Clifton Merchant • January 2015
3
Table of Contents
What’s Inside? Marguerite Craig Heerschap turned 107 on Nov. 17, 2014. She graduated CHS in 1925 and still resides in Downtown Clifton.
Pages 9-53
54 Project Watch 2015 Brew Pub on Van Houten Ave?
58 Super Mario Casabona Angel Investor of TechLaunch
64 A Future in the Trades At Hohokus School in Paterson
70 33 Years Behind the Badge Now in Our 20th Year
1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011
973-253-4400 • tomhawrylko@optonline.net © 2015 Tomahawk Promotions
Visit cliftonmerchant.com for current & past issues
4 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Meet PC Sheriff Richard Berdnik 16,000 Magazines are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month.
Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko
Subscribe Page 74 $27 per year $45 for 2 years
Graphic Designer Aly Ibrahim
Contributing Writers Irene Jarosewich, Domenick Reda Michael Gabriele, Jack De Vries
Art Director Ken Peterson
Business Manager Gabriella Marriello Editorial Intern Mariel Vazquez
76 Seifullah Ali Shabazz 20 Years of Jazz and Fellowship
Frankie Randall Jan. 11, 1938 - Dec. 28, 2014
86
80 Students of the Month Outstanding Mustangs in the Wings
84 Project Graduation 2015 Fashion Show Set for March 29
96 Birthdays & Celebrations Photos and Dates for Milestones
98 CHS Girls Basketball History Dori Breen & Kelly Douglas
Mayor Jim Anzaldi Again 85 Photos from the Jan. 2 Reorganization
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
5
Faces& Events of
2014
6 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
The Clifton Community Band under the baton of the now-retired Marching Mustang Maestro Bob Morgan. On the facing page, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli visited St. John Kanty Parish on Nov. 30 as the Polish community celebrated their faith and culture. Photos from the 15th annual Corrado Wine Making Fest from last January. Below, writer Richard Szathmary wrote a tribute to the late Stephen Douglas “Hoop” Hooper ( CHS ‘64), “the leading light of the so-called ‘art car’ movement”. The profile was part of the July edition in which we track down Mustangs who graduated over the decades. In August, we profiled Gensinger Volkswagen—America’s oldest VW dealership— and still at the intersection of Valley Rd and Rt. 46 and now in its third generation. That’s Mayor Stanley Zwier in a Karmann Ghia with founder Stephen Gensinger at the May 18, 1962, opening.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
7
2014 in Review
From top: Mayor James Anzaldi (left) and Frank Gaccione, chief fundraiser of the Veterans Day parade. George Hayek with his late wife Lorraine in 2008 when George was the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Parade. Hayek was featured in Drum Corps World as the oldest and still performing Hawthorne Caballeros. In September, the North Jersey Chamber presented a $10,000 check to the Passaic County 200 Club. The club provides assistance to law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. Right: Phyllis Borowski, daughter of legendary Fighting Mustang Coach Joe Grecco with Wayne Demikoff at the Oct. 17 turf rededication of Joseph Grecco field. Demikoff, then a Clifton BOE member, was also the QB of the ‘59 Fighting Mustangs, named State Champions.
8 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
J anuary 2014 IN REVIEW
N
owadays jobs are hard to come by, but there is help out there. Our cover story featured career success stories taking place in Clifton. Among institutions providing Cliftonites with jobs are the One-Stop Career Center in Paterson and Local 68’s Training Facility. We also profiled entrepreneur Peter Zielonka, who built a thriving business, Precision Electric Motor Works on Sebago St. in Athenia, and is living proof that with enough dedication, dreams can become reality. Clifton Cares, a group of volunteers who send supplies to U.S. Army troops serving overseas, shipped 66 packages on Jan 24 last year. From left, Chris Liszner, Lizz Gagnon, Dona Crum, Cathy Reynics, Joe Lauritano, and Dennis Reynics.
Plans to replace an outdated, leaking sewage pipe that runs beneath the Alonzo F. Bonsal Nature Preserve from Montclair to Clifton and empties into the Passaic River, were presented mid-January. Some Clifton residents were unhappy with the plans for the disruptive construction, especially those residing around Tancin Lane.
Relay for Life co-chairs Melissa Vogel, Barbara Maak, and Kristen Hariton at the first meeting to plan the 2014 event. They are also co-chairing the 2015 RFL, date and location of which is yet to be determined.
Fred Torres, the beloved Clifton running advocate, and owner and founder of Elite Racing Systems, died of a heart attack on Jan. 30 while jogging at an annual seminar for race timers. His name lives on in the annual Fred Torres Memorial Scholarships. The awards are presented by his wife Ana, pictured above, and their children to graduated CHS track athletes. The family also established an annual 10 K run staged in the fall in Garret Mountain Reservation. Clifton Merchant • January 2015 9
J anuary 2014 IN REVIEW
Talking about jobs and careers in January were computer tech Ramon Solis at work in a Newark school; Juan Peralta; chef Arthur Bartetta; Peter Natoli of Digital Realty; PCTI senior Luz De La Cruz at her internship at Sax Macy Fromm & Co.; and Jason Salvatore, ex-painter, who recently joined the International Union of Engineers Local 68.
With the city marking the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2017, city council members on Jan. 19 announced the formation of committees and began seeking volunteers to help plan events and raise funds to mark the approaching centennial anniversary. BOE Commissioners explained at the Jan. 29 meeting why a $1.9 milllion bus budget to transport students who live within a two mile range of the school instead of 2.5 mile was out of the question. For one, it would have raised residential property taxes and likely have caused more traffic, as 14 additional buses would have been picking up
700 more students. Parking the 14 Yellow Birds after hours was another concern. The plan was shot down. A 23-year-old resident ended up with a broken nose on Jan. 21 after a CHS student punched the man’s vehicle while jaywalking across Colfax Ave. The man followed the boy to a side street and was attacked by the student and six friends. Students were charged with aggravated assault after a police investigation. The district couldn’t suspend the students because the incident did not occur in school. Shortly after the incident, Board and City officials met to discuss plans for dismissal procedures at all of 19 schools. Assemblyman Tom Giblin visited Jets fan and Rowland Ave. resident Bobby Turcic and mom Diane Wright on Jan. 15 with a belated Christmas gift—an authentic Jets football. Turcic, 40, works at the Clifton Adult Opportunity Center. At the Powerflow Hot Yoga opening on Van Houten Ave. Jan. 11, are owners Jerry LePore and nephew Brian, with manager Meghan Hunter. Located between School 2 and the former Grimaldi’s Restaurant, the studio offers classes seven days a week.
10 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
ImmediCenter on Broad St., under the direction of Dr. Michael Basista, received national recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home or PCMH for their help in the delivery of healthcare.
5'16)',-'& $/43 "/41 '#,3) .241#.%' 03*/.2 !' #.
',0
/.93 *22 3)' '#,3) .241#.%' 0'. .1/,,-'.3 /5'-$'1
3)1/4() '$14#17
Open Enrollment is the annual period when individuals and families can enroll in health insurance plans. It’s also a time when you can renew or change plans and find out if you qualify for financial assistance. If you don’t enroll in coverage during this Open Enrollment period, you may not be able to purchase health coverage for 2015 until the next Open Enrollment period. If you are currently enrolled in a 2014 health plan, your benefit year ends December 31, 2014. To continue health coverage for 2015, you can renew your current plan or choose a new plan during this Open Enrollment period.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
11
F ebruary 2014 IN REVIEW
H
ow do you get a Mustang to fly? Wrap her in silk and give give her a trombone! So we did to 2001 CHS grad Julie Passaro. Her aerial artistry and her marriage to Wes Krygman is explained in our cover story. Readers also enjoyed other Clifton love stories, historic tales about Mustangs hoops, a feature on three Clifton poets winning national awards and photos of the latest installation in our Sculpture Park. We also sent centennial wishes to Helen Braviak Horack who turned 100 on Feb. 4.
From left: Marching Mustang high school sweethearts, Wes and Julie Krygsman; Matt and Maria Hunkele found a different kind of diamond at the Eddie Mayo baseball field. Above right, Dan and Nancy Kocsis fell in love to Johnny Mathis songs in 1964. At right, Lakeview Bakery’s Carlos and Dayana Sotamba; idea guy and action gal Michael and Rosemary (Trinkle) Baran.
The Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos, 43-8, on Feb. 2, in Super Bowl XLVIII. Staged at MetLife Stadium, Cliftonites experienced the excitement at the Boys & Girls Club’s annual Super Bowl Family party. Following in his mentor’s Fernando Rossi’s footsteps, Stanley Lembryk, CHS girls’ soccer coach since Mar. 4, 2009, was named boys’ soccer coach on Feb. 12. A former All-State soccer player for CHS in 1987, Lembryk is thrilled to be coaching the very team he played for under Rossi. A burglary on Green Tree Drive caused Clifton police to issue impersonation warnings to residents. On Feb. 12, a man posing as a water company rep tricked an older woman into letting him into her house. Two other reported incidents occurred in Jan. on Chelsea Rd. and Belmont Ave. 12 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Our services are very personal and extremely confidential Below are some advantages of membership: • Higher interest rates on Savings, CD, and IRA accounts • Lower rates on Mortgage Loans and Business Loans • Lower rates on Car Loans and Personal Loans • VISA Credit Card with interest rate of 9.90% • Free Checking Accounts with interest paid monthly • Free VISA Debit Card • Free Online Banking • Free Mobile Banking • No monthly maintenance fee • Surcharge-Free ATMs (over 30,000 of them) • Personalized service in two branches • Free Notary Public Services • And Much More
Stop by one of our two conveniently located branchBotany Village - Branch Office: 237 Dayton Ave., Clifton, NJ 973-772-0620
Allwood Road - Principal Office: 851 Allwood Rd., Clifton, NJ 973-471-0700
Call us toll-free 1-888-BANK-UKE or visit us online at www.bankuke.com Clifton Merchant • January 2015
13
F ebruary 2014 IN REVIEW On Feb. 5, CHS Senior Rachel Egyed signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer with the University of Maryland in Sept., 2014. Egyed, one of the top goaltenders in the state, led the Mustangs to a 17-4-1 record, including a league championship and Passaic County final appearance. As a senior, Egyed made 113 saves, including 15 shutouts, while allowing 0.63 goals per game. Stanley Lembryk was named CHS boys soccer coach on Feb. 12. He has been the CHS girls’ soccer coach since March 6, 2009. As the photo at right illustrates, he has been a Mustang since his high school days on the CHS pitch.
Area Ukrainians met with Congressman Bill Pascrell on Feb. 20 to discuss Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
On Feb. 13 a snow storm blanketed Clifton and collapsed roofs of houses and businesses. Fire fighters deemed unsteady buildings safety hazards and declared they be torn down. Vito’s Towing on Clifton Blvd. was among the businesses affected. City Engineer Dominick Villano advised the owners to remove snow to prevent roof collapse. Busy Costco closed for a week after the storm to do just that. At the District XV Tournament on Feb. 22, the Mustang wrestling team dominated again, coming in first with 212 points. Sophomore Farhan started the winning and freshman Kareem Askew beat his opponent 24-0, giving him a district individual title. Senior Khalil Zawaide earned 29 points for Clifton by besting Garrett Norcross of Ridgefield. Clifton qualified 10 wrestlers for the Region IV tournament. 14 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Two (Not-So-Average) Joes who both reside in Downtown Clifton were among the 20 individuals named 2014 Artist Fellowships from the NJ State Council on the Arts on Feb. 25. Composer Joseph Turrin (left) has collaborated with the legendary George Abbott and Kurt Masur; poet Joe Rathgeber was also a finalist in the 2014 Allen Ginsburg Poetry Award.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
15
M arch 2014 IN REVIEW
F
or 12 years, 200 days each year, we were in classrooms. Teachers praised us, punished us, tested us. They adorned our homework with gold stars or frowny faces. They taught us to read, write, and count. They wanted us to be decent human beings. Young, old, funny, strict, dedicated, caring... sometimes not, teachers helped form our childhood memories and adult lives. We asked readers to recall those teachers who most influenced them, those whom they remember to this day. The response was impressive and varied.
Teachers, administrators and coaches recalled in March included (top, from left) Marie Van Der Horn, Gloria Kolodziej, Anthony Orlando, Kim Dreher, Cassie Craig, John Kostisin, and Bill Cannici; (bottom) Anne Marie Gaccione, Brittany Gaccione, Taras Petryshyn, Arlene Agresti, Hooks Brower, David Radler and Sister Mary Concepta.
Nearly 25 years after starting the Clifton Charmers, a program that grew into one of the most successful girls travel softball programs in the Northeast, Clifton’s Steve Meyers was inducted on March 2 into the New Jersey ASA (American Softball Association) Hall of Fame. The Charmers program is regarded by many as an important contributor to the development of the CHS program as a softball powerhouse during the 1990s, winning Group IV state championships in 1993, ’97 and ’98, as well as numerous league and county titles. Tom Buckley of Muscle Maker Grill in Styertowne Shopping Center was awarded Franchisee of the Year in March, essentially making him America’s Best Muscle Maker.
16 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
17
M arch 2014 IN REVIEW In light of the Feb. 28 invasion of Crimea by Russia, Passaic’s New Ukrainian Wave organized a March 1 memorial for the 100 Ukrainians who were shot in Maidan Square, in Kyiv, while protesting Russia’s interference in Ukraine, economic unrest, and failing democratic rights. Requiem for the Heaven’s Hundred, as the event was named, was held on the steps of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on President St. in Passaic. Clifton Against Substance Abuse (CASA) and Project Graduation hosted a Prom Fashion Show on March 29 in the CHS Auditorium. Mustang seniors from the Class of 2014 modeled fashions from Deluxe Formal Wear, BouBou, Group USA, Sisters Bridal Boutique, Unique Designs by Viki and VESA. All proceeds went towards the 2014 senior class’ Project Graduation. Clifton Merchant contributor Jack DeVries received a finalist award at the prestigious Table 4 Writers Foundation gala, held at the New York Athletic Club on March 27. His entry, A Basketball Fan Comes of Age, is the story of discovering the game as a 13 year-old in Clifton during the 1969-70 New York Knicks championship season.
On March 1 on the steps of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on President St., a young girl lights a candle at the Requiem for Heaven’s Hundred memorial. On March 4, Ukrainians from Clifton were part of the thousands who staged a rally in Washington D.C. to bring attention to this threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
National IHOP Pancake Day was celebrated on March 4 at the Clifton pancake restaurant on Route 3. The O’Neil family, owners of the Clifton IHOP franchise, reported that since 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has raised more than $10 million for child patients. Bishop Arthur Serratelli celebrated Mass in St. Clare Church March 10, marking a century of vibrant and strong faith, fellowship and outreach at St. Clare Parish, which has been serving the Delawanna section of the city for 100 years. Concelebrating the Mass — attended by a broad spectrum of parishioners — were the pastor, Father Peter VB Wells; former pastors, Msgr. Kevin Flannigan, Msgr. Brendan Madden and Father Timothy Dowling; parochial vicar, Father Thomas Fitzgerald; and priest-in-residence, Father Joseph Garborino. 18 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Father Peter VB Wells celebrates mass on March 10 at St. Clare’s R.C. Church, marking 100 years of service to the Delawanna community. Reprinted with permission of The Beacon; photo by Joe Gigli.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
19
A pril 2014 IN REVIEW
F
rom stories about the environment to music, poetry, sports and history, the April magazine offered a varied reading selection. While the harsh winter still lingered, spring was pushing through the soil at City Green on Grove St. The former site of the six-acre Schultheis Farm is being cultivated and nurtured for a new generation by the non-profit group, which reached its 10year milestone. Mustangs fans also got ready for the spring sports schedule by meeting the athletes and coaches, and learning about their prospects for the season.
