Clifton Merchant Magazine - August 2003 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

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Fr ee Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 9 • issue 7 • August 1, 2003

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Meet Alvin Kipnis & Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Call or Write Your Elected Officials . . . . . . . .12 Voter Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Are you a good citizen? And by that, we mean do you vote, volunteer, take the time to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood and the city at large? If you do, your efforts are appreciated. But if you want to get more involved, the following pages offer a variety of suggestions.

Do You Want To Run for Office? . . . . . . . . . .15 Clifton’s Sole Riverfront Homeowner . . . . . .20

Is The Environment Your Concern? . . . . . . . .22 She’s The Resident Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Appealing to the City Council . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Be A Good Neighbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Visit Acquackanonk Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Lou Poles: Our Mustang Historian . . . . . . . . .50 The Korean War Remembered . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Clifton’s Special Olympians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Rah, Rah, The Maroon & Gray . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Growing Pains At Cambridge Crossings. Page 26 Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

Reviewing the Master Plan –––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe ––––––––––––––––––––––––

lifton’s Master Plan, still in draft form, was presented to the Planning Board the night of its scheduled July meeting. Though there were not enough copies for the 20 or so attending Clifton residents and 15 public officials to review, Jill Hartmann, a Professional Planning consultant hired to rewrite the document, provided copies to the Planning Board. After explaining its 21 goals with accompanying policy statements designed to guide the city’s short and long term growths, she entertained questions from both the board and citizens.

Issues regarding the preservation of open space quickly permeated the discussion. However, the open space question presented a road block for the Planning Board. You can’t zone private property as open space, Hartmann said, since that would constitute a municipal use. If the city tried, they could be sued by the land owner since the property would be rendered unusable. Instead, she advised the city create an open space trust fund to purchase and preserve these lands. Responding to a question by board member Philip Binaso about rewriting the city’s definition of lowdensity residential to make it more conservative, Hartmann objected. “There’s legal ramifications to changing zoning that make 70 to 80 percent of lots non-conforming,” she said. However, if the city wanted to alter zoning density on a case-by-case basis, that would have to go through the Zoning Board of Adjustments. The Zoning Board’s role, authority and ability to provide variances was discussed several times during the session, and it became clear to residents that, though the Master Plan was relevant to the Planning Board, the Zoning Board also needed to adhere to its goals.

Clifton resident Mary Rogers, who was present at the meeting, raised a concern about the preservation of Garrett Mountain, which is mentioned by name in several of the plan’s 21 goals and policies. She then asked, “How about the citizens of Clifton? What can we do?” “Go to all of the meetings that are important to you and state your objections,” Hartmann said. If the Planning Board can’t address your concerns, find another board or an elected official who can. Though it was evident that the Planning Board was able to guide Hartmann as to the mission of the city’s Master Plan, turn to page 37

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August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

our tradition of civic optimism: Our community has always had a high degree of participation but as Clifton grows, how do we get new people involved? And how do we reinvigorate those that have been involved with our community? That’s the theme of this month’s edition. Our point is don’t be disillusioned by politics. Don’t give up on Clifton. Speak up at meetings and let your voice be heard. Get involved with issues that are important to you and your neighbors. All too often, citizens feel powerless to change anything in our community or country. Ralph Nader, the civic activist and former presidential candidate, recently said: “Civic exhaustion is the biggest problem facing us.” Citizens are no longer motivated, he explained in a recent speech. They no longer feel they can make a difference. It seems lawyers, lobbyists, developers and politicians seem to have so much clout that the rest of us feel almost powerless to change anything. Don’t give up on the Process: Democracy still works. And there is no greater place to get involved than right here in town. From voting to volunteering to voicing your opinions at municipal meetings, participate in the process. While I have been disappointed by how, in some ways, Clifton has evolved over the last few years, I am not giving up. And I hope you will join with me and others in helping to build a better Clifton. How ironic it would be if we allowed political pessimism to stifle our instincts to try and make our hometown a better place. It is time for the public to become aware of issues, discuss some potential solutions and envision Clifton tomorrow. the clifton Master Plan is a place to start. Since we waited a year or so for this document, I refuse to just accept what is being presented. It needs vision with specific ways to reach the 21 goals presented. Here are two examples: What strategy is being offered for land use and housing stock in Acquackanonk Gardens? This aging neighborhood is not even addressed in the Master Plan. Look at Bellin’s Pool and the abandoned Herald & News building. What should be the city’s role in developing this area? What are the objectives for this large tract of land? Residential or commercial use? What about Public input? Another problem with the Master Plan is access. Not too many citizens have gotten a chance to read the 70-page document. While it was suppose to be posted at www.cliftonnj.org, as of July 30 it was not. I don’t know if copies are at the Clifton Library yet, so I suggest you call our part-time Municipal Planner at 973-470-5263 on any Thursday to find out where you can get a copy. She’s only in Clifton one day a week so be sure to call on a Thursday.

Opinion Editor and Publisher Tom Hawrylko

We need a Planning officer. Let’s be realistic: one of the greatest weaknesses of our city is that no one individual is in charge of planning. The city uses consultants on a project basis. But as Clifton—a community of 80,000 people, perhaps the 8th largest in the state—seeks to reinvent itself in its shopping districts, commercial areas and in neighborhoods, shouldn’t a full-time professional and experienced planner be working for the city on a full-time basis to provide vision and leadership? That person could interact with Community and Economic Development staff and other city officials to develop and nurture ideas. That’s not happening with part-timers. And here is an example of that. a Fire Headquarters barn? Dateline Clifton recently reported how if state and federal monies come through, the city’s fire headquarters will move out of city hall and into a nearby historic barn which is also on the municipal campus. With all this talk about redevelopment, wouldn’t a more appropriate move be into a Botany Village or Downtown Clifton storefront? I am not a planner but I think that if we bring government offices back into the business districts, city workers and their visitors will shop local stores and invigorate the area. consider this: Our seven-member Council system is a throwback to the days when Clifton was smaller and more manageable. Is this present political system what’s best for the future of our city? Why not consider a nine-member Council of five ward representatives and four at-large Council seats? Clifton Merchant • August 2003

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the town Meeting? I don’t doubt the inclusion of senior housing is a good thing for Clifton, but before everyone at the Municipal Council level slaps each other’s back with congratulations a few points are in order. I’ve heard all this talk the ‘new’ housing will only be for seniors and not add any young families with children to the city’s overall population—particularly as it relates to the growing overcrowding issue in our public schools. Just because seniors will be the only ones eligible for the Regan Development Corporation’s Senior Horizons complex at the Athenia Steel site that doesn’t stop Clifton seniors who actually move there from selling their homes to young couples. Has anyone really studied that fact and what the implications will be for the school system? Did anyone from the Council raise this issue and if so, how was it explained?

1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011 Tom.Hawrylko@Verizon.Net

Editor

Second, given the amount of attention development has raised among a number of Cliftonites, isn’t it about time the Municipal Council convene a town meeting for the purpose in discussing where we’re headed? The complexity of the issue needs to be aired. What many people don’t realize is that you have two competing interests—the desire to keep taxes low and the desire to raise revenue through ratables. The problem becomes a simple one—as you seek more and more ratables you fundamentally alter the character of the community with greater and greater densities and all the associated ills that come from overcrowding — see Passaic as just one example. Since municipal government is dependent upon property taxes to pay the day-to-day bills it’s important for citizens to remember that the only way to stop increasing tax levels is to either lower real spending (not just the percentage increase) or bring in more ratables or a combination of both. Either way—it’s time for a town meeting sometime in September to deal with the legitimate concerns that citizens have raised via the petition route. To do otherwise—speaks volumes of the leadership running our community. Matthew J. Ward The writer is a former President of the Clifton Board of Education and past member of the Clifton Planning Board.

some condo clarity: Town & Country Developer’s spokesperson David Green wanted to make clear that the number of units being built in Cambridge Crossings on Colfax Ave. is not 637, as we’ve reported, but 367. The larger number comes from combining this with the 300 units planned for the adjacent Winthrop Court community, which he clarified is a separate project, even though it shares an entranceway...and a spokesperson. Just for the record, Town & Country has been having a blast developing in Clifton: 140 units at Cambridge Heights in Delawanna, 637 on Colfax Ave. and the potential of 540 units on Dundee Island. That’s a total of over 1300 new units being planned and built just from these three (sorry, four) projects. Thanks for clearing that up, Dave. editor 6

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1,300 voices not Heard? Over the last few months, this magazine collected and published some 1,300 signatures of residents who shared our concerns and put their signatures to the following statement: We, the residents of the City of Clifton, are concerned that the construction of any additional new residential buildings will over-burden our existing schools, roadways and city services, and have a negative impact on our quality of life. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests an immediate moratorium on the construction of any new residential buildings within the City. The following names have come in since we published the list in our July edition. They were collected by resident Joan F. Lauterbach. Hassib Faris Rita Fine Joan Fitzgerald Gertrude Forbe Esther Graglia Liilian Griffin Loretta Hochmuth John Karcz Ann Kattwinkel

Margaret Bruning Douglas H. Burg Karin Christiaens Lydia Costa Brenda Cousins Maria E. Dias Laura Dunham Lydomila Dzatovra Bertha Eumer

Anna Kirsles Lorraine Kitti Brian Klein Bayram Kolakulail Berna Kolakulail Janina Konwinski Dorothy Kull Joan F. Lauterbach Alice Lewis Italia Lisbona Joseph Lo Cascio Karan Makarenko Adeline Mangar C. G. Mangar Josephine Marhoffer Nancy Markey Bill McLellan Marge McLellan Eleanor Merdi Emil Orey Margaret Orey Leila Pasch Elia Preteroji Millie Puleo Agnes Ross Doris Runion Berna Saka Angie Sangarello Fran Schiff Sofia Solarczyk

Ann Spinelli Fran Stasiak Delures Stys Jane C. Sutton Jolauta Teterycz Hermina Van Beveren Elizabeth Voytish Phyllis Walker Linda Watkowski Ruth Weinberg Mary Wojcik Mary Zahorian Angela Zeigler J. M. Zimmer Joseph E. Zimmer Louise Zimmer

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Clifton Merchant • August 2003

v Oices OF T HE CI T Y

The Morning Routine –––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe ––––––––––––––––––––––

ooping a finger behind his trademark red suspenders, longtime Clifton resident Alvin Kipnis told his audience what he once told the Planning Board when someone built an antenna on top of the Dress Barn across the street on Route 46. “This is like the law, you’re being sworn in,” he began. “The other guys, the opposing guys from Omnipoint, the big shots, were all dressed up with ties on. Here’s Alvin,” he said, again fingering his suspenders, indicating that he was no more dressed up that day than he was this summer morning at 7 am. “I had the binoculars, and I said — formally — sir, do you know what these are,” he continued. “I would like to lend you these, and come with me tomorrow morning. I’ll meet you there at seven o’clock. For the record,

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

ladies and gentlemen, at seven o’clock every morning, I go into that parking lot with these binoculars, and I watch the birds having sex.” His audience broke into laughter, but Kipnis only smiled, waiting to finish his story. “About two weeks later,” he said, “the City Attorney comes by. He says, Alvin, I don’t understand it…they took the antennas down! You beat the FCC!” Someone asked what happened to the birds. “They’re up there right now,” he said. His audience was roughly six residents of Clifton who meet in the morning in front of the La Piazza restaurant on Seventh St., between Route 46 and Barkley Ave. They arrive before it opens, setting up lawn chairs on the hard pavement and drinking coffee

from the Krauszer’s next door while they tell stories Clifton to draw upon for their about life, love, Clifton and national politics, sports, and discussions. “It’s a fellowanything else they care about. ship,” Filippone said. “And Even the coffee has a story behind it. we think we got the “We used to buy each other coffee,” said Jim answers to everything.” Haraka, a lifelong resident of Clifton. “But what hapVoices of Clifton pened was we wanted to buy each other coffee and the Harry Alessi, Jr.: “I like the guys were getting here earlier and earlier and earlier culture here because it’s an ethnic Tony Galizio just to get here first and buy the coffee.” town,” he said of our evolving commuFinally, Tony Galizio, another member of this group, nity. “All religions, all nationalities, all blended nicely showed up the night before and left his money with the together. I just like it here. Clifton’s a great town and a Krauszer’s employees. This time it had gone too far, great city with good government, for the most part. and the men agreed to buy their coffee individually. Everybody cares for each other.” These men have met every morning for at least 15 John Filippone: “I have a lot of confidence in our years, according to John Filippone, another member of leadership,” he said of the Clifton’s elected offithis group. In the winter weather, we just hang out cials. “They love Clifton, they’re doing the in the corner of the (Krauszer’s) store,” best job they could; but they can’t do Filippone said. “They don’t seem to mind.” everything, they can’t please everybody.” When the weather warms up, they bring Turning to the ongoing contract negotiafolding chairs and meet outside. tions with the Clifton Police rank and Although they seem almost competifile, he added: The cops know what they tive in declaring which of them is the are doing. They are the guys on the street. youngest or the poorest (a vain argument, Their hands are tied as it is. Give them the as most have white or thinning hair, and work schedule they want; they are doing a many own homes with a pool), each has John Filippone good job.” decades—some, an entire lifetime—of life in

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Jim Haraka: “I love the town. I married my high school sweetheart. I doubt very much that I’ll ever move from the area. It’s multi-cultured, and things like these gatherings, I would miss. If my wife threw me out of the house, I know I can always go somewhere and have a cup of coffee. That’s why I love Clifton: the people.” Tony Galizio: “I come here every morning and enjoy myself, have coffee and I’m a firm believer in Mr. Kipnis,” he said. “Whatever he says is usually right on the money. I’m one of his followers; if he ran for mayor or governor or president, he’d get my vote.” “Seconded!” another group member shouted as Galizio finished his sentence. Alvin Kipnis: “Last year, when somebody in California didn’t want God spoken in the pledge of allegiance, I put a billboard up here on route 46 with the American flag on it and the entire pledge of allegiance,” he said, “That’s the kind of thing I do. I try to get people involved in the system to correct it in some manner. “I have to get the public involved; money is being terribly wasted.” Responding to praises from Galizio and others, he waved a hand Jim Haraka towards his followers and said, “These people here are incredibly generous to me,” Kipnis continued. “The truth of the matter is that this is the catalyst that makes me go public and do what I do. Most of these people are in some way involved in the city and cannot go public because it would backfire on them. Me, I am untouchable,” he said. “They can’t do anything to me, so I’ve got the big mouth.”

Tony Cannizzo: “I believe what Mr. Kipnis stated,” he said and then, referring to a previous day’s conversation, turned to NJ Transit’s effort to put a bus terminal on Kuller Rd. “They should not allow a bus company to be built. Instead, the city fathers should be leaders and put a pool, a hockey rink or another school there.”

