Clifton Merchant Magazine - December 2017

Greetings from the Hawrylko kids: Joe, 32, Tommy Jr., 30, Casey, 27, and Nick, 22.

It is truly evident that Clifton Cares. This month’s cover story explains how three women have motivated hundreds to ship good will, cards, gifts and essentials to our service men and women serving in the war zones.

On Nov. 27, we took photos of about 100 Cliftonites, college students from Montclair State and high school kids doing just that, working in an organized flurry as they shipped 150 packages out for a Christmas delivery.

Their good deeds are but a sample of the many positive things about Clifton. In this edition, you’ll find photos from the Veterans parade, the Thanksgiving game as well as sports teams and musicians in our schools. It’s all the good news you have come to expect from this magazine. And it comes to you thanks to the many businesses that continue to support us by advertising.

Thank you all for your support —Tom Hawrylko 16,000 Magazines are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month.

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Subscribe $35 / year / $60 for 2 Call 973-253-4400 Contributing Writers Jack De Vries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Ihor Andruch, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Graphic Designer Aly Ibrahim Business Mgr. Gabriella Marriello Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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T raditions & Memories

A Hungarian Soup 7 Sisters, A Small Apartment, Lots of fun

By John & Tom Hawrylko We never got to know big Andrew Karackai too well.

The patriarch of our Hungarian family died in 1957. He was sent to his heavenly reward still young, in his early 70s. By that time, Andrew, pictured at left front, saw most of his seven daughters married off, some to mixed marriages (Julia, our mom, married a Ukrainian!).

Andrew and his bride Mary, never moved from that Hungarian ghetto in Perth Amboy. Our Lady of Hungary Church was up the hill and right next door was the funeral parlor where our relatives were laid out.

During all the decades that the couple lived there, they never owned a home. Andrew and Mary—and then two of his daughters for another decade after grandma’s death—continued to reside in the same two bedroom apartment.

How they managed with seven daughters we’ll never understand from today’s perspective.

Looking back, it is clear that our families learned some simple skills from Andrew and Mary—make the best of what you have.

For when my siblings and cousins look back, what we remember most is the frugal, warm and wonderful days we shared in that modest Cortlandt St. apartment.

4 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Like many Catholics of the era, Christmas Eve dinners began with a prayer.

What followed was simple. Long pieces of celery stuffed with cream cheese, topped with seasonings and little onions, along with pierogies, fish and mushroom barley soup.

But what everyone waited for was Mom’s bread which, with the Hungarian soup, was a meal in itself. It took several years to get used to that sour Hungarian soup. You only had it once a year, but if you used the bread properly, it masked the strong sauerkraut taste and you actually looked forward to it every Christmas.

Cousin Arlene liked to make chocolate cream pie, but something always went wrong. This wasn’t occasionally, but all the time. It tasted like chocolate cream pie. But it looked like big clumps of chocolate with some crust on it. After a few drinks, it still was pie.

Arlene, Vic and her four kids were the first to leave the ghetto. They moved to the woods of Morganville and soon the Christmas party followed.

Uncle Bert always seemed to sneak out and remarkedly so, Santa would soon arrive. He had most of us fooled for a long time.

On the facing page, Joe and Julie Hawrylko on their wedding day in Perth Amboy on May 24, 1947. Julie was one of seven sisters born to Andrew and Mary Karackai. Above siblings John, Tom and Elaine Hawrylko in a recent photo and Tom Hawrylko with his mom Julie in 1981.

Many times we all sat in the kitchen, tables lined up, singing Christmas Carols, with kids banging forks and spoons on plates. Then things would become mellow and mom and Aunt Yolanda would sing a Hungarian Christmas song as a tribute to our ancestors.

Mom had no conception of Scotch. So many kinds were brought to the house on Christmas, and mom would pour what was left into one bottle into another, making the worst tasting blended Scotch you ever had.

After dinner, presents were opened and you appreciated what you got and thanked everyone.

Multiple gifts were not expected—one per person— and too often it was a book or some item of clothing we really needed.

Thanks to Andrew and Mary Karackai, we look back and remember walking into a two bedroom apartment or a not too large home.

There are happy people talking, singing, cooking or joking with the kids or other adults.

Those days in Perth Amboy’s Budapest section are now gone, yet the recipe still stirs within our souls, one no doubt, similar to memories of your own.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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By Jack DeVries “We support our troops!” is an easy phrase to say.

Nearly every American repeats it proudly, and the troops appreciate hearing it. But how many people really show their support for our military?

There is a group in Clifton that leaves no doubt of its feelings and actions.

Since 2010, Clifton Cares has demonstrated its support, showing affection and thanks to the approximately 200,000 men and women defending our country who are deployed in 177 foreign countries. In faraway lands, on ships at sea – even on submarines in the deep oceans, packages from Clifton find their way to soldiers containing a little slice of home and showing appreciation with needed items, food and notes.

Those packages mean much to their recipients and go beyond the supplies contained within. One of those past recipients is Master Sergeant Patrick J. Brennan, who was stationed with the US Air Force 451st Air Expeditionary Wing in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

In a letter to Clifton Cares’ Lizz Gagnon, he wrote: “I would like to thank you, and the good people of Clifton, New Jersey, from the bottom of my heart for your generous donations of food and toiletries. I must admit, however, that by far my favorite part of the packages were the wonderful cards and letters from the children. They touched me deeply.

“Sometimes the days out here can get very long, but with the support of the beautiful American people – 6 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

people much like yourself – it serves as a poignant reminder of that for which we risk our lives.”

Since 2010, Clifton Cares has sent more than 9,000 packages to soldiers throughout the world, especially to those in combat areas.

You might think an organization responsible for that type of volume is a large warehoused-based unit directed by a prestigious philanthropic board.

It’s not.

It is simply a group of people that... care. They are Clifton people who decided not only to express their support for the troops with words but demonstrate it with action and gifts. “Clifton Cares” is more than the name for the organization; it’s a statement of fact.

And our soldiers are extremely appreciative of that.

Help from home In 2010, Clifton’s Scott Crum was serving in Kabul, Afghanistan. Today a U.S. Army major, Crum was then stationed near the U.S. Embassy, serving as sexual assault response coordinator (SARC) program manager.

“Most people won’t report a sexual assault because they’re scared,” he said in a 2011 Clifton Merchant Magazine story. “I was tasked with improving communications for investigations.”

While Crum excelled at his work – ultimately earning a Bronze Star for his leadership efforts –

“Getting packages with basic necessities is great, especially those containing shampoo, body wash and shaving blades,” wrote Clifton’s recently deployed Army Sgt. Oscar Buonafina, pictured. “It’s also nice when you get magazines. The Internet goes down often and you can use them to pass the time.

Around the holidays it’s nice when the mail list comes and you see that you got a package. It let’s you know people back home are thinking about you.

Our Engineer Company, the 306th En Co, is stationed in Kuwait but out soldiers are spread all over the Middle East. Some of us have deployed multiple times. This is my third deployment.

It is still very rough since I am missing my family and mostly my wife and smaller kids. I already missed my son Liam’s third birthday and will be missing out the holidays with them. I will have to make the best of the holidays with my Army family.”

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Mark or Brian Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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How You Can Help: You can help Clifton Cares with needed funds to pay for postage and packing supplies.

Since its founding, postage for mailing boxes has increased from $10.75 when Clifton Cares started to $18.30 – that’s a 70 percent increase!

Your monetary donations for postage, no matter how big or small, are appreciated!

Make checks payable to Lizz Gagnon and mail them to her at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, N.J. 07013.

Above, the Scouts affiliated with Saint Philip the Apostle Parish with their Clifton Cares donation box at City Hall; below, a group of volunteers on Nov. 27, with ready-to-be shipped packages.

being away from home was difficult for him and his family. His absence and military service would provide the inspiration to create Clifton Cares.

Like many fellow soldiers, Crum needed basic items like sanitizer, soaps, lip balm and sunscreen, and especially encouragement from home.

“I was out to dinner with friends,” said his mother Dona Crum, “and being friends with Lizz Gagnon for many years, she wanted to send a package of goodies to Scott. The rest of my friends also wanted to. I spoke with my son to see what he would like sent from home.”

Scott asked for supplies not readily available for troops. Gagnon, who works as an assistant tax assessor for the City of Clifton, asked then City Manager Al 8 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Greco if she could ask her fellow employees for their help. Greco agreed, and Gagnon spread the word with a list for donations.

Gagnon’s request reached Chris Liszner, who Crum had worked with on CASA (Clifton Against Substance Abuse) many years before, and Liszner asked if she could help out with her contacts.

“We received a name of another soldier,” said Crum, “and we started to expand.”

The group began packing items in Gagnon’s home recreation room, and eventually expanded to her basement. Eight boxes were sent overseas, and reaction came soon after. Heartfelt thank you notes from appreciative soldiers further motivated the group.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Clifton’s Ryan Gabel today and at right during his tour with the Marines a few years back.

“Lizz Gagnon supplied the ‘caring,’” said Crum, “and uniting the Clifton population along with Chris Liszner; all I did was supply the soldier.”

This assistance was familiar for the Crum family.

Scott’s grandfather Donald F. Cudworth, also a bronze star winner for heroism in Italy during WWII, was the beneficiary of a caring community after his service ended. When he returned from overseas, a newspaper wrote of his difficulty securing a home for his young family. The story led to an outpouring of community support – a spirit of giving his family saw repeated in 2010 for his grandson and others.

That spirit of support was also familiar to Chris Liszner, who remembered her own father’s service. “(My father) told me how important it was to receive mail and packages from home,” she said. “Being from an Italian family, there were many (packages and letters) for him but also many soldiers who never received

any mail from home. He was the company mailman, so our family sent letters to those who didn’t get mail.”

When the Clifton Cares group saw the impact they made, the group expanded. More volunteers were sought. Supplies were gathered. Monetary donations were collected. Extra space to assemble additional boxes was needed, and Liszner received approval to start packing them in the Clifton Municipal Complex’s Senior Barn.

“The snowball became bigger,” wrote Crum.

During the years, donations have grown and shipments have increased to an astounding 100-150 boxes packed and shipped overseas after a packing session.

Along with volunteering, the Clifton community has assisted in other ways.

“The Boy Scout Troop 21 made us a beautiful bin to collect supplies at City Hall,” said Gagnon. “It can be found in the main hallway by the court doors.”

At a pancake breakfast fundraiser for Clifton Cares are members of VFW 7165 in their Valley Road location.

10 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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John Mack, responsible for collecting donations from City Hall, tapes up a package before it’s delivered to the Post Office; the Girl Scouts write appreciated letters of support to troops to be included in the packages.

Gagnon said school PTAs, various school clubs, City Hall employees, Verizon Pioneers, ITT staff, and EK Success, as well as the VFW 7165, Athenia Veterans, the Masonic Lodge, St. Brendan’s, the Moose Lodge ladies and the CHS Junior ROTC program have supported Clifton Cares, as have many other groups, companies and individuals.

While the organization has grown, the founders still do yeoman’s work.

Gagnon handles all monetary donations, donation thank you notes, bank deposits, and coordinates the post office pickups and tracking of all the City Hall donations.

Crum handles fundraising, like company donations for holding “Dress Down Day” and is liaison to the school district.

Liszner keeps and updates the volunteer list and soldier list, sends all email communications to volunteers, and handles publicity. The trio works together on any community events that support Clifton Cares.

Those efforts, along with the support of volunteers and contributors, are welcomed... even on the high seas.

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Andrew M. Sugimoto, writing from onboard the USCGC Stratton, said: “The nearly 40 pounds of chocolate bars arrived safely after the 3,000 mile journey across the United States. The efforts put forth in packing the boxes and 12 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

taking time and money to send them clearly shows your dedication and we honestly are honored to receive the care packages.

“The crew does have a sweet tooth. I am happy to report the boxes were distributed and the crew was all smiles.”

The caring continues Clifton Cares reaches out to all military branches, and they receive the names of soldiers from residents, friends, VFW Posts, American Legion groups, the Clifton Moose Lodge, and other organizations.

When Clifton Cares is unable to secure a soldier’s address (for example, when they send them to specialized groups like the Navy SEALs), the group sends the package to a service chaplain for distribution.

And those packages can end up anywhere on the globe.

From Afghanistan, Trevor Zo, a soldier with Quickstrike Troop 2SCR, wrote about a package containing pancake mix that he received: “This deployment was made just a little bit better knowing that you and it seems like most of Clifton, N.J., was behind us.

“To date, I have cooked thousands of pancakes on a Sunday morning for the soldiers of Quickstrike Troop 2SCR and any other hungry trooper who happened to walk by. I know it may sound redundant but I cannot say it enough: Thank You!”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Thankfully, most of While the spirit and mission the soldiers deployed of the group remains strong, do return home, as there are increasing challenges was the case when for Clifton Cares. With more Scott Crum’s time in troops to support, more volunAfghanistan ended. teers are needed as the numIra Turner replaced ber of packages has increased.

Crum as Clifton Postage cost have also risen.

Care’s point person When Clifton Cares startwhen Crum’s tour of ed, the cost of box per soldier duty was over. was $10.75; today, it has “We were isolated reached $18.30. from American food and basic “Our biggest challenge items,” Turner wrote. continues to be (collecting) “We relied heavily on products donations for mailing our from the Spaniards or the Italians, packages,” said Liszner. good products, but not American.