At the April 24 dinner at Mario’s Restaurant to celebrate the conclusion of the Great Futures Campaign, from left Boys & Girls Club of Clifton board members: Angelo Crudele, Executive Director Bob Foster, Lauren Ricca, Angela Montague, Victor Habrahamshon, Keith Oakley, Cindy DeVos and Rich Mariso. Development Director John DeGraaf noted the campaign netted $50,000 for the Club, which helps fund general programming.
Natalie Warchola came to the United States in 1962 from Argentina. Her family settled near Hope Ave. and President St. in the Ukrainian neighborhood that is centered around St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic. Known to many as Natalka, she shares her knowledge of Ukrainian traditions, among them the art and craft of making pysanky the lovely Ukrainian Easter eggs that have decorated homes, museums and baskets for generations. 20 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Curbside collection of plastic bottles and containers began this April 1, or April Fools Day. Only plastic labeled with #1 and #2 will be collected. To locate the label, look on the bottom of the bottle or container and find a number within a triangle. That’s DPW worker Victor Campolattaro doing the heavy lifting. Recycling Coordinator Al DuBois responds to all inquiries regarding recycling in Clifton: 973-470-2237.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
21
A pril 2014 IN REVIEW
Alma Bank in Downtown Clifton hosted a business card exchange with the Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce on April 23. About 50 people from the region met and mingled at Clifton’s newest bank at 1133 Main Ave. That’s Margarita Pappas, the VP of the Clifton branch with members of the Chamber. Friends of the Clifton Public Library highlighted the spring religious holidays including Passover, which is celebrated by Jews and began April 14, and Easter, which in 2014 was celebrated by all Christians on April 20. Volunteer Colleen Murray is pictured at a display of books and items on the second floor of the Main Library on Piaget Ave. that help explain religious traditions and diversity.
April 22 was Earth Day and students from CHS walked to the Clifton Recycling Center on the City Hall complex to learn more about the environment and ways they can do their part to help it. Clifton Recycling Coordinator Al DuBois met with students throughout the day and explained more about the city’s nationally recognized recycling efforts.
22 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
23
M ay 2014 IN REVIEW
26
members of Clifton’s PBA 36 began their 300-mile bicycle trip to Washington DC to honor the memory of police officers killed in the line of duty, including Clifton’s John Samra. As we do every May, we listed the names of over 300 Clifton’s Fallen Heroes, men who were killed in action serving our nation during five different wars. We also told more about the lives of veterans who returned from war and looked back in words and photos at six decades of how Clifton Youth Week has evolved.
Relay
foR life
at 10
After 10 years of making it happen, Relay for Life organizers reach a new milestone and keep pushing.
Richard Davella visited the gravesite of his fallen friend in Normandy, France—70 years after he was there as a 20-year-old GI in1944.
The Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra was invited to perform for the Festa della Madonna del Sacro Monte, at Holy Face Monastery on May 31. Pictured here are some orchestra members: Dr. Phil Jasper, Gail Sample, Mark Sample, Kristine Massari, conductor Enrico Granafei, Jay Posipanko and Annamaria Menconi.
24 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
3 Issues Resolved in 1 Convenient Surgery
Before
After
There are about 12,000 podiatrists in the United States, according to the Department of Labor, and Clifton podiatrist Thomas Graziano is one of only six who hold both a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Dr. Thomas Graziano recently explained how three painful issues were addressed in one operation. “This patient presented with a bunion, crossover toe and hammertoes. These conditions were repaired with one operation and the patient was able to walk the same day of the surgery.”
As a foot and ankle specialist, my main goal for all my patients is to find caring solutions that last a lifetime. I won't just treat the symptom; I'll strive to correct the problem... Permanently. When you combine effective treatments with my genuine concern for your well-being, that's a powerful combination. -Thomas A. Graziano, MD, DPM, FACFAS Clifton Merchant • January 2015
25
M ay 2014 IN REVIEW
Clifton Police Chief John Link took the helm on May 1 from Gary Giardina. Montclair Swim Club founder Charles E. Cole, his son Quentin, and third-generation owner of the Grove Street landmark, Roger, were featured in the May issue.
As is the custom and honor of the Clifton Merchant, we paid tribute to the city’s more than 300 heroic war dead by listing their names by conflict. The annual tribute is a fitting remembrance leading up to the Memorial Day ceremony at the Main Memorial Monument on Main Ave. where the names of those who fell are inscribed in marble on the structure. Capturing the somber spirit of Memorial Day was the article, ‘Serendipity,’ the story of WWII veteran Richard Davala’s journey back to Normandy, France, to pay tribute to his fallen friends and fellow soldiers, and detail his own wartime experiences. Another tale about distinguished service was Ken ‘Zeke’ Brand’s story of being a ‘Red Horse Vet.’ “I would have been drafted, but I volunteered,” recalled Brand, 65, who grew up on Oregon St. and today lives on Springdale Ave. “The Air Force didn’t have a draft; the Army did. I wanted to be a jet mechanic. I figured I would stay out of Vietnam, but the Air Force thought better of it.” Instead, the lean 18-year-old, just months removed from his 1966 CHS graduation, was part of a brand new detachment of the Air Force the Red Horse Squadron specializing in heavy damage repair. “We were like the Sea Bees,” Brand said. “We built bases and air fields.” 26 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
On May 20, School 13 students participate in the Relay Recess Day, an event supporting the May 31 Relay for Life.
We took a look back and forward at the Montclair Beach Club through the eyes of the Cole family, who have operated the Grove St. oasis since 1931. Three generations have watched over the summer establishment, the place for memories for countless area families. The Montclair Beach Club employs 15 full-time lifeguards and 25 part-time workers under the guidance of current owner Roger Cole. John Link, 49, was named Clifton Police Chief on May 1. The Albion resident has been with the department for 27 years and worked in every division. Link is the 10th police chief in Clifton’s history. Attending the swearing-in ceremony were retired Chiefs Gary Giardina, Frank Lo Gioco and Robert Ferreri.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
27
J une 2014 IN REVIEW
G
raduating seniors from CHS, Paramus Catholic, St. Marys and PCTI shared their accomplishments, hopes and dreams within the pages of our magazine. Our favorite comment came from CHS Everyman Tyler Gamba: “I offered the perspective of an orphan from South Korea, adopted as a baby into an Italian, Polish, and Russian family. The Gamba’s have lived in Clifton since before my grandfather went off to fight in World War II.” Now that is the voice of a true Cliftonite... Mustang freshmen Michael McLaughlin, Yousef Gabr, Carlos Polanco and Daniel McLaughlin. Below, CHS Commencement on June 26 was held at the IZOD Center because of the installation of turf on Joe Grecco field.
Positive Behavior Support in Schools is a new incentive program at CHS that rewards frosh with prizes for positive actions. Students which accumulate ‘keys’ and can win prizes from Uno Chicago Grill, Chevy’s, Cups Frozen Yogurt and Mr. Cupcakes. The top four earners (above) of those keys received Google Chromebooks.
Some 2014 high school graduates who appeared on our cover from left, Xavier Grant, Stephany Estrada, Pratik Patel, Samantha Segda, William Algieri, Juliana Irizarry, Joseph Ambrose, Susan Liberti, Kristina Azevedo, Maurice Marsilla, Katherine Scorziello, Juan Cardona, Emily Afonso, Joseph Espinal, Fatima Maldonado and Nicholas Glodava.
28 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Bloomingdale Clifton Haledon Hawthorne Little Falls North Haledon Passaic Paterson
Pompton Lakes Prospect Park Ringwood Totowa Wanaque Wayne West Milford Woodland Park
John Bartlett • Theodore Best • Ronda Casson Cotroneo Terry Duffy • Bruce James • Pat Lepore • Hector Lora
For information on how your company can secure a great location and low cost financing for your expansion in Passaic County, New Jersey, write or call
Deborah Hoffman, Director of Economic Development, at 973-569-4720 or ecodev@passaiccountynj.org. www.passaiccountynj.org Clifton Merchant • January 2015
29
J une 2014 IN REVIEW Mustang Pride gathered 60 workers at its third Volunteer Appreciation dinner at Mario’s on June 16. These folks helped to run the Clifton Family Carnival by manning games across the five days of the event on Memorial Day weekend. Raising about $20,000, the money helps provide programs, activities and supplies for Clifton school kids. “Tonight was all about showing appreciation for their time and effort,” said Mustang Pride President AnnMarie Genneken. Find more info at cliftonmustangpride.com.
Tradition, philanthropy, friendship and faith have united the congregants of the Clifton Jewish Center for 70 years. On June 22, members celebrated the anniversary with a dinner-dance at their home on 18 Delaware St. From left, the late Rabbi Eugene Markovitz and Rabbi Bob Mark who now leads the congregation. The Clifton landmark banquet center Mountainside Inn on Hazel St. marked a 50 year milestone in June. Through our profile, readers learned more about the way owners Lou Barbato Sr. and his son Lou make each event unique. At right is the late founder, Alfred Barbato.
Members of the Clifton Association of Artists (CAA) at a June 14 awards ceremony and reception for the group at Lambert Castle. Ed Kurbansade of Spencer Savings on Piaget Ave. with Dennis Mikula of Mikula Contracting. The bank marked it 75th anniversary on June 20 with a reception for customers in its 19 branches. More info at SpencerSavings.com.
30 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
31
J uly 2014 IN REVIEW
L
ooking back over seven decades, we asked and answered…Where are these Mustangs Now? Stories and photos took readers through the years as we caught up with CHS graduates from 1944, 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2004. There were photos from the Class of 2014’s Commencement on the IZOD Center’s stage. We previewed the Class of 1974 reunion from Paul VI High School (once located on Valley Rd.) and caught up with those “kids” as well.
From the CHS class of 2004: Nicola Di Donna, Christie Lotz, and Thomas Garretson; Class of 1994: Alyse Pashman, Brian P. Murphy, and Nina Surich; 1984: George Spies, Laurie Mocek, and John Suwalski; 1974: Jeri Fried, Michael Hanrahan, MaryFran Cini; and 1964: Salvatore Anzaldi, Bertha Connie Van Decker and Martin Bania.
At left, cheerleader Adele Lazorchak in 1984, and continuing the line up from 1954: Barbara Ann Rae, Kenneth Hauser, Paul Graupe. 1944: Edward J. Wolak, Vera Schiedeman, and Lester Herrschaft.
32 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
33
J uly 2014 IN REVIEW
On July 24, students from Downtown Clifton’s ATC Studios performed with sabers as fair maidens awaited on the lawn of Lambert Castle on Valley Rd. in ‘Selections, Scenes, Music & Mayhem’ from Shakespeare’s plays. For more details and photos, go to atcstudios.org.
The Friends of the Clifton Library launched Musical Mondays to showcase Clifton’s musically talented youth. Pictured are Ethan DeRose-Travia, Jen Marie Chie and Tyler Fengya at the July event at the Main Library on Piaget Ave.
Clifton celebrated our nation’s Independence with an all-day picnic on July 5 in Main Memorial Park. The annual event offers low-cost entertainments, dozens of vendors and plenty of family-oriented activities. The evening concludes with a concert by the Clifton Community Band and one of the region’s largest fireworks display at dusk. The Boathouse Cafe in Third Ward Park hosted its premiere art exhibition on July 18. Cliftonite Jennifer Romanek is The Boathouse’s curator and inspired a series of creative endeavors including karaoke nights, poetry readings and open mike. The cafe opened in May. 34 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
VFW 7165 held a ceremony on July 16 at 3 pm to lower the flag to half-staff in front of their Valley Rd. lodge to honor the memory of Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago. The 23-year-old rookie officer pictured at inset was killed on July 13 by a man who moments earlier said “watch the news later. I’m going to be famous.” Lawrence Campbell then opened fire on Santiago and his partner when they arrived at the Walgreens at Communipaw Ave. and Kennedy Blvd., killing Santiago. Led by their Honor Guard, the members of 7165 said the flag will remain at half-staff until Santiago’s funeral on July 18.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
35
A ugust 2014 IN REVIEW
F
rom upscale menus to world-famous Texas Weiners, Clifton is the kind of place where you can dine diversely, 24-7. Our August edition provided that guide for where to eat, day or night, and offered a preview to the popular Taste of Clifton, a major fundraiser by the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Readers also learned that the third generation, family-run Gensinger Motors on Valley Rd. is America’s oldest VW dealer. We took a stroll down Market St. to meet the merchants and learn of their services.
Meet some of the merchants and business owners of Market St: From top left: Abel Alicea, Mark Defeo, Pragnesh Shah, Dr. Christa D’Amato, Joe Hanrahan, Angelo Gencarelli, Dino Palamidis and Raj Patel. At the Portuguese Tavern and Toros Restaurant
The Mustang Academy orientation at CHS on Aug. 4 gave incoming freshmen a chance to become familiar with the campus and pick up tips that will help them acclimate to the large campus. Some 168 students of the 2018 graduating class attended. City Manager Matthew Watkins resigned on Aug. 20 to become town administrator in West New York. He said his achievements included re-hiring police officers, solidifying accounting practices, equipment upgrades for the police, fire and DPW. 36 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Wendy Juba became the Clifton Police Department’s first female sergeant on Aug. 12. A William Paterson University grad with a degree in sociology and criminal justice, she was hired in 2006. In September 2011, she was the first female to be inducted to CPD’s Detective Division. She then passed her Civil Service exam with flying colors, as did Detective Joseph Hillyer, who was also promoted to the title of sergeant at the same time as Juba. Hillyer was hired in 1996, became detective and school resource officer in 2006 and is now Clifton’s Crime Prevention Officer.
Come and see why over 145 students from Clifton are making PC their high school of choice!
• New Tablet Program & Online Classes • 143 Courses, Including - 27 Honors Classes & 19 AP Classes • New Track & AstroTurf Stadium Field • Full Music Program & Marching Band • Stable, Strong, & Future Focused • Cost Effective Tuition • Large School Offerings, Small Class Size • Fully Wireless Facility
Members of the Class of 2014 earned about $66 million in scholarships and grants. Clifton graduates earned over $3 million of those scholarships and grants.
Scan the QR code for more information
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
37
A ugust 2014 IN REVIEW
Gensinger Motors patriarch Ken Sr. with wife Betty and their children, from left, Cindy, Michelle, Ken Jr., and Laura. Gensinger Motors, at the intersection of Valley Rd and Rt. 46, is the oldest VW dealership in America. It was opened by Ken Sr’s father, Stephen on May 18, 1962. August means it is time for farm stand Jersey tomatoes and other greens, from arugula to zucchini, grown in Clifton by Rudy Ploch at Ploch’s Farm on Grove St., On Aug. 21 at Yankee Stadium, Dante Liberti received the Avis Spirit Award for his volunteerism with the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.
Aug. 13 marked the last print edition of the Post Eagle, a Polish American weekly newspaper. The paper was dedicated to the preservation of the Polish heritage and culture in the U.S., the recognition for Americans of Polish descent and promotion of good citizenship in Poland and America. Although slow advertising sales have made the print version of the Post Eagle obsolete, it has an online version that began 18 months ago. Christine Grabowski-Whitmyer took over the business from her father, editor and publisher Chester Grabowski who died on April 25, 2012. He founded the Post Eagle in 1962 from his house on Van Houten Ave. from where it continues to be published. Rev. John Orfanakos of St. George Greek Orthodox Church died on Aug. 20. He led the Valley Rd. congregation from 1967 to 1999 and helped make it a cornerstone of the community for Greek culture. His son George Orfanakos, also a priest, took over the parish in 1999 and led the congregation for seven years with his father. A plaque commemorating the pastor and his wife Margaret was recently hung in St. George’s community center. 38 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
The Famous Midtown Grill closed its door for good on Aug. 28. Original owners Tommy and John Foukas opened the Downtown Clifton diner in 1959. In 1998, Gerasimos (Gerry) Dimitratos and Dimitrios (Jimmy) Doris took over the landmark and expanded the menu beyond Texas Weiners and hamburgers to include gyros, salads and provide catering. The Palestine Right to Return Coalition rallied at Main Memorial Park on Aug. 30 to support Palestinians suffering in Gaza. Money was raised for a Gaza mental health program. The rally attracted families and people of all ages and took place shortly after a cease-fire agreement had been made in Israel.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
39
S eptember 2014 IN REVIEW
S
eptember 3 was back to school for teachers and students at Clifton’s 19 public school, as well as numerous private schools. Our pages were filled with photos and stories telling of that annual trek back to the classrooms. However, September continued to offer days when warmth lingers and guys like Mike Corbo of Corbo Jewelers go on a Surfin’ Safari! We also previewed the many street fairs, church picnics and other fun stuff to do in the waning days of summer.
