Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 12 • Issue 12 • December 7, 2007
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Wishing You and Your Families A Joyous Holiday Season and A Prosperous New Year
Happy Holidays From All of Us at...
Greetings from the Hawrylko family. At center is our mom, Marie Angello. Kids from the left are Casey, Carly, Joe and Tom jr. with Tom and Cheryl. Below, waiting for Santa is our hound, Bob Marley.
merry christmas ...and Happy Holidays to All! In January we will begin our 13th year. As we look back on that time and the past 12 months, I want to say thanks—it is a great honor to serve as editor and publisher of this family-owned, community publication. When we began with our first edition in October, 1995, we never imagined how popular Clifton Merchant Magazine would become. While it was done with a lot of hard work, it is you—our readers and advertisers— that allow us to be independent, creative and successful. As always, we value your support. 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of every month. SUBSCRIPTIONS $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town CALL 973-253-4400 entire contents copyright 2007 © tomahawk promotions
As many have already noticed, our son Joe, now 22 and a full time student at Montclair State, has evolved into a strong voice at the shop. Working with our other staff writer, Jordan Schwartz, the duo continues to tell Clifton’s story in our unique style. While much of what we publish is designed to entertain, an important part of our mission is to keep our community informed and provide a forum for public opinion. With our combined efforts at the office and your continued support, we hope to entertain and inform you for generations to come. Many thanks, Tom & Cheryl Hawrylko
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko STAFF WRITERS: Joe Hawrylko, Jordan Schwartz Tomahawk Promotions CONTRIBUTORS: 1288 Main Avenue Jack DeVries, Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 Cheryl Hawrylko, Joe Torelli, John Bendel 973-253-4400 • tomhawrylko@optonline.net
Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400
C U LT U R E D
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Imagine Cultured Stone on your Clifton chimney or any area of your home.
shop clifton first! The slogan we created a few years back is as valid as
when we first coined it. Which is why we are asking you to please do it again—Shop Clifton First!
A recent study reported that each Clifton house-
hold is expected to spend about $470 on gifts this holiday season, up from last year’s average of $450.
So with hundreds of family owned shops and
services in our town, there is a good chance you can spend that money here in Clifton and keep that money circulating in our community.
Why? Because when we shop locally and sup-
port our Clifton merchants, we’re really helping ourselves and our city’s economy.
The success of individual stores in Richfield and
Styretowne or shopping districts in Botany and Lakeview helps keep our community strong.
Jewelry shopping? Linda Dubnoff of Morré Lyons Jewelers in the Richfield Shopping Center and at left, Michael Corbo of Corbo Jewelers in Styretowne Shopping Center, two of the family owned stores where you can Shop Clifton First!
After all, these store owners are the ones we go
to when asking for sponsors for an athletic team or seeking donations for a Clifton charity.
And
chances are, these shopkeepers are people you grew up with or who live in your neighborhood, so
you know who you are dealing with and expect
that they will stand behind their goods or services. As much as I am a Shop Clifton First booster, I
am also a realist. We all know that not every pur-
chase can be made in town. But please remember,
before you fire up that computer to hit a website or drive off to Paramus or Wayne, ask yourself: can you make that purchase from a Clifton merchant?
—Please, Shop Clifton First!
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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neighborhoods Botany Plaza Botany Village Clifton Commons Downtown Clifton Lakeview Avenue Market Street Richfield Shopping Center River Front Center Styretowne Shopping Center Valley Road Van Houten Avenue Not Traditional Downtown Shopping Clifton has always been called a city of neighborhoods and the shopping districts grew in that manner. Nowadays, while the older, traditional downtown shopping areas tend to have fewer retailers and more service stores, there still are destination shops within those neighborhood boundaries. While Clifton Commons, Botany Plaza and River Front Center feature major retailers, nestled in the old shopping districts are smaller boutiques and stores worth checking out. For instance, Wheels on Van Houten Ave. is a cool little store jammed with trays of custom silver jewelry. People of all ages seeking gifts for friends, male or female, will find something hip—and priced right. The shop has display cases filled with custom jewelry cre-
Laurie Mocek of Wheels Jewelry & Gifts on Van Houten Ave.
ated in various metals and stones, designs of which will likely not be found in any other store. Owner Laurie Mocek is a great merchandiser who also sells a line of clothing, handbags, gloves, scarfs and accessories as well as smaller items such as candles, cards, incense and seasonal gifts.
Dayton Homemade Chocolates & Gift Baskets Since 1912
110A MARKET STREET • CLIFTON • 9 7 3 . 5 7 4 . 0 4 4 4
Gourmet Baskets & Towers Of Treats Our Baskets & Towers Are Custom Made With Only The Finest & Freshest Products For Every Order. Starting At $18.50
Order Today... Ship Later LOCATED 1/4 MILE FROM STYERTOWNE • WE SHIP ANYWHERE!
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
JELLY BEANS
TOP 25 FLAVORS AVAILABLE
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Any Gourmet Gift Basket
Limit one coupon per person. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 1/7/08
$39.95 or more. Limit one coupon per person. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 1/7/08
miscellaneous
Established in 1946, Corbo Jewelers was one of the original stores when Styertowne Shopping Center opened and it remains a destination ever since. This family-owned store—under the watchful eye of Michael Corbo—is one of seven in the company. Large inventory, attention to detail and customer service are what make each of the Corbo stores so successful. Diamonds are the accessory of the season, according to Corbo, and they have been styled into necklaces, pendants, earings and rings. Their in-store inventory is vast and includes not only diamonds but jewelry in various precious metals and gems; browse www.corbojewelers.com. Morré Lyons Jewelers has been an anchor in Richfield Shopping Center for decades. While founder Murray Blumenfeld died in 2004, his children now run the store much like he did when he founded the business in Passaic nearly 60 years ago—by keeping it personal. Daughter Linda Dubnoff and her sister Amy Ferrari as well as long time staff people like Ron Nadel and Mark Sokasitis, seem to always be there to answer questions or help a shopper. Morré Lyons is an authorized dealer of Swarovski crystal giftware, sample shown here. The store also carries a full line of silver crystal, crystal memories, and all of the Swarovski jewelry,
Where Victoria’s Angels Stitch offers starter gift packs so that one can eventually create needlework like the one above.
Where Victoria’s Angels Stitch on Allwood Rd. is one of the few needlework shops left in the area. The store was started nearly 10 years ago by Donald and Tawny Korty but went retail with it opening its store near the corner of Market and Allwood in Feb., 2001. The shop has supplies for counted cross stitch, crewel, silk ribbon embroidery, hardanger and drawn thread work. Many of these types of needlework are almost a lost art. But at Victoria’s Angels, the walls are full of pieces that took stitchers hundreds of hours to do. There are pieces of art everywhere—from a four foot sampler, to angels that look as if they are in flight. Those interested in the craft should come in for a starter gift pack.
Great Stocking Stuffer Have Clifton Merchant Mailed. WITHIN CLIFTON $15
PER YEAR • $25 FOR 2 YEARS OF TOWN $25 PER YEAR •
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books
books
We Cliftonites love to read, and especially enjoy history. Here are some titles about the boom years of our city, mysteries written by people you may know, and a touching memoir.
The Read Publishing Dynasty Clifton: The Boomtown Years, is Philip Read’s latest pictorial history of our hometown, focusing on the post-war years when it was New Jersey’s fastestgrowing city. The 128-page book, published in March, contains photos like the one above, taken on Aug. 6, 1949, in Nash Park, and includes chapters on the 1967 Jubilee Parade and the Mustang Band. Read’s first book, 2001’s Clifton, is also now available for the first time in years, going to a new printing after the success of Boomtown. Read is also the author of 2003’s Paterson, which can be purchased at stores or on the web, at www.bn.com, www.amazon.com, or www.arcadiapublishing.com.
The FAMOUS Lexington Ave. Pirogi Shop is BACK!
There’s nothing like the taste of food made by experts!
15 Varieties! • Potatoes & Cheese • Potato • Sauerkraut • Pot Cheese • Mushroom • Pot Cheese & Potato • Broccoli • Spinach 10
• Pizza • Strawberry & Cheese • Prune • Cabbage • Apple • Apricot & Cheese • Broccoli & Spinach
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
PIROGI DINNERS
NEW! Great for parties.... Hot, Homemade
HOMEMADE PIROGI 1295 Main Ave. • Clifton
973.340.0340 Mon - Fri 10 - 6 • Sat 10 - 4
Empanadas! www.HomemadePirogi.com
books
Everything Will Be Alright Alzheimer’s is a challenging disease that stretches the limits of the mind and body of those affected. This memoir by Cliftonite Glory Read (mom of Phil Read, see left) depicts her 11 years of caring for her husband Bill during his battle with the ailment and how it actually brought the two closer together after 49 years of marriage. A graduate of Duke University, Read had always been involved in the journalism and publishing field, but never embarked on a project such as this until after William Marsden Read III passed away on April 2, 2001. Her roots trace back to North Carolina, where she worked for the news bureau at her alma mater, Duke, where the couple met. Everything Will Be Alright is available at barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and select book stores, or call Glory Read at 973-778-2774.
When One Man Dies CCMS English teacher Dave White released his first book When One Man Dies (Three Rivers Press) on Sept. 25. The crime fiction centers around a New Brunswick private detective named Jackson Donne, who’s hired to investigate the hit and run death of Gerry Figuroa. As Donne looks into the crime, the reader learns that there are certain individuals who don’t want the P.I. snooping around. Jackson Donne is a 28-year-old character that appears in nine of White’s short stories. Order online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.
Christmas Ham...
Made in Clifton!
Our food is blended, cooked or Smoked Naturally in our Botany Village store, in our old-fashioned Smokehouse, a taste that cannot be duplicated anywhere.
$
5
OFF
w/ purchase of $25 or more. Limit 1 Coupon/ Customer. Cannot be combined w/ other offers Valid thru 12/31/07
Stefan & Sons Meat Store 246 Dayton Ave., Botany Village • Clifton Monday - Thursday 7 am - 6pm • Fridays 7 am - 8 pm • Saturdays 7 am - 6 pm • 9 7 3 - 5 4 6 - 3 2 8 8 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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books
Yesterday’s Fatal Clifton native Jan Brogan released her third mystery Yesterday’s Fatal on May 1. The novel is about a New England journalist’s investigation into an auto insurance fraud scheme. The main character, Hallie Ahern, shares some traits with Brogan, who used to work as a reporter at The Worcester Telegram in Mass. and The Providence Journal in RI. Yesterday’s Fatal is available in bookstores everywhere. You can also purchase this and other titles by Brogan at Wheels on Van Houten Ave. as proprietor Laurie Mocek is Brogan’s cousin.
Death of a Bebop Wife Bonnie Haig, 25, was the third woman to marry bebop trailblazer Alan Haig, but she was the first one to die in his home on Valley Rd. In her book Death of a Bebop Wife, Haig’s second wife, Grange “Lady Haig” Rutan, details the story of Bonnie Haig and presents various scenarios as to what might have happened the morning Bonnie died in Oct. 1968. Rutan, 69, conducted a great deal of research, speaking with her Montclair High School classmate and former Montclair Police Chief Thomas J. Russo and Chief John L. Nativo of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. Rutan’s book is available online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.
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Also in Rutherford • Toms River • Rockaway • Gillette • Chester • Old Bridge • www.corbojewelers.com 12
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Action Theatre Conservatory Theatrical lessons are offered by the professionals at ATC, 68 Union Ave. in Downtown Clifton. Married thespians Joel Robertson and Kathleen Kellaigh moved from New York City to Clifton in 1990 and opened this performing arts center. They offer classes at all levels of acting, dance instruction, TV and film training, musical theater, voice over, improvisation and performance opportunities. Why not enroll a child, a friend or yourself in a series of lessons at ATC? To see a showcase of some of their work, attend The Hip Hop Nut Cracker, which will be performed at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on Dec. 14, 15 and 16. For more on the other offerings of ATC, go to www.atcstudios.org.
art & theater
art & theater
Clifton Arts Center Why settle for a gift card when you can get an authentic piece of work from a local artist? The Clifton Arts Center, located on the grounds of the City Hall Campus, is the place to check out some unique art. They also offer classes, such as a Holiday Crafts Workshop for children ages 5 to 10 on Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 6 pm. Cost is $16. For more on the art and offerings at the Center, call 973-472-5499.
Continental Dance Club Want to work off those holidays calories? Moderate ballroom dancing can burn between 250 and 300 calories per hour, a report from the University of California, stated, adding “fast, vigorous dancing burns upwards of 400 calories an hour.” At Continental, weekly socials are a free part of the package of services students receive when they sign up for lessons. Continental is an old style ballroom located at the corner of Main and Harding Aves. Fernando Andrade, who has owned and operated the club for nearly 17 years, offers instruction in every form, from classic ballroom to a sexy tango. So stop down, learn more and purchase a lesson package. Classes are offered Sun. to Fri. from 1 to 10 pm. Call 973-779-4466. And remember, dancing is a great way to stay in shape. It’s a low impact activity that has been shown to help burn calories, help stop the effects of osteoporosis and even lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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music
music Jesse Hasting and his mom Alicia custom craft piano covers here in Clifton at American Piano Covers.
Menconi Music Studio A budding musician on your list? After purchasing their instrument of choice, the next best thing you can do is to get them a good teacher. At Menconi Music Studio on Lakeview Ave., owner and Clifton native Annamaria Menconi and her talented staff make use of a Grand Piano Room, a Composition Room, a Drum Room, and two additional teaching rooms featuring University Upright Piano. To find out more, visit www.menconimusic.com.
American Piano Covers While some want a piano to be the center of a room, others prefer their 88 keys and all that ivory covered. With over a quarter century in the business, Alicia Hasting can create a cover to fit most any piano. For the past four years, she has run American Piano Covers with her husband Rafael and their son Jesse, a 2003 CHS grad. Though most purchases are for institutions, the Hastings will gladly do small orders for Clifton families. For details, call 973-246-9144.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
music
Frankie Randall This versatile vocalist and 1955 CHS grad went on to a life in the spotlight, as our August cover story explained. He played piano for Sinatra, was a regular on the Dean Martin show and palled around with Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald. Performer Tony Orlando once remarked that Randall was his favorite singer, and ‘Ol Blue Eyes said that, “Frankie Randall is my favorite piano player and a marvelous talent who sings great and plays more piano than there are keys.” Go to www.frankierandall.com to sample his sound or view his CD library. And watch for details on Frankie’s hometown Spring benefit show for a Clifton charity. Musica, Musica! In Downtown Clifton, shoppers will find Eden Musical, owned by Ernesto Tyczynski, which specializes in Latin tunes, from salsa and meringue to cumbia and Latin rock. There’s also sections on artists from almost every Latin American country.
Doo Wop and Acappella A few doors down on Main Ave., but a generation or two away is Clifton Music. Located across from the Post Office, owner Ronnie Italiano, pictured here, specializes in vintage Doo-Wop, R&B, and Acappella music from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.
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973-778-0013
PRESTIGE We’ve moved!
973-778-0013
1312
1030 Clifton Ave., First Floor, Suite 4, CLIFTON English, Russian, Ukrainian Languages Spoken
EMERGENCY PATIENTS ARE TREATED THE SAME DAY December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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outdoors
outdoors
The Bear Market The first sighting of a bear in Clifton is at Richfield Farms & Garden Center. This one-of-a-kind mixed media sculpture (at right) is about four by four feet and may be perfect for someone who longs for the great outdoors but doesn’t want to get that close to the real thing. More of a city dweller? Richfield also sells bird baths and feeders, a great way to bring some wildlife into your backyard. A green thumber on your list? Consider a gift basket with seeds, potted plants, flowers and bulbs. Even in the dead of Winter, the right amount of care and sunlight near a window can encourage Spring flowers to arrive just a little bit earlier, like this amaryllis. Be sure to check out the greenhouse to see what is in stock. There’s also a variety of indoor and outdoor plants and an assortment of gardening tools, as well as a display of seasonal items. While shopping at Richfield Farms, allow your kids to stroll out back to check out the chickens, roosters, donkeys and goats in the petting zoo.
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...a part of your image
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
1280 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton
973.546.1105
www.deluxecleaners.com
outdoors
Meltzer’s Sporting Goods “Once you shop Meltzer’s, you go nowhere else sir” is the saying at Garfield’s oldest business, and that is certainly true for Cliftonite Don Golabek. The 71-year-old Union Ave. resident has been getting his fishing and hunting gear at the shop on Outwater Ln. since he was a teenager. “You get an honest deal there,” he said. But Meltzer’s predates even Golabek. It was founded by Sam and Jennie Meltzer in 1914. They passed the store on to their son Izzy, and now his son Billy, who lives in Rosemawr, runs that one of a kind retailer.
Cutter’s Edge Dave Feinberg of Cutter’s Edge offers a full line of classic Buck Knives at his Lakeview Ave. shop. Manufactured in America since 1902, Buck produces some of the greatest knives and gear in the world. Most famous for the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife and other lockback knives, the display also offers pocket knives and fixed blade hunting knives. For an outdoorsman, the 730 X-Tract is perfect, with its multiple tools. All blades come with Buck’s “4-Ever Warranty” guarantee. And hurry and bring in those kitchen knives for on-site sharpening so you can carve that Christmas ham like a pro.
Mario’s Restaurant Voted #1 Pizza by NJ Monthly Magazine
710 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-1559
Thursday Gourmet Pasta Night
Unlimited salad & fresh-made garlic bread with choice of Penne Vodka, Rigatoni Bolognese, Angel Hair Pomodoro with Shrimp, Orrechietta Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, Linguini with Red or White Clam Sauce, Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage. $10.95/ Person.
