Clifton Merchant Magazine - February 2016

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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Table of Contents

What’s Inside?

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Raul & Marisol Rodriguez Just One Look... That’s All It Took

10 Erica Cardillo & Kyle Leili Their Love & Life has July Origins

14 Chris Robertson, Cara Ruggiero Their Future Plans Take Center Stage

18 Joseph & Franchesca Musse Paths Collide in NYC, Grow in Clifton

22 Alex Ceglarz & Mike Cetinich Romance Began at Championship Game

30 Brian Fierro & Maria Visaggio He Proposed in Her Kindergarten Class

72 America’s Oldest VW Dealership

32 Jane & John George at 38

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By Michael C. Gabriele Raul Rodriguez, then a senior at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, was walking to his car one sunny afternoon during fall semester 1982 when he noticed a lovely young woman with long brown hair standing at the intersection of Kennedy Blvd. and Montgomery St. He thought she was dazzling. “Wow, who’s that?” I thought to myself, said Raul, admiring her from a respectful distance.

As the weeks went by, several times he saw the young woman standing at the same corner. One day he pointed her out to his classmate and friend Lirca who, told him, “well, that’s my neighbor, Marisol Claudio,” Raul remembers.

Lirca made arrangements and introduced her neighbor to her classmate. Raul learned that Marisol, a sophomore, always waited at the corner of Kennedy and Montgomery as the designated spot where her parents would pick her up after classes.

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Following the introductions, Raul and Marisol had a friendly chat and agreed to look for each other at an upcoming Halloween party on campus. “See you there,” Raul recalls saying hopefully.

As planned, they did connect at the Halloween party.

Raul was dressed as the masked swordsman Zorro; Marisol was wearing a tiger costume. Amid the festivities, Raul seized the moment and asked Marisol for a date, which was an outing to the roller rink on 32nd St. in nearby Weehawken, followed by supper at Howard Johnsons.

First Glance Years Earlier?

First impressions mean a lot and Raul did not miss his chance to make a good one. “At first I wasn’t sure if I liked him, but then I saw that he was a real gentleman,” Marisol noted. “He was very sweet and polite.

He opened the car door for me. The first time he

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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met my parents he made a point of wearing a suit. These small gestures of respect made a good impression.”

Other dates soon followed. The two students began to grow quite fond of each other.

Early in their relationship, they compared notes about their childhoods and were surprised to learn that both attended St. Michael’s Elementary School (today known as Mother Seton School) in Union City, with their years as students there overlapping, although they did not know each other then.

So maybe, just maybe, as eleMelissa, Marisol, Raul and Melanie Rodriguez. Photo: Michael Gabriele mentary school students, they may have smiled at one another, once Not only did they win first prize ($100), but this was or twice, in the hallways of St. Michael’s. another opportunity for Raul to impress Marisol.

And maybe, as young adults, this was a long overdue “He was a good dancer,” she said with a smile. meeting of romantic souls that was meant to be.

Raul also showed himself to be a romantic at heart.

Both their families arrived in New Jersey during the “He did little things like give me a rose every month early 1960s. Marisol’s family came from Puerto Rico and sent me cards with poems that he wrote,” Marisol and they moved to Hoboken and then to Jersey City, said. “He took me to Broadway shows and New York where she was born. Raul was born in Cuba. When he museums. We had fun together.” The romance did not was a baby, Raul and his family relocated to Union end when Raul graduated from St. Peter’s in 1983.

City, a strong Cuban immigrant enclave.

On a cold, dreary night in February 1984, Marisol noticed that Raul seemed to be nervous and on edge Poetry, Prose and a Rose while they were out on a date.

As college students at St. Peter’s, one of their most At the end of the evening, Raul parked his car in memorable events was an 11-hour marathon dance confront of Marisol’s house. Ever the gentleman, he test, sponsored by the college as a fundraiser for the walked around the front of the car to open the door for American Cancer Society.

Marisol, but this time he had a big surprise.

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Say You'll Be Mine He opened the glove compartment and took out a tiny box that contained a diamond ring. Raul proposed on the spot. A stunned Marisol said yes. In 1985, the year Marisol graduated, they attended the St. Peter’s prom as an engaged couple and on Aug. 25, 1985, following graduation, they were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. They had a romantic honeymoon in Hawaii.

The newlyweds first lived in Garfield, and then moved to North Bergen for ten years. Their two daughters were born during these years: Melissa, their eldest, was born on Jan. 20, 1988, and Melanie on April 14, 1993. They determined that in keeping with family tradition, both their daughters would attend the same elementary school as they did, St. Michael’s.

When they were first married, Marisol worked full time at several banks. After the girls were born, she decided to stay at home to care for the children.

However, after Melissa and Melanie became students at St. Michael’s, Marisol decided to begin substitute teaching there. Soon she was offered a full-time job as a first grade teacher at the school, where she has been a member of the faculty for the past 21 years.

While Marisol continues at St. Michael’s, Raul works in management for a large party equipment rental and service company in Teterboro.

In 1999, Raul and Marisol purchased a home on Delawanna Ave. and the family came to Clifton.

Melissa graduated from Seton Hall University in 2011 and in 2014, received her law degree from Pace University Law School. She works as an attorney for a law firm in New York City.

Melanie graduated with a degree in music from William Paterson University in 2015. Today she works for a fashion company based in Secaucus and is an aspiring singer/songwriter who performs on the northern New Jersey coffeehouse circuit. She recently recorded a CD and has been a cantor at St. Clare Church on Allwood Rd. for several years.

The Rodriguez family has been happy in Clifton.

Last August, Raul and Marisol celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and they renewed their wedding vows at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. And rumor has it that not long after marking their “Pearl” wedding anniversary, the couple made a secret, sentimental side trip to a special street corner on the campus of St. Peter’s in Jersey City.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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by April Lewandowski Erica Cardillo and Kyle Leili had known each other their entire lives without actually knowing each other. Both grew up in Clifton, down the street from each other. Both attended School 9, Christopher Columbus, and CHS. Although they rode to school on the same bus, they did not run in the same circles. “We were two years apart and always ran in different crowds,” said Cardillo. Destiny intervened in 2009 during a Memorial Day weekend getaway down the shore and everything changed.

Each headed out separately to enjoy a weekend in Seaside. Each was simply expecting to have a fun weekend with friends, hanging at the beach. Cardillo’s best friend was dating one of Leili’s friends, and they all ended up hanging out together.

Deciding to play Cupid, friends secretly set up Cardillo and Leili. And, it worked. Leili asked for Cardillo’s phone number. She happily gave it to him.

Cardillo assumed Leili would call her and they would go out on a date. Then in a twist of fate that could have ended this love story right then and there, Leili lost her phone number.

“He actually did lose my number,” Cardillo smiled, “but there was nothing very serious between us at the time, anyway. So, when he did not call right away, I figured we would just go our separate ways.”

Leili was determined not to let Cardillo slip away.

Through friends and phone tag, he tracked down her phone number again. This time he held on to it. He took a deep breath, called, explained, apologized and they had their first date at TGIFridays. By July 2009, they were calling themselves a couple.

Passion for the Outdoors While they hit it off during their first meet at the Jersey shore, only later did they realize how much they were meant for one another. One of the elements 10 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

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that permanently clicked for the young couple was their mutual passion for being outdoors. “We have so much in common and we love adventure,” Cardillo said. “Travel keeps us going at all times.”

Hiking and visiting new places, especially foreign countries, are two of their biggest passions. Sometimes they combine the two in a faraway place. Both are big fans of the beach and water sports; they have been to the Dominican Republic, Aruba and

enjoyed memorable road trip to Myrtle Beach last year.

They braved a whitewater rafting trip with a 12-foot drop during a vacation in Costa Rica. Skydiving was also one of the challenges on their bucket list that they have been able to check off.

Bitten by the adrenaline bug, these two crave adventure. They do not like movies, and neither particularly likes sitting still. The only time that they will be caught watching

TV is for an NFL game. Leili is a fan of the New York Giants, Cardillo roots for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Besides adventure, the flame of this relationship is fueled by spontaneity and lots of date nights. Their date nights often are not typical something as simple yet unexpected as getting out of bed to go night fishing on a whim. Or, something a bit more ambitious in scale, like a last minute road trip several states away.

Their weekend road trips can take them north to go hiking, or west to buy a dog. About six months after they began to date, they decided to abandon their plans for a weekend trip to Atlantic City. Instead, they drove to Ohio to pick up a pup named Snickers.

Snickers is an adorable Yorkie that the couple found online. The little puppy’s cute face was not the characteristic that most appealed to them, rather it was the fact that Snickers also played soccer.

Cardillo, who had played soccer most of her life, felt as though this were another match made in Heaven. Pushing off AC for another time, they drove to Ohio for the weekend instead and brought home Snickers. He has been a happy member of their family ever since.

The Meaning of July During the six years that Leili and Cardillo have been together, the month of July has been a recurring theme in the couple’s most important moments of their relationship.

They began dating in July. They purchased their first home in July.

They became engaged on July 6 during their vacation in Myrtle Beach last summer. Now, this year, they will be married on July 9.

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The July proposal was a romantic surprise that Leili planned in detail.

He proposed on the balcony of their hotel suite overlooking the ocean.

Earlier, he had practiced capturing the moment on video using their GoPro action camera. He was worried that it might not get the shot that he wanted. Fortunately, the preparation paid off and he was able to film the proposal. Cardillo was completely surprised and her happy and loving reaction has been recorded for history.

Although, the camera stopped working after the proposal for the remainder of their trip and they were not able to record anything else, the couple is happy that the final images captured were of the beautiful proposal on the balcony, with the ocean in the background.

The camera held on just for them.

Yet another sign, they feel, that destiny is on their side.

“It’s a two-family house in Nutley and Kyle’s parents are renting the upstairs from us,” Cardillo said. “His parents sold their house in Clifton where Kyle grew up and they are getting ready to relocate to South Carolina.”

However, that move may still be a few years away and until then, it is an ideal situation for the young couple to have trustworthy babysitters right upstairs ready for when the time comes!

The couple has not yet made plans for their honeymoon. They are leaning towards going to an island resort since they have such a strong connection to the beach. However, a trip to Rome could be added to the list of possibilities.

After all, the Roman Senate named the month July after Julius Caesar. In the future, they could name a child Julia or Julian, since there is little doubt one will be born in the couple’s lucky month of July!

The Next Big Adventure Both Cardillo and Leili want children and they see their next big adventure as expanding their family.

After their 2016 wedding, they are planning to settle down and look forward to starting their family.

They both agree that they need to take it easy a bit more now, and maybe do things that are less risky.

Cardillo continues to work as a physical education and health teacher at Passaic High School and Leili is an electrician. Since the daredevils are taking some down time, they are redirecting their energy towards building their life together and spending more time with friends and family.

Specifically, they are planning their upcoming wedding and working on their new home.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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by April Lewandowski

A stage appearance in high school and a friendly bet is all it took for Chris Robertson and Cara Ruggiero to fall in love. Had they been told ten years ago that performing in a high school show would play such a big role in their lives, they would not have believed it.

After all, they already knew each other. They first met as freshmen and there had been no big sparks. A few years later, however, they both appeared in the same school play and for the two of them, their relationship took center stage.

“The play was called ‘Alibis’ and it was a murder mystery spoof,” recalled Ruggiero fondly. “It was a lot of fun. Chris was the detective and I played an old woman in the show. My best friend was also in the 14 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

show. Chris and my best friend made a bet with each other. She liked another guy that was part of the stage crew. Chris liked me. There bet was to see who would get together first. Yea, for me! Chris won the bet!”

Sadly, all did not end as well for Ruggiero’s best friend who not only lost the bet, but never did end up with the guy she liked so much.

Winning the bet meant that Robertson and Ruggiero began to date. They were both 16 at the time, and soon became high school sweethearts. The school play was in 2006 and they have been together ever since.