“Clifton organizations and We were three months in and were supporters have been very really getting weary of our current generous but every year with situation, missing our families and the increase in postage, it still The family of Victor Ascencio helped with the packing durfriends, and all the common items is a challenge.” ing his 2012 deployment. we were used to have at our finger Unfortunately, Liszner tips. But then came our friends from reported, postage costs have Clifton Cares, a shining light in a made it necessary to sometimes very dark place for me and my soldecrease the number of packages diers.” sent to soldiers overseas.

Turner, who now lives in Georgia, While Gagnon, Crum, and was grateful for the many items Liszner have made Clifton Cares received. He also noted special their passion, others have also appreciated for the messages of supmade the organization their own, port from Clifton. devoting countless volunteer “The war was still going on hours to the group’s mission around us, but when we had a chance “We have great support systo read the cards and awesome tem that keeps us going many words of encouragement from our behind the scenes,” said Liszner, friends, our days did not seem so bad “such as Paul Longendyke who after all.” brings our supplies from our He holds those in Clifton in very Clifton Cares box to the basehigh regard. ment many times a day; Adele “We are blessed to have them in Gimon, Barbara Lee and Angela our lives and to call them friends. It Barat, who do our labeling and At the Nov. 27 packing night, a volunhas been six years since I have redecustom forms; and Al Mack who teers writing some last minute cards. ployed from the war zone, and many is our strong man, getting items from Clifton City Hall to the Senior Center.” of the soldiers that I have talked to since then still Another important volunteer, Liszner said, is Bill remember the loads of boxes that we would get each VanEck, the go-to person with all donations from outweek and how excited we were to read the cards and side Clifton. enjoy the very special treats enclosed.”

14 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Making a difference During her time with Clifton Cares, Lizz Gagnon has watched hundreds of volunteers cycle through, all dedicated to making the troops’ lives a bit brighter during a difficult time.

“Along with volunteers from Clifton, returning soldiers and their families also make time to assist us,” said Gagnon. “We now send out the packages every three months but our holiday package is always the biggest.”

Typically, Gagnon said, about 60-75 volunteers gather to send out the holiday packages (this year’s packing was done on November 27), with separate boxes for toiletries and snacks.

“When we get going, it’s like a well-oiled machine,” she said. “During the holidays, it takes about two hours to put together the 100 to 150 boxes we send.

But it’s a great time – everyone wears their Christmas hats and the work goes smoothly.”

While the Christmas gifts for the troops have already crossed the Atlantic for 2017, Clifton Cares collects items year-round. The next big collection effort will be for Valentine’s Day, and the group especially needs support for these donations.

“We feel the strain of the after the holidays credit card crunch,” said Gagnon. “That’s when donations are at their lowest.

“But, as Chris Liszner says, “as long as they are over there, we will pack for them.”

16 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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How you can help – You can help Clifton Cares by donating the following items for our troops: Snacks Cookies (especially homemade), candies, powdered drinks, beef jerky, granola bars, gum and chips; (for orphange visits) Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops, pencils, pens, crayons and coloring books.

Toiletries Hand sanitizer, mouthwash, baby wipes, Visine, deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, lip balm, razor, and aspirin and Advil. White ankle socks (females), high white socks (males).

Item donations can be deposited in the Clifton Cares box at City Hall.

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays To All! 18 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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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...

The good work of the CHS Key Club continues year round. Above, members made inspirational cards, tiding of good will, in support of the Homeless Bus which travels the streets of Paterson and NYC feeding the homeless every Saturday.

Key Club “Locks In” Holiday Spirits

Unique People, Amazing Things

While there’s no toy drive this year for the CHS Key Club – a more than 300-strong student organization under the supervision of English teacher Jacqueline Turk – the Key Clubbers are still actively volunteering.

Here’s a look at what they do...

On the third Saturday of every month, a volunteer CHS teacher and 10 Key Clubbers serve as waiters and waitresses at the Community Meals program, a dinner for those in need at 352 Clifton Ave. Key Club members will also be helping Clifton Cares mail packages to soldiers serving overseas.

In the halls of CHS, Key Clubbers are selling Mr. Cupcakes to raise money to sponsor meals at Oasis, a haven for women and children in Paterson. They also serve as advocates for Clifton’s Stigma Free Task Force and have raised funds for Trick or Treat for UNICEF and Hurricane Harvey victims. In addition, Key Clubbers partner with Homeless Bus, which distributes food, beverages and warm clothing to Paterson and NYC homeless on Saturdays. To connect with the CHS Key Club, write to jturk@cliftonschools.net

Amazing things are happening at the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) at 1481 Main Ave. Kids with braces and crutches, previously thought to be limited, are now ballerinas and karate experts. They ride bikes and horses, roller skate and use computers to communicate.

Thanks to a hardworking staff and contributions by members of Elks Lodges in Clifton, Paterson, Fair Lawn, Pompton Lakes, Passaic Valley, and Wayne, NJEDDA offers programs for toddlers and elementary students, as well as high schoolers and adults.

Since 1947, the NJEDDA’s mission is to advance the independence and enrich the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. The staff does that in amazing ways, and you can find out more at njedda.org.

If you’d like to help, send donations to NJEDDA at 1481 Main Ave., Clifton NJ 07011, attn: Dr. William Weiss. Contributions can also be charged via a “Donate” button at njedda.org. For further info, call Dr. Weiss at either 973-772-2600 ext. 111 or write to him via email at WWeiss@njedda.org.

20 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

That’s Assemblyman Tom Gibun, staff and Montclair State representatives in a file photo showing some of the 300 toys and books before distribution.

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Giblin and Oliver Toy & Book Drive Clifton’s New Jersey Assembly Representatives Sheila Y. Oliver (the lieutenant governor-elect) and Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin have launched their eighth holiday toy and book drive. Last year’s drive collected 300 items, and the legislators are hoping to exceed that number this year. They are asking residents to provide unwrapped toys and books for children, ages 3 to 15, through Dec. 12. Children at St. Peter’s Haven, the Boys & Girls Club and a variety of other charities have benefitted from the community’s generosity. To donate, drop off at Giblin’s office, 855 Valley Rd. weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm (973-779-3125) or at Oliver’s office which is 15-33 Halsted St., East Orange, weekdays between 10 and 4 pm (973-395-1166).

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Tri-M Members Hit a Highly Charitable Note Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Music Honor Society recognizes the achievements of music students who volunteer and share their musical talent with others. The Clifton chapter has a decade long association with St. Peter’s Haven and just completed a food drive to feed families in need of a healthy, delicious and warm meal.

Tri-M continues to give back to those in need by collecting toys for the annual Toys For Tots Foundation hosted by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The toys, collected year round, have included coloring books, dolls, stuffed animals, board games and toy cars, If you’d like to donate a new toy, please drop these items off in the CHS main office by Dec. 13 or contact one of the CHS chapter officers pictured here.

22 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

CHS Tri-M officers Jilllian Bartkowski, Alison Silvestri, Mackenzie Miller, Zaria Rivera and Brian Lopez helped set up and manage a toy and food drive, and donated the goods to St. Peter's Haven.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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In the spirit of giving: Edward Kurbansade, Jr. of Spencer Savings Bank with Marsha Hooks, former director of St. Peter’s Haven. At right, Jay Lastra and John DeGraaf of the Boys & Girls Club flank R.C. Papa and Jack Corradino of the Corradino & Papa law firm which, for the second year, partnered with the Club to distribute 50 turkeys to families in need.

Help the Hungry & Homeless

by Supporting St. Peter’s Haven

A young supporter of Clifton’s Avenue of Flags.

Honor a Vet @ the Avenue of Flags There’s always a need for financial support for Clifton’s Avenue of Flags. Nearly 2,000 American flags are displayed five times a year on the grounds of City Hall.

Each 3 x 5 flag, along with its accompanying 10-foot pole, is marked with the name and rank of a veteran.

Thanks to volunteers who put up flags at dawn and take them down at dusk, the Avenue of Flags is an impressive and patriotic display. To sponsor a flag, which costs $110, go to cliftonnj.org. To contribute, make checks to “Clifton Avenue of Flags” and mail to 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07012, attn: John Biegel. For more info, call Keith Oakley at 201-774-6666.

24 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

When donating food or funds to help those in need, many people think first of St. Peter’s Haven.

Organized in 1996 by the Rev. Jorge Gutierrez and wife Carolyn, along with members of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Haven has two locations and can shelter three homeless families for six months or more, giving them time to save enough to move into their own apartment.

St. Peter’s Haven also operates a community food pantry that serves about 500 persons (either in families or individuals) each month, and food drives, charity events and donations help keep the shelves stocked.

There are many ways to help out. For instance, the next time you go shopping, purchase and donate an extra bag or two of items such as peanut butter, tuna fish, pasta and sauce. Staples such as those have shelf life and can help provide a sustaining meal.

Volunteers are also needed to unload truckloads of bulk supplies of dry goods the early morning of the second Friday of each month.

Of course donations are always welcomed.

The folks at St. Peter’s do a great job of purchasing items in bulk so your financial contribution goes far.

To support St. Peter’s Haven, make checks payable to St. Peter’s Haven and mail to: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 380 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ, 07011.

To arrange to deliver food or other goods or gifts, such as gift certificates to local supermarkets, call them at 973-546-3406. More info at stpetershaven.org.

Contributors – and you can become one – pick one or more children to buy specific gifts for and wrap and put the child’s name on the tag.

“It’s anonymous where the gift comes from,” he added. “The good news is the children think they’re from Santa.” The line up of Secret Santas include MaryJo Foster,

Mayor Jim Anzaldi, Carol Genchi, Vic Habrahamshon, Cindy DeVos, Angelo Crudele, Jeff Cupo, Rich Mariso, Mark McKoy Rina Hyde and Tom Fieldhouse. More participants are welcome! To contribute or identify a family in need, contact a Secret Santa or email Greg at greinholt@bgcclifton.org or call 973-773-0966 ext. 133.

Become a Secret Santa When parents face hard financial times because the loss of a job, illness or other circumstances, children may go without Christmas gifts or even other basic items.

In Clifton, thanks to the generosity of supporters of the Boys & Girls Club, nearly 40 Clifton families facing tough times will have gifts under their Christmas trees.

The Club’s Secret Santa program began in 2005 thanks to former Executive Director Dolores Colucci and remains a holiday tradition. Leaders of the Club’s early childhood and onsite after-school programs, along with those at various after-school programs in the community, identify some of the neediest families. From there, staff has a discussion with parents to determine needs and priorities.

Gregory Reinholt, the Boys & Girls Club associate director, explained parents make a list of clothing items, such as pants, shirts and coats that their children need, including sizes for each child.

They also provide a wish list of toys their children would like to receive Christmas morning.

“Requests range from school supplies all the way to video games,” said Reinholt.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Weichert Realtors Kevin Carpenter, Tony Sanchez, Maureen Setteducato, Kenneth Hauser and Frank Gorga.

Weichert Realtors Toy Drive

Relaying For Life 2018

Weichert Realtors, 791 Passaic Ave., is again collecting toys for Passaic County foster children right up until Dec. 24. Donors should drop off a new, unwrapped toy during normal office hours, which are 8:30 am to 9 pm, Mon. to Fri., and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. For information, call either Tony Sanchez or Maureen Setteducato at the Weichert office at (973) 779-1900.

Relay for Life at Clifton Stadium steps off six months from now on June 16, from noon to midnight. But those interested in forming a team or joining an existing squad can attend a meeting on Dec, 6 at 6:30 pm at Wendy’s, 83 Main Ave. or on Dec. 7 at 6:30 pm at the Clifton Senior Center, Dog Pound Rd., at City Hall. Call Chris Liszner at 973-650-2719 or Kim Castellano at 201328-2326 for info. Info at relayforlife.org/cliftonnj.

The Clifton Education Foundation The Foundation helps raise funds through donations and endowments for Clifton teachers, student groups and HSAs to allow them to apply for grants for various projects not covered by the city’s educational budget.

Check to Clifton Education Foundation can be mailed to Michelle Morgan (a retired teacher from School 14) at 153 Lincoln Ave., Clifton 07011. To email her write to mcmorgan2@aol.com for further info.

Relay for Life 2016... plans are underway for 2017.

26 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

From a TLC holiday musical a few years back, from left: Susan McDonald, Mark Peterson, Bob Bockstiegel, Barbara Novak and John Traier.

Support Theater League of Clifton From dinner theater whodunits to big stage musicals, the Theater League of Clifton has been bringing the hometown stage to life for 13 years.

But bringing theater to the stage costs money; ticket sales alone do not cover the expenses. Before the show goes live, much goes on behind the scenes. For instance, scripts must be purchased, and theater space and sounds systems rented. Lighting, props and paying musicians and producers cost money. For those who want to keep TLC strong and financially healthy, there are ways to help.

Membership in the organization begins at the “Patron” level with a donation of $75. By becoming a member, you’ll not only help support the organization’s theater productions but also further its mission of growing the arts in Clifton. For instance, for the past 13 years, ticket sales and fundraising by TLC have provided scholarships to CHS grads interested in a career in the theater.

Founded in 2005, TLC is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the arts in Clifton by providing quality entertainment for all ages and working to nurture the next generation of talent.

Visit theaterleagueofclifton.com or call 973-928-7668 and leave a message for more details on becoming a Patron or Sponsor. To donate, make checks payable to TLC, and mail to PO Box 4072, Clifton, NJ 07012.

