Yes They CAN!

The deadlock had Grabowski, Lauren Murphy and Joe Kolodziej on the side of tradition. Gibson, Rosemary Pino and Tony Latona wanted change. The tie breaker was Councilwoman Mary Sadrakula. Her vote would be known on Jan. 3, she said, at the first council meeting for 2023. More drama unfolded that Tuesday at 6 pm.

Clifton’s political landscape has settled down but it is not the “same old, same old.” The changing of the guard happened on Jan. 3 as tradition would have it. Ray Grabowski was selected by his peers to be the 23rd mayor of Clifton.

But boy, December was a hum dinger of a month. The hoopla began right after Election Day. Rumors began that a coup was in the works. Three council members were ready to show tradition the door. They would nominate Bill Gibson, the second highest voter getter, as mayor.

It was not a popular sentiment. Council meetings turned into raucous, rowdy sessions on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 as residents took turns at the mic then often booed, shouted or spoke out of turn as Council members responded.

A large audience attended with many more tuned in to the cable broadcast. In the first round, Pino nominated Latona instead of Gibson as both men and the audience looked perplexed. As expected, Kolodziej nominated Grabowski.

The count went 3-3, and as it had became obvious, it would come down to Sadrakula.

Many political observers thought the odds were that Sadrakula’s vote would favor tradition. “What has happened for the last four years cannot go on for another four years,” she stated calmly. “I vote for the top vote-getter.”

My point in recounting this stormy, month-long drama is that change is not easy. Opposing views were considered and the majority vote prevailed. Democracy also prevailed. And in the last meeting of the council, decorum was again found and maintained. Keep working at it folks, and keep focused on helping Clifton grow.

Sweeter Than Most

The Janishes love story was sweet from the start.

In every sense. James “Jim” and Lauren (Santin) Janish’s paths first crossed at School 12.

“[There was] an ‘extra’ dixie cup ice cream treat in the sixth grade,” said Lauren (CHS 1963). “Our teacher said she knew exactly who would get it.”

“Yes, it was Jim Janish,” recalled Lauren. “A new student who moved to our neighborhood from the Dutch Hill section of Clifton.”

Jim and Lauren attended CHS on a parttime schedule as the new high school was constructed. They dated on-and-off during high school, but Lauren said that “I always knew ‘he was the one!’”

Jim served in the NJ National Guard and Lauren pursued her secretarial goals at the Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair. Jim later retired after 42 years with Becton Dickinson and Lauren retired in 2010 from the Fair Lawn Board of Education as a principal’s secretary.

In November of 1964, the couple got engaged in perhaps the most Clifton way.

“We became engaged while attending the annual Garfield and Clifton Thanksgiving Day football game,” said

Lauren. “How romantic was that?”

The Mustang sweethearts wed on Nov. 6, 1965, recently celebrating 57 years of marriage. They have two children, Jill Sproviero and Jayne Tanis. Their four grandchildren are Amy and Allison Sproviero, and John and Karyn Tanis.

“Ironically, our granddaughter, Allison, will graduate Clifton High School this June of 2023,” said Lauren. “Sixty years after Jim and I did as the first graduating class of the new high school.”

Now into their retirement, Lauren said it consists of an old phrase.

“‘Doing what we want to do, when we want to do it,’” she said. “And enjoying our summer home on the bay in Lanoka Harbor, with all the ‘toys’ that go with it.”

Brandon and Alicia (Ortiz) Cabassa – Married 9 Years

We were married in the summer, so we usually celebrate by going to a nice restaurant with outdoor dining or barbecuing with our daughter, Quinn, at home. As a family, we try to live in the moment, which is often difficult in the age of digital distraction. We eat dinner as a family every night at the kitchen table and read at least three books to our daughter before bedtime. These are not momentous traditions, but they make the simple things special and slow down the hectic work week. We also try not to yell unless the house is on fire. If it is a hot topic, sometimes it is easier to send an email rather than discuss something face-to-face. Finally, we try to see the other person’s point of view.

Joseph Siano and Rickey Di Maria-Siano Married 1.5 Years

Rickey and I were together a number of years before I popped the question, neither of us ever thinking that we would get married because we had never wanted to. Then, one day I woke up and thought to myself how amazing it would be to call her my wife. As corny as it sounds, we really were meant to be together. It’s easy to keep our spark going when we have such fun and amazing conversations together. We love going to the renaissance faire and all the county fairs. Every day, I wake up and I am blessed that she is there next to me. I could not imagine my life any other way. At home together and working together — I still can’t get enough.

Michael and Roxanne (Reimer) Campagna

My husband, Michael Campagna, and myself will celebrate 40 years of marriage on May 28. We knew that we were right for each other because we had long talks on the landline. We try to do fun and different things together, and we try to go somewhere fun and have a nice dinner on our anniversaries. We talk out most of our conflicts.