Ross Alfieri

Ross Alfieri: “I had a second home in Myrtle Beach for 14 years and finally sold it this year because I really miss my friends in Clifton,” he said. “I look forward to every morning getting up, hearing all the problems, and giving my opinion. Our politicians do a good job, even though we try to solve the problems they can’t solve.” As the day’s conversation began, Alfieri handed Kipnis a vial of water. Kipnis produced his test kit. “I work for a swimming pool company in Paterson,” he explained. “Before I go to work, I come here with my test kit, and they bring me the water. That’s what I’m doing.” After examining the water, he put away the his test kit and looked over to Alfieri, offering this advice: “Tell your son to put in about 10 pounds of baking soda. Alfieri nodded and returned to his folding chair. Once the group was all seated, Kipnis announced his retirement. The others didn’t believe him. “He’s on vacation,” one of this buddies joked. “This is the 18th time that he quit.” “Oh no, I never quit,” he said, offering no explanation for any similar announcements he made in the past. But this time: “I quit.”

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Despite meeting outdoors next craft overhead, he reports it. to Route 46’s constant flow of traf“I think you’re wrong,” Haraka fic, the men find the location said. Kipnis believed the blue ice is peaceful, and Kipnis explained dropped from airplane lavatories, why. but Haraka disagreed. “My son’s a “In Wayne, most of the day pilot and I told him what you said. you’re going to see jumbo jet airHe says no, they put a chemical in craft crossing the city,” he said. The that urine, and it goes up. It goes same can’t be said for Clifton, and up! The urine goes up! It’s not Kipnis takes credit for it. “They got dropping on us!” a directive from the FAA in “Well then,” another man asked Washington, D.C.: no jumbo jet aircautiously, “what’s blue ice?” craft going into Newark airport are “Well,” Kipnis countered, drawallowed to cross Clifton.” ing the conversation back to He heard that airplanes the FAA directive, “nothrelease blue ice and ing falls on us, so we’re fuel as they descend, not getting it.” and he didn’t want his End of discussion. neighbors in Clifton Kipnis doesn’t mind to have to wake up the occasional chaland find a chunks of lenge from his peers. “If blue ice in their yards. they ask you 100 questions, Whenever he hears an air- Alvin Kipnis you better have 200 answers,”

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OF T HE CI T Y

To be Heard, Write or Call P

Lauterback encourages her fellow citizens to follow her example and try to spark a change. Across from this page, you’ll find the addresses and phone numbers of every elected official that has your vote to thank for their position. She encourages readers to contact the elected officials as needs and issues arise. A Washington Ave. resident, Lauterback said another good forum for change and advocacy is the letter’s pages of local publications. By encouraging municipal debate, politicians will take heed and react to popular opinion. 1176

oliticians respond to Joan Lauterback. She has written letters to elected officials, from those who reside in the State House to those in the White House, and she promises if you do the same, your voice will be heard. “Whether I voted for him or not—and it’s not that he has nothing to do—he answers every single letter,” Lauterback said of Governor James E. McGreevey. “Everybody answers me,” she added. Too few of us take the time to get involved with social and political issues, said Lauterback. “Most Americans feel like this is the way it has to be,” Lauterback said. She, of course, disagrees. By putting pen to paper, finger to keystroke or calling elected officials when issues are being voted upon, the input of everyday people will be considered. “You don’t just vote for somebody and forget about them,” she said. “Stay involved and be vocal.”

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ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS SERVING CLIFTON Federal Office Holders President George W. Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1111 U.S. Senator Jon Corzine 502 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-4744 Local address: One Gateway Center, 11th Fl Newark, NJ 07102 973-645-3030 U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg 324 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 Local address: One Gateway Center, 1st Fl Newark, NJ 07102 973-639-8700 Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. 1722 Lonworth House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5751 Local office: Robert A. Roe Federal Bldg 200 Federal Plaza, Suite 500 Paterson, NJ 07505 973-523-5152 State Office Holders Governor James E. McGreevey The State House, PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625-001 609-292-6000

Passaic County Freeholders All Freeholders can be reached by writing this address: Passaic County Administration Bldg 401 Grand St, Rm 233 Paterson, NJ 07505 973-881-4414 Individual names and numbers: Freeholder Director James Gallagher 973-225-5415 Freeholder Deputy Director Lois A. Cuccinello 973-225-5416 Freeholder Peter C. Eagler 973-881-7891 Freeholder Elease Evans 973-225-5417 Freeholder Michael G. Mecca, Jr. 973-225-5414 Freeholder Walter W. Porter, Jr. 973-881-4460 Freeholder Sonia Rosado 973-881-4417

Clifton City Council All Council members can be reached by writing this address: City of Clifton 900 Clifton Ave Clifton, NJ 07013 Individual names and numbers: Mayor James Anzaldi 973-470-5757 Councilman Frank Gaccione 973-773-3788 Councilman Steven Hatala, Jr. 973-777-5389 Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej 973-777-6600 Councilman Donald R. Kowal 973-881-3186 Councilman Stefan Tatarenko 973-777-4920 Councilman Edward Welsh 973-478-4031 Clifton Board of Education All school board members can be reached at this phone number: 973-470-2288. Individual mailing addresses: Jean S. Bernstein 104 Edwards Rd., Clifton 07013

Lizz M. Gagnon Other Elected County Officials 34 Brookwood Rd.,Clifton 07012 These individuals perform a variety of services and are elected Marie L. Hakim 299 Lakeview Ave.,Clifton 07011 to terms of various lengths: Stephen C. Kolakowsky Surrogate William J. Bate 170 Cresthill Ave., Clifton 07012 Passaic County Courthouse

State Senator Nia H. Gill 425 Bloomfield Ave, 2nd Fl Montclair, NJ 07042 973-509-0388

77 Hamilton St., Room 101, Paterson, NJ 973-881-4760

Joseph C. Kolodziej 113 Fornelius Ave., Clifton 07013

State Assemblyman Peter C. Eagler 1113 Main Ave Clifton, NJ 07011 973-458-1130

Clerk Ronni D. Nochimson Passaic County Admin. Bldg. 401 Grand St., Room 130, Paterson, NJ 973-225-3632

Ken Kurnath 153 Madison Ave., Clifton 07011

State Assemblyman Willis Edwards III 33 Evergreen Pl East Orange, NJ 07018 973-673-8100

Sheriff Jerry Speziale Public Safty Complex 435 Hamburg Tpk. Wayne 07470 • 973-389-5919

James A. Leeshock 16 Harold Pl., Clifton 07013 James M. Smith 162 Beverly Hill Rd., Clifton 07012 John M. Traier 15 E. Parkway, Clifton 07014 Clifton Merchant • August 2003

7 Members on the City Council, 9 on the Board of Education C

lifton government is operated under a Council–Manager Form of Government. This means that a seven member Council is elected at large in a non-partisan election held once every four years, The next election is in May, 2006. Unlike the Board of Education, all seven Council seats are up for election at once. Residents do not vote for the Mayor as he or she is appointed by acclimation by the seven newly elected Council members. By tradition, but not law, the highest vote getter is chosen to be Mayor. Council members, who are considered part time employees and receive a health and medical benefits package, are paid $4,000 annually; the Mayor receives $4,500. The role of the Mayor and Council is to establish policy, pass laws, approve budgets, advocate citizen concerns and set policy for of the operation of the government. The role of the City Manager, who is appointed by the Mayor and Council, is to enforce the Council’s policy and to manage the day-today operation of the city.

The City Council meets every first and third Tuesday at 7 pm at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave. However, due to National Night Out Against Crime, the next meeting is Wed., Aug. 6. Meetings are televised live on Clifton’s Cable TV Channel 77. ith 16 schools, over 10,000 students and 1,200 employees, Clifton is the second largest public school district in the state of New Jersey. In addition to the kindergarten through 12th grade program, Clifton Public Schools also operates a federally-funded pre-school program for eligible three-to-five year-olds. The pre-school program is for students who have been diagnosed with a variety of physical and developmental disabilities. Setting policy for the district and overseeing the budget, which for the 2003-04 school year will be $101,000,000, is a nine-member elected Board of Education. School Board commissioners are unpaid and receive no health benefits. They serve three-year terms,

with three seats up for election in April of each year. Run independently from the Clifton City Council, the Board consists of elected community residents. Meetings of the Board are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, September through June. The Board meets monthly in July and August. Meetings are televised live, from 7-9:30 pm on Clifton’s Cable TV Channel 77. Numerous committee meetings and planning sessions are held throughout each month. Most meetings are at the Board Offices, 745 Clifton Ave. The daily operation of the Clifton Schools is run by the Superintendent, who is appointed by the Board to manage the day to day responsibilities, enforce policies mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education and the locally elected Board. contact info: Clifton Schools Superintendent, 745 Clifton Ave. 973-470-2260 Clifton City Manager, 900 Clifton Ave., 973-470-5263

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August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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OF T HE CI T Y

Want to be a Candidate? any complain about government and politicians but few take the time to be a candidate. If you are among those who are considering the leap into public service, and more specifically running for the City Council or Board of Education, below on this page we’ve published a primer to getting started. It is also recommended that would-be candidates serve on one of the many Statutory and Advisory Boards, Commissions and

Committees. These range from the Beautification Committee to the Zoning Board. It will give citizens a taste of what is involved in public service. Another good place to get involved is a board position with a neighborhood Home & School Assoc. Members are appointed by the Council. Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer on a Board, Commission or Committee should express their interest in writing to the City Clerk, Richard Moran.

City Council

School Board April 2004 Election Get started: The business office of the Board of Education, 745 Clifton Ave., has an easy to use packet for School Board candidates. Call 973-470-2288.

May 2006 Election Get started: Because the election is still three years away, it is too early to begin the process now, but the first step is to get guidelines and petition forms from City Clerk Richard Moran at 900 Clifton Ave. Call 973-470-5829. voter Petitions: Candidates need to get registered voters to sign petitions, a form which acknowledges the candidacy. At least one percent of the registered voters in the constituency is needed, estimated to be 400 people. However, since some names may become invalid, the City Clerk advises getting at least 600 signatures. A signature is invalid if the individual is not a registered voter, or if the individual signs more than seven petitions (the number of city council seats to be filled). Get official: Alphabetize the petitions and submit them 54 days before the election. There are other forms to submit, to indicate that you accept the candidacy and, if you so choose, to put a policy statement next to your name on the ballot. Your campaign manager must also submit forms for the city’s records.

fund raising: It costs money to run any campaign. How much? That all depends upon the candidate. Many candidates mail brochures to voters, host get-outthe-vote parties and spend funds on advertising to get their names known and their positions heard. Some publications provide a limited amount of free space as a public service but that is subject to editing. In the most recent City Council campaign, which was held in May, 2002, successful candidates spent between $8,000 to $35,000 to win the four year position. annual compensation: $4,000 (or $4,500 if selected as Mayor) plus health care benefits.

voter Petitions: The petition process is a bit easier for School Board candidates: all is needed are 10 signatures from registered voters in Clifton. The forms have space for 12 names, in case signatures prove invalid. Get official: You must also submit forms accepting your candidacy and asserting your basic qualifications alongside your petition names. Materials must be submitted at least 50 days before the election date. fund raising: School Board campaigns are generally less costly than other election efforts and for that reason many politicians get their start on this level. Ironically, while the School Board’s budget is greater than that of the City’s, less voters ‘pay attention’ to these annual campaigns. In April’s elections, 6,278 votes were cast out of 36,662 registered voters—about 17 percent of the electorate. For many reasons, far less money is raised and expended to conduct a School Board campaign, perhaps about $1,500 to $5,000. Nonetheless, whether running for the Board or the Council, candidates, typically name a chair of the campaign, set up a fund raising committee and establish an account (Friends of....) which can receive donations. There are a variety of rules and regulations to be followed with political fund raising. Campaigns must file state reports on where contributions come from and documenting what expenses are made. Those who do not file on time and accurately are subject to fines. annual compensation: None. Clifton Merchant • August 2003

registered to vote where you live now, Voter Registration: If you are not you may register by completing this form.

Mail to: Passaic County, Commissioner of Registration, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503 â&#x20AC;˘ 973-881-4516 Print clearly in Ink. Use ball-point pen or marker Qualification of an Eligible Applicant You must be a citizen of the United States and, by the date of the next election, at least 18 years old and a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days. The Commissioner of Registration will notify you upon receipt of this form. The Registration deadline to vote at the next election is 29 days prior to election day. Check if you wish to be a board worker/poll clerk in future elections. q Check if you are permanently disabled, unable to go to the polls to vote, and wish to receive information on an Absentee Ballot. q

Sign or Mark If applicant is unable to complete this form, print name and address of individual who completed this form.

This page is brought to you as a community service. For questions regarding this Voter Registration Application, call the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections at 973-881-4516. 16

August 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

omeone once said that bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t vote. While it’s not quite that simple nor is it that easy to tell the good guys from the bad, it does come down to this: vote and have a voice. At left, we’ve published a Voter Registration Form so that those of you who are not registered can join the 36,662 registered Clifton voters who are. It is a simple form and all it will cost to complete is a minute of your time, an envelope and 37 cents to mail. Our ability to vote and have a say in how our city, schools and country is governed is one of those little things that we too often take for granted. It is an amazing American right that people in many other countries do not have the opportunity to exercise. Make your voice heard, Clifton: vote.

Speak Up. Get Involved. Clifton Merchant • August 2003

Election Day, Nov. 4 T

oo early to start thinking about Election Day? Not really. While it is not a high profile election, on Nov. 4 Clifton residents will have a few choices to make when they go to the voting booth. We’ll be voting to select three Passaic County Freeholders, a State Senator and two New Jersey Assembly members. Photos of the candidates and more on the offices they seek are listed below.

Among the more local issues will be the opportunity to vote nay or yea to create a Clifton Trust Fund for Open Space. In short, this trust or tax will enable the city government to create a fund to purchase tracts of Clifton land to preserve it for green space and parks. By creating the trust, the city would also become eligible to apply to the state, county and other sources for additional open space grants.

So what will it cost Clifton property owners? Somewhere between $8.55 and $17.10 per year. If it is approved, as much as $500,000 can be raised in the first year. A similar proposal was posed to Clifton voters in 2002 but failed. Council members are now unanimous in their support of the question and promise to inform voters about what the open space tax is, and what it can do for the community.

Passaic County Freeholders

State Senate & Assembly

The seven Freeholders are the governing body of Passaic County. They are elected for three-year terms, and they choose a director annually from among them, who assumes this role for one year. Their annual salary is $25,300 ($26,300 if selected as director), and they also have the option for a contributory health care benefits package.