TLC’s next production is in late February – a murder mystery dinner theater at Mario’s Restaurant. Main-stage shows are at the Theresa Aprea Theater, 199 Scoles Ave., Clifton. TLC also welcomes volunteers who can help with everything from behind the scenes work, to administrative tasks to performing on stage.

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www.immedicenter.com Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Coach Kostisin & Gift of Life One of the legacies Mustang B-Ball Coach John Kostisin leaves behind is his family’s support of the Ukrainian Gift of Life, or UGOL. Since 1997, some 850 Ukrainian children with heart disease have undergone successful surgeries due to the support of people like the Kostisins.

In 1998, John and wife Ginny hosted Oksana Moskva during her successful surgery done at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Oksana gained a second family in the Kostisins. Seven years later, the In Feb., 2005, John and Ginny Kostisin hosted Alisa Kepa, a Kostisins hosted Alisa Kepa, now 26. Today, she is a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl, and her mother Halya during the writer and TV journalist in Ukraine. teen’s rehab from heart surgery at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

Years ago, more than 100 UGOL-sponsored surmajor surgical centers with noted cardiothoracic departgeries were performed in the US. But with the advancements in the US. Unfortunately, because of the Russian ment of technology and experience in Ukraine, and the invasion of Ukraine, the equipment installed in Donetsk high success rates for even complex surgeries there, it is has either been destroyed or stolen. more cost-effective to have surgeries performed in If you wish to memorialize Coach K or demonstrate Ukraine. Today, UGOL’s financial sponsorship helps your support for Ginny, consider making a contribution poor families undergoing surgery and supports self-suffito: Ukrainian Gift of Life, 233 Rock Road, Glen Rock, ciency in pediatric cardio thoracic care in Ukraine.

NJ 07452. Ukrainian Gift of Life, Inc. is a 501c3 and For example, the organization helped install telemedidonations are tax deductible. cine equipment in Lviv, Odessa and Donetsk, linking the

City Green’s Fresh Food Challenge City Green, the five acre farm on Grove St., is also a nonprofit organization which creates increased access to fresh, locally grown food. By opening the farm, engaging the community and growing produce here in town, the group is an advocate for a healthier community.

“We belive kids and families in our neighborhoods should have opportunities to engage in outdoor, gardenbased learning and recreation,” explained director Jennifer Papa. “From our Growing Strong high school internships to City Sprouts where kids learn hands-on about where their food comes from and the importance of eating healthy, we keep youth involved.”

One way City Green is doing that is by meeting a $15,000 challenge grant from the Montclair-based Partners for Health Foundation. Checks of $50 or more that are payable to Partners for Health and received by City Green

by Dec. 31 will be matched $1 to $1 and returned to City Green to fight hunger and homelessness. To support the effort, mail your donation to City Green, 171 Grove St., Clifton, NJ, 07013. Learn more at citygreenonline.org.

28 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

At City Green on Grove St. are Jennifer Papa, Claudia Urdanivia and Todd Gustafson.

The Porter Clan at a 2014 David’s Day event: Cassandra, Mike, Miranda, Michael, Jennifer and Alexis. Below, David.

Out of Tragedy, a Foundation On August 25, 2006, at the age of 4, David Nicholas Porter lost his 14-month battle with cancer. His favorite color was green, his favorite food was hot dogs, and his favorite TV show was Bob The Builder.

But from such tragedy and grief, some good has come. His family, in response to the horror of pediatric cancer, had created the “David Nicholas Foundation.” Their goal is to raise funds and help the families of pediatric cancer victimss.

Go to thedavidnicholasfoundation.org and read some of the stories of afflicted kids they have helped.

Supervisor Licensee Egon Kot FNAO-BC-HIS

Doctor of Audiology Jeffrey B. Kot, Au. D.

N.J. Optician LIC. #389 Hearing Aid Disp. LIC. #121

Audiologist LIC. #103 Hearing Aid Disp. LIC. #403

On March 7, the Porter clan experienced another loss when 50 year-old Michael E. Porter Jr.—funeral director, bagpiper, Mason, loving husband and father— went to be with his son, David, The 1985 CHS grad is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jennifer (Hauck), and children Cassandra, Alexis, Miranda and Michael.

To keep alive the legacy of David and his dad Mike, and to support the Porter family’s efforts to help children with cancer, donations may be sent to The David Nicholas Foundation at 22 Greendale Road, Clifton, NJ 07013.

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Puppy Dog Tails Was Suki the Doberman naughty this year, running away and being cranky? Has Bob Marley been on his best behavior over the last few weeks, learning to heel, and being less pesky to Suki? Either way, Santa Paws, arrives at the Foster Animal Hospital, 1347 Broad St. on Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm to pose for pictures with Suki, Bob and all sorts of animals, In previous years, the jolly guy in the fly red suit with (fake) fur trim has posed patiently with ferrets, rabbits, birds and snakes, as well as dogs and cats.

The cost is $10 per photo or bring your own camera.

You can also support the Clifton Animal Shelter by purchasing a $5 ornament with your pet’s name and have it displayed on the Holiday Tree of Love.

Funds benefit the shelter and help provide food and medical care for needy animals. They’ll accept donations, too. Visit them on Dog Pound Road behind City Hall or go to cliftonanimalshelter.com.

Below from left: Patricia Bednar, Fran Warren, Joan Robertson, Vivian Semerano, Faye Levine, Justine Tomczak and Andrew Schwartz.

Friends of the Library The Friends of the Clifton Public Library was formed in 1985 and its members continue to perform a significant role in the development of the Library, its facilities and cultural programs.

Through fundraising and volunteer work, the Friends supplement the budget of the Main Memorial Library and Allwood Branch. For instance, the Friends recently presented a $3,000 check to help pay for museum passes 30 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

and present community events, such as the Nov. 16 beekeeping program by Brian Eromenok.

The Friends sustain their budget through donations, dues and profits from sales at the gift shop at the Main Library. To find out more or to join the Friends, pick up a membership form at the library or click on cliftonpl.org.

Check should be made to Clifton Friends of the Library and mailed to the Clifton Memorial Library, 292 Piaget Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011.

Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park One way to contribute to the beauty of the holidays is by supporting and appreciating the arts. In that spirit, the Clifton Arts Center Gallery will present “Holiday Open House” on Dec. 6, from 4 to 8 pm.

Visitors will enjoy the Center’s current exhibit, fea" Glass turing work by the Hiemer & Company Stained Studio of Clifton. The exhibit draws from Hiemer & Company’s more than 1,000 church window designs.

Those in attendance will also help dedicate a stained glass window in memory of Gloria J. Kolodziej, former Clifton mayor and arts advocate. The stained glass Municipal Complex, on Well window wass created by Judith (Hiemer) and James Road, and open Wednesdays Van Wie at their Wabash Ave. studio and is a permanent through Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm. feature of the Arts Center’s architecture.

While funding comes from variThe Clifton Arts Center Gallery first opened in January ous sources, including a recent grant of 2000. Since then, more than 40,000 visitors have from the Passaic County Freeholders, ) %' & " ")# & % ( ($#" % $' enjoyed its art exhibits, got up close to some 30 sculptures contributions, sponsorships and memberon the grounds on the city hall campus, and participated in ships are welcomed. Basic membership begins at cultural events and historical presentations. $15 for individual, $25 for family.

Housed in two historic barns of the former US Animal Visit the center, call 973-472-5499, or follow the links Quarantine Station connected by an atrium, the Arts on cliftonnj.org. for more information on memberships Center is located on the grounds of the Clifton or how to make a contribution.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Based on her first experience in a pool, the last career one might have predicted for Nadia Stavko was that of an Olympic swimmer.

“I was really afraid,” said Stavko, now the aquatics director at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. “I couldn’t even put my face in the water!”

But since a relative worked at the pool, Stavko was able to stay and swim with her older sister Luba.

Despite her fear, a young coach would not let her quit. Stavko recalled the coach as persistent. “She said we were lucky girls to have the opportunity to swim.

Then she heard that I really couldn’t swim and insisted ‘No! This girl will swim!’”

And swim she did. After conquering her fear, Stavko soon understood that she was fast in the water – faster than the other girls at the pool, faster than anyone in her hometown Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, then still a part of the Soviet Union.

Instruction began and success followed. First, Stavko became women’s backstroke champion of Ukraine.

Next, she became a national champion during rigorous competitions throughout the 15-nation bloc of countries, comprising the former USSR. By age 14, Stavko set the Soviet record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke. By 18, she was competing at the Olympic Games in Montreal. “I absolutely enjoyed my life as a swimmer,” said Stavko. “If I were young, I would do it all over again.”

32 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

As a teenager, Stavko trained in facilities throughout the former Soviet Union. She traveled the world, visiting North and South America, and Europe, placing in international competitions. And, since Stavko was a star athlete, she benefitted from the Soviet policy of financially supporting athletes.

The USSR’s investment in Stavko paid off. From 1974 to 1977, she ranked in the Top 10 worldwide in women’s 200-meter backstroke for which she captured the European Cup in 1976.

All that remained for Stavko was to win a medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Unfortunately, the chance to win any medal would be denied by forces beyond her control.

Olympic Glory Denied Television portrays only the pageantry and competition of the Olympic Games. Stavko’s Olympic experience was quite different. While other athletes lived in the Olympic Village, the Soviet team was isolated, often training at offsite pools.

The Soviet government, fearing that athletes may defect, monitored them closely. “It was a bit crazy,” Stavko remembered. “There were men from the KGB watching us. We couldn’t talk much with other athletes.

We couldn’t exchange swimming suits, a common practice to show friendship, or have other athletes visit our rooms.”

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The 1976 Games saw the dawn of new world swim power: the East Germans. Although East Germany had never won a gold medal in women’s swimming, remarkably the East German “wonder girls” placed first in 11 of 13 events. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, their secret was revealed and the suspicions of many were confirmed – the East German swimmers had used steroids to improve their performance.

“You could just look at the girls and know by how big they were,” Stavko recalled. “You would hear their voices in the locker room while you were changing, and you would be shocked, thinking that men were in there.”

Stavko had come to the Olympics expecting to win at least one medal. Instead, competing in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke, Stavko finished sixth and fourth respectively. The substance that fueled the East German athletes – some as young as 10 – was a little blue pill called Oral Turinabol, a powerful steroid.

Doctors and coaches told the swimmers the steroid was a vitamin.

“I can remember getting 10 tablets at a time, 30 a day,” East German swimmer Carola Nitschke said during an ABC-TV’s 20/20 report in October 2000. Years later, several of the coaches and doctors who administered the drugs were prosecuted; however, this brought

little comfort to the former wonder girls, many of whom suffered from chronic health problems from the steroids.

Stavko underscored that not all athletes from Communist East European countries and the USSR used steroids. “But yes, every separate country did have their separate little secrets,” she admitted.

More than 40 years later, Stavko still has a strong opinion about the continuing use of steroids and doping among competitive athletes.

“There should be no drugs of any kind in athletics,” she said. “None. The entire basis for competitive sports is winning by merit. I am not concerned about not winning a medal, no. I am concerned why these drugs are still being used. Why the health of young athletes is being destroyed. Here we teach young people to be honest and fair. Using enhancing drugs is not fair at all.

There should be no difference between what they learn as children and what they do as adults.”

Stavko knows that not enough is being done to screen, catch or punish those who use or push the use of performance enhancing drugs. “Every year, new drugs are developed. Those who manage the different sports know about them. It’s an open secret. But no testing procedure is being developed in time to catch the

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34 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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new drug. We now have all types of technology to test rapidly. So why are the tools for screening for drug use so far behind?”

Stavko believes that besides stringent monitoring, there needs to be immediate and severe punishment, serious consequences for using these drugs, such as being banned from the sport, steep fines, legal prosecution, and stripping athletes of medals and honors.

New Life By 1979, Stavko realized her time as a world class swimmer was coming to an end. After seven years at the top, her times were no longer improving. Rather than see younger athletes overtake her, she retired. “Mentally, I couldn’t handle being second,” she admits.

In 1989, married and with a young son, Alexander, Stavko, at the urging of husband Ben, made the bold decision to leave Ukraine for America. The family arrived in 1991, settling in Andover Township, N.J., where Catholic Services found them a small apartment.

Stavko remembers the first year in her new country was difficult. Five days after she arrived, she did find work in a nursing home. Yet living isolated in a rural area and unable to speak English, she thought often of returning to Ukraine. On the other hand, with the Soviet Union collapsing, and the future of her homeland was also uncertain.

36 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“Our beginning was very difficult,” she said, “like it was for many. But what impressed me most and I still remember today, is the kindness. Americans were, and I believe still are, kind.

Neighbors, perfect strangers, when they learned we had no furniture, not even a decent pot, began to bring us a table, some chairs, a cooked meal. Catholic Services helped us, but also a neighbor told us about their church, invited us to come and they helped. We were very moved by the generosity of strangers.”

Through the American Red Cross, Stavko met Betty Opalka of the YM & YWHA in Clifton.

Opalka helped Stavko take the required courses needed to get back into swimming, despite a language barrier, and her life began to improve.

After a year at the former YM & YWHA, Stavko got a job as a swimming instructor at the Boys & Girls Club of Union (N.J.) where she worked for seven years before coming to Clifton in 1999.

