Clifton Merchant Magazine - February 2019 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

From the

Editor

I yell habibi to my Arabic friends, vitayu to my Ukrainian brothers, que pasa to Latinos or give a smile and a wave to my Turkish neighbors. - Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher

My wife Lori says we in Clifton speak North Jersey. I explain that it’s just not the way we talk, it’s how we identify and connect to each other by our ethnicity, religion or our country of origin. We speak pidgin, bits and pieces of languages to our neighbors, blending phrases and greetings. I yell habibi to my Arabic friends, vitayu to my Ukrainian brothers, que pasa to Latinos or give a smile and a wave to Turkish neighbors when I’m not sure of their names. That’s how some of us Cliftonites connect and in a way show respect to people we meet and interact with in this growing and densely populated town. Speaking “North Jersey” is also a way to share the pride of who we are and where we came from...to represent. No where is that show of respect and celebration of diversity more apparent than in our public schools. My four kids are long gone from CHS but I’m still a regular visitor. On the sports fields, music or theater stages or in the classrooms, I’m there taking photos, interviewing kids or working with teachers and staff. It is in these interactions that I see how, with the next generation of Cliftonites, diversity and respect works in our community.

As photos and stories on our pages attest, Clifton kids come from across the globe. They speak hundreds of different languages with their friends and their elders at home. But in Clifton Public Schools, they connect and take great pride in being a Mustang, a Cliftonite and an American. Of course this has been going on for generations, not only in Clifton but across our nation. “The great melting-pot of America, the place where we are all made Americans of, is the public school,” said President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, “where men of every race, and of every origin, and of every station of life send their children, or ought to send their children, and where being mixed together, they are infused with the American spirit, and developed into the American man and the American woman.” Clifton is a place where the American Dream is sown, planted and grown by thousands of us, year after year. This magazine you are holding, now in its 24th year, is a testament to that can-do attitude. Every month, my staff and I are proud to chronicle our hometown’s evolution with photos, stories and advertisements that celebrate who we are. And for that opportunity, we say thank you. 16,000 Magazines

are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month.

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Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson

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Contributing Writers

Business Mgr. Gabriella Marriello

Jack DeVries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele, Ariana Puzzo, Patricia Alex, Tyler Gamba

Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Selling your car, whether through a newspaper or online through a website like Craig’s List is a process loaded with pitfalls. Once your phone and address is “out there,” who is going to show up at your home? Selling your car privately is a hassle and it takes a lot of time and energy to complete the sale.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Plus you’ll need to be ready to answer numerous phone calls at any time, even late at night. Many of these potential buyers just waste your time and never show up. For those that do show, you’ll have to deal with test drives, tire kickers, low-ballers, negotiations and weirdos. Instead sell your car to Fette, a name you trust.

Trust the Fette Auto Group when selling a car. Since its founding in 1952 by the late Henry Fette and now run by his grandson, John, Fette makes the process secure and easy. Either go to FETTEBUYSCARS.com or visit the showroom and tell us the details about your car like year, make, model, mileage and condition.

Sales Manager Chris Ciresi or one of his team will make an appointment to inspect the car and make an instant offer. Be sure to bring all the necessary documentation. You’ll instantly receive a check for your car. The team at Fette makes the car-selling process safe, easy and hassle free.

Many sellers are legitimately concerned about strangers coming to test drive the vehicle at their home. Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

WORKING TOGETHER

For 17 Over 40 MARRIED

John & Debbie Tauber By Pat Alex

Their jobs as Clifton’s Animal Control Officers have taken them to fires and crime scenes, under bridges, down storm sewers and up fire escapes. It’s demanding, for sure, and they love it—and each other. John and Debbie Tauber have been animal control officers in the city for 17 years and married to one another for more than 40. Above John and Debbie Tauber on their 1978 wedding day; “We have different interests but below John and Debbie today. we’re alike in many ways,” said Debbie. Chief among those are their love “It turned out I was sitting between her aunt and of animals and dedication to the job. mother,” John remembered, “and Debbie was stopping “What other wife would put up with someone who in on her way to a party.” gave CPR to a squirrel?” asked John, referencing the Debbie’s aunt was a bit overzealous making introrevival of a rodent that had fallen into a backyard pool. ductions. And how many husbands would take it in stride when “As she was pushed toward me, Debbie tripped and a seven-foot boa constrictor rescued by his wife slipped fell on my lap. We had a few laughs, were formally infrom its cage and took up residence in the dashboard of troduced as she sat there and quickly decided to move the family’s mini-van? to another table,” he said. “She never did make it to that “We’re first responders in every sense of the word,” party, but she did call her friend and say she met somesaid Debbie. one that wasn’t her type, but something just clicked.” John Tauber and Debbie Hawk grew up within blocks Indeed it did. “We couldn’t see enough of each other of one another in Downtown Clifton and had a number after that night,” John recalled. “It was like meeting the of mutual acquaintances, but can’t recall crossing paths best friend you ever had in a reverse timeline.” having gone to different schools. That was 44 years, two kids and two grandkids ago. That changed as young adults. They’d chatted at After John graduated Seton Hall University, the couple Moustache Pete’s where Debbie worked and later at was married by Rev. Frank Rodimer at St. Paul’s R.C. The Anchor Bar.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Tauber Family: Lucretia, David (holding Ronin), Greyson, John, Debbie, and Kristin and Sean McHale.

Church in 1978. Within a couple of years they moved downstairs from John’s mother in the home he grew up in on Washington Ave. There, they raised two children, David and Kristin, and hosted a menagerie of animals having to be bottle fed, recovering from an injury or surgery, or needing a non-shelter surrounding until their owners came looking for them. Today, they share the place with three rescue chihuahuas, a box turtle on the porch and “Roy the Koi” in the pond out back. It’s sounds chaotic, but it’s not. The

home, between Getty and Main Aves., is tidy and cheerful. “We’re both neat freaks,’ said Debbie. Their kids were young when the couple started volunteering at the Bergen County Animal Shelter and later the Clifton Animal Shelter. Debbie was later offered a job cleaning the Clifton shelter and caring for the dogs on weekends. The city offered to send her to night school at Kean University to become an Animal Control officer. John worked fulltime as an administrator at a Hawthorne ambulatory surgery center but decided to join the “adventure.” They could be “study buddies,” he explained—a way to repay her for typing all his college term papers. After completing their studies and being certified by the state, Debbie continued working part-time as an animal control officer and John was offered a part-time position covering on nights and weekends.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

John rescuing a dog from a recent house fire and Debbie with one of her past saves.

Debbie went full-time at the shelter in 2016 and, last December, John retired from his job to work for the city when Animal Control Officer Robert Boyle retired. John now works in the field, patrolling city parks, picking up strays, injured animals, and the occasional wild animal that gets into a home. Debbie mostly deals with the mounds of paperwork and reports, and caring for animals in the shelter, but is sometimes called out into the field. It’s a busy job as Clifton also responds to animal emergencies in Little Falls and Wallington.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Sometimes the couple doesn’t see one another during the day but, naturally, talk shop at the dinner table. Their conversation is not always for the faint of heart. Their curio cabinet hints at that—it includes a mouse’s skeletal remains, among other artifacts. They see their jobs as educators as well as enforcers. “We love to tell people about animals,” said Debbie, who can expound on efficacy of picking a skunk up by the tail, or her preference for wrestling an alligator over tackling a raccoon. The pair have been on high-profile cases. In 2010, Debbie responded to a Brighton Rd. home where 26 dogs were found in terrible conditions. John recently rescued a dog from a house fire in Lakeview. They’re both in their early 60s, but the Taubers have no plans to retire anytime soon as long as they are physically able. “Our job is rewarding. We learn something new every day,” said Debbie. The pair keeps busy with family, especially with grandsons Greyson and Ronin, ages 5 and 1. Debbie likes to bake and cook and John—“a research hound”—is working on a policy and procedures manual for the shelter and is on call most of the time. The key to a long and happy marriage? They say they’re best friends and always have each other’s backs. “We don’t really argue—we talk over each other a lot, but don’t argue,” Debbie said. “We finish each other’s sentences and thoughts… it’s give and take,” she said. “Yin and yang,” John added. They celebrated their anniversary in September. “Did you know the 40th is the truck anniversary? He bought me a truck,” said Debbie. The Ford F-150 pickup features vanity plates: “BSTMASTR.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Phyllis&Chuck Nouhan

Clifton Couple will Celebrate 65 Years Together. By Ariana Puzzo “I was born and there was Phyllis.” As Charles (Chuck) Nouhan remembered his life before he met and married Phyllis (Pecci) Nouhan, he does so with a chuckle. Chuck and Phyllis will celebrate 65 years of marriage Sept. 18. Theirs is a love story with the classic twist, boy from the “other side of the tracks” meets girl living the All-American life. They fall in love and “live happily ever after.” “I don’t know where it went,” Phyllis remarked of the past nearly seven decades. Chuck’s parents emigrated from Damascus, Syria. His father Sarkis Nouhan entered the United States through Ellis Island on June 21, 1907. In 1924, he married Mary “Marie” (Balady) Nouhan Farage in Canada, her port of entry, and together they settled in Michigan, then ultimately Paterson—unaware her U.S. entry was illegal and would later threaten her with deportation. Chuck, 85, was the sixth of their nine children, raised in a two-bedroom apartment in Paterson. Sarkis’s sudden death when Chuck was 5 years old left Marie with eight surviving children, ages 1-13. It was then Marie faced deportation—prevented when church officials prevailed upon then Senator W. Warren Barbour and Representative George N. Seger to create a special Congressional Bill enabling the young widow to stay in the country permanently. Chuck went to work as a shoe shine boy at age 7, and, like his older siblings, helped support the family. He recalls working nights at Palisades Amusement Park, peeling potatoes at the French fry stand, then

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Phyllis and Chuck at Bradley Beach, mid-1950s.

taking two buses home to sleep for a few hours before attending classes at Eastside High School. That work ethic would follow him throughout his life. Phyllis, 84, was the second of three children born to Albert and Josephine (Piscatelli) Pecci, an electrical inspector and housewife both of Italian descent. She grew up on DeMott Ave. in the Dutch Hill section attending School 15, the School 6 Annex for 8th grade and graduating from CHS, the current site of Christopher Columbus Middle School in June 1952. Phyllis enjoyed a more traditional youth, spending summer days playing and winter days skating in Weasel Brook Park. A majorette in the Mustang Marching Band, she was voted “Best Dressed” in her yearbook. Chuck’s experience was quite different. “All I knew was I worked; everyone else got involved in sports,” he said. “My mother said, ‘If you get hurt, we don’t have any money for a doctor.’”

