Clifton Merchant Magazine - August 2019 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

The Grip of the Great Recession

2008-2010 By late 2007, the contentious issues plaguing Clifton during the decade remained, but resolution was in sight. While the city continued to be divided over development and schools, it was apparent a course had been set. There would be no new school at Latteri Park, but there would be a high school annex at 290 Brighton Rd. And, on the Athenia Steel site, a new park would be built. Like most initiatives, it would take time— though many said too much time—to become a reality. The new housing and development that had exploded throughout the city would stay, as would the congestion on Clifton streets and highways. But relief from the hallway “mosh pits” at Clifton High was coming, as a new elevated walkway would be built at the school. As Mayor James Anzaldi was fond of saying, “compromise and consensus” was taking place, but few were completely happy about it. However, Cliftonites had no choice but to move forward. Residents began to exhale a bit after the many bitter battles fought throughout the decade. But, on a busy Manhattan thoroughfare named

Wall Street, about 20 miles from Clifton, all hell was about to break loose. The Great Recession was coming. Brought about by the financial crisis of 2007, the global recession was created by the failure of subprime mortgages in the U.S. market. In April 2007, economic red flags were prominent. By September, it was apparent something seriously wrong when the 158 year-old investment bank Lehman Brothers—the nation’s fourth largest—collapsed. 16,000 Magazines

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Now, Wall Street was panicking. News reports said more doom was coming. Some banks on the brink of collapse were said to be “too big to fail,” and government bailouts soon became the norm. On America’s “Main Street”—as well as Clifton’s Main Ave—people scratched their collective head and wondered what was about to happen next. At first, nothing much did outside of the constant “sky is falling” cries from TV news broad-

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Towed by a yellow crop duster to 3,000 feet above the Delaware Water Gap—and then released—Gourley Ave. resident Billy Lee ‘Red’ Taylor piloted his glider with passenger and editor Tom Hawrylko for an afternoon of (engine-less) soaring. See the story on page 30 of the September ‘09 edition at cliftonmagazine.com.

casts. Gas prices even dropped, much to consumers delight. But things turned worse. After hitting its peak in Oct. 2007 with a closing price of 14,164.53, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to 6,443.27 by March 2009. Investors’ 401Ks shrank dramatically. The federal government had to bail out all three U.S. automakers. People were scared. The Great Recession had arrived. Like other Main Street communities, Clifton felt the impact as businesses and residents suffered. In early 2008, Gerasimo Dimitraos, owner of the Midtown Grill on Main Ave., said business was down 30 percent while costs had risen. “I used to spend $13 for a case of mayo,” Dimitraos said, “now it’s up to $30.” Mike Corbo of Corbo Jewelers in the Styertowne Shopping Center sympathized, saying: “We’re experiencing poor sales in our stores across the board. We’re running 10 percent behind each month since the beginning of last year.” Charities also took a hit. St. Peter’s Haven Director Marsha Hook said individual donations were down, as well as grant money.

Among the many interesting people who were featured in our pages during 2008-2010, were Odette Coronel, John Fette, Lillianna Chudolij, Sandy Grazioso, Dennis Mikula and Joan Salensky. Also pictured on the base of our cover are Jeff Seitz, Babe Ruth and Rosemarie Harvey. You’ll read more about the others on the following pages.

St. Peters, which provided three days of food to 640 families after their food stamps ran out, was counting on a $15,000 grant from a foundation. Instead, it would receive no more than $5,000. Despite a sputtering economy, Clifton hung on. While consumers and businesses delayed their purchases, maintenance and repairs, stop-gap measures became the new norm. Entertainment turned low cost, as Cliftonites rediscovered their local arts, theater and music scenes, like the exhibits at the Clifton Arts Center and free concerts like those in Botany Village. Plays and musicals put on by the Theater League of Clifton and Clifton High School also provided a rewarding night out. While many in the city sacrificed and skimped to get by, the Great Recession would not last indefinitely. Fueled by a population that had risen more than 16 percent since 1990—along with projects that began with Rt. 3’s Clifton Commons and continued with The Promenade Shops of Clifton—the city had become a retail destination. And, throughout town, old buildings became new again—a trend that would continue.

Like it or not, the reinvention of Clifton—now a vibrant diverse city, full of busy roads, and new residences and businesses would continue throughout the decade and beyond. But so would memories of the old Clifton—a place so special and treasured that it had anchored people for generations. Clifton was moving ahead as a combination of the old and new, a city forever changed by the events and people of its preceding years. On the next 70 pages, we present a timeline of events from 2008 to 2010. As part of an occasional series, the not-sodistant past of Clifton history will continue in a future issue.

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Clifton construction official Joe Lotorto and Cory Genardi stand across from Genardi’s redeveloped building at Clifton and Main Aves. Kenny Barilari sings “Puppy Love” at the Apollo. CHS football coach Ron Anello and softball coach Cara Boseski will receive the Clifton Optimist Club Friend of Youth Award on May 4, 2008.

Jan. 2008: The Genardi Building restoration is nearly complete and several new businesses are on their way to the corner of Main and Clifton. The two-story building will house seven retail and professional tenants as well as two upstairs apartments. Already under contract for the 11,957 sq. ft. ground floor are Jackson Hewitt Tax Service on the corner and New Magazine Hair and Nail Salon next to it. Commercial Funding Corp. will be moving in upstairs. Negotiations are currently ongoing with Perkins, a family restaurant that would be the project’s anchor. Perkins would fill a 6,215 square foot space fronting on Clifton Ave. with parking located behind the building.

Jan. 24, 2008: The Planning Board holds a public hearing on the Master Plan. The last reexamination of the plan came back in 2003 and for the past three-and-ahalf years, consultant Jill Hartmann, the Planning Board and ACTION Clifton members have been welcomed to make suggestions at monthly workshops.

Jan. 2008: The Marrocco Memorial Chapel of Clifton is chosen for International Order of the Golden Rule status for following a rigid code of ethics and standards. Jan. 9, 2008: Clifton middle schooler Kenny Barilari sings Puppy Love at the Showtime at the Apollo talent show. Barilari beat out 300 other performers to get his spot.

Jan. 10, 2008: Angela Masley, who grew up on Rutgers Pl., is sworn in as a New York City Civil Court judge.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Masley family at Andrea’s swearing-in ceremony in Manhattan on Jan. 10. Standing from left are sisters Barbara and Nancy, Andrea, mother Irene and family friend Helen Fedoriw. Sitting is Andrea’s father William.

Joanne Cifelli of the Clifton Little School. After 20 years on the job, Jim Flanagan was named Clifton’s new Crime Prevention officer, Feb. 15, 2008. Clifton’s Dave “Moose” Bosson and Bill Kilroy were featured in the February 2008 edition.

Jan. 31, 2008: Clifton Recreation holds its installation dinner. Doreen Delancy-Williams is chosen as president and John Pogorelic is vice president. “Staffers of the Year” are Barbara Powers and Richard Hanle. Joe Jeffers wins the “Recreation Service Award” and the “Friend of Recreation” is given to Harry Glackin.

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Jan. 27 to Feb. 2: The 2008 theme is “Catholic Schools Light the Way,” which underscores the role of these institutions in providing a faith based education that supports children academically and spiritually. A total of 2,083 students attend Clifton Catholic schools, ac-

cording to the Paterson Diocese. The schools include: St Brendan’s with 394 students; Sacred Heart School in Botany Village with just over 200 students; St. Andrew the Apostle School, which serves 230 students; St. Clare, which reports teaching 186 children; Pope John Paul II School with 660 students; and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, which educates 88 children (St. Philip the Apostle School did not report its number of students). CMM also highlighted activities at Paramus Catholic High School, Queen of Peace High School and DePaul High School.

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Ready for the 17th Annual Fraternal Beefsteak on Feb. 15, 2008, are, top left, PBA President Stephen Berge, FMBA Committee Co-Chair Jeff Bracken, FMBA Committee Chair Frank Yodice and Firefighter John Bisaccio; bottom from left, PBA Committee Chair Randy Colondres, PBA State Delegate Michael L. McLaughlin and FMBA President Robert DeLuca. At left are Assistant Clifton Municipal Prosecutor Thomas F. Brunt and retiring Municipal Prosecutor Blanche K. Goldstein.

Feb. 2008: Fourteen months after approval, construction begins on the $2 million elevated walkway at CHS, seeking to relieve hallway congestion.

Feb. 1, 2008: Clifton Merchant Magazine features the amazing life story of retired Clifton Police Officer Billy Kilroy. A former 35-7 boxer, Kilroy enjoyed a movie career as Marlon Brando and Paul Newman’ stunt double. Later in life, Kilroy became a poet, recognized by Lady Bird Johnson, the nation’s first lady. Feb. 1, 2008: CMM profiles another Clifton original, Dave “Moose” Bosson, a Mustang gridiron star who played on Duke’s 1961 Cotton Bowl Classic-winning team. Bosson also played football in Canada and had a short tenure with the New York Titans before a knee injury ended his career. In February 2008, Johnny Manganiotis with his dad John display some of the sweets that can be found in his Van Houten Ave. bakery on the one-year anniversary of what was then called Johnny Cupcakes and is now known as Mr. Cupcakes.

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The CHS Prom Fashion Show was Feb. 10 at CHS. Among the student models include those pictured above, from left: Casey Hawrylko, Christopher Papademetriou, Lindsay Berberich, Connor Steinfeldt, Ritchie Movilla, Ashley Parsons and Robert Harsaghy. Fashions are provided by Deluxe Formal Wear and Angelica-LaFaye Fashions. Proceeds benefit Project Graduation, the school’s annual drug and alcohol free trip for seniors following graduation.

Feb. 3, 2008: Clifton Against Substance Abuse (CASA) holds its 10th annual Clifton Super Bowl Party at the Boys & Girls Club; 400 attend. Feb. 4, 2008: Jonathan Vinci knows why Fighting Mustangs coach Ron Anello is receiving the 2008 Clifton Optimist “Friend of Youth Award.” Vinci, a fifth grader at School 5, fell during a Halloween party last October, suffering a spiral break of his femur. Doctors had to make a long incision from Vinci’s hip to his knee, before inserting a nine-inch metal plate to stabilize the bone. The coach was not only happy to speak to Jonathan, he even gathered up a few Fighting Mustangs and dropped by the Vinci’s Ploch Rd. home. Last month, Anello and three of his players visited for about an hour, bringing along a football signed by the team and assuring Jon that he would play football again one day. Feb. 23, 2008: The Clifton Board of Education votes 7-1 to reject the buyout proposal for 290 Brighton Rd.

Feb. 29, 2008: Dennis Benigno and his nonprofit group, the Coalition for Brain Injury Research, wins UNICO’s “Service Above Self Award.” Benigno and wife Rosalind founded the organization after son Dennis John was injured in a car accident. Also honored for nine decades of service to UNICO was Michael N. Corradino.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Damien Burke of the Clifton IHOP invites everyone for to stop by and make a donation, and receive free pancakes Feb. 12, which was the 3rd National Pancake Day celebrated by the O’Neil family.

March 7, 2008: CMM profiles four candidates running for three seats in the April 15 BOE election: incumbents John Traier and Marie Hakim, and challengers Lou Fraulo and Paul Graupe.

The Feb. 2008 CMM celebrated love. Among the Clifton love stories featured (starting at top of page from left) are Andre Olave, a 1997 PCTI grad and Maggie DeMolli, a 2000 CHS grad, who wed on July 2, 2009. Olave was the graphic designer at Clifton Merchant Magazine from July 2004 to August 2005; Shoppers Vineyard employees Tiffany Wright and Brian Cook met at the Bloomfield Ave. store in Aug. 2000. The couple married on July 19; and Darcie and Scott Agnoli on their wedding day back on June 22, 2001, at St. Michael’s in Paterson; Lin Ploch and Bill Sachtleben were married on June 8, 2007. Above, Arthur and Sandra DeRose celebrated 51 years of marriage. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Above, Clifton podiatrist Thomas Graziano (at right) spent three months in 2007 doing an internal medicine rotation with Dr. Sessine Najjar (at left) as he studied to earn a doctor of medicine degree. Also pictured is Najjar’s associate Dr. Diana Finkel. There are about 12,000 podiatrists in the United States, according to the Department of Labor, but it’s believed that only five hold both a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) and a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree. In 2008, Clifton podiatrist Graziano brought that total up to six. Top right: Founded by a group of Clifton physicians in 1993, Clifton Surgery Center on Route 46 East was the first of its kind to open in our city. Some of the staff (from left) Edith Marquez, Madeline Reyes, Scott Muttel, Nursing Supervisor Samantha Kennedy and Administrator Michael Graziano.