Now the aquatics director of the BGCC, Stavko supervises the programs around the competition-size pool in the Nicholas Martini Aquatic Center.

“We now have 2,500 slots in our children’s Learn-toSwim programs,” she said, “and each year, each slot is filled. Other programs include Mom-n-Tot classes, water exercise, adult lap swim, open swims for

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youth and family, and our competitive swim team, the Seahawks.

Stavko, who came to Clifton with the opening of the Club’s new building and the completion of the new pool and aquatics center, recalled a favorite memory from her early years with the Seahawks.

The team had been invited to compete in the national Boys & Girls Club swim meet in Sarasota, Fla., a first for the Clifton.

“We received the invitation,” said Stavko, “one month before the actual meet. To go, we needed $13,000. I told In a 2002 photo, Seahawks Coach Bill O’Neil and Nadia Stavko. the parents there was no way this could “I still love Ukraine deeply, remember the songs, the be done. They told me, ‘You don’t know Clifton parpoetry, speak the language,” she said. “But the war there ents.’ So I said OK, but honestly, did not really believe now is terrible, destroying people for what?” that the money could be raised. But they did it! I underThe war she speaks about is the spring 2014 invasion stood quickly that the community in Clifton cares for of Ukraine by neighboring Russia. “This is not three kids.” hundred years ago when maybe war was the only way to Stavko still keeps an eye on events in Ukraine. She settle problems. We should be more civilized. Countries last visited her native Dnipropetrovsk eight years ago, will always have disputes, but now diplomacy, words not making a surprise appearance at a birthday party for her bullets, should be how we solve these problems. ” first trainer.

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Coach Anna Abakumova, Malia Enze, Madison Daynes, Kaitlin Mui, Renata Chyshkevych, Anna Furman, Brandon Miller, Santiago Vanegas, Frank Coste, Michael Lambiase. Before swimming, Seahawks have intensive dry land workouts using weights, jump ropes, stretch cords, medicine balls and vasa machines (special machines for swimming).

Anna Abakumova feels fortunate to be head coach of the Boys & Girls Club Seahawks. “I love working with kids to watch how swimming helps them in all aspects of their life,” she said.

A native of Uzbekistan where she swam in the State Olympic Reserve Swimming School for a decade, she came to the US in 2007. In 2010, she became coach of the Clifton Seahawks.

“Over that period, our swimmers have broken 22 state records and more than 100 team records.”

Besides individual records, the entire team also has won numerous awards recently, such as the New Jersey Mini Championship, the Junior Olympics and Silver Championship. The Seahawks took first at an East Coast Boys & Girls Clubs Invitational, third at the Boys & Girls Clubs National Championship in Florida, and are two-time Team Spirit Award winners.

Among the state records broken in the 2015-16 season was by Ali Elmasry in the 1,000 and 1,500 Freestyle in the Boys 11-12 group, as well as 21 state records in 2016-17 season by Richard Poplawski. “I’m looking forward to breaking more records and to go to the higher level meets,” says Abakumova, “but much more important for me is to teach my swimmers to love this sport as much as I love it!”

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A competitive swim team and member of the association USA Swimming, the Seahawks is open to children ages 5 and older who swim at a Level 4. Currently composed of 130 swimmers, tryouts are held three times a year to bring in new swimmers.

To be a Seahawk requires a lot of commitment. The team practices six times a week and participates regularly in competitions across New Jersey and New York.

There is both a short season, September to March, as well a long one, September to August.

“We know that if you stop swimming for even one week, it becomes harder to get back in shape,” noted Abakumova, “that’s why we open the team season for everyone who can join us.” Even if they don’t go to meets, they stay in shape through practice.

Abakumova emphasizes that to be on the team is not easy for either the swimmers or their parents.

“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “Kids need to work hard every practice to improve their skills and abilities.

Parents work hard, too. They help at swim meets – volunteering as judges, marshals, timers, also bring the kids to practices. They do fundraising through the year to send our kids to the annual National Boys & Girls Clubs Championship in St. Petersburg, Fla.” Interested? More info at cliftonseahawks.org.

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While creating musical performances are alone challenging, maintaining tradition while incorporating new musical styles, tastes and direction is difficult for any program. Growing the group’s size in the midst of this transition is almost an insurmountable task.

But the MadCaps – under the direction of Clifton High music teacher Cory Pinto for the past three years – is not your usual musical program.

“Music evolves and changes,” said Pinto.

“We’re trying to draw the students in by blending music that connects with them, but still providing experience 44 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

with traditional music they can learn to appreciate.”

The program has doubled in size during the past two years, thanks for the dedicated student singers who make up the group. Four days a week, the singers meet after school to practice their parts and supplement their rehearsals. Last year, there were 14 MadCaps singers; this year, their numbers have swelled to 38.

Each year, the group devotes many hours to practice to perform and compete in different festivals. Last year, the group earned first place in its division at the “Music In The Parks” festival and placed third for overall choir.

“We frequently work on collegiate-level material,” said Pinto, “that features good vocal production and musicianship.”

While the MadCaps remain committed to a more contemporary sound, the group has have been working on more traditional winter/holiday selections during fall in preparation for its winter performance.

The MadCaps’ winter concert this Dec. 14 at 7 pm at Clifton High School’s JFK auditorium will be presented in a familiar format. The music will be more traditional, as will be the MadCap’s attire (black and white), and the program aims to meet Clifton’s high standards of musicianship.

To further connect to the past, the group’s director has a simple request: “For the winter concert,” Pinto said, “we’re inviting anyone who has participated in the choir program to join us to sing a few songs. This will be an awesome experience for the students, and it’s a touching one. We currently have one girl who is singing with her mother who used to be a Madrigal when she was in high school.”

Pinto said he is humbled by Clifton’s rich musical tradition and the lasting bond it evokes in the alumni.

“When I go to the orchestra and band concerts,” said

Pinto, “people come up and say they graduated from the program years ago and are coming back to see the progress of the students.

“I want the choir’s performance to become a community event that brings the people of Clifton to the high school for the concert.”

For those fans of the MadCap’s contemporary direction, the upcoming spring concert will be a treat.

“In the spring,” said Pinto, “we have a theme show where students create a dynamic performance that will incorporate other surprises. For example, last year we collaborated with the sign language class to sing a song in Sign language. The twist was we ended the song only in Sign... leaving the entire audience in silence.”

This spring concerts’ theme is “Every Story is A Love Story,” which will feature love songs for the first half of the performance. The second half will present a story through music.

The 2017 Mad Caps: Jessica Alexander, Nicole Alexander, Evelyn Amoh, Arianna The spring program (to be held in Castro, Christian Collazo-Falcon, Samantha Mei Dong, Mehmet Eroglu, Kiara May 2018) presents another chalFisbeck, Emma Floyd, Selena Fruit, Sebastian Gallon, Christopher Grullon, Steven Guzman, Eman Hamdeh, Jason Hansen-Liranzo, Rosernelys Heredia, Charles lenge. Due to the group’s increasing Hiromoto, Willow Mancini, Juneika Martinez Malave, Brandon McLaughlin, Sarah numbers, Pinto is scrambling to find Naftaoui, Irene Nunez-Macea, Lindy Ann O Dell, Wendy Olmos, Marcus Perez, enough updated costumes.

Marco Pires, Madison Potash, Zariah Rivera, Denisse Rodriguez, Leslie Rodriguez “The kids of Clifton are so talentStephanie Rojas, Sean Sandberg, Liana Vega, Briana Vinci, Zali Williams, Angel ed,” Pinto said, “it’s such an honor to Guanga, Steven Peralta, Eva Zaruki and Hannah Kulesa. work with them every day.”

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Salena Indargit, Kaitlyn Grabley, Vincent Perry, Sara Liszner, Ashley Kulesa, Janice Owusu, Ziare Clar, Alison Silvestri, Upasna Mistry, kneeling: Jillian Bartkowski and Ethan De Rose-Travia

Need a dose of the Holidays? The Clifton High School Orchestra will hold its annual winter concert on Dec. 21 at 7 pm in the school’s JFK Auditorium (located near the main entrance). The CHS String Ensemble will kickoff the performance.

This year’s concert combines traditional favorites, like Sleigh Ride and Festive Sounds of Hanukkah, with brand new selections, including selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas and Concert Suite from The

Polar Express. Keeping with tradition, the closing performance will feature the combined String Ensemble and Orchestra.

For the CHS Orchestra’s graduating seniors, the performance will be bittersweet as it will be their last winter concert.

For some, it will be their tenth concert with Orchestra Director Natalie Babiak, which includes the annual winter, spring and all-city concerts.

Happy Holidays from the

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46 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Closed Christmas & New Years Day

Stephanie Escarraman, Carmina Senosin, Maya Indarjit, Emanuel Garcia Sanchez, Nicholas Bran, Brian Lopez, Mackenzie Miller, Aryanah Solano. Bottom Photo: Jaqueline Hinoyosa, Liali Mustafa, Brittany Deza, Jeb Caliolio, Angelic Galindo, Daniella Marrero, Linda Cruz-Acevedo, Allison Belaunde. Not pictured: Dante Hatcher and Daniel Giust

Concert tickets may be purchased at the door for a donation of $2, which goes toward the music scholarship fund awarded to select seniors at the end of the school year.

Many of the performers are also part of Clifton’s TriM Music Honor Society, which is comprised of a unique group of students who stand out in their performing arts field, which includes Clifton High School’s Orchestra, Concert Band and Choir.

Students involved in Tri-M not only perform well but donate their time, efforts and talent to the community. The Tri-M advisors are Natalie Babiak, Bryan Stepneski and Cory Pinto.

Upcoming Winter Concert dates are as follows: Choir, Dec. 14; Orchestra, Dec. 21; and Band, Jan. 25.

All concerts begin promptly at 7 pm in Clifton High School’s JFK Auditorium.

See you there!

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T raditions & Memories

Tour de Clifton

47th Annual Get Ready for Wailing Sirens & Mini Parade It’s an event. It’s an institution. It’s an outpouring of community spirit. And mostly it’s lots and lots of old-fashioned fun. We’re talking about this year’s 47th Annual Tour De Clifton on Dec. 24, which is Christmas Eve. If you are new to town get ready, because you’ll first hear it off in the distance...

48 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Beginning at 3 pm and lasting for six to eight hours —after which children should be safely tucked in their beds anyway—Santa does his annual circuit of the city, escorted by the wailing sirens of police and fire vehicles and lots of helpers.

Santa will be easy to spot since he’ll either be atop a fire engine or riding his own personal float all around town, courtesy of Bond Parade Floats & Displays Company of Clifton.

Santa and his team of reindeer always looks forward to visiting Clifton since he, the elves, and the team of reindeer can’t get their beloved Hot Texas Wieners up at the North Pole.

Santa’s Christmas Eve ride through the town was founded by Mike Novack and Tom Insinga in 1971.

Today it is a group effort, coordinated by Mayor Jim Anzaldi and a host of other elves.

While no longer a Clifton business owner, Novack said it was a group effort that started the tradition— with support from many—the Athenia Business Association, Ploch’s, Al Sabah, Joe Podolak, Frank Mileto, Chuck Ranges, Jerry Zecker and others.

Santa on our covers throughout the years A look back at some of our covers featuring everyone’s favorite jolly character.

The pre-mall Clifton of those days was different. Main Ave. was full of well-know locallyowned stores, as were neighborhoods in Botany, Athenia, and along Valley Rd. Back then, each shop owner or business association would contribute money for games and toys that Santa would hand out. With stops in these retail neighborhoods, his route was a lot different then and a lot longer.

“We used to start at 10 am and we’d have designated stops where kids could climb on Santa’s sleigh and visit,” Insinga recalled in 1998. “There would be little toys and games and candy canes given out. After the stops, Santa and company would ride throughout the city until about 10 pm.”

In those early days, a young Anzaldi dressed as an elf and would ride on the float.

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T raditions & Memories Now he is content to ride in the lead police car, directing which streets they will drive down. As time went on, Insinga explained, it became more difficult to maintain the stops, due to the large number of children waiting to see Santa.

Instead, they decided to just ride through the city, sirens blaring, waving curious residents. Incidentally, they put on about 56 miles every Christmas Eve. Although his drive through the city is in its 47th year, the current jolly guy, Pat Doremus, seen at right with a current helper, said the town is changing and new neighbors may not be familiar with this tradition.

What first begins as concern turns into wonder.

“They don’t expect this when they hear the sirens.

They come running out of the house with babies in blankets. Then they see us and they like what we do,” he said last December.

The caravan starts at the DPW garage in Lakeview.

From there, it goes through Botany, then up to Clifton Center and Dutch Hill, through Athenia, Rosemawr, Delawanna, Richfield, Allwood, Montclair Heights, Albion, and finishes back in Lakeview.

50 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Anzaldi noted they try to retain the same route and times each year and go up and down all streets, except dead-ends and cul-de-sacs because the float doesn’t back up. Anzaldi added that they have never missed a single Christmas Eve outing since the route’s inception.

“There were nights of bitter cold and still we kept on. Once we had a flat tire, but we fixed it right away and lost only 15 minutes,” Anzaldi said. For additional info, call 973- 470-5757.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Bicycle Buying

By Tom Hawrylko

Thousands of you—OK, perhaps dozens—will purchase a bicycle this month. Thus, your first Shop Clifton First! task is really easy. Go to The Bike Shop at 770 Van Houten Ave. to buy bikes and helmets for yourself and the kids.