Graduates of CHS Class of 2007, Ruggiero went away to college at Hofstra University and Robertson stayed home in Clifton, while attending New

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts. There he studied television and film. With Ruggiero being away out on Long Island, the young couple worked hard to make their relationship work. Long phone calls.

Occasional meet ups in the city. “Fortunately, I was only about an hour away and I was able to come home about 1-2 times a month on the weekends so that we could see each other,” Ruggiero said.

After college graduation, Ruggiero returned to Clifton. About three years ago, the couple moved out to Bloomfield for a little while before settling in Fairlawn.

Building Trust One of the nice things about being together for ten years is that their families have become friendly. “For both of us, our parents still live in Clifton so we are always here,” Ruggiero said. Through volunteering at CHS, their mothers began to get to know each other when the two were still in high school since their children were often in the same clubs.

Their families are part of the foundation of their relationship, which the couple says is built on mutual trust and friendship. Sharing family, memories, hopes and feelings constantly helps strengthen their trust and therefore their relationship.

Ruggiero and Robertson also share many interests and have a lot in common that they both love to do.

Both are social, outgoing, and one of their favorite ways to socialize is to cook together and host parties for friends and family at home. Both really enjoy going out, especially to see shows.

“Since Chris is an actor, he is into seeing movies and Broadway plays,” Ruggiero said. “We love to go into New York City, get discount tickets to a play and have dinner. We saw ‘The Book of Mormon’ last year, it was awesome. We love all performances, plays, musicals, Broadway, Off-Broadway, it doesn’t matter.”

A musical that both would really like to see is the immensely popular “Hamilton” about the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the leaders of the American Revolution and the man most responsible for developing nearby Paterson into a powerful industrial city. However, notes Ruggiero, “it’s impossible to get tickets right now.” The show is sold out for months in advance; the first tickets available are for midSeptember.

16 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Chris during his final victory lap November 22, 2015.

When they are not off visiting the Great White Way, Ruggiero is busy as a teacher at a small private school in Westwood for gifted and talented students, Pre-K through Grade 8. Robertson is living the life of an aspiring actor, working as a waiter and bartender in Manhattan, which allows him the flexibility to go on auditions and build his acting career.

On Bended Knee Until a few months ago, Robertson was also playing the role of a knight in the Medieval Times dinner theater and tournament at the nearby Lyndhurst Castle.

Although he acted as a medieval knight, the jousting performance was for real. For his role, he had to learn fencing, and not just with swords, but with javelins and gauntlets and double-headed axes. He had to learn hand-to-hand combat. He also had to know how to ride a horse. And not just ride a horse, but stay atop a horse that leapt and turned and galloped.

He has been acting in the Medieval Times tournament for eight years, charging into the center arena for a medieval-style joust as more than a thousand guests cheer. The performance is great entertainment, but also a lot of responsibility and time. Appreciative of the opportunity, Robertson nonetheless made the decision

to leave so that he can concentrate on further building parents and sister knew about the surprise proposal. All his acting career in a more conventional direction. the other guests were just as surprised as Ruggiero.

However, noted Robertson, he wanted to make sure Engaged only a few months, Ruggiero and that his final performance as a knight was memorable.

Robertson have not yet made specific wedding plans.

In November, Robertson arranged for members of his They are vacillating between an earlier wedding, such family and Ruggiero’s, as well as many of their friends, as this November, or maybe waiting until spring, in about 70 people all told, to come to the Medieval Times March 2017. under the pretense that it was his last show. Although it Ruggiero’s entire family lives within 20 minutes of was his last show, Robertson had something else up his them and Robertson has a lot of immediate family close armored sleeve. by, as well, so the location decision After winning the jousting tourhas already been made - the wedding nament and completing his victory definitely will be held in New Jersey. lap, Robertson jumped off his After the wedding, they are up in horse and swooped into the audithe air as to where they might live. ence towards Ruggiero. Leading Robertson is not sure if he wants to his lady love into the arena, he continue going to auditions in New suddenly dropped to one knee and York or move to the West Coast proposed marriage. and take a chance on Los Angeles.

Ruggiero was stunned speechRegardless if here or on the West less. She began to cry. Then in Coast, Ruggiero got what every girl front of friends, family, and dozens dreams of – a knight in shining of other guests, the tearful and armor to whisk her away on his very happy Ruggiero manage to white steed. No doubt, the two will She did say yes. gasp out a “yes.” Only Ruggiero’s live happily ever after.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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From The Tough Streets Of New York, They Continue To Make Love Work In Clifton

By Beth Kearney Joseph Musse was a tough guy, a fighter. Franchesca Tanayan was feisty. Their love, rooted in fierce determination to have a family, and build a life together, started with an argument.

Coming from a broken home, living in the rough neighborhood of Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the 1980s, Joseph was told that he would never amount to much, was never meant to aspire to anything past the stereotype of a Puerto Rican street kid. But when he saw Franchesca, a Filipino girl with a fierce personality, his heart and his life, changed forever.

They were 14 when they met through mutual friends.

Idle gossip began to swirl around the two. Joseph’s friends were claiming aloud that he “liked” Franchesca.

Franchesca’s friends felt they had to protect her integrity. Things got heated in the schoolyard and boys had to be held back from a brawl.

Her cultural upbringing and strict parents meant that Franchesca was not allowed to speak to boys on the phone. But the near-fight in the schoolyard earlier that day was a bad sign. Franchesca and Joseph had to get things straight.

Franchesca remembers counting her change as she called Joseph from a pay phone. Joseph demanded that if she liked him, then she stop ignoring him at school and at least say hello and smile. She retaliated and 18 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

demanded that he treat her with kindness and respect and not act all tough with her. Even though Joseph had a reputation as a fighter, Franchesca made it clear that she liked the fight in him, but did not want to fight with him. The next day she greeted him in school with a smile and he smiled sweetly in return.

The Start of Forever After They both remember the day they started dating February 3, 1986 - and they have been together since.

Joseph’s parents had gone through an ugly divorce.

Afterwards, the anger continued. Joseph would argue with his mother; physically fight with her new boyfriend. One day, she threw Joseph out the door and changed the locks. He was living on the streets.

Still going to school, his studies suffered dramatically. “I didn’t have parental guidance. However, for me there was no need for it. My expectations were low. I believed I wasn’t suppose to have anything better.

However, this was also a time that Franchesca was in my life. Earlier, I did not have anyone who cared for me, that was there for me. So, this was new, new for my heart. Her faith in me was enough to fuel something inside of me to also believe I had more to offer.”

Although not supportive of him, Joseph’s parents also would not leave him alone. His father

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blamed Joseph’s declining Franchesca’s parents, and since grades on his involvement with 2000, in the Allwood section Franchesca. He called her parwhere they started their own ents. Kind, traditional, they family. They are proud parents to knew very little about Joseph.

Anthony, a sophomore enrolled They were stunned to learn the in Automotive Technology at details of his personal circumPCTI, Maya, in 7th grade at stances.

WWMS, and Matthew, a 1st Soon thereafter, when grader at School 14.

Joseph was over for dinner, his Before Joseph met mother and boyfriend rang the Franchesca, he did not believe in buzzer to Mr. and Mrs. God. However, Joseph now Tanayan’s home. Joseph’s believes that God specifically put mother demanded Joseph Franchesca in his life. Both return. She needed the child believe that with God in their support money from his father, lives, the two have become one. who would not give it if Joseph Franchesca adds happily, “We continued to live on the streets. are not a perfect family, we are Chaos ensued. not a perfect couple, but I think Joseph recalls, “For the first we work things out as much as time I saw how a real family possible. We communicate. Our Joseph, Franchesca and their family. gives support. My mother is expectations are not more than yelling at me, then her boyfriend. Franchesca’s mother we can handle. We treat one another with respect.” steps in and quietly says ‘Stop. This is really not your Joseph adds, “People think love is something you place.’ Mrs. Tanayan came to my defense, set the tone.” can just have, but love is an action word. We are going Franchesca’s parents invited Joseph to stay in their to keep growing the relationship with each other, with home, as a son. “They were proud of me. Me? I felt this our children. Not fighting in the relationships, but fightmassive sense of obligation to do more, be more ….” ing for them. For them to be strong.”

He gave up the life of the street kid, became an Convinced their love is strong and will keep them author, an entrepreneur and a martial arts instructor. together for years, Joseph and Franchesca look towards Franchesca finished college. The couple married on her parents, Jessie and Flor Tanayan as their role modSeptember 3, 1995, at the Grand Chalet on Long Island. els. The Tanayans celebrated their 50th wedding In 1990, the couple lived in the Athenia section with anniversary on July 29, 2015.

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A Championship Romance Mustangs Aleksandra Ceglarz and Michael Cetinich

By Casey Hawrylko Although they walked the same halls each day, it took a bold display of team spirit to bring them together during the Fighting Mustangs’s championship game at Giant’s Stadium on Dec. 2, 2006. A memorable night for Cliftonites, who were out in force on that cold evening to support their home team, it was an even more memorable evening for Aleksandra Ceglarz and Michael Cetinich.

Alex, then a junior, at CHS recalls standing in the bleachers, freezing cold with her belly exposed to show a painted letter, part of a group efforts with her girlfriends to spell out “Clifton.”

Two rows behind them stood a bunch of rowdy boys sporting the same support for their team, but with letters painted across their exposed chests. There was not much time to talk during this electrifying game as Clifton beat East Side, 26-0. Alex does, howver, remember the kind gesture that brought them together.

Mike, a senior, offered Alex his Nana’s blanket despite being underdressed and freezing cold himself.

Alex notes that Mike continues to be selfless after all of these years.

Mike graduated in 2007 and Alex in 2008. Their high school romance continued into college as both attended Montclair State University. They studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy, and then went on to graduate together.

22 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

They grew into successful entrepreneurs, establishing an e-commerce business, EMPIRENVY, which specializes in making personalized gifts. Whenever possible, they travel, a passion they share. Alex, who was born in Poland, has lived in Clifton most of her life, while Mike is a Clifton native. Mike understands how important family and heritage are to Alex and two of the couple’s many trips together were to Alex’s homeland.

On June 20, 2015, Alex and Mike were set for a date in the city. Mike picked up Alex in a limousine and as she came outside, he dropped to one knee and proposed.

Completely surprised, Alex happily said yes. Alex had no idea that Mike had invited both their families to follow the limo until they began spilling out of their own cars, and began cheering on the proposal!

In yet another surprise, instead of a date night in New York City, the limo arrived at Newark Airport. When Alex asked, “what’s in Newark?”, Mike replied, “tickets to Miami” where the couple flew to celebrate their engagement.

Mike and Alex will marry on May 29 at St. Philip the Apostle Church, ten years since they first met No surprise that this couple’s honeymoon will be a journey throughout Europe - London, Mykonos, Santorini, Amalfi Coast and Nice. Then they will return to the home that they purchased recently in the Athenia section to live their happily ever after, where it all began.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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Poppy’s & a Drive-in

Joyce & Buddy Tabaka “Bud and I met when I was 15 and he was 19. I was walking with my friend Sandy on Pershing Rd. when Buddy, who had graduated Clifton High in back in 1957, and his friend Rick drove by. Sandy knew them and they offered us a ride to Poppy’s,” said Joyce Tabaka.

Everyone who attended CHS between 1958 and 1968 remembers Poppy’s. In fact, the milk bar and luncheonette (pictured above; today it is the Bizub Quinlan Funeral home on Van Houten Ave.) became such a popular spot that it earned a featured article in Seventeen Magazine.

However, the magic of Poppy’s spread far beyond the teenage crowd. Teachers, parents, politicians and folks from all walks of life were drawn to the place by the homemade ice cream, milk shakes, burgers and fries served up by Poppy’s staff of attractive young waiters and waitresses in starched white shirts and aprons. No doubt about it, Poppy’s was the place to go in Clifton and it was the place that launched the life of Joyce and Buddy Tabaka.