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At Chuck Nouhan’s 85th birthday celebration July 2018, from left: Charles Jr., Sebastian, Kirk, Phyllis and Charles Nouhan Sr.; Luca, Ariana and Kim Puzzo; and Benjamin, Ethan and Mark Nouhan.

Their two worlds collided, quite literally when Chuck and Phyllis met at Federal Sweets and Biscuit Company, as Chuck left an unforgettable first impression. He was 17, working in the receiving department, unloading railroad cars full of hundred-pound bags of flour and sugar. He also delivered tins to the assembly line where Phyllis, then 16, worked packing cookies.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“She caught my eye when I was pushing a cart full of tins,” Chuck said. “I hit one of the columns and tins went crashing all over the place.” “Right off the bat, she was crazy about me,” he added, quickly. Jokes aside, Chuck was not wrong. His cousin, who worked with Phyllis, tried to set her up with Chuck’s older brother Joe, who also worked in shipping.

Phyllis said no, expressing her interest in his brother Chuck. A swim date led to Chuck escorting Phyllis to her senior prom, then the couple dated for three years. “Then she proposed to me,” Chuck said, glancing at Phyllis from his matching recliner. “Then I proposed to you, that’s right,” Phyllis deadpanned. The couple married on Sept. 18, 1954. The newlyweds moved into their first home on Hawthorne Ave., across the street from Phyllis’ parents, paying $75 per month for a hot attic apartment. However, once Phyllis became pregnant with their first child, Charles Jr., born in 1956, they could no longer afford the rent without her salary. They moved to Vernon Ave. in Paterson into a one-bedroom, cold water flat with a gas space heater in the dining room. “When we moved there, I cried. I wouldn’t go there, remember?” Phyllis said, turning to Chuck. “It was a pretty rough apartment,” Chuck agreed. “We had to do a lot to it.” Phyllis’ father, who became the father figure Chuck never had, along with her mother were instrumental in helping the young couple make the dismal apartment a home. The next few years brought more change. Daughter, Kim, was born in 1958, and, in 1962, they moved to the Hillcrest Ave. home where they live in today. The following year, youngest son Mark was born. The year 1958 also marked Charles’ foray into real estate, working at the Diamond Agency for two years before he and three of his associates discussed going into business for themselves. “We went in to tell Morris that we were leaving, offering six months’ notice so he could replenish the staff,” Charles said. “He was annoyed—he fired all four of us on the spot.” Four Star Agency was later established by Charles and his partners Edward Gelok, Al Welts and Peter Valentino in April 1960. Charles bought out his partners after a few years and continues to run the Van Houten Ave. business today.

All three Nouhan children went through Clifton schools, attending School 2, WWJHS and CHS. Eldest son Charles Jr., a sustainability practitioner, recently returned to Clifton after living and working in England for 20 years. He has two sons, Sebastian, 25, and Benjamin, 22, who reside in England. Daughter Kim worked at School 14 for 35 years as a teacher of deaf and autistic students before retiring recently. She is married to Luca Puzzo, principal of School 11. Together they have a daughter, Ariana, 22. Youngest son Mark, a professional photographer, works with his father managing the family real estate. He has two sons, Kirk, 24, and Ethan, 21. When considering the best part of their marriage, Chuck and Phyllis agreed. “I think our kids and our grandkids,” they replied.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Playing OFF EACH OTHER By Irene Jarosewich The Zecchinos are a tight family of six divided softly into sets of two: parents Dianne and Mark; children Haley, 22, and Nick, 23; and the two big pups, mellow Rocky and alpha Apollo (yes, as in Balboa and Creed). In their Montclair Heights home, there is an easy “give-and-take” between the six, as well as between the twos. Dianne the Dog Whisperer, scratches Rocky’s chin as she responds to a comment made by one of her children, while Mark lets Apollo out the back door as he tosses out a comment over his shoulder toward Dianne. Their children stand in a twosome nearby, exchange knowing glances and try not to giggle. A smooth family dynamic filled with gentle fun. “Every since I can remember, it’s been that way,” said Nick about this parents. “Together, they can be hilarious. They play off each other day to day.” From this playfulness, good energy flows. Pretty Clear from the Start Dianne Holzi of Passaic met Mark Zecchino of Bloomfield at Clara Maas Hospital in Belleville where she worked as a nurse and he as a biomed tech. They

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

met, they spoke, they flirted a bit. They liked each other right away. One day, Dianne finds an unsigned note on the windshield of her car. “It was something like ‘I think you’re one cute lady, or foxy lady, or sexy lady, or something like that,’” she said rolling her eyes, shaking her head, blushing and smiling all at once. “Pretty quickly she figured out who it was. Not that difficult,” added Mark. “No,” she confirmed, “No, it wasn’t.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

He then oh-so-casually mentioned to her one day that later that evening he planned to be at a 1980s local hotspot, Rick’s Pub in Clifton. Dianne oh-so-casually convinced her girlfriend to go with her that evening to Rick’s so that she could, oh-so-casually be there. “We went after work,” said Diane. “That’s what I thought he would do. We sat at Rick’s for three hours, my girlfriend and I, and Mark never showed.” “Hey, I showed!” he replied swiftly, and then admits that it was pretty well after 10 pm by the time he did. The next time Dianne saw Mark at work, she decided to be less casual. She suggested that if he wanted to meet at Rick’s, then fine, but set a time and be there. He agreed. Date one was a success. From there it has been pretty much a straight line to the present. This upcoming September 16, the Zecchinos will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Three Decades in a Blink The first 10 years of their life they both remember as being busy saving, working, but also traveling. They wanted a family, but also wanted to wait a few years. They then bought their home in Montclair Heights. In 1997, Mark took over his father-in-law’s plumbing business—renamed Holzec, Inc. (yes, Hol from Holzi and

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

zec from Zecchino). Before the couple knew it, they were in decade two. “With two small children, I first stayed home, then worked part-time,” said Dianne, now a nurse fulltime with School 15. Mark grew the business, became active in the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers, and they began to travel as a family—skiing and trips to Hershey Park being favorites. Decade three completely flew by. Haley and Nick attended CHS and joined the Marching Mustangs. “We became band parents,” said Mark. Nick played trumpet and Haley played the drums, instruments that they both continue to play. “Their years were the final years with the legendary Mustang’s band leader, Bob Morgan,” noted Dianne, and the entire family fondly recalls the band trips they took and all the places the band performed. During their college years, both Nick and Haley worked nearby at the ever-popular Medieval Times—Haley as a server and Nick continued to hone his talent as a trumpeter. During those years, Mark joined Clifton’s Zoning Board and now is in his 10th year chosen to be chair, a testament to his ability to navigate often rough waters. Mark shakes his head. “On the Zoning Board, on any zoning board, the only way to get the job done

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

well is to stick to the rules—try to stay out of politics, to keep politics out of the situation and make sure the job, and just the job, gets done.” Continuing Family Traditions As they enter their fourth decade of married life, things are slowing down a bit, although, notes Dianne ruefully, “We’re back to doing what we did during the first tyears—saving—but this time for retirement.” Both children have begun their professional lives. Nick, who completed Stevens Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering, now works at Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility in Morris County. Dianne remembers as a child that Nick was a natural at math, that he was always organizing things systematically, building things, including the popular Lego building blocks “of which he still has three Rubbermaid cases filled.” After Nick had gone off to Stevens, Dianne suggested that maybe his room be more reflective of his growing adulthood and hinted that some of the Lego sculptures be packed away. “I remember as he sat there, taking apart some of them,” she laughed “and “I heard him muttering aloud, ‘You know you’re ripping apart my childhood.’”

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nick smiled. “All true,” he said. “It was painful.” Haley, who graduated Ramapo College, now works in music production and has a daily commute to Brooklyn to the studios of Adi Audible Differences. The field is tough and competitive, she admits, and she loves it. Her company is the producer of all the audio—music, vocals, and sound effects—for New York Fashion Week, a huge international event that begins February 8. So right now, for Haley, the pressure is on. Though both Zecchino children are out of college and most of the time, out of the house, the family tries to maintain some longstanding traditions, including annually going to a tree farm to choose, chop down, bring home, and decorate a Christmas tree. However, now, instead of taking longer trips, trying to match up vacation times, their trips are more likely to be weekends at their house down the shore. And they still go out to eat as a family. The Zecchinos were long time patrons of Bucco Ristorante. However, with that much-beloved eatery now gone, most often go to Bistro Amore. “Sometimes when Dianne and I announce that we’re going out for dinner,” said Mark, “the kids ask if they can come along. We don’t push it, but it’s a great feeling knowing that your children, even though they are adults, still want to be with you.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Faith & Fun BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER By Irene Jarosewich

Christine Foligno remembers the exact moment she noticed John O’Reilly, her future husband-to-be. “There was a barbecue at the Newman Catholic Center at Montclair State,” she said. “I was a transfer student and did not know anyone on campus. He was already there. We chatted before the others arrived. I liked him right away, was looking forward to talking more later. Then, I saw him leave early. I felt a sharp pang—deep disappointment—and even a bit of panic. For me, Montclair was huge—it was ‘Oh, no! Here’s someone I just met, really like and now I might never see him again!’ “I was surprised by my own reaction. All this emotion for someone I barely met! What’s wrong with me?” John also remembers that evening, but remembers their second meeting more. “I thought she was so cool,” he said. “There was a casual social at Newman and we were playing a video game

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

‘Duck Hunt.’ When it was her turn, Christine got top score. She was just calmly knocking down all the ducks, one after another. Impressive. I told her that. To myself I secretly thought, ‘I really want to get to know this girl.’” Did Christine have some kind of remarkable eye-hand coordination that made her a video game whiz? “Not really. While the guys started to play right away, I sat down on the couch first and just read the instructions,” she grinned. More than Friendship Christine and John were juniors that fall in 2010; both were in the education program, both strongly committed to their Catholic faith. At the Newman Center, at Catholic retreats, in classrooms, their paths crossed often. They became part of a tight group of friends, and developed a solid friendship between themselves.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Yet, during the first 18 months of their friendship, John was wondering how to move to deeper relationship. And Christine, while she loved being within a warm network of many, also felt that John could be more than just a friend. In April 2012, John mustered up the courage to ask Christine out on a date. Seeing her at Newman Center, he mentioned that he would like to talk to her later. “Briefly, briefly, it flitted across my mind that he wanted to ask me out,” she said, “something about his manner. Even though I liked him, I pushed that thought away. Went into denial.” Yet that is precisely what John wanted to do. “After Mass, I approached Christine and said, ‘I don’t want this to sound awkward, but can I ask you out on a date?’” Christine’s heart fluttered. “That’s really nice of you, John,” she replied, “thank you. But no.” BOOM. Ouch! Whaaaatttt? Christine knew, but John did not, that one of their close friends had a deep crush on him. “I explained that I believed that she would be very hurt if we started to date. The group dynamic would change, his friendship with her would be altered, I felt between a rock and a hard place. “I told John, ‘I don’t feel like I can kick a friend to the curb.’”