Mario’s Christmas Party Thurs., Dec. 13, 8 to 11 pm. Come out & join us for a Free Buffet and Live Music • Try our New Kids Menu Perfecting Pizza & More in Athenia for 62 Years • Private Rooms for Parties December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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sports
sports Giuseppe Rossi, Clifton Stallions & Coach V It’s the world’s most popular game due to the cheap cost of equipment when compared to other sports and the ability to play it almost anywhere. In Clifton, soccer also has a large following and the talent to match. Kids can start as young as 5 years old in the rec league—even Cliftonite and Villarreal star Giuseppe Rossi (at left) got his start here—and can play there through eighth grade. Those who are more talented can play on the traveling team. Does your kid want to improve their skills even further? CHS Varsity coach and recent State Champ Joe Vespignani hosts clinics for boys and girls, ages 3 to 10. The hour long clinics are indoors—don’t bring cleats—at the School 13 gym. Winter sessions run from Jan. 6 through March 2 and spring goes from March 23 to May 18. For info, call 973-334-0207 or visit www.vespignanisoccercamps.com. Season’s Greetings from Shirley, Egon & Jeff
Kot Opticians & Hearing Aid Center, LLC 453 Clifton Avenue • Clifton New! Custom Made Clip On Sunglasses Polarized available
Supervisor Licensee Egon Kot FNAO-BC-HIS N.J. Optician LIC. #389
973-772-5457 Custom Sun Clips for your eyeglasses Everybody loves Ray-Ban’s... Great Selection of Ray-Ban’s 18
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
sports
At Lefty’s, Batter Up! Shopping for baseball or softball players? Be sure to make your first stop at Lefty’s on Bloomfield Ave. There is plenty of clothing, equipment and gear, and the LoCaro family offers year round batting cages so that your player can work your his or her game, no matter the weather. Look for CHS Baseball Coach Joe Rivera there, who can tell you more about the clinics and classes this top notch facility offers.
It’s a Strike! Bowling and billiards are among those lifetime sports one can always enjoy. Know someone who would like to join a league, or just play a few games? Purchase gift certificates at Garden Palace Lanes on Lakeview Ave. Be sure to talk to general manager Mike Sanders (pictured at right) to find out more. Shoot some pool with your family and friends at Clifton Billiards on Main Ave. in Downtown. Students get a 20 percent discount off the normal $14 an hour rate for a table. You can also take advantage of a deal that allows you to shoot all day for a flat $10 rate.
Bianca Eda, 20 months, Ava Nicole, 9, Gia Camille, 7.
Happy Holidays!
C. Genardi
Contracting Inc. 973-772-8451 ROOFING • SIDING SEAMLESS GUTTERS ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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sweets
sweets
Dayton Chocolates One of Clifton’s oldest merchants is located at the westerly end of Market St. Dayton Homemade Chocolates and Gift Baskets has been in business for a half-century, but only the past seven of those years have been spent in Allwood. Dan Mikardos moved the store from Botany, where his father opened it as a soda shop in the ‘50s, to Market St. Upon entering the store, one is greeted by the distinct aroma of sweet chocolate. The glass shelves contain many varying styles of treats and orders can be placed with the staff.
We’re Here For You During The Holidays
1355 Broad St • Clifton 973-778-5566
• Monday to Friday 8 am to 10 pm • • Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm • • Family Medical Care • Occupational Medicine • • Walk in Medical Care • Weekday Appointments Available • 20
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Happy Holidays from All of Us at Immedicenter. We hope we won’t have to see you, but just in case, we’re open Christmas Day 8am-4pm and New Year’s Day 8am-10pm
sweets
The Apple of Their Eye The name says it all at Metro Candy Apple on Getty Ave. Their delicious fresh apples are hand dipped with a hard red candy coating and coconut, or caramel and roasted peanuts, both of which are sold in batches of 20. They also make chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered bananas, and chocolate covered strawberries. A great treat for the holidays. Made daily from Sept. through April, special orders are accepted the rest of the year.
Clifton’s IHOP Everyone loves breakfast. So why not treat someone to a scrumptious meal that can be had any time of day? At the Clifton IHOP on Rt. 3, which is owned by the O’Neil family, (kids and grandkids pictured from left, Katlyn, Emma, Liam, Aleksey and Meghan) offers gift cards for any size budget. It’s perfect for the person on your list that appreciates good food at any time of day. And don’t forget, breakfast isn’t limited to morning hours.
A Clifton IHOP Gift Card. A Great Gift Idea...
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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ethnic
Castle of Nuts There is more than freshly roasted nuts and dried fruits at Castle of Nuts on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton. Owner Jamal Alazizi has also been selling hookah pipes at his shop since he opened up in 2000. The water pipes, which run from $20 to $100, come in a variety of styles and shapes, with one or multiple hoses attached. The hookahs can be as tall as two to four-and-a-half feet and are made from copper, cast iron, aluminum and plastic. They are used to enjoy smoking herbal fruits and flavored tobacco. Alazizi also sells a variety of unique tobaccos, which run from $5 to $12 per package.
Warmest Holiday Wishes
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
ethnic
ethnic
Lev Agency Embroidered Ukrainian shirts as well as music, icons, plates and holiday cards can be purchased at Lev Agency on Clifton Ave. at Third. And don’t forget the Christmas decorations. “We sell twinkling lights, a set of 150 for $5,” said owner Yuriy Zimbitskiy, adding this claim: “Better prices than WalMart.” Delicje Polish Candy Store The European flavor continues at Delicje Polish Candy Store in Botany Village Square. Bite into a piece of kokosowe — a dark chocolate candy with coconut in the middle. Or try tiki taki, which mixes a peanut butter layer in between a coconut center and a chocolate shell. Malaga is another chocolate, but this one has a raisin caramel surprise in the middle. Finally, kasztanki is crushed wafers with a sweet chocolate coating. Corrado’s Family Affair This Main Ave. landmark store is really the ultimate for ethic foods. While it began as an Italian specialty food store, this family-owned market has evolved with the diversity of our area. Shoppers will find foods, cheeses, fresh fruits and oils from every region of the world.
Eat, Shop & Be Merry! (from your merchants near Van Houten Ave. & Broad St.) From left
Johnny Manganiotis of
Johnny Cupcakes 1216 Van Houten Ave. 973-859-0180 Closed Mondays Laurie Mocek of
Wheels Jewelry & Gifts 1214 Van Houten Ave. 973-472-6046 Call for Holiday Hours Billy Mocek of
Troops Subs 1212 Van Houten Ave. 973-365-1544 1983
Call Ahead for Take-Out December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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ethnic
New Age Mexican The sweet aroma of incense, oils and candles wafts through the air near the corner of Parker and Lake Aves. Follow the scents and it will bring visitors to Leecatzin, a New Age store, where they will meet Jose Juarez (at right), proprietor and shaman. Juarez blends oils, herbs and locally-grown green vines to create a seasonal potpourri, to “heal the home.” Juarez has practiced natural medicine for more than two decades, the last six years at his Botany storefront. Leecatzin is filled with stone and wooden jewelry, rows of candles, bottles of scented oils, books, baskets of both fresh and dried herbs and seasonal hand-crafted items. Old World Foods Cross Parker Ave., and you’ll smell the scent of burning cherry wood wafting through the air. It’s coming from Stefan & Sons (shown at left in a file photo). Kielbasy of all varieties—including smoked, chunkystyle and fine-grind—to hotdogs, pierogis, and various meats and food products are prepared on premises by the butchers at Stefan & Sons. Shoppers will also find holiday hams, spare ribs, tender loins and bacon, which can be packaged and shipped to show your good taste to a friend or relative.
Merry Christmas & Holiday Greetings
Fredrick J.Paternoster, D.D.S. 60 years in practice, from father to son
Dr. Fredrick J. Paternoster with his father Dr. Angelo Paternoster
Preventive Dentistry Digital Radiology ZOOM! Whitening 296 Clifton Avenue Downtown Clifton corner of Clifton & Getty Avenues
973-365-1267 24
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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spirits
spirits Grapes, Grain, Barley & Sculpture? With so many liquor stores in Clifton, you’ll never have to leave the city limits to find exactly what you’re looking for this holiday season. For those who are wine enthusiasts, check out Bertelli’s in Styertowne Shopping Center near Route 3. This Clifton landmark’s wine masters Mike Bertelli also uses the store to showcase his sculpture, which is also for sale. For those down in Athenia, try visiting Smita over at Wright Wine & Liqours on Van Houten Ave. They offer a wide range of wines, beers and other international flavors, in addition to the typical offerings. Don’t forget about Shopper’s Vineyard over on Bloomfield Ave. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect spirit to compliment your dinner. Shoppers has a large selection of spirits of all types and always has a cold keg ready for your party.
Want to Shop Clifton First? Start Here... Wachovia (973) 249-2332 Barnes & Noble (973) 779-5500 Party City (973) 614-9080 Sports Authority (973) 473-5222 Chevy's (973) 777-6277 Applebee's (973) 471-6161 Target (973) 330-0002 Walter Bauman Jewelry (973) 574-7555 26
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (973) 284-0200
AMC Theaters (973) 614-0966 Stop N' Shop Supermarket (973) 779-6697 Staples (973) 594-9701 Blockbuster (973) 594-0500 Hallmark (973) 574-7755 Clifton Bagel (973) 779-2900 Boiling Springs Savings Bank (973) 365-6000 Johnny Carino’s Country Italian (973) 662-0085
Happy Holidays! from your independently owned neighborhood pharmacies...
Colonial Pharmacy
828 CLIFTON AVE. • CLIFTON • 973-473-4000 • FAX: 973-473-4002 M-F 9-9:30 • SAT. 9-8 • SUN. 9-3 WALTER VOINOV, B.S.R.P. - WALTER DIDUCH, B.S.R.P.
VAN HOUTEN PHARMACY
669 VAN HOUTEN AVE. • CLIFTON • 973-779-1122 • FAX: 973-779-8996 M-F 9-8 • SAT. 9-6
1298
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miscellaneous
misc. Bicycles & Boards Cyclist or skater on the list? Shop Clifton First with two locally owned bike stores. Clifton Speed Center, on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton and Allwood Bicycles on Market St. both offer high quality bicycles at various prices. Skateboarders also know the Main Ave. store for gear and boards. And this year, if you give a bike or a board as a gift, be sure to purchase a helmet. They provide protection and keep the rider cool. More Wheels at P&A Most everyone has a car, so if you don;t know what to give a friend, stop by P&A Auto Parts on Main or Van Houten Aves. From stocking stuffers such as polish and cleaning items to bigger things, like radar detectors, it’s all here. There’s also sell Mag-Lites, shopvacs and road emergency kits—and remember—a gift card fits any stocking.
At the Allwood Bike Shop, Jason Margotes and Rich Januszewski.
1291 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton
973. 340. 8888 n Main Avenue, the smell of freshly roasted nuts wafts through the air from the Castle of Nuts. There are dozens of varieties of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolates and freshly ground coffees for sale. The store does its own roasting right on the premises. The variety offered at the store is incredible.
type of dried fruits or fresh nuts great for gifts or a snack.
There are pinoli nuts and sweet white raisins, perfect for a turkey stuffing. Walnuts and pecans for making fresh Christmas cookies. Dried pineapple, apples, prunes, cherries... almost any
The staff will patiently work with customers to put together a little of this and that until the right mix is created. Castle of Nuts is open ‘till 8 six days a week with extended Sunday hours.
O
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
There is also on display of many different nut and fruit gift packs at various prices ready to be picked up. But if customers want to create their own gift packs, that’s not a problem.
The Soccer Center No more travelling out of town to find a soccer store. Tony Gregorio, pictured here at left with his daughter Michele a fifth grader in School 5, and his partners Custodio and Dely Fernandes, have opened a futbol boutique on Van Houten Ave. near Huron. These Clifton Stallions coaches offer an inventory of player’s jerseys, shoes, balls and apparel.
Elvis has entered Richfield The King is gone but he won’t be forgotten, especially in the Richfield Shopping Center at the Clifton 1 Hour Photo and Portrait Studio. Looking for Elvis items? This is place to shop. Plates, statues, mugs, action figures—and of course drawings and photos of The King—it’s all here. Oh yeah, this studio also offers photo services, from processing from film or digital to custom work, great for holiday keepsakes.
time when s Season is a he Christma , both here er loved ones e we rememb is season, w en. During th v ea ve h a h in o d h n a ilies w e many fam th er hout b g u em ro m th s re ones to u ed v lo r ei th entrusted r. this past yea ss of a loved at after the lo th l ow kn e W bring specia y season will a id s. ol es h n e d th sa one, ents of tender mom d n is a h s h ie g or u ro mem that th od, we know will Trusting in G yet to come, s se a tm ris h C , ch ughter. healing tou e, joy, and la op h ith w d le at again be fil ay season, th ring this holid u d y d n ra a p e e W tender lov t d you in His God will hol nd throughou , both now a ce ea p ou y give year. the coming Sincerely, nor Shook Joseph & Elea Families Garretson & Roy & Nancy
Shook Funeral Home,Inc.
T
Over 50 Years of Service, Still Proudly Family Owned & Operated
639 Van Houten Ave • Clifton 973-471-9620 Roy B. Garretson Manager, NJ Lic.#3550 Joseph M. Shook, Sr. Founder, NJ Lic.#2134
Nancy Shook Garretson President, NJ Lic.#3657
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––– Story by Joe Hawrylko –––
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, Jack Van Kalsbeck and Sally Brask joined Margaret Kaufmann at her dinning room table for their weekly game of Pinochle. The soon-to-be 100 year old is just as sharp as ever at the card game, although she says her age is catching up with her. “My eye sight and hearing are starting to go,” laughed Kaufmann. For the past 25 years, the trio has meet regularly to play cards, attend services at the United Reformed Church in Downtown Clifton or to just talk about life in general. “We used to meet up at each others houses,” she explained with a laugh, adding they meet every Tuesday for their weekly game. “But as I got older, I put a damper on that.”
An early photo of Kaufmann’s family. From left is Margaret, her mother Francis, father Collin and her brother Perrin. 30
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Jack Van Kalsbeck, Margaret Kaufmann and Sally Brask at Kaufmann’s home in the Albion section.
Born on Dec. 10, 1907 in Wallington, Kaufmann was one of six children birthed by Collin and Francis Allen. A few years later, Kaufmann and her family moved to Van Winkle Ave. in Passaic, just outside of Botany Village. There, she would attend School 10 on Harrison St. However, the life of a young girl in the early part of the century was not anything like that of today. While most teenagers now would be in high school, Kaufmann started working at Hand Laundry at the corner of Monroe and School Sts. at the age of 14 in 1921. “I worked nine hours a day and had to go to continuation school as well,” she said. “It was two days a week, two hours a day until I was 16 years old. That was the law then.” When she finally finished school, Kaufmann left her job for Continental Can on Brook Ave. in Passaic. Unlike her short stay at Hand Laundry, this job opportunity would be for the long haul. Around the same time that Kaufmann picked up her job, she would end up being introduced to Ernest Kuehn, a Clifton boy around the age of 20. The two hit it off right away.
Margaret and Ernest Kuehn were married on April 2, 1927.
“We met at a party and we started seeing each other,” explained Kaufmann of the man who would become her husband four years later on April 2, 1927 when she was just 20 years old. Shortly after marrying, the two would purchase a home on Lincoln Pl. “When I first met him, he was working in the Botany Mills,” she said. “Almost everyone worked there in those days.” Together Ernest and Margaret would start a family, beginning with their daughter Doris, who was born on Feb. 13, 1928 and then there was Allen, born May 5, 1932. However, raising a family then was by no means easy. “The Great Depression was terrible, I don’t even like to think about it,” she recalled. “We would wait in line for butter or coffee and ate horse meat in those days.” For Kaufmann and her husband, the paychecks were hard to come by. She wasn’t working anywhere near full time, only registering about a half a day per week by her own account. The couple managed to get by because of Ernest’s Passaic gas station on River Dr. and Gregory Ave. It wasn’t until World War II that the economy started to really rebound in the area. “At Continental Can, we worked on gas masks and made K-rations for the troops,” said Kaufmann. K-rations were individual daily food rations that contained three meals. “We worked seven days a week back then. They had the machines going around the clock.”
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Although the war gave the American economy a boost, Kaufmann regretfully remembers it for other less positive reasons. “I had an uncle who had his ear shot off and a cousin whose plane was shot down,” she said, not wanting to delve much deeper into the topic. “You don’t like to think about it much.” Kaufmann went on to speak about her son-in-law, whose ship was sunk and was left stranded at sea. “When he came back, he was a wreck,” recalled Kaufmann, whose son Allen was a Korean War Veteran. “The slightest noise would startle him.” Towards the end of the war, Kaufmann and her family moved to a new home on Trenton Ave. in 1942. The following year, Kaufmann decided to leave her job at Continental Can for Dumont Electrics in Allwood. “I did spot welding in the beginning and then moved on to belljars,” explained Kaufmann, who would later relocate to Ivy Ct. in 1959, where she still lives to this day. “I also worked on radar tubes for a while. I once got burnt in an accident while working on them there.” On Aug. 25, 1961, tragedy stuck, as Ernest passed away at the young age of 58 due to a bout with cancer, leaving Kaufmann a widow. “I tried to keep busy in those days,” she recalled. “I was living alone then.” It stayed that way until around 1966, when the young window met Larry Kaufmann—who was only five
Circa 1917, Margaret Allen near Van Winkle St. in Passaic.
months older than her—at a social club at the YMCA on Ward St. in Paterson. The two began seeing each other and were wed on Oct. 3, 1970, shortly after Kaufmann retired in June of that year. “I would have worked longer, but I had surgery on my legs and couldn’t do pedaling anymore,” she explained. “Larry worked at the World Trade Center and didn’t retire until he was older, at least 80.” That was when they began frequenting the United Reformed Church for Sunday school, the Senior Club and services. “For 20 years at the Senior Club, she and her husband never missed a trip,” said Jack Van Kalsbeck, 81, who
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along with Sally Brask had been at the interview. “She used to knit a lot at church and donate blankets.” The Seniors Club is how the three Pinochle players formed the friendship that has stretched the last 25 years. They were there to support her when Larry passed in 1990 and when Kaufmann’s son Allen died the following year. The bond between the three is tight and it’s evident in a short visit to Kaufmann’s home. Even though she insists on preparing food for the two, Brask gets up and finishes cooking, while telling her to talk about her grandchildren. “One of them is Brian Fopma, a Clifton cop,” remarked Kaufmann, who has five living grandchildren and one who passed. “All together, I have 11 great grandchildren. I had another, but he passed away when he was five.” To honor Kaufmann’s milestone, her five grandchildren surprised her by booking a dinner on Dec. 8 at The Brownstone in Paterson.
