Clifton Merchant Magazine - July 2020 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Justin Rivera made Clifton history on June 5 when he and Gabby Garcia organized a social justice rally at City Hall. Some 3,000 people came to protest the May 25th killing of George Floyd groaning “I can’t breathe” as a white Minnesota policeman kneeled on his neck. The rally was youthful, peaceful and game changing. More photos on page 64.

From the Editor - Tom Hawrylko

Some see protest as a threat to American life but the Black Lives Matter movement may—as other protest through our nation’s history have—alter America for the better. The struggle to improve flaws of American democracy dates back to our nation’s founding in 1776, some 244 years ago. In that spirit, protests in 2020 should also be viewed as a form of patriotism. Rivera, who is 22, a 2015 CHS grad and general manager of Blink gym in Lodi, followed his path to improving those flaws when in mid-June he announced his candidacy for the Clifton Board of Education. “What can I do to be a role model, to help those who do not have a voice, to make my voice heard?” he asked himself before deciding to run in the November election.

While Clifton’s population is diverse, Rivera, pictured above left with microphone, said community leadership is not. “The high school administration is mildly diverse but it should not stop there,” he said, noting that there are Arabic and Black vice principals. “We need more teachers of color in the classrooms, more in government, so people like me can see role models they can relate to.” You may not agree with all that Justin Rivera and BLM have to say, but it is an education to hear of the historical and everyday burdens of African-Americans. Over the decades, protest has stimulated change that ultimately improves our democracy. This is the era we are living in folks—so let us keep our minds open, share opinions, be respectful and learn from one another. 16,000 Magazines

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Jack DeVries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele, Ariana Puzzo, Patricia Alex

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo Business Mgr. Irene Kulyk

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Stories by Casey Hawrylko

Think of CHS and your first thought may be its size, especially for Mustangs who graduated over the past two decades. Despite crowded halls and mosh pits, the school offered many things to the Class of 2010, including its diversity of interests and life experiences. As Nick Lavender said on the facing page, it also offered the chance to spend time with friends on a daily basis, which is missed once you leave. While high school prepared the graduates for the adult world, it also gave them a preview of what that new world would look like for them. They were halfway through their four years when the U.S. elected President Barack Obama, the country’s first black president. Then, less than four months after graduation, the photo-sharing social networking service Instagram was launched to the public. Still, one thing remained clear for the Class of 2010: Clifton opened their eyes to the lives of many, which in turn prepared the Mustangs for everything that came next. July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Daniel Bartlett, Alexandra DeLiberto, Corey Meyer, Nicole Santusuosso, Andrew Saad, Sofia D’Elia.

It’s only been 10 years but Nick 2010) is a role model and his inLavender said he has noticed a comspiration to pursue coaching and munity change over this past decade. teaching. “He always pushed me to “We graduated in a time where sobe the best I can be,” he recalled cial media was just getting started,” of Doktor. observed Lavender, who teaches Lavender attended NJIT, studytechnology and engineering at Raning Technology Education, and in dolph Middle School, where he sees 2015 landed a job in the Randolph and tries to manage the use of social Public Schools fresh out of colmedia in class. “Friendships and relalege. Becoming a teacher opened tionships are much different.” opportunities for Lavender to stay “High school is about the interacinvolved in high school athletics. tion in the halls, in the classrooms... He coaches Randolph Boys Varsithe every day stuff,” explained Lavty Basketball (the team went 21ender. “To be able to be around 8, was ranked 41st in NJ and lost friends on a daily basis is something the 2020 state semi-final game to that you miss as you get older.” Ridgewood in overtime) as well as While teaching and coaching in Girls Freshman Volleyball. Randolph, he still manages to see Lavender not only found career kids from Saint Philip Church and inspiration in his hometown of fellow Mustangs for pick up games Clifton, but also love. Nick and Jaimie Lavender. or just hanging out. Although he and his wife, JaiGrowing up in Lakeview, Lavenmie (Brogan), a 2010 grad of IHA, der attended School 11, WWMS and played travel basknew each other since they were grade schoolers in Clifketball with the Boys & Girls Club. Coaches from those ton, it wasn’t until their senior year that they started datyears made an impact on his life. ing thanks to mutual friends in town. The couple married CHS Principal Mike Doktor (his volleyball coach in in November 2019.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Career Curve Ball Leads to Cool Runnings Now the co-owner of two restaurants, a world traveler and a pretty good poker player, Shamarie James has added some miles to life since leaving CHS in 2010. The first stop for James was Bergen County Community College. He had expected to study the music industry but the traditional route was not his path. Strangely enough, his future began to take shape when his mom got laid off from her accounting job. “We decided then to take control of our futures by turning our culture into the food and hospitality business,” recalled James. In 2015, they opened Cool Runnings Cuisine on East Second Ave. in Roselle, serving up the traditional fresh foods and flavors of Jamaica. Serving up oxtail, jerk chicken and other items that are made “fresh in our kitchen then served right to your table,” Cool Runnings found a niche and opened their second location in Vauxhall in 2018 During his fortunate career change, James discovered his passion for travel and “found bliss in exploring the “what ifs” of 15 countries and counting, with South Africa, Netherlands, Morocco, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and St. Kitts being his most memorable. Another hobby that has taken him to big places is playing poker. He plays with a group of his Clifton friends, but also takes pride in the fact that he has gotten to play in a few big tournaments as well. He stays connected to Mustangs Deion Mills, Alexis Preza, Cody Morrison, Megan Ferrara, Shivaun Vogas, and Ashley Roman. James feels fortunate to be living in the same Allwood home that he grew up in as it allows him to save money and continue traveling. Looking back, CHS brought new people and cultures into James’ life. “I literally saw a new face everyday for the four years I went to high

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

school,” James recalled. “Clifton High School was so diverse, there was absolutely no room for discrimination,” adding that the good times certainly outweighed the bad and proudly can say there was no hate during those four years. Still A Mustang on the Court Even as a high school basketball and football player, Moe Niwash (seen in 2019 at left) knew he wanted to give back to the teaching community. “All of my coaches collectively had an impact on that decision,” Niwash fondly recalled of his Mustang days. However, one teacher and coach stands out the most. “Mr. (Steve) Covello was the most influential teacher and coach thanks to his loyalty and care for his students and athletes.” Post 2010, Niwash pursued a degree in education from William Paterson and then earned a job working as a social studies teacher in Paterson.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Reflecting on his four years at CHS, Niwash only has positives to say about his high school experience. Besides the fact that the class of 2020 had to finish off their senior year virtually, Niwash does not see much of a difference between today’s graduates and those of a decade ago. Niwash explained that he has remained close with the same best friends he had in 2010, especially Nick Giordano, who also became a teacher and now works at CHS. Still proud to call Clifton home, Niwash remains connected to his Mustang roots as an assistant Mustang Boys Basketball coach. He also stays competitive, working out, playing golf, basketball, and even finds time to read novels. Will Her Path Lead To Clifton Schools? Naturally, life has taken many Mustangs on their own unique paths since graduation. But Shantel Cordero insists that when she reunites with fellow 2010 grads these days, it is just as easy as a conversation in the CHS cafeteria 10 years ago. “I didn’t make friends in high school,” Cordero said about her four years at CHS. “I was part of a family.” That family includes fellow cheerleaders Megan Lill, Caitlin Golbewski and Alexa Perez, as well as guys such as Moe Niwash and Mark Riccardi. “Some of my best memories were those Friday nights under the lights cheering on the football team,” she said recently. But despite the fun and friendship of being a cheerleader, Cordero knows those four years of high school can be a difficult time to navigate. Luckily, Cordero did not have to do it alone. Besides her friends, Cordero was fortunate to work in the counseling department during her free period with Mrs. (Samina) Salahuddin. That fortunate interaction made an everlasting impression on Cordero. “She really helped me with life and college readiness in general,” she recalled. In fact, her CHS work study also directed her to a career path. Cordero completed her Master’s in School Counseling at New Jersey City University. Previously, she completed her undergrad work in psychology at William Paterson University. That all led up to a hometown opportunity: Last year she interned in the counseling department at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. It was another homecoming of sorts as Cordero

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

worked in the school she attended some 12 years ealier. What she observed is that early teen life is a little more complicated these days. Now with two degrees, Cordero is ready to make her own mark as a school counselor. Still a resident of Clifton, who knows? Cordero may find her career path right here. Switching Gears But Staying Put Back in June 2010, LJ Wieczerzak told the Clifton Magazine with certainty that his future would be in the automotive field thanks to Mr. Walsh’s auto shop class. Despite the positive impact his beloved teacher and training made, it was his co-op class that unexpectedly paved the true path to his life’s career. After the original automotive job lined up for Wieczerzak’ co-op experience fell through, fate brought Wieczerzak to Colonial Pharmacy on Clifton Ave.. In between the most enjoyable moments of senior year, like filming the girls basketball games and getting invaluable hands-on experience in auto shop, Wieczerzak was a step ahead of many high schoolers. He left high school with his foot in the door at Colonial Pharmacy, which ultimately changed the direction of his life. “College just never felt right for me,” Wieczerzak explained, adding there was no big aha moment: “I just didn’t pursue it.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

