Clifton Merchant Magazine - December 2019 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Merry Christmas From the Editor - Tom Hawrylko

When I was doing more hiking and biking back in my 50s, I thought I was going to “do” the Camino de Santiago. I was a long distance bicyclist, making treks from here to Washington or climbing the hills of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Weekends I was up early and hiking in the Delaware Water Gap and other nearby mountain ranges. I found that hiking offered a rhythm and pace to soothe the mind and the soul. So when I read about the Camino, I figured it was the kind of trip I needed, something to challenge my body and my mind. But running this magazine, I never could find the month or more to take off and do the spiritual journey to the northwest corner of Spain. Weeks ago when I met Clifton elementary school teacher Nicole Lavender and she told me of her path to the Camino, I saw a cover story. Writer Ariana Puzzo has done a wonderful job of bringing Nicole’s story to life, explaining her motivations, the people she met on the journey and the impact it had on her life today.

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December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Another level of spiritually and giving can be found in the story which follows. Over a year ago, we featured a story on Tiffany Sheppard who through a blood test in 2016 revealed she was born with one kidney, and it was undersized. Our story told of how she began regular dialysis treatments, reporting to the hospital three times a week for 3 1/2-hour sessions and was on a waiting list for a kidney. But on Oct. 2 of this year, Joseph Porretta donated his kidney, coming to the rescue of Tiffany who was raised from age 8 by his best friend from CHS, Joe Bray, and his wife Kathy. Our feature not only tells the story of Tiffany’s Guardian Angel, but it also reMany thanks for your support from Lori and Tom Hawrylko. minds readers the need for organ donations. In another section, readers also responded to As we enter what will be our 25th year of publishing our calls to tell of their holiday memories and this magazine in 2020, I want to remind readers it is traditions. Many folks had written notes, shared phoour advertisers that have helped me make this magatos or allowed our team of writers to interview them. zine a reality. Many advertisers have been with me for We thank you all for taking the time to open your decades and others are new to our pages. To all I want homes and emails to us, to share your stories and allow to say thanks for your support and your trust. us to continue telling the story of our hometown and all Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all! the good people and things going on in it.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

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Nicole Lavender learned many lessons about journeys over the years. As a world traveler, she has experienced physical, emotional and spiritual journeys, and discovered one learning in particular that carries over to different areas of her life. Everyone needs to go at their own pace. Lavender continues to remind herself of that lesson today, but it became crucial to her well-being when she embarked on the Camino de Santiago in the summer of 2019. The Camino consists of many possible routes, including the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, which is an ancient pilgrimage route across Northern Spain. Lavender walked for 37 days on the French route, traveling 791 km from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and then walking an additional 87 km on to Finisterre, Spain, known as “The End of the World.” In total, she walked about 545 miles. “It was overwhelming every single day. Many tears. Big emotions,” said Lavender, 32. “[But] in the end, always gratitude. “Every single step became a prayer.” Coping with Loss When Lavender (CHS ’05) decided to walk her Camino, the journey would serve several purposes. It would offer her a chance to self-reflect, lighten her physical and emotional “pack,” and explore a new country.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“If the Camino is calling you,” said Lavender, “which it was calling me, then you really should try your best to answer that call and not keep quieting it.” However, the decision to go on the Camino was not immediate, but came after Lavender posted a photo on Instagram in June 2018 of her and two friends—one a former Clifton teacher and the other a teacher about to retire.

After posting the photo, she received an unexpected comment from a stranger. The person—ironically named Joe, the same as Lavender’s deceased ex-boyfriend— knew one of the teachers in the photo. They later developed a friendship around their mutual love of travel. During one conversation, he mentioned his own experience of hiking the Camino.

Her pack, at times, would feel heavy—especially in the beginning as she coped with a sudden and traumatic loss. Back in January 2018, Lavender’s ex-boyfriend, Joseph Medway, passed away. The pair met each other on Lavender’s first day as a Kindergarten teacher at School 2 in September 2010. They were a couple from around 2011 to 2013, after which they lost contact for more than a year, only seeing each other and re-opening communication days before his death. “Although I have very active and potent meditation and yoga practices, as well as a therapist whose office I visit regularly,” said Lavender, “the weight of Joe’s death proved to be a super heavy burden that I carried around daily.” It was the Camino de Santiago “calling” that inspired Lavender to explore a new form of healing. Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

“That sparked [something] in me,” said Lavender. As a seasoned traveler, who visited South Africa, India and China, Lavender decided that she would go on the walk alone—a decision that elicited different reactions but overwhelming support. “I always go alone, so my dad is always petrified,” she said. “My mom is throwing me going away parties and pushing me. I think she’s vicariously living through me because we have the same adventurous spirit.” Similarly, she received support from her friends. Even though they “think I’m crazy” due to her willingness to travel alone, Lavender said they are always enthusiastic to keep track of updates during her traveling. Though some walkers go with others for the Camino, she knew it was a walk she needed to take at her own pace. Realizing that lesson required patience with herself, as well as adjusting her perspective on the paces of those around her. “Anyone can walk the Camino,” said Lavender, “if you are smart enough to do it at your own pace and not let your ego get in the way so that you become injured.” Most days, she set out walking around 5:40 am, guided either by moonlight or a headlamp. By approximately 6:30 am, the sun would begin to rise, and she would “stay frozen in awe at the beauty I just witnessed.” “[I would] shout, ‘Thank you’ to the wide-open sky for providing me another day to practice gratitude, forgiveness and reflection,” Lavender added. Her walk would continue for the rest of the day until approximately 3 or 4 pm when she would reach her next destination for the evening. Early on, she saw others around her moving at different paces. Although she recognized not everyone has the luxury of time that she did during the summer as a teacher,

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nicole and Joe Medway at the Delaware Water Gap.

it frustrated her seeing people wake up at 4 am and getting to their next town by 11 am. “It was hard to not judge them and ask, ‘Why are you running and racing? What are you seeing? You’re walking in the dark all day long. There’s so much beauty around,’” said Lavender. “But then [it was] also not judging myself. It’s OK to go as slow as you need to.” Chronicling the Journey During her Camino, Lavender kept a journal that served multiple purposes. She used colorful

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markers to fill pages with logistical information, including people she met and places she stayed overnight. She also took Polaroid photos of the journey and included the images in her journal. The decision was, in part, because people would approach her and ask to see what she was doing when they saw all the colors. Throughout the 37 days of travel, she also included entries about the emotional and physical obstacles. “There’s times where I do write about how I felt. I write about Joe often,” said Lavender. “In the beginning it was more like, ‘How did he die? How do I not know the specifics about how he died?’ It’s very disturbing to me.” She also said there were days when she would curse in her entries because the physical journey felt overwhelming. However, entries where she wrote that it felt “impossible” would later transition to entries expressing gratitude for the time and ability to walk the Camino and meet people who would become motherly figures. “I saw a sign on the side of the road early on that read, ‘When your feet hurt, walk with your heart!’” said Lavender. “From that day on, I tried my absolute best to walk with a heart like Joe’s—a heart wide-open, filled with forgiveness, patience, courage and resilience. “With almost every step came tears, but with every step, my pack also grew lighter, my burden lessened, the guilt shed.” It was on Day 24 that Lavender felt true catharsis. In a little more than three weeks, she reached the Cruz de Ferro, or the Iron Cross, the highest point on the French Way of the Camino. Prior to leaving New Jersey, Lavender had visited Medway’s grave and collected a small rock and piece of a shell. Then, as part of a “‘freeing’ tradition” at the Cruz de Ferro, she “placed these items at the foot of the cross as a symbol of leaving my burdens from home behind.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

While some people were most overwhelmed when they came upon the many cathedrals, it was reaching the Cruz de Ferro that felt most significant to Lavender. For many of the pilgrims in medieval times, she said, the journey was impossible due to lack of food, as well as exposure to harsh climate conditions. Reaching the Cruz de Ferro meant “you’re almost there.” Leaving the rock and the shell felt highly significant. “For me, it was so much more powerful and meaningful,” said Lavender. “[Joe] loved the beach, but also the symbol of the Camino is the scallop shell, which I ended up getting a tattoo of.” Overall, it was exactly the experience she needed. “Although my ankles still swelled, my feet still ached, and I continued to feel the pack on my back,” said Lavender, “my heart grew lighter and a greater sense of peace washed over me.” New Connections Prior to the Camino, Lavender connected with others who previously went on the walk or planned to do the walk in the future. One man was an older gentleman who Lavender heard speak about his experience on the Camino at the Montclair Public Library.

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At School 2 are (back, from left) Nicole Lavender, the 5th grade Safety Patrol’s Christian Hanle, students Aayush, Leroy, Christopher, Safiullah, Io, Abdullah, 5th grade Safety Patrol’s Abigail Prawetz and retired teacher Karen Sommers; middle, Gabriela, Nanys, Selma, Zachary, Malek, Frankie and Milania; front, Mackenzie, Luke, Husam, Aryam and Lia.

The room was primarily full of elderly people, she said, who have retired and have the time to do the walk or plan to walk following their retirement. “Bob, who did the presentation, he’s walked it like four or five times, each time bringing one of his children,” said Lavender. “He wanted to give me his walking poles to take with me.” Lavender also connected with a woman named Judy, a teacher who planned to walk the Camino for her retirement in the next two years. Judy sent her a gift before she left, and Lavender, who describes herself as highly sentimental, carried it with her for the entire journey. She maintained these bonds during her journey and looked forward to their correspondence. “Judy would always check in on me,” said Lavender. “Bob would send me an email every week or two weeks. It’s the thing I looked most forward to phonewise.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

These connections, as well as the ones she made with people she met during her journey, are meaningful. However, the Camino also gave Lavender the opportunity to tap into her spiritual side. Although she was raised Catholic, Lavender does not describe herself as religious. She considers herself more spiritual and sought solace through meditation and yoga following Medway’s death and still does today. She did pray, though, during her journey. “Sometimes I was praying for the pain to go away and other times I was praying for what I wanted this trip to be to actually happen, and it did,” said Lavender. She added that although she is not religious, she does believe in God. “It’s just a God of my own understanding,” she explained. “I thought... it was on me to help myself and to fix myself. “There’s something else that’s holding me, that’s supporting me, that’s guiding me.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Kathy and Joe Bray, from left, with their kids Nicholas and Tiffany along with her guardian angel Joe Porretta.

Although a few hours late, the donor kidney, in another sense, arrived right on time for 24-year-old Sheppard, who, for the past three years, faced end-stage renal failure and suffered through three dialysis sessions per week. Sheppard’s happy ending actually stars two “guardian angels”: her anonymous organ donor and Joseph Porretta of St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway. He donated a kidney to another recipient as part of a nationwide organ

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tiffany Sheppard of Clifton had to wait a few more anxious hours on Oct. 2 to receive her new, life-saving kidney. That day, the organ, harvested from a donor in Utah, got stuck in traffic from the airport in New York City on the way to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for her long-awaited transplant surgery. No worries, though—that special delivery, the fresh kidney kept cold in a cooler, finally made it to the hospital by mid morning for the chronically ill Sheppard. transplant chain that, in turn, provided one for Sheppard. The Church calls organ donation “a morally good act of self-giving.” “My wife, Kathy, and I are floored with Joe’s organ donation,” said Joseph Bray, who with his wife, Kathy, have maintained guardianship of the developmentally disabled Sheppard, his wife’s biological niece, for the past 18 years.