Scott Malgieri and Courtney Carlson

We have been together for seven years as of Feb. 1. We are currently engaged and planning our wedding for April of 2024. We both grew up in Clifton — Scott graduated from Clifton in 2013 and I graduated from Paramus Catholic in 2014. We met at the Stop & Shop on Broad Street through a mutual friend, and every year for our anniversary we try to go to the Allwood Diner since our first date was there. To overcome conflict in our relationship, we will sit and talk about the issue and try to resolve it as fast as possible.

From rear left, Bohdan Baran, Nataliya Baran, Igor Loukachouk, Lydia Loukachouk, Anna K. Neporanny, Eugene N. Neporanny, Nadia Bukacz, Michael Bukacz. In middle: Daniel Loukachouk, Nicholas Neporanny, Christopher Bukacz, Bohdan Baran, Adrian Baran, Kateryna Baran. Girls in front: Andrea Neporanny, Nicole Bukacz, Juliana Loukachouk.

His eyes twinkle when he looks at her. She tilts her head and giggles. Kateryna and Bohdan Baran still have the bond they felt when they first met decades ago.

A few years after coming to America, Kateryna Duda went back to Poland during the summer of 1963 to visit relatives. In those days, almost no one had a car in Poland, so Kateryna’s uncle hooked up horses to a small wagon and off the group went to a nearby town. There was a community social that evening. Kateryna was hoping for an enjoyable night of song and dance.

Bohdan Baran’s aunt was related to the Duda family and thought that maybe the young lady visiting from America might be a good match for her 26-year-old nephew. When the wagon arrived at the Baran’s home, Bohdan came out to the gate and gave his hand to Kateryna to help her out of the wagon, to help her step safely to the ground.

Click. That was it. They were smitten. Love at first sight.

“I had a motorcycle back then” said Bohdan, “and every day that I could, I raced to her town to visit with her, then raced back home, swerving around the pits and cracks in the road, only to return the next day.” That was June 1963. Six weeks later, on August 3, Kateryna and Bohdan were married.

On August 3, 2023, the Barans will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary down the shore in Wildwood, surrounded by their large extended family and many dear friends.

In Poland, both Kateryna and Bohdan had grown up near the Baltic Sea, in towns with tight-knit Ukrainian communities. In America, the newlyweds first settled in Brooklyn, where their son Bohdan was born in 1967.

Kateryna’s brother Antin suggested they join him in Clifton, also a town with a tight-knit Ukrainian community, and after the couple arrived here in 1969, they quickly sank roots.

“I was pregnant when we decided to move to Clifton. When I last saw my doctor in Brooklyn, he patted my stomach, wished me luck, and said that it looked like I was going to have a large, healthy baby,” Kateryna noted with a wry smile.

The next doctor she saw was at the old St. Mary’s Hospital and after listening with a stethoscope, the doctor predicted she would have twins. “Both Bohdan and I have twins in our families, so that sounded right.”

They thought twins were on the way

This was before ultrasounds were routine and the couple excitedly prepared for the possibility of two children. “Unexpectedly, I went into premature labor in December, and was rushed to the hospital. The doctor immediately ordered an X-ray. When it was over, I was wheeled away, but I heard the nurses murmuring something about triplets. I thought they were talking about somebody else, for sure not about me.”

Kateryna delivered two baby girls and was thrilled. “That’s it! We have our twins! I thought I was done.”

“No, no, no, Kateryna,” said her doctor – there is another baby still to come. And then he delivered the third girl, who joined her sisters, identical healthy triplets, Lydia, Nadia and Anna.

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church had just completed construction, and early in 1970, the triplets were the first babies to be baptized in the new church on President Street in Passaic, notes Bohdan with pride.

“Those first years were hard, at times, with four young children, but then, we were young, as well. I would go to work during the day,” he continued, “come home to be with the children in the evening and then Kateryna would leave for work. This continued for many years.”

“However,” added Kateryna, “we had a routine. The children knew what was expected of them. After school, a snack, some play, homework. All four were excellent students, among the top graduates in their classes at Clifton High School.”

In time, all four married –“we are very happy that our daughter-in-law and sons-inlaw are all also Ukrainian” –said the Barans, and the four siblings have seven children between them – Daniel and Juliana; Christopher and Nicole; Nicholas and Andrea; and the youngest, Adrian.

Bohdan chuckles. “Do you want to hear another story about threes? All three girls gave birth to their first child in the same year – only months apart – and for each girl, the first child was a boy. Three boys.” Kateryna and Bohdan look at each other and grin. That year was quite the year.