With a work ethic already instilled in this recent graduate’s blood, another opportunity fell into place, shifting his plans of pursuing the automotive career he once envisioned. “I started working right after high school as an office manager for my uncle’s contracting business,” Wieczerzak said. “My uncle needed the help and I had no direction at the time.” Wieczerzak also continued working at the front counter of Colonial Pharmacy, and filling in when needed at its second location, Van Houten Pharmacy. Eventually, Colonial needed a pharmacy technician, so Wieczerzak stepped up and dedicated his work full time to filling that need. “I’ve since worked my way up through the ranks from sales clerk to pharmacy technician and I’m now operations manager,” he explained. Wieczerzak continues to reside in Clifton and enjoys kayaking and cycling during his free time from the pharmacy. Although he did not pursue the automotive career he once envisioned, his experience in Mr. Walsh’s auto shop class is something he will forever be grateful for and notes that he was very sad to learn of his recent passing. “He was an amazing teacher.” He Aimed High & Signed for 10 Alec DeGraaf has always felt drawn to teams that collectively strive for the same goal. Whether it was playing travel and high school ice hockey or collaborating with small teams at work, DeGraaf has pursued and accomplished many of his dreams over the past decade. Now, he is about to follow his greatest long term goal yet. After graduating CHS, college was almost a “chance event” for DeGraaf. Then, once he went, he realized a career in mechanical engineering wasn’t for him. He left NJIT to pursue a field that would allow him to learn how different systems worked without the rigors of advanced engineering courses. William Paterson’s Biopsychology degree appealed to that desire. By the end, DeGraaf completed the honors track and thesis based on his 18 months of animal research. It would later be his thesis advisor who encour10 July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

aged him to contact the Kessler Foundation, where he has worked for the last five years. DeGraaf has trained research participants and colleagues in a memory training protocol, administered both cognitive and physical assessments, and trained fellow colleagues in the same tasks. Despite making his mark in the disability field, DeGraaf felt the need to pursue something more. He applied for graduate school, but found himself at a crossroad as he was also inspired to join the Air Force after working with veterans of the Gulf War at Kessler. “Their commitment to their participation and their belief that their involvement will benefit fellow veterans inspires me,” said DeGraaf. ”Conversations I’ve had with these veterans opened my eyes to the incredible opportunities and brotherhood that military service offers.” It only made sense for this go-getter to pursue both opportunities, but the Air Force became DeGraaf’s first choice. “The Air Force offers incredible job and educational opportunities to their members,” he said. DeGraaf will attend Officer’s Training School by the end of the year where he will have the opportunity to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training to become a general Air Force aviator and then attend CSO training in Pensacola, Florida. Although his initial service contract is for 10 years, he hopes to make a career in the Air Force. The military offers that ultimate “team first” attitude that has always suited DeGraaf’s drive. It’s hard for him to envision where he will be in 10 years, but it doesn’t worry him. “I feel nothing but excitement for the future.” Caring People Led Her to a Career The academic and social diversity of CHS is what prepared Michelle Ferrara for the world beyond high school. “I appreciated all the programs and levels available class-wise because it enabled you to find the path that made the most sense for you as a student,” said Ferrara (CHS ‘10). “There are people from all walks of life, all parts of the city, and of every background that went to CHS.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Taking Honors and AP classes could be daunting, especially as a freshman, but she recalled Mr. Mike Rogers helping to guide her through her doubts in his AP History class, boost her confidence, and support her in earning a high score on her final exam. Mrs. Lindsey Cinque, her French teacher from sophomore through senior year, is also one of her favorite mentors. “I remember thinking that I could go to her with any issue I was facing, school related or not.” Other fond memories include playing soccer, basketball, and softball with fellow Mustangs, like Melissa Ayers. She recalled how the different coaching styles of Rob Tomesko, Amanda Gryszkin, Stan Lembryk and Sal Anzaldi influenced her. “It allowed me to understand what type of leader I would want to be, on and off the field.” Currently a Tax Advisory Manager at Ernst and Young, Ferrara expressed gratitude to another CHS teacher. “Mr. Gary Frankel’s teaching style and subtle confidence boosts led me to consider accounting through college and as my career,” Ferrara explained.

Alec DeGraaf at right will soon enter the US Air Force officer training program. He is pictured with his dad, John (CHS 1982) and his brother John (CHS 2008). Below Michelle Ferrara and Justin Furtado.

She attended Fairfield University and graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Accounting Information Systems. Although she lives in Stamford, CT with her fiancé, Justin Furtado, who she met in college and their dog, Gene, she remains connected to Clifton by visiting her parents and coaching girls’ recreation soccer for the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club. “My office is in NYC, so twice a week [pre-COVID], I commuted out to NJ, coached the girls, then commuted back through NYC and up to CT to go home.” The couple plans on marrying in 2021. Inspired by Caring People Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was 10-years-old, Jessica Culic wanted to be just like the nurses who cared for her while she battled her own health issues. “I love working with the oncology kids the most because they are the toughest kids around and you get to know them and their families really well,” said Culic, a pediatric nurse. Culic is grateful for how the diversity of CHS prepared her for the world of nursing where she constantly meets people from different walks of life.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

“It has definitely shaped me into the open-minded, understanding human being I am today,” said Culic. Although her career gives her much more to care about now, Culic makes sure to continue laughing with a few of her 2010 classmates like Amanda Turrin, Doug Doerflein, and Lukasz Krzesiewicz. Culic was involved in many activities over her four years at CHS such as soccer, basketball, softball, swimming, and sang in the Madrigals. She also remembers her dedicated teachers, some that even her brother, John, and sister, Joanne, (both 1997) had despite both being over a decade her senior. From Signoria (Rosamaria) DeFeo, who was “incredibly sweet and patient considering she put up with our shenanigans,” to the ultimate jokester, English teacher Mr. (Robert) Dominianni, Culic remembers their influence. “Mr. (Mike) Rogers was the only history teacher I could remember in all my years of schooling that made

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

the subject interesting,” Culic added. Another memorable moment was throwing their caps at the stadium with her fellow graduates in front of hundreds of family members and friends, something she sympathizes with today’s graduates for being unable to do due to COVID-19. Culic followed her childhood dreams and attended William Paterson University and earned her nursing degree. She currently works at Goryeb Children’s Hospital, part of Morristown Medical Center, and remains in Clifton, though she and her boyfriend, Daniel, are house hunting elsewhere. Culic enjoys the outdoors and prefers being near the beach, swimming, learning to surf, and snowboarding in the winter. “Even though life can get busy and I don’t see many people like I used to, it’s awesome how social media keeps us connected,” she said. “It’s always nice to see friends I used to hang out with doing well in life.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

But as he considered his future, the 2004 CHS grad found that corporate uncertainty begat entrepreneurial opportunity. The real estate industry had beckoned Nouri ever since he and his wife Tina bought their first home, a two family which they still reside in at 6 Frances St, Clifton. “At this point in January 2018, I had a decent amount of real estate accomplishments and experience. I was a proven licensed agent that was selling houses after work and on weekends with $2.4 million in sales 2016-2017,” he recalled. So he decided to finally stay firm and stop the corporate world job searches. Nouri said with the support of his CPA wife, he committed to starting a house rehabbing business with his cousin and keep investing in multi-families.

“I was pretty handy from my younger years wrenching at the family auto repair shop, had one successful Clifton condo flip under my belt. So I thought, why not?” 16

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“I felt the first year would be the hardest and if I can successfully execute my first year goal, I would be running on a path to that entrepreneur freedom that I’ve always dreamed about,” said Nouri. “I just needed that push.” Thanks to his former corporate employer, he got the push. “That uncertainty pushed me into being an entrepeneur who bring value to Clifton by buying, renovating and selling home.” Over the two years since, Nouri has been associated with the Realty One Group Brokerage, and launched his home rehabbing business, MetroFit Home Solutions. From sale to closing and then rehab, he works with a team of licensed plumbers, electricians and other rehab professionals that get project work done. “Let’s say you inherited a home,” explained Nouri. “You don’t want to invest the time and money into fixing it up before you sell it. That’s where MetroFit comes in. We can make a cash closing within 10 days and take the risk out of the sale.” As both businesses have grown, so too has his experience as a realtor, home rehabber, project and property managers.

Multiple times a week, Nouri meets with Cliftonites that want to talk real estate. “If you are the least bit interested in buying, selling or investing, give me a call,” he said. “I wear many hats in this industry as a licensed agent, investor, and rehabber and I can definitely help you get started from my experience. It’s only fair to return the favor, for all the people that met with me.” Find out more. Give Freddie Nouri a call.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Margaret Amy DeMolli, Andrew Tatarenko, Jacqueline Lasky, Robert DeVito, Theresa Bivaletz, Colin Van Horn.

Stories by Ariana Puzzo As the Class of 2000 prepared to leave CHS, they knew that the bond they shared would always exist. During their time in school, the millennium class had a camaraderie that set them apart. They watched as technology transformed, and their memories of life before these developments made them even more appreciative of the new tools at their disposal. They “survived” Y2K, which many find amusing in retrospect. Overall, there was a palpable, undeniable excitement for what would come next. “We’re not just turning the page,” said Luisa Torres. “We’re buying new calendars.”

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Colin Van Horn, Theresa Bivaletz, Andrew Tatarenko, Victoria Rogers, Adrian Jachens

A Lifetime Of Excitement When Jacqueline Lasky reflects upon the Class of 2000, she thinks of unity. “I think the majority of us were all friends. I remember that distinctively,” said Lasky. “We all genuinely had a care and liking for each other. We all got along. We supported each other, and that in itself was special.” Lasky, 37, grew up off of Valley Road and attended School 5 and WWMS. When she entered CHS, she joined the cheer squad. Freshmen couldn’t make varsity but by her sophomore year she joined the varsity squad, and she became captain in her senior year. Spending time with her cheer friends was fun, but Lasky also loved the hard parts, including working out and inventing new stunts and choreography. “I loved it and when you love something, it’s not work,” she said. Lasky’s next stop after CHS was MSU, where she earned a teaching degree. She has spent the last 15 years teaching physical education and health at Cedar Grove High School, where she is also the head coach for the cheer squad.