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Tiffany Sheppard’s story has much to do with a couple of Clifton guys named Joe. Joe Bray and Joe Porretta met as freshman at Woodrow Wilson Junior High, (above then and today) and went on to graduate CHS, Class of ’86. Both were former Catholic school students—Bray arriving from St. Phillip’s; Porretta from St. Paul’s. As the two new kids in class, they formed a friendship, one that deepened over time. For example, each Joe was best man at the other’s wedding. As middle-aged adults, their bond grew. In April 2019, the Joes were traveling to New York State to visit another Clifton friend. Porretta was driving when he asked Bray about being tested to see if he was donor match for Tiffany. “I was floored,” said Bray. “This was not a decision you take lightly.”Amazingly, after months of testing, Porretta learned that he was. Still, Bray calls her “my daughter.” He has been best friends with the 51 year-old Porretta since they were both students at Clifton High School. “There is nothing that Joe won’t do. He’s always had my back but I didn’t ever think that he would ever have my back—and Tiffany’s back—like this. I am so grateful,” he said. Today, both Sheppard and Porretta are recovering well at home from surgery, performed in early October, during Respect Life Month. Now, Sheppard can live a full life again free of dialysis with a kidney that is expected to last more than 20 years. Also, she can return to competing in track and field event for the summer Special Olympics in Trenton in June. An athlete in the games since age 13, she runs the 100-yard dash and competes in the softball throw and javelin throw. A retired New Jersey parole of-

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

However, the doctors believed Tiffany would benefit from a younger kidney—one they could secure if Porretta went into a swap program. He agreed. After only four days on the national registry, a kidney match was found for Tiffany and a donor recipient was identified for Porretta. “Joe is Tiffany’s hero,” said Bray. “And he’s my brother from another mother, and I have two biological brothers. We’ve been through so much together.” Bray’s wife Kathy is also thankful for Porretta’s gift. And she’s also a hero in her own right. “My wife Kathy was tireless in keeping Tiffany’s spirits up and running our home,” said Bray. “Kathy took Tiff to dialysis twice a week for 3.5 hours a day, as well as doctor appointments while working full-time. “She’s the strongest woman I know, and I’m so fortunate to have her as my wife.” ficer, Porretta donated a kidney that went to a 37-year-old man in California, he said. “I’m blessed to be able to do this [donate a kidney],” said Porretta who praised the St. Barnabas staff for its “wonderful care.” “God worked through me to help answer the prayers of people. I’m glad that God gave me the health and courage to do it,” he said. Sheppard’s health crisis started in 2016, when she went for a physical—part of her “aging out” of the public education system at 21 years old and into an adult day program. Some troubling results led to more tests, which concluded that she was experiencing end-stage renal failure and had one kidney, said Bray, who works in the mail room of Harris Corporation in Clifton.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Tiffany Sheppard “My wife and I were devastated. Tiffany has had a rough life; she should never have to endure this,” Bray said. The dialysis sessions three times a week caused stress on the Brays, which include their 12-year-old son, Nickolas. “Through all of her health problems, Tiffany’s spirit never waivered. She stayed upbeat with her outgoing disposition,” he said. Likewise, Porretta called Sheppard “a sweetheart. If you meet her once, she’s your friend for life.” Filled with love for Bray and Sheppard, Porretta filled out an online organ-donor form and then visited the Living Donor Institute at St. Barnabas. Extensive testing determined that he was a match his friend’s niece. Through the hospital, he and the Brays teamed with the National Kidney Registry, which got them in touch with a chain of eight donors, who were matched up with eight potential recipients, including Sheppard. Her donor is closer to her age, giving her kidney a chance at a longer life than would have been Porretta’s, he said. Porretta’s two-hour surgery—which was pushed back from September due to complications from another chain member—involved harvesting the kidney in a laparoscopic procedure: the insertion of instruments into several small incisions. He experienced few aftereffects, except for some pain from the nitrogen that was pumped into his body cavity during surgery. For a while yet, Porretta is prohibited from lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds or exercising like his usual biking and racquetball, he said. Among those heartened by Porretta’s self-giving is Father Zig Peplowski, St. Cecilia’s pastor, who has known the donor’s family, which includes wife Laura and 18-year-old son Joseph, for years. They attend Mass

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

weekly at the Morris County parish and periodically cook food for its outreach to a local food pantry. Porretta attended the annual diocesan Blue Mass for law enforcement, when he served as a State parole officer. He grew up in St. Paul Parish in Clifton, where he served as an altar server and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and attended the parish school, from K-8. “I’m proud of Joseph that he gave in such an unselfish manner to someone in a bad spot. He had courage and generosity, which Christ calls us to do,” Father Peplowski said. As a faithful Catholic, Porretta conducted research online beforehand to discover that the Church approves of organ donation. The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services “affirm that organ donations from the living is a noble and charitable act, while specifying at the same time that the donation will not sacrifice or seriously impair and essential functioning of the donor.” The Church teaches that when a person has been indisputably determined to be dead, his or her organs can be donated, as stated by both St. Pius XII and St. John Paul II. In trying to find the words for Porretta’s selfless act, Bray calls his best friend “our guardian angel.” “Joe was put on this earth to do great stuff and he’s doing it,” Bray said. For information about living organ donation, visit St. Barnabas Living Donor Institute at www.upmc.com/Living-Donor/Organ-Donation or call (800) 292-4204. Visit organtransplants.org/donor/donorcard_en.pdf to fill out a donor card. As originally published in the Beacon, the newspaper of the Paterson Diocese

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Linda Christiano and Curt Vilim recalled the magic of shopping at the Rowe Manse Emporium in the Styertowne Shopping Center. We asked readers to share their holiday memories which Social Media Manager Ariana Puzzo collected over these pages.

“When I see ribbon candy on the shelves,” said Curt Vilim, “it really makes me feel like Christmas.” Vilim was one of many Cliftonites who recalled their holiday season memories, collected, described and detailed on the following 24 pages. Vilim also recalls his aunt bought the magical Christmas decorations Rowe Manse used for decorating the store that were sold after Christmas. “Her house had all mechanical carolers and garlands everywhere for many years,” Vilim said. For Vilim, though, his best Christmas memory was one year when there was a major blizzard and his entire family slept over at their house on Christmas Eve. Barbara Schilling remembered, “We always got our tree from Richfield Farms,” and Cara Johnson Nessman recalled, “Driving through Clifton and looking at the house lights.” Joann Laterra recalled a memory of her younger brother Christmas shopping in the 1950s at a hardware store on Lakeview Ave. for their parents. He had recently saw a television advertisement for a stein. The ad, Laterra recalled, said it “made it taste like a “stein used to do.” Her brother asked the sale person for a “steinusetodo.” “He thought that was the actual name of the item,” said Laterra. Kevin Kurnath said, “I remember going to the tree lighting by the old City Hall on Main Ave. Now we have five tree lightings and I try to get to as many as possible.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

John Geise’s recalled that his childhood Christmas trees were always “fuller than nature” made them. His family would go to the train tracks in Paterson and buy three Christmas trees—a “good one” and two discarded trees. His father would bring them into the garage and drill holes in the trunk of the good one. “He’d insert branches off the scrap trees to make ours much fuller than nature did,” said Geise. Kathy Belli Nonnenmacher said, “While Mom was home cooking Christmas dinner, Dad would take my brother and me to visit aunts, uncles and cousins. We could walk to all of them in the Lakeview section.” Anna Maria Stankoczi and Susan Glantz still like the firetrucks with Santa going around the neighborhoods. Loraine Szymanski Turos recalled snow on Christmas, and Bob DeLotto said, “We would enjoy a proper roast goose, plum pudding and mulled wine.”

The holidays are here, and that means traditions, both timeless and new. Cooking, decorating—you can’t beat the memories you and your family make to cherish for years to come. Especially if, like Mary Beth Kokora, you remember your traditions and keep them special. “Family and being together are top of my list,” said Kokora. “Being able to share.” For the 79-year-old, this began in childhood. “We went to Grandma’s,” she said. “Everybody came for Vilija.” The Slovak Christmas Eve supper included oplatky, an unleavened wafer; mushroom soup with sauerkraut; pierogi; bobalky, biscuits rolled in honey and poppy seeds; and pagach, a mashed potato cake. “After that,” said Kokora, “we used to open our presents. Then we went to Midnight Mass, fasting until the return home to kielbasy and ham.”

Time has made for changes. Nowadays, her family have oplatky, with the rest a modern meal—appetizers, fish, meats, vegetables. No fasting. “The traditions now are different,” said Kokora. “Our children don’t eat those foods. Christmas morning, we have breakfast, we open our presents.” Kokora keeps the reason for the season: “The spirit of Jesus’ coming is the most important thing,” she said. The new traditions such as ‘the elf on the shelf’ adds festivity. Decorating, a little socializing, because, you know, I don’t get around. I do bake—cookies, my family’s favorite.” For the new year, Kokora has, “No real plans.” She prays for well-being. “Health and happiness for the new year, and that everybody is together. You know what I also want to say? The importance of good friends. Naturally, my family is there for me, but I have good friends that help me.” By Charles Timm

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Margaret’s Holiday Miracle

What made my Christmas special in Clifton? My name is Margaret Kardasz and I own a little coffee shop in Botany Village called George’s. I am active as a trustee in Clifton’s Historic Botany District for few years now. For the last couple of years, I helped organize the Botany Village Christmas Tree Lighting, which is held the first Friday in December. Last year was special, there was a huge crowd. I was running around dressed as Mrs. Claus and trying to make sure everything was running properly before Santa Claus arrived. Someone who I was passing asked me: “Hi, you are Margaret right? I heard about you and would like talk to you one day.” I was surprised and a little shocked but I said ‘Sure!’ And then I ran to do something. This man was Tom Hawrylko, owner of Clifton Merchant Magazine.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Soon after, Tom stopped by with his writer Jack DeVries at my place for lunch and said he wanted details to write an article about me. We had a nice chit-chat. I was very surprised again and thought he was writing an article about area coffee shops or something of this kind. We talked and he said the article would appear in January. When the magazine showed up, I saw myself on the cover! I didn’t know anything about this. This was a really a huge surprise! I was very happy and excited and shocked! It was not article about the coffee shop—only about me and my life. I would never expect that, I didn’t think someone will see something unique in my life and how my story is so special. Thank you, Tom, for finding me and believing in me and making my life even more exciting. I call this my Christmas Miracle. This year will also be special because my husband Karol and I will be celebrating with our little miracle, my son, Thomas.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Ken Brand with grandkids Keith Barcelona Jr. and Gabriella Barcelona.

The parlor where the tree stood was off limits for Kenneth Brand Sr. on Christmas Eve. It was the 1950s and the night before Christmas was spent driving to church in Paterson and then to Brand’s aunt and uncle’s on East First St. in Clifton. His sister would go to their house on Oregon St. while they were at relatives to take the gifts out of the attic. When they returned home, he would immediately go to bed. “Waking up in the morning, [we got] to see all the gifts Santa had brought,” said Brand.

~ Kenneth Brand

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Christmas morning magic begins with an inspiring book hunt for Alyse Turk and Brin Mettler while donning new holiday pajamas. Santa Claus surreptitiously hides high interest novels and storybooks in the Christmas tree, stockings, and other festive covert places for fun and to foster a love of reading all year.

~ Jacqueline Turk

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Jeff Labriola’s Moment of Grace

Christmas came a little early this year for Jeff Labriola, and his gift was truly one of a kind. Labriola welcomed his daughter, Grace Jean, into the world on Oct. 19. For him and his family, he said, Christmas will be particularly special. “This Christmas I feel so thankful, grateful and blessed that she is in my life,” said Labriola. “To me, my daughter is a constant reminder of the goodness of God.” “[Over 2,000] years ago, a little baby, Jesus, entered the world and forever changed it,” he continued. “Little Grace has changed my life forever, too.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Labriola plans to share his love for the holidays with his daughter. He described collecting many decorations and creating Christmas displays as some of the special family traditions he hopes to continue for years to come. “Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a holiday fanatic,” said Labriola. “I love this time of year. I was born in November and came home from the hospital on Thanksgiving morning and my family put me on the turkey platter.” “When I see Santa reach Macy’s in the Thanksgiving Day parade each year,” he added, “I get emotional knowing my favorite time of year is here.” The importance of family and tradition was instilled in Labriola at a young age. He credits his mother for that, and he believes that maintaining traditions help people stay connected to their departed ancestors during the holiday season. Although he will spend the holiday season focusing on Grace instead of setting up his Christmas villages and decorations, he still plans to decorate the house and share joy with her in other ways. One excursion he has planned is a visit to none other than Mr. Claus. “I only wish Wayne Town Santa Ray Beesley was still alive to have her first picture with Santa,” said Labriola. “He was a friend and, in my opinion, the very best representation of Santa on this earth.” Labriola also intends to spend time cuddling with her on the couch as they watch Christmas classic shows and listen to music, which he said she already appears to love. Above all, Labriola is grateful for his family and friends. “Thanks to my generous family and friends, she has many Christmas outfits,” he said. “Maybe even one for each day in December!”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

~ Mike Finegan Christmas 1953 stands out to Mike Finegan when he thinks about his fondest Christmas memory. He was 4 years old and on Christmas Day, he received his first Lionel train. The memory of receiving the train is not the only thing that made the day special. “It was one of the few times in my life when I got to spend some time with my dad,” said Finegan. “He worked three jobs to support the family,” he continued, “so to be able to spend time with him on Christmas was very special to me.”

