We go back to the 1990s... Tomahawk Promotions began on a Clifton kitchen table in March 1990. It was not out of some great vision or big plan but simply due to need. I had a family to feed and there was no room for down time between jobs. Before that, I was with a newspaper management company, marketing medium-sized newspapers on the East Coast. One day on a plane on my way to Cleveland, I saw my boss’s photo in the Wall Street Journal. Next to him was Michael Milken’s photo. Below that was a story about how our firm was funded by junk bonds and how classified advertising was drying up in newspapers, losing profit due to this new fangled World Wide Web.
Overnight I became Tomahawk. The next day I was writing stories for New Jersey newspapers on topics ranging from real estate and home improvements to the automotive industry and economic development. I was good on the phone, fast with my fingers, took photos and never late for a deadline. Soon after, the owners of the Star Ledger and the Jersey Journal hired me to write and design advertising sections. I was also doing various public relations and marketing projects. Here in Clifton, I helped raise funds for the new library by creating a sweepstakes and was involved in organizing Main Mall street fairs. 16,000 Magazines are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month.
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By Tom Hawrylko
Subscribe $30 / year / $50 for 2 Call 973-253-4400 Contributing Writers Jack De Vries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Ihor Andruch, Tom Szieber, Michael C. Gabriele, Douglas John Bowen
Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Graphic Designer Aly Ibrahim Business Manager Gabriella Marriello Editorial Intern Ariana Puzzo
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The 75th Anniversary Parade Committee’s first meeting in September 1990 at the Boys Club Library. From left, standing, James Cadorin, Norma Smith, Tom Miller, Shirley Desoteo, Doreen Delancy, Keith Oakley, Mary Oakley. Sitting, Mike Kalincsak and Jack Kuepfer.
Thanks to the Main Mall Street Fair in October 1995, Clifton Merchant Magazine became a reality. In a 24page magazine, we introduced the Clifton merchants along Main Avenue and told of their annual street fair. People liked the folksy way we presented the photos and stories so we did two more editions in November and December. In January and February, we closed shop due to a lack of advertising support. Clifton Merchant returned in March 1996 with a series of themed editions. The first was a 1996 Consumers Guide to Clifton Stores and More. In the Clifton Votes ‘96 (that’s me in the hole on the cover) we introduced political candidates. That July, we began a three-part series, 300 Years of Clifton History, which was edited by historian David Van Dillen. A combination of hometown history, personal story telling and persistence got the publication noticed. In August 1998, The Record did a feature on the firm and asked what were my goals. “I want to continue covering issues that are important to the community, that make people think, that have a personal interest to me and that the typical newspaper would not cover,” I said. “And I want to do it in an in-depth style.” 4 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
In October 1998, we came out with a glossy cover, longer stories, larger photos and more pages. That November, we put Jimmy Anzaldi on the cover—and wow—the rest, as they say, is history. Twenty-two years later, we own the title Clifton’s StoryTeller. With the support of our advertisers, I expect that this magazine will continue to grow, evolve and tell the story of our ever changing and always interesting hometown. So for the next 83 pages, enjoy the trip back along our timeline to the not-so-distant past. Photos and stories from our archives will take you from 1990 and give you a peek into the new millenium. In some future edition, we will pick up the timeline again, and bring you from Clifton Y2K to the present day. On this month’s cover, Mayor James Anzaldi and President of Clifton Savings Bank Kenneth Van Saders open CSBK’s headquarters on 1433 Van Houten Ave. in June 1997; Midget Leaguer Ben Brody and softball player Amy Pasternack; Clifton Stallions Gina Lobue; Clifton Colts Derrick Stroble; veteran Walt Pruiksma; Clifton Stallions Nicole Tahan; Congressman William Martini, Bob Dole, Gloria Martini; Marching Mustangs in July 1996.
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Ahead of the environmental curve, Clifton’s first Clean Communities Committee in 1990. From left: Ed Brown, Bob Bremer, Jim Marrocco, Les Herrschaft, Mayor James Anzaldi, Tony Saffioti and Recycling Director Al DuBois.
1990: Bright Star Battery is sold and closed. 1990: Downtown Clifton’s Action Theater Conservatory (ATC) is founded at 68 Union Ave. by husband and wife Joel Robertson and Kathleen Kellaigh .s Jan. 3, 1990: City Manager Roger Kemp pioneers the ‘Future Vision Consortium Project,’ a study looking to identify trends and issues municipalities will confront during the final decade of the 20th Century. Jan. 24, 1990: Keystone Camera, one of Clifton’s largest employers, lays off 60 employees to help rebuild the Getty Ave. company. “We have to do what we have to do to remain viable in the face of an onslaught by the Far East,” says a Keystone spokesperson. “We have to remember to keep it American.” Feb. 14, 1990: Mayor Gloria Kolodziej announces that she will seek an unprecedented third term in the May elections. Feb. 14, 1990: Clifton’s Mental Health Services, then on Clifton Ave., marks its 30th anniversary. In a 2007 photo, ATC’s Kathleen Kellaigh is Lady Macbeth and her husband Joel Robertson plays Macbeth in a modern take on the Shakespearean classic.
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March 1990: The report of a foul smell sent police on a cold morning to 176 Ackerman Ave. Inside a secondfloor apartment, they found a horror show. The rotting corpse of a naked man on a bed. In the corner, a slain woman sat sprawled, her clothes drenched in blood. On another bed, a second slain man dressed in nightclothes with a pillow covering his face and a suitcase across his legs. All three were stabbed to death. Curled up on the floor amid the carnage was a witness to the mayhem — a 17-month-old baby girl named Colleen Turzynski, wearing only a dirty diaper. Baby Colleen—as she came to be called—stayed alive for a week by drinking water from the toilet and eating Cheerios scattered on the floor. She could not tell police what happened—and not just because she was too young to understand. Like her parents, Turzynski is deaf, and after their gruesome deaths she was raised by family in Poland. In 2014, The Daily News met with Turzynski and told of how the then 24-year old coped with the aftermath of the events and studied at Gallaudet University, a school geared toward the deaf in Washington, D.C.
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March 1, 1990: City Clerk Betty Lutz retires after 25 years. Born and educated in Oregon, she moved east “as a bride in 1946 after marrying a Clifton soldier.” March 8, 1990: Fire guts Liberty Provisions warehouse at 200 Piaget Ave., near Getty Ave. Fire crews from seven cities battle the blaze of unknown origin. May 8, 1990: Clifton 90 members made their concerns heard with newspaper-style mailings—dubbed The Clifton Taxpayer—before the City Council election. The political action group has inject controversy in an otherwise sleepy campaign. The 16 candidates include: James Anzaldi, who was elected onto the Council in 1986 following a stint from 1978 to 1982; Pat Bremer, assistant to the director of Jewish Family Services of Greater Clifton-Passaic; Peter Eagler, coordinator of the Heritage Festivals at the Garden State Arts Center; Thomas Federico, a member of the New Jersey National Guard and CHS ‘84 graduate; Lester Herrschaft, a four-year incumbent who also served on the Board of Education for 15 years; Robert Kavanaugh, a co-founder of Citizens to Preserve Garret Mountain and a Korean War veteran; Claire Kish, vice chair of the Board of Adjustment, where she served for seven years; Gloria Kolodziej, Clifton’s mayor for eight years and the owner and operator of North American Inc.; Donald Kowal, president of the Board of Managers of Preakness Hospital; Mary Ann Maloney, served as the Passaic County director of consumer affairs since 1987; William Martini, a former prosecutor with the U.S. Justice Department and a Passaic County prosecutor; Chuck Rhode, a business owner, an attorney and former Passaic County prosecutor; Edward Schumacher, owner of the insurance firm Schumacher Associated, which he founded in 1979; David Stein, an investment banker and former six-year member and president of the BOE; Richard Stockinger, a six-year incumbent and former president of the BOE for four of his six years; Matt Ward, a director for the American Heart Association who is in his second council bid. 10 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Clifton 90 was described as pro-development and a well-financed effort to defeat Mayor Gloria Kolodziej. Members contested the description, stating the Council’s work produced higher taxes and lower morale. “It’s a constant antagonistic attitude from all of them,” said Chairman Richard DeLuca, a member of the City’s Insurance Committee, dissolved in 1988. “Nothing ever gets solved, and that’s not the way it should be.” Kolodziej viewed “90’s” assertions as inaccurate, believing their “unnecessarily inflammatory” flyers were “desperation moves” to return Clifton to the “good ol’ boy” back room politics of years past. Clifton 90 was formed in 1989, and among its leaders was attorney Frank Carlet. Others associated with the group were former City Manager William Holster, Passaic County Freeholder Charles Delahanty, local developer Thomas Cupo, and some leaders from the city’s union. Kolodziej was not the only incumbent targeted, but also Councilman James Anzaldi. Anzaldi blasted “90”, saying some members acted “very unprofessionally.”
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Results of the May 8, 1990 City Council election: James Anzaldi . . . . . . . .9,578 Lester F. Herrschaft . . . .9,546 Bill Martini . . . . . . . . . . .8,211 Gloria Kolodziej . . . . . . .7,879 Donald Kowal . . . . . . . .7,664 Richard Stockinger . . . . .7,499 Peter C. Eagler . . . . . . . .7,496 G.F. “Chuck” Rohde . . .6,558 Ed Schumacher . . . . . . .6,334 Mary Ann Maloney . . . .6,219 Patricia Bremer . . . . . . .6,218 Matt Ward . . . . . . . . . . .5,386 David H. Stein . . . . . . . .4,372 Claire E. Kish . . . . . . . . .3,935 Robert Kavanaugh . . . . .2,040 Thomas M. Federico . . .1,097
On July 23, 1990, 250 people gather in 95 degree weather for the opening of Recycled Paperboard Inc. on Ackerman Ave. in Botany Village. The refurbished mill is intended to be a source of economic growth as well an outlet for easing the state’s garbage disposal crisis. Senator Bill Bradley, who attends the opening (above with President Vincent M. Ponte and Corporate Secretary Vincent J. Ponte) says the mixed-paper recycling mill will play a vital role in helping the state reach the 60 percent recycling goal set by Gov. James Florio.
May 20, 1990: Globe Products, a city-based company for almost 50 years, closes its doors, which results in the layoff of 300 employees.
Clifton Recycling Coordinator Al DuBois with Passaic County Agricultural Agent Bruce Van Duyne. in the early 1990s promoting backyard composting and grass cutting cut it and leave it programs.
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June 1, 1990: Bishop Frank Rodimer (above) announces Paul VI HS on Valley Rd. will close due to dwindling enrollment, unsuccessful fundraisers and high deficit spending. Students transfer to Paterson Catholic HS and plans are made to place teachers and staff in other area Catholic schools.
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James Corrado, Betty Lutz, Richard Moran, Wayne Demikoff and William Liess.
June 10, 1990: James Corrado, of Corrado’s Family Affair on Main Ave., announces his plan to convert a turn of the century building at 600 Getty Ave. into an enclosed mini-mall. The three-story building was the home of Bright Star Industries whose lease does not expire until 1993. Corrado said his idea was inspired by his visits to Quincy Market in Boston and New York City’s South Street Seaport. The story of how the Corrado family business grew from a tiny produce outlet into the largest family-owned retailing enterprise in Clifton is a story of the American Dream. It’s a tale of vision, hard work, family involvement and dedication to customers. Now deceased, James Corrado’s dreams are a reality as his sons, Jerry, Peter and Joey, and James’ grandsons, continue to build upon a business founded in the early 1920s by Pietro Corrado. June 20, 1990: Shulton, a major regional employer and long-time fixture on Colfax Ave. and Route 46 in Clifton, is sold by American Cyanamid to Proctor and Gamble. No jobs are yet affected, but rumors persist regarding its manufacturing plant in Clifton, which produce a line of Old Spice cologne. July 15, 1990: The Council selects Richard Moran to fill the position of deputy City Clerk from a field of four final candidates. The deputy City Clerk will perform all the duties of the City Clerk, but the Council cannot legally appoint a new City Clerk until February 1991. Aug. 15, 1990: Clifton’s former Naval Reserve site at Trenton and Merselis Aves. in Lakeview is made available by the federal government for the construction of housing for the homeless. Under the McKinney Act, organizations involved in providing assistance to the homeless may apply to lease most vacant government properties. As a result, the city will expand its senior housing proposition to accommodate the homeless. 14 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Sept. 16, 1990: BOE officials address concerns of more than 100 people who come to City Hall questioning how rising school costs would affect their tax bills. School Superintendent William Liess says increases are not only necessary, they are crucial to the maintenance of any municipality. Two days later, three school officials, Liess included, are granted pay raises by the BOE. Oct. 14, 1990: The Planning Board unanimously approves plans for Hoffman LaRoche to construct a $100 million research facility. Mayor Anzaldi lauds the plan, indicating the building will be attractive, there will be no pollution and local residents will benefit from the significant tax ratable. Oct. 28, 1990: Tension develops between the Council and BOE. The school board received heat from parents since it decided to reduce courtesy busing and approve administrative raises. Mayor Anzaldi and other Council members voice their disapproval at council meetings. School Board President Wayne Demikoff accuses Anzaldi of fueling the fire rather than making an effort to resolve the differences. November 1990: The former Shulton and Athenia Steel tracts are rezoned as planned development sites, which allows the properties to be used for commercial development, as well as manufacturing. To date, no developer announced interest in building on the entire property. Hartz Mountain Industries signed a contract with National Standard for the Athenia Steel portion of the property, but the deal fell through. Nov. 7, 1990: Prime Motor Inns, Inc, owners of the Ramada Inn on Route 3 West, files for Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. The hotel chain, which manages many such sites along the East Coast, was unable to reach an out of court financial arrangement with lenders.
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Nov. 25, 1990: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services award Paterson Coalition for Housing the former U.S. Naval Reserve property at Merselis and Trenton Ave. The coalition planned to construct a homeless shelter, but Clifton was determined to acquire the site to develop a combination senior housing, developmentally disabled and homeless shelter complex. The Council will take action to block the project. Nov. 28, 1990: DeLuxe Cleaners celebrates 60 years. The family-operated business, at 1280 Main Ave., was established in 1930 by Joseph DeLora, at right. It evolved from a small retail store to a regional operation with a staff of over 50. Dec. 2, 1990: Clifton Lodge 203 of the Free Accepted Masons celebrates its 75th anniversary. Dec. 12, 1990: School officials warn taxpayers to brace for a tax hike due to Governor James Florio’s budget cuts. Clifton was one of the hardest hit districts under Florio’s Quality Education Act, aimed at bringing poorer districts up to the average of the wealthier districts. Clifton, designated a more affluent district, will lose
about $31 million in aid over five years. Dec. 16, 1990: BASF donates $5,000 to Clifton to be used for landscaping of city hall grounds in celebration of the Broad St. company’s 125th anniversary. Jan. 6, 1991: As part of a trend to big box retailers, The Home Depot announces plans to build a 102,000 sq. ft. store at the Allwood Circle. Company officials say it will bring 200 jobs and tax revenue to the city. Jan. 13, 1991: The Council and the BOE call a truce and put aside their differences to address the effect of losing millions of dollars in state education aid. Jan. 30, 1991: Center Savings & Loan Assoc. with 29 employees and one office on Clifton Ave. near Main Ave., is taken over by a federal banking regulatory agency following losses of more than $5.9 million for fiscal 1990. Feb. 6, 1991: About 1,000 attend a candlelight vigil at City Hall to support President Bush’s appeal for a national day of prayer. March 10, 1991: After the City’s first property tax revaluation in 20 years, 86 percent of homeowners will be hit with a tax increase of up to $1,000 and 14 percent will have a decrease of up to $1,000.
