Clifton Merchant Magazine - January 2014 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

No matter your vehicle’s make, model or year, Fette’s new Quick Lane is the place to go for tires, brakes, batteries, oil changes and other light maintenace. Service Manager Thomas Grimont with John Fette and Quick Lane Manager Rodger Pietsch.

The Fette Family continues to make the automotive experience easier. With the addition of Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center between their Ford and Infiniti Showrooms, Fette has added a new way to provide all the services your car or truck needs most. From oil changes to new tires, services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. No appointment is needed and you’ll get service while you wait.

Owner John Fette explains: “We’ll take care of any make or model, using quality parts from trusted brands like Motorcraft and name-brand tires from Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and other major brands. “We’ll inspect your vehicle’s components and systems from top to bottom, then give you a report that will help you easily monitor your car or truck’s maintenance needs,” adds Fette. “Come and give Fette Quick Lane a try.”

Open Mon-Fri 730 am - 6 pm • Sat 7 am -3:30 pm

See store for details. Offer expires 1/31/14. Clifton Merchant • January 2014

Table of Contents

What’s Inside? 6

One-Stop Opportunity Out of Work? The Hunt Starts Here

18 How PCCC Can Help Courses for Employers & Employees

20 Union Jobs Going High-Tech And Apprenticeships Matter Big Time

29 Resources for Business Owners From the Government, Here to Help

90 Corrado’s 15th Annual Winemaking Event Tell us about your love... Our February 7 edition, out on the first Friday of the month as per our regular schedule, will focus on love and courtship. Call or write us now if you have a story you’d like to share with Clifton.

30 Precision on Sebago St. Facility Expansion, Major Investment

36 Yesteryear on Sebago Made in Clifton, Now at Smithsonian

42 PCTI’s Living Classrooms Connecting Students to Careers 16,000 Magazines

are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month. Subscribe Page 87

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4 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Business Manager Cheryl Hawrylko Graphic Designer Ken Peterson Contributing Writers Richard Szathmary Domenick Reda Carol Leonard Jack DeVries Irene Jarosewich

52 2013 Year in Review Look Back in Photos & News

66 Aboard the Red Napper Summer Fishing in August 2013

82 Outstanding Mustangs Five Student Leaders are Profiled

86 CHS Prom Fashion Show Feb. 9 Project Grad Fundraiser

88 Birthdays and Celebrations Photos and Dates for Milestones

In Our February Edition... 2014 Map of Clifton!

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Substance Abuse • Lauren E. Murphy • Jim & Rita Haraka & Family • Rotary Club of Clifton • Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin • Boys & Girls Club Mens Club

• Memory of Florence, George H. Trinkle, Jr. & George H. Trinkle III • Barbara Dougherty memory of Henry Dougherty • Clifton Police PBA Local 36 • JSK Landscaping/The Bassfords • Carlet, Garrison, Klein & Zaretsky • The Fieldhouse Family

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

By Richard Szathmary Sometimes, so one theory propounded by economists goes, all it takes to get the economy going again is a little push. Sometimes, however, it takes a big shove, one with some oomph behind it. Because the economy still isn’t doing that good. How “not good” is it around here? Well, one statistic which brings the issue down to a humanly accessible level is the percentage of unemployed workers. As of November 2013, that percentage in Passaic County was 8.0 percent, whereas in neighboring Bergen and Morris Counties it was, respectively, 5.6 and 5.0 percent. Not seemingly as bad, then, as in Cumberland County down at the “bottom” of the state, where unemployment is at 10.7 percent or in the gaming resort of Atlantic County at 10.2 percent. (And facing the loss of another 1,600 jobs when the Atlantic Club casino-resort shutters forever this month.) Cape May County was at a truly astounding 12.3 percent. 6 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

In those dear, dead, pre-recessionary days of 2007 the unemployment rate for the entire state was a low (and perhaps never to be seen again) 5.4 percent. In June 2012, the same rate was 11.7 percent. Today, again for the entire state, the rate is 7.8 percent. Against, say, California, where the rate is 8.5 percent, while the overall national unemployment rate for all 50 states is 7.3 percent. Somewhat encouraging news, yes. But what’s wrong with Passaic County? Similar to those shark-hunters in Jaws who realized that, hey, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat,” Passaic County may need a harder shove. A much harder shove. This article is about how some unemployed (but probably not all, alas) can get a new job. And also about how a few lucky people actually got one and are in fact now gainfully employed again. Such as Clifton’s Arthur Bartetta, pictured above center, who went from manufacturing to the culinary arts.