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December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

His father, Peter J. Finegan, epitomized the hardworking provider. He worked at Nelson Iron Works on Bloomfield Ave., Federal Sweets & Biscuit on Clifton Blvd. and cut grass on weekends. Still, when Christmas came around, Finegan recalls Peter and Uncle Joe setting up the trains on plywood platforms that circled the Christmas tree and Bethlehem. “The cats would go crazy trying to catch the trains and climb the tree,” said Finegan. “Lots of great memories.” Other memories that remain vivid for Finegan include Christmas Eve, which was based on his grandmother’s European traditions. The family would pass around “a paper-thin wafer blessed by the priest, with a spoon of honey.” “This was called an Oplaca,” said Finegan. “[There was] no meat on Christmas Eve—[we ate] scrambled eggs with brown gravy called omauska in Slovak.” The following morning, family and relatives from North Bergen visited and the family had a special guest in those early years. Father Zubeck from St. Cyril’s would sit at the head of the dining room table and say grace. The scenery changed since those years. Peter since passed away, and the train was packed away years ago and stored in Finegan’s closet. After living in the Lakeview section on East 3rd St. for 60 years, Finegan moved to Concord, N.C., 10 years ago. Still, he said, Clifton is home. “I miss those old traditions,” said Finegan. “Christmas today is more spiritual, realizing the sanctity of life and the true meaning of the infant Jesus’ birth.” One thing remains unchanged, though. “I still have the Lionel train and the memories.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

George Telesh: Everybody’s All American By Robert Csuka

Clifton learned Mustang football legend Dr. George Telesh passed away Oct. 23 at 80. Another great Mustang, Robert Csuka, Class of ’67, wrote this tribute:

When I was 11, Hooks Brower of the Clifton Midget League hosted a hot dog night at the old Clifton Casino. CHS Coach Joe Grecco was speaker and brought along his film of the 1957 Clifton-Montclair football game. Watching the film, I saw George Telesh run wild. I was hooked. In Sept. 1966, Coach Bill Vander Closter introduced our team to George Telesh, who happened to be in Clifton. I was in awe. He was a legend. Many Clifton residents don’t know George’s story. It’s important to keep icons like Bobby Boettcher, Billy DeGraaf, Dave “Moose” Bosson, Roger Fardin and others alive… because that is who we are. On Oct. 24, I received a call from Roger, an All State quarterback from the Class of ’57, stating George had passed away.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Hearing the news shocked me. I always thought, like Greek Gods, Clifton gridiron legends would live forever. George was “Everybody’s All-American,” with 60 scholarship offers from the finest universities, plus appointments to three military academies. But he was more than the state’s highest scorer in 1957. He was more than an exceptional athlete who captained the football and track teams. George was also senior class and student council president. At 10, he came to Clifton in 1949 after surviving nightly bombings during WW II in Hamburg, Germany, where his father died. His family had fled there five years before, moving from Pinsk, Belarus, where “White Russians” like George and his family fought Stalin for decades. By 12, George was helping support his family by delivering papers, cutting grass, working on a pony track and sweeping floors at a tire store for $.80 an hour. As he grew older, he changed truck tires and worked after school in Clifton City Hall’s Engineering Dept. George graduated Cornell University in 1962 and Cornel Medical College in 1967. Accepted into the nation’s space program, he served 24 years in the Navy. He later became an orthopedic surgeon and chief of orthopedic surgery for Florida Health Care Plans. George Telesh’s story was the kind Hollywood used to make into unforgettable films. His memory will live forever—like the Greek Gods that came before him.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Asking for your donations are Penelope Surgent and Clifton Councilwoman Lauren Murphy, and the Salvation Army’s Major Miquel A. Barriera and Major America Barriera.

It’s a familiar sight and sound that means much to many. “The Salvation Army,” said Penelope Surgent, “is one of the best charities and it fits so well with the season. You hear the bells, see the kettle and have an opportunity to make the Christmas season come alive.” A member of the charity’s area advisory board since 1986, Surgent will be outside at the kettle seeking donations when needed, having just completed several successful Angel Tree efforts in November. “Giving is an opportunity to show you care,” Surgent said, “and it feel so good to contribute—it’s really an amazing feeling to give to someone not as fortunate.” Established in London in 1865, the Salvation Army now serves 129 countries and helps more than 30 million people in the U.S. alone throughout its 7,600 centers. From its humble beginnings in 1891 as a Salvation Army captain’s start-up program in San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. It provides toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. As part of the campaign, Surgent and Clifton City Councilwoman Lauren Murphy will join with more than 25,000 volunteers throughout the country ringing bells and soliciting donations to their red kettles. “If you have a need,” Surgent added, “the Salvation Army is there for you—no matter your religion, age, circumstances. You name it, they are going to help across the board.” This year, the familiar red kettles will be placed in locations like the Stop & Shop on Kingsland Rd. in Clifton near the Nutley border, and at the Paulison Avenue ShopRite, part of the Cuellar Family Markets. “I’d encourage everyone to give when they see that red kettle,” said Surgent.

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The family of the late Gerard Sommers with the flag bearing his name. From left, Karen Sommers and her mom Catherine with niece Jacquline Rezza and her husband Alan.

Avenue of Flags On Veteran’s Day, I joined hundreds of other people to tour the Avenue of Flags. Five times a year, volunteers erect the Avenue of Flags through streets of the municipal complex. They go up around dawn and come down at dusk. They’re quite a sight with 2,129 Stars and Stripes billowing on a sunny, blue-sky day.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Each flag has a nameplate (like mine below) with the name of a living or deceased veteran and his or her branch of service. After finding my flag, meeting a class of preschoolers from the Boys & Girls Club, we said the Pledge of Allegiance. The patriotism by the kids was a nice tribute to myself, the Club and all veterans.

A few steps aways, I met the family of the late Gerald Sommers and helped find his flag. They told me of the service of their husband and dad, who served aboard U.S. Navy ships seeing action in the Pacific during World War II. Like many of his generation, he returned home and married his wife in 1950 and got on with life. It was then that I realized I never purchased a flag for my dad, Joe Hawrylko. He enlisted in Word War II when he was 29 years-old. He trained at Fort Dix near our home in Perth Amboy and ended up an infantryman in the European Theater. In his late 50s, my dad got ill and was never the same. Bedridden and unable to talk, the doctor called it shell shock, an early version of PTSD. My dad died when I was a teen and we never got to share stories about his service during the war. Some years back my son Joseph Googled the name he shares with the grandfather he never met and found

Joe Hawrylko

a link to a book, Omaha Beach and Beyond: The Long March of Sergeant Bob Slaughter. It tells how my dad, then 31, was part of a “small group of tough men” to be attached with a Ranger regiment. The book states that they “were just a few of Captain Schilling’s handpicked men and they proved to be some of the best combat soldiers in D Company.” Other than stories some of the long gone American Ukrainian Veterans from our church shared with me years ago, that gift of a paragraph is all I know about my dad’s time in World War II. To honor the service and memory of my dad, Joe Hawrylko, I went to the website at cliftonnj.org and filled out the application, sent in his DD214 and a check for $110. Come Memorial Day, I hope our flags will be waving side by side, part of a unique Clifton tribute to those of us who served our nation in both peace and war. By Tom Hawrylko

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Athenia Business Association: Tradition Established

In 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Claus with Ray Grabowski, Mayor Jim Anzaldi, Councilmen Frank Fusco and the late Matt Grabowski and Laurie Kirwin.

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December 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Cliftonmagazine.com

The Athenia Business Association Christmas Tree Lighting is at Stanley Zwier Park on Van Houten Ave. Begun in 2004 to let the city know about the business district, Santa and Mrs. Claus give small gifts, take photos and enjoy free hot chocolate with the 100 or so kids, adults and city officials. The acapella CHS Madcaps perform and sometimes are joined in song by School #13 kindergarteners. Funding for the event comes from money raised at the annual Athenia Street Fair held every September and donations from area businesses. This year, the tree lighting is on Dec. 7. Singing begins at 5:50 pm, Santa arrives at 6 pm and the volunteer organizers promise everyone who attends will share the spirit of the season

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

For Jodie Kamine Getter, one holiday tradition started off as a joke when she was young. Kamine Getter (CHS ’76) grew up in the Richfield section with her siblings, Hal Kamine and Ilene Kamine McMullen. One year, she recalled, it was around midnight when their father came home with a Christmas tree from a worker who couldn’t sell it. Before long, the tree was adorned with bagels, a Yakama on top, and a train going around the base. It was done in jest, Kamine Getter said, but it led to a tradition that she would continue for her family while they were growing up and it is one that she continues today. The tree looks slightly different now. Today, she lives in Coral Springs, Fla., and she gets an 8-foot white tree, puts a Jewish star on top, and decorates the tree with Hanukkah ornaments she collected for the past 25 years.

1959 Jodi at 2 years old with Santa at Levy Brothers.

“My husband, Steven, and I were the only one living down here in Florida,” said Kamine Getter. “My brother and sister and mother didn’t live here. I had to build my own traditions.” “We made the house festive for the kids,” she added. Respect for Both Religions Kamine Getter lived in Clifton from the day she was born until after college. During those years, she recalled many holidays that were centered around family and tradition. One tradition is likely familiar for many Cliftonites. She and her siblings would get a yearly photo with Santa Claus at Levy Brothers and then at Rowe Manse. “It was a good yearly memory,” she said. “It was not a religious memory for us, but just a nice memory to have.” It was a tradition that lasted, she said, from 1958 to 1966. When they turned 40 years-old, Kamine Getter said, their mother made a book of worth of photos for her kids. Those years were also full of memories celebrating her family’s Jewish faith. Hanukkah was celebrated at their house with their cousins, Debbie and Michael Simon, who lived on Ab-

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

bey Lane by Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Other family members and friends also celebrated with them, and they all lit the menorahs and participated in the eight days of presents. Her grandparents also came to celebrate from Paterson and her uncle came from Fair Lawn. “I remember the gifts piled up to the ceiling from grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Kamine Getter. “It seemed we all went to one house.” While she lived up north, Kamine The family at Jodie’s 60th birthday in 2018. Back row from left are Karl Welsh, Melissa Getter, Steven Getter, Jodie Kamine Getter, Michael Getter and JenniGetter also spent Christmas Eve at fer Getter; standing in front is Anayah Class. her grandparents’ house in Paterson. They looked at the lights on the homes, which she does today with her “Back then, we didn’t get Jewish holidays off or any granddaughter, Anayah, 12. recognition for the holiday,” said Kamine Getter. “It “I tried to meld a respect for both religions,” said was a very different time.” Kamine Getter. “The family is such a blended family It was important for her that her family knew the sigthat they need to respect both religions.” nificance of Hanukkah. It is something she taught her They enjoy the holiday and honor the history. “We children—Jennifer, 35, Melissa, 30, and Michael, 23— open the doors and whoever’s around is welcome to and she is sharing the history now with Anayah. come,” she said. “I have my granddaughter read the story of the MacToday, Kamine Getter hosts Hanukkah and the Jewcabees,” she said, “and learn why we light the candles ish holidays. The windows have menorahs in them, for eight days.” there are dreidels to make it festive. Perhaps the most meaningful tradition is each child She also makes latkes from scratch with Anayah. and grandchild received a menorah when they were The presents, she added, are wrapped in blue wrapping born. “I have my grandparents’ menorah from Germapaper. The holidays are different now than when she ny, as well as my parents’ menorah,” she said. was a child.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

~ Bob Salomon

Bob and Martha Salomon with their kids, Dan and Julia.

Bob Salomon keeps his memories of Clifton close to his heart. Whether it was attending picnics at Christopher Columbus, playing baseball on the Little League field, or eating at the Hot Grill, these moments are still vivid. Much like his holiday memories around the city. “Main Ave. would always be lit up,” said Salomon (CHS ’85). “And Clifton Theatre would always have a Christmas movie.”

Another memory that stands out for him was sleigh-riding in Nash Park throughout winter. “I would shake like a leaf,” said Salomon. “You thought that was the biggest hill in the country and now you go back and it’s a little hump. “I remember the pants I wore and the layers of long johns. Those childhood memories are embedded in you.” Salomon grew up on Van Riper Ave. and although he was a year ahead of his wife, Martha Salomon (Lacasa), they did not know each other in high school. The pair met at Bumpers on Route 3, later becoming the Red Robin. Today, he lives in Howell, but still visits a few times a year to see friends and drive past his old house. For Salomon, his roots will always be in Clifton. “I remember these memories like yesterday,” he said.

CHS Grads from 2010, 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960, 1950...

Where are these Mustangs today? In July we connect with grads telling readers where these “kids are now. So if you are coordinating a class reunion and need help spreading the word, let us know. Send info to: tomhawrylko@optonline.net

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton Merchant Magazine reminds all high school classes to send their reunion notices now (email info to tomhawrylko@optonline.net). Pictured in the 1980 CHS yearbook is the Key Club, from left, Guy Whalen, Wendy Geene, Tom Lawrence, Ted Kalinka, Lou Portelli, Steve Muller, Wendy Zeh, Arlene Hrinuk, Jim Nazimek, Scott Fitzgerald, Keith Van Biert, Lori Mutter and Donna Miller. The Key Club members insist, “Sure we’ll all fit in one car!”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

For the sixth year, two former Club Kids and current principals of the law firm Corradino & Papa, LLC, donated 25 turkeys to be distributed via the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Above from left are Raffaella Selvaggio, Barbara Sedorenko, John DeGraaf, Robert Papa, Jack Corradino and his sister Gina, with Amauris Peralta Munoz.

