2 Championship Rings

from Clifton Merchant Magazine - June 2023

Greatest Achievement

There is no place that Ryan Liszner would rather grow up than in Clifton. Aside from the personal opportunities that he was afforded with hard work, Liszner values the city’s diversity.

“You are just looking at so many aspects of life. The different nationalities are a big aspect,” said Liszner, 18. “But the different sources of income made me realize how blessed I am that I have the parents that I have and … there was never a problem while I was growing up.”

Born to parents Brett and Lori, Liszner and his older sister, Sara (CHS 2018), attended Clifton schools. Liszner went to the Clifton Little School, School 13, and WWMS. Last summer, he was a counselor at Safety Town.

When he was younger, he also volunteered with Clifton Cares. The organization is spearheaded by his grandmother, Christine, and Liszner recalled “helping where I could.”

“We would always prepare care packages for the troops,” said Liszner. “As a kid, it was fun and I’d see a few of my friends there … but it was also for a very good cause.”

Liszner got involved with Mustangs soccer as center and right back as a freshman. He recalled the 2019 Championship season and how he got the chance to play in the big game after another player was red-carded.

It was a big moment for the boy who played soccer since the age of five. “It was scary at first, but there was an opportunity to play and prove myself and feel like I did,” said Liszner. “We won and didn’t let up a goal. That’s the number one thing for the defense. Up to that date, it was probably the best day of my life.”

They ended that season 21-0-1. Fast forward to August 2021, Liszner made the switch to play football with the Fighting Mustangs. They were looking for a kicker and Liszner said that he wasn’t initially sure about the sport that he never played competitively before.

“I was talking to my father about it and he said, ‘Give it a shot’ and I did,” said Liszner. “I fell in love instantly. It’s been nothing but a miracle since then.”

The team finished their Championship-winning season 10-3. The effort that Liszner has put into training and performing relates back to watching his greatest influence: his father. “He wakes up bright and early around 5 am, goes to work for a 10- to 12-hour day, and comes home with a smile on his face. He provides for us,” said Liszner. “Unless he was sick, I don’t think that he’s ever missed a practice or a game for me. He was always there and pushed me.”

The senior is headed to Wagner College on a four-year, full football and academic scholarship. The recruitment process saw Liszner’s personal kicking coach sending over Liszner’s highlights. Liszner later visited the college and spoke with the coaches and team.

He described liking the new setting as “only a matter of time.” Liszner’s entering freshman year as undecided, but is open to careers in sports medicine, athletic training, or physical therapy.

He added that his father’s encouragement is based on Brett’s desire for him to become the best person possible.

“The only person that I want to be in this world is him,” said Liszner. “He developed me not only as a man, but as a person.”

CHS 1970 QB Mark Wieczorkowski, lovingly known as “Wiz,” was remembered on May 9 at a Celebration of Life luncheon attended by 49 of his classmates at Mario’s. Anita DeLeeuw, Glenn Zomack, Tim Messineo, Lou Russo and Ann Marie Ayers Williams gave testimonials. Mark referred to Anita as his angel as she was his advocate at the hospital. Before Mark passed away on Feb. 21, due to diabetes complications, classmates visited him daily, mostly the guys from the Fighting Mustangs. The Class has made a $1,440 donation in Mark’s memory to Amaranth Diabetes Foundation “ADF.” Reunion organizer Ann Marie Ayers Williams is the keeper of the flame for the Mustangs of CHS 1970. Write to her at clifton1970reunion@gmail.com.

The Friends of Clifton Public Library on June 5 present a Dough Rai$er with Uno Pizzeria & Grill, on Rt. 3 West. Pick up a certificate at the Main Memorial Library, 292 Piaget Ave, or the Allwood Branch Library, 44 Lyall Rd, and present it to your server at the time of payment. Uno Pizzeria will donate up to 25% of your check to the Friends. The certificate is valid for dine-in and take-out orders. Info, call 973-772-5500 or 973-471-0555.

Clifton Early Learner Academy’s Family Fun Day is June 10 from 10 am to 1 pm. The free outdoor event, at 290 Brighton Rd., features a Touch-A-Truck experience and a lineup of vendors, resources, character meet-andgreet, DJ, engaging games, crafts and registration for Clifton Public Preschool. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. For info, call 973-470-2060.

