02/09/11 Nino Sechi Interview

SENIORITY By Anne W. Semmes: Nino Sechi, 84

Read more: http://www.greenwichcitizen.com/default/article/SENIORITY-By-Anne-W-Semmes-Nino-Sechi-84-1005837.php#ixzz1E1bBne9d

Do you live in Greenwich?

All my life. I was born in Greenwich.

Are you married?

No. My wife, Elene died last June. You're getting to me here. We were married 59 years. She was a Salerno. There are Salernos all over town.
Do you have any children?

Yes, one girl and two boys. And five grandchildren.

Are you retired?
Yes.

What did you do when you were working full time?

I started off as a reporter for Greenwich Time right after college, as sports editor. I worked for Charlie Piro and Bernie Yudain, Bill Fink and Bill Young. I used an Underwood typewriter. I still have it. I learned to type at Greenwich High School, 95 words a minute. It saved my life! During WWII when I was in the U.S. Army in the Philippines, I was asked by a soldier if I could type. He said would I rather go after the Japanese in the mountains, or do some typing for him. I chose the typing.
After the war, I worked for the Daily Item for seven and a half years. I wrote newsletters for American Machine Foundry in Greenwich, then for the International Paper Company in New York City -- the largest paper manufacturer in the world. I was division vice president and personnel manager for the company for 20 years. I moved on to Con Edison, managing their pension and 401K plans. I've dealt with paper all my life.

What was the most important thing you learned in your work?

Accuracy in everything I did. To be meticulous in getting everything done.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Miss Sullivan, my teacher at Greenwich High school, had us writing essays. She gave me a good mark and told me, "You ought to do some writing some day." That writing first tied into sports.

What was a significant memory or defining moment in your childhood?

I was walking down old Victoria Street when I was 8 years old -- it was during the Depression at the end of the 1930s. I found a $5 bill on the road. I came into the house and said to Mom, "I've got $5." "Where did you get it?" she asked. "You found it on the street?" Then, we hear a neighbor screaming at her husband, "What happened to that money?" My mother said to bring that money back to the neighbor. I wasn't happy; back then, that money would have fed me for a week. What's not yours is not yours, my mother said. That was a defining moment. I learned a lesson.

What are your main hobbies and interests?

Gardening. I love gardening. And giving back to the community. I do a lot for the community. I'm still giving, anything I can do for families. Did you know there are 500 needy families in this town? I'm a member of the Old Timers and the Chickahominy Reunion Association.

Are you computer-savvy?

Yes, I'm computer-savvy. I write my column every two weeks for the Greenwich Time. I've been doing it for seven years. I write about the western end of town, Pemberwick, Byram, Chickahominy, what problems are occurring in the town, the housing shortage.

Do you have a favorite sport?

Baseball.

Do you have a favorite book? A recent one you enjoyed?

Walter Cronkite's "A Reporter's Life."

Do you have a favorite work of art?

Mona Lisa.

What music do you listen to, and what is a favorite piece of music?

WQXR, classical music. I'm in love with Midge Woolsey's voice.

Do you have a favorite movie?

"Deliverance." I never got over that movie.

Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Meryl Streep I love. She's good in everything. Al Pacino.

What is a TV show that you watch regularly?

I don't watch a lot of TV.

Who do you think was the best president of the United States?

I liked Reagan and I liked Truman.

If you could tell the president of the United States one thing now, what would it be?

I'm praying for him to get us out of this economic downturn. I believe in prayer.

What is your greatest guilty pleasure?

I don't think I have any.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

A lot of people are so disrespectful of others.

Do you have any regrets in life?

No regrets.

What achievements in your life are you most proud of?

I thought I was very good to the kids and I'm getting the same support from them, because I need it. I talk to my kids every day. They're very supportive, for which I'm very thankful.

If you had a magic wand what would you wish for?

Peace on earth, for all of us.

What if anything are you deeply concerned about?

I'm concerned about the wars that could destroy our civilizations.

Best piece of advice for the younger generation?

Be honest with people -- try to help people.

What brings you your greatest joy?

When I read about people I know who are being successful. I feel a lot of joy for them.

What are you looking forward to?

At 84 years of age?

Continued good health.

Pemberwick Couple plead not guilty in Byram burglary spree

A former Byram property manager and his wife pleaded not guilty Monday in state Superior Court to charges stemming from a burglary spree that took place at the condominium complex where he once worked.