When Robert Walton receives a text message with a photo of waffles and ice cream from his daughters, he knows they have trimmed their Christmas trees. It’s a tradition he started when his children were young. Around 1990, he recalls, the family was trimming the Christmas tree when the kids asked what they were eating for supper. “Not feeling like cooking, I half-jokingly answered, ‘Waffles and ice cream,’” said Walton (CHS ’66). “Then I thought, ‘Why Not?’” It was after they ate that Walton remembered an article that he once read about creating family traditions. From that moment, he declared that they would eat waffles and ice cream for dinner every year on the night they trimmed the Christmas tree. Unsurprisingly, his decision was popular with his children. So much so that his daughters now continue the tradition in their own homes. Walton also remembers extending a waffle and ice cream invitation to those outside their family. “Both of our daughters had close friends who were Jewish,” he said. “Since they didn’t celebrate Christmas, we would invite them to come and help trim the tree and enjoy our waffles and ice cream.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Other Christmas memories include Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day church attendance, which was important for both Walton’s family and his wife’s, Sharon Hoey Walton, family. Walton also recalls a special tradition that he knows will continue even after he is gone. “Ever since my older daughter, who’s now 40, was maybe a year old,” he said, “I have read The Night Before Christmas to my kids, and I now do it with my grandchildren.” It was a tradition that his daughters wanted him to continue into their 20s and 30s. Eventually, he began reading every year to his grandchildren, and then he also found copies that come with recorders inserted inside. “I recorded myself reading it so that when I was gone, they could still hear me reading it,” said Walton. “I made one for each daughter.” Growing up, Walton lived near School 1 and Clifton Stadium, and Sharon grew up in the area near the Clifton Theater. After meeting in their 20s, they eventually married and lived in Clifton for several years before moving to Wyckoff. Today, the couple lives in Massachusetts near their grandchildren.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Clifton’s NJ State Assembly representatives Tom Giblin and Britnee Timberlake host a Toy and Book Drive for kids ages 3-15. New, unwrapped toys and books will be accepted until Dec. 10 and distributed via the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton and St. Peters Haven. Drop off items at Giblin’s office at 855 Valley Rd., Suite 104, in Clifton (973-779-3125) or Timberlake’s office at 520 Main St., Suite 1, in East Orange.

Weichert Realtors Toy Drive is underway so drop off an unwrapped gift before Dec. 15 at 791 Passaic Ave. Above are Alice Sheppy, Kathy Perow, Maureen Setteducato, Tony Sanchez, Kevin Carpenter, Beryl Bells and Chris Andres. Gifts will be distributed through Embrella of Passaic County, a group providing services for foster and adoptive families.

What a memory... It was almost like Christmas on Oct. 6 when Nancy Shook Garretson was the 2019 parade marshal of Passaic Clifton & Vicinity in the 82nd Kazimierz Pulaski Day Parade that travels along Manhattan’s 5th Ave. Pictured from left: Anetta Sroka, Peter Eagler, Bishop Minski from Poland, Nancy and her husband Roy with their granddaughter Sofia Sardo, who was Little Junior Miss Polonia.

Sharing warmth was the theme at Schumacher Chevrolet’s five dealerships in Little Falls, Denville, Clifton, Livingston and Boonton last month. Customers, employees and other helped collect clean coats, hats, gloves and home goods, such as baby wipes. It was all part of a drive to benefit disadvantaged families of the Newark Camden Street School. “We take our role in the community seriously,” said Judith Schumacher-Tilton, CEO. “Whether it is a coat drive or raising funds to provide recreational and education programs for under-privileged children through Camp Hope in Passaic County, we are part of the communities we serve.” December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

By Jack DeVries

Clifton knows how to eat, better than most towns. The city is the birthplace of beefsteaks, thanks to the king of tenderloins, Hap Nightengale. It’s the hamlet of hot dogs, as lovers of Rutt’s Hut, the Hot Grill and the New Corral will happily attest. And it’s a champion of choice—featuring every ethnic food from Mexican, Peruvian and Thai, and including the delicious All-American fare served by the Grande Saloon. And then there’s The Barrow House which defies any category. Located at 1296 Van Houten Ave., its website describes the eatery as a colonial-era farmhouse located on the site of a former farm. The restaurant is “modeled after a traditional Hall & Parlor Home” and features seven unique rooms holding 200-plus seats. But if you’re thinking “Cracker Barrel,” think again. As the website describes, “guests can enjoy options from our rustic American Farm Fare menu, 100 bottle curated wine list, handcrafted cocktails, & robust selection of craft beer.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

What’s Old is New Again The restaurant is the brainchild of brothers Thomas and Dean Maroulakos, founders of the Skopos Hospitality Group which owns four various-themed eateries. Along with The Barrow House, they include Cowan’s Public in Nutley, a 1930s public house with nostalgic, speakeasy charm; The Vanguard in Harrison, a factory-inspired eatery, paying tribute to the 1940s home wartime effort; and Franklin Social in Jersey City, an American tavern opening in January celebrating founding father Ben Franklin. While the creative Maroulakos brothers research areas where they locate their businesses—looking to add local character to their establishments—they have outdone themselves with The Barrow House. “From a restaurant perspective,” said owner Tom Maroulakos, “The Barrow House is modeled after a 19th century farmhouse, honoring the history of Clifton and the farmland the property is located on.

Facing page, owners and founders Dean and Tom Maroulako; above, executive chef Bogdan Tarnowski.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

What’s Old is New Again “We aim to provide an elevatthe people who were doing the ed, yet casual, experience, perfect cooking, not knowing that’s what for both weeknight dinner and I wanted to do. Looking back in special events.” retrospect, it all makes sense.” While the painstakingly-creatHis first job in the restaurant ed décor hearkens back to Clifbusiness was as a dishwasher at ton’s bucolic past, the people inthe Mountainside Inn in Clifton. side The Barrow House make it “It was washing dishes, nothfit with the city even better. ing glamorous,” Tarnowski said. Driving its success are two “They were good people to work former Clifton Mustangs—Genfor.” eral Manager Veronika Pilarska While he went on to study (Class of ’05) and Executive Chef criminal justice at Rutgers in Bogdan Tarnowski (Class of ’04). Newark, his path kept leading “Veronika and Bogdan are eshim back to the kitchen. At his sential to the success of The BarSigma Pi fraternity house, Tarrow House,” said Tom Maroulanowski began helping the house’s kos, “as they are responsible for cook with meals. He also worked General Manager Veronika Pilarska. the quality and consistency of our in the Prudential Center as a cafood, beverage and service. tering manager. “Their focus is on the guest, and they’ve created not While debating about going on to law school, Taronly unique menus, but exciting and immersive weekly nowski got a job as a food runner at 12 West Restaurant promotional events. & Bar on Bellevue Ave. in Montclair, now the site of De “And, as Clifton natives, they’re closely connected to Novo. There, he met renowned chef, Shawn Dalziel—tothe community and have done an excellent job of weavday the owner of Laurel & Sage on Walnut St. in Monting The Barrow House into the neighborhood.” clair. “I was taken back by him,” recalled Tarnowski, “a tall guy who commanded a kitchen. It’s kind of where I got Road to the Kitchen the itch.” Bogdan Tarnowski knows the importance of his work. When there was an opening in the kitchen, Dalziel “Along with the experience of eating out,” he said, asked Tarnowski to step up. “And, from that day for“people come in here for special moments—anniversaward,” he said, “I didn’t look back.” ries, birthdays, a baby shower. It’s a significant time in Tarnowski began the climb to running his own kitchtheir life, and I like being a part of it. It’s rewarding when en. He passed on culinary school, preferring to continue they’re enjoying it.” to learn at Dalziel’s side. After 12 West closed, he helped Watching people enjoy food with family and friends is friend Ricardo Gomez open Santeria in Seaside Heights something Tarnowski knows well. before rejoining Dalziel at Laurel & Sage, now one of His parents emigrated from Poland and the family New Jersey’s top restaurants. moved to Clifton’s Albion section from Passaic when Two years ago, Tarnowski was offered a position as Bogdan was in seventh grade. His father Marian is a head chef in a Sussex County restaurant. When the oppastor at Most Holy Name Jesus Church in Passaic, and portunity was not what he expected, he found his way to the family also includes mom Gracie and younger sister The Barrow House, starting as a line cook. He was next Beata. promoted to sous-chef, the kitchen’s second in command. Though he loved sports as a boy (he played soccer and In July, Tarnowski was asked by the Maroulakos tennis as a Mustang), Tarnowski also enjoyed cooking. brothers to take over as The Barrow House’s head chef. Every Sunday, his family would host or visit a friend “They said we’ll give you the tools, we’ll help you or relative’s home to prepare, cook and eat a large meal. out and get transitioned,” Bogdan remembered. “I’d hang out in the kitchen,” Tarnowski said, “with

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

What’s Old is New Again

The bar is a great place to spend an evening. You’ll find folks like Brittney Abell, CHS ’07, serving up libations.

“I’ve run a kitchen before, but not anything of this size. But the transition went rather smooth. “At the same time, Veronika was promoted to general manager. So we went into this thing together.” Clifton Connection In 1942, Clifton boasted about 3,000 acres of farmland and 19 dairies. The land where The Barrow House sits was on part of the “rich soil in the western area of Clifton,” as reported by the Clifton Journal. The site was also part of the city’s restaurant legacy. As far back as the 1940s, patrons were being served, first by the Valley Lodge Inn, and then by other businesses like Joey Harrsion’s Valley Lodge, Yakety Yak, Joey’s Place and Charlie Brown’s (where the 18 year-old Tarnowski once worked as a server).

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Today, the responsibility of adding to that legacy—as both a city dining spot and thriving lounge destination— rests with GM Veronika Pilarska. Born in Gniezno, Poland, Pilarska moved to Clifton when she was 13. For most of her adult life, she has lived and worked in New York City, including at the restaurant Ivan Ramen, where she worked with Chef Ivan Orkin. “It was a great experience,” Pilarska said. “I learned a lot about the restaurant industry.” Wanting to be closer to family and friends, Pilarska relocated back to New Jersey and began working as a manager for Skopos Hospitality in 2017. “So far,” she said with a smile about her new GM role, “Tom (Maroulakos) says I’m doing okay.” One thing she appreciates about her job is adding to The Barrow House experience.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

What’s Old is New Again “What sets this compais there. I’ve seen it in othny apart from other places,” er places where the general she said, “is that it’s not only manager and chef don’t get unique, it’s the culture were along, but we have a very trying to create. It almost fluid and good relationship.” doesn’t feel like a job—al“Since I am Polish,” Pithough sometimes it feels larska said, “and so is Boglike a 24-hour gig. dan, you’ll definitely see “I love that we’re trying more Slavic/Polish oriented to work with the community events to cater to the big PolBogdan Tarnowski in ’04 and Veronica Pilarska in ’05. and support various chariish community around us.” ties. We’re creating fun and “We know the clientele,” unique events for our guests said Tarnowski about the to enjoy and experience something different, so the job CHS team. “We know the people; we know the city. has a creative aspect which I like.” White collar, blue collar, it’s a melting pot of a town, and Pilarska’s management skills are much appreciated by it’s great. We try to hit all aspects through our beer, wine her fellow Mustang. and food.” “Veronika oversees the entire operation,” said TarSomething its owners enthusiastically support. nowski, “and I oversee the kitchen. She’s my boss. We “Our father Harry is a chiropractor in town,” added bounce ideas off of each other and see what we can do on Tom Maroulakos, “so we were connected to Clifton long both sides to make this place better. For example, she’ll before opening The Barrow House. We have been active give me an idea of something she wants to do and I’ll with the Clifton Recreation Department, and I have fond come up with food specials. memories of running in the annual ‘Stampede Through “She’s great to work with… open, the communication Clifton’ as a high schooler.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

What’s Old is New Again Just Different The Barrow House’s ever-evolving menu features items like Pumpkin Cornbread, Rustic Pizza, Scallop and Butternut Risotto, the popular Barrow Burger and even a Vegan “Steak” Sandwich. And there are Clifton-inspired items like Caulilini Tempura, a “baby cauliflower” prepared with Ghost Hawk beer from From small plates to slow cooked delights, the culinary scene Clifton’s own brewery and served with a at Barrow is creative and always delicious. cheese dip, and the City Green Salad, made with vegetables grown in the “rich soil” Poultry Farm), adds the organization is one of many Clifton is famous for. good things about Clifton. “Working with City Green,” said Pilarska, about the “When I was younger,” he said, “I wanted to get out urban farming and gardening organization based in Clifof here. Now, I want to stay. There’s more of a buzz ton, “is something I enjoy doing. They are doing great around the town. There are constantly new things hapthings with the farm and various outreach programs. All pening, like the Art Center in City Hall. Now you have the education they put out there for people is amazing. people coming in and wanting to do things. “We are trying to be environmentally conscious, “It’s a city, but it still has that small town feel.” which is a big one for me. We’ll be pushing this agenda Though the CHS alums have demanding jobs in a more and more, making changes to be more sustainable fast-paced industry, each is grateful for the culture withwhen we can.” in The Barrow House—and that starts with the MarouTarnowski, who gets much of his produce from City lakos brothers. Green (as well as chicken from nearby Goffle Road “Dean and Tom are the best restaurant owners I’ve ever worked for,” Tarnowski said. “The culture here is great. They love supporting their staff and giving them the tools they’ll need to better themselves, educate themselves. They’re very big on promoting from within.” Pilarska agrees. “The great thing about this company,” she said, “is we’re young and we’re growing. The owners want to help people grow and succeed, and it’s a pleasure working for them.” However, while the internal culture is admirable, both Tarnowski and Pilarska know what keeps customers coming back to The Barrow House is their total experience. “It’s the atmosphere, the food, the drinks—it’s one of the better meals they will get around here,” said Tarnowski. “For what we do, we put love in the food and it shows. It’s also great to put food out that’s equally as beautiful as the surroundings. “If people want to have a great experience and make it a memorable night, they should definitely, definitely come to The Barrow House.”