As someone who often commutes and spends leisure time biking, I am a regular longtime customer. In fact, I’ve purchased bikes for the kids and myself at the old Clifton Speed when Fran and Joe Coco owned it.

These days, its the Kocsis Family, operated by son Kyle and his mom Debbie, who get my business. Kyle is an expert bike mechanic, and he has more than once repaired or tuned-up my Trek.

So if you are ready to purchase a bike, the folks at The Bike Shop are the experienced professionals who will sell you the right bike and offer it at a fair price.

They’ll help you select the proper frame and model.

For instance, you do not want a road bike if the rider is going to be driving in the dirt. Nor do you want a racing bike for cruising. The Bike Shop has a nice selection of higher-quality bikes which are built to last.

52 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Chain stores typically sell cheaper products, with cheaper parts, which wear out quickly and can break easily. Remember, there’s much more involved to a bicycle purchase than the paint job.

The bicycle you buy, and particularly where you buy it, has a potentially huge impact on your safety (or the child you are putting on it) and your comfort.

Remember, you get what you pay for.

Bicycles are vehicles that can travel at high speeds.

To do their best for you, they need to be constructed of quality materials, assembled by a real bicycle mechanic, and then adjusted by a professional to fit your body.

The Bike Shop on Van Houten Ave. in Athenia has the people that can do that and properly size you or your child with a quality helmet.

As I stated previously, I consider myself to be a bit of an expert when it comes to self-propelled two-wheeled forms of transportation. So if you are planning to put a bike under the tree this year, I encourage you to buy it at The Bike Shop. The Kocsis family will provide great value and superior service, guaranteed.

Additional Holiday Hours Sunday Dec. 10 open 8 am-1pm Sunday Dec. 17 open 8 am-1pm Closed Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan. 1

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Pork rules! We have several great Polish delis in town plus the Hungarian Meat Market at 189 Parker Ave. Go and bet your dupa at/on any of ‘em.

Wine (and beer) making at Corrado’s. A few tickets to the 19th James Corrado Amateur Wine-Making competition on Jan. 26 is a great gift idea for anyone who enjoys the refined grape and delicious food.

ShopRite Wines & Spirits of Clifton on Paulison Ave. offers a great selection of wines, distilled spirits and hard-to-find, low production craft beers.

54 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Hookahs are for any aspiring pashas out there. (And yes, we know it’s not really a nice habit.)

Clifton sure has plenty of places to buy these rather complicated-looking contraptions and channel your inner Ottoman, including the largest hookah warehouse and retail store in the USA, Hookah Paradise at 1219 Main Ave.

If you don’t have time to “bake it yourself,” Lakeview Bakery may just prove to be paradise. They are at 308 Lakeview Ave., 7 days a week.

ew

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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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, Diwali 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 Oct. 18) 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, which 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 The season began this year on May 26, 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. 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.

56 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Hanukkah A time when Jews celebrate their victory for religious freedom with the eight day Festival of Lights, which begins on Dec. 12.

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 followed.

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 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.

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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 farm animals and laid in a manger.

Angels told shepherds of his birth and they immediately visited the infant Jesus. A star appeared above the stable, leading Three Wise Men across the desert to the place of Jesus’ birth.

The Wise Men came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn King.

60 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

* Rates are effective August 9, 2017 and are subject to change. For full credit card disclosure please visit us at www.novafcu.com.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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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 nondairy 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, celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

It is based on six criteria of a people—history, mythology, creativity, social structure, political organization, and economics. 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 (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), 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).

62 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Baha’i Faith Celebrated in 2017 on Oct. 22, the Birth of Baha’ u’ llah, the Founder of the Faith, who was born in Tihran, Persia (Tehran, Iran) in 1917. His father 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. 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 in the prison of Akka in Israel. Baha’ u’ llah has over 100 volumes of revelation in which He has introduced a prescription for world peace. His teachings are: the unity of God’s Prophets, the oneness of the human race, the search after truth, elimination of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, and equality of women and men.

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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Passaic County Employers: 973-340-3400 • Ext. 7223 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

63

Passaic players were laying on the Mustang at the 50-yard line, jubilant beyond words. The Indians were having a full-blown victory party on Clifton’s field, and it made Ralph Cinque sick to his stomach.

All the third-year head coach could do was watch as Passaic did to his team what the Mustangs had done 16 of the last 17 times they’d met—celebrate a victory over their rival.

It was one of the few times during his head coaching tenure that Cinque felt so low. From his perspective, he’d let the program—the one for which he once starred as a player—down.

The loss to the Indians was the first on Clifton’s home field since 1999 (and just its second overall since 2000). It stung every Mustang player, coach, fan and alumnus in the stadium.

But no one’s pain was sharper than Cinque’s. In reality, though, the unexpected defeat—or, more specif64 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

ically, ensuring that his team responds to it properly— is just the latest challenge that Cinque has been confronted with since his hiring in May 2015.

During his time as a player and assistant coach, Cinque had seen so many Clifton teams crumble after devastating losses. Now, it is on him to prevent one stunning setback from negating three years of achievements.

Cinque has already shown the ability to pass test, after test, after test. He has done it with remarkable regularity, in fact. So much so that upon examination, one can easily see that if a report card were to be issued on the Cinque era, it would surely give the program high marks.

Leadership recognizing leadership One area of legitimate concern when Cinque was hired was the fact that as a first time head coach, he had no long-time staff the way veterans of the business generally do.

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The program he was taking over was in disarray (after a disastrous 1-9 2014 season) and he couldn’t afford to fail in piecing together a staff that would command respect, keep order and get the best out of its players.

“It was the middle of May,” Cinque recalled. “I knew I needed guys who had been places and been in a variety of situations. That’s why over the past several years I’ve tried to get people like [veteran coach] Angelo Intile and [Pascack Valley legend] Craig Nielsen on staff.”

Veteran presence: check.

Then, he made sure to hire coaches that had the ability to not only relate to teenage football players, but also keep their attention long enough to teach and motivate them.

He kept football junkie/former Mustang Matt Wright as a holdover from Steve Covello’s staff, recognizing Wright’s contagious intensity and constant desire to deepen his education in the Cinque was inducted into the Clifton Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. game.

Cinque also brought in Anthony Clifton coach Chet Parlavecchio; teach as effectively as Giordano, the quarterback of the Mustangs’ 2006 North former Mustang baseball coach Paul Pignatello; recogI, Group IV championship team, largely due to the nize talent like Garrett and Montclair State’s Rick endorsement of Kean University (and Clifton alumnus) Giancola; mentor and delegate like Clifton state chamDan Garrett. Wright and Giordano have excelled in pionship coach Ron Anello. their respective roles as Clifton’s defensive and offenThat isn’t to say Cinque has reached icon status sive coordinators. already. In the big picture, he is still a coaching pup.

Successful staff construction: check.

But to be able to teach, one also must be able to learn, A coaching sponge An oversized ego has been the pitfall of leaders in many walks of life. Cinque has checked his at the door time and time again.

When he was hired, he spoke of the who’s who of coaching greats he has played for or coached under. He said he wanted to take their best attributes and make them a part of his coaching repertoire. It sounded good, but actually doing it would remain to be seen.

He has largely succeeded.

He’s tried to game plan in the mold of [St. Joseph legend] Tony Karcich; exude the passion of former 66 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

and Cinque’s ability to forward his knowledge speaks volumes.

“I saw Tony Karcich at an all-league meeting, and he said he had read a quote of mine, and said it reminded him of something [he] would say,” Cinque said with pride. “What is a better compliment than that? I don’t see myself as being respectfully feared, like Chet, and I don’t know if I see myself as the father figure the way some people see Ron. But I feel like I do a pretty good job of motivating kids. You’ll hear me say ‘raise your standard’ to our kids. And it isn’t just yelling—I try to practice what I preach.”

Absorbing/ Implementing Knowledge: check.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Courage in decision-making Cinque was fearless as a running back. No matter how poor his supporting cast (his teams as a player at Clifton went a combined 6-10-2), he was a powerhouse with the rock.

As a coach, he has been equally courageous—as illustrated several times during the 2016 campaign. He wasn’t afraid to bench a half-dozen starters for skipping a practice before a pivotal game against Hackensack.

He sat a pair of the Mustangs’ best players before last season’s Thanksgiving game for the same reason. He made a midseason quarterback change when Clifton’s passing game had cratered.

No matter the blowback, Cinque wasn’t going to deviate from the single most important message he wished to convey to his team. “Nobody is above the program,” Cinque said. “This job, and this game, are about teaching lessons. When kids see that I am sitting captains, I think they understand that I am not cherry picking. The rules apply to all of us.”

Making the Tough Decisions: check.

68 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Success Cinque is only the second Clifton coach (after the legendary Bill Vander Closter) to guide the Mustangs to the postseason thrice straight, and is the first to do so in his first three years on the job.

The former running back has helped produce backto-back 1,400-yard rushers in Saadiq Pitts and David Martinez—after Clifton hadn’t had a single back break 1,000 from 1998 to 2015.

Of course, things haven’t been perfect.

Clifton has been one-and-done in the playoffs each time. They’ve had a few stinkers (like a tie against Eastside and a letdown loss to Bergenfield in 2015), and of course had their hearts broken this season on Thanksgiving.

But they’ve gone 16-13-1 during Cinque’s tenure, and have continued on an upward trajectory throughout these early years.

Players who in the past might have jettisoned Clifton for parochial or technical schools have largely begun to stay and represent their hometown.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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The program is stable, confident and primed for a big 2018 that will see the returns of Martinez, quarterback Armani Brinson, several offensive linemen and a host of defensive starters.

Progress, Achievement and Optimism: check.

Looking Ahead Recapping accomplishments still doesn’t lessen Cinque’s agony over the 42-35 loss to Passaic. It doesn’t help to remind him that he was without Brinson (broken left thumb) and consequently any real passing threat to keep the Indians’ defense honest.

To Cinque, it is his failure. Even when someone tells him it isn’t, he insists it is, and he wears it without hesitation. It is not the players’ failure—in his mind, it is his.

It’s really no use to insist otherwise.

In Cinque’s mind, his responsibility has increased tenfold. It is up to him to make sure that the utter shock that permeated Clifton Stadium on Thanksgiving results in a positive turning point for Clifton football—where the entire roster kicks it up a notch to make sure the 2018 season is one for the books.

“I will never let any coach on this staff or any player forget that we lost that game,” Cinque vowed. “I am not going to beat anyone over the head with it. But anytime someone thinks they can take a day off, I want them to remember. If they

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The response to Thanksgiving is, at the end of the day, a test. And with Cinque’s track record, there is no reason to believe he won’t pass yet again.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

71

Carlton Palmer (1921)

While Clifton’s football legacy has been one of state championships and packed stadiums, it’s also been one of rocky fields, political bickering, and disappointment. Nineteen coaches have lived through those seasons, all leaving their mark on Clifton’s football history. On these pages are the photos of those coaches who have guided generations of young men on the gridiron...

Harry Steinmark (1924)

Art Donnelly 1926-1934

Below are the names and dates of service of two Clifton Football coaches that pictures are not available for: Clifford S. Hurlburt (1922-1923) Steve Holster (1925)

Al Lesko (1935-1940)

Vic Dragon (1941-1944)

Joe Grecco (1945-1963)

Bill Vander Closter (1964-1979)

John Lischak (1980-1981)

Jack Jones (1982-1984)

Dennis Heck (1985-1987)

72 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Alex Kaplanovich (1988-1989)

John Iannucci (1990-1992)

James Kelly (1993-1997)

James D. Hill (1998)

Chet Parlavecchio (1999-2003)

Ron Anello (2004-2010)

Steve Covello (2011-2014)

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During the annual Thanksgiving game, fans could not blink as the game changed so quickly. But in the end, the Passaic Indians triumphed over the Clifton Mustangs at Clifton Stadium, 42-35.

Passaic’s victory is just its second since 2000 and first in five years. Clifton holds a 47-37-5 advantage in the series which began in 1923.

Along with passionate rooting for their teams, fans had equally passionate opinions about Clifton coach Ralph Cinque’s comments in last month’s Clifton

74 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Merchant about the Thanksgiving game date.

Cinque speculated the Clifton-Passaic game could be moved to earlier in the season, citing better weather and the game figuring into the teams’ playoff chances. He added Thanksgiving can make it hard for families to come.

The majority of fans voted a resounding “No!” about moving the game, pointing to tradition and reconnecting with alumni and friends as reasons.

On the following pages are some responses...

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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“

“I just heard about this morning and I think it is a bad idea. This is one of our long time traditions between our towns and it is something that keeps our community together. If it interferes with someone’s Thanksgiving plans, maybe they should move it to a night game. And when the two bands played America the Beautiful, that was just great.”

Coming to the Thanksgiving game is like our band song: What I Did For Love. It shows community support.

The game and the events around it are something I have been doing since high school and now my husband Ryan and I bring our daughter Hailey and she looks forward to it. It is just a fun day, and whether it is here or in Passaic, it is a chance to see old classmates. We even bring in our family from Florida...!

— Mayor Jim Anzaldi with Ron Haraka, CHS 1976

”

— Nicole (Atkens) Humhpreys, CHS 1997

“Keep the tradition! We usually have to work on Thanksgiving but our son Juan Carlos is a Mustang and we love being here. We see a lot of people we know and it’s a great atmosphere. It is something that is good for Clifton and Passaic and the kids and parents.”