Michael Orr, 33, and his wife Elissa Temple-Orr, 32, both of 8 Susan St., East Longmeadow, Mass., appeared separately before a judge, one week after police charged the duo in a string of burglaries that occurred at the Greenwich Shore Apartments between January 2009 and September 2010.

Temple-Orr appeared first, wearing a black suit and blue-collared shirt. Her attorney, Wayne Keeney, entered a procedural not guilty plea on her behalf and asked for a new court date.

Michael Orr, who is being held on a $500,000 bond, appeared minutes later in a sweater vest and white-collared shirt. Orr stood silently as his not guilty pleas were entered. Temple-Orr had left the courtroom by the time her husband appeared.

Orr is charged with eight counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of first-degree larceny, one count of second-degree larceny, two counts of third-degree larceny and one count of fourth-degree larceny. His wife is charged with one count of first-degree larceny and one count of fourth-degree larceny.

Following the hearing, Orr's attorney, Sharon Friday, declined to comment on the case. When asked for comment, Keeney said his client had little to do with her husband's charges.

"Her participation in this matter is, at worst, peripheral," Keeney said.
Although Temple-Orr is not charged with burglary, police said they found her in possession of some of the stolen items.

Orr and his wife first came under scrutiny in late September 2010 when a traffic stop led to the discovery that the two were living in squalid conditions on Pemberwick Road, according to police. Their 6-year-old child was taken away at the time.

Police had stopped Orr's vehicle because they suspected him of dealing heroin. As police approached him, Orr attempted to toss away a wax bag containing heroin, which he had taken out of his pants pocket, according to police. After a search of his home, police found "numerous dirty, uncapped syringes" that were easily accessible to the child, they said.

Police also found men's jewelry worth about $16,000 that had been reported stolen in a residential break-in at Greenwich Shore Apartments, located on Ritch Avenue, earlier that day. Police said that arrest led to a more in-depth investigation into a string of similar thefts at the condo complex.

At the time, Orr was charged with risk of injury to a minor, possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, and second-degree larceny. Temple-Orr was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree larceny. Those charges are pending.

Consolidated Management Group Inc., the company that manages the property where Orr once worked, said they were shocked by the charges because Orr was well liked. Police said they do not anticipate any further charges.

Orr remains held on a $500,000 bond. Both Orr and his wife are scheduled to appear back in state Superior Court on March 2.

02/02/11 Joseph John Steponik

Joseph John Steponik, 92, U.S. Navy veteran, landscape architect and a Byram native of Bradenton, Fla. since 1985, died Jan. 27, 2011.

He spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Connecticut and Wyoming, five years with Homelite Corp. of Greenwich, and 40 years in landscape contracting in Greenwich.

Steponik was an avid golfer and longtime member of Bruce Golf Course of Greenwich, and Manatee Golf Course in Bradenton. He was also a longtime member of Knights of Columbus No. 39, in Greenwich.

Steponik was a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Bradenton. He is survived by his wife, Mary Miles of Bradenton; two sisters, Rose Seponik and Stephanie D'autilio both of Greenwich; a niece, Patty Ann Fox and nephews Richard and Robert D'autilio. He was predeceased by his four brothers: Andrew, Frank, Willliam and Johnny and his sister Helen.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 31 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, in Bradenton.

A memorial service will be held in Greenwich at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

Byram Area Real Estate

Light Floods This Greenwich Home on Byram River | The Daily Fairfield
This super home sits high above the Byram River and has sweeping views over the river and Long Island Sound. Originally built as a cottage in 1900, ...
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The Raw Byram News Feed

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Temple Sholom Weekly E-Bulletin