“Afterwards, we went there many times, but that first evening at Poppy’s, Bud asked me to a drive-in movie for our first date,” continued Joyce. “We married in 1962 and raised four children. When we were building our third home, we decided to build on Pershing Rd. since that is where we actually met. We still live in that same home today. What has kept us together all of these years is that we never go to bed angry and we try to find humor in everyday living.”

24 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

by April Lewandowski

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Carin & Joe Manetti “Joe and I graduated from Clifton High but two years apart, explained Carin, Class of 1988. “Joe was Class of 1986. “We met in 1991 when my sister was dating his uncle. There was chemistry between us from the beginning and as time passed, we realized that there was so much more. We have been married now for 17 years and we have two beautiful daughters. Although it hasn’t always been easy, we love each other to the core and we have great support from our family and friends. Most importantly, we continue to enjoy each other and try and live life to its fullest every day. We both grew up in Clifton, and even though we don’t live there anymore, we stay in touch with our childhood friends. That is the foundation that has kept us strong.”

Stories by April Lewandowski

Courtney & Liam Koenig & Bill Latham “Bill and I met in high school, in our sophomore English class at Clifton High,” said Courtney. “We ran in different circles, but we definitely noticed each other.

Although we ran into each other a few times after high school, at bars or at a friend’s house, we never really spoke much. Then, in 2013, he reached out to me over

26 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Facebook. He said that he always had a crush on me, but I had a boyfriend all throughout high school. (Both are CHS graduates, Class of 1998.) Finallly, he asked me out and we had the best first date ever! Two years later, we now live together in our hometown with my son, Liam, and our two dogs, Bear and Shelby.”

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Clifton Merchant • February 2016

27

Nicholas & Maura

By Irene Jarosewich

Nicholas Cerami vividly remembers the first time he saw Maura Paternoster. He was in a crowded sports bar, the Village Pourhouse, in Hoboken. Suddenly, he felt like he was hit by a bolt of lightning. “She was the only one in the room,” Nick recalled of that night a few years ago. “Everyone else just faded away.” Although he had come with a group of friends, he quietly left them, and simply approached Maura with a hello.

“We really just hit it off. Immediately. It wasn't the best lit bar and, at the time, she thought I resembled Bradley Cooper,” laughs Nick. “I think more than luck was on my side that night!”

Their meeting on the evening of Sept. 8, 2012, was only a few weeks before Superstorm Sandy hit our area. Things changed quickly for the couple and for Hoboken as the streets were deluged with water.

Beginning Oct. 22, thousands found themselves stranded in the mile square city.

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Nicholas and Maura were among the stranded. Nick recalls National Guard trucks delivered ready-to-eat meals. Upon leaving, they evacuated those who could not stay. The mayor of Hoboken issued an appeal for people with boats to come and help with the evacuation.

Maura is grateful as she remembers how Nick helped her during the week of the storm, negotiating her flooded apartment building and the surrounding neighborhood.

Although they had quickly become a couple after they met their first date was the Feast of San Genarro in Little Italy where they walked and talked for hours - but “literally weathering this natural disaster early on together,” said Maura, “was the catalyst for the loving and supporting relationship we have now, more than three years later.”

On Sept. 10, 2015, Maura and Nick were once again at the Village Pourhouse, this time celebrating their engagement with family and friends at the place where they first met. The wedding, set for Nov. 4, 2016, will be at St Paul Roman Catholic Church in Clifton.

The parish holds much meaning for Maura since it was at St. Paul’s that she and her family attended weekly mass and where she received all her sacraments.

For the couple, another meaningful component of the ceremony will be that Rev. Paul Manning, president of Morris Catholic High School, which Nick attended, will preside over the ceremony.

Maura , who grew up in Clifton, graduated DePaul Catholic High School and Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. She is a Senior Web

Designer at Victoria’s Secret Direct.

Since Maura’s parents live in Clifton, look for the couple to be coming out here for Sunday dinners!

Nick graduated John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and currently is a Senior Analyst with Search Marketing at DigitasLBi. His hometown is Hackettstown and currently he also lives in Hoboken.

After the wedding, the couple will continue living in Hoboken, with plans to move into a larger apartment soon, one that will allow for the possibility of starting a family.

In the meantime, Nick’s beloved dog Mugsy will be joining them in their Hoboken condo.

“Maura did not grow up with a dog,” said Nick, “so this will be a big change for her. But she’s been wonderful about including Mugsy in our life, including him on a recent trip to Rhode Island instead of just leaving him behind.”

Nick and Maura seem to already understand that it is these small, and big, considerations they give one other that make for a good life. These two seem well on their way!

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

29

Old School Style

By Casey Hawrylko

Eleven years ago, mutual friends first brought Maria Visaggio and Brian Fierro together, but it wasn’t until spring 2012 that Brian paid attention.

Maria, a 2007 graduate of Paramus Catholic High School, was looking for a ticket to the show of Sebastian Ingrosso, a Swedish electro dance music producer and top DJ. Brian, a 2007 CHS grad, had an extra. Maria reached out to get the ticket, and when they met, “she really caught my interest,” recalled Brian. Although they did not attend the show together, Brian knew he had to see her again.

Although the pair were acquaintances with mutual friends, they had never really spoken. “However, somehow, from that moment with the tickets, I knew one day she would be my wife,” he continued.

Immediately after the concert, they began to text.

Brian found out that Maria was a bit of a foodie. The Friday after the show, he invited her for a home-cooked meal. They were soon a couple.

Staying true to his word and to his “Old School” style, Brian asked Maria’s father for his blessing to marry his daughter. With her father’s approval, Brian began to devise the perfect proposal.

Maria is a kindergarten teacher at the Early Childhood Center of Palisades Park and the perfect plan was under30 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

way. Brian, however, would need accomplices. He reached out again to Maria’s parents.

Maria’s mother connected Brian to the principal and superintendent to arrange for the proposal to take place in her classroom. With their OK, Brian set the proposal date for Sept. 11, which is the birthday of one of Maria’s beloved grandmothers.

On a Friday afternoon, Brian, his parents, and Maria’s parents waited in the parking lot while Maria was inside teaching, clueless to what was coming her way. The principal called Maria to his office, giving Team Brian a chance to sneak in. Maria’s fellow teachers helped students get in line, giving each child a letter to spell will you marry me? on sunflower-adorned papers.

When Maria returned to her quiet classroom she was confused to see her family—and Brian on one knee—who then popped the important question.

A stunned Maria said yes as her kids blew bubbles in celebration. The couple plans to marry July 28, 2017.

The date is important to the couple as it is the birthday of Maria’s other beloved grandmother. The couple are searching for a house in and around Clifton as Maria continues to work with her kindergarten students, whom she adores, and Brian works as a sales representative for Cintas Corp., based in Union, NJ.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

31

Back in high school, Jane Morgenland was a goodlooking gal. She still is, says her husband of more than 37 years, John George. “She caught my eye freshman year at an away basketball game for Christopher Columbus.”

Back then he pointed her out to buddy Ricky Johnson. “I know her!” said Ricky, “she’s my friend.”

Ricky said he would talk to her. Do John a favor.

Also a freshman at Christopher Columbus, Jane was not into sports. She had been at the away game only because her best friend’s friend was playing and she went along for the company. Jane recalls Ricky coming up to her and asking, “Jane, The Beast would like to know if you would please give him your phone number. He thinks you’re really cute.”

“I remember thinking ‘who? what?

The Beast? who is that?’ Ricky told me that John was the football player who had won the school contest for best-look32 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

ing legs to include in the school calendar. John had been nicknamed The Beast by his teammates because of his size. John was also a wrestler, was in track. But I did not know any of this. I did not know very much about sports back then, and had no idea who he was. I told Ricky ‘you want me to give my phone number to the boy called The Beast and who won the best-looking legs contest? I don’t think so.’”

Ricky persuaded her that John George was a really nice guy. With a bit of skepticism, she relented. John George gave her a call. They spoke a few times on the phone. They agreed to meet.

“I’m not sure you could call it a date,” said Jane, “I mean we were both so young, neither one of us could drive. We met with some friends.” That was March 16, 1972. While it may not have been an actual date, both John and Jane remember that day. From then on, they were always together. A couple. High school sweethearts.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

33

During his sophomore year, his first year at CHS, John George made varsity football. For three years, he played left tackle for the Mustangs. He also continued with wrestling and track.

Senior year, he added another responsibility; he was elected senior class president. He also worked with his father at the family’s gas station and auto repair shop on Crooks Ave., George’s Service Center, on the Clifton/Paterson border. Occasionally older brothers Nicholas and Michael would help, as well.

“My father opened the auto center on January 1, 1960. He was there from 6am to 6pm. He had an incredible work ethic. Working at the shop was the only way we got to see him,” John chuckles.

In turn, Jane, too, had responsibilities. Her parents had divorced and while her mother, a single mom, had to work, Jane watched over her younger brother and sister, Jim and Joyce.

Just Knew They Would Be Together John and Jane had a pretty fancy dating relationship for two high school kids. “I had a job, so I had some money. While a lot of our friends hung out at home, we went out to the movies, out to dinner, drove to

34 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

John George and Jane Morgenland in 1976

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Clifton Merchant • February 2016

35

Jesse, Joey, Michael, Jane, John and Johnny George

restaurants down the shore, like the Captain’s Table.” said John. “In some ways, I was mimicking my older brothers.”

Some of their favorite spots back then could be found in Botany Village, Elmwood Park, and Totowa. Jane was one of the youngest girls in her class, CHS Class of 1976, and when everyone went out after graduation, she was not yet 18 and could not drink. “It wasn’t like I really wanted to drink,” said Jane, “but I also really didn’t want to be the only one who couldn’t.”

So later that summer, “John and I shared our first bottle of wine at a restaurant down in Sea Bright. It was after graduation and it was my 18 birthday,” she continued. “It was very romantic.”

John also asked Jane to marry him in a restaurant.

“Well,” said Jane, “it wasn’t exactly a restaurant and it wasn’t exactly a proposal.”

“We were sitting in the King George diner on Hamburg Turnpike. Suddenly John pulls out a ring and gives it go me. For a long time we both already knew that we were going to be married. We just knew. But I was still surprised,” she laughs at the memory. Did John, whose surname is George, choose the King George diner on purpose, for the sake of the name, to propose to Jane?

“Nope,” said John. “Absolutely not. Pure coincidence. I didn’t even think about that. I simply gave Jane the ring. She looked surprised and then she cried. We just knew it was time to get married. I’m not into orchestrated things. It was time to do it, to move on.”

36 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Moving On Meant Family Jane and John married at St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church in Lakeview, the George’s family church for decades, on Dec. 10, 1978.

The reception was at the Bethwood in Totowa where a blanket of fresh snow greeted them. It was lovely, John remembers.

The part about time to move on meant time to start their own family. John wanted three children, the number in both his family and in Jane’s. Jane, however, wanted five. “So we compromised at four,” said John with a smile.

The Georges raised four sons, all of whom are now married: Michael and wife Cassandra; Jesse and wife Lyndsay with 19-month-old Jesse, Jr.; Johnny and wife Gillian; Joey and wife Kayla.

“In a small world story, in turns out that Kayla’s mother, Elaine Montgomery, was also a 1976 CHS graduate, and our names and pictures are next to each other in the yearbook – Montgomery, Morgenland,” laughs Jane. “Kayla and Joey are expecting a boy in April. And Lyndsay and Jesse are expecting their second child, a girl, in March. It’s the first girl in three generations of Georges!”

Since both John and Jane were from Clifton and the family business was here, after they were married, they built their first house in Dutch Hill. Jane had grown up in Dutch Hill and all her children attended School 15, as she did.

However, with four boys, the family outgrew their Dutch Hill home and in 1990, the Georges moved to East Hanover. But they took a part of Clifton with them. They live near three of their sons and near Jane’s sister, Joyce, who married Michael Zeronski, both also CHS graduates.