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“Sure, I was a little thrown,” laughed John, “but I really appreciated what she said, how she took into consideration factors more than just herself. Her reasoning spoke to her heart, and showed that she was also most concerned about my well-being. This showed me her character.” This made John like Christine even more. Forever After As the weeks rolled toward graduation, their mutual friend confided in Christine that she had begun to date another young man. Christine saw her crush on John had passed and was relieved. Christine quietly approached John and asked if his offer was still open, she would like that first date, after all. Poor John! Caught off guard again! Yet he quickly recovered and asked Christine to pick a place. She chose a cozy family-owned restaurant in Montclair—Jackie’s Grillette. Their first date was May 3, 2012, and their photo from outside the cafe from that day became their wedding “Save the Date” card. “Six years plus one day since our first date, we married,” noted John, “May 4, 2018.” In August, John and Christine traveled to Maui for their honeymoon. They loved Maui, which they found extremely beautiful. “But the last three days, the locals began to batten down the hatches before Hurricane Lane (a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 mph) hit the island,” said John. “The locals are pretty relaxed when it comes to pending catastrophe, but we pretty much were not and remained hunkered down in our hotel room with nowhere to go. Fortunately, we flew out right before the worst part.” Now settled in their new home, John continues to teach history and psychology at Clifton High School where he has taught since fall 2014; Christine is an art education teacher at H.W. Mountz K-8 in Spring Lake. This fall will be nine years since the couple met, years during which they have learned to work as a team. “We went through graduations, job hunts, travel, meshing of families and Hurricanes Sandy and Lane,” said John. “And without planning to, we found ourselves buying, then closing on our house and moving two weeks before the wedding,” finished Christine. “We got through that, but promised each other never again.” However, added John, these nine years has given the couple confidence that they can get through anything. “We’re looking forward to a great life-long marriage!”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

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February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

PREMIER, OUTPATIENT ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY COMPANY OPENS IN CLIFTON, NJ! JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, an industry leader in physical and occupational therapy, opened doors to their Clifton, NJ facility on Monday, January 14th. John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy and Medical Coordinator for Major League Soccer sat down to discuss the company’s unique approach to patient care and why Clifton was the perfect home for their 40th location.

What distinguishes JAG-ONE Physical Therapy from other clinics and, as a multi-location company, how do you ensure the quality amongst your physical therapists is comparable across the board? At JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, we offer a hands on, outcome based approach to rehabilitation. We have worked diligently to establish a culture as a “medical resource to the community” and with that, we have built a foundation of customer service paired with clinical excellence. We treat patients based on their goals and their needs and bring them back 110%, whether that’s walking several miles a day, kicking a ball as a professional soccer player, or climbing up and down a ladder for work. As a multi-location company it is of the upmost importance to build a strong foundation and company culture in order to ensure our high quality of care remains consistent across the board. Over the years, our approach to growth has always been driven by our employees. At JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, we have established a culture where the company grows from within, and when we have a physical therapist that is ready to advance in the company as a Clinical Director, we then begin the search as to which location is next to open. Our outcome based, patient-centered approach to rehabilitation is engrained throughout every thought process and initiative, which has been the driving force behind our success. What intrigued JAG-ONE Physical Therapy to open an office in Clifton, NJ? Clifton has always been a target for us, given the city’s size, diverse population and unbelievable athletic programs. Although Clifton is new to the JAG-ONE Physical Therapy roster of locations, we have strong ties to the city and have supported Clifton High School athletics programs for many years. Our Vice President of Marketing, Kayla George (Devlin), grew up in Clifton was a former member of the 2001 girls soccer team, which was recently inducted into the Clifton High School Hall of Fame. Through this connection, we have teamed up with Stan Lembryk throughout the last several years to sponsor the Lady Mustangs in their pre-season camps, ensuring injury prevention was always on top-of-mind. Additionally, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy has built a strong partnership with the Passaic County Coaches Association, lending support to the county’s schools and athletic programs by offering continuing education opportunities and substitute athletic training coverages in the case of an illness, emergency, or scheduling conflict. In addition to Clifton’s strong athletic presence, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy looks forward to supporting the city’s diverse community by serving as a physical therapy outlet for workers’ compensation cases, weekend warriors, post-surgical cases and Medicare patients. Clifton proudly serves as a melting pot and our comprehensive approach to physical therapy offers a fast track to recovery for each and every patient’s unique circumstance. You mentioned that JAG-ONE Physical Therapy has a company culture of “growing from within”. Given this culture, who has been named the Clinical Director of the Clifton facility? We are proud to announce that Casey Boutillier has been named the Clinical Director of our Clifton facility. Casey has been a senior physical therapist with us for many years, starting in the West Orange facility and eventually transitioning to our Fairfield location. Casey, who has a strong passion and expertise for working with children who have developmental and physical disorders, spearheaded our pediatric physical therapy division and expanded our scope of services. Casey’s outgoing personality, strong clinical acumen, and innate ability to motivate patients of all ages, makes her the perfect fit as Clinical Director of Clifton. Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

a t i r n b g e l e C

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

At the February 16, 1969, wedding are (from left) “Grandpa Sam and Grandma Sam,” bride and groom Barbara (Edore) and Sal Anzaldi, and Josephine, Mary Jo, Vincenzo, Ross, Lucille and Jimmy Anzaldi.

Sal and Barbara Anzaldi’s successful marriage is based on putting family first. By Jack DeVries Sal Anzaldi remembers the first time he saw Barbara Ann Edore on Clifton’s Highland Ave. He remembers thinking Barbara was pretty. She was 15, about two years younger than Sal, and walking her mother’s small Pekingese dog. Sal was with his friend Eugene Zadra, who was on his way to visit his girlfriend and Barbara’s cousin, Marilyn Skronwski. Barbara had lived in Clifton for a short time, moving from the Bronx the year before. She and her mom Catherine—along with her brothers Joe and John—moved to Highland Ave. to be nearer to her Aunt Margret and her cousins who lived on Second St. “Moving from the Bronx back then,” said Barbara, “Highland Ave. was like the country.” It hadn’t been easy for Barbara’s family during the past years. Her father Joseph, a military veteran and elevator operator in Manhattan, had died when she was 9. Her mom worked two jobs to keep the family afloat and even harder at being a parent to compensate for her children having only one.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

On that fall day in 1963, the seeds of romance were planted. Later, when Eugene suggested a double date and Sal take out Marilyn’s pretty cousin, he agreed. “That was my first date,” Sal remembered. “Mine, too,” said Barbara. A little over five years later, Sal and Barbara would be married—a union that has spanned five decades this month Feb 16. It would be a marriage that would welcome many children and grandchildren, and survive life-threatening sickness, tight financial times and blessed surprises. “Marriage is like driving a car,” Sal said. “You go down the road, and the road is smooth at first. But then there’s potholes—the way you bounce out of those potholes is the way your marriage is going to go. “If you work together to make things work, you’re going to be okay.” Life Examples Sal Anzaldi’s family grew up on Day St., near Main Memorial Park. As a boy, he shared an 11’ by 11’ bedroom with brothers Ross and Jimmy, who would become Clifton’s mayor. His sister Mary Jo would come later. “We shared one closet, one dresser,” said Sal. “No AC, no TV, and no Game Boy stuff.” Like Barbara had, Sal learned much from his parents. His dad Vince was a Passaic postman who worked nights for 20 years at Acme Market to help put his children through college. His mom Josephine, a homemaker, also did phone solicitation for S&H Green Stamps. Sal was also close with his grandparents. When he was very young, he remembered seeing his Grandpa Jimmy shovel coal at his job at a Passaic garbage incinerator. His Grandpa Sam cultivated his love of sports by taking him to ballgames. The couple’s role models taught them about self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs first. “Through the family,” Sal said, “you learn how to work hard and keep moving in a forward direction.” Barbara also learned the value of hard work. To help her mom who worked at a Lodi handbag factory, she got a job during high school at the Rainbow women’s clothing store on Main Ave. in Passaic, and later at the nearby store, the Fair. “I became friendly with the Shirelles,” she said of the legendary singing group from Passaic. “They used

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

On their wedding day in 1969, Barbara and Sal Anzaldi smile for the camera. A 50-year journey awaited.

to ask for me when they came in on Saturdays. I helped them and they took a liking to me.” Sal and Barbara’s first date was with Eugene and Marilyn to see the Bob Hope movie, Call Me Bwana, at the Central Theatre in Passaic. Most of their dates were similar—first to the movies and then go for pizza at Teddy’s on Getty Ave. “I thought he was nice,” Barbara said. “Her opinions have changed since then,” Sal joked. While the two never attended football games at Clifton High as Barbara was always working, there was one memorable date—a trip to see the Four Seasons perform at Asbury Park’s Convention Hall. “We went with five other couples,” Barbara said, “and had two hotel rooms. The boys slept in one and the girls in another.” Getting permission had been tough for Barbara, as her mom did not always get along with Sal. “We banged heads,” he admitted. “I had a curfew,” said Barbara, “and I had to be home by then. If I was five minutes late, she was by the window. My mom was very protective because she was the only parent.” “It wasn’t until we bought our first house,” Sal said, “that her mom saw I would be a good provider. Then we got along.” Wedding Bells In 1968, their relationship took the next step. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickson and becom-