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI), saw a record-high rise in attendees as 3,350 students from 16 communities returned to the Wayne campus. Freshmen received Dell Chromebooks and sophomores are required to take a financial literacy course. “It Starts with One: One Person, One School, One Community, One World ” is the theme to promote teamwork, educational development and group skills. Make that 10: The addition of two Dunkin’ Donuts to the existing eight was approved at the Sept. 3 Board of Adjustment Meeting. An auto shop on the corner of Valley Rd. and Fenner Ave. will be converted, despite resident concerns of traffic woes. The other opens in Clifton Plaza on Rt. 46, the site of a former bagel shop. Some 500 people enjoyed the second Taste of Clifton on Sept. 29. Staged as a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton and held in the Club’s Auditorium, representatives from 34 restaurants and caterers and four liquor purveyors offered samples. The vendors displayed and samples their wares to over 500 visitors who each paid a $10 admission fee. Development Director John DeGraaf said some $20,000 was raised by admission fees and other forms of sponsorship. The funds go to underwrite programming at the Club, which serves over 5,000 youth annually. To vend in the 2015 Taste of Clifton set for Sept. 28, call DeGraaf at 973-773-0966 ext. 111. 40 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Nearly 3 million viewers saw a YouTube clip of Clifton’s Kyle DeMattia’s video in which he parked his muddy Jeep next to this Corvette at the Red Robin on Route 3 on Sept. 24 and captured the owner's reaction on video.
Vendors served spirits and food at the Sept. 29 Taste of Clifton.
Joseph M. Shook, Sr., Founder 1924 - 2008
Nancy Shook Garretson, President NJ Lic. No. 3657
Thomas J. Garretson, Director NJ Lic. No. 4988
Roy B. Garretson, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3550
Kevin V. White, Director NJ Lic. No. 4964 Clifton Merchant • January 2015
41
S eptember 2014 IN REVIEW
Sandy Grazioso lost her sons Tim and John on Sept. 11, 2001. After serving as acting city manager at various stints over the past four years, Clifton City Engineer Nick Villano was named City Manager on Sept. 21. Meet new CHS math teacher Melissa Ayers and the 2015 class president Meghan Sekanics. John Alexander a licensed LCSW, offered readers a timely warning of the dangers of prescription drugs in their medicine cabinets.
Some 75 Cliftonites gathered at the Sept. 11th Memorial in front of City Hall on Clifton Ave. to commemorate those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93 on 9/11/01. A short service was led by police chaplain S.T. Sutton. Black coffee or iced tea? Brown tap water has been plaguing the area off Valley Rd. Albion residents are brushing their teeth with bottled water, bleaching loads of clothing and replacing water heaters and fridge filters. The Passaic Valley Water Commission explained that the sediment is coming from low-quality pipes installed in the 1940s currently being replaced or cleaned.
The Power of One Christian Coaching and Outreach Ministries hosted a pack-and-sort party on Sept. 5 in School 12’s cafeteria for their backpack giveaway. The party yielded 250 backpacks for children who cannot afford to buy school supplies. Teachers, principals, and school faculty then distributed them in Clifton schools. The Daughters of Miriam Center was honored for its partnership with Jewish Family Services of North Jersey at a gala on Sept. 21. Daughters of Miriam began in 1921 as an orphanage and home for the elderly, and has since expanded to cover 13 acres of land. The Hazel St. facility has partnered with JFSNJ since 1944.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Renaissance Hall on Sept. 23, Berkeley College in Woodland Park hosted the 6th annual Under the Tent event, an evening of jazz music, food and networking. From left: Tim Johnson, Erika Baldino, Natasha Householder, Joe Opalka, Jocelyn Russo), Nina Nardone, Linda Pinsky and Ed Kurbansade, Jr.
42 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Who would have thought that a quiet house on Vreeland Ave. could be home to a major fraud out of Turkey? Alper Calik, a 38-year-old resident of Clifton from Ankara, Turkey, was arrested on Sept. 13 for running two fake companies that he used to do business with the Department of Defense. He claimed to be making parts in America for the military Amphibious Assault Vehicle, when the parts were actually being made and shipped from Turkey. The Federal Government paid him approximately $50,000 for parts that were made incorrectly. He was also charged with mail fraud and for downloading 100,000 technological military drawings from Turkey, violating the Arms Export Control Act. Ploch’s on Broad and Allwood to become a Quick Chek? A proposal from the regional chain was presented at the Sept. 17 zoning Board of Adjustment to convert the retail location into a gas station and 5,500 square foot convenience store. The hearings continue as residents expressed concern about increased traffic, as the intersection at Broad St. and Allwood Rd. is already congested with limited space and various turns. The Clifton City Council stated in a 4-1 vote to join more than 20 other towns which are against the Passaic Valley Water Commission’s (PVWC) plans to convert Garret Mountain reservoirs to tank farms until the NJ DEP has time to review the case. The cities of Paterson and Passaic also endorsed similar resolutions. The project includes the construction of two concrete water tanks where the reservoirs are in order to make drinking water easier to decontaminate. As the owners of the PVWC, the position that Paterson, Passaic and Clifton opposition to the project is considered key. Dawlat Matari-Asmar a RN and BSN at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center received a $1,000 scholarship from the NJ Association of Healthcare Recruiters. The Clifton resident received the ‘Registered Nurse pursuing an Advanced Degree in Nursing’ award while studying in the MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner Degree program at Rutgers School of Nursing in Newark. Montclair State University and the City of Clifton remained at odds regarding the proposed road MSU wants to construct off Valley Rd. At a Sept. 19 hearing, Mayor Jim Anzaldi said the $2 million project would destroy a hillside of trees and vegetation and cause traffic woes for residents of Montclair Heights.
LLOWEST OW OWE WES STT P PR PRICES RICES ICES ES IN OUR OUR 66 66 YEAR YYEEA AR R HISTORY! HIST STTO ORYY!
Morré Lyons is Staaying Open!
Am my’s my my’ y’ss Amy’s
RETIRE R ETIR RE EMENT RETIREMENT SAL LE! SALE! ALL JEWELRY UP TO
NER DESIG LRY JEWE % Up to
60
Ebel, Concord,aymond R , et Piag ovado Weil & M up to S E WATCH
50%off!
off
B ring IIn n Bring This C oupon Coupon &R eceive A n Receive An
Ad A dd ditional itional Additional %
20
OFF* O FFF*
*N ot va lid w ith p revious *Not valid with previous p urchases o ther o ffer ff ers. purchases orr o other offers. R olex aand nd o ther ex clusions aapply. pply. Rolex other exclusions L Linda inda & A Amy my
1354 CLIFTON AVENUE • CLIFTON, NJ 07012
(973) 777-4329
Mon.,Tues.,Wed.,Fri. 10am-6pm • Thurs. 10am-8pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Closed Sunday www w.morrelyons.com .morrelyons.com
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
43
O ctober 2014 IN REVIEW
E
ver stop to think what makes Clifton a good place to live? For October, we polled residents and asked that and other questions regarding quality of life in our city. Continuing the theme with the question Why Clifton Works, we asked candidates for municipal and county offices to explain their views regarding the city’s future. Made in Clifton, our on-going theme of celebrating manufacturing in our city, featured three international firms. And thanks to candidate Joe Cupoli, readers found an American flag wrapped around the cover of our magazine.
Among residents interviewed and polled for our October edition, from top left, Bob Noll, Karin Jara, Bob Fierro, Jane Cutar, Lou DeStefano, Dana McCarrick, Tom Hawrylko Jr., Kim Renta, Kim Platt, Alam Abdelaziz, Beverly Lacsina, Marty Coleman, Rebecca Hennessy, Gary Sauerborn, Lucy Lee, Tom Szieber, Ken Ingwersen, Stacey Vercellino, Fabian Rodriguez, Alexis Budhi, Gary Perino, Jocelyn Lee, Justin Vercellino and Jeff Labriola.
The St. Phillip’s Knights of Columbus Council’s third annual Colin Michael Jones Dinner, Tricky Tray and Live Auction was held Oct. 18 in the St. Phillip the Apostle Auditorium on Valley Rd. Colin suffers from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Proceeds will support his needs and expenses. As efforts to support Colin continue, visit colinmichaelfund.org. 44 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton was ranked 42nd among America’s top 50 cities to call home by 24/7 Wall St., an online financial news and opinion company. Citing low crime rates, employment growth, educational attainment and housing affordability, the publisher said the median household income ($64,662), unemployment rate (8.80 percent), median home value ($325,900) and average commuter travel time (28.5 minutes) were key factors in its ranking our hometown among the nation’s best cities with populations less than 100,000 to live in.
On Oct. 10 on Joe Greco field, BOE members past and present: Norm Tahan, Jim Smith, Jim Daley, Matt Ward, Wayne Demikoff, Lizz Gagnon, Jim Leeshock, Paul Graupe and former Schools Superintendent Anthony Barbieri.
Named for the late Fighting Mustang Coach Joe Grecco, the football field and track at Clifton Stadium are now covered in artificial turf and formally re-dedicated on Oct. 10. The $3.4 million project had been approved in January and in addition to the field, water lines, electric lines and the north wall of the stadium were moved, new sound and lighting systems were installed. At right, Coach Grecco, Coach Bill VanderCloster and former Mustangs in 2003 when the field was originally dedicated.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
45
O ctober 2014 IN REVIEW Bernie Kerik, the former Police Commissioner of the City of New York who at one time also served as the warden at the Passaic County Jail, was the featured speaker at the Clifton Republican Club meeting on Sept. 9 at VFW 7165 on Valley Rd. He spoke on counter terrorism issues and his role in 9/11 during his tenure in NYC. St. Phillip the Apostle’s Keys to the Kingdom program concluded on Oct. 12. A month prior, 5,000 colorful plastic keys were distributed to parishioners at the Valley Rd. church who were then supposed to attach them to their house or car keys and pray each time they found themselves touching the key. The point of the exercise was to remind parishioners of the spiritual connection, the social dynamic, and the
On Oct. 17, these trick-or-treaters were having fun at the Rainbow Montessori School on Varretoni Place in Botany Village.
service that Catholicism calls its adherents to offer to God. Created by Father Joseph Garbarino and other members of St. Phillip’s faculty, the Keys to the Kingdom campaign was an enormous success, and generated much positive feedback from its participants. Former Clifton football coach Jack Jones died in Ocean Grove at age 77 on Oct. 27. From 1982-1984 he whipped Mustangs into shape with his intense coaching methods and effective pep talks. He had a 142-2 record, losing to North Bergen in the ‘84 State Championship Playoffs. His philosophy was that there were two coaching seasons: one to win games, and one to win scholarships. Twelve of his players went to Division I schools, and two made it to the NFL: Dave Szott of CHS, and Stan Walters of St. Skipper of the Red Napper and co-owner of R.F. Knapp Roofing, Richard Knapp, passed away on Oct. 5. The firm he operated with his brother Don is still serving our community as it was founded by their father Richard in 1960.
46 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Mary’s. In a 2002 interview with the Clifton Merchant, Jones said that Clifton kids were the best he had in a 42 year coaching career. The 31st Clifton Firefighter & Civilian Awards presentation took place on Oct. 28. Civilians Maria Uquillas, Robert Berlanga and Jamar Reid were cited and thanked for their actions in assisting at the site of a motor vehicle accident and a house fire. Various poster contest winners also received plaques. CFD Capt. Phillip Cheski was named Firefighter of the Year, while FF Jeffrey Escalante was named EMT of the Year.
Everyday Price! ONLY
$14.99
+ tax
2 LARGE PIES Pick-Up Only
20 % OFF Senior and Military Any Regular Price Items
With Coupon. Cannot be combined w/ other coupons or offers. Exp. 3/15/15.
Customer Appreciation
7
$
.95 1 Lg. Pizza w/
+ tax 1 Reg. Topping
With Coupon. Cannot be combined w/ other coupons or offers. Exp. 3/15/15.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
47
N ovember 2014
IN REVIEW
T
hanks to groups like the Boys & Girls Club, and the dedicated teachers and staff at local schools, our community offers some great opportunities. The November edition is all about great futures… how they often begin at the Boys & Girls Club and continue at CHS and other area high schools, where opportunities abound. You will also read about our city’s veterans and get a peek at the fast approaching holidays. That’s just a bit of what was within the 102-page-issue of our magazine! The Woodrow Wilson Middle School Robotics team, advised by teacher Laura Zagorski, competed in the First Lego League qualifying tournament on Nov. 22 at CHS against 39 other teams from New Jersey. They are the first WWMS team to qualify for state finals.
Veterans Parade Grand Marshal James V. Scancarello, Josephine Vetanovetz recalled the service of her brothers, John and Richie Cyran. Below, Nov. 9, on the parade route.
48 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
NJ Lottery officials reported that two, second-place, $1 million prizes were won at two different stores in Clifton: Richfield Liquors on Clifton Ave. and 7-Eleven on Main Ave. The odds are one in every 18 million tickets with the second prize of $1 million being sold. Lottery officials cannot recall when two of these tickets have ever been purchased in the same town in such a short time frame. Perhaps another reason to move to Clifton?
N ovember 2014
IN REVIEW
Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 23 served up an all-you-can-eat pasta, meatballs, salad, bread and dessert fundraising dinner on Nov 8. Affiliated with St. Andrew’s RC Church on School on Mt. Prospect Ave., the money raised will help fund the good deeds and camping trips the groups enjoys doing.
Winning candidates: Lauren Murphy, James Anzaldi, Peter Eagler, Bill Gibson, Joe Kolodziej, Steve Hatala, Matt Grabowski, Lucy Danny, Judy Bassford, Arlene Agresti, Kristin Corrado, Bruce James, T.J. Best, Bill Pascrell. Mr. Morris Canal Park, Jack W. Kuepfer Sr., died on Nov. 14. Some 30 years ago, with the help of Clifton Boy Scouts, he created Morris Canal Park on Broad St. In 2014, it was renamed in his honor for his three decades of continuous volunteer service there. A WWII US Army Air Corps vet, the 94-year-old was a past NJ State American Legion commander, past commander of Clifton’s Post 8 and a member of Allwood VFW Post 6487.