Making It Work John credits his parents for giving him the understanding of how a marriage should work. “Being raised properly is key. Both my parents were hard workers.

And I learned from them that marriage is a collaboration.” Jane agrees. “For a marriage to work, partners learn their limits. Learn to pick your battles, learn to give and take.”

John continues, “What keeps us together is our faith in one another, that no matter what, we’ll get through it.

In life, there are more good times than bad. And the core of our life is family. We take care of each other.”

From early experience, John knew the importance of family support when faced with tragic sadness. His oldest brother Michael died 41 years ago, at the very young age of 25, of testicular cancer. Michael and Chicago Bears fullback Brian Piccolo were being treat-

ed together at the same time at Sloan-Kettering in Manhattan. Piccolo, only 26 when he died, later became the subject of the film “Brian’s Song” that brought to light the fight against testicular cancer.

“They knew each other, supported each other,” said John, “and both Michael and Brian donated their organs for research to find a cure.”

Although her parents divorced when Jane was young, she remains close to both of them. She also credits her mother-in-law, “a wonderful woman,” for giving her guidance about raising her family and for giving her children memories and family traditions that will be the glue that will hold them together into the future.

“Recently,” said Jane, “my friend Paula told me ‘you know, this was always your dream and you got it – it’s even in the yearbook, you wrote that you always wanted to be a mom.’ So yes, my dream came true. I always wanted a good marriage, a large family. And now I have four beautiful sons and four beautiful daughters-in-law, and now some with children of their own. Back then, I could never have imagined this. I am blessed. I mean, how many people are lucky enough to have their dream come true?”

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

37

grace

ON SKATES

By Irene Jarosewich They met only eight months ago, yet for years, they shared the same dream - to compete in the Winter Olympics.

Winning a medal, says Alexey Shumskyy with a wry grin and a shake of his head, well, that would be way more than a dream come true. “Just participating would be wonderful.”

Shumskyy, 25, and his partner Tatiana Kozmava, 20, have begun the long and arduous process of training and qualifying to compete in the XXIII Olympic Winter Games to be held February 2018 in South Korea. If they qualify, they will represent the nation of Georgia, the country where Tatiana was born.

Some of the best international training facilities are in the United States. The pair lives with Kozmava’s mother in one of the hi-rises on Hepburn Rd. in Clifton, across from Upper Montclair Country Club and trains at the ice rinks in Floyd Hall Arena at Montclair State. The United States is also home to some of the best coaches in the world, including theirs - Igor Lukanin and Kristen Fraser, who competed together at the Olympics in 2002 and in 2006.

Kozmava’s and Shumskyy’s chosen discipline is pairs ice dancing, a competitive sport that most fans consider to be more like performance art - the spark of theater combined with the elegance of ballroom dancing.

38 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Ice Dancing Triumph In the 1950s, ice dancing, then known as “rhythmic skating,” evolved from simple figure skating. Ice dancing for pairs did not become an Olympic medal sport until 1976 at the games in Innsbruck, Austria. A Soviet duo won the sport’s first Olymic gold medal with brisk moves set to a sassy tango.

The 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo were the games that put ice dancing on the map. Britain’s Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean won the gold medal with a dramatic free style performance set to Ravel’s Bolero. They had already received the first-ever perfect scores for their performance in the ice dancing compulsory routines; with their free dance performance, they received a complete set of perfect scores for artistic impression.

No one made a sound as Torvill and Dean swooped and turned across the rink to the powerful music. To all it was clear that with their precise tandem movements and daring choreography, they were breaking the mold.

When the final chords of Bolero ended and the pair lay prone on the ice, all across the world, in the arena and in front of their TVs, people jumped up and cheered. Torvill and Dean! Bravo! Drama and elegance! Movement as art!

Neither Shumskyy nor Kozmava were yet born in 1984, but they are well aware of this ice-dancing legacy. They are familiar with the great names of ice dancing, of then and of now, and have a sense of against whom they will compete in 2018.

“America,” Kozmava predicts firmly, “will have some of the strongest entries.”

At the last Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, within the various figure skating options, the pairs ice dancing ranked as number one in popularity with viewers. At the Olympics, even if a couple does not win the gold, silver, or bronze, millions of eyes, nonetheless, will still be watching the pair compete.

From their adopted That’s where hometown of Clifton Alexey Shumskyy and Kozmava and Shumskyy Tatiana Kozmava have want to be. On the ice, all their sights set on the eyes on them.

2018 Winter Olympics.

With the collapse of Their first step is to the Soviet Union in 1991, qualify for the 2016 and then the breakup of World Championships.

several Eastern European countries, almost 20 new nations became eligible to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics. Yet most did not have either the athletes or the facilities to train Olympic stars.

A type of musical chairs began that continues to this day. Talented young athletes who were in third or fourth place in one country no longer had to wait until the next Olympics to compete; instead, they went on to compete for a smaller country that had no such athletes.

Then there is the additional factor of the body’s timing. In pairs ice dancing, the male partner often does not reach full physical form and strength until his late teens. That means that he can usually compete in only two, at best three, Olympics before his body says “stop!”

And “pairs” means two. A partner must be found that fits a skater’s style at the time when the skater’s body is ready. Such was the dilemma that confronted both Kozmava and Shumskyy.

Shumskyy was a pairs skater in Ukraine who suddenly found himself, in his skating prime, without a partner. Kozmava, who had moved to the United States with her family when she was three, had retained the citizenship of Georgia, her country of birth. Along with her partner, she had been representing Georgia for years in international figure skating competitions. The country was not fielding many candidates in the discipline of pairs ice dancing, so there was a good chance to represent Georgia at the 2018 Olympics.

However, suddenly, she too was without a partner.

Kozmava’s coach knew of Shumskyy’s dilemma in Ukraine and thought that Shumskyy and Kozmava would be a good pair. He suggested to Kozmava’s parents that they travel to Ukraine and meet Shumskyy. If all went well, Shumskyy would then come to the United States to train.

All went well and Shumskyy arrived in Clifton in May 2015 to begin training. First he had to resign from Ukraine’s Ice Skating Federation, giving up a potential Olympic slot in case the experiment in America did not work out. Then he was not allowed to compete internationally for a year.

And once he and Kozmava qualify, he will have to give up his Ukrainian citizenship in exchange for Georgian. Such is the Olympic requirement.

A lot of risk and a lot of sacrifice to fulfill an Olympic dream. But the two are quite pragmatic. When you have a shot at the Olympics, you just do what it takes.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

39

grace

ON SKATES

Since They Were Babes Shumskyy has competed in Ukraine and internationally, most recently winning a bronze medal in Nice, France before his one-year competition ban was put in place. He has been skating for two decades, since his parents first put him in skates when he was five.

“Originally, they just did it for my health, so that I would get exercise, have fun moving. But with time, it became clear that I liked it and was good at it.”

This is in contrast to his brother who was also put on skates, but never really took to it. “My brother is more relaxed, quiet. For example, he plays music and just began learning to play the guitar. I, in turn, loved to skate from the minute I began. Some people are just born to do this.”

Kozmava’s mother loved figure skating and hoped to pass on her passion to her three children. Only one, Tatiana, learned to love it as much as her mother did. She began with training and competing in both gymnastics

and figure skating. By age nine Kozmava had to make a decision as to which of the two she would pursue. She chose skating and never looked back.

Kozmava agrees that ice dancing is both artistic and athletic. While Shumskyy loves the adrenaline rush of competition, she prefers the discipline, the daily routine that builds up to a perfect performance. And both love the applause of an appreciative audience.

The skating pair understands that the odds for winning a medal are long. By the time of the Olympics, many of the pairs against whom they will be competing will have been skating together for four or five years, twice as long as Shumsky and Kozmava.

However, Shumskyy’s competition restriction ends this February. In order to get maximum performance practice before 2018, he and Kozmava will enter their first international competition as a pair at the Bavarian Open in Obersdorf, Germany on Feb. 17-19.

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Directors Jackie Licata-Alectoridis and Jane Maffucci invite you to tour our school Clifton Merchant • February 2016

41

By Joe Hawrylko “My wife, Nicole, she thinks it’s insane. She thinks I’m insane,” laughed Volodya Yurcheniuk, a 33-yearold Cliftonite, and sworn New Jersey Devil superfan.

It’s quickly evident why.

Volodya’s basement on Dawson Ave. in Athenia is the envy of everyone who has ever dreamt of having a man cave - goes far beyond plush, team-colored seating and a super-sized TV to watch every game while munching on kovbasa.

There’s a Devils pool table, walls filled with team and hockey memorabilia, and several shrines to Martin Brodeur, the Cliftonite’s favorite player.

By his count, Volodya has at least 30 jerseys, probably twice as many pucks, and most are signed by players. The walls are designed and painted just like the boards in an NHL arena, right down to the regulation height.

42 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

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“I’ve looked into getting flooring that looks more like ice,” he laughed. “I also want to have someone come in and paint the crowds.”

The only thing that breaks up the Devils colors of black and red are the occasional blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag.

Commitments like this are best enjoyed with an equally obsessed partner in crime. While Volodya’s wife might not be a puckhead, in this instance, the cliche is true: the puck didn’t fall far from the rink.

With Volodya, and his father, Walter, 69, the Yurcheniuks are two Devil season ticket holders on a mission to visit every National Hockey League rink.

After watching the Devils defeat the Jets 3-1 in Winnipeg on Jan. 31, the Yurcheniuks have now been to 21 stadiums since first starting their odyssey in the 1990s. “We don’t see each other a lot after hockey season,” laughed Volodya. “I’m OK with that!”

Volodya got into Canada’s favorite past time when he was a kid growing up in Passaic; he still plays hockey to this day. Though the basement and Devils championship tattoo on his arm cement his allegiance, Volodya admitted that he once rooted for the enemy. “I was originally

Volodya shows off his tattoo at the 2012 Stanley Cup in LA.

a New York Rangers fan, since that was the only games you could get on TV at the time,” he laughed. “I ended up switching loyalties because my father was able to get those tickets through work, and then the Devils were on TV more.”

“Hockey is a game of just non-stop action,” he continued. “Everyone is always flying around, there are changes on the fly. It’s a great, fast game that combines talent with skill and toughness.”

“And it’s something that’s much better in person,” added Walter, CHS Class of 1965. “We obviously watch the games on TV, but going in person is what gets

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Clifton Merchant • February 2016

45

A few of their photos from their trips, including a photo bottom right with sister and daughter Larysa, who now lives in Canada.

you hooked. It got to the point that we got season tickets after they won the Cup in 2000. We saw the Stanley Cup in person at a season ticket holder meet and greet that year.”

“When I was a sophomore in Passaic High in 1996, I remember going to Washington, Buffalo, and Montreal,” said Volodya, who is an A Tech Mechanic at Fette Ford, where many simply call him V. “First the road games started with Islanders tickets. He just said, ‘Hey, I’ve got these - want to go?’ ‘Ok Cool’. Then it was the same thing next year for Washington.”

“Eventually we just decided, let’s make this a bucket list thing and go to every place,” said Walter.

Along the way, the Yurcheniuks have ran into other superfans from New Jersey and well beyond.

There's a group that follows Jaromir Jagr, a former Devil who now plays for the Florida Panthers. His lengthy career, scoring abilities, and hair-growing prowess have made him into a hockey legend. These fans pay tribute by following him around the country, each member wearing a mullet wig and the jersey of a team Jagr has played for.

“We ran into them in Phoenix, and we saw them at the Prudential Center once. It’s hilarious,” recalled Volodya.

46 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Another famous group is the Nordique Nation, fans of the Quebec Nordiques franchise which became the Colorado Avalanche after the 1995-1996 season. In 2012, Quebec was a rumored destination for NHL expansion, and these fans toured around the league to root for a team that hasn't played in nearly two decades.