Dr. Michael Basista, Medical Director of Immedicenter
Immedicenter
1355 Broad St. • Clifton • 973-778-5566
www.immedicenter.com 16 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Walk-in Medical Care Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm • Sat & Sun 8am to 5pm Weekday Appointments Available
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March 17, 1991: Tom Hawrylko organizes a sweepstakes intended to cause a Clifton ‘Gold Rush’ between March and May. The plan is to sell chances for $19.91 and donors will have a chance to win $1,000 in gold coins contributed by American Coin & Stamp Co.
May 5, 1991: Keystone Camera on Getty Ave. is closer to liquidation when a rival camera company makes a $5.9 million offer to buy Keystone’s manufacturing equipment. The liquidation will permanently close the 72-year-old company and eliminate about 600 jobs.
March 31, 1991: An Easter Sunday explosion at the United Reform Church on Clifton Ave. at First St. damages the educational building and part of the sanctuary.
May 22, 1991: The Boys & Girls Club receives a $125,000 bequest from Alice Seifert, a resident impressed with the organization’s dedication, who decided to help them continue their efforts.
March 31, 1991: Marty’s Shoe Outlet opens at 1500 Main Ave. Located on the first floor of the former Doherty Silk Mill, Marty’s floor space covers the same area where mill owner Henry Doherty’s office existed. April 14, 1991: To meet the spending cap, the mayor and council eliminates three employees from engineering, one building inspector, a welfare dept. secretary and a housing clerk. As part of the mandated cost savings, the Council also fired three cops, demoted seven officers and had the police forfeit one week’s pay. Officers and their families responded by protesting at city hall.
To Dr. Edward Dominguez—Dr. Paternoster’s associate for the past year and who has joined the practice full time— dentistry is a blend of art and science. “Every shape, color, form and angle of restoring a tooth is another part of the journey we experience as dentists,” said Dr. Dominguez. A dentist since 2008, he has dedicated hundreds of training hours in implant and cosmetic dentistry. “Continuing education is the engine that keeps me focused on giving the patient the ultimate smile and comfort,” Dr. Dominguez added.
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June 10, 1991: The Marching Mustangs will represent the city in NYC as part of the ‘Operation Welcome Home’ parade for Desert Shield and Desert Storm troops. June 12, 1991: The Botany Village Produce Shop closes. The grocery and dry goods store, owned by the 100 year-old Giuseppe Riccobono, at left, was at 221 Dayton Ave., for 77 years.
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In July 1991, Mayor James Anzaldi and other city residents and officials gather in Clifton Stadium to mark the event ‘Welcome Home the Troops’, honoring Cliftonites in the military who were returning to the City. Tensions began to escalate in the Middle East in early August 1990 when Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of neighboring Kuwait. Hussein defied United Nations Security Council demands to withdraw from Kuwait. As a result, by mid-January 1991, the Persian Gulf War began with a massive U.S.-led air offensive, Operation Desert Storm. Former President George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire on Feb. 28, 1991. Nonetheless, conflict in the Middle East would not disappear, and a second Gulf War— known as the Iraq War—would begin in 2003 under former President George W. Bush.
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Dr. Michael Lewko with his mom Stefania and sister Danusia.
Ukrainian Flag Raising
Aug 24, Clifton City Hall
On August 24, the nation of Ukraine will celebrate its 26th anniversary of Independence from the former Soviet Union. Here in Clifton, Americans of Ukrainian heritage will mark the anniversary on Thursday, August 24 at Clifton City Hall. At 6 pm, our group will be at Clifton City Hall for a flag raising and 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 2017
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June 12, 1991: The fate of the vacant Naval Reserve facility on Merselis and Trenton Aves. is decided by a U.S. District Judge. The Paterson Coalition of Housing wins the go-ahead to build housing for the homeless in Lakeview. The Council votes to appeal the ruling and challenge the constitutionality of the McKinney Act. June 19, 1991: Another city business closes, taking 40 jobs. Royal Silk Ltd. filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in Nov. 1988 and filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 earlier in 1991. The firm opened in 1979, enjoying national success and expansion before the hard times. June 1991: The Optimist Club celebrates 40 years. The club lives up to its motto ‘Friends of Youth.’ It donated more than $10,000 to city youth activities and an additional several thousand to drug and alcohol programs. July 3, 1991: Fette Ford, at Rts. 46 and 3, agrees to underwrite the cost of the local history room in the new Memorial Library. Henry Fette, below, founder of the third generation family business, made the contribution in tribute to his family’s long time roots in Clifton.
Clifton’s Municipal Judge Harry Fengya observed his 15th anniversary on the bench in 1991. Fengya, above, with Harry Peterson and Don Hetchka, takes a stern approach to court room demeanor, dress and decorum and was often referred to as ‘Hang ‘em Harry.’
July 7, 1991: The state approves the city’s last minute application for funds out of the NJ Supplemental Municipal Property Tax Relief Discretionary Fund. The approval nets Clifton $1 million which will reduce the tax rate by eight points, roughly $30 per $35,000 of an average residential property value. July 31, 1991: The Daughters of Miriam Center for the Aged on Hazel St. celebrates its 70th year of service. August 29, 1991: Long time Clifton attorney Harry Peterson dies. Peterson was a mentor and close friend of Clifton’s Municipal Judge Harry Fengya. Aug. 4, 1991: The city and the NAACP reach an out of court settlement in the long-standing legal battle in which Clifton’s residency requirement for city employees was called discriminatory to blacks. The settlement calls for the abolishment of residency requirements and new hiring criteria. Two major stipulations include advertising in all Essex and Passaic county newspapers to fill positions (rather than by word of mouth) and applicants hired from outside of the city must agree to move within 15 miles of Clifton City Hall. Aug. 28, 1991: Gene Boyle Jr. (at right), whose father opened Gene’s Grill on Hoover Ave. in Passaic in the 1920s, dies at age 70. In the late 1940s, father and son bought a large mansion at Passaic Ave and Allwood Rd. and converted the downstairs into their restaurant and moved into living quarters upstairs. Gene Boyle’s became a landmark dining establishment in the region. Known for its white glove service and exceptional cuisine, it was also a place to meet the politically connected of the community.
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Nov. 10, 1991: The long anticipated, newly constructed Clifton Memorial Library at Piaget Ave. and Third St. is officially dedicated. Above left, Councilman Richard Stockinger and fundraising chair Marie Havasy at the flag raising. At top right, the Library Fundraising Committee, who made the construction possible, is also pictured. From left, Mildred Cohen, Marie Marrocco, Grace Zanetti, Lesia Wirstiuk and Mike Cerone. At left of page is the commemorative journal featuring a photo by James Emolo.
Sept. 15, 1991: Following an additional 200-300 students registering in Clifton Schools, close to a dozen classes exceed the state limit. Many registrations came through over the summer and are attributed to a trend of younger families moving into the area. The increase in high school freshmen is more than likely due to private and parochial school transfers. Superintendent of Schools William Leiss scrambles to hire new teachers and find classrooms to accommodate the classroom splits necessitated by additional students. Sept. 16, 1991: Police warn residents to take precautions after a month-long series of cat burglaries. All 12 incidents were believed to be committed by the same person. Sept. 18, 1991: Clifton’s annual city picnic is a great success as thousands attended the festivities in Main Memorial Park. Though attendance was well below the record 50,000, concessionaires are pleased. Oct. 13, 1991: The Hot Grill celebrates 30 years at 669 Lexington Ave. by selling thousands of deep-fried beef hot dogs, topped with spicy mustard, chopped onions and a distinctive chili sauce. It began on the site of Gabe’s—a former car lot—with just 20 stools. After 30 years and three renovations, it boasts a seating capacity of 128. Patrons can enjoy the delights of a Texas Weiner served ‘all the way’ by owners Domenick Sportelli and Carmen LaMendola.
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Sept. 27, 1991: The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Nov. 17, 1991: Henny Miller, secretary of the detective bureau in Clifton for 27 years, retires.
Sept. 29, 1991: Clifton attempts to “make a deal” with the Paterson Coalition for Housing. Clifton still wishes to obtain the former Naval Reserve site and will offer the Coalition property on New St. in Paterson. The Coalition agreed if conditions can be met. That includes a guarantee that the zoning will be approved and money involved to cover costs in exchanging sites is offered.
Dec. 15, 1991: Clifton is awarded the 10th largest state grant by the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy for its 1990 recycling efforts. A check for over $72,000 is set to expand the recycling program.
Oct. 12, 1991: The Athenia Veteran Post’s Ladies Auxiliary celebrates its 40th anniversary. Oct. 23, 1991: Parian & Sons, a Dayton Ave. family owned jewelry store, celebrates 70 years of business in the heart of Botany Village, on sullivan Square. Oct. 23, 1991: St. Peter’s Haven’s fifth anniversary. Oct. 27, 1991: Police warn residents of callers soliciting donations for the Clifton Drug Awareness Program. Police investigate two robberies in which a man identified himself as a cop before stealing the victims’ wallets. In November, a disguised suspect robs the Midlantic Bank on Clifton Ave.
1992: Fritsche Brothers (Clifton Chemical Laboratories) on Third St. is acquired by Givaudan-Roure. 1992: New Jersey Department of Transportation begins presentations on a proposed Rt. 21 alignment and completion of the highway from Newark with alternatives in Passaic and Clifton. 1992: Joe Dolinoy creates the Clifton Cobras Hall of Fame, a girls softball organization. Jan. 26, 1992: Sax, Macy, Fromm and Co., at 855 Valley Rd., Clifton, celebrates its 35th anniversary. The firm is the 15th largest accounting firm in New Jersey. Feb. 2, 1992: A kick-off dinner is held at the Boys & Girls Club for the 75th anniversary year. Historical photos, publications and memorabilia are displayed.
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At a night at the Meadowlands in 1992, from left: Norm Robertson, 75th Anniversary Co-Chairs Marie Modarelli, Mayor Jim Anzaldi and Ruth Lombardo. At front is Frank Sylvester who served as mayor from 1974 to 1978, Councilmen Richard Stockinger and Bill Martini, with City Manager Roger Kemp.
Feb. 16, 1992: U.S. Senator Bill Bradley’s town meeting becomes the biggest program in the history of the Clifton Public Library. About 300 people crowd into the new building’s meeting room and more are turned away. Bradley, a former NY Knickerbocker, speaks for over an hour, responding to demands and answering questions spanning a range of topics. Feb. 17, 1992: A 17-year-old boy is found slumped over the steering wheel of his father’s car behind School 15. The alleged murderer was arrested within hours, but police said the suspect had no apparent motive beyond disliking the victim. The 17-year-old accused requested, but was not is not permitted, to attend the victim’s funeral, which 300 attended. The murderer allegedly strangled the victim with an extension cord while sitting behind him. Four other minors would be arrested in connection to the murder, which was dubbed the Hail Mary murder. March 18, 1992: According to Supt. William Liess, the state’s report card shows that Clifton provides equal education at less cost per student than NJ’s average. The grades issued by the NJ State Department of Education are above state and regional levels, and spending is below the average. The theme is reminiscent of another long-time, former Supt. William Shershin, who said Clifton “provided a Cadillac education at Chevy prices.” March 22, 1992: Developer Thomas Cupo wanted to build 81 townhouses on Garrett Mountain on Thomas St. in 1988 but the Planning Board rejected the project because of slope restrictions. In 1992, Cupo offers to sell the city the 17 acres for half of what he paid. 26 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
April 1, 1992: The Council approves the Clifton Beautification Committee proposal to join Elm Research Institute’s Johnny Elmseed Project. The one-year membership cost $500, but entitled Clifton to 100 one-foot tall American Liberty Elm Trees. Givaudan-Roure contributes $1,000 to underwrite the cost. April 15, 1992: The Paterson Diocese announced that Paul VI, the high school on Valley Rd. that closed two years prior, will reopen as the Pope John Paul II Diocesan Elementary School. About 820 students were drawn primarily from St. John Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Parishes in Paterson when their facilities no longer met codes. Built on the former site of the Great Notch Nursery in 1966, Paul VI’s first freshman class began in Sept. 1967. However, after graduating just 20 classes, Paul VI closed its doors in June 1990. April 8, 1992: The Boys & Girls Club televises a 12hour fundraiser telethon on Clifton’s Channel 19. They collected $103,000, but were cut-off in the 11th hour. A 13-year-old modulator, transmitting the picture, goes on the blink. The fundraiser did not meet its $125,000 goal. April 19, 1992: The United Reform Church at Clifton Ave. and First St., marks its 100th anniversary with events and about 200 people attend a May 9 banquet. April 26, 1992: It’s official—the 75th anniversary of the Acquakanack Township incorporation of Clifton is marked. Yearlong festivities begin. May 24, 1992: Nancy Schulz, a Clifton native, rides her 18-speed bicycle 3,600 mi. from Seattle to Washington, D.C. for Bike-Aid ’92 to raise money for projects that help people in the U.S. and Third World countries.
With Great Pride, We Recognize the Clifton Office’s Highest Achievers. May 2017 Award Winners
Alma Bilings
Top Lister
Eileen LiVecchi
Top Sales
Eileen LiVecchi
Top Producer
Lesia Wirstiuk
Agent of the Month
John Salierno
Weichert Pride
June 2017 Award Winners
Alma Billings
Top Lister
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If you’re interested in a career in real estate, call me at 973-779-1900 (office) 973-801-9497(cell) tsanchez@weichertrealtors.net Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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June 3, 1992: A district-wide rotation process of teachers and principals who have at least 10 years at one school is proposed. Parents and students are opposed and voice their concerns. Supt. William Liess receives 240 letters in support of one principal alone. Despite the protest, the proposal is approved and the changes will be effective for the 1992-93 school year. June 7, 1992: The Mayor and Council vote to convert the largest barn on City Hall property, which was part of the former US Quarentine Station, into a senior center. The barn was originally designated as a recreation center for kids but the federal funds were not available for youth or recreation programs. Established in 1884, the site on which city hall is now located served as the nation’s largest animal quarantine station. All animals entering the USA first visited Clifton and stayed on the sprawling grounds until inspection. The Station’s function was to safeguard domestic livestock and poultry by proper quarantining all imported domestic and wild animals. The site became the City Hall complex in 1980 when the Station is moved to New York State.