Clifton football experienced a tough 1-9 season, leaving some unanswered questions at season’s end. Under current head coach Steve Covello, the Mustangs have gone 13-27 in four seasons and are just 7-23 since 2012. The 2014 season saw the Mustangs start 0-9 for the first time ever (while getting outscored by 27 points per contest) before earning a 20-14 victory over Passaic on Thanksgiving. By year’s end, there was speculation as to whether Covello and staff would be re-appointed, though no public discussion been made at the Board of Education. Clifton softball also began a stage of transition in June, when coach Ron Shekitka stepped down after just two seasons. After a 10-13 season that many saw as disappointing considering the Mustangs had reached the Passaic County final and the North 1, Group 4 final in 2013, Clifton began a search for a new leader. But the BOE ended the calendar year still searching for a coach. An appointment in October ended up being held up, as the board member felt it had not adequately considered enough candidates from within. The Mustang softball parents and fans are anxious as their team begins winter training without a coach. Clifton Merchant • January 2015
49
D ecember 2014 IN REVIEW
M
usical Mustangs, fathers and sons of the Chopin Singing Society and tales of family holiday traditions and how we prepare for Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year… Great photos from the Fighting Mustangs win (finally!!!) on Turkey Day at Boverini Stadium in Passaic and a winter sports season preview. Plus two members of the CHS Class of 1945 impart a history lesson as they recall that day of infamy, December 7, 1941, when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The Manganiotis family, John Sr. and his son Johnny, like sharing. On Dec. 23, they presented 21 $100 Target gift cards to 21 kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. The kids were able to shop for themselves, families and friends. Founders of Mr. Cupcakes on Van Houten Ave. the father and son are million dollar NJ Lottery Mega Millions winners in a Nov. 4 drawing.
For 44 Christmas Eves, Tom Insigna (at right) has been the chief elf for the annual daylong Christmas Eve circuit we call the “Tour de Clifton.” The retired roofer has been waving from atop his float (donated by Bond Parade Floats on Clifton Blvd.) since the tradition began in 1970. But this year the 74year old passed on the reins to Patrick Doremus, a jolly 46year-old volunteer who is also a DPW employee. “We put on 50, maybe 60 miles that day and night, slowly through town, and I wave and I say hello,” Insigna explained in a profile in last December’s Clifton Merchant. “It’s easy and it’s fun. Actually, it’s real easy because it’s so much fun.” He and his wife Linda, a retired nurse, spent 43 years on Dumont Ave, but recently moved to Woodland Park. His new residency, we are told, had nothing to do with his retirement from the float. 50 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
51
D ecember 2014 IN REVIEW
For the fourth consecutive year, members of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Broad St. donated about 100 hand-knitted hats and mittens to Spencer Savings Bank children at the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) on Main Ave. Pictured with the kids on Dec. 19 are Irene Darby and Barbara Anstadt from St. John’s who coordinated the effort and knitted many of the donated items. The day before on Dec. 18, the men and women of UPS (pictured at left) visited NJEDDA dressed as Santa and Elves to distribute toys to the children in the elementary school.
Brian Eromenok is Clifton’s Honey. Just ask his wife Cindy. The couple actually produces award winning honey cultivated here in town, as we reported in December. For details on their products, call 973-340-2960 or write to them at stixandstonesfarmvt@yahoo.com. 52 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Spencer Savings Bank’s November food drive amassed 1,000 pounds of goods to be distributed to needy families through the Crossroads Cultural Center on Piaget Ave. Pictured above Anita Guerrero of Spencer; Volunteer Heydayattullah Rahanishen, Janel Bazih of Spencer, Crossroads Executive Director Dr. William Kirchhofer. Dec. 11 was Deputy Fire Chief Norm Tahan’s final day on the job. After 35 years of fire service, and stints on the BOE and city boards, the always colorful Albion resident (facing page) said he expects to spend time scuba diving before travelling abroad. He also said he’ll be gassing up his RV and seeing the contiguous 48 United States.
Clifton musician Donny Mueller died on Dec. 16 at age 56 from pancreatic cancer. Donny grew up in Clifton, went to CHS and played bass for the ‘Flying Mueller Brothers Band,’ which he and his brothers William, Carl, and childhood friend Ace Toye started in 1997. Donny was well known for being the spirited acrobat of the group, often riding his unicycle during performances. Pictured at right are Carl, Billy and Donny.
On Dec. 14, the Bethlehem Peace Light, a symbol of peace, warmth and love, made its way to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Every year, Austrian scouts begin the relay and fly it to Vienna, Austria. From there, scouts of many nationalities transport the Light across Europe and then to New York, where it is transferred to lanterns of scouts in the US. In a ceremony that takes place at Our Lady of the Skies Chapel at JFK Airport, the Peace light is then sent across our continent, and these scouts brought it to President St. in hopes it would bring attention to the turmoil happening in Ukraine. A Christmas Day airing of ‘The Interview’ at the Allwood Theater on Market St. made national news. Patrons got a scare when the lights went out at the most crucial part of the movie — Kim Jong Un’s death. The coincidental power outage recalled North Korea’s threat of retaliation against the release of the movie.
Former Clifton Board of Education Commissioner Wayne Demikoff filed an appeal on Jan. 2, protesting a ruling by the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections that he no longer qualified as a registered voter of the city, therefore could not serve on the BOE. Demikoff, who served on the board for 17 years, purchased a house in Morris County in August. He continued to lease a house in Clifton but listed the Morris County address on his driver’s license. Demikoff resigned last month after the ruling by the Superintendent. A call for applicants to apply for the seat was made by Interim Executive Passaic County Superintendent of Schools Robert Davis who will name the replacement by mid-January, despite Demikoff’s appeal. Clifton Merchant • January 2015
53
Project Watch 2015
Two Towns. Two Counties. Will it come together in
2015?
Proposals for the 112-acre campus could create 15,000 jobs, surpassing the Roche peak of 8,500, plus provide more than $20 million in tax revenue to the two municipalities. All that is needed is time ...
Numbers say that the national economy is turning around. Times are also looking upbeat in Clifton. Several key projects are in the works that will keep the local economy vibrant. One of our city’s centerpiece projects is the redevelopment of the Roche campus that currently straddles the Clifton/Nutley border. As environmental remediation looks to wrap up by end of 2015, more attention has been focused on the sale of the campus and the direction Nutley of the development project. Roche officials announced in November that the company plans to announce the sale of the campus to a qualified developer within the next few months. With a 102-acre main campus on Route 3, a nine-acre side campus off Kingsland Ave. and one acre that is inaccessible, the Roche campus is prime real estate. Real estate fronting Route 3 is selling for $2 to $3 million per acre, so Roche can expect to receive $225 to $300 million for the space that was once the company’s US headquarters. And Clifton will gain the tax points. 54 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Roche has worked closely with a joint committee of representatives from Clifton and Nutley, headed by the municipalities’ two mayors. Environmental clean up, redevelopment options, zoning variances, traffic studies have been considered by the committee in an effort to meet the interests of Roche, the communities and any potential buyer. The campus is zoned for manufacturing and distribution. Clifton’s City Council voted and has held firm to the decision Clifton that the campus should not be sold to a developer that wants to bring in more retail or more housing, and Roche has agreed Clifton is looking for the new owners to bring in jobs that are professional, not just minimum wage service jobs. The city wants good tax revenue, good news for residents, who should also see home values rise. In January 2014, several proposals were presented, revamped and since June, potential buyers interviewed. As soon as the title is transferred, Clifton wants the redevelopment project to be completed within five years.
Project Watch 2015
Some changes can’t come soon enough. Those who have tried the suicide dash during rush hour— start in the left lane of Route 46 westbound, careen across the merge point with Route 3 into the far right lane to get onto the exit for Notch Road — will fist pump a “hurrah” for the changes proposed to Clifton’s notorious noodle bowl of accidents and traffic jams. Throughout North Jersey, evening commuters tuning into traffic reports have all heard the familiar “Route 3 in Clifton backed up for two miles at the Route 46 merge.” Citing “chronic bottlenecks” at the merge locations, the NJ DOT will begin a two-part, $200 million construction project this Spring. The first phase is scheduled to be completed by late Summer 2017. The second phase should begin in 2018 and be completed in 2021. Clifton, along with Little Falls and Woodland Park, will see long rows of construction cones as plans include modifications to Routes 3 and 46, as well as to Notch, Rifle Camp and Valley roads. The new designs call for adding shoulders and access lanes, a redesign of the Valley Rd. jughandle and increasing the number of lanes on Route 3 westbound from two to three. Eastbound Route 46 drivers will no longer veer off to the left. Instead, cars will be directed to exit to the right, up a new overpass that will rise above Route 3. DOT plans include updated and improved signage. That all sounds good. Let the construction begin.
Break the Bottleneck.
Ken Gensinger, Jr. (left) of Gensinger Motors and John Fette of Fette Auto believe that the new configuration on Routes 3 and 46 will provide better access to their car dealerships and ultimately be good business for residents and businesses alike.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
55
Project Watch 2015
A vacant eyesore for over a decade near the intersection of Piaget and Main Aves., this former Goodyear building across from Main Memorial Park may actually be renovated this year. Clifton Economic Development Director Harry Swanson said the illustration at the right was submitted to city officials late last year. The plan calls for this long vacant structure to be completely renovated and built out to four suites for medical services. From chiropractic and physical therapy centers to facilities for dentists and doctors, Swanson said the growth of the medical profession continue to be an area
of investment and expansion in almost every commercial district of our city. Swanson is the city’s go-to-guy for firms and individuals looking to invest or expand in any of the city’s neighborhoods. For info, call him at 973-470-5200.
The harsh winter of 2013 left many Clifton streets peppered with potholes. To address those miles of repairs or on some streets, complete reconstruction, the city began a three phase paving program. That work began last spring and continued through the year until the November frost. City Manager Nick Villano said the third phase will begin this spring. “Due to the number of roadways, and possible conflict with ongoing utility work from PSE&G and PVWC, we phased this paving program into three parts,” he said. Villano provided a list of streets and avenues where the work will continue in the spring. They include: Ellsworth, from Rowland to Scoles; Penobscot, from Colfax to Van Houten; Ward, from Passaic to Colin; Shafto Street from Martin to Bloomfield; Howard, from Willet to Dick; Starmond, from Van Houten to Sunnycrest; Ardmore, from Route 3 to dead end; Colin, from Route 3 to dead end; Frances, from Main to Linden;
Industrial South from Industrial East to Industrial West; Industrial East from Bloomfield to Industrial South; Industrial West from Bloomfield to Industrial South; Sunnycrest, from Clifton to Pershing; Cedar Place from Delawanna to Williams; Linden, from Williams to Delawanna; Styertowne Road from Industrial West to Dead End; Conkin Drive to Route 46 to Tamboer; MacArthur Drive from Grove to cul de sac; Allwood Place from Dwas Line to Phyllis; Edgewood, from Dwas Line to Passaic; Myrtle, from Pavan to Pavan; Laurel, from Garfield to Woodward. Villano added that the $5 million Bonsal Sewer Improvement project, will begin this year and that Patricia Place sewer improvements, presently under design, will also be advertised for bids this month. What is planned for the next fiscal year? “Additional capital projects will also be discussed with the Bond Committee in January,” he concluded.
56 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Project Watch 2015
Downtown New Jersey called her 2014’s Individual of Excellence. The advocacy group got it right about the affable and outgoing Deborah Hoffman, Passaic County’s Director of Economic Development. She is also a good friend of Clifton as she works with companies seeking to relocate to or expand in our town or the county. Since 2000, she secured over $1.6 billion in financing, held 78 business seminars and secured $21 million in grants. Call 973-569-4720. Other go-to groups include Downtown Clifton, which oversees the Downtown Clifton Special Improvement District (SID). Businesses along Main Ave. from the Passaic border to Piaget Ave. pay an extra tax matched by city funds. The money is then reinvested in the district in promotion, signage and events. Call Angela Montague at 973-253-1455 or visit downtownclifton.com. Historic Botany Village has its own SID as well. Businesses in Clifton’s oldest neighborhood, as well as the new Botany Plaza and some homeowners, contribute to this fund, which supports and funds various programs in Botany. Contact the Joe Nikischer of the Clifton Historic Botany District (CHBD) by phone at 609-731-5454, or go to historicbotany.com
Once there was Yakety Yak. Then Charlie Browns. Next Grimaldi’s Restaurant. Now again, it is vacant. The good news is the new owners of the property are the innovative proprietors of Powerflow Yoga, the LePore family. While not saying exactly what is planned for the large dining and night club site on Van Houten Ave., various rumors persist. The most often heard is that plans are being considered to create a brew pub or microbrewery. The location would likely work. There is plenty of on-site parking and lots of floor space in this massive vacant structure. Focused on quality, flavor and brewing technique, an independent brew pub would make a welcome addition to our community’s dining scene. Since opening and renovating the former office space which was next door to accommodate hot yoga classes, the owners of Powerflow, now with 10 locations in northern New Jersey, have demolished another on-site structure that was a hair salon to provide additional parking. Clifton Merchant • January 2015
57
Mario
Casabona
Angel Investor of TechLaunch ‘Work hard to realize your dream... convince others to believe in your dream along with you’ By Irene Jarosewich
A proverbial silver lining to the dark cloud of the recent recession, noted Mario Casabona, founder and CEO of TechLaunch, is that “some of the best, most successful entrepreneurs come out of a recession.” “Think about it,” he continued, “when the economy is good, people get a job. When there is a recession, people are forced to create their own jobs. The macro environment forces a response, brings out the entrepreneurial instinct.” Casabona adds that recent studies have shown that since 2008-2009, there has been a marked uptick in startup businesses in the US economy and half-jokingly worries that too much of an economic improvement will deflate the number of these fledging ventures. After all, the main goal of TechLaunch is to identify and encourage entrepreneurial ideas and transform them into successful enterprises Located in an office building on Valley Rd. across from Gensinger Motors, TechLaunch, founded in 2012, is New Jersey’s, premier technology accelerator, and one of only a few technology accelerators in the nation. 58 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Business incubators have been around for years, often directed and managed by government or university entities. Among the distinguishing characteristics of TechLaunch is that this accelerator is investor-led, managed by those who have “skin in the game”, with a primary focus on technology-related ventures and offering an intensive and comprehensive training and mentoring strategy that increase the chances of success. When establishing the accelerator, Casabona assembled partners that include Montclair State University, the New Jersey Economic Development Agency, the technology investors umbrella group JumpStart NJ Angel Networks, as well as a wide circle of professionals that act as advisors and mentors to the business ventures chosen by TechLaunch. Since 2012, TechLaunch has sponsored three cohorts of aspiring entrepreneurs, 26 businesses total. For the past three years, a call for applications came out in January and each cohort would then begin an intensive 16-week program of workshops, planning, and product development.
Making it to Boot Camp At the end of the four months, at an event known as Demo Day, each business makes a presentation of their product and business plan before an audience of investors, academics, and technology experts, seeking both feedback and funding. “We have a three-tier screening process,” said Casabona, “and what we look for is a great idea, an awesome team, the willingness of the startup team to participate in our 16-week technical boot camp known as LaunchPad, which is a very intensive period of training about how to develop a product, develop a plan, run a business, seek funding, sales and marketing. There are times that they work 24/7. Our focus is on tech and our focus is on New Jersey, although we do accept applicants from all over.” Regardless of the idea, all those accepted into the program receive the same package whether they are a young college dropout with a great mobile app idea or career-changing PhD seeking to fulfill a dream. Every startup must develop a prototype, attend weekly workshops, practice presentation pitches, and is given access to co-working space and daily guidance from potential investors and mentors.
The mentors, according to Casabona, are a key part of the program, legal, technical, financial experts and investors that help the teams. Potential mentors are screened by Casabona and his team, and he often brings in colleagues from his extensive experience in New Jersey’s business and technology environment. The value of all the advice and services received through TechLaunch, Casabona estimates, if they had to pay for it, would cost each start up between $50,000 to $100,000 dollars. Funding is Initial Step to Success In return, TechLaunch assumes a fixed equity position in the startups of 8% and a team of investors assembled by the firm provides initial funding. Since the program is only in its third year, Casabona believes that it is premature to claim success or failure of each venture, although there are certain metrics the program uses as benchmarks. “When a venture receives follow on funding in addition to that which we provided, that’s a marker of success,” explained Casabona. “Generating revenue is another. The final marker of success is being acquired by another firm.”