New Jersey’s Legislature comprises an 80-member General Assembly and a 40-member Senate. The state is divided into 40 legislative districts (redrawn every ten years from census data); Clifton is in District 34. Assembly members serve two-year terms; senators serve four years except for the first term of a new decade, which is for two years. The annual salary for both positions is $35,000. Legislators also receive $90,000 to hire a staff, $10,000 in postage and a phone card. assembly candidates: senate candidates: Kenneth Kurson (R) Frank C. Fusco (R) Keith Krebs (R) Nia H. Gill (D) Peter C. Eagler (D) Sheila Oliver (D)

candidates: John M. Traier (R) Janice Sandri (R) Randolph J. George (R) James Gallagher (D) Lois A. Cuccinello (D) Sonia Rosado (D)

John M. Traier

Janice Sandri

Randolph J. George

Frank C. Fusco

James Gallagher

Lois A. Cuccinello

Sonia Rosado

Keith Krebs

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Nia H. Gill

Peter C. Eagler

Kenneth Kurson

Sheila Oliver

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OF T HE CI T Y

Livin’ on the River ––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe –––––––––––

huck Ranges doesn’t exist. He lives alone at 586 River Rd—the old River Road—and his only neighbors are a handful of businesses and the Passiac River. “In Clifton, we don’t exist here,” he said of his location. “They don’t pick up my garbage. I’m the only house here.” But he doesn’t mind. Reclining on his back porch on a muggy summer day, shirtless, his forehead coated with beads of sweat, Ranges looked out over the river. He can’t see the street from his porch, but there really wouldn’t be much for him to see. “I could sit here nude,” he said. Whether he actually does is anyone’s guess, but no one would bother him. No one, that is, except K. Hovnanian developers. Ranges’ residence is nestled among the commercial properties on the border of Clifton and Passaic that K. Hovnanian wants to convert entirely to residential zoning in order to begin a development project that would put 18 townhomes in Clifton and then continue into Passaic with 76 more units. K. Hovnanian said their project will improve a slice of Clifton they described as “less than ideal” the way it is. Every business along that strip will have to be relocated. And Chuck Ranges? “If (K. Hovnanian) comes up with the right number, they own it,” Ranges said. “This, and the one next door. I’ve got my house in Rutherford that I’ll probably wind up moving to.” The ‘one next door’ was Ranges’ original River Rd. property, which he uses as a warehouse. He’s owned that for three years, and he bought the house a year ago when it was made available to him. At age 62, Ranges is a retired body shop owner. His shop, Paterson Suburban Automotive, is now run by his son. He has four children, and several grandchildren. “I live for my grandkids now,” he said. The house and the location, though unique in Clifton, aren’t the most important part of his life. Despite his affinity for his location, he can live without it.

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

The only snag about Ranges giving up his home is that K. Hovnanian never contacted him. He happened to see Clifton’s director of economic development, Harry Swanson, walking outside his house one day. Swanson told him about an information session held in June, but that’s all Ranges was ever told. “I thought it was crazy,” Ranges said. “I would think you’d go to all the people first. But you could go to all the people and they say yes and if the town don’t want it, it ain’t gonna happen. So I guess they figure, get the town’s feeling, and then go from there. The town was receptive.” The people , however, were not. Ranges is retired, so he doesn’t need the warehouse, and he has another home he can move into. Some of the businesses have been there for decades, and wouldn’t want to move even if they did have another place. These business owners showed up to the meeting Swanson advertised, and voiced their objection to their K. Hovnanian-planned relocation. The Economic Development Subcommittee of the City Council—Mayor Anzaldi, along with City Council members Gloria Kolodziej and Steven Hatala—will review the development proposal on Aug. 24, and present their recommendation to the seven member City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting. Despite his willingness to cooperate, Ranges is in no hurry to move. The aforementioned Rutherford home might not be ready for eight months; this is Ranges’ fault for not preparing it, but still he prefers to live in his isolated Clifton home. “I just like being alone,” he said. Clifton, to him, has become 99 percent developed, and he enjoys his dwindling status as the one undeveloped percent of the city.

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

or some 30 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton. As President of Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. at 1111 Clifton Ave., Clifton, he and his firm have written millions of dollars worth of mortgages which have allowed people to purchase homes. And while that work has been fulfilling, Accavallo said he is getting his greatest satisfaction these days by helping senior citizens with reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors. “It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued.

1319

“Unlike a home equity loan, you do not have to make monthly payments. Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you. More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.” The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower. In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home.

How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage? It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old. You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or c redit requirements to satisfy. How can I receive my money? You can receive it in several ways: •Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home •Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time •As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons •As a lump sum draw at closing •A combination of the above, to meet your requirements.

But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment. Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process. “This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.

When must I repay the loan? You must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home. In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees? •An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages •Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed •No out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe? •Yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive •FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate

Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. Not a Government Agency Mortgage Bankers Licensed by NJ Department of Banking & Insurance Licensed by NY & CT Department of Banking 1111 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013

1-800-788-1184 www.federalmtg.com Clifton Merchant • August 2003

OF T HE CI T Y

Jack in the Park –––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe ––––––––––

ike Dr. Seuss’ Lorax, standing firm to protect his woodland home, Jack Kuepfer has stood by Morris Canal Park for close to 9,000 volunteer hours. “My fingernails are always dirty from working down here,” he said. Kuepfer, who will turn 83 on Aug. 26, has happily dirtied his fingernails ever since the park was created over 16 years ago. “I designed it/built it/run it,” he said proudly of his role there. “But that’s the only thing.” He may be the champion of the park, located on Broad St., running parallel to the Garden State Parkway, but unlike the lone Lorax, Kuepfer had help. Volunteers, Scouts, inmates, and people working off community service hours all pitched in. “They were very good,” Kuepfer recalled. Walking through the park, he can remember which group was responsible for which of the park’s features. “That little pond there was dug by the prisoners,” he said. When a park visitor asked how clean it was, Kuepfer answered, “Community service guys used to drink that water.” Not only was it clean, but it quenched the thirst of those who shaped the park. Even the helpers forced to work as part of prison or community service sentences took pride in their work. “They liked to come here because it was better than going to a parking lot in Passaic and picking up bottles and cans, and picking up the same bottles and cans the next week and the week after,” Kuepfer said. “Once they did something here, it was here.” One day, Kuepfer arrived to find a man with his wife and child looking at the canal. From the way they were looking at it, he could tell it meant something to them. He asked if they wanted to volunteer. “He looked at me and said, Jack, don’t you remember me?” Kuepfer said. He didn’t, so the man explained. “He said I brought my wife and son to see what I did when I was incarcerated,” Kuepfer said.

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Kuepfer has many fond memories of the inmates who worked to make the park what it is today. He said there were times he thought so highly of their character that he doubted these were the same people convicted of the crimes they told him about. “I could write a book with the stories of people that have been here,” Kuepfer said. The Boy Scouts also shaped the park, and Kuepfer remembers the very first troop — Allwood Troop 22 — that volunteered to help. “The whole purpose of the park was originally to save what was left of the old Morris Canal,” he said. The park isn’t a playground. Kuepfer described it as a “historical-type nature preserve,” a place where you will never find a swingset or a merry-go-round. “It’s a historical park, period,” he said. As he walked through the park on July 14, Kuepfer was stopped by a father and daughter who wanted to release their pet turtles into the stream. Kuepfer didn’t object to these new additions, but he was pleased that he was asked. The park has a prominent sign that warns against bringing orphaned ducks to the park.

Lyon?s Den

—JACK’S PLAQUE— Up until this year, the only place you’d see Jack Kuepfer’s name at Morris Canal Park was on a faded sign that asks for volunteers. The sign, which is now mostly concealed by the leaves growing around it, finally has company.

By Murray Blumenfeld July has been a very hot month so think cool by remembering the record breaking snowfall we had just a few short months ago.

A plaque was added in June 2003 at the park’s entrance. “It does have my name on it,” Kuepfer said. “They spelled it right—and that’s the only thing that’s right. The date is 2000.”

Now for what’s happening in the jewelry business. The best seller this summer has been the ankle bracelet; more so than any other year. Ankle bracelets are more elaborate and 75 percent are in white gold with diamonds. Woman are now wearing more than one so come in and let us show you what’s really new and exciting.

The plaque reads, “The gazebo area is dedicated to Jack W. Kuepfer in recognition of his contributions. August 2000.” If you stand next to it, and look past the picnic tables and through the trees, you can barely see the gazebo. It is nowhere near Kuepfer’s plaque.

In August a few of the stores in our shopping area will be displaying close out merchandise at 1⁄2 price, (like a mini sidewalk sale.) There will be a table outside of my store with a lot of goodies for you to feast your eyes on. Watches, Swarovski crystal and antique plates are just a few of the items that will be on sale.

Perhaps plans changed in the three years it took for the plaque to arrive at the park. Kuepfer, who was unaware of the plaque until a few days before it appeared, did not have any answers. But he isn’t upset. “They put it right by the parking lot, in a very good spot,” he said. For Kuepfer, there have been worse experiences than an oddly worded plaque. For example, there was the time he came to the park and found what he thought was a woman’s fur shawl on the ground. He kicked it. “It’s a rabbit,” he said. “A big dead rabbit.” Further investigation found eight live rabbits among their less fortunate fuzzy friends.

Sandy, one of my longtime employees, is leaving us to live the life of leisure. She has been with us for 17 years and we sure will miss her. We wish her good luck, good health and all the best life has to offer. Sandy was in charge of our Swarovski crystal line. We have a charming young lady, Karen, who will be talking Sandy’s place. She is very knowledgeable about Swarovski as well.

“Someone came in and dropped off the dead ones, and then dropped off the live ones,” he said. Kuepfer immediately had them removed. The work may not always be glamorous, but to Kuepfer, the park is so much more beautiful than any plaque could convey, regardless of what’s written on it.

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(Ext. 27) •

The birthstone for August is peridot (pronounced ‘Per-a-doh’). Peridot was mined in Egypt centuries ago and was brought back to Europe by the crusaders. It was believed that peridot helped develop ones mental abilities. Today, most peridot is mined in the state of Arizona.

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Clifton Merchant • August 2003

‘My fingernails are always dirty from working down here’ —Jack Kuepfer, who will turn 83 on Aug. 26

Patrick Krauss and his daughter Keyra, 9, of Clifton introduce turtles Reggie and Twister to their new home at Morris Canal Park—with Jack Kuepfer’s consent, of course.

“We don’t want more ducks,” Kuepfer said. With 30 domesticated ducks and 10 mallards, the park has plenty of ducks as it is. These ducks gladly share their home with any lunchtime visitors looking to have a picnic with a feathered companion Today, Kuepfer has fewer volunteers to help him maintain the park. Even the inmates’ numbers are running thin. For those interested in spending some volunteer hours at the park, they can show up most any day (Morris Canal Park is open seven days a week, dawn to dusk and Kuepfer is there most mornings) or they can join the Friends Of The Canal Park, an organization set up as part of the Clifton Historical Commission. Positions are appointed by members of the City Council. Kuepfer encourages those interested to contact the City Clerk or to call Kuepfer at 973-473-5176. Other environmental organizations to contact include: Sierra Club, North NJ Chapter, 201-461-4534; Clifton Environmental Commission, Al Dubois, Chair, 973-470-2239; Passaic River Coalition, 908-766-7550 and the Hackensack Riverkeeper, 201-968-0808.

Grown at Ploch’s–Clifton’s Oldest & Largest Farm

F r uit s

Ve g e t a b l e s PLOCH’S FARM 148 Grove St. • 973.778.6463

A Clifton Tradition Since 1867

Fa r m F re s h ...Ar ugula t o Z ucc hin i ... including: Tomatoes, Corn, Peaches

Hours: Tue.-Fri. – Noon to 6pm Sat. 9am to 5pm – Sun. 10am to 4pm 24

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

...fresh-picked every morning Lin’s Country Gifts & Crafts Baked Goods & Ice Cream 1464

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G o u r m e t C h o c o l a te s ! Clifton Merchant • August 2003

OF T HE CI T Y

The Resident Advocate –––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe ––––––––––

heryl McCants moved to Cambridge Crossings, a new gated community on Colfax Ave. expecting a simpler life. She gave up the luxuries of Montclair—a deck, more space, a front and back yard, and lower taxes—for a home in a community that was still under construction when she moved in January. “Had I known I was going to encounter all of these problems, I probably would have rethought,” she said of her move. So she’s taken action and become one of her community’s two elected representatives to the Cambridge Crossings board of directors. Cambridge Crossings is a Town & Country development accessible from Colfax Avenue in Clifton, near Route 46. The developer has three representatives on the five-member board, and the number of resident seats won’t increase until 75 percent of the units are occupied. Though the gates still remain open to allow access to construction vehicles, not all of McCants’ concerns are related to incomplete construction. On behalf of her neighbors, McCants has repeatedly written the developer. Not getting satisfaction, she has also contacted the City Council in an attempt to solve the problems they have encountered at her new Clifton home. Cambridge Crossings spokesperson David Green said, “This is a normal process. People move in, and they have issues, and they need to be addressed. This is normal in every single development out there.”

“If they were to take care of things and stay on top of their contractors to make sure that the construction is safe and sound, then everything would be great.” 26

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

But for McCants, who has lived here for over seven months, they are not being addressed fast enough. “If they were to take care of things and stay on top of their contractors to make sure that the construction is safe and sound, then everything would be great,” McCants said. Seeing this as a business issue has helped McCants understand the developer’s point of view, she said. “This is my home, and I am very concerned about my investment,” McCants said. “These places are not cheap. For the money that we pay, for the taxes that we pay, I want to make sure that we are adequately served and adequately represented.” “Town & Country is going to make a lot of money off of us. I understand the idea behind real estate development: you’re in it to make money and I don’t fault anyone for doing that,” she said. “However, there are serious construction issues as well as development design issues that just outright need to be addressed.” “One of the biggest problems here is parking,” she said. “I understand that in the city of Clifton, the minimum requirement for parking is two spaces per unit. If you have a garage and a driveway, that meets the code.” Green concurred: “When it comes to the number of spots, these are issues that have been proposed and pre-

sented to and approved by the Planning Board. There’s no surprises here.” McCants said: “Now, that would make sense if we lived in a house on a street. People would be able to park along the street. But here, the streets are too narrow to have a car park and still be able to allow traffic to go through.” The houses here look like books sitting snugly together on a bookshelf. They rise high, so high that Town & Country was accused of building several homes above the permitted height of 35 feet. The homes have no space between them, the driveways are big enough for only one car, and width of the streets is just as unforgiving. According to McCants, this could present a safety hazard: if an ambulance or a fire truck needed to navigate the snug streets, a visitor’s parked car could block it. There are scattered spaces for visitor parking, but not one per home, and they fill up fast. In the end, McCants said, there will be no more than 124 total visitor parking spaces for the over 600 homes being sold. These numbers include units from the planned adjacent development, Winthrop Court, which would share an entrance with Cambridge Crossings but have its own clubhouse. Alone, according to Green,

Three is a crowd: On a recent visit to Cambridge Crossings, two cars were parked on either side of John Alden Court and it became tight for a third to pass.