June 8, 1992: Three teenage boys involved in the February “Hail Mary murder” of a CHS classmate in the Dutch Hill neighborhood received the maximum sentence after pleading guilty. The teens were sentenced to 20 years in the State Home for Boys at Jamesburg. The three testified against the remaining two teens, one the prosecutor called the mastermind and the teen who actually committed the murder. June 10, 1992: After a month-long controversy over a rock ‘n roll song, Sacred Heart School in Botany Village cancels its eighth grade graduation ceremony and class trip. Students wanted to sing “We Are the Champions”, released by the group Queen in the 1970s. They felt the request was rejected because Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury was bisexual and died of AIDS. School officials said they had no idea who Freddie Mercury was. June 25, 1992: School 14 on St. Andrew’s Blvd. is vandalized and the culprits wreak havoc, causing an estimated damage of $20,000. Offices are ransacked, windows and doors broken, and equipment damaged, but nothing is stolen.
Celebrating Clifton’s 100th Anniversary
View The Giblin Report Thursday at 9:30 pm Cablevision Ch. 77 & FIOS Ch. 40 Check with your Cable Provider for Other Listings
Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin Write to us: asmgiblin@njleg.org Please note: Our office has moved:
855 Valley Road, Suite 104 Clifton, NJ 07013 • 973-779-3125 28 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Paid for by Bruce James for Freeholder, Mukesh Tandya, Treasurer.
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June 30, 1992: The Paterson Coalition of Housing breaks ground on the 15-apartment homeless shelter project at Clifton’s old Naval Reserve site in Lakeview. July 5, 1992: Shoppers of the new Costco store on Bridwell Pl. are greeted by 300 food and commercial union members shouting “pass it by.” Union members picketed because Costco is non-union and they felt the big box wholesaler would destroy existing businesses. Costco stated the store brought about 130 jobs with starting pay above the first-year union member rate. July 26, 1992: Mayor Anzaldi already told Clifton homeowners that they could expect an average $50 increase in property taxes. Luckily, City Manager Roger Kemp receives good news regarding a $2 million municipal revitalization grant that the city can expect, which turns the $50 expected increase into an $11 decrease. Aug. 8, 1992: Vandals break into School 5 and destroy supplies delivered to the Valley Rd. facility. The culprits are later caught, and their parents make full restitution for the damages. The three masters of destruction are two boys, ages 7 and 9, and a girl, age 12.
Members of the Dutch Hill Residents Association have been advocates for the people, places and neighborhood from Clifton Ave. to the Passaic border for some four decades. Seen in the summer of 1992, from left, are Peter Ciamboli, Jim Scangarello and Adam Dull doing a clean up and planting of the sloped area near the NJ Transit rail station on Clifton Blvd.
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A committee began organizing the 75th Anniversary festivities in Nov. 1989. The culmination of their efforts was a two hour cavalcade of people, vehicles and living history, beginning at Clifton and Colfax Aves. Participants were heralded by thousands of residents along Clifton Ave., Main Ave and then Park Slope before finally passing a reviewing stand within Clifton Stadium. Doreen Delancy Franko rode the white stallion to lead the Diamond Anniversary Parade as the Grand Marshal.
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Aug. 14, 1992: A dinner and dance cruise on the Spirit of New Jersey to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary, Aug. 16, 1992: Albion residents formed the Citizens to Save Fire House 2 on Dumont Ave. in response to a ‘very reliable’ rumor that it would be closed to save money. The group gathered over 1,000 signatures and presented them to the Council. They were assured that no official action was taken to close the station. Sept. 9, 1992: VFW Post 142 marked its 60th anniversary with a banquet at the post home, 195 Piaget Ave., near Getty Ave., which was built by members in 1932. It also served as a Civil Air Defense shelter in the 50’s. Some remodeling was done in the 80’s but the building itself has changed little since 1932. Sept. 16, 1992: Clifton’s largest employer and taxpayer, Hoffman LaRoche, begins a 10 year phase out plan to end the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products at the Clifton-Nutley plant. The 123 acre campus, seen along Route 3, will continue to house research and development departments and administrative offices such as the one if recently constructed in 1999.
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Sept. 20, 1992: The annual city picnic is held around Racy’s Pond at Main Memorial Park. One cloud had hovered over the the proceedings in the weeks prior: a flock of Canadian geese who chose not to fly south and made Main Memorial their stomping grounds. Officers from the police department were sent to fire blank rifle shots to shoosh the little stinkers away. Oct. 4, 1992: The BOE takes away Council members’ complimentary parking spaces for Mustang Football games. The Council expressed surprise, but assured the public they will still support student activities. At the same meeting, the Board cancels negotiations with the teachers union until the impasse, declared by the union on Aug. 26, is taken off or a mediator is assigned. Finally, the Board voted to change the supervision of the district from uni-control to dual-control. The Board said the move was implemented to improve efficiency and accountability in the district. Supt. William Liess considers taking action against the move, because according to dual-control parameters, he would have to share the responsibilities of running the district with Business Administrator Dr. Joseph Cappello.
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Oct. 18, 1992: OSHA files 35 safety violations, totaling $43,000 in penalties, against Givaudan-Roure after an inspection of its Third St. plant found conditions that exist where death or serious injury can result. Oct. 25, 1992: St. Philip the Apostle School on Valley Rd. serves a meal that 33 students will not soon forget. The kids are taken to St. Mary’s Hospital after contracting food poisoning. They became ill after consuming chicken soup that contained high levels of nitrate. The chemicals, added to the school’s boiler as an anti-oxygen agent, are believed to have seeped into the water supply. Nov. 8, 1992: St. Philip Church on Valley Rd. begins a year long celebration of its 50th anniversary. Nov. 25, 1992: CD Director William Walters issues summonses to 10 storeowners in Botany Village for ignoring an ordinance prohibiting neon lights. Dec. 1, 1992: A mediator is assigned to find a solution because the Clifton teachers and the BOE have made no progress since the union’s decision to impasse in Aug. Teachers have worked without a contract since June 31. Dec. 9, 1992: Though rumors abound that the Allwood Branch Library will close, they are erroneous. Clifton’s library director confirmed a shortfall and some services would be curtailed, hours of business might be reduced and some part time help might be laid-off. Dec. 27, 1992: Clifton ends its diamond jubilee celebration with a dinner-dance at the Robin Hood Inn. 1993: The Clifton College Women’s Club is dissolved. Jan. 20, 1993: Despite landing million-dollar defense contracts, ITT Avionics of Clifton announces it will layoff 300 employees due to the Pentagon’s massive defense cuts in response to the end of the Cold War.
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The 20th anniversary Botany Village Merchants Ball is held Oct. 10, 1992 at Johnny’s Bar & Grill at Parker and Ackerman Aves. Pictured are Johnny Penkalski and his mom Emily.
Feb. 1993: School officials are red-faced after realizing a CHS student who appeared on ‘Good Day New York’ actually lived in Passaic. Principal Robert Mooney, who was watching the show, soon realized the girl was not a Clifton resident by her on-air comments. The Board posts a $100 bounty on illegal students in an attempt to influence students to turn in non-residents. Feb. 7, 1993: The City Council unanimously votes to apply for NJ Green Acres Funds to purchase the Thomas St. property made available by Thomas Cupo. March 7, 1993: After 15 months, the BOE and the Clifton Teachers Association (CTA) reach a tentative contract settlement, good through June 30, 1995. March 30, 1993: Clifton residents learn their property taxes will increase on average of $75. City and School officials say the increase is due to a state freeze on aid for state-mandated programs such as special education, transportation and bilingual education.
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Feb. 25, 1993: For a few weeks, yes indeed there were two White Castles restaurants at the intersection of Main and Piaget Aves. At right stands the original building, constructed in 1933 and to the left, the second and current White Castle, which officially opened on Feb. 25, 1993. The closing of the original White Castle was an end of an era for many who wanted to see the historic building stay. The original White Castle was the second oldest restaurant in the fast-food chain still operating in the United States. Its metal siding and old diner feeling truly made it a relic of years past. Jennifer Collins, a Pompton Lakes resident, attempted to save the building from its impending destruction. Collins placed stories in many magazines catering to architecture buffs in search of someone to transplant the building, gaining her national recognition. Despite her media campaign, the original Clifton White Castle met the wrecking ball on March 19, 1993. Over the next few weeks, fans of the steam-grilled burgers would stop by to collect momentos, signage and bricks from the remains of the original building. March 24, 1993: Albina Sportelli, at left, is named editor of the Dateline Journal. April 1, 1993: Christopher Columbus students launch a campaign to make it safe to cross Rt. 46 after a fellow student is killed in a hit and run accident. The students petition the NJ DOT for an overpass over the four-lane highway by Day Str.near the school. April 21, 1993: To offset the possibility of a municipal tax increase, the city applies for $15.1 million in state aid—double the amount it received in 1992. April 25, 1993: School officials crack down on students who attend Clifton schools but live outside the district. In a precedent setting announcement, the BOE says it will seek approximately $13,000 in tuition costs from the parents of a student who attended Clifton schools for more than two years while residing in Passaic. Board members said they hope the move sends a message that the district is serious about ferreting out illegal students. May 1, 1993: The oldest charitable organization in Clifton, the Woman’s Club of Allwood, celebrates 60 years of community service. 36 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
May 23, 1993: In honor of its 40th anniversary, School No. 14 on St. Andrew’s Blvd., hosts festivities. June 16, 1993: The Frainese Society Di Mutuo Socurso marks 60 years with its annual Festa Frainese in honor of Santa Maria Mater Domini at Holy Face Monastery. June 27, 1993: Now in its third year as a public relations and marketing agency, Tomahawk Promotions relocates to 385 Lakeview Ave. July 1, 1993: Hudson Jersey Sanitation, the company collecting the city’s garbage, goes on strike. City officials ask residents for their help until the strike is over. A police officer is stationed at the recycling drop off site to deter residents from dumping trash there. July 1, 1993: Lucille Lehmkuhl retires from Clifton after 41 years of service, as does Frank Fincken, after 37. July 9, 1993: City Manager Roger Kemp resigns to accept a similar position in Meriden, CT. City Engineer James Yellen is acting city manager until a permanent replacement is found. The city received 110 applicants. July 30, 1993: The 37,500 sq. ft. Childrenswear Centre in the Corrado Market on Getty Ave. opens. Aug. 8, 1993: Clifton City officials express disappointment after the state approves less than $10 million of the $15.1 million in requested aid.
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May 31, 1993: The War Memorial monument on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton is rededicated. After fact checking and research, additional names of those Clifton residents who were killed during WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam are added. Funds were raised and the monument was also cleaned and restored. Clifton War Veterans Alliance Monument Committee included: Walter N. Pruiksma, chairman; Col. Frank T.J. Sefchik, vice chairman; and John E. Biegel Jr., treasurer.
Sept. 15, 1993: Over 130 teachers called in “sick” on the first day of school. In response, the BOE filed a class suit against the 600 member CTA. Despite a tentative solution in March, the battle continues, which began when the teachers’ contract expired on July 1, 1992. Sept. 20, 1993: The shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at St. John Kanty Church in Athenia is vandalized as the 1,000 pound statue is knocked off its pedestal.
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Sept. 26, 1993: The weather is perfect for Clifton’s annual picnic held at Main Memorial Park with thousands in attendance. A dunk tank featuring politicians fro mthe BOE and Council is a popular attraction. Oct. 10, 1993: James Wanger is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for 40 years in the Feb. 16, 1992 strangulation of a 17-year-old CHS classmate in the so-called Hail Mary murder.
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William Walters, John Surgent, Roger Kemp, Edward Murphy, Russell Schneider.
Oct 17, 1993: A major blaze at Passaic Metal Products Co. on Central Ave. results in $3 million in damage. Oct. 20, 1993: According to Clifton’s health officer, a decade has passed since the first AIDS case was reported in Clifton. Since then, the number of cases has increased to 63, with more than half resulting in death. Oct. 23, 1993: Unpainted garages, junk cars, illegal attic apartments and other urban scourges aren’t remedied the way they once were. “For many years we had very strict attitudes concerning code enforcement. Years ago when there was a fire, repairs would begin within 30 days. Now, it could be one year after a fire and you’ll find a building still boarded up,” Mayor Anzaldi said. Councilman Lester Herrschaft said it can happen with better coordination between building and housing departments. Code Official Herman Steenstra, whose department enforces zoning, building, plumbing and fire codes, dismissed complaints. “I take it with a grain of salt. We have one of the finest-run departments in the state. No one came to see me about any of this,” he said. Oct. 24, 1993: A plaque is dedicated at city hall honoring former Mayor Dr. John W. Surgent. Nov. 1, 1993: Edward J. Murphy named City Manager.
Dec. 15, 1993: The BOE votes for live cable coverage of its meetings. Most Board members favor the program, citing school spending accounts for 60 cents of each tax dollar. Council meetings are broadcast live twice a month for the past 15 years and draw growing audiences. 1994: Russell Schneider, the third son of Leonard Schneider, who owned Leonard A. Schneider’s Flowers on Clifton Ave., joins the Board of the Boys & Girls Club. Spring of the same year, his older brother Jimmy dies, leaving the business to his wife Barbara. 1994: Clifton marks the 60th anniversary of its city manager form of government. Jan. 9, 1994: A huge explosion levels Van Houten Auto Parts at Van Houten and Mount Prospect Ave. It damages neighboring houses and cars, but no injuries are reported. A city firefighter and PSE&G personnel were investigating a reported gas odor when the blast occurred. Jan. 23, 1994: The BOE studies options to alleviate overcrowding. One possibility was to purchase the soon-to-close Shulton headquarters on Colfax Ave. Feb. 7, 1994: A hard winter continues. Clifton students must make-up lost snow days by forfeiting their spring break and attending three additional days in June
Nov. 10, 1993: William Walters resigns as Community Development Director. An energetic and innovative employee with 40 years of service, Walters insists his decision has nothing to do with the Council’s choice to hire Murphy as City Manager.
March 23, 1994: Clifton Channel 19 hosts the six-hour Telethon ’94 to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club. The telethon raises about $61,000 for the building fund.
Dec. 12, 1993: The Jersey City Water Department plans on building a water treatment plant in Montclair Heights. JCDW claims they own the property at Daniels Drive and Chittendon Rd. City officials say the property belongs to a resident. JCDW says they can prove ownership with tax bills. Clifton says JCDW is misreading the bills, which are for an easement under the property that houses a 26-mile water pipeline.
April 3, 1994: St. Peter’s Haven opens a second temporary shelter for homeless families. During the past seven years, St. Peter’s Haven has assisted 65 families.
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March 30, 1994: After a lengthy illness and major surgery, Councilman Dick Stockinger returns to City Hall.
April 10, 1994: The BOE has not received any bids for Latteri Park in the Rosemawr neighborhood. The BOE said it would use funds generated from the sale to purchase the Shulton building on Rt. 46. City officials are opposed to Latteri Park’s sale.