Their immaculate home down the street from Stefan Tatarenko Memorial Park is filled with Ukrainian art, embroidery, ceramic and wood pieces crafted by hand. And photos. Dozens and dozens of wonderful photos of family through the years: graduations, weddings, holidays, photos of their four children with spouses and their seven grandchildren.

Asked what, after 60 years of marriage, do they consider to be among their greatest accomplishments, what has given the Barans the most satisfaction, without hesitation both reply “Our family.”

“We are very grateful for what we have,” answers Kateryna, “our children are close, they get along with each other, talk with each other, and they are close with us. There is no competition, no quarreling. Not every family has that.”

“At our church,” adds Bohdan, “Father Andriy often points to our family – we all try to sit in one pew together and sometimes we no longer fit – and says that we are an example of what every family should be. A good family—a happy family,” he says, “is a loving family.”

By Ariana Puzzo

Derek Leeshock and Kayla Lord have done long distance. They made it work, too.

While interviewing the couple over their speakerphone in late December, dealing with “distance” is a little different these days.

“You’re too far away. Come closer,” Kayla told her fiancé when he briefly walked away from the phone.

Now, they’re closer than ever. The reason why we spoke a month earlier than the other couples featured on these pages is because Derek and Kayla wed on Jan. 13.

The Mustang sweethearts became engaged on Feb. 5, 2021. Kayla (CHS 2013) recalled how Derek (CHS 2012) surprised her after he booked a weekend at a Bed & Breakfast where they could snowboard in New Hampshire.

“We went to a restaurant for dinner the first night that we checked in,” said Kayla, 27. “When we got back, the room was decorated with flowers and had a bucket of ice with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. That’s when he asked me to marry him.”

Kayla said it was a nice moment since it was shared between just the two of them. That doesn’t mean there weren’t nerves.

“I had originally called the place to set up [everything] and thought it would be there when we initially arrived, but only the flowers were set up,” said Derek. “So I was nervous that they had forgotten and it wouldn’t have been as grand of a gesture.”

It all worked out. The couple were planning to honeymoon in Jamaica and are eager to start the next era of their lives together.

“We’ve been together for eight years and have lived together for five of them,” said Derek, 28. “I think people have the misconception that marriage will change their relationship.”

“Will some things change? Sure,” he amended. “But a lot will stay the same, which is good for us.”

Reunited Through Social Media

Before becoming a couple, they were simply Clifton kids. They both grew up near Albion Park. Kayla grew up with her parents, Kevin Sr. and Robyn Sue, and her younger siblings, Kevin (CHS 2015), Kage (CHS 2017), and Kenzie (CHS 2022). Derek was born to parents James and Terry, and he grew up with his older sister, Ashley (CHS 2007).

They attended School 5 and WWMS, where they were acquaintances. They officially met while sitting alphabetically in French class during the first day of Kayla’s freshman year and Derek’s sophomore year.

“I thought you were funny and a bit of a contrarian,” said Kayla to Derek. “You were always sort of playing the devil’s advocate or had something smart to say.”

And Derek’s first impression that day?

“I just thought she was really cute,” he said, making them both laugh. “Genuinely.”

They started dating in 2009. After a year, they parted ways for a few years before reconnecting in college.

“Snapchat brought us back together,” laughed Kayla.

Kayla double majored in Psychology and Communication Arts & Sciences at Penn State. Closer to home, Derek worked toward his Math degree with a concentration in statistics at MSU. In 2015, he visited Penn State for a weekend. They’ve stayed together ever since.

Today, Kayla is a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Living, which is part of Hartford Hospital. She graduated last year with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Suffolk University and is in the process of getting her license to officially be a licensed psychiatrist. Derek works as a Branch Manager for Sherwin-Williams in Wallingford, Connecticut, where they currently live.

“I think this is a nice time that we’re getting married,” said Kayla. “We’re entering a steady career phase and hoping to do more traveling. In the longer term, we’re also looking forward to starting a family.”

A Go-To Couple

Self-described by Derek as “pretty big foodies”, the couple get HelloFresh and prepare different cuisines together. They also spend time with their one-year-old corgi, Ranger, and enjoy date night bar trivia.

The moment that they agreed shifted their dynamic was when they went from long distance communication to living together in Boston.

“We communicated a lot through the phone and computer, and we actually spent a lot of time on online chats,” said Kayla. “We would tandem-watch Netflix shows and press play at same time so we could live-text our reactions.”

“Moving in together in Boston [required us to] figure out our dynamic as a couple after three years of long distance to moving straight into living together and being cohabitants,” said Derek. “The relationship dynamic at that point altered.”

An open line of communication made it work. It also required the acknowledgement that any transition requires patience.