“Every so often, it would hit a certain point and they’d just start chanting,” recalled Volodya. “There were thousands of them. It was amazing seeing people that passionate for a team that had not played in so long.”

“We meet people like that all over on our travels,” added Walter. The Yurcheniuks have been on TV multiple times, mentioned by MSG, and have meet countless players and coaches, even their families. “You meet people like that who are so passionate. Whether they’re working in hockey or just a fan, seeing that makes you want to go even more.”

Every time the Yurcheniuks visit another city, they inevitably share their story with other hockey fans.

“We joke a lot, but it really is a great thing to do together. And look at him, he’s also not getting any younger,” said Volodya, pointing to his father.

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“Everyone always says they wish they could do something like this with their father, or maybe I’ll do something like that with my kid."

"Not many people spend enough time with their families anymore," added Walter. "And it's not like he can afford a kid anyway."

Although February is usually when the NHL playoff race starts heating up, the Feb. 14 game will Does this game count on their bucket list? On Feb. 21, 2015, they attended be extra important to the the NHL Stadium Series game at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, where the Yurcheniuks, as the Devils host the Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1.

Los Angeles Kings on Ukrainian The team’s logo was the traditional Ukrainian warrior Heritage Night. with the iconic hair, wearing sunglasses and riding a Walter was involved in the organization of the event, horse while carrying hockey sticks. Having taught which will feature Ukrainian dancers and an amateur Ukrainian folk dance for more than 30 years, Walter did hockey tournament at the team's practice arena. It's not not take his responsibility lightly. “I got totally dressed his first time participating in a hockey event for up, right down to every detail,” he laughed.

Ukrainians.

Father and son will be in their usual spots in Section “Years ago, I was part of a Ukrainian fundraiser 1, happy to chat about Ukraine, hockey, and the Devils organized by guys like Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, and with other fans. To join them, use the offer code others,” he said. “I played with a group called the New Ukrainian at www.newjerseydevils.com/ukrainian.

York Ukrainian Cossacks and I ended up as the mascot.”

48 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

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973-340-3400 • Ext. 7223 Clifton Merchant • February 2016

49

From the Boys Club... to tHe

NFL Washington Redskins Photo

Bob Holly:

50 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton’s lone native to play for a Super Bowl team

By Jack De Vries In the early seventies, Bob Holly learned of the great athletic history he was about to become part of. “Clifton was a tremendous place for sports when I was growing up,” says Holly. “As far back as Little League, I was aware of those who came before me—guys like Dale Oosdyk and Ken Ritoch, and players that came before them, like Wayne Demikoff. Clifton’s coaches were also legendary. It was something to be part of that tradition.”

A tradition Holly would only add to. After an outstanding high school career in three sports, he would star at quarterback for Princeton University, setting Ivy-League passing records.

But perhaps an even bigger claim to fame would come during his NFL career, as Holly became Clifton’s lone native to play for a Super Bowl team. Ray Malavasi, who will be profiled in an upcoming edition, coached the L.A. Rams to Super Bowl XIV. A backup quarterback with Washington in 1982-83, he was a member of the Redskins squad that defeated Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins, 27-17, in Super Bowl XVII. Holly was also there when the Los Angeles Raiders, 389 defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII. Growing up, Holly was like many of his friends, dreaming of someday playing in the big game while competing at Albion Park on Maplewood Ave..

“We’d grab our mitts,” he remembers of those days, “and head for the park. We’d play ball all day. The only thing we cared about was making it home before our fathers in time for dinner.”

First a Mustang At Clifton High, Holly became a part of the storied Mustang tradition he had admired as a boy. He was a three-sport star, attaining All-State, AllCounty, All NNJIL honors in football, All-County, All NNJIL in baseball, and starring on the basketball team.

“My dad was a great influence on me,” Holly says, “and so was my uncle, Rich Pezzolla. I also had great coaches—Bill Vander Closter in football, Bob Castronovo, John Kostisin, and Dick Tarrant in basketball, and Gerry Mangini in baseball. Lou Poles, who I met when I was ten or eleven and saw a lot of through American Legion baseball, became another friend. I also enjoyed competing with guys like Nick Poulis and Scott Oosdyk. Scott and I also played together at Princeton.”

That’s Bob Holly in the pocket for the Washington Redskins; with Coach Tom DiDonna at the Boys Club in 1973; on this page, Holly on the mound as a Mustang.

“Bob was a meticulous player with a lot of athletic savvy,” Coach Vander Closter recalled in a 2005 interview. “He not only knew his role, but the role of entire team. He never missed a day of practice and was always prepared. In fact, his mother told me that each morning, he packed his gym bag the exact same way. Bob was also an outstanding passer and runner, though we didn’t use him on the ground much—just a lot of ability.”

“He was like a sponge,” says Castronovo of his former shooting guard.

“When you spoke to him, you knew he was listening, absorbing the information. He was a tremendous young man and an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Holly feels Clifton’s athletic program did an excellent job in preparing him for the challenges that loomed ahead.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

51

Mustang Pride “Playing in a big program before a packed stadium,” Holly explains, “gets you comfortable with attention and teaches you the focus needed to succeed at the next level.”

Holly’s next level was playing for Princeton University, where he also excelled. His 1981 effort during his senior year against Yale was one of the greatest individual performances in collegiate history.

During the Nov. 11 game, Holly threw for a Princeton and Ivy League record 501 yards, completing 36 of 57 passes.

He also tossed four touchdowns and ran for the winning score on the final play as Yale, 35-31—the Tigers first win rivals in 14 years.

With former teammate Joe Theismann (in tie), Holly’s wife Victoria and their kids Kendall and Patrick, at a recent Redskins alumni event.

Princeton defeated over their longtime

After graduating from Princeton, Holly began his climb to the NFL. “The NFL scouts started visiting during my senior year,” Holly says. “During tryouts, I began to prove my ability—though my first

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Clifton Merchant • February 2016

53

Mustang Pride camp didn’t go so well. But what helped me was Princeton.

Princeton had prepared me emotionally and intellectually to compete. I always had confidence in my football ability, but, because I had achieved academically, I knew life went on if I didn’t make the NFL. That took a lot of pressure off me, and I played well.”

After being drafted and signed by the Redskins, Holly made the team as a rookie quarterback. “The

jump to the NFL,” Holly notes, “is bigger than moving up from any other level. The competition is pretty serious. You’re playing with people who are very good at what they do.” As quarterback Joe Theismann’s backup, Holly also had to adjust to his role of a nonstarter.

“Being an NFL backup quarterback is not an easy job,” says Holly. “Each week, you prepare physically and emotionally to play

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Super Bowl, the NFL mailed out commemorative footballs to the high schools of those players who competed in the big game.

CHS received two—one for Holly, the other for Ray Malvasi.

in Sunday’s game, but you never really practice the plays and skills you’ll need to be successful when you do get a chance.”

Holly accepted his position, standing on the sidelines and watching his team march toward the championship. He did not play in either Super Bowl, but the memories of his team’s great victory and crushing defeat remain fresh in his mind.

“The Super Bowl is a grand event,” Holly describes. “During my first Super Bowl, I remember thinking, ‘Last June, I was writing my thesis at Princeton. Now, I was part of a Super Bowl team. Guys who played 10 or 15 years in the NFL never get the chance to be part of something like this.’ I was extremely fortunate.”

Holly’s Redskins featured some incredible performers, including Theismann, John Riggins, 54 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Meet Three of Our Top Students from Clifton...

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Clifton students from these classes earned over $6.5 million in scholarships!

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

55

Mustang Pride and a beefy offensive line known simply as “the Hogs.” Led by Riggins’ 166 rushing yards, Holly watched his teammates cruise to victory as they shut out Miami in the second half for the win.

“When you become champions of the NFL,” Holly says, “you’ve earned it—it’s a tremendously difficult accomplishment. We were all extremely proud of what we had done.

Assistant CHS Basketball Coach Mike Cadmus, Bob Holly, head Mustang B-Ball Coach Mike Rivera and CHS Principal Anthony Orlando at the Mustang Trophy case on Jan. 30.

“To make things more Holly also met with the Mustangs who went on that day to beat ninth-seeded Eastern exciting,” he adds, “the Christian, 59-50, to advance to the Passaic County quarterfinals. game was played in the Holly explains. “While commuting from New York to Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca., and it became a my home in Connecticut, the driver of the car I was Hollywood-like event. riding in got into an accident, and I was hurt. Because I remember sitting at the banquet table after the of my injuries, I wasn’t able to pass the team physical. game and seeing people, all kinds of celebrities, like My career was over.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ted Koppel—it seemed every celebrity who was a football fan was there.”

Continuing Success Today, Holly lives in Ridgewood with his wife Euphoria Then Next Year Defeat Victoria and their children, daughter Kendall, and son Holly and the Redskins made it back to the big Patrick. He is a director at Guggenheim Securities. game the next year, but the result was far different.

While Holly doesn’t get back to Clifton often, the “We were favored going into the Super Bowl,” he said people living here are never far from his thoughts. To about the game won by the AFC Wildcard Los Angeles the athletes continuing the Mustang tradition of which Raiders. “We had gone through the season a dominant he is so proud to be a part of, Holly offers this advice: 14-2, but the Raiders did a better job and beat us.

“Work on things you can control. While you can’t “While most of the team was disappointed, we figmake yourself grow an extra five inches, high school ured we’d be back. Our team was young and most of athletes can develop the work ethic that will serve the guys were nearing the peak of their careers.” them well in every walk of life.

While the Redskins did win another Super Bowl in “What made things easier for me was concentrating 1988, Holly was not part of the team. He was traded on my academics. That took the pressure off, knowing in 1984 to the Philadelphia Eagles, then joined the I had other options in case a career in sports did not Atlanta Falcons at midseason. work out. Becoming a NFL player is an extremely He spent 1985 with the Falcons before his career hard thing to do. These are not average guys playing ended. From personal experience, Holly believes that out there. Succeeding in both sports and the classroom all young athletes should have more than sports as an gives athletes many choices beyond the playing option. You never know what fate has in store. “I was field,” said Holly. working for Wall Street firm during the off-season,” 56 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

57

Unsolved Clifton Murder

Who Killed Judy Kavanaugh

By Rich DeLotto The murder mystery which made headlines across the country some five decades ago is about to mark its 50th anniversary. Judith Marchione Kavanaugh, a 21year old strawberry blonde Clifton housewife, disappeared from her apartment and was found weeks later murdered a mile from her home.

What perhaps began as a young couple’s squabble, became a missing persons report—then a double murder investigation (with hoodlum Gabriel DeFranco)— which escalated into a gossipy criminal conspiracy in less than six months. The numerous investigations and ensuing trials held in Passaic County Superior Court in Paterson quickly became and remained front page news in those pre-CNN days of the mid-1960’s.

58 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

?

Four defendants, reading of their acquittal, left to right: Vincent Kearney, Harold and Dorothe Matzner, Paul Kavanaugh.

How shocking was the news?

Tales of wife swapping and various infidelities, federal charges of counterfeiting, conflicting and recanted statements and a witnesss’ escape, recapture and attempted suicide all played into the storyline. New York tabloids covered it on front pages of morning and evening editions, as did Passaic County dailies The national weekly large format magazine Look published a cover story that went on for pages with photos entitled, “Murder: New Jersey Style.”

The story was gaining so much ink, even America’s late-night TV host, the famous Johnny Carson, worked the convoluted investigation in one of his opening monologues on The Tonight Show.

John and Frank Shea, Edward Lenney and Jacqueline Natoli were witnesses for the prosecution.

Some of the Accused & other Characters Dorothe Matzner: A self-described “square suburban housewife,” who wrote that she thought “nice people were never accused of murder.”

Harold Matzner: Dorothe’s husband, a hustling, outspoken newspaper publisher who went to bat for an employee in trouble—Paul Kavanaugh—and learned that murder indictments can be contagious.