The 2023 CAC City Wide Garage Sale is June 24 to benefit the Clifton Arts Center Inc. Gather your items, clean them up, sign up and sell them, turning the profits to the CAC. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk, at 900 Clifton Ave., by June 15 at 3 pm. The city will advertise all locations. To print a form or learn more about the item regulations, visit cliftonartscenter.org/citywide-garage-sale. Call the Arts Center at 973-472-5499 with questions.

Learn to manage stress, anxiety, and grief on June 15 from 6:30-8:30 pm with Power of One’s Kim Castellano. The session is at the Senior Center Barn C5, 900 Clifton Ave. Register for the free series by emailing info@powerofoneccom.org or calling 862-239-5905. The series is open to all ages who want to learn about stress, anxiety, and finding hope. For info, call Castellano at 201-3282326 or email kim@powerofoneccom.org.

Clifton Rec’s Subway Series Game Yankees vs. Mets is on July 25 at Yankee Stadium. Coach buses leave CHS at 3:30 pm sharp and return to Clifton after the game, approximately 11:30 pm. Tickets are $142 and include admission, transportation and a food voucher for one hot dog or chicken tenders, plus fries and a drink. Purchase tickets online at cliftonrec.com or at Clifton Rec, City Hall office on the second floor. Online registration ends July 21 or earlier if tickets sell out. Info, call 973-470-5956.

School 15 is 100 years old! Join students, alumni, and current faculty and staff on June 4 to celebrate from 10 am to 2 pm at 700 Gregory Ave. Rain date is June 11. The outdoor Centennial Fair is open to all with food, a DJ, sand art, craft sale, photo booth, face painting, inflatables, balloon art, memorabilia, student art, and a chorus performance. Email School15Turns100@gmail.com with any questions.

Steve Goldberg headlines a Comedy Night at The Mountainside Inn on June 8 to benefit the Mental Health Center of Passaic. Tickets are $60 and include family-style dinner and a cash bar. There will be door prizes and entertainment with six comedy guests. Doors open at 6:30 pm. For more info, visit mhcp.org/events.

“I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine,” observed Goldberg, a frequent speaker at public meetings who has run for Clifton public office a few times. “Making fun of ourselves a little bit is important [and] not taking ourselves too seriously.”

Goldberg described himself as someone who’s always written comedy. It was about six years ago that the past City Council candidate started doing stand-up performances. It’s his first year connecting with the event, but he’s sat on the MHCP’s Board for the past year.

“Their work with children is important and, particularly during and post-COVID, the mental health of children has really been threatened,” he said. “Having an organization like them is important to get children back on track.”

MHCP is a private, not-for-profit, outpatient facility that has served Passaic County for 55 years. The center, at 1451 Van Houten Ave, is a leader in the development of programs to meet the mental health needs of children and their families.

It promises to be a fun-filled night. Doors open at 6:30 pm. One of Goldberg’s hopes is that the event raises funds for the organization. But he also hopes it raises awareness.

“Maybe there are people out there having issues and are hesitant to go for help,” said Goldberg. “Hopefully this [encourages] them to seek help and find a better way to live and experience life.”

Dance and meet other seniors at the Clifton Social on June 25, 3 to 6 pm at the Clifton Senior Center behind city hall. A DJ will get the party started so wear your dancing shoes and bring your own snacks and beverages. A $10 fee provides cake and coffee with proceeds to benefit the Seniors We Care Programs. Call Margaret at 973 4702234 or Kim at 862-239-5905 with any questions.

The Clifton Arts Center takes patrons on “Sculptural Journeys” through July 29, as part of an exhibit and sale presented by members of the Sculpture Affiliates of the Art Center of Northern New Jersey. The exhibit is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1-4 pm, except for July 4. Clifton Arts Center is at 900 Clifton Ave. For more details and other info, follow Arts Center on Instagram and Facebook @cliftonartscenter or call 973-472-5499.