“It was the adjustment of sharing a space and operating as a unit,” said Kayla. “When you’re long distance, you’re pretty much living two independent lives. Then you shift to being a unit in a different way and combining our lives in that way.”

For advice, Kayla said she’s spoken to her parents who have been married for 28 years. They added that their own journey has become a point of reference for other people.

“I think we’ve been that couple,” confirmed Derek.

By Ariana Puzzo

Every night before sitting down for dinner, my father gives my mother a kiss on the cheek. It’s a gesture that seemed normal as a kid. Maybe it is. My parents have always liked being together. I found it odd that other kids’ parents took separate trips or spent time apart.

What I saw was a partnership; Mom cooked the meals, Dad cleaned up — working in tandem. It’s still that way.

On Oct. 23, Luca and Kim Puzzo will mark 35 years of marriage — an impressive milestone. But there’s something that impresses me even more after all these years.

“It sounds weird, but we’ve never really argued,” said Kim. “We’re very compatible.”

Luca — called “Luke” by my mom and some friends — agreed. He said supporting one another is the key.

“There’s the expression: ‘If there’s one person to have with you in a foxhole’, and that’s an easy one for me,” said Luca, 62. “There’s only one person, and that’s [Kim]. I’ve always known that she had my back, and I made sure that I had her back.”

Cupid or a Clifton Colleague?

Born in Paterson to Charles and Phyllis (Pecci) Nouhan, Kim grew up with brothers Charles (CHS 1974) and Mark (CHS 1981), attending School 2, Woodrow Wilson, and graduating from CHS in 1976.

“I was very shy growing up,” said Kim. “I played with my best friend Cheryl who I met when I was five and lived around the corner.”

Childhood pastimes included watching the Mustang Band practice at nearby CHS, riding her bike to Styertowne, as well as Saturday matinees at the Allwood or Clifton Theaters and bowling at Bowlero.

Luca grew up in Palisades Park, the fourth child of his late parents Philip and Palma (Minutello) Puzzo, along with older siblings Frank, Tina Kerouack, and Anthony, and younger brother Michael. Luca recalled the town was “very small” with a lot of boys his age.

“We ran around and did whatever seasonal sport was in, getting into mischief at times,” chuckled Luca.

Kim studied Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing at Trenton State College, now TCNJ, later earning her MEd in Learning Disabilities and sixth-year level in supervision and administration at William Paterson.

In 1981, Kim became a Teacher of the Deaf at School 14. Awarded the Clifton Teachers Association Educator of the Year in 2014, she finished her 35-year career in Clifton teaching children with a variety of special needs in 2016.

Luca graduated with a BA in History from William Paterson. He attended Jersey City State College for his teaching certification, later earning his MA as a reading specialist and sixth-year level in supervision and administration. He began his career in Clifton in 1985 at WWMS as a fulltime in-school suspension/super-substitute.

“That’s where he learned crowd control,” joked Kim.

In March 1987, Luca became an eighth grade social studies teacher at CCMS. In 1994, he was named the first elementary assistant principal in Clifton and assigned to School 12. He later became the principal of Schools 4,1, and 11, retiring in 2020.

Their paths crossed in 1986, thanks to former WWMS and School 14 speech teacher Mary (Berk) Armona. “In February 1986, Harry Meyers, who was a social studies teacher at Woodrow and had become a friend, said, ‘Come on, let’s go for a drink.’ It turned out, there was a party at one of the teacher’s homes,” said Luca.

Armona was at the party and Luca noticed her staring at him all night, which he found odd until she approached him with her plan to set him up on a blind date. Neither Kim nor Luca were interested and let her know in no uncertain terms. Armona wasn’t deterred. She gave Kim’s number to Luca and hounded him until he acquiesced about three weeks later.

“It was March Madness when I called,” said Luca, a huge sports fan. “It was the night of the National Championship and I called her 15 minutes before the game.”

Kim found out later why the phone call was so brief. But the first date was set for that Friday, April 4, 1986.

Building a Future

Luca knew immediately that it was a good first date.

“We talked about everything that night and still talk about everything,” said Luca. “One thing that I got from the first date was I knew I could trust [her]. And that doesn’t come easily for me.”

“She was very comfortable to be with and is also very bright,” he continued. “That is something that I always looked at — how well someone spoke and could get to the crux of the situation.”

Kim felt the same. They spent a long time at El Torito in Secaucus before speaking until 4 am. She did have one advantage going into the date. Kim had caught a glimpse of him while passing through WWMS one day.

“He kind of looked like Clark Kent with bad clothes,” said Kim. “He was wearing burgundy pants and a rust shirt. I later found out that he’s color blind.”