Paul Kavanaugh: Truck driver, employee and protege of Harold Matzner. Accused of murdering his demure wife Judith, who was found strangled and shot twice.

John Shea: Frank’s brother, a convicted burglar who said he and Kearney had disposed of Judi’s car.

Vincent Kearney Jr.: DeFranco’s numbers runner who fled his boss’ killers and returned as a suspect.

Gabriel ‘Johnny the Walk’ DeFranco: Paterson numbers man who fell out of favor with the mob and was murdered at his home on Oct. 6, 1966.

John Thevos: Passaic County Prosecutor who boasted that he could get an indictment in 20 minutes.

F. Lee Bailey: Controversial and nationally know criminal star defense attorney who represented Harold Matzner and was disbarred in the Garden State for saying his client had been framed.

Sgt. John C. DeGroot: Clifton police detective who believed Paul Kavanaugh had killed his wife until he— DeGroot—was named as a murder defendant.

Robert Kessler, Charles Carroll: Assistant Passaic County Prosecutors who tried to make facts fit theory.

Joseph Muccio: Passaic County investigator who orchestrated perjured testimony for the prosecution.

Edward Lenney: Claimed that he, Matzner, DeGroot and a third man had killed yet another local character.

Jacqueline Natoli: She swore she had seen the Matzners, Paul Kavanaugh and two other men kill Paul’s wife Judi.

Vincent Kearney Jr.: A number’s runner who fled his boss’ killers and returned as a suspect.

Frank Shea: Drug addict who claimed two men had dumped Judi’s body on Matzner’s orders.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

59

The Clifton crime seemed to mirror an unprecedented surge in violence felt by many and reported about by the media during the evolving violent American landscape of 1966. The body count began in Mesa, Arizona, in early winter, when an 18 year old boy walked into a beauty shop and shot to death five people.

In Chicago on the night of July 14, eight student nurses were brutally murdered by Richard Speck at their group residence. Speck threatened the women with both a gun and a knife, tying each of them up while robbing their townhouse.

Over several hours, Speck stabbed and strangled each of the women throughout various rooms.

In Austin, Texas on July 31, Charles Whitman a former Marine and sniper, went to his mother’s home and stabbed and shot her. and then did the same to his wife.

Whitman then climbed a tower at the University of Texas and gunned down 14 more.

In Paterson on June 17, 1966, a promising young boxer, Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter, and John Artis, were accused of entering the Lafayette Bar & Girl and murdering three victims. After spending almost 20 years in prison, the case and the conviction were over turned.

This trail of mayhem eventually made it through Passaic County and right to what is now Kuller Rd. in Clifton. That’s where the murder of Judith Kavanaugh may or may not have been committed.

60 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Trial work by the young Clifton attorney Miles Feinstein established his reputation as a top criminal defense lawyer. He is pictured at left with Clifton Police Det. Sgt. John DeGroot (center), following the cop’s acquittal.

DeGroot was one of the early investigators in Kavanaugh’s murder. The state then accused him of slitting Gabriel DeFranco’s throat at his Paterson home while Vincent Kearney held the victim and Harold Matzer waited nearby.

Nonetheless, Clifton was where the young victim, who one paper cited as graduating “13th in her CHS class of 700,” lived and where her body was found on March 13, 1966. A half a century later, we look back at this Clifton history.

February 24, 1966 The mystery begins with a burnt Chevy Corvair found on a desolate Newark street, registered to Judith Kavanaugh of Clifton. Subsequent phone calls finally locate her husband, Paul, a truck driver for

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Matzner Publications, but not a trace of Judith. Missing persons reports in both Clifton and Newark are filed, but no clues to her whereabouts can be found.

Prank phone calls, few leads and a phony kidnapping rumor launch the media frenzy. Weeks go by, suspects are interrogated and then released.

Still no progress.

Detectives even bring in a psychic to help with the case.

Then, on March 13, two men exercising their dogs find Judi’s naked corpse face down in a field between Kuller Rd. and the Garden State Parkway. An autopsy confirms a homicide—strangulation marks around her throat and two bullet wounds to the head.

The investigation stalls for five months. Then on Oct. 6, a Paterson hood named Gabriel ‘Johnny the Walk’ DeFranco is murdered at the front door of his apartment in Paterson. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s office wants to know if there is a connection. It seems DeFranco is a sometime acquaintance of Paul Kavanaugh’s boss, publisher Harold Matzner.

Over the next four years, the headlines indictments, political corruption, plea bargain, counterfeiting, pornography and grand juries would reign supreme.

A local truck driver, a millionaire publisher and his wife, a Clifton Police Sergeant, a celebrity lawyer—30 years before his involvement with the O.J. Simpson “Trial of the Century”—and two 62 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

The nationally famous criminal defense attorney F. Lee Bailey with his client, the young newspaper publisher Harold Matzner, center, who was accused of murdering Judith Kavanaugh. Matzner is pictured with his wife Dorothe, outside the Passaic County Court House, after Judge Gordon Brown had removed Bailey from the case for “grossly unethical conduct.”

murder victims would be the central characters in this media circus.

It would all end in 1970 on the steps of the Passaic County Courthouse with acquittals for the defendants after Clifton attorney Miles Feinstein dismantles the prosecution’s flimsy case and the jury believes him.

As a post script, Matzner’s wife Dorothe co-authors a vanity press tabletop book entitled Victim’s of Justice in 1973, detailing the case.

She asks one final question: why was the individual who lived and worked at a retirement home on Hazel St., two blocks from Judi’s apartment—who disappeared after working his Feb. 24 shift, the same night as Judi’s disappearance,—a man who fled to Michigan and did not collect his remaining wages, who had a criminal record and a his-

tory of mental illness—why was he not prosecuted for the murder of Judith Kavanaugh?

Theories abounded but have long since expired, however, the question still remains—who killed Judith Marchione Kavanaugh?

Five decades later, the scandalous cold case remains an unsolved Clifton murder. Considering the racy headlines, various investigations and numerous trials, one tabloid concluded its reporting with this assesment: In this tangled case, only one fact emerges. If the charges are anywhere near true, life in some parts of Clifton, Denville (where Judith Cavanaugh’s murder may have occurred) and Paterson make Peyton Place look just as serene and wholesome as Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016

63

Kevin McCarthy was sworn in as Chief on Jan. 15, becoming the 10th person to hold that title since the Clifton Fire Department was established on July 16, 1918. McCarthy, 56, is a city resident who spent the last 16 years of his career as a deputy chief. On the same day of his promotion, Capt. Brett Blake was made deputy, Christopher DeLuise was promoted to lieutenant and 11 rookies took the oath of service.

When they join the ranks after training, the city will have a total of 140 Clifton Firefighters.

Kevin McCarthy Jan. 1, 2016 current

Vincent Colavitti Jr. Nov. 14, 2011 Dec. 31, 2015

Joe Verderosa Nov. 26, 2009 Jan. 1, 2011

John E. Dubravsky Jan. 1, 1997 Dec. 31, 2008

Walter DeGroot Feb. 11, 1985 Jan. 1, 1997

Joseph Colca Nov. 12, 1980 May 1, 1985

Stephen J. Lendl June 20, 1965 Jan. 1, 1981

Romolo Zangrando April 1, 1960 June 18, 1965

John Zanet Dec. 30, 1930 March 16, 1960

Adam Ritter Aug. 21, 1918 Aug. 11, 1930

64 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

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65

C

WHERE ARE THESE

lass of

‘76

MUSTANGS NOW?

John George of the CHS Class of ‘76 has organized a reunion at the Ramsey Country Club on March 25 at 7:30 pm.

Checks of $70 can be sent to George at 9 Daniel Drive, East Hanover, NJ 07936. Dinner and cocktails are included in the price. Call 973-766-3300 or visit him at George’s Service Center, 387 Crooks Ave., Clifton. Pictured here are some class members. Above: Pete Eromenok, Richard Matera, Paula George, Linda De Lora, Brenda Ludvik, Lynn Wescott.

Below: Barbara Jablonski, Darlene Ossi, Edwin Feliciano, Ernest Generalli, James Hill, Oresta Fedun.

Clifton’s Centennial Plans for 2017 Begin Rich Ashton’s logo design was named as the official symbol of the Clifton 2017 Centennial.

From left are: Joanne Gursky, Deb Sirvidio, Rich Ashton, Eugenia Gore, Vivian Semeraro and Chair John Pogorelec.

Clifton turns 100 in 2017 but the centennial celebration will begin on April 17 with a family beefsteak catered by Clifton’s own Hap Nightingale. Vivian Lalumia and Elaine Yaccarino are chairs of the event which is at the Boys & Girls Club from 4 to 8 pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children 6 to 12 and kids under 5 are free.

66 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

Call Norma Smith at 973-744-5707 to purchase tickets or buy them at the City Clerk’s office. Makes checks to Clifton Centennial. The Committee promises an enjoyable day for families with music and entertainment to get us in the 100th Anniversary spirit! Donations to defer the costs of the Centennial are graciously being sought.

In 1951 & Today

Planning for the 65th reunion of the CHS Class of 1951 (then and now!) are George Zaloom and Ken Holmberg, with Ruth Grinwis-Carlson, Lorraine Terpstra-Sager, Jean Saccomanno-Geider and Arline Favino-Pearce.

To thine own self be true and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.

June & January Classes of 1951 Two or three Mustang generations ago the Christopher Columbus Middle School which we know today was the first Clifton High School. After World War II, our community was growing so quickly that to accommodate the many public school students, senior classes were split and graduation was held in June and January.

As one can imagine, Mustangs took great pride in not only their graduation year but also the month that they walked the field. The January 1951 grads pictured above have been meeting every five years since then and for this milestone they have opened up their 65th Reunion to both June and January grads.

The party is set for May 9 at the Brownstone and Tom Zaloom reported that nearly 40 members have confirmed they will attend. To purchase tickets, call Zaloom 973471-1231 and get all the details. Another of the organizers, Arline Favino Pearce, shared some of her thoughts and ideas for the decades.

“When we were seventeen, everything seemed possible,” she wrote in an email. “Maybe we’ll cure cancer or write a bestseller or become a star or make a million. . .?”

“Now in our 80’s, we’ve gained a certain amount of wisdom just from the bumps in the road. The lessons we learned from all these years, and the ones the younger folks are still hammering out will continue.

“These sixty-five years after graduation brought loss and heartbreak, illness and disabilities. But in spite of it all, we’ve been blessed.” Lastly, she offered some insight on why so many of us, despite our age, or the year we graduated, treasure our high school years: • This is the place we grew up.

• This is our spiritual home.

• This is the place where we were safe.

• This is the ground where seeds of life were sowed.

• This is where teachers taught us life’s lessons.

June or January, attend the CHS 1951 reunion.

Clifton Merchant • February 2016 67

By Ariana Puzzo When Tina Robinson purchased 158 Powerball tickets on Jan. 12 she was like many of the millions across the US who never thought they would hold a winning ticket for the $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot on Jan. 14.

But fortune shined in Clifton. Despite not winning the billions, Robinson, the head cashier for School 14’s food service, and 74 other staffers at the school on St,.

Andrews Blvd., as well as a parent, won $50,000.

The 76 friends shared a ticket which had four of the five winning numbers and the Powerball. Their takehome: $657.89 per person before taxes.

“The woman [behind the counter at Field Liquors on Route 46] looked at me like I was crazy and asked, ‘Are you sure?” Robinson recalled of when she went to buy the 158 tickets. “But everyone had chipped in $4.”

Robinson was responsible for collecting everyone’s money and purchasing the tickets. When the pool began, only a few staffers were involved. “Just me and a couple of people in the gym,” she explained. “Then a teacher heard about it and asked if she could join in.”

Robinson and those involved played for two weeks, which included the last three drawings. As the historic jackpot grew, so did the number of School 14 players.

68 February 2016 • Clifton Merchant

“Each time we won it increased the people involved from 20 to 40 to eventually 76,” Robinson added.