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

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December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

HYDROMASSAGE®

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Story by Jack DeVries Photos by Steve Cohen

The Clifton Mustangs won the boys soccer state championship on Nov. 17, and Coach Stan Lembryk couldn’t be prouder. “It’s been amazing,” said Lembryk, smiling days after the win. “It’s a major reflection on the great kids we have here. We have a great town and this is one example of it.” The undefeated Mustangs beat Hunterdon Central in the Group IV final on penalty kicks, 5-4, after two scoreless overtimes. CHS finished 21-01, the Star-Ledger’s No. 1 team in the state. Played at Kean University, Lembryk described the game’s final moments:

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“It kind of slowed down, it was very calm. And then [goalkeeper] Eryk [Dymora] made the save of the season. But we’re still down, 3-2. I felt [late CHS Coach Fernando] Rossi looking down, the people in the stands there—it all came down to that moment. “One of the things we said to the boys is we’ve been through every situation this year; we have worked so hard to go over every single detail. We did not leave anything unturned. We reminded everybody of that. “And then we said who wants it? Because at that point you can’t tell a kid to take it because he’s your best player. The best player doesn’t necessarily mean he’s your best penalty kicker. And we left it up to them. “Five of those guys raised their hand up and said, ‘We got it, we want it.’

“Eryk said, ‘I’m taking the shot.’ I didn’t move. I stood still for the entire sequence of shots just looking. And then Eryk takes the PK and drills it in, and we’re 3-3. “Next, they shoot and they score. Our turn. You can pick anybody to shoot. At that point, I don’t even know how Eryk stepped up. He said, ‘I got it.’ He had just taken the last kick to tie it. And then he drilled his next one into the opposite corner. “Now it’s tied again, 4-4. The Hunterdon Central kid comes up, Eryk walks over to the ball and just looked at the kid… and walks back to in front of the goal. He takes his shot and Eryk saves it. The place is going nuts. Eryk saved two penalties and scored two penalties. Then our next shooter, our seventh shooter comes up.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

“Again, I’m not even near the players because they’re in the center of the field. Jason Suarez, a junior captain like Eryk, steps up. He drills the game winner! “I just looked around for what seemed like a long time, but probably it was just 10 seconds. Then the boys ran into the stands.” Enduring Legacy The story of Clifton soccer is one of resilience. It begins in 1962 when teacher and future coach, Severin Palydowycz, proposed forming a soccer team to CHS administrators. They laughed. Clifton was a football town. But Palydowycz would not take no for an answer. They permitted him to form an inter-

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

mural program in 1963 and a boys varsity team the next year. By 1967, the Mustangs were state champs. Palydowycz went 93-14 in nine seasons, followed by Rossi, who coached from 1978 to 2001 and led Clifton to a 353-95-51 mark. Rossi, who died on Feb. 23, 2010, remains a guiding force in the program. “He was not just a coach; he was our friend,” said Lembryk. “We would go over his house for dinner, and we would watch and talk soccer. He made it more than just a program.” Rossi’s son Giuseppe, an outstanding professional player, worked with the Mustangs this season and the team would FaceTime with him after he returned to Spain.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

“On the sidelines,” Lembryk said, “he was so into the games. When we missed a goal, you’d see him lying on the ground. He had so much passion.” Lembryk, who followed Coach Joe Vespignani (who took over for Rossi), believes his old coach is always with the Mustangs. “I still use his desk,” the coach said. “On the desk is a bumper sticker that says ‘America – A beautiful Italian name.’ I left it as is. I was so happy when I came back that his things were all still there.” As are Rossi’s life lessons. “I’m first-generation American,” said Lembryk, “and he was straight from Italy. He used to tell us all the time to use the game. We get ourselves into col-

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

lege, we become professionals, and we become good people. “I’ve held that close to me. No one in my family went to college, so he helped me with that. We all owe a lot to him.” Rossi also knew soccer was a great sport for Clifton’s diverse population. New students are often asked if they play soccer. “And you see the faces brighten up a little bit,” said Lembryk. “They think, ‘I do that, I can be part of that.’ Our team has a diverse background with players from South America, Central America, Europe and the Middle East. It brings us all together and that’s a great thing.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

It Takes a Village Lembryk, who starred for the Mustangs in 1983-86 and went on to play for Loyola University and in the professional ranks believes the 2019 championship means much to Clifton and many people share in the victory. “For example,” said Lembryk, “the Robotics Club was waiting for us and we walked through them as we were getting on the bus. They gave us a mechanical Mustang we kept on the sideline. Those little things were amazing.” Lembryk talks of the police escort to the final game, the Mustang football team cheering in the stands, and the Marching Mustangs making an appearance at the county finals. “They’re busy, too,” said Lembryk, “it’s their season. But when we were in the county finals, Brian [Stepneski] looked at his schedule and said we’re free. And then he says we’re coming with the whole band. ‘Are you kidding?’ I said. I couldn’t have been happier. “When the team heard the band, they could have run through the stadium. They didn’t stop. When the band played, it was let’s go! And then we won—the band was playing and kids were running up in the stands. That’s what that high school experience should be about.” However, Lembryk knows preparing for that memorable high school experience begins much earlier. “We would never be as successful if it wasn’t for our feeder programs,” he said. “We are blessed. The

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton Stallions are a massive program. There aren’t many communities that can say that they have a recreation program with over 1,000 kids in it—twice a year, spring and fall. “And then you tie in the Boys and Girls Club with its indoor soccer league. I played in their indoor soccer league, 40 something years ago. We started with two big cones in the gymnasium. Now it’s massive. “High school soccer is the end result but it would never happen without the amount of support we have.” Guiding young players, Lembryk said, are many dedicated adults who volunteer their time. “There’s people like Bobby Cardillo who runs the Stallions, Frank Pajuelo, Bob Foster, Cindy Winkler, Tommy DiDonna, Maurice Marsilla, Anna Marie Natale and so, so many others—it goes on and on.” He also appreciates the parents, booster club and fans, including a section of veteran Mustangs rooters dubbed, “The Jury,” for their never-ending support.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

“They come to every game, enjoying their retirement with the boys,” he said. “We lost a bunch of guys on The Jury, my dad being one of them. But a bunch are still there—Kenny Kurnath, Bob D’Arco, Bob Murphy, Rich Ashton—those guys are still coming.” In addition, the coach recognizes his staff for their contributions. “Five of them played for Clifton—Marlon Flores. Joe Borrajo, Danny Obrycki, Matt Ahumada and Michael Algieri. Frank Pajuelo does do much for youth soccer and Shirah Wittwer is great. I couldn’t do it without them—my staff has been tremendous.” But in the end, Lembryk knows it’s his players—his state champion Mustangs—who deserve accolades.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“Their resilience came through time and time again,” he said, “along with their attention to detail and discipline. Way before the season, they said, ‘Coach, we’re gonna do this.’” The Mustangs character manifested itself in off-season workouts, attended by 40-50 players throughout the year. It showed in the weight training program, led by Coach John Silva. And it was demonstrated in off-season play, both outdoor and indoor. “They were there for everything,” Lembryk said. “The dedication was there. The desire was there. It’s remarkable to see young people come together and put their mind to something. “They can do anything when they do.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Mustangs When Dan Geleta looks at his 2019-20 wrestling squad, he sees great similarity between it and the 2016 team he guided to league, district, and state sectional championships. That team entered that winter stocked with seasoned grapplers hungry to make a postseason run. With a host of experienced wrestlers back from last year’s 19-9 team that lost in the North 1, Group 5 semifinals to Livingston, this group looks poised to do exactly the same. “We would like to challenge for everything we wrestle for,” Geleta said. “We want to win the league, the districts, and the state sectionals—and every tournament we enter. “We do have enough depth on our team to rack up a lot of points. “We may not have a stud, but in dual matches, we should have enough firepower to win most of our matches.” Leading the way for the Mustangs is Junior 145-pounder Chris

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Wrestling Dec 20 @Lenape Valley Dec 21 Invitational

Dec 28 @Parsippany Jan 3

@Bogota

Jan 7

@PCIT

Jan 4 Jan 8

Jan 10 Jan 11

Jan 15 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 29 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 3 Feb 8

@Bloomfield Passaic

@Eastside @Howell

Berg Catholic

@Westwood HS

7pm

10am 9am

6pm

10am 6pm 6pm 6pm

10am 6pm 5pm

@TBA

TBD

Wayne Hills

6pm

JFK

6pm

@West Milford

TBD

@Paramus

7pm

@Garfield

Pequannock

@West Milford

6pm 9am

6pm

10am

Stathopoulos, who already has over 55 wins for his career. Last season, Stathopoulos finished third in District 5 and fourth in Passaic County, and will be looking to exceed those accomplishments as an eleventh-grader. “I expect him to be a leader on the mat as well as in the practice room,” Geleta said. “He is a terrific wrestler and he out-conditions most of his opponents.” Three wrestlers—junior Nick Stathopoulos, junior Enrique Montero and sophomore Luke Ceneri— will man the 152 and 160 slots. Montero was 21-12 last year, while Stathopoulos went 11-11 and placed third in the district. The two will likely share duties at 152, while Ceneri—a physical grappler who makes few mistakes—will primarily compete at 160. Ceneri was 20-4 as a freshman. A pair of brothers, sophomore Jacob Maldonado and senior Eddie

MUSTANG Maldonado, will vie for time at 170, while Senior Malik Allan takes the mat at 182. Allan is a smart wrestler who has shown a knack for taking advantage of opponents’ mistakes and should have a breakout season in his final high school go-around for the Mustangs. Senior Marcellous Belmar and freshman Joe Abill with take the mat at 195, while senior Jesus Valdez— who went 21-5 last year—competes at 220. Sophomore Nick Burgess will spell Valdez from time to time. Sophomore Ahmad Ramadan will start at 285 with senior Gabriel Caporal seeing time, as well. Freshman Deven Desai, senior Abdul Alsaidi (a district fourth and county fourth last season) and sophomore Adam Hasan will split time in the 106 and 113 roles,. Both sophomore Carlos Sierra and senior Hussein Yousef will see time at 120. Senior 126-pounder Omar Ali figures to be one of Clifton’s top point-getters a year after going 29-7 and placing second in District 5. Seniors Gio Carro and Yazan Toubbasi will share the load at 132. Senior Moe Ghaith will start at 138, with

By Tom Szieber

SPORTS

senior Sheharyar Khan also occupying that spot on occasion. “We still have some inexperience in the lower weight classes, but from 126 and up we are going to be a very solid team against anyone in the state,” Geleta said. “I am excited because we have a lot of options in every weight class. We will play the lineup to our benefit.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mustangs Boys

Basketball Last season, the Clifton boys basketball team finally broke through. After a long difficult rebuild, the Mustangs earned the top seed in the North 1, Group 4 playoffs and also appeared in the Passaic County championship game. Those were both outstanding accomplishments for a program that spent so many years learning how to win. But in the eyes of their leader, the Mustangs still have plenty of work to do to show the North Jersey basketball scene that they are, in fact, a program to be reckoned with. “I think there is certainly a feeling that we are a championship-level school, but last year was last year,” said fourth-year head coach Mike Cadmus, who is 43-37 after three seasons. “For a turnaround to be complete, you have to continuously have good years. I feel like we still have a lot to prove. We have to show that Clifton is here to stay.” To do so, they will need to rely on an underclass-dominated lineup. With mostly juniors and sophomores, the leadership will fall on a pair of senior forwards, Eddie Perez and Jack Louer.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Dec 20

Lakeland

Jan 3

@Bergen Tech

Dec 23 Jan 7 Jan 9

Jan 11

Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 28 Jan 30 Feb 4 Feb 6

Feb 11

Feb 13 Feb 18 Feb 20 Feb 25 Feb 27

@DePaul @PCTI

Eastside

Union City Passaic

@Snyder

@West NY JFK

@WayneValley @Bloomfield

4:15pm 7pm 7pm 4pm

4:30pm

11:30am 4:30pm 6pm

TBD

4:15pm 7pm 1pm

Paramus

4:15pm

Bergen Tech

4:30pm

@Passaic

4:30pm

@Eastside

@West Milford Westfield PCTI

@JFK

@West Orange Hoboken

TBD

7pm

4:15pm 4pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Matt Okorie, Ed Perez, Jahiem Bunting, Ryan Lauritano, Paul Dupree, Jack Louer, Dylan Montalvo and Travis Miles.

Perez, who primarily plays in the four spot, started every game at center in 2018-19. Back then, his role was as a shot blocker and rebounder. Now, his game has expanded, and the expectation is that he will shoot and handle the ball significantly more. Louer, meanwhile, is a small forward who is a particularly adept shooter. A 100-goal scorer is lacrosse, he plays with an attacking mentality when going to the basket. “[Their experience] is very important,” said Cadmus. “They were both in the rotation last year and have had big moments. They provide a quiet leadership, by example.” Sophomore Kyle Vellis will be Clifton’s two-guard and is one of the best pure shooters in Passaic County.