As they still joke, Luca’s attempt at a mustache also needed to go. She was kind about it and at one point during the date found an excuse to lift her finger so it was crooked in front of her eye.

“When he asked what I was doing, I said, ‘I’m seeing what you would look like without a mustache,’” she said. “By the next date, the mustache, which was horrible, was gone. I knew he was interested.”

Kim and Luca wed in St. Paul Church in Clifton on Oct. 23, 1988. They lived in Nutley and worked several parttime jobs to save for a house, buying one in Clifton in 1990. Calling it a “fixer-upper” is generous.

They enjoyed spending time together, including summer weekends entertaining family and friends by their pool. An avid Mets fan, Luca quickly converted Kim and they enjoy watching games together to this day. They also enjoyed vis- iting Kim’s maternal grandmother, as well as Luca’s family in Bergen County.

“Luke and my grandmother shared a special bond and his family has always treated me great,” said Kim.

Starting a family wasn’t easy. After several miscarriages, I was born in 1996.

“When you were born, the world celebrated, and that’s no joke,” said Kim. “I had three baby showers. Everyone was so thrilled that this baby was finally here. I took 18 months maternity leave; a really great time.”

Consistent Support

Luca’s favorite qualities about Kim are her intelligence and honesty.

“She’s not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong. She’s forthright,” said Luca. “She’s taught me not to give up.”

Kim considers Luke a “great father” and said he makes her laugh daily. She appreciates his role as a son-in-law.

“Both of my parents were impacted by COVID in March of 2020,” said Kim. “It altered their lives and ours. It’s become my number one priority to make sure they’re well cared for, and that’s put a lot of retirement plans aside.”

“He’s been 100% beside me. He was contemplating retirement and ultimately did because I wouldn’t have been able to help care for my parents daily if I had to worry that he would bring COVID home,” she added.

Kim recalled a favorite moment that occurred one day as she was driving her father home from a doctor’s appointment and he randomly exclaimed, “You know, you married a good guy.”

“That really sums it up,” said Kim.

Michael and Rosemary Baran, Married 30 Years

We will be married for 30 years this May 7. While we were living in Atlanta in 1994, we visited Savannah, Georgia and the Golden Isles. We hope to recreate that this year — our 30th year. Our ways to be happy in marriage are: Compromise a lot, hear both sides of the story, be open with issues, be willing to do the best for the unity of the relationship, have fun and don’t be so serious, and know that life is short — make it a party!

David Lalla and Dr. Latasha Casterlow-Lalla Married 18 Years

Our rule is that it doesn’t matter the topic of discussion — everybody has a right to speak. Each person has an uncensored five minutes to say whatever you want, however you want and the other person can’t interrupt you. You can take notes or mental notes and then the other person gets their five minutes. Once you get all of that out, now you can talk and be more rational.

We have so many traditions. For our anniversary, we take off work and have a really nice lunch at Waterside in North Bergen. It’s kind of like a pamper day where we try to do the things we want to do.

Our other traditions include celebrating a lot of holidays and cultures. For Valentine’s Day, we do our own thing but also do an entire spread for our three children. Everything from the china, the tablecloth, the lighting, and we typically get their favorite foods. We want them to know how much we love and appreciate them. It’s about trying to have a house of love and joy. That’s our big tradition.

William and Robin Gibson Married 26 Years

We live in trying times with work, children, pandemics, bills, etc. There will always be some kind of conflict that all relationships face. No relationship is perfect. It’s how you deal with it that is very important. Never be too busy to listen to your partner. Listening is where it all starts. Never interrupt. Ev-

Rosemary Pino and Eric Oliver

Married 6 Years

Eric and I lived less than a mile away from one another when we met July 24, 2009. I was single and looking for someone local to date because I was traveling a lot with my job. I went on Match.com and put in Clifton and he popped up. I moved on but because I looked at his profile, he could see that.

He messaged me and we started talking, but it didn’t go far. A week or two went by and I received another message from Eric saying he was about to leave and he thought he would give me his personal email in case one day we might talk.

I decided to give him another shot, but he was really dry. So I figured, ‘Let me just give him my number. Maybe he’s better on the phone.’ He texted me, ‘Is this a good time to call?’ I told him I was putting my baby to sleep and to give me a minute, and I ended up falling asleep. That next day I was working in New York and we spoke on my hour and a eryone needs to get their feelings out completely and feel like they are understood. Make compromises and work together to come up with a solution that is good for your relationship. Not all relationships will come to the same compromise, but communication, listening, and encouragement are great starts to dealing with relationship conflicts. Two people working together for the good of the family is what’s most important. half ride back home. From that moment on the phone, we connected. We married Aug. 1, 2016 and making memories with our children is extremely important to us. We have a blended family with 11 children all-together.