Special education teacher Dana Yodice heard of the pool from colleagues. “I work the extensions program in the morning,” she explained. “Tina mentioned it to me and I also heard about it from a few teachers.”

Stunned when she realized they won and that it was not a prank, Yodice texted and called colleagues. “I’m not one to gamble but we were in it for a few weeks, winning a little here and there, so we kept playing.”

Then the media frenzy for the Clifton winners began.

The Eyewitness News Van was outside the school at 3 pm. Teachers and staffers were on the four, five and six o’clock news. News 12 NJ did a feature story.

Their 15 minutes of fame went viral. Producers from Jimmy Kimmel Live called and arranged to do a remote from the teacher’s lounge. First grade teacher Kim Ayes was in charge of trying to get the web camera and other logistical issues coordinated.

“We were outside Mr. Galello’s (the principal) office at the end of the day when our secretary called us into the office and a member from Kimmel’s team was on speakerphone,” Ayes said.

“After asking us some questions, she asked us if we would be interested in doing a webcam interview with them,” she explained.

About 30 staff members (pictured) returned to school that evening and to share their good fortune with the late night talk host..

A lot of high tech options were considered but “unfortunately it did not work out because we had no webcams in our school and we were not able to plug an outside laptop into the school’s computer network to access the Internet,” Ayes explained further. “Using someone’s Wi-Fi hotspot we got a connection finally, but they said we were too pixilated. We were all disappointed but it was a fun experience.”

Like Ayes, Yodice expressed her disappointment that they were not able to follow through with the interview.

“I think I was more upset we couldn’t get our Internet to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live than not having the number 8 to win,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mark Tietjen stated that when he initially heard the news, he was excited for everyone.

“I thought, what a wonderful gift,” Tietjen said. “How deserving it was for this hard working staff.

Then I realized I never asked the amount of the prize. How would I fill 76 positions quickly? I then asked what the prize was and I must admit I was secretly relieved.”

eb. 7 F , y t r a P ff -O k ic K e m Super Bowl Pre-Ga cco-free event ba to & g in bl m ga , ol Alcoh ls Club of Clifton ir G & ys Bo e th at 1-4 pm od ease bring a canned fo FREE Admission but pl Haven Food Bank donation to St. Peter’s

s, Crafts, Enjoy Pizza, Hot Dog ivities…

Edible Art & Gym Act nsors...

Thanks to our spo

• Robert F. Obser in memory of Jo his best friend of 59 years • Clifton Rotary Club • Vito's Towing • Liberty Tax, Richfield Plaza • Athenia Veterans Post • Stephen & Ellen Corbo • Clifton Firefighters FMBA 21 • Carlet, Garrison, Klein & Zaretsky

• Barbara Dougherty in memory of Henry Dougherty • Councilwoman Lauren E. Murphy • St. Philips K of C 11671 • JSK Landscaping /The Bassfords • Tom Miller • Mrs. Rita Haraka & Family • Daniel & Suzannah Brown • CASA

Call Tom Hawrylko @ 973-253-4400 to become a $100 Sponsor Clifton Merchant • February 2016

69

Good Deeds

Staff from CHS and friends will take the plunge into the frosty waters of Seaside Heights on Feb. 20 to benefit NJ Special Olympians. Team Clifton Mustang Strong needs to raise $6,000.

To help out go to plungeseaside.org and look for Team Mustang Strong or see any of these folks listed below: Bill Colligan, Casey Gallagher, Mark Mecca, Fran Wojcik, Heather Kutler, Kristen Wojcik, Andy Jaeger, Janette Hughes, Tom Jaeger, Robert Sierota, Danny Jaeger, Steve McCarthy, Bryan Armstrong, Christian Ocampo, Wayne Gallagher, John O'Rielly, Kenny Gerlach, Jamie Eick, Stacey Meyer, Kasey Kida and Alex Hrinko.

CHS 2005 alum Paul Boyko and his girlfriend, Caitlin Mancuso are raising money for the NJ Special Olympics through the 10th annual Giants Snow Bowl, March 4 to 6 at Met Life Stadium. Teams must raise at least $2,500 to participate. Boyko, now in his second year of QBing a team, has a fundraising bucket at The Clif Tavern or go to njsnowbowl.org.

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For the sixth consecutive year, members of St. John's Lutheran Church on Broad St. presented handmade woolen hats and mittens to students at the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency school in Clifton. Pictured above from St. John's are Barbara Anstadt, Irene Darby, and Pat Torelli with some of the 120 students who received the hats and mittens. To learn more about the school and its services, go to njedda.org.

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Business & Commerce

Mark Barnes, VP of VW of America presented a 65 year plaque to Ken and Betty Gensinger with their children, Laura, Michelle, Cindy and Ken Jr. on Feb. 2. “Never in my days have I presented a 65 year plaque,” said Barnes. “I am proud to share this great event with the Gensinger family, America’s oldest VW dealership.”

Kenneth Gensinger, Sr. was still a teenager when his parents Stephen and Jane decided to open Steve’s Garage in 1950. A mechanic by trade, Stephen Gensinger set up shop on Bloomfield Ave. The business began as a gas station with a one-bay body shop and service garage where Ken Sr. came to help after school and on weekends, pumping gas, cleaning up before graduating CHS in 1955.

Now patriarch of the Gensinger Motors dealership, it never occurred to Ken Sr. while he was growing up that there might be anything else that he might do other than stick with the family business.

Along with the gas pumps and service bay, the business also sold new cars. Among the cars for sale were Croselys, an American automaker that had a short life span and the French-made Renault. The car that was the keeper was the Volkswagen. Gensinger sold its first VW Beetle in August 1950 for $1,250.

Stephen Gensinger ordered his first Volkswagens directly from Max Hoffman, America’s legendary importer of foreign cars. Hoffman, who had the sole franchise for VW, visited small dealerships like Gensingers, making deals with a handshake.

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“I’m not sure if we were the first VW dealership in America, only Hoffman would have known that,” underscored Ken Sr., “but for sure, we are the oldest.”

By 1965, more than 900 Volkswagen dealerships were doing business nationwide and Gensinger Motors kept up with the wave of VW popularity. The Gensinger family left the original Bloomfield Ave. location for one on Clifton Ave., where today’s Boys and Girls Club can be found, and in 1960, broke ground on the current landmark dealership location on Valley Rd. near the intersection of Route 46 and 3.

Ken Sr. and Betty, who met in 1957 while he was stationed in Memphis, TN with the Marine Corps, are now watching as three of their 14 grandchildren— Billy, Rachel and Bob —come in after school to work.

“And just like my father, who lived near the dealership, I now do too. I live up the hill, behind the business. He used to cross the street to go to work, I come downhill,” said Ken Sr. with a chuckle.

However, the best Gensinger tradition for Ken Sr., is keeping it in the family.

“I love to work surrounded by my family. It’s a good life, a good way to run the business.”

Aiman Hamdan, MD, was elected President of the National Arab American Medical Association’s New Jersey Chapter. He is also Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, “Being an active member at SJRMC and President of the chapter will help build stronger relationships between the Medical Center and the Arabic medical community,” said Dr. Hamdan in response to the election results.

“It works both ways, being a key community leader in Paterson will further strengthen the relationship between the medical center and its surrounding Arabic community which it serves.”

Visit StJosephsHealth.org for details.

Arnold Sisco was called out of retirement to help Peter Ziolonka and his dad John launch Precision Electric Motors some 15 years ago. The father and son and dozens of co-workers, family and friends feted the hard working 80 year old when he retired again on Jan. 18 from the Sebego St. firm.

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By Steve Estrellado

My 36th birthday.. time to celebrate with a big meal and friends. We went out to Sushi Lounge in Totowa, a favorite Wednesday hangout to meet and celebrate. We ate sushi, rock shrimp tempura and bottomless sake martinis. Without a care in the world, I ate my heart out.

As usual, the day after has always been a recovery day.

I looked at the pictures from dinner and was horrified!

Not only did I look fat…I was fat.—205 pounds. At 5’8” that’s obese. I felt disgusting; I needed to change.

How did I let myself go? I was always 185 pounds— now I’m 20 pounds heavier. In that moment, I made a pledge to lose 10 pounds. Sounds easy, yeah right!

Having played lacrosse at Bergen Catholic High School, I knew the rules. I knew what a diet and fitness regime was. But, I had to abide by it. My body didn’t metabolize food the same way so I went cold turkey.

I cut the calories to 2000—I went low fat; I also cut the carbs. I then did a cycle of Isagenix, a deep cleansing and fat burning system. Our buddy, Jimmy, lost at least 15 pounds on it and he looked great! I wanted too as well.

Things were going great. I must have dropped 10 pounds within the first month. But, I knew I could lose more. So I made a goal—Vegas Baby! If I lose 10 more pounds (20 in total), I made plans go to Vegas in August 2014. Three months later…mission accomplished.

I was off to Vegas at my normal body weight of 185 pounds. If you go to Vegas, you’ll end up at Encore Beach Club. Everyone looked like they stepped out of a fitness magazine. I decided at that point that I wanted a six-pack. Being from Jersey…it’s Go Big or Go Home!

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So it was then I made a new goal. Due to my love for Electronic Dance Music, I made arrangements to go to EDC Puerto Rico in Feb. 2015. So I made a fitness goal to exercise every day. I started doing Sean T’s Insanity workout. Then to the gym—45 minutes on the stairmaster. Six months later I was in San Juan, partying my butt off. But, I still didn’t see the rips in my stomach.

Being a web developer and computer dude, I live a sedentary life. So I had to work 10 times as hard to stay fit. It wasn’t about carbs, calories, and fitness—it’s about the sugar. The WHO recommends a daily intake of 25 grams per day; that’s only one donut.

The show, “Fed Up” made me reflect, it’s all about what you eat. Read labels; sugar is in everything—cut it down from your diet. Your heart will appreciate it.

Our friend, Dr. Jyoti Mathews Eden Medical, always said that it’s what you eat that affects you. Heart disease and diabetes are hereditary. But you can better your chances of staying healthy by monitoring your diet.

Here is a rule of thumb: -Drink ½ your body weight in water (oz) -Drink ½ your body weight in protein (G) It’s been two years since I systematically changed my lifestyle. Now a lean 165 pounds, I feel better than ever.

My glucose is low, my blood pressure is down. My 40 pound journey made me a realist; it requires a lot of discipline. You might need a weight coach to help you, but it’s important to remember: it’s not a sprint, but rather a journey. You can decide today to change your habits, your life depends on it.

By Tom Szieber

Clifton wrestling has become one of the best programs in North Jersey. It came into the winter season widely seen as a favorite to emerge as a sectional champion for the second time in three years. But even the biggest Mustang fans probably didn’t think Clifton would be as dominant as it has proven to be.

Through the end of January, the Mustangs have compiled a 16-1 record, earning some major (and arguably unexpected) victories along the way.

After a blowout loss against Bergen Catholic right before Christmas, Clifton quickly got on track with a first-place finish in the Bloomfield Holiday Tournament and hasn’t looked back.

“I think it starts with out coaching,” said senior 145pounder Moe Farhan, who finished the month at 26-0.

“Our coaches really care. They want to make sure everyone gets better. And the work in the practice room has never been like this. This is the hardest working team that I’ve been a part of.”

Behind Farhan, the Mustangs have earned some huge wins, including a 38-21 triumph over Passaic County Tech on Jan. 13 that essentially clinched another Big North Liberty Division title and a 39-32 victory over St. Peter’s Prep three days later.

They’ve defeated the likes of River Dell, Passaic Valley, Garfield, Becton/Wallington and West Milford, as

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Clifton Sports well, and finished fourth in the Passaic County Tournament. “We realize what we are capable of, and we aren’t staying content,” said Farhan. We still haven’t peaked, and that is a good thing.”