— Sandy Franco, PHS 1997 and his wife Rosa (Balareco) Franco, CHS 1998

76 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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77

“That’s ridiculous. I am president of the CHS HSA and we are doing so much to bring pride and school spirit back. Look around. This game has it. Parents are here, alumni, kids from CHS and the elementary schools... This brings the town together. We are trying to do so much with parental involvement and now they want to get rid of this? I am not sure whose idea this is because they do not realize how important this tradition is to Clifton.”

— Jennifer Algieri, at the end on the right, with others in the volunteer kitchen crew

“I love the tradition of the Thanksgiving game. If you are in the playoffs and worried about injuries, then play the second string. Just so everyone knows, the last championship team in 2006 was going to the finals and our Mustangs played hard. But the boys said we are not getting into the losing mentality. And yes there was an injury but Matt Davella came back. They willed themselves to win. If they switch the game, I think they rip the heart out of the Thanksgiving season in Clifton. I love the rivalry but this is about hometown pride and tradition.”

— Bob Fierro with James P. Sieradzki

“Clifton is known for its traditions,” said Nazier Navarro, a 2017 Passaic grad who was also a cheerleader. “It’s been going on for so long, why change it?” Brittany Calderon, a 2017 CHS grad and cheerleader, said she appreciates how the game connects the kids from the two towns. “There are so many nice things associated with it... like the breakfast for cheerleaders, the dinner for the teams and the band stuff. It’s that tradition that brought us together as friends.”

— PHS 2017 Nazier Navarro and CHS 2017 Brittany Calderon

78 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“I understand how the games interferes with the schedule if you are headed for the playoffs,” said Morgan. “I also understand how it can be tough on the people that have to organize and run a game, especially if they have family. But when you are in education, you have to realize something like this is more than a job.

Look around, and you see community... kids, parents... there is a lot of good stuff about this tradition. I hope they keep it.”

- Former CHS Band Director Bob Morgan

“There is a creeping commercialism in high school sports,” said Paul Pignatello, a former CHS baseball coach and retired Athletic Director in Montville. He noted that indeed there is a growing trend to do away with Thanksgiving day games, citing Montclair and Bloomfield being among the two schools looking to eliminate the turkey day game. “Keeping the game on Thanksgiving makes it special.”

— Paul Pignatello with Flo Calise and Norm Tahan

Former BOE Commissioner Norm Tahan asked...

“Why put another tradition to the wayside? To me, young people do not understand the value of tradition. We don’t have to do Thanksgiving but it is the responsibility of us as elders to keep traditions that have helped to build America. What’s next? Getting rid of the Fourth of July? I began going to the Thanksgiving game with my dad when we played Garfield. I may have not have gone to the other games but it was our tradition to go every year and it is something I continue with my kids. Keep it on Thanksgiving.”

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79

CHS

Wrestling Mustang Sports by Tom Szieber One thing is for sure for Clifton wrestling: it is a time of change for a program that has experienced great success in recent years.

After falling just short of its fourth consecutive sectional championship match last year, Clifton heads into this winter without a starstudded cast. Instead the Mustangs have a hungry, young group that hopes to start the next era of Clifton wrestling by overcoming underdog status and winning.

“We’ve lost a lot,” conceded head coach Dan Geleta. “But you have to

concentrate on the process, make sure we have fun, learn, and build to be successful.”

The top returnee from last year’s 17-3 squad is senior Nick Nosai, a strong defensive wrestler who went 27-7 and won the Passaic County title at 170 pounds. Nosai was also a district second and region fifth, and should wrestle at either 182 or 195 this season.

Geleta has observed a highly motivated athlete who is determined to qualify for th NJSIAA individual tournament in Atlantic City.

80 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 22 Dec 23 Jan 3 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 8 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 19 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 2 Feb 9

Invitational @Fair Lawn @Ridgefiled Park Parsippany Hills Passaic @Orange @Bloomfield Leonia @Don Bosco

West Milford @Passaic Valley JFK PCTI @Wayne Valley Lodi

10am 7pm 6pm 9am 6pm

6pm 10am 6pm 7pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 6pm 7pm 6pm

“Nick is doing everything possible to qualify for states,” said Geleta.

“He is very tactical. He has a plan before he steps on the mat, and follows through as much as possible.

He is very quick for upper weights.”

MUSTANG SPORTS Wrestling Senior Matt DePasque, a 2017 county runner-up and district third, returns at either 120 or 126, and is just 31 wins away from 100 for his career.

Now a seasoned veteran, DePasque will look to improve on sticking to a game plan, committing to a move and following through.

Similarly, senior Alex Rodriguez (138 to 152) will be a cog in the lineup and try to eliminate unnecessary risks while continuing to employ his high-energy style.

Senior Diego Parra will be Clifton’s heavyweight and brings to the mat a small move set with which he is extremely proficient. Like his brother – 2016 graduate Daniel Parra – he is a pinner who figured to pick up important team points for the Mustangs this year. Parra was 10-9 as a junior.

Junior Ahmad Aboudayya (160/170), sophomore Eddie Maldonado (160/170), sophomore Ahmed Muheisen (145/152) and senior Daniel Leon (132/138) will be counted on to contribute, as well.

There is no doubt there will be challenges for the Mustangs, who last season fell to Passaic County Tech, 35-27, in the playoffs to fall short of a fourth straight trip to the sectional finals. With the loss of James Murdoch,

A.J. Tudda, Sean Yadimarco, Jacob Abill and a host of others, there is no doubt there is a rebuild on the horizon.

Still, with Geleta and some determined grapplers, Clifton is hoping it won’t take long to regain contender status.

“I will guarantee you this: our guys will improve as the season goes on,” Geleta said. “I like the enthusiasm and that these guys want to learn. They try to get better with each practice.

“These guys have waited for their opportunity and are going to be out there getting experience.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

81

MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball

CHS Girls

Returning varsity Mustangs players, from left Olivia Hirst, Sharita Simpson, Jordan Rivers, Shahd Badeer, Emely Guzman and Amani Brisson. Missing from photo: Guilana Richards.

Last season, the Clifton girls basketball team lost far too many close games, ending up with a 9-18 record and a disappointing loss to Passaic in the play-in round of the Passaic County Tournament.

The Mustangs did qualify for the North 1, Group 4 playoffs, but were a oneand-done after a first round loss to Bloomfield.

With four key contributors back, head coach Angelo Intile is hopeful that some of those close losses can become victories this winter, and perhaps result in greater success at tournament time.

“Would I love to see us in double digit [wins]? Yes,” Intile said. “It won’t be easy, because we play a tough independent schedule. For us to be successful, the top players have to perform and up their game. If they play to their potential, they can have a good year.”

Senior guard Jordan Rivera is back for her fourth varsity campaign and is just 146 points shy of the 1,000-point milestone. Averaging a team-high 15 per game last season, she also led the Mustangs in assists (4.0 apg) and steals (4.0 spg). She is effective on the boards, as well, and was a first team AllBig North Liberty and first team All-Passaic County player.

82 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Basketball Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 21 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 30 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 7 Jan 9 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 30 Feb 1 Feb 6 Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 20 Feb 22

@Passaic 4pm @PCTI 4pm JJFK 4:15pm Ridgefield Park 11am @Cresskill 11am Bergenfield 11am Bergen Tech 4:30pm West NY Memorial 4:30pm Union City 10am @IHA 7pm @ Eastside TBD Nutley 11:30am Wayne Hills 4pm @Fair Lawn 4:15pm Hoboken 11am Passaic 4pm @JFK 7pm Kearny 4pm Eastside 4:30pm @Bergen Tech 7pm PCTI 4pm @West Milford 7 pm Wayne Valley 4pm Morris Hills 4:15pm Ramsey 6pm

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

83

MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball Her backcourt mate, Giuliana Richards, is an well-rounded athlete who also plays lacrosse and soccer. The junior averaged 6.8 points per game last season and was a second team All-Big North Liberty selection.

Junior center Shahd Badeer will be a presence in the paint. A strong rebounder, she is agile and improving in the post. Badeer pulled down 8.6 boards per game last season. She will share the frontcourt with senior forwards Olivia Hurst and Sharita Simpson, both adept defensive players.

Seniors Emily Guzman and sophomore Skyler Wheeler will be in the rotation, as well.

Junior guard Amani Brinson will be major part of the Mustangs’ defensive effort, while junior Isis Watson and sophomores Grace Shukaitis, Tori White, Nadeen Salman will all likely see increased roles as the season progresses.

“I want us to be able to compete every night,” said Intile. “And I want to see the best out of them. Most important is that we don’t give up when things go bad. We just need to work hard.”

84 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

As Christmas approaches, the students, faculty and staff of Paramus Catholic High School participate in the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Project in association with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark.

“Catholic Charities makes it possible for the Church to exercise charity – to be a Church that reaches out and lives the mission of service to the poor and vulnerable – providing help and creating hope.”

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark

ComBininG FaitH and EduCation

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2018, 7-9 pm Call us: 201-445-4466 x 104 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

85

MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Basketball

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CHS Boys Mustangs from left Joe Lauritano, Hani Abuhadba, Karam Hallak, Ali Coleman, Tyler White, Adeeb Yousef and Lazar Jankovich

When Mike Cadmus took over the Clifton boys basketball program prior to last season, his goal was to transform it into one that could better handle adversity and pull out victories when the chips were down. In year one, they showed the signs of becoming that type of team, qualifying for the North I, Group IV playoffs and scoring victories over Passaic County Tech and Passaic Valley, wins they might not have achieved in previous campaigns.

Now, in Cadmus’ second season in charge, the Mustangs are hoping they can take the leap from lovable underdogs to real threats in a somewhat cluttered Passaic County.

“The main thing we have to do is continue to buy in, continue to believe in each other,” Cadmus said. “This year, this team is a family. When we face adversity, we can either crumble – like some older Clifton teams did – or, like the program we want to be, take a deficit and turn it into a win.”

The earliest sign of adversity occurred during football season, when junior shooting guard Armani Brinson – Clifton football’s starting quarterback— broke his left thumb in a playoff loss to Ridgewood. It will sideline him until at least Christmas and was an early setback for the team’s most talented player. The hit is less devastating than it might otherwise be, though, thanks to the talent in the Mustangs’ backcourt.

86 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Basketball Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 21 Dec 27 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 6 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb1 Feb 6 Feb 8 Feb 13 Feb 15 Feb 17 Feb 20

Passaic PCTI @JFK Morris Knolls @ Livingston @Bergen Tech Ferris @West NY Fort Lee Eastside @Mahwah @Wayne Hills Fair Lawn Hoboken @Passaic JFK West Essex @Eastside Bergen Tech @PCTI West Milford Don Bosco @Wayne Valley Nutley @Snyder

4pm 4pm 7pm 3pm TBD 7pm 11:30am 7pm 4:15pm 4:30pm 12pm 7pm 4:15pm 1pm 4pm 4:15pm 11:30 am 7pm 4:30pm 4pm 6pm 4:15pm 7pm 11:30am 6pm

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MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Basketball It starts with senior guard/forward Adeeb Yousef, a player who has worked his way into a feature role after spending last season as a ninth or tenth man in the lineup. He is a gritty, old school type of player that is committed to the game and can both score and rebound. He is a prototype program player who showed his stuff in summer and fall leagues, averaging right around 20 points per game.

“I think one of the reasons [he improved so much] is that he saw himself getting better, and I think he got addicted to getting better,” Cadmus said. “He has made a great jump each year. That is what you want to see, and he has done that.”

Senior guard Tyler White adds consistency, leadership and exceptional defensive hustle to the starting line up. White takes care of the basketball, and has worked hard to develop a more reliable shot – something Clifton needed after losing its three best shooters to graduation.

Junior Lazar Jankovich, a recent transfer from Serbia, will fill a void left by now-graduated Harton Stephenson in the Clifton frontcourt.

A 6-4 athlete with a strong shot, he will add another layer to the Mustangs lineup that otherwise might be a major void.

Senior Hani Abuhadba or junior Dallas Strickland will fill one of the other guard slots. Both are fast and can attack the basket, and got plenty of meaningful off-season work in with Brinson leading the Mustangs to the postseason on the gridiron.

Senior Karam Hallak will share big man duties with Jankovich, as will senior Ali Coleman, junior Joe Lauritano and freshmen Dylan Montalvo and Matt Okorie.

Clifton’s mission to return to the playoffs and improve on its 11-15 finish from a year ago will also depend on its ability to develop greater depth. Its bench will come along throughout the course of the year, but sophomore guard/forward Jose Morales and sophomore forward Jack Louer will be relied upon early to provide valuable minutes.

Together, this group seems to have all the parts to take some big

steps in year two under Cadmus.

Cohesiveness will be the key, and Cadmus believes the Mustangs are already showing togetherness will not be a problem for what is already a tight-knit group.

“This team is more together than any I’ve coached here,” Cadmus said. “They play as a family and have an edge. They got a taste last year of what it means to win. They don’t want to go backwards.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

87

MUSTANG SPORTS Hockey

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J y t s After a 15-8-1 year that saw the Clifton ice hockey team fall in the final games of the Big North Cup, Silver Division and Passaic County tournaments, the Mustangs bring back most of that group to try and make deeper runs in the postseason.