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
59
TechLaunch Caktus, one of the firms from the second cohort held during the spring of 2013, included a group of four young techies from Finland that relocated temporarily to New Jersey to participate in the TechLaunch accelerator program. Busy schedules tend to make people forget to drink water, causing chronic dehydrating that can cause problems from decreased mental and physical performance to more extreme issues such as kidney stones.
Caktus (caktus.me) developed The Hug, a hybrid hardware/software solution that automatically tracks drinking frequency through an iOS device, and helps people feel, perform, and live better by coaching them towards better levels of hydration. In February 2014, the company received $200,000 of follow on funding from a European venture capital firm and launched their product at a tech fair in Barcelona. Inbox Messenger (inboxtheapp.com) is another success story that is soaring. A mobile messaging application that got its start at Fairleigh Dickinson University, this group was in the second round of funded firms of LaunchPad in 2013. Inbox Messenger founders received a terrific Christmas present this past December: a $3.9 million investment (inclusive of an earlier investment of $1.1 million) from a group of anonymous angel investors. Pervasive Group, Inc. (mmguardian.com), which joined the first cohort in 2012, has developed a parental control app for smartphones and tablets. Called MMGuardian™, the app helps parents locate their children and remotely control and protect them from the dangers of texting while driving, teen cyber-bullying, sexting, and overuse of the phone during school or study hours. The app is available in beta on Google Play for Android devices. The group has attracted follow on funding and has started to generate revenue. Failure Always an Option...For Learning Not all startups can become successes and Casabona underscores that the experience of failure can be very valuable. “While we want all our ventures to succeed, whether an entrepreneur becomes successful or fails, whether the decision is to then start a new venture or use entrepreneurial skills in a corporate environment, anyone who is gone through an entrepreneurial experience is more productive and valuable, more creative.” Casabona speaks from firsthand knowledge. A techie and an entrepreneur who established and grew his own corporation, he calculates his experience not just in years, but “in decades.” Born in Italy, Casabona came to America with his parents as a child. He grew up in nearby Bloomfield and obtained a degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
60 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
The Uber for Outdoorsy Types Dariusz Jamiolkowski knew he was onto to something one Sunday morning as he left church with his wife and children. “We had strapped a tandem kayak onto the roof of the car since we planned to take the kids out on the water. Several people came up and said ‘you know, I’d really love to do that with my kids, but can’t see spending $900 for a kayak ‘or ‘that looks like fun, but I have no place to store this kind of equipment’.” As an outdoor enthusiast, Dariusz understood these concerns. As a dad, he faced a future of buying bicycles, snowboards, tents, canoes. “People want the experience, but they hold back because of the burden of ownership – the cost and space required for storage,” he noted. Thus was born a business model that would find its way to the proving ground of TechLaunch. Although equipment lease and rental options exist, for example skis or watercraft, Jamiolkowski and his partners, Sebastian Niezgoda, Roman Jaworuk, and J.J. Chojnowski had a different angle: provide a variety of equipment, both winter and summer sports, under one roof. Instead of going to several places and renting by the hour, provide one annual subscription to lease whatever you want, whenever you want. Outdoor Exchange (usetheox.com) was established with the first location in Fair Lawn. The four founders, all in their mid-30s, all Jersey boys and all friends from childhood, college, or previ-
ous jobs, went through the most recent cohort of TechLaunch together. The venture has had a successful start up. Outdoor Exchange began to generate revenue this past fall, and attracted 250 subscribers. As part of their marketing strategy, the founders of Outdoor Exchange are focusing on a younger customer, those who do not yet own. “Our economy is transitioning from the concept of possession to experience and sharing – vendors such as Uber and Air BnB. Our strategy is to take advantage of this shift and provide the tools to give you a good experience,” said Jamiolkowski. An additional perk of the annual subscription is shipment of rentals. No need to haul all your camping equipment onto a plane: Outdoor Exchange will arrange to ship to your destination. Current markets include those living in apartments with no storage, parents who do not want to, or cannot afford to, pay thousands of dollars for equipment. “Our basic message is this,” said Jamiolkowski “we want to help people get into the outdoors, enjoy recreation without breaking the bank.”
Dalto Ristorante Italiano on Market St.
Oscar G. Buonafina Sales Associate 36 Preakness Shopping Center Hamburg Turnpike Wayne, NJ 07470 T: 973-686-0404 Cell: 201-625-5549 sgtbuonafina@yahoo.com
• • • • • •
Established Eatery Great Reputation 8 years operating 5 left on lease. Financials available. Many appliances included in price. • $110,000 • MLS#: 3185808
Call Oscar 201-625-5549 Clifton Merchant • January 2015
61
TechLaunch In 1982, he established an R/D firm, ERI, based in Fairfield and Totowa, to develop specialized radar, navigation and communications technologies. The firm was acquired by Honeywell International in 2004 and in 2007, he set up the venture capital and business incubator Casabona Ventures. Named as one of New Jersey’s top five most Influential People in Technology by the Star Ledger in 2014, Casabona has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 2013 the New Jersey Technology Council named him a Legend of Technology and in April 2014, At TechLaunch offices on Valley Rd., from left: Operations Manager he was recognized for his entrepreneurial Joshua Trojak, Ralph Mattiaccio, Christopher Coppola, Mario skills and commitment to startup ventures by Casabona and Program Manager Piera Accumanno. the New Jersey Business Incubator Network. One of the awards of which he is most Casabona is bullish on Clifton’s location as a magnet proud is the one received on December 9. He was for tech ventures. “Our location is only 12 miles directnamed the 2014 NJ Immigrant Entrepreneur of the ly west of New York, a major international city.” Along Year, granted at a ceremony hosted by a coalition of with California, New Jersey is a leading tech developNew Jersey business and trade groups. ment state. He explains why the accolade meant so much to him: “My parents taught me to work hard, and then Do You Want to Apply? work hard again. My experience is proof of the great TechLaunch has put out a call for applications for the opportunities this country offers immigrants.” incubator’s fourth cohort of participants as it continues An advocate for higher education, Casabona serves to mentor the 26 ventures from the first three cohorts. on the advisory board of the Stevens Institute of “As tough as our 16-week LaunchPad program is,” Technology Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; stated Casabona, “I tell all the founders that once you at his alma mater, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s leave TechLaunch, your hard work is just beginning. Rothman Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, as well The hardest part is raising funds. You have to work hard as Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business; to realize your dream and you have to convince others and Montclair State University’s College of Science to believe in your dream along with you.” and Mathematics. Application details at techlaunch.com.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Friday to Eat Pirogies !!! Come to The Famous & Original (from Lexington Ave)...
HOMEMADE PIROGI Call for Hours
1295 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton Across from DeLuxe Cleaners
973.340.0340
WWW.HOMEMADEPIROGI.COM
Varieties • Potatoes & Cheese • Potato • Sauerkraut • Pot Cheese • Mushroom • Pot Cheese & Potato • Broccoli • Spinach • Pizza • Apple • Prune • Cabbage • Apricot & Cheese • Broccoli & Spinach
NEW! Great for Parties... Hot, Homemade Empanadas! 62 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Old Problem
New Solution Some solutions to problems are so obvious you are tempted to wonder why nobody else thought of it first. That was the feeling that cofounders Ralph Mattiaccio, president, and Christopher Coppola, CEO, had when they began to plan their start-up SHIELDtech (shieldtechinc.com). In their mid-20s, both men completed their master’s degrees at Stevens Institute of Technology in nearby Hoboken: Mattiaccio in computer science and Coppola in mechanical engineering. Stevens is where they met and first became friends and later roommates. Coppola was a teaching assistant while completing his degree, a position that included many late nights. One dark evening as he was walking home to their apartment, an idea hit him while he was fiddling with his keys. “Although, in general, I felt safe walking home, it was dark and somewhat isolated and I thought to myself ‘what if I suddenly felt threatened, how would I react?’” He realized that he would not have time to pull out his phone to call for help and yelling might not work. Because his keys were in his pocket and close on hand, some kind of fob for his key chain to send out an alert signal would be more useful. “Chris walked into the apartment,” said Mattiaccio, “and told me he had a great idea. I was used to him coming in with great ideas, but after some discussion and a little time, the shortcomings of these ideas became clear.” “However,” interjected Coppola, “this time he listened. And he looked serious. He asked good questions. And he said he liked it. And that’s when I knew we were on to something.”
Student security is a major concern for campuses throughout the nation. Over the decades, various solutions have been put into practice, everything from increased lighting and security patrols, to guarded entrances and cameras. On many urban campuses, students were told to carry whistles and mace when walking alone late at night. Yet the recent increase in assaults on campus underscores the persistence of the problem. Coppola’s idea was to use wireless technology and produce a small device capable of sending a distress signal. After some research and planning, the basic bones of the product were established: a fob, that can be attached to a key chain or simply placed in a pocket, when pressed, would connect with an app on the user’s phone via a Bluetooth connection, and in turn, the phone would transmit a signal to campus police identifying student and location of distress. This wireless alert process is called the SHIELDsystem composed of the SHIELDkey (panic button), the SHIELDapp (loaded onto user’s phone that provides vital information), and the SHIELDdash (an alert screen that appears on campus police computers). Mattiaccio knew about TechLaunch. He and Coppola put in their proposal to be considered. Their project was accepted and they were part of the most recent cohort to have completed the program. Currently, SHIELDtech has a provisional patent on their system and the young entrepreneurs are seeking campuses in New York and New Jersey to test their product. Clifton Merchant • January 2015 63
Clifton Careers
Training for the Trades Welding Electronics Plumbing Maintenance
at
HoHoKus
School Career Change? Start in Paterson
ended up having to pay for Four years ago, Matt the school myself.” Malaszuk was working a dead Malaszuk scoured the end job for a steel company. internet for welding schools. Then one day he decided to That’s when he found one invest in himself. right in his own back yard; Not that Malaszuk, now 28, HoHoKus School of Trade was not always ambitious. In in Paterson. fact, the 2004 CHS grad has “Location and availabilialways juggled more than one ty of classes made it the best job, going back to the days choice for me,” he when he was in high school. explained. “I took classes at Even today, Malaszuk husBy Domenick Reda night so I could keep worktles; not standing pat with just ing my day job.” his day job at the Clifton DPW that requires him to be at work 7 am every morning. Starting a Small Business However, some things are different for Malaszuk Malaszuk, who had also been working for Clifton these days. Today he is his own man. Recreation part-time since he was 16, finished the course Ironically, it all started for him while working that work within a year. No more was Malaszuk just a dead end job. There, he met a guy who told him about an “floater,” now he was a welder. But when he was just opening with another company; Kason Corp. in short of two years at the company, there was another Millburn. ‘downsizing’ and Malaszuk was laid off. But its not like Malaszuk was living out his dream at “When I was laid off in Feb. 2013, I didn’t want to Kason either. “I started there in February 2011,” recalled start another dead end job,” he said, although he needed Malaszuk, who lives in Dutch Hill with his siblings and to work. So Malaszuk applied for and got a job as a parents. “I was working in assembly, but I was sort of a laborer in recycling for Clifton DPW, and at the same floater. I really did whatever they needed.” time, decided to start his own business. He liquidated Then one day one of the guys working there, a welder, the rest of his assets, including his 401k retirement savwas laid off. Malaszuk told his boss he wanted to weld. ings, and took his money to buy the necessary equip“He told me I needed schooling for that,” he said. “At ment and start a small engine repair business. first I thought the company was going to pay for it, but I 64 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
65
Clifton Careers Every day when Malaszuk finishes at 3:30 pm at the DPW, he goes to his own business and helps his fellow Cliftonites save money by repairing their lawn and landscaping equipment. When Malaszuk attended classes at HoHoKus School of Trade & Technical Sciences, he knew he made the right choice. “When I started taking the classes, I was impressed by the science behind it,” he said. “The teachers explained it more in depth, which
Daniel Blesing is using his welding skills to work on custom bikes.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes are back! Your choice of one of combos, served with two of our famous fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Then we’ll bring 3 at a time (just 490 calories per additional 3 pancake serving), until you’ve had your fill.
Choose from: Ultimate Bacon & Sausage Combo (pictured) 2 eggs*, 3 strips of crispy bacon, 3 pork sausage links & golden hash browns 8.99 (1260 calories) Bacon & Eggs combo 2 eggs*, 4 strips of bacon & hash browns 7.99 (1030 calories) Ham & Eggs Combo 2 eggs*, a grilled ham slice & hash browns 7.99 (980 calories) Sausage & Eggs Combo 2 eggs*, 4 sausage links, hash browns 7.99 Egg Combo 2 eggs* & hash browns. 5.99 (880 calories)
Want Just Pancakes? Order a Stack of 5 buttermilk pancakes See Menu for price (770 calories)
Come Hungry. Leave Happy. 680 Rt. 3 West • 973-471-7717 Enter from Allwood Rd. • www.ihop.com 66 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
makes it much easier to comprehend how it works. Going to the school has opened so many doors for me.” Among the doors opened for Malaszuk is one that says Stronghold Welding LLC, the name of the company he has started. “I had to use much of the remainder of my savings, but it was worth it,” he explained. “I love the freedom. It’s a one-on-one business. You can run things the way you want to.” Other, More Dangerous, Options Malaszuk originally wanted to take on a much more dangerous form of his trade known as underwater welding that entails working on oil rigs and naval ships. “With underwater welding they say you either retire or die within five years,” Malaszuk grimaced. Underwater welding dangers include exposure to deadly gasses, the possibility of explosion or electric shock and attack from marine mammals.
Watch the Super Bowl Here Satellite TV 70 Inch HD TV plus 9 more Tubes!
Burgers to Pirogies & more! Great food 7 days a week from 11am
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
67
Clifton Careers Still if not for cost and location of training, Malaszuk was going to pursue underwater welding. “I still might,” he said. Both Hobby and Business Malaszuk’s story is like many others who have found their unique niche through a trade school. Daniel Blesing has always enjoyed working on motorcycles. “It’s a hobby of mine,” said Blesing, 34, who works with his
uncle John Blesing who owns Blesing’s Hardwood Flooring on Sebago St. Blesing, like Malaszuk, has chosen to attend HoHoKus Trade School as a part-time student. He began taking courses in April and is set to graduate this May. “I’m on the road all day doing estimates for my uncle,” Blesing said. “I get out of work and look forward to going to school. I love it.” Blesing is also looking forward
to plying his trade once he finishes school. “I do a lot of repair work on bikes,” said Blesing, who hopes to turn his hobby into a career. “It’s hard to find someone who welds aluminum.” Blesing, a ‘98 CHS grad, grew up in Dutch Hill, moved to Florida with his family when he was a kid, but came back to Clifton for his junior year. “Florida was not for me, so I came back to Clifton,” Blesing said. “I’m a Jersey boy.” Like the Hands-on Nelson Castro, 20, started school at HoHoKus in 2013 and graduated in August, 2014. Unlike Malaszuk and Blesing, Castro took courses in the electrician apprenticeship program. “I helped my father with some wiring recently,” Castro explained. “He showed me a lot, and it gave me the idea that this might be something I would like to do as a career.” Now Castro, a 2013 graduate of Passaic County Technical Institute, is working as an apprentice for Rab Lighting in Northvale, which was set up through the school. “I liked it because it was handson,” said Castro, who lives on Emerson St. “They throw us right into the fire so to speak. The first week of class the teacher had us wire up a garage. It was like a real life situation.” Castro grew up in Paterson, moved to Clifton when he was 15. At PCTI he was studying business, but like many other students he found his calling with a trade. “Next I am going to take the test to become a member of IBEW Local 102,” he said. “I’m really getting a chance to use my mechanical skills.”
68 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
A tl a s O rt ho g on al C hi r op ra ct ic
• Advanced • Precise • Gentle Want to get in shape? Have a health issue, new or old injury or just aren’t sure what class is best for you?
Come and meet Drs. Christa and Ron to find out more about Bank Fitness!