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 2014

Help Is Out There, Honest Let’s say that, unfortunately, you’ve lost your job. The best available recommendation is that, aside from the obvious one of filing for unemployment (which in NJ is rather generous at its max), you make your way to what is called the “One Stop Career Center” at 200 Memorial Dr. in Paterson. The One-Stop defines itself as a “full service center for individuals seeking career counseling and job development skills.” It’s also the product of a broad consortium of services and agencies, including the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Passaic County Board of Social Services and Passaic County Community College. Much is on offer here once you register. First, you’re invited to attend an info session to learn about all the available services. You can then also use the Public Access Resource area’s computers to work on and print out your own resumes and cover letters, work the phones, copies and fax machines, search for jobs via online job banks. You can also, as a job seeker, meet one-to-one with a counselor to review available openings, determine your qualifications for same and help refine your interview skills.

There are also ESL classes for those who need them, and basic “brush up” type courses for those who need to hone their math and English skills. “Everything is designed to help job seekers, to make them more attractive candidates to employers,” offers Lauren Murphy, the One-Stop Center’s Director and a Clifton resident with 30-plus years work experience at Passaic County’s Board of Social Services. For Employers, As Well The One-Stop also considerably benefits potential employers. The Business Resource Center can help prescreen potential employees and even reimburse employers for the costs of training new employees, calculated as a percentage of the pay rate for a training period. There are also Job Fairs and a list of programs which employers especially interested in hiring veterans or the disabled can avail themselves of. Many of these come with tax credits or reimbursement attached. We could go on but you surely get the point by now: One-Stop Centers are a wondrous thing indeed for many folks. Not where one goes to fill an employer’s dire need for a plant manager, probably, but certainly where said manager would go to fill his shifts ranks.

0003079473-01

Day & Evening Classes Available!

8 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

The One-Stop Center in Paterson next to Passaic County Community College offers the use of computers and many other resources to those seeking employment. At right is receptionist Jasmin Bonilla.

And probably too not where one heads if one is a chemist with his/her doctorate, although you certainly could find drivers for the trucks to deliver the chemicals your efforts create. “Things are certainly changing here,” Lauren Murphy adds. “But one of our specialties is probably always going to be implementing ‘welfare to work’ for our clients. Also adult basic skills. These are workforce realities. There are what we call ‘employment barriers.’ We try to put money and time in to help people overcome these barriers.” She sweeps her arm in the air in the busy reception area of the One-Stop, where bustling and murmuring seem to be the prevailing status. “These are our clients,” Murphy says. “And every day we’re here to try to help them help themselves.” Jumping Barriers The money to do so often comes in the form of “ITA’s” or Individual Training Accounts—grants of up to $4,000 which can be used by job seekers to pay for career training. And one of the most popular ways to make use of these grants is to be trained in what truly does seem to be a growth industry these days, medical billing. Which, curiously, jibes especially nicely with Clifton’s own economic profile. According to the wellrespected web site city-data.com, which aggregates a truly amazing number of statistics from many sources about American cities into advertiser-usable form, Clifton’s own leading industry is in fact health care. 10 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Some 3,305 citizens, 8.9 percent of Clifton’s workforce, doctors, nurses, medical billers and so on, are employed in some way in this industry. This is followed by some 7.7 percent of the workforce, 2,855 of “us,” working in what are termed “Professional, scientific and technical services.” Which means that Clifton may actually smack a good deal more of Silicon Valley than of poky Rust Belt and dying manufacturing towns than commonly assumed. And just for a fun fact, the lowest number of Clifton folk are in fact, somehow and somewhere, working as, of all things, “vending machine operators.” All 22 of them, all males, constituting 0.1 percent of workers. Something else that workers at any level might be interested in at the One-Stop is its local chapter of the “Jersey Job Club.” Found at every One-Stop statewide, the Job Club is an outgrowth of the larger “Jobs4Jersey.com” program. The club meets regularly under the aegis of a professional adviser at the One-Stop and fundamentally seeks to have its members develop relationships with each other, thus greater understanding of both their own job strengths and of how to better conduct individualized job searches. “It’s jobseekers helping other jobseekers,” Murphy explains. “People providing each other both advice from their own experiences and encouragement.” One ominous note to what sounds like a peachy idea in theory, however, is that the Job Club’s own web page says flatly, in reply to a question it self-poses as to