He plays off the ball well and is a strong finisher at the basket, as well. Junior 6’5” forward Travis Miles may be the squad’s most improved player. He can dunk with ease, handle the ball and has a solid shot. As he gets stronger, he will become an even more dangerous threat down low. Ryan Lauritano, a junior, will be an imposing figure at point guard, standing 6’5” himself. He is a prototype at the one-spot and is the Mustangs’ best passer. His classmate, Matt Okorie, will play center, having improved a great deal in the post. Strong and well built, he is a basket protector and can also shoot and stretch the floor. While five of those six will, depending on match-ups, be Clifton’s starting lineup, the Mustangs are more than formidable off the bench. Junior guard Paul Dupree is a 5’9” shooter who is the team’s best ball handler. Junior guard Jahiem Bun-

ting, a strong finisher at the basket, will return from a torn ACL, while sophomore guard Michael Kristof is one of the squad’s best defenders. Needless to say, the Mustangs, despite their youth, are armed with talent going into their Dec. 20 opener at home against Lakeland. That talent figures to have them right in the thick of things once again in the Big North Liberty, Passaic County

and North 1, Group 4, ready to show that Clifton boys basketball was far more than a one-year wonder. “This offseason, we were at a showcase at Blair Academy and at no point did I feel I had to push them or remind them that they belonged,” Cadmus said. “They know they belong. I expect to go back to a county title game and be a top five seed in states.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mustangs Girls

Basketball Dec 20

@Lakeland

Dec 27

Ridgefield Pk.

Dec 23 Dec 28 Dec 30 Jan 3 It will be a true youth movement for the Clifton girls basketball team in 2019-20, as the Mustangs will look to overcome the loss of several key contributors and build on last season’s 13-11 record. There is talent on the roster but little varsity experience—a hurdle the Clifton will need to get over to reach the North 1, Group 4 tournament. “My theory this year is to try and play up tempo, get steals and get layups,” said fourth-year head coach Angelo Intile. “We need to be in good shape. We’re going to try all types of defensive pressure to create baskets for ourselves. “How well we do that will determine how many games we win.” With the graduation of three

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Jan 7 Jan 9

Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 28 Jan 30 Feb 4 Feb 6

Feb 11

Feb 13 Feb 18 Feb 20 Feb 22 Feb 25 Feb 27

TBD

Union City

10:30am

@Jefferson

2pm

Bergenfield

Bergen Tech PCTI

@Eastside @Passaic @PV

Bloomfield @JFK

Wayne Vallley @Paramus

11am

12:30pm 4:30pm 4pm

TBD

4:30pm 4pm

11:30am 7pm 4pm

TBD

Eastside

4:30pm

West Milford

4:15pm

@Bergen Tech Passaic

@DePaul @PCTI JFK

@Pass A&S @Snyder Hoboken

4:15pm 4:30pm 7pm 4pm

4:15pm 12pm TBD

5pm

From left, front, Taniya Giles, Tanner Rivera, Brielle Rodriguez, Nicole Weinbel, Kaylee Miller, Lea Hallak and Nikki Zlotkowski. Rear: Gabriella Bermudez, Angelica Pujols, Alyse Turk, Tamara Mohammad and Nichelle Navarro.

three-year players—Shahd Badeer, Giuliana Richards and Amani Brinson—the Mustangs will need junior guard Brielle Rodriguez to assume the role of go-to player. An intense athlete especially good on defense, she has a nose for the basketball. This year, she will be more of a scoring option. “If we have to go box and one, we put Brielle on the other team’s best offensive player,” said Intile. “Last year we didn’t have to depend on her to score but this year we will.”

Junior point guard Lea Hallak is a skilled ball-handler and will be Clifton’s No. 2 option this season. Hallak takes the ball to the basket with effectiveness and is working on her finishing and free throws to become a more complete scorer. Junior forward Michelle Navarro will be an important piece to Clifton’s offensive efforts. A 5’9”, she will be looked upon to score 8 to 10 points per game. Sophomore guard/forward Nikki Zlotkowski, meanwhile, is a smart and strong player who is adept at getting in position for rebounds. She will need to be strong on the offensive glass and the put-back. Junior 6’1” center Gabrielle Bermudez, either as a starter or first player off the bench, will be responsible for clogging up the middle. Sophomore guard/forward Taniya Giles, junior Angelica Pujols, sophomore guard Alyse Turk, freshman guard Kaylee Miller, senior forward Tanner Rivera and senior guard Nicole Weinbel will round out the Clifton rotation. “Our success depends on how well we develop,” Intile added about the upcoming season. “Our competition is tough no doubt about it. “I just want them to play hard every game and compete to the best of their abilities.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS

For 32 years, Tom Danko was a constant for Clifton ice hockey. But after a long, successful career, he stepped down after last season, handing the reins of the program to former Mustang Mike Santosuosso. Primarily an assistant baseball coach over the past 12 years (though he has spent some time volunteering for Danko), Santosuosso played a role in Clifton ice hockey’s most successful period—he was a right wing on the team that won the public school state title in 2001. Now, he will look to keep the ship steady for a program that, while struggling with numbers, still managed to go 13-10-1 and win the Gold Cup in the Big North Patriot Division last year. “Hockey is so different from baseball, and just the little bit of volunteering, it all comes back to you,” said Santosuosso.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

HOCKEY

Mustangs

Hockey

Dec 6

Pascack Valley

5:40pm

Dec 9

@Fair Lawn

7:40pm

Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 15 Dec 20 Jan 2

Jan 10 Jan 12 Jan 24 Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 7 Feb 8

Feb 14

@River Dell Colonia

@Paramus

6:30pm 5:40pm 5pm

@Old Tappan

3:30pm

5:40pm

@PV

@Paramus

5:40pm 5pm

Fair Lawn

7:40pm

Bayonne

5:40pm

@Colonia

@Tenafly HS

3:15pm 7pm

River Dell

4:20pm

PCTI

5:40pm

@PCTI

2:30pm

From left: Sebastian Skubisz, Dylan Spies, Jaden Fortuna, Yestin Gormley, Selena Fruit, Sean Sandberg, James Troller, Vlastimil Ciberej, and Vincent Petriella.

“I’ve done this for three weeks and it all just comes back to you. Being in that physical environment is something I am happy to be back around.” He inherits a group that is low on varsity experience but high on talent. And while he admits the team is in a bit of a rebuild, he believes that the pieces are in place for a solid year. It all starts in the goal where senior Jaden Fortuna will look to keep games low-scoring while his young offense grows. Big and athletic, he has uncanny athleticism for a goalie and is quick with his glove and legs. He will be supported by a defense that is led by senior Vincent Petriel-

la, who Santosuosso calls the “heart and soul” of the team. An above average skater and shooter, he has impressed Santosuosso with his passion and leadership. “Any given night he can be the best player on the ice,” Santosuosso said. “On a team where we don’t have a lot of experience, having a senior like him is good to have. “He is someone for other players to look up to.” Petriella will be flanked by senior Dylan Spies on the first line. Spies is still adjusting to increased varsity minutes, but can handle the puck and has a good shot. Sophomore Patrick Biernat will be Clifton’s top reserve defenseman. Offensively, Clifton’s first line will be led by senior Yestin Gormley, who possesses one of the best shots on the team. He will be joined by senior center Vlastimi Ciberej, who is a fast skater with a good shot and hockey sense. Completing the first line will be freshman left wing James Troller, who has played a great deal of travel hockey and is an all-around offensive talent. “The sport is not new to James,” Santosuosso said. “He has good ability. He can skate, shoot and pass. He is already a big kid and I am excited to see what he is going to become over the next couple of years.”

Clifton’s second line will be some combination of freshman Faith Poplawski, junior Sean Sandberg, sophomore Joseph Wiebe, senior Sebastian Skubisz and freshman David Doremus. “They are all capable, all accountable for where they are on the ice,” said Santosuosso. “We are just figuring out who is going to be on that line and who will be mixing in.” As a group, the Mustangs are definitely raw, though it is easy to see why Santosuosso maintains that his first campaign can be a successful one. It also helps that much of the Patriot Division is also young, leveling the playing field a bit. Now, it’s up to the current Clifton contingent to keep the tradition established by Danko going and, hopefully, lay a foundation for the program to flourish. “I feel like we are young at a good time,” he said. “A lot of teams in our division are in similar situations. I feel like we play in a division where if we play smart hockey, we have a chance to win. But ultimately, we are trying to re-establish the culture that has always been here. “We are going to have to get more players. Right now, my goal is not only to compete but to also rebuild the program and interest in the town.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Dec 23

168th St, NYC

Jan 2

Rockland CC

Dec 28 Jan 3

Jan 4

Jan 10 Jan 11

Jan 15 Jan 19

Jan 20 Jan 27

Jan 29

MUSTANG SPORTS

TRACK

Feb 3

Feb 22

Feb 29 Mar 8

Staten Island FDU-Hack

Garfield HS FDU-Hack

Garfield HS

Staten Island Toms River

9am

430pm

9am

430pm

9am

5pm

9am

Garfield HS

615pm

168th St, NYC

430pm

Staten Island

168th St, NYC Toms River

Toms River

430pm

9am

10am

Top from left, Brianna Rubio, Cassidy Rubio, May Yusa, Arantxa Martinez and Nicole Alexander. Front from left: Jala Hagans, Nicole Ozga, Aylin Garcia, Andrea Dubbels and Sofia Roma.

A year after winning the Big North Liberty and Passaic County championships, the Clifton girls indoor track team looks poised for another successful year. They also have some unfinished business to tend to as they look to overtake sectional champion Ridgewood in North 1, Group 4, one year after finishing second in the section. As is often the case with the Mike Rogers-coached Mustangs, Clifton returns a number of accomplished athletes. Senior Brianna Rubio is the team’s best sprinter, particularly excelling in the 200m and 400m dashes. Joining her in the lineup will be fellow senior Andrea Dubbels, who is always a threat to win in the 800m and 1600m. Completing Clifton’s trio of stars is junior Mia Dubac, whose specialty is the 3200m. “If you look at their accomplishments, they are alltime greats,” Rogers said of the group. “The amount they’ve medaled and how they’ve performed in [state] meets is as good as anyone we’ve had.” Clifton will get contributions from the likes of junior Jess Rubio, who is a jumper and sprinter and runs the 800m. She will be particularly valuable in the field, where

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

the Mustangs will need to be good to compete for titles. Junior Adelys Hernandez runs the 400m and will look to standout individually this year, but she has been a cog in Clifton’s relay teams in past seasons and figures to remain so in 2019-20. Freshman Remy Dubac will be another key member of the roster and will look to carry over her success from cross-country season, during which she was one of the top ninth-graders in North Jersey. “A lot of the teams in the area have gotten better, but our expectations are always really high. :I hope to compete for league and county titles,” said Rogers. “Our philosophy is to get better every day.” The Mustang boys were rebuilding a year ago, but finished a respectable third in the section after taking third and fifth in the division and county, respectively. This year, they will look to make strides after strong spring and cross-country seasons. Leading the way will be senior Josh Szabo, whose greatest success has come in the 800m. Sophomore Jacob Heredia, who was injured for most of last indoor season, will be another returnee expected to produce in distance events. Perhaps the deepest group on the boys side is the throwing contingent.

Front from left, Robert Urban, Joshua Szabo, Armondo Rendon, Steven Abreu, Angel Markovski, Dennis Poventud, Mohamed Nidaazzi, Francisco Estrad-Vega, Renzo Quispe and David Arroyo. Rear fron left: Daniel Partika, Mohammad Raza, Eric Grimm, Denioso Bojkovic, Rafael Montes De Oca and Eric Smith.

Juniors Mohammad Abedrabo and Omar Alshujaieh— both starters on Clifton football’s offensive line—each medaled in counties last year and have the potential to be among the best in North Jersey. Senior sprinter/jump Brian Lipari will be a major piece of the Clifton lineup.

“I like where the culture is,” Rogers said “Everyone is buying in, and I hope will translate to success. What we lacked last year was experience. We have that now. I hope we will see some improvements and surprise some people.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS

BOWLING

Mustangs

Bowling From left rear, Makhi Laws, Natalie Quirino, Angela Quirino, Gabriella Ancona, Mike Jaques; middle, Rebecca Vitale, Daniella Arce, Emily Brito, Sean Cruz, Kaylie Ateniese and Catherine Farrell; front, Ronak Lade, Tyler DeBenedetto, Bo Jacob Thomas and Karam Assaf. Missing are Carlos Barraza and Vanessa Soto Hernandez.