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On April 19, 1994, Clifton had a chance to solve its school overcrowding by purchasing the former Shulton building off of Colfax Ave. School officials envisioned a site that would feature two schools, BOE offices and a recreational complex. “This is in the best interest of the community,” BOE president Frank Pecci said. “We’ll never have to worry about overcrowding anymore.” “Big plans are what we need,” agreed Board member John Marchioni. “It’s about time this town decides to come to grips with the fact that we’re going to have to make some long-term decisions. We can’t keep making short-term decisions that don’t add up to anything.” Even Superintendent William C. Liess was onboard. “This is the way to go,” he said. “It provides for the facility needs of the district for the long term. It answers all the questions that we have to deal with in terms of meeting future enrollment.” Though Pecci and others believed purchasing the 42acre Shulton site made perfect sense, they acknowledged it would be a tough sell to the voters. The price tag for the property was large: $12 million, with another $3.8 million to convert the headquarters into a 50-classroom school for 1,500 students. Voters were asked to approve two referendums as part of the school elections: a 30-year, $16 million bond issue to buy and renovate the facility, and a 25-year, $7.75 million bond issue for repairs on aging schools. “This is an opportunity for our future, not just for education, but for the whole community,” the Board’s Marie Hakim said. “The price is a bargain. We couldn’t build a new school for that price. It will help us maintain a middle-class community and not go the way of Paterson and Passaic and so many others.” The six BOE candidates opposed the Shulton purchase, including the eventual winners—Stefan Tatarenko, Steve Hatala and James Smith. 42 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
“We have 18 buildings and only plans for one,” said Tatarenko, who with Hatala, was seeking a second term on the Board. “We talk about putting in a swimming pool or a skating rink, but we haven’t really discussed it. I don’t know what to tell the citizens.” The Board looked to raise cash to offset the Shulton price tag. Ironically, they turned to a property that still remains a political football: Latteri Park. The Board offered to sell the 7.5 acre park for $2 million, but received no takers, including the City. “I’m pleased that nobody bid on it,” said a happy Mayor James Anzaldi. “The best thing to do now is for the Board to transfer the property to the City so it can remain a park for future generations.” Keeping an eye toward the future, the Board of Education refused to sell the land to the City at anything other than fair market value. “It’s still possible that we may need the land for a school building,” said Marchioni. “I’m not saying putting a school there is the best alternative, but it’s something that we should study.” Despite an advertising campaign fueled with $10,000 of Board money, the $16 million Shulton proposal went down hard, by an overwhelming 7,327 to 2,338 margin. The $7.75 million bond issue for repairs on aging schools narrowly passed. Hatala got 6,286 votes, Tatarenko 5,082 and Smith received 4,528. Shulton was eventually sold to a developer and Cambridge Crossings and Winthrop Court were built on the property—a total of 637 units of housing.
The Shook & Garretson families will honor your loved one with respect & dignity • Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements • At-Need Funeral Arrangements • Cremation Services • Memorial Gatherings
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Results of the May 10, 1994 City Council election:
Clifton was a community in transition in 1994. There was a new emphasis on multiculturalism—neighborhoods expanded as immigrants arrived from Central and South America, Asia and the Middle East—and state aid was lowered. The candidates for the 1994 City Council Election felt that they were up to the challenge of guiding its citizens through its adjustment period. Despite a quiet election, The Record closely covered the major issues that candidates were debating. At the time, one of the most prevalent official views was that “immigrant families resided in illegal housing.” The 10 candidates each had their own set of priorities and goals to help lead the City through its period of change. Although not as exciting as the election four years prior, the election got people talking about who they wanted their City to be represented by for the next four years.
James Anzaldi . . . . .10,946 Gloria Kolodziej . . . . . .10,138 Peter C. Eagler . . . . . . . .8,909 G.F. “Chuck” Rohde . . .8,791 Lester F. Herrschaft . . . .8,496 Richard Stockinger . . . . .8,082 Donald Kowal . . . . . . . .7,665 Walter J. Jankowski . . . .5,597 Joseph De Stefano . . . . .4,840 John A. DalPan . . . . . . .3,631 April 25, 1994: The Council’s $55.8 million budget is an increase of 3 tax points, or $51 from an average home assessed at $170,000. April 27, 1994: Montclair State becomes a university. May 15, 1994: Gov. Christie Whitman visits Clifton and pledges to make NJ more business-friendly. May 18, 1994: Rev. Earl Modean retires after serving as pastor at First Lutheran Church for 35 years. May 20, 1994: C Town opens in Styertowne. June 12, 1994: City Manager Ed Murphy said the city received half the municipal revitalization funds it requested from the state. Without the funds, taxes will increase or budget cuts will be needed. July 13, 1994: The Planning Association of North Jersey, which functioned as Clifton’s Planning and Zoning Depts., proposes to rezone parts of Clifton and Van Houten Aves. to redevelop into office buildings. The Council agreed, saying rezoning neighborhoods was the best hope to boost ratables, citing a demand for small office space. July 17, 1994: In the span of 11 days, fires blaze at three abandoned buildings at the Keystone Camera complex at 442 Getty Ave.
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The 1994 Mustangs Boys Soccer team: Dave Ricca, John Babula, Albert Piotrowski, Tim O’Conner, Mike Tynio, Stan Bednarz, Luis Aboal, Macuj Bodyziak, Peter Miskov, Jowell Amores, Alex Shuster, Mike Husni, Wojtek Krakowlak, Chris Halupka, William Diaz, Hector Luis and Mike Stepien.
The CHS Mustangs rolled over everyone in 1994. Their record was 23-0-1 and when they won the NJ Championship game with a punishing score of 3–0 over the favored Kearny High team, it capped another great season and became a history–making moment. Seniors Chris Halupka and Wojtek Krakowlak were chosen first team–All State, an honor given by the Coaches Association to the top 50 players in the state. Halupka was also named NJ Soccer Player of the Year. Rossi was voted NJ Coach of the Year. Rossi is known as the power behind the force and coached Clifton’s boys
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soccer team for 24 years. By teaching his players self–discipline and motivation, he allowed them to develop powerful playing skills. He guided the Mustangs to the Group 4 NJ Championship again in 2004 and was named to the state coaches’ association hall of fame in 1999. He taught Italian and Spanish at CHS and retired in 2002. The Italian-born Rossi, who died in 2010, accrued a 353-95-51 record from 1978-2001, and in his final season Clifton went 20-2 and won its fifth straight Passaic County tournament title.
July 27, 1994: The Council approves Clifton teens’ wishes to play in-line hockey at Chelsea Park. Aug. 7, 1994: Wakefern Foods promises jobs and tax revenues if it is allowed to convert the Globe Products building at Bloomfield and Scoles Ave. into a ShopRite supermarket. Wakefern invites the public to a meeting at the Athenia Vets Hall to discuss the project, which ultimately fails to get city approval. Sept. 11, 1994: 10,000 people attend the city picnic at Main Memorial Park. Sept. 14, 1994: Residents in the Country Club Towers ask the Council to stop construction of a microwave transmitter for cell phones on their building. The project was approved by the Board of Adjustment, but City approval was pending. Consequently, any work they may have begun, as alleged by residents, was illegal. Residents were concerned with the hazards associated with the signals used in mobile phones. They said that they were never served with notice of the project. Oct. 1994: Luca Puzzo becomes the first to hold the position of Elementary Assistant Principal at School 12 under Owen T. Engler. Supt. Liess created the position due to increasing enrollment at the school on Clifton Ave., near Lexington, now at 690 students.
Nov. 8, 1994: Two Cliftonites battle it out for the right to represent 21 communities in Passaic and Essex counties for a seat in Congress. The race between incumbent Democrat Herb Klein (left) and Republican Bill Martini proved to be a volatile one, filled with bad blood, personal attacks and plenty of mudslinging. The two millionaire attorneys engaged in a tight race, as Klein was upset by Martini by a vote count of 69,555 to 67,601. Here in Clifton, voters dealt the fatal blow to Klein as they gave Martini a 2,600 vote margin, sealing his win. Klein attributed his loss to a backlash across the nation from unsatisfied voters against Democrats. He could not buck the angry revolt against incumbents stoked by such national leaders as House Minority Whip Newt Gingrich, who campaigned for Martini in the summer.
Oct. 4, 1994: Vornado Corporation plans to demolish the Automatic Data Processing plant on Rt. 3 in Delawanna to make way for a major commercial or retail center. Oct. 16, 1994: School 12 on Clifton Ave., serving Botany and Lakeview, adds a three-story addition, which is Clifton’s first school expansion in 30 years. School officials press to follow suit with construction of a new wing at CHS due to overcrowding. The BOE proposes a three-story, 30-classroom unit to connect the south wing as well as a 20-room addition to WWMS. Cost for the two projects is estimated between $12 and $17 million. Nov. 16, 1994: The winning entry in a contest to name the ‘man reading a newspaper’ sculpture is announced. The new moniker is Cliff Hall. Nov. 20, 1994: Carolina Factory Outlet, at 312 Clifton Ave., just off Main, goes out of business after 20 years. Dec. 13, 1994: Voters approve two bond referendums that allow a three-story 32-classroom addition to CHS and a two-story 10-classroom addition to WWMS.
A life size bronze sculpture of a man reading a newspaper entitled Point of View is installed on Oct. 24, 1994 in front of City Hall. Created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr., the sculpture is valued at $65,000 and is on an open-ended loan to the City and its Sculpture Park. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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Robert Hammer, Lester Herrschaft, William Shershin, Frank Pecci, Gerald Zecker.
1995: Led by Recycling Coordinator Alfred DuBois, the City’s recycling rate exceeds 75 percent, and the City is declared to be among the nation’s best through public outreach and education. The cost of solid waste disposal declines markedly between 1992 and 1995. 1995: BASF, manufacturer of coatings and colorants, demolishes the Clifton Chemical Laboratory building at Third St. and Weasel Brook. Aromantic oils were made there since 1872. 1995: Robert Hammer is named city manager. Jan. 22, 1995: Hollywood came to Clifton to film scene for a Columbia Pictures political thriller, City Hall. A Bergen Ave. home was used by the production company, which moved the family to the Presidential Suite of the Ramada Hotel in Clifton. The homeowners received a makeover of the house as part of the contractual agreement. The makeover included new wall to wall carpeting, kitchen flooring, light fixtures and curtains. Jan. 28, 1995: Clifton Optimist Club honors Councilman Lester Herrschaft as its ‘Man of the Year.’ Feb. 26, 1995: After 12 years on the BOE, Frank Pecci announces that he will not seek re-election in April. March 1, 1995: Lincoln Milanese retires after 22 years as Clifton’s chief financial officer. March 12, 1995: BOE approves its budget and taxes on the average home may increase by $67. The municipal portion of the tax bill may add $34 more per household. March 19, 1995: Ed Murphy is ordered by the NJ Public Employees Retirement System Board to pay back $50,000 in pension money he received since becoming city manager in 1993. Murphy is a retired public employee collecting a pension and a full-time government employee. State law says a retired pubic employee cannot work in a government job in the state and collect a pension. Murphy maintains he works under a contract with the city, but is not directly employed by the city. 48 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
April 1995: William Shershin dies. He retired in 1986 after serving as Clifton Schools Supt. for 36 years. Also DPW Chief Tony Saffioti retires after 35 years and Health Officer Stuart Palfreyman retires after 24 years. April 22, 1995: The CHS Concert Choir and the CHS Madrigal Singers take home silver medals from the Upper Canada College choir competition in Toronto. April 23, 1995: Richfield Reformed Church Kindergarten Sunday School plant a tree at 1180 Clifton Ave., in memory of the children who perished in the April 19 Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing. May 3, 1995: Allwood Library’s 25th anniversary. May 21, 1995: A $12 million shopping center—Botany Plaza—to be anchored by a Pathmark and a Caldor is planned for Botany Village. Within weeks, the neighboring Botany Village Merchants Association would endorse the proposal recommending rezoning of the 12.5 acre tract so that the century old Forstmann Woolen Mills could be demolished. June 21, 1995: For 12 years, former Mayor Gerald Zecker has been a member of the State Assembly and for 12 years he has pushed for a law which would require the state to pay for mandates it forces on counties and municipalities. While his bill gained Assembly approval, the measure was never posted in the State Senate. June 28, 1995: A small but enthusiastic crowd at Clifton Stadium rocked for three hours at a concert entitled ‘Summer Rock ‘95.’ The event featured four local professional bands (including the late Councilman Matt Grabowski, pictured on the following page), which helped to raise funds for the CHS Project Graduation and Clifton Against Substance Abuse Foundation. July 21, 1995: Clifton Zoning Officer Frank Miletto serves his last day. A city construction official will fill in as an interim while the city advertises to fulfill the consent order of the NAACP.
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July 28, 1995: George Romney dies at age 88. He was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for President Nixon and responsible for the $3.6 million loan that Clifton received around 1970 to help fund and launch the Botany Village urban renewal project. July 30, 1995: The 10th annual Peruvian Parade journeys from Main Ave., Passaic through Clifton and ends its festivities at Paterson City Hall. July 31, 1995: The historic C5 Barn located behind City Hall opens as a modern senior citizen center. Aug. 15, 1995: St. Mary’s Hospital observes 100 years. Sept. 13, 1995: City officials request that Botany Village be designated an Urban Enterprise Zone. A letter was sent to Gov. Whitman pointing out that neighboring Paterson and Passaic already have UEZs, and Garfield will soon join them, causing business in Clifton’s oldest section to suffer. The zone allows businesses to offer 3 percent instead of 6 percent sales tax and receive cash incentives for employing residents. Oct. 1, 1995: Clifton Merchant Magazine offers its first edition. The 24-page newsprint publication focused on the Main Mall, now known as Downtown Clifton. Featuring ‘advertorials’, readers learned more about the Clifton merchants along Main Ave. and the upcoming Main Mall Street Fair. The introductory column by Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko stated: “(Main Mall) is an area of Clifton that really does need some tender loving care.” Established as a monthly with a distribution of 31,000 hand-delivered and later mailed via U.S. Postal Service to Clifton homeowners, the magazine took a while to get going. In October 1998, Clifton Merchant was reformatted with a glossy color cover, offering longer stories, bigger photos and more pages. Today, Clifton Merchant averages about 90 pages a month, thanks to the support of our advertisers and the trust of our readers. 50 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Oct. 8, 1995: A group of immigrants live on the Dundee Island peninsula that stretches for 12.5 acres near the Ackerman Ave. bridge. Complaints come in of inebriated individuals wandering in traffic throughout Botany Village and the surrounding street and announce a plan to raze their shacks and tent along the Passaic River. Nov. 15, 1995: Radio station WPAT FM 93.1, the sound of ‘beautiful music’ for decades, changes owners. The call letters become WADO and broadcasts in the Spanish language. WPAT gets its call letters from Paterson, but its studio and transmitter antennas are at 1396 Broad St. Nov. 22, 1995: School 11 on Merselis Ave. in Lakeview, celebrates its 90th anniversary. Dec. 3, 1995: St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church on the corner of Lakeview and Crooks Ave., marks the 50th anniversary of its founding. Dec. 6, 1995: The Council denies Police Chief Frank LoGioco, seen here, to be reimbursed for a convention he attended in Miami. LoGioco, chief since March 9, 1990, had attended the International Association of Police Chiefs Conference for the previous five years and in the past, was reimbursed for his transportation, lodging and registration. The Council said it would research policies to prohibit city payment for this and other conventions. Dec. 10, 1995: Former Mayor John W. Surgent dies peacefully in his sleep. Surgent was a member of the Municipal Council for 24 years, longer than any other person, and a familiar figure around town. Dec. 27, 1995: Over 100 supporters of historic preservation gathered on Valley Rd. at the Clifton and Paterson border, to witness the beginning of the restoration of the landmark, Lambert Castle. The 19th Century sandstone mansion, built in 1892 by silk baron Catholina Lambert on the side of the mountain overlooking Paterson and Clifton, will be restored to its former glory. The $3.3 million renovation would be financed by a combination of county, state and federal funds.