Cambridge Crossings will have exactly 367 units. “That’s a huge problem because lots of families have four cars themselves,” she said. McCants said she knows of two families with teenagers who drive, and these families only have half the parking space they need for their cars. Green said this concern was addressed during construction. “At the request of the homeowners, 35 additional spots were added of our own volition,” he said. Meanwhile, even the driveways are troubling residents.

“I moved here because I didn’t want to mow the lawn and shovel the snow anymore,” she said. But in order to have a clear path to and from her car, McCants needed to remove several pieces of decorative shrubbery alongside her driveway. McCants has also encountered problems indoors. Seated in her kitchen, she could barely peer over the top of her counter. “This is supposed to be a sit-at, eat-in counter top,” she said. “You would bang your head if you sat here here.”

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This isn’t simply an inconvenience. This mistake has cost her. “I paid almost $1600 as an upgrade for this, and it’s the wrong height,” McCants said. “It was a lot of money, and it’s completely unusable.” Green said this was an individual concern, and that the countertop’s height was not misrepresented. “They have to end up buying larger stools,” he said. “These are not major issues. These are minor things.” In other words, the problem was a simple matter of furnishing, and doesn’t require replacing a part of her kitchen. Still, this issue has made its way into McCants’ letters and she sees it as unresolved. Another unfinished problem for McCants is the clubhouse and pool. Green said the gym and pool will

be available by Aug. 9, while other parts of the clubhouse will be available at a later date. “Specific rooms are going to be finished before others,” he said. The gym will come first, and meeting rooms, though already furnished, will be ready later. The clubhouse is located at the outskirts of the unfinished portion of Cambridge Crossings. Indoors there are a few meeting rooms and a gym, and the pool outside looks like a dusty tarp surrounded by construction debris. To be fair, many things can change in a few weeks, but size isn’t one of them. The gym has just four pieces of equipment set up, and little room for anything else. The pool, McCants estimates, is the size of a normal swimming pool in someone’s back yard: by no means small, but also not something she expects could service 600 or even 367 families. McCants understands that there is still ongoing construction. She doesn’t expect the wiring or the clubRich Unnasch, Proprietor house to be suddenly finished just because she’s living there now. But she asks for compromises. “The only thing that I would call a victory is that ¥ Brush/Roll/Spray ¥ Interior/Exterior Painting they are letting us use the sales office parking lot after Specialists ¥ 1641 hours, and that’s the extent,” she said. “It’s been an $ $ uphill battle.” As for her other concerns, they’ve at least been Any Job$350 or Any Job$1,500 or heard. “We’re handling things on a case by case basis,” More More Green said.

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Dundee Island, a 13-acre parcel of land bordered by an ecologically sensitive section of the Passaic River that includes Dundee Dam Falls off Ackerman Ave. near Botany Village, may be developed. Back in May we reported that Town & Country had plans to build as many as 540 units of housing on the land. Dundee Island is now home to the Clifton-based Safas Corp. The property has about 100,000 square feet of industrial buildings while the rest of the land remains wooded and undeveloped. David Green, a spokesperson for Town & Country, said specifics regarding the development have not been outlined and will not be known until a presentation is made before the Planning Board, which may come at the Aug. 24 meeting. In our May report, Mayor Jim Anzaldi said the Council was committed to the preservation of Dundee Island as green space and if necessary, would condemn the property to prevent development. He hoped potential developers would choose to ‘walk away’ before exercising the city’s right to condemn the site. “It’s buyer beware,” he said, adding that preserving the island as open space might be what is best for the public good.

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OF T HE CI T Y

Appealing to the Council ––––––––––––––– Story by Joseph R. Torelli, Photo by Richard Danielovich –––––––––––––––

hen the Clifton Zoning Board granted a variance to allow Commerce Bank to build and operate a 24-hour banking center on 1.2 acres of land owned by the Richfield Reformed Church, Richard Danielovich and about 30 of his neighbors were deeply disappointed. The church wants to sell the land, part of its 4.3-acre property located between Clifton Ave. and Pershing Rd., to the bank to resolve existing financial problems. Danielovich, who for 22 years has owned a home on Lawrence Court directly across the street from the Church, led an unsuccessful effort to have the variance request denied.

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Now he and his neighbors have formally appealed to the Clifton City Council to have the Zoning Board’s July 9th decision overturned or, at a minimum, remanded back to the board for further review. “None of us feels like we got a fair shake from the Board,” said the Lawrence Court resident. “They just ignored everything that we said to them and accepted everything that the bank presented.” The appeal, filed on July 24, specifically charges that the Zoning Board was “derelict in the obligation given to them by…the State of New Jersey,” especially in reviewing the exhibits submitted by the bank.

Safety Concerns Danielovich contends that many conclusions presented to the board by the bank’s community planning consultant were not substantiated by factual evidence. The most glaring example of this, he charged, was the argument that approval of the variance would lessen traffic congestion and promote the free flow of traffic. “It’s beyond me how the board could think that an additional 200-300 cars a day turning onto Clifton Ave. would lessen traffic flow,” said Danielovich. One of the biggest areas of contention involved the bank’s refusal to accept a ‘no left turn’ policy onto Clifton Ave. as a condition for having the variance approved. Zoning Board commissioners Claire Kish and Paul Graupe both voted against granting the variance because of the left turn issue. Kish, the Zoning Board Chairperson, said that a number of other towns which recently granted variances to banks, did so with the stipulation that left turns be prohibited in high traffic areas. “They negotiated those terms,” she said. “I don’t know why this board didn’t do that.” Graupe, who as a former city policeman had responsibility for investigating fatal traffic accidents, said he rejected the variance because of safety concerns expressed in front of the board by

‘It’s beyond me how the board could think that an additional 200-300 cars a day turning onto Clifton Ave. would lessen traffic flow.’ —Richard Danielovich

‘We have to realize that Clifton is still evolving from what it once was into a dynamic, thriving city.’ —Commissioner Nick Veliky

Clifton Police Lieutenant Les Goldstein. “That stretch of Clifton Ave. is already dangerous,” said Graupe, “and allowing left turns across two lanes of oncoming traffic will make it more so. Nobody knows that better than the cops.” Commissioner Walter Kluck, who cast the swing vote in the Zoning Board’s 5-2 decision, said he voted to approve the variance only after Commerce Bank promised to formally monitor the traffic situation for one full year after the branch goes into operation. “I think that’s a fair approach and I’m going to make sure the monitoring is performed properly,” promised Kluck. Other Issues Despite its seriousness, traffic safety wasn’t the only issue that drove Danielovich and his neighbors to file an appeal with the City Council. Al Swiatek, who lives in the Oak Ridge development directly across Clifton Ave. from the site of the proposed bank, helped Danielovich prepare the appeal. He said there are a number of additional concerns with the way the board handled the variance request. “State law is very specific about what is required before a local Zoning Board can grant a variance, especially in areas zoned for one-family homes,” he said. “We don’t believe this board met all the requirements set forth by the state and we hope the City Council will agree.”

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‘When you have a solid bloc of voting citizens all saying the same thing, politicians listen. Even though we’re not that big, I hope they still do.’

—BY THE NUMBERS— The procedure for appealing final decisions of either the Planning Board or Zoning Board to the Clifton Municipal Council is included in City Ordinance #5750-95, dated 8/15/1995. Here —by the numbers—is what the ordinance requires:

—Al Swiatek

Board Commissioner Nick Veliky disagrees with Swiatek. “On the contrary, I think Commerce Bank made a very complete proposal, and their plan for using the property is sound” he said. “We have to realize that Clifton is still evolving from what it once was into a dynamic, thriving city.” Danielovich and Swiatek are hoping they have better luck with the City Council than they had with the Zoning Board. “We tried hard to get residents involved in the board hearings,” said Danielovich. “But we don’t have a large, organized civic association like other city neighborhoods do,” he lamented. “I’m thankful for those who did show up, but I’m sure we would have been more effective if we were better organized.” Swiatek, who was a member of the Oak Ridge Civic Association until it disbanded in 1995, agreed. “When the association was strong during the 60s and 70s, the city took notice,” he said. He recalled how, during the late 1970s, the group was instrumental in getting the city to close a coffee shop that was operating in a nearby office building without the proper variance. “When you have a solid bloc of voting citizens all saying the same thing, politicians listen,” he insisted. “Even though we’re not that big, I hope they still do.”

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August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Tel: 973.777.3111 Fax: 973.777.0509

10 Days - Maximum amount of time from the date a Board’s decision is published that an appellant has to file an appeal. 60 Days - Maximum amount of time from the date a Board’s decision is officially published that the City Council has to schedule a review of a filed appeal. 10 Days - Minimum amount of time prior to the scheduled date of an appeal hearing that the Municipal Clerk has to notify appellants of the meeting. 5 Days - Number of days after filing an appeal that appellants have to arrange for the transcript of the appealed decision to be provided to the Municipal Council. In the event appellants do not arrange for provision of the transcript, the appeal may be dismissed for failure to prosecute. 6 Dollars – Current cost per page for a single copy of the transcript from a Board decision that is being appealed. Fee is established by the Zoning Board’s independent stenographer and must be paid by appellants. 4,475 Dollars – Cost to provide one copy of the transcript of the Zoning Board’s Commerce Bank decision to the City Council - based on an estimated 750 pages of information recorded by the stenographer in connection with this decision. 95 Days – Maximum amount of time from the date a Board’s decision is published that the City Council has to decide an appeal. Failure of the Council to render a decision within 95 days constitutes a decision affirming the Board’s action. 4 – Minimum number of Municipal Council votes required to either overturn a Board decision, or to remand it back to the Board. Failure to secure the minimum number of votes affirms the decision of the Board.

OF T HE CI T Y

Evolution of a Citizen ––––––––– Story by Joseph R. Torelli –––––––––

ary Rogers retired from her job as a financial advisor with a major Wall Street investment firm in 2002. She has spent much of her time since then enjoying her home and garden in Clifton, but now fears she may be driven out of the city by a declining quality of life that she attributes to virtually unrestricted development, increased pollution, and annual property tax increases. Rogers said that when she moved here from her native Paterson 22 years ago, she believed the City Council and municipal planners “were interested in a well-run, friendly, uncongested community.” But now that she’s had some time to look around at the number of large construction projects going on in town, she has become increasingly frustrated by what she considers to be the city’s lack of a cohesive strategy and plan for growth. “I have a sense that developers are running this city to their advantage,” Rogers said. She noted the ongoing construction of 637 townhouses at Cambridge Crossings, the expansion of Clifton Commons II in the city’s Delawanna section, and the development of a super Acme market in Styertowne as examples of the city’s lack of comprehensive planning. “No one seems to care about the increased traffic these projects are going to cause,” she said. “The developers just apply for, and get, their variances.” Rogers views the recent demolition of a home on Grove St. to make way for a proposed, though not yet approved, townhouse complex as further evidence that developers have no fear of being denied by city officials.

‘I have a sense that developers are running this city to their advantage.’

“No wonder they’re so bold,” she said. “It’s as if the city is saying to them, ‘Come on into Clifton and do what you please because we’re certainly not stopping anyone.’ The density that is resulting is thoughtless, and we need to do something to get it under control.” One thing that needs to be done, Rogers asserted, is for Clifton residents to become more aware of what’s going on around them, and to voice their disapproval and displeasure at public meetings. “No one I’ve spoken to has a good word to say about any of the construction that’s taking place,” she asserted. “Yet, no one bothers to speak up at Planning Board, Zoning Board, or Council meetings unless they are directly affected.” Rogers admitted that, until recently, she was among those who rarely, if ever, attended and spoke out at municipal meetings. But that is all changing now. “I’ve become more aware of what’s going on,” she said. “Everyone is suffering from the way Clifton is being over-developed, and I realized that I had to become more involved if I wanted that to change.” Rogers has always been an active and energetic person, able to balance a number of challenges simultaneously. She obtained a college degree in Religious Studies and was able to handle a full-time job at an area church on part-time basis, while maintaining her career as a financial analyst.

Clifton Merchant • August 2003

Rogers is currently a member of a local gardening club and is enrolled in non-credit courses at area colleges. And now she has taken on the role of political activist, as well. Rogers attended her first planning board meeting in June and was one of the first speakers to express her opinion at a July 24 meeting in which the city’s new Master Plan was presented. “I’ve been talking to a lot of people lately,” she said, “and I’ve gotten a few of them to attend these meetings with me. I will definitely be recruiting more.” In addition to attending the municipal meetings, Rogers has spoken with Mayor Anzaldi and a number of council members and board commissioners to increase her understanding of the issues facing the city.

‘No one I’ve spoken to has a good word to say about any of the construction that’s taking place, yet, no one bothers to speak up at Planning Board, Zoning Board, or Council meetings unless they are directly affected.’

‘Smart Growth supports livable neighborhoods and targets the state’s resources to enhance our quality of life’ She also has uncovered what she believes are several violations of local zoning ordinances involving onefamily homes that have been converted to multiple units, and has brought them to the attention of the city Tax Assessor. “It is time for our elected and appointed officials to be more diligent in their tasks,” she said. Rogers said that her new-found activism has been spurred by Governor McGreevey’s ‘Smart Growth’ initiatives. Those initiatives, she pointed out, encourage development of urban revitalization plans that are aimed towards keeping New Jersey’s cities vibrant. “Smart Growth supports livable neighborhoods and targets the state’s resources to enhance our quality of life,” she noted. “(But) every time Clifton government approves a project, offers a variance, or succumbs to developers’ demands, it takes away from that quality of life. We have to speak up…one person can make a difference.”