At Premier Endoscope on Brighton Rd., editor Tom Hawrlko took this photo before getting a colonoscopy. Pictured from left are anesthesiologist Dr. Juan Giraldo; nursing administrator Donna Mitchell, R.N.; Steven Gronowitz, M.D.; and Jennifer Filiberty, endo tech.

March 7, 2008: CMM features Joel Pasternack (CHS ’68), who logged more than 110,000 miles on city streets and placed 28th in the 1974 Boston Marathon

March 7, 2008: The story of Dr. Ricky Doerr, who took an interesting route to becoming a hand surgeon, and son of Dr. Alphonsus Doerr, kicks off CMM’s profile of Clifton’s medical service professional and providers.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

March 14-16, 2008: Twelve swimmers from the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s swim team, the Seahawks, compete in the Junior Olympics at Rutgers University, finishing 19th out of 36 teams. The Seahawks’ Jasmine Spinelli, 10, scores 123 of the team’s 240 points. March 15, 2008: Renee LaPeter, 14, makes her fourth donation of hair to Locks of Love.

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The Botany Blues Crawl began in 2007 but became such a huge hit that it returned on April 19, 2008, from 8 pm to midnight. Blues and beer is the theme, and visitors traveled between five different bars to catch five different performances. Bands performed at Woody’s Grillhouse and Saloon, Johnny’s Bar, Rossi’s Tavern and Camilo’s Restaurant and Bar.

March 15, 2008: About 50 Cliftonites, clergy and officials marked the 1848 peaceful revolution and independence of Hungary with a flag raising at City Hall, reported Teddy Harsaghy.

March 27, 2008: A new Master Plan is adopted which only allows schools in industrial property if they are in residential zones, a positive development for the proposed school at 290 Brighton Rd. The plan states it looks to implement “Smart Growth” policies.

April 4, 2008: The Great Recession takes hold, and CMM responds by highlighting the local economy. Athenia Mason Supply’s Ken Kievit calls business “miserable,” saying it is down 20 percent. Other merchants agree. Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Bob Foster is concerned the recession will negatively impact donations, saying, “We don’t want to cut programs.”

April 10, 2008: The 19th CHS Distinguished Academic Awards Dinner is held at the Westmount Country Club.

After 28 years, City Clerk Dick Moran retires on April 1, 2008. Members of his staff include, from left, Joan Umhoefer, Barbara Nagy and Joan Robertson.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

April 15, 2008: Clifton elects challengers Paul Graupe and Lou Fraulo, along with incumbent John Traier, to BOE seats. Board president Marie Hakim is defeated. The school budget and a field turf proposal for Clifton Stadium are overwhelmingly voted down.

April 25, 2008: The CHS classes of ’58 and ’59 host a joint reunion at the Bethwood in Totowa.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

April 30, 2008: Mayor Anzaldi (center at right) presented Clifton Savings Bank board members with a commemorative plaque on the bank’s 80th anniversary. Founded in 1928, CSB had six branches in Clifton, two in Garfield, one each in Wallington and Wayne.

April 30, 2008: Michael Urciuoli is named Clifton BOE president; Lizz Gagnon is chosen vice president. May 1, 2008: St. Andrew’s Sister Margaret Murphy is named Paterson Diocese “Principal of the Year.”

May 2, 2008: After the defeat of the BOE budget, the city council slashes $2 million from the budget. May 2, 2008: Forty-year U.S. postman James Rohale, who delivered mail in Albion for 27 years, is Clifton’s longest serving carrier.

Sr. Margaret Murphy, PBVM, was principal at St. Andrew Elementary for 29 years. She is currently facilities administrator for the sisters at Mount Saint Joseph’s Convent. When Sr. Murphy was principal, she enjoyed St. Andrew’s annual school wide retreats. During one of the retreat days, a cut-out image of Pope Francis was used and this photo is the result.

Above: Albion’s Ralph Eodice bears a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. Right, the Young Professionals of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce met at Bliss Lounge in Clifton in May 2008. From left are Ori Segall, Muna Mustafa, Brian Guravage, Carrie Ryan, Jamie Nielsen, Nicole Humphreys and William Martini.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Left, John Fette and dad, the late Larry Fette. VFW Post 7165 on Valley Rd. at its May 4, 2008, monthly breakfast. Serving it up are Jim Pangaro, Bob Mantz, Carol Ference, Ed Nibbling, Jackie Rhinesmith, Jerry Ference and Walter S. Rudolph.

May 4, 2008: At CHS, an artifact from the USS Arizona, sunk at Pearl Harbor, is dedicated by Rep. Bill Pascrell. The U.S. Navy’s Joseph Sperling was killed at Pearl Harbor, the first Cliftonite to die in WWII. Sperling’s nephew Richard Leschynski attends.

May 4, 2008: The Optimist Club honors Ralph Eodice (community service), retired Fire Chief John E. Dubravsky (respect for law), and CHS coaches Ron Anello and Cara Boseki (friends of youth).

May 9, 2008: Larry Fette, 71, owner of Fette Ford and member of the CHS Class of ’54, passes away. He succeeded his father Henry, the founder of the business, before passing its leadership on to son John. May 10, 2008: James D. Gwyn, the bard of Dutch Hill, reads his work during the Distinguished Poets Series at Passaic County Community College. Gwyn also finishes first in the 2008 Allen Ginsburg Poetry Contest at PCCC.

With dual goals of remembering officers killed in the line of duty and raising money for a National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum, the above individuals ride bicycles to Washington, D.C., May 9-12, 2008, or provide support services. From left: Daniel Condon, Randy Colondres, Ron Freeman, Tom Hawrylko, Anthony Lugo, Bill Yirce, Juan Zuniga, Al Daidone, Michele Merced, Eric Colondres, Enrique Hernandez and John Jedrejczyk.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

May 16, 2008: The fourth Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research, honor victims and celebrate survivors is held at Clifton Stadium.

May 26, 2008: Memorial Day services are held in Main Memorial Park and CMM publishes the names of over 300 Cliftonites Killed In Action. Above are some veterans featured in the May issue who served in WWII, Korea and the Gulf War: Bill Eakins, Pat Salerno, David Eagler, Pauline Trella, David Pereda and Wayne Stine.

June 4, 2008: St. Phillips Knights of Columbus 11671 honors Clifton Det. Edgar Ruiz as its “Policeman of the Year.”

June 7, 2008: The Clifton Hawks open the 2008 season at Nash Park with a game against North Haledon. The Hawks are part of the North Jersey Amateur Baseball League, sponsored by the Title Agency of N.J. Standing from left are Edward Frias, Frank Devalle, Ben Mejia, Matthew Patterson and Manager Ron Gavazzi; kneeling are Eric Vinciguerra, Greg Perret, Jose Rosado and Joe Coveney. Not pictured are Tom Csigi, Anthony Genchi, Doug Meier, Mike Picarello, Mike Vinciguerra, Justin Chimento, Ryan Akers, Anthony DeSomma, Matt Hunkele, Mike Santosuosso and Onix Ortiz.

June 10, 2008: At the Brownstone in Paterson, CHS running back and linebacker Matt Davella wins a $3,000 scholarship in memory of Coach Joe Grecco.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Pirogi Ladies of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church donated $120 to parishioner Tom Hawrylko, a cyclist in the 2008 Police Unity Tour.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Joseph M. Shook Sr., patriarch of the funeral home on Van Houten Ave., passes away June 9, 2008. Shook was a 63-year Clifton resident. He and his wife of 61 years, Eleanor, opened Shook Funeral Home June 7, 1955, and the family owned business is now in its third generation of service.

June 20, 2008: CHS holds its prom at the Skylands Manor.

June 24, 2008: CHS graduates 700plus, including valedictorian Robert Meyer and salutatorian Patrick Lake.

June 16, 2008: CCMS teacher Kim Dreher coordinates the third annual Locks of Love cut-a-thon. Clifton students and friends donate 858 inches of hair for wigs to help those suffering from medical-related hair loss.

July 2008: Construction continues at 290 Brighton Rd. for a new school to be completed in the summer of 2009.

July 1, 2008: Richard Tardalo, a former CHS principal, begins serving as Clifton’s schools superintendent.

July 4, 2008: CMM introduces the 2008 CHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. They are Albert Swan, ’59, cross country, track; John Scancarella, ’59, basketball, baseball, football; T.J. Kraznowski, ’89, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf; Jamie Anzaldi, ’00, softball, soccer; Mark Tomaskovic, ’87, baseball, football; the 1967 Soccer Team; Soccer Coach Fernando Rossi; Janet Nelson Smith, ’78, swimming, field hockey, track; Chris Karcz, ’01, soccer, track; Robert Capo, ’94, baseball, football; and Alicia Mazepa, ’97, track, gymnastics.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

June 17, 2008: Seventh grade students from WWMS got their first taste of democracy in action as they staged a mock election. Above from left are Nicole Arias, who represented Hillary Clinton, her VP Izzat Maali, Victoria Eli, who represented John McCain, her VP Michelle Shackil, Agnieszka Oleksy, who was Barrack Obama, and her VP Celina Brieva. Obama won with 285 votes, followed by McCain with 49 and 39 for Clinton. The event was coordinated by teacher Mrs. Pam Collins.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

July 26, 2008: It was always a party at Joey’s Harrison’s Surf Club in Ortley Beach with host Joey Barcellona Jr. “Clifton Goes South” was the theme as hundreds jammed into the beach-front bar, dancing and partying to the sounds of the Flying Mueller Brothers and Brookwood. Destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, the structure remained in a bureaucratic limbo until June 2015, when its demolition was completed.

August 1, 2008: CMM presents its first “Where Are They Now?” edition (which became an annual July editorial feature). Among the Mustangs profiled are the Class of ’78’s Mayor James Anzaldi and Don Wood, who was fired by Donald Trump in 1990 while working in AC. Wood went on to run a $5 billion realty company. August 5, 2008: Kathleen Bakarich, CHS ‘04, left for an 11-month stay in Germany as a recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Student scholarship. The recent Fairfield University grad will

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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August 16, 2008: Sacred Heart School Class of 1964 held its third bi-annual reunion on Aug. 16. The first reunion was held in 2004 on the 40th anniversary of its graduation. The event was so well received that it was decided to have a reunion every two years. Classmates came from as far as Tennessee.

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CMM’s September 2008 cover questioned the slow moving development projects around the city, including the above eyesore in Botany Village. CMM also celebrated Paul VI High School and its late director, Rev. Thomas J. Suchon, and Paul VI lifelong friends William Foley, John Maso and Richard Loftus, who still bowl together in the St. Phillips Friday night league.

Aug. 21, 2008: Clifton State Farm Agent Tom Tobin is featured in the A&E series, Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force, providing tips to prevent car theft.

Sept. 2008: CHS band director Bob Morgan says the Marching Mustangs need uniforms to replace their 12 year-old outfits. The purchase had been planned but was cut when the school budget was defeated. UNICO plans an Oct. 12 fundraiser to help. Sept. 4, 2008: The 6th annual Athenia Street Fair is held along Van Houten Ave.

Among CMM’s September features was a photo of hair stylist and Luddington Ave. resident Gino Arturo and his two-year old Shih tzu Twinkie. Both seem well-coifed.

On Sept. 21, 2008, Yankees fans come out to see a final win, a 7-3 victory over the Orioles, in the last game played at the “House That Ruth Built.” Above are Cliftonites and Bleacher Creatures Brian Reilly, and Joe and John Pecora, who attend 20 Yankees games a year.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Sept. 5, 2008: CMM rails against the slow pace of development, redevelopment and school projects, asking Clifton’s mayor and council, “Where Are We Now?” On its cover, the magazine features the boarded-up veterans hall on Lake Ave. as an example of neglect.