With a potent offense and a gritty defense, the Mustangs look poised for another successful winter.

“I think there is a lot of room for improvement,” said veteran head coach Tom Danko. “But watching the [preseason] we’ve had, if we keep getting better, we are

88 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

going to be very tough. I think we will be one of the top teams in the division.”

Clifton got off to a bit of a tough start on Nov. 25, dropping a 6-1 game to Paramus at Floyd Hall Arena, but still figure to win plenty of games.

If the Mustangs are going to be successful, they will need forwards James Fusaro and Nick Petriella to put up points.

Fusaro, a junior, is one of the top scorers in Passaic County and has 50 career goals and 28 career assists.

CHS

Hockey

He is joined on defense by sophomore Vinny Petriella, a converted forDec 1 River Dell 5:30pm ward.

The transition has been smooth Dec 3 @Paramus Catholic TBD so far, and Petriella could turn into Dec 8 Fair Lawn 6:40pm Dec 9 @Paramus 9:15pm one of the division’s biggest surprises.

Dec 16 Paramus 7:40pm He scored the Mustangs’ lone Sophomore Jaden Fortuna will Dec 15 Northern Highlands 4pm goal in the season-opening loss to replace 2017 grad Tyler Gibson in the Dec 16 @Pascack Valley 5pm the Spartans. Petriella, a senior, has a Dec 22 Pascack Valley 5:30pm goal. Fortuna saw limited action last Dec 23 @Passaic Valley 7:10pm similar skill set, as does junior forseason but with off-season training Jan 3 @Montclair 3:15pm ward Jason Finan. Both recorded an this past year, he has shown signifiJan 5 Tenafly 6:40pm assist against Paramus.

Jan 6 @Northern Highlands 9pm cant improvement throughout the Jan 8 @Fair Lawn 7:40pm “James has good speed and, when early weeks of the preseason.

Jan 19 Paramus Catholic 3:20pm he gets going, he is tough to catch,” Despite giving up five goals against Jan 26 Morris Catholic 6:40pm Danko said. “He can score goals and Jan 27 Northern Valley-Demarest 5pm Paramus, he also made 26 saves.

Feb 2 Passaic Valley 4:20pm he can make a play.

Danko said that with the schedule, Feb 3 @River Dell 7;15pm “Nick and James are playmakers Fortuna will surely be tested early, but Feb 9 @Colonia 3:15pm who can put the puck in the net.

Feb 13 @Eastside 3 pm has good defensive support and is They are going to be a handful for a ready for the challenge. lot of teams.”

The coach feels confident he has the building blocks The Mustangs should be stout on defense, as well. in place. “These guys work real hard all year round,” Junior Chris Poplawski is back after a big sophomore Danko said of the team. “They play in the summer, too. year and will look to be the team’s anchor. In addition They’ve put the time in, and when they do that, they to his defensive prowess, he can rush the puck and come in and they’re ready to go. We should have a score, and play forward if needed. good year.”

From left Benjamin Hernandez, Jakub Ciberej, Bryan Krawiec, Karol Vida, manager Kheing Uyen, Nick Petriella and big Eric ‘The Independent Variable’ Sandberg.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

89

MUSTANG SPORTS Track

CHS

track

Front from left: Carlos Perez, Luis

A year after both Clifton indoor Dec 17 @ Rothman Center 9am Zorrilla, Sonny Ruiz, Kevin Heredia, Dec 19 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm Antonio Caballero. Second row: track teams finished second in Dec 22 @ Garfield HS 4:30pm Daniel Olgado, Max Dubac, Jordan Passaic County, both come into Dec 28 @ Staten Island 9:30am Laceste, and Takashi Yuasa.

2017-18 looking to again contend.

Jan 2 @ Rockland Comm.

4pm Jan 5 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm Both squads have some heavy hitters which she finished second in Passaic Jan 6 @ Garfield 1pm at the top of their rosters, and have County. She and senior Hadeel Jan 10 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm the look of teams that can have Alshujaieh give the Mustangs depth Jan 15 @ Staten Island 4:30pm impressive runs if the role players in distance events, while junior Jan 22 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm Jan 24 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm can step up.

Brianna Morrison (pole Jan 29 @ Staten Island 5pm “On the boys side, I think the vaulter/jumper/sprinter) provides Feb 6 @ Rothman Center 4:30pm league and county are wide open,” Clifton with a multi-talented star who Feb 7 @ Garfield 6pm said head coach Mike Rogers. can contribute in a number of areas.

“In most years I can probably pick Among the girls’ other contributhe top two or three teams, but this year it seems anytors will be junior sprinter Antoinette Muir, sophomore one can have a shot. Hopefully we get some help from sprinter Brianna Rubio and senior shot putter Janice some new athletes. On the girls side, they were the runOwusu. ner up in the county last year, and I expect them to The boys have a bit less depth, but have a bulldozer make another run.” at the top of the lineup. Senior Kevin Heredia is one The Clifton girls won the Big North Liberty Division New Jersey’s best distance runners, having medaled in a year ago and return senior hurdler/jumper/sprinter the 800-meter in the state Meet of Champions last seaAlenys Morales to the fold. Morales is the Mustang son. He recently accepted a full scholarship to Rider girls’ most important athlete and one of the best allUniversity, which Rogers says provides a lot of positive around athletes in North Jersey. energy heading into his senior year. Sophomore Joshua A state Meet of Champions qualifier in long jump Szabo and senior Max Dubac give the Mustangs a pair and high hurdles last spring, she appears to be free of of other strong runners in distance events. injury issues that have nagged her in the past.

Senior Luis Zorilla is a standout shot putter, able to Sophomore distance runner Andrea Dubbels is back, compete with anyone in Passaic County. Clifton also as well, coming off a fantastic cross-country season in has two good senior pole vaulters in Jordan Laceste and 90 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Takashi Yuasa who have the Mustangs believing that – like every year – they’ll be in the mix in North Jersey.

“That is the goal most years,” said Rogers. “We’ve talked about it with our athletes. They want to know where they’re at. They know they can compete. “I’m excited about this year.”

Front row, from left Heaven Vergara, Yakeline Munoz, Samantha Peynado, Sarah Adams, Samantha Rozon and Alenys Morales.

Second row from left: Janice Owusu, Dionna McNair, Asami Maruyama and Hadeel Alshujaieh.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

91

MUSTANG SPORTS Bowling

CHS

Bowling

Tyler Stilley, Jacky Cheng, Carlos Barraza, Sean Cruz, Kaylie Ateniese, Julie-Anne Gamo, Daniela Arce, Johann Gamo, Ana Gjorgjeva, Tyler DeBenedetto, Anthony Vitale, Stephanie Sanchez, Ashley Hernandez, Jazmin Fernandez and Joe Paolillo. Missing are Anthony DuBois, Quishbel Pichardo (captain) and Sarah Naftaoui.

The Clifton boys and girls bowling teams are entering the 2017-18 seaDec 13 Bergen Tech 4pm son much differently than one Dec 14 Passaic 4pm another, but are both hopeful for a Dec 20 JFK 4pm successful winter. For the boys, a Dec 21 PCTI 4pm group of experienced juniors has the He will be joined by classmates Dec 22 Wayne Hills 4pm Jan 4 Fair Lawn 4pm Mustangs thinking big. The girls, Joe Paolillo and Tyler Stilley, who Jan 8 Multiple Schools 4pm meanwhile, are replacing a standout are similarly bowling in the twos on Jan 12 Eastside 4pm in Gabby Pangaro, but have some a regular basis. Sophomore Sean Jan 18 JFK 4pm Jan 19 County Tourn 3pm promise at the top of the lineup and Cruz will round out the lineup.

Jan 24 Bergen Tech 4pm are looking to surprise people.

The girls had a successful season Jan 25 Eastside Paterson 4pm “A lot of these bowlers have come in their own right last year, going 10Jan 29 PCTI 4pm up through the program,” said head 4 (7-3 in the Big North Liberty Feb 5 DePaul 4pm coach Brian Small, who enters his Division), but will be less experi21st season leading the Mustangs. enced with Pangaro’s graduation.

“These kids love bowling, and I’m looking forward to Senior Quishbel Pichardo will be the top bowler for seeing what we can do.” the Mustang girls, and is reliable for 120-140 pins per The boys are looking to build on a 12-2 season that outing. Clifton will need that consistency to prop up a saw them go undefeated in divisional play to win the youthful group.

Big North Liberty and qualify for the state tournament.

Junior Jazmin Fernandez will be Clifton’s No. 2, They have a strong No. 1 leading the charge in junior while freshman Kaylie Ateniese will be third in the lineJohann Gamo. up. Ateniese has bowled prior to reaching high school, Gamo finished 2016-17 with a 214 average and made and has raised some eyebrows with some nice preseason the All-Liberty and All-Passaic County first teams. This performances. preseason, he has consistently bowled in the 200s, and Senior Stephanie Sanchez figures to bowl fourth for is primed for a big year. the Mustang girls.

92 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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MUSTANG SPORTS Swimming

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Swimming

Front, from left Antonios It wasn’t all that long ago that Dec 4 @ PCTI 4pm Stathopoulos, Nikola Kubacka, Corey Esposito was competing in Dec 5 Don Bosco 3:30pm Mariel Buscar, Viktoria Zieba, the pool. A 2010 grad of Wayne Dec 9 @ Pascack Hills 12pm Nicole Kosmidar and Qhemasia Valley High School, Esposito swam Dec 12 Hackensack 3:30pm Rivera; back row Ronnie Liam, Dec 14 @West Essex 7:30pm for the Indians for four years and then Jacob Wojdag and Andre Wos. Dec 19 Wayne Hills 3:30pm for two years at Fairleigh Dickinson Dec 21 DePaul 3pm other events. Other key contributors University.

Dec 28 @Wayne Valley 3pm include senior Mariel Buscar (200Jan 6 County Tourn TBD Now Clifton’s first-year head Jan 9 Ridgewood 3:30pm yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle), swimming coach, his goal is to find Jan 11 Kearny 3:30pm senior Qhemasia Rivera (200-yard effective ways to transfer his knowlJan 18 Lakeland 4pm freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 40-yard edge to a strong and hungry group of Jan 22 @River Dell 5:30pm freestyle relay, 100-yard butterfly) Jan 25 @PCTI TBD Mustangs.

Jan 30 PCTI 3:30pm and junior Nikola Kubacka (200“I was worried about stepping in Feb 9 County Tourn TBD yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle). and not knowing the organizational The much younger Clifton boys part [of being a head coach],” Esposito said. “Going are led by a talented senior in Antonios Stathopoulos, from swimmer to coach, I knew it was important to figwho competes in the 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard ure out how to translate the experience of doing it to getfreestyle and 100-yard butterfly. A long-time Clifton ting other swimmers to do it. So far, it is going well.”

Seahawks swimmer, Stathopoulos is an All-Big North After two years as an assistant at Wayne Valley, he Liberty and All-Passaic County honoree. takes over boys and girls teams at Clifton that head into The Mustangs have skilled freshman including Adrian 2017-18 under two different sets of circumstances.

Baran (100-yard backstroke, 100-yard butterfly, 200The girls are experienced and hoping to make some yard medley relay), Krystian Artwick (200-yard medley leaps with senior Nicole Kosmider leading the way. relay, 100-yard backstroke), Lucas Urbanowycz (200Competing in the 200-yard individual medley and 100yard medley relay, 100-yard breaststroke) and Matthew yard butterfly, Kosmider has a good skill set in each Arias (100-yard backstroke, 200-yard medley relay). stroke and does not have major weakness. A knowledgeJunior Jacob Wojdag (100-yard breaststroke, 200-yard able swimmer, she has aided Esposito in mentoring some freestyle, 400-yard freestyle relay) rounds out the roster. of the squad’s younger members.

“They all have their own preferred stroke,” Esposito She is joined by senior Victorida Zieba, who comsaid of his freshman class. “They do what they do well. petes in the 100-yard breaststroke. Zieba is technically They are a good group to coach.” sound and consistent, and versatile enough to compete in Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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20 VETERANS

Rain may have dampened the streets but the Nov. 5 Veterans parade went on despite the drizzle. Grand Marshal Bill Van Eck, a Vietnam vet, led the bands, veterans, scouts and patriots up Huron Ave. and down Van Houten as participants marched past the reviewing stand in front of City Hall and into the Avenue of Flags.

94 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

17 PARADE

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Nov Veterans Parade 2017

5

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas &Happy Holidays

Wishing Everyone Peace & Good Will in 2018

Councilwoman

Lauren Murphy Thank you for your support!

Councilman Bill Gibson & Robin 96 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Celebrate

Clifton!

Our community’s diversity is truly our strength.

Celebrate Clifton. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

Councilman Steve Hatala Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

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Nov Veterans Parade 2017

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100 December 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Nov Veterans Parade 2017

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Happy Holidays!

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Tel: 973-778-1604 Fax: 973-778-0334 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2016 103

Angie Cardona is sketching out her future – both figuratively and literally.