Larry and Margaret Kaufmann were married Oct. 3, 1970.
“Oh, do I have great grandchildren,” said Kaufmann with a smile as the trio prepared to continue their weekly Tuesday afternoon Pinochle game.
Join Us For A Special...
Annual Holiday Memorial Program ...On Thursday, December 13th, 7:15 p.m., at Marrocco Memorial Chapel, 470 Colfax Ave. We are opening our doors to assist individuals who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. This program is our way of reaching out to families we have served, and to others in our community, to let them know that they are not alone this holiday season. Everyone is welcomed to attend our memorial program. The program is free. Reservations requested but not required. Please call 973-249-6111.
973-249-6111 POWELL-MARROCCO FUNERAL HOME
MARROCCO MEMORIAL CHAPEL 973-777-1545
1141
470 Colfax Avenue (corner of Broad St.) • Clifton CHARLES M. LABASH Director
JAMES J MARROCCO
Manager, NJ Lic #3320
HENRY G. SCARPA Director
MICHAEL A. WALLER Director
Refer to our website www.marroccos.com for more information December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
33
The Botany Boys
Frank Carlet and Bill Sala are the one-two By Jordan Schwartz punch of Clifton attorneys and Joe Hawrylko
Clifton lawyers Frank Carlet and Bill Sala have a connection that goes much deeper than just passing each other at an occasional Zoning Board meeting. Bill’s father, Aldo, delivered Frank at his Botany Village home in July 1936. “He was a doctor in Clifton for 50 years and was highly respected and loved,” recalled Sala. “I still run into people who knew him some 50 years ago.” Carlet’s parents Ray and Irene had a home on Randolph Ave. between Mahar and Clifton Aves., across the street from Dr. Sala’s office and house. Ray was an Italian immigrant who became a carpenter, while Irene was born in Clifton and worked at Forstmann Mills (now the Botany Plaza Shopping Center). Two years after Frank’s birth, Bill came along. The two boys’ sisters were friendly and eventually Frank and Bill started hanging out as well. “He had the first TV in the whole area,” recalled Carlet. The two would also horse around at Nash Park and visit the School 7 playground from time to time with other Botany kids like Mike and Bobby DeVita, Joseph D’Arco, Jimmy Varatoni, Jimmy DeLuca and Frank’s cousin Joe Carlet. These Botany Boys were inseparable as kids. One time, Bill’s mother got worked up into a frenzy because she didn’t know where her son was. Mrs. Sala called the police, only to find out 34
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Bill Sala (left) and Frank Carlet have known each other since their days growing up in Botany Village in the 1940s.
later that Bill was asleep in Frank’s bed, covered in comic books. You could also often find Frank and Bill down at the Strand Theater on Parker Ave. between Highland and Lake Aves. taking in a picture for just a nickel. Sala also liked hanging out at Damiano’s Pharmacy where there was a vast supply of leeches. Bill
would play with the blood-suckers until the owner booted him. But you could never kick Sala out of Clifton. “My dad had the house built in 1938,” said Sala in an interview at his Randolph Ave. office, which is just across the street from the home that he has lived in his entire life. “My whole family lived here, so why should I leave?”
Coming of Age
Carlet started kindergarten when he was only four years old and skipped parts of first and seventh grade at School 7 before attending ninth grade at the old School 10. Due to all his jumping ahead, Frank was just 15 when he graduated the old Clifton High School (now CCMS) in June 1952. Carlet knew from a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer, learning about the profession from his cousin’s husband, who was an attorney. Frank attended Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. for both his undergraduate studies and law school. He would clerk summers in Paterson for $10 a week. Sala, on the other hand, chose a different route in becoming an attorney. Growing up, he never had any real passion to become a lawyer. In fact, it wasn’t until he graduated from Notre Dame in 1961 with a BA in Economics that he decided law school was for him. “I looked around at the job market and I said to myself, ‘There’s got to be something better,’’’Sala recalled. “Going to law school gave me a number of options: being a lawyer, going into politics or business.” To pursue his interests, Sala headed to Rutgers Law, graduating in 1964. However, because he was a member of the ROTC at Notre Dame, Sala was sent to Vietnam as a Captain in the Army. He considered asking to push back the start of his duty so that he could witness the birth of his daughter Alexandra, but Sala decided it would be too difficult to leave right after his child was born. So, Bill kissed his eight-and-a-
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“During the last two or three days of your tour, you’d sweat bullets thinking every shell’s coming for you.” Carlet also served in the Army, attending basic training at Fort Knox for six months in 1960, but he never served overseas.
Attorneys at Law
Bill Sala in elementary school.
half-month pregnant wife Barbara goodbye and departed for Southeast Asia. Sala’s father delivered little Alexandra a couple weeks later. For two years, Bill worked logistics for the Army in the town of An Khe. He often wondered why he was there. “I would say ‘I’m Billy Sala from Clifton, what am I doing here?’” the attorney recalled with a laugh.
When Carlet returned home from Kentucky, he got a job practicing law with J. Mortimer Rubenstein for three and a half years. Carlet chose Clifton as the place to start his own firm with former Passaic Mayor Gerry Goldman in 1963. It was at this time, that he became the Planning Board’s first legal assistant. There was a lot of vacant land in Clifton back then and as the city began to develop, Carlet was the guy making sure all the i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed. When Sala finally returned to the States in 1967, Carlet was already making a name for himself.
Frank Carlet in his younger years.
Looking to make his own start, Sala landed his first job as the Assistant Prosecutor for Passaic County. “It was very positive and informative,” he recalled. “Loosely said, you try to get the bad guys off the streets.” It was there that Sala began working for attorney Ed Wolak, who he says was a big influ-
As the year winds down, it's time to reflect on the past and consider the future. We hope you find peace & health in the New Year.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
515 Lexington Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011 Phone 973 777-4332 Fax 973 772-0108 Thomas J. Bizub, Mgr.
NJ Lic. No. 4022
NJ Lic. No. 2732
w w w. b i z u b . c o m
1370
Tim and Toby with their dad Tom.
1313 Van Houten Avenue Clifton, NJ 07013 Phone 973 546-2000 Fax 973 779-3749 Timothy J. Bizub, Mgr.
F
Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage or some 34 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton. As President of Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. at 1111 Clifton Ave., Clifton, he and his firm have written millions of dollars worth of mortgages which have allowed people to purchase homes. And while that work has been fulfilling, Accavallo said he is getting his greatest satisfaction these days by helping senior citizens with reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors. “It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued. “Unlike a home equity loan, you do not have to make
monthly payments. Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you. More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.” The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower. In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home. But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity
How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage? It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old. You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or credit requirements to satisfy. How can I receive my money? You can receive it in several ways: • Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home • Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time • As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons • As a lump sum draw at closing • A combination of the above, to meet your requirements. When must I repay the loan? You must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home. In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees? • An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages • Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed • No out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe? • Yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive • FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate
they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment. Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process. “This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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ence on his career. “He was the first lawyer I started working with,” explained Sala. “He encouraged me to be the attorney for the Board of Adjustment.” And that’s exactly what Sala did from 1970-1973, before taking a job as legal counsel with the Passaic County Board of Education. “Now my practice is almost exclusively zoning,” explained Sala. “Home Depot, Costco, Clifton Commons, International Paper are some of those I’ve been lucky enough to represent, as well as families for variance. It pays well and it’s interesting.” Over the past four decades, Carlet and Sala have represented the developers of some of the biggest—and most controversial—projects in the city’s history. For Frank, that includes Clifton Commons, Botany Plaza and Cambridge Crossings. His firm also represents the Van Ness trust in its fight against the school at 290 Brighton Rd. Carlet can often be seen in the Council Chambers at City Hall appearing before the Zoning and Planning Boards. The attorney says he enjoys that part of his job, but it can get frustrating at times. “Sometimes you have the law on your side, but people don’t want to listen,” said Carlet, recognizing that there is a great conflict between industry and residents. “When the city’s zoning was established, everyone wanted industry but we never created a buffer with the residential neighborhoods,” he added. The older Botany Boy is currently representing Main Ave. Exxon station owner George Tafankaji, who wants to convert his property into an office building. Frank is also legal counsel for Garret Pointe Associates, which is applying to construct a driveway in Clifton to service a land-locked lot on which an apartment complex will be built in West Paterson. But Carlet doesn’t limit himself to just representing developers. Frank has also gone to bat for community groups, such as the neighbors opposing House of Fire’s application to construct a house of worship on Grove St., where
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a one-family dwelling now exists. But of all the cases Carlet has worked, the one probably closest to his heart was the Botany urban renewal project, which he partially designed. Carlet said the neighborhood in which he grew up has changed a great deal over the years. “It was almost all Italian, Polish and Slavic when I lived there,” said Carlet, who now lives on Malcolm Ct. by Broad St. “Now there’s a somewhat different population in Botany. It’s been a melting pot for years.”
Life Outside the Courtroom
While Carlet no longer lives in the Botany section of town, he remains active in Sacred Heart Church, a house of worship his grandfather John Pislor helped found. Sala also has connections with the longstanding neighborhood church. “Most of my friends were altar boys over at Sacred Heart under Sr. Vincent Puma,” he recalled. “As everyone got jobs and families, we naturally began to separate a little. But most of those guys still live in Clifton and we’re all still friends to this day.” Carlet is also very much involved in the Clifton Boys & Girls Club, doing pro-bono legal services and planning its 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Sala was also once active in the Club, but now devotes his time to the Cadorin. “I run an ethnic dinner every year (The Dolomiti dinner), where we get around 200 people. We used to do it at Mario’s, but we went back to the Coop because of the chair lift,” explained Sala, who is the President of the Dolomiti Society. The group brings together the descendants of the Cadore region of Italy who settled in Clifton to preserve their heritage and their unique dialect. “We’re trying to keep young people interested,” he continued. “There’s an old saying, which I don’t think I made up: you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from.” 1799
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Bill Sala with his daughter Vicki after they won the 1988 Metropolitan Father/Daughter Golf Championship.
On Nov. 28, Frank, 71, celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary with his wife Anne, a retired nurse. They have three children — Michael, David and Lauren — and five grandchildren. But with his family expanding and his community involvement growing, Carlet has no plans to retire from practicing law. “I may slow down, but I’m not one of those guys that’s going to play golf six times a week.” he said. And while Sala certainly has no plans to retire anytime soon, he sure wouldn’t mind a little extra time to work on his swing. “I’m a big golfer. I won the 1995 Metropolitan Golf Association Senior Championship, the New Jersey Seniors in 1996 and 19 other Club and Senior Club Championships,” said Sala, who also won the 1988 Metropolitan Father/Daughter Championship with his daughter Vicki. In addition, Sala held the course record of 65 at Montclair Golf Club for nearly two decades, until it was recently broken by Michael Deo’s 63. “I’m very proud of my game, considering I’m a working lawyer.” Not too bad for someone who isn’t receiving pay checks from the PGA Tour. But the temptation to have more time for golf still isn’t enough to get him out of the courtroom. “It would make no sense. I’ve worked all my life to be fair and charge good rates to clients and they keep coming. Why should I stop now?” he asked. “Plus, I can’t retire,” laughed Sala. “If I went home, my wife would kill me.” During the course of the interview, all of the talk about golf and retirement jogged Sala’s memory. He was late to the links so he could get his nine holes in for the day. “So are we done now?” he laughed. “I’ve got to go play some golf.”
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No Decision on 1260 Main
by Jordan Schwartz
Residents who opposed the plans to construct an office building at 1260 Main Ave. back in April continue to show up and voice their concerns at Planning Board meetings these days. Front, from left, Brent and Norma Watson, Alice and Ed Kopacz, Aida Petersen and Darrin Miles. Standing is Gloria Sato, Christine Nauta, Marie Schultheis, Vincent D’Costa and Carl Petersen.
Will the sun continue to shine on Burgh Ave. residents? That was the main topic of discussion at the Nov. 8 Planning Board hearing on the Clifton Professional Plaza application at 1260 Main Ave. Some Board members questioned whether a proposed threestory professional office building would block sunlight from reaching the windows of a nearby Burgh Ave. apartment building. The meeting sounded more like an Algebra lesson than a Planning Board hearing at times as planners asked the project’s engineer and architect to review the slope-intercept equation to make sure residents wouldn’t be left in the dark. Attorney Frank Carlet, who is representing the applicant George Tafankaji, assured the Board that the sun will reach neighbors’ windows, adding that the proposed height of the building fits the zoning ordinance. 40
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Originally designed with a pitched roof that reached 40 feet, exceeding the 35 feet permitted for a three-story building, the application was amended to include a flat roof and a building height of only 30 feet. Because of this, the proposal no longer requires a use variance, and therefore, does not need to return to the Zoning Board, where the application was denied in a 5 to 2 vote on May 16. Tafankaji wants to redevelop his Exxon Station into a 9,240 sq. ft. office building. That’s down from the 10,000 sq. ft. proposed in the Zoning Board application. Despite the reduction, the proposal is still deficient by 27 parking spaces, which is another reason why neighbors and the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group are fighting to block the project. In a letter sent to the Planning Board, DCEDG Chairman Fernando Andrade wrote, “While
we commend Mr. Tafankaji’s efforts in attempting to enhance the appearance of Downtown Clifton, there are design issues that are troubling. “In addition to the numerous design criteria not met by this project, we are particularly concerned with the large number of parking spaces that are deficient in the plan and we feel the design of the wall fronting Main Ave. has more of the appearance of a warehouse or storage facility. “This is not the architectural design direction we have been encouraging in new development in the district.” Carlet counters that this is an important application for the Downtown. “If the Board wants to bring back Main Ave., this proposal is before you,” he told planners. “There’s more than sufficient street parking.” The hearing was continued to Dec. 13.
No action will be taken on a residents’ committee proposal to ease overcrowding in the Clifton School District until it is determined whether or not schools are actually overcrowded. Last month, a group of Cliftonites appointed by the Board of Education presented a plan to construct two academies — one on the eastside of the CCMS ballfield and another next to CHS. Each school would accommodate up to 500 students. But before the BOE considers the $46 million proposal, Board members will meet with district administrators to determine the true population of CHS, CCMS and WWMS and whether or not space can be better utilized at the three schools in question. Board Vice President Michael Urciuoli said the first of two or three public meetings will be held at 7 pm on Dec. 12 at School 6. These sessions will most likely push back any vote on the committee’s school proposal until at least January.
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The school plan calls for a $22 million, three-story building across from CCMS to be used by middle school students. Part of the structure would be built on the ballfield and so freshman and sophomore baseball teams would be forced to find a new place to practice. “It bothers me that we’re losing a field,” said Urciuoli, who was a nonvoting Board liaison to the residents’ committee. “Part of my concern was removed when the mayor said we’d get to substitute a city field.”
One of three superintendent search firms was scheduled to be selected by the BOE at its Dec. 5 meeting (after this magazine went to print). The Board interviewed seven companies over the course of two weeks before members used a straw poll to narrow the field to three finalists. The BOE used a search firm in 2002 when it hired former Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice, who resigned his post in Aug., after five years in charge of the district.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Montclair State University representatives appeared before the Passaic County Planning Board on Nov. 29 for what was supposed to be just an informational session regarding the college’s proposal to convert Quinn Rd. into a two-way street. However, MSU’s lawyer began swearing in witnesses and the meeting took on the feel of a hearing. After an hour or so, the Board stopped the discussion and continued the matter to Jan. 31 at 5 pm. Quinn Rd. is currently a oneway entrance that connects Valley
Ed Pasino of Adams Terr. in Montclair Heights is vehemently opposed to Montclair State University’s plan to convert Quinn Rd. into a two-way street.
Rd. in Clifton to the MSU campus. Montclair State was scheduled to meet with the Clifton Planning Board on Nov. 29 but that session has been postponed and a new date will be determined on Dec. 13. The university does not need the approval of the two Planning Boards for this project, but it does require approval from freeholders for a traffic light on Valley Rd., which is included in the plan. Both the city and Passaic County Freeholders have gone on record against the project. Passaic County’s first Provident Bank is coming to the corner of East Clifton and Lexington in Lakeview. This, after the Clifton Planning Board unanimously granted final site plan approval on Nov. 8. The 3,000 square foot bank is part of the Lexington Ave. redevelopment effort and it would be located just a few blocks away from the old Hawaiian Islander location.
STORE FOR RENT IN STRIP MALL ON CLIFTON’S MAIN AVE. Newly renovated. Over 700 sq. ft /full bsmnt. $1,150/month. Call 973-979-1557. 42
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Clifton Veterans Parade • Sunday, November 4, 2007
WWII Army Veterans Rudolph Zajak (pictured right) and Joseph Jacobs (who was ill and couldn’t attend) were co-Grand Marshals of Clifton’s 2007 Veterans Parade on Nov. 4. The following pages offer color photos of some of the participants, as well as spectators who lined Main Ave. to watch the parade, which stepped off at Sylvan Ave. and concluded with a brief ceremony in Main Memorial Park. Organziers said it was the largest parade in years, with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Happy Holidays Jack V. Corradino The someone who cares.