Sept. 5, 2008: CMM features stories about the Paul VI High School, including highlighting the late Father Thomas Suchon, the school’s director and guiding force.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

CMM’s October 2008 cover with flags from Italy, Poland, Germany, Turkey, Albania, Philippines and Ukraine. Down the spine: USA, Hungary, Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican Republic, Peru, Germany, Israel, Macedonia, Greece, Ireland, Iraq, India, Columbia, Mexico and the Netherlands. First row, left: Fatima, Abdullah and Dana Aref, Anil Patel, Iris Pallero, Luis Perdomo and George Hayek. Second: Alex Chudolij, Lillianna Chudolij, Mike Duch, Alicia Mazepa and John Komar. Third: Thomas Abraham, Anayzah Thomas, John Celentano, Jr., Jennifer Reyes-Vega, and Kevin Gorman, Lou Imparato and Mary Ellen Wiles. Fourth: Masoon Karabit and Manal Farage, Karina and Igor Yermachenko, Odette Coronel, Rabbi Stanley Skolnik and James Gwyn.

Sept. 14, 2008: The Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church hold its annual picnic.

Sept. 14, 2008: Lehman Brothers says it will file for bankruptcy after the Federal Reserve Bank declines to participate in creating a financial support facility for the institution. The significance of Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy’s is disputed with some assigning it a pivotal role in the unfolding of subsequent events. The principals involved, Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke and U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, dispute this view, citing a volume of toxic assets at Lehman which made rescue impossible. Sept. 21, 2008: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on President St. holds its annual picnic. Oct. 2008: Nicholas Tselepis of the Nicholas Real Estate Agency celebrates 30 years in business.

Oct. 3, 2008: The Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Center on Main Ave. raises $18,000 at its beefsteak to assist 270 children and adults. Oct. 4, 2008: The Theater League of Clifton presents The Laramie Project about the events surrounding the death of Matthew Sheppard.

Oct. 5, 2008: Councilman Peter Eagler is the grand marshal in NYC’s Pulaski Day Parade.

Oct. 7, 2008: The Great Recession continues to impact the city. At the Clifton Tax Sale, 50-60 property liens usually come up for auction; this year there are 120.

Oct. 14, 2008: Passaic County awards Clifton a $25,000 grant to upgrade Dundee Island.

These Fighting Mustangs fans were at CHS Homecoming, Oct. 3, 2008. Festivities began at Clifton Stadium at 6 pm and the game against Hackensack had a 7 pm kick-off. Clifton lost the contest, 21-8.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Oct. 24, 2008: The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton inducts its inaugural Hall of Fame group: Russ Triolo, Janell Bania, Andrew Hickman III, John Celentano Jr., Lori Slater-Brigatti, Frank Carlet, Victor DeLuca, Erin Shaughnessy Monahan, Jaclyn Mateja, Tom Acton, Frank Pajuelo and CMM writer Jack DeVries

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

John Samra, Kaity Rodriquez and Tom Lyons

Oct. 26, 2008: The first annual John Samra Memorial Scholarship 5K Run Walk is held. The event honors Samra, the first Clifton Police officer killed in the line of duty. Oct. 26, 2008: Clifton’s Halloween Parade and Harvest Fest.

Nov. 2, 2008: Deputy Fire Chief Tom Lyons retires after 31 years of service to the city.

Nov. 7, 2008: CMM suggests razing the vacant American Legion Post on Lake Ave. and creating a park to provide Botany with much needed open space.

Nov. 9, 2008: U.S. Army veteran George Hayek, a founding member of the Hawthorne Caballeros, leads Clifton’s Veterans Parade with wife Lorraine.

Nov. 7, 2008: In a sign of the worsening recession, St. Peter’s Haven reports it fed 775 people in October, up from 500 during the same month in 2007. Nov. 15, 2008: Clifton Moose Lodge celebrates 90 years.

Nov. 15, 2008: Clifton Roadrunners Club celebrates 30 years. Nov. 21, 2008: CHS Boys Soccer falls just short of winning its second state championship, losing to Rancocas Valley, 2-0. Nov. 22, 2008: Garden State Opera, headed by resident Francesco Santelli, presents the opera, Don Pasquale, at CCMS.

Nov. 27, 2008: It’s a big day for Clifton at Passaic’s Boverini Stadium. At the 80th Thanksgiving Day game in the series, the Mustangs trounce the Passaic Indians, 28-0. Before the game, Passaic great Jack Tatum’s number 32 is retired. Tatum went on to star at Ohio State and with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. Dec. 2, 2008: CMM profiles 2002 CHS grad Kaity Rodriquez. Crowned Miss New Jersey Oct. 19, she will compete in the 58th annual Miss USA Pageant, held April 19. Rodriquez holds two degrees after graduating magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina and earning a master’s at NYU. Dec. 5, 2008: Former BOE president Marie Hakim dies at age 68. Hakim served for six terms and was also a Clifton teacher. Dec. 7, 2008: The 75th anniversary of the Holodomor (murder by starvation) is commemorated at the Ukrainian Center in Passaic. Millions of Ukrainians were starved by the Soviet Union for resisting its dictator Josef Stalin.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Dec. 31, 2008: Clifton Police Officer Ed Holster retires after 37 years.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Mike Xhudo

Anthony Marinaro From left, Mountain Development Corp. President Michael A. Seeve and Director of Acquisitions William Martini, and Telx VP of Product Development and Engineering Rose Klimovic. Automated Logic, Telx and EK Success are moving into the seven-story Mountain Technology Center in Delawanna.

Harry Swanson was Clifton’s chief salesman in 2009. As economic development director, the 82 year-old ran circles around most city employees. Hired in 2000 for the part-time post, he usually clocked 40 or more hours a week, including weekends, turning his part-time job into a full-time avocation. Make no mistake about it, Swanson could sell. He had spent a career as a mechanical engineer in Johnson & Johnson and perhaps that’s where he honed his people skills. With optimism and energy, Swanson, at right, was a joy to be around. He could mix it up with the corporate suits or get the guy on the street to buy into his vision for Clifton’s future. Retail developments on Route 3 was what was kept the economy going in those sour years, said Swanson in our January issue. Between the Promenade Shops at Clifton (Jos. A Banks, Stew Leonard Wines), Clifton Commons, (Barnes & Noble, AMC Theater) and Riverfront Shopping Center (Michaels, Pier 1), 57 new retailers opened or were opening soon. “This is the reason not to go to Willowbrook Mall,” Swanson said. The January magazine also featured stories about business owners working harder in those difficult times. Optimists knew 2009 was a tough year. But while the

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

economy wasn’t great, they said, “I’m not going to put my head in the sand—I’m looking forward.” Our January lead story featured the fully-leased building at 100 Delawanna Ave., owned by Mountain Development Corp. Its CEO Robert Lieb saw future gains coming and added features to make the property “greener.” Down in Botany, readers met Mike Xhudo who renovated his service station at the city’s entrance. On Kuller Rd., Anthony Marinaro took a derelict property and cleaned it up, adding storage and offices to attract new tenants. In Albion, Angelo Curcio invested in his Valley Rd. tavern, renovating Bogey’s to make it more of a restaurant. At the junction of Routes 3 & 46, John Fette said damn the naysayers, “I’m investing and adding a new car line—Infiniti—to our portfolio.” Our January magazine reviewed 2008, looking to challenges on the horizon. Granted, not all looked rosy at the time. The city was talking about job cuts or a reduction in services. “The next couple of months will be tough, no doubt,” wrote editor Tom Hawrylko, “but rather than stagnating, get steady. Focus and remember—the harder you work, the luckier you’ll get.”

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Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Jan. 14, 2009: Citing declining enrollment and rising cost, the Paterson Diocesan announces the Pope John II School on Valley Rd. will close in June, affecting 588 students. Jan. 22, 2009: City Recycling Coordinator Al DuBois speaks to CHS students, telling them Clifton’s trash is sent to a landfill in Pittsburgh and the city earned $500,000 for selling its recycled items last year. Feb. 1, 2009: Clifton Rec, CASA and Clifton Magazine holds the 11th annual Super Bowl Party at the Boys & Girls Club; 300 attend.

The CHS Girls Bowling Team won the Passaic County title on Jan. 17, 2009. From left, Elena Mauro, Sonja Shirak, Coach Brian Small, Natash Casado, Ashley Brandecker and Kortney Casperino.

Feb. 6, 2009: Among the love stories featured in the February CMM are cover kids John and Tillie Seyka, along with John and Arlene Bross; Jason and Jennifer Lehansky; Anna and Aldo Tacchi; Joe and Sue Angello; Kim and Ralph West; Herbert and Virginia Rocha; Randy and Roberta Kaulfers; Jay and Tammy Moorman; Krstyna and Brian Reilly; and Jayne Modean and Jay Sholl. CMM also wrote about singles mixing at Bliss Lounge and the new online dating scene.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Feb. 10, 2009: A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Stop & Shop on Broad St. is held. The new 55,000 sq. ft. store will double the capacity of the former one built in 1957. Feb. 14, 2009: Nina’s Salon owned by Frank and Nina Corradino on Valley Rd., marks its 20th anniversary with a noon ribbon cutting by Mayor Anzaldi and a reception which followed.

Feb. 12-14, 2009: The CHS Madrigals—76 singing Mustangs who perform a capalla in the spirit of the Renaissance and Baroque eras—will represent Clifton at Disney World, part of a nationwide music competition. The Madrigals are under the direction of teacher Barbara Novak.

The St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir performed Christmas Story on Jan. 4, featuring the music of Ukrainian composer Dymytriy Tuptalo. The choir was led by Andriy Legkyy with solos by Romaniya Voloshchuk, Halyna Newmerzyckj, Klara Lehka, Myhailo Moczula and Mychail Newmerzyckyj.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

March 2009: Dr. Michael Basista celebrates the 25th anniversary of the ImmediCenter, located on Broad St.

Among those profiled in CMM’s health edition are (above) Susan Hojnacki and the B&G Club’s Bob Foster (above, second from left), who can still play basketball thanks to his doctors’ help. With Foster are (from left) Drs. John Cubero, Jeffrey Miller and Daniel Rice. Also featured were CMM’s Tom Hawrylko, Guy Anthony and Dr. Michael Basista of the ImmediCenter.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

March 6, 2009: CMM profiles stories of Cliftonites’ resiliency during life-threatening health battles. Cancer survivor Peter Salzano is profiled on the cover; inside are stories about Bob Foster, Susan Hojnacki, the Nilsson Family, Bob Giavacco, Guy Anthony, CMM publisher Tom Hawrylko and others.

March 7, 2009: Fire Station No. 2 on Dumont Ave. is closed and 12 firefighter jobs are eliminated due to limitations on city spending. However, the closing is temporary and the station and jobs are back in two months.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

March 9, 2009: Clifton chiropractors Terry Watts and James Hubert foil a robbery attempt on Allwood Rd. by tackling and holding the perpetrator until police arrive.

March 12, 2009: CCMS teacher Theresa Evans receives a Clean Communities Award for her work in beautifying the school grounds. March 20, 2009: CHS presents the musical Rent.

April 2009: Able Hardware, located at Van Houten and Samuel Aves., celebrates 50 years in business.

April 3, 2009: Clifton can ill-afford to lose more ratables from its highest paying taxpayer, but that’s exactly what’s happening as Hoffmann-La Roche continues to consolidate activities. “We have knocked down older buildings that were no longer needed,” said Darien Wilson, a spokeswoman for the pharmaceutical company located on Rt. 3 near the Nutley border. City tax assessor Jack Whiting said the Roche property was assessed at $177 million in 1994, the highest total since the company came to the area 80 years ago. But since that time, the assessment dropped to $169 million in 1999 and currently stands at just $125 million. Roche paid the city $5.4 million in taxes last year, nearly $2 million less than it paid a decade ago. Now, the Swiss drugmaker plans to cut more than 1,500 jobs in New Jersey and move major operations to the West Coast as part of a $46.8 billion deal to take over biotech giant Genentech. “This will still be a research and development site but other personnel for support is still to be determined,” said Wilson. The Clifton/Nutley site employs 3,000 people, about 1,600 of them are scientists and researchers who should remain. With manufacturing scheduled to close by the middle of 2010, Wilson said as many as 400 workers in that department could be impacted.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Mike D’Angelo (left) and Rich Mastriani of Bruno’s Pizza and Restaurant welcome Allstate Agent Timothy Brown (center) to Clifton Plaza on Route 46 West and Van Houten Ave. The Vreeland Ave. resident re-located his business from Verona on April 15, 2009. Brown’s firm is now located in Styertowne Shopping Center.