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1996: Old mills in Botany which once employed thousands are being demolished and plans are in place to construct retail stores called Botany Plaza. The center is expected to draw more shoppers, attract big name retailers, services and be a boom for Historic Botany Village. Jan. 1, 1996: The city comes into compliance with a nine-year-old federal regulation that limits the compensation that can be accrued by municipal employees. The city paid over $900,000 already owed in accrued overtime for the next three to five years. Employees were limited to 480 accumulated hours. Jan. 6, 1996: From 20 to 30 inches of snow paralyzed the region and New Jersey was in a state of emergency. Jan. 8, 1996: Clifton takes advantage of a free state service that reviews municipal departmental operations. Six state officials would complete the review over an eight-week period then offer a summary report. Jan. 20, 1996: The Junior Mustangs football team’s clubhouse at Main Memorial Park is hit by two mysterious fires. The first blaze was in the field-house and the next day, a trailer used by the football team caught fire. The equipment lost was worth about $80,000. Feb. 1, 1996: Moe & Arnie’s Men’s Shop at 1138 Main Ave. closes after 45 years. It was opened by Moe Rosenthal in 1950 and left to Moe’s daughter Marilyn and her husband Arnie Alberts. Feb. 18, 1996: After five years of vacancy and a near demolition to become a supermarket, the Globe Products building on Bloomfield Ave., near Scoles Ave., will house a wallpaer manufacturer. March 6, 1996: Over 300 residents attended a meeting looking to reform the state’s formula for funding public schools. The issue – out-of-control property taxes as it relates to public education.
April 2, 1996: The landmark 100 foot ITT Research Tower bordering Clifton and Nutley is demolished to make room for residential development. The tower was built in the 1940s and was used by scientists to study and develop microwave communications systems.
March 26, 1996: According to Herald & News, if the City Council follows the wishes of the late Councilman Richard Stockinger, eighth-place finisher in the last municipal election Walter Jankowski will serve the councilman’s term until November. April 7, 1996: Once again homeowners face a potential tax increase as high as $241 on the average $170,000 home. On a lighter note, Late Night host David Letterman paid an impromptu visit to Clifton, wandering door-to-door with his TV camera crew and his contagious grin. After a busy day of socializing, Letterman grilled a few steaks at a neighborhood home. May, 1996: Residents were treated to a sneak peek of ‘Donnie Brasco’, a film featuring Johnny Depp as a cop who infiltrates the mob. Various scenes are shot at a home on Abbe Lane, off of Van Houten Ave. Others are filmed on Main Ave., near Madison Ave. facing the Clifton Camera Shop. May 1, 1996: New city businesses include Bridal Gardens, 284 Lakeview Ave. and Kirk’s Goodyear Tire Store, 1346 Main Ave.
March 1996: Roy Rogers on Rt. 46, and most other Roy Rodgers in the tri-state area, close. The new Boston Market chain takes over the location near Valley Rd.
May 16, 1996: The Daughters of Miriam Center on Hazel St. marks its 75th anniversary of providing quality care to seniors.
March 24, 1996: Councilman Richard Stockinger dies of a heart attack at age 62. Stockinger, a member of the governing body for 14 years, was remembered as a family man, devoted to youth programs for the city. His death leaves a vacancy on the seven member Council. His colleagues can either appoint a successor by April 24 or hold a special election in November.
May 17, 1996: A roaring fire overtook an abandoned warehouse on Ackerman Ave. near the banks of the Passaic River. It took four hours for city firefighters, with aid from neighboring municipalities, to get the fire under control. The Safas Corp., a building connected to the warehouse, was unharmed and no injuries were reported.
52 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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The Marching Mustangs went door to door and campaigned for new uniforms in the summer of 1996. That Memorial Day weekend, Republican Presidential Candidate Bob Dole made a visit to Clifton and attended veterans events in Allwood. He is pictured , from front left, with Gloria Martini and her husband, Congressman William Martini.
May 22, 1996: The long awaited $5.5 million expansion of Woodrow Wilson Middle School commences. The construction, at 1400 Van Houten Ave. is expected to be completed by Sept. 1997. It will add 15 new classrooms, eight smaller multi-purpose rooms, four group activity rooms, an all purpose room and additional athletic facilities. May 27, 1996: The sun is shining and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole is giving his iconic thumbs-up to the people of Clifton. Dole, above with Congressman Bill Martini and Martini’s wife, Gloria, commemorated Memorial Day here in Clifton along with Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. They attended the events on Hepburn Rd. in Allwood. The parade attracted about 3,000 people, who watched as Dole and his wife, Elizabeth placed a wreath at the memorial in front of the Fire House on Brighton Rd. “Here in Clifton, which is a town full of pride in country which epitomizes the best of America,” said Dole, “I just want to say that we all must pull together like we did during World War II to keep this country great.” Martini, a first-term Republican elected into the House of Representatives in 1994, was running on the November ticket with Dole. June 5, 1996: 250 attend a Knights of Columbus Man of the Year event at the K of C Hall on Main Ave. (where the Post office is today) to honor Mayor Anzaldi. 54 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
June 22, 1996: Marching Mustang Band members go door-to-door over the next few days, but they are not high-stepping or playing any toe-tapping music. What they needed were contributions. That’s because the Show band of the Northeast needed to replace threadbare and shabby uniforms. Vice-Chair of the CHS Band Parents Association Larry Krewer stated that the first priority is to raise $30,000 for an initial payment so that the uniforms could be ordered immediately and delivered by September. Krewer added that the goal was to raise $100,000, which would cover the cost of 200 new uniforms. The Band uniforms that the students currently had were about 10-years-old, and they were also tailored and altered numerous times. June 24, 1996: Firehouse 6, on Broad St. and Van Houten Ave., shuts down for renovations, which are expected to take anywhere from three to five months. July 1996: Citizen’s Advocate Elsie Seabert (left) displayed her chart high and proud at a City Council meeting, pointing out to all an error of $677,802 in the district’s school debt service. The miscalculation resulted in an over billing of 1.4 tax points, which resulted in a savings of $23.90 per household in Clifton.
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July 26, 1996: A groundbreaking with Clifton Mayor Jim Anzaldi and Passaic Mayor Margie Semler takes place in Botany Plaza for the new Pathmark Super Center. Construction is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving. Built on a former mill along the Clifton/Passaic line at the Passaic River, the 110,000 square foot At the groundbreaking for Botany Plaza on the Clifton/Passaic border, from Botany Plaza is anchored by left: William O’Hea, Executive Vice President, TrustCompany Bank; Mayor Pathmark, women’s apparel retailer James Anzaldi, Passaic Mayor Margie Semler, Mike Nassimi of Clifpass Fashion Bug and other smaller shops. Development, Inc., Tom Futrell, Kmart District Manager and Jon Lang also of Kmart Corporation. A Big K-Mart (in Passaic) is yet to be Oct. 26, 1996: Attorney Frank Carlet presents a proposbuilt. Nearby construction of Route 21 and the interal by The Related Companies for a $200 million project change at Routes 46 and 80 by the New Jersey on the adjoining sites of Automatic Data Processing and Department of Transportation in Botany is also being International Telephone and Telegraph Co. near the discussed—again. The highway from Newark now ends Nutley border—now known as Clifton Commons. He at Monroe Street in Passaic. An interchange is to be said the development would generate about $4.7 million constructed in Clifton near Randolph and Lexington in taxes and add millions in ratables. To make approval Aves. The last portion of Route 21 is planned for over by the Planning Board an easier task, the City Council, 30 years. When complete, this will provide a link in August 1996, approved the re-zoning of these 100 between Routes 21, 80 and 46. The route follows the acres along Route 3 to meet the anticipated needs of the Dundee Canal which will be mostly filled. Officials project. By late in 1997, after 16 hearings before the predict the highway’s completion will have a positive Planning Board, a new entertainment/retail center, impact on the retail trade in both Botany Plaza and hisClifton Commons, is approved. It’s probably the largest toric Botany Village. single ratable approved in Clifton history. The major Aug. 1, 1996: The expansion of CHS commences. hurdle for the OK stemmed from a 31-year-old Aug. 11, 1996: Main Memorial Library marks its 50th Alcoholic Beverage Control ordinance stipulating 800 anniversary with events such as a boat ride on the feet between establishments serving alcohol. Hudson, book sales, theatre trips and a jazz concert. Nov. 1, 1996: Detective Captain James Territo retires Before the current building was dedicated on Piaget after 28 years at the Clifton Police Department. Ave., the library was housed in the same location in a Quentin Roosevelt Post #8, American Legion, donates single story structure. Prior to that, the Library was in a third defibrillator to Clifton. a storefront on Main Ave., near the intersection of Clifton Ave., as well as in other neighborhoods. Special Election Nov. 5, 1996 to Fill the Seat Sept. 15, 1996: More than 300 members, families and After the Death of Richard Stockinger: friends of Albion Place Memorial VFW Post 7165 celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner at Three Edward Welsh . . . . . . . . . 5,243 Saints Cultural Center in Garfield. Sept. 25, 1996: St. Peter’s Haven, Clifton’s homeless Raymond Goetschius . . . 2,494 Nicholas J. Lordi . . . . . . . 1,485 shelter, on Clifton Ave. and affiliated with St. Peter’s Robert J. Baran . . . . . . . . . 1,437 Episcopal Church, celebrates its 10th anniversary with Walter J. Jankowski . . . . 1,126 a Volunteer Recognition Night and Awards ceremony. William M. Swain, Jr. . . . . 527 Oct 11, 1996: The Hot Grill, at 669 Lexington Ave., Joseph R. Yeamans . . . . . . . 314 celebrates the good old days with its 35th anniversary. 56 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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Not in this time. Not in my town. That was Ruth Lippolis’ motto back in the 90’s when it came to fighting hunger in Clifton. Lippolis was the volunteer head of Clifton’s Helping Hands, a non-profit organization that collected food and distributed it among the needy. Lippolis and her group knew that reality existed, though. “Years ago,” she said, “it was easy to identify the people needing help. Back then, they were mostly senior citizens. That’s just not the case anymore. Some are just-arrived immigrants, finding things a bit tough. Others are people whose income is just above qualifying for some public assistance.” Each month, Clifton’s Helping Hands collected food donations and fed up to 500 city families. The food was stored in the A-1 barn building on the Clifton City Hall grounds, bagged by volunteers and distributed. Clifton’s Helping Hands grew out of a federal food initiative of the late 1980s when staples like government cheese and peanut butter were distributed to the nation’s needy. Budget cutbacks ended the program and Mitch Constantino and volunteers continued to feed the less
58 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
for-
Ruth Happ, Ann Kaminski, Ruth Lippolis, Frank Heck.
tunate through private donations. In the 90’s, Clifton’s Helping Hands was staffed by a small, dedicated group. Members included those pictured above and Andrew “Butch” Amarante, John Cudworth, Gerald Friend, Marge Earle, Helyne Sekanics, Eleanor Giordano, Sarah Karkowsky, Victoria Leonard, Teresa Pellegrino, Jean Turkowsky and Mike Valentino.
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Nov. 6, 1996: Paterson Mayor William J. Pascrell outlasted Congressman William J. Martini, a freshman Republican, to win the high-priced, gritty race in NJ’s Eighth District. The Eighth encompasses 21 cities and suburbs in Passaic and Essex counties and was for years a Democratic stronghold because of its large urban and immigrant populations. Martini became the district’s first Republican Congressman in three decades when he defeated Herb Klein, a one-term Democrat, by 1,800 votes in 1994. During his freshman term, Martini earned a reputation as a fiscal conservative bent on reducing government spending. Pascrell, a 59-year-old Democrat, fought fiercely to wrest the seat from Martini, who was considered the most vulnerable of the state’s freshmen Republicans. Throughout the campaign, he portrayed Martini as a disciple of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, saying that he had betrayed his constituency by voting to shrink government spending on health care, education and the environment. “During the last few years, the politics being practiced in our nation’s capitol has been divisive,’’ Pascrell said in claiming victory. “They’re trying to blame certain groups of people for social problems. We need to be above that in the Eighth Congressional District.’’ In the final days of the race, Pascrell, a former public school teacher, spent most of his time campaigning in Paterson, whose population makes up almost a quarter of the district’s electorate. That effort, combined with the fact that he has been a popular mayor, paid off: Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city, gave Pascrell a hometown lead of 17,000 votes, an insurmountable margin to Martini. From the beginning, the Eighth District race received special attention from both parties at the national level, with Martini considered a vulnerable Republican because of his high-profile opponent. Special-interest groups also entered the fray—the Sierra Club ran advertisements on Martini’s behalf and the A.F.L.-C.I.O. doing the same for Pascrell. The candidates spent more than $1 million each on their campaigns, making this the most expensive Congressional race in New Jersey. Much of the money was spent on radio and television advertisements whose tone grew increasingly harsh in the final weeks, when it became clear that the candidates would be in a dead heat until the end. Pascrell captured more than 52 percent of the votes— nearly 7,000 more than Martini. After conceding defeat, Martini publicly wished Pascrell good luck. 60 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Nov. 6, 1996: Sacred Heart Church at Clifton and Randolph Ave., begins a yearlong centennial celebration with the cleaning of the church bell cast by an Italian immigrant using scrap metals collected by parishioners. Nov. 20, 1996: After finishing their halftime routine at a football game, members of the Mustang Band formed up for an unscheduled routine. The members created a horseshoe and encircled their startled director Robert Morgan, saluting him on his 25th anniversary at the band’s helm. His son, Dan stepped forward and pinned a flower on his lapel and the band struck up What I Did for Love, a signature number of the ensemble for years. Nov. 17, 1996: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church celebrates its 100th anniversary. Led by the pastor Rev. Susanah Smith, the church’s charity work is well known within Clifton and surrounding communities. The Clifton Ave. congregation has at the heart of its mission St. Peter’s Haven, the Clifton Ave. homeless shelter and food pantry, which has been serving the area’s needy since 1987. Dec. 6, 1996: Fire Department Chief Walter DeGroot retires after 37 years with the department. 1997: The Boys & Girls Club enters its 50th year of service. The Club came a long way since opening in 1947, then with only 30 members and known as Clifton Boys Club. The Club was originally located on one floor in Botany’s School 7. Today, the Club is at 181 Colfax Ave. Jan. 1, 1997: Bell Atlantic implements the 973 area code to meet the over-demand on the 201 area code. Jan. 8, 1997: Police raid a Lakeview Ave. massage parlor after complaints from neighbors and a one month undercover operation. Three women were arrested and charged with prostitution. Later in the month, police raided a second ‘spa’ on Mt. Prospect Ave. and arrested two more women for prostitution.
r
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Fire Chief Walter DeGroot, Rev. Susanah Smith, Barry and Sherry Rosenfeld, Robert Morgan.