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Pictured left Dominick and Dante Anzaldi; pictured right, top row, Brianna, Bryan and Brendan Franko; Sal Jr. and Anthony Anzaldi; bottom row Braydon Franko, Barbara Anzaldi, Jayden Pagan, Sal Anzaldi and Gianna Anzaldi; lower right inset Savanah Pagan.

ing a teacher, Sal decided it was time. On the anniversary date of when they first met, he took Barbara to the exact Highland Ave. spot where they first saw each other and popped the big question. “When I told my mother I was getting married,” Barbara said, “she said, ‘Make sure you’re doing the right thing.’” After about a year engagement, the couple was married on Barbara’s 21st birthday at St. Anthony’s Church in Passaic. The reception was held at the Princess Chateau on Rt. 46 in Lodi. More than 200 people attended—including at least 20 of their families’ children. “The waiters worried,” Barbara remembered, “They said, ‘All of these kids! They’re going to trip us!’” The cost per plate? “It was $9.95 a head,” said Sal. “We paid for it, but my parents gave us a $1,000 wedding gift.” Their wedding also featured an unsolved crime. “Someone stole the wedding favors,” Barbara said of the champagne glasses to be given to each guest. “My mom had to buy them again.” The couple moved into their first apartment on Clifton’s Martin Ave., renting from Ed and Ann Kozak, and soon welcomed their first daughter Lorrie.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Working as first a School 13 fourth grade teacher and then a special education teacher, Sal supplemented his income and saved for a house down payment by umpiring and working as a news advisor for the Herald-News. During those early years of marriage, the Anzaldis learned a lot about each other as husband and wife. “I couldn’t believe how much football he watched,” Barbara said. “I was surprised how persistent she was,” Sal said. “Still is. She’ll repeat the same things over and over.” “Because he forgets everything,” Barbara added. “I don’t forget anything,” Sal said. “Sometimes it takes time to do things.” Three-and-a half years later in 1972, the Anzaldis bought their first home at 26 Olympia St., which once belonged to Councilman Merv Montgomery. Son Salvatore arrived after they moved in. Planning and saving had given the Anzaldis a perfect nuclear family—two children and a home in a community they loved. But life had more in store. Navigating a 50-Year Run When Barbara became pregnant with daughter Kimberly near the end of the seventies, it was a sur-

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

prise. But the following year, when Barbara told Sal to sit down after coming back from the doctor—it was a shock: daughter Jamie was on her way. “I called my mother,” Sal said, “and told her I can’t have another kid. Her response was, ‘It’s just another pork chop on the table.’ But mom didn’t mention the college tuition.” To house the growing family, the Anzaldis moved to a larger home on Clifton’s Fairmont Ave. Sal’s ca-

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

reer also progressed as he became an elementary school principal, working in Schools 13, 9 and 12. A few years later, the couple would confront their biggest challenge when Barbara, then 45, was diagnosed with breast cancer. “When I had the surgery,” Barbara remembered, “I saw how much he cared about me. I was nine hours in surgery. When I woke up, he was at my bedside saying a prayer. “Sept. 1, 1991, was my surgery. Sept. 2 is his birthday. Sal didn’t have a good birthday that year.” As they approach their 50th wedding anniversary this month, the Anzaldis consider themselves extremely fortunate. Their four children—Lorrie, 49, Salvatore, 45, Kimberly, 38, and Jamie, 37— all played sports at CHS, graduated college and are teachers today. They’ve also brought the couple 12 grandchildren, ages 22 to 3. “Each of them is a special blessing to us,” Sal said. Today, Sal is retired from education but works as a sports equipment manager assisting the CHS Mustangs football team, a job where he “doesn’t miss a day.” Barbara is looking forward to the couple’s upcoming trip to Aruba to celebrate their 50-year marriage, and both continue to support their grandchildren at their many sports and music activities. To have a successful marriage, the Anzaldis offered this advice: “Become more tolerant of each other,” Sal said. “Be patient, be understanding,” Barbara added. “And put the needs of kids and grandkids ahead of your own needs,” Sal said. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Just MEANT To Be

While Apexa Rana and Shiv Desai were never sweethearts at Clifton High, they have more than made up for lost time. By Jack DeVries

Shiv Desai still gets nervous thinking about April 22, 2017. He wanted the perfect venue to propose Apexa Rana, the girl of his dreams. A friend’s family owned several restaurants in New York City and offered one of their places for the big event. Shiv chose Cookshop, a popular eatery in the city’s Chelsea section. “It’s a gorgeous environment,” Shiv described. “The setting was perfect.” Shiv left nothing to chance. Because of how much her family means to her, he arranged to have Apexa’s siblings and cousins waiting in the next room. Cookshop’s pastry chef prepared a chocolate cake (Apexa’s favorite), writing “Will You Marry Me?” in icing. He also arranged with the staff to respond to his cues. When he dropped a napkin, they knew to get the champagne ready. When we went to the bathroom, as soon as he returned, they knew the big question was coming. And when he dropped a napkin again, it was game time. When the napkin touched the floor, the staff went into action. The cake came out and Apexa looked up. When she looked back at Shiv, he was on one knee

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

holding a ring box. “Everything went flawlessly,” he said. “I asked her to marry me and the whole place started cheering for us.” Apexa put out her finger so Shiv could slide the ring on, but never actually answered the question. “I had to wait until the next day for her ‘yes,’” Shiv said. “She was so caught up in the moment.” It was a moment Apexa knew was coming but didn’t know exactly when. She planned to wear a new dress when Shiv asked her to marry him, but instead had on a sweat shirt and black jeans when the question came. “When I gave him my hand,” Apexa said, “I was shaking. The fact that I wasn’t dressed up made it even more genuine. I’m always dressed in a hoodie or sweatshirt, so that was me who he was proposing to.” Road to Clifton Shiv and Apexa’s parents were all born in Gujarat, India’s westernmost state. Apexa’s mom, Aruna, came to the U.S. at age 21, and her dad, Bharat, joined her after they married. The couple settled in Passaic. Along with Apexa, they

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February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

RELAX & RECOVER AREA

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

had two more children—Payal, Apexa’s older sister, and Jay, her younger brother. When Apexa was in the second grade, the Ranas bought their home in Clifton’s Athenia section, where her parents live today. Bharat works as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, while Aruna is employed by an aeronautical parts contractor. “As a child,” Apexa, 29, said, “I loved swimming at the YMCA, something I grew out of as I got older. I also did everything with my cousins—we have a big family and they all live in Clifton.” After emigrating from India in the early 1980s, Shiv’s parents also settled in Passaic, living in a small studio apartment. An only child, Shiv was born in 1988. When he reached middle school, the family moved to Clifton, also in the Athenia section. His dad, Sharad, owned a convenience store, and his mom, Aruna, works for a vitamin supplement maker. “Growing up in Passaic,” Shiv, 30, said, “I had way too many friends. In the summertime, we would ride our bikes into Wallington to the 7-Eleven to get Slurpees, play basketball at the YMCA and go swimming afterwards. We’d also hangout and play video games—pretty typical stuff.” Apexa and Shiv attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Clifton High. She loved science (she’d later graduate college with a biology degree), while he enjoyed history. “I really paid attention in that class,” said Shiv. “I

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

liked understanding how things were before and learning from it. Everywhere else, outside of gym and lunch, my mind would wander a bit.” Though they were aware of the other, there was no high school romance. “We knew of each other in high school,” said Shiv, “but weren’t friends. Clifton High is so big. We might have had a class together, but she stuck to her friends and I stuck to mine. “But she was a pretty girl. I fell for her afterwards.” Romance Blooms To create that fall, Apexa gave a little push. “I might have mentioned him to our mutual friend TJ Shah,” she admitted. “TJ is friends with all my cousins and would always bring Shiv with him to parties we had. My cousin Anuradha Rana was the matchmaker— she texted Shiv to see if he was interested in me.” While the two went to different colleges—Apexa to William Paterson University and Shiv to Bergen County Community College—the attraction was strong. Shiv asked her out and their first date was May 15, 2009. “It was a good first date, but nothing original,” Shiv said. “We went to a movie and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, our favorite place.” “He was a bit soft-spoken when I met him,” Apexa said. “But he was very positive and wanted to help people. I saw that from the get-go. That’s what attracted me to him.” “She was so pretty,” said Shiv, “I couldn’t stop staring at her. But once you peel that away, you see the caring, nurturing person inside—she’s loves helping people and it shows in her career choice (Apexa is an occupational therapist). There’s not a selfish bone in her body.” Later, Shiv transferred to WPC where both would graduate—Apexa in 2011 and Shiv in 2012. Today, he is a senior analyst for the luxury brand clothes and accessories company, rag & bone, working in Manhattan. Both sets of parents were pleased about the new couple.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

“My mom was thrilled,” Shiv said, “and loved sitting down and talking with her. My mom always wanted a daughter and when I came along, she was a little disappointed. Having Apexa makes up for that. My dad was thrilled, too. He doesn’t say much, but I could read it from his body language. When I brought Apexa around, he smiled more.” “My mom loved him,” Apexa said. “My dad on the other hand was old school. He was always asking me if I was sure, if Shiv was treating me right— always asking questions to make sure he was the one. He did that right up until we were married.” “Every man,” said Shiv, “who takes out a father’s pride and joy knows they have to be respectful, have manners, treat them right and protect them. I think he saw how I put Apexa over anything.” Marriage Beckons The wedding took place on Sept. 22, 2018, at the Parsippany Hilton. “It was a traditional Hindu wedding,” Shiv said. “Typically, the pre-ceremonies start 2-3 days before. There’s things happening at both our homes as we prepare and ceremonies with a priest or at a temple. “Saturday was our wedding day. The ceremony started at 10 am, and we had 315 guest there.” Apexa woke at 3 am before to begin preparing for the ceremony that ran until 12:30 pm. After lunch and photos, the reception started at 6:30 pm and ran to midnight.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“The day was over in a blink of an eye,” Apexa said. After a “mini-moon” in Mexico (the couple is planning a honeymoon in South Africa), Shiv and Apexa moved into their Montclair Heights section apartment. They plan to look for a home in the Clifton area. As husband and wife, the couple—who speaks both English and Gujarati at home—learned new things about each other. “Shiv is a mess,” Apexa said. “I’m very OCD and want things like the bed sheets and clothes a certain way. Shiv just does not care. I’m such a clean freak so that been an adjustment.” “I knew Apexa was OCD,” said Shiv, “but after being married and living together for a couple months, I am learning a new level of OCD. But it’s ok—it makes me better. I do clean up after myself more frequently. We’ll be learning new things about each other for the rest of our lives, and that’s what I look forward to most.” The couple wants to have children and, with Apexa’s sister having a new baby, Shiv has noticed his wife is “a little baby crazy” now. “God willing,” he said, “whatever happens, happens.” For now, the Clifton couple will continue enjoying their new life—going to Knicks games and sampling new restaurants and activities in New York City. “Being married to Apexa,” Shiv said, “has been the best time of my life.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