He had three children, I had three children, we had three together, and we adopted two through the foster care system. We made a promise as a family to be present for family times. So every year we go on a family vacation for a week to spend quality time together.

Every two years we go to Belize and stay a week in the jungles where there is no WIFI and limited communication with the outside world. We are forced to be present with no distractions and strengthen our bond as a family. This is one of our most loved traditions. We agreed long ago not to allow our pride to get the better of us. So neither of us is ever too prideful to say “sorry” first. You can’t take yourself too seriously — that’s when the magic ends.

By Ariana Puzzo

If you’re looking for the Carlines on Friday nights, they’re likely enjoying pizza together.

It’s tradition, after all. One that took hold in 1963 after having their first semi-encounter at Juliano’s Pizza, today the Grande Saloon, on Van Houten Avenue.

“On Fridays, me and my friends would go for pizza,” said Ann (Friedhoff) Carline, 77. “We went to Juliano’s … which had great pizza.”

One of those Fridays, Ann was sitting with her girl friends when a group of “young gentlemen” entered the restaurant. Among them was Al Carline. Ann recalled that they didn’t speak that night and Al sat down at another table.

It wasn’t until Monday that their mutual friend approached Ann, then a senior at CHS, and asked if she saw who he was with Friday. At Al’s request through the intermediary, Ann gave him her phone number.

“He was a sophomore at Seton Hall University and was in their ROTC. They were having their annual picnic the following Sunday and he needed a date,” laughed Ann (CHS 1963).

So that Friday, they got to know each other. Al picked her up after work — Ann worked part time at the old Grand Union at Lexington and Clifton Avenues — and they got ice cream at Applegate Farm. They attended the picnic together a few days later and Ann said “that was it.”

The couple will celebrate 58 years of marriage on Aug. 28. What made the initial, and arguably most important, impression on Al was Ann’s smile and her temperament.

“From that time on, she’s been the only one,” said Al, 79.

Growing Inseparable

Despite growing up almost around the block from each other in Botany Village, Al and Ann had different education experiences.

Al attended St. Joseph’s and graduated in 1961 from Pope Pius XII in Passaic. Meanwhile, Ann attended School 12, went to junior high at the old School 7, and attended CHS for grades 10 through 12.

Once they got to know each other, the compatibility was instantaneous. Al said that they hit it off with common interests after attending the ROTC picnic in New York State. Ann agreed and said she knew that he was the guy for her “probably within the first month.”

“It didn’t take very long,” said Ann. “We just seemed very compatible and inseparable. We wanted to spend every minute together that we could.”

While Al was studying social studies and English for his education major at Seton Hall, Ann was working toward her bachelor’s in education at William Paterson University. During Al’s last two years, they knew he would be commissioned and leave once he graduated.

The two of them wed before Al began his two-year commitment with the US Army. He started at Fort Gordon in Georgia for his first basic school and served as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps branch. He received promotions and was then assigned to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. Al was at the Brooklyn Army Terminal and later at the Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne as its chief security officer.

Once the Army discharged him following his two-year commitment, Al remained in the US Army Reserves for 26 years. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His branch changed in those years to a medical service branch. Al was executive officer at the 343rd Evacuation Hospital and 32nd General Hospital.

“The ROTC was mandatory at Seton Hall for the first two years, and I grew into it,” said Al about what led him to the Army. “I joined the drill team and a military fraternity.”

“It was just a new chapter in my life, the ROTC program,” he continued. “The instruction, the situation with Vietnam. The camaraderie amongst the students.”

A Wonderful Clifton Experience

The Carlines returned to Clifton after Al’s two years in the Army. They lived on Russell Street and later moved to East 6th Street with their three daughters.

Their daughters are Robyn Murphy, a pediatric radiologist at Morristown Hospital; Beth Carline, an executive assistant at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Kim Mouzon, a sixth grade math teacher at CCMS.

Teaching runs in the family.

Al’s first post-Army job was teaching social studies at then Christopher Columbus Junior High. He later taught at CHS and his career spanned nearly 40 years before retiring in 2007.

Ann taught in Clifton for 26 years. She spent 17 years at School 4 as a second grade teacher and nine years teaching sixth and seventh grade language arts at WWMS. She retired in 2001.

“It was just a wonderful experience. I loved it,” said Ann. “I loved the children and made many friendships with the faculty and staff.”

Al had a similarly positive experience. He coached the girls basketball team for 28 years.

“We won some games,” said Al humbly.

It was over 500 games. What stands out to Al more than the wins are the lasting relationships that he developed with his former players. There was a mini reunion a few years ago that saw some players visiting him in South Carolina to play golf.