First Presbyterian Church of Clifton Rev. Cheryl Kincaid and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rev. Peter De Franco, along with United Reformed Church of Clifton and Passaic Rev. Michael Weber, Hope Reformed Church Rev. Steve Wolter, First Lutheran Church Rev. Jeff Miller and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Deacon Lorraine Dughi, invite Cliftonites to participate in a Good Friday Cross Walk, April 10, 2009.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

April 17, 2009: The Theater League of Clifton presents Lend Me a Tenor at School 3. April 20, 2009: CHS senior Alyssa Robinson is named “Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Club.

April 21, 2009: In the school board elections, Michael Paitchell retains his seat and is joined by challengers Joe Yeamans and Jim Daley. Losing are incumbents Michael Urciuoli, the BOE president, and its VP, Lizz Gagnon. Challengers Jack Houten and Carlo Santelli are also defeated. The $114 million school budget is voted down; in May, the Clifton City Council reduces it by $1 million. April 22, 2009: On Earth Day, Clifton celebrates being named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, the 12th time the city has earned the honor.

The 2009 Lady Mustangs aim to return to their 2007 state title glory. Pictured are (back row, from left) Bryana Arlington, Brianna Turba, Kristine Dehais, Nichole Martinez and Felicia Barbosa; (middle) Jayme Hanrahan, Brianna Stemmler, Monica Barhorst, Nicole Santosuosso and Rebecca Dechellis; (front) Kelly LaForgia, Jen Martin, Michelle Ferrara and Megan Ferrara.

May 2009: Clifton Police officer Carmen Bermudez is named “Officer of the Year,” the first female to win the award in the city’s history.

May 9, 2009: Clifton’s Finest take part in the Police Unity Tour bike ride to Washington D.C., raising more than $17,000 in donations. May 16, 2009: The Relay for Life to fight cancer is held at Clifton Stadium. Nearly $46,000 is raised.

May 17, 2008: The Optimist Awards Dinner is held at the Boys & Girls Club. “Friend of Youth” recipients are Jennifer A. Miller, Mary Fischer, Tom Corradino Sr. and Jr. and Joe Jeffers. Also honored are Helen Sanders and the Nikischer Family (community service), and the Gang Related Task Force (respect for law).

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

CHS Conservation Club members prepare for Car-Ban Day, April 22, 2009. In front, from left, are Genesis Mesa, Yohelin Meza, Brian Kopitar and Christine Velardi; back row, Mayank Desai and Kristen Sabestinas.

With Great Pride, We Recognize the Clifton Office’s Highest Achievers. May 2019 Award January 2018 AwardWinners Winners

Alma Billings Patricia “Patty” Badia

Top Lister Top Lister

Tiana Calandro Lesia Wirstiuk Top Sales Top Sales

Tiana Calandro

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Patricia Patricia “Patty” Badia “Patty” Badia

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Patricia Kathleen “Kathy” Perow “Patty” Badia

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Patricia Patricia “Patty” Badia “Patty” Badia

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Patricia Patricia “Patty” Badia “Patty” Badia

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Patricia Patricia “Patty” Badia “Patty” Badia

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Hilda Ferro

Lucretia Petronio Weichert Pride Weichert Pride

Sheryl Madonna

Sheryl Madonna Weichert Pride Weichert Pride

are some of our current homes on the market... MarchHere 2018 Award Winners

Alma Billings

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Patricia “Patty” Badia

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Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019 Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2018

45 37

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Among those featured in the May 2009 CMM are Brian James Grace (pictured left), who played the role of Alvin in LaCage Aux Folles in Montville, May 22; long-time Passaic cop and Clifton resident John “Jed” Jedrejczyk (center), who keeps 1,000 cyclists rolling from Jersey to Washington; and Heinz Lechthaler (seated) and son Paul. The elder Lechthaler was a conscripted German soldier in WWII, while his son served in the U.S. Navy and spent a career in the Merchant Marines. Also featured are (above right) eighth-grader Shanene Vergara and CHS teacher Mark Gengaro holding their donated clippings as stylists Charlotte Hagelin and Shannon Hibinski complete their hair cuts at the June 1 Locks of Love drive.

Also featured are CHS’s Emily Urciuoli; Fred and Sarah Lombardo; and CCMS maestro art teacher Jeff Labriola.

May 18, 2009: Teen Chris Tietjen serves as mayor during Clifton’s 55th annual Youth Week.

May 25, 2009: The Passaic County Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Prevention celebrates its 25-year anniversary and are featured on the May CMM cover. May 25, 2009: Memorial Day services are held at the War Monument in Main Memorial Park and other sites.

June 4, 2009: CHS Junior Emily Urciuoli clears 12’6”, setting a state record and winning the pole vault competition at the New Jersey Meet of Champions.

June 5, 2009: The June CCM shares stories of graduates from Paramus Catholic, St. Mary’s, CHS and other local high schools.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

June 12, 2009: Theming and converting a decades-old dank gymnasium into a bright and memorable dance hall is a much anticipated event for the 8th grade classes at CCMS. As in past years, art teacher Jeff Labriola and his cohorts of fellow teachers, parents and past CC students did not disappoint. This year’s fanciful Mardi Gras theme, “Midnight Masquerade,” set the stage for a vibrant transformation, much like the eighth graders moving on to CHS and other area high schools. Labriola noted that many positive things happen at CCMS and its students should be lauded for their accomplishments. June 23, 2009: Former City Hall switchboard operator Sarah Lombardo and her husband Fred, a retired CHS teacher, celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Opening Day is Tuesday August 6, 2019

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

The Flying Mueller Brothers, Bill, Carl and Don, in their CHS graduation photos; below from left, Marlene Verplanck, Mike Soprano and Doreen Holmes.

June 26, 2009: CHS graduates over 750 students.

July 3, 2009: CMM profiles Gary Steele, CHS ’74, about his independent run for governor. July 4, 2009: Clifton holds its annual city picnic.

July 5, 2009: WWMS’s Parrish Durham is crowned champion in the 10-11 year-old boys black belt middle weight division at the Junior Olympics Taekwondo National Championships in Austin, Texas. Aug. 2009: The Clifton BOE accepts a $20,000 donation from Aramark, the school district’s food service company, for a new scoreboard at Clifton Stadium.

Aug. 2009: McDonald’s wants to purchase the Jubilee Diner on Allwood Rd. Immediately, area residents come out against the proposal. Aug. 5, 2009: Clifton’s Night Out Against Crime.

Aug. 7, 2009: CMM salutes Clifton’s music ties and heroes. Profiled in the August issue—featuring Brian Kennedy of the Allupons on the cover—are musician Larry Packer, who worked with Jimmy Hendrix; singer Marlene VerPlanck, who recorded with Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, and produced 20 albums of her own work; Streetlight Manifesto’s Mike Soprano; First Strike’s Rob Generalli, Jay Moormann, Matt Mead and Jim and Ken Draney; and the Infernos’ John Lebitsch. Also included are The Duprees’ Mark Baron and his dad, pianist Greg, who worked at the Capitol Theatre in

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Passaic; French horn player Ben Brody; Clifton Rock and Roll historian Charlie Frick; and the Catholic Girls’ drummer Doreen Holmes. Not forgotten are local rock heroes The Flying Mueller Brothers (Carl, Bill and Don); Godspeed’s Jeff and Gary Seitz; publicist Joe Dera who represented three of the Beatles; and musician and promoter Steve Tarkanish. Aug. 21, 2009: CASA and Clifton Recreation hosts its 9th Annual Albion Park Family Camp Out.

Aug. 24, 2009: The 18th anniversary of Ukrainian independence is marked at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic by 200 parishioners. Sept. 2009: Clifton’s ninth grade class increases 25 percent, up 224 students to 1,035. Half of the freshman class will attend the new CHS Annex at 290 Brighton Rd.

Sept. 2009: Clifton’s violent crime drops in 2008, while non-violent crime rises slightly. Burglaries fall from 389 in 2007 to 299 in 2008. Sept. 2009: DeLuxe Cleaners helps residents during the Great Recession, offering a free dry cleaning of an interview outfit for any unemployed customer.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Sandy Grazioso at the Clifton 9/11 memorial. At center are her children, Tim (CHS ’76), Carolee (’80) and John (’78). her sons perished in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Glen Carlson gets set to toss a commemorative coin into the Hudson River at the spot where his plane, US Airways Flight 1549 with Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, landed on Jan. 15, 2009.

Sept. 4, 2009: Charlie D’Angelo, 90, makes the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-serving ice cream truck driver, driving Clifton routes for 30 years.

Sept. 4, 2009: CMM profiles Sandy Grazioso, who lost her sons Tim and John on 9/11. “You never get back to normal,” she says. “There’s not a day that I don’t wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good morning, boys.’” Readers also meet Glenn Carlson, a “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549 survivor. He and his fellow passengers were saved when Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger safely landed the damaged plane on the river. At left, Passaic River advocate Ed Marchese and Passaic River Boat Club member, told readers the time was now to restore the waterway. Sept. 9, 2009: John Manganiotis Sr. of Clifton’s Mr. Cupcakes appears in a TV Land episode of Make My Day, playing golf with comedian Robert Schimmel and actor Robert Vaughn, and going to a casino with James Bond villain Richard “Jaws” Kiel.

Clifton landmarks in 2009: McDonald’s wanted to purchase the Jubilee Diner on Allwood Rd. The Falls View Grill (formerly the Red Chimney) on Route 3 West was being purchased by the Promenade Shoppes. The future of Schultheis Farm on Grove St. was still being considered.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Roland “Rip” Van Winkle (center), part of the board of governors at Shriners Hospital, is shown at the Mason Lodge on Van Houten Ave. with son Jason (right) and Pat Doremus. They collected aluminum can tabs in a fundraiser to benefit Julia Young, who was burned over 80 percent of her body in a March 14, 2009, campfire accident. In the center are Jerry, Julia and Michele Young in 2008; at right, Julia, then a college sophomore, appeared on the Nov. 2015 CMM cover.

Sept 13, 2009: The annual Athenia Street Fair is held.

Sept. 20, 2009: Nearly 400 participate in the BAPS Charities Walk for the Clifton Police Dept.

Sept. 26, 2009: Handmade ribbons, homemade food and some down-home music were part of the donations of goods and services that helped raise more than $4,000 in a benefit for Julia Young. Coordinated by Greg and Pat Collucci, the fundraiser was held at the VFW Post 7165 on Valley Rd. “So many people helped make this successful,” said Pat Collucci. Working with Cmdr. Roger Oslizly and the trustees, the hall was pro-

vided at no charge while Allan Tuske, Rip Van Winkle, John Donetz and Matt Yagins contributed the beverages. Thanks to blues promoter John Muller, three bands performed for free.