THE ONE

& ONLY

Grande Saloon

It’s fitting to highlight the Grande Saloon in February, the month of Valentine’s Day. The brick and brass establishment, near the intersection of Clifton and Van Houten Aves., occupies a special place in the hearts of many Cliftonites. “We get the place’s importance to Clifton,” said new owner Nick Cimino. “It’s one of the last town bars left where it feels like home. When you talk with customers, you hear, ‘I came here on my first date with my spouse’ or ‘I had my first drink here.’” That’s something co-owner and Cimino’s uncle Jimmy Visconti heard firsthand. “The Grande Saloon is where my wife Maggie (the former Margaret Lipski, CHS ’93) had her first drink,” said Visconti. “In fact, my in-laws still live in Clifton.” Cimino and Visconti bought the venerable Clifton bar-restaurant on Nov. 15, 2018, from former owner Gerry Tuohy. And, while they respect the Saloon’s past, they are determined to improve the business. “The Grande Saloon had the legs to stand for 40-plus years,” said Visconti. “Other places couldn’t compete

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nick Cimino (left), bartender Christine Barone and Jimmy Visconti.

Everybody still knows your name at this famed Clifton institution. By Jack DeVries anymore—the rent got too high or the neighborhood didn’t want it anymore.” “Gerry did an amazing job,” added Cimino, “running the place for 40 years. We didn’t change the Saloon, just upgraded it. We don’t want to lose what made this place special—we want to breathe new life in.” The partners have done that beginning by remodeling the downstairs room to accommodate up 100 guests. They’ve increased entertainment and feature live bands every Friday as well as Karaoke. On Saturday, there is Karaoke again, but never a cover charge on any night. Wednesday is Taco Day with $3 tacos and $5 margaritas. Thursday features a Cowboy menu with chili, burgers and barbeque fare, and is also “Ladies Night” with $3 Fireball drinks and $5 house wines and well drinks for female customers. “All our food is now fresh, not frozen,” said Cimino. “We changed the quality of the meats—as an example, we brought in Black Angus for the burgers.” The Saloon has been filled with customers and new energy since the partners took over.

Nick Cimino and Jimmy Visconti bought the venerable Clifton bar-restaurant on Nov. 15, 2018, from former owner Gerry Tuohy.

“We see the growth,” said Visconti, “we see the potential and want to take it further. We want to do another 40 years here.” Dream Come True Nick Cimino, originally from North Arlington, has been chasing a dream that began as a young teenager. “When I was 14,” said Cimino, 37, “I saw the movie Cocktail (starring Tom Cruise) and wanted to become a bartender. My dad said, ‘If you want to become a bartender, you have to be the best bartender you can be.’”

When Cimino turned 18, he began attending All American Bartending School in Wayne, a school his father helped him find. His first job tending bar was at the Oritani Field Club in Hackensack. Soon, Cimino wanted to go from “behind the stick” to owning his own place. “I cut an ad out of a magazine, ‘Own Your Own Bar,’” he said. “It gave you steps on what you needed to do, and I had it laminated. I made sure it was always visible.” Cimino continued learning his trade during the next 18 years, bartending in places like the Orange Lantern in Bergen County, the Sound Factory and China Club in New York City, and bars in Hoboken and the Jersey Shore. He also experienced the corporate side of

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Top left, Giuliano’s Restaurant, circa 1963; below the Grande Saloon today; top right and bottom, the remodeled downstairs 940 Room.

the business, doing retail management for Starbucks. In addition, he worked for Lindt chocolate where he developed the company’s café line of coffee-based drinks and traveled the U.S. “Through it all,” he said, “I kept my eyes on the prize. And here I am. But I couldn’t do this without the love and support of my wife Kylie—she told me to follow my dreams.” His uncle and partner followed a similar path. Jimmy Visconti, originally from Little Ferry, has 20 years of bar-restaurant experience, working mainly as a manager and general manager. He also wanted to own his own place, and the partners searched for the right opportunity for two years. When they got the chance to own the Grande Saloon, Visconti brought wife Maggie to have a look. The couple, who have 7 year-old twins, live in nearby Totowa. “She knew what the place was about,” Visconti, 47, remembered. “One thing that’s unique are the brass elephant heads on the drink rail along the bar. She told me you can never change these—that’s something she remembered from when she had her first drink.” With his decades of bar-restaurant experience, Visconti knew how special the Saloon was. “These days,” he said, “it’s difficult for a neighborhood to have a place around the corner where they can have good traditional American food and a drink, catch some entertainment or watch a game.”

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Had the partners not purchased the Grande Saloon, it might have become something entirely different. “You have Mario’s down the street,” Visconti said. “The people who took it over continue to do it the Mario’s way. And you have the Grande Saloon. In this area, those are the two places still left.” Cimino agrees. “The first time I was here,” he said, “I fell in love with the place. It felt like Cheers. This was Fridays before Fridays was Fridays.” Clifton Institution The Saloon opened in 1974, founded by the late Stash Kolodziej. Prior to opening, the site was Giuliano’s, an Italian-American restaurant. One who was part of the Grande Saloon’s early glory years was head bartender Joe Graziano—known to all as “Joe Graz.” In his black vest and pants, and crisp white shirt, Joe Graz brought an upscale look to the Saloon, not usually seen in Van Houten Ave. bars. In a sea of younger faces crowed around his bar, the gray-haired former Mustangs football player was professional but friendly to all. “Stash hired me in 1977,” Graziano said. “We were best friends in high school. He needed a bartender and almost begged me to come. I continued working there after Gerry bought it.” Before the Saloon, Graziano worked at Joey Harrison’s Valley Lodge and Billy Budd’s, beginning

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Grande Saloon in 1971. Prior to that, he Past and Future taught school at Paterson’s Cimino and Visconti are Eastside High and worked committed to retain what as a cook and doorman at makes the Saloon special Joey’s. while providing a better ex“I got married young,” perience for all. he said, “and couldn’t “We kept all the old make enough from teachstaff—kitchen and bar— ing so Joey hired me fulland hired new staff,” said time. Those bartenders at Visconti. “We explained we Joey’s—I learned from the were going to be busy again. best.” We want old customers and Graziano has fond memnew customers.” ories of the Saloon. The Grande Saloon’s bar “I loved it,” he said. “It staff includes Christine BarBartenders Tom DeStefano (left) and the Grande was a busy, busy place. We one, a 25-year employee, Saloon mainstay, Joe “Joe Graz” Graziano. had Clam Night on TuesRalph McEachin, Nicole days and there was a line to Rhodes, Shauna Van De Ree get in. and Jessica DeLuca. “It was a place where all Clifton people went—evWait staff members are Rebecca Brand, Samantha erybody knew everyone. It was a younger crowd back Russell, Mary Pascucci and Colleen “Pina” Scussel. then—you had to be 18 to drink in those days.” Heading the kitchen staff is Chef Julian Coyotl. Asked what made the Saloon unique, Graziano menThe partners work 70-hour work weeks and one is altions the downstairs “Rock Bottom,” a dark intimate ways at the Saloon. They have also secured parking at cocktail lounge where rocks jutted out of the walls. the medical building lot, next to the nearby Chase Bank. “Everybody came upstairs to party with their friends,” “We want to help our neighbors by not taking up street he said, “but when they went out as couples, they’d go parking,” said Visconti. “Customers can use the medical downstairs.” building’s lot after 6 pm and all day on weekends.” During the run of the TV show Cheers, Graziano rePatrons can expect a varied crowd at the Saloon. members the frequent comparisons. “Everybody had just “It’s such a great mix of people,” said Cimino. “You about the same seats when they came in, and we knew can come in on a Tuesday, and there could be 60 year-old everybody by name like the show.” guys talking about glory days. You come in on a WednesHe also noted the benefit of Essex County’s 2 am closday, there will be a bunch of young people having a great ing as Passaic County closed an hour later then. time. Everyone feels like they belong.” “At 1-1:30 am,” he said, “I’d get a full bar again. We’d “We’re an American original—a traditional bar-restaunever close before 3 am and the kitchen stayed open late. rant,” added Visconti. “And we’re not going to beat you We also never had any entertainment and weren’t big on up on the price of a drink or meal. TVs back then. We had a juke box and changed the songs “I wanted a place where I could bring my family, every week. where I could have my kids’ birthday—a place everyone “Today, the business has changed.” is welcome, young and old. Joe Graz worked at the Saloon until 1991 when he “And our downstairs room is something the neighborleft to again work for Joey Harrison. In 1996, he started hood needed to hold their parties or repasts.” working for Verizon as a sales consultant. Now retired, Cimino and Visconti invite all to give the place a try. he lives in Rockaway with his wife Nadine, a ’79 CHS “I guarantee,” said Cimino, “that if you come to the graduate. Grande Saloon, you will have great food, great drinks He’s been back to the Saloon just once since he left. and feel like you’re part of the family. When he heard the new owners’ names, Graziano “There is no other place around that can give you that commented, “A couple of Italian kids… that’s nice.” guarantee.”