Temple Sholom E-Bulletin December 17, 2010 Saturday, December 18 Teen Choir, Rak Shabbat, YCFS Services Monday, December 20 Nursery School Winter Vacation Begins Friday, December 24 The Temple is closed Candle Lighting Friday, Dec. 17 4:09 pm Temple Sholom's Worship Schedule Friday, Dec. 17 6:30 - 7:15 pm Saturday, Dec. 18 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 19 8:30 - 9:15 am Temple Sholom Simcha Corner Mazel Tov to: Howard & Betty Ochs, on the B'not Mitzvah of their daughters, Danielle & Rachel. Moti Bashan & Michele Levy, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Kelly. Michael & Ellen Wolfson, on the naming of their granddaughter, Jessica Abrams Schimmel. Parents are Joshua & Jennifer Schimmel. Jeff Katz, for being accepted to Brandeis University early decision. Evelyn Sutin, on the celebration of her birthday. Upcoming Adult Education at Temple Sholom Refresh * Renew * Release with Reb. Allison Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am Jewish Text Exploration with Rabbi Mitch Tuesdays, January 11th - February 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Martin Luther King & The Jews Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 12th, 12:00 - 1:00pm Hebrew School for Adults with Cantor Asa Wednesdays, January 12th - February 9th, 7:00 - 8:30pm Advanced Beginner Hebrew with Reb Allison Thursdays, January 13th - February 10th, 9:30 - 11:00 am Parenting Discussion with Rabbi Shira Leibowitz Friday, January 14th, 9:30 - 10:30 am Anti-Zionism is Anti Semitism Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 19th, 12:00 - 1:00pm American Jews & Israel: The Beinart Controversy Israel Study group facilitated by Gaviel Rosenfeld Sunday, January 23rd, 9:15 - 10:30 am Addressing Racism in German Today Lunch 'n Learn presented by AJC with Eugene Dubow and Don Snyder Wednesday, January. 26th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm All programs are no fee. To register or for more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com. Rabbi Mitch's Weekly Teaching We just had the wonderful joy of hosting the Israeli Soldier Music Ensemble at the Temple as part of our Israel initiative for education and advocacy. Now, preparing to leave on our congregational mission to Israel, and thinking about these incredible brave young Jews who defend the Jewish State, I was mindful of a story about Dvir Aminolav.... Click here to see the full version of this Teaching by Rabbi Mitch. Congregational Shabbat Kiddish Saturday, December 18th Join our Teen Choir for Saturday morning services as we bless our group heading to Israel. Services will be followed by a congregational kiddish with families from the YCFS and Rak Shabbat services. Refresh * Renew * Release Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am Wear comfortable clothes, bring a bottle of water and join Reb Allison in the sanctuary to explore and nurture your spirit. For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com Sisterhood's Mahjongg for the Masses Monday, January 10th, and the 2nd Monday of EVERY month at 7:00 pm. RSVP required to Phyllis Shapiro at 203-637-7809 or wigini@gmail.com An Interfaith Broadway Concert Sponsored by Jewels by Viggi Saturday, January 22nd, 7:30 pm Come hear an eclectic group of talented singers from local churches and synagogues sing some of your favorite Broadway Show Tunes. This concert is part of The Sholom Center programming. Concert is free of charge, but please consider becoming a patron. All proceeds will go the Sholom Center and support interfaith programming. For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com Family Ice Skating (2nd -12th grades) Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm Bring your family and friends to the Dorothy Hamill Rink for a fun afternoon of ice skating. Cost of $10 per skater includes skate rental, skating, snacks, and private room! To rsvp or more information, contact Josh Altman at 203-542-7163 or at josh.altman@templesholom.com Do You Go To Florida For The Winter Friday & Saturday, February 18th & 19th Join Rabbi Mitch at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach for a musical Friday night service at 6:30 pm followed by dinner. Then again for Saturday morning services at 9:15 am followed by lunch. Annual Gala Sunday, April 10th, 6:00 pm Join us as we honor Evelyn and Milton Sutin with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Josh Altman with the Distinctive Service Award and celebrate the Selma Maisel Nursery School's 20th Anniversary. For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com In and Around the Community... Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County present their December Speaker Program "Eyewitness To Stalin's Soviet Regime", Sunday, December 19th, 10:00 am at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford.