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A m p S i i

the Zoning Board of Adjustments was seen not only as a solution to the minor details that remain unresolved, but also as a potential threat to the overall goals. Resident Joseph Swiatek put it this way: “We listened to very good intentions about the Master Plan,” he said. But good intentions weren’t enough.

continued from page 4

Some history: The last complete rewrite of Clifton’s Master Plan was in 1990, and while it has undergone two ‘reexaminations’ since then, the city is only now getting around to introducing an updated version. In Aug., 2000, the city adopted a Master Plan Reexamination Report that was presented to the Council to fulfill the requirements of the Municipal Land Use Law. This state law requires that municipalities reexamine their Master Plan at least every six years. However, a complete overhaul of the document scheduled for Clifton in 2002 never occurred. A Master Plan is a document used to guide the city’s growth, balancing economic growth and quality of life. It reviews and projects growth and assesses the city’s needs for infrastructure and services, such as schools, police, fire and public works. A well-articulated Master Plan would give Zoning Board and Planning Board officials more direction as they review developers’ plans or consider variances. Considering all the housing development that has taken place over the last few years in Clifton, a new Master Plan may have been a handy reference tool as these boards rendered their decisions.

“The Board of Adjustments still has the whim and can override any intention that the Planning Board has to preserve open space, to keep zoning and to enforce the laws that are in place,” Swiatek concluded. While the Planning Board could not exert its own will over a separate body, it was able to accomplish something the attending citizens wanted: it finally procured and presented the long-awaited Master Plan, the draft of which was only published July 23. As for the unresolved concerns, the public still has time to address them before the final Master Plan is adopted. The Planning Board will have another workshop meeting on Aug. 28, from 6:30 to 8 pm, at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave.

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76 Grove St:

The Saga... Concludes? ––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe –––––––––––

1023

long-running dispute was partially settled by the Planning Board’s July decision on the proposed 76 Grove St. construction by C&L Developers. The developer plans to build eight single family homes to replace the old barn and farmhouse, along with a new street to service the new homes. At issue was who would maintain the 11 feet of property between the planned barrier shrubbery and the start of the street. Neither the city nor the property’s existing neighbors wanted the responsibility—until Mayor James Anzaldi suggested a compromise that became a resolution proposed by board member Robert Stier. The compromise was this: move the barrier shrubbery (or fence, if desired) to the edge of the street and give the extra land to the existing homeowners. Attorney Frank

Carlet said his client, C&L Developers, would agree to build whichever barrier the neighbors desired. There were some conditions. At this point in the meeting, most of the homeowners were not present and thus could not say whether they would agree to the proposal. This is important, since all six property owners (excluding the corner property) must agree to wanting the additional space. It is up to Carlet to contact these existing homeowners. So while no one could say whether every homeowner will agree to the compromise, it was progress, and until the very end of the meeting, it looked like a month had gone by since the issue was last discussed and nothing was accomplished.

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At the meeting’s start, Eric Bodnar of Neglia Engineering Associates was asked to present his opinion on a matter raised last month by resident Bill Sichel: would the new developments overburden the area’s sewage and drainage infrastructure? “A cursory review shows they’re reducing runoff from the site,” Bodnar said. A cursory review was all Bodnar was able to provide; he’d only received the data from Carlet’s office at 3:30 pm the day of the Planning Board meeting. Board member Philip Binaso said this was unacceptable. He asked Bodnar how long he expected the report should take to compile. Bodnar’s answer: a few days. “That is,” Carlet interjected, “if you have nothing else to do.” This issue was especially conspicuous since it was Carlet who

asked last month for a special Planning Board meeting that would have taken place two weeks earlier, long before his data was ready. Another issue discussed at the prior meeting was whether the construction of a new street would lower property values. The existing homeowners had a statement from a real estate agent indicating that property values would lower by 20 percent. However, just as Carlet’s report was discredited for its timing, the real estate assessment was discredited because the Board could not confirm that the agent, absent from the meeting, was an authority. Resident Sichel then produced a survey conducted of Edison Township residents to confirm that they prefer a house with just one road, not two, running alongside the property. Following some discussion, the board finally took the position that property value is not a key issue on matters of zone usage. This was when the discussion finally came to the placing and nature of the new street, if it had to be put in. A variety of disconnected ideas were proposed. There was talk of a gravel road, a dead-end road, a culde-sac, stop signs, crosswalks, emergency vehicle access and more.

—NOT OUR PROBLEM— The Planning Board quickly ended discussion this July of an issue carried over from their June meeting. A proposal by Garret Pointe, represented by attorney Bruce M. Pitman, asked to construct a road in Clifton on the border with West Paterson in the heights above Valley Road. This road was planned to serve a 128-home development in West Paterson, even though that municipality’s Planning Board already voted unanimously not to allow the project. At the last meeting, Attorney James Segreto, representing Clifton residents neighboring the site of the proposed construction, raised the issue of jurisdiction. He said Pitman needed to request a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustments, since the road would be an accessory to a separate property, something Clifton does not allow. At the July 24meeting, the Planning Board agreed, and unanimously dismissed the issue without prejudice, asking that it be filed again with the Zoning Board. Pitman expressed frustration, since he originally filed with the Zoning Board and was instead placed on the Planning Board’s agenda, but the Planning Board stood firm in its decision.

During this debate, shouting erupted between resident Leslie Kashey and Robert Stier, the board member who finally introduced the compromise resolution after a recess later that night. The larger issue of the housing density of the C&L project is not addressed by the resolution, and this resolution’s effectiveness is still unclear. The residents must choose unanimously whether to accept the 11 feet, since any dissent would result in barrier that is scat-

tered in its distance from the curb. The reason the corner property is exempt is that its owner, Denise Kashey, can choose to accept the extra land without affecting the barrier on the other properties. If the existing homeowners choose not to accept the land, then the backup plan is to create a homeowners’ association for those moving into the new C&L homes. This new group would be responsible for maintaining the otherwise orphaned 11 feet.

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OF T HE CI T Y

Be A Good Neighbor

In early June, city officials said 1300 Main Ave. will be razed ‘soon’, but as of July 29, nothing has happened. Attorney Frank Carlet, representing the developer, said demolition work is going on within the structure but that does not seem to be the case. Clifton Building Official Dennis Kolano said a $150 demolition permit was issued last Nov. which keeps the approval active for one year.

Two years ago, this former Firestone building and an adjacent home on Hillman were purchased. With the endorsement of the city, and variances (the plan was deficient by 20 parking spaces) from the Zoning Board, the owner/developer was to build a three story medical center on the lots. Will a medical center ever rise there? By the way, the building has been vacant for a decade.

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The Lakeview Civic Association offered these tips on how to be a good neighbor and keep Clifton a great place to live... • Do not throw garbage in the street.

• Garbage

Pick up litter blown onto your property and place it in a trash can.

containers should be placed at the curb only after 6 pm the evening before pickup.

• Be respectful. Keep music at a rea-

•

sonable volume. Be aware that young children may hear offensive lyrics from popular songs.

• Take

note of your neighborhood recycling schedule. Don’t use recycling barrels put out on the street by residents as trash receptacles. For specific recycling schedules, call 973-470-2237

Be considerate. Excessive honking of your car horn is against the law and you risk a fine.

• Keep your lawn and hedges trimmed and your property neat so the neighborhood looks cared for. Grass and garden clippings are picked up on the day after your first garbage pickup of the week, (i.e. Monday-garage, Tuesday-garden refuse).

• Move your car when the street cleaner is scheduled. The street will stay dirty and you’ll risk a fine. • Do not park vehicles in front of your neighbor’s house if you have a driveway or garage. Parked vehicles block the driver’s view when pulling out of the driveway and can result in an accident. Vehicles parked in one spot for more than 48 hours could be ticketed.

• Slow down your cars, especially on local streets.

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• Remember that basement or attic (3rd floor) apartments are illegal and the property owner can be fined. If you see an illegal dwelling, call 973-470-5849.

• You must have a permit to hold a yard or garage sale. Do not post signs or any other notice on telephone poles. Call 973-470-5825. • Most construction projects require a permit. Check with the Building Department at 973-470-5809 before starting home improvements. • Dogs must be licensed and kept on a leash. Clean up any dog mess. Call 973-470-5758. • Know your neighbors and help to prevent crime. Call 973-470-2245 for Clifton Crime Prevention.

• Support your local merchants. • Call City Hall at 973-470-5800.

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Meeting at Acquackanonk Park one recent evening, Kyle Handoga, Nichalas Camacho, Brian Kopitar, Mohamad Bekheet, Ibrahim Bekheet, Kim Marinardi and her dog Whisper, A.J. Meyers, Erick Wolfer, Kim Ferrara, Megan Murcko, Jack McNamara, Julia Szabo, Louise Coyne, Murial Sakas, Sandy Bischak and her daughter Amanda.

“No more housing” is not an original phrase—especially not in Clifton. Over 60 years ago, some residents were saying those same words about a tract of land that would later become Acquackanonk Gardens. A S TORY 44

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

C HRISTOPHER S ADOWSKI

Shooting for the Moon

area between Van Houten Ave. and Claverack Rd., bordered by Valley Rd. to the east—was a rural area. Its 68 acres encompass the former Bobbink and Atkins Nursery, as well as previously private-owned tracts of land.

The nursery, part of the Rutherford-based company, grew roses, maple, oak, and mountain ash trees, and a few of them still shade backyards and streets in the area. In tribute to the nursery, two interior streets bear the names Bobbink and Atkins Courts. Acquackanonk Gardens’ story begins in November 1938 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt drafted the first of his large aircraft production plans in response to the rise of Nazi Germany. Aircraft makers soon expanded their facilities to accommodate the anticipated volume of orders geared to stop Adolph Hitler’s advance in Europe. Two of these companies were Curtiss-Wright, a rotary engine and airplane manufacturer with a plant in Paterson, and the Bendix Aeronautical Corporation, an airplane manufacturer located in Teterboro. Because the production increase required more workers, employees began arriving from around the country, creating the immediate need for housing. Because of its ample supply of land and proximity to the manufacturing plants, Clifton was an ideal spot for a government-funded development. The Federal Works Agency’s Public Buildings Administration paid the Bobbink and Atkins Company $40,000 for its 40 acres and undisclosed amounts to citizens owning the rest of the property. The entire project would cost the government around $700,000. Plans were developed to build housing on the site. However, around the same time, rumors began circulating throughout Clifton that only temporary housing would fill the former nursery—something residents believed would negatively impact their city. Organizations like the Clifton Chamber of Commerce and the Clifton Real Estate and Development Commission formed a partnership and passionately voiced their objections to the government housing plan. The April 3, 1941, Herald-News quoted the opposition as saying: “Why should Clifton be plagued with all these cellar-less homes without garages to be rented to workers with no interest in Clifton?”

here is an old real estate adage that a property is worth what a buyer is willing to pay.

Well, that may be true if someone is paying cash for the property but the real deciding factor is the final analysis of the appraiser. The appraiser will affix the value of the property based on similar style homes that have recently sold. Compensating factors are: room count, condition, location, etc. This value is presented to the lender for mortgage approval. Sellers would be wise to adhere to the expert advice they receive from the real estate professional regarding how to price their home. Long marketing times and an under-appraisal can affect the sale. The result of incorrect pricing is: Over-Exposure, Non-Productive Showings, Declining interest among the industry professionals, and high expectations by the seller. The current market is showing sales prices at or close to asking price, which, in retrospect, could deter a buyer from making an offer if the price appears to be high. Due to the fact that most agents today are buyer’s agents, they have the responsibility to guide the client toward a reasonable offer based on a market analysis of similar homes. In conclusion, the bottom line is to price your home intelligently and competitively to position yourself against competing properties. This will help bring you to the closing table in a timely manner.

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Opposition leaders felt Clifton didn’t need more homes, and defense housing would alter the style of the neighborhood, calling them “chicken coops.” But, unlike Clifton citizens today, housing opponents did not stand a chance of halting development after FDR authorized construction of the Acquackanonk Gardens development. Building began in June 1941. James Mitchell Inc. of Jersey City was the designated contractor who subcontracted jobs out to smaller construction companies. When the building of Acquackanonk Gardens began, 350 men were on the job; later, their ranks would swell to 500. Original plans called for 78 homes to be built on the site, but as the government gave more defense contracts to Curtiss-Wright and Bendix, additional employees and housing were needed. To erect homes in the shortest possible time, no foundations were dug and the houses built on concrete slabs. Years later, many homeowners would dig their own basements or hire workers to remove the dirt, giving them needed space. Defense workers began moving into the houses in November 1941 with the advent of World War II.

Susan and Bob (with hat) Hojnacki, at left, with their daughter Rachel, have lived across from Acquackanonk Park for 12 years but recently purchased a two family home on Sheridan Ave. They are shown with Bob’s family, visiting from Colorado.

The housing was only for defense workers, and this rule was very strictly enforced. After the war, the houses were opened to veterans. As the war raged, construction continued. The last house was built in June 1942, completing a textbook American working-class suburb of 208 homes. The streets and uniform houses surrounded an open field where the city later built

Acquackanonk Park.

American Lives In June 1945, Catherine Lyding, 17, took a job at another defenseworker housing complex, called Cherry Hill in East Paterson. A month later, she met her future husband Robert Popek at a Wayne community swimming pool. Robert, a 25-year-old

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Army veteran, had just been discharged from the service after flying 65 combat missions—including one where he bailed out of his aircraft over France when it came under heavy fire. Catherine and Robert were engaged in 1946 and married November 9, 1947. After living with Catherine’s sister for five months, the Popeks decided it was time to go out on their own. Since Catherine had worked at Cherry Hill, she knew about the new homes at Acquackanonk

Gardens in Clifton. Since Robert was a veteran, the Popeks qualified for housing—despite a yearlong waiting process. The Popeks moved in on April 9, 1948, paying $27.50 in monthly rent. They never considered the house a long-term residence and planned to move out as soon as they could find something better. But they soon fell in love with their Garrabrant Rd. home and new community. In the years following WW II, residents had to contend with new

In the years following WW II, residents had to contend with new rumors. With defense spending slowing drastically, stories that the government would tear the houses down spread throughout the neighborhood. The residents believed this and signed a petition to save their homes.

rumors. With defense spending slowing drastically, stories that the government would tear the houses down spread throughout the neighborhood. The residents believed this and signed a petition to save their homes. In January 1949, the rumors were silenced as Acquackanonk Garden residents were allowed to buy their houses after the Federal Housing Authority placed them up for sale. The night before the sales, people waited in a massive line for more than 10 hours to get on the purchasing list—some waiting in sleeping bags and tents. The Popeks bought their home for $6,000, an extremely good price, even in 1949. Now 75, Catherine continues to live in Acquackanonk Gardens with Robert, 83, close to her children. “When we moved here,” she says, “we all met one another, and

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it used to be mothers that stayed home and raised their children. Now, I never even see my neighbors because both people work. It has changed a lot.” Besides her neighbors’ work habits, so has the landscape. “The trees have gotten a lot bigger,” she says. “When we first moved here, they were small, but now they tower the houses.” However, what hasn’t changed is the spirit she brought to Acquackanonk Gardens in 1948. “Even though many years have passed,” Catherine says, “the 20year-old that just moved in is still inside of me.” Today, Acquackanonk Gardens is home to many Clifton families. While the summer camp programs, green barn community center, and Pardy’s General Store are no longer there—as well as many of the defense workers who came from places like California,

Auggie and Jennifer Maggiore with their daughter Maria. The couple has lived on Garrabrant Rd. for six years and have plans to raze their two-family home, replaciong it with a new two-family structure further back on their extra long lot.