Thanks Mayor Anzaldi for attending our grand opening
Class is Best for You? h c i h W
Yoga. Classes for beginners and intermediate.
Power Barre. A perfect blend of stretching & strengthening with intensity.
Zumba. For those of you who love to dance and burn calories
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
69
33YEARS
BADGE EHIND THE
Story by Michael C. Gabriele • Photo by Bill Van Eck
Growing up in Dutch Hill, Richard Berdnik aspired to be a police officer As far back as he can remember, it was the one thing he always wanted to do. Last November, that childhood dream continued to unfold as Berdnik was re-elected to his second three-year term as Passaic County sheriff, continuing his distinguished 33-year career as a public servant in the field of law enforcement. Sheriff Berdnik’s story does not begin with winning his first term in November 2010, or with joining the Clifton Police Department in 1982, or with graduation from CHS in 1978, or with his childhood years in Dutch Hill and Richfield, or with his birth at Passaic General Hospital in 1959. For Berdnik, his story begins with the epic journey of his parents, Bernice and Bazil, both born in Poland, both of whom survived the brutal, hard-labor camps of Siberia during the madness of World War II and both of 70 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
whom found passage to America, where they met and married and built a strong life for their family. Bazil, a soldier in the Polish army, fought in the bloody Battle of Monte Cassino, a six-month military campaign to liberate Rome in 1944. However, soon after, he was forcible taken to a Siberia by Russian soldiers. Bernice’s family owned a farm in a village near the city of Lviv (then referred to as Lwów). During the war, Soviet troops came to their door at 2 am, ostensibly to move the family to a safe haven. Instead, Bernice and her family were loaded onto a train only to discover that, against their will, they were being taken to a hard-labor camp in Siberia . They would never again see their farm. Bernice, then 11, and younger brother Anthony survived, but her parents and an older brother did not.
After the war, Bernice and her brother were helped by Polish charity organizations that assisted children in distress. They lived in various orphanages, traveling through India and Mexico, before eventually landing in New York City. She and Bazil met through mutual friends. They married and moved to Clifton. Berdnik was visibly moved while recounting this tale during an interview last month at his office in Wayne. “My parents used to tell me these stories,” he said. “They wanted me to know what they went through. It makes you appreciate all that we have in this country.” Berdnik’s mother is still alive; his father passed away shortly before Berdnik first became sheriff. His parent’s arduous journey to America resonates when Berdnik speaks with pride about his Polish heritage and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2014 Pulaski Day Parade in New York City. The parade up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Oct. 5 commemorated the 70th anniversary of Battle of Monte Cassino along with the 70th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising, as well as the recent canonization of Pope John Paul II, who was of Polish descent. Berdnik also represented Passaic County in the 2011 parade. Joining Berdnik at the 2011 parade was his daughter, Ashley, who was selected as “Miss Polonia” to represent Passaic County’s Central of Polish Organizations. “Being in these parades was quite an honor for me,” he said. “I don’t think my parents could have ever dreamed that their son would be the Grand Marshal of the Pulaski Day Parade in New York City.”
On The Job The sheriff and his staff are responsible for managing the county jail (in Paterson), providing security at county buildings, issuing arrest warrants, coordinating roadway patrols, bomb squads and HazMat teams, and conducting crime-scene investigations. Nowadays, dealing with the growing epidemic of heroin addiction is the top challenge. Area and national newspapers have written extensively about the escalating heroin crisis, which came
into focus early last year with the tragic overdose death of Hollywood actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. News accounts describe the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area as a strategic distribution hub for illegal drugs. A page-one story the Dec. 14 edition of The Star-Ledger reported that in 2013 there were 741 heroinrelated deaths in the Garden State, compared with 287 deaths in 2010. However, despite the disturbing trends, the story did point out
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
71
Sheriff Berdnik that law enforcement agencies throughout the state steadily have increased heroin seizures and drug-related arrests. For example, last November, a drug ring that operated two heroin mills in Paterson was busted. A wire service report said the mills had sold $1 million in drugs over a three-month period. Drugs Know No Borders Berdnik lamented that, in recent years, heroin has become an insidious, “affordable addiction.” Street-level drug dealing has skyrocketed as the new wave of heroin is stronger, less expensive and more readily available, he explained. Heroin stash houses exist throughout northern New Jersey—even in Clifton. For many, using this more-pure form of heroin has become the current drug of choice, replacing “crack” cocaine, which was prevalent 10 years ago. “Drugs know no borders,” Berdnik said. “People from other states come to New Jersey to buy heroin. Drug addiction is a disease. It’s in the cities and it’s in the suburbs. It’s out there and people need to be aware of it.” One factor in the recent sharp rise in heroin use has been the popularity of opioid prescription pain medications, such as oxycodone. According to Berdnik, the abuse of these legal drugs is often the initial hook for the curious consumer—the link that leads to more widespread addiction. “We have an aggressive narcotics unit,” Berdnik declared, acknowledging the mounting challenges. “My motto is that we arrest one drug dealer at a time.” His office works in tandem with state and local police,
as well as with Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, sharing intelligence and harmonizing law enforcement tactics to thwart organized drug rings that sell and distribute the heroin. This year the sheriff’s department will roll out a leading-edge program to treat heroin overdoses. Officers will be trained and certified to administer Narcan, the commercial brand name for the drug naloxone, which works as a life-saving antidote for victims of a heroin overdose. Narcan, given via injection or aerosol, blocks the damaging effects of heroin in the brain—an intervention that temporarily stabilizes the victim and provides critical minutes to get the person to a medical center for more extensive treatment. Other counties throughout New Jersey also have started implementing the use of Narcan, which was approved by state legislators in the 2013 Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act and endorsed as a “Good Samaritan” law. Given these efforts to confront drug addiction, Berdnik conceded his office, like other state law enforcement agencies, works under tight budget constraints and limited resources. “We prioritize and provide the services we can,” he said. “We try to be innovative. Education is the key. The more we can interact with the community, the more people we can reach, the better.” The education programs involve members of Berdnik’s staff conducting drug-prevention seminars in high schools, as well as bringing at-risk students to meet with straight-talking inmates at the county jail.
Good Neighbors, Great Rates
772-8451
973Roofing • Siding Seamless Gutters Additions • Alterations
72 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Thomas Tobin 973-779-4248
Bill G. Eljouzi 973-478-9500
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
73
22 Varettoni Pl., Clifton • 973-772-2330 1293 Broad St., Bloomfield • 973-338-8300
rainbowmontessori.com
Jackie Licata-Alectoridis and Jane Maffucci
All the best in the New Year from Owners
-Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori Method “Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole, which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.”
Infants • Pre-School • Kindergarten • Full Day & Half Day
Sheriff Berdnik Growing up in Clifton During his days as a teenager, Berdnik worked parttime jobs at highway restaurants such as The Hearth (on Route 46) and the now-defunct Red Chimney, which was located on Route 3. “I filled ketchup bottles and bused tables,” he recalled with a grin. As a student at CHS, he was a member of the wrestling team and the photography club. Following high school, he worked as a security officer at Passaic General Hospital, which led to his involvement with the city of Passaic’s auxiliary police unit. Inspired by this experience and convinced he was ready to follow his dream of a career in law enforcement, Berdnik passed his Civil Service exam and was hired as a Clifton police officer in 1982. He has fond memories of his 28 and a half years of service in Clifton, where he attained the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant. As a rookie officer, Berdnik broke in with Mike Luipersbeck, who today is a retired police detective and a jazz drummer. “Richie was a conscientious guy, more than most— the type of guy who would go the extra mile to do things the right way,” Luipersbeck said. “I’m not surprised that he’s become sheriff. He was always a gentleman, eager to learn, easy to talk to, and very down to earth. He’s a good man and I’m proud of him.” Challenging and Interesting Career While serving as a member of the city’s police force, Berdnik was a first-responder to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. He recalled the grim, chaotic scene, saying he spent several days searching the rubble for victims and sleeping on the streets of lower Manhattan. “My thoughts and prayers were with the victims, their families and citizens of our country.”
Among his career highlights, Berdnik, in 1998, completed an exhaustive 12-week training program at the FBI’s National Academy and Executive Institute in Quantico, VA. This was, he said, a global educational experience, as his classmates were law enforcement representatives from around the world and from throughout the United States. Four months before the November 2010 elections, former incumbent Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale unexpectedly withdrew from the race. Seizing the opportunity, Berdnik expressed his interest in the position and filled the slot on the Democratic ticket. He won the election, receiving strong support from Clifton voters. Following that initial victory, he returned to the FBI academy for a three-week managerial training session. Last November Berdnik defeated Republican challenger Frank Feenan to win re-election as sheriff. Berdnik garnered more than 55 percent of the votes. “A sheriff is only as good as the people in his department,” he said, praising his staff. “Our department is very professional and we are proud of our work serving the public.” Last year the New Jersey chapter of the Peace Islands Institute, a nonprofit interfaith dialogue organization based in Hasbrouck Heights, recognized the sheriff’s outreach efforts and presented Berdnik with its community service award. Considering all his duties and responsibilities, what’s the one thing that worries the sheriff the most? Berdnik paused for a moment, then answered: “The safety of my people—an officer getting hurt in the line of duty.” Among the highlights in his personal life, Berdnik and his wife Monica—who works as a pediatric nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson—are the proud parents of four children—Ashley, Ryan, Alyssa and Kevin.
Have Clifton Merchant Mailed. $27/YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Mailed via first class to your home.
Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________State: ___________________________________ Zip:______________________Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011
74 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
75
20 Years of Jazz
Photo and Story by Michael C. Gabriele Most Sunday mornings, you’ll find Seifullah Ali Shabazz sitting at the counter of the Oasis Diner in downtown Passaic, sipping tea, greeting friends, and talking about jazz. This year, there’s plenty to talk about as Shabazz will mark the 20th anniversary of his annual Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Festival. The dinner and show is on Jan. 17, 6 pm, at Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, corner of Huron and Orange Aves. Shabazz describes the festival as a “celebration, not an observance” of the life of King and the artistic heart and soul of jazz. “We bring people together,” he said. “The music creates a nice atmosphere. There’s always a good mix of people in the audience. It’s a good night out.” The concert festival is held on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19), a federal holiday and national “day of service,” designated to mark the life of King and the civil rights movement The one-night festival typically attracts 250 patrons, a “mostly over-50 crowd with some young people,” according to Shabazz. 76 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Many who attend are long-time fans of the event. This year the cost to produce, organize and promote the event will come to nearly $8,000. Shabazz, who underwrites the event from his own pocket, confessed he rarely, if ever, breaks even on his expenses for the show. It is, rather, a labor of love. “I’m not losing money,” he said, discounting the math of the dollars and cents for the production. “It all comes from the heart. Speaking as a Muslim, the life of Dr. King is a good cause to celebrate. People today too often forget about the trials of Dr. King and the civil rights movement.” During the course of conversation, Shabazz prefaces many of his remarks with the phrase “speaking as a Muslim,” as he proudly declares himself to be a man of faith and a member of the Nation of Islam, having accepted the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in 1963. Elijah Muhammad (Oct. 7, 1897 – Feb. 25, 1975), in the mid-1930s, established the Nation of Islam’s Temple of Islam No. 2 in Chicago.
Shabazz’s first name, Seifullah, is translated as “sword of Allah; one who stands for truth.” He took the last name, Shabazz, in honor of the Newark minister who guided his journey of faith. He said his original birth name, which he declined to reveal, “died” in late 1963 when he accepted the faith. Shabazz is a longtime resident of Lakeview, but grew up in downtown Passaic in the Aspen Street apartment projects (building 34). “I live in Clifton but I still consider myself a Passaic boy.” In the late 1950s and early 1960s he hung out with his buddies on Third St. (“our little Harlem”). He said this was period in Passaic when there was lots of music in the streets as well as in local clubs and dance halls. He also recalled the political, social, religious and cultural ferment of the era, which was the backdrop to Shabazz’s coming of age—1963 was an especially momentous year, which included the historic Aug. 28 “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” It was there that King delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial—a transcendent oration that addressed the struggle for civil rights in the face of Jim Crow-era segregation. It also was a period of growing awareness over the nation’s involve-
ment in Vietnam and the shattering grief in the wake of the Nov. 22 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. “This was when I came to the faith,” Shabazz pointed out, reflecting on that time period. “You have to understand that this was a rebellious period. The circumstances of the world I lived in (Passaic) were an extension of what was going on in the rest of the country. We were exposed to lots of new ideas and choices. It was like trying on clothes to see if they fit. “People from the Nation of Islam used to come to our community to distribute flyers and the newspaper (Muhammad Speaks),” he continued. Shabazz gravitated to the weekly newspaper and became a top salesman for the publication. He came to the faith gradually through study, interactions with members of the community and the guidance of mentors, rather than a single moment of inspiration. He described his faith journey as “reverting” rather than “converting”; in essence, his faith was an inner rediscovery. “Being a Muslim means that you’re a righteous person, but our society corrupts people and diverts them from the righteous path. The society tries to make people something that they’re not.” Shabazz noted he’s aligned with several temples in the area.