Jan. 9, 1997: A 31-year-old Van Riper Ave. man was arrested and charged with attempting to murder his girlfriend with a chemical-soaked cloth while she lay sleeping alongside her 5-month-old daughter. The girlfriend managed to struggle free and ran out of the house seeking help. When police arrive, they found what appeared to be a freshly dug grave in the basement. The girlfriend was treated for minor wounds and a restraining order was issued on her boyfriend. Just days later, he was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Feb. 1997: As part of an on-going centennial celebration, the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church gather on a Sunday to view a wide screen videotape of their history, “The Sacred Heart Story.” Feb. 9, 1997: Clifton teachers peacefully picket in front of WWMS on Van Houten Ave. and CHS on Colfax Ave. The teachers, whose contract expired in June 1996, asked the Board to settle. A mediator will meet with the union and the Board for further negotiations. Feb. 23, 1997: Baseball Hall of Famer Yankee Phil Rizzuto visits the Baseball Card Club at WWMS. He chatted with students, signed autographs and impressed upon the students the importance of hard work. March 1997: Merchants Barry and Sherry Rosenfeld of Dundee Floor Covering, at 421 Broad St., celebrate their 70th anniversary. Rosenfeld’s father, Morris began the business in Passaic in 1927. March 1, 1997: Clifton Police Captain Robert Kelly retires after 30 years with the force. March 10, 1997: Members of the Delawanna Citizens’ Association give ‘cautious’ support to the $200 million Clifton Commons retail and entertainment center. Across town, Botany Plaza holds the grand opening for the new Pathmark on Randolph Ave. The supermarket was intended to be completed in time for Thanksgiving but took longer than expected. 62 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
April 6, 1997: Former Congressman William Martini tosses a shovel of dirt at the ground breaking ceremony for the renovations at the Boys & Girls Club. Founded in 1947, the Club offered recreational activities for young lads. In 1966, the Girls Club was founded to provide similar opportunities for girls. In 1986, the Clubs consolidated and became the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Membership grew to over 2,000 and over $4 million was raised to expand the existing facilities. The Nicholas Martini Foundation (of which Bill Martini heads) launched the campaign, which also received funds from families, businesses, banks and corporations.
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Hani Awadallah, David Van Dillen, John Dubravsky, Aaron Halpern, James Bovino.
April 6, 1997: Renovations for a $4.2 million expansion project on the Boys & Girls Club begins. The new facility will feature a competition sized pool, a computer room, learning center, counseling area, library, nutrition center and an expanded gymnasium. April 13, 1997: School 15, serving Dutch Hill, celebrates its 75th anniversary. The band and the chorus perform and a walking tour of the school is provided. May 7, 1997: Suzy Home Makers opens at 700 Rt. 3 West, while the Grand Union supermarket located on the corner of Lexington and Clifton Aves., closes. May 30, 1997: School 9 on Brighton Rd. marks its 75th anniversary and students bury a time capsule. Late spring-early summer 1997: State of New Jersey mandates that the district must implement a public preschool and full day kindergarten by 2001. June 15, 1997: Givaudan Roure, the international fragrance and flavor manufacturer long associated with Clifton, began laying off dozens of white collar workers as it shut its plant on Delawanna Ave. In total, Givaudan will eliminate about 200 jobs. Separately, plans are announced for a multi-million dollar renovation at the former BASF office building on Broad St near Chitteden Rd. to build ‘spec’ Class A office space. July 27, 1997: A meeting between city administrators and Arabic leaders. The North Jersey Arab-American Civic Organization’s president, Hani Awadallah, City Manager Robert Hammer, Police Chief Frank LoGioco and eight Arab-American citizens discussed the problems that the Arabic community experienced in dealing with some officers on the Clifton Police Department. July 5, 1997: Clifton historian David L. Van Dillen dies. He wrote a 300-year timeline for Clifton Merchant Magazine earlier that same year. As a result, Cliftonites would always have the testament to the City’s great history as new history continued to unfold. 64 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Aug. 27, 1997: Just as lawyers and developers for the Clifton Commons on Rt. 3 finalize plans, they hit a bump in the road. The City of Nutley announced that they would file suit against The Related Companies, and the City of Clifton. Nutley citizens feared that the quality of life in their residential community would deteriorate once the proposed megamall and its traffic were introduced. They also noted that their concerns were not addressed by the developer, nor the Clifton Planning Board. Some Nutley residents formed a group, saying that they will boycott the megamall, as well as any of the franchises that rent space in the complex. September 1997: The first committee to address school growth and overcrowding is formed. The Clifton Early Childhood Development Committee that includes 17 people—parents, community members, BOE and City Council members—is tasked to recommend proposals to implement the state’s mandate for full-day kindergarten and offer suggestions to help alleviate overcrowding. Sept. 7, 1997: John Dubravsky is sworn in as Fire Chief. He was with the CFD since July 1968. In January, over 180 would attend a testimonial dinner held in Dubravsky’s honor. Sept. 24, 1997: Aaron Halpern, former CHS principal, dies. Halpern served in the school system for 43 years, the last quarter century as the high school’s principal. Sept. 21, 1997: CEO and Chair of Town & Country James J. Bovino announces plans to purchase the vacant Shulton factory complex, demolish the buildings, change the property use from industrial to residential and build over 600 townhouses. An unspecified number of the homes will be set aside for senior housing. Today, Cambridge Crossings and the adjacent over-55 adult community known as Winthrop Court, offers an entrance on Colfax Ave. across from CHS. The project was the subject of much controversy during construction, from above height units to a lack of parking.
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Despite construction going on at the recently purchased Valley Regency, which was the former Robin Hood Inn, over 300 attend Clifton’s 80th Anniversary celebration on Oct. 19, 1997. The casual event included no program and guests enjoyed great food, entertainment and many were impressed with the first glimpse of renovations at the Regency. The 80th Anniversary Dinner Committee included Peter Eagler, Phyllis Bivaletz, Doreen Delancy, Ellen De Losh, Mary Genthon, Dawn Kaiser, Mayor James Anzaldi, Keith Oakley, Joan Robertson, Timothy Shanley, Norma Smith, Stefan Tatarenko and Joan Umhoefer.
Sept. 24, 1997: The Council voted to pass three ordinances to deter truck traffic on Valley Rd., forcing restrictions on trucks entering and exiting Dell Contractors at 650 Valley Rd. Neighbors were complaining that Dell, owners of the rock quarry, had become a nuisance. The ordinances had to pass a second reading before becoming law. Representatives of Dell already said they will cease operations at the quarry and move out of the City within the next five years. Oct. 4, 1997: The Knights of Columbus Perez Council 262 marks 100 years of service. Oct. 14, 1997: Robert Rhizoids is named Clifton’s Director of Economic Development.
Nov. 15, 1997: Lambert Castle opens its doors for the first time in two years as the Passaic County Historical Society hosts its annual Holiday Boutique. Nov. 23, 1997: After nearly a year and a half without a contract, more than 60 percent of the members of the certified teaching staff of the Clifton school district vote to accept a new contract. The contract called for an 11 percent increase over a three-year period. Dec. 10, 1997: Clifton Taxpayers Association calls it quits after eight years. The CTA enjoyed significant activity and was instrumental in engaging city, county and state leaders on many City issues.
Oct. 22, 1997: The city changes Gregory Ave. to a oneway street heading north in response to growing concern for the safety of School 15’s students. November 1997: Early Childhood Curriculum committee forms for elementary school curriculums. It offers a recommendation that the City build a middle school and shift fifth graders from elementary school level to the middle school or the City build one central building to house pre-school and kindergarten. Nov. 9, 1997: Givaudan-Roure shifts 100 workers in legal, information systems, human resources, finance and admin out of Clifton. The positions were relocated to offices in Totowa and Cincinnati. Givaudan officials said they expect to be completely moved by the end of 1998. The City would miss its tax ratables and handicapped adults would miss the annual holiday party that Givaudan employees hosted for the past 26 years. 66 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Dec. 17, 1997: Stefan & Sons Meat Store at 246 Dayton Ave. in Botany Village celebrates 15 years. Owned and operated by the Bochna family for two generations, the store featured smoked and fresh meats, as well as Polish delicacies. The store closed in mid-2012.
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Memorable covers from 1998: January’s Project 2000; the late Dr. Alphonse Doerr was remembered in our March edition; in November, we asked: Was George Telesh the Greatest Mustang ever? and our 300 Years of History began in July.
1998: Clifton makes an investment in its community and its youth. Voters—many of whom never worked on a computer—chose to overwhelmingly approve a special $78 million bond referendum to begin Project 2000. The project was a five-year plan that was meant to upgrade and expand computer use throughout the City’s 16 public schools. Early 1998: The two-story CHS media center, constructed as part of the new wing, serves as the internet hub of the school district’s technology program. The center included 60 computers, all networked and able to access the internet through a T-1 telephone line.
Jan. 25, 1998: State education officials approve plans for a publicly funded charter school to open on Valley Rd. Clifton’s BOE officials fight the project, stating they would appeal the state’s decision because the BOE would be required to pay for the school. Feb. 27, 1998: Last month, Cliff Hall, the man of bronze who stood outside the entrance to City Hall since Oct. 1994, left for Rio de Janeiro … or so residents thought. The sculpture actually went to be cleaned and polished. Cliff—whose real name is ‘Point of View’—returned via a DPW truck and resumed his position near City Hall.
In Feb. 1998, Clifton Savings Bank donates $150,000 to the Boys & Girls Club and challenges other banks to collectively contribute $450,000 to the fund. Pictured are Kenneth Van Saders, John H. Peto, Gary Foerster, George Held, Dolores Colucci, John A. Celentano Jr., Florence Cannizzo, Frank J. Hahofer, Raymond L. Sisco, Joe C. Smith and Thomas Miller. “With more than a dozen banks in town, I am confident they will meet the challenge,” said Van Saders, President of Clifton Savings. He was right. PNC Bank gave a $50,000 gift within days. At right, Ed Looney was named executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling in 1996. In Feb. 1998, we interviewed him for this magazine. He shared his story of overcoming addiction and how he helped others through counseling and the 1-800-GAMBLER line he established.
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The Community Policing Division was formed by Chief Frank J. LoGioco in April 1995 and was deployed in Lakeview with officers Roger Schneider and David Kishbaugh on mountain bikes and Crime Prevention Officer Bill Hernandez. By 1998, the division had storefront offices at 209 Parker Ave., 217 Lakeview Ave. and 653 Van Houten Ave., and patrolled Botany, Lakeview, Athenia and what was then Main Mall, now known as Downtown Clifton. Led by Lt. Gary. F. Giardina and Sgt. Gerald Wyhopen, officers included Thomas Campbell, Philip Cibiniak, James Flanagan, Thomas Lanzalotto, Joseph Klein, John Michal, Mark Centurione, Esly Panduro, John Cusack, Randy Colondres and Carmine Petrone.
March 1998: Nurses of Passaic Beth Israel Hospital who make home visits are now using laptop computers to document information that is instrumental regarding decisions about a patient’s future course of treatment.
April 4, 1998: The new addition of CHS is dedicated, as well as the William F. Shershin Memorial Media & Technology Center.
April 24, 1998: George Hayak is presented the Optimist Club Friend of Youth Award for his 30 years of service to Clifton youth.
March 4, 1998: Work progresses on the final link of the Rt. 21 extension to connect Rts. 80 and 46. However, the Lexington-Trimble Ave. area is best avoided. Merchants complained that the work and lack of a ramp into the district would take a toll on Botany Village businesses, who say a Rt. 46 ramp is needed. April 1998: George Shevchuk, owner of Window Mill, renovates the Clifton State Plumbing building on Van Houten Ave. and moves Window Mill from Getty Ave. 70 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
April 26, 1998: Clifton Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Jewish Center on Delaware Ave. George J. Kramer, Pres. Clifton-Passaic Jewish Federation; Joseph Bukiet, founding Chair, Holocaust Resource Center; Congressman William Pascrell; Stuart Rabner, Chair, Holocaust Observance Committee.
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More 1998 covers: seniors in September: Mike Kalincsak, Alex Conway, Al Zwiazek and Juel Olczak. October’s diversity Luisa Castillo, Richard Smith, Sophia Constandinou, John Pogorelec and Sohail Mohammed. Les Herrschaft announced his retirement from politics in April. Santa encouraged Cliftonites on where to shop in December.
Lester Herrschaft retired from the City Council in 1998, but he won’t be retiring from Clifton’s affairs. Having a lifetime of public service, Herrschaft had a significant voting block that can influence a campaign or an issue. So when he made his choices and handicapped the City Council race for the magazine in that April edition, it became noteworthy. Here are his comments on most of the candidates and his seven choices. 1. Mayor James Anzaldi: “Jim is a hard-working politician. He’s a classic politician. He’s Clifton’s public relations man.” 2. Peter Eagler: “He’s an achiever who’s not a grandstander. He has quietly accomplished much. To me, he’ll always be a good kid.” 3. Ed Welsh: “I took Eddie under my wing when he just started and now he’s coming into his own.” Herrschaft said he saw strength in ‘the Slavic ticket’ in this election ... 4. Gloria Kolodziej: “She is a quality person that does her homework and is not afraid to tackle the tough issues. She’s smart and hard-working.” 5. Steve Hatala: “He’s gotten a lot of support and he’s got a campaign in place. He has good business qualities and he’ll be a smart addition to the council.” 6. Stefan Tatarenko: “He’ a gem. Steve is Clifton’s future. He’ll make a good councilman. Watch him. He’s got a big career ahead of him.” 7. Donald Kowal: “He’s served the City well for many years. Don works hard and he’s smart. He deserves to be re-elected.” Herrschaft said he admired all the candidates and chose to offer additional comments on the following: Nick Veliky: “He’s got a good shot. He’s an honest campaigner and he knows the issues. Nick might surprise a few people and bump one of the other candidates off. He’ll be back either way.” Bob Sidoti: “A good candidate for the future. It’s not his time. He’s a good kid.” Joe Latiano: “He’s a longtime Cliftonite. I always liked Joe.” 72 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
April 25, 1998: Clifton Community Coalition holds an inaugural walk, which begins at the Allwood Library and continues to the Clifton Tree Farm on Rt. 3. The walk was to promote a “heart healthy lifestyle.” May 14, 1998: The CHS Athletic Hall of Fame hosts a luncheon at the Brownstone and inductees include: Dori Breen (1985), Janeen Leeschok (1982), Henry Nalepka (1953), Dale Oostdyk (1974), Kathy Paz (1987), Ken Ritoch (1974), Dave Szott (1986) and Al Yuhas (1966).