Iowa, New York, Kansas, and Canada to work in New Jersey— the neighborhood remains. Though it began as a develop-

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Sporting of Life

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By Jack De Vries

Lou Poles

Talking CHS sports and drinking coffee at the Hot Grill one recent morning, from left, Pete Tritak, Joe Popek, Armand Buongiorno, Lou Poles and Tom Talipsky.

“Every town has a Lou Poles,” says perhaps Clifton’s greatest sports historian and fan. “Guys like me are the ones people love to talk sports with. We help them remember a great game or player from their past.” “What’s nice is that I often wind up becoming lifelong friends with the people I talk to, or at least lifelong friendly acquaintances.”

He’s lying. Every town doesn’t have a Lou Poles— they’re rare individuals, filled with a love of sports and city that goes beyond that of a normal fan. Poles is a maroon and gray original, Clifton’s own. 50

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

“People say I know a lot about sports,” And that’s just in the first five minutes. says sports historian Harry Murtha, anothWhen he’s finished, as was the case after er treasure trove of Clifton knowledge. a recent Hot Grill performance, strangers “While I might know what a quarterback have applauded. “As you know…” he’ll say as anothdid in a big game, Lou Poles knows what er story begins. His listeners usually he did… along with the brand of toothpaste don’t know, but that doesn’t matter to the quarterback used before the game.” Lou. It’s not about who knows more While such praise might seem exagabout sports, or if someone remembers gerated, knowing a player’s toothpaste a game a bit differently than he does. To almost doesn’t seem beyond Poles’ reach. Lou, the important thing is the stories A conversation with Lou brings fourth a Lou Poles, CHS 1951 get told and the athletes live again. dizzying parade of games, statistics, and Early Life players—each flowing from one story to the next. “Come Turkey Day, when the smoke has risen from “My initials are L.P.,” he says. “Some people say it the battlefield, the Mustangs will come home with the stands for ‘Long Playing.’” bacon,” says Poles, 68, spinning a tale of a Grecco halfIt’s nearly impossible not to get swept up into Poles’ time speech and a broken door that followed. For a secsporting world when he’s talking—the enthusiasm ond, it’s 1946 again and Poles is an 11-year-old kid, bouncing along with his rapid-fire, staccato voice. worshipping Bobby Boettcher and walking to At his nostalgia sessions at the Hot Grill or Nash Hinchcliffe Stadium to watch the Mustangs play. Park, he’ll recall Coach Joe Grecco’s halftime speeches “Bobby would see me in the stands,” Poles says, (Lou listened by the field house window), Bobby Holly “and say, ‘Here comes the kid again.’ I tried to be the and Ray “Ditch” Malavasi appearing in the Super Bowl, first one at every game—running in as soon as they or Dave Szott lining-up to battle for his beloved Jets. opened the gates. I also had a tradition of walking home He’ll also toss in a few anecdotes about Clifton’s if Clifton lost—no matter where the game was. Scussel Brothers, Eugene and Henry, whom Lou “Thank God we didn’t lose that often after Coach never saw play, but whose stories he now treasures Grecco started.” like his own.

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Clifton Merchant Magazine asked Lou Poles to come up with his Top 10 teams in Clifton High School history. Lou couldn’t make it 10, instead, he gave us 11 of his favorite memories: 1997 Girls Softball Team: “We lost in the 1996 state finals, 1-0, to a Montclair team we beat easily that season. What impressed me was that after losing that tough game, they began their incredible streak, going 31-0 (the start of the 67-0 run). The outstanding coach, Rich La

Duke, has the most victories in New Jersey softball. I think their slogan that year was ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend,’ meaning if they practiced and played hard on the diamond, good things would happen. They were a charismatic team—my favorite of our recent girls state champions.”

The legendary Mustangs coach has always been a big part of Poles’ life, especially when Lou became student-manager of the football team in 1949 and 1950. He has nothing but respect and reverence for Grecco. “Joe Grecco was like a father to me,” he says. “There were times in my life when I’ve needed guidance, and Coach was there for me. He would talk to you and give you good advice. If he needed to, he’d bring you to the person you were having difficulty with and talk on your behalf. He’d say, “This is one of my Mustangs. What can we do for him? “And Joe Grecco did this for everyone—not only star players, every guy on the team.” Besides “listening to the old timers” and cataloguing their stories in his mind, Poles, now the chairman of the Clifton High School Athletic Hall of Fame, says he has almost a total recall of important games and events. 1118

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“I try to go to every Clifton High practice, game, and tournament for every sport—even attend some of their summer camps (often with friend Bart Palatini). I love sports at every level—from high school on up.” Poles was born in Clifton and lived until he was seven above his family’s Botany Section tavern on Ackerman Ave., now the site of Johnny’s Bar and Grill. He says the business was founded in the late 1800s by his grandfather, a Northern Italian immigrant from the Lake Como region, and was the oldest tavern in the city’s history. His love of sports was nurtured by his Uncle Emil Poles, captain of Clifton High’s 1919 basketball and track teams.

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1994 Baseball Team: (below) “We had been No. 1 in the state for most of the year (Clifton finished 28-3-1), but Elizabeth upset us in the state tournament. We were leading, 4-1, when they came back and tied it and sent the game into extra innings at 5-5. In the eighth inning, we loaded the bases but couldn’t score. Then Elizabeth scored on a wild throw from our third baseman with the runner dead at the plate. What a way to lose! But that team’s special to me because of Paul Pignatello, an outstanding coach and disciplinarian.”

1975 Boys Basketball Team: “The incredible thing about that year were the crowds—the gym was packed, especially when we played against John Gerdy and Passaic Valley. My lifelong friend Dick Knothe, who coached Elmwood Park, told me about Gerdy when he was an eighth grader. He said, ‘Lou, you have see this kid,’ and I followed him ever since. Those battles against PV were special because Clifton had Ed Bednarcik (left) and Bud Campbell, and PV had Gerdy and Mike Suglia. They were evenly matched—a pleasure to watch.”

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“My Uncle Emil never married,” Poles my life, my senior year.” says. “My father was going to Columbia What he had also done was to take University, studying to become an orthoaway any chance of becoming a top athdontist so he didn’t have much time for lete for Clifton. me. But Uncle Emil, who ran the tavern, “I graduated in June 1951 after just did and took me everywhere—to see turning 16,” Poles says. “As light as I was games at Hinchcliffe Stadium and all the (135 pounds at graduation), I couldn’t old halls where he played. My parents compete against guys who were much said that I was his family.” older—some 18 when they graduated. Unfortunately, his uncle died when When I entered Rutgers at 16, Clifton still Poles was seven, but the love of sports he had plenty of guys older than me playing Lou Poles’ mom, Suzanne. instilled in Lou grew. The family moved high school ball.” to a house on Clifton Ave., where Poles father practiced Poles was an enthusiastic and capable athlete, stardentistry (he also had another office in the Fabian ring along with Plaza for the Clifton Mustangs Athletic Theater building in Paterson). Club. He helped his late elementary-early high school Unlike most Clifton households of the time, the famage team win the 1948 and 1950 city football champiily had money for luxuries, including one of the first TV onship and capture every game except one in three sets in the city. Friends, including future Clifton baseball championship seasons of baseball play. great Ron Plaza, remember flocking to the Poles’ house “After I scored the touchdown to help us win the to watch early programs, like The Milton Berle Show. 1950 championship game,” Poles remembers, “I broke The variety show was appreciated—especially by my elbow with 30 seconds left (his left arm is still misLou’s mother’s side of the family. shapen by the injury). At the hospital, Coaches Ed A one-time singer and entertainer who later founded Bednarcik and Emil Sanicki came to see me. Sanicki the Clifton Boys Clubs Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs. Poles asked me, ‘Will you be a sophomore next year, Lou?’ encouraged her children to play musical instruments. When I told him I was a senior already, he said, Lou played the piano and brother Robert played drums. ‘What a shame.’ That stayed with me my entire life.” Her father, who was from Georgia, had been a working However, most of Poles’ high school days were entertainer on the vaudeville circuit and gave Bert happy ones. He ran track, managed the football Parks his start in show business. team, and played on Post 347’s 1951 Legion chamPoles did well in grammar school—attaining high pionship squad with friends Plaza, Ron Debiak, marks at School No. 12. He skipped one elementary Max Kashtan, Eddie Hilla, Bill Ziemkiewicz, Henry grade level, and then was given the opportunity to skip Nalepka, and Bob Vorgetts. his final year of high school by taking summer courses. The next season, Poles, a catcher, was voted MVP of “They convinced my parents this was a great idea,” his Legion team. Poles says. “As a kid, I wasn’t thinking clearly—I was “That’s why I ran track in high school,” he laughs. “I happy to be getting out early. But what I’d done was was a catcher and so was Billy DeGraaf—nobody was eliminate what could’ve been one of the best years of better than Billy.”

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1994 Boys Soccer Team: (below) “We finally beat Kearny in 1994, a team we’d lost a heartbreaker to the year before in a shootout. In the state finals, Clifton beat Cherry Hill West, 3-0, on a rainy, slippery field. Even when Cherry Hill West got physical and tried to goad them into fouls, they kept their poise. They played a (coach) Fernando Rossi-type game— very disciplined. I also loved watching our All-American Krzysztof Halupka.” 1986 Wrestling Team: (above) “That was our “6-6-6” team. We needed three pins in the last three matches to come back and beat Lenape in the Group 4 semifinals. Three pins, good for six points each, would do it. First, Brian Smith

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After graduating in 1951, Poles went on to Rutgers University for a year, and then went to Montclair State for two years, participating in Rutgers’ ROTC program. He played football and ran track at the school, building himself up with weights to 170 pounds. Anxious to become a pilot, he joined the Air Force in 1954. “But I didn’t make it,” he says. “Instead, I became a radar operator, a job I loved.” With the Cold War underway, Poles was assigned to a place far from Clifton—an outpost he calls “the top of the world.” He became an early warning operator stationed in Sparrevohn, Alaska, near Mt. McKinley, where temperatures would reach 59 below zero. As part of the early warning system known as the Strategic Air Command (SAC), it was Poles and his fellow radar operators’ jobs to alert the country in case of impending Soviet nuclear attack from the air. During his time in Sparrevohn, eight of his comrades died from accidents or exposure. Poles walked away from a plane crash that nearly took his life.

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become later on. I thought he was a nice guy—a pure country boy.” After the service, Lou’s brushes with celebrity continued. Poles met Frank Sinatra at Jilly’s, ran into Jane Fonda and the Yankees’ Mickey Mantle, and Hank Bauer at the Stage Door Deli, and sat ringside for championship fights at Madison Square Garden, rubbing elbows with Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, and Howard Cosell. Lou’s tickets were courtesy of Joey

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Fishing with Elvis (yes, that Elvis): Sergeant Lou Poles, United States Air Force.

The Air Force next sent him to Biloxi, Miss., where he became a radar instructor at Keesler Air Force Base. During his two years there, he earned the rank of sergeant and was allowed to live off base. He also took a part-time job as a bartender, working for Louis “Bull” Thornton, owner of the Clover Club in the Hotel Biloxi. “Bull took a liking to me,” he says. “He owned fisheries and shrimp boats in that area, and would invite me to his parties. I

was one of the few Yankees that the Rebels liked, and I used to go all over with them, sometimes to the 500 Club in New Orleans to see Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. At one of Thornton’s gatherings, eight guests, including Poles, set off for a fishing trip to Ship Island. Also among the guests was a popular area singer—Elvis Presley. “At that time,” Poles says, “Elvis was singing what I describe as “rock-hillbilly” music. He was popular, but not as popular as he’d

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1946 Football Team: (below) “I didn’t go to the famous Oyster Bowl game against Granby High School in Norfolk, Va.; I listened on the radio of an army surplus jeep that Fred de Vido drove over to my house. Fred was my godfather. He later became Clifton’s mayor and married my mother after my father died. Listening to that game on WPAT, I was sure Clifton was going to win. We didn’t (Clifton lost 6-0). Bob Boettcher, our All American, was ruled down on the 1 ft. line. Picutres showed Bobby was over the goal line. My friend Ray Olier’s family went to the game. Sitting in the stands, the people around them kept putting the team

down, calling us the ‘hicks from Clifton.’ Ray’s mother told them if they said it again, she was going to belt them with her pocketbook. The newspapers made such a big deal that we didn’t have a stadium. Later on, Fred was instrumental in getting Clifton School Stadium built. After that game, Joe Grecco went around to local organizations, showing the film of the game and answering questions. I remember following him to every meeting place just so I could watch it over again. That 1946 season changed the entire city’s image. Before, we were known as losers, but after 1946, we became winners and started to beat Passaic and Garfield regularly.”

1949 Baseball Team: “I remember that team and their game against Montclair’s Gus Keriazakos, who later signed with the Chicago White Sox for $65,000. In the 1949 Greater Newark Tournament, we were winning, 21, in the fifth inning when Montclair scored five to take a big lead (eventually winning, 8-2). But the story of that game was Keriazakos, who struck-out 19. What people might not remember was that Coach Emil Bednarcik batted Armand Buongiorno (above) cleanup that night—the only time he hit fourth in his life—because he could get his bat on the ball. Armand got two hits of Keriazakos. Armand was my friend from the neighborhood— I was so proud of him.”

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1959 Football Team: “The 1959 Mustangs were one of Clifton’s greatest teams. The highlight of season came when we beat Montclair, 39-7. Coach Grecco positioned his scat backs a yard closer to the line, getting them through the holes faster (Clifton gained 239 yards on the ground). I don’t think they stopped us once after they scored in the first quarter. After the game, I was in the crowd around midfield where Montclair’s great coach Clary Anderson congratulated Clifton on the win. He said, ‘This is the best team to ever play against my Montclair Mounties’—pretty big praise from a coach whose teams seemed to win 10 out of 11 games every year.”

Above, Wayne Demikoff and Coach Greco, below, the ‘59 Fighting Mustangs.