Custom Made Wedding Cakes Engagement Cakes • Birthday Cakes Sweet 16 Cakes • Baby Shower Cakes
308 Lakeview Ave. Clifton 973-772-3837 • Se Habla Español
Lakeviewbakeryonline.com
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
77
20 Years of Jazz His Muslim faith also helped to cultivate his interest in jazz. “The glamor of the entertainment world encourages corruption, but jazz is different,” he said. “I had an appreciation for the music—it’s character and style. Many jazz musicians at the time were Muslims. I thought of jazz musicians as artists, not entertainers. Jazz was music that made you think.” When he ticked off his list of favorite jazz artists, Shabazz revealed his affinity for saxophone players: Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, King Curtis, Eddie Harris, and Stanley Turrentine. His musical tastes later branched out to rhythm and blues and soul, but jazz always remained number-one in his heart. During the 1960s and 1970s there were a solid number of jazz clubs throughout northern Jersey, especially in Newark and Paterson. However, one by one, those clubs were shuttered as the audience declined and interest in jazz faded in favor of other music. When Shabazz launched the jazz festival in 1996, it was, in part, an attempt to reverse that downward trend. There were actually two concerts held that first year at
78 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic. The venue later shifted to the Botany Village’s Italian-American Family Association’s Coop Hall before a few years back when it found a home in Athenia at Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church. In addition, there are two educational aspects tied to the annual festival. First is celebrating the legacy of King and the causes of civil rights and social justice. “It’s about respect, justice and freedom for all,” Shabazz said. “It was a struggle in the 1960s and it’s still a struggle today.” Second, the festival is intended to raise an awareness of jazz as a vibrant American art form. “You have young people today that have never heard of Miles Davis or Charlie Parker.” (For the record, Davis, a trumpet player, and Parker, a saxophonist, were gifted, virtuoso musicians who helped to usher in the era of modern jazz during the 1940s and 1950s.) The Jan. 17 festival will feature six performers: George Byers; Jackie Jones; Audrey & Jazz 4 Soul; Jazzy Bear & Friends; Madame Pat Tandy and the Jazz Ensemble; and Cynthia Holiday. Tandy and Holiday are known as blues vocalists, reflecting Shabazz’s openness to diversify the festival’s format. In recent years, the show’s lineup has included acapella gospel ensembles, blues bands, soul groups and Doo Wop singers. “We like to experiment,” he said. “We’re always looking for feedback from our audience. The crowd changes every year. We have our regulars but we also have our share of first-timers.” Working behind the scenes as the impresario, Shabazz said he’ll start planning for the 2016 show on Jan. 18. His search for talent involves an extensive word-of-mouth network as well as his attendance at area performances. Once musicians have been selected, he begins to work out logistical details for the performance and does the necessary marketing and communications tasks to promote the event. He bemoans the lack of coverage for the event from area newspapers. While he foots the bill for expenses on his own, Shabazz said he would welcome the support of sponsors. Aside from producing the festival, he works at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, which is associated with NY Presbyterian Hospital.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
79
By Domenick Reda Learning From The Past Although he is only at the beginning of his tenure at CHS, Derek Szuba knows he can make a better future for himself by looking back. “My favorite subject is history, because I enjoy learning from the past,” said Szuba, an Annex freshman. Szuba credits his history teacher, Paul Hlat, for encouraging him to appreciate the subject. Derek Szuba Marialys Gonzalez “He makes it so much more enjoyable. There are many layers that have conMaking A Better Future tributed to making up a culture. When you Marialys Gonzalez is considerlook back, you can see how it unfolded.” ing a career as a teacher. “I love the Szuba also appreciates athletics, and idea of being able to help and suphopes to become more involved in weight port someone’s future,” said training and lacrosse as he moves forward Gonzalez, a Central Wing freshin his high school career. “My older brothman. Born in Passaic, Gonzalez, er taught me how to play lacrosse, since he 15, moved to Clifton in the second played for the Mustangs,” Szuba grade, attended School 15 and then explained. “I really enjoy the game.” Woodrow Wilson MS. Currently Szuba enjoys spending time Gonzalez is also considering with his friends and playing video games. becoming a hairstylist or cosmetolApart from athletics, Szuba has his eye ogist. She is intrigued that appearon a career in either radiology or orthopeMitesh Jariwala ance can have such an impact on dics. “After I fractured my wrist I became one’s confidence: “I find it amazing interested in the type of machines they use that hair can influence someone’s attitude that day,” she to aid people,” he said. “The techniques they use fascisaid. “I would like to be a makeup artist for the same reanate me.” son. It can greatly change someone’s appearance.” Szuba attended School 13 and Woodrow Wilson MS. In the here and now, her favorite class is math. “I love The trip to Washington, D.C. with the 5th grade safety the complexity of this subject,” she explained. “I really patrol program “was great because we learned outside of enjoy challenges, mazes, patterns and puzzles. And that the classroom and had a blast doing it,” Szuba rememis what math is about.” bered. “It brought American History to life for me and Gonzalez is a member of the Botany Club. “We plant will stick in my memory forever.” different kinds of flowers and plants,” she said. The best As for future students at CHS? “If I could meet with part of her high school experience has been meeting felyounger students I would tell them that the Annex has low students and teachers. “I have gotten to know so the best teachers,” he said. “They make school more many great people,” she said. “With them, I actually enjoyable and push you to succeed. They have a lot of wake up excited to come to school and learn.” passion for helping us succeed.” 80 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Gonzalez advises younger students: “Get closer to your teachers and have more friends and you will feel better about your high school experience. But always be on top of your classes because it is really easy to slip up. You are in control of your future so don’t be afraid to ask questions and go to your teachers for help.”
Jariwala’s favorite subject is mathematics, including algebra, geometry and pre-calculus. “It makes you think of different ways to solve one problem,” he said. “You can apply mathematics problem-solving techniques to anything, such as driving a vehicle or shooting a basketball. You need to estimate how far you have to be away from the car in front of you or calcuStriving For Bliss late the distance from your position to Roaa Hamzeh As a North Wing senior, Mitesh the net.” Jariwala has realized something it Jariwala also enjoys several extratakes many others a lifetime to realize: the only thing curricular activities. He is involved with the Asian that really matters is being happy. Club, Key Club, Business Management Club, Yogi “People want to be wealthy and live in huge manDivine Society and Rana Samaj, a cultural community sions with luxury sport cars — that’s not my goal,” he that celebrates Indian cultures. explained. “My goal is to become positive and live a Jariwala attended School 8 and Christopher contented life with my family.” Columbus MS. He credits his teachers with making the Jariwala is living proof that it is possible by walking entire academic experience so positive for him since true and gently on this earth one can achieve great second grade when he and his family came to the US. things. “My future aspiration is to be a pharmacist and Jariwala said this current year is becoming the most be blissful in life,” he said. “I am committed to becompositive. “The best experience in school was this year: ing successful in my future.” meeting the three most affectionate, compassion-
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
81
January Edition ate and supportive friends I could ever hope to have,” he explained. “Their names are Raj Mistry, Helly Patel and Krishna Patel. All of them have been very helpful and loving to me. I appreciate having them in my life. Raj is like my little brother and has been there for me when I needed him. Helly and Krishna are outstanding friends and our friendship has gone to another level with the small things we do for each other. I regret not meeting them many years earlier.” Jariwala’s message to incoming students mirrors his life philosophy: “I would gleefully tell them that CHS is filled with excellent teachers and packed with a variety of diverse students. Teachers are very accommodating and concerned about you. Here you find students from every part of the world and you can learn about cultural events from them. Considerate teachers and a diverse student population are the best things about CHS.” A Hands-on Approach Roaa Hamzeh finds a certain satisfaction in creating something with her own two hands. “My favorite subject is ceramics because it is hands-on,” explained the North Wing senior. “In the class, I am able to make sculptures with clay using my hands, which is fascinating because I
82 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
did not know what I was capable of doing until I tried. It is beneficial for me because I want to become a dentist, and dentists rely on their hands to do the job.” Hamzeh plans to “attend a university and graduate with a degree that is useful; and have a lifetime career, hopefully in the field of dentistry, that will be enjoyable in later years.” Hamzeh was born in Jordan and lived there for the first 13 years of her life. She started 8th grade at Christopher Columbus MS. “When I entered CCMS, I did not know how to speak English,” she explained. “And I was not confident enough to do so. With only two years of being in the English as a Second Language program, I was able to start regular classes and even take some harder level classes too. The progress I made from ESL classes to regular classes to honors classes always reminds me to be a proud student at CHS because it all happened here.” Hamzeh is treasurer of the CHS Key Club and the National Art Honor Society. She plays on the Girls Varsity Tennis team, is a member of the Forensics club (outstanding considering the young lady was an ESL student just four years ago) and finds time to volunteers with programs of Clifton Recreation.
“During the summer, I also volunteered as counselor-in-training at a summer camp where I enjoyed working with young children,” she added. Some of her favorite memories. “As teammates on the Tennis team, we were all close friends. Our hard work resulted in a successful season with a great record. With the Key Club, I learned to manage my time, as well as organize and lead events to benefit various charities. I met amazing people who inspired me with all the good that they wanted to do.” Hamzeh hopes to inspire future students to get involved and meet challenges head on. “The best thing about CHS is the amount of opportunities a student can receive,” she said. “You can join all sorts of sports and clubs. And the teachers are great. They are all hardworking people who spend their time trying to make their students better.”
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
83
Mustang Fashions
Here are some of the Mustang models set to walk the runway for the CHS Prom Fashion show to benefit the 2015 Project Graduation. Pictured above are CHS seniors Maria Montenegro, Ashley Almanzar, Andrew Harhaj, Meghan Sekanics, Mark Glodava, Shea Harris. Also, Tayler Szabo, Kevin Lord, Rachel Plaskon, Matt Ferko, Karleigh Davila, Zoe Zschack, Alexia Maldonado.
The CHS Prom Fashion Show is March 29 at 2 pm. Is is presented with the support of CASA (Clifton Against Substance Abuse) and again staged at the JFK Auditorium. The event is a major fundraiser for the Class of 2015 and the cost of admission ($10) goes to help fund tickets to Project Graduation. For the show, the models—seniors from the Class of 2015—will be styling tuxedos donated by Deluxe Formal Wear of Clifton. Gowns will be donated by BouBou, Group USA, Sisters Bridal Boutique, Unique Designs by Viki and VESA. Money raised goes to underwrite the cost of Project Graduation on June 26, right after Commencement which this year will likely be on the new turf at Clifton Schools Stadium.Project Graduation is an all night party with a lock-in at an undisclosed resort, a place where graduating seniors are safe from alcohol and drugs. Class of 2015 seniors will meet at CHS and are then taken by bus to the resort at 10 pm. They remain there with plenty of food and time to frolic. Doors are locked until 5 am and that next morning, they are bussed back to CHS. Want to help out as a sponsor, contribute styling services as your salon or somehow get involved? Call chair Nancy Delaney at 973-951-5024. 84 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
At the Jan. 2 organization of the Clifton City Council, from left, Peter Eagler, Joe Kolodziej, Mayor James Anzaldi, Lauren Murphy, Steve Hatala and Bill Gibson. Matt Grabowski was also elected for a second term but could not attend the ceremony due to illness Below are some of those who attended the noon event at CHS and the reception which followed.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
85
Frankie Randall A Life in the Spotlight
by Jack De Vries It was only 16 miles from Clifton but to Frankie Randall playing at Jilly’s was like performing in the Emerald City of Oz. It was a restaurant similar to others around Midtown Manhattan but with one big difference—Jilly’s was Mr. Frank Sinatra’s favorite joint. Stars came to Jilly’s, along with near stars, wannabe stars, and people wanting to be seen with stars. The place also attracted a big after Broadway show crowd and tourists wanting a taste of the big town. Some nights—on some magic nights—everyone got what they wanted and more at Jilly’s—especially when Sinatra, the “Chairman of the Board” as WNEW-AM’s William B. Williams called him, came in and stopped the world. That’s what happened one night when Randall was at the piano. “When Frank walked in,” Randall, 69, remembers, “this silence... this awe swept through the place. When Sinatra walked to his table, it was like Moses parting the Red Sea—everybody watched him. Frank was bigger than life.” As we went to press last week, we learned o f the passing o f Frankie (‘Chico ’ Lisbo na) Randall o n Decem ber 28. Raised o n East 2nd St. near where Co rrado ’s is to day, Frank stayed co nnected to his o ld ho m eto wn and lo yal to his Clifto n pals. This sto ry o riginally appeared in August, 2007 and was written earlier that year when Frank returned fo r a get to gether with so m e o ld Mustangs. Yo u can still hear Frankie’s m usic and see m o re photo s at frankierandall.co m .
86 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Grace Lisbona with her children, Grace and Frankie, at their home on East 2nd St. and at right, Chico at age 10.
Just in his early twenties, Randall was already a seasoned professional. He went back to the music and, by the end of the evening, had gained an influential fan. When the place closed at about 4 am, owner Jilly Rizzo told the young singer that Mr. Sinatra was inviting him to have a drink at his table. “I’ll use a term the kids today do to describe that meeting,” says Randall. “It was ‘awesome.’ Frank liked my act and we talked. Jilly even went back in the kitchen and cooked for us. After we ate, Frank said, ‘C’mon, kid, let’s do a song.’ We went back to the piano and sang Where or When together.” It was a performance Randall had worked his whole life to be a part of. He sang with Sinatra and made an impression… and a lifetime friend. A few weeks later, on the recommendation of the famous singer, Randall was signed by RCA Victor records. “After graduating college,” Randall says, “I’d worked the Shore, the Catskills, Easton, Pa.—from Cleveland to Chicago. But it was at Jilly’s where I met the people who would influence in my career—people like Dean
Frankie RAT PACK FAVORITE
WAS A
BUT
CHICO WILL ALWAYS BE
Our Clifton Kid Rest in Peace Frankie - with Love... Linda Cupo, Al Mardirossian, jr., Angelo Crudele, Tom Cupo, Murray & Barbara Kashtan.
Cupo Insurance Agency 50 Mt Prospect Ave., Clifton •www.cupo.com •973.778.7770 Clifton Merchant • January 2015
87
Frankie Randall Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, and of course, Frank Sinatra. “When I performed at Jilly’s,” he says of those days, some 40 years ago, “things started to pop.” Clifton Dreams When Randall was a child, his mother Grace, would look out of her bedroom window of their apartment on Clifton’s Getty Ave. and stare at the house on 62 West 2nd St., dreaming of living there one day. Hoping to make his wife happy, Randall’s father, Joe Lisbona, knocked at the home’s door, telling the elderly couple living there that if the house was ever for sale to let him know. Turns out it was, as was the soda bottling company and building next door that the elderly man also owned. Lisbona made an offer and became the owner of the Belfi Bottling Co., gaining a business along with his new home. After his father took over the company, young Frankie would accompany him in the truck as Lisbona made stops delivering birch beer to taverns throughout the area. “It was hard,” Randall remembers. “My parents were diligent workers and proud people. During WWII, my father would work at the soda company during the day and then go to his job at Curtiss-Wright in Woodridge from 4 pm to midnight.” “Frankie’s parents adored him,” says high school sweetheart and now friend Arlene Carole. “His parents nicknamed him ‘Chico’ as a baby. His mother was funny and feisty, and his father was sweet. They were good to me.” The Lisbonas were originally from Passaic, and Frankie was born in St. Mary’s Hospital. They moved to Clifton in search of a better life, seeing the then rural community as an ideal place to raise a family. Friend Al Mardirossian Jr. remembers, “Frankie’s parents were terrific with all the kids – it was like they were part of our group. And his sister Gracie is a great gal. She worked for many years in Clifton as a special education teacher with Coach Joe Grecco, who thought of her as another daughter.” But life wasn’t always easy for the future singer. A bout with rheumatic fever ended any thoughts of playing sports as he was often confined to his house. Fortunately, there was music. When Randall was in the 88 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
From the CHS 1955 yearbook.
second grade, his father’s cousin Jack Fina, a noted pianist, composer and bandleader, came to Clifton High to play a concert. Fina went on to star in several movies, usually appearing with the band. “He performed with the Freddy Martin Orchestra,” Randall says, “and played at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. After the concert, I saw how the people clamored around him, the adoration they gave him. On the way home, I told my father that I wanted to play piano, too. “He paid $10 for an old upright piano and I began taking lessons with Marian Baldino in Passaic.” Joe Lisbona understood his son’s musical dreams. A trumpet player, he continued to perform in a small band at weddings and parties after taking over the bottling company. He encouraged his son to play, but made sure he was classically trained, exposing Frankie to Chopin and Rochmaninov. “It was the best background for any future musical career,” he says. “Frankie was not only a great piano player,” says Mardirossian Jr., who later backed Randall at gigs on the conga drums, “but could play other instruments as well. He’s so talented.” Carole, who would also become an entertainer, described Randall as “a child prodigy.”
That’s Frankie Lisbona Randall up front on the piano with The High Fives.
“When I got into high school,” Randall says, “I became interested in jazz, listening to all the popular piano players of the time. The one who made the most impact on me was Nat King Cole – a great jazz piano player, excellent singer, and classy individual.” High School Ups & Downs “Classy” was not the way the nuns at Pope Pius High School described Randall’s behavior as a student. The future singer spent three years at the Passaic school until the good sisters could take no more. “My discipline,” Randall admits, “was not what it should be. I was always cutting class and smoking cigarettes—that sort of stuff. Finally, the nuns called my parents down for a meeting.” At the time, Randall remembers, there was a state law stipulating a student could not be expelled without sufficient reason. “The sisters told my father that they didn’t care about the law,” he says. “They said, ‘You can take us to court, we don’t care. We want this guy out of our
school.’” Ironically, the nuns at Pope Pius were educating two future stars at the time. One of Randall’s classmates was Loretta Swit, who went on to star in the TV show M*A*S*H as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan. However, the school was only big enough for one future performer. Rather than battle the nuns to stay, Randall transferred to Clifton High for his senior year. “I don’t know what I was rebelling against at Pope Pius,” he says, “but at Clifton High, my conduct was impeccable. I made a lot of friends there – guys like Terry LaCorte, Tommy Cupo, and Al Mardirossian Jr.”