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

By Jack DeVries & Tom Hawrylko Hank Hafelfinger doesn’t need any extra weight. In fact, he’s obsessive about not carrying more. “Grams go to ounces,” he said, “ounces become pounds.” You might be obsessed, too, if you had to carry your food, stove, cookware, bedding, clothing and shelter—and are about to hike the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. “My family can’t wait till I go,” Hafelfinger said. “All I talk about is the AT. I’m constantly reading about it. I’m in AT groups on Facebook—I’m amazed what I learn from other people.” Hafelfinger will carry a 30-pound pack with food and water making up a third. To conserve weight, he’s cutting tags off equipment and clothing. Drying out pre-moistened wipes and re-saturating them when needed is another weight-saving tactic. After flying to Atlanta, Hafelfinger begins his trek Feb. 9 by hiking to Springer Mountain, Ga. The next day, he starts his journey that will wind through 14 eastern states (including 72.2 miles in New Jersey), the world’s longest hiking-only trail.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

With Great Pride, We Recognize the Clifton Office’s Highest Achievers. September 2018 Award Winners

Alma Billings

Top Lister

Patricia “Patty” Badia

Top Sales

Top Producer

Christopher “Chris” Andres

Agent of the Month

Weichert Pride

Corinne Alesi Quinn

Lasanda “Alice” Sheppy

October 2018 Award Winners

Patricia “Patty” Badia

Top Lister

Corinne Alesi Quinn

Top Producer

Top Sales

Agent of the Month

November 2018 Award Winners

Alma Billings

Top Lister

Beryl Bells

Top Producer

Agent of the Month

Sheryl Madonna Top Producer

Sheryl Madonna

Top Sales

Mark Polanco

Weichert Pride

Valdemar Studzinski

Weichert Pride

December 2018 Award Winners

Lesia Wirstiuk

Top Lister

Lasanda “Alice” Sheppy Top Sales

Agent of the Month

Mark Polanco

Weichert Pride

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

“On Sunday, February 10,” he wrote on his blog, The Hankster’s 2019 Appalachian Trail Journal. “I will take my first of what is said to be over five million steps.” Hafelfinger, 60, is retired from the New York City District Council of Carpenters. Since 1983, he has lived in Clifton’s Dutch Hill with wife Maureen (Hoey) and daughters Beki, 23, and Brianna, 21. “A little over a year ago,” he wrote, “I took a great interest in hiking the Appalachian Trail. My daughter and I did a couple of overnight weekend trips. We did a 24- and 27-mile respectively. I was hooked.” To prepare, Hafelfinger has done “shakedown” hikes, like one Jan. 5-6 where he completed a 26-mile roundtrip, starting in New Jersey’s Waywayanda State Park. The overnight low was 9°. “The gear tested out well,” he reported. “The tent held up well on a pretty windy night. My sleep system was fine. I was nice and warm.” During the next five-six months, Hafelfinger, a “NOBO” (northbound hiker), said he will burn 6,000 calories a day. He will spend $2,500-$3,000 on supplies, accommodations and gear, including three to four pairs of boots. Every 3-5 days, Hafelfinger will go into a trail town and visit an outfitter for supplies, do laundry and sleep in a hos-

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

tel or hotel. On the trail, he will spend nights in his tent or a hut or lento where his air mattress is a big ally, elevating him off the hard ground. “My greatest fear is ticks and mice,” Hafelfinger said. “Mice run across you during the night—I’ve experienced this. And bears will run, moose will move, but ticks sneak in on you.” Hafelfinger is leaving earlier than most when the trail is less crowded (over than two million people hike at least some AT distance annually) and there are more available accommodations. However, harsher weather is a trade-off. Planning to finish his journey in mid-July in Mount Katahdin, Maine, he will pause his hike to see Beki’s May 24 graduation from Montclair State University, open the family camping trailer in Northwest Jersey, and attend the June 2 Pocono 400—a race he has attended 30 of the last 31 years. Hafelfinger will also celebrate his 36th wedding anniversary June 4, but then it’s back to the trail. Clifton Merchant Magazine looks forward to hearing from Hafelfinger on his journey and will publish updates. You can follow him online through his trail blog at http:// www.trailjournals.com/journal/23348. Happy trails, Hank!

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

15TH RELAY FOR LIFE

The 15th Annual Relay for Life of Clifton is May 18, from 4 pm to midnight at Clifton Schools Stadium. Relay for Life is an event that brings the community together to help the American Cancer Society, and neighbors like those pictured above, to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The theme of this years Relay event is “Going 15 Rounds with Cancer.” To find out more about how you or your team can participate, come enjoy a continental breakfast on Feb. 10 at 9:30 am to noon at the Clifton Elks Lodge, 775 Clifton Ave. A $5 donation will be appreciated. Learn about Clifton’s Relay, meet new friends, and hear encouraging stories from survivors. For details, RSVP to Steve Cavanaugh at ACS at 973-285-8025 or go to relayforlife.org/cliftonnj. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll 800-ACS-2345 or visit cancer.org.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton Cares has shipped more than 5,000 packages to our troops serving overseas since it first began in August 2010 and plans another shipment in February. To make it happen, volunteers need contributions in various forms. For instance, postage for a single box is now $18.45. The supplies sent are those we here take for granted but to the troops are so delicious. Who would think a Jolly Rancher or ramen noodles would bring so many smiles? The troops love cookies, beef jerky, Pringles, Jolly Ranchers and ramen noodles of course. The biggest smiles come when they do receive Girl Scout cookies, especially thin mints! Make your check payable to Clifton Cares Inc. and mail to Clifton Cares, Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton 07013. Clifton Cares is now a 501(c)(3) so your donation is tax deductible.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

HAIR CUTS? CCMS teacher Kimberly Dreher is seeking volunteers for Clifton’s 14th Annual Cut-a-thon on March 4. Donations will benefit Children With Hair Loss (CWHL). To participate and donate (hair must be at least 8 inches) contact Kim Dreher at CCMS via email at kdreher@cliftonschools.net. Learn Adult CPR, AED and First Aid at the “Your Heart is in My Hands” Safety Rally on Feb. 9, from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Clifton Rec provides this American Red Cross certified training at a reduced cost of $35. Topics include caring for a choking victim, CPR, care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, avoiding blood borne pathogen exposure, care for wounds, burns, heat and cold emergencies, manage sudden illnesses, stroke, shock, seizure, bites and use of EPI pen. Go to cliftonrec.com or call 973-470-5956. Those who pass skills and written tests receive a certification valid for two years. The Young At Heart Club meets every first and third Wednesday at the Masonic Lodge, 1476 Van Houten Ave. Refreshments are at 11 am followed by the meeting. Members enjoy parties, bingo and trips to the Theater League of Clifton’s parody of TV shows Golden Girls, Monk, and Murder She Wrote (March 10), and Camp Hope’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 12). Wear green for a corned beef lunch. For more info, write to joannimor@yahoo.com. Enjoy a tastefully British Fish and Chips luncheon April 12, presented by AARP 4192 and Young At Heart Club at the Masonic Lodge, 1476 Van Houten Ave. Take-out available. For info, details and prices, contact Lillian at 973-779-5581.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

CCMS 6th grader Melissa Dominguez agreed to participate in the March 4 Cut-a-thon to help children that have lost their hair because of cancer and other diseases.

St. Philip’s Knights of Columbus 11671 will hold its annual Msgr. Peter J. Doody Scholarship beefsteak at St. Philip’s Auditorium Feb. 16 at 7 pm. The recently retired Msgr. Doody will be guest speaker. Tickets are $40 and available from any St. Philip’s Knight or calling Ray Lill 973-472-1756. The Kiwanis Club of Clifton will hold a “Spring Into Kiwanis Social Event” March 23 from 1 to 3 pm at CHS Cafeteria K6. The theme is changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Main Memorial Library at 6 pm. To join, contact Debra Guerriero 973-879-4069 debs926@aol.com.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

The Theater League of Clifton’s 2019 dinner/theater production, “Golden Girls III (The Curse of Jessica Fletcher),” opens Feb. 22. Performances will be held at Mario’s Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Inquisitive cast members for the show include (left to right) Jessica Steele, Tara Moran, Penelope “Penny” Surgent, Matthew Gill Clark, Karen Bednarz and Annette Winter.

Kudos to WWII vet Walter Pruiksma. The Avnue of Flags founder and former Cliftonite was featured on the cover of the Winter 2018 MPRA, the magazine of the Military Police Regimental Association. Pruiksma’s story, “Mission of Mercy,” was also told in the Clifton Merchant Magazine November 2018 issue.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

What’s going on at the Clifton Recreation Department? There’s Dinner and a Movie Feb. 20 starting at 5:30 pm at the Rec Center; Family Bowling on Feb. 8 at 6 to 8 pm at Garden Palace Lanes, 42 Lakeview Ave.; and Sundae Bingo March 24 from 3-5 pm at the Rec Center. For info, prices and details, visit cliftonrec.com.

Andrea Cerdan is N.J.COM/Star-Ledger Player of the Year and a proud Paladin. “It meant a lot to me from the start to represent Paramus Catholic and to make everyone proud of me for accomplishing everything I did in my three years playing in high school.” Despite being a blue chip prospect according to the Tennis Recruiting Network and being ranked 4th in the nation, Andrea gave up her junior year of high school tennis to focus on academics. “Tennis takes a toll on academic life,” admitted the 17 year old Bloomfield resident. She returned senior year to go 23-0, and win her second NJSIAA singles title, and her third Bergen county singles title. Over her three year high school tennis career, Andrea went 78-1, losing only in the state singles tourney freshman year. Andrea also won big on the academic circuit. In the fall of 2019, she’ll be attending the University of Michigan on a full scholarship studying Finance and playing tennis in the Big Ten. Andrea said her time at PC blended athletics with “rigorous academics in a competitive and compassionate environment with a lot of caring people.”

Under the leadership and vision of Principal Stephanie Macaluso, the talented faculty and staff at Paramus Catholic embody the values of Faith and Education in a happy and safe environment.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

CRUNCH

Mayor Jim Anzaldi cuts the ribbon at the opening of Crunch Fitness on Paulison Ave. To the right of Anzaldi are owners Mimi and Rafael Cuellar, and children Rafael and Emilia; right, Tom Buckley of Muscle Maker Grill.