1946 Boys Basketball Team: “I looked up to those guys—especially Ray Van Cleef, Don Parsons, and Hal Corizzi (left). They went 221 and their only loss was to Newark Central in the state tournament. I remember one game in particular. We were playing Paterson Eastside and the game ended in dispute with the score tied, 39-39. The ref-

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erees talked about it for 45 minutes and most of the crowd went home. Finally, they decided Elmer Gall was fouled and he came out of the locker room to make two foul shots, giving us the 41-39 win. Later, when I got to Rutgers, Parsons and Corizzi introduced me around to all their friends. I was only 16 at the time and that meant a lot.”

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2001 Girls Soccer Team: (below) “That team gave Clifton its first Passaic County championship and first trip to the Group 4 state finals, where we lost to East Brunswick, 1-0. Our goalie, Andrea Kovalcik, was absolutely tremendous in the loss. But the real pleasure was watching two world-class players, Clifton’s Nicole Krzysik and East Brunswick’s Heather O’Reilly (a U.S. National Team member), play against each other. Clifton’s Stan Lembryk is a great coach and the sky’s the limit under him. He’s done an absolutely fantastic job with the girls.”

1985 Girls Cross Country Team: (above) “Our first state championship was a team effort. We expected the Paz sisters (Jackie and Cathy) and Chrissy Klimek to be up at the top, but it was Mercedes Zak who gave us the two points to win. They were a great team, good students, and did well in life, which always makes it even more special.”

Barcelona, whom he worked for as a parttime bartender. In 1969, Poles shared drinks with Tommy Agee at the Mets team victory party (Lou went to the club early and no one kicked him out). He also threw back a few with Broadway Joe Namath, when the Jets quarterback owned his Bachelors III nightclub. And, in 1985, he hitched a ride on the Miami Dolphins’ bus as the team drove to a practice before the Super Bowl. He later predicted the game’s 38-16 final, and the Herald-News’ Augie Lio nicknamed him “The Man Who Knew the Score.” “It’s always been that way in my life,” Poles says. “I meet a lot of people.

Keeper of History While in the service, Poles continued to

Lou Poles and his son Mark, CHS Class of 1981.

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Pre-K through Grade 8 Full & Half Day Pre-Kindergarten Full Day Kindergarten Departmental Junior High School Morning Care and After School Care Programs Maximum Ratio of 25 students to 1 teacher Academic Courses offered in: Language Arts • Literature • Mathematics • Science • Religion • Social Studies Art • Music • Physical Education • Technology Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball (Girls & Boys) • Cheerleading • Drama • Instrumental Music • Journalism John Hopkins University Gifted & Talented • Continental Math League

Clifton Merchant • August 2003

H We Remember HHH The Forgotten War? Hardly. July 27, 2003 marked the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War in which 54,246 American lives, —19 of them from Clifton— were lost in battle.

HHH 1950 opened on a note of quiet optimism

Clifton Merchant’s November 2000 edition which featured the original story published on the following pages. Pictured above are Korean War veterans from Clifton, from left, John Biegel Jr., Andrew Den Bleyker, Tom Miller, Ken Supko and in front, John Ryan, superimposed over a campaign map of Korea.

in our country…and here in Clifton. Veterans had returned from the fighting of World War II, found jobs in local factories and mills, married and raised families in Athenia, Beantown and the Botany. Television antennae were sprouting from rooftops and everyone watched Uncle Miltie on black and white screens. Baseball fans rooted for the Yankees, the Dodgers or the Giants. If you mentioned the term drug dealer, Cliftonites thought you meant a pharmacist. For many, life was good...and getting better. The emotional wounds of the second World War were beginning to heal. The world was at peace and no one was concerned abut political and military activities taking place half a world away.

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August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

But much of that changed on June 25, 1950 when Communist North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. What politicians called a police action but those Americans who served on this foreign soil would call the Korean War had a profound impact on many.

Michael Montanio suffered from the brutal cold at Chosin Reservoir. Andrew Den Bleyker found out what it was like to stand in the trenches at Pork Chop Hill. John Ryan thought Korea looked like a beautiful country—until he headed for the front lines.

Family, To the Shook ve ll that you ha a r fo u o y k n Tha ery s through a v u lp e h to e to n do ade it easier m u o Y . e m ti ggling dif ficult s we were stru a s n io is c e d make eads clear. to keep our h portive also very sup s a w ff a st r u ny Yo ediately to a m im d e d n o and resp iends. family and fr needs of our w remarked ho Many people rything was. beautiful eve r the thank you fo Once again, and support. ss e n d in k r u yo generosity of Sincerely, cak oreen Jakub D & rk a M , e Stev

Clifton Merchant Magazine remembers our city’s sons who died while in service to our country during the Korean War. Donald Frost Ernest Haussler William Kuller Joseph Amato Herbert Demarest George Fornelius Edward Luisser Reynold Campbell Louis Le Ster Dennis Dyt Raymond Halendwany John Crawbuck Ernest Hagbery William Gould Edward Flanagan William Snyder Allen Hiller Arthur Grundman Donald Brannon

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Ask survivors of the Chosin Reservoir battle what they remember and they will tell you about the cold. Cold so severe it burned your face and caused limbs to go numb. Temperatures plunging to between 20 and 40 degrees below zero. Trucks, tanks and rifles rendered useless because they were frozen by the bitter weather. Chosin was the battleground where GI’s kicked their frostbitten buddies to keep them from going to sleep forever. Where ice formed on your eyebrows. Where medics carried morphine ampules in their mouths to keep them from freezing. But the cold, the wind and the snow were only part of the problem. 120,000 Chinese troops were the main enemy. The retreat from Chosin Reservoir ranks as one of the most savage battles in modern warfare, with 15,000 Americans, mostly Marines, surrounded by seven enemy divisions. The vastly outnumbered Americans fought their way out over a 78 mile onelane dirt road. Almost 2,500 were killed in action. Another 5,000 were wounded and thousands of others suffered from severe frost-bite. One company lost four commanding officers in succession in one hour. The company went into battle with 225 men and came out with seven. The enemy lost an estimated 28,000 men. Almost 20,000 more were wounded. For its actions the 1st Marine Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation along with 17 Medals of Honor, 70 Navy Crosses and a number of Distinguished Service Crosses. Former President Ronald Reagan called the battle one of the epics of military history.

Michael Montanio

Because there was no clear winner in the Korean War it has been called ‘The Forgotten War.’ Those who fought at Chosin Reservoir call it their version of hell on earth. “I pushed a lot of the details of the fighting out of my mind,” said Michael Montanio. “But I remember the cold. It was always with you. The ground was frozen so hard we had to use explosives to blast a foxhole. It took its toll on the Chinese as well. Who knows how many died in their foxholes.”

Andrew Den Bleyker

Montanio was a machine gunner with the Marines’ 7th Regiment, 3rd Battalion. “The Chinese always attacked at night,” he said. “They would blow their bugles and whistles because that was their way of communicating without radios. Then they would come in waves.” Maybe it was because I was only 21 or maybe it was the Marine Corps training,” Montanio continued, “but I never had any doubt that we would get out of there. When it came time to leave we fought our way out and we took our dead and wounded as well as our equipment with us. But only the most severely wounded got to ride on a truck or a tank. Everyone else, even those with minor wounds, walked. It makes me sad because of the guys who really suffered,” he recalled. “We were told it was just a police action but believe me none of us ever felt like cops.” Montanio suffered frostbite and was transferred to a Navy hospital in Japan where he recovered. In war a little luck never hurts. Ask Andrew Den Bleyker. He was 21 years old when he was drafted. After basic training at Fort Dix he was shipped to Korea where he was to serve as a truck mechanic with the Army’s 707 Ordinance unit of the 7th Division. But it took seven weeks for his orders to be cut. During that time he was attached to an infantry outfit and spent about a month stationed on Pork Chop Hill. “We were in trenches only about 175 yards from the enemy,” he recalled. “It was like World War I. These were deep trenches but you had to keep your head down as you moved from one to another. There was no real fighting when I was there.”

Clifton Merchant • August 2003

But only days after Bleyker was transferred, thousands of enemy troops came up out of their trenches and attacked the allied positions. Approximately 1,800 GI’s were killed in some of the most intense fighting of the war. “It was bad,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. I had just left there and everything was quiet. I feel sorry for my friends left behind.” The battle for Pork Chop Hill later because the basis for a movie. Bleyker spent a total of 14 months in Korea.

John Ryan

When Cpl. John Ryan first saw Korea from a troop ship he thought it was a beautiful, green countryside. That impression soon changed for the worse. Ryan was a radio operator with the lst Marine Brigade. He had a unique viewpoint of the Inchon amphibious landing as an advisor to the South Korean Marines. The Inchon landing took place on Sep. 15, 1950 and was a key tactical victory for American and South Korean troops. The action not only liberated Seoul but drove a wedge between the Communist forces trapping thousands of enemy troops. Ryan enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18. A few months later he arrived on a troop ship at Pusan, South Korea. Ryan and five other members of his

brigade were due to head north but because of a lack of transport vehicles were left behind. They boarded a train and shared their boxcar with barbed wire, sandbags and lumber. “We traveled through so many tunnels we thought the coal dust and smoke would kill us,” he said. “But we made it to the front lines and spent the next few weeks in ground action.” The troops were pulled back to Pusan to prepare for a top secret landing. It was then that he and an officer were assigned to the Korean Marine Corps lst Division as liaison personnel. The force sailed around the southern tip of South Korea, into the Yellow Sea and up the coast to Inchon.

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“The landing wasn’t much of a problem but as we drove inland we found the enemy in bunkers and caves. There was hand to hand combat and flamethrowers. There wasn’t much left of Seoul by the time we got there. Bombed out buildings, smoke and snipers everywhere.” His assessment of the South Korean Marines: “They were a little ragged but they were willing to fight. We came under heavy artillery fire and they took quite a few casualties but they kept on going.” Ryan later took part in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Although he was in Korea only six months, Ryan saw enough combat to last a lifetime. Kenneth Supko never marched over the frozen terrain of Korea, but where he served was a welcome sight to those who did. Supko was stationed aboard the USS McGowan, a World War II destroyer which provided medical attention for frostbitten marines coming out of the battle at Chosin Reservoir. The ship had another mission as well; to help keep the waters around the peninsula of Korea unchallenged until a political settlement of the war could be negotiated. Supko first saw the McGowan in the Navy Yard at San Diego: Clifton prestigious free-standing two story retail/office. 1250 sq. ft. each floor. 326 Clifton Avenue. Currently 2nd floor for lease at $1350 per month. Features security gated entrance, central vacuum and central air, sprinkler system, gas heat, 2 baths. Option to buy also available. Act fast. This will not last. Call 973-546-3366.

‘’Even though the ship appeared to be a rusty relic, we could tell she had a proud history. It was written along her bridge with rows of memorable ribbons and battle stars. We worked hard and steady and by late 1952 we were ready for Korean duty.” The McGowan joined Task force 77, a huge fleet which consisted of 32 destroyers, 4 cruisers, 4 aircraft carriers and the battleship USS Missouri. “We were especially proud to be serving with the Missouri. We knew, of course, that the Japanese surrender has been signed aboard her,” Supko recalled. “Just to be with her was to be a part of history. Nothing could look so regal as she did when at sea. She was the queen.” In addition to giving comfort to the marines, the McGowan took part in shore bombardments and escorted mine sweepers into Wonsan harbor, North Korea.

Kenneth Supko, left, with a friend.

While the mood of America was changing after World War II, patriotism still played a big role in the way young men looked at military service back in the early 1950’s. Tom Miller recalled he and his buddies were eager to serve their country. “Eleven of us enlisted at the same time,” he said. “Everyone had a father or relative who served in World War II.”

Miller was a 3rd Class Medic in the Navy from 1951 to 1954. He served 16 months in Korean waters aboard the USS Pittsburgh and the USS Des Moines. “Our helicopters went in and brought out the wounded,” he said. “We had good people and we saved a lot of lives.” These days, Miller still aids his comrades. He is supervisor of the Veteran’s Advocate and Internment office at the Passaic County Board of Freeholders while active with many Clifton civic organizations. Looking back at the three years of the Korean War, a total of 302,483 American men and women served. Of that number, 103,284 were wounded, 8,177 were missing in action and 7,000 were taken prisoner. To this day, from among the American missing and prisoners, only 4,180 returned to US soil. The others are assumed to have died with in captivity.

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August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Rec Dept. hosts Sunday Evening Concerts in Main Memorial Park near Park Slope. Bring a lawn chair but admission is free. Call 973-470-5956 for more details. No raindates. Here’s the lineup: Aug. 3: Ableman Polka Music; Aug. 10: Squeaky Clean Vintage Rock; Aug. 17: Island Breeze, Calypso & Reggae; Aug. 24: Boisterous Banjos Oldies Sing Along.

They’re Jersey Fresh: Ploch’s Farm grows tomatoes, melons, peaches and more on their 14 acre Grove St. farm, pick it each morning and sell it at their road stand in the afternoon. Founded in 1867, meet Lin, Christine, Donna, and Rudy Ploch.

The Clifton Police Department hosts a ‘National Night Out Against Crime’ on Aug. 5, at 6 pm in Main Memorial Park, featuring food and beverages, children’s events and a free 50’s concert. Call 973-3405151. Clifton Music’s Ronni I and the Black Top Cruisers, presents a Downtown Clifton Doo-Wop Cruise Night on Aug. 7. The show is on the blacktop in the municipal lot on 1st St. and Clifton Ave in Downtown Clifton, from 5 to 10 pm. For info, call 973-365-0049. Drumsticks Bar & Grill, 240 Dayton Ave. Botany Village, hosts Thursdays Open Blues Jam 8:30 pm. Free Admission. Call 973-340-4600. The First Annual Van Houten Avenue Street Fair will come to life on Sept. 21, from 12 to 5 pm. Various activities are being planned including, rides, games and a petting zoo. Become involved; for details call 973-773-0802.

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The 2003 games started with an Olympic torch run, with the torch being carried partway by Buddy Canteen participant Anne Ryan. Other participants included Joe Brown, Scott Donkersloot, Travis Jones, Anita Lisica, John Morella, Cathy Parks, Joseph Picciano, Diane Fasino, Barbara Grossman, Sharon Hollander, David Reck, Sharon Valvano, Steven Haskoor, Drew Simon, John Tarakjian, Stephen Condon, Joseph Svec. Also, these Clifton participants returned after competing in past years’ games: Jon Eager, Guido Padula, Gabe Winter, Angela Brunetti, Jim Parisi.

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The Special Olympic 2003 State Games were held in Trenton from May 30 through June 1, and though several events were rained out, many participants from the Clifton Buddy Canteen special needs program, run by volunteers Jim and Pat Dycke, came to compete. Buddy Canteen provides activities at every Friday evening meeting, from sports to word games, for its special needs participants. The program is held at the Clifton Rec Center on Main Ave. For info, call 973-470-5956. Above, participants show certificates they received from the Clifton City Council.

