Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Table of Contents
What’s Inside? 7
Christmas in Egypt... Because She is An American!
On our cover, Madrigals Paulina Edel, Kylie Marie Gonzalez, Isaiah Polanco, and Christopher Reyes
14 Celebrating at Home Traditions All Across Our City
24 The Tree of Our Memories Perfect, Colorful, Topped with Hope
28 Chopin Singing Society 104 Years of Polish Heritage
34 Musical Mustangs The Madrigals & CHS Honors Strings
36 Decorating & Celebrating What Makes The Season Special?
52 Time for Sharing & Caring 90 Veterans Parade
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Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Business Manager Gabriella Marriello Art Director Ken Peterson Graphic Designer Aly Ibrahim Contributing Writers Irene Jarosewich Domenick Reda Michael Gabriele
56 Fuel for the Excursion Coffee Stops Across Town
64 Mustangs in the Gym Preview of CHS Winter Sports
78 At Last, They Win Mustangs 20, Indians 14
86 From the Class of 1945 2 Grads are Living History
FROM THE
Greetings from the Hawrylko kids, from left: Nick, Casey, Joe and Tom
Editor ...to the advertisers who have been with us for years, even decades... ...to our readers, who enjoy our stories and the independent voice of this magazine... ...to our writers, designers and distributors who put it all together and then get it to you... ...thank you all for your support!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher
Due to the holidays we've moved the publication date of our January 2015 edition. Rather than the usual first Friday of the month, for this month only, we will distribute on Friday, January 9. Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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6 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
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Family Traditions
“I am going to get presents because I’m an American.”
THERE IS A
Yes Dina, CHRISTMAS! By Michael Gabriele One hundred and seventeen years ago, Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editors at The New York Sun, asking them Is There a Santa Claus? In essence, the question was a yearning by a child looking to confirm the existence of love and compassion in the cruel world—a search for the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouth of babes come surprising, profound insights, disarming the cynical logic and arrogance of every era. One such moment occurred 35 years ago in the El-Abd family.
Sherine El-Abd, the Egyptian-born superintendent of elections for Passaic County, recalled when she briefly returned to Egypt with her American-born children, Dina and Bill. There was a short period when the children attended the American school in Alexandria. It was the Christmas season and El-Abd observed Dina being teased by her kindergarten classmates. “The children were being mean to my daughter,” she said. “They made fun of her and told her that she was not going to get any presents at Christmas time because she wasn’t a Christian.” Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions However, Dina, then only five, did not back down. She defiantly stood up for herself and replied, “I am going to get presents, because I’m an American.” “No, I wasn’t surprised,” continued El-Abd. “First and foremost, I always taught my children to take pride in their American citizenship. As a child, Dina was very outspoken, very talkative, like me.” “She has my mouth,” El-Abd added with a laugh. El-Abd’s daughter Dina grew up to use her gifts of communication to become a TV writer and producer, working for a period on the website of NBC’s “Today Show.” For her part, El-Abd also is known to occasionally take a defiant stand, especially when it comes to core convictions and matters of the heart. For example, she is proud to say “Merry Christmas” to
Three generations of El-Abd’s family. In the back row, right, Sherine with daughter Dina holding granddaughter Sara. In the back row, left, wearing a baseball cap, is Sherine’s husband, Souhail.
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Family Traditions all her Clifton neighbors and friends. “Like it or not, no one can ever doubt where I stand on issues,” she said, making a reference to her disregard for the secular, politically correct conventions of the 21st century. “I love saying Merry Christmas to everyone,” ElAbd declared. “I don’t like ‘Happy Holidays.’ That is too generic. I wish everyone in Clifton a Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year.” The Season of Traditions The season of Christmas and Hanukkah is the time to celebrate family traditions, share gifts, enjoy ethnic dishes, and “Shop Clifton First.” This time of year the city’s grand diversity is fully displayed in all its beautiful colors and textures. Many residents say it’s also a time to stop and take stock of the important spiritual and moral aspects of life and underline the common values we share. “Christmas and Hanukkah is the best time of the year,” El-Abd said. “We all come together and celebrate as a family. It’s the time when we appreciate our family values. As Americans, with all that we do as a society, we focus on our cultural and social activities during the holidays. We should spend just a little more
10 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Sherine El-Abd with grandchildren Josephine, Ryan and Sara.
William,
time on our spiritual traditions. We’re all guilty of this. It would be nice if we took half the money we spend on gifts and gave it to help people in need. It would make the season more meaningful.” Several Faiths, One Family El-Abd is Muslim while her Lebanese-American, husband Souhail Sara, is Catholic. They were married in 1979. Regarding religious traditions in their family, ElAbd said Muslims celebrate the birth of Christ and have a strong devotion to Mary, Mother of God.
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Family Traditions Born in 1946 in Tanta, Egypt, in the heart of the Nile Delta, El-Abd immigrated alone to the United States in 1965 to pursue her education at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1969. She later moved to New York City, where she met her husband. The couple came to Clifton eight years ago. Daughter Dina now lives in Hasbrouck Heights with husband Jim, also a Muslim, and their two children. ElAbd’s son, Bill, resides in Ridgewood with wife Donna, who is Catholic, and their two children. Regarding Christmas gifts, El-Abd said the ones that she most cherishes are the colorful hand-made cards
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from her four grandchildren. “They write and tell me how much they love me.” When it comes to Christmas cuisine, the family home in the Allwood section becomes the site of a warm, friendly and exotic Middle East/ Mediterranean banquet. Sherine and Souhail share the cooking duties. The main course is kufta, grilled spiced beef patties. “My grandchildren love these,” El-Abd said. Kufta is served with grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini and asparagus, along with an elaborate salad. Another delicacy prepared by El-Abd is stuffed grape leaves. El-Abd appreciates the American civic traditions and political system that have allowed many immigrants to follow a path of success. In her life, she has chosen to be politically and civically active. She is a former president of the Egyptian-American Professional Society, a former president of the NJ Federation of Republican Women, and was executive director of the NJ Egyptian-American Business Association. She is a board member of the Arab American Institute, Washington DC and in 2000, was an AAI honorary delegate during the Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia.
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions
Snapshots of
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FAMILY
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TRADITIONS Photos & Stories by Michael C. Gabriele Chinese Food on Christmas Day In the far western hinterlands of Clifton, nestled in the shadows of ghters Madeleine and Isabelle. The the great rocky hills that line Valley Dante and Carolyn Liberti with granddau the daughters of Laura (Liberti) Road, the Liberti family—just as twins will be 3 years old in March and are Mustang Marching Band and gradand Andrew Tanis, former members of the they have done for the last 11 . uates of CHS Classes of 2000 and of 2001 years—will once again gather at their home for a traditional Christmas Day feast of Chinese food, with all the trimvoices to the choir at Saint Francis Parish in Wanaque, mings and extra fortune cookies. where second daughter Dania serves as music director. Carolyn and Dante Liberti, 1975 CHS graduates and Dante recalled that his most memorable Christmas gift the proud parents of five daughters, confessed that the to Carolyn was having her cherished, vintage Thumbelina Asian food option was borne out of necessity during an Doll refurbished at a New York City doll hospital. In an especially busy holiday season. Eleven years ago, family obvious case of separation anxiety, Carolyn at first she commitments and other engagements prevented them from was somewhat concerned to learn that Thumbelina, preparing their traditional Christmas dinner. Taking stock which she got when she was young, was out of the house. of the situation, considering the many hungry mouths to Sold during the late 1950s, Thumbelina was one of the feed, Dante took charge and decided the best alternative most popular dolls ever made by the Ideal Toy Co. was to get take-out Chinese food. The decision was a big However, Thumbelina returned home, safe, sound, fully hit with the family and has become the Christmas meal of restored and good as new, and to a happy Carolyn. choice for the Liberti clan ever since. In addition to his career as a financial advisor, many In years gone by, Dante, a former choir director at in Clifton know Dante through his support of the Boys & First Presbyterian Church of Clifton, led a singing Girls Club of Clifton, where he serves as an officer and ensemble during Christmas Eve services that included trustee, as well as his work as a local musician—a vocalCarolyn, his daughters and many CHS classmates. This ist and piano player, who leads the legendary Manhatten year, Dante and Carolyn have been enlisted to lend their Brothers oldies band. 14 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
The Family Hub For Nancy and Tom Felipe, their Clifton home serves as the strategic gathering point— and primary food distribution hub—for relatives and friends during the Christmas season. Some travel considerable distances to partake in the friendly confines of the Garden State, including Nancy’s sister and niece from New Hampshire and Virginia, as well as Tom’s sister, Beth, who lives in southern New Jersey. There are two significant meals for the Felipe family on the Christmas schedule. The first comes on Christmas Eve, following the Mass at 5p.m. at Saint Clare Roman Catholic Church where Tom serves as a trustee and The Felipe family (Tom Jr., Tom, Nancy and Michael, left to right), head usher. The second is on Christmas Day, take time out for a restful moment on a Satu rday afternoon in for which they make reservations at the preparation for their many activities during the Christmas season. Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, complete with stunning views of the New York Eve banquet actually begin during the Thanksgiving seaCity skyline. son, when Tom procures the special dried mushrooms Nancy, who works at the offices of the Archdiocese of needed for the gourmet cabbage soup, prepared and Newark, leads the meal preparations. In keeping with brought from the Granite State by Christine, Nancy’s sisNancy’s family heritage, Polish cuisine dominates the ter. Christine also contributes delightful rice cakes. holiday menu. However, preparations for the Christmas
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Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions Meanwhile, down in the Old Dominion state, Nancy’s niece, Stephanie, assembles pierogies following a treasured family recipe. The menu also includes kielbasa and an assortment of fried and baked fish. For dessert, there is a combined effort to bake a scrumptious eggnog cake. While the food itself takes center stage, Tom observed that the focal point of the day is actually the many hours of meal prep in the kitchen, featuring spirited, convivial interaction between Nancy and her female relatives. This home-cooking interlude is when everyone rubs elbows and catches up on the very latest family news. On Irish side of the family, the Felipes also dly displays her beloved CHS senior Jessica Goldberg (center) prou welcome Tom’s sister Beth. Her arrival signals near and dear to her for ceramic dinosaur menorah, which has been a gift-giving tradition, when she shows up with ; mom, Susan; along with 18 years. She’s pictured with her dad, Steve Coco. an enormous platter filled with her famous the friendly family doggies Zack (left) and ricotta Christmas cookies. Five years ago, Beth gave a decorative platto the Macy’s holiday windows, the illuminated tree in ter to Tom and Nancy as a gift, with the express purpose the courtyard of the Bloomberg Building, the Christmas of using it as the official serving platter for the luscious tree at Rockefeller Center, visits to Bryant Park, and the ricotta cookies. Unfortunately, that platter was broken lighting of the grand menorah at Central Park. beyond repair, so Tom and Nancy purchased a nearHere in Clifton, Steve, Susan and Jessica attend the match to the original platter in order to maintain the annual Hanukkah party at the Clifton Jewish Center on uninterrupted flow of holiday cookies. Delaware Street and take part in holiday ceremonies held at City Hall. As members of the Jewish faith, the A Multitude of Menorahs Goldbergs proudly define themselves as “conservative Menorahs, the symbol of the eight-day celebration of and egalitarian.” Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights” and “Feast of In addition to the menorahs, the Goldberg family has Dedication,” also represent beloved gifts to be received a collection of winter water globes that they’ve received and shared in the Goldberg household. Topping the list is over the years. Menorahs and water globes are displayed the colorful, ceramic dinosaur menorah given as a gift to throughout their home. Jessica when she was born 18 years ago. While gifts of menorahs are a family tradition, occaJessica’s parents, Steve and Susan Goldberg, said sionally, in the spirit of good cheer, they offer gag gifts to Hanukkah is a holiday to share time with family memunsuspecting relatives, such as a bag of potatoes wrapped bers. The VIP guest list includes Jessica’s “twenty-someand presented in a decorative box. On a more somber thing” brothers Cary, who resides in Manhattan, and note, Steve revealed he has a special gift in his collecAaron, who lives in Hoboken. tion—a menorah given to him by Susan that commemo“Hanukkah is a time when we try to reconnect with rates the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. relatives and friends that we haven’t seen in a while,” The Goldberg family’s Hanukkah menu includes chickSteve said, “and this is part of what makes this holiday en soup, jelly donuts, chocolate “gelt” coins, and an assortspecial for us.” ment of latkes that include traditional potato pancakes, as The family arranges group outings to New York City well as those made of zucchini and pumpkin. that include tickets to Broadway shows, as well as a visit 16 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions Susan works as a pediatrician. Steve is the president of the Clifton High School Mustang Band Parents Association and was a candidate in the recent city council elections. Jessica, a senior at CHS, is a clarinet player in the Mustang Band. It Has to be a Douglas Fir The favorite Christmas tradition for the family of Joanna and Matt Zschack is driving out to Pennsylvania with their three kids, Jake, Zoe and Lily (ages 18, 15 and 12), to cut their own Christmas tree. Jake and Zoe are students at CHS; Lily attends Woodrow Wilson. Matt is a CHS 1986 graduate and Joanna graduated from Matt, Joanna and Lily. The Zschack family (from left): Jake, Zoe, Teaneck High School in 1987. “My husband is very particular,” For Joanna, the holiday season is a time to focus on Joanna said, when it comes to picking out the perfect family and friends. “It’s a time to enjoy being togethChristmas tree. “It has to be a Douglas Fir.” er,” she explained. Typically, Christmas gifts are given Joining them on the excursion are their best friends, to help facilitate that family bonding dynamic. Laura and Jim Louer, along with their four children. It’s Typically, the gift involves attending a musical show on an outing that not only yields fresh-cut trees, but also Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, or at the Papermill serves as a photo op to time stamp the growth of all the Playhouse in Short Hills. respective kids. There is another family member that enjoys the good “We’ve been doing this for years and we get to see cheer of the season: Coco, the Zschack’s two-year-old how everyone gets a little older and bigger each year,” silky terrier. Joanna said. “We have a nice collection of images.” Hanukkah celebrations are spent with Joanna’s sisHoliday time is an eclectic season for the Zschacks ter’s family and her mom and dad. “My parents make since they celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. Joanna the potato latkes,” she said. “We light the Menorah canis Jewish and Matt is Catholic. dles and open gifts.” In fact, it’s a family “bookend” celebration of faiths: Often, she said, these are “gag” gifts, which are speon Christmas day, they visit with Joanna’s sister, cially chosen to reflect the personality or interests of Sarah, who is Jewish and brother-in-law, Paul, who is the particular family member. “Everyone gets a kick Catholic and reside in Readington Township in out of it. It’s silly and fun.” Hunterdon County. Christmas Eve is spent in Clifton with Matt’s mom, A Time to Make Memories Marlene. Many remember Matt’s dad, Bob Zschack, a For Maurizio Marsilla, the Christmas season brings former CHS teacher and the iconic “Voice of the many memories, one of the most important of which is Mustangs” during home football games. Bob, a the anniversary of his marriage proposal to his wife. beloved figure, died last June at the age of 80. “I had the ring attached to the label on one of her “It will be a difficult Christmas for my husband’s famfavorite dresses,” Marsilla recalled of the day over a ily,” Joanna confessed. “This is the first Christmas withquarter century ago. “She really liked that dress. out his dad. It will be hard for Marlene. I know everyone When she saw the ring,” he chuckles, “she was much is busy during the holidays, but it’s good to stop and more surprised than I imagined she would be.” think about what’s really important. Life is short.” 18 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