Municipal Election May 12, 1998: James Anzaldi . . . . . . . . 9,221 Gloria Kolodziej . . . . . . 8,507 Edward Welsh . . . . . . . . 7,594 Peter Eagler . . . . . . . . . . 7,423 Donald Kowal . . . . . . . . 6,295 Steve Hatala . . . . . . . . . 6,212 Stefan Tatarenko . . . . . . 6,044 Anthony Genchi . . . . . . 5,892 Nicholas Veliky . . . . . . . 4,293 Robert Sidoti . . . . . . . . .3,894 Joseph Latiano . . . . . . . 3,089
Paul Epstein, Eleanor Gowatsky, Eleanor Siskind and George Eggers, new owner of Epstein’s in Downtown Clifton, the landmark clothing store on Main near Clifton Ave.
June 17, 1998: Coldwell Banker combines three successful real estate entities: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Murphy Reality and Ann Smith Real Estate. Hosting a celebration was the Ramada Inn in Clifton. July 1998: Epstein’s of Clifton is sold. Founded in 1900 by Samuel and Rosa Epstein near Van Houten Ave. and Broad St., Epstein’s retailed jeans, sportswear and school uniforms. It moved to 1163 Main Ave., in 1944 and was operated and owned by Paul Epstein and his mom Lake.
December 1998: Patricia and Frank Bucco, son Frank Jr., and niece Patricia Lozito, opened Buco Ristorante on 935 Allwood Rd., next to Joey’s. “What first got me interested in the business was my father and then my husband,” said Patricia. When her husband, Frank became involved in the food and liquor business, she decided to open a restaurant of her own. At the age of 24, Patricia opened Martha’s Vineyard. Thanks to its strategic location on Rt. 3 in Clifton, the Bucco’s remained at Martha’s Vineyard for 25 successful years. Martha’s became not only a part of Clifton’s dining scene, but it earned a reputation throughout the tri-state area. “We moved to this location because we get more local residents and business people,” said Frank Bucco, Sr. “Buco is a little more casual too. We did away with tuxedos and lowered our prices.”
August 1998: Courtney Coleman and Russell Schneider take over Schneider’s Flowers. Once named Leonard A. Schneider’s Flowers, the business adopted the new name when Courtney and Russell became co-owners. Formed in 1948, it was originally located on Colfax Ave. before moving the following year to 879 Clifton Ave.
Summer 1998: Spearheaded by Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej, the Clifton Arts Center Inc. is formed. The Board of Trustees were: Mary Ann Baskinger, Dr. Joseph Leo Barone, Roxanne Cammilleri with Cynthia Czesak as Vice President and Jeff Labriola President.
September 1998: Victoria Gaunt takes over Joseph’s Salon on Market St. She is welcomed into the Allwood community by customers and merchants alike.
Oct. 31, 1998: There are over 9,000 students in the district, with more than 1,000 in each middle school, according to figures released by the Board.
Good Neighbors, Great Rates
973-772-8451 Thomas Tobin 973-779-4248
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The 1998 Lady Mustangs captured the program’s second straight Group 4 State championship with yet another unblemished 31-0 record. Back row, from left, Tamara Tinijero, Kim Anzaldi, Danielle Brill, Candice D'Andrea, Jamie Anzaldi, Jen Carlo, Amanda Bongiorno, Bobbi-Jo Gonnello and Megan Doci. Front row, from left, Kim Alongi, Ashley Gonnello, Erin Burke, Lara Foster, Vickie Benitez and Jackie Barnes. Lying down in front is Laura Tynio. Photo Kathy Burke.
Nov. 4 1998: Supt. William Liess forms a Site Committee, consisting of three BOE commissioners, Wayne Demikoff, Bob D’Arco and Norm Tahan, to find suitable locations to build a middle school. Nov. 8, 1998: The largest Veterans Day parade in North Jersey steps off in Clifton along Main Ave. from DeMott Ave. and into Main Memorial Park. Nov. 18, 1998: About 30 residents attend a BOE meeting to discuss building a third middle school. December 1998: Clifton was introduced to Thomas Insinga, perhaps better known at the time as Santa Claus. To date, he had traveled the streets of Clifton, bringing joy to children, for 28 years. He was not the only Claus, as Mark Carfora also enjoyed donning the red suit and white beard to spread holiday cheer. Carfora created a Botany Spectacular by decorating his home at 76 Arthur St. with thousands of lights and displays.
At the Midtown Grill in early 1999, John and Tommy Foukas share the recipes for their Texas Weiner sauce with new owners Gerry Dimitratos and Jimmy Doris.
Dec. 4, 1998: The 75 members of the Clifton Association of Artists celebrate 35 years. The association started in 1963 when 11 artists who had painted together for a year decided to form the CAA.
1999: Clifton is named in the top 11 percent of the safest cities in the country. Meanwhile, Styertowne Shopping Center and its apartment complexes are sold. The center was built in 1952, one of the first strip malls in the U.S.
Dec. 14, 1998: The BOE hosts a televised meeting to further discuss the proposal to build a third middle school. Parents and residents were encouraged to attend the 7 pm meeting at 745 Clifton Ave.
1999: R.F. Knapp Roofing on 14 Pilgrim Dr. expands by providing installation and repair to siding and windows, adding to their traditional roofing. R.F. Knapp Roofing was founded by Richard Knapp in 1960.
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1999 covers: January’s Economic Outlook; Love, Marriage & Family featured from top left: Nancy Leonard and Katie Mei. Roger, Donna, Conrad, Kim and Kelly Lope. Roy and Nancy Garretson. Jeff and Diane Reilly with Kristin, Scott and Brian. Peter and Helen Abbate. Dr. Steve LaPoff of Immedicenter in March and CHS Principal Bill Cannici in April.
1999: The Marrocco Family marks their 100th anniversary. The founder of the funeral home, Pietro Marrocco Sr., began on Mill St. in Paterson in 1899. Pietro Sr. also had ‘parlors’ by 1916 on Dayton Ave. in Botany Village, Slate St., Passaic and on Harrison Ave., Lodi. In the 1920s, his sons, Henry and Peter entered the family business and continued to expand it. Now, with Henry’s son, James, the service is in its fourth generation. Jan. 17, 1999: Four Senior Girl Scouts from Clifton Girl Scout Troop 235 are honored at a Gold Award Ceremony at St. Andrew the Apostle Church on Mt. Prospect Ave. The scouts included: Shari Abramowitz, Janell Bania, Jenny VonAchen and Jennifer Wos.
April 12, 1999: An Evening In Italy at the exquisite Filli Ponte Ristorante, 39 DeBosses St, New York was a wonderfully classy fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Hosts Fran and Vinnie Ponte and their children Frank, Joseph and Michael presented a menu that allowed guests to enjoy food and wines from Piedmont through the Veneto, Tuscany down to Umbria, Abruzzo finishing up in Lazio and Campania. The evening raised funds for the Capital Construction of the Boys & Girls Club and sold bricks along the Club’s Pathways of Dreams. Vinnie Ponte is the fundraising chair and while he is near the goal, more funds are needed.
Henry Jr, and his son, James Marrocco. The Sag-A-Bits seated left, Tony ‘Yiggs’ Romaglia and Bob Motta. Standing from left, Wally DeVries, Joe Menegus, John Filipone and Mickey McFadden. Ron Olszowy president of Nationwide Bail Bonds.
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Marie Hakim, Marcia Schwartz, Lizz Gagnon, Anne Marie Bisacchio, Matt Ward, Norm Tahan, Joe Kolodziej.
April 20, 1999: BOE candidates for a three-year term include incumbents Marie Hakim and Lizz Gagnon, and challengers Marcia Schwartz, Anne Marie Bisacchio and Matt Ward. Candidates for a one-year term include incumbent Norman Tahan and challenger Joseph Kolodziej. Top vote-getter Hakim received 3,891; Gagnon 3,436 and Ward 2,876. Kolodziej received 3,204 to Tahan’s 2,049.
May 29, 1999: Bellin’s Clifton Swimming Club on Main Ave. at the Passaic border is slated to open despite rumors of its demolition spawned from redevelopment talks.
Late spring 1999: The Boys & Girls Club expansion, including the Martini Aquatics Center, is complete, as is Botany Plaza, which includes a Super K-Mart.
May 11, 1999: Clifton Athletic Hall of Famers: Janet Domino, 1988; Robert Holly, 1977; Chrissy Klimek Cole, 1988; Sue Piekarcz, 1987; Gary Shenton, 1969; Herbie Calvert, 1974; Bob Szuka, 1966; Willie Guman, 1944; Walt Semon, 1943. Meet Lenni, the recycling Indian, the mascot for the Clean Communities program and Clifton Recycling.
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May 1999: Joe Tuzzolino, Randy Colondres, Walt Pruiksma, Helene Lenowec, John Biegel Jr. Celebrating the Class of 1999 high school grads in June. Boys Club history in September. Joey Angello and Fred Lombardo in October.
June 1999: The city stands to receive $275,000 annually under a federal HUD grant. The application must be made with one other neighboring community since Clifton is not deemed needy enough to apply on its own. June 18, 1999: The Class of 1954 celebrates their 45th reunion at the Upper Montclair Country Club. June 26, 1999: Angelo ‘Bert’ Bertelli, 78, above, dies of brain cancer. Four decades prior, he opened Bertelli’s Fine Wine, Beer & Liquor in Styertowne Shopping Center. Bertelli won the Heisman Trophy in 1943 for his role as quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. July 1999: Safety Town (below) marks 20 years on the School 2 playground as pre-school children experience hands-on safety in a “mini-world” with principal Linda Centinaro; music director Mary Scilla; art director Ramona Hallick; track coordinator Karen Christiaens.
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July 1999: The City Council agrees to purchase the 35acre Athenia Steel tract for $5.5 million with a $250,000 down payment and $1 million due at closing. The Council presented plans to break ground within two years for 250 subsidized senior apartments in two four-story buildings. Plans also included two regulation-sized baseball fields, two soccer fields and four outdoor basketball courts. Owner National Standard agreed to pay for an environmental cleanup of the grounds contaminated from plant emissions. July 30, 1999: A beefsteak to support the “David Masiello Medical Trust Fund” will help the 21-year-old (below) battling Aplastic anemia receive a bone marrow transplant in August. The procedure for the rare disease required that he remain in Seattle, WA for four months. The Masiello family, Bob and Ann and their sons, Joe and David, have given themselves through work with St. Peter’s Haven shelter for homeless families and its community food pantry.
Oct. 23, 1999: Rainbow Montessori students plant young trees at Beth Sholom Reform Temple, at 733 Passaic Ave., where the school is.
Nov. 15, 1999: A grand re-opening dedication for the Boys & Girls Club takes place with a ribbon cutting and presentation by members.
Nov. 7, 1999: Albion Memorial Post 7165’s parade begins at 491 Valley Rd., goes on to Tristan Rd., then to Maplewood Ave., ending at Albion Park.
Nov. 7, 1999: Chris DeSanguine finishes the NYC Marathon in 4 hours and 32 minutes. He had recently married Bonnie Rankin and purchased a home in town.
Skip Herrschaft with his dad Les.
Aug. 2, 1999: The 28th Annual Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament is held at the Upper Montclair Country Club. Skip Herrschaft (above) is the Tournament Chairman for the past 18 years and owner of Ashley’s Restaurant in Styertowne Shopping Center for the same amount of time. Aug. 19, 1999: John Blesing, CHS ‘79, purchases a 2,600 square foot property at 13 Sebago St., and opens a showroom and warehouse to house Blesing’s Flooring. Sept. 13, 1999: The newly renovated Boys & Girls Club is completed and ready to serve 2,265 members. Sept. 18, 1999: Five-year-old Gina Lobue, inset, led 800 people in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club Parade. Stallions marched from the Clifton Masonic Lodge on Van Houten Ave. to the soccer field at John Paul II School on Valley Rd. October 1999: Clifton Sag-A-Bits (old Mustangs still with us who just sag a bit!) honors the 1943 Mustangs at their 21st reunion. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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Marlene and Bob Zschack
Nov. 5, 1999: Readers learn of the life of Bob Zschack and how he became known as the Voice of the Mustangs. A beloved CHS science teacher, Zschack began announcing football games in 1958. As his comfort level grew, he added his own anecdotal and often parenthetical comments about the game, events on the field and football facts. He served in the announcer’s booth for over four decades. Nov. 14, 1999: Charles A. Manella is honored when Normandy Park playground on East Sixth St. is rededicated in his name. Manella was a former Rec. Dept. president and founding president of the Girls’ Club. Nov. 20, 1999: About 500 parents and students rally for School Construction Funding at CHS. Organized by the BOE, and spearheaded by Commissioner Matt Ward, the event was staged to draw attention to legislation that would provide funding to school districts for construction of new schools and renovation for aging buildings. December 1999: Jeff Sitar of Clifton, a registered and bonded professional safecracker, who opens vaults and safes using sight, feel and hearing, is named the World Champion Safecracker for the sixth time. He would go on to win another seven times, and still plies his trade here in Clifton. 80 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
It came down to a shoot-out behind School 2 in Late Summer 1999. A soccer shoot out, that is. Four teams went into the semi final games of the Teen Scene Summer Soccer League and both the games were decided on PK’s or penalty kicks. As we went to press, the Championship Game for the Clifton City Cup was being played between the Bulldogs and Burn. In a bigger picture, all these teens and their coaches have found themselves as a footnote in Clifton History. Played on Wednesday nights, the inaugural summer soccer league attracted about 50 kids. It was an extension of the successful Teen Scene at WWMS on Friday evenings and the Clifton Teen Magazine, which we published for about a year and produced three editions, pictured above. Here are the names of the teams, coaches and most of the players: Bulldogs Coaches Jerry Vitello and Val Florio. Players: Nicholas Vitello, Raymond Tulling, Dinis Santos, Robert DeGraaff, Richard Peterson, Christopher Florio, Joe Mazzone, Anthony Florio, Nicholas DeGraaff, John Ferrari. Devils Coaches Chuck Rogers and Wally Lares. Players: Michael Rogers, William Guirales, Bert Hartmann, Michael Conway, Paul Pomykala, Pablo Zirpolo, Fernando Guevara, David Sierra, Andre Richards, Christopher Lima. Burn Coaches Pete Perehinec and Steve Crawford. Players: Adam Nwandu, Danny Feghhi, Andrew Krycki, John Perehinec, Nery Barreda, Steven Poon, Scott Eustace. Tomahawks Coaches Tom Hawrylko and George Arana. Players: Samuel Arana, Adrian Torres, Adam Bartlett, Anthony Minervini, Jonathan Donini, Andres Arana, Thomas Hawrylko, Jr., Joseph Hawrylko, Jesse Hastings, Ryan Hoyt.