Oct. 2, 2009: CMM profiles local entrepreneurs, including sign-maker Bob Ferrante, who created neon signs for the Tick Tock Diner, the Rowe-Manse Emporium and DeLuxe Cleaners. Oct. 2, 2009: The former Bellin’s Swim Club undergoes demolition to make way for 28 senior housing units and 25,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

Entrepreneurs featured in the Oct. CMM are (top from left) licensed massage therapist Ernad “Ernie” Seferagic, Papaya King Frank Corradino and NOC Autobody’s Noel Coronel; bottom, Alam and Nate Abdelaziz own cell phone stores in Downtown Clifton, and Blanca Andia, owner of El Fogon Peruvian Restaurant. Right, Bob Genuardi of DeLuxe Formal Wear (left), Bob Ferrante (center) and Pat DeLora of DeLuxe Cleaners in front of the Art Deco Main Ave. building. Ferrante built and installed the signage in the 1950s; in Oct. 2009, he repaired and restored the porcelain and neon-lit sign.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Oct. 1, 2009: From his apartment on East Clifton Ave., Jeff Weingarten, runs the makeshift headquarters of the Morristown Tea Party Organization and Clifton’s Tea Party group. Weingarten, president of the Morristown group and co-founder of the Clifton chapter, has been working the phones following the Sept. 12 national Tea Party rally in Washington D.C. against President Obama’s plans for healthcare reform. Nationwide, Tea Party groups are forming in response to growing voter dissatisfaction. Weingarten’s non-partisan group supports the Constitution, promotes personal responsibility, individual liberty, and is an advocate for a limited, transparent government and free markets. Oct. 9, 2009: The Theater League of Clifton presents the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None.

Assemblyman Tom Giblin toured the 334-unit Styertowne Apartments in early October to get an idea of housing options for state renters. From left are Keith Farrington Jr., (kneeling) George Jacobs, Keith Farrington, Jamie Wohr, Giblin, Barbara Ahn and Ray Kunz.

Butterflies on the October CMM cover helped promote the Halloween Parade and Harvestfest, while the November edition featured 1998 CHS grad Jon Seda. The Oct. 11 Samra Run, open to people of all ages, honors John Samra, a Clifton motorcycle officer who was killed in the line of duty, Nov. 21, 2003. To keep Samra’s memory eternal, PBA 36 created a scholarship fund in his name and events such as the run help fund it. Pictured at the fundraising event are Samra family members with its patriarch Michael W. Samra Sr. at center with ball cap.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Oct. 9, 2009: The Marching Mustangs perform at the 65th annual Columbus Day Parade.

Oct. 23, 2009: The Hungarian flag is raised at Clifton City Hall to commemorate Hungary’s 1956 uprising against the Communists. Oct. 25, 2009: Clifton holds its annual Halloween Parade and Harvest Fest.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

David Gabel, Ronnie Italiano, Stefan Tatarenko, IHOP’s Kevin O’Neil, Firefighter Tony Latona and Deputy Chief George Spies.

Nov. 1, 2009: David Gabel may have lost his hand, but his sense of humor is still intact. The 21-year-old fully intends on getting a few laughs at the annual Northern New Jersey Boy Scouts’ Halloween event. “I can’t wait for Fright night,” he laughed, “I’m going to be Captain Hook.” Gabel, CHS ’06, nearly lost his life Aug. 20 in an accident on the Garden State Parkway. CMM’s story tells how he uses optimism, hard work and the support of family and friends to live as an amputee. Nov. 6, 2009: CHS senior Sofia Black-D’Elia scores a role on the soap opera, All My Children.

Nov. 6, 2009: CMM profiles Clifton’s Jon Seda (CHS ’88) as he prepares to star as WWII hero John Basilone in the HBO series, The Pacific. A former boxer who worked at Caldor and the Clifton Theater, Seda got his start in the movie, Gladiator, a 1992 boxing film. Nov. 8, 2009: Joe Tuzzolino, a U.S. Marine Vietnam vet and former Clifton Police officer, leads the Veteran’s Day Parade as its grand marshal. Nov. 12, 2009: Former BOE Commissioner and Councilman Stefan Tatarenko passes away. Nov. 12, 2009: Stop & Shop on Broad St. opens.

Nov. 13, 2009: The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton inducts its second Hall of Fame group. They are William Marchioni, Monique Mariso, Brian Shadiack, Danielle (Ratajczak) Levi, Peter Liloia, Jim Hassert, Paul Kuper, Bill Sala, Bob Lipala, Lou Poles and Keith Oakley. Nov 13, 2009: The Ukrainian Center on Hope Ave. in Passaic celebrates 50 years. Nov 13, 2009: CHS presents Death of a Salesman.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Councilman Peter Eagler blends cultures and traditions. For the past 30 years, he has portrayed St. Nicholas at the Hamilton House, Clifton’s historic museum on Valley Rd. He does it on or near Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 19 in the Orthodox Julian calendar). Eagler is pictured with Sophia Refinski and Jacob and Julia Evanina.

It started back in 1988 at Dudiak Park and continues in 2009 at Robin Hood Park. Brian Kulesa, center in orange, is one of 24 people who play in the annual Thanksgiving Day flag football game, which starts, rain or shine, at 9 am.

Nov. 26, 2009: Clifton Firefighters Tony Latona and George Spies, Clifton IHOP and Baskinger’s Catering make possible a free Thanksgiving Day dinner to those who are alone or can’t might afford one. This is the 15th year of the event, started by retired Deputy Chief Tom Lyons.

Nov. 20, 2008: CHS’s boys soccer team loses, 1-0, in the state finals to Toms River South. The Mustangs totaled 20 shutouts during the season.

Nov. 28, 2009: A tribute to “Ronnie I” Italiano, founder of Clifton Music is held at the Lodi Boys & Girls Club. Italiano died in March 2008, and his wife Sandra now operates his store at 1135 Main Ave. A champion of street harmony, Italiano’s record store was renowned in North Jersey.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Mustangs Brendan Guzman, Igor Petrovic, Victor Manosalvas and Oscar Gonzalez are pulling double duty—helping CMM to remind you to Shop Clifton First!—and serving as the opener for the Mustangs Sports section. The December 2009 CMM also shared neighbors’ memories and traditions in photos—like Joey and Tommy Hawrylko with Santa—and featured an extensive profile of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church as it celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Nov. 26, 2009: Clifton defeats Passaic, 7-0, in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game at Clifton Stadium.

Nov. 27, 2009: Mayor Anzaldi is sworn in as president of the 566-member N.J. League of Municipalities. Dec. 2009: State aid to municipalities is frozen; Clifton must absorb a $233,000 funding loss.

Dec. 4, 2009: Everyone celebrates the holidays differently, the December CMM explained how. Among those profiled are Dr. Barry Raphael, who remembered growing up Jewish in a Christian country. Others, like Joe Torelli, recalled waiting for Santa in a four-room apartment in Jersey City. Ginny and Coach John Kostisin said they make the holiday a month-long tradition.

Roy Stetsko, right, who owned Uncle Roy’s Tavern on Van Houten Ave., recalled Christmas Day 1972 which he spent at the Saigon Zoo. Other contributors included former Police Chief Frank LoGioco and his wife Carol.

Dec. 6, 2009: For generations of Clifton families and their neighbors, the parish of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church has been a spiritual anchor and at the center of their community. Established in Passaic in 1910 by 38 families, the parish kicks off a yearlong celebration of its centennial December 6, the Feast Day of the church’s patron saint, St. Nicholas.

Dec. 19, 2009: DPW crews were ahead of the snowstorm, salting the ground before flurries began and plowing through the night, completing the task 12 hours later, Dec. 20. Shown at left are some of the workers who made it happen, behind the scenes and on the streets.

Dec. 24, 2009: In a tradition begun in 1971 by Mike Novack and Tom Insinga, Santa tours Clifton. Mayor James Anzaldi assists St. Nick, who rides a siren-blasting fire truck as police cars, fire engines and other vehicles lead the way, winding through every neighborhood. August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

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“Clifton is a community of entrepreneurs,” wrote editor Tom Hawrylko in his January 2008 column. “From barber shops like The Hair Place and owner Vinnie Gulardo, on our cover, with one or two employees to corner bars and neighborhood pubs which employ dozens, we small business owners are the engine of the economy. Our payroll and hard-earned profits create jobs, support families, sponsor local youth sports teams, purchase goods and services from other small businesses, and are at the heart of Clifton. Clifton Merchant Magazine is proud to document the struggles and successes of fellow small business owners—it’s a story we’ll continue to share with you.”

Jan. 2010: Clifton swears in five new police officers: Jeffrey Eelman, Justin Varga, Alexander Zamora, Sean Connor and Nigel Gough, bringing the force to 150.

At a June 2009 Locks of Love event are stylists holding the hair of School 15 fifth grader Lupa Flores, who donated five 24-inch braids.

Feb. 5, 2010: The annual love, life and marriage edition features Kate and Mike Urciuoli; Fighting Mustangs coach Ron Anello and his bride Debbie (Konecny); Jorge and Ada Arana; Lisa and Billy Meltzer; Ron and Barbara Watterston; Vijay and Joyti Bhatia; Thomas Kieffer and Laura Maso; Vic and Rose Tamburr; John and Marie Filipone; Don and Melissa Jaycox; as well as Mary and Dr. Rick Paternoster. Feb. 10-15, 2010: The Marching Mustangs perform at the Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City, Canada.

Jan. 6, 2010: Rosemarie Harvey, a city resident for 51 years, appears on the TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and wins $50,000.

Jan. 16, 2010: Clifton’s David Najem of Paramus Catholic is recognized as a First Team Adidas All-American soccer midfielder at a luncheon in Philadelphia. Jan. 25, 2010: The fifth annual CCMS Cut-A-Thon to support Locks of Love takes place.

Feb. 7, 2010: CASA and Clifton Rec, with the support of CMM and 21 businesses and individuals who each contribute $100, holds its 12th annual Super Bowl Party at the Boys & Girls Club. Admission was a canned food item, which was then donated to St. Peter’s Haven.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Angelina Tirado, Sal Anzaldi and Fernando Rossi

Feb. 23, 2010: Boys Soccer Coach Fernando Rossi, 60, passes away. During his 23-year CHS career, the Mustangs compiled a 353-95-51 record and a state sectional title in 1994. A scholarship is established in his honor.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

March 2010: Sal Anzaldi, a retired Clifton schools principal, takes over as Lady Mustangs softball coach. March 2, 2010: Angelina Tirado, CHS ’01, and a former Marching Mustang, is hired as Clifton’s first female firefighter. The 26-year-old is the daughter of Passaic Firefighter Alberto Tirado, who died in the line of duty in 2001. Also sworn as Clifton firefighters are John Bradley and Patrick Cassidy.

March 5, 2010: Citing a lack of efficiency in government and inability to expedite projects due to bureaucracy, Councilman Joe Cupoli says he’s “one and done” and will not seek reelection. In his “exit interview,” he takes shots at city council candidate Mary Sadrakula and Clifton Insider publisher Nick Velicky, who in his column “Open for Business,” often derided people like Schools Superintendent Michael Rice.

March 5, 2010: CMM reports 21 candidates have petitioned to run for Clifton City Council: Mayor James Anzaldi, Councilmen Peter Eagler, Frank Fusco, Steve Hatala and Matt Ward; and challengers Dan Brown, Joe Chidiac, Dave D’Arco, Roy Noonburg and Suzanne Sia, George Silva and Andy White. Anthony Genchi, Steven Goldberg, Matthew Grabowski, Raymond Grabowski, Joseph Kolodziej, Kristopher Perovic, Joan Salensky and Mary Sadrakula.

March 12, 2010: Clifton Licensed Beverage Association members host a Meet the Candidates event at Bliss Lounge. Owner Joey Barcelona and CLBA members, with support from CMM, noted the afternoon event would be “no speeches, no grandstanding... come meet the people who may become your elected officials.” March 13, 2010: The 80th annual St. Joseph’s Dinner Dance takes place at the Brownstone. The event is hosted by the Geraci Citizen’s League, which originated in small town in Sicily.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Dr. Michael Lewko with his mom Stefania and sister Danusia.

Ukrainian Flag Raising

Friday, August 23, 6 pm

On August 24, the nation of Ukraine will celebrate its 28th anniversary of Independence from the former Soviet Union. Here in Clifton, Americans of Ukrainian heritage will mark the anniversary on Friday, August 23 at Clifton City Hall. At 6 pm, our group will raise the American and Ukrainian flags and sing songs honoring this milestone. We invite the community to join us.

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We proudly speak English, Ukrainian, Polish, Spanish and Russian. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2018

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

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Gary Giardina was sworn in as Clifton’s ninth police chief March 26. About 500 attended the ceremony which included people from most every city neighborhood, elected officials and public safety officials from neighboring towns. Giardina is pictured with two former chiefs: left, Frank Lo Gioco, who served at the helm from March 1, 1990, to May 31, 2002. He was followed by Robert Ferreri, center, who held the office from June 1, 2002, to March 1, 2010.