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Rabbi's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz rabbimitch@templesholom.com
Pictures from this past Sunday's "Keep the Lights Burning" FIDF Musical Ensemble Concert can be found by clicking here
Parashat Vayechi December 17, 2010 Teaching by Rabbi Mitch rabbimitch@templesholom.com We just had the wonderful joy of hosting the Israeli Soldier Music Ensemble at the Temple as part of our Israel initiative for education and advocacy. Now, preparing to leave on our congregational mission to Israel, and thinking about these incredible brave young Jews who defend the Jewish State, I was mindful of a story about Dvir Aminolav. The Gaza War was a three-week military conflict that took place in the Gaza Strip during the winter of 2008-2009 and was dubbed Operation Cast Lead. Dvir Aminolav was the first Israeli soldier killed in that short, but terrible war, and his father had died two years earlier after a long illness. The loss of Dvir was particularly traumatic. He was the only son among daughters, and had taken on many of the paternal responsibilities for his family. On Dvir's birthday, his family and friends gathered around his grave. His mother, Dayla, shared there a very powerful story. I was missing my son, terribly. One night before I went to bed, I said in a loud voice: "God, give me a sign, give me a hug from Dvir so that I will know that his death had some meaning." It was quite some time before I fell asleep. That week my daughter asked me to accompany her to a musical performance at The International Crafts Festival in Jerusalem. I was feeling quite depressed and didn't want to go to the concert, but, I also didn't want to disappoint my daughter either, so I agreed to go halfheartedly. The concert was a bit delayed. As the musicians were warming up, tuning their instruments, and testing the speaker system, a two-year-old boy, with beautiful blond curls, looking like a little angel, began wandering through the stands. Without the slightest bit of self-consciousness, he walked right up to my seat and touched me on the shoulder. My preschool teacher instincts were well in place, and as I saw the boy I was moved to smile warmly. I asked him with my softest and kindest voice: "What's your name?" "Eshel," the boy replied. "That's a nice name. Do you want to be my friend, Eshel?" The boy nodded in reply and sat down next to me. Eshel's parents were sitting two rows above, and thinking their little boy was bothering me, they asked him to come back up. But, happy for the first time in a long time, I insisted that everything was fine. Then, the two-year-old Eshel chimed in, as only little children can: "I have a brother named Dvir." I was shocked to hear the unusual name of my beloved son, and I walked up with Eshel the two rows to where his parents were sitting. I saw a baby in his carriage, and apologizing, I said: "If you don't mind me asking, how old is your baby and when was he born?" The baby's mother replied, "He was born right after the war in Gaza. Six months ago to be precise." I swallowed hard. "Do you mind if I ask one more question?" The mother said not at all, and Dalya asked: "Please tell me, why did you choose to name him Dvir?" Baby Dvir's mother began to explain. "I am an officer dealing with wounded soldiers in the army. When I was at the end of my pregnancy, the doctors suspected the fetus may have a very serious birth defect. Since it was the end of the pregnancy, there was little the doctors could do for me and my baby and I just had to wait and see how things would turn out. When I went home that night, the news reported that the first casualty in the war was a soldier named Dvir. I was so saddened by this news that I decided to make a deal with God. 'If you give me a healthy son,' I said in my prayer, 'I promise to name him Dvir, in memory of the soldier that was killed.'" I stood before this young mother with my mouth open, and finally managed to say: "I am Dvir's mother." The young parents didn't believe me, and I repeated: "Yes, it's true. I am Dvir's mother. My name is Dalya Aminalov, from Pisgat Zeev." The young mother had a sudden inspiration, and she handed me her baby and said: "Dvir wants to give you a hug." I held the little baby boy in my arms and looked into his angelic face. The emotion I felt at that moment was overwhelming. I had asked for a hug from Dvir; and now I could truly feel his warm and loving embrace from the World to Come. Miracles sometimes come from the combination of faith and fate. The first prime minister of Israel, David Ben Gurion, had it right when he proclaimed: "In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles." Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Mitch
Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203-869-7191

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

The Raw Byram News Feed

Shops in Byram join sales forces | Interior Design Tips
Shops in Byram join sales forces Barbara Reinken, owner of Stuf, in her store, in Byram, on Tuesday, Dec. 7. 2010. Photo: Helen Neafsey
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Save the Date for Cantor Asa's Broadway Concert in January

The Sholom Center presents an Interfaith Broadway Concert sponsored by Jewels by Viggi Saturday, January 22 7:30 pm at Temple Sholom Hear Cantor Asa & Friends with choirs from local churches and synagogues sing some of your favorite Broadway Show Tunes Free Admission Support Interfaith Programming like this concert, by making a donation to the Sholom Center This Interfaith Concert is free! Please consider becoming a patron by making a donation. All patrons will be listed in the Concert program. Please make check out to Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 memo: The Sholom Center

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

The Raw Byram News Feed

Shops in Byram join sales forces
Danbury News Times
Barbara Reinken, owner of Stuf, in her store, in Byram, on Tuesday, Dec. 7. 2010. Photo: Helen Neafsey / Greenwich Time | Buy This Photo Joining forces ...