The 2018-19 season was a season of accomplishment for Clifton boys bowling. The Mustangs not only won the North 1B, Group 4 championship, but went 14-0 in Big North Liberty Division action. “It was a special year,” veteran head coach Brian Small said frankly. “No matter who we went up against, I knew we’d do well.” They go into this winter looking to defend their sectional crown but knowing that it won’t be easy to do so. After several key losses to graduation, they will look to newer individuals to help them make another postseason push. The most experienced member of the lineup will be Sean Cruz. The senior was a first team All-Passaic County and first team All-Big North Liberty bowler last season and finished the year with a 209 average.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

He will be joined by junior Tyler DeBenedetto, who averaged a 160 as a sophomore. DeBenedetto earned second team all-league honors as a tenth-grader. Among the fresh faces bowling for Clifton will be senior Carlos Barraza, who moves up to the varsity ranks after spending last season at the junior varsity level. “With these three guys, I think we will be competitive,” said Small. “Sean is up there. He will be one of the top bowlers in the league. Tyler has come a long way and has had some good scores [this preseason], and Carlos has bowled well, as well.” The Mustang girls will look to improve on a 7-7 2018-19 campaign led by junior Juli-Anne Gamo. Gamo averaged a 144 last season and was a first team all-league and second team all-county honoree.

Dec 10

Bergen Tech

4pm

Dec 17

Eastside

4pm

Dec 12 Dec 19 Jan 6 Jan 8

Jan 13 Jan 15

Jan 21

Jan 24 Jan 29

Jan 31 Feb 5

Feb 6

Passaic JFK

PCTI

BC-Holy Angels Lakeland

Wayne Hills

Bergen Tech Passaic

Eastside JFK

PCTI

Don Bosco

4pm 4pm 4pm

4pm

4pm 4pm

4pm

4pm 4pm

4pm

Next up will be junior Kaylie Ateniefa, herself a second team allleague award recipient last year. She averaged a 125 as a sophomore. Senior Daniela Arce, a 142 bowler last season, will round out the girls’ top three. “We do have some talent coming back,” Small said. “With those three, if they can pull 150s,160s, we can perform well in this league.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS

SWIMMING

Mustangs

Swimming

In recent years, the Clifton swim Adam Ali, Krystian Artwick, Adrian teams have struggled with num- Dec 10 Don Bosco, IC 3:30pm Baran, Ahmad Saleh, Shakira Rivera, bers. It is an issue that head coach Dec 12 Hackensack 3:30pm Lucas Uvbanowycz , Michelle Urrego, Antony Meneses and Matthew Arias Brittany Yannetti is tackling headDec 16 @Wayne Valley 3pm on. “From last year we have grown the 3:30pm Yannetti, now in her second sea- Dec 19 Wayne Hills boys team a lot, and I want to keep doson at the helm of the Mustangs, has Jan 4 @Pascack Valley 2pm ing that,” said Yannetti. “The objective taken on a grassroots approach to Jan 7 DePaul 3:30pm is to get the numbers up. We are trying packing the Clifton roster, encour@West NY 4pm to build a team. I only had 11 boys last aging swimmers to recruit within Jan 9 the walls of CHS to increase partici- Jan 14 Ridgewood 3:30pm year, and now we have 17. “I think the boys I have now did a pation and return them to contention Jan 16 @Dickinson 4pm great job of recruiting for me.” in league and sectional competition. Jan 18 @River Dell TBD As for the girls, senior Danielle CoAs for this year, on the boys side, lon will be the squad’s top swimmer 3:30pm she is looking to a group of talent- Jan 21 Passaic ed juniors to help Clifton stay in the Jan 23 @Kearny 4pm and will compete in the backstroke. Several other twelfth-graders will mix. Among them is junior Lucas Jan 30 Lakeland 3:30pm play key roles, as well, including senior Urbanowycz, a breaststroker and PCTI 3:30pm Michelle Urrego in the individual med500m freestyler who impressed Yan- Feb 4 ley and Jessica Alexander and Tiffany netti with his offseason dedication. Dominguez in the freestyle. Joining him will be Adrian Baran, another talented elevTwo sophomores will be important point-getters in the enth-grader who will compete in the backstroke. Krystian backstroke, as well—Emily Seelogy and Isabella BermuArtwik will be Clifton’s top swimmer in the butterfly. dez. “We are more versatile than last year and can swim in The Mustangs will also expect contributions from seva lot of different events,” Yannetti said. eral younger athletes, including freshman Frank Coste, “These kids have such a great relationship. I think their who also swims for the Clifton Seahawks club team. best asset is their ability to get their other teammates exSophomore Santiago Bermudez will be another key memcited for the season.” ber of the roster and will compete in freestyle events.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

MUSTANG SPORTS As defending state champions, Clifton’s competition cheerleading team is motivated and looking toward another successful season. Last year, the team finished second in the Big North Conference championships and took home a first-place state title in the Intermediate Varsity Coed Championship. The Mustangs won the crown for the first time, handily beating out their nearest rivals Long Branch and Toms River South High Schools. The competition was held in Trenton.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

CHEERLEADING This year, Big North Conference competition begins Jan. 6 and mini-meets will feature 24 Big North teams who compete head-to-head every week in January. During these competitions, each team performs twice and a winner is announced following each round. Teams with the most wins at January’s end make it to the mini-meet championship. Last year, Clifton made it to the finals for the first time ever, finishing in fourth place. Regular competitions take place on weekends at local high schools. Beginning practice in September, Clifton competes in the co-ed cheer dance category and will be competing at the state competition at the end of February. Clifton’s competition cheerleading is led by Coach Ashley LaTrace and Senior Captains Jessica Bonilla, Kayla Thompson and Tahira Rafiq. Other varsity members include Patricia Scouten, Savana Leitner, Ariana Castro, Milton Zarzuela, Emma Sime, Mia Maldonado, Nahioly Almonte, Kayleigh Zhitnick, Shantal Moquillaza, Isabella Ranu, Kiara Reid, Serena Cassese, Matthew Rodriguez and Dezmariah Franceschi.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

David Rojas, Zali Williams, Victoria Olive and Dylan Perez.

December has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students who have gotten a head start on the latest activities on the campus, one from each grade. David Rojas Senior David Rojas loves problem-solving, especially when he’s using mathematics. “I love how we have a problem,” said Rojas, “where we have to find a solution to that problem using numbers and having that good feeling toward the end of getting the answer correct.” Part of the reason he enjoys tackling math problems is due to Mrs. Allen. “She was my Algebra 1 and 2 teacher,” he said, “and always had great advice. It was great how she taught math and it made me more interested in the subject.” During his CHS time, Rojas played lacrosse. But it’s his education that makes his biggest fan cheer loudest. “Simply,” he said,” education makes my mom happy. Whenever I tell my mom about my education, she always gets happy because she knows her son will accomplish more with an education.” Upon graduation, the senior wants to attend college. “I intend to go to a four-year program [to study] computer programming,” Rojas said, “which can lead to a bright future job.” Zali Williams Zali Williams likes to challenge herself, especially when it comes to chemistry and physics. “There is always a different way of looking at your answers and the

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

situations you are put in,” said the junior. “Labs are always very hands-on and push you to learn while still having fun and understanding the reasoning.” Her example to follow is her older sister, Chloe. “Chloe is extremely intelligent and hardworking,” said Williams, “which has gotten her into an Ivy League college on the pre-med track. Not only is she a great student, Chloe is an amazing sister and would help me with anything.” Also positively influencing her are two special teachers. “Mr. Pinto,” said Williams, “pushes artists to their full capabilities and cares for his students, not only in singing but in their lives. Mr. Rogers is not only a great track coach, but also pushes students to relate history to today’s world. “Both care for their students and would do anything to help them.” Williams is a member of the Madcaps, participates in indoor and outdoor track and field, and is a competitive Irish dancer outside of school. She’s also learned important life lessons. “CHS has taught me valuable skills,” she noted, “such as teamwork, time management and empathy toward anyone who is having troubles.” In the future, Williams hopes to attend Cornell University or NYU.

Victoria Olive Sophomore Victoria Olive loves history. “The intricacies of different countries, cultures and time periods that I learn in class,” said Olive, “help flesh out the amazing story that is human history.” From history, she found an inspirational role model. “Mary Seacole was a Jamaican woman who helped wounded soldiers during the Crimean War,” she said. “She was a woman of mixed race in the early 1800s, so needless to say she wasn’t liked by certain people. But she never let anything stop her from doing what she thought was right. “The determination and drive of Mother Seacole is something I strive to have in my life.” Olive shows her own determination by being active. “I am in the Academic Decathlon, Model UN, Key Club, GSA, Mad Caps, Tri M, and I’m also the corresponding secretary for the sophomore class,” Olive said, adding that she aspires to play volleyball. Part of the Natural Sciences Academy, Olives owes her deep enjoyment of biology to Mrs. Graziano. “In her class,” she said, “I began to love biology like never before. She helped give me a new curiosity about the world and the way that it worked, as well as pushed me to work harder.”

Dylan Perez Soccer eased Dylan Perez’s CHS transition. “In August,” said the freshman, “I was accepted into the varsity soccer program. It was almost like I got a head start into high school. It gave me confidence when I entered.” Perez’s favorite subject is world history. “It’s almost like we are being told countless, interesting stories that actually happened,” he said. “All the amazing teachers I’ve had for Social Studies have also contributed to this feeling.” One of his favorites was WWMS’s Mrs. Andreasen “because of the passion she showed for the subject and the patience she had for anyone who needed help.” For inspiration, Perez looks to his family. “My family inspires me most,” he said. “All of them are big supporters of hard work. Everything that they have achieved, they’ve earned it. They have taught me the value of working for the things you want most in life, and so far it’s working.” Along with playing soccer, Perez has been accepted into the Health Academy. He plans join indoor track, spring track, Mock Trial and the National Honor Society. “Determination is everything,” he said, “and you can get anything done if you have that.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

2019

Clifton saluted its veterans Nov. 4 as bands and patriots marched from Huron Ave., along Van Houten Ave. and into the Avenue of Flags during the annual Veterans Parade. This year’s theme was “Saluting All Veterans, Past and Present.” Firefighter Tony Latona was Veterans Day speaker and Mike Gimon was parade grand marshal.

VETERANS PARADE Photos by Philippe Jackimowicz & Steve Cohen

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

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December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays! Wishing Everyone Peace & Good Will in 2020

Councilman Bill Gibson & Robin Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

BOOK NOOK The Book Nook volunteers, back from left: Arvind Desai, Jewel Colvi, Jo Hock, Barbara Kiraly, Pat Vasilik and Jerry Naidick; bottom, Fran Warren, Susan Tereski, Helen Mault and Christine Mazur. Missing are Josephine Kimberley, Frank Mastrodonato, Angela Lamartino, Liba Schaffer, Gail Hatem and Ann Younides.

The Clifton Public Library is celeThe Main Library location, as well brating the 20th anniversary of The as the Allwood Branch annex, is stocked Book Nook and shares the excitement of with a variety of materials accumulated its volunteers in hitting a milestone mark mostly through donations from the public. of $100,000 in revenue accrued over the Fiction includes everything from current course of its existence. bestsellers to classic volumes in both hardThe Book Nook was founded in 1999 cover and paperback format, and covers all by Grace Zanetti, who served as a Clifages from children to teen to adult. ton schoolteacher, a guide at the HamilNonfiction spans a range of topics, from ton House and a Clifton Library trustee ever-popular cookbooks to sports, religion, and volunteer. history, coffee-table books and more. MeShe envisioned a place where patrons dia is comprised of mostly DVDs and CDs, could acquire used books at reasonable though occasionally older formats such as The Book Nook founder prices with proceeds going to the library VHS and cassette tapes can be had. Grace Zanetti. to supplement the purchase of materials, “From the bottom of our hearts,” said supplies and programs. Ms. Tereski, “we thank everyone who has After Zanetti “retired” from her posisupported us throughout the years, from voltion as the chief of the Book Nook, Beatrice Young took unteers to donors to customers. It takes time, effort and over the helm. Today, the Book Nook is under the superinterest on all ends to make it successful.” vision of Susan Tereski. Library Director Justine Tomczak added, “The library Dozens of dedicated volunteers have helped keep the staff sincerely appreciates the work of the Book Nook Nook running through the years. The average volunteer volunteers, which has made their contributions to us poshas been there for five years and one volunteer had been sible over the years. there for 20. “And to all of the customers who have given the Nook Volunteers sort through donations, keep the area a reason to exist, to the readers who support the library stocked and organized and interact with customers— in a variety of ways—we thank you and look forward to many of whom are regulars. seeing you again.” Many of the volunteers have formerly served in edDonations can be brought inside the Main Library or ucation and delight in meeting new people and helping Allwood Branch during open hours (please do not leave them stock their shelves at home or picking out titles items outside or in the outdoor library materials return suiting their interests. boxes). Teachers are often great customers of the Book Nook, With limited storage space, The Book Nook asks for as they are able to stock their classroom libraries at suonly a bag/box or two at a time. Items must be in good per-low prices, and parents and grandparents also take condition and free from mold or mustiness. And please, advantage while building their child’s home collections. no textbooks, encyclopedias, or outdated health books.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

GOOD DEEDS

Clifton Martial Arts Academy on Bloomfield Ave. held its 10th annual “Kick-A-Thon” at Chelsea Park on Nov. 9, benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. During the past nine years, the Kick-A-Thon has raised about $23,000; this year, participants raised about $6,000 with 500 kicks in an hour, breaking the fundraising record again. The Academy’s Nick Pletchon raised $700 by himself. “I am extremely happy with the way these kids and their families came out and paid it forward,” said Jim Meghdir, sensei. “Next year we’ll go for even more.”