“I have a list of just about every player for 28 years and I’m in constant contact with them,” said Al. “We were the first Varsity girls program in Clifton, and I think we were successful.”

Al noted that they won county championships, league championships, and some girls went on to play in college.

One “extremely successful” stand-out was Erin (Shaughnessy) Monahan. Monahan’s in her 30th season as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at her alma mater William Paterson. Her coaching record is 513-256 in 29 seasons. She has led the Pioneers to 11 NCAA Tournament bids and three NJAC Tournament titles.

“I really enjoyed [coaching],” said Al. “I didn’t think that it would be the case with the girls, but I think they’re more coacable than boys. We had some great moments.”

Al remains a present member of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. He played basketball with the old Boys Club and is close with the workers. While teaching, he was part of Project Rebound. The program for at-risk kids took place at the Club.

“[The kids] didn’t want to be in school, so the Board of Education started the program and it was extremely successful,” said Al. “Some of the things that the kids did after graduation were phenomenal. One girl got a PhD in psychology, another became a Costco executive. There were registered nurses and all kinds of vocations.”

Al was inducted into the BGCC’s Class of 2010 Hall of Fame in the 1950s category.

“It was extremely rewarding and quite a surprise,” said Al. “I cherish it today because [the Club] does great things and Bob Foster runs a great program.”

A Special Place

Al and Ann today enjoy golfing, going to the beach, and bike riding. They’re both active in their local Catholic Church — him in the Knights of Columbus and her in the

Women’s Club — and find that time goes by fast.

What makes each moment special is their enduring love.

“She’s very flexible,” said Al. “She puts up with me.”

Amidst some laughter, Al has his own qualities that Ann admires.

“I just feel he’s my best friend. I can depend on him for anything,” said Ann. “Sometimes you think back to the vows – in good times and bad, in sickness and health. I just know he’s there for me. For our family.”

That family has expanded over the years to welcome four grandchildren. Al said they’re eager to see their family retire down south with them. Hopefully even expand further one day so they can have great-grandchildren.

Yet they’ve never forgotten their Clifton roots.

“We hope and pray for … more healthy years together,” said Ann. “We retired down here but still consider New Jersey home, and especially Clifton. All of the many wonderful experiences that we had in Clifton hold a very special place in our hearts.”

By Ariana Puzzo

The initial spark between Bob and Carol Van Der Linda was slow burning, but it was real.

It wasn’t entirely metaphorical either.

“He took my phone number down on a matchbook cover,” said Carol, 84. “A month later, he called and said, ‘This is Bob’ and I said, ‘Bob, who?’”

Let’s backtrack a little bit. Bob, 88, did in fact make a strong first impression on his eventual wife and she’s the first to admit it. But the first impression for Carol was in high school. Carol recalled how Bob was a “big jock” and doesn’t know whether he actually saw her the first time that she noticed him.

“I saw him and I thought, ‘He’s gonna be mine’,” said Carol (CHS 1955).

It would be a while before they met but when they did, Carol also made a lasting impression on her now husband of 61 years.

“[My first impression was] she’s so pretty,” said Bob (CHS 1954). “Very pretty.”

Destined to Meet

Bob grew up on Sheridan Avenue before moving with his family in 1950 to the Lakeview section, where Carol and her family lived.

The future couple had separate high school experiences despite their close proximity. Carol was focused on her books and graduated on the young end of her class at only about 16. Bob was extremely active in sports. He played for the Mustangs in football, basketball, and baseball. For football, he was co-captain and an All-State fullback and linebacker.

The couple then went their separate ways and did some growing up. Bob worked in roofing and siding while Carol finished high school and decided she wanted to pursue nursing. The problem was that she needed to be 21 to sit for her licensure exam. Even if she started a program, she would finish by 19 and still have to wait.

“There was no question about me going into nursing at that point,” said Carol. “My mother said that I had to do something, so I said, ‘OK, I’ll be a secretary.’”

Carol attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair. After graduating and spending some time working, she realized that she still wanted to pursue nursing. She took her entrance exam for nurses training in 1957. Upon completion, she worked at Passaic General from 1960 until 1997 in the emergency room, labor and delivery, and the operating room.

But it was after finishing at Katharine Gibbs that Bob and Carol’s paths formally crossed. It was Summer of 1956 when they met at the Bowlero cocktail lounge.

“I don’t know why I went in there. I was only there one time and he had never been there either,” said Carol. “For some reason we were in there. It was like we were destined to meet.”

They dated a couple of times, but it was enough. It was a strong enough connection to endure when Bob went into service in 1958.

Bob served with the US Army and was at Fort Dix before moving to the North American Air Defense Command, now the North American Aerospace Defense Command, in Colorado Springs. He was two years active, two years active in the reserves, and two years inactive in the reserves before he was discharged.

When asked what has made their relationship work through the years, the answer is simple. “Well, we love each other,” said Carol. “Do you need more than that?”

A Higher Gratitude

Bob and Carol wed on June 10, 1961 and have lived for the past 25 years in Las Vegas. They have a son, Robert, who graduated from Clifton and married daughter-in-law Karen — who Bob said he and Carol are grateful to for

“making our life complete.” They have two grown grandchildren Steven, 23, and Stephanie, 21.

When Bob retired from his construction business at age 62, they made the move. Today, they are active in their church, an important part of their lives, and enjoy the casinos.

They haven’t forgotten their love or history in their hometown. “Clifton was a great town to grow up in,” said Bob. “I played in Upper Weasel Brook Park as a kid growing up.”

As far as relationships, Bob emphasized the importance of being patient, accepting, and kind. These qualities are ones that Carol appreciates most about him.

“I’ve had multiple medical problems while I’ve been [in Las Vegas]. My husband has stood firmly by me all that time,” said Carol.

“The good Lord’s given me a bunch of challenges, and hopefully I can meet any challenges that He gives me,” said Carol. “[Bob] has taken care of me totally during it. He’s an amazing man.”

Bob also recognizes a power that is greater than his own.

“We thank the Lord,” said Bob. “The Lord watches us.”

By Ariana Puzzo

“Wouldn’t you kiss Liz Taylor if you had the chance?”

Robert Lions, better known as “The Kissing Bandit,” made headlines on July 24, 1964 after he planted a kiss on Elizabeth Taylor and ran. The circumstances that lead to his aptly given title were no less astonishing.

We mentioned it as a footnote in the history of our city when we did our look back at the 1960s in April, 2016.

Lions, still a Clifton resident six decades later, met with us and shared some of the news reports from local and national papers. Here is a synopsis of what happened and how he snuck a kiss with a movie legend—while her husband Richard Burton helplessly stood by.

On a night that appeared to be no different than any other night, sirens were wailing at 6:20 pm, followed by Taylor and husband Richard Burton waving to a crowd gathered outside Clifton Stadium.

The motorcade brought the famous duo to Clifton to support young Christopher Turnham, who was lying paralyzed in Passaic General Hospital.

A classmate of Lions, Turnham dove into the swimming pool at the Country Club Towers, hit his head, and was instantly paralyzed from the neck down.

Somehow through various connections, Taylor and Burton were the headline stars in a fundraising event at Clifton Stadium to help Turnham’s family pay medical bills.

The true excitement began once Taylor and Burton emerged from their Rolls Royce. They entered the school stadium’s center field amid cheers and applause from an audience of at least several hundred people. Mayor Ira Schoem greeted the Burtons and Tex McCrary, from radio station WOR, introduced the pair. Taylor then accepted a painting done of her by a “local high school boy.”

She asked McCrary if he could ask the painter to come onstage so that she could formally thank him. What happened next was nothing short of theatrical. Rather than the true painter coming onto the stage to meet Taylor, Lions ran up, kissed Taylor and immediately vanished. McCrary later revealed that the boy who kissed Taylor was not the actual painter.

“It took a lot of gall to do it,” Police Chief Joseph Nee had said.

When Lions saw hands shoot up into the air when Taylor asked if the painter was present, he realized that it was now or never.

“I saw my buddies raising their hands, pretending to be the one who painted the portrait of Liz, so I raised my hand too,” said Lions. “Then I decided to go down, since no one else, including the real artist, whoever he was, was coming forward,” Lions added.

The true painter of the painting of Taylor was Roger Robles, of Nutley. He was in the audience and watched as Lions ran to the stage and kissed Taylor. “I was standing by the gate, kind of surprised, you know, I didn’t expect that,” said Robles. “I told one of the reporters there and he got in touch with the chairman and they told Liz and arranged for me to meet her.”

However, there were no hard feelings between Lions and Robles. “I went up to [Robles] after and I apologized to him for doing it,” Lions said. “He said, ‘Well, that’s all right.’ He just laughed it off, I guess. He got his reward, too. He was just as happy, I suppose.”

Amusement was expressed by everyone, including Taylor. “Oh, how funny,” she said when Robles came forward to meet her and also received a kiss.

However, Lions’ mother was not surprised by her son’s antics. “He’s always liked to do devilish little things,” she recalled. The excitement did not end—Lions story would go on to be published in the November 1964 issue of Motion Picture Magazine.

Despite his youthful hijinks, Lions grew into a professional man. Today, the still youthful and playful 76-yearold is a civic-minded family man and a grandfather who worked as a Chemical Engineering Lab Technician at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.