Clifton is flexing its muscles with the opening of Crunch Fitness at 895 Paulison Ave. Owners Rafael and Mimi Cuellar welcomed new and prospective members to their grand opening celebration Jan. 23. Mayor Jim Anzaldi, along with Councilman Bill Gibson and Councilwoman Rosemary Pino, attended, as well as members of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce. “I am so excited to bring Crunch to Clifton,” said Rafael Cuellar. “It will be a great addition to the community with a huge range of workout options and top-quality equipment at a very affordable price.” Crunch also offers innovative group fitness programming and classes. For info, go to crunch.com.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

See the Next Gen of Mustang Basketball when CCMS battles WWMS at the Clifton High School gym, Feb. 16 at 9 am. The girls teams square off in the first contest immediately

Top, the CCMS Girls Basketball Team, top from left: Coach Saoud, Jasmin Sanchez, Shabrea Geathers, Mariam Ebeid, Azri’ah Jean and Shesley Delarose; middle: Angelica Sanchez, Jary Ramirez, Juelzlee Rodriguez, Mia Lewis and Yessica Trevino; bottom: Alexandra Irizarry (manager) Natalie Leach, Heba Heblawl and Syra Evans. Bottom, the CCMS Boys Basketball Team, back from left: Eric Espanola, Alexander Franco, Luis Vega, Anotnio Bordamonte, Muhammad Abredabbo and Jordan Edie; middle: Kenneth Oliveros, Jean Mejia Daleon, Ahmed Ali, Justin Leach and Jomar Rosa; front: Bruce Brown and Joshua Justin.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

followed by the boys game. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students with ID. In the series, WWMS has won two out of the last three years, but CCMS is out for revenge.

Top, the WWMS Girls Basketball Team, back from left: Coach Kimberly Stell, Osmeiri Urena (manager), Kiara Coy, Gianna Delgado, Mia Joyce, Nyah Negron and Ja’ Carria Lamb; front: Kiera Kristof, Melissa Sanchez, Shayla Montero, Kendall Reed and Derya Ovayolu. Missing: Sheena Lamb. Bottom, the WWMS Boys Basketball Team, back from left: Malak Musa (manager), Kenzel Slade, Jayden Neuman, Gabriel Cruz, Jahmir Smith, Coach Anthony Goglia and Lamarr Olive; front: Elyjah Vaz, Raphael Cabanilla, Justin Blackman, Kyle Rogers, Joviel Solano and Aiden Sefergic. Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

The Clifton Historical Committee, CHS Key Clubbers and members of the Kiwanis Club of Clifton (above) met to share information about all the groups are doing. CHS teacher and Key Club advisor Jacqui Turk told of plans for their spring clean up of Dundee Canal. The Historical Committee said plans are in the works for an essay contest in March, as well as a May 4 bus trip to see historical Clifton sites. The newly formed Kiwanis Club is offering support for these events and invites prospective members to a March 23 meeting from 1 to 3 pm at CHS Cafeteria K6.

Evelyn Skiendziel is just one of about 200 individuals and organizations who have earned the distinction of being inducted into the Babe Ruth League, Inc. International Hall of Fame. She has been active in Clifton Babe Ruth for more than 50 years, serving from 17 coach to commissioner and as an alumni association member.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

The newly formed PRAISE bowling team worked hard this season to be in the Passaic County Special Olympics Bowling Finals on Feb. 3 at T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne. They will compete with over 200 bowlers from Passaic County. If they place first or second in their individual games, they qualify for the sectionals and then the New Jersey State Finals.

Clifton Parents Requiring Action and Information for Special Education (P.R.A.I.S.E.) is a non-adversarial parent support group for parents/families with special needs children and adults based in Clifton. Their next meeting is Feb. 25 at 7 pm at the Allwood Library. Kasey Dudley from SPAN will be presenting “Health Advocacy: Accessing Health Coverage & Services For Your Family.” Registration is through Eventbrite. For more info, email cliftonpraise@gmail.com. CHS Class of 1970 is looking for the current info on classmates, such as mailing addresses, emails and phone numbers. Ann Marie Ayers-Williams is beginning the planning stages for the 50th reunion on Oct. 11, 2020. Send your info to clifton1970reunion@gmail.com. Camila Montenegro of School 15 was one of 12 winners in the Passaic County Clerk’s 2019 Calendar contest. PC Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof said the winning entries will be featured in the full color “2019 County Clerk Calendar,” now being distributed to schools, government offices, libraries, and other public places. Cliftonite Mia Maravi from St. Brendan’s School received an honorable mention. “It was very difficult to choose from over 400 entries because each one shined with talent and creativity,” said Danielle Ireland-Imhof. “These posters celebrate historical landmarks, parks and nature walks, as well as the diversity of Passaic County.” To have a free copy mailed to your home or business, email Nawissat@passaiccountynj.org or call 973-881-2818.

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

St. Philip the Apostle Knight of Columbus Council 11671 presented its 2018 EMT of the Year award to Clifton Firefighter/EMT Brian Reilly, who was recognized for helping save a young girl from a violent asthma attack in January 2018. Reilly found the girl unresponsive and started CPR and continued the life-saving procedure in the ambulance en route to the hospital. Pictured from left are Reilly and St. Philip’s Grand Knight SK Richard Donkersloot.

CHS seniors Zariah Rivera, Christian Collazo, Sebastian Gallon and Madison Potash are now part of Clifton history as they performed the singing of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful at the January 2 City Council Organization meeting. The ceremoney was at CHS. Taking office were Mayor Jim Anzaldi and Council members Peter Eagler, William Gibson, Ray Grabowski, Lauren Murphy, Rosemary Pino and Mary Sadrakula.

The Passaic County Historical Society is now accepting applications from Passaic County schools, clubs, camps and scout groups interested in subsidized 2019 tours of Lambert Castle museum. The program provides reimbursement for student transportation and admission costs, and funds will be dispersed on a first come basis. In 2018, 627 children participated in this program. For info, visit lambertcastle.org/school_tours/.

CLIFTON HISTORY

Learn to celebrate a Victorian-style Valentine’s Day. The Passaic County Historical Society is offering a free craft activity for children of all ages, Feb. 9-10 from 1 pm to 4 pm each day. The event will be held at Lambert Castle. Learn about early Valentine cards, the evolution of the holiday and make your own Victorian-style Valentine. The activity is free with regular museum admission. For more info, visit lambertcastle.org or call 973-247-0085.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Freshman Achraf Nidaazi, Sophomore Brandon McLaughlin, Junior Anabel Espinal and Senior Yasmin Nijem.

February has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students who have gotten a head start on the latest activities on the campus, one from each grade. When Yasmin Nijem needed inspiration, she looked to those closest to her. “My older brother inspires me most,” Nijem said of her brother Malik, CHS ’14. “While he may not have been the best student, he greatly improved himself after high school. He went from an incredibly smart, yet poor student, to a determined member of the U.S. Navy. “I’m proud of him for how quickly he’s advanced while also staying humble.” The busy senior has put that inspiration to good use. Nijem is a CHS Marching Band sergeant, CHS’s Girls Learn International’s president and the Clifton Student Union’s vice president. She is also editor of the Clifton Hub and a member of the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, MadCaps, Orchestra, and the Spring Musical. “New tasks, such as auditions or AP classes, seem daunting at first,” she said. “The most important lesson I’ve learned during my time at CHS is that risks are worth taking, even if you might fail.” Nijem has also drawn confidence from Mr. Henry, Mr. Stepneski, and Mrs. Miller-Hamilton, whom she called her most influential teacher. “She constantly pushes me to strive for excellence, even if I might not believe in my own capabilities,” stated Nijem, who said English is her favorite subject. “Her classes have undoubtedly turned me into a stronger writer and better person.”

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

In college, Nijem plans to major in psychology, an interest nurtured in Mr. O’Reilly’s AP Psychology class. After CHS, Anabel Espinal plans to find a career helping others. “My favorite subject,” said Espinal, “is math because it’s interesting and I love teaching it to my peers when I see them struggling. It can get confusing at times, but I find myself enjoying the challenge to understanding and mostly teaching them after overcoming.” Espinal also did some overcoming herself after moving to Clifton from Bloomfield. “It was hard at first adapting,” she said, “but I soon overcame it and got my grades where I wanted them to be. I went to my teachers for help during lunch time, after school, or when I had the free time.” Two teachers of special significance are Mrs. DeRose and Mr. O’Connor. “Mrs. DeRose put a lot of time and effort educating me outside of school, about things in the real world, and has helped me prepare myself,” Espinal said. “Mr. O’Connor inspires me most. His classes provide motivation and real life-applying quotes to better yourself.” Along with her studies, Espinal plays softball and has participated in the CHS Cabaret, where she performed “an amazing solo.” She plans to attend college after graduating.

Sophomore Brandon McLaughlin has some pretty definite plans when he leaves CHS—he wants to join the U.S. Marines right after he graduates. But for now, McLaughlin is making the most of his CHS years, playing Mustang baseball, performing in the Advanced Chorus and being part of the school’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC). For inspiration, McLaughlin looks to one influential teacher. “Mrs. Vukson,” he said, “is always keeping me on the right track and always tells me to block any negative attention out.” McLaughlin said geometry is his favorite subject, one he is finding “easier this year.” He added, “I love math.” He also credited his parents for keeping him focused on his grades. When asked to explain his success in high school after making the transition from middle school, McLaughlin said simply: “By trying my best and staying positive.” While only beginning high school, Achraf Nidazzi is determined to explore his options.