March 27, 2010: Natalie Warchola (right) offers classes on Ukrainian Easter Eggs at St. Nicholas Church. She first learned how to “write” Pysanky as a young girl at the Ukrainian Center in Passaic. The word comes from the verb pysaty, “to write,” as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. This simple folk art started well over 2,000 years ago to praise pagan gods and was adopted by Ukrainian Christians in 988 to celebrate Easter and Christ’s resurrection.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

March 29, 2010: Above, Joey Barcellona of Bliss with the basketball and hands a $2500 check to Russ Schneider, chairman of the board at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Bliss hosts Friday after work parties where non-profits can conduct fundraising in a relaxing environment. Barcellona said he is proud to host the events, known as Cocktails for a Cause. “It a good way for us to work together,” said Barcellona. “The economy is tough and if we can keep money circulating in Clifton, it helps us all.” Also pictured (from left) Keith Oakley, Gary Foerster, Bob Foster, Brian Tangora of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce and Frank Carlet.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Nikki Krzysik was on the cover of the April 2010 CMM. On April 21, council members, city officials, representatives from the Rec Dept. and others from various Clifton athletic clubs were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony for Athenia Steel Park. Located off of Clifton Ave. near Paulison Ave., the city completed the required remediation of the 16-acre portion of the property, purchased in 1999, and hopes to open the park in fall 2011.

April 2, 2000: Growing up in Botany, Nikki Krzysik was a standout soccer player for the Clifton Stallions and attended Sacred Heart School through eighth grade. Recruited heavily, she gave serious consideration to moving on to Immaculate Heart Academy, but instead chose CHS where she could play soccer with the friends with whom she had competed with since she was very young. “I decided that I wanted to wear the uniform of my hometown,” she said. The ’04 grad set the school’s records for goals scored in a season with 21 and career goals with 55. That year, she was named NSCAA High School Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Krzysik attended the University of Virginia where she anchored the Cavalier defense for four seasons. In 2010, when she was featured on CMM’s cover, Krzyysik was drafted by Philadelphia Independence during the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft. April 16, 2009: Team Tomahawk led by Casey Hawrylko with Becca Potocki and Victoria Petrovic participates in the Montclair State leg of the Relay for Life.

April 20, 2010: Former commissioners Wayne Demikoff and Mary Kowal, along with newcomer Gary Passenti, are elected to the BOE. Defeated are incumbent Kim Renta and challengers Barbara Novak, Jack Houston, Phil Binaso and Joe Fazio. Gina Marie Scadutto withdraws. The school budget is defeated by 121 votes.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Jubilee Diner on Allwood Rd. is purchased by Anastasia and George Logothetis and his brother Gus (at left), and renamed the Allwood Diner. The family is pictured during renovations in April 2010.

April 21, 2010: CHS holds its 21st Distinguished Academic Awards Dinner at the Westmount Country Club. Event speaker is teacher Janice Meltzer, CHS ’00. April 28, 2010: The BOE members select Jim Daley as president and Michael Paitchell as VP

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Assemblyman Tom Giblin, left, was among the 200 people who attended the 2010 Optimist Club of Clifton awards banquet May 2. Also pictured is Capt. Robert Rowan and in front of him, Barbara Watterston. At center is Jack Kuepfer, Jr. and his sister Ruth (with their dad, Jack, known as “Mr. Morris Canal” inset). At right is Jeff Labriola.

May 1, 2010: In a twist of history unique to Clifton, all of the town’s farm stands—Ploch’s Farm on Grove St., Richfield Farms and Garden Center on Van Houten Ave., Ploch’s Garden Center on Broad St., Corrado’s Garden Center on Getty Ave. and Bartlett’s Greenhouses and Florist on Grove St.—are still owned and operated by the second, third, fourth, even fifth generation descendants of the original owners.

May 2, 2010: The Optimist Awards Dinner is held at the Clifton Rec Center. The “Friend of Youth” recipient is CHS teacher Jeff Labriola. Also honored are Barbara Watterston (community service), and Clifton Police Capt. Robert Rowan (respect for law). Jack Kuepfer, “Mr. Morris Canal,” receives the “Optimist Lifetime Achievement Award.”

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

May 7, 2010: CMM features “Our Honored Dead,” listing the names of Cliftonites killed in war, along with stories of living veterans Richard Scott and Victor Olizarowicz.

May 11, 2010: Mayor James Anzaldi is the top vote-getter for the sixth straight time in the council election, winning by nearly 1,400 votes. Incumbents Steve Hatala, Peter Eagler and Matt Ward also win, as do newcomers Mary Sadrakula, Joe Kolodziej and Matt Grabowski. Incumbent Frank Fusco fails to retain his seat by 152 votes. May 31, 2010: Memorial Day services are held in Allwood, Athenia, Downtown Clifton and at Veterans Hall and Posts throughout Clifton. Along the Avenue of Flags, 1,400 flags are posted in the name of veterans both living and deceased.

June 4, 2010: As it does each June, CMM features stories of Clifton’s graduating seniors. Among them is Bobby Klinger, above, who received 306 votes in his city council bid as a write-in candidate.

June 4, 2010: Tex Doyle and his Country Thunder Band open the free Friday night concert series in Historic Botany Village.

June 9, 2010: The Hamilton House Museum celebrates its 35th anniversary in a gala at the Valley Regency. The Hamilton House on Valley Rd. is a Dutch gambrel-roofed home salvaged in 1975 when the structure was moved across Valley Rd. to Surgent Park. It is now maintained by the city and volunteers who provide tours and offer a walk through history, with each room on display to depict how Cliftonites lived during the 18th and 19th century. June 12, 2010: The Relay for Life event at Clifton Stadium raises $78,000 to battle cancer.

Jimmy Hoey (above left) and David Porter. At left, President Obama with former Clifton Schools Supt. Michael Rice on June 7, 2010. Rice has been the supt. of Kalamazoo Public Schools since 2007 and its Central HS was winner of the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge, beating out more than 1,000 schools, which submitted a series of essays and videos as evidence of how each school was building a college-bound culture.

June 23, 2010: CHS graduates 654 students and more than 5,000 family, friends and supporters attend the ceremony at Clifton Stadium. Janki Patel is valedictorian and Jake Wilson is salutatorian. July 9, 2010: The Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group presents its “Salsa Night Under the Stars,” a celebration of music and food. July 9, 2010: CHS grad Katerina Dimitratos (’05) competes in the Miss United States Pageant in Las Vegas.

July 10, 2010: The fourth annual “David’s Day” to benefit the David Nicholas Foundation is held at the Masonic Lodge. The goal is raise funds for kids with pediatric cancer. David Nicholas Porter, 4, passed away on Aug. 25, 2006, due to a Wilms’ tumor.

July 19, 2010: The second annual Jimmy Hoey Memorial Golf Outing is held. Proceeds benefit a variety of causes in honor of the CHS student who died on April 13, 2008, at age 17 in an accident.

Aug. 6, 2010: CMM dedicates another issue to music makers. Featured on the cover are the O>Matics. Inside are stories of The Jades, who opened for the Rascals in 1967; songwriter Melanie Rodriguez; and Clifton resident and hit-maker Tommy James, among others.

Aug. 7, 2010: The Clifton Rec’s “Take Back the Park” program continues, as volunteers clean city parks.

Aug. 11, 2010: Municipal Court Judge Scott Bennion is reappointed by a 6-1 vote during a council meeting. Councilwoman Mary Sadrakula is the lone dissenter.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

In the August 2010 CCM music edition are (top from left) Hanky Panky music legend Tommy James, who lived in Clifton from 1973 to 2000; Jim Salerno (CHS ’80 ) who becomes the The Lizard King as front man for Renfield’s Roadhouse; Johnny Dominick, who sounded like Jerry Garcia and also bore an uncanny likeness to his guitar hero; and drummer Rene Valentino, the first female drum sergeant of the Marching Mustangs who got her beat with Hari Kari, the female Metallica of the 1980s. At right, The Late Show: Paul VI grads Jim Hoffman, Mike Hoffman, Jean Hoffman Cummings and Ray Hoffman.

Aug. 15, 2010: Stephen Kozak can make claim to the title of oldest golf caddy in the United States. It’s not just a Clifton tall tale—it’s a legend big enough to have been investigated by Golf Digest three years ago. “I’ve been caddying for 40 years,” Kozak said to writer Joe Hawrylko. “In high school, I used to go to the Yantacaw Country Club where AT&T and the Clifton Commons are now.” Kozak made it a full time career in 1985, after retiring from Givaudan, his job for 30 years. The Cliftonite is also a veteran, attached to the 5th Marine Division in both World War II and Korea. Though Kozak is primarily known on the links, he also remains active off the course. One of his hobbies is beekeeping, something he picked up from his father Mike.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Sept. 4, 2010: “What’s That Buzz on Lincoln Ave?” The answer is the three-foot tall hive, home to 60,000 bees and tended to by Brian Eromenok Sr. and Jr.

Sept. 4, 2010: Gary Sciarrino, the superintendent of East Ridgelawn Cemetery, is now reaping the benefits of the solar array recently installed on his Delawanna burial plot. The 135-acre property, which includes Sciarrino’s office and living quarters for him and his family, as well as the crematory, mausoleum and maintenance garage, is entirely powered by the sun. Three solar stands—each comprised of 25 individual panels—sit on the low lying corner of the property near the entrance on Main Ave. Sept. 12, 2010: Twenty teams compete in the Knights of Columbus Tank Pull at Oak Ridge Park. Each team raised at least $1,500 to enter, later donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Gary Sciarrino at the solar field at East Ridgelawn.

Sept. 25, 2010: Women and men don high heels in a walk-a-thon sponsored by the NJ Coalition for Battered Woman and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sept. 25, 2010: CHS soccer alum play a charity game to raise money for the Coach Rossi Scholarship Fund.

Oct. 17, 2010: To mark its 10th anniversary, the Clifton Arts Center hosts a gala reception and fundraiser at the Upper Montclair Country Club.

Sept. 19, 2010: Father Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, pastor of St. John Kanty Church, is honored at the 73rd Annual Sash Night for being 2010 marshal of the Passaic-Clifton contingent of the Pulaski Day Parade. Sept. 19, 2010: VFW Post 7165 hosts a fundraiser for Brook Van Beveren who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma this past June. Van Beveren, 23, and a CHS ‘05 grad, is in her third round of chemo. After one more, she is scheduled for 37 radiation treatments.

Oct. 19, 2010: Mustang athletes and teams are inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame. They are Nikki Krzysik (’05, soccer and track); Vic Stojanow (’92, basketball, football and baseball); Lester Lembryk (’94, soccer and basketball); Robbie Vargo (’01, wrestling); Eddie Joe Curreri (’61, baseball and football); Scott Orlovsky (’94, swimming and baseball); Chris Karcz (’01, soccer and track); Robert Knight (’58, baseball and basketball); Jamie Farley (’92, basketball and softball); Ralph Cinque (’93, football, hockey and baseball); Lou Poles (booster and sports historian); and the 1972-73 Football and 1997-1998 Girls Softball Teams.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Oct. 22, 2010: The Boys & Girls Club inducts its third Hall of Fame group: Al Carline, John Gogick, Kent Bania, Ed Welsh, Gray Hughes, Rob Haraka, MaryAnn Godwin, Jennifer Paci, Steve Sokolewicz, Nicole Krzysik, Chris Karcz and Tom DiDonna. Oct. 24, 2010: The third annual John Samra Memorial Scholarship 5K Run Walk is held, sponsored by Clifton PBA 36 and the Clifton Roadrunners Club. Crossing the finish line first at City Hall is men’s winner Hector Rivera, who sets a new course record (16:06) and former CMM writer Alicia Feghhi for the women (23:14). Oct. 24, 2010: The Clifton Science and Technology Festival, organized by the BOE’s Michael Paitchell, takes place at CHS and Caldwell Airport. Oct. 24, 2010: Clifton holds its annual Halloween Parade and Harvest Fest.