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Family Traditions forward to Christmas Eve when the mayor comes Twenty-seven years ago this Christmas Eve, he around with Santa Claus,” Marsilla said. “He goes popped the question. Rita and Maurizio Marsilla, who down every street in Clifton.” live in the Delawanna section of Clifton, cerebrated their Marsilla, who has worked for UPS for many years 25-year anniversary this past October. was not always able to join the family for every holiday And every year, going back to when they were just tradition. Back then he was sort of a Santa Claus. dating, Maurizio and Rita, both of Sicilian descent, “When I used to drive for the company, we would have been celebrating a traditional Italian-Catholic often make late deliveries on Christmas involving both of Christmas Eve,” he recalled. their families. “I was on the road until the “We both have Italian last minute and I would be immigrant parents,” he pretty exhausted from delivexplained. “On Christmas ering packages. My wife Eve we spend the day with would go to mass with the my side of the family at our kids, but I couldn’t go. Then house. My dad died a while Christmas Day we all did.” back, so we spend it with Marsilla, who grew up in my mom who lives with us. Passaic and graduated Pope Se is getting older so my Pius High School in 1980, is wife has taken over a lot of also a trustee on the Board of the tradition with the cookClifton Stallions Soccer ing. We do the traditional Club. celebration with seven kinds “Both of my kids played of fish on Christmas Eve.” soccer in the Clifton school Marsilla said the family system from the time they indulges on baccalla, calawere little,” Marsilla said. mari, clams with pasta, mus“We still follow our Italian sels, shrimp, smelts, stuffed traditions, including the lanclams and rice balls. guage, and we pass it on to On Christmas Day, Rita our children.” and Maurizio bring their kids–Maurice, 22, and The Perfect Tree Danielle, 18, CHS graduates Christmas begins at the from 2010 and 2014, to his home of Anne, Lance, wife’s parents’ house where Elizabeth and Olivia they celebrate the holiday DeMuro the day after with her family, including Thanskgiving. her brother and two nieces. Decorations are brought “My mother-in-law does out, lights are hung all over the cooking on Christmas Rita and Maurizio Marsilla in 1987 and today. the home, and each window Day,” he explained. “It’s is decorated with a wreath. more along the lines of The Saturday after Thanksgiving they meet with the meat; roast, prime rib, filet mignon and homemade manicotti, but no fish.” family of Anne’s brother from Long Valley to select Marsilla said the family enjoys other traditions that and then cut down their Christmas trees, choosing to go go back to when thier children were little. to a different place each year. However, every year the “Even though the kids are older now we still look day ends with a meal at the Long Valley Pub. 20 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
One year when the DeMuro girls were young, Lance and Anne DeMuro thought they had found the perfect tree. However, when they tried to place it inside their home, they found it was way too large. Lance chopped off so much of the tree that the girls cried. They said, “now we have a Charlie Brown tree.” So in the middle of a heavy snowfall, Lance rushed to Richfield Farms just as they were closing and found the family a perfect tree, right here in Clifton. And of course, Anne states, the uro. Olivia, Lance, Anne and Elizabeth DeM holiday season would not be complete without the annual Christmas town, into every neighborhood. This Christmas season, party. Friends and family pack the house in anticipathe DeMuros are looking forward to having Elizabeth tion of Lance’s traditional prime rib and smoked return home from the University of Vermont after finturkey, which he gets from Janeck’s Meat Market. ishing her first semester. Lance, a Clifton Special Police Officer, usually “Olivia will be happy to have her big sister home spends part of Christmas Eve day escorting the Mayor, and won’t be an only child for awhile,” said Anne. Santa and the entire entourage of helpers all across
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Family Traditions Christmas is about love and generosity for the White family. Dutch Hill residents of 10 years, Andy and Christine will spend this season teaching their son Gabriel, who turned four on Nov. 22 and attends School 16, about the true meaning of Christmas. “I really want him to know that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Christine said, “and that the holiday is about being with family.” Regular church goers, Andy and Christine intend to help guide Gabriel toward this balance by practicing the beliefs of their Christian faith. One learning moment will be Christmas Eve, when they attend a children’s mass at either St. Phillip the Apostle Church on Valley Rd. or at St. Paul RC in Downtown Clifton. They explained that the liturgy will be a chance to talk about the spirit of the season. But despite the couple’s best efforts, Gabriel cannot help but pick up on the materialism of the season. His father laughed: “This year he understands more: every time he sees commercials for toys, he says, ‘daddy I want that.’”
22 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
te. Gabriel with Andy and Christine Whi
Christine and Andy are looking to balance lessons of generosity and kindness with the magic of childhood. “I want him to understand that although we should be kind all year round, this time of year is about being extra kind, and paying it forward,” explained Christine, a risk manager for an insurance company. “If he learns that early on, it will mold him for his future.” Some of their family’s other Christmas traditions include plenty of relatives, lots of good food, decorating the Christmas Tree together, and having Gabriel open one present on Christmas Eve. More importantly, the couple have made Gabriel aware of making gifts to those in need, in the spirit of their Catholic faith. Andy White is a familiar face in town. He recently ran for a seat on the Board of Education and also conduced a campaign for Clifton City Council in 2010. While both efforts were unsuccessful, he said he is gratified by what he has learned about Clifton. For the past 25 years, he has been a Passaic Police Officer, the town in which he grew up. As far as teachable moments, Andy and Christine said their four year old has taught them much. Although he has been a part of their family since 2011 when they began fostering him at four weeks old, this Christmas will be their first together since the adoption papers were signed. White relates that Gabriel (who is of hispanic descent) teaches he and Christine that, “color, sex or ethnicity has no effect on loving another human being,” which is exactly the lesson that they would like Gabriel to be aware of this holiday season. By Mariel Vazquez
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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The Perfect TREE
By Christopher de Vinck
Chicago has the beautiful Daley Plaza Christmas tree; New York the great tree in Rockefeller Center. San Francisco has the famous Union Square Christmas tree. Even sunny Jacksonville, Florida has their annual Christmas tree celebration at Jacksonville Landing, but none of these trees match the splendor and fun four college kids had in 1969 when they went off campus in search of the perfect tree for their dorm. The university president sent a notice to all the students in early December not to cut down the small pine trees from the cemetery across from the school for Christmas decorations. “Okay,” John, a sophomore psychology major said as he tore the notice from the bulletin board. “We’ll have to find a new source.” John looked at the three of us standing in the hall with books in our hands as we were on our way to class. “Who wants to find the perfect tree?” Jack, Harry and I all volunteered. After class, in a subsiding blizzard, Jack, John, Harry and I shoveled Jack’s 1965 Pontiac Le Mans convertible out of the parking lot and quickly found ourselves three miles from the campus looking up a slope that was studded with wild, available pine trees. “This one,” John said 24 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Christopher de Vinck (above at age 18 and at left in a recent photo) is the Language Arts Supervisor at CHS and the author of 13 books. His best known work is The Power of the Powerless a frank reflection on the struggles and joys of loving his severely disabled brother. Find his most recent work, Moments of Grace in bookstores or online.
as four college boys sang Christmas songs, tossed snowballs at each other and quickly cut the tree down. When we dragged it down the hill, we discovered that the tree was bigger, wider, and longer then the entire car, but Jack simply hopped into the driver’s seat, flipped a switch, and lowered the car top. “Just drop the tree onto the car.” As we drove back to the campus, it looked like we were sitting under a green dragon with wheels. We drove past the president’s house as Jack honked the car horn. We spun through the campus as we continued singing “Jingle bells! Jingle bells!” and everyone who was quick enough tossed snowballs at us.
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions
When we reached our dorm, the four of us carried the tree up to the fourth floor as if we were unloading a freighter, heaving and hoeing, tugging and pulling like wrestling with a giant porcupine that did not want to be dragged up four flights of stairs. Tree worship is well documented in ancient history as is the origin of the Christmas tree in early, modern Germany. My 93 year old mother from Belgium remembers the Christmas tree in her aunt’s house illuminated with hundreds of candles. “My uncle had buckets of water throughout the living room just it case the tree caught fire.” My mother also remembers that was the Christmas the Battle of the Bulge was raging, Hitler’s last effort to win the war. “The distant sky was illumined that night with the glow of explosives, fire, cannons and death.” It is an odd tradition, cutting a tree down and setting it up inside our homes. But as a boy I like to lie on my back just at the base of the tree with a bowl of potato chips and stare up inside the branches. I liked watching my father balance himself on a chair and place the gold star to the very top of the tree. “Hey!’ Jack said. “We have to decorate the tree!” Once the tree was set up at the end of the hall in our
26 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
dorm, a psychology major, two English majors and an economic major strung up one set of lights on the right side of the tree, and then we hung old term papers, a beer can or two, a few socks. Jack pinned a picture of his girlfriend on the top of the tree. I slipped off my belt and hung that on the left side of the tree. When we were finished, we stood back. I don’t know who started, but someone began to sing in a mocking manner, O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, but then suddenly something happened among the four of us. Our voices became subdued and solemn and we just kept singing, in earnest, the famous Christmas tree song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us! They are green when summer days are bright, They are green when winter snow is white. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us! And then Jack turned to us and nearly whispered “Merry Christmas.” We all then wished each other a Merry Christmas. We even hugged. The perfect Christmas tree is out there, just to the right of yesterday’s memories and topped with a gold star of continued hope for universal peace. Merry Christmas!
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Making Music
Fathers & Sons The Chopin Singing Society — a 104-Year Tradition By Michael C. Gabriele It all started with the love of music, but over the course of 104 years the Chopin Singing Society has remained unified by tradition of song, as well as a celebration of Polish-American culture and fraternal bonding between fathers, sons and warmhearted mentors. The Christmas season is the busiest time of the year for the all-male singing society. They perform at PolishAmerican churches in the region and host a concert on Dec. 7 at 3 pm, at the Polish American Cultural Center—also known as the Polish People’s Home—at 1-3 Monroe St., Passaic. The concert will also feature a guest performance by the ‘Three Po’ Tenors.’ John A. Budzinski, a Wallington resident and president of the singing society, is one example of the 28 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
group’s strong sense of tradition, which involves the mentoring of successive generations of participants. “My dad (John S.) sung with the group for 16 years (1960-1976) and he wanted me to become part of it,” Budzinski said. “I was just 15 years old at the time.” Not long after the younger Budzinski joined the singing society, his dad—a World War II veteran—died suddenly. He realized this tragic turn of events made his participation in the choir even more significant. He would be filling a void in an organization that his dad dearly loved. “We’re like a big family,” Budzinski said, recognizing the contributions of past choir members. “We try to carry on the traditions of the group. The guys are great and we’ve all developed special bonds over the years.”
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Making Music Founded on March 10, 1910, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned Polish classical music composer Frederic (Fryderyk) Francois Chopin, the Chopin Singing Society is one of the oldest, continuously active, independent male choral groups in the United States. Chopin, regarded as a musical genius and legendary pianist of the 19th century, was born March 1, 1810 in the village of Zelazowa
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Wola, located in east/central Poland, and died Oct. 17, 1849 in Paris. Today the group has a headcount of 20-plus men, but during the 1970s and 1980s there were more than 40 active members. Over the years the singing society has performed at venues throughout New Jersey and the Northeast—colleges, churches, nursing homes—and has made two recordings: “Polskie koledy” (Polish Christmas carols) and “Songs of Poland,” traditional
Polish popular and patriotic songs. The choir’s repertoire features familiar American Christmas carols, Polish carols, as well as glee club and barbershop quartet tunes and sacred hymns from the Catholic Latin Mass. Anthony Tabish, who resides in Cranford, has directed the Chopin Singing Society for the last four years. He also is a member of the Three Po’ Tenors. The choir features four-part harmony (bass, baritone, first and second tenor) and typically performs acapella, although occasionally the group is accompanied by a pianist or violin player. While Polish culture is the cornerstone for the society, the men joyfully welcome non-Polish singers to their ranks. The generation-to-generation dynamic of the group also is illustrated by Arthur Sroka, the proprietor of St. George Florist in Athenia and Bouquet Florist in downtown Passaic. Sroka, 55, who joined the choir 12 years ago, recently enlisted his son (Austin, 26) to take part. Father and son have now been singing together for the last three years. “My son has a great deal of musical talent,” he said. “We have a tight-knit group of guys,” Sroka continued. “We love singing. We put our hearts into it. It’s always fun. They say singing makes you younger and I think this is true.” Born and raised in the beautiful, historic city of Krakow, Poland, Sroka came to the United States in 1981. (Pope John Paul II, before he was elected to the papacy in 1978, lived in and around Krakow for most of his adult life.)
Joseph M. Shook, Sr., Founder 1924 - 2008
Nancy Shook Garretson, President NJ Lic. No. 3657
Thomas J. Garretson, Director NJ Lic. No. 4988
Roy B. Garretson, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3550
Kevin V. White, Director NJ Lic. No. 4964 Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Making Music When he arrived in New Jersey, Sroka’s mentor was John Kraska, a prominent member of Passaic’s Polish community. Kraska, who died 15 years ago, was a former choir president and former president of the Polish People’s Home. “When I arrived here, John was like my second father. He was my guide and influential in many areas of my life,” Sroka said, pointing out that he bought his Passaic florist business from Kraska. “I was never confident as a singer, but John encouraged me to join the choir. John was a good man. He helped everyone. When he died, I realized that I must take his place in the choir. This is what I needed to do.” Compelled by a sense of duty to honor his mentor, Sroka soon realized that being involved in the society meant more than just singing songs. It was an expression of Polish-American cultural heritage. Sroka is the president of the Polish American Cultural Center, again following in the footsteps of his mentor. Another example of a father/son bond in the choir is with Louis Gill Sr. and Louis Gill Jr., both Passaic residents. Louis Sr. said he is the longest-serving member of the choir, participating continuously since 1955. He is a past president of the society, a former Passaic councilman (18 and a half years), state assemblyman (two terms, 36th district), and is the proprietor of Gill’s Meat Market, a business he inherited from his dad. Much like Sroka, Louis Gill Sr. benefitted from the guidance of a mentor, Joseph Pirog. Both were members of the St. Hedwig’s Choir of Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic. “Joseph Pirog had a beautiful tenor voice,” recalled Gill, a baritone, who joined the choir at age 15, as did Budzinski—technically one year below the official age to be part of the group. “In those days you had to be formally invited by a member in order to join,” said Gill.
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Choir members greatly appreciate the opportunity to sing during the Christmas season, according to Gill. “When we perform at the churches in the area, it gives us great satisfaction to have people hear us sing,” he said, adding that he’s especially enjoys performing with his son and proud of the tradition it represents. Gill also said the choir allows him to remain well connected with Polish and non-Polish friends and business associates. “I’m a lifelong Passaic guy and I’m not leaving,” he said. “This is my home.” Another venerable member of the choir is 85-yearold Stanley Kobylarz of Clifton. Kobylarz, who grew up in Garfield. He has performed with the singing group since 1947, “off and on, but mostly on. I’ve taken a few sabbaticals.” Like Sroka, Kobylarz cited John Kraska as being the person who encouraged him to join the organization. However, Kobylarz and Kraska were contemporaries. The two chums joined the Army together in 1946 and served for a year in post-war Japan. Following their tour of duty, Kraska prompted Kobylarz to become involved with the society. “John was the one who got me into it,” Kobylarz said. “He knew I love to sing. We were both very proud of our Polish heritage. Years ago the choir sang at Christmas house parties and we did outdoor caroling in Passaic and Clifton. Unfortunately, those traditions faded out.” As for this season’s concert tour of area parishes, Kobylarz said he especially looks forward to the group’s performance at St. Bonaventure Parish in Paterson. “That’s my favorite concert. The people at St. Bonaventure treat us very well. We always have a nice reception and the people love our music. For me, Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year.”
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Making Music
The CHS Madrigal Singers is an auditioned group comprised of students in grades 9 through 12. These talented students learn and perform selections of music from the Renaissance and into other classical eras. Founded in the 1970’s by Pearl Anderson, the Madrigals—notably under the direction of Barbara Novak for over two decades and now led by CHS Choral Director Christina Paulin— perform a capella. What makes their ‘voice’ so unique is that they do not perform in sections. Rather, they stand as a mixed group to create a blend of sounds and harmonies. Their Renaissance sensibility is carried through in their gowns, belts and hairpieces and the groups is known for their thrilling performances at the annual tree lightings and concerts around Clifton and beyond. On Dec. 5, for example, the Madrigals, have gigs at the Downtown Clifton, Lakeview, Botany Village and Dutch Hill tree lightings, with Santa in tow. And then, pretty much without even time for a restorative mug of hot chocolate, it’s over to the Hamilton House to hang 34 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
with St. Nicholas for an 8 pm concert. On Dec. 6, they will help the city light the official tree in front of city hall. Then on Dec. 10, they have their holiday concert at CHS at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $2. Madrigals, with a few modern exceptions, basically date as musical compositions to early-through-late Renaissance Italy. They’re “partsongs,” always done without accompaniment. Popular recording artists the all-female Anonymous Four, are probably the bestknown exponents of modern madrigal singing. But here in Clifton, it’s CHS very own Madrigals who proudly bear this flag of commitment to vocal effort and they are: Vanessa Cruz-Mascuch, Paulina Edel, Jenepher Estrella, Stephanie Farfan, Sarah Gerges, Kylie Gonzalez, Josh Hopkins, Maura Huelbig, Rebekah Kusher, Kevin Laverde, Angelia Mocera, Chantal Ojeda, Nicolle Peralta, Byron Polanco, Isaiah Polanco, Christopher Reyes, Renuka Rupee, Jocelyn Sanchez, Roberto Sanchez, Sasha Sanon, Slavka Simic, Anna Stroinski, Harry Termyna, Wendy Timana and Mercedez Zea.
Pictured with their strings and bows, the CHS Honors Strings Ensemble, from front left: Alison Silvestri, Paulina Edel, Carla Silvestri, Crystal Ann Lagria, Camille Gomera-Tavarez, Adriana Hernandez and Sky Carter. Rear from left: Dante Hatcher, Dhruv Mehta, Paul Bury, Alejandro Aquije, Patrick Bury and Ethan De Rose-Travia.
The CHS Honors String Ensemble is an elite group comprised of talented violinists, violists and cellists. These 13 students dedicate their time Tuesdays after school preparing for various performances scheduled for the year.. Since the beginning of the school year, the group, under the direction of long time music CHS teacher Natalie Babiak, began preparing for holiday performances, here in Clifton and beyond. For instance, they have performed at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood, as well at various receptions at the Clifton Arts Center. Last summer some members of the CHS Strings performed at a Clifton elementary school and demonstrated to younger children how rewarding it is to play an instrument.
Students pictured are not only in the Honors String Ensemble, they are members of Tri-M, the Music Honor Society, the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. Tri-M is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. A few of these students, Harry Termyna, Wendy Timana and Mercedez Zea, are also members of Key Club, a community focused extra curricular group at CHS, and will be performing for pediatric patients at Giggles Theater in St. Joseph’s Hospital. On Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm, the CHS Honors String Ensemble, along with other String students and the Madrigals will perform Vivaldi’s Gloria on the JFK stage at CHS. Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Days of Preparation
Days of Decoration Days of Celebration Holiday Express is a shore-based group that delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness throughout the year. They recently visited the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency on Main Ave. in Clifton. NJEDDA Director William Weiss shared this photo and told more of that holiday tradition... Read on as others share memories of what makes this season special... By Irene Jarosewich
F
or Rev. Mike Weber, pastor of the United Reformed Church of Clifton and Passaic, Christmas began the day after Thanksgiving when he was a child. “Out came the albums of Christmas carols. My father would play the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I would hear those joyful voices and knew that Christmas was coming.” For their four children, Rev. Mike and his wife Sherry began another tradition. “One year we found a small log in the forest, about four to six inches in diameter, and it became our Advent Log,” he recalls. Rev. Mike cleaned up the log, drilled holes in the top into which candles could be placed. After Thanksgiving, the children would decorate the log with pine boughs, cones and holly. 36 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
“We had a window seat where we put log and beginning with the first day of Advent, every evening after supper, we would light one more candle, starting from the outside, alternating sides, moving towards the center where we placed a tall white pillar candle. For ten minutes every evening we would light candles, sit on the floor besides the Advent Log, read scripture, pray, sing together, then put out the candles until the next evening. As the weeks of Advent progressed, the house began to fill with light, starting with one candle, ending with a pyramid of light on Christmas Eve. This annual tradition brought us closer together as a family. ” First Star in the Night Sky Memories of Christmas Eve traditions are the ones that have stayed the longest with Marianna Znak Hoholuk, as well. For Ukrainians, Christmas Eve,
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Family Traditions
Now in the fourth generation of gathering for the Ukrainian Sviat Vechir, these are the grand and great-grandchildren of Michael and Anastasia Zielonka, who began the tradition of the entire family being together for Christmas Eve.
known as Sviat Vechir, begins with a day of fasting for adults and preparations for a twelve-course meal, symbolic of the twelve apostles, for Christmas Eve. Znak Hoholuk’s family came to Clifton in 1976 from Garfield but the traditions begun by Michael and Anastasia Zielonka and now being followed by their great grandchildren started years before. “My mother’s family, the Zielonka family, my grandparents and their four children, including my
mother, arrived in America in 1962. Since 1962, we have been celebrating every Christmas Eve together, first my grandparents with their four children, then these four children with their spouses, then with their children and the children’s’ spouses and now with their children’s children.” The tradition is to start the meal when the first star, symbolic of the star of Bethlehem, appears. The children are stationed at all the windows and are
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Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions called upon to shout out when the first star is spotted. “For more than 50 years, we have celebrated Sviat Vechir together. Now there are 33 of us from ages 3 to 80. We’ve lost a few, but have gained a lot of loved ones. My grandmother, who lived with my mother, would begin to prepare the meal days in advance. We still keep the tradition of no meat and dairy, and now with my mother, who lives with me, we do the same.” Then she adds with a laugh, “Every spouse who marries into the Zielonka family knows this is where they’ll be on Christmas Eve.”
family. I remember being surrounded for days by aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins as we moved from one relative’s house to another. The laughter, the jokes, the good feelings. Days of preparation, days of decoration, days of celebration. And all the gifts. And the honeyballs. What kid doesn’t like honeyballs?” “Now, as I grow older, when I don’t get to see my family as much, as older relatives begin to leave us, my appreciation of my childhood memories of Christmas grow deeper. It’s all about family.” The Spirit of Sharing The spirit of the holidays is also expressed through volunteerism and sharing with the community. Dr. William G. Weiss has been with the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency for 36 years and has seen the agency grow into pre-school, elementary school, high school and training center that serves more than 250 children and adults daily. He appreciates the goodwill of people willing to share their time and talent. “With our children, we learn about the holidays, make decorations. However, one of the highlights of the season are the concerts by
Family and Friends and Holiday Cheer Angelo Gencarelli, owner of Angelo’s Pizzeria on Market Street, echoes the sentiment about the importance of being with loved ones. “I know it sounds funny to say, since I’m in the food business, but it’s not the food I remember. A lot of the dishes that were prepared for the Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, I never really liked.” He gives a thumbs down to the walnuts with pasta dish, and another thumbs down to the salted cod dish—baccala. “What I remember most” he continued, “is all the
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Family Traditions Holiday Express. An all-volunteer band, they will be at the elementary school on Dec. 4 and at the adult training center on Dec. 9.” For more than 20 years, Holiday Express, a group of professional singers and musicians who volunteer their time, have been fulfilling their mission “to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season.” For Weiss, this ability to contribute to the well-being of others, even perfect strangers, embodies the meaning of the December holidays. A Tradition for the Generations William Morton’s family has been providing holiday decorations to Clifton families for more than 100 years. “Buying a Christmas tree at Richfield Farms is a family tradition that spans many generations. Some families have been coming here for 30, 40 years. They came with their parents, now they bring their children and grandchildren. And it’s not just one or two people. We have two or three families each day, people who never come here during the year, but do come once a year just to buy a Christmas tree.” Morton has a particularly poignant memory of one longtime customer. “A gentleman came up to me and said ‘my family has been getting their Christmas tree here for 90 years, since before I was born.’ He was 89 years old. Then I learned hat he passed away during the spring. It saddened me. But I was glad we were a part of his last Christmas.” 42 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
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Family Traditions Old World Recipes Bring Delight Tasty treats are also a part of what make December special. Whether it’s rugelach for Hanukkah or gingerbread houses for the side board or Greek olive bread for New Year’s Eve, at one point or another master baker Joseph Putz has made them all. For more than four decades he has been stirring up batters and mixing dough for German stollen and East European yeast breads and traditional fruit cake, along with poppy seed rolls and Italian strufoli and thousands of cookies at the Allwood Bakery. He has been with the bakery since 1972, first as baker, then from 1984-2008 as the owner, and then
after he sold it, now again as baker. Before coming to America, he completed a school for professional bakers, however, he says most of the Old World recipes he uses are not his own. “The original owner, Mr. Morgenstern, who is 92 and lives in Vermont, gave me his recipes. Stollen, gingerbread, cinnamon stars, anise cookies, some of those recipes are more than 100 years old.” He has fond memories of baking for the holidays, recalls former colleagues such as Belgian pastry decorator Joe Bries, “every time I make the cigarette cookies, I think of Joe.” He recalls one special Christmas Eve wedding cake they made, a lovely three-tier white cake decorated with fondant poinsettias and holly. And although he no longer makes the gingerbread houses himself, he remembers the large ones that he built for the storefront window and ones that were often donated to the Boys & Girls Club. Festival of Lights While most of us are at the stage where we recall our memories, some are still young enough simply to be making them. In the Rosemawr neighbor-
44 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions hood, Abi, 12, along with her parents and brothers and sisters will be lighting the first candle on December 16, on the eve of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. For eight days, candles are lit, placed in a special candelabrum, the menorah, to celebrate the victory of the Jews in the Maccabean War and the miracle of consecrated oil, intended to last for only one night, but burning for eight, until new oil for the lamps in the temple could be brought. Symbolizing the miraculous oil, the first night of Hanukkah is celebrated with a meal of foods fried in oil, most popular of which are the potato latkes often followed by several yummy deep fried jelly donuts known as sufganiyot. Sweetness and Joy Carlos Santamba knows the importance of sweetness since the most popular item at his Lakeview Bakery in December are cookies, followed by pan de pascua, a Latin America sponge cake made with honey and candied fruits and nuts. However, personally, the sweetest part of his life right now is watching his wife Dayana teaching their three-year-old daughter to sing. His voice beams with the pride of an adoring father. “My wife Dayana sings
Christmas carols to both our children, in Spanish and English, but this year, my daughter wants to try. She already knows Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, now we’re practicing Jingle Bells.” If Santa Can Fit Down a Chimney As the owner of Halka’s Florist, Gladys Fusiek has been preparing holiday centerpieces and bouquets for 43 years. She also knows that another part of the holidays is laughter and mirth. “I know it’s not funny, but really, it is,” she tries to stifle a laugh as she recalls one of her favorite memories from years ago. “St. John Kanty ordered a large holiday wreath from us. Somewhere there was miscommunication. We made the frame to the measurements they wanted, which turned out to be the size of their front door. But when you make a wreath that large, the branches and boughs stick out for about two feet all around.” “So, of course, when we got there, of course it did not fit through the door. We couldn’t cut the frame and we couldn’t cut down the wreath, so you know what they did? They cut out the window. One of those large windows and took it out completely. They carried
Wrap It All Up for The Club! Liberty Tax Service at Richfield Shopping Center will donate $5 per package to Clifton’s Boys & Girls Club. On any Saturday in December from noon to 5 pm and on Monday Dec. 22 and Tuesday Dec. 23 from noon to 7 pm, franchise owner Mary Ann Hatala Bowen and her staff will wrap your gifts at no charge. All they ask is for you to make a donation to the Clifton B&G Club of at least $5 per package.
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Liberty Tax-Allwood 46 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions the wreath through the hole in the wall, and then put the window back in. I know, it sounds funny, but it wasn’t so funny then. It’s a big window, and it’s winter and it wasn’t done in a day. And just before Christmas.” Then she chuckles some more. The Whooshing of Sleds, the Thrill of the Run Clifton City Historian and member of Clifton Historical Commission Don Lotz reminds us of a time before snow plows cleared and salted roads within a few hours, when a good snowfall and a nearby hilly street were good reasons to bring out the sleds. “As a young boy, and this Clifton historian Don Lotz and was in the 1870s and 1880s, my his son Jon are looking forward great grandfather, John H. to the first snowstorm so they Prentiss lived in the Centreville can jump on their Flexible section of Acquackanonk Flyers and head down Cannonball Hill. That is also Township, which is now the Don with his sister Linda Athenia section of Clifton. He (Knolan) and their dad told his grandson, my father Charles, who died in 2007. Charles H. Lotz, that he and his Mother Irmgard, now 84, friends would take their sleds still lives at the family house and walk up Van Houten on Gould St. Avenue to Valley Road and Hill), would sleigh ride down, make the sharp right sleigh ride down Van Houten Avenue all the way back turn onto Fenner Avenue and continue down to Broad to Centreville. Street. They placed one boy at the intersection of “My father, his brother Raymond L. Lotz and their Valley, Fenner, and Mountain Park to stop traffic while friends from Albion Place would take their sleds to the one of their friends would barrel down the hill. top of Mountain Park Road (known as Cannon Ball
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Urology
Chiropractic
Celebrate the season, enjoy family and friends, but please be safe and healthy... PODIATRY Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD 1033 Clifton, Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-3344 Jeffrey Miller, DPM 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-365-2208 Eugene A. Batelli, DPM 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-365-2208 Zina Cappiello, DPM 886 Pompton Ave, Suite A-1 Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973-857-1184 Glenn Haber, DPM 140 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-569-0212
Matthew Welch, DPM 6506 Park Ave. West New York, NJ 07093 201-662-1122 Anas Khoury, DPM 235 Main Ave. Passaic, NJ 07066 973-473-6665
PAIN MANAGEMENT Ladislav Habina, MD 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-357-8228 Kazimierz Szczech, MD 1033 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-4400
ENDOSCOPY
UROLOGY
Piotr Huskowski, MD 1005 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013
Daniel Rice, MD 1001 Clifton, Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-779-7231
973-778-7882
CHIROPRACTIC Michael Gaccione, DC 26 Clinton St. Newark, NJ 07012 973-624-4000 Terry Mc Sweeney, DC 600 Mount Prospect Ave. Newark, NJ 07104 973-485-2332
ENT Stephen Abrams, MD 1070 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-773-9880
John Mc Evoy, DPM 152 Lakeview Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-340-8970
Binod Sinha, MD 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-777-5444
ORTHOPEDICS
Kevin Healey, DPM 152 Lakeview Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-340-8970
Todd Koppel, MD 721 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-5752
Kent Lerner, MD 17 Jauncey Ave. North Arlington, NJ 07031 201-991-9019
Dr. Zina Cappiello
Dr. Ramon Silen
Dr. Kazimierz Szczech
Dr. Jeffrey Miller, DPM
Podiatry
General Surgery
Pain Management
Podiatry
OPHTHALMOLOGY Charles Crowley, MD 1033 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-472-6405
GENERAL SURGERY Kevin Buckley, MD 1100 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-778-0100 Edwin Kane, MD 1100 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-778-0100 Ramon Silen, MD 1117 Route 46 East, Suite 301 Clifton, NJ 07013 973-779-4242
Dr. Eugene A. Batelli, DPM
Podiatry
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Family Traditions
“My second cousin Gary Van Vliet and his Albion Place friends were the last generation that used Cannonball Hill as their sledding venue during the late 1950s.,” recalled Lotz. “When we were kids, my friends and I used Albion Park as our sledding location. We would also carry our skates up to Barbour’s Pond on Garrett Mountain when the weather was cold enough to freeze the pond. Here Comes Santa Claus... Long before he joined Clifton’s Fire Department, Deputy Fire Chief Michael Sauer knew about the annual Santa Float that traveled through town Christmas Eve day. While the route traveled is kept a secret, the float traverses nearly every street, keeping alive a decades-old tradition where the Fire Department delivers Santa Claus to the children of Clifton. It is proof that Santa is in town to stuff their stockings and bring them presents. “As a kid, I would remember hearing the sirens while we were sitting around the table. As soon as you heard them, everybody would rush out onto the street to wave to Santa, welcome him to town.” For those new to Clifton, the first time they hear the sirens and rush out to see where’s the fire, it can be confusing instead to see a fire truck zoom by, decorated with lights, playing music, with Santa waving. However, after your neighbors explain this Clifton tradition, the next year, you expect it. As Sauer noted, “without the Santa Float, it wouldn’t seem like Christmas.” 50 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
2002 CHS grad and former Miss New Jersey 2009 Kaity Bettina Rodriguez told us, “My most treasured memory of the Christmas season was our family’s Christmas Eve traditions. As children, we would play Christmas music, bake cookies, watch Christmas specials. Then at the stroke of midnight, we would open gifts! Now, I have put a new spin on those traditions. “I get the season going with tree decorating to the tune of Mariah Carey’s Christmas album, and instead of sugar cookies baking in the oven, now it’s chocolate chip. We still watch Christmas movies, and now take a tour of the houses with holiday lights in our area. The thing that stays the same is that nothing, absolutely nothing tops the season better than time with family and friends.”
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Sharing & Caring
KEY CLUB The Key Club at CHS, some 300-studentsstrong, under the able supervision of adviser Jacquie Turk, an English teacher at CHS, will be performing a variety show for pediatric patients at the Giggles Theater at St. Joseph’s Hospital for Children in Paterson on Dec. 16 at 6 pm. Club members are seeking donation of new board games such as Monopoly, Hungry Hippos, Uno, Candy Land to give away during their show. “Last year we collected $2,000 worth of games and would like to reach or beat that again this year,” said Turk, adding that gifts or donations can be dropped off at CHS’s main office during normal school hours.
OLIVER & GIBLIN Clifton’s NJ Assembly representatives, Sheila Y. Oliver and Thomas P. Giblin, have launched their fifth holiday toy and book drive. The legislators are asking residents to provide unwrapped toys and books for children ages 3 to 15 now through Dec. 16. Children at St. Peter’s Haven, the Boys & Girls Club and other charities have benefitted from past generosity. Drop off at Giblin’s office, 1333 Broad St., Mon. to Fri., between 9 am and 5 pm (973-7793125) or at Oliver’s office at 15-33 Halsted St., East Orange., between 10 and 4 pm, Mon. through Fri., (973-395-1166).
CHIRO CENTER
CHS Key Club members Mercedez Zea, Roaa Hamzeh, Archi Shah, Adriana Hernandez are seeking donations of toys and games.
52 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Doctors Joe Paz, Jackie Paz-Schimmel and Lou Schimmel at the Chiropractic Center at Styertowne are collecting new unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots. Donations will be accepted in December during their regular opening hours, and all gifts will be given to Toys for Tots to brighten this holiday season for needy children. For more details, visit www.thechirocenter.net if you need further details and to check on their hours.
WEICHERT
Weichert’s Toy Drive team have a direct connection to Santa, from left, Frank Gorga, Ryan Carbone, Maureen Setteducato, Artie Rubin and Tony Sanchez.
FMBA & PBA For decades now, Clifton Police Officers and Clifton Firefighters have joined forces in a toy drive. Members of PBA 36 and FMBA Local 21 have again teamed up with the USMC Reserves to collect gifts for their annual Toys for Tots drive. FMBA President Pat PJ Cassidy and PBA President Nicholas Hriczov ask residents provide only new, unwrapped toys, which can be dropped off at any Clifton Fire Station until Dec. 20. When purchasing gifts, buy toys appropriate in one of three categories: for newborns to five year olds, age 5 to 10 and for kids 10 and into their teens. Info: www.fmba21.org.
B & G CLUB The Boys & Girls Club runs a Secret Santa program in which donors can purchase a gift or a toy for a child in need. This may include an item of new clothing, such as a shirt or pants, a coat, sweater or sweatshirt. If you do decide to help out, you are asked to wrap the gift in holiday paper and bring it to the Boys & Girls Club by Dec. 18. Do not put your name on the gift tag, as most of the children, especially the youngest ones, believe that the gifts come from Santa. For more information about clothing sizes that parents have requested, highly sought after toys or to make a general contribution, or have questions, call Doris McFarlane or Bob Foster at the Club at 973-773-0966.
Folks at Weichert Realtors, 791 Passaic Ave., are again collecting toys for children in the Passaic County Foster Families Program right up until Dec. 24. Donors should drop off a new, unwrapped toy during normal office hours, which are 8:30 am to 9 pm, Mon. to Fri., 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. If you’d like to give a specific gift or want to contribute funds, call either Tony Sanchez or Maureen Setteducato at the Weichert office at 973-779-1900.
LIBERTY TAX Speaking of the Boys & Girls Club, Mary Ann Hatala Bowen of Liberty Tax Service at Richfield Shopping Center has a novel fundraiser. On any Saturday in December from noon to 5 pm and on Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23 from noon to 7 pm, she and her staff will wrap your gifts at no charge. All they ask is for you to make a donation to the Clifton B&G Club of at least $5 per package. Bowen and her crew have been supporters of the Boys Club since they established their firm in Clifton. For info, call 973-778-0700.
CLIFTON SCHOOLS Feeling philanthropic but stumped on the appropriate cause? Consider a gift to the Clifton Education Foundation which supports our public school students and teachers. Serving Clifton Public Schools since 1998 when it was founded by Bob Zschack and Marie Hakim, the group helps to raise funds through donations and endowments. District teachers, student groups and HSAs can then apply for grants for various need-andappreciate-your-help projects which are not covered by the city’s educational budget. Checks can be made to the Clifton Education Foundation and mailed to PO Box 2071, Clifton NJ 07015. For info or to discuss a project, call Loretta Ahmad, Treasurer, at 973-7787704 or email her at cresCI50@aol.com. Clifton Merchant • December 2014 53
Here are some Christmas Cards designed by children and published by the Ukrainian National Association (UNA). Working with Tomahawk Promotions of Clifton, packets of 12 cards and envelopes were distributed to UNA members in the US who are asked to send a donation of $25 to the UNA’s Foundation. Established in 1894, the UNA provides members with life insurance, annuities and endowments. Through the UNA’s Foundation, it also supports cultural programs such as the annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival in upstate NY. Call 1-800-253-9862 x 3071.
54 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
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By Michael C. Gabriele Nine o’clock on Saturday morning and the regulars are at their places in the Central Coffee Bar on Market Street—mingling, sharing stories, discussing city politics, and savoring the caffeine-tinged atmosphere. Tom (CHS 1972) and Annie (CHS 1985) Carleo are both the friendly proprietors, as well as the friendly baristas. For the Carleos, the launch of the Central Coffee Bar on May 25 was a hometown dream come true, inspired by their travels over the years to ports-of-call in Italy, Spain, France, even Brooklyn. “During those trips, we spent a lot of time at coffee shops, enjoying the places we visited,” Tom recalled, underlining the inviting, local charm of these cafés. “We thought it would be nice to bring that kind of place to Clifton.” Coming to a cafe is familiar, reassuring scene that plays out every day in towns and cities throughout the Garden State. In the 21st century patrons in Clifton and elsewhere are continuing a noble tradition of supporting the coffee house as a cozy community institution, an espresso-inspired, 700-year history that dates back to the very first cafés that began in the Middle East. During the chilly days of December days, as Cliftonites make their rounds to “Shop Clifton First” 56 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Tom Carleo, in 1972, and at Central Coffee Bar.
and buy holiday gifts for loved ones, taking a moment to enjoy a smooth cappuccino, a hot espresso, a flaky croissant, and sample the city’s flourishing, diverse café society should be part of the “Shop Clifton First” routine. “Flourishing,” because two cafés have emerged this year to join other established coffee bars throughout the city.
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“Diverse,â€? because the businesses that serve lattes, hot chocolate, CafĂŠ Americanos and herbal teas are owned and operated by entrepreneurs for whom Clifton is their hometown, as well as those who have journeyed from the distant shores of Turkey, South Korea, Egypt, the Dominican Republic. Clifton cafes are another proud example of this town’s diversity. For 36 years Tom worked at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Realizing that it was time for a career change, he and Annie waited for two years before seizing the opportunity to open their shop at 84 Market St., previously an ice cream parlor. “We knew it was the right time when this spot became available,â€? he continued. “We really wanted to be in Clifton.â€? Most of Central Coffee’s business comes from earlymorning customers, then patrons during the lunch hour. “Saturday mornings are especially busy,â€? Tom said, “and all of our customers know each other. It’s one, big social gathering.â€?
Mike and Hanna Beshay, Mike's Cafe
The business philosophy at Central Coffee emphasizes quality products. Annie and Tom purchase the beans used to make their cafĂŠ drinks from Delano’s Coffee Roasters, exotic teas from The Republic of Tea, and bring breads, rolls and pastries from Balthazar Bakery in New York’s SoHo district. And it’s truly a family affair at Central Coffee as Stephanie, the teenaged daughter of Annie and Tom, has created her own line of “Shelfâ€? granola products.
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Hot Coffee, Warm Applause Hanna and Mike Beshay, who own and run Mike’s Café in Richfield Shopping Center, took time out from the bustle around them to sit briefly and clink their coffee mugs—a belated toast to celebrate the launch of their business that opened Sept. 22. The quaint gesture drew warm applause from their customers. The Beshays, who live in Clifton but were born and raised in Egypt, came to the United States in 1990. They ran a deli in Manhattan for 14 years while living in Bayonne, but Hanna said there came a point where the daily commute Margaret Przyborowska (left) and Chong Scoble, George's Coffee Shop simply became too grueling. ties. “We think that high school and college students They began to seek new business opportunities on would be very comfortable here,” she said, adding that the Jersey side of the Hudson River and decided to they appreciate the welcome and support they’ve open a café. They found the right fit in Clifton, setting received from their Clifton customers. up on the site formerly home to Foodies Café. Mike’s Café, a spacious facility, features a full specDowntown Clifton’s Bookstore and Coffee House trum of coffee drinks along with an abundant showcase For the adventurous seeking the intriguing flavors of filled with pastries, rolls and cookies. Mike demonTurkey, Clifton shoppers need only stop and sample the strates his expertise as a grill man by preparing specialofferings at ANT Bookstore and Café, 345 Clifton Ave., ty regional and ethnic omelets: California, Spanish, in the city’s Downtown section. Greek, Irish and Italian. The interior décor is a palette of gold and orange colTheir business so far caters to a family clientele, ors, with Turkish music softly playing in the backhowever, Hanna said they hope to attract more young ground. adults in the coming months with free Wi-Fi capabili-
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Ivory-colored, interior “windows” with star designs create open-air sections for the many bookcases Regular coffee and robust Turkish coffee drinks abound at ANT, along with Turkish tea. But the true treasures of this establishment can be found in the pastry display case. One exquisite creation is kazandibi, a spongy pancake rolled around a cool, refreshing milk pudding. Other delicacies are gozleme, a flaky, flat pastry filled with cheese; borek, bread stuffed with spinach and cheese; simit, a Turkish sesame bagel; and soft crescent rolls filled with olives and cheese. There’s also a sweet butternut squash gelatin topped with walnuts. Irfan Yuce, the manager of the café and bookstore, said ANT opened in November 2009 and is a favorite stop for members of Clifton’s Turkish community and surrounding towns. The family friendly atmosphere spans a broad range of customers; from women with young children to businessmen, such as members of Peace Islands Institute, a northern New Jersey organization that promotes interfaith dialogue, education initiatives and community outreach. Yuce said the café/bookstore is owned by a privately held corporation of Turkish business owners.
Irfan Yuce the manager of the ANT coffee house.
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Yuce also translated the meaning of the unusual name of the establishment. Upon close inspection, the letter “A” appears in standard font, while the letters “NT” are italicized. In Turkey, the letters “NT” are an acronym for book store. In Clifton, these two letters were united with the letter “A” that stands for “American”. Hence the acronym ANT. Search and Sip in Lakeview Sarah and Wilfredo Ventura manage Wilchris Internet Café, 245 Lakeview Avenue, a coffee bar that combines caffeine and internet service. Sarah and her husband were born and raised in the Dominican Republic and arrived in Clifton 12 years ago, opening the Lakeview café in 2009. Sarah said she observed the need to provide students in the neighborhood with a relaxed, comfortable setting to study, do homework, utilize Wi-Fi internet services and enjoy coffee and tasty snacks. Perhaps the tastiest snack in the house is a round, flat, Colombian corn cake known as “arepa.” Along with flavored coffee, Sarah serves juices, tea and hot chocolate. The name of the café (Wilchris) was created as a tribute to her two children: son, Wilfredo and daughter, Christy. Three Decades of Loyal Botany Customers Chong Scoble recalls precisely the date she opened George’s Coffee Shop at 227 Parker Ave., in Botany Village: Sept. 3, 1985, which was a Tuesday. During the past 29 years, her coffee shop has been a favorite haunt for Botany Village regulars, serving coffee, sandwiches and pastries. “My business is made up of steady customers from the neighborhood. Born in South Korea, Chong came to Clifton 38 years ago and appreciates her status as a local business woman. She also appreciates the loyalty of her customers, understanding that for a small business to succeed for almost 30 years is quite an accomplishment. Asked who is George, Scobe replied with a smile, “He’s my ex-husband.” The National Heavyweights American coffee shop heavyweight Dunkin’ Donuts has six locations in Clifton. Two shops occupy locations of note: the Dunkin’ Donuts in the Styertowne Shopping Center is found on the footprint of the legendary Bond’s Ice Cream Parlor—famous for the 62 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Sarah Ventura, Wilchris Internet Cafe, holding arepa, Colombian corn cakes.
gigantic “Awful Awful” milkshake. And the shop at 531 Van Houten Ave. was once was the location of Clifton’s Queen Diner. International heavyweight Starbucks Coffee Co. is also here at a stand-alone café in the River Front Center, as well as “interior operations” that are part of Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Stop & Shop supermarket, both located in Clifton Commons. And of course Clifton’s IHOP on Route 3, owned and operated by the O’Neil Family of Clifton, is still home to the bottomless cup of Joe. The International Connection Coffee consumption originated in the African region of Ethiopia during the sixth century. In 980 A.D., writings by the Arab scholar Avicenna praised coffee for its medicinal value. Middle Eastern coffee houses began to spring up as shops in Yemen, Mecca, Damascus and Istanbul in the 14th century. By the 1600s, the caffeine craze had spread to Europe. Great Britain’s first coffee shop opened in Oxford—home to the oldest university in the Englishspeaking world—in 1650. There were an estimated 3,000 coffee houses in London by the early 1700s. Here in the US, coffee house served as refuge for intellectuals and beatniks. By the late 1950s, in San Francisco, Cambridge, and Greenwich Village, coffee houses became magnets for folk-revival music, serving as the hip springboard for the careers of legendary artists such as Joan Baez, Dave Van Ronk, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.
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Wrestling • Basketball • Hockey • Track • Bowling • Swimming
MUSTANG SPORTS
CHS
Front from left: manager Alexa Passenti, Matthew DePasque, Patrick Depasque, Moe Farhan, manager Brittany Wdowiak. Middle row: AJ Tudda, James Murdoch, Jozel Ortiz, Chris Zaccone, Anthony Milan, Michael Algeri, Ayanna Ervin. Rear row: Anaes Allan, Tiberiu Rizea, Sami Tamimi, Andrii, Sheriff Habib, Sean Yadimarco, Chris Mejia
Mustang Sports by Tom Szieber The 2013-14 season was easily the most memorable one in recent Clifton wrestling history. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Geleta, the Mustangs went 19-3, won the North 1, Group 4 championship, and sent seven grapplers to the NJSIAA individual state tournament in Atlantic City. So, what has changed for the program in the aftermath of its first sectional title since 1986? According to Geleta, nothing. “Our goal is stil the same, we want to win districts, the league, 64 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
and state sectionals,” he said bluntly. “The goals are the same. Unfortunately, the older kids have to graduate, and the kids that were behind them and learned from them have to step up and fill in those shoes.” The Mustangs know it won’t be an easy task, but they believe they are up to the challenge thanks to the return of juniors Mohammed Farhan and Patrick DePasque and sophomore Kareem Askew—each of whom made it to the state quarterfinal round in March.
Wrestling Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 3 Jan 7 Jan 10 Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 30 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 6 Feb 9 Feb 11 Feb 13
Invitational Tournament 9am Xmas Tourn @ Bloomfield 10am @ Cranford 10am River Dell 6pm @ Newark Academy 10am @ PCTI 7pm Passaic Valley 6pm @ West Orange 10am @ Eastside Paterson 5pm @ West Milford 10am @ JFK 5pm Lakeland 6pm @ Kearny 9am @ Passaic 6pm @ Ridgefield Park 7pm TBA TBD TBA TBD TBA TBD
Farhan (38-3 last year) figures to weigh in somewhere between 138 and 152, and has upped his training and practice routines this offseason in an effort to advance further in state competition. The same can be
MUSTANG SPORTS Wrestling said for Askew, a talented young mat prodigy, and DePasque, who surprised many with a late surge during the District XV and Region IV tournaments. “Mo has proven a lot, and won four matches in the Super 32—one of the nation’s toughest tournaments— in the offseason,” said Geleta. “Kareem did the same, and Patrick has definitely gained some confidence after what he did last year. They all want to exceed those accomplishments this season.” A pair of talented sophomore, James Murdoch and Anthony Tudda, will be cogs in the lineup, as well. Murdoch excelled as a freshman, reaching the state tournament and winning 31 matches. Tudda, meanwhile, often fell under the radar because of the strength of Clifton’s lightweight lineup last season, but Geleta raves about his contributions and believes his role will bring him more attention this winter. There is a drop-off in experience in the rest of the lineup, but still a strong corps of potential contributors to Clifton’s title defense. Two freshmen, Matthew DePasque and Michael Algieri, will both be formidable at the lightweight end, with the former possessing the pedigree and the latter
now fully recovered from a nagging rotator cuff injury. Juniors Chris Zaccone (who has considerable varsity experience), Anthony Milan, Tibi Rizea, Sheriff Habib, Andrii Danyliuk, Daniel Parra and Mike Christides will be expected to jump in quickly as upperclassmen, despite smaller resumes. Sophomores Mohammed Abu Alhuda, Sean Yadimarco and Anaes Allan and freshman Chris Mejia will add youth to the roster. There will be challenges, no doubt, for a team looking to defend its championship and simultaneously become the first-ever North 1, Group 5 champion (the NJSIAA added a fifth group to the wrestling state playoffs this year). But with a similar approach from Geleta and crew, there is no reason to think the Mustangs can’t be celebrating again come season’s end. “We have kids that have a lot of JV experience who will be able to compete, even though we are going to be very young,” Geleta said. “But we succeed because we treat all three levels of wrestling equal. You spend as much time on the varsity kids as you do with the JV kids. Every athlete on this team is important to us, not just the state qualifiers. And that is why we have a program that can wrestle with anybody.”
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MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball
CHS Girls
Basketball From left front Hannah Hirst, Emily Ulczak, Kat Jordan, Kelly Douglass, Yehshen Henry. Top fron left: Tiffany Richards, Ariella Morrison, Jordan Rivera, Brittany Morales, Karleigh Davilla and Gabriella Garcia.
Clifton girls basketball has made some monumental strides over the past two seasons, and all signs point to them being competitive again in 2014-15. But for the Mustangs to replicate—and perhaps surpass—their recent successes, they will count on senior star guard Kelly Douglass to lead the way. Douglass’ versatility is perhaps her greatest asset, as she is capable of playing all five positions on the floor. It also enables her to score nearly at will, and has put her on the brink of Clifton history. With 890 career points heading into the winter, she figures to reach the 1,000-point barrier sometime in early January. The Mustangs’ last player to do so was Dori Breen back in the 1970s. “Kelly can do it all,” said her head coach, Craig Alfano. “She can handle the ball exceptionally well, she attacks the basket, and can even post up.” Douglass, who stands an impressive 5’11,” was a first team All-Passaic County and first team All-Big North Liberty player last season, averaging 14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. 66 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 27 Dec 29 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 20 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 27 Jan 29 Feb 3 Feb 5 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 17 Feb 19 Feb 21 Feb 26
@ Bergen Tech 4:15pm Ferris @ Clifton Annex 11am River Dell @ Passaic Val 11am Creskill @ Passaic Val12:45pm Dwight M. @ PVHS 12:45pm Passaic 11:30am @ PCTI 4pm JFK 4:30pm Kearny 12pm @ Eastside Paterson 7pm @ West NY Memorial 7pm Metuchen 12pm Holy Angels 4:15pm @ Fair Lawn 4:15pm Dickinson @ C. Annex 11am Lakeland 4:30pm @ Passaic Valley 4pm Berg. Tech 4:30pm @ Passaic 4:30pm PCTI 4pm @ JFK 7pm Eastside 4:30pm @ DePaul Catholic 7pm Nutley @ C. Annex 11:30am W. Milford 7pm
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball She also averaged nearly two blocks per outing. Defensively, she can defend all five spots, which is one of the major reasons she land-
ed a scholarship to the University of Hartford next year. Joining her on the floor will be junior center Emily Ulczak, a 6’0” player who is a skilled rebounder and blocker. She will be looked upon to increase her scoring load this season. In addition, point guard Brittany Morales will be expected to shoulder ball handling duties to lighten the load on Douglass. “Brittany is an incredible athlete with a great motor,” said Alfano. “That is important because of all the transition stuff we do.” Freshman guard/forward Jordan Rivera impressed Alfano in summer league play, and will join a contingent of talented players. That line includes senior guards Gabby Garcia, Tiffany Richards
and Karleigh Davilla, junior guard Hannah Hirst and junior forward Yehshen Henry. There is a lot of talent, though much of it will take some time to acclimate itself to the varsity level. When that happens, Alfano hopes his team can post a third consecutive winning season, and build on its 14 wins from a year ago (its most wins since 1992). “We lost three starters, and we are going to need Kelly to score around 20 points per game to be successful,” Alfano said. “But I think she can do it. And with that said, we need others to step up and be complementary scoring threats. We hope we can get it to the next level, and this time get out of that first round of the state tournament.”
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Thanks Neighbors and Clients, from the Genardi family! 68 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Members of the Class of 2014 earned about $66 million in scholarships and grants. Clifton graduates earned over $3 million of those scholarships and grants.
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Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Basketball
Varsity Mustangs, from left front: Kevin Fortuna, Joey Cornelio, Chris Rodriguez. Rear: Brandon Sanchez, Chris Bonaparte, Sean Lyons, Luan Hadzovic, Ramzey Hemerd, Delano Dixon.
Mike Rivera knows there will be challenges in his second year at the helm of Clifton boys basketball. The Mustangs are already in perhaps the toughest hoops league in New Jersey in the Big North. Couple that with the extreme youth and inexperience on this squad, and Rivera realizes that growing pains will occur. That being said, he also believes there is enough talent to surprise a lot of people and perhaps improve on last season’s sub-.500 record. The big theme this season will be just that: always improve. “I want to see these kids compete, to not be scared,” said Rivera. “Other than [Joelvis Cornelio], no one has played in a varsity game. But this core group, if they can compete this year, they’ll be good next year, and by 70 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
their senior year, could be among the best Clifton has ever had. If they all stick together.” Cornelio will lead the way. A senior small forward, he is extremely athletic—he dunked twice in the first six games of last season. He is also a player that can raise the game of those around him, as his teammates seem to feed off his energy. “They definitely do,” Rivera said. “He is the only one on this team that has battled in our league, and has credentials. His leadership will be important.” Joining him in the starting lineup will senior guard Chris Rodriguez. He joined the program with extreme inaccuracy, but has turned himself into a sharpshooter who can also handle the ball.
MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Basketball CHS Boys
Basketball Dec 19 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 29 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 10 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 27 Jan 29 Jan 31 Feb 3 Feb 5 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 17 Feb 19 Feb 21 Feb 24
Bergen Tech 4:30pm JFK @ Ramapo College TBD @ Mahwah 7pm Montclair @ Union City 7pm Xmas Tourn @ Union City TBD Xmas Tourn @ Union City TBD @ Passaic TBD PCTI 4pm @ West Essex 1pm Eastside 4:30pm @ Bergen Catholic 7pm @ Dickinson 2pm Fair Lawn 4:15pm @ Kearny 1pm @ Lakeland 4:15pm Passaic Valley 4pm Lincoln 12pm @ Bergen County Tech 7pm Passaic 4pm @ St. Peter’s Prep 7pm @ PCTI 4pm JFK 4:30pm @ Eastside Paterson 7pm DePaul 4pm @ Nutley 11am @ Ferris 4pm
“His work ethic is incredible,” said Rivera. “I have total confidence having him bring the ball up against the press. He is going to carry a lot of the load, and he and Joe are going to be our primary scorers.” Senior shooting guard Ramsey Heimed will be a key part of the Clifton lineup, as well. A threepoint specialist and a great defender, Heimed is a veteran in Rivera’s system who can mentor others, as well. Junior forward/centers Chris Boneparte and Luan Hadzovic, sophomore guard Sean Lyons and sophomore forward will see a great deal of time on the floor, as well. Rivera is also high on freshman guard Tyler White, a polished ninth-grade player who drew interest from technical and parochial schools, but opted to stay in Clifton
due to his desire to play a part in the success of his hometown team. “These kids come to practice excited,” Rivera said of his team. “They are all there 30 minutes early, and that makes me more excited to coach.”
Due to the holidays we've moved the publication date of our January 2015 edition. Rather than the usual first Friday of the month, for this month only, we will distribute on January 9.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Lauren Murphy Councilwoman-Elect
Clifton City Council Thank you for your support!
lmurphy711@yahoo.com paid for by Lauren Murphy for Clifton Council
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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MUSTANG SPORTS Hockey
Kneeling from left, Justin Bennion, Adam Carlo, Steve Borthwick, and Graydon Schwartz. Standing from left, Matthew ‘Matty K’ Kolodzieczyk, Chris Duffy, Billy Gibson, Zach Doka, and Giancarlo Osnato.
CHS ready because of the numbers, but Clifton ice hockey has had a tough they are ready now.” couple of years, but with every Senior center Matt Kolodjieczyk Mustang team, there are a few things will lead Clifton on offense, and hopes you can count on. It will be tough. It Nov 29 N. Valley-Old Tappan 4pm to follow up on a team-best 37-point will be energetic. It will be wellDec 5 Fair Lawn 7:10pm Dec 06 @ Hackensa ck TBD junior season (27 goals, 10 assists). “He coached. Dec 12 River Dell 9:10pm definitely can score goals,” said Danko. Veteran head coach Tom Danko, in Dec 13 River Dell @ Hackensack 5pm “We are looking for him to have more his 28th year at the helm, leads a new Dec 19 Bayonne 7:10pm Dec 20 Passaic Valley 7:10pm of a leadership position this time team on to the ice this winter, looking Dec 22 Nutley @ S. Mount. 6:15pm around.” to parlay those positives into a year Dec 27 @ Howell Ice World 9:45am Right wing will be senior Zach Doka, that far exceeds the 5-13-4 last year’s Jan 2 Fair Lawn 7:40pm with senior Graydon Scwartz seeing Jan 7 Jefferson @ Skylands 8pm campaign. He knows hockey has Jan 9 Passaic Valley 3:50pm time, as well. On the left will be junior taken a hit all over the state due to Jan 10 @ Hackensack 5pm Brett Finan, who will be spelled at times expense, club participation overshadJan 14 @ Bayonne 4pm by senior Adam Carlo. Center Karol owing the scholastic game and a Jan 16 TBA TBD Jan 19 Vernon @ Skylands 7:10pm Vida and right wing Nick Petriella, both decline in interest. Jan 23 Paramus Catholic 5pm freshmen, are hungry youngsters that Still, he believes he has a group Jan 26 @ Woodbridge 3:15pm will also get time on the ice. that can perform well and continue to Jan 31 Ridgewood 7:10pm Feb 7 @ Watchung Hills 3:15pm The Clifton defensive unit will conimprove. “I think so far our players sist mainly of seniors Justin Bennion, are working pretty hard, and I think Chris Duffy and Giancarlo Osnato and sophomore Shawn that’s a good sign,” Danko said. “I’d like to see them Meneghin. The sophomore-senior brother duo of Tyler above .500, and I think it’s definitely attainable. We and Billy Gibson will split time at goalie. have had some guys who had to play before they were 72 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Hockey
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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CHS
These Mustangs are indoors now: front row, from left: Arianit Sazimani, Neil Shah, Craig Wheeler, Ray Romanski. Top: Hailey Fusaro, Michelle Aplogan, Alaa Khalil, Olivia Rosenberg, Verona Ebanks, Samantha Abdelslame.
According to head coach Mike Rogers, the key to the 2014-15 season for Clifton indoor track will be finding surprises. Rogers admits that his team is largely inexperienced, but he feels that big numbers and a lot of experience at the sub-varsity levels will help shorten the learning curve and produce a great deal of success. “I would say that on the girls side, we have had girls that have excelled since they were freshman,” Rogers said. “Now that they are entering their junior or senior years, this is when it is going to pay off. On the boys side, as well, our juniors and seniors have experience, and just need to apply it to this level.” With nearly 180 athletes out for the team, goals will be high. But then again, they are always high for a program with such a winning tradition. 74 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Leading the way on the boys side will be junior Otto De Leon, who will compete in the 55m, 200m, 400m and possibly the long jump. De Leon is likely the best all-around athlete on the team. Senior Rory Houston, another top athlete, will compete in the 800m. Seniors Carlos Skerret and Jay Pathak will both be distance specialists, while their classmate Craig Wheeler will handle sprints, jumps and hurdles. Senior Arianit Sazimani will be a pole vaulter, while freshman Kevin Herredia adds some youth to the lineup. Herredia’s role hasn’t been defined just yet, but he was outstanding in both his first season of cross country and in middle school track last year, and should be a big part of the Mustangs going forward. The girls will be led by a pair of skilled shot putters in senior Verona
Track Dec 23 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 25 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 18 Feb 22 Mar 3
at Rothman Center 4:30pm at 168th St. Armory, NY 10am at Rothman Center 9am at Rockland County CC 4pm at Rothman Center 4:30pm at Garfield High School 10am at 168th St. Armory NY 5pm at Garfield High 6pm at 168th St. Armory 6pm at Garfield High 6pm at Bennett Center 3:30pm at Rothman Center 4:30pm at Rothman Center 4:30pm at Bennett Center 3:30pm at Garfield High School 6pm at Bennett Center 10am at 168th St. Armory, NY 4pm
Ebanks and junior Monika Dlugosz. Senior Dalyah Pierson will sprint, as will junior Chelsea Robinson, who also adds hurdling to her resume. Senior Sofiya Nedelcheva, junior Meagan Davey and sophomore Meghan Jozefczyk will cover distance events for the girls. Senior Michelle Aplogan will hurdle, sprint and jump, while senior Olivia Rosenberg will compete in the 800m.
More Varsity Mustang Harriers, From top left: Michael Zavaleta, Joshua Stanford, Kishan Patel, Jayren DeGuzman Carlos Skerrett, Anthony Schwiederek , Bhargav Desai, Rory Houston, Cameron Hebron, Jay Pathak.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and the very best for the New Year.
BOE Commissioner
Rosemary Pino and Family
Thank you for your continued support Paid for by Rosemary Pino
Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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MUSTANG SPORTS Bowling Brian Small and the 2014-15 edition of Clifton bowling will not be able to tout a wealth of experience throughout the roster, but should still have enough skill at the lanes to make a run in the Big North Liberty Division. The boys have just one senior between both lineups, but Small has always found a way to get the most out of his bowlers. “They should do well,” Small said. “Bergen Tech and Passaic County Tech lead the pack, but we will be competitive.” The boys will be led by senior Mike Puglis, who has been with the program for four years. In addition, they will get some valuable varsity experience from junior Nick Vilardi. “I think Mike has improved a great deal,” Small said. “He bowled a 212, a 191 and some other high games during practice this presea-
76 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
son. Nick has probably been around a 164 average this preseason, and if he can stay in the 160s and 170s this year, that’s a good sign.” Rounding out the boys lineup will be a trio of juniors: Marvin DeGuzman, Brian Cammerino and Dillon Keenan.
CHS
Bowling Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 17 Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 26 Jan 28
Bergen County Tech Passaic John F. Kennedy PCTI Don Bosco Prep Wayne Hills Fair Lawn West Milford Bergen County Tech Eastside Paterson John F. Kennedy Passaic Eastside Paterson PCTI
4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm
As for the girls, Clifton will be led by juniors Catherine Juarez and Veronica Viera. They will also get a boost from sophomore newcomer Gabriella Pangero, who was burst on to the scene in practice with some very impressive games. “Gabriella, on her first day, bowled a 200, a 188 and a 181,” said Small. “She has got a real nice ball and is around the pocket all the time. She’s also bowled a 172, a 169 and a 212.” Sophomore Natalie Valdez and junior Glorimer Obando will buoy the Clifton girls’ efforts, as well. “I would like to see them improving consistently,” said Small. “If you want to get better, you need to bowl all year round. When you do that, it shows. You can’t just pick the ball up in November.” Due to scheduling problems, we could not arrange a photo.
MUSTANG SPORTS Swimming
Michael Cervino, Roman Chyshkevych, Katherine Fraczek, Malika Radjapova, Tayana Castro, Sebastian Luna-Villanueva, Sami Affify, Bohdan Kryzh.
CHS
On paper, Clifton swimming has a new head coach. Though, for all intents and purposes, it really has two head coaches in one. Former Mustang swimmer Craig Casperino (class of 2007) has officially taken over the reins from long-time coach Andrea Bobby, though Bobby remains on staff to help make the transition smooth and successful. That dynamic should prove helpful for a boys squad that is looking to defend an unexpected Passaic County title, and a girls group that seems to be on the cusp of some big things of its own. “Taking on the challenge is difficult, but I have high hopes, and Coach Bobby has taught me a lot on how it works from the coach’s end.” Casperino said. “The kids are great, though, and we have a lot of decents swimmers with a lot of potential. As noted, the boys won last season’s Passaic County tournament,
but have graduated five swimmers from that squad. As they looked to repeat, they will be led by senior Sami Affify, who competes as a sprinter, freestyler and butterflier. Affify anchors some relays, and will compete in two-lap events. In addition, senior Michael Cervino will play a big role in long events, particularly in the 200 free and 500 free. Cervino will be one of the leaders on the team, and is one of the most experienced Mustangs. The rest of the boys team will be younger, as junior Brian Commer and sophomores David Herrera, Daniel Loukachouck and Dean anomat round out the lineup. For the girls, senior Tayana Castro will lead the way, competing in freestyle sprint, 500 free, 100 free or any relays. A hard worker and experience swimmer, Castro will team with classmates Katherine Fraczek and Elissa McMahon to
Swimming Dec 3 Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 16 Dec 18 Dec 23 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 8 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 20 Jan 28
De Paul 3:30pm Kearny 3:30pm Fair Lawn 3:30pm @ Wayne Hills 3pm @ Wayne YMCA 3pm North Valley-Old T. 3:30pm Montville 3:30pm @ Wayne Valley TBD West Essex 3:30pm Hackensack 3:30pm @ Union City 4pm @ PCTI 3:30pm Ridgewood 3:30pm @ PCTI 5pm
provide leadership for a very talented girls squad. Fraczek is a fouryear starter who excels in freestyle and breaststroke, while McMahon is an all-around competitor who can compete in various events. Junior Stephanie Bienkiewicz, junior Janice Costa and freshmen Nicole Kosmider and Nicole Shudaderov will also be key players for the Mustang girls. Clifton Merchant • December 2014 77
The CHS football team finally picked up an elusive first win on Thanksgiving morning, finishing their 2014 season on a high note with a thrilling 20-14 victory over rival Passaic. Mustang junior quarterback Freddy Guiran, who rushed for two scores on the morning, threw the game-winning touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Maurice Greene with just 31 seconds left in regulation. The win, at Passaic’s Boverini Stadium on River Rd., was Clifton’s 14th in its last 15 meetings with the Indians. The Mustangs lead the all-time series, which began in 1923, 45-36-5. Photos by Jasmine Currie
78 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
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By Domenick Reda Meet our CHS Students of the Month, who have been selected by the vice-principals of each wing. It’s Just Logical Khushia Patel likes it when things make sense; that’s why the East Wing 9th grader excels in one particular subject. “My favorite subject has always been Khushia Patel Sarah Adams math, because I like to think logically, which is helpful when solving problems,” she said. “Although many concepts might enjoy helping my community and seem difficult and complicated, I still enjoy attending events with my friends,” trying to understand and solve them.” she said. Patel said her experience at Clifton High As she moves ahead at CHS, School has been nothing less than “great” Patel said she will welcome future right from the start. “I look forward to the students the same way she was upcoming years here,” she said. embraced when she arrived. Prior to CHS, the 14-year-old attended “The best thing about CHS is the School 2 and Woodrow Wilson Middle vast amount of opportunities providSchool. When she arrived at CHS, she ed for a student,” she said. “Along knew she wanted to play sports. with academic courses, there are “During the fall sports season I was a also opportunities to express yourmember of the freshman girls volleyball self through meeting new people and Santiago Toro team,” she said. “I look forward to playing making friends while learning about with them for the next three years at CHS.” different cultures, by getting Patel credited her teammates and Coach Lester Fila involved with various clubs and organizations.” for the team’s success which was underscored by an In the future, Patel said she wants to be “successful undefeated season. and happy with the choices I make.” And although she is “I am very proud of my team this year because we all undecided on a career path now, “my aim will always be worked very hard to reach that achievement,” she said. “I to try my hardest, stay determined and succeed in the am also very thankful to have someone like Coach Fila career path of my choice.” because he was always helpful and encouraged us to be the best we could as a team.” Off To A Fast Start Above all, Patel valued the relationships she estabFor Sarah Adams, an Annex freshman, the transition from lished while playing the sport. “That was my best expemiddle school to CHS was smooth and seamless. rience at CHS because I made new friends,” she recalled. “I’ve finally made it to high school,” Adams enthused. Patel builds more relationships and helps people by And those who know Adams say her enthusiasm shows volunteering for the Clifton Recreation Department. “I through in her work. 80 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
“She is an honor roll student who As she moves forward she hopes to has achieved straight A’s across the share her knowledge with incoming board,” noted Aimee Gianino, a guidstudents. ance counselor at the Annex. “They “If I could meet with younger studon’t always start out that way. It’s dents and tell them about the Annex, quite an adjustment from middle I would have to say best thing is the school to high school, but Sarah made teachers because they are always supthe transition very easily during her portive of what you do and try to help first marking period at CHS.” in every way possible.” An avid runner, Adams knows a Even though she is only a freshman, thing or two about getting off the line Adams is already looking ahead to the Raymond Romanski quickly and competing. future. “Right now, my goal is to have “Before my grandfather passed we a career either in engineering or in busishared a love for running,” she recalled. “Now I’m on ness,” she said. the Clifton Cross Country team where I share my love with my peers.” A New Found Discipline Although Adams excels in all her courses, she considWhen Central Wing Senior Santiago Toro transferred ers math her favorite. to Christopher Columbus Middle School nearly six years “I love the feeling of solving an equation,” she ago, he was not only starting a new school in a new town, explained, while giving much credit to Math Teacher but also a new country. Charles Montalbano. “He is the best I’ve ever had.” “I am from Colombia,” Toro explained. “That is The academic whiz has lived her entire 14 years in where I started as an elementary school student. Then I Clifton, having attended School 12 and then Christopher moved to the United States in 2009. At the beginning it Columbus Middle School prior to CHS. was not easy since I did not speak English.”
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Students of the Month Toro said “it took me some time” to Toro also likes ROTC because of learn the new language which involved the opportunities it affords him to help continued practice. others and also do the things he “I tried to read at home to improve enjoys. my pronunciation,” he explained. “I “Because I am in reserve training I asked for extra work so that I would be volunteer and do community service,” more comfortable with my English. said Toro, who called his involvement That helped me to understand my daily in the program his best experience at activities so I could pass my classes CHS. “I also play soccer, listen to and move up to high school.” music and I like to exercise.” As a CHS freshman Toro went into Being a part of ROTC has taught the ESL—English as a Second Toro the meaning of volunteer work Language—intermediate program. and community service and now he “I started regular classes and I can pass his experiences on to others. Cesar Diaz worked hard so I could be a better per“CHS is the place to succeed son and enrich myself, reach my because the teachers and staff will help goals,” he explained. you to reach your goals” and that most importantly, Toro’s favorite subject is MCJROTC or The Marine “there is always someone available to help you to move Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, which further. It’s not easy to pass all the classes but if you try introduces students to military life. your best from the beginning, do your school work and “It helps me to be responsible and the class demands participate in something you really like, it will make discipline and respect,” he said. “It pushes me every day your school experience a good one.” to give the best of myself so I can make my goals hapAfter high school Toro wants to “become a radiograpen in the future.” pher” and continue in a military career.
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82 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Helping Others, Making A Difference Senior Raymond Romanski’s entire academic life has been spent in Clifton and now the North Wing student is being recognized as one of the Students of the Month for the second time. Romanski really adheres to the adage of being sound in mind and body. Not only does he maintain good grades, but he is an Eagle Scout, volunteers and works. Romanski, who is with Troop 40, which has been at St. Brendan Roman Catholic and St. Peter Episcopal churches, has been a Boy Scout since first grade and has volunteered at Eva’s Kitchen and St. Peter’s. “My grades have always been very good and I have always strived for the best,” said the former School 3 and CCMS student. “I have been employed at Acme since May of my sophomore year.” As a three-season athlete, he also participates in cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track and is on the Academic Decathlon team. His favorite subject is math “because I love learning about the past and how it applies to our modern lives.” Romanski has great memories of high school but said his most memorable was the student versus teacher volleyball game freshman year. “I had so much fun that day,” he said. Romanski is looking forward to life after high school and has advice for his successors. “I plan to attend college and pursue a career,” he said. “I would tell future students to work hard, keep your spirits up and stay determined, but also have fun and enjoy life while you’re young.”
Protect Or Save Cesar Diaz is not exactly sure what he will do when he graduates CHS but he knows one thing: he wants to help people. “I want to become a police officer so I can fight crime and protect people, or a doctor so I can save lives,” explained the Central Wing senior. Prior to CHS, Diaz cemented his Mustang roots in Clifton at School 5, School 2 and CCMS. His fondest memories at CHS come from the friendships he made. “The best experiences I had in high school were those I shared with some of my classmates,” he said, which include friends Joel Ciccarella and Menage Shepperson. “We care about each other.” Diaz’ favorite subject is English, saying that he enjoys reading and perfecting language skills. He is also involved with the Computer Club every Wednesday and likes spending time, often done traveling in the Northeast, with his family. “I like visiting different cities with my parents on the weekends,” he said. Diaz said he would encourage future CHS students to get involved, to take advantage of all the school has to offer and always remember the importance of working with the people you will meet along the way. “CHS offers students opportunities to learn, study hard and have fun at the same time,” he said. “We can all help each other with team work. It’s also great to get involved with sports and go on field trips. The teachers and students at Clifton High are the best.”
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83
Engaged & Running
HIS
PERSONAL
BEST The race was well represented by other Cliftonites; many of them Nouri’s friends and family. Despite being his first marathon ever, Nouri finished with a solid time of 4:13. After the 26.2 miles of running was over, he sought out his loved ones, including one in particular; Tina Carbone, to whom he proposed, right then and there on the streets of New York, in front of his friends, his family and everyone else gathered at the race. Flashback to just a few months earlier. At that point, Nouri had virtually no marathon training. In fact, he barely ran at all, except for some recreational tough mudder racing. But the 2004 Clifton High School grad was spry. A wrestler in high school, he always stayed in shape by lifting weights. He trained for the race over the course of a few months by increasing his maximum by a few miles each weekend until he got to 20 miles. “I never got to more than 20 miles,” he said. “But on the day of the race I ran all 26.2” 84 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
The cold, blustery day was a special one for Freddie Nouri. As 55,000 runners competed in the 44th New York City marathon on Nov. 2, Nouri, a lifelong Clifton resident, was making his own history. While he was growing up, Nouri saw his father get up every morning before work to run. On Nov. 2, Fred Nouri Sr., 57, was running in his 6th NYC Marathon and his 8th competitive race overall. “While watching him train, I was inspired to run it for the first time, and I surprised him on Father’s Day by telling him I had entered,” the younger Nouri recalled. “I always looked up to my father for that.” An auditor for Tiffany Co. Jewelry, Nouri’s employer had reserved two of the 20 spaces that were made available to employees for the marathon. Nouri had already entered his father in the race. Now it was junior’s turn and he couldn’t wait to tell his dad. “He was ecstatic,” Nouri remembered. “He was blown away when I told him.” Along the course, a cramp in his right calf cost the elder Nouri some time in the race, but he still managed to finish at a respectable time of 5:32.
Facing page, Justin Huber, Fred Nouri, his dad Fred, Tina Carbone, Dustin Scarpa, Paul Shagawat and Andy Seitz. At right, Fred Jr. proposing to Tina Carbone outside the finish line in Central Park.
“He cramped up during the 6th mile, but he told me to go ahead,” Nouri recalled. When the race was over Nouri Jr and his dad were exhausted, but elated, and were ready to celebrate with Freddie’s mother, Joanne Nouri, seven cousins, as well as his long time friends from Clifton and fellow CHS grads: Justin Huber, 2004; Dustin Scarpa, 2005; Paul Shagawat, 2004, and Andy Seitz, 2005. One other Clifton bud, Kevin O’Brien, started the race with Nouri. When the trill of finishing the race had settled a bit, and with the Clifton clan all around, Nouri made his big move. He got the ring from cousin Mark Nouri, who had been holding it during the race, dropped down on bent knee and popped the big question to Carbone. “She was completely surprised,” recalled Nouri, “did not expect it at all.” Carbone, 25, is from Spring Lake Heights. The couple met a couple of years ago while they were both auditors for Deloitte and Touche.
“We were both out in San Francisco doing an audit for the company,” he recalled. “Soon after, we started dating. We set a date for September next year.” Nouri said he would like to run in future races, but he might be spending more time getting ready for that 2015 wedding date. “I could not have done this without the support of Tina and my family,” Nouri said. “And of course my father.”
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Clifton History
OUR 1941 1945 YEARS As told to Mariel Vazquez On a chilly Monday morning, 73 years ago, high school freshmen Dorothy Poulin and Lois Tiedeman sat in their home rooms at the Clifton High School Annex on First St. and Clifton Ave., listening to the nowfamous December 8 radio broadcast of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asking Congress to declare war on Japan. U.S. naval ships had been bombed at Pearl Harbor the day before, on December 7, 1941, a date that, President Roosevelt declared, “will live in infamy.” Among the original 141 graduates from that freshmen class, Dorothy (Poulin) Jordan and Lois (Tiedeman) Tiemers both remember that day with clarity. In the offices of Clifton Merchant Magazine in a long since changed Main Ave., Jordan and Tiemers shared with us documents, photos and articles about the students in their graduating class. Dressed in the red and gold colors of Christmas, Jordan, 87, and Tiemers, 86, zipped off names and offered memories of their fellow students in rapid succession, often stopping to correct one another: “I’m telling you, Mickey McFadden was at the reunion!” Tiemers argued. “Then show me a picture of him!” Jordan fired back. (McFadden was, in fact, present at the 1995 reunion, which was decided only after the two women found his face in the reunion photo). Jordan’s high school yearbook looked like a novel with all the neat script that covered its pages. Tiemers remembers, “We had a dance and everybody brought their yearbooks to get them signed. The teacher chaperoning the dance yelled at us for signing books instead of dancing!” The warm interaction between the two friends from CHS Class of 1945 reflected a long history of shared experience, including memories of living through 86 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Dorothy Poulin and Lois Tiedeman
America’s involvement in the Second World War. The class was so tightly knit that their first reunion was held at the Robin Hood, now Alexus Steak House, on Valley Rd., just one year after graduation! When asked why a reunion was held so soon, Jordan’s reply was matter-offact, “because we wanted to.” A 10-year reunion was then held in 1955, but no more until the 50th reunion in 1995. The two women recalled the effort that they and their classmates made during the war years, experiences that Jordan and Tiemers think are extremely important for younger generation to understand, from which to learn. With a look of determination, Jordan proclaimed passionately, “Nowadays people in Clifton don’t know what it was like to live through this. And of those who knew, many have forgotten.” At the time, students of CHS took it upon themselves to buy war bonds, collect paper, rubber, and scrap, send
Dorothy Poulin
Lois Tiedeman
care packages full of cookies to troops; the young men eagerly join the military. Clifton was, and still is, the kind of community that rallies around a cause. Sacrifices for a Cause Although the women said that they were largely unaffected by trauma from the war, they conceded that there were sacrifices to be made, and always a constant worry to be had for their fellow troops and family members. “Those were lean years,” Tiemers reminisced, “The gas was rationed, food was rationed, although a sandwich only cost 10 cents.” Imagine living your life without sugar, coffee, meat, butter, canned goods, shoes, soap, and panty hose (silk stockings were used for parachutes and gun powder sacks, and eventually nylon also became a staple of the military once it was found to be handy). Essentially the war dominated every aspect of Jordan and Tiemer’s lives. Garrett Mountain Reservation was filled with tanks and militia, and Nash Park hosted soldiers with anti-aircraft guns. Even the Jersey Shore became an ominous reminder of the war effort. In a commemorative piece written for their 50th reunion, Jordan reminisced about the time period in
which she and her classmates grew up, including some that were not so pleasant: “A walk on the beach disclosed washed up oil slicks and wreckage from torpedoed ships, along with unopened K-Rations. After swimming, we had to use turpentine to clean blobs of oil stuck to our skin inside bathing suits and on the bottoms of our feet.” And yet the students of the Class of 1945 found ways to raise their spirits: “Those were grim times, but through it all we kids managed to have fun - to forget the war for a little while - at school, on dates, and at dances.” Jordan fondly recalls the football rivalry between CHS and Passaic High School, and how one year, Passaic students painted the front of CHS red! “Those were the days of lemon cokes, penny loafers, bobby-socks, and saddle shoes, baggy sweaters and dickies.” While Jordan and Tiemers’ high school years were difficult in certain ways, both acknowledged that they still felt secure, and that their sense of security only faded after the dropping of atomic bomb ended the war. In her reflection, Jordan wrote that the beginning of the nuclear age “slowly took away our sense of security,” and the Class of 1945 was forced to acknowledge that “another era had begun.” Enjoying their 50th Reunion Jordan, with Ann Damiano Serven, Mary Osbourne Fenelon, and Sal La Corte, organized the Jan. 19, 1995, 50-year reunion at the Regency House in Pompton Plains. Fifty-four graduates attended, many with spouses, and all were delighted to see one another, swapping stories about their lives and careers, about children and grandchildren.
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Tiemers and her husband Norbert have a daughter and son, Karen and Bobby, as well as four grandchildren and live in Lake Hiawatha in Morris County. A widow, Jordan and her first husband, Adrian Post, a fellow CHS graduate who served in WWII and the Korean War, had three daughters: Elaine, Judith, and Carol. Between the three of them, Mrs. Jordan now has seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. After the passing of her first husband, she married George Jordan, who also since passed. She continues to live nearby in Upper Montclair, her home for many years. Perhaps the best part of the 1995 reunion was the scholarship money that was donated to CHS. The reunion committee gave $550 to a student in the top 50 in their class who had a relative in WWII. Eligible students had to submit an essay about their relative, and fourteen students applied. An additional $500 was donated to a scholarship fund by Mrs. Jordan in honor of Adrian Post’s memory. Applying students did not have to be among the top 50 of their class, but they did have to write an essay about a relative who had served in WWII. Nine students applied. Kelly Hollowich, who graduated from WWMS in 1991, and CHS in 1995, received Jordan’s scholarship, and later went on to become a nurse practitioner at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. “Our high school years are unique to our time,” Jordan wrote; “As we look back on them and realize what good, solid people made up our city, we can consider ourselves fortunate to have graduated from Clifton High School.” As a community we should consider ourselves fortunate, to have the privilege of learning from Jordan and Tiemer’s recollections. Through their memories, we, in particular the younger generations, can be more grateful for the things we have, be more appreciative of the difficulties experienced by those who came before us, and be more aware of the close relationships that come from growing up with others in a time of distress as well as sincere patriotism. At the end of the interview, the two ladies crossed the street to White Castle for lunch, perhaps chatting about Mickey McFadden and plans for the 2015 70th anniversary of the Class of 1945. 88 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Founder Joseph T. Bizub who in 1923 established Bizub's Funeral Home at 205 Third St. in Passaic. For three generations, our family has proudly served our community. Tim and Toby with their dad Tom.
“As we reflect on the past & consider the future, we hope you find peace & health in the New Year.”
w w w. b i z u b . c o m
1313 Van Houten Avenue Clifton, NJ 07013 Phone 973 546-2000 Timothy J. Bizub, Mgr.
515 Lexington Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011 Phone 973 777-4332 Thomas J. Bizub, Mgr.
NJ Lic. No. 4022
NJ Lic. No. 2732
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Cliftonites came out on Nov. 9 to salute those who served our nation in the annual Veterans Parade. Staged on Van Houten Ave., the parade, led by the Marching Mustangs, stepped off at 2 pm from Huron Ave. The event concluded at Clifton City Hall where these photos were taken.
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Celebrate
Clifton!
Our community’s diversity is truly our strength. Celebrate Clifton. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. Councilman Steve Hatala Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Nov Veterans Parade
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Events & Briefs
Some of Brian Eromenok’s family who help cultivate and produce their award winning honey: wife Cindy, daughter Stephanie Brown and grandson Jaden.
Maybe location is the reason hometown honey tastes the sweetest. After all, the bees that populate the hives belonging to the Eromenok family gather their nectar from the gardens of Clifton. Maybe passion makes the honey so good. The passion of the Eromenoks as they gather honey for us from their Stix and Stones Farm in Vermont and their hives found throughout our town. “Where does your honey come from?” asks Brian Eromenok, Sr., “do you know? If it doesn’t come from us, and you bought it at the grocery store, then it probably came from China, mixed in with corn syrup and who knows what else. I would never do that to you. When you buy honey from us, it’s 100% pure, no fillers, only honey, pure, raw honey.” Eight years ago, when Eromenok Sr. retired from Clifton’s Police Department, a bee was a bee was a bee. You either swatted them or got out of their way. Then he and wife Cindy took a weekend course in bee98 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
keeping, also known as apiculture, at Rutgers University. What began as a hobby with one hive in the backyard of their Lincoln Ave. home became a passion that came to include hundreds of thousands of bees in North Jersey and Vermont. The one hive evolved into a small family business, with son Brian Eromenok Jr., a 2002 CHS graduate, taking on responsibilities for marketing and sales, along with Stephanie, a teacher at CCMS, while Brian Sr. and Cindy still handle what most will agree is the more difficult task of hive management and honey extraction. “The pure raw honey is a product of my very busy bees,” said Brian Sr. “In Vermont, my hives are set in the Black River Valley nestled between wildlife management areas and the banks of the Black River.”
In Clifton, the hives can be found in several locations. Those on the east side of town, where the lawns are smaller and there are more flower gardens, produce more honey. In the newer neighborhoods and on the west side, where the homes are surrounded by mostly manicured lawns, the bees thrive less. “It’s simple,” said Eromenok Sr., “bees can’t make honey from turf.” Through the years, the amount of honey that the family has extracted and sold has been steadily increasing. Equally as steadily they sell out each year. The small business has expanded to include products made from beeswax, such as lip balm and hand balm, as well as a balm for nourishing the hoofs of horses and livestock. The family also sells maple syrup from their farm in Vermont. Both the honey and the syrup are never heated, never diluted, and sold as pure and raw as possible. In 2013 and 2014, Stix and Stones honey won a Honey Cup Award in the category of “Best Tasting Honey, North Jersey.” Small wonder the honey remains the small company’s number one seller. With their slogan From our Hives to your Home, the Eromenok family hopes that you will consider adding a bit of sweetness to your holidays with a gift of their honey. As you Shop Clifton First this season, you can help the local economy, the environment and be a real honey. Get your honey and syrup from Stix and Stones. Write to them at stixandstonesfarmvt@yahoo.com or call 973-340-2960. Clifton Merchant • December 2014
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Giving & Sharing CHS 2007 grad Caitlin Eckert and her partner Lauren Consentino created diabeticsdemand.org to help teens address issues they may have with type 1 diabetes. The site covers topics that could affect their lives due to their diagnosis. “Lauren realized that after being a young diabetic she never really received adolescent developmental information regarding diabetes,” said Eckert, a licensed social worker who works for HealingSPACE at the YWCA-Bergen County, a sexual violence resource center, as a sexual assault prevention coordinator. “We cover topics like insulin neglect, alcohol or drug use, sexual activity and how to have a conversation with her peers about diabetes. All the info kids get seems to be medical and scientific and nothing to help them navigate their adolescents years.” Eckert said fellow CHS 07 grad Kyle Orlando designed and manages the non-proft site.
Lauren Cosentino, Caitlin Eckert and Kyle Orlando.
Relay for Life’s first meeting to plan Clifton’s 2015 event is Dec. 8 at 6:30 pm at the Senior Citizen Center, in Clifton’s Municipal Complex. Relay For Life events support the mission of the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back against cancer, Clifton’s Relay for Life is on May 30, 2015. To participate, volunteer or sponsor the Relay For Life of Clifton, call the American Cancer Society at 973- 285-8041, or go to relayforlife.org/cliftonnj.
Five Ways of Seeing is the theme of an art show and sale in honor of Clifton Sculpture Park’s 20th anniversary. The exhibit is displayed at the Clifton Arts Center through Dec. 13 and features the work of Janice Mauro, Elaine Lorenz, Alan H. Drossman, Judy Schaefer and David Soo. Admission is $3 for non-members. The gallery, located o nthe grounds of the Municipal Campus, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm. Group tours are available by appointment. Info at cliftonnj.org or call 973-472-5499.
Clifton Firefighters FMBA Local 21 teamed up with members of Jersey Girls Walking for the Cure to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Clifton FMBA 21 presented representatives of Jersey Girls/ Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with a check for $500. Above, from left: FF Frank Yodice, Carol Keizer, FF William Espinoza (FMBA Vice President), Wanda Mejia, FF Daniel Schwaner, Dawn Taggart, FF Angelina Tirado, FF Patrick Cassidy (FMBA 21 President), Susan Taggart, Kelly Rankin, FF John Bisaccio.
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The Clifton Buddy Canteen held their Fashion Show on Nov. 21 for friends and family at the Clifton Recreation Center on Main Ave. The Buddy Canteen is a decades-old Clifton program for special needs people 13 years of age and older. Activities include social gatherings, special events, crafts, trips and sports activities. For info, call Clifton Rec at 973-470-5958.
• Submersible Pumps • Portable Puddle Pumps • Jacuzzi & Pool Pumps • Circulator Pumps • Motors • Blowers • Fans • Machine Shop & On-site Service Clifton Merchant • December 2014 101
Events & Briefs Passaic County Community College hosts an Open House on Dec. 6 from 10 am to noon at the Main Campus in downtown Paterson, at Broadway and Memorial Drive. Walk-in or go to pccc.edu for details and to register. PCCC offers 60 associate degree, certificate and diploma programs plus ESL, continuing education, and customized training. Instruction is offered in Paterson, Wanaque, Passaic and Wayne and Online. Call 973-684-6868. The 11th Annual Passaic County Film Festival is calling for submissions. This juried exhibition of students’ and independent filmmakers’ work showcases film projects created by those who live, attend school, or work in Passaic County. All 10-minute entries must be the sole effort of those submitting the work. The application deadline is Jan. 30. There is no submission fee, entry to the festival on April 25 will be free, and screenings will take place at the Fabian 8 Theater in historic downtown Paterson. For info, call 973-569-4720 or e-mail film@passaiccountynj.org.
Due to the holidays we've moved the publication date of our January 2015 edition. Rather than the usual first Friday of the month, for this month only, we will distribute on January 9. 102 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
The Theater League of Clifton is entering its 10th season. The mission is to cultivate arts and entertainment and to create a connection with its citizens through theater. Entertaining, enlightening and uplifting, TLC has made a difference in education as well, by awarding scholarships to graduating CHS seniors. Upcoming productions for 2015 include Annual Dinner Theater Murder Mystery Fundraiser at Mario’s in Feb. and March. Details at theaterleagueofclifton.com or call 973-928-7668.
The Passaic County Historical Society offers tours of Lambert Castle on Valley Rd., on the Paterson and Clifton border, from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4. Other events include the Valley Bell Ringers performing Christmas music on Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 pm with castle tours by candlelight; storytelling and sing-along with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 14, from 1 to 3 pm, for children under 10 years old; a Gingerbread House Competition with drop-off on Dec. 10 to 12 from 9 am to 3 pm. Children aged 6 to 16 are invited to design homemade gingerbread houses to be displayed at Lambert Castle from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4. The Passaic County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded to cultivate interest in the history of Passaic County. Lambert Castle showcases examples of the County’s cultural, historic and artistic diversity. The Society also maintains a public library. There are various fees for the events listed above. For details, call 973-247-0085 x 201 or go to lambertcastle.org.
The New Ukrainian Wave will hold a dinner and dance on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 beginning at 9 pm at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church School Auditorium on President Street in Passaic. Tickets purchased before Dec. 18 are $100; afterwards the price is $120. Children are $50 each. Dance melodies will be performed by the band “Cheremosh.” For tickets, call 201-360-7312. The Clifton Community Band will perform a free holiday concert Dec. 6 at the CHS Auditorium, 333 Colfax Ave., at 3 pm. The concert theme is ‘Snowflakes and Sleigh Rides’ and will feature favorite holiday selections. The band is under the baton of the recently retired CHS Band Director Bob Morgan. Email CliftonBand@optonline.net for details.
Eagle Candidate Tyler Rojo, Senior Patrol Leader Matthew Troller and Eagle Candidate Michael Troller of St. Andrew the Apostle Boy Scout Troop 23 were serving at the troop’s first pasta dinner on Nov. 8. For info about Troop 23 activities, contact Debby Farino at chipster4@aol.com
Clifton Against Substance Abuse (CASA) and Project Graduation will be hosting a Prom Fashion Show on March 29 at 2 pm in the CHS Auditorium. Mustangs Seniors from the Class of 2015 will be modeling fashions from Deluxe Formal Wear, BouBou, Group USA, Sisters Bridal Boutique, Unique Designs by Viki and VESA. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go towards Project Graduation. Call Nancy Delaney at 973-951-5024.
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Federally insured up to $250,000 Clifton Merchant • December 2014 103
Birthdays & Celebrations - December 2014
Christina Kedl celebrates on Dec. 13. That Athenia gem Greg Lacki is 58 on Dec. 5. Anthony ‘Tony’ O’Connor is 70 on Dec. 4 and his granddaughter Vivian Margaret Taras will celebrate her 2nd birthday on Dec. 16. Tony and his wife Magdalena are celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary on Dec. 8. Twin boys Nicholas and Joseph Cucinella celebrate their 6th birthday on Dec. 23. Sons of Kelly Murphy and Joseph Cucinella, grandparents Joan and Gene Murphy and John and Mary Jane Cucinella.
Birthdays & Celebrations
Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Marc Fazio ......................12/1 Ann W. Kissel...................12/1 Corinne Miskowsky ...........12/1 Mannan Amin ..................12/2 Mike Gerardi ...................12/2 Lauren Lawler ...................12/2 Bryan Nolasco .................12/2 Allison Ahdieh ..................12/3 Patrick Lotorto...................12/3
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Bridget Rice......................12/3 Sharon Tichacek ...............12/3 Phyllis Galambos ..............12/4 Timothy Gumann...............12/4 Michael Kester..................12/4 Dave Sternbach ................12/4 Michael Vinciguerra ..........12/4 Rosemary Kuruc................12/5 Gregory Lacki...................12/5
Laura Mikolajczyk .............12/5 Michael Ressetar...............12/5 Pat Collucci ......................12/6 Debbie Gorny ..................12/6 Marilyn Gossinger ............12/6 Noel Coronel ...................12/7 Margaret Kungl ................12/7 Mark Mecca.....................12/7 Robert Raichel ..................12/8 Chris Sadowski.................12/8 Noelani Coronel ...............12/9 Jamie Osmak....................12/9 Daniel Fonesca Ramos.......12/9 Mark Surgent ...................12/9 Andrew Tichacek ..............12/9 Tyler Roger Vandenberghe....12/9 Michael McEnerney ........12/10 Bob Snelson ...................12/10 Joey Cofone ...................12/11 Kathleen M. Marshall ......12/11 Diane Meyer ..................12/11 Joseph Rutigliano ............12/11 Richard Peterson .............12/12 Andy Kent ......................12/13 Danny La Gala ...............12/13 Ray Capilli .....................12/14 Mary Kate Kuruc.............12/14 Michael Murolo ..............12/14 Basil Worhach ................12/14
Sarah Lombardo who many will remember as the welcoming voice of Clifton City Hall, turns 87 on Dec. 9. Steven Crawford .............12/15 Marie Visicaro ................12/15 David Brock....................12/16 Michael Hrina.................12/16 Hannah Grace Kulesa .....12/17 Jacqueline Gencarrelli .....12/18 Anne Gerardi .................12/18 Samantha Bassford..........12/19 Nick Link....................... 12/19 Jayen Montague .............12/19 Jessie Ducos ...................12/20 Amy Marino ...................12/21 Michelle McEnerney ........12/22 Suman Pinto ...................12/22 Joey Cristantiello .............12/24 Soumya Gunapathy.........12/24 Caroline Jane Hanlon ......12/24 Luba Rembis ...................12/24 Ryan John Hariton ...........12/25 Eric Soltis .......................12/25 Thomas Montague...........12/26 Venessa Collucci .............12/27 Melissa Cordes ...............12/27 James Mazza .................12/29 Steven Bivaletz................12/30 Hunter Conklin................12/30 Courtney Pinter ...............12/31 Clifton Merchant • December 2014 105
At the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, your odds of winning Bingo are great. The Club’s Bingo guru and chief caller, Joe Holmes, reports over 70 percent of gross receipts are paid out to players. “Combined Bingo receipts last year totaled $2.8 million,” said Holmes. “Of that number, some $1.9 million was awarded back to players in prizes—a 70 percent return. Pretty good odds, huh?” The Club holds eight Bingo games per week in its climate controlled and smoke free Bingo Hall at 181 Colfax Ave. “Our games offer big prize payouts, early bird specials, 50/50 jackpot games, and a $1,000 full board payout,” added Holmes. “We offer hand held devices and many instant ticket and keeper games.” The Bingo Schedule is: Tuesday—7:15 pm Wednesday—10:15 am & 7:15 pm Thursday—Noon & 7:15 pm Friday—Noon Saturday—Noon & 7:15 pm Doors open at 10:30 am for noon Bingos and 5:30 pm for all night games. The first Saturday of each month is Double Bingo Jackpot Bingo. For over 50 years the Club has held Bingo to raise operating funds to help in providing programs and services for Clifton kids. For info, call 973-773-0966 x 121. 106 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Phila Pa 191 PeRmiT No. 7510