whether there’s a time limit for Job Club membership, which is free and completely voluntary. “Jobseekers in New Jersey are welcome to make full use of the resources available at the Jersey Job Club for six months,” goes the reply. “If you haven’t found employment with six months, the Job Club leader may refer you to more intensive services.” The reply also does not specify what said “more intensive services” are. But there is a slightly ominous hint of some need for speed in terms of one’s personal job search in that notation. Particularly since 13-week extensions of the six-month original term for unemployment benefits, so popular and prevalent just a few short years ago, are no longer available. In an economic environment where the federal government (the core financing source of those extensions of benefits in the first place) shut itself down just a few weeks ago, in other words, the road to national economic recovery, as well as to full and gainful employment for all who seek it, remains very bumpy. Even still totally “washed out” in a few places. Could stand extensive “repaving.” Bonafide Strides Despite all those barriers, however, and no matter how stacked the odds seem against jobseekers, the Passaic County One-Stop nonetheless does have inspiring success stories. What follows are some instances where people do “make it” back from what truly is an ordeal for all who experience it, unemployment that is decidedly not by choice. Clifton Merchant • January 2014

Let’s start with Ramon Solis, The Lady Lands A Job who lives on Crooks Ave. He lost Awilda Choudhury, who his dead-end (anyway, in all honlives “right off Lakeview,” is esty) driving job for a local fiercely blunt about it. seafood supplier after five years “I was a welfare mom. there, and like so many, wound That was how I was always up on employment. identified. Three kids and no The One-Stop, after evaluatreal prospects. I wasn’t feeling ing him, offered to send him to very good about either myself computer school and, better yet, or the future. And when I had to pay for it. Sounds like a drive a job I was a lackey. I knew it in a car? But as he notes with and I felt it.” some sense of amusement: “It’s That was back in 1999. not that easy. First you got to take So, with some real determisome tests to qualify for the comnation and a desire to get off puter course.” welfare, she hied herself over So he had to do something Ramon Solis at work in a Newark school. to the One-Stop in Paterson. that toting shrimp and skate She wanted training for wings doesn’t call for, study. On a 12-point scale, he something better, she knew it was available as long as she first scored a 9. But you need a 10.5 to qualify for the was qualified for it, she didn’t mind wading through the computer course. So he hit the books again and did an “TABE” (for “Tests of Adult Basic Education”) and did 11. He was in for the six-month course, which required fine, fine enough to qualify for computer education which a daily drive to the school in Montvale. the One-Stop paid for. Upon graduation, he submitted his resume which the So she got her training and did well. Well enough that One-Stop had already helped him polish. It got him a she wound up actually working at the One-Stop, “usualjob at a company to which the Newark Board of ly on a schedule of six months on and six off,” as per Education subcontracts its IT services. what the One-Stop’s own limited budget allowed. He’s been there “a year and change” now. And he Then, five years ago, thanks to a pumping up of the loves it. “I go sometimes to 10, maybe 14 different Passaic County One-Stop’s budget, they asked her to schools in a day on a really busy day. I work with both come on full-time. And she loves it. the students and the school authorities. I’m in IT an I “I’m kind of a floater,” Choudhury explains about her achieve goals daily. administrative assistant’s job. “I cover everyone who’s “I always knew that driving a fish truck was not forever out. I’m what they call a ‘navigator.’” ever for me. This job just could be “it”. I feel good for That often means working directly under Lauren me now, that’s it.” Murphy. “I just love her,” Choudhury says, “Everyone Ramon Solis puts it this way about his experience of loves her here. She is the greatest boss. She sits there being out of work: “Yes, I recovered. I recovered with the clients and the workers and she really, really because the One-Stop sent me to computer school. But listens to everybody. She pays true attention, and I you really got to commit to do it. If you’re not serious, think that’s not too common in the workplace at anythen forget about it, and you’ll be stuck with jobs that body’s job these days.” will wind you back up on unemployment eventually. Choudhury’s lived in Clifton for 10 years now. Her You got to work hard. If you really want to go forward, three kids have also done well. Her oldest, Erika, 25, is you got to like what you’re doing. wed to Jonathan Lopez and lives in Clifton with their “And right now it doesn’t feel like work and I like it,” child, and Choudhury gets to be a proud grandmother. the 43-year-old Solis concludes. “I owe the One-Stop Tina, 23, is in the Navy and works in aviation, while for this chance, and I owe it big-time.” Ava, 21, lives and works in California. 12 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