Oct. 24, 2010: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic celebrates its 100-year anniversary.

Oct. 31, 2010: Jenny Sichel is the coxswain on the crew team representing the U.S. at the 2010 World Rowing Championships in Lake Karapiro, New Zealand, through Nov. 10. Sichel graduated CHS in 2008 and was the drum major of the Marching Mustangs, among her accomplishments.

Nov. 4, 2010: CCMS technology teacher John Greco, left, passes away suddenly at age 33 while on vacation with wife Karen Marie (Affinito). A ’95 CHS grad, Greco taught at the school for nine years. He was also head coach for Montclair State men’s lacrosse team. He is survived by his parents Susan and Albert, siblings Elizabeth and Robert. In a tribute to his legacy, CCMS students and teachers share memories. “He was the heart of the school,” wrote seventh grader Daniel Martinez. Other comments are featured in the December CMM. The John Greco Memorial MSU LAX Scholarship Fund is established in his honor and benefits CHS and MSU lacrosse players. Nov. 5, 2010: Clifton receives a $212,000 state grant to reward its recycling efficiency. Recycling Coordinator Al DuBois says Clifton is New Jersey’s fourth largest grant recipient.

Mustang Pride organizers before the Nov. 27 walk-a-thon, from left: Gary Anolik, co-president; Kim Renta, secretary; Gerard Scorziello, treasurer; Gloria Kolodziej, honorary Walk-a-Thon chairperson; Jennie Sekanics, Mustang Pride student representative and AnnMarie Genneken, co-president.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nov. 6, 2010: Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church at 35 Orange Ave. celebrates the 75th anniversary with Great Vespers. On Nov. 7, The Right Reverend Michael, Bishop of N.Y. and N.J., celebrates the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy followed by a banquet. “I am only the fourth priest in (our) 75 year history, which is a true testament to the loving, charitable spirit of our parishioners,” said Pastor Rev. Stephen Evanina. “It’s a wonderful parish in a wonderful city.”

Rick’s American Bar & Grill at the Allwood Circle is finally torn down after years of speculation. Demolition crews are pictured here in late fall 2010. In recent years, city officials said another chain drugstore will replace the iconic watering hole, once known as the Penguin Inn. Photo by A.J. Sartor.

Nov. 7, 2010: Clifton salutes its veterans with a parade led by the Marching Mustangs. Nov. 19, 2010: CHS presents Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie at the JFK auditorium.

Nov. 20, 2010: The Clifton PBA gym behind City Hall is dedicated in memory of Police Officer John Samra. Nov. 25, 2010: Clifton dominates Passaic, 42-0, in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game at Clifton Stadium. The Mustangs lead the series, 43-35-5.

Nov. 27, 2010: Mustang Pride, a group that looks to assist Clifton schools, holds its first fundraising event, a walk-a-thon at Main Memorial Park. Dec. 2010: CHS deals with a tuberculosis scare with 125 students exposed and 30 testing positive.

Dec. 12, 2010: A&P files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Impacted are Clifton Pathmark stores on Paulison Ave. and in Botany Village. Dec. 22, 2010: With the retirement of WWMS Principal William Hahn, CCMS Principal Andrew Piotrowski, right, will be moved to replace him. Over 150 parents and students protest the decision. Dec. 31, 2010: Police Dept. Lt. Richard Berdnik, who served Clifton for 28 years, retires after being elected as Passaic County Sheriff.

Dec. 31, 2010: Joe Frost gets ready to celebrate another birthday. He will turn 106 to start the New Year. Weichert Realtors of Clifton hosts its 32nd Annual Toy Drive in 2010. Pictured are Andrew Tisellano (left), Maureen Setteducato and Tony Sanchez at 791 Passaic Ave.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

At the Woodstock campsite, from left: Tom Graziano, Tony Lulling, George Goldey, Tom Scudilla and Helmut (Paul) Paukovits.

On August 14, 1969, eight music-loving friends from Clifton decided to take a three-hour road trip to Bethel, N.Y., to hear their favorite bands and singers. Little did they know, they were about to become part of the largest music festival of its kind in American history—the generation-defining event known as Woodstock. The group included CHS Class of ’68’s Tom Graziano, Paul (Helmut) Paukovits, Ed Pskowski and John Torregrossa. From the Class of ’70, there was George Goldey, Tony Lulling, Bob Marinaro and Tom Scudilla. Goldey, Graziano, Paukovits, Scudilla and Torregrossa grew up in Albion. Lulling and Marinaro were from the Richfield section and knew each other since fourth grade. Pskowski lived on Valley Rd. near Montclair State. The group often went into New York City to see their favorite groups perform at the now defunct Fillmore East Theater in the East Village where tickets ranged from $2.50 to $4.50. There, they saw legendary performers, including Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, the Allman Brothers and John Lennon.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

In their CHS yearbooks are, top from left, Edward Pskowski, Helmut Paukovits, Tom Graziano, John Terry Torregrossa and Robert Marinaro; bottom, Thomas Scudilla, George Goldey and Anthony Lulling.

Goldey said they learned about the Woodstock Festival in an alternative newspaper. “They were billing it as a weekend of peace and music,” he said, “but we didn’t know much else about it. It seemed like it was only semi-organized.” “Some of us,” said Pskowski, “thought we really didn’t need to get tickets, but John insisted that we buy them. I think we ended up getting them someplace at the Bergen Mall. We paid $18 for the three days.”

Originally planned as a two-day concert for about 50,000 people, the Woodstock Festival was expanded to a three-day event, from Friday, Aug. 15, to Sunday, Aug. 18, 1969. In fact, it actually ran into Aug. 19, as performers continued to entertain the crowd of 500,000 people—10 times what was expected—who descended upon Max Yasgur’s 600-acre dairy farm where the festival was held.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

A Long Strange Trip The Clifton boys packed two cars, Terregrossa’s ’64 Chevy and Scudilla’s father’s Oldsmobile, with tents and sleeping bags, but not much else. “We thought it was going to be a camping trip,” Goldey said, “and we were going to listen to some good music. Pskowski had to work at his part-time job Thursday night so he planned to go up separately on his Triumph motorcycle. “I left early Friday morning,” he said, “and it started to rain like crazy. It was Tom Scudilla’s father’s Oldsmobile; at right, John Terregrossa. storming and I was getting soaking wet, so I turned around and went back home. up camp in vacant hayfields.” There I was sitting all alone at 3 a.m. thinking that I The Clifton boys pitched their tents about a halfwasn’t going to get to Woodstock. mile from the music stage on a Little League baseball “All of a sudden, I saw John’s car pull up. They got field. By then, at least 50,000 other people had done half way up and realized I would never make it in the the same, with many, many more to come over the rain, so they came back to get me. They were really weekend as word of the event spread. good friends.” “When we saw all the traffic heading up there,” As they rode north on the New York Thruway and said Goldey, “we knew it was going to be a lot bigger saw traffic starting to build, they began thinking the than we thought.” Woodstock Festival was going to be larger than exTorregrossa added, “We never imagined that there pected. was going to be a half-million people there. It hit all After getting off the thruway, Marinaro remembers of us by surprise.” sitting in traffic on a two-lane road and watching cars At that point, they realized how unprepared they ride on the shoulder. were. “We had our eight-track speakers hanging out the “We didn’t have enough food or supplies,” Pskowwindow and music blasting the whole time,” he said. ski said. “We walked for miles to get to a store.” When they finally got to the Woodstock area, the Pskowski chuckled when he recalled that he bought group realized how unorganized the event would be. a gallon jug of wine and carried it the long distance to “There was no real designated camp site,” Goldey the campsite… only to drop and break it. said. “It was very random. People just began setting

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

vival, and Blood, Sweat and Tears, along with folkrock legends Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, John Sebastian and 25 other groups and singers. “When Ritchie Havens came out on stage to open the show,” Pskowski said, “there was this huge burst of energy.”

And then there was the rain, lots of it, starting late Friday night and continuing off and on throughout the event, creating a sea of mud as people sloshed through the wet grounds. “I wasn’t much of a camper so, when the rain started coming through the tent, I went and slept in my car,” Torregrossa said. Food and water was in short supply and there were long lines to use the few available restrooms. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, there was incredible music performed by such groups as The Grateful Dead, The Who, Credence Clearwater Re-

Little Help from My Friends Even with the immense crowd, the Clifton boys got close to the stage for many of the performances. “I can vividly remember being right up front watching Joe Cocker,” Terregrossa said. “Me in my tie-dyed shirt with a plastic bag over my head to protect me from the rain.” One of Marinaro’s favorite memories was seeing Sly and the Family Stone. “It was about two or three in the morning and everyone was wiped out,” he said. “When Sly walked out and started singing, ‘I Want to Take You Higher,’ everyone woke up. He got everybody standing and brought the crowd out of their stupor. Then he told everyone to light a match. It was unbelievable to see.” Pskowski recalled on Saturday night many people started lighting bonfires. “I remember looking around and you

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

could see about 20 or 30 or them,” he said. “There were helicopters flying overhead. It was incredible.” On Sunday, Pskowski remembers laying on the ground listening to one of the performers when someone stepped over him. “I looked up and realized it was one of my friends, Paul Guilfoyle from Lehigh University where I was going to college,” he said. “Everyone was exhausted at the time so when we ran into each other again two months later at school we both asked, did I see you at Woodstock?” Guilfoyle went on to play Detective Jim Brass on the TV series, CSI, from 2000 to 2015.

Some of the Woodstock crew in 2009, from left are Ed Pskowski, Robert Marinaro, George Goldey, John Terry Torregrossa and Tony Lulling. At right, fan favorite Joe Cocker.

The setting of the stage located in the middle of an open field created a perfect natural amphitheater and music resonated far beyond the immediate area. The Cliftonites remember hearing music even while sitting at their campsite. Aside from getting a chance to see and hear some of their favorite performers, Clifton’s Woodstock boys got to meet a variety of other music-loving hippies, peaceniks and fellow suburban kids like themselves—many of whom traveled from all over the country to take part in the event. Hippie Nation “Some of these people came from a completely different reality than us, real Haight-Ashbury types,” Goldey said, referring to a district in San Francisco that was a counter-culture haven. “Heck, my father still made me get haircuts at the time.” The CHS grads also saw a good amount of pot smoking and other drug usage at the event, as well as sexual acts taking place out in the open. “I have to admit,” Graziano said, “I saw some things that I had never seen

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

before in public and probably shouldn’t have seen.” However, the group never felt threatened or concerned for their safety. Marinaro described it as “a live and let live atmosphere that will never be duplicated.” “Don’t worry,” Lulling added, referring to the famous stage announcement captured in the Woodstock movie, “we didn’t take the brown acid, so we were fine.” Meanwhile, back at home, the boys’ family and friends awaited their return, hoping they were safe. With the lack of area phone booths, there was no communication from the group while they were away. Instead, their families relied on newspaper accounts and TV news reports for info. “The local impact was hilarious,” Goldey said. “All of our par-

ents thought we were going away to a sizable folk/rock festival but when we got home, it was like V-E Day or something. “Apparently the astounding size of this phenomenon caught the whole world, including Clifton, off guard. All of our parents and neighbors were waiting for our return as if we’d been on the first space flight.” The group arrived home late Sunday night. Marinaro even made it to the first practice of the new CHS football season the next morning. While most of the group settled and made their lives far from Clifton, all remain united by their Woodstock experience some 50 years ago. “It was a very gentle crowd,” Goldey said. “There was never a nasty edge to it at all. It was all very peaceful.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

CHS Class of 1969 plans a big weekend reunion, starting Oct. 25 with a 3:30 pm tour of CHS. Other events include dinner at the Hot Grill, attending a Mustangs football game and miniature golf at the Willowbrook Golf Center. The weekend culminates with a buffet dinner from 5:30 pm to 10 pm at the Double Tree by Hilton, 690 Route 46 West in Fairfield. Register with reunions-unlimited.com. CHS Class of 1979 will hold its 40th reunion, Nov. 16 at the Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin, N.J. Tickets are $79 and must be purchased by Sept. 1. For details, email Debra Hatem Gorny and Linda Haraka DiFalco at chs7940years@ gmail.com CHS Class of 1989 30th reunion is on Oct. 5 at 7 pm at Portobello in Oakland. The $100 ticket includes dinner, a five-hour open bar and DJ. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 30. For info and details, go to Clifton High School Class of 1989 on Facebook. You may also email cliftonhs1989@gmail.com. Send news to tomhawrylko@optonline.net.