It is also at Cedar Grove HS that she met her fiancé, fellow physical education and health teacher TJ Jones. The couple plans to marry on March 12, 2021. “We have pretty much everything in common except he’s a Bengals fan and I’m a Jets fan, so Sunday football is tough for both of us,” she laughed. Lasky and Jones enjoy bike riding, trying new restaurants, and building things. Jones’ latest project was building a dog house for their new English bulldog, Boomer. The couple currently lives in Clifton to stay close to family, especially Lasky’s special needs brother, Nicky, 40. “Family is very important; it always has been,” said Lasky. “So, to go too far just didn’t seem like it would work out given how close I am with everyone, especially Nicky.” “Being around him makes everything better,” she continued. “He’s just the happiest kid in the world.” Looking ahead, Lasky’s anticipation for the future is limitless. “Once you find a best friend in your partner, everything excites you.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Gaining A New Perspective Stephanie (Eromenok) Brown definitely considers herself a Cliftonite. Whether it is her 16 years as an educator in the city or watching her son, Jaden, 9, attend School 3 like she did, her roots run deep. After graduating, Brown, now 37, attended MSU and earned her elementary K-8 teaching certificate. Her first jobs were teaching 6th and 7th grade mathematics at her former middle school, CCMS, for 14 years. She just concluded her second year at WWMS. Teaching in the same district and becoming colleagues with former teachers like Ms. Dubanowitz, Ms. Herwitt and Ms. Lewandowski helped Brown realize that perspectives shift once your role changes. “I think [Clifton is] even more diverse now than even when I went to school,” she said. “I feel like when I was a kid, there was a respect for school, and now as an adult, you see the importance of it.” Although the pandemic is a source of frustration and changed the way Brown can teach and communicate with her students, the rewarding part of her profession remains. Even after her first year at WWMS, students wrote her thank-you cards. There are also times when she’ll run into the siblings of her students. “They’ll just say, ‘I remember you as a teacher and you were so tough, but you made a difference’ or ‘You were so tough, and now I understand it as a grownup,’” said Brown. “Those things are the highlights and where you get to see the reward later on in life.” Blink and You Miss It Even at a young age, Luisa Torres knew she needed to be involved in the performing arts. Although her first singing memories were at School 1 and CCMS, the Class of 2000 grad has deep musical roots. “My grandfather [Raul Moncaleano] was the big musician,” said Torres, 38. “He was part of a trio in Colombia… [and] he was the singer of the family.” What started as a desire to participate in musicals, choir, the Madrigals, and orchestra transformed into a lifetime passion. Today, Torres is an opera singer and she made her Carnegie Hall debut last fall. The experience is one that she is certain she will never forget. “Even going in the backstage door was a big deal,” she said. “It’s very ‘blink and you’ll miss it.’”

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

“You have this fancy name Parsippany and graduated in and everyone knows it,” she 2001 with a Computer Tech continued, “but even artisticalSupport certificate. ly, it’s very gratifying to sing in By September of 2001, he that space.” started working for UPS, but Although the pandemic crehis true passion was real estate. ated performance limitations, He bought his first “fix and flip” Torres is involved in a remote property in 2004 and worked at opera project with Independent UPS until 2010 when he decidOpera Company, a company ed to fully pursue his passion. based in Los Angeles. Those “I felt if I didn’t make that involved record themselves move, I probably never would separately, making the project have,” said MacDonald. “At “one of the first of its kind.” that time, I was young enough While her performances to take that risk … and I just Jeremy, Tamra and Conner MacDonald are looking forward to the arrival of Travis. have taken her to countries never looked back.” around the world, including Integrity is something MacAustria and Italy, Torres mainDonald hopes to instill in his tains her Clifton roots. After living in East Rutherford for boys. He also wants them to know that they should ala brief period, she settled again in Clifton in 2017. ways pursue their dreams and goals, and that he will al“Even when I traveled, my home address was always ways support them. Clifton,” said Torres. “Once you build that foundation, everything else is going to come naturally,” he said. A Strong Foundation Jeremy MacDonald believes that family is every perAll In This Together son’s foundation and that his family has come full circle. Andrew Tatarenko (CHS ’00) grew up knowing the As of mid-June, MacDonald (CHS ’00) and his wife, importance of community involvement and carries that Tamra (CHS ’02), were expecting their second son, Travalue with him today. vis, within weeks. The alums live in Totowa and are parBorn and raised in Clifton, Tatarenko lived on Priscilla ents to Conner, who will turn 4-years-old in August. The Street until 3rd grade when his family moved to Friar newest member of their family makes them a family of Lane. His early exposure to his community was in no four, like MacDonald’s family growing up. small part thanks to his parents, Stefan and Anna. While For MacDonald, seeing the age gap between his sons Anna taught at School 13 until her retirement last month, mirror the gap between himself and his brother Rory Stefan, who passed away in 2009, was on the Board Ed (CHS ’04), and what that dynamic may look like for when Tatarenko was in elementary and middle school them, excites him. and on the City Council while Tatarenko attended CHS “If you have a good family and good background, the and college. odds are [likely] that you will grow up to be successful Tatarenko, now the business administrator for the and happy,” said MacDonald, 37. “It starts with family.” Township of Mount Olive in Morris County, finds his That start for MacDonald was with his younger brothjob rewarding and said that his father’s roles “definitely” er and their parents, Edward (CHS ’74) and Izzy (CHS positively influenced his life. ’70). After attending School 4 and CCMS, MacDonald “I have an immediate impact on the daily lives of peoplayed baseball and football at CHS for all four years, ple in the community,” said Tatarenko, 38. “If there’s a and he became one of the captains during his senior year. problem in town … I have the ability to make that perAfter CHS, MacDonald attended Chubb Institute in son’s life better.”

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Our founder, Joseph M. Shook, Sr. was born

#3969, a member of the Clifton Elks Lodge

on March 15, 1924 and on June 7, 1955, the

#1569 and an active parishioner of St. John

NJ State Board of Mortuary Science granted

Kanty RC Church.

approval to operate Shook Funeral Home.

On June 9, 2008, at the age of 84, Joe died

Joe was a member of the Athenia Veterans

peacefully in his home above the funeral home,

Post, a Charter and Honorary Life Member of

where he started his business and raised his

Regina Mundi Knights of Columbus Council

family. We are proud to continue his legacy.

Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ July 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Along with working in Mount Olive, Tatarenko lives in the township with his wife, Colette, and their daughters, Brooke, 5, and Alexa, 3. Tatarenko hopes that he is as good a father to his daughters as Stefan was to him. Although the pandemic has created challenges, Tatarenko said that their time spent together is invaluable. “I’m learning a lot about myself, both good and bad, during this time,” he said. “It comes with its challenges, but it definitely is more rewarding. I like spending time with them laughing.” “The hardest part of my career is to work through this and be home for my family,” continued Tatarenko. “But just like everyone else … we’re all in this together.”

Andrew and Colette Tatarenko with Brooke and Alexa. Below, Colin, Kimberly Langstaff, and Moira Van Horn on Thanksgiving, 2018.

Setting The Stage Colin Van Horn may work today as the Technical Director at the Alexander Kasser Theater at Montclair State University, but he got his taste for stage production at CHS. The Class of 2000 grad’s parents were involved in school musicals before he entered CHS. However, they made the Stage Craft Club official by his freshman year and Van Horn was heavily involved for his four years at the high school. “It was during this time, working with my parents at CHS, that I developed a love for the technical side of theater,” said Van Horn, 37. One of the best parts of his work is meeting and working with creators from around the world, as well as working with and teaching theater students.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

His primary joy, though, is when a show is successful. “When you’ve worked with a team for hours, weeks, or sometimes months on a project, [you’re] sometimes loving it and sometimes cursing it,” said Van Horn. “But when the lights come down after the show and I hear the audience applauding and I see the performers smiling, I know we did our jobs well.” Now living in Lyndhurst. he and Kimberly Langstaff, have a daughter, Moira Grace, 2. The “giggles and smiles” are what he enjoys most about fatherhood, as well as watching as his daughter “discovers the world around her.” “What I look forward to the most is watching and helping her grow and find her place in this world,” he said. The ‘Golden Moment’ When Adrian Jachens (CHS ’00) considers his life today, he acknowledges that support at home and at CHS helped make it all possible. Jachens, who grew up in the Richfield section, expressed gratitude for the support that he received from his parents, Richard and Maria. He is also grateful to his science teachers at CHS who helped solidify his passion for science. Two of those teachers were James St. Clair, Sr. and

William Smith. “They really knew how to capture a class,” said Jachens, 38. “They made formulas and calculations of projectiles and molecules really entertaining and engaging and fun.” Jachens, now an ophthalmologist, always

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knew he wanted to work in a Jachens referred to it as the science-based field. While ap“golden moment” — the moplying to Stevens Institute of ment when the patient realizes Technology for his bachelor’s that they can see clearly again. degree, he knew that he want“There have been countless ed to go into medical sciences times when they’re so grateful, so that he could spend time they break down in the chair with patients and help them. and weep for being able to While his science teachers see for the first time in a long helped him solidify an intertime and that’s just awesome,” est in the broader field, his he said. “It’s really gratifying family’s ophthalmologist on for me to be able to do that for Clifton Avenue took it a step somebody.” further. “[Dr. Charlie Crowley] The Road Back Here was the inspiration for me to For Victoria Rogers, all The Jachens: Adrian, Samantha, Carter, Juliana. become an ophthalmologist,” roads lead back to Clifton and said Jachens. most importantly, CHS. Once Crowley, who died in Not long after the Class of 2018, learned Jachens planned to apply to med school 2000 graduate left CHS’ halls, she returned in a different during college, he suggested Jachens shadow him, and capacity. Rogers earned her bachelor’s degree in English Jachens got the opportunity to go inside an operating and secondary education from St. Joseph’s University in room. Philadelphia and then got her master’s at the same school. “He was this big, giant, happy teddy bear that really During her master’s program, she arranged her coursloved what he did,” said Jachens, “and I just watched es so she could come home on Wednesdays and substihim do what he did and said, ‘I want to do that for the tute in Clifton on Thursdays and Fridays. rest of my career.” However, she was part of the CHS community long “I think anyone can look back to [their] academics before any of that. Her mother, Anne Marie Gaccione and schools and people, and really point out specific (CHS 1972), taught social studies for a combined total people through the course of [their] development who of 25 years. Her father, Peter Gaccione (CHS 1966), also really were pivotal,” he continued. “He was one of walked those halls and graduated at 16-years-old. them.” Rogers said her mother’s legacy made her high school Jachens lives in Wyckoff with his wife, Samantha, experience “interesting.” and their children, Carter, 6, and Juliana, 3. He works “Growing up in town with a mom who works in town out of two offices, one in Paramus and the other Frank- it was trying to make a name for myself, but also mainlin Lakes. Samantha is also a physician, and the couple tain my mom’s integrity,” said Rogers, 38. dated through med school. When she returned to CHS, one change that she no“We met in the first week of med school in anatomy ticed was its diversity. When she looks back at her yearlab,” said Jachens. “I guess in a room full of dead bodbook, she remarked there was diversity then, but even ies, I looked pretty good to her.” more so today and that she “took this diversity for grantAlthough the pandemic has at times required teleed” at college. medicine, which has its frustrations and limits, Jachens “I couldn’t wait to come back here where everybody maintains that the most rewarding part of his profession wasn’t just like me,” she said. can be the instant gratification for the doctor and patient Although Rogers came back as an English teacher, she under regular circumstances. transitioned to a vice principal in March of 2018.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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The new role was important to her, especially in context with her focus on school spirit. “I feel like the best way to invoke change is to really have your hand in it and have things going in a certain direction,” said Rogers. “I first sought a counseling degree,” she continued, “but then felt like the best way to make the most amount of change is to go the administrative route.” Rogers lives in Garfield with her husband Michael, a social studies teacher at CHS, and their children, Amelia, 8, and Jackson, 7. Although she no longer lives in Clifton, her commitment to its students and community is strong. “You only get one hometown,” she said, “so you feel like it’s home.” Uniting A Community When Theresa Bivaletz is asked to recall her high school experience, like many former students, she does it with a chuckle. “I think like anyone, you had your typical high school setbacks and drama and feeling like you didn’t fit in,” said Bivaletz (CHS ’00), “but the friends that I did have made it better.” One of those friends was Sylvia Pasieka, who she played with on the softball team. Bivaletz mostly played second base or right field for all four years. Today, the former Lakeview resident has committed herself to a different type of teamwork and accountability. Bivaletz, 38, is entering her sixth year this summer as a social worker at William Paterson University. Her role is as a victim advocate and violence prevention educator, working with survivors of gender-based violence while also educating and training students, faculty, and staff about violence prevention and bystander intervention. Despite the lasting challenges of continued violence and people not taking the issues seriously, Bivaletz identifies what makes her job rewarding. “When I see students get it. When they