Choudhury said that thanks to her second chance at One-Stop, she continues to dream dreams, including one of furthering her education (at the least) when she completes a two-year Associate degree. Another thing, another not-so-minor thing in the greater schema of things which includes Awilda Choudhury’s dogged determination to get off welfare almost 15 years ago: the name Awilda in fact means “wildflower.” A “Truck-Drivin’ Man” Robert Rogers, another Lakeview section resident, is one of those who, as the country song goes who “keeps America moving.” Meaning he’s a truck driver, albeit not the long-haul kind of guy who spends days at a time far from home on some other state’s Interstates. Rather, Rogers drives cargo to and from the metropolitan area, navigating a 53-foot trailer behind his Freightliner rig, doing day trips back and forth within a few hundred miles of New York City. “Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, South Jersey, a little bit of Connecticut. Tri-state you can say,” adds Rogers of his daily routes. “It’s mostly frozen seafood.” About four years ago, however, he was in what he calls “construction-based jobs.” To the point of going from one construction-based job after another as the economy’s decline continued to perhaps hit the building industry worse than any other. This led to a visit to unemployment and the resulting trip to the One-Stop. He tested well and they sent him to attend school to drive trucks. In short, Rogers had his CDL or Commercial Driving License paid for and within a few weeks of graduation, was on the road at work. Then, after a short stint, a friend told him of another trucking job which required the experience he’d just gained. That was two years ago and Robert Rogers, selfdescribed “with three kids and a fiancee,” also rates himself as “very happy today. But it all wouldn’t have happened without the One-Stop paying for and steering me to my truck driving training. I know that and will be eternally grateful, I was born and raised around trucks, my father owned a small trucking company himself. “And now I’m keeping up the family tradition. I’m busy and working hard and it feels very good. I just needed some training to get into this field and I don’t miss those construction-based jobs one bit. This is much better for me and my family.” 14 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Lauren Murphy and Awilda Choudhury.

Wielding What He Once Helped Manufacture There’s an old James Taylor album, with him on the cover holding a blowtorch and a welding helmet propped up on his hair (back when he had some on his pate) titled “Dad Loves His Work.” But as we all know, that isn’t necessarily, or maybe even usually, the case. For 10 years Arthur Bartetta, who’s 62 and residing in the Allwood section, worked in Towaco at a German firm which made blades for the cutting of foam rubber used in bedding and furniture. A real niche biz within a niche biz, in other words, one without a whole lot of relevance elsewhere in the jobs universe of North Jersey. It was drudgery from his description but hey, it also paid $20 an hour with benefits whether or no “Dad” actually liked working there. Then they decided to pull some of their US operations back to the Fatherland and in 2009 Arthur found himself unemployed. He hoped, half-seriously-expected, to find another factory job ASAP, one paying $18-20 an hour again. And be needed the money because, though he has no kids, his wife Barbara is disabled. Fat chance, as it turned out, because there wasn’t as large a need for cutting up foam as there’d been before the housing market crashed.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

He dutifully trotted off to the One-Stop, “where they told me there were grants available.” But there wasn’t one to hone his foam-cutting skills. Instead, thanks to their grant money, Bartetta saw opportunity in the food industry. He inquired a bit more, took some tests and qualified to train for a new career in the food industry. “I was out on the street unemployed for about two years,” Arthur explains. “I was getting very nervous. The grant saved me.” Over the next six months, he trained under experienced chefs in a hands-on program in the kitchens of the Culinary Arts Department at PCCC in downtown Paterson. From menu building and basic cooking methods, to design and presentation for catering, nutritional aspects of dining and sanitation procedures and more, Bartetta said he felt ready to work in a new industry. Because, as a result of his training, Bartetta pretty quickly upon course completion landed a pretty decent gig for at a British company called Compass Group, which among other activities sets up and runs company cafeterias and dining operations for other companies. The One-Stop had in fact supplied job leads as part of the services they offer but Barbara herself first read about this particular job while online. Compass is a first-class operation which serves over 4 billion repasts a year and has over 500,000 employees worldwide. They also, unlike many other companies Bartetta looked at during his two years of job-searching, have a very good employee benefits structure. Yes, too, they only pay him about $12 an hour, but Compass placed him at a Mahwah firm, Net-a-Porter which is a high-end online fashion company and a notably pleasant place to labor daily. “We do everything from breakfasts to late lunches,” Arthur explains. He’s a cook. “Not a chef,” he notes. “Like in restaurants, just a cook, but also not with the crazy hours restaurants have, either. It’s straight 7:30 to 4 daily.” The money may not quite be the greatest, but it definitely beats unemployment. Probably at heart also beats making foam cutters, if it came to that. And it all wouldn’t have come true without the One-Stop, Bartetta admits. “You have to keep at it. You also have to be ready to accept the kind of help the One-Stop can provide. I became ready and I recognized the opportunity. I’m very glad I did.” 16 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton’s Robert Rodgers in a photo taken on the road by his 18 year old daughter Kaylin.