Personal Injury • Auto Accidents • Slip & Falls Dog Bites • Medical Malpractice
Se Habla Espanol • My Mowimy Po Polsku Corradino Law Offices LLC. • Casey Building 935 Allwood Road • Suite 240 • Clifton 973-574-1200 • www.corradinolaw.com Free Consultation December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
1684
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Agents: Want to join our team? Call Carl at 973-519-1470
Carl G. Zoecklein, Owner & Real Estate Attorney Carole Viola Broker/Sales Associate Cell: 973-768-2927 carol21acv@aol.com
46
Agents Not Pictured: Linda Cruz • Angela Alonzo • Edwin Campos Anthony Lopardo • Sean Morales • William Cunningham
Rose Ann Bordino Licensed Sales Associate Evenings: 973-470-7103 Pager: 201-619-7000
Ernesto Maldonado Realtor/Associate Cell: 973-634-8715 ernestomaldonado973@hotmail.com
Jose Cedeno Sales Associate Cell: 862-684-0773 jcedeno12@optonline.net
Roberto A.Sanchez Realtor Direct: 973-216-1945 robsan1@optonline.net
Jose Acosta Sales Associate Cell: 201-463-4875 joseacosta22@hotmail.com
Daisy Rodriguez Realtor/Associate Cell:973-519-4727 daisyrealtor@yahoo.com
Yanira Guzman Realtor Cell: 973-641-0574 yaniraguzman@optonline.net
Pedro “Pete”Rios Realtor Cell:973-800-0846 century21rios@gmail.com
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
The members of Clifton Memorial Post 347 American Legion are proud to support and salute the Marching Mustangs, Director Bob Morgan and Drum Major Robert Harsaghy. Commander Lou Poles, at left, and Vice Commander Mike Gimon. December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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S ea so n ’s Gree ti n gs f ro m
Styertowne S H O P P I N G
C E N T E R
Use This Directory of Stores When Shopping: ACME 973-594-0590
Kid City 973-614-1111
AC Moore 973-470-8885
Kim’s Nail Salon 973-471-8118
Antonio’s Hair Stylist 973-472-1011
The Men’s Gallery 973-777-4700
Atlanta Bread Company 973-777-2211
Marty’s Shoes 973-471-4140
Avant Garde Salon 973-778-0557 Bertelli’s Liquors 973-779-0199 Chiropractic Center at Styertowne 973-777-6995 Cleaners 2000 973-614-1400 F.Y.E. 973-778-8759 Corbo Jewelers 973-777-1635
Modells 973-779-5253 Optimized Solutions 973-773-1009 Pet Stuff 973-778-1617 The Season’s Fine Chinese Cuisine 973-777-8073 Radio Shack 973-777-7931
CVS Pharmacy 973-778-7630
Shereeds Ladies & Mens Clothing 973-773-1673
Dollar Tree 973-249-7530
The Shoe Doctor 973-777-4700
Dress Barn 973-249-0322
The Shoe Gallery 973-777-4700
Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins 973-473-9631
Styertowne Bakery 973-777-6193
Exchange Florist 973-594-0700
Taste of Tuscany 973-916-0700
Footnotes Bookstore 973-779-6122
US Post Office 973-473-4946
GNC 973-779-1500
Valley National Bank 973-777-6283
Office Space Available. Call 973-591-5222
48
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Opening Soon! Largo House Nail & Spa 973-777-9784
1086
Hair Expressions 1239 Main Ave. Downtown Clifton
973-478-9895
Tues/Wed: 8-5 • Thurs/Fri 8-7 • Sat 7:30-4:30
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays...
to our customers, neighbors & friends!
Staff Services Include... • Hair Cutting & Styling • Coloring & Highliting • Perms & Extensions • Waxing & Make Up • Manicures & Pedicures Dec. Specials • Free Make Up • Weddings & Up Dos w/ Up Do • Hair Extension by Appt. • Free Paraffin
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Owner Jane Stepien w/ Menka, Jolanta, Agata, Kimberly & Marlene. We Speak Polish & Macedonian December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Clifton Is A Mosaic of many cultures. During December this is especially apparent. We will soon celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Diwali and Ramadan have recently completed. The diversity of our community and the many cultural and ethnic celebrations that Clifton families observe is something that makes our community such a great place to live and work. Happy Holidays
and Many Thanks for all Your Support!
Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. Main District Office: Robert A. Roe Building, 200 Federal Plaza Suite 500 Paterson, N.J. 07505 Phone (973) 523-5152 Washington Office: 2464 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone (202) 225-5751
Paid for by Pascrell for Congress
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Vito’s Towing
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24 Hour Emergency Service
Marty Nee… Serving Clifton Since 1990! BUYERS
SELLERS
TENANTS
Happy Holidays To My Past, Present, & Future Clients
EXPERIENCE • PROFESSIONALISM • INTEGRITY
Dedicated to Customer Satisfaction Buying or Selling? Call me at 973-594-4319 Direct
Clifton Office
Cell: 201-755-9728 Martin Nee, GRI E-mail: mhnee@aol.com Broker Associate
789 Clifton Ave • 973-778-4500 Ext. 223 Independently Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
1039
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Merry Christmas and many thanks for your continued support
Surrogate Bill Bate 52
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
53
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah Councilman
Peter C. Eagler
Paid For By Eagler for Assembly, 840 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Dental Health Associates of Clifton is now...
Taylor Made Smiles 716 Broad St., Clifton
Dr. Katherine Taylor has assumed the dental practice of Dr. Norman A. Sutta, Dental Health Associates of Clifton. In addition to her military experience & degree from Columbia University, Dr. Taylor, a Clifton resident, is an alumni of the Las Vegas Institute of Continuing Education, where she trained in the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Phone 973-778-5006 Our Services Include: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry Prosthetics Bonding Tooth Whitening Periodontics Endodontics Oral Surgery
Dr. Taylor is an Alumni of the Las Vegas Institute of Continuing Education in Cosmetic Dentistry December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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One of the Largest Selections of Guns in NJ Buy • Sell • Trade S. MELTZER & SONS. INC.
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58
1999
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton’s Add-A-Level Specialist
Call Bob Noll at:
973-773-1978 N.J. Contractors License #: 13VH00088700
1751
Expert Sales Staff S P O R T I N G G O O D S 118 Outwater Lane, Garfield • Est. 1914 973-478-7647 • www.meltzers.com
We Manufacture & We Install Aluminum Awnings
Clifton Aluminum Products
For prices and info Visit us on Lexington Ave Six days a week!
594 Lexington Ave • Clifton
973-772-1255
Enjoy your backyard & extend your home with
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Vinyl Replacement Windows We also manufacture Custom-Made Windows December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Happy Holidays from all of us!
Directions: Route 3 to Bloomfield Ave Exit. Make right at Bloomfield Ave. Go halfway around Allwood Circle and continue on Bloomfield Ave. We are located just past the Home Depot.
875 Bloomfield Ave • Clifton 973.916.0707 FAX 973.778.9777
Join our email list today! Send your Address to: info@shoppersvineyard.com
Visit Us at www.ShoppersVineyard.com
Beer Values
Liquor Values
Heineken-Amstel Light 24 12OZ NR ........23.99 Bacardi Light,Dark,Select 1.75l...............$19.00 Skyy Vodka 1.75l......................................$21.00 Becks Reg-Light-Dark 24-12OZ NR ........23.99 Smirnoff Vodka 80pf 1.75l ......................$19.00 Corona Reg-Light 24 12OZ NR ................23.99 Johnnie Walker Red 1.75l .......................$29.09 Coors Reg-Light 30 12OZ CN ..................18.99 Cutty Sark 1.75l .......................................$24.99 Budweiser Reg-Light-Ice 30 12OZ CN ....18.99 Chivas Regal 1.75l ...................................$54.09 Miller Lite-MGD 30 12OZ NR ....................18.99 Beefeater Gin 1.75l ..................................$29.09 Johnnie Walker Black 1.75l......................$56.09 Busch Reg Light 30 12 OZ CN..................13.99 Tanqueray Gin 1.75l...................................$32.09 Milwaukee’s Best Reg. Light 30 12 OZ CN ..11.99 Malibu Rum 1.75l .....................................$25.09 Keystone Light 30 12OZ CN ....................11.99 Seagrams 7 1.75l .....................................$16.09 Miller Hi Life 30 12OZ CN ........................12.99 Beefeater Gin 1.75l ...................................$29.09 Canadian Club 1.75l .................................$16.09 Prices valid through 12/18/07
Prices valid through 12/18/07
You will be the first to know about any specials.
1671
Wine Values Blackstone Merlot 750ml ...........................$7.67 Beringer Knights Valley Cab Sauv 750ml ..$18.99 Hess Chardonnay 750ml............................$9.99 Simi Chardonnay 750ml ..........................$13.99 Santa Margherita Pinot Grgio 750ml .......$18.01 Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 750ml..$9.99 Cline Red Truck Pinot Noir 750ml ............$7.99 Marques De Riscal Red 750ml ...............$14.09 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 750ml....$13.99 Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml ......$12.99 Rock River Zinfandel 750ml.....................$7.99 Nando Chianti Classico 750ml.................$8.09 Prices valid through 12/18/07
Prices effective through 12/18/07. Good only at Shoppers Vineyard in Clifton. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices do not include sales tax. Not responsible for typographical errors. No rainchecks. Limited to store inventory.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Season’s Greetings
East Ridgelawn Cemetery... ...invites you to visit our Mausoleum on Main Avenue to see the inspirational art adorning our new building. Within the Mausoleum, our artist has painted a serene and peaceful view, entitled ‘Eden’, where visitors can pause to celebrate the lives of those who have passed.
At the Mausoleum... Visits are unlimited and unaffected by the weather. Crypts are located in the building and convenient for elderly and handicapped. Mausoleum entombment provides greater Peace of Mind & Security. • non-sectarian • niches
• mausoleum • garden graves
monumental graves • no obligation pre-need counseling financing available one-year at no interest on easy monthly plans
East Ridgelawn Cemetery 255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07014
2
for more information with no obligation call:
years of
973.777.1920
to Our Community vice Ser
Est. 1905
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
61
Free Photos with Santa Friday Dec 7th at Clifton Savings 5-7:30 pm Friday Dec 14th at TD BankNorth 5-7:30 pm
Each child receives a Free Gift and a Free raffle drawing will be held for a Christmas Gift Basket
62
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
63
S a l s a • Swing • Merengue • Hustle • Cha Cha Cha • Learn to do a hot Salsa • Perform an elegant Fox Trot or Waltz • Show the passion and the drama of the Tango • Do a seductive Rumba or a playful Cha-Cha • Feel like Cinderella or Prince Charming Ladies... are you interested in something feminine? Want to firm up and trim down? Try the exotic, alluring art of Belly Dancing Looking for a fun exercise class with hot Latin music? Coming in January...Zumba Classes...
Start with Our Introductory Program... 3 Private One-Half Hour Lessons Plus...3 Two-Hour Practice Sessions FOR ONLY $75
Mention Clifton Merchant Magazine & Save $10
Continental Dance Club
Call about our Group Classes & Wedding Programs
39 Harding Avenue, Clifton www.continentaldance.biz
973-779-4466
Gift Certificates Available!
Call Now Sun.–Fri. 1–10 pm
S l ow Dancing • B elly Dancing • Hip Hop
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
S a m b a • Wa l t z
F o x t r o t • Ta n g o
It’s Healthy, It’s Sexy... Learn to Dance!
Passaic County Community College courses are: • Affordable • Available • Transferable
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the
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
199 Scoles Ave. Clifton We are located in the building on the left at the end of the cul-de-sac
973-473-4912
13 Sebago St. (just off Van Houten Ave.) Clifton, NJ 07013 Tel: (973) 471-7171 www.blesingsflooring.com If you have any questions about hardwood flooring, give us a call for a free consultation and estimate or visit at www.blesingsflooring.com December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Season celebrate the
Clifton is a mosaic of cultures. It’s something to be proud of and to learn from. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the many cultural and ethnic celebrations that some Clifton families observe to Celebrate The Season. Diwali Called the Festival of Light and is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs. The festival is held during the new moon in late October or early November (this year it began on Nov. 9) when darkness is pierced by the light from small lamps or candles. Since Diwali is, for some Hindus, a New Year’s festival, many celebrate with rituals to honor Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. A central part of the Diwali celebration for Hindus is the retelling of the Ramayana. This story celebrates the return of Rama and Sita to the village of Ayodhya. The Lights of Diwali represent the candles that were lit to guide Rama and Sita safely home.
Ramadan Began this year on Sept. 13, and it commemorates the day when the Koran, the holy book of Islam, was given to the prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. After receiving the vision, Muhammad preached in the city of Mecca that there was only one God. Many did not like his idea and he and his followers fled to Medina. They formed an army and in A.D. 630, they marched back to Mecca to spread the religion of Islam. Two important victories are also remembered during Ramadan. During the entire month, no one eats any food or drinks any water from sunrise to sunset. People fast to teach themselves self-discipline and to defeat Satan. During Ramadan, followers read the entire Koran.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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lowed. They built up a great army and returned to the city where they fought four major battles against the Syrians. They lost the first three but won the last. After the battle, Judah Maccabee led his followers to Jerusalem where they tore down the statues of the Greek gods and rededicated the Temple to God. Their celebration is considered the first Hanukkah. Today, the menorah, which has branches for nine candles, is the most important symbol of Hanukkah. Eight of the candles represents the days of Hanukkah. The ninth candle is the shammes, or servant. It is
Hanukkah A time when Jews celebrate their victory for religious freedom with the eight day Festival of Lights, which began this year on Dec. 4. Thousands of years ago, Israel was ruled by Syrians, who worshiped many gods, while the Jews worshiped only one. A Syrian ruler decreed that Jews must worship Greek gods, then destroyed Jewish temples and demanded the Jews break their dietary laws. One family, the Maccabees, refused and led an uprising before fleeing to the hills, where many other Jews fol-
Happy Holidays! from Branch Manager Donna Sagui and all of the staff in our new Clifton branch. Ask about our Grand Opening rates, promotions and offers.
At First BankAmericano the Focus is on You—helping you manage your money, saving you time with efficient service and flexible hours and providing you with a wide range of services to meet both your personal and business needs. • Competitive rates with personal service. • Sunday hours starting on Jan 2, 2008 • Private Banker services • Other branches in Elizabeth, Roselle, West New York and Union City
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responsible for lighting all the others. Most people set aside one day for exchanging gifts, which are wrapped in blue and white paper. At the party, people sing songs, give small gifts of money called gelt and play dreidel, a traditional game. Christmas Observed annually on Dec. 25 by Christians, it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. As the Light of the World, Jesus is represented by the lights of Christmas. Before Jesus was born, his parents, Mary and Joseph, traveled to Bethlehem to pay taxes and to be counted in the census. On the night that Mary knew she was going to give birth, they searched for shelter. All the inns were full. Finally an innkeeper allowed the couple to stay in his barn. Jesus was born that night among farms animals. Angels told shepherds of his birth and they immediately visited the infant Jesus. A star appeared above the stable, leading Three Wise Men to the place. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Orthodox Christmas On Jan. 7 because it is observed by following the Julian calender. On Christmas Eve, Jan. 6, Ukrainians, Russians and others of the Orthodox faith celebrate with a traditional holy supper of 12 courses, including varieties of fish, as well as non-dairy and meatless dishes. Upon completion of the holy supper, depending upon the tradition of the local parish, evening church vespers are held. Kwanzaa A holiday which intertwines African traditions with American customs, is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It is based on six criteria of a people—history, mythology, creativity, social structure, political organization, and economic. The core principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles), which are expressed in Swahili, a language of East Africa, are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (selfdetermination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose),
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in the prison-city of Akka in Israel. Baha’ u’ llah has over 100 volumes of revelation in which He has introduced a prescription for world peace. Among His teachings are: the unity of God’s Prophets, the oneness of the entire human race, the unfettered search after truth, elimination of all kinds of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, and equality of women and men.
Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). The seven symbols associated with Kwanzaa, also expressed in Swahili, are mazao (fruits, vegetables, and nuts), mkeka (place mat), kinara (candleholder), vibunzi (ear of corn), zawadi (gifts), kikombe cha umoja (communal cup of unity), and mishumbaa saba (seven candles). The Baha’i Faith Celebrates Nov. 12, the Birth of Baha’ u’ llah, the Founder of the Faith. Baha’ u’ llah was born in Tihran, Persia in 1917. His father was a nobleman who held a high position at the king’s court and was loved and trusted by the people. As a child, Baha’ u’ llah was different from other children. Though untutored, He surprised all with His wisdom and understanding. It was not only His physical beauty that attracted people, but He had deep love and concern for people. He soon became known as the “Father of the Poor.” He was imprisoned and exiled during the last 40 years of His Ministry and passed away
New Year’s Day The only secular holiday that the entire world observes regardless of race or religious beliefs. It is based on the solar calendar established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and adopted by most countries. However, the Orthodox Eastern churches use the earlier Julian calendar with the New Year falling on Jan. 14. Some, including Jews, Chinese, Hindus and Muslims, use a lunar or some combination of a lunar and solar calendar. The date of the Chinese New Year may fall between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19. Jewish New Year begins on the first day of Tishri.
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Boys & Girls Club 60th Anniversary
Generations of alumni, friends and supporters partied at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Nov. 2. Old friends gathered in the bingo hall of the Clifton Ave. facility to share six decades of memories. Those in attendance also got a chance to view a historical video and a power point presentation detailing the progress of the Club. The event was a meet, greet and celebration...a time to connect with old pals, an opportunity to support the Club of today and a chance to set a firm foundation for the Club of tomorrow. If you missed the dinner, you can still support the Club by calling 973-773-0966.
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Behind the kids who participate in the After School Program which underwritten by JCPenney are, from left: Club Program Director Paula Benjamin, JCPenney of Willowbrook Store Manager Joseph Bruno, Clifton B&G Club Executive Director Bob Foster and Club Educational Director Deborah Lesnick. Support from the business community is always welcomed, said Foster. To find out how you, your company, or a civic group can contribute to the Club, call 973-773-0966.
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Nine years after Clifton’s historic 1957 win over Montclair, a new crop of Fighting Mustangs were dreaming of the day when they too would finally beat the Mounties. by Jordan Schwartz
Clifton’s Gary Ecker (#31 in white) and Rich Tate (#1 in white) tackle Montclair star running back Tim Berra in 1968. Behind them is a photo of baseball legend and Montclair resident Yogi Berra (Tim’s dad) who endorsed the soft drink Yoo-hoo back in the day.
Re: No Game Meant More Clifton vs. Montclair, 1957
We received a number of letters in response to last month’s story about the 1957 game between Clifton and Montclair. Was it really the greatest game the Fighting Mustangs ever played? A number of readers weighed in and we’ve reprinted their letters throughout this story.
Nov. ‘57, Home on leave from the Air Force in s over the I saw our first of three straight victorie in New Mounties. When I returned to duty censtar Orleans, I met with Ted Kukowski, the celebratter of our ‘46 Oyster Bowl team, and ed about talk ed at a jazz club down there. We ory. Coach Grecco and that milestone vict Lou Poles Class of 1951
Following Clifton High School’s first ever win over its neighbors to the south, the Mustangs beat Montclair three more times between 1958 and 1962. But the Mounties regained the upper hand in the bitter rivalry, defeating Clifton in ‘63, ‘64 and ‘65. After he was named as a principal in the district, the legendary Coach Joe Grecco was forced to step down as head football coach after the ‘63 season. In 1964, his longtime assistant, Bill Vander Closter took over as head coach. The following year, the mighty Mustangs went 2-5-2, but a late season upset at Passaic gave the Clifton faithful reason to believe that the following year would be different. It was at this time that CHS Principal Aaron Halpern, Athletic Director Charles Benson and C-Club spokesman Frank Pecci were leading an effort to have the school withdraw from the Passaic Valley Conference, in an attempt to play larger, more competitive teams. Another win over Montclair would go a long way toward convincing everyone that Clifton was ready to move up. December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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The day before the two teams were set to meet in 1966, Herald News sports writer Augie Lio, whose son Rich was a starting defensive end for Clifton, predicted a 14-10 Montclair victory. The 6-1 ‘Stangs, who had only lost to Lyndhurst early in the season, had just edged Nutley 15-13 the previous week, when Clifton blocked a late fourth quarter field goal attempt to secure the win. Montclair, meanwhile, was 7-0, having won its three previous contests on game-ending scoring drives. The buzz around the game focused on the clash between two talented offenses. The Fighting Mustangs were led by the “Baby Bulls” — a trio made up of Steve McPeak, Larry Mialik and All-County running back Mark Winkler. The Mounties countered with quarterback Craig Moore and AllAmerican running back Len
Coach Bill Vander Closter discussing strategy with running back Gary Shenton (#22) and quarterback Bob Kurley.
Coleman, who went on to serve as President of Major League
Baseball’s National League from 1994 to 1999.
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Clifton’s 1968 offense. From left, #86 Steve Saroka, #22 Gary Shenton, #76 Henry Sinatra, #1 Rich Tate, #68 Garret Crandall, #9 Bob Kurley, #52 Keith Mekita, #5 John Eckert, #67 George Linzenbold Jr., #77 George Dudasik and #80 Steve Urbanowicz.
Clifton Kisses its Sister
Approximately 8,500 fans packed Clifton Stadium on Nov. 12, 1966. It was a clear Saturday afternoon with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees. The 20th meeting between the two schools began with a defensive first quarter, during which each team punted three times. A Clifton fumble midway through the second killed the team’s drive into Montclair territory and when halftime hit, neither side had scored. The Mustangs stampeded out of the locker room, dominating the third quarter with a time-consuming drive deep into their opponents side of the field. With the ball at the Montclair 22 yard line, Clifton QB Larry Ferraro hit wide receiver Bob Duch in the flat with a quick pass. The speedy
Duch then burnt the secondary and went into the end zone for the first points of the day. The extra point gave Clifton a 7-0 lead with 6:18 remaining in the third. The Mustangs defense then did its job, forcing Montclair to punt on the ensuing possession. Clifton’s offense took over, but Ferraro quickly threw an interception. Montclair took advantage of the turnover, marching down the field in 14 plays for a game-tying score with 9:54 left in the final quarter. Following punts by both teams, Clifton began a series on its own 39. The Fighting Mustangs drove all the way down to the Montclair 22 yard line, but a Winkler fumble gave the ball back to the Mounties with 4:30 to play. With the capacity crowd on its feet and roaring, Coleman looked like a man possessed.
the end when we finally put The ‘57 game was a thriller right to ing our way to our car, Richie them away. After the game, while mak gentleman dressed in the Ivy Direnzo and I encountered an elderly et with leather elbow patchleague fashion of the day — tweed jack we do today?” We responded, es — who asked smugly, “How did almost hit the sidewalk, and “Very well, but Montclair lost.” His jaw in my memory 50 years later! the expression on his face is still vivid Tom Keon Class of 1953
He led Montclair to the Clifton 15 with just 28 seconds remaining. Despite the fact that they were already within their place kicker’s range, Montclair Head Coach Clary Anderson decided to run some more time off the clock and sent in a running play on first down. Moore took the snap and looked to handoff but defensive tackle Gary Russo busted through the line and broke up the play. Moore rolled out, attempting to escape the rush, but Russo dropped the quarterback for a 15-yard loss. With the ball now on the 30 yard line, Montclair was out of field goal range and was forced to call time out. On the next play, Moore was picked off by defensive back Bob Schoonmaker, who returned the ball 27 yards to the Clifton 34 with five ticks left on the clock. Ferraro’s desperation pass fell incomplete and the game ended in a 7-7 tie. The deadlock was somewhat satisfying to the Mustangs because they were so close to losing a fourth straight to Montclair. Clifton actually outgained its opponent 260 to 167, holding the All-American Coleman to just 74 yards on 22 carries. But two December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
85
fumbles and 50 yards in penalties may have cost the ‘Stangs a victory. Clifton went on to beat Garfield on Thanksgiving, Day finishing the season with a 7-1-1 record. The Mustangs claimed the PVC crown
Running back Gary Shenton.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
and a Group 4, Section 1 title, but its biggest win may have been the tie against Montclair.
Dissension in the Ranks
Montclair returned to its winning ways in 1967, beating Clifton 13-7 at Woodman Field, so the Mustangs entered the ‘68 season six years removed from its last victory over the Mounties. Clifton also entered the year without a few of its veteran players. Some felt that Coach Vandy was favoring certain athletes over others and so a bunch of would-be senior starters quit the team. “They weren’t happy with what Coach was trying to do,” said Gary Ecker, who was one of the seniors that remained on the team. “He was a pretty hard-nosed guy, but he was very fair. If you put out for him, he took care of you, but there were people that didn’t see things his way.” Seeing an opportunity to fill those spots on the roster, 190 athletes came out for tryouts in the summer of ‘68 — a total so high, that the team ran out of equipment. “Guys were practicing with helmets, but no shoulder pads,” recalled Rich DeLotto, a sophomore on the ‘68 team. “Some didn’t even have helmets.” But with 40 students quitting after the first practice, the roster
eventually dwindled to 100 kids by opening day. Clifton won six of its first seven games that year, with its only loss coming to Paterson Eastside. Montclair was 5-2 entering the game with Clifton, but Augie Lio once again picked the Mounties to win, 13-7. He would be wrong.
It Happened
In the week leading up to the Nov. 16 bout between the Mustangs and the Mounties, the newspapers focused on the game’s two big guns — Clifton’s Gary Shenton and Montclair’s Tim Berra, two of the best running backs in North Jersey. “Gary was more of the speed guy and Richie Tate was more of our inside power guy,” said Bob Kurley, who was Clifton’s senior quarterback that year. Berra was the son of New York Yankees great Yogi Berra, who at the time, still owned Rizzuto-Berra Lanes in Clifton. Yogi was also appearing in advertisements for Yoohoo. Because of this, the Clifton players decorated the visiting locker room with various derogatory phrases such as ‘Yoo-hoo Stinks’ in an attempt to psych out their opponents. Meanwhile, in the Mustangs’ locker room, Asst. Coach Steve Picker told the team that his wife had just given birth to a future
CHS cheerleader. With that extra incentive in mind, the Mustangs took the field. Clifton kicked off to start the game and Montclair returned the ball to its own 23 . Then, on the very first play from scrimmage, Mounties running back Harold Granderson took the ball and ran 77 yards down the Clifton sideline for a touchdown. The Montclair stands erupted, while Clifton fans were stunned. So much for the psych out. “That play kind of freaked us out,” said Ecker, a Clifton linebacker. “But we were still confident we were going to win the game.” Down 7-0, the Mustangs returned the following kickoff to their own 39. They then put together a 12-play, 61yard drive, capped off by a Shenton four-yard touchdown run off tackle. But kicker Steve Soroka missed the extra point and Clifton trailed 7-6. The Mounties got the ball back and drove 67 yards for its second score — a four-yard bootleg by
rday afternoon in 1957 that has I still have flashbacks to that one Satu d. I can still see a Norman left an indelible impression on my min leaves into a smoldering conRockwell scene as fathers would rake s would jump rope and boys trolled fire in the street while young girl front lawns. As the sun set would wrestle and playfully roll on the n would be diverted to cars on this autumn afternoon, all attentio and waving pompoms out the overloaded with teenagers screaming of American-made Chevys window while the driver rode his horn fax Ave.! Even the cows in the and Fords. Up Clifton Ave, down Col r heads to take notice of the old Sisco Dairy Farm would raise thei father say, “Clifton must have celebration. In the distance I heard a no idea what “the game” was, won the game.” Being so young, I had importance. but I knew it was something of great Bob Csuka Class of 1967
quarterback John Petronaci. But Montclair kicker Greg Taylor missed his point after attempt as well and the lead was 13-6. The back and forth nature of the game continued as Clifton went 60 yards on nine plays, crossing the goal line on a one-yard plunge by captain Rich Tate.
The big play of the drive was Kurley’s 37-yard hookup with Soroka, who also added the PAT to tie the game at 13. In the second quarter, the Mustang defense, led by Ecker, was finally able to stop Montclair. Clifton took over on offense and quickly scored on a 43-yard run by Shenton.
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Down 20-13, the Mounties answered right back, tying the game on a six-play, 52-yard drive, concluding in a one-yard sneak by Petronaci, and the teams went to halftime deadlocked at 20. Unlike the first half, the second two periods were a defensive battle. Clifton turned the ball over twice with a fumble and an interception, but Tate and other defensive stalwarts such as Glenn Zomack, Chuck Marcel, Bob Marinaro and Al Kopsel stopped Montclair on several key third down plays, forcing the Mounties to punt each time. But Clifton couldn’t capitalize and fans were thinking the two teams were heading towards another tie. And then it happened. The Mustangs defense forced Montclair into a fourth and 10 from its own 25 yard line, bringing up a punt situation with just 1:01 left in the game. Vander Closter went for the full block, leaving no one back deep to return. “I feel a tie is a loss,” the coach told the Paterson News after the game. “I went out there to win.” On the snap, linebacker Ken DeLuca penetrated the Montclair line
Yankee greats Yogi Berra (with shovel) and Phil Rizzuto (left of Yogi) were joined by developer Albert A. Stier (far right) and other men at the 1956 groundbreaking of Rizzuto-Berra Bowling Lanes at Clifton’s Styertowne shopping center.
and blocked the kick by Petronaci. Defensive end Gerry Duch picked up the loose pigskin at the 5 and ran it in for a touchdown. Soroka added the extra point and Clifton led 27-20 with under a minute to play. With the stadium in hysterics, Montclair got the ball back, but Clifton’s defense wouldn’t budge and the clock ran out giving the
ber and Hall of Fame comMy dad Wilson, who was a C club mem e all week. I sat with him on mittee voter, was talking about the gam on a very bright, beautiful fall the 30, as Woodman Field was sold out Mounties, but this team was afternoon. Clifton had never beaten the single most lucent memory special led by George Telesh. My ing back Richie Haines being involved Montclair's All American runn It occurred right in front of run over by Larry Kolk on a 15 yard run. . Haines laid motionless and me and the results were game changing carried off with a season endthe crowd became stone silent. He was vered and lost convincingly. ing leg injury. The Mounties never reco ecstatic, horns blaring all the Following the game, Clifton fans were t memory of a 12-year-old way back to Clifton. It remains a grea his dad on a special afternoon. enjoying a big win, but also being with Richard Wernau Class of 1963
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs their first victory over Montclair in six years. Coach Picker handed out cigars to his players in the locker room after the game — something that Vander Closter normally would not have stood for, but this was a special occasion. “There will always be a game that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and this was that game,” said Ecker, who moved to Florida two days after graduation to play collegiate football for the Gators. He did make it back up to Clifton, however, for the Class of ‘69’s 10 year reunion. “Montclair had their reunion that same night in the same hotel,” recalled Ecker. “We made a joke that we were going to go in there and pretend that we were going to block a punt, but we never did it.” Editor’s Note: Thanks to Rich DeLotto, a sophomore on the 1968 Mustangs, who did a great deal of the research for this story.
mustangs 18 indians 13
Optimist Cup‘07
Joe Grecco Field Clifton Schools Stadium Thanksgiving Day, 2007
An old saying dictates that you throw the records out the window on Thanksgiving Day. That couldn’t be more true than at Clifton Stadium on Nov. 22. The Passaic Indians entered the traditional holiday rivalry at 5-4, barely missing the North 1, Group 4 playoffs. The Fighting Mustangs, on the other hand, came into the game a shell of their former selves. The defending state champs were 2-7, having lost six straight, and a trip to the playoffs was nothing more than a distant memory. But this was Thanksgiving, and Clifton doesn’t lose on Thanksgiving. At least not since last millennium. Senior Lamar Rodriguez had an outstanding game for the Mustangs, catching a 34-yard touchdown pass on a fourth and 20 play in the second quarter. In the third period, after Passaic quarterback Adam Rojas December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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The Optimist Clubs of Passaic and Clifton sponsor the game trophy and four MVP awards. Above, game MVPs Tyjon Greer, Matt Davella, Rafael Polanco and Adam Rojas. At right, senior Lamar Rodriguez who Mustang Coach Ron Anello said should have been co-MVP on the offensive end. Below, players from Passaic and Clifton line up to shake hands after the contest. Anello said both teams displayed an incredible amount of respect for each other at the game.
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
scored on a 5-yard scamper to give the Indians a 13-12 lead, Rodriguez intercepted a Rojas pass on Passaic’s next offensive possession. The pick set up Kemil Gell’s game-winning 2-yard run. But Rodriguez wasn’t the only star for the victorious Mustangs. Running Back Brian Fielder carried eight times for 93 yards, including a 55yard run on the decisive drive. Fellow back Matt Davella ran 17 times for 76 yards and Rafael Polanco gained 69 yards on the ground and added an interception on defense. Another big defensive play was made when Clifton’s Chayanne Rodriguez recovered a fumble as Passaic was making its final effort to take back the lead in the fourth quarter. So, for the eighth straight year, Clifton defeated Passaic on Turkey Day, giving 28 seniors a win in their final game.
In keeping with the Optimist Club theme of the day, cheerleaders and band members from Clifton and Passaic got together to pose for pictures on Thanksgiving Day. More photos on next page.
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Passaic vs. Clifton 1923 - 2007 MUSTANGS 1923 . . .Clifton 12......Passaic 7 1924 . . .Passaic 23......Clifton 0 1925 . . .Passaic 21......Clifton 6 1926 . . .Passaic 21......Clifton 6 1927 . . .Passaic 13......Clifton 0 1928 . . .Passaic 24......Clifton 0 1929 . . .Passaic 24......Clifton 0 1930 . . .Passaic 26......Clifton 0 1931 . . .Passaic 7........Clifton 0 1932 . . .Passaic 26......Clifton 7 1933 . . .Clifton 7........Passaic 6 1934 . . .Passaic 26......Clifton 0 1935 . . .Passaic 6........Clifton 0 1936 . . .Passaic 34....Clifton 14 1937 . . .Passaic 6........Clifton 0 1938 . . .Passaic 19......Clifton 6 1939 . . .Passaic 31......Clifton 6 1940 . . .Passaic 13......Clifton 6 1941 . . .Passaic 0........Clifton 0 1942 . . .Passaic 19......Clifton 0 1943 . . .Clifton 12......Passaic 6 1944 . . .Clifton 26......Passaic 6 1945 . . .Clifton 6........Passaic 0 1946 . . .Clifton 26....Passaic 14 1947 . . .Clifton 32......Passaic 0 1948 . . .Clifton 7........Passaic 7 1949 . . .Clifton 12......Passaic 0 1950 . . .Passaic 20......Clifton 7 1951 . . .Clifton 26......Passaic 6
39 Wins 35 Loses 5 Ties
INDIANS 35 Wins 39 Loses 5 Ties
1952 . . .Clifton 33....Passaic 12 1953 . . .Clifton 21....Passaic 20 1954 . . .Passaic 7........Clifton 6 1955 . . .Passaic 7........Clifton 0 1956 . . .Clifton 48......Passaic 0 1958 . . .Clifton 40......Passaic 7 1959 . . .Clifton 41....Passaic 21 1960 . . .Clifton 28......Passaic 6 1961 . . .Clifton 35......Passaic 7 1962 . . .Clifton 31......Passaic 6 1963 . . .Clifton 50......Passaic 0 1964 . . .Passaic 27......Clifton 0 1965 . . .Clifton 15....Passaic 13 1966 . . .Clifton 7........Passaic 0 1967 . . .Passaic 7........Clifton 7 1968 . . .Clifton 27....Passaic 10 1969 . . .Clifton 40......Passaic 0 1970 . . .Clifton 49......Passaic 0 1971 . . .Clifton 20....Passaic 12 1972 . . .Clifton 35......Passaic 6 1973 . . .Clifton 75....Passaic 12
1974 . . .Clifton 47......Passaic 6 1976 . . .Clifton 28......Passaic 6 1981 . . .Passaic 20......Clifton 3 1982 . . .Passaic 33......Clifton 0 1983 . . .Passaic 20......Clifton 7 1984 . .Clifton 16......Passaic 0 1985 . .Passaic 28......Clifton 7 1986 . .Passaic 21......Clifton 8 1987 . . .Clifton 24....Passaic 13 1988 . . .Clifton 22....Passaic 22 1989 . . .Passaic 22......Clifton 0 1990 . . .Passaic 14......Clifton 7 1991 . . .Passaic 33....Clifton 16 1992 . . .Passaic 13....Clifton 10 1993 . . .Passaic 0........Clifton 0 1994 . . .Passaic 12......Clifton 7 1995 . . .Passaic 21......Clifton 7 1996 . . .Clifton 23......Passaic 6 1997 . . .Passaic 22....Clifton 20 1998 . . .Passaic 25......Clifton 0 1999 . . .Passaic 20......Clifton 7 2000 . . .Clifton 21....Passaic 14 2001 . . .Clifton 20....Passaic 19 2002 . . .Clifton 19....Passaic 14 2003 . . .Clifton 17......Passaic 0 2004 . . .Clifton 48......Passaic 0 2005 . . .Clifton 7........Passaic 6 2006 . . .Clifton 14....Passaic 12 2007 . . .Clifton 18....Passaic 13
Happy Holidays! Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin State of New Jersey 1333 Broad St., Clifton, NJ 07013 office: 973-779-3125 92
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Optimist Cup 2007, Clifton Stadium
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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The Boys Soccer Team’s State Title is just one of the many championships won by by Jordan Schwartz Clifton High School’s athletic teams this fall.
Clifton was the class of Group 4 this year after going 20-5-1. Leading the way for the Mustangs, from left, were Jan Kutarnia, Chris Kosciolek, Eddie Olave, Chris Ronconcio and Enrique San Juan.
Boys Soccer
During its nine-year run as county champions, Clifton’s boys soccer team never won a Group 4 state title, and after the Mustangs fell to Wayne Valley in the county final for the second straight year, some may have thought the program was never going to recapture its past glory. But not Head Coach Joe Vespignani. “We’ve always said it’s nice to win the league, it’s nice to win the county, but we wanted to win a state championship,” he said. “The 94
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
league and county are just for development, they’re just to get in form for States — that’s the big prize. After we lost to Wayne Valley again this year, we said, ‘Let’s go out and win a state championship.’” And that’s exactly what they did. The boys soccer team (20-5-1) captured its first state crown in 13 years, earning co-championship honors after playing to a 1-1 draw with Manalapan in the Group 4 final. Three-year varsity player Manny Caicedo had a terrific state tourna-
ment, scoring twice against Hackensack in the sectional quarterfinal, once against Montclair in the semis, and one more time on a bicycle kick in the group semi-final versus Columbia. Forwards Eddie Olave and Oscar Gonzalez also had great years, each finding the back of the net 12 times. Other major contributors this championship season were junior defender Ryan Ware (2g, 4a) and senior goalkeeper Chris Kosciolek, who had a 1.10 GA avg.
The team graduates 11 seniors this June, but should return a very good squad next year, led by the junior Ware and Gonzalez, who’s just a freshman.
Girls Soccer
The 2007 girls soccer season was right on par with Head Coach Dan Chilowicz’s expectations. The Lady Mustangs went 13-3-4 despite playing a difficult schedule that included 15 games against opponents that qualified for States. One of the highlights of the season came when second-seeded Clifton battled to a 0-0 tie with topseeded Wayne Valley in the the Passaic County Tournament final, making both teams co-champions. “If you ask each team, they’d probably say they were the better team,” said Chilowicz. “I think it was a bittersweet feeling because the girls felt they should have won.” Clifton earned the No. 1 seed in North 1, Group 4, but after a bye in
Senior captain Holly Sieradzki scored 14 goals and had seven assists this fall.
the first round, the Lady Mustangs were quickly ousted in the quarterfinals by No. 9 Morris Knolls, 1-0, on a controversial penalty kick with
three minutes remaining in regulation. Chilowicz said the team will use that loss as motivation for the 2008 campaign. “Our theme for next year is unfinished business,” he said. The Lady Mustangs should be more than capable next season as they return 11 letter winners. They include first team All-County junior goalie Lianne Maldonado (0.80 GA avg., 115 saves) and junior left back Alyssa Robinson, who many consider the best defender in the county. Clifton will also have back three juniors that made second team AllCounty. They are sweeper Alexandra Gonzalez, Jamie Lisanti (6g) and forward Kristina Cordova (7g). Clifton does lose senior captain Holly Sieradzki, who scored 14 goals and added seven assists from her midfield position. But Chilowicz will look to replace her with some up-and-comers like Elise Burnett and Julianne Natale (7g).
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Boys Cross Country
The boys finished with a dual meet record of 31-4, placing second in the NNJIL and third in the county. Team members making first team All-League were sophomore James Sahanas, senior Ryan Gabel and junior Pavel Romanovski. Second team honorees were junior Ivan Enriquez, senior Harshit Rana and junior Hanni Abukhater. Honorable Mention AllLeague was Andrew Kopko. Sahanas was also named first team All-County, Gable earned second team honors and All-County Honorable Mention went to Enriquez and Romanovski. Coach John Pontes’ team finished the season by placing eighth at the State Sectional Championship, and qualifying Sahanas to the State Group meet at Holmdel, where the sophomore sensation finished 52nd in the entire state in Group 4.
Girls Cross Country
The girls team finished with an outstanding record of 33-3, which included Clifton’s first ever victory over Ridgewood. The girls captured the league title for the fourth consecutive season, and won the county for the first time since 1985. At Sectionals, the team finished an impressive fifth to advance to the State Group meet at Holmdel, where they finished 19th. The entire varsity seven made first team All-League. That includes seniors Sue Martinez, Alyssa Philhower, Elba Mendoza and Sarah Mendoza, as well as junior Eloisa Paredes and sophomores Daphne Bienkiewicz and Kerry Sorenson. Junior Kayla Santiago earned Honorable Mention. Martinez, Paredes and Philhower were also named to the County’s first team, while second team honors went to Sarah and
Senior Susan Martinez (left) and junior Eloisa Paredes led the girls cross country team to a fifth place finish at the North 1, Group 4 sectional meet. The team finished 19th at the Group 4 event.
Elba Mendoza, Bienkiewicz and Santiago. Earning Honorable Mention All-County were seniors Tara Anton and Melissa Aviles. The entire varsity seven finished in the first 20 at the county meet, led by Martinez and Paredes, who placed first and second respectively. Coach John Pontes was named the girls cross country coach of the year in Passaic County. “Both the boys and girls teams did a truly tremendous job in practice and in meets, and with many returning stars, the future looks good for the program,” said Pontes, who has a 377-71 record as boys coach and a 364-71 mark with the girls.
Girls Volleyball
First team All-County track star James Sahanas was the first Clifton finisher in the 10th Annual 5k Stampede on Nov. 18 at the Lester Herrschaft Center for Seniors and Citizens with Disabilities on the City Hall Campus. The 15-year-old crossed the finish line with a time of 17:07. About 180 participants completed the race. 96
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
The girls volleyball team captured its 12th county title en route to a 17-6 record this fall. The Lady Mustangs handed twotime defending champion Wayne Valley a rare loss to a Passaic County opponent in the tournament final, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19.
Senior middle Kim Lope had seven kills in the second game and five more in game 3. “We knew Wayne Valley was a strong team with a lot of quality players coming back,” said Head Coach Mike Doktor. “We only returned three starters so we were happy with the result.” Clifton suffered a little bit of a letdown in its next match, which happened to be in the state tournament. After receiving a bye in the first round, the eighth-seeded Lady Mustangs fell to No. 9 North Hunterdon 25-23, 25-17. “It was very disappointing,” said Doktor. “Especially since North Hunterdon went on to play for the state championship. We thought we matched up well with them.” Despite the early exit in States, Clifton had a very successful season, led by captain Alison DiAngelo. The starting middle hitter was named first team All-County and All-League. “She excelled in the front and back row and played a
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motivational role throughout the season,” her coach said. Doktor added that he was also impressed by the play of sophomore Sylvia Zubek, who was a member of the JV team last year. “We knew she was good,
Schwinn
ATB Starting at
The girls volleyball team won its 12th Passaic County Championship this season. The Lady Mustangs (17-6) defeated Wayne Valley in the tournament final.
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Girls Tennis
The Clifton High School girls tennis team is headed in the right direction. After a 4-12 campaign in 2006, Head Coach Chad Cole’s girls took a step forward to a 6-11 record this year. “I was pretty pleased with how the season went,” Coach Cole said. “We continue to get better and the girls improved.” Despite a disappointing finish in the county tournament, the Lady Mustangs placed third in the NNJIL B Division. Junior first singles player Lia Salierno continued to be a bright spot on the team. “She had some real quality matches towards the end of the season,” said Cole. “We’re looking for bigger and better things out of her next year.” The coach said he was also pleasantly surprised by how well first year starter Michelle Kvitnitsky — just a sophomore — played at second singles. In addition to Salierno and Kvitnitsky, Cole will return third singles Katalina Jaramillo and doubles players Jeanna Yoo and Kathy Topiwala.
Football
Coming off a magical 2006 season in which the Fighting Mustangs captured their first state championship since 1973, the ‘07 football team had some mighty big shoes to fill. Maybe the pressure of trying to repeat that performance got to the ‘Stangs who finished with a disappointing 3-7 record. “Certainly this wasn’t the season we were hoping for, but that’s the mystery of athletics,” said Head Coach Ron Anello. It all started well for the Mustangs, as they opened up the year with a 19-2 win at Kennedy. In a very sloppy contest that saw both teams com-
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bine to commit 21 penalties totalling 150 yards, Rafael Polanco shined, carrying eight times for 69 yards and a score. Matt Davella added 62 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and Kemil Gell chipped in with a threeyard score of his own. But it was Clifton who could only manage a safety the following week, as they fell to Teaneck 20-2. The Mustang defense was no match for Rutgers-bound Rashad White, who rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Nevertheless, the ‘Stangs quickly righted the ship, bouncing back for an emotional 21-14 victory over Hackensack on Sept. 28. Gell was the star of the game, running the ball 17 times for 87 yards, including a game-winning one-yard TD plunge with 31 seconds left. Frank Duran carried 10 times for 23 yards and crossed the goal line twice, while Davella was the workhorse, touching the ball on 21 occasions, gaining 79 yards. At 2-1, Clifton appeared to be on its way back to the playoffs, but a shocking 26-7 loss at Nutley on Oct. 6 changed everything. The Mustangs committed seven turnovers (three interceptions and four fumbles) in a game that sent the team into a tailspin. The Mustangs lost six in a row from that point forward to Eastside, Montclair, Ridgewood, St. Joe’s and Randolph, but finished the season strong with a Thanksgiving Day victory over rival Passaic. “That win showed that when we put all the parts together, we’re a good football team,” said Coach Anello. Standouts on this year’s squad included Davella, wide receiver Lamar Rodriguez, offensive lineman Dante Glenn, outside linebacker George Fabarya and corner Mike Veal. Anello said he was also impressed with the play of sophomore DB Mike Chiavetta. Gymnastics team captain Brooke Mullen shows off her skills in a photo taken in August.
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Junior first singles player Lia Salierno.
Gymnastics
With a team full of natural athletes who simply lack a great deal of gymnastics experience, Head Coach Judy D’Argenio’s squad won just two meets and lost nine this fall.
Ophelia
Franco
But it wasn’t for a lack of effort. “Only having one returning AllAround gymnast (senior captain Brooke Mullen), this season was difficult,” said D’Argenio. “But I give these girls a lot of credit. They were dedicated and did their hardest and we were able to compete.” Mullen (All-Around) and junior Chelsea Gurley (Floor Exercise) made the state sectional meet. D’Argenio said she was also impressed with junior Donnalayha Cook, who returned from an injury she suffered in 2006. “Coming off the injury, she didn’t have any experience and for her to compete in the All-Around this year and score very well was amazing.” D’Argenio credits Mullen and senior co-captain Samantha
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Seniors on the Mustang boys basketball team. In the rear row, from left, is Ricardo Emile, Travis Holm, Lamar Rodriguez and John Acosta. Up front is Ryan Akers, Darren Leach, Dan Shagawat and Ali Asaidi.
Stories by Joe Hawrylko and Jordan Schwartz
He’s the new head coach in town, but that doesn’t mean that Frank Giovannucci is short on experience. In fact, it’s anything but that. The associate head coach under now departed John Santulli for the past three seasons, Giovannucci has held coaching stints on the high school and college levels, and logged over 20 years as a scout for the NBA’s Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers. Giovannucci has a wealth of basketball knowledge, and he’ll need to utilize all of it to get the most out of a squad that lost five athletes last year, three of which were starters. “We don’t have one real strong player this year and we’ve lost quite a few good kids,” he 100 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
explained. “Right now, we’re still trying to figure out what we have to work with.” But that isn’t going to happen just yet. With players missing time due to illness and injuries across the board, Giovannucci has been hard pressed to get all of his starters on the court at the same time. No matter how great of a talent one person may be, it’s hard to be successful when you have different faces with you on the hardwood from day to day. Senior Lamar Rodriguez was expected to be a key component this season after a solid outing last year, but has been among those bitten by the injury bug. With the ability to play either center or forward, Rodriguez, who also plays
football, will log plenty of time when he gets healthy. “We’ve got a load of seniors on the roster,” added Giovannucci, who has coached in Nutley, Manchester and Cedar Grove. “Travis Holm (forward/guard) played quite a bit for us last year. Ricardo Emile also played a little last year at forward and John Acosta at forward and center.” Other senior athletes who saw time on Varsity last season include Danny Shagawat (guard), Ryan Akers (guard/forward), Ali Asaidi (guard), Derrick Martin (center) and Darren Leach (guard). Sophomores Emilo Polanco (forward) and Nick Lavander (guard) were also Varsity lettermen last
CHS Boys
Basketball Dec 14 Eastside Paterson
7:00 pm
Dec 18 at Kennedy
4:00 pm
Dec 20 Paramus
7:00 pm
Jan 03 at Hackensack
7:00 pm
Jan 08 Teaneck
7:00 pm
Jan 10
Ridgewood
7:00 pm
Jan 12
Wayne Valley
1:00 pm
Jan 15
at Paramus Catholic
7:00 pm
Jan 17
Bergen Tech
7:00 pm
Jan 19 St. Joseph’s (Palisades)
3:30 pm
Jan 22
at Don Bosco Prep
7:00 pm
Jan 24
at Passaic
7:00 pm
Jan 29
at Belleville
5:30 pm
Jan 31
Nutley
7:00 pm
Feb 05
at Bloomfield
4:00 pm
Feb 07
Barringer
7:00 pm
Feb 12
at Montclair
7:00 pm
Feb 14 at St. Joseph Reg.
7:00 pm
Feb 19 Bergen Catholic
7:00 pm
know Lamar (Rodriguez) is probably going to start. Travis (Holm) is going to start. Emilio (Polanco) may start and Danny (Shagawat) and Nick (Lavander) have been starting in scrimmage. John Acosta was too, but he was out recently.” “Right now, who is starting may change as the next few weeks go along. They’re working real hard,” said Giovannucci. “And you know, it’s a real tough league and our first two games are against solid teams
(Eastside and Kennedy). They’re supposed to be real good this year.” In assessing his team, Giovannucci was realistic and frank, highlighting both positive and negative qualities that he’s observed. “I don’t think we’re going to score like we did last year,” said Coach, whose tallest player stands at 6’3”. “We’re going to have to play better defense in close games. And under the boards, we need to be tougher and stronger.”
year and will be getting some time this year as well. “It’s been hard (getting a starting line up) because we have only been together for a week and already, a couple of kids have not been here,” explained Giovannucci. “Like I Benjamin Moore Paints and much more...
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December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
101
Wrestling CHS
Top row, from left: Jon Rides, Cody Bleaken, Nick Boyko, Chris Harsaghy, Mohamed Bekheet, John Alvarez, Abe Bekheet and Sean Steinfeldt. In front is Badran Suliman, Daniel Shackil, James Delillo, Tony Camejo, Matt Davella and Chris Tudda.
Second-year wrestling coach Dan Geleta says this year should be a huge improvement over last season. The ’06-’07 team had 10 new starters. That lack of experience led to a 13-15 record, but with 10 returners this winter, the Mustangs should win a lot more matches. Back are Cody Bleaken (130 lbs), James Delillo (135 lbs) and Tony Camejo (145 lbs) — all of which qualified for regionals last year. Carlos Moran (189 lbs) and Jon Rides (heavyweight) came very close to qualifying and they return this season as well. Other starters include junior Chris Harsaghy (103 lbs) and freshmen Joe Chiovetta (112 or 119 lbs) and Elliott Garcia (140 lbs). Some JV grapplers that should make the transition to varsity this year are Nick Boyko (119 lbs), Mohamed Bekheet (152 lbs) and Sean Steinfeldt (160 lbs). Senior Fighting Mustangs running back Matt Davella will be taking his talents from the gridiron to the mat for the first time this winter, as he prepares to wrestle in the 215 lb weight class.
Trek the Halls
Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 28 Jan 02 Jan 09 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 30 Feb 01 Feb 02 Feb 06 Feb 09 Feb 13 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 26 Feb 29 Mar 01
at Hopatcong Tourn. 9:00 am Clifton Quad. 9:00 am at Bloomfield Tourn. 9:00 am Eastside Paterson 5:30 pm at Passaic 5:00 pm Kennedy 5:00 pm at Dumont Quad. 9:00 am at Barringer 7:00 pm Don Bosco Prep 5:00 pm 10:00 am St. Peters Emerson at Bergen Catholic 5:00 pm at Passaic County Tourn. 9:00 am at Bergen Tech 5:00 pm 5:00 pm Montclair 9:00 am at H.H./Ruth./Clif. PK Wallkill Valley 5:00 pm at Pascack Hills Quad. 10:00 am 5:00 pm Belleville St. Marys (Rutherford) 7:00 pm at NJSIAA -- Districts 5:00 pm at NJSIAA -- Districts 9:00 am at NJSIAA -- Regionals 5:00 pm 5:00 pm at NJSIAA -- Regionals 9:00 am at NJSIAA -- Regionals
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Michael Isabella of Nutley has been named the Girl’s Varsity Head Coach. For the past 15 years, Coach Isabella has been at the helm of teams in AAU, Nutley Travel and Private Programs.The Girls finished last year with a 22-5 record.
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Chris Boyce, QP Class of 2000, is the new Boy’s Varsity Head Coach. As the assistant Varsity and JV Coach this past year, Coach Boyce has worked with many of the players on this year’s squad, finishing 2007 with a 19-9 record.
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103
CHS keglers from rear left, Brian Bakelaar, Connor Steinfeldt, Lucaya Bridges, Nick Linchberger and Jon Rodriguez. In front is Andres Casado, Elena Mauro, Vickie Van Riper and Mike Bierach.
It was another successful season for the Mustangs, as both the boys and girls won the league and county for the second year in a row. In bringing back two from both the girls and the boys squads, head coach Brian Small feels that he’s got a good chance to repeat that success. “We did graduate a few good bowlers,” he conceded, adding that he lost two boys and two girls. “But we’ve also got a lot of good people moving up from JV.” Captain Brian Bakelaar returns for the boys, as does fellow senior Fan Anzalone. Ken Peterson and Connor Steinfeldt, also seniors, are currently penciled in as the last two Varsity starters. For the girls, senior captain Vickie Van Riper and classmates Samantha Richardson and Ashley Parsons return to fill out the top three slots. Freshman Sonja Shirak has impressed Smalls and will lock up the fourth girls position. “We’ve also had a couple people come out for the first time this year,” said coach. “Plus, we have a lot of good returning people. That’s what I love about Clifton bowling. It’s a snowball effect; the talent keeps coming.”
Bowling CHS
Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 20 Jan 02 Jan 03 Jan 07 Jan 08 Jan 10 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 29 Jan 30 Feb 05 Feb 07
Don Bosco Prep Nutley Belleville at Paramus at Bloomfield at Nutley at Ridgewood at Hackensack at Teaneck at Paramus Catholic at Passaic at BC/IHA at Montclair at St. Joes/AHA at Barringer at Bergen Tech Position Day Handicap Tourny
4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
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From the left rear is Jamie Lisanti, Michelle Ferrara and Lianne Maldonado. Middle from left is Sydney Sciarrino, Lia Salierno, Jeannine Termyna, Majdal Zaineh and Kristina Cordova. Kneeling in front is Alexandra Semidey and Kristen Venning.
Dec 14 Dec 18 Dec 20 Dec 22 Jan 03 Jan 08 Jan 10 Jan 15 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 29 Jan 31 Feb 05 Feb 07 Feb 12 Feb 14 Feb 19
While last year can’t be considered great with a record of 7-13, fourth year coach Tim Nelleger is confident that his girls will dramatically improve upon last season. “We only had three seniors last year,” he explained. They were imporCHS GIRLS tant to the team, but we really have the core returning. Out of the 10 people on my Varsity roster, nine got Varsity time last year.” Senior Kristen Venning, a four-year starter at point guard that collected 7:00 pm All-League honors last year, is the catalyst in Nelleger’s fast-paced game. at Eastside Paterson Kennedy 7:00 pm Junior Lianne Maldonado returns to the starting lineup as well after collectat Paramus 4:00 pm ing All-County honors at forward in ‘06. Sophomore Michelle Ferrara at Livingston 1:00 pm Hackensack 7:00 pm starts opposite Maldonado and junior Jamie Lisanti is the other starting at Teaneck 7:00 pm guard. This year, Nelleger has opted for three guards, and plans to go with at Ridgewood 7:00 pm senior Alexandra Semidey for the final spot due to her good shot. Bench Paramus Catholic 7:00 pm support will come from seniors Jeannine Termyna (F), Sydney Sciarrino (G), at Bergen Tech 7:00 pm 7:00 pm and juniors Majdal Zaineh (G), Kristina Cordova (G), and Lia Salierno (F). at Passaic “We’re hoping to play eight to nine people every night,” explained 7:00 pm Belleville at Nutley 4:00 pm Nelleger. “We want to run people in and out of the game because that makes 7:00 pm Bloomfield it hard for opponents to match up and allows us to play a fast-paced game.” at Barringer 5:30 pm “This is the most confidence I’ve had in a team since I’ve been here. I Montclair 7:00 pm Holy Angels Academy 7:00 pm can pretty much go with any one of them,” he concluded. “We feel if we at IHA 7:00 pm play up to our potential, we can make a run at the state tournament.”
Basketball
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
105
Front row, from left, Kevin Crique, Steve Mena, Harshit Rana, George Mena, Santos Torres and Wes McCraken. Back row, from left, Juan Moya, Dan Platt, Anthony Santiago, Gabriel Centeno, Westmore Bowman and Ryan Gabel.
The Lady Mustangs once again enter the winter season as the early favorites to dominate the field as they did last year en route to County and League champi-
onships. It’s almost as if they are expected to win each year now. “We’re returning a real lot of key athletes on the girls side,” said Coach John Pontes, who went
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Front row, from left, Tara Anton, Elba Mendoza, Sarah Weiss, Michelle Telofski and Holly Sorenson. Back row, from left, Joan Orajuela, Sabina Weglinska, Susan Martinez, Sarah Mendoza, Yunmi Zaccaro and Shurg Alfawair.
She’s got the top times in the state in the 800 and 1000 meter events and has been one of the most heavily recruited athletes in the past 10 years, getting mail from over 90 schools.” Coach Pontes clearly isn’t short on praise for his star runner. There’s also others who he tabbed as team leaders. Senior Michelle Telofski is excellent in the hurdles and pole vault and is previously an All-League and All-County recipient. Joan Orjeaulo, another senior, will key the shot putters. Other seniors who will be top contributors include Sabina Weglinska and Elba and Sarah Mendoza in distance events and Sarah Weiss in sprints. Underclassmen figure to be heavily involved as well and will be led by sophomore Emily Urciuoli, who excels at pole vault, hurdles and jumps. Classmate Kerry Sorensen has impressed in distance thus far and looks to join her senior sister Holly (sprints and
long jump) on the Varsity squad. “The girls are a little seniorheavy,” explained Coach Pontes. “But an outstanding group of underclassmen should make them a real top competitor for League and Counties again.” The boys squad may have a slightly harder time reaching that level. After sitting atop the food chain for some years, the Mustangs find themselves in the middle of the pack following heavy graduation. However, a strong coaching crew, which also includes Adam Piotrowski, Victor Wu and CHS 2005 grad Liz Post, who teaches throwing, should help the younger athletes improve. For the boys, senior Ryan Gabel will key the distance runners. Sophomore James Sahanas has impressed and Pontes expects him to help in those events as well. Seniors George Mena and Harshit Rana are the top pole vaulters and hurdlers.
In shotput, seniors Danny Platt, Wes McCracken and Westmore Bowman will be counted on to lead the team. “The boys are reloading, but are capable of being better than last year,” explained Pontes. “We’ve got 109 athletes coming out, so we should find more starters as the season goes on.”
Track CHS
Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 27 Jan 04 Jan 12 Jan 16 Jan 28 Feb 04 Feb 08 Feb 16 Feb 23 Feb 26 Mar 14 Mar 16
FDU Holiday Classic 9:00 am FDU Holiday Festival 9:00 am NJ Spiked Shoe Fest 4:00 pm Holiday Relay Festival 9:00 am Indian Hills Inv. 5:00 pm NJSIAA Group 4 Relays 1:00 pm Passaic County Champ. 5:00 pm NNJIL Championship 5:00 pm Varsity Classic Inv. 4:30 pm State Sectional 4:00 pm NJSIAA Group 4 Meet 1:00 pm State Meet of Champ. 9:00 am Eastern States Champ. 4:00 pm National Scholastic Champ. TBA National Scholastic Champ. TBA
December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
107
Coming off a 6-16-1 season, Clifton High School hockey Head Coach Tom Danko is optimistic about his team’s chances to turn things around this winter. “We want to improve on that record and we have enough people coming back to do so,” said Coach Danko, who is entering his 21st year behind the bench. Six players return for Clifton as the Mustangs
The CHS hockey seniors are, clockwise from rear left, Jon DeGraaf, Joe Whitford, Ralph Pawlik, Stan Grodzicki and Bill Freeswick.
Hockey CHS
Dec 07 Glen Rock
7:00 pm
Dec 09 at Indian Hills
4:30 pm
Dec 14 Paramus Catholic
7:00 pm
Dec 15 at Vernon
8:00 pm
Dec 21 Ridgewood
7:00 pm
Dec 23 at Ridgewood
7:15 pm
Dec 26-31 at PCCT - FHA Jan 04 St. Joseph Reg. Jan 12 at Paramus Catholic
TBA 7:00 pm 11:30 am
Jan 15 at West Windsor-Plain. S
4:00 pm
Jan 18 West Essex
7:00 pm
Jan 23 at Montclair
7:00 pm
Jan 25 Tenafly
7:00 pm
Feb 01 Middletown South
7:00 pm
Feb 02 at Tenafly
7:10 pm
Feb 08 Vernon
7:00 pm
Feb 09 at Glen Rock
11:30 am
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try to replace eight seniors that were lost to graduation. Leading the squad on the ice will be senior captain Bill Freeswick. The forward is entering his third and final varsity season. He will be joined up front by junior Dominic D’Anna, who Coach Danko calls the anchor of the offense, and senior Stan Grodzicki, who has shown great promise as a goal scorer. Defending the puck for the Mustangs will be senior Jon DeGraaf and juniors Jeff Philhower and Sean Russell. Between the pipes will be juniors Dan Faller and Mike Ference. “They’re both coming off good JV years and have worked hard in the preseason,” said Danko. “I’m not afraid to use either of them.” Coach hasn’t shied away from using a platoon system in goal in the past. Last year, Faller shared time with three seniors. Other guys expected to receive some ice time this year are freshman forward Brian Yip, Ryan Bergen and brothers Joe and Matt Whitford, who Danko said should add a scoring punch. “We’re looking to improve from last year,” the coach said, “and I think we have a great nucleus that will help us accomplish that goal.” The Mustangs are just two years removed from a 20-4-2 record, a North Red Division championship and
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a trip to the state quarterfinals. But in order to reclaim that sort of success, Clifton will have to get its returning letter winners to gel with the younger athletes moving up from junior varsity.
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Seniors top from left, Jonathan Lotz, Michael Zaorski, Cynthia Taylor, Elaine Aguila, Monique Mariso and Roxanne Szabo. Bottom from left, Tom Woloszyn, Quincy Flood and Chris Papademetriu. Not pictured are Alexa D’Argenio and Monica Szala.
Head Coach Andrea Bobby expects the girls swim team to be very competitive this year, behind strong juniors and sophomores. The leadership on the team will come from injured senior captain Monique Mariso. Her knee and shoulder issues make it difficult for Mariso to swim the butterfly and breast stroke, but once she recovers, she is expected to specialize in the relay events. Two of the girls that will have the most impact in the pool this winter are sophomore Daphne Bienkiewicz and junior Erica Pangilinan, sister of 2004 CHS grad and Olympian Jackie Pangilinan. Erica swims on a club team in 110 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
White Plains, NY, but she is always available when CHS has a meet. Other top swimmers include senior Roxanne Szabo, juniors Donna Balagtas, Elise Burnett, Maura Houston, Marissa Lorenzo, Victoria Petrovic and Brenda Slazyk, sophomores Christina Habrahamshon, Kathy Woloszyn and Charlene Gustafson, and frosh Sarah Melnik. Coach Bobby isn’t as optimistic about the boys team. “I lost ten seniors to graduation and that’s going to hurt us,” she said. “We’re going to be rebuilding. I have a few boys that can pull the slack but not 10. I’ve got a few freshmen, so that helps, but this is going to be a tough year for the boys.”
Seniors include Jonathan Lotz, Chris Papademetriou, Tom Woloszyn and Quincy Flood. Juniors are Greg Nowicki and Joe Cornett and freshmen include Ryan Santiago, Jovany Avandano, Victor Jurezania and Sergio Rojas.
Swimming CHS
Dec 04 Dec 06 Dec 11 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 28 Jan 11 Jan 15 Jan 17 Jan 24
Ridgewood Montclair Hackensack Wayne Valley Paramus (Girls) Teaneck (Boys) at Don Bosco Paramus Catholic Wayne Valley NNJIL Champ.
3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 11:00 am 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 4:00 pm
Flu Season is Here
N
By Dr. Michael Basista, Medical Director of Immedicenter, family health / urgent care centers in Clifton, Bloomfield and Totowa.
ational Influenza Vaccination Week just concluded, a campaign to remind all persons over six months to receive a flu shot, a public awareness program I support. Here is some more information on the flu and ways readers can deal with it. There are two types of vaccines available: TIV, best for anyone aged six months and older and LAIV, approved only for use among healthy, nonpregnant persons aged 2 to 49 years. Either vaccine is good for only one season, so revaccination is necessary every year. Those allergic to eggs should avoid getting the vaccine. There are situations when the LAIV should not be given, so it is best to discuss that with your doctor. Symptoms Fever, body aches, headache, malaise, dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose are all symptoms Children may also have nausea, vomiting and an ear ache. It can last three to seven days. The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezing. The incubation period is one to four days. People are generally contagious a day before the symptoms appear, the first five days, and adults are contagious for the last six days. Children, and those with a weakened immune system, can remain contagious even longer. Do Antibiotics Help? Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics have no role in the treatment of this disease. Antibiotics are only effective in bacterial infections, so requesting an antibiotic for an obvious case of the flu is unnecessary and can potentially cause side-effects. We are all aware of how antibiotic resistance is becoming widespread, so we should avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily. Should a consequence of flu develop, such as pneumonia, then your doctor may elect to prescribe an antibiotic.
Good News There are two antiviral medications available that can shorten the course of the flu if taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. Tamiflu and Relenza are both approved for treatment and prevention of the flu. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you. So who should take medication? Those who cannot take the vaccine for any reason; people who need protection immediately while waiting the two weeks for the vaccine to take its effect; persons with a weakened immune system; nursing home residents. And if the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces that the actual strain of flu which finally appears in the community is different than what is contained in the current year’s vaccine, preventive medication may be indicated during the outbreak. Other Preventions The vaccine is not always enough to prevent the flu so additional measures should be taken. Coughs and sneezes should be covered and children should be instructed on how to do this properly. Hand washing is still one of the best ways to avoid spreading diseases including the flu. Warm soapy water or disinfectants from a hand dispenser are the desirable ways to accomplish this. People who have the flu should be physically separated from other household members as much as possible. The patient should stay home during the most contagious period of the disease (generally five days after the onset of symptoms) to avoid infecting others. If it is absolutely necessary to leave the house during this time period, proper respiratory hygiene must be followed, i.e., covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. A surgical face mask is certainly a possibility for these individuals.
Non-household members should not enter the home of an infected person. If they must, they should avoid close contact with the patient. Limit the number of household members having contact with the patient. Hand washing is mandatory for anyone who has contact with the infected person or with that person’s personal items or waste. Anyone caring for someone with the flu might consider wearing a surgical facemask during times of contact. Dishes, utensils and laundry should be washed in warm soapy water. The household members might discuss with their physician receiving preventive medication. Keep in mind that the vaccine takes two weeks to reach its full effect, so medication would work faster to protect someone in an infected home. Household members should seek medical attention when symptoms begin. Public Awareness For more information on influenza, see the CDC’s helpful website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ The Clifton Immedicenter, has extended hours and patients can walk in without an appointment. Dr. Basista can be reached via email at mbasista@immedicenter.com or by calling 973-778-5566. December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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4 for the Price of None Cliftonite Al Pogorelec’s school record of four no-hitters still stands 50 years after he graduated Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic. by Jordan Schwartz Poison oak couldn’t keep Al Pogorelec from taking the mound for his scheduled start late in the 1957 baseball season. The Pope Pius XII senior got the rash after taking his brothers fishing at the Pompton feeder in Pompton Lakes. “It was a sunny day so I took my shirt off and laid up against a tree and that’s how I got it,” said the pitcher. “I was out of school for a couple days and I wasn’t fully recovered, but in those days, if you didn’t go to school, you couldn’t play the game.” So Pogorelec went to the Passaic school, took the mound, and proceeded to throw his third no-hitter of the season — the fourth and final one of his high school career. Pogorelec’s first no-no came during his junior year in a game against Good Counsel of Newark. The second was a 1-0 shutout of Our Lady of the Valley of Orange. The senior then struck out 13 en route to his third no-hitter in a 6-0 win over Immaculate Conception of Montclair. Finally, there was the poison oak game against Lodi — a 5-0 victory in which Pogorelec K’d eight batters and went 2 for 4 at the plate with two RBIs. Pope Pius went on to capture the State Group B Championship in 1957, led by Pogorelec’s .350 batting average. He also had the most home runs and runs batted in on the team. “We played our home games at Third Ward Park in Passaic, and it was 275 feet directly down the right field line, but then it went straight out to 400 feet in right center,” recalled 112 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Pitcher Al Pogorelec with his 1957 catcher Richie Tackacs of Elmwood Park.
the 68-year-old Pogorelec. “I was the only lefty that I saw put it over the wall there. I was batting against a lefty pitcher and he threw me a curve, so I stepped out and smacked it and it went over the wall.” While playing for Coach Dan Dandy, Al had the distinction of being part of a team that didn’t use a relief pitcher all four years. “In high school, when a pitcher started a game, he usually completed the game,” said Pogorelec. This was nothing new for the southpaw who grew up pitching doubleheaders in Police Athletic League ball. “My arm never got tired,” said Pogorelec. “In high school, after
all the players left, I’d go in the shower room and put all the hot water on so it got steamy. I’d be in there for 15 minutes and I’d pitch batting practice the next day.” After school, the Pope Pius grad had a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, but nothing came of it. That didn’t bother Al’s parents, who wanted their son to get a college education. After Pogorelec’s fourth no-hitter, the Lodi coach offered the kid who had just shut down his team a half scholarship to Wagner in Staten Isl. “It would have been worth $10,000, but my parents were poor and we didn’t have another $10,000 to complete the tuition,” he said.
Al and Betty Pogorelec today.
Instead, Al attended the Paterson campus of Seton Hall University on a basketball scholarship. Oh yeah, he played basketball too. Pogorelec was on the varsity team for all four years in high school, averaging 16 points per game. The 6’2” forward usually guarded guys 6’4” and taller. The two-sport star received an Outstanding Athlete award from the Passaic County Old Timers Athletic Association. At Paterson Seton Hall, Pogorelec became the first player in the school’s history to score 1,000 points. But Al didn’t have to give up baseball entirely. After high school, he continued to pitch several years for the Garfield Benignos under Manager Chico DeFranco. Garfield played in the same amateur league as the Clifton Phillies.
Pogorelec graduated college in 1961 with a business degree and enlisted in the National Guard. “I did six months at Fort Dix and I hated every minute of it,” Al said. “If you got kitchen patrol, they woke you up at 3 am, you worked until 11 pm and then you had to be up at 4 am the next day for training.” Pogorelec eventually used his business degree to get a job as a casualty claims adjuster with Allstate Insurance. After 20 years there, he got a job as an environmental specialist at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, where he worked until his retirement this past June. Pogorelec recently celebrated 43 years of marriage to his wife Betty, 66, who’s been the Clifton Police Chief’s secretary for 20 years. They have two sons, Al, Jr. and Michael, who both followed in their father’s athletic footsteps. Six feet, two inches tall like their dad, they each scored more than 1,000 points while playing basketball at the former Paul VI Regional High School in Clifton. Al, Jr. went on to play baseball and hoops at Drew University. Today, Al, 38, is an osteopathic physician and Michael, 36, is a chiropractor. Al, Sr. and Betty also have two grandchildren — Zachary, 5, and Emily, 3 — and a third is on the way. The Oak Ridge Rd. resident still
plays sports, but these days, the ball is slightly larger and he throws it underhand. The former pitcher has been participating in the same Wednesday night St. Francis Bowling League for the past 48 years at Paul’s Tavern on Crooks Ave. in Paterson. “I do it to stay active in sports and I like the competition,” said Pogorelec, who maintains a lofty 185 average. “I hate to lose, I want to be a winner all the time.” His high game is 259, but unlike his baseball career, Pogorelec has never come close to a perfect game.
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113
Ward Keeps His Seat Creation of Open Space Fund Fails Matt Ward said he wanted a mandate from the people. Judging by the results of the Nov. 6 race, he got one. In Nov. 2006, Ward, who finished eighth in the May ‘06 contest for Clifton City Council, was appointed by the six Council members as an interim one year replacement for Tony Latona. Over the following twelve months, Ward became an active member of the governing body, but he hadn’t pushed forth any of his personal initiatives, waiting until he was actually elected by the public. That happened on Nov. 6, when Ward received 41 percent of the vote in a four person race to become a permanent replacement for Latona, who’s term expires in 2010. “I’m very happy about the number of people that came out and supported me in different sectors of the city,” Ward said. “I think it indicates that people want to pick up the pace of how we do things.” Ward’s closest competitor in the special election was George Silva, a member of the Dutch Hill Neighborhood Association and a representative on the city’s ACTION committee.
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Se Habla Español 114 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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By Jordan Schwartz
Matt Ward hugs his wife Celeste at the Grand Saloon after winning the Clifton City Council Special Election on Nov. 6.
Silva received the backing of Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale — an endorsement that some believe may have actually hurt his Council bid. “I don’t think people ever want to see an outside influence be the dominant factor,” said Ward. “I think that anyone who embraces that as their dominant theme is going to suffer.” “The Sheriff is definitely out of town as far as our community is concerned and it’s nice to know that outsiders won’t have anything to say,” said fourth place finisher Joe Chidiac. “The overkill with some of the signs might have hurt George.” But Silva disagrees. “The Sheriff’s endorsement helped me. He’s a wellknown man, well liked,” he said. Silva added that he has no idea whether or not he’d run in 2010, but he will keep involved in politics. Third place finisher Beverly Carey said she is considering running again in the future. “I learned a lot about the process of campaigning and fundraising and I enjoyed the whole experience,” said the political newcomer. She added that her biggest disappointment was the voter turnout.
“There can be no continuation of business as usual,” said Matt Ward. “That ended with the May 2006 election.”
“All the candidates worked very hard and it’s a letdown when you devote so much time and energy to get in touch with the people of Clifton and so little of them come out to vote,” said Carey. Less than 8,000 of the city’s 39,479 registered voters went to the polls on Nov. 6. But more than two-fifths of the ones that did, cast their ballot for Matt Ward and he said now is the time for change. “The key thing Results from the November 6 is stabilizing qual- City Council Special Election ity of life issues in 1. Matt Ward . . . . . . . . . 3068 the most chal- 2. George Silva. . . . . . . . . 1601 lenged neighbor- 3. Beverly Carey . . . . . . . 1547 hoods on the east 4. Joe Chidiac. . . . . . . . . . 1275 side of Clifton,” City of Clifton Open Space he said. Fund Question Defeated “And then we No. . . . . . 4203. . . . . . Yes. . . .2693 have to go to the broader issue which has to do with the structure of our city’s government,” Ward added. “There can be no continuation of business as usual. That ended with the May 2006 election.” Voters rejected the creation of an open space fund in Clifton by an overwhelming majority on Election Day. Nearly 61 percent of voters said No to a ballot question that would have established a trust fund for the purchase, development and maintenance of lands for recreation, conservation, farmland, historic preservation and/or payment of related debt service. The fund would have been financed through the collection of a tax of up to 3/4 of one cent per $100 of assessed property valuation which would have been solely dedicated to these purposes. Other Election Day results: Democratic incumbent freeholders Terry Duffy and Pat LePore won re-election, as did Democratic District 34 Assembly members Thomas Giblin and Sheila Oliver, and Democratic County Surrogate William Bate. Democratic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale and Democratic 34th District State Senator Nia Gill were unopposed in their races. State voters defeated a proposal for New Jersey to borrow $450 million to provide grants for stem cell research. A proposal to dedicate a penny of the seven cents per dollar state sales tax to property tax relief was also rejected.
This column was originally started by our founder, the late Murray Blumenfeld. In his spirit, we continue its publication.
T
is the season! It’s hard to believe we’re writing our December column—the last of 2007! Let the festivities begin as we prepare to celebrate the holidays. The chill in the air and all the festive decorations are certainly putting us in the mood. As this article goes to print, we are one week away from our annual trunk show on December 5th. We hope all who attend enjoy themselves as we have chosen unique and exciting vendors to represent their merchandise. The show will run from noon until 8 p.m. This occasion prepares us for the upcoming hustle and bustle of December. We look forward to helping you make your holiday shopping easy and successful, so come in for the personal attention and expertise you can always count on at Morré Lyons. We have something for everyone in all price ranges, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The birthstone for December is Turquoise. Nevada and New Mexico are the prime locations for mining of Turquoise. Robin’s Egg Blue is the preferred color of Turquoise with no matrix showing. Recently, Tanzanite has been added as an alternate birthstone. So, let us help you make another holiday season a success. It’s hard to believe another year has come to an end. We wish you and your family all the best and hope your holiday is a happy one. Have a “DAZZLING DECEMBER” and here’s to a happy and healthy New Year! Please call for our special Holiday Hours. Talk to you again in 2008!
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Tchaikovsky meets 50 Cent at the first ever Hip Hop Nutcracker presented by Action Theater Conservatory in Clifton. Tchaikovsky's music will be transformed through the talents of Jose Aponte’s arrangements. Performances are Dec. 14 at 7:30 pm, Dec. 15 at 4:30 and 7:30 pm and Dec. 16 at 4:30 pm at WWMS. Call ATC at 973-772-6998. Pictured above are Clifton Cast members of ATC's Hip Hop Nutcracker. Top row, from left, Anna Garbus, Veronica Cuadros, Stefania Pica, Joel Robertson, Heather Diana, Antonella Pica, Nicole Stemmler, Jenna Kirschner and Victoria Richardson. Middle row, Stephany Cuadros, Cristina Rinaldi and Marcella Callejas. Bottom row, Olivia Grace and Andrew Pica.
Dingbatz on Van Houten Ave. is an up and coming rock band showcase. On Dec. 8 and 28, Empire Fallen, pictured above, will be performing their original rock music. They’ll also be at the Whiskey Bar in Hoboken on Dec. 19. For more info, visit www.myspace.com/empirefallenband. 116 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
The 2007 Rockabilly Benefit at Clash Bar in Downtown Clifton raised $650 for St. Peter’s Haven Food Pantry. Pictured above are Rev. Deborah Rucki Drake, Deacon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and Little Ricky Dennis, singer for Savage Rooster and event organizer.
Keith Lee and the Ultra Band are just one of the acts performing at the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Festival and Dinner from 6 pm to midnight on Jan. 12 at Church of the Assumption, 35 Orange Ave. Call Seifullah Ali Shabazz at 973-478-4124.
The Chopin Singing Society vocal group performs on Dec. 25 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson; Dec. 30 at 10:30 am at St. John Kanty Church on Speer Ave., and on Jan. 1, at 10:30 am at St. Stanislaus Church in Garfield. Call Stanley Kobylarz at 973-478-8268. The Clifton Arts Center and Clifton’s Historic Botany District were two of the seven Clifton organizations awarded grants for arts and history projects by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council at PCCC. In all, 47 Passaic County organizations received a total of $89,086 in funding for projects that bring the arts to the community through the Local Arts Program Grant. Additionally, through a pilot program made possible by a general operating support grant from the NJ Historical Commission, ten county organizations received a total of $13,000 in regrant funds for local or NJ history projects. For info, call the PCCHC office at 973-684-6507.
Some Cliftonites of the Chopin Singing Society, left standing, Richard Vetanovetz, Zbigniew Niejadlik, Brent Iskra, Richard Daszcyzszak and Stanley Kobylarz. In front is Bogdan Modrzynsky and musical director Alicija Rusewicz-Pagorek. For more on the vocal group, call Kobylarz at 973-478-8268 or Irek Maciag at 973-227-0314.
The Hamilton House Museum, 971 Valley Rd., is open for holiday tours on Dec. 9 and 16 from 2 to 4 pm. The restored Dutch farm house will be decorated for the holidays and the tours will include a bit of history of how the Clifton people
from the 17th to the 18th century celebrated the holidays. The curator and docents will also be on hand to explain where and how some of our current holiday customs originated from that era. Suggested donation is $3; call 973-744-5707.
The Clifton Community Band, under the baton of Bob Morgan, will perform a selection of seasonal favorites at a free concert at 2 pm on Dec. 16 in the CHS auditorium. Call 973-777-1781 for info or e-mail CliftonBand@optonline.net. December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Dave Szott, Frank Pecci and Bill Vander Closter were inducted into the Old Timers Athletic Association of Greater Paterson Hall of Fame on Nov. 1. Szott, a Clifton native, played 14 seasons in the NFL, including two with the Jets, before retiring in 2003. Pecci played three sports at CHS from 1948-51 and later played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs. Vandy coached the Mustangs to a 110-30 record from 1964-79, won five state titles and went undefeated three times. Toys for Tots: Clifton’s fire fighters are supporting Toys for Tots by collecting any new and unwrapped toys for the following age groups: newborn to five years old, five to 10 and 10 to 14. The donations can be dropped off at: Station 1, Madison Ave. and First St.; Station 2, 7 Dumont Ave.; Station 3, 180 Mahar Ave.; Station 4, 144 Main Ave.; Station 5, 51 Brighton Rd.; and Station 6, 1202 Van Houten Ave. Call Rich DeLotto at 973-478-0522.
Lorraine and Eugene DeBellis received the 2007 Community Service Award from the Thomas Giblin Association. The Fairfield Rd couple was honored for their decades long dedication to the arts in Essex and Passaic Counties.
A Christmas Bake Sale at Holy Apostles Church, 17 Platt Ave., Saddle Brook, is Dec. 8 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, with traditional European holiday sweets such as nut rolls and babka for sale. Call Peter Eagler at 201-745-7554 for info.
Support Your Troops: They’re thousands of miles away from home, in a hostile, foreign country and they need your help. Regardless of your opinion on the war, America’s troops are doing their job and it’s time to give back. Vietnam vet Bill Van Eyk is coordinating a drive to get items such as hygiene products (deodorant, toothbrushes, etc.), magazines, Christmas candy and other treats. Christmas cards, stationary and pens have also been requested. Drop donations off at the Clifton Merchant Magazine offices at 1288 Main Ave. or call Bill Van Eyk at 973-478-5262. A homemade stuffed cabbage sale is at St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Washington Ave. on Dec. 22, 9:30 am to 2 pm. The stuffed cabbage with ground beef and rice will be sold at six for $9 or 12 for $18. Orders must be placed in advance on the church answering machine, 973-564-2473, by Dec. 16. Leave a contact name and return phone number.
Join us on our Journey! Who hasn't taken the journey with Judy Garland as Dorothy as she makes her way down the yellow brick road in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Or the trek with Moses to the top of Mount Sinai in Cecil B. DeMille’s ‘The 10 Commandments.’ The Christian seasons are all about journeys -- not unlike those of Dorothy and Moses. What you might not know is that actress Judy Garland and director Cecil B. DeMille were also Episcopalians. They were in good company: So too were George Washington; Betsy Ross, the famed flag maker; Natalie Cole, daughter of vocalist Nat ‘King’ Cole; Buzz Aldrin, who stepped on the Moon right after Neil Armstrong in 1969, and Clifton's first mayor, Clarence Finkle. Come join St. Peter's Episcopal Church -- Clifton's only Episcopal parish -- as it marks the seasons of Advent and Christmas.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
380 Clifton Ave. Sunday services at 8 and 10:15 a.m.; Sunday School at 9 a.m. 973-546-5020
118 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
Santa Claus will visit the Clifton Arts Center on Dec. 14 at 4:30 pm. Families with children age one year to 10 years old can come dressed in holiday finery for a visit with St. Nick. Tea, juice and cookies will be provided. A $1 donation is requested or bring a small toy gift to be donated to a charity. The center is located behind city hall, near the intersection of Clifton and Van Houten Aves. For info, or to reserve a spot, call 973-472-5499 or go to www.cliftonnj.org. The CHS Class of Jan. 1948 is planning to mark its 60th anniversary. The event will be coordinated by Rudy Hudak, at right. If you are interested in helping plan the event, or would like to come, Hudak can be reached at 973-777-4376 or by mail at 16 New Brier Ln., Clifton, NJ 07012.
Class officers for the CHS Class of Jan. 1948. From left is Treasurer Sjoreu Vam Lorl, President Clare Durst, Vice President Victor Csirip, and Secretary Eleanor Kreske. At left is Rudy Hudak, who is coordinating the 60th anniversary.
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Don’t Drink and Drive! December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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Birthdays & Celebrations! send us dates & names... tomhawrylko@optonline.net
Ann W. Kissel . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Bridget Rice . . . . . . . . . . . 12/3 Sharon Tichacek . . . . . . . 12/3 Phyllis Galambos . . . . . . . 12/4 Timothy Gumann . . . . . . . 12/4 Mike Kester . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/4 Michael Vinciguerra . . . . 12/4 Rosemary Kuruc . . . . . . . . 12/5 Laura Mikolajczyk . . . . . . 12/5 Michael Ressetar . . . . . . . 12/5
Mark Mecca. . . . . . . . . . . 12/7 Margaret Kungl . . . . . . . . 12/7 Robert Raichel . . . . . . . . . 12/8 Chris Sadowski . . . . . . . . . 12/8 Jamie Osmak . . . . . . . . . . 12/9 Daniel Fonesca Ramos . . 12/9 Mark Surgent . . . . . . . . . . 12/9 Andrew Tichacek . . . . . . 12/9 Bob Snelson . . . . . . . . . . 12/10 Joey Cofone . . . . . . . . . 12/11 Kathleen M. Marshall. . . 12/11 Diane Meyer. . . . . . . . . . 12/11 Joseph Rutigliano . . . . . 12/11 Mom McEnerney reports son Mike is 23 on Dec. 10 & sister Michelle is 28 Dec. 22.
Noelani Coronel is 8 on Dec. 9. her Dad Noel celebrates Dec. 7.
Andy Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/13 Danny La Gala. . . . . . . . 12/13 Mary Kate Kuruc . . . . . . 12/14 Michael Murolo . . . . . . . 12/14 Steven Crawford . . . . . . 12/15 Marie Visicaro. . . . . . . . . 12/15 David Brock . . . . . . . . . . 12/16
Cryin’ Brian Scott turns 60 on Dec. 17. Marion and John Grace celebrated 60 years of marriage on Nov. 22.
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Victoria Josephine Krzysztofczyk was born Nov. 5 to Jolanta and Wieslaw Krzystofczyk.
Ryan Jansson . . . . . . . . . 12/16 Hannah Grace Kulesa . 12/17 Jacqueline Gencarrelli . 12/18 Anne Gerardi . . . . . . . . . 12/18 Samantha Bassford . . . . 12/19 Filomena Harsaghy . . . . 12/19 Nick Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/19 Jessie Ducos . . . . . . . . . . 12/20 Amy Marino . . . . . . . . . . 12/21 Sheldon Schwartz . . . . . 12/21 Suman Pinto . . . . . . . . . . 12/22 Joey Cristantiello . . . . . . 12/24 Soumya Gunapathy . . . 12/24 Ryan John Hariton . . . . . 12/25 Eric Soltis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/25 Melissa Cordes . . . . . . . . 12/27 James Mazza . . . . . . . . . 12/29 Steven Bivaletz . . . . . . . . 12/30 Hunter Conklin . . . . . . . . 12/30 Tom Melfi. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/30 Courtney Pinter . . . . . . . 12/31
Kelly Moran turned 18 on Nov. 27.
Visit us in Downtown Clifton: 1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999
We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Machine Shop On Location No Order Too Large Or Small FREE DELIVERY
Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997
973-473-4999
802 Van Houten Ave • Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun 9-1pm
1103 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun Closed
Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040
201-845-8353
136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays
101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays
201.391.3333
973-857-2600
5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location
614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location
201. 261.0411 59A E. Ridgewood Ave • Paramus New Location
973.338.9292 1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location
973-694-2228 1168 Hamburg Turnpike • Wayne New Location
973-423-1700 93 Goffle Rd • Hawthorne New Location
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Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
121
‘08 CCMS Calendar
America the Beautiful is the theme of the 2008 calendar created by students pictured above in Jeff Labriola’s 8th grade enriched art homeroom class at CCMS. The students came to school at 7:45 am daily for an extra period of art, selected various national landmarks to draw. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar ($10) will underwrite a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. To purchase one, call 973-470-2360. Watch Dr. David Moore on ‘Health Talk’ on Clifton Channel 77 Friday 9:30 pm & Sunday at 8 pm
David R. Moore, D.C. 850 Clifton Ave., Clifton 973-253-7005 www.OnTrackChiro.com 122 December 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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