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Victoria and Michael Rogers with Jackson and Amelia.

start to be activists themselves and speak out against oppression and violence,” she said. “And for any survivors that I’m working with, when they’re going through the healing process and they realize that they’re worth it.” “It’s nice to see students not afraid to talk about sexual violence and consent and what that means.” Bivaletz lives in Ringwood with her husband, Nolan Back, who she married on May 1. The couple are expecting a baby girl. Bivaletz expressed her hopes for future communities that her daughter will experience. “Do the things that make you happy, but also that can change your community for the better,” she said. “Don’t be scared to talk about difficult stuff.” “It’s not about pushing people away that disagree with you, but calling them in.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Thanks to All Essential Workers... especially those on the Front Lines...

We Wanted To Make A Difference And We Did

Rainbow Montessori is a non-profit organization that teaches children from 6 weeks to 6th grade, using the Montessori Method. We proudly stayed open during the Covid-19 closing and became an Emergency Child Care Center. We were able to help the essential workers children while parents worked. We struggled to move ahead and lent a hand to those that were less fortunate...a food pantry for families that lost jobs... learning and sharing how to apply for government loans to help ourselves and local business owners. Using Google Classroom, we kept connected to all the Montessori children we missed so much.

Our ‘Pizza Friday” treated our essential kid’s pizza and offered it to the students at home. They and their parents came by and we were able to see them from a safe distance ... and our children were able to see some friends too! Occasionally kids needed some additional help so they were able to “meet with” our school counselor. Some needed extra FaceTime visits from their teachers, and we were more than happy to spend time with those and all our children who we missed so much. At Rainbow Montessori, we wanted to make a difference during Covid-19 and our staff and teachers did.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Louis DeStefano, Victoria Smith, Nicholas Hriczov, Roma Duplak, Richard Smith, Joseph Lauritano.

Stories by Rema Rahman A gallon of gas may have risen to about $1.22 that year, but the Class of 1990 set their sights after graduation on new destinations with their own unique ways of getting there. One Mustang who couldn’t wait for graduation, Roger Post, took the scenic route by becoming a locomotive engineer. Others like Jennifer J. Clayton-Craig traveled and lived across the country, but ultimately

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

settled back in the east not far from her roots. The tie to Clifton would prove strong for many and play an important role in their lives and future relationships. Just look at one such Mustang, Louis DeStefano, and how the classmates and friends who were a significant part of his life at CHS would later become his family.

Hamed Aref, Jennifer Kolodziej, James Bel Bruno, Patricia Cavanna. Coach Kostisin, Virginia and daughter Meg.

Making Her Own Name Most students find taking attendance on the first day of high school a boring routine. For Meg (Kostisin) Gray, it was the last thing a shy teenager wanted. “Some kid would shoot up from whatever class we were in and say, ‘Oh, you’re Coach K’s daughter,’” said Gray (CHS ’90). “You just want to hide under your desk.” She was, of course, referring to her father, John Kostisin, beloved Clifton basketball coach. Kostisin coached freshman and junior varsity basketball for CHS from 1962 to 1972, then became head coach until 1976.

Much to her dad’s disappointment, the family’s basketball genes were not passed down. “I, unfortunately, did not inherit enough coordination to get anywhere past the freshmen year,” Gray joked of her own basketball tryouts following her father’s retirement. Instead, Gray joined the track team and worked as a football manager during her high school years, assisting players with taping, icing and treating injuries. She credits the latter experience with leading her to a career in physical therapy.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island as a sociology major, she attended Temple University for her master’s degree. Gray, 48, lives in Bloomingdale with her husband, Christopher, whom she met the summer between freshman and sophomore year while she worked at The Hearth. They have two daughters: Alexandra, 18, and Sarah, 15. Today, Gray still frequents Clifton for its restaurants and to visit her mother, Virginia, who still lives in her childhood home in Middle Village. First Comes Friends... Louis DeStefano’s classmates at CHS were not Maureen and Lou DeStefano and Jennifer Clayton-Craig. just friends, they became his family – literally. Fellow CHS 1990 graduate Tara Landers DeSeOnce a Jersey Girl... na became DeStefano’s sister-in-law when he married Life did not go quite as planned for Jennifer J. Clayhis wife, Maureen Barilari DeStefano. While playing ton-Craig (CHS ‘90). football for the Mustangs, Mickey Soccol (CHS ’89) beFrom Maine to Southern California then back to Clifcame his step-brother. ton, Clayton-Craig worked as an office manager for a real As a football player, DeStefano fondly recalled afestate firm and as a bereavement counselor for a hospice ternoon practices, homecoming and the annual Thankscompany. She also spent from 2001 to 2010 as an EMT giving Day football game against Passaic. However, he in Little Falls and Totowa alongside her husband where, considers these family relationships to be “the two most at times, they rode along together. important things the Class of 1990 did for me.” She ultimately settled two hours east of Pittsburgh after DeStefano, 48, is a lifelong resident of Clifton, where earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount he currently lives in Delawanna. He cites the town’s Aloysius College in 2015. No matter where she has lived, proximity to New York City, the Meadowlands and acClayton-Craig says Clifton will always be home. cessibility to major highways as reasons he remained in “I am a Jersey girl through and through,” she said. the city. He also said he still keeps in touch with classShe is now working to earn her master’s degree in mates, some of whom work locally as police officers and divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washfirefighters. ington, where she seeks to serve the United Methodist After majoring in business administration at Fairleigh Church. Dickinson University, DeStefano worked for his father’s Her studies are centered on establishing partnerships textile manufacturing company for five years. He then with other Christian denominations and faiths that prolanded in the logistics business at SLS Logistics and East vide outreach and religious services. Clayton-Craig also Coast Warehouse, where he has spent the last 16 years. has another fulfilling job as a school bus driver for four DeStefano also serves on Clifton’s Board of Adjustdifferent districts. ment and Traffic Safety Council. He credits those oppor“It’s very rewarding because I get to be the first person tunities to his time at CHS. Mayor James Anzaldi, who these kids see,” she said. “I’ve sort of taken it as my peralong with the City Council appoints members to those sonal mission to make sure they have a good day.” boards, was elected the same year DeStefano graduated Clayton-Craig’s roots in Clifton date back to her from CHS. grandmother, Gladys (Alpaugh) Scheaffer, a 1941 grad“My teachers and some of the people around [me] uate of CHS. Her parents, Judith (Scheaffer) Clayton and have taught me to become active in Clifton,” DeStefano Donald Clayton are high school sweethearts who gradusaid. ated from CHS in 1966.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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As most New Jersey natives can attest, one of the things she misses most about the Garden State are some of its prime staples. “The bane of my existence here is improper pizza and the absence of pork rolls,” joked Clayton-Craig about living in Pennsylvania. “They [also] don’t know how to do bagels.” Next Stop: Memory Lane Roger Post (CHS ’90) recalls sitting in English class watching trains go by, wondering how much longer it would be until he could get out of there. “Now I’m running them,” said Post of his career three decades later as a locomotive engineer with NJ Transit. He works the multitude of train lines that depart Hoboken. “It takes time, but you will get the job you always wanted as a kid,” he added. Post’s first train job was for the Susquehanna Railroad, where he went from mechanical work to freight conductor, then locomotive engineer. He then spent 20 years on the Morristown/Erie Railroad as a conductor/engineer primarily out of the Bayway Refinery in Linden.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

During his high school years, Post, who grew up in Clifton’s Lakeview section and now lives in West Caldwell, worked at Nightingale Catering. He still helps out there part-time with beefsteak dinners. Post, 48, credits CHS’ wood shop, metal shop and auto mechanics classes for teaching him the skills he has used throughout his life. His fondest memory, however, was graduation day. With high school done, Post said his classmates made sure that the principal’s wishes for a “100% perfect” graduation were disrupted - for the sake of fun.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

and Don Smith (CHS ’85), also went to CHS, as did her mother, Joan (Barton) Smith, who graduated in 1960. After high school, Hosler attended Berkeley College where she earned an associate’s degree in business administration before returning to school online and earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2016. A Family Serving Their City Steven Damiano (CHS ’90) Kimberly (Smith) Hosler and Steven Damiano, now and then. comes from a family of police officers with Clifton roots. “We made sure it didn’t happen that way,” said Post. His father, Carmine, was Clifton’s court officer and a Instead, students hid balloons and air horns in the field special police officer. His brother, Anthony (CHS ’84) the night before that set off during the ceremony. Those was a sergeant for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Departpreparations may have also contributed to Post’s love for ment. and career in transportation. “I was in charge of acquisiDamiano, 47, grew up in the Lakeview section, where tion because I had a van,” he said. his mother still lives. His own tenure included working as a part-time Clifton police officer and dispatcher from A Sympathetic Ear 1993 to 1998. He studied sociology with a concentration Transitioning from a nursing assistant to a house manin criminal justice at William Paterson University. ager at a drug and alcohol treatment facility was a seamWhile students of the Class of 1990 remembered less experience for Kimberly (Smith) Hosler (CHS ’90). what turned out to be a raucous graduation that set off It’s because the foundation of both jobs, she said, is fireworks, literally, Damiano, who played junior varsiabout helping others, which is something she dates back ty baseball for two years, also remembered an endearing to her time growing up in Clifton. moment. It was the moment when the whole class gave “My friends and I would always be ‘Dear Abby’ to a standing ovation after a fellow student with down syneach other,” said Hosler. “If you can talk to one person, drome received his diploma. you can talk to many.” As the father of a 10-year-old, Damiano said that he “It’s just having a sympathetic ear.” would encourage his own son to attend a bigger, more The Pottsville, Pennsylvania resident, who grew up diverse high school, such as CHS. on Spring Street, remembers performing in the concert However, it would also come along with some of the choir in high school. A competition in Orlando netted the pains of attending such a big school with a big populagroup a silver medal in Hosler’s freshman year. The trip tion. also gave them a chance to perform at Disney World and “It was just funny trying to get from one class to ansing at SeaWorld. other,” he said. “The halls were packed.” Hosler recalled Concert Choir Director Ms. Barbara Like other CHS graduates, he credits Facebook for Novak’s stringent style. classmates finding each other after so many years. “She wanted everything perfect and I think we gave Nonetheless, running into Clifton natives today even her what she needed,” said Hosler, who began singing outside of the city shows that despite its size and the time during her years in CCMS. passed since high school, the camaraderie is always there. Hosler’s two older brothers, Kevin Smith (CHS ’87) “It’s a bond,” said Damiano.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Stories by Rema Rahman For the Class of 1980, CHS became their past, present, and future. While some Mustangs found long-lasting love in the halls of the high school, others found future careers that allow them to walk the same halls that they did 40 years ago. As returning Mustang Janet (Klikier) DeStefano attests in her interview on page 44, returning to CHS and working in the same environment she once learned offers a different vantage point and makes her even more appreciative of the work of staff members who came before her. Although the Class of 1980 left Colfax Avenue and entered a workforce where unemployment was on the rise, it was clear that these Mustangs were destined for success and would keep a deep appreciation for the school that laid the foundation for their future endeavors. Turn the pages and learn how some from the Class of 1980 has fared over these decades.

Betty Passaro

Kim Renta, Jerry Baratta, Linda Sorbera, James Baratta.

Class Clowns Bruce Latteri and Lisa Pignatore

40â&#x20AC;&#x192;

July 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Cliftonmagazine.com

Paul Rold 1980 and today.

Diane Troast-Setter in 1980 and today. She i

and Christine Felten Smith were among those she would meet with once or twice a year when she still lived in New Jersey. Growing up in Clifton, particularly because of the large class sizes, formed friendships that remain no matter how much time has passed. “You can not talk to somebody for years and then all of a sudden reconnect,” she said. “There’s always a bond.”

A Limitless Bond Diane Troast-Setter (CHS ’80) seamlessly transitioned from gymnast to dancer and cheerleader. She credits her time spent at the Kathryn Collins Dance Studio from the time she was 5-years-old until high school. Mary Collins Troncellito taught ballet and jazz while Bill Collins taught tap dance. Students of the dance school performed at the Botany Village festival and a host of street fairs, but there was one event that stood out above the rest. “Just about everybody went to the Clifton picnic,” said Troast-Setter. “You could expect all your friends.” Today, Troast-Setter lives in Palm Coast, Florida, where she moved in 2012 after raising five children in Oakland. There, she is a registered behavior technician who works with autistic children at a center. The Kathryn Collins Dance Studio experience also helped with that. Troast-Setter said that she would help out with special needs classes there and, on occasion, would take the stage during performances to help special needs children remember their dance routines. After graduating from William Paterson University with a degree in physical education, she went on to teach physical education, drivers education and health at Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi. Troast-Setter said that she still keeps in touch with friends from her Donald Street neighborhood, as well as from School 1 and Christopher Columbus Junior High School. Friends like Nona (Snyder) Soohoo

A Career of Public Service The first professional job Carolee (Grazioso) Azzarello held as a case manager for what was then the Division of Youth and Family Services left a lot lacking. “It was very frustrating,” said Azzarello about seeing parents not held liable and children not well served.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

The CHS 1980 grad spent the rest of her career in the federal criminal justice system, serving as a probation officer out of the courthouse in Newark for 27 years before retiring on Dec. 31, 2018. “Getting into the criminal justice system where you see people were held accountable was a better fit for me,” Azzarello said. The William Paterson psychology major is the sister of Tim Grazioso (CHS ’76) and John Grazioso (CHS ’78). Both brothers died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. While her time in high school overlapped with her brother John, Azzarello joked the older sibling hardly acknowledged they were related. “Honestly, he found me to be his annoying little sister,” said Azzarello, with a laugh. “He probably didn’t want me to know what he was doing.” The Athenia section native now resides in Green Brook with her husband, John, and two children, Nicolas, 15, and Mia, 13. In retirement, Azzarello said that she has spent most days taking her kids up and down the east coast for hockey tournaments. She calls her latest job title “unpaid Uber driver.” The Returning Mustang Janet (Klikier) DeStefano’s (CHS ‘80) fondest memory as a senior was walking onto the Giants Stadium football field. It was the Mustang’s state championship game in 1979. As a cheerleader, DeStefano and the squad

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

In 1985, John Grazioso, their mom, Sandra (Fornelius) Grazioso, Carolee (Grazioso) Azzarello, Tim Grazioso. At inset, Carolee in 1980 and today.

worked up fans from a player’s vantage point. “It was a lifetime experience,” she said. “You felt like a star.” DeStefano, 57, is one of three nurses at CHS, a job she has held since 2012. The Albion Place native chose the profession for its flexible hours, allowing her to tend to her elderly parents and raise her young daughter, Kathryn, now 30.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

DeStefano said returning to the the class president, who was in the school’s hallways as an adult makes armed forces, was out of the counher appreciate the work of the staff. try. At her first school nurse job at After high school, Capizzi atSchool 1, she was met with a surtended Fairleigh Dickinson Univerprise. The school’s principal at the sity, where she majored in dental hytime was former CHS business giene and became a dental hygienist, teacher Patricia Lyne. As a student, a career she has held for 38 years. DeStefano feared Lyne’s stern deThe Richfield section native and meanor. current Monmouth County resident But in working for Lyne, DeStesaid her graduating class has uniquefano found a warm and loving leadly kept in touch over the years uner whose intentions were “always like others her age who she meets one of caring and safety.” that went to different high schools. “Your view is different,” said “We had a very fun, vocal, enerDeStefano. “Maturity helps.” getic group,” said Capizzi. “We had DeStefano’s father was a 1942 a very nice, friendly group that liked graduate of CHS. At that time, the to party.” Janet Klikier and Pamela Capizzi. school graduated students twice a Capizzi said that she keeps in year to allow men to serve in World touch with a couple dozen of her War II. Joseph Klikier went on to become a Navy Merown classmates. Graduating with more than 800 students chant Marine. may be daunting for some classes, but not for the Class DeStefano noted that her classmates, of which she still of ’80. “You would think [the class size] would affect the keeps in touch with a handful of former neighbors, are camaraderie adversely, but I think it seems to have done unique for leading a host of successful careers from nursthe opposite,” said Capizzi. es and neurosurgeons to police officers and businessmen. “We really had a very well-rounded, very accomThis Mustang Took Flight plished class,” she said. When Paul Rold (CHS ’80) wasn’t practicing or playing football in high school, he could always be found at Strength in Numbers the airport. Head cheerleader Pamela Capizzi (CHS ’80) faced Rold took after his uncle’s enthusiasm for flying since a conundrum when the Mustangs made it to the state he was 12-years-old, earning his pilot’s license at 17 bechampionships her senior year. fore he could legally drive. One of her cousins was playing for the opponent, PasThat passion led Rold, 58, to Embry-Riddle Aeronausaic Valley. Other cousins who went to the school were tical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He eventualso in attendance at Giants Stadium that evening. ally landed a job at Piedmont Airlines before becoming “That was interesting for the families,” said Capizzi. an air traffic controller at Newark Liberty International “It created a good rivalry.” Airport. “I can’t imagine not loving a job more,” said Capizzi, 58, is now helping organize CHS’ 40th reRold of his three-decade career. union, which is planned for October. It is her fifth time His parents still live in the Van Breeman Drive home putting together an event that attracts about 150 people they moved to when he was 5-years-old. While Rold said from as far as California and Florida. that he “didn’t mind school,” living close by had its disShe is joined in those efforts by fellow classmates advantages. “I could never cut because I only lived two Denise (Iannascola) Matarante, Maria (Joyce) Perry and blocks away,” Rold joked. Linda Sorbera-Hopkins. The four CHS graduates beRold left his post at Newark Airport in 2018 since air gan working together on their 10-year reunion because traffic controllers have a mandatory retirement age of

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

56-years-old, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. He has coached a host of sports in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he lives, including baseball, basketball and football. Much to his own surprise, he also started coaching girls lacrosse when his own daughter started playing the sport 10 years ago, which he continues today. All three of his children - Kevin, 26, Natalie, 24 and Steven, 20 - have attended Penn State University.

house.” Chupick, 57, opted to raise his family in his hometown. His daughter, Jennifer, graduated CHS in 2013 and his son, Kyle, graduated in 2015. He met his wife, Karen (CHS ’80), in gym class at CHS. His best man, Jamie Swaitek, also graduated high school the same year as the couple, who married in 1988. Chupick earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State, studying urban environmental and geographic sciences with a minor in biology. He now works as a senior environmental consultant, scoping out comThe Small-Town Feel mercial properties for sale at a comCHS readied Brad Chupick for pany that remedies environmental college in more ways than just the concerns to fit state standards. education it offered. Brad Chupick and Karen Pambello. Meanwhile, Karen works as a For one, it was the sheer size of secretary for the vice principals at the place, but it was also meeting CCMS. Part of the reason the Chupicks chose Clifton to kids from around the city for the first time after being raise their family was because both sets of parents lived split in grammar and middle school depending on where there. Also, despite being a big city, Chupick said that he they lived. It was also much more serious business. enjoys Clifton’s small-town feel with still plenty to do. “Maybe in junior high, a teacher would kick you into He described it as having “the quaintness of the way it a classroom,” joked Chupick (CHS ’80). “Here, if you is up in Bergen County.” don’t make it, you don’t make it. They call it the big

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Language lab with Severin Palydowycz, and below, Bohdan Warchola, Maxine Johnson, Stephen Tarkanish.

Stories by Ariana Puzzo Music coursed through the veins of the Class of 1970. As the new decade brought with it The Beatles’ final album, Let It Be, and the first celebrated Earth Day in the U.S., the CHS Mustang graduates pursued careers that spanned fields and locations. Whether it was close to home (but let us say pretty far out!) like Joe Dera, who went on to become Paul McCartney’s press agent, or across the country like Robert Marinaro, who worked with the U.S. Geological Survey, these Mustangs achieved great heights.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Then of course there was those Marching Mustangs. After graduation, the 146-member band kept on perfecting their show and headed to Kerkrade, Holland. There, at the International Music Festival, they wowed the judges and spectators, taking first place medals for marching and show and second place for concert. While decades have passed since the Class of ‘70—a band of Mustangs from all walks of life—never forgot where they came from or the memories they made with each other. Though perhaps what bonded the group most, as Marinaro suggested on page 53, was the culturally rich American era they were born into and lived through.

A Lifelong Jersey Girl Deborah Verderosa still remembers the first time that she projected her voice and the lesson she gained from it. The 1970 grad had joined the drama club and tried out for the school play, but it was her first time getting up in front of people like that. The short-term result was that she got the second biggest girls part. However, the lesson was bigger. “I think I kept the same kind of voice structure throughout my life,” laughed Verderosa. “As long as you recognize flaws in yourself,” she continued, “you can correct that and use it as a learning experience.” When Verderosa moved to Clifton, she lived off of Main Avenue and started at Christopher Columbus Junior High. She later lived off Valley Road when she married but 15 years ago moved to Wayne. Today, she is still projecting her voice in her role as Graduate Advisor and Admissions Coordinator for the Clinical Doctorate in Audiology program and the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program. Montclair State University.

“I learned how to project my voice and I’ve kind of been animated ever since,” said Verderosa. “I have no problem standing in an auditorium in front of people.” Although some of her classmates left Clifton and New Jersey permanently after graduation, Verderosa never wanted to settle too far from home. “My family is here in New Jersey,” she said, “and I’m very close to my mom. I never had any aspirations to leave New Jersey only because my family is here.” “I’m a Jersey girl.” She ended up raising four children, two biological and two adopted. Heather, 39, graduated CHS in 1998, and Ashley, 36, graduated CHS in 2001. Her youngest daughter, Gianna, 18, graduated Wayne Hills High School this year, and her son, Logan, is 4-yearsold. The great part of all the technological changes is how Facebook has reunited her class. “Even though high school years can be intimidating,” she said, “it’s just so wonderful to reconnect and to find out which ways their lives went.”

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A Legacy of Kindness Family is everything to Donna Block, and the 1970 grad wanted her son to grow up the same way. “Family is my whole life. I adored my mother and father,” said Block, 68. “Some kids were more adventurous, but I loved being home near my family.” Although her work in the jewelry business saw her travel to cities like New York, Miami and Chicago, where her son, Michael (CHS 1999), was born and she lived for a period of time, Clifton was always home. She lives in the Allwood section and said those years she spent close to her parents, Fred and Grace, are ones she cherishes. Although she cannot believe the things they would say yes to her doing, she said they were always supportive. “All the dumb things I did in my life, they always said yes,” Block laughed. Block was always especially close to her father, who passed away in 2016, and said their relationship grew stronger when Grace passed away 10 years prior. “I miss my father terribly because I had 10 years of him all to myself,” said Block.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Donna Block and her parents.

“My mother was my best friend, no doubt, but my father could read my mind,” she added. “Sometimes before I even thought of it, he’d say, ‘I know what you’re thinking.’”

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During those 10 years, they would go every morning for coffee, but first they visited Grace’s gravesite so Fred could spend time with her while he trimmed around the grave and washed the headstone. Block treasures these memories and the unwavering kindness they showed others, which she strives to live by in her own life. “I never heard them say anything bad about anyone,” said Block. “I think they valued ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’” “I’m glad I grew up around that. Not everybody does.” One Man’s Legacy Joe Dera’s public relations client roster is enough to turn heads. During his 40-year career Les Paul, Paul McCartney and Joe Dera in 1988. in entertainment PR, he was the press agent for David Bowie and Paul McCartney. When Dera later opened his own PR agency “I was signing some big names and in NYC, he added Robert Palmer, ZZ Top, Ringo Starr, it’s not very difficult to get their names and The Kinks to his roster. in the press, so you have to be conscious of who they Now, the CHS ’70 grad has a new purpose. He retired are, the priorities, what you have to protect, and how you in 2016 to an 1857 Antebellum Plantation house in Benposition them in the media,” said Dera. tonia, Mississippi and rescues dogs. Dera has rescued a He was particularly protective of McCartney’s legacy. total of 16 dogs and presently has seven dogs in his care. “I was the necessary evil that the record company “They’re the sweetest little things,” said Dera, 69, didn’t like [because] I would control how much exposure “and they seem very grateful. You see their transition he would get over certain things,” he said. from being frightened to being part of a pack and how “I have to think a year or two in advance … to mainthey play together.” tain the legacy of The Beatles,” he added, “and not “They steal your heart, especially if they’re needy and over-expose him to the point where people say, ‘I’m tired tossed away like garbage,” he continued. “I’m happy to of seeing Paul McCartney.’” take them in and I’ve done it with a vengeance.” One particular memory stands out that involved BowDera moved to Clifton from Passaic in 1960. Growing ie. up, he recalls many camping trips up near Hunter MounIt was in preparation for Bowie’s tour and by that tain and Kaaterskill Falls in New York State. His friend point, selling out MSG was “no big deal.” Dera, wanting group also spent many nights seeing concerts at Fillmore to recreate the Fillmore’s ticket lines, arranged similar East. ticket selling at MSG. However, his interest in music changed at County “The next morning we announced it, we had a line College of Morris. around MSG,” he said. “The line showed 3-piece suit “I worked for the school paper [reviewing] music,” he businessmen to people dressed like him.” explained. “My 40 years in the music business steered Despite passion and strong instincts, Dera insists one from that.” thing about his past work. Those four decades saw him develop relationships “It found me, I didn’t find it.” with artists like Bowie and McCartney.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Making Music With The Backyard Birds Friends and music keep Linda Kaempfer Baker grounded. The former Lakeview girl has lived permanently in California since 1978 and keeps in touch with several boys from the Class of 1970. Among them are Tony Lulling, Robert Marinarro, and Peter Costarelli. Another close friend was George Goldey, who passed away four years ago. “He was a good friend that was our glue,” said Baker, 67. “He was named ‘most congenial’ in our class.” As for music, Baker’s early memories include clinking glasses with her family when she was about 5-years-old. Later at CHS, she sang and is now Facebook friends with their “fabulous music teacher” Frank Rainey. Although Baker’s voice is “my primary instrument”, she plays acoustic and electric guitar, as well

as some piano, banjo, and the ukulele. Today, she is in a six-person band called The Backyard Birds. Music is her life and it shows. “I live in 415 sq ft, so the instruments are all hung up on the walls,” she said. Baker, mother to Juliet Tablak, 46, and Blake Tablak, 44, is also entering her ninth year as a special education teacher. “I like to say, I am so grateful to have found special education and my greatest thrill comes to me when I say to my smart speaker, ‘Alexa, play music by The Backyard Birds’ and our music plays,” she said. During the pandemic, Baker and other members of a Facebook group called “Sons of the Beach” have used “Facebook Live” to uplift and spread joy through music. “As long as you keep moving and you keep singing, it’ll be OK.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

A New Adventure When Alison (Herman) Barry travels the world, soaking in the different aspects of foreign cultures never ceases to excite her. The 1970 grad grew up in the Richfield section and attended School 2 and Woodrow Wilson Junior High. After she graduated CHS, she attended the University of Pittsburgh as a triple major and graduated as a certified elementary school teacher. She went on to work in the customer service department for General Foods in Clifton, and received promotions that brought her to Boston and then back to New Jersey. Barry and her husband, Eliot, married in 1978 and have lived in Summit for the last 40 years. The couple have a security company, BH Security, in Union that handles card access, video cameras, fire alarms, and fire inspections. “[Eliot] started the company, and we were married with two kids,” said Barry. “I left General Foods and started coming into the office. I could work my schedule around the kids.” The couple have three children — Jordan, 39, is a law professor; Dana, 36, works with them in the business; and Jeffrey, 32, is a doctor.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Over the years, traveling is a passion that the couple have shared with each other and close friends. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, they traveled for about three weeks in December to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Cambodia. “We just went with some friends and thought it would be an interesting trip, a totally different culture,” said Barry. “We also went to Morocco in October and came back in November.” Countless memories stick out to Barry, including how moving it was to visit Israel and how the goats were in the trees in Morocco. Other travel destinations included Italy, Turkey, Egypt, France, Switzerland, Germany, and many islands. They also went on a road trip through Spain with Barry’s CHS classmate Ellen (Hart) Spector and her husband. Leaving everything behind and exploring new destinations is Barry’s favorite part of travel. “We frequently go to temples, besides looking at beautiful churches all over Europe,” she said. “It’s interesting to see the comparisons.” “Every day is a new adventure,” Barry continued. “Just meeting different people and [experiencing] the foods and the culture.”