Making It Through... There’s yet another country song, a holiday season oldie from Merle Haggard, titled “If We Make It Through December” which has some relevance here. Even if December according to the narrator who, similar to Arthur Bartetta has been “laid off down at the factr’y,” is “the coldest time of winter,” if he can make it through December he and his family, he believes, will be all right. Similarly, and this is in fact being written in an already frigid mid-December, if we can make it through our current economic travails, things probably will improve. They always have before and there’s no reason to doubt severely that they will again. That most economists seem to agree on, even if not on much anything else about their field of supposed specialization. The One-Stop Centers throughout New Jersey are a planned response to the “cold December” which seems to have beset New Jersey’s economy for, well, several Decembers in a row now. And they are a distinctly upbeat and positive response, with one of their most attractive and salient features being that through them government is actually backing up its claimed interest in the welfare of its citizens by putting its money where its mouth always is.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

PCCC’s Continuing Education Programs

While he works in the trade by day, Arthur Bartetta also still enjoys cooking at home.

Those grants, which enabled Ramon, Awilda, Robert and Arthur to make their way back to full employment, are a significant contribution, make no mistake about it. Represent commitment in the most tangible way, financially. To find out for yourself about similar programs and services currently available at the One-Stop Center at 200 Memorial Drive in downtown Paterson, to goose your own job hunt, give them a call at 973-742-9226.

18 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

At Passaic County Community NnnNowNow College’s Center for Continuing Education & Workforce Development, they clearly believe that the path to gainful employment is illuminated by adult education. Executive Director Mike Powell (inset) states in the course catalogue, “our goal is to provide you with the tools and skills necessary to become more productive in your current profession or to develop new skills for gainful employment in fields nd professions of promise.” The path to advancement in said fields is reasonably priced, too. Thus PCCC’s Center offers everything from a basic course at $134 on preparing your own business plan to GED prep at $195 to computer courses of various sorts for a few hundred bucks to a 3-hour course, bargain priced at $40, on how to be a notary public. You can even become an EMT after a commitment of 240 hours and $1,200. The courses also cover a wide spectrum of educa-

tional pre-requisites, everything from a sixth grade reading level (for basic computer courses) to 60 college credits (for substitute teacher training). The most interesting courses available, however, especially in an educational environment where both ESL (English as a second language) and the Teaching of ESL are reliable staples, may be its “Spanish For The Workplace” courses. They sort of upend the intention of ESL and can even be tailored to the job-specific needs of, say, firefighters, bankers and tellers, law enforcement and medical and court personnel. And as the course catalogue observes, “in most cases, the training can be provided for free.” No Spanish grammar is taught in this particular course area but, surely, attendees therefore learn a great deal about both cultural sensitivity and the cutting of expenses. For info, call 973-684-6153 or go to www.pccc.edu/ce.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

By Domenick Reda

It was just after 5 pm—nine days before Christmas — and Peter Natoli, after another long day, was wrapping up some paper work and getting ready to leave his job and go home to his wife and three daughters. That’s when something unforeseen happened—something that we have all experienced – the power went out. But for the Piaget Ave. resident, pictured above, an operating engineer for Digital Realty, a power outage means something different than it does for most of us. “My engineer was on vacation and I was covering for him,” Natoli, 43, recalled. “I was getting ready to leave when we had an issue at the Ridgefield substation.” Natoli sprang into action and diagnosed the problem —a 26,000 main volt feeder which supplies power to many Digital Realty customers was tripped. Natoli put on his flak suit, closed the feeder until PSEG was able to remedy the issue and then headed home to his family; just another typical day on the job for Natoli. 20 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

In 1988, soon after graduating from Passaic High School, Natoli was working as a diesel mechanic. Ever the hard worker, he knew, given his bent for engineering, he could accomplish even more. Then in 2000, his wife’s uncle told him about a great opportunity. “He was a union member with Local 68 and he gave my name to Tom Giblin,” Natoli said. Local 68 of the International Union of Engineers is where Natoli embarked on his new career. Giblin, meaning of course Thomas Giblin, the NJ State Assemblyman, whose district office is on Broad St., also in fact serves as business manager of Local 68. For Natoli, it was the skills he learned at Local 68’s training facility in West Caldwell and the subsequent apprenticeship which prepared him for his current position at Digital Realty, where he oversees the company’s data center for two sites in, respectively, Carlstadt and Weehawken.

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 2014

Before that he worked at different venues, including “making ice” for New Jersey Devils games at the thenContinental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands in 2001. He had a similar stint at Giants Stadium, adjacent to the arena in East Rutherford. “The chief engineer at Giