyball all-county towards swimmers. distance man and backstroker; awards: second team, Lyndel This year the team will be Nelson Ehinger Jr., a butter­ Reubos, and honorable men­ under the supervision of first flyer, freestyler and relay man; tion, Debbie Doughman. year Coach Jim Barton. He will Chris Murphy, a breastroker. Soccer replace Michael Sangster, who Other sophomores in­ All-county soccer awards: has coached the team for the last clude Paul Wetmore, a but­ first team, Tim Appleton, eight years. terflyer, 200 individual medley Ron Ferreri. Second team, "Coach Sangster was a big and backstroker; Sean Smyth, a John Penrose, Mike Flood. loss for the team. He did a nice freestyler and breastroker, and Honorable mention, Julian . job with the boys and I hope to Jeff Hawkinson, a freestyler. Houchin, John Bihl, Jim Sat­ carryon his winning tradition," The team's duel meet season is terly. said Coach Barton. He will be probably the longest ever. It Field Hockey assisted by Tim Collins and Bob consists of 10 home meets and All-county field hockey Thoman. Coach Barton has high three away. The first meet was awards: first team, Patty hopes for the team this year. "I Dec. 13, against Fairfield Prep McKenna, Sue Harrington. think we have a super team. We at home. Coach Barton feels the Patty McKenna also received lost some fine seniors, but have Blue Wave's toughest competi­ an all-state award. some fine young talent." tion will come from Greenwich, Gymnastics The team consists of six Staples and Notre Dame of West Gymnastic all-county seniors, four of whom are Haven. He feels that the team is awards: first team, Tom returning lettermen; seven strong all around and adds, "I Kratky, juniors, four returning let­ feel that our duel meet season Girls' Swimming termen; five sophomores and will be a success." Swimming all-county three divers. "Now that's what I One of the team's main goals awards: first team, Tracey call a balanced team," said is to win the L Division cham­ Stewart (diving). Ann Tuttle, Coach Barton. pionships for the fourth con­ Kim Eckrich. Honorable The team will be led by senior secutive year. Six of the nine mention, Liz Page. co-captains Steve Barton and finalists for the L's are return­ Boys' Cross Country David Burt. Steve is a versatile ing. As for the Counties, Coach All-county cross country swimmer, doing the 500-yard Barton comments, "I feel we awards: first team, Jeff freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 should be in the top three or Messer, and second team, G~'mnaslics captain Anne Geruso practices on the beam. The girls are individual medley and relay four and for the State Opens be Mike Kolb. Honorable men­ looking forward to their season opener Jan. 5. events. David is the top in a better position than we were tion, Tony Derbyshire. Steve ~ (Photo by Charlot Ras-Allard) breastroker, a butterflyer, last season." Vorwek. December 21, 1978 Pucksters Drop to Arch Rival By Grisy Smith In later action Darien fell to arch rival New Canaan by a • Midway through the third score of 4-3. Bill Hunter scored period puckster Abu Hartigen early for Darien giving the puck­ scored two goals to lead Darien sters a 1-0 lead. High to an open;ng 3-2 victory The Rams took the lead with over the Greenwich Cardinals. two goals in the first ten minutes All did not start off well for of the second period. With 57 the Wavers. In the opening seconds remaining, Jeff Grady period Cardinal Jeff Cullen put scored for DHS making the the puck past DHS goalie John score 3-2. Roney to give Greenwich an Ram Glenn Hutchinson early 1-0 lead. clinched the victory for New Early in the second period Canaan with a goal at the half­ Waver Bill Hunter picked up an way mark of the last period. Bill assist from Bill McGill and Bob McGill scored less than two Price to tie the match I-I. minutes later, but New Canaan Greenwich came right back in was still out in front and won by the last two minutes of the sec­ a score of 4-3. ond period. Waver Hartigen was assisted Hoopsters Face by Bob Coutts for the first goal and Jeff Grady for the second. Tough Competition Sandy McAdams, new head coach of the DHS hockey team, By Gail Bruggemeyer said, "The game mainly de­ With only two varsity players Darien High pucksters in recent action aRainst the Rreenwich Lardinals. The Wavers defeated Greenwich pended on the players control of 3 - 2 . (Photo by Charlot Has-Allard) , each play." returning, this year's girls' "It's going to be a difficult basketball team will have a big season. Everyone will be gun­ task ahead of it. ning for us," said McAdams. The squad will be coached by "Greenwich was ready for us last season's JV coach G,eorge Lindy, Sats, Suds Lead Winter Tracksters but, I don't feel that the other Nelson and former college teams will be as good as· Green­ basketball star Ann Youngling. wich was tonight." Because of an unexperienced McAdams went on to say, "I squad, Coach Nelson expects the season to be very tough. He said, back) or on rainy days, dashing Derbyshire in the long distance feel we've got a good chance of doing well in the states and the "The team has not had much through the halls of A, Band events. " time to play together and we will "The major concern of the in­ E-Wings. ,- Although most of the sprint­ FCIAC. I expect a lot of good competition from Hamden, need a lot of work." door track team is to give The teams that are cited to ers graduated last year, return­ The Hoopsters will be led by students the opportunity to give the most competition are ing will be seniors Scott Mont­ Fairfield Prep, New Canaan and West Haven." co-captains Batty McKenna and make use of their God-given Trumbull, Danbury, Westport gomery and George Zengo. Debby Doughman (the only talents and to do their best," and Staples for the boys and Coach Mautte sees potential in players with previous varsity ex­ says Coach Del Mautte. He Ridgefield, Stamford, Rip­ many other newcomers as well. perience). The varsity team con­ seems to have achieved his goal. powam and Staples for the girls The girls have lost their best sists of three seniors and five The boys are defending the State team. miler, Joan Corsiglia, but have juniors. Coach Nelson also ex­ Open Title, while the girls are Leading Darien's boys for this many returning veterans, the pects to see some sophomores going for !heir fourth straight year will be captain Jim Satterly, stand-outs being co-captains playing varsity before the end of year as county champs. who came in second in the state Julie Lindenbergh and Mandy ~i~~~~Z.~i"'~~"""""ml';'1<': The 85 students involved in for the 600-yard run last year. Sutherl~J;1g. ,,,,9,~b~J,\.' \ listing his qualifications. Receiv­ into his show, which makes it • Lewisboro ing a replay from Pikeville, KY, reading. for Information About Other Centers lively and colorful, with phrases Is Warner Wolf his. • Bethel In Major US Cities & Abroad he began his career at WLSI as a like, "Let's go right to the Outside NY State Only sportscaster, reporter, weather­ "Are you kidding? Vv videotape" and "Take the Jets make up a name like It. CAll lOll FRH, 100·223·1712 man and disc jockey. He then and the points."