An Era Like No Other When Robert Marinaro hears someone refer to him by his initials R.A.M., it brings him back more than 50 years ago. “Everyone called me RAM,” said Marinaro. “I know from which era someone is if they call me up and call me that.” Although he left New Jersey in 1973, Marinaro said Facebook strengthened his connection to the Class of 1970 in ways he couldn’t predict. “When we went back to the 40th reunion, it was kind of like walking into a room of 180 and I knew half the people in there from communicating almost daily on Facebook,” said Marinaro, 67. “It’s a neat feeling.” Marinaro grew up on Urma Avenue, attending School 14 and Woodrow Wilson Junior High. Once he started ninth grade, he was fullback on the football team and when he got to CHS, he was on the JV team as an outside linebacker his sophomore year. During his junior and senior years, he started on varsity as outside linebacker and won honorable mention in his senior year. When he wasn’t on the field with the Fighting Mustangs, he was socializing with friends and working. He

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remembers many of them worked at Rafters, located where Bowlero once was on Route 46, when they were 16- and 17-yearsold. “All of our friends would come in late at night,” said Marinaro. “Core friendships developed in those parking lots.” Those friendships were also strengthened by a love of music. During nights and weekends, Marinaro and friends saw numerous concerts in New York City. It was a different time when spontaneity was possible for concerts. “We would just say, ‘Who’s playing at the Fillmore or Central Park tonight?’” said Marinaro. “Now you have to plan months ahead.” It was also a sign of the times. The summer between Marinaro’s junior and senior year is also full of memories from Woodstock. The group knew it was happening from listening to WNEW, but like everyone else they couldn’t predict the historical significance. “We were able to take advantage of being born at a great time in our cultural history,” he said.

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Ronne Epstein, Robert Lauritano, Maritza Velez, Joseph Holzli, Melvyn Hockwitt, Paul Passenti.

Stories by Sarah Kuta Duane (DuBois) Voss said the Class of 1960 was part of a generation that was “able to achieve things.” Considering their leader at the start of the new decade, it was no surprise. Two days into the new year, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, and later became the youngest elected president. Their lifetime pursuits also fell in line with the times.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

While Barbara Novak and Voss would have successful careers in the arts and sciences, the country listened as Elvis Presley released G.I. Blues and took note when the American Heart Association linked cigarette smoking to coronary heart disease. As these 1960 Mustangs went forth in an era of change, Voss, in her interview on page 60, said she hopes their grandkids will find similar success.

Bravery in action Search the Wall of Faces at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation and you’ll find a photo of William Malcolm. Malcolm is one of the 1,563 Vietnam veterans from New Jersey who bravely gave their lives while serving their country during the Vietnam War. His name is also among more than 58,000 inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Though his military career ultimately ended in tragedy, Malcolm valiantly served his country. After graduating from CHS in 1960, he followed his father’s path and joined the U.S. Army. As a member of the 3rd Infantry Division’s Old Guard, Malcolm and his fellow infantrymen had the great honor of performing funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and keeping watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Malcolm, who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class, participated in President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration ceremonies, as well as the late president’s funeral service. Malcolm stood watch over Kennedy’s casket in the White House and commanded the 21-gun salute on the day of Kennedy’s burial. In late 1969, Malcolm began his tour of duty in Vietnam as a member of the Company C, 502nd Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He was killed by enemy fire on May 5, 1970, leaving behind his wife Nancy and their three young children. After death, he was awarded the Silver Star for valor in combat. Malcolm also received the Combat Infantry’s Badge and the Bronze Star during his military service. He is remembered today as a hero who persisted in the face of adversity and encouraged his men to do the same. “Sergeant Malcolm directed his men against the enemy positions and was seriously wounded by automatic weapons fire,” according to his Silver Star citation. “Despite his wounds, he continued the assault and engaged the insurgents with grenade and rifle fire … His actions, however, enabled his unit to overrun the complex and rout the enemy force.” Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Bob and Betsy Papa with son RC and his wife Shannon. Inset above: Coach Grecco and Papa in 1960.

Coaching For Life Bob Papa faced plenty of adversity throughout his business career, but he never gave up when times got tough. And that’s exactly how legendary CHS football coach Joe Grecco would have wanted it. Papa, a member of the Class of 1960, still remembers the lessons that he learned from Grecco all those years ago. Although Grecco died in 2003, Papa often finds himself thinking about his beloved coach. “It was lessons like, ‘You’re the best. Never give up. Keep working. The people who work hard are the ones who succeed,’” said Papa, who lives in Naples, Florida. “You just have to keep going and working at it.” Papa, 78, was an All-American under Grecco, which ultimately led to a football scholarship at Notre Dame. After college, he tried a handful of different career paths before deciding to start his own construction supply business in Clifton. He ran the successful company PFC IND Inc. for 35 years before retiring and handing the reins over to one of his sons, who later sold the business in 2010. In retirement, Papa enjoys spending time with his 13 grandchildren, creating oil paintings and playing golf. He also credits CHS with playing matchmaker. Papa met his wife, Betsy (Huston) Papa (CHS ’59), in the halls

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of the high school, where she asked him to be her date to the Sadie Hawkins dance. That fateful question led to a long and happy marriage — 55 years and counting. “We have been blessed with a wonderful life,” said Papa. “I owe everything to my teammates, the Clifton fans, the student body and the coaches at Clifton.” A Lifetime of Music Music has always been a driving force in Barbara Novak’s life. From a young age, she excelled during piano lessons, a talent she brought to band and choir as a student at Clifton High School in the late 1950s. After graduating from Clifton in 1960, Novak went on to earn multiple degrees from esteemed schools, including a bachelor of music in piano performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and graduate degrees in music performance and music and theater from the University of Mississippi. She led a successful career as a piano recitalist, traveling around the world to perform and study music, before returning home to Clifton to share her passion with students and residents. Novak, now 77, touched the lives of generations of CHS students over the course of nearly 30 years, teaching classical piano lessons and leading the school’s

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concert choir, Madrigals and musical theater productions. She also shared her musical talents with the broader community by serving as an accompanist, organist and choir director at more than a dozen churches around the city. In retirement, she remains active in Clifton’s arts and culture scene, serving on the boards of the Theater League of Clifton, the Clifton Arts Center and the Passaic County Historical Society. She now plays the piano for fun, as well as for the high school choirs and bands in Saddle Brook. Novak also loves gardening, going to concerts and operas, and attending church at Russian Orthodox Church of Three Saints in Garfield. Novak, who still lives in her childhood home in Richfield, stays in touch with many of her former students, including dozens who went on to lead thriving careers in music. “That means I did something right somewhere along the line,” she said. “It gives me great satisfaction to see that my students have been so successful.” A Fateful Reunion High school sweethearts Lenny Feldmann and Marie Elena (Resitano) Feldmann went their separate ways after graduating from CHS in 1960 — college, careers, marriage to other people, children, divorce — before re-

uniting and falling back in love at their high school reunion. Thanks to Clifton High, they’re on track to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in 2021. “You never know what life is going to bring you,” said Lenny. “Fate brought us together.” Lenny, now 78, moved around a lot as a child before landing in Clifton as a high school sophomore. He loved to play the accordion, especially in a band made up of neighborhood kids who played at the high school’s Saturday night sock hops. After graduating from Clifton, he earned a degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and taught elementary music classes. He got married and had two children, pursued a degree in mechanical engineering and changed careers, working in various roles in manufacturing and business consulting. His marriage ended in divorce. Meanwhile, Marie Elena’s life played out in a similar fashion. At Clifton, she participated in clubs and activities that allowed her creativity to shine, including the newspaper, the yearbook and the cartoon club. After high school, she earned a degree in art education from Montclair State College (now Montclair State University), then spent the majority of her career teaching art to elementary school students in New York. She got married, had one son and, later, got divorced.

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July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The duo met at Marie Elena’s “Sweet 16” birthday party — Lenny came with one of Marie Elena’s friends — and dated for several months in high school. They ultimately broke up and charted their own individual paths because Lenny’s strict father thought that they were getting too serious. Little did he know that nothing can stand in the way of love. Both were single and not looking for romance when they decided to attend their 30th high school reunion in Clifton in 1990. Lenny spotted his former high school flame changing the film in her camera and struck up a conversation. They talked until the wee hours of the morning, which reignited the passion they felt in high school. They got married in 1991. Today, they are enjoying retirement together in Wallkill, New York. They are still grateful to CHS for helping them cross paths again, so many years after they first met. “When we were in high school, we were crazy about each other,” said Marie Elena, 77. “We had a lot of similarities in the 30 years in between. It’s interesting that we ended up together again and realized that our attributes and values aligned,” she concluded. Science For Good During her career in pharmaceuticals, Duane (DuBois) Voss helped shepherd many life-saving drugs through the complicated federal approval process, combining her love of science with her desire to help people. And it all started at CHS.

Duane (DuBois) Voss daughter, Kim McPhail, and grand children, Matt and Lauren.