Tom Danko, after 32 years as head coach of CHS Ice Hockey, has retired from coaching and teaching. The Hockey Booster Club is planning to honor Coach Danko (left) in a ceremony after the Dec. 13 5:40 pm game against Colonia at Floyd Hall Arena. The Booster Club would like to invite Clifton Ice Hockey Alumni and their families to attend the ceremony, which will be held at approximately 6:45 pm. The Clifton Association of Artist show and sale takes place through Dec. 28 at the Clifton Library. More than 50 pieces of art and two sculptures are displayed. The CAA is open to all and the next meeting is Feb. 3 at 7 pm. Anyone interested in joining can call Tom Dzubina at 973-546-8977. Pictured are CAA officers Treasurer Gloria Marino, VP Emily Diamond, President Tom Dzubina and show chair Eugenia Gore.

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton Junior Mustangs are seeking wrestlers, grades K-8th. Season is underway and practices are held through Feb. 27. Kids are taught the basics of wrestling and, after proper training, will grapple with kids in the same weight category. This is a feeder program for Clifton Mustang Wrestling. Practices are at the CHS wrestling room from 6-7:30 pm, Mon-Thur. Find out more, call Phil Consiglio at 973-557-0717.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

Steve Mao, pictured at right, owner of Hot Bagels Abroad across from City Hall, treated veterans and first responders to a free breakfast on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Among those who took part in the chow call were Ken Chipura, who served in the Navy from 1966 to 1972; WWII veterans John Dufalla, 99, with his granddaughter Lauren Condit; and Stephen Fifth, who served with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969.

Celebrate Christmas with the AARP 4192 with a luncheon on Dec. 13 at the Mountainside Inn, 509 Hazel St. Peter Lieberman, the No. 1 one-man band in the Tri-State Area, featuring great vocal and instrumental music from the 1940s through the 1980s, will provide music for your dancing pleasure. Members and guests are welcome. For more info about the event, call Helen at 973-772-4151. AARP 4192 invites new members. For info, call Richard Gold at 201-404-6613.

100

December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Friends of the Clifton Public Library present the always swingin’ sticks man Mike Luipersbeck & the All Star Trio in a free holiday concert at the Clifton Public Library at 292 Piaget Ave. on Dec. 16 at 2 pm. The Polish School is held at School 13, not at St. John Kanty Church, as incorrectly noted last month. Classes are Saturdays, from 10 am to 1 pm, through May. For more info write to: eij20041@verizon.net.

Clifton’s Department of Public Works

bloom this coming spring, and for

thanks City Green’s “Dig In!” and the

years to come. By teaming up with

Passaic County Board of Chosen Free-

the DPW, Dig In! provides a new com-

holders for awarding Clifton with a

munity garden to be enjoyed by all

grant of 5,000 daffodils. Bulbs were

residents of Clifton.

planted in front of City Hall and will

Through partnerships with public and private sources, the DPW continues to work hard to keep Clifton Clean and Green. To find out more, give us a call: 973-470-2237. Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

101

The B&G Club of Clifton’s 2019 Alumni inductees on Nov. 15: from left, Dennis Telischak, Frank Kasper, Candace Mariso, Mary Jo. Foster, Bobby D’Arco, Shannon Stumper, Patty Lavender, Kim Stumper, John Fortemps and John Krenicki.

Forty Years of Helping Children By Charles Timm

There’s something especially flattering about being thought of as a nice person, finding something special in the most trying or ordinary of things and creating sunshine by being a great example. Take Mary Jo Anzaldi-Foster and Patty Lavender, with the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton for 40 years. The teaching duo was honored at the B&G Club Hall of Fame with a surprise lifetime achievement award. Anzaldi-Foster, or “Miss A.,” who grew up on Day St. and lives on Collura Lane, began her involvement in September 1978, at the Girls Club on the corner of Van Houten and Mt. Prospect Aves. “I had to do volunteer service during my first semester at Montclair State University,” she said. “Having been a family/child studies major, I thought the Girls Club was the ideal choice.” One of her earliest club memories is of meeting Patty Lavender in June 1979. (That’s them above right in the Club in 1982 or so.) Lavender, or “Powee,” who grew up in Guttenberg and lives on Rutgers Place, learned of an opening from a friend. “I was working in New York City as a CRT operator,” Lavender said. “I wasn’t thrilled with the city commute and thought working at the Club sounded like

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a great idea. When I started, I was the gym coordinator and teen director. I even volunteered for bingo at night.” “Patty and I would drive the Club van and take the children horseback riding to a stable in West Milford,” said Anzaldi-Foster. “I conducted a cooking class. Once a month, we would take the class out to dinner.” “There were so many Priscilla St. memories,” Lavender agreed, “and fun things going on everyday—kickball, dodgeball, steal the bacon, flag football, and parachute. The Halloween haunted house we made—the kids loved it!” Of course, the two have seen changes. “Today, every parent works,” Anzaldi-Foster said, “unlike years ago when a mom would be at home to greet their children, give them a snack, and help with homework. Parents need daycare for their children.” “When I started at the Girls Club, it was a small building,” said Lavender. “Just one big room we used as a gym and another section as our game room.” Both remember the 1986 merger of the Boys and Girls Clubs. “Our executive director, Dolores Colucci, realized the facility was getting too small for the number of children we were servicing,” Anzaldi-Foster said. “At the time,

the Girls Club was the only facility in Clifton that offered transportation from school.” “The Boys Club needed the Girls Club, although they may not admit to that,” Lavender said, adding, “I wasn’t so happy to move. “Luckily, our executive director was going to be the executive director at the new Boys and Girls Club. It made me feel more secure.” Today, Anzaldi-Foster is early childhood director. According to her, a typical day is, “busy, fun, and very rewarding.” “Always busy,” Lavender agreed. “We have five daycare classes and three after-school kindergarten classes. Some parents refer to me as ‘Pitbull” Patty’ because I make sure everyone pays on time.” Both women hold Ladies Auxiliary memberships and run the Club’s tricky tray. “I have been happily married to Bob Foster for 24 years,” said Anzaldi-Foster. “Bob was Boys Club program director, and I was Kinderkare Director when the clubs merged. Although we weren’t fond of one another at first, we later began dating and married in 1995.” Said Lavender, “I am happily married for 34 years to John Lavender. We met in senior year at North Bergen

High School, married in 1985 and have two beautiful children Nicole and Nicholas.” Today, both children are members of the Club’s Hall of Fame. “It feels great to know I’ve had an impact on so many children,” said Lavender. “I have stayed in contact with many of the children we cared for. I have even attended some of their weddings. “At the end of the day, if I was able to make them smile and feel proud, I guess I’ve done my job.” “There is a sign,” said Anzaldi-Foster, “in our office that describes us: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

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Stefan Tatarenko in 2002 and his immediate family today: Andrew, Alexa, Colette, Anna, Brooke, Charles, Oliver, Larysa and Peter.

On Nov. 16, Clifton paid tribute to late Councilman Stefan Tatarenko. Instead of carrying the name of a Hollywood-inspired do-gooder, the former Robin Hood Park, at 55 Broadale Ave., will now be known for a true hometown hero as “Stefan Tatarenko Memorial Park.” The former city councilman, school board member and Vietnam veteran passed away a decade ago, on Nov. 12, 2009, at age 62. In a celebration attended by clergy from Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, elected and appointed officials from the Clifton and Passaic County, along with more than 100 family and friends, Clifton Mayor Jim Anzaldi dedicated the park in Tatarenko’s honor.

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“If there is a definition of a gentleman in Webster’s Dictionary,” said Anzaldi, “that was Stefan Tatarenko. “He served his city with much dedication—as a member of the school board, and then I had the privilege of having him as a member of the city council. He also has a wonderful family. He is missed.” Both of Anna and Stefan Tatarenko’s sons, Peter and Andrew, spoke at the ceremony in tribute to his father. “On behalf of the Tatarenko family, we are truly honored and humbled by this gesture to honor my father,” Andrew said. “It’s a cold day today, but the sun is shining down and I know my father is watching from above. “This park has a special meaning to our family. In 1977, my parents choose Clifton and purchased their

first home on Priscilla St. Twelve years later, we moved to the other side of the neighborhood to Friar Lane. “I have many fond memories of my father here— teaching us how to ride a bike on this path, shooting foul shots at the courts behind me, taking my first baseball swing, playing tennis and coming to the park to

practice our golf swing. It’s only fitting that this park was chosen to honor his legacy in Clifton.” A true public servant, Tatarenko worked tirelessly to help others and better this community. “He truly cared,” said Andrew, “and always went above and beyond to help others in need.”

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’Twas the night before Thanksgiving... and there was fun to be had. Especially in Clifton where thousands returned home for Thanksgiving dinner and to see their friends the night before. Wednesday night before Turkey Day is perhaps the busiest evening of the year in the restaurant-bar business as friends reunite and make merry in their hometown. The following photos show Clifton friends at two of the city’s well-known establishments—The Clif (favorite reunion spot of the Marching Mustangs) and the Grande Saloon, “where everybody knows your name.”

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Tradition Ends

But Rivaly Continues For nearly three decades, Clifton and Passaic have battled on Thanksgiving Day, providing an unofficial homecoming for fans of both teams. But with the high school football schedule beginning earlier in the season, officials deemed it risky to continue the late November contest. This Nov. 28, the Mustangs and Indians played their last Turkey Day game, and a crowd of about 2,000 witnessed Clifton’s victory, 43-6. They also saw senior Christian Boneparte set Clifton’s single-season rushing record as he ran for 209 yards, giving him 1,604 for the year. The teams will continue playing each other in coming seasons. Dating back to 1923, the Mustangs lead the season series, 49-39-5. On the next four pages are photos from the game played at Clifton Stadium.

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Birthdays & Celebrations - December 2019

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

Nick Zang celebrates his 32nd birthday on Dec. 10. Noelani Coronel turns 20 on Dec. 9. Charlie D’Angelo celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 26. He received the keys to the City of Clifton from Mayor Anzaldi. Sarah Lombardo, whom many will remember as the welcoming voice of Clifton City Hall, turns 92 on Dec. 9. That Athenia gem of a jeweler Greg Lacki is 62 on Dec. 5. 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 Laura Mikolajczyk.............. 12/5 Michael Ressetar................ 12/5 Tommy Coleman................ 12/6 Pat Collucci....................... 12/6 Debbie Gorny................... 12/6 Marilyn Gossinger............. 12/6 Noel Coronel.................... 12/7

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Margaret Kungl................. 12/7 Mark Mecca...................... 12/7

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Thomas Joseph Garretson Jr. was born Sept. 15 to Thomas and Annelise Garretson.

Chris Sadowski.................. 12/8 Bob Kester........................ 12/9 Jamie Osmak..................... 12/9 Daniel Fonesca Ramos........ 12/9 Mark Surgent.................... 12/9 Andrew Tichacek............... 12/9 Tyler Roger Vandenberghe....12/9 Michael McEnerney......... 12/10 Bob Snelson.................... 12/10 Joey Cofone.................... 12/11 Kathleen M. Marshall....... 12/11 Diane Meyer................... 12/11 Joseph Rutigliano............. 12/11 Richard Peterson.............. 12/12 Andy Kent....................... 12/13 Danny La Gala................ 12/13 Ray Capilli...................... 12/14 Mary Kate Kuruc.............. 12/14 Michael Murolo............... 12/14 Basil Worhach................. 12/14 Steven Crawford.............. 12/15 Marie Visicaro................. 12/15 David Brock.................... 12/16 Michael Hrina................. 12/16

The Cake Boss of Lakeview Bakery Carlos and Dayana mark Dayana’s birthday on Dec. 7, their 11th anniversary on Dec. 8 and Carlos’s birthday on Dec. 21. 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 Michelle McEnerney......... 12/22 Suman Pinto.................... 12/22 Joey Cristantiello.............. 12/24 Elizabeth Fazio................ 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 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2019

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Clifton marked the retirement of Fire Marshal David Meisberger (second from left). Celebrating a 25-year career are, from left, Fire Inspector Donald Warnet, Meisberger, Supervising Fire Prevention Specialist Michael Onder, Fire Chief Frank Prezioso, Fire Inspector Michael Pressler, Fire Inspector David Montalvo and Fire Inspector Nicholas Gencarelli. Not pictured: Fire Inspector Alfred DiMartino. Meisberger, a Little Falls resident who has been part of the volunteer Little Falls Fire Department’s Enterprise Fire Company since 1972, is married to wife Donna and has two married daughters Kelly and Dana, and one grandson Joshua. He also serves as president of the New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. During his career, Meisberger has worked for six Clifton Fire chiefs. About his Clifton workmates, he said, “You will not find a more dedicated, outgoing and self-sacrificing group anywhere.”

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