“My future aspiration is to one day always willing to lend a hand become a famous fine artist and be well to anyone in need. She is sinknown in the art world,” Cardona said. cere, caring, a go-getter, is “I believe that I could reach (that goal) extremely intuitive and an overall one painting or sketch at a time. The sky model student.” is the limit of what I want to accomCardona owes much of her success to plish.” her family. Her parents are hardworkFor now, Cardona, a sophomore, is ing, and she admires how they overmaking her mark at Clifton High, includcame severe poverty in their native ing earning recognition as the December Columbia and their determination to Angie Cardona Student of the Month – a big achieveraise children in the United States. She ment for a self-described shy person. also admires her stepbrother for his calmness in tough sit“I honestly did not expect such an honor,” she said. uations, his advice and his ability to always make her Cardona is usually never without her sketchbook and smile. feels a bit lost without it. She also saves her allowance to Cardona’s success at Clifton High is also making othbuy canvasses to paint and spends about two hours a day ers smile, and one those individuals is her Crafts I teacher listening to rock music while drawing or painting.

Julie Chrobak.

“It lets me concentrate on the subject I’m working on,” “Angie is great,” Chrobak commented. “She is creshe said. “I usually find myself sketching or coloring in ative and really grasps each project. Each time she gives the same rhythm as the music playing.” me a rough draft or completed project, I am delighted not Cardona’s interests go beyond art. She also enjoys just with her talent in the medium, but the way she infusplaying volleyball and soccer with her friends. es both humor and her own personality into each.

“We get a good laugh at it,” she said. In addition, “There is never any question when looking at projects Angie enjoys many academic interests at CHS, especialwhich one is hers. She challenges herself and her work ly science, history and language arts. shows growth and imagination.”

“I believe that there are many parts of the world that Chrobak’s admiration goes beyond Cardona’s artistic are not well known,” she said, “but with the help of scitalent. “In class, she is one of the more mature students, ence, you can find out what different materials are made responsible and always has what is needed to begin work out of and what materials needed to mix and make into each class. And I love that she always has a book to read something new. if she is done with her work early.” “(I like) history because it’s interesting how the Even at a young age, Cardona has a long term view of world changes throughout the years and how one event her time at Clifton High. in history affected the future in a positive or negative “I would say the different and unique people you way. meet over the years, and the teachers that you meet “And lastly language arts because I love to read and along the way, are the best things at CHS,” she said. every book to me is unique. I see (them) as individual “As you proceed throughout the years, you notice canvases on a shelf, each with a different meaning.” how much you have grown from the first day of freshShaina Peattie, Cardona’s former world history man year to graduation – you see the many memories teacher, said, “Angie loves learning about the past. She and fun times you had with your peers. is academically driven, well-respected by her peers and “That’s the best part about CHS.” 104 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Cheers and happy dining from Gerard Scorziello and Kim Renta.

Looking for really good Italian food with the bonus of bringing in your own wine? Then you definitely going to want to head to Lakeview Ave. and make a visit to the delicious and well decorated Bistro Amoré.

As its name implies Bistro Amoré is cozy, romantic and welcoming. Owner/operator Juan Chamizo planned it that way when he opened up on Lakeview Ave., at the former site of Sergio’s Restaurant, just two months ago.

Juan’s tenure as a restaurant owner may be short; however, his roots in the restaurant business go back over 15 years. He began as a waiter at Sergios when it first opened here on Lakeview and then in Lodi.

Now, in less than a year as an owner, Juan is working hard to create a restaurant that truly reflects his commitment to presenting classic Italian cooking with a modern spin, and a dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations for his customers.

It’s in the care and attention everyone receives when they enter the restaurant. It’s in the quality of the ingredi-

106 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

ents and the lovingly prepared menu items and seemingly endless list of daily specials that their waiters know by heart. Juan’s goal is consistency — in the food, in the service, in the very experience of dining at his restaurant and he succeeds on every single one!

The menu contains all the classic dishes you would expect at a fine Italian restaurant, from pastas, to seafood, chicken to veal and everything in between.

But what sets Bistro Amoré apart is Juan’s ability to take in-season ingredients and turn them into mouthwatering “daily specials” that are not to be missed.

You never know what the main ingredient of the night might be. The night we stopped in, beets were being showcased in a variety of different offerings in both appetizer and main course choices.

The ones we tried were outstanding.

Located in a snug yet charming storefront in Lakeview, just across from Lakeview Bakery, Bistro Amoré makes up in substance what it lacks in space.

Reservations are recommended because once word gets out about this place, we think it is going to be very hard to get a table. It’s that good. And, of course, you can always let us know if you need any wine recommendations!

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017 107

Good Read Read Sometimes. “We all have sad days sometimes.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress or fight anxiety and depression, a brighter tomorrow is just around the corner. You are not alone. Find your happy place and someone who will listen.”

The above description tells the story of Sometimes a new children’s book with a message for all ages.

The book is authored by Christopher Columbus Middle School (CCMS) teacher Kim (Carline) Dreher, a 25-year educator, and illustrated by Darryl L. Mouzon.

“Our goal is to reach as many as possible to minimize sadness,” said Dreher.

In its first week, the book was endorsed by crushthesummit.org, which supports teens struggling with a mental illness, and a Maryland Autism Awareness group.

Sometimes is available on amazon.com for $12.95 or at CCMS at a discounted rate of $10.

Proceeds from the CCMS sales go to provide food for those in need this winter. “We were already able to buy nine $20 ShopRite gift cards to add to our Thanksgiving donations,” said Dreher.

Clifton elementary school guidance counselors will have a book copy to share with their students as well.

Dressed for their Halloween parade, these Young at Heart folks meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church at 303 Maplewood Ave. Lillian Hawriluk Gfroehror (the gal with the devil horns in the last row) is the group’s keeper of the flame, writing press releases, helping to organize and inviting others to join. Refreshments are served at 10:30 am to noon followed by a meeting. To join, you have to be 55 or older, (you don’t have to be a church member) and the price of admission is a positive and youthful attitude. Stop in on a Tuesday or call that devil Lilian with any questions: 973-779-5581.

108 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017 109

Back To Lakeview

By Jack De Vries

A view, from pre-Little League (and pre-Nike) days, of the 1949 Lakeview Lions.

Top left: Charles Matt, ‘Red’ Posednic, Ed Zych, Emil Kilianski, Harry Santin, John Van Tuyle, Alex Bidnik.

Bottom: ‘Birdie’ Zirger, Stan Kaminski, Lou Williams Bob Grimes.

Not Pictured: Joe Bioler, ‘Greek’ Kabash and Ed Looney.

For many, Clifton Merchant is more than a magazine.

It’s a chance to go home again. One who travels back is Lakeview native Lou Williams, who now lives in Hackettstown. Born on the kitchen table at 72 Piaget Ave., Williams loves reading about his hometown.

On a whim, he sent in this picture of his 1949 Lakeview Lions, a team run by classmate and former newspaper publisher Alex Bidnik.

“Alex was always the captain,” Williams says. “He organized the team, signed up the players, and handed out the schedules – total control. Alex was a regular George Steinbrenner... before there was George Steinbrenner.”

As a boy, Williams remembered the temporary U.S. Army base set up at Nash Park during World War II, and playing in foxholes left behind on the hill overlooking the Passaic River.

With friends like the late Clifton High announcer and former teacher Bob Zschack, he would spend nearly every summer day at the park, playing baseball games like “One Old Cat.” “We loved it,” Williams said. “Playing like we did, we got to bat 30 times a day. In Little League, the kids only get to bat three times a game.”

Another Nash Park memory was playing for Post 8 and catching balls off the bat of the great Billy DeGraaf.

“Joe Popek was our coach,” he said. “I was a little guy, 110 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

just trying to make the team. I was in the outfield during practice when Billy came up to hit. He knocked this ball way back into dead centerfield. I ran after it, crashed through the forsythia bushes, and slammed into the fence making the catch – best one I ever made in my life. “As I held up the ball to show I caught it, I heard Popek yell, ‘Great hit, Billy!’”

Though his catch was ignored, Williams did get a chance to shine because of DeGraaf. When Billy failed to show for a game, Williams took over behind the plate, despite having almost no catching experience. “I guess that makes me Billy DeGraaf’s back-up,” he laughed.

Williams also remembered nights at School 11 when a sheet was hung outside and 16 mm movies and cartoons were shown.

While the magazine lets him go home every month, there is nothing like a trip back to Clifton.

Some years ago, Williams took his grandson Wade to see Nash Park and the home where he was born. “We had lunch in the Hot Grill,” he said, “which he thought was the greatest place in the world. In fact, I have to go back to get him a t-shirt.” Until he does, Williams will continue to go home every month with Clifton Merchant Magazine.

“I grew up during a wonderful time,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.”

Ten years after Johnny Manganiotis and his dad John opened their first location at 1216 Van Houten Ave., Mr. Cupcakes now has stores in Paramus, Hackensack, Hawthorne and Oradell. But to mark the date and place where it all started, they threw a Clifton party on Nov. 4 with staff and about 100 guests who enjoyed samples, a DJ and giveaways.

Dundee Rail Yards, Passaic 1963

Distiller John Bednar, pictured center, with attorneys Ricky Bagolie and Alan Friedman. The barristers, principals of the New Jersey personal injury law firm of Bagolie Freidman, recently hosted a reception at Silk City Distillers, which is located on River Road, near Rutt’s Hut. Established in 2014, Silk City Distillers is a handcrafted, farm to bottle distillery.

Urban / Rural: Landscapes of Passaic is an exhibit at Lambert Castle on Valley Rd. which features the painting of the late William P. Campbell.

Trained at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts and the School of Fine Arts at William Paterson College, Campbell worked as a US Postal Carrier in Passaic. Many of the pieces reflect his interest in how industry and development mingle with, and sometimes overwhelm, the natural beauty of the Passaic River. Opening Dec. 13, regular admission is adults $5, seniors $4 and children $3.

Info: lambertcastle.org or call 973-247-0085.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017

111

Birthdays & Celebrations

Sarah Lombardo, whom many will remember as the welcoming voice of Clifton City Hall, turns 90 on Dec. 9. She is pictured at center at a celebration with her children, grandkids and great grand kids!

Christina Kedl has a birthday on Dec. 13. That Athenia gem of a jeweler Greg Lacki is Six-O on Dec. 5.

Anthony ‘Tony’ O’Connor is 73 on Dec. 4 and his granddaughter Vivian Margaret Taras will celebrate her 5th birthday on Dec. 16. Noelani Coronel turns 18 on Dec. 9th.

Send dates & names... tomhawrylko@optonline.net Marc Fazio ......................12/1 Ann W. Kissel...................12/1 Corinne Miskowsky ...........12/1 Mannan Amin ..................12/2 Mike Gerardi ...................12/2 Lauren Lawler ...................12/2 Bryan Nolasco .................12/2 Allison Ahdieh ..................12/3 Patrick Lotorto...................12/3

Bridget Rice......................12/3 Sharon Tichacek ...............12/3 Phyllis Galambos ..............12/4 Timothy Gumann...............12/4 Michael Kester..................12/4 Dave Sternbach ................12/4 Michael Vinciguerra ..........12/4 Rosemary Kuruc................12/5 Gregory Lacki...................12/5

112 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Laura Mikolajczyk .............12/5 Michael Ressetar...............12/5 Pat Collucci ......................12/6 Debbie Gorny ..................12/6 Marilyn Gossinger ............12/6 Noel Coronel ...................12/7 Margaret Kungl ................12/7 Mark Mecca.....................12/7 Chris Sadowski.................12/8

Belated birthday wishes to Mary Ann Illenye who celebrated on Oct. 31!

Jamie Osmak.....................12/9 Daniel Fonesca Ramos........12/9 Mark Surgent.....................12/9 Andrew Tichacek ...............12/9 Tyler Roger Vandenberghe.....12/9 Michael McEnerney..........12/10 Bob Snelson ....................12/10 Joey Cofone ....................12/11 Kathleen M. Marshall .......12/11 Diane Meyer ...................12/11 Joseph Rutigliano .............12/11 Richard Peterson ..............12/12 Andy Kent .......................12/13 Danny La Gala ................12/13 Ray Capilli ......................12/14 Mary Kate Kuruc..............12/14 Michael Murolo ...............12/14 Basil Worhach .................12/14 Steven Crawford ..............12/15 Marie Visicaro .................12/15 David Brock.....................12/16 Michael Hrina..................12/16 Hannah Grace Kulesa ......12/17 Jacqueline Gencarrelli ......12/18 Anne Gerardi ..................12/18 Samantha Bassford...........12/19 Stephanie Guzowski.........12/19 Nick Link........................ 12/19 Jayen Montague ..............12/19 Jessie Ducos ....................12/20 Amy Marino ....................12/21 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2017 113

Michelle McEnerney ........12/22 Suman Pinto....................12/22 Joey Cristantiello .............12/24 Soumya Gunapathy .........12/24 Caroline Jane Hanlon ......12/24 Luba Rembis ...................12/24 Ryan John Hariton ...........12/25 Eric Soltis .......................12/25 Thomas Montague ...........12/26 Venessa Collucci .............12/27 Melissa Cordes ...............12/27 James Mazza..................12/29 Steven Bivaletz................12/30 Hunter Conklin ................12/30 Courtney Pinter ...............12/31 Nicholas Cucinella and Joseph Cucinella turn 9 on Dec. 23, report grandparents Gene and Joan Murphy. Carlos (aka The Cake Boss of Lakeview Bakery) and Dayana mark Dayana’s birthday on Dec. 7, their 9th anniversary on Dec. 8 and Carlos’s birthday on Dec. 21.

114 December 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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