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August 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Cliftonmagazine.com

CHS Class of 1970 is looking for the info on class mates, such as mailing addresses, emails and phone numbers. Ann Marie Ayers-Williams is beginning planning for the 50th reunion on Oct. 11, 2020. Write to clifton1970reunion@gmail.com. The Avenue of Flags depends upon donations and volunteers to present the nearly 2,200 displays of patriotism. Each flag represents a Cliftonite who served in the military, both during war and in peace. The flags are displayed on the grounds of City Hall for patriotic days. The next is Patriot Day, Sept. 11, followed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Volunteer to help set up flags at dawn or break them down at dusk. Call Keith Oakley at 201-774-6666. The Grande Saloon is hosting its Viva La Vida premiere cigar event on Aug. 24 under the tents in the parking lot of the landmark watering hole at 940 Van Houten Ave. Co-proprietor Nick Cimmino, pictured here, said the package of open bar, buffet and a bag of Viva La Vida cigars by AJ Fernandez will far exceed the cost of $150. There will also be live music, raffles, prizes and cigar rolling. Write to him at grandesaloonnick@gmail.com

Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ August 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;

One Fine Tapestry: A Carole King Tribute is Aug. 11 at 5 pm at Lambert Castle on Valley Rd. Diane and Gerard Barros perform from King’s songbook. Admission is $15. For info on the concert series, go to lambertcastle.org.

The second grade class at Rainbow Montessori in Botany Village received a $500 check for supplies in Applebee’s Above & “Bee”yond Teacher Essay Contest. Nyla, left, wrote an essay extolling her teacher Christina Carr. Nyla’s essay was selected from over 300 entries and her class was treated to an Applebee’s lunch, along with awarding the school the $500 check.

Garden State Opera will present The Silk City, libretto and music by Francesco Santelli, Oct. 27 at the Clifton Jewish Center on Delaware Ave. The opera is set in the turbulent times of the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913. Tickets are $25 ($20 for seniors). For more info, go to cliftonjewishcenter.com.

The free Clifton Summer Concert Series is on Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm through Aug. 18 at Main Memorial Park. Appearing are Mushmouth (Aug. 4); Woodstock anniversary revival band, Wooden Ships (Aug. 11); and Clifton’s Emerald Experience (Aug. 18). In the threat of rain, call 973-470- 5680) after 5 pm. The Botany Village Music Series presents live bands Friday nights at 6:30 pm at Sullivan Square. Upcoming acts are The Robert Ross Band (Aug. 9); The FrostKings (Aug. 16); The Jersey Swampcats (Aug. 23); Sundog (Sept. 6); and The Outcrops (Sept. 13). Don’t miss the Saturday performances at 7 pm of Swingman and the Misfit Mutts (Aug. 24) and The Son Lewis Band (Sept. 14). For weather info or more details, call Joe Nikischer at 201-757-5607. Visit historicbotanyvillage.org.

A reception for Michael Gabriele’s exhibit at the Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Dr. is on Sept. 12, 6-8 pm, Gabriele’s pastel landscapes, still lifes and photographs will be displayed. A member of Clifton Arts Center’s advisory board since 2009, Gabriele (above) was artist in residence at the CHS Art Academy for two years. For info on the exhibit, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org.

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August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Ukrainian Festival at St. Nicholas Church on 217 President St. in Passaic is Sept. 15 at noon. Visitors will enjoy Ukrainian delicacies, craft vendors, music, games and arts for kids. Admission is $5. For info, call 973-471-9727 or visit stnicholasucc.org for info. The 28th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence is celebrated on the lawn of city hall at 6 pm on Aug. 23. Wear your vyshyvanka and come ready to sing patriotic American and Ukrainian songs.

The 17th Annual Van Houten Avenue Street Fair is on Sept. 15. For more info or how to become a vendor, call 201-410-1686 or 973-778-7837. Downtown Clifton Fall Festival is Sept. 21, 11 am to 3 pm, in the lot at 1081 Main Ave. with family games and crafts, vendors and food: downtownclifton.com.

The B&G Club’s 5th Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show is Sept. 8 at 9 am at the Allwood Atrium, 2 Brighton Rd. All years, vintages and styles of vehicles are invited. Vehicle registration is $20. Admission is free for browsers. For more info, call John DeGraaf at 973-773-0966 x 111 or email info@bgcclifton.org. The Clifton Arts Center presents “Nature,” an art exhibit and artwork sale by the Clifton Association of Artists through Aug. 17, Wednesday through Saturday, 1-4 pm. Admission is $3. For info, visit cliftonnj.org. Clifton’s 9/11 service is at 9 am at the memorial in front of City Hall. The quiet service recalls Cliftonites who died that day: Zuhtu Ibis, Kyung Cho, Francis Joseph Trombino, Ehtesham U. Raja, Edward C. Murphy, Edgar H. Emery, Port Authority Officer John Skala, as well as brothers John and Tim Grazioso.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

The CHS Girls Track Team turned heads at the 2019 New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet, and the city couldn’t be prouder. The Mustangs competed and succeeded against other teams from around the nation at the prestigious event, held June 13-16 on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. “The girls did an amazing job on the big stage,” said coach Mike Rogers. “It has been a very long time since we brought competitors to a National Championship and the girls didn’t let nerves get to them.” The sprint medley team of Andrea Dubbels (800m), Brianna Rubio (400m), Anoinette Muir (200m) and Adelys Hernandez (200m) won first place in the Emerging Elite division with a time of 4:08.55—setting a Passaic County record by nearly three seconds. Dubbels performance in the race’s fiThe CHS Track Team at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor: (top, from nal leg was indicative of that effort. The left) Andrea Dubbels, Jessica Rubio, Katie Kakascik and Anoinette Muir; (bottom) Mia Dubac, Brianna Rubio, May Yuasa and Adelys Hernandez. junior came from fifth place to roar past the field in the final 250 meters to seal “Two days after we returned to Clifton,” said Rogers, the Mustangs’ victory. “I received phone calls and correspondence from high “I thought that the other girls started their kick too quality college programs about our girls. Making the early,” Dubbels told The Record, “and then with about trip down there put this exceptional group of athletes on 200 to go, I felt I could get them.’’ the radar of a good deal of college programs.” In the Emerging Elite distance medley, the Mustangs Rogers wants to thank members of the community, also shone. Dubbels and Rubio, along with May Yuasa the team’s families, and alumni who helped make the and Mia Dubac, finished fourth with a time of 12:16.03 trip possible. but broke the Passaic County record by more than 30 “Our goal,” he said, “is to carry over this success into seconds. cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter, and In addition, freshman Katie Kakascik competed in next spring’s outdoor season.” the long jump division.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton Rec’s Family Camp-Out is Aug. 16, beginning 4 pm at Albion Park (rain date Aug. 23). Grab your tent and sleeping bags, and enjoy a night of camping, games, dinner and dessert. Gather around a campfire, roast marshmallows, sing songs, and tell tales. The next morning, enjoy breakfast and camp stations. Cost for Clifton residents is $10 per campsite (up to four people) and $4 for additional folks; for non-residents, $20 per campsite and $8 per additional person. Register by Aug. 14 at city hall or at cliftonrec.com. Call 973-470-5956. During summer, some Clifton children do not get their breakfast and midday meals at school. To help, 20 Kiwanis Club of Clifton and eight CHS Key Club members held a food drive at Stop & Shop in July. Fourteen shopping carts of supplies were collected worth an estimated $1,500. The Power of One ministry will distribute the food. The new Kiwanis Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at the Clifton Library Main Branch at 6 pm and is always looking for new members. For info, visit cliftonkiwanis.org.

The Toddler & Parent Support Group at NJEDDA, the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency, on 1481 Main Ave., provides support services to children ages 18-36 months who demonstrate delays with their physical development. Staff works with parents to assist children with developmental play activities. The toddlers participate in language stimulation, socialization, educational/play activities, assistive technology, and in therapeutic movement. The program is free and meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. September through June. For details, call Marianne Idenden at 973-772-2600 x156.

Clifton Cares Needs Supplies & Support: “We are scheduled to pack again in September but our cupboard is bare,” wrote Chris Liszner. From Jolly Ranchers and Ramen Noodles to toothpaste and sun screen, Clifton Cares has send over 5,000 packages to troops since August, 2010. “Soldiers write and say how each box smells like home,” she added. Drop off items at bins in the lobby of city hall. Since each package costs $18.45 to ship, checks payable to Clifton Cares Inc. can be mailed to Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton 07013. Clifton Cares is a 501(c)(3) so donations are tax deductible. Call Dona Crum at 973 881- 7295 or Chris Liszner at 973 650-2719 with any questions. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Birthdays & Celebrations - August 2019

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

Tom and Lori Hawrylko celebrate their anniversary on Aug. 18, Lori’s 61st is on Aug. 4 and Tom’s 62nd is on Aug. 15. Ottilia Kedl turned 13 on July 23 and brother Alexander celebrates his 11th birthday on Aug. 28. Greetings to Emilie Oakley who is 26 on Aug. 22. Luciana Meneses will turn 13 on Aug. 23.

Margot Villanova................. 8/1 Kim West............................ 8/1 Angelo Greco...................... 8/2 Karen Lime.......................... 8/2 Michael Urciuoli.................. 8/2 Christian Gomez.................. 8/3 Lori Hawrylko...................... 8/4 Kevin Ciok.......................... 8/4 Scott Malgieri...................... 8/4 Mark W. Mikolajczyk........... 8/5 Christina Sotelo................... 8/5 Ed Gasior Sr........................ 8/6 Sean McNally..................... 8/6 Gladys Shefchik................... 8/8 Chiara Cristantiello.............. 8/9 Jean Schubert...................... 8/9 Emily Hawrylko................. 8/12 Danielle Swede................. 8/13 Andrew Cronin.................. 8/14 Kimberly Mozo.................. 8/14 Michelle Smolt................... 8/14 Christopher Antal............... 8/15

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Peter & Christina Kedl celebrate their 15th anniversary on Aug. 21. Jack & Anne Houston celebrate their 33rd anniversary on Aug. 8. Peter Bodor....................... 8/15 Tom Hawrylko................... 8/15 Andrew Noblett................. 8/15 Jessica Oliva..................... 8/15 Maria Pinter...................... 8/15 Susan Van Blarcom............ 8/15 Daniel Wolfe..................... 8/15 Arlene Hard...................... 8/17 Bella Bulsara..................... 8/18 Alexandria Veltre............... 8/19 Michael Melendez............. 8/20 Rachelle Swede................. 8/20

Cara Cholewczynski.......... 8/24 Yasmin Ledesma................. 8/24 Joanne Pituch.................... 8/24 Robbie Lucas..................... 8/25 Eileen Gasior..................... 8/26 Cameron J. Popovski.......... 8/26 Adam Brandhorst............... 8/27 Peter Fierro, Jr.................... 8/28 Nicholas Swede................ 8/29 Michelle “Mish” Choy........ 8/30 Joe Rushen........................ 8/30 Kathleen McKenny............. 8/31

Joe Peterson (CHS ‘06) and Erin O’Neill married on July 19.

Rudy Hudak, a former CHS teacher and still a Marine, turns 90 on Aug. 19. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2019

Shop Rite Wines & Spirits of Clifton, part of the Cuellar Family Markets, marked the third anniversary of the opening of the super store at the corner of Paulison and Clifton Aves., on July 27. In addition to the offerings of wines, beers, and liquors from across the globe, there is also a world class humidor, a gift center with bottle engraving and plotter printing services. Pictured here from left are Diana Valencia of next door neighbor Crunch Fitness, Celeste Torres, engraving and gift center manager Raúl Almendáriz, owner Rafael Cuellar, Fernanda Teran, and store manager Felix Morales.

August 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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