Voss was so inspired by her high school science classes that she went on to earn a degree in chemistry from Douglass Residential College, a part of Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “I liked that chemistry is very organized, that it was something you could rationalize,” said Voss, 77, who grew up in Richfield and graduated from Clifton in 1960. She returned to CHS as a teacher, encouraging her students to think critically about chemistry, rather than simply memorizing facts and figures. After taking time off from the workforce to raise her two daughters, Voss pursued a career in patents. Using her chemistry background, she helped several companies search for and analyze recent patent filings in the fields of chemical engineering and pharmaceuticals. Later, she became director of regulatory affairs for Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. While there, Voss oversaw FDA approval of various cancer drugs that extended patients’ lives. She also helped the company gain approval for Tamiflu, the revolutionary influenza prevention drug. “When you’re doing drug development, you’re improving people’s lives,” she said. Today, Voss lives in Montville, where she loves gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She hopes they will have the same opportunities she did as a young person. Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

“I don’t know what it was about our generation, but it just seemed like we were able to achieve things,” she said. “I hope people continue to do that. I hope the future for my grandchildren is going to be as good.” The One-of-a-Kind Mustang What people saw as disposable, Chuck Ranges saw as money. Whether it was old household items, vehicles, or real estate, the former Mustang saw the value of items. When we caught up with Ranges in 2003, real estate was a hot button issue. The CHS 1960 grad was living at 586 River Rd. just off Route 21, and, for all intents and purposes, the property didn’t exist. “In Clifton, we don’t exist here,” said Ranges, about his location in 2003. “They don’t pick up my garbage. I’m the only house here.” Having a handful of businesses and the Passaic River as neighbors suited Ranges just fine. Still, the retired Paterson Suburban Automotive body shop owner knew change was on many people’s minds.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Although the K. Hovnanian development project was ultimately scrapped due to the housing meltdown, Ranges gave us insight into the undeveloped slice of the city. And while he had a limited view and unusual “neighbors”, Clifton was home.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

FROM THE CLASS OF 1951

Memories in Poetry at School 12 By Ariana Puzzo Arline J. Pearce has loved writing poetry and prose for as long as she can remember. As School 12’s “Memories in Poetry” contest honors a new group of 5th graders, she remarks that she never dreamed the contest would last for 20 years. Pearce, who entered kindergarten at School 12 in 1938, has “nothing but fond memories” and created the contest to give Photo courtesy of back to the Botany school. UnAshstreena Photos, LLC. like previous years, poetry or prose entries were allowed, and students were asked to write on a specific theme: “My Thoughts on Coronavirus/COVID-19 and How it Changed My Life.” Although Pearce questioned if the contest would be possible, School 12 did not disappoint. “Much to my surprise, within a week, I received prose and poetry from 38 fifth grade authors,” said the 1951 CHS grad. Pearce made the annual trip in past years from Barnegat to Clifton, driven by her friend Bill and accompanied by her great-grandson, Raylin, 15, to Top, Arline Pearce with her great-grandson Rawlin, top right, Dyanah Morales, and at present the writing awards at the School 12 sign, that’s Samantha Paccha. the Moving-Up Ceremony. This year, contest winners were anDyanah Morales in Miss Green’s class and Samantha nounced on June 8 in a Google Meet, arranged by Ian Paccha in Mrs. Slaman’s class each received $50 and a Cutler, her School 12 contact and “golden thread.” Certificate of Excellence in Authorship. Six additional “Every year, she … reminds the students and their authors received a signed copy of Pearce’s first poetry families at the awards ceremony that ‘each and every book, “A Peach Colored Rose”, and a Certificate of Acchild is gifted. Some open their packages earlier than complishment in Authorship, and 30 authors earned a others,’” said Cutler. “She enjoys helping them ‘open Certificate for Contribution to Poetry. their packages’ through the poetry contest.”

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

As we went to press last month, Kim Castellano and volunteers for the Power of One were in Botany Village with two truckloads of food for families in need. The items provided ranged from fresh milk and eggs to non-perishable packaged goods. Unfortunately, distribution during the coronavirus pandemic is getting more difficult since they have not received any government funding and rely on the generosity of the local community and businesses. During July, distribution efforts will continue through the Farm to Families program that assists families in low income areas like Botany Village Clifton and Passaic. To volunteer, contact Castellano by texting or calling 201-328-2326. Donations to Power of One can be made to PO Box 6080, Clifton, NJ 07015. “I’m hoping to get support from somewhere,” said Castellano. “I’m hoping God has an answer.”

Clifton Schools Food Distribution. Times are tough, so Clifton Public Schools is helping make sure its families can keep food on the table. Food distribution is continuing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through

Aug. 28. Pick-up is from 10 to 11:30 am at three locations: CHS, CCMS, and School 17. For all the latest updates, follow @cliftonschools on Instagram and Twitter.

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

Thousands of protestors from Clifton and neighboring communities peacefully assembled at Clifton’s city hall June 5 at 5 pm, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Clifton police and additional officers were present in front of city hall and scattered around the municipal complex. The organizers spoke about what Black Lives Matter means to them, and they brought attention back to the front when counter-protestors briefly appeared on the outskirts. Although the protest originally included a march down Clifton Avenue, organizers were unable to secure the permit needed in the 2-day time they organized the protest. Instead, many attendees spontaneously marched toward Passaic after the organized protest concluded.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

The Clif

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A few weeks back, restaurants went from pick up and delivery service to outdoor dining. So far, the weather has cooperated and Clifton taverns and restaurants have adapted well. Tents have popped up in sideyards, backyards and parking lots of some of our favorite places to dine. That new way of doing business has also allowed us to enjoy a cold glass of tap beer or a cocktail. While limited indoor dining was to begin on July 2, concerns about patrons relaxing the rules of wearing masks and practicing social distancing has set that opening back indefinitely. Nonetheless, outdoor dining, and orders to go or pickup, will continue. So over the next couple of weeks, go out and visit a Clifton restaurant, tavern or bar and enjoy an afternoon or evening out.

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Birthdays & Celebrations - July 2020

Nicolas Marcel Calvo turns 11 on July 11. Isabella Andruch is 14 on July 1. Walter Pruiksma turns 97 on July 26. Mammie Angello hits a milestone on July 3. Happy belated birthday to Emilia Dymora who celebrated 5 years old on June 24. Kenneth & Donna Chipura on July 11 celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary.

Happy Birthday to.... Send dates & names .... tomhawrylko@optonline.net

Mary (Brugnoni) Kennedy will be 91 on July 18. Bob Obser, The Music Matador, will be 87 on July 18. Stallions Coach Jesse Hasting turns 35 on July 10. Erich Hochmuth turns 50 July 31. Robert Marriello celebrates on July 9. Former Downtown Clifton Post Office guy Harry Quagliana celebrates on July 23. Happy Belated to Matthew Derendal who turned 65 on June 27. Amanda Di Angelo............. Marie Angello.................... Chris Torrao....................... Nicholas Iannacone............ Bob Landrith....................... Robyn Sue Lord................... Frank Rando....................... Lori Lill............................... Susan Rego........................ Darlene Franek................... Ron Curtiss......................... Angelo Grippo...................

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Thomas Marriello................ 7/7 Edward Sepulveda.............. 7/7 Jenna De Liberto................. 7/8 Christopher Landrith............ 7/8 Cynthia Kester.................... 7/9 Kristi Schopfer.................. 7/10 Anthony Zaccone.............. 7/13 Alyssa Marie Misyak......... 7/14 Ann Schamble.................. 7/15 Derek Dobol..................... 7/16 Jessica Dobol................... 7/16 Joanne Gursky.................. 7/17

Carrie Szluka................... Alexander Razvmov.......... Ryan Saccoman................ Cocoa Saccoman............. Ashley Jacobus................. Linda Portaro.................... Megan Suaifan................. Kaitlin Vinciguerra............. Harry Quagliana.............. George Shamar................ Kayla Lord....................... Anna Schubert..................

7/18 7/19 7/19 7/19 7/19 7/20 7/20 7/22 7/23 7/23 7/24 7/24

Ernie Scheidemann is 85 on July 17. Eva Gasporowska............. 7/25 Kathy Valdes.................... 7/25 Jack DeVries Sr............. ....7/26 Joseph Lopez.................... 7/27 Ornella Ganoza............... 7/27 Gina Oliva....................... 7/28 Amanda Fabiano.............. 7/29 Lee-Ann Varga.................. 7/29 Stephen Camp Sr............. 7/30 Joe Prebish....................... 7/30 Obs Zayatz...................... 7/30 Frances Greco.................. 7/31 Sue Sadik........................ 7/31

Dorothy and Ted Guzowski will be married 38 years on July 10. Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2020

BINGO IS BACK!

Bingo is Back at the B&G Club: Dust off those markers and chips and place them on your lucky numbers as the Boys & Girls Club’s main fundraiser, Bingo!, is back starting July 10. On Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays, the game begins at 7:30 pm. Since The Club is open for the kids, the parking lot opens at 6 pm and players can take their seats at 6:30. There are two games on Saturdays: 12:15 and 7:30 pm. If you have questions, call Joe Holmes at 973-773-0966 x 121. St. John Lutheran Church at 140 Lexington Av., Passaic will hold a thrift shop on Saturday, July 11, and August 1st from 9:30 am to 1 pm. Gently used clothing, household items, toys, and games will be featured at a very low price.

July 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

There will be a summer, kids! Just hold onto your face masks. The program “Summer Fun In The Sun” will be a half-day program for Clifton residents from 9 am to 12:30 pm for participants ages 5-12 and will take place at various parks throughout Clifton. The program will take place outdoors only, and social distancing rules and face coverings will be mandatory, unless health regulations are revised. The cost is $90 per session, with Session 1 running from July 13 to July 31 and Session 2 running from Aug. 3 to Aug. 21. Sessions are limited to 20 participants at each site. For more info regarding health and safety drop-off and pick-up guidelines, and to pre-register, visit www.cliftonrec.com. Summer Camp is still happening for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, but it requires some more support this year. Camp activities include recreational and academic work, as well as lunch and snacks, and the tentative dates are set for July 6 to Aug. 28. Key procedural changes due to COVID-19 include daily health screenings, curbside drop-off and pick up, and there will be no allowances for backpacks or reusable lunch boxes in the facility. Camp hours are reduced to 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with no early drop-offs and no late pick ups. For more info on new procedures or to make a donation to the Club, visit www.bgcclifton.org.

SAFE AND STRONG

TOGETHER Creating a safe environment for all your healthcare needs. That was our mission before the pandemic. That was our mission during the pandemic. That remains our mission…today and every day.

What You Need to Know

About Returning to Healthcare Services We want to assure you that our hospitals, doctors’ offices and services are safe, open and available to you. For your continued good health and ongoing protection, we have made several modifications and enhancements at all of our facilities: Separate COVID-19 Units: patients testing positive for COVID-19 are separated from other patients in designated units. Screening: all patients’ temperature screened upon entry; every employee screened at start of work day Hygiene Stations: at all entrances offering complimentary masks, hand sanitizer and precaution information

6 ft.

Social Distancing: redesigned public entrances to ensure a protective flow and distancing in all areas Clean Environment: all facilities cleaned and disinfected continuously, following strict procedures and guidelines

If you have questions about an upcoming visit or procedure, please call and speak with a patient navigator anytime between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:30 pm at (833) 913-2758. Sponsored by The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

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