The Tradition Continues: Cos Cob Mianus Dugout Old Timers To Gather Again

GREENWICH, CT — The Cos Cob Mianus Dugout Old Timers' annual picnic will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24 at Tod's Point, and this year is extra special as the event is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Attendees on Sunday will also honor a former member, Joseph "Doc" Orrico, a lifelong Cos Cob resident who died on Aug. 21, 2024 at the age of 88.

The event was started by the late Fred W. Intrieri in 1985 as a way for Cos Cob men over the age of 50 with roots in Rose, Italy, to socialize, enjoy good food and drinks, and reminisce on the old days.

Originally held at the former Bruno's Tavern - now Louie's Italian Restaurant in Cos Cob - the men would meet in the basement, so Intrieri named it the "Cos Cob Mianus Dugout," according to Intrieri's daughter, Josephine Intrieri Colangelo.

Over the years, the annual gathering has opened up to include men of all ages and backgrounds.

Last year, the picnic returned after a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colangelo helped the organizing committee plan the picnic, and she's determined to see the gathering continue for years to come.

"It's been 40 years, and I'm trying to keep this tradition going. I'm just very proud of my father because he helped start this. I'm happy to see his legacy is still going. He lived for this day every year and he worked very hard for it," Colangelo said. Intrieri died in 2018 at the age of 93.

"The guys catch up, they play cornhole and cards, they play bocce. It's just a nice day and I don't want it to end."

First Selectman Fred Camillo, a Cos Cob native, plans to stop by on Sunday.

"For decades, men from Cos Cob have looked forward to the day in August where they would reunite with friends that they grew up with. It remains one of those special days each year where you can get together with people who were a part of your past and relive some great moments," Camillo said. "As each year passes, we also reflect on those who are no longer with us, but nevertheless maintain a place in all of our hearts. I have always said that I thank God to have been born in Greenwich and to have grown up in Cos Cob."

Sunday's Cos Cob Mianus Dugout Old Timers picnic begins at 11 a.m. with coffee and lunch at noon, followed by a steak dinner with all the fixings. Kelly's of Rye is catering the event.

Tickets are $80 and can be purchased by calling Colangelo at 914-527-6178.

The organizing committee consists of residents Anthony Marzullo, Rick Novakowski, Keith Orrico, Joe Ponger and Mike Judice.