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2003 Junior Olympic Champions Quality Martial Arts students Viola Gjoka and Chinoy Thompson took home three medals from the 2003 Junior Olympic Tae Kwon Do Championships held July 1-7 in Orlando, Florida. Viola Gjoka, a 13 year old Clifton resident (pictured here) who is also an “A” student at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, won the Gold Medal in the 12 and 13 year old female Black Belt Division. In Feb of this year, she also won Gold at the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chinoy Thompson, a 12 year old Passaic resident and honor roll student at Lincoln Middle School, was another of the five Quality Martial Arts students which went to Orlando. He won silver in Forms and Bronze in Sparring. The Quality Martial Arts students competed with over 7,000 other martial arts students. How did they achieve these medals? Hard work and dedication which they learned on Van Houten Ave. “Quality Martial Arts team has put many hours into preparing for these big events,” said Master Elliott Durham. “While most kids are sleeping on Saturday and Sunday morning, these students are outside in the park running and training from 7 till 9 am then again that night from 6 to 9 pm.”

“Our students learn that it is important to give 100 percent with everything they do, from schoolwork to class time drills here,” he said. While a physical sport, the focus at Quality Martial Arts is on respect, hard work and mental discipline, not punching and kicking. Tae Kwon Do is the world's most widely practiced martial art. It is an Olympic sport, an artistic discipline, a system of self-defense. For kids like Viola and Chinoy, Tae Kwon Do helps to build character and is a sport which encourages control, self esteem and confidence. In addition to competing on a national level and keeping up her grades at school, Viola is also an assistant instructor at Quality Martial Arts under the guidance of Master Elliott Durham, owner of Quality Martial Arts. Master Durham is very proud of all his students’ achievements. “I see the hours they put in and the sacrifices they and their parents make to compete at this level. I am grateful for the commitment and support.”

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Master Durham and Viola Gjoka, the 2003 Junior World Champion. Clifton Merchant • August 2003

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• V I N Y L S I D I N G • R O O F I N G • I N S U L AT E D W I N D O W S • 76

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Athletic Hall of Fame will induct the following Mustangs at a brunch on Oct. 12 at 1 pm at The Brownstone in Paterson: Betty Ann Franko ‘92 (volleyball, basketball, softball), Jackie Paz ‘88 (cross country, track), Gail Meneghin ‘84 (swimming), John Viola ‘84 (wrestling, football), Stan Koziol ‘83 (soccer), Scott Oostydk ‘78 (football, basketball), Paul Fego ‘76 (football, track), Gerry Manning ‘59 (football, basketball, baseball), Robert Roberts ‘58 (athletic contributions). The committee will also induct the 1982 Girls Swim Team and the 1946 Football team, both undefeated. For tickets, to support this program with an ad and other info, call Athletic Director Rick LaDuke at 973-470-2282. CHS Class of 1963 hosts its 40th reunion on Nov. 28 at 7 pm at The Mountainside Inn in Clifton. Call Helen Kubik at 973-742-4466, Nancy Spreen at 973-4782045 or Verna Thompson at 973-546-7048. There will be no mailings so call now to attend. CHS Class of 1978’s 25 year reunion is on Aug. 2 at the Radisson Hotel and Suites in Fairfield. It’s late but for registration info, call 732-617-1000 . Paul Vi regional High School will host a reunion on Nov. 29. The day’s events will begin with a 10 am Mass at St. Philip’s R.C. Church at 775 Valley Rd. The Paul VI reunion will conclude with a reception at 5 pm at Venetian Caterers in Garfield. For tickets and info, call chair Jeff Pompeo at 973-458-9174.

ood allaw nd lea

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Steve Christopher accepts his certificate from Father Varricchio at the June 17, 1956 Kindergarten graduation at Sacred Heart School At left is Ralph Andreotta. Christopher is organizing a 40-year reunion for the 1964 graduating class of this Botany Village Catholic school. If you are a classmate, or know the whereabouts of fellow classmates, contact Steve Christopher at 973-546-3843 or email him at schris1313@aol.com

TenAFLy PediATriCS 1135 Broad St., Suite 208 • Clifton • 973-471-8600 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm Wednesday 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (for check-ups, too!) Sunday 9 am – 12 noon • www.tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. Maury Buchalter

Dr. Nancy Mallon

Dr. Robert Jawetz

Dr. David Wisotsky

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Registration Now Underway! • Nursery School • Extended Hours • Pre-K Programs • Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds All Day Kindergarten 2003 Open 7:30am to 6pm

94 Chelsea Rd. • 973 779-4844 Marcia Hartkopp, Director

We welcome new patients in Clifton and our other locations! Tenafly 32 Franklin St 201-569-2400

Fort Lee 301 Bridge Plaza N. 201-592-8787

Paramus 26 Park Place 201-262-1140

Oakland 3 Post Road 201-651-0404

Clifton Merchant • August 2003

John Greco, a 1995 graduate of Clifton High School, was named Coach Of The Year at this year’s Knickerbocker Lacrosse Conference. Greco is a firstyear coach at Montclair State University, where he graduated in 2000. He also teaches sixth grade math, science, and social studies at Christopher Columbus Middle School. Greco won the award after leading his team to their first 10-win season since 1994. Greco gives credit to his assistant coaches Adam Torissi and Bryan Armstrong. Lacrosse season will begin Feb.1 and continue through the first week of May.

St. Peter’s Haven for Families refurbished its homeless shelter at 390 Clifton Ave. The shelter has been in use since 1986 while the structure is close to 100 years old. The Haven provides shelter to families in need and serves as Clifton’s food pantry. Is is affiliated with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Clifton Ave. For those in need or to support the efforts, call 973-546-5020 St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic seeks adult volunteers to serve as tutors in its program of English as a Second Language. St. Mary’s offers free classes in English on Monday/Tuesday evenings. Volunteers work with adult students in small groups. Formal teaching experience is not needed, nor is the ability to speak another language. All classes are taught in English. Training and teaching materials are provided. Call Sister Joan Sullivan at 973470-3000, ext. 3881.

Clifton Police Officer Jim Flanagan and Nicholas Tselepis.

Senior Health Partners B OARD C ERTIFIED Michael P. Lewko, MD

Cheng-An Mao, MD

Geriatrics-Rheumatology

Geriatrics-Family Medicine Acupuncture

716 Broad St., 1st Fl., Clifton • 973.754.4152 Geriatric Assessment • Aging Wellness • Home Care Specializing in Arthritis, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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At the rededication of St. Peter’s Haven, from left, Kathleen Damian, Mary Allen, Rev. Hank Dwyer, Bishop Brome, Lorraine Dughi, Rev. Helen Harper and Florinda Russell.

‘Agent Angelo’ deSanguine has moved to RE/MAX Riverside Realty at 27 Ackerman Ave. in Clifton. DeSanguine, who has lived in Clifton with his wife for 32 years, specializes in helping seniors looking to sell and young couples looking to buy. Having earned several awards already for his performance as a salesman, DeSanguine considers the move an opportunity to further exercise his ‘creative and entrepreneurial skills.’ Agent Angelo can be reached at 973-340-9191, ext. 27.

The Clifton Police department, and nicholas real estate, along with Sir Speedy, Clifton PBA Local #36, Van Houten Pharmacy, Colonial Pharmacy and Gam’s Service Station, have provided emergency cards that can save the lives of seniors. These bright yellow cards are to be placed on the refrig-

Clifton Western Little League won their first district title in 30 years. Back: Coaches Joe Nunez, Mark DeMartino, Norm Tahan, Doug DiFalco, Sr. Middle: John Folk, Doug DiFalco, Craig Ferrara, J.R. DeVito, Frank Binetti. Front: Christian Hyra, Anthony Zuppa, Ryan DeMartino, Dominick D’Anna. Kneeling: Myles Rudnik

Coach John Greco

erator door, announcing vital information and existing complications that paramedics and others would need to know. The cards will be filled out by Clifton Police Officers to ensure that they are accurate and legible. Patrolman James Flanagan and Captain Giardina initiated this project. Call 973-340-5151 to register for this program.

Eagle Scouts Richard J. Ross, Adam M. Bania, and Steve K. Poon received the American Legion Good Citzen Award at St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church. From left, Mayor James Anzaldi; Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej; Eagle Scouts Adam J. Bania, Richard J. Ross, Steve K. Poon; Post 347 Commander Frank Smith; Past Post Commander Anton Taschler.

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194 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell • 973-403-9968

2 Union Ave., Paterson • 973-595-1647 Clifton Merchant • August 2003

celebrations!

Send written notices of your celebrations by the 15th of the month prior. Mail to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011. We cannot guarantee photos will be used but if you do send pictures, enclose a self addressed stamped envelope so your material will be returned.

Open your heart and your home.

Many children are waiting for very special foster families... Financial Assistance & Free Training Available

Congratulations to a pair of long-time Clifton Merchant subscribers in sunny Las Vegas... Theresa & Tom Albanese celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 8. Cheers to you both! And belated birthday greetings to Theresa who turned 70 on June 4 and Tom who turned 73 on June 27.

Call toll-free: 1-800-837-9102 N E W

Karen Lime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/2 Michael Urciuoli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/2 Kevin Ciok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/4 Mark W. Mikolajczyk . . . . . . . . . . . .8/5 Ed Gasior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/6 Sean McNally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/6 Charlie Stek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/6 Steven Riccardi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/7 Carolina Wakkary . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/7 Chiara Cristantiello . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/9 Emily Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/12 Michelle Smolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/14 Yuko Angello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Christopher Antal . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Peter Bodor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Tom Hawrylko sr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Jessica Oliva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Maria Pinter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Daniel Wolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/15 Dana Cannizzaro . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/16 Alexandria Veltre . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/19 Michael Melendez . . . . . . . . . . . .8/20 Doggie Autumn Ressetar . . . . . . .8/20 Michael Perzely (in Heaven) . . .8/21 Mayas Dalko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/23 Cara Cholewczynski . . . . . . . . . . .8/24 Joanne Pituch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/24 Robbie Lucas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/25 Raymond M. Mastroberte . . . . . .8/25 Eileen Gasior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/26 Ann Soltis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/26 Adam Brandhorst . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/27 Peter Fierro Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/28 Mary Perzely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/29 Kathleen McKenny . . . . . . . . . . . .8/31 Hisham Obaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/31

J E R S E Y

To qualify to be a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old, have a steady source of income and adequate space in your home.

www.fostercare.com

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Nancy & Michael Ressetar celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary on 8/15. Wishing you many more happy years!

Subscribe To Clifton Merchant Don’t Miss Another Issue. Have It Mailed To Your Home. $15/year within Clifton • $25 for 2 years—out of town $25 per year • $40 for 2 years Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:____________________________________________________________Phone: ____________________

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

S T Y E RTOW N E

SHOPPIN

CENTER

Use This Directory of Stores When Marty?s Shoes 973?471?4140 AC Moore 973?470?8885 Atlanta Bread Company 973?777?2211

Coconuts 973?778?8759 CVS Pharmacy 973?778?7630 Antonio?s Hair Stylist 973?472?1011 Odd Job 973?594?0900 CVS Pharmacy 973?778?7630 The Shoe Gallery 973?777?4700 The Men?s Gallery 973?777?4700 US Post Office 973?473?4946

Salon De Charles 973?473?6105

Footnotes Annex 973?779?6770

The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne 973?777?6995 The Artisan?s Touch 973?471?0001

Corbo Jewelers 973?777?1635

Bertelli?s Liquors 973?779?0199

Valley National Bank 973?777?6283

GNC 973?779?1500

The Season?s Fine Chinese Cuisine

Pet Stuff 973?778?1617 Kim?s Nail Salon 973?471?8118 Cleaners 2000 973?614?1400

Footnotes Bookstore & Learning Center 973?779?6122 Shereeds 973?773?1673 Taste of Tuscany 973?916?0700

Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins 973?473?9631

The New Brava for Women

The Shoe Doctor 973?777?4700 Styertowne Bakery 973?777?6193

Sizzling Sidewalk Sale August 7,8, 9 & 10th Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;¢ August 2003

The 1940 CHS Cheerleading Squad. Coach anne Curtin stands at the far left; harry alessi, Jr., who provided the photo, is at the far right. “i was 100 pounds,” alessi recalled. “i was the smallest one.” too small to play football, alessi instead joined the cheerleading squad and also served as manager for the football team.

while he tried his best to identify all, some names may be close but not right. front row: Bernice parent, Marion Carlson, Claire DeKoyer (captain), Charlotte schmidt, Marie failla, sally Cicarelli. Back row: Genevieve Galinack, Bernice Carlson, unknown, unknown, Charles furst, Vincent Cerniglia, albert Brocaglia, harry alessi.

G et Back Into Action ! Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor 1576

Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005 Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155

www.fitspine.net www.fitspine.net

August 2003 • Clifton Merchant

We would like to extend an open invitation to you and your family to stop in and visit our Friendly staff. We are here to help you! Pictured, from left, Rania Abughanieh, Elisa Moore, Natalie Kasak and Dr. Moore in the front.

New Lobby & Registration Opened June 1999

New LightSpeed CT Scanner Opened June 1999

New LDR/P Maternity Opened September 2000

Today St. Mary’s Hospital is newer, different and better.

New Critical Care Unit Opened January 2001

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Modern Main Lobby and Private Central Registration - Opened June 1999 First to Offer Advanced LightSpeed CT Scanner - June 1999 New LDR/P Maternity Unit - Opened September 2000 New 10 Bed Critical Care Unit - Opened January 2001 New Same Day Surgery Center - Opened November 2001

New projects planned for 2002/2003 Emergency Department - Operating Suite - Endoscopy Suite

Now our 2nd Century Campaign is asking for your financial support to help make these important projects a reality. For more information or a tour of our NEW Hospital call 973-470-3106.

ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL OF PASSAIC KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

New Same Day Surgery Center Opened November 2001

It doesn’t get any better than quality people with quality technology in a quality setting.

St . Mary’s Hospital 211 Penni ngton Avenue, P a ssaic, NJ 07055

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main Avenue C Clifton, nJ 07011

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID ClifTon, nJ PeRmiT no. 1185

ATTENTION PASSAIC COUNTY RESIDENTS. Have you had enough yet? Did you see your August tax bill? Look at the section under County Taxes and tell us if you are getting your monies worth? Whether you are a home owner, tenant, condo or coop owner, these taxes are hurting you and your family. How much longer will we be able to afford our homes...

IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE IN PASSAIC COUNTY and that change is

TRAIER, SANDRI AND GEORGE Paid for by Passaic County Republican Organization