MONDAY Pizza Day Large Pie $8.95 or 2 for $15.95
TUESDAY Pasta Night Entrees $8.95 includes Salad All Prices +Tax
WEDNESDAY Parm Night Entrees $9.95 Shrimp or Veal $11.45 includes 2 Sides
FREE Delivery 11am-10pm Sun: 3-9pm
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm Sun: 3pm - 9pm 755 Van Houten Ave., Clifton
973-928-4500 At left, Ken, head chef Francisco, Yang & Allyson.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
89
Frankie Randall Randall also spent his high school years getting an education in his future profession, performing in bands like the Rhythmers and in places like the Eclipse and Wishing Well off Route 17, and the Four Roses on Ellison St. in Paterson. He started performing in bands at age 12 after using photo-developing chemicals to change the date on his baptismal certificate. “Once I did, I used it to get an ABC permit to work in places where they served alcohol. I’d make $3 or $4 a night and learned to save my money. When my dad needed a new truck, he’d come to me and I’d loan him the money, which he always paid back. “I liked earning money and what it could bring—nice new clothes and new cars.”
Terry La Corte, Al Mardirossian, jr., Frankie Randall and Tom Cupo.
frankie ‘Chico’ Lisbona You’ll be
forever in our
H earts. Al Mardirossian Jr. CHS Class of ‘56
Running with the Rat Pack After graduating from Clifton in 1955, Randall went on to Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a degree in psychology. Despite offers to go on the road, including one to join singer Louie Prima in Las Vegas, he stayed in school. “My father wanted me to graduate from college first,” he remembers. “Then do anything I wanted to do, which I did.” With his degree complete, Randall hit the road, playing in small clubs across the country until his Jilly’s gig. “That was a thrill for his friends from Clifton,” says Mardirossian Jr. “At Jilly’s, he’d be surrounded by stars (Judy Garland would sit next to him at the piano as he sang). We loved hearing Frankie perform there.”
Kenneth Hauser Sales Representative Clifton Office, 791 Passaic Ave., Clifton, NJ 07012 office: 973-779-1900
cell: 973-216-1305 email: HAU643@aol.com
Weichert Million Dollar Marketed Club Weichert Million Dollar Sales Club Executive’s Club ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04 & ‘05 NJAR Million Dollar Club 1996-1997, 2001 NJAR Circle of Excellence 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006 90 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Frankie with Dean Martin on his Summer Show and with Peter Lawford and an unidentified man at the Copacabana in NYC.
After his RCA deal, appearances on the Tonight Show, Merv Griffin Show, and Danny Kaye Show followed, along with his first starring movie role, the 1965 teen flick, Wild on the Beach. The film featured the music of Sonny and Cher, also making their movie debut. The following year, Dean Martin called. “Dean had taken a liking to me,” Randall remembers, “and asked me to be a regular on the Dean Martin Summer Show.” “That was another thrill for us,” says Mardirossian Jr.
“We’d put on the TV and there would be one of ‘our guys.’” Even with his new fame, Randall kept his perspective. “He was always the same —never changed, never got a big head,” says friend Tom Cupo. “He always was ‘Chico’ to us.” Randall appeared as a show regular for one season, enjoying his work with the legendary crooner. “Dean was a piece of cake to work with,” he says. “He was so casual, happy – easy to be with.
Time to expand your office? We just renovated 2,862 Sq. Ft. of Route 3 Office Space at the intersection of Affordability & Accessibility.
ea Gr
ervices at the All wo o es & s r o t d ts 1051 Bloomfield Ave • Clifton
Cir cle
Call Jamie Wohr 973-591-5222 x160 Your Monthly fee includes: Heat & A/C • Electric • Daily Janitorial • Free Parking 24 Hour Access • NJ Transit Express Bus to NYC at our door plus easy access to Route 3. Clifton Merchant • January 2015
91
Frankie Randall “One story says everything about Dean’s personality. Once in Vegas, he came to see me perform with the Buddy Rich Band. On a break, Dean and I were sitting together when a drunk walked in. He looked at Dean and said, ‘I don’t know what my girl sees in you – I don’t like you… no, I don’t like you at all.’ “Instead of telling the guy to go away like Sinatra would have done, Dean says, ‘Sit down, pal.’ Within 10 minutes, the drunk thought Dean was the greatest guy in the world.” Randall remembers the dynamic Sammy Davis Jr. as a “salt of the earth”-type of guy. “I had some of my best times with Sammy,” Randall says. “When you got him alone, he was more of a regular guy. He also told some of the most interesting stories I’d ever heard in my life.” But it was Sinatra who made the biggest impact. “If Frank liked you,” he says, “you were his friend—that was all he needed to know. But, his mood could change in a flash, from happy to miserable or angry. Thankfully, I didn’t see that side of him often – I had so much respect and admiration for him that I tried to escape that situation whenever I could. “He was also one of the easiest people to work with—always on time, always professional. And he stood up for others. When he first started working in Vegas, black entertainers like Lena Horne and Sammy Davis were not allowed to stay in the hotel. That was until Frank took a stand. He was instrumental in getting that changed.” 92 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
“Frankie Randall is my favorite piano player,” Frank Sinatra said, “and a marvelous talent who sings great and plays more piano than there are keys.” Showbiz Life At 24, Randall married his wife Sue and they had three children Lisa, Joseph, and Frank Jr. However, the marriage didn’t last. “That was a time in my life when I didn’t behave myself,” Randall admits about succumbing to the temptations of show business.
Before long, he was divorced and living in Beverly Hills, Ca. A move to Las Vegas followed and then, at Sinatra’s urging, he moved to Palm Springs. “We spent many a night drinking ‘lemonade’ until 4 am at Frank’s house in Palm Springs,” Randall laughs. “Those were fun times.”
On Aug. 17, 1965, local Unico National Chapters honored Frankie Randall at the Central Theater in Passaic. Randall’s movie, Wild on the Beach in which he stars with, among others, Sonny & Cher, was previewed. He also performed on stage for 45 minutes, singing Yellow Haired Woman, from his new album, pictured here.
“Whenever you called Frankie,” says Cupo, “say if you were out in Vegas and wanted to see a show, he’d do anything to help you. His friends from Clifton stayed at his house in Vegas and Palm Springs, and he’d introduce us to his showbiz friends. “We went to a party at comedian Pat Cooper’s house and were even invited to one at Sinatra’s. Unfortunately, that was the night Sinatra’s mother died in a plane crash and the party was cancelled.” Though he was happy to earn a living as an entertainer, Randall never achieved the huge fame of his idols who attained their stardom decades before. One reason was a new kind of music had arrived to change the world. “When rock and roll got big in the sixties, it was frustrating,” he says. “I knew the quality of the music I was singing – songs by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and others. Musicians and singers who were not very good were making hits with ‘bubblegum songs.’ It was tough, but you had to grin and bear it.” Despite rock and roll’s increasing popularity, Randall continued to produce albums and enjoyed success. He sang the theme songs for the popular TV shows Flipper and Bewitched, and with his frequent touring, he earned a reputation as a crowd-pleasing entertainer.
That’s Clifton’s Frankie Randall at the Rancho Mirage home of Frank Sinatra.
From Aches & Pains... To More Serious Ailments… We at Immedicenter are here for you, 365 days per year • Monday - Friday 8am to 9pm • Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm • Walk-in Medical Care • Weekday Appointments Available
Immedicenter Dr. Michael Basista, Medical Director of Immedicenter
1355 Broad St. • Clifton • 973-778-5566
www.immedicenter.com Clifton Merchant • January 2015
93
Frankie Randall “My life in show business was not all roses,” he says. “I went broke a few times but was always able to bounce back and make my living with music, whether it was singing or owning a piano store.”
In 2007, Frankie Lisbona Randall, back home on 2nd St.
New Chapter In 1982, Randall arrived for a month-long gig at the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino in Atlantic City. Once he started, the crowds kept coming and management extended his engagement. He also developed a relationship with the Golden Nugget’s chairman of the board Steve Wynn, who started asking his advice about the casino’s entertainment. A year later, Randal became vice president of entertainment director for the Golden Nugget’s operations in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, booking himself whenever he got the itch to perform. He also remarried in 1984, becoming a father to two daughters, Laura and Ava. Using his showbiz connections and friendships, Randall flourished in his job. In 1987, when Bally’s bought the Golden Nugget, he worked in the same role for the new company. He left his position in 1991.
Liberty Tax-Allwood 1344 Clifton Ave. Richfield Center (Next to Boston Market) Clifton NJ 07012 973-778-0700 Liberty Tax-Union City 4414 Park Ave Corner Fulton St at 45th St (3 Blocks North of Pathmark) Weehawken/Union City 201-295-1040
94 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
“It was a high pressure life where you were always putting out fires, always making things right,” says Randall. “There were long hours—I’d walk Mr. Sinatra to his room at 2 am and be up the next day for a 9 am meeting. “But the job was also rewarding. It was a time in my life of stretch limos and corporate jets. In fact, after I left the job, I was getting on a commercial jet with my daughter Laura who couldn’t understand why we had to fly with other people.” Since leaving corporate life, Randall has gone back to his first love – performing. This spring, a group of his Clifton friends saw him sing at Resorts International in Atlantic City. “I’ve watched Frankie perform for years,” says Cupo, “and that show was the best I’ve ever seen him put on.” “That night,” says Mardirossian Jr., “he mentioned his friends from Clifton in the audience and we got a hand. After the show, he made sure we went backstage to see him in his dressing room. “He’s still a great entertainer, his voice is still great. Frankie doesn’t imitate Sinatra but if you close your eyes, you can hear Sinatra’s style in his songs.” “As an entertainer,” Carole says, “He’s a fine, fine
pianist with a great voice. But it’s his personality that’s unbelievable, the same personality he had as a kid. I’m always telling him that he should have his own TV or radio show.” Randall says he will continue performing for as long as he can step on the stage. These days, the singer gets back to Clifton for an occasional visit, recently joining his friends at a reunion at the Brownstone in Paterson. He spends his time living between his two homes in La Quinta, Ca., and Las Vegas, or on the road between engagements. “Clifton is my hometown,” he says, “and my friends there will always be special to me. I know many of them followed my career and appreciate my music. The truth is that I appreciate their support just as much. They mean so much to me.” At the end of his life, Sinatra had a final gift for his friend, giving him the arrangements to many of his songs. In tribute, Randall performs the songs just as his mentor did, much to the joy of audiences who listen. Sinatra once said: “Frankie Randall is my favorite piano player and a marvelous talent who sings great and plays more piano than there are keys.” And the people from Clifton couldn’t be prouder.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
95
Birthdays & Celebrations - January 2015
Angily Sotamba celebrates her 3rd birthday on Jan. 26. Austin Blesing turns 9 on Jan. 17. Vicky Petrovic will party on Jan. 5. Cindy Hawrylko is 24 Jan. 22. Skylar De Santis turns 10 on Jan. 17. Happy 17th Birthday to Patricia Fay Baran on Jan. 26. Happy 61st Birthday to Bob Sandri on Jan. 6.
Happy Birthday to... Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Shaun LaGala .................... Marek Rzasa ...................... Connie Zangara ................. Chrissy Cetinich.................. Matthew Delaney................ Amanda Esposito................ Kristin Reilly........................ Steven Hrina....................... Rosalie Konopinski .............. Ray Krenc .......................... Emily Zawicki ..................... James Dohm....................... Rich Peterson ...................... Mohamad Bekheet.............. Missy Fazio........................
1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5
96 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Alexander Ortiz.................. 1/5 Jeremy Delaney .................. 1/6 Gay Eaclie ......................... 1/6 Larry Homsany ................... 1/8 Amanda Curtiss .................. 1/9 Ariana Hryckowian............. 1/9 Joseph Perzely .................... 1/9 Fatma Bekheet .................. 1/10 Ronald Calo ..................... 1/10 Richie DeMarco................ 1/10 Michael Gorny ................. 1/11 Katy Sokolik ..................... 1/11 Nicole Unis ...................... 1/11 Megan Duffy .................... 1/12 Daisy Colman................... 1/13
Olivia Dohm..................... Rob Generalli ................... Joe Musleh ....................... Mark Stuart ...................... Kyle Santiago................... Susan Hernandez ............. Jennifer Montanile............. Matthew Soprano ............. Anna Tatarenko ................ Kim Barilari ...................... Erica Pangilinan................ Lindsay Dueben ................ Luke Falzo........................ Payton Bogatch................. Douglas Ciallella .............. Matthew Gorun ................ Daniel Shackil .................. Evelyn Montague .............. Cheryl Vigh...................... Catherine Coloccia ........... Greg Collucci ................... Jamie Mikolajczyk ............ Larissa Unis ...................... Robert Duffy ..................... Ashley Gagnon ................ Debbi Koch ...................... Michelle Nahass............... Karen Rice ....................... Michael Bandurski ............ Gianna Caramucci ........... Nicholas Grippo............... Scott Crawford ................. Patrick Ferrara III...............
1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/17 1/18 1/19 1/20 1/20 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/23 1/23 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/25 1/25 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/28 1/28
Becca Potocki & Alyssa Phillhower share a birthday on Jan. 1.
Robert C. Henn .............. Stephanie Smith.............. Alexis Camp .................. Donna Chipura .............. Laura Kuruc.................... Sean Sabo..................... Evangeline Joy Kohler ..... Jessica Sonn...................
1/28 1/28 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/31 1/31
CHS Alum Kimberly Sokolik & Wayne Clyde were married on July 18. Happy 22nd Birthday to Charles Bucsko Jr. on Jan. 15. Happy Birthday to Bob Henn who will be 84 on Jan. 28. Clifton Merchant • January 2015
97
Mustang History CHS Mustang Softball Booster Club’s Annual Beefsteak and Tricky Tray is on Feb. 6, at the Boys & Girls Club, Colfax Ave, from 7 to 11 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm so get there and purchase some tickets. The $40 admission include beefsteak, dessert, beer and soda. Call 201-406-7399 to purchase tickets. Mustang Pride’s Tricky Tray & Pasta Dinner is on Jan. 30 at the Boys & Girls Club, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 and proceeds benefit the CHS Class of 2015. The volunteer group, headed by AnnMarie Genneken, Roe Frucci and Jack Jaeger, is a nonprofit that was founded in 2010. Through its programs, such as running the annual Memorial Day Weekend Carnival at CCMS, and other events, members are focused on nurturing academic and civic pride in our community. For tickets, to join or details, call 201-403-0775, 973-778-4680 or 973-985-0761.
Former Lady Mustangs Coach Al Carline, CHS 1985 Dori Breen, CHS 2015 Kelly Douglas and Lady Mustangs Coach Craig Alfano. Breen, the first Lady Mustang to join the 1,000 point club on Jan. 24, 1985, reached the milestone over a three year career. She went on to St. John’s University and is now a Catholic School Principal. While Breen and Douglas met on Dec. 30 for this photo, Douglas joined the 1,000 point club on Jan. 3, when the Mustangs beat Passaic, 70-16; she finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Douglas is headed to the University of Hartford in September.
The North Jersey Volleyball Club is an under 18 year old national team coached by Mike Doktor. The group is going to Penn State in May for the annual Happy Volley Tournament, a great college showcase for the young
ladies of the squad. Help them out by attending a Beefsteak/Tricky Tray on March 13 at 6 pm at the Boys & Girls Club. Call 973-207-7156 or email northjerseyvolleyballclub@yahoo.com. The Relay for Life of Clifton 2015 is on May 30 and 31 with the location to be determined. Now in its 11th year, more details are to be provided at a meeting on Jan. 8 at 6:30 pm at the Senior Citizen Center. Companies, community groups, civic associations, religious organizations and schools are invited to form a team or becoming a sponsor. Movies, Lights and Camera as we Relay for a Cure is this year’s theme. Can’t make the planning meeting? Attend the 2015 kickoff at 2 pm on Feb. 7 at the Senior Citizen Center, which is on Dog Pound Rd. on the Municipal Complex. For more call Kristin Bruno at 973-285-8041or go to cancer.org.
98 January 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Phila Pa 191 PeRmiT No. 7510