“I see myself taking advantage of the CHS academic programs in the future,” he said. “I want to take some college courses. I don’t know much about college, but I want to go one day so taking college classes in high school would help.” To do that, Nidazzi has developed solid study and work habits to assist him. “When I came to high school,” he said, “I started doing all my homework as soon as I came home and studied for my quizzes. I also learned study skills that helped me become more successful.” The freshman—who would like to play on the soccer team in coming seasons—said his favorite subject is science and has been inspired by his teacher Mrs. Ploch. “I love learning new things humans have discovered,” he said. “I like learning about how things work and about space. I also find the topic of genetics to be the most interesting.” Along with his academic interests, Nidazzi also gains motivation from friendly competition. “The person who inspires me the most,” he said, “is my friend Yousef Khatib because he does well in school and I try to compete with him. We compete to see who can get the best grades.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

BIG THANKS TO

The Map of Clifton Advertisers • Coldwell Banker-Clifton Office • Paramus Catholic High School • JK Management/ Styertowne Shopping Center • NOVA UA FCU • Crunch Fitness • Shoprite Wine & Spirits • Frank Cortes - Diamond Agency • Preferred Environmental Services • Shook Funeral Home • Neglia Engineering Associates • Corradino & Papa, LLC • Pina Nazario - Coldwell Banker • Assemblyman Tom Giblin • Smith-Sondy Paving Contractor • Immedicenter • State Farm Agent Tom Tobin • State Farm Agent Bill Eljouzi • Theatre League of Clifton • Councilman Ray Grabowski • Fette Ford Infiniti Kia • Barrow House • C. Genardi Contracting • Grande Saloon • Mr. Cupcake • Lakeview Bakery • Clifton Boys & Girls Club • Affordable Home Services

Rachel Zegler: Putting Clifton on the Map! That’s the 2019 Map of Clifton. Inserted within our magazine you’ll find a second cover featuring Rachel Zegler. When the 17-year-old CHS student posted a tweet of her singing a pitch perfect cover of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s Shallow back in December, she went viral. To date, the 30-second clip has over 83,000 retweets and 335,000 likes. Then in mid January, the teen was been chosen to star opposite Ansel Elgort as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. Zegler’s previous roles include Belle in Beauty and

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

the Beast, Cosette in Les Misérables, Mimi Marquez in Rent, and other local productions, thanks to the good folks at the Theater League of Clifton. Coincidentally enough, she also played Maria in West Side Story, which will now be her first role on-screen. “I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” Zegler told The Hollywood Reporter. “West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community.”

HERO RETURN OF THE

FOLLOW-UP

Our December story about the return of U.S. Marine Frank Uricchio’s remains to Clifton—killed in action on Iwo Jima March 1, 1945—continues. Rich DeLotto, the researcher and veterans’ advocate who suggested the story, met with Uricchio’s niece Sharyn Cartnick in January. “Frank was originally from my old neighborhood in the Botany,” said DeLotto, pictured with Cartnick. “He was a classmate of my mother’s (CHS ’43). Whenever the war was brought up, she would say, ‘God bless Frank Uricchio.’” Since our story, Cartnick has uncovered more info about her uncle. “He was wounded by shrapnel in his right shoulder,” she said, “with an extensive wound that also penetrated his right lung. He was transported to the USS Harry Lee medical ship four hours after being wounded but died about 20 minutes later.” At age 19, Uricchio became one of the youngest men from Clifton to die in the war, one of six from the city who lost their lives on Iwo Jima. His remains were brought back to the island where he was buried in the 4th Marine Division cemetery. Uricchio remained there until the fall of 1948 when he was returned to Clifton. “Frank’s story,” said DeLotto, “epitomized who veterans are and what they mean to us. Whenever I meet

families like the Cartnicks, it reminds me what a small world it is. People you have never met before become friends in an instant. Memories reappear and seem like they have always been there.” We also learned of another Cliftonite (preferring to remain anonymous) who honors Uricchio’s sacrifice every Veterans and Memorial Day by placing a flag on his grave. The man’s father, also a veteran, was a good friend of Frank’s and is buried nearby. The Cartnick family, who lives a good distance from Clifton, was unaware of this patriotic tribute until the man alerted us. After forwarding the man’s email to Cartnick, she wrote: “I want to thank you for seeing that my uncle has a flag on his gravesite for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Reading (about) your kindness bring tears to my eyes.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2019

Birthdays & Celebrations - February 2019

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

Happy Birthday to sister Donna Hawrylko on Feb. 25. Troubadour Nick Zecchino celebrates on Feb. 11. Natalie Pych turns 18 on Feb. 8. Robert Krupinski, a Clifton bugler from our May 2015 edition celebrates on Feb. 25. The Lux siblings—Eric turns 23 on Feb. 3 and Renee will be 17—on Feb. 14. 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 Catherine Grace Burns........ 2/4 Diane Di Pietro................... 2/4 John Nittolo........................ 2/5 Richie Szepietowski............. 2/5 Courtney Carlson................ 2/6 Joseph DeSomma................ 2/6 Ashley Rose Montague........ 2/6 Robert D’Alessio................. 2/7 Nicole Tahan...................... 2/7 Tara Fueshko...................... 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

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Aria Federle is all smiles about her 8th birthday on Feb. 15. Sarah Mikolajczyk............ 2/11 Nick Zecchino.................. 2/11 Joseph Hilla...................... 2/12

Anthony Musleh................ Dolores Rando.................. John Hodorovych.............. Amin Zamlout................... Mark Gallo...................... Jeanette Ann Saia............. Orest Luzniak................... Christine Canavan............ Chickie Curtis................... Frank Klippel.................... M. Louis Poles................... Ashley Brandecker............ David Fazio..................... Leann Perez...................... Lorraine Rothe.................. Sam Citero....................... Michael Del Re................. Richie Bandurski............... Stephanie (Peterson)Yoda... Michael Papa................... Robert Mosciszko.............. Taylor Jesch...................... Diana Murphy.................. John T. Saccoman.............

2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14 2/15 2/15 2/15 2/15 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/19 2/20 2/21 2/22 2/22 2/22

Ernie Rodrigues celebrated his 43rd birthday on Jan. 14. Robert Adamo.................. Eileen Feldman................. Kimberly Mistretta............. Kimberly Gasior................ Jayke Williams................. Joseph J. Schmidt.............. Brittany Helwig................. Joyce Penaranda.............. Brittany Pinter................... Lauren Ricca..................... Charlie Galluzzo.............. Mark Zecchino.................

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

Don Knapp celebrates a birthday on Feb. 6.

Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;

GOOD NEIGHBOR Lakeview’s School 11 generates a lot of activity among its 485 students. Helping the school run smoothly is one of its unsung heroes (and former students), custodian Bruce Merena. “We take a lot of pride in our appearance,” said Principal Luca Puzzo. Merena’s efforts are also recognized by fellow custodian Victor Viveros, who has worked with him for 13 years. “Bruce is just a wonderful person,” said Viveros. “He’s hard working and meticulous.” Merena attended School 11 before graduating from Passaic County Technical Institute in 1977. He became employed at the school in 1993 and currently works the 11 am to 8 pm shift. “The year I started,” Merena said, “was the year they took ashtrays out of the teachers’ lounge. That made the school easier to clean and changed the environment inside. We’ve also always had good principals here.” As a student, Merena overcame much, including triumphing over dyslexia. Today, he is happy with his career and work. “I’m proud,” said Merena, “that this school is spotless.” Know another of Clifton’s Good Neighbors? Email details to tomhawrylko@optonline.net

February 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Edgar Meza

CLIFTON $499,000 BRICK 2 FAMILY HOME

ON 63 X 100 LOT WITH 7 GARAGES. HUGE DRIVEWAY. HOME OFFERS LIVING ROOM, EAT-IN-KITCHEN, 2 BEDROOMS & BATH ON FIRST FLOOR. LIVING ROOM, EAT-IN-KITCHEN, 3 BEDROOMS & BATH ON 2NDL FLOOR. SEPARATE UTILITIES. (GARAGE INCOME AT $1,150 P/M)

CLIFTON $649,000 NEWER CONSTRUCTION

LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, MODERN EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES, DINING ROOM, FLEX ROOM & FULL BATH ON 1ST FLOOR. 2ND FLOOR WITH MASTER BEDROOM & BATH, WALK IN CLOSETS. ADDITIONAL 2 BEDROOMS & FULL BATH. FULL BASEMENT. 2-CAR GARAGE. .0

CLIFTON $449,900 WELCOME HOME!

COLONIAL HOME LOCATED IN A DESIRABLE TRANQUIL LOCATION. HOUSE TO BE REMODELED, IT COMES COMPLETE WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN WELCOMING THE LIVING ROOM, EATIN-KITCHEN AND DINIG ROOM. 4 BEDROOMS INC. MASTER BEDROOM WITH A WALK-IN CLOSET. CENTRAL AIR, NEWLY FINISHED BASEMENT.

MONTVILLE $585,000 GREAT HOME ON 0.52 ACRES

Juana Torres

Francisco Sanchez

Nikolas Ralli

Yanet Iturralde Santana

Roselys Ramirez

Cesar Guzman

Alberto Mesones Jr.

FOR LARGE OR EXTENDED PEOPLE GROUP OFFERS LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, BREAKFAST ROOM, OFFERS 3 BEDROOMS AND MASTER BEDROOM ON 1ST FLOOR. MASTER BEDROOM W/WALKIN CLOSET, MASTER BATH WITH JACUZZI, AND 3 MORE BEDROOMS ON 2ND FLOOR. FAMILY ROOM W/FIREPLACE. FINISHED BASEMENT W/REC ROOM AND OFFICE.

CLIFTON $319,000 LOVELY COLONIAL IN NEED OF TLC

NICE LOCATION TO MAKE THIS HOUSE A HOME. OFFERS 3 GOOD SIZE BEDROOMS, LIVING ROOM, FORMAL DINING ROOM, EAT-IN-KITCHEN, 1.5 BATHROOMS. NEWER FURNACE, ROOF, HIGH CEILINGS IN BASEMENT. ONE DETACHED GARAGE. CLOSE TO MAJOR TRANSPORTATION, HOUSES OF WORSHIP, SHOPS AND MORE.

CLIFTON $299,900 WELL KEPT TOWN HOME

IN THE DESIRABLE MONTCLAIR HEIGHTS SECTION. OFFERS LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, WORK IN KITCHEN WITH ADDITIONAL COUNTER SPACE, MASTER BEDROOM WITH MASTER BATH AND DOUBLE CLOSET, PLUS ADDITIONAL BEDROOM & FULL BATH. HARDWOOD FLOORS. CENTRAL AIR. LAUNDRY ROOM.

Sheila Esdaile

Jacqui Rogers

VALENTINE’S . Marcelino Hernandez

Vilma Suarez

Mohammed Akhtaruzzaman Angelica Saenz

Micah Francis

Evelyn Munoz

Owen Eccles

Joanna Arias

Emilio Oscanoa

Jorge Ventura

Bobby Persaud

Nina Robayo

Jose Trinidad Tatiana Mosquera