Nov. 25, 1999: On Thanksgiving Day, Clifton Firefighters and the Oneil family of Clifton’s IHOP (left) team up to provide a free Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner for seniors in need. The dinner was held at the Clifton Senior Citizen Barn on City Hall grounds with FMBA members serving dinner and doing the clean up. Nov. 5, 1999: CMM presents the Mustangs All-Century Team, picked by a panel of Clifton football experts and historians. They include QB Dale Oosdyk (CHS ‘74), Center Elmer Gall (CHS ‘46), Receiver Bob Papa (CHS ‘59), Receiver Hal Corizzi (CHS ‘45), Offensive Lineman Davis Bosson (CHS ‘56), Offensive Lineman Bob Gogick (CHS ‘62), Offensive Lineman Ray Malavasi (CHS ‘48), Offensive Lineman Dave Szott (CHS ‘85), Running Back Bob Boettcher (CHS ‘47), Running Back George Telesh (CHS ‘57), Running Back Gary Shenton (CHS ‘69) and Kicker Jerry Andrewlavage (CHS ‘74). Defensive Back Richie Tate (CHS ‘69), Defensive Back Fred Henry (CHS ‘64), Defensive Back Ed Klimek (CHS ‘87), Linebacker Bob Csuka (CHS ‘67), Linebacker Ken Ritoch (CHS ‘74), Linebacker Bob Van Der Linda (CHS ‘54), Linebacker Ted Kukowski (CHS ‘47), Defensive Lineman Bob Cisternino (CHS ‘46), Defensive Lineman Joe Schiavone (CHS ‘71), Defensive Lineman Don Grilli (CHS ‘60), Defensive Lineman Henry Nelepka (CHS ‘53), Punt/Kickoff Returner Ken Lenert (CHS ‘54), Punt/Kickoff Returner Frank Pecci (CHS ‘52) and Punter Bob Boettcher (CHS ‘47). Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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What do you want most for Clifton in the next century?
Eugene Osmak, Councilman Stefan Tatarenko, with his son Andrew, Ellen Corbo, with her daughter Stacey, Bob Morgan.
With the December 1999 magazine and Y2K on the horizon, we asked Cliftonites what they wanted most for the city in the next century. Some said they wanted more focus put on school funding. Others hoped that Clifton would “become more of a community again.” Then Marching Mustang Band Director Bob Morgan said that he did not want Clifton to “slip away.” “More civic pride, less traffic, a strong Veteran’s Day parade. I like to keep Clifton neighborhood friendly.”
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Councilman Stefan Tatarenko, pictured with his son Andrew, expressed a similar sentiment. Tatarenko hoped to “rejuvenate pride in Clifton.” “With pride, everything else falls in line. The City Council, the Board of Education and the residents will all follow suit and be inspired to greatness.” The year was full of city pride, beginning with a gala celebration hosted by Clifton’s Millennium Celebration Committee at the Valley Regency on Jan. 2. The gala was planned as the major welcoming celebration of the next 1,000 years for Cliftonites. Also planned for the year 2000 was an evening gala in April designed to recognize Clifton’s older seniors and famous past residents. However, Eugene Osmak recognized the importance of focusing on the children, who were Clifton’s future. “I’d like to see more recreational fields and more organized sports programs for our kids,” said Osmak. “Our kids are our future and our city should recognize that and invest in them.” A focus on investments in our public schools was also important to many. Ellen Corbo, pictured with her daughter Stacey, suggested it was time to prioritize “more equitable funding for our schools” in an effort to return them to their “place of superiority in the state.” In the early part of 2000, Corbo was part of a volunteer committee appointed by the Board of Education to help site locations for a third middle school. CHS Principal Bill Cannici seconded her thoughts. Cannici hoped for “excellence in education and the foresight to maintain a position of excellence in our district.”
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Steve Garas, Wendy Vesque, Barbara Van Dorn, with her daughter Melissa, Jerry Burgan.
Barbara Van Dorn, who was interviewed with her daughter Melissa, focused on opportunities for kids. “More community dances, more social events... maybe a regular teen club with a DJ and dancing for the kids.” “I think Clifton is turning around to become more of a community again,” offered Delawanna resident Wendy Vesque, “and I hope that will continue. I want to see more of that old ‘help your neighbor’ attitude prevail in our hometown.” A theme of bringing business and good jobs back to our city pervaded conversations. As Steve Garas looked to and beyond the year 2000, he was hoping to “see big industry, workers and employment opportunities return here again. This is
one of the best locations in the whole state, so why don’t we have more big companies here? Maybe we need to be giving tax breaks to get these companies here in Clifton instead of up Route 10,” he continued. Along with that growth came increasing traffic. The turn of the century saw more cars on the roads than ever before, and it was a point of contention for some. Jerry Burgan insisted that Clifton needed to grow at a more reasonable pace. “There’s too much traffic for this size of town,” he said. “And I’d like to see Downtown Clifton really be improved, too.” So with that we close the books on the 1990s... we look forward to continuing our Clifton History in the 2000s in the near future!
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CHAMPIONS
The Clifton Girls Softball League made Clifton history on July 17. Successfully edging out Freehold Township, the young girls became the Junior League New Jersey Champions and the City’s first softball team to reach the state championship. The team is led by Manager Steve Shukaitis and coaches Heather Conklin and Mike Lesler. Their record for the season was 8-1. Team members and coaches include Mike Lesler, Taylor Panico, Chassidy Rodriguez, Heather Conklin, Danila Vidal, Morgan Lesler, Amarie Avella, Lia Sciancalepore, Skylar Wheeler, Kate Louer, Steve Shukaitis. Kneeling, Brielle Rodriguez, Liana Neumann, Jessica Gonzales, Grace Shukaitis, Lily Zschack and Virginia Ferrera. The Class of 2017 CHS Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon and induction is Oct. 15 at noon at the Brownstone. Inductees include Anthony Yelovich, Cara Boseski, Deanna Giordano, Paul Kornaszewski, Stephen Yacykewych, Coach Rick La Duke, Contributor Florence Calise, the 2006 CHS Fighting Mustangs and the 2001 CHS girls soccer team. Jack Whiting and Tom Hawrylko are selling ads for the Journal. To advertise, call 973-253-4400 for info. VFW 7165 will travel to West Point on Sept. 9 to see Army play Buffalo at noon. The trip includes breakfast, transportation, a ticket, refreshments and food on return to the VFW. West Point is scheduling Army appreciation day and a Cadet review before the game. Tickets are $65. Call Richard De Lotto at 973-470-8972 for information and reservations. 84 August 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
The Rev. Placido Lentini at the first service on July 16 at the House of Fire Christian Church on Grove St.
After legal and political battles that have lasted for nearly two decades, House of Fire Christian Church opens at 835 Grove St. on July 23. In 2001, the Church purchased a piece of property (the lot), located within an R-A1 Single Family Residential Zone. They then applied to the Zoning Board, seeking variance relief to replace the single-family residence with a new church facility. However, despite the Board hearing testimony regarding the Church’s application on five separate dates from January 2, 2002, until October 2, 2002, the Board denied the Church’s application. A concern that was raised by the community was that the granting of the variance would have a substantial effect on the adjoining residential neighborhood.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A Spencer Savings Bank scholarship of $1,000 was presented to CHS senior Daniel Loukachouk by Clifton Branch manager Halina Qasem. Since its forming in 2002, the Spencer Scholarship Program awarded more than $360,000 in scholarships to students within the bank’s service areas. The Dutch Hill Residents Association awarded a scholarship to CHS senior Charles Clayton. From left, Stacey Anderson, Charles’ mother; Treasurer John Miksits; Scholarship Chair Margaret Glenn; President Terry McMahon; VP Joan Sanford and Recording Secretary MaryAnn Miksits.
Historic Botany’s Carnival is Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, from 5 to 10:30 pm daily, at Randolph Park. Enjoy rides, food and entertainment. Bracelet night is Thursday with a $25 ticket deal. St. Andrew’s Carnival at 400 Mt. Prospect Ave. is Sept. 6 to 10 with various hours. Super bracelets cost $75 at campys.com/tickets. Purchase daily bracelets for $30 at the carnival. More info at sasclifton.com. The 15th Annual Van Houten Ave. Street Fair is Sept. 17. Enjoy food, vendors, rides and live entertainment. For more info on the all-day affair or how to become a vendor, call 201-410-1686 or 973-778-7837. Downtown Clifton Restaurant Week offers twofers and special lunch and dinner specials at select dining establishments from Sept. 17 to 23. For a list of participating eateries, go to downtownclifton.com on Sept. 1.
A Taste of Clifton Food & Wine Fest is Oct. 2 at 6:30 pm at the Boys & Girls Club, 181 Colfax Ave. The benefit for the Club offers sampling from 30 restaurants, as well as wine tastings and an outdoor beer garden. Call John DeGraaf for details 973-773-0966 ext. 111. The Club’s 4th Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show is Sept. 10, 9 am at the Allwood Atrium, 2 Brighton Rd. All years, vintages and styles of vehicles are invited—including mini bikes. Register by Aug. 31 for $15. Day of the show starts at 7:30 am and costs $20. Call 973-773-0966 ext. 111 or info@bgcclifton.org. The Ukrainian Festival at St. Nicholas Church on 217 President St. in Passaic is Sept. 17 at noon. Visitors will find plenty of stuffed cabbage, pierogies and other delicacies. There will be great dance music and plenty of vendors selling interesting crafts. Admission is $5. Call 973-471-9727 for info.
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CENTENNIAL
Free Summer Concert Series: Wednesdays in August, Woodrow Wilson Middle School Bring your lawn chairs! All programs begin at 7:30 pm. Rain? Concerts move indoors at WWMS. August 9 - West Point US Army Band. The professional orchestra has inspired and entertained audiences with a program of Americana and concert pieces. Patrons will enjoy a truly patriotic show. August 16 - The Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York. A 29piece American Brass Band playing Americana and movie titles, with Broadway vocalists.
August 23 - Clifton Native Night Homegrown talent that cover genres from the 1960s to these current days.
September 23, 2017 Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty Trip Location: Clifton City Hall
August 30 - Forever Ray Entertaining tribute to Ray Charles with vocals and Soul inspired band.
September 30, 2017 Time: 9 am-12 pm Clifton Scavenger Hunt Location: The Barrow House
Additional Events: August 15, 2017 - 7 pm Clifton Night at the Subway Series Location: Yankee Stadium Bus departs: 3:15 pm
October 21, 2017 Time: TBA Trip to 9/11 Memorial & Museum October 25, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm US Marine Band Performance Location: CHS Auditorium November 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 Fri. & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm Theater League of Clifton presents Thoroughly Modern Millie November 30, 2017 Time: TBA Centennial Gala: Valley Regency Info: cliftonnj.org or on FB “Celebrate Clifton’s 100th”
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ARTS & EVENTS
Flying balalaikas, song and dance of Eastern Europe are what The Tamburitzan promise on the CHS stage on Sept. 23 at 4 pm. Presented by Holy Apostles Church, tickets are $35 or $40 day of the show. Go to talentshadows.events or call 973-460-0243. Unforgettable is Thos Shipley’s Tribute to Jazz Great Nat King Cole on Aug. 19 and 20 at Mario’s Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave. The musical fundraiser is a benefit for the Theater League of Clifton. Tickets, at $45, includes a hot and cold appetizer buffet, wine, beer and soda. Call 973-928-7668, or go to theaterleagueofclifton.com.
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MONDAY, 6:30 to 9 pm 181 Colfax Ave.
Oct.
nd 2
Dine Around Clifton in One Location
Tickets: $40
Package Deal: 10 tickets: $350
Call John DeGraaf at 973-773-0966 x111 or write to info@bgcclifton.org
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Outdoor Beer Garden & Live Entertainment
With Special Thanks to our Title Sponsors Investors Bank
M&T Bank
ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton
Boiling Springs Bank
Cuellar Family Markets
ShopRite Wines & Spirits of Clifton
Enjoy Food & Drink from... Allwood Diner Anthonys Coal Fired Pizza Bogey's Sports Pub Uno Pizzaria and Grill Francesco's Restaurant Mausam Express Costco Wholesale Jamie's Cigar Bar & Restaurant Mario's Restaurant Matthew's Italian Restaurant Gerry D's Catering Mountainside Inn
Mr CupCakes DeRolicious Delights The Shannon Rose Irish Pub ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton Toros Turkish Restaurant Applebees Inca Kola Mexican Cantina/ Clifton City Tavern Hornitos Bakery Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
The Barrow House Midtown Diner & Grill Ameti's Pizza Ideal Supermarket Philly Pretzel Factory Pink Petal Cakes Meson Barcelona TGIFridays Shoppers Vineyard Stew Leonards Saver's Club Liquor Locker Peerless Distributors
Entertainment by DJ Nick at Nite Please follow our Facebook page for exciting updates on this and other events, www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubOfClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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Rafael and Mimi Cuellar hosted a one year anniversary celebration on July 29 to mark the opening of ShopRite Wines & Spirits of Clifton. Located at 985 Paulison Ave., Clifton, a short drive from their Paulison Avenue ShopRite, the success of the store, said Cuellar, is due to a great team of employees and managers. “They make our customers feel welcomed and they stay knowledgeable on what we offer for sale," said Cuellar. As part of the day long festivities, shoppers were offered food, snacks and drinks and chances to win prizes in raffles. On these pages are photos of vendors, employees and family members who were invited to a reception to celebrate the milestone.
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Birthdays & Celebrations - August 2017
Happy Birthday to... Send dates & names... tomhawrylko@optonline.net
Tom and Lori Hawrylko celebrate their third anniversary on Aug. 18, Lori’s 59th is on Aug. 4 and Tom’s 60th is on Aug. 15. Ottilia Kedl turned 11 on July 23 and brother Alexander celebrates his 9th birthday on Aug. 28. Greetings to Emilie Oakley who is 24 on Aug. 22.
Jack and his wife Anne Houston celebrate their 31st anniversary on Aug. 8
Margot Villanova................8/1 Kim West...........................8/1 Angelo Greco ....................8/2 Karen Lime ........................8/2 Michael Urciuoli .................8/2 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 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
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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
Peter & Christina Kedl celebrate their 13th anniversary on Aug. 21.
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Rudy Hudak turns 88 on Aug. 17. Phil J. Smith will hit a milestone plus 1 on Aug. 24. Happy Anniversary to Nancy & Mike Ressetar on Aug. 15 and to Bruce & Diane Drake at 46 years on Aug. 22. Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2017
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EVENTS In 1978, Radio City Music Hall was slated to be demolished but dancer Rosemary Novellino was determined that it would not happen. The Glen Rock resident, and member of the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company, started The Show People’s Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall. Artists, workers, friends and fans around the world, as well as national media, cultural leaders and politicians came to support the cause. As a result, the Art Deco palace was declared a National Historic Landmark. Hear her story in person when the Clifton Arts Center will present its 9th Annual Tea & Conversation fund-raiser at the Valley Regency on Oct. 15 at 1 pm. Call 973-472-5499 or go to www.cliftonnj.org for info.
Juggling, jousting, games and a visit by a knight and queen from Medieval Times brought to life NJEDDA High School’s July 28 Renaissance Faire. Students designed costumes, headdresses and coats of armor to receive a key to their own kingdom. The North Jersey Elks School is in its 68th year as a pioneer in the rehabilitation field for children and adults with special needs and is at Main and Union Aves. in Downtown Clifton. Call 973-772-2600 or visit www.njedda.org for more info.
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Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
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