In the county tourney, Farhan and senior 132-pounder James Murdoch won their individual brackets, while junior Sean Yadimarco, senior Patrick DePasque and junior A.J. Tudda finished second at 152, 160, and 126, respectively. The Mustangs figure to be the top seed in the North 1, Group 5 playoffs, bolstered by the efforts of grapplers like sophomore Hunter Flores (195 pounds), sophomore Nick Nosal (182) have stepped up, senior Dan Parra (220) and junior Jacob Abill (285).

“I think we are doing better than expected,” Geleta said. This team has really come along. We had a lot of injuries before the county tournament, and a lot of those guys are [getting back into shape]. The biggest difference though, is the upper weights. Last year they were a weakness, this year they are a strength.”

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Mustangs Bowlers were nothing short of dominant throughout January as well. Sitting at 10-2 when the month came to a close, despite a middle-of-the-pack sixth-place finish in the Passaic County Tournament on Jan. 22, veteran coach Brian Small’s group rolled through much of its regular season schedule.

Freshman Johann Gamo—who had above a 200 average on the year—was stellar for the Mustangs, and bowled an eye-popping 290 game in a victory over Bergen Tech on Jan. 19. Just four days earlier, he had tallied a 248 to help push the Mustangs past Eastside.

Senior Nick Vilardi was at his best against the Ghosts, as well, bowling a 254 to lead the way. That performance was just two pins shy of his 256-pin day against Kennedy in mid-December.

The Mustangs Indoor Track squads have had some big-time standouts, as well.

For the girls, Kristen Wong medaled in all four of her events in both the league and county meets. Wong won the Big North Liberty title in the pole vault. For the boys, Kevin Heredia has excelled as a sophomore. He as performed particularly well in the 800m, finishing second in the league and county. He is also the anchor of Clifton’s up-and-coming 4x400 team.

And perhaps the biggest Cinderella performance of the month was achieved by the Clifton Mustangs Boys Basketball team.

The #16 Mustangs, despite winning just three of their first 15 games, beat ninth-seeded Eastern Christian, 5950, to advance to the quarterfinals. Danny Santana’s 15 points and Harton Stephenson’s 11 rebounds led the way.

Then on Feb. 1, Delano Dixon scored 18 with four rebounds and four assists to lead Clifton over Bergen Tech, 47-41, in Clifton.

Each month Vice Principals from each wing of Clifton High nominate select students to receive recognition as a Student of the Month. Profiles for this month are featured below.

Megan Ocampo

Megan Ocampo - Senior, North Wing Probably a good word to describe Megan Ocampo is energy—a close second—determination. She prefers to move rather than sit still, active rather than passive.

“My favorite subject is science,” said Ocampo, “because it’s not just always sitting and note-taking.”

Not afraid of Bunsen burners and microscopes, the activities and labs in the science classes “are designed to make students enjoy their time , learning by doing.”

She knows that she wants to attend a four-year college and have a career, but is not yet sure what direction fate will take her. However, she has set herself a goal: “to become successful in life.”

While listening to music is one of Ocampo’s favorite activities, it does not mean that she does this sitting still.

She probably has her earbuds on while at the gym, because she loves working out, such as attending a Zumba class, or a high-intensity interval training class.

Even her education has been filled with movement.

From kindergarten to sixth grade, she attended a private school, then a middle school in Clifton. Freshman and sophomore year was at CHS. Her junior year was in a private school and now back at CHS. “Absolutely my best experience is senior year. It’s because of all of the excitement and wonderful events that are occurring throughout this year. For me, one of the best things about CHS is the chance I’ve had to meet and interact with new people almost every day. I’m very happy for all the memories I have made here.”

Frankie Salensky Frankie Salensky - Senior, South Wing Opportunities offered to students at CHS are outstanding. Frankie Selensky’s philosophy is to get involved, take advantage of the diversity and feel part of a great learning and living experience at high school.

Captain of the Varsity Soccer team, he has been on the squad since freshman year. “Being able to be a part of winning the county finals in 2012 was a great experience. I also ran varsity track my junior year.”

Sports are only one part of Salensky’s life at CHS. The academic options as a Mustang are also outstanding. “I am a proud member of the History Club,” he said, “and I love studying math and history. Math pertains to everything and it is extremely applicable to life outside of school. History was one of my least favorite subjects, until I had Mr. Lesler. He 100% revolutionized my outlook. Now I love studying history.”

Currently, Salensky is going through the very vigorous application process to be accepted into the United States Naval Academy.

“My dream,” said Salensky, “would be to go there and leave as a Marine Corps Officer.” In case things don’t work out for an academy, he has alternatives. “I have been accepted to both Iona College and Rutgers University. I also dream of becoming a successful stockbroker or hedge fund Manager on Wall Street.”

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Students of the Month Sidra Habal - Senior, East Wing It seems a natural fit that Sidra Habal was inducted into the National Honor Society.

“I enjoy learning in general, but my favorite subjects are English and science.

I love to read and I love to write, especially about new topics and in a style that I have never written in before. Science is so useful and practical. Science proves that there is a reason for everything, even though it may not be apparent at first. I plan to make a career in a science field. I hope to attend a university, like NJIT, and pursue computer engineering.”

Her fond memories of CHS include many “great people and building a wonderful, close-knit group of friends who I hope are a part of my life long after high school.” Some she met through the Girls Learn International Club and by volunteering at the Clifton Health Dept. She has friends dating back to her days at the Grove Hill Nursery School.

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Touting CHS, she said: “Younger students should know that the best thing about CHS is the student body. There are people of all different backgrounds, each of whom contributed to making my experience memorable and from whom they will learn so much.”

Sidra Habal

Tiberiu Rizea

Tiberiu Rizea - Senior, Central Born in Romania, Tiberiu Rizea came to America in September 2014 without knowing any English. He credits his teachers, staff and friends for helping him learn English “extraordinarily fast.”

Rizea also admits to a great passion that has helped him: “I love to write,” said Rizea. “I can create anything and everything I want with words. I began writing when I was in second grade and I will write until my soul leaves my body. After that, I can say that I never really will have died because I will be alive through my poems and novels.”

Last year he was published in the Henry Zhang - Freshman, Annex school magazine but he got his first story For Henry Zhang the best thing about published in a romania newspaper. Of being at the Annex is the diversity. “I get his other passions, one is completely difto learn about the world right here in my ferent from writing. own hometown.” This student athlete is “I love to wrestle. I have been finding there’s lots to learn from teachers wrestling since I was eight. Wrestling and students. gave me an education, because every “I had Mr. Wacha (at WWMS) for 8th sport gives you an education, besides grade social studies and he stressed the Henry Zheng also giving you a healthy body. Now I'm importance of our history. I still love hison the high school wrestling team.” tory and studying here with Mr. He also loves history.—it’s his favorite subject. In Orlovsky.” History led to the appreciation of the differthe near future, Rizea plans to attend a good college and ent personal histories of his fellow students. is already leaning towards studying Criminal Justice. “I While Zhang is still far away from college and chooswant to work as a detective to protect innocent people.” ing a college major, he enjoys being a member of the CHS has been a life-changing experience for Rizea.

Boys Winter Track Team and the Cross Country Team.

Besides the teachers, whom he says “know how to make “Through track, I have made great friends and find that the lessons so interesting that it makes you pay attenmy teammates are very supportive of each other. I tion,” and the students with whom he has made friends, admire my coaches, Mr. Pontes and Mr. Rogers.” “the entire past two years were very significant for me, One of his best high school experiences so far, said not only because I came to a new country, I learned a Zhang, “is being nominated as Student of the Month. I new language, and had endless new experiences, but feel that it will push me to work even harder as I continbecause I have changed and grown.” ue this year.”

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Birthdays & Celebrations - February 2016

Ashley Rose Montague turns 10 on Feb. 6. Happy Birthday to Donna Hawrylko on Feb. 25. Alejandra P. Gonzales is also 10 on Feb. 28. Natalie Pych turns 15 on Feb. 8. Bob De Liberto celebrates 52 on Feb. 11. Birthday Greetings Lux siblings—Eric turns 20 on Feb. 3 & Renee turns 14 on Feb. 14.

Happy Birthday to...

Send dates & names... tomhawrylko@optonline.net Alison Degen.......................2/1 Robyn Feldman................... 2/1 Jack Houston ...................... 2/1 Kristin Reilly........................ 2/1 Mary Jane Varga................ 2/1 Emil Soltis, Jr ...................... 2/2 Joseph Fierro ...................... 2/3 Bob Naletko....................... 2/3

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Catherine Grace Burns ........

John Nittolo........................

Richie Szepietowski.............

Courtney Carlson................

Joseph DeSomma ...............

Robert D’Alessio .................

Nicole Tahan......................

Tara Fueshko ......................

2/4 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/7 2/8

Jamie Carr ......................... 2/9 Craig Grieco...................... 2/9 Steven Becker ................... 2/10 Bryan Kelly....................... 2/10 Matthew Seitz .................. 2/10 Valentine Le Ster ............... 2/11 Sarah Mikolajczyk ............ 2/11 Nick Zecchino .................. 2/11 Joseph Hilla...................... 2/12 Anthony Musleh................ 2/12 Dolores Rando.................. 2/12 John Hodorovych .............. 2/13 Amin Zamlout................... 2/13 Mark Gallo ...................... 2/14 Jeanette Ann Saia ............. 2/14 Orest Luzniak ................... 2/14 Christine Canavan ............ 2/15 Chickie Curtis ................... 2/15 Frank Klippel .................... 2/15 M. Louis Poles .................. 2/15 Ashley Brandecker ............ 2/17 David Fazio ..................... 2/17 Leann Perez...................... 2/17 Lorraine Rothe .................. 2/17 Michael Del Re ................. 2/18 Richie Bandurski ............... 2/19 Stephanie Peterson............ 2/19 Michael Papa................... 2/20 Robert Mosciszko.............. 2/21

Ernie Rodrigues celebrated his 40th birthday on Jan. 14.

Taylor Jesch.....................

Diana Murphy.................

John T. Saccoman ............

Robert Adamo.................

Eileen Feldman ................

Kimberly Mistretta ............

Kimberly Gasior ..............

Brittany Helwig................

Joyce Penaranda .............

Brittany Pinter ..................

Lauren Ricca....................

Charlie Galluzzo .............

Mark Zecchino ................

2/22 2/22 2/22 2/24 2/24 2/24 2/26 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/28 2/28

Don Knapp celebrates a birthday on Feb. 6.

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Steve Christopher and Dawn Kaiser

Thanks to good citizens such as Steve Christopher and Dawn Kaiser, the neighborhood in and around Lakeview Ave. was vibrant and relevant for over a quarter a century. But in early January, we received a short note saying the Lakeview Civic Association has reached its end. The group, as there were many merchants and residents who participated, achieved much over the decades. But the time has come to sign off.

We simply wanted to acknowledge the service and good work of the Association and these two advocates.

Our January edition had a few omissions. The month by month review of 2015 missed the Nov. 3 special election for city council to fill the unexpired term of the late Matt Grabowski, who died on Feb. 23. His brother Raymond won the three man race and will complete the three year term which ends in 2020. Also, the field in Zwier Park on Van Houten Ave. was dedicated in August in Matt’s memory. We regret these omissions.

Featuring many historic photos and plenty of info you may want to know about our hometown, look for the Map of Clifton 2016 inside this month’s magazine.

Additional copies are available at our regular locations or at the offices of participating advertisers.

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Our hometown turns 99 this year, thus our historic cover.

The ITT tower was 300 feet tall on the Nutley/Clifton border and was demolished in April 1996.

Pro wrestler Nick Russo (aka the Clifton Cutie) with his sons Gary and Nick Jr. in the 1960’s. The 2007 Lady Mustangs were the NJ Group 4 Softball Champs.

President Richard Nixon with Gene Boyle when the restaurant owner ran for Congress in 1969.

The Hot Grill, Stephen Gensinger with Mayor Stanley Zwier at the VW dealership, and bullish Fette Motors founder Henry Fette.

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