The 13th K of C Army Tank Pull is on June 11 from 8 am to 4 pm, rain or shine at 1100 Clifton Ave. Competitors pull the 80,000-lb. tank and funds benefit those who have served our country. To register a team of 50 people max, donate, or sponsor a team, visit tankpull.org

On May 13, the Clifton Arts Center unveiled two new sculptures for the Clifton Sculpture Park. The event welcomed and featured the work of sculpture artist Ed Smith, above left. A professor of art at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, Smith is a fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and other sculpture art organizations. The Arts Center and Sculpture Garden is on the grounds of the Clifton Municipal Complex, 900 Clifton Ave. Call the Arts Center’s office at 973-472-5499 or visit cliftonartscenter.org.

The St. Philip Columbiettes Mary Ellen Valentin International Buffet Dinner is June 4 from 1-4 pm. The event is at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 797 Valley Rd. Adult tickets are $25 and children (ages 6-10) cost $10. All tickets must be purchased in advance. The menu features pierogies, harvest salad, vegetable pancit noodles, beverages, dessert, and more. There will be special prizes. For tickets, call Barbara Ann at 201-906-1372 or email barblissi@comcast.net or columbiettes11671@gmail.com.

Mark Mecca, CHS history teacher and a media professional, was named the 2023 Broadcast Teacher of the Year by Mascot Media on June 5. Mecca is a driving force behind Clifton School’s media program and helped the program adapt to the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He supervises CHS’ Livestream Club and has broadcast over 400 live streams since 2017. The streams have covered a wide range of sporting events.

The City Wide Garage Sale is an Annual Fundraiser to Benefit the Clifton Arts Center

Application Deadline: Wed, June 14th at 3:00 pm

For More Info & Application visit: www.cliftonartscenter.org/garage-sale

The Clifton Arts Center will advertise the event in local newspapers and online. A listing of all participating homes will be produced and available on www.cliftonartscenter.org and www.cliftonnj.org

Younger Club kids are also hard at work. In addition to the seniors that we profiled on pages 32 to 34, four other underclassmen received scholarships from the B&G Club of Clifton. Among them: CHS junior and Clifton 2023 Youth of the Year Alias Ragsdale, who advanced to the Boys & Girls Clubs of NJ May 24 competition.

It is there where Club kids from across the state vie for thousands more in scholarships and the winner goes on to represent New Jersey in a national competition. Below is a little more on the so-called runner-ups from Clifton who will be around for a few more years...

Alias Ragsdale has the makings of a good citizen. The 2023 Youth of the Year is not only involved but attached to working in service of his community. His award is open to members 16-18 and provides the recipient with $3,000. Ragsdale, 17, is a junior at CHS and involved in multiple areas, including: President of the Clifton Student Union, Superintendent Ambassador, and is an appointed member of the Action Clifton Committee for the City of Clifton.

“The Club’s mission of enabling and inspiring young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens is a mission that must live on forever,” he said. “I am happy to testify that the motto is true — great futures start here.”

Janki Patel’s second home is The Club. The PCTI junior is a recipient of the Board Scholarship Award. Patel will use the $500 to pursue a post-secondary degree, with plans to go to Rutgers for Pre-Med. Patel is elected as class representative of the Health Occupations Student Association club and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school.

“Every time I enter the building, a friendly smile welcomes me and makes me want to stay a lifetime,” said Patel. “For over 10 years, I have been a member … and every year has been an experience that I will never forget.”

Deijah Kelly knows memories are fickle, but she is certain that she will always carry her Club experience. She received the Club’s 2023 Norstar Services Scholarship of $1,200. The PCTI junior is deliberating on a future area of study. She is a member of E.R.A.S.E. and works at Dance World Academy. “I had the pleasure of growing up with many club members,” said Kelly, 17. “No matter where life takes me, I promise to never forget where I came from.”

Krupa Rana will embody discipline and determination wherever she goes in life. The PCTI junior is the recipient of the Club’s 2023 Chairman’s Scholarship of $1,000. Rana joined the Club five years ago and values the offered swim classes. Her work experience since January 2022 is as a medical receptionist at OB/GYN and Infertility Services. Rana is considering Rutgers, Princeton, NYU, or UPenn for college. She is interested in areas of study, such as neuroscience, pre-med, and/or psychology. She’s currently the Academics Team Commander for ROTC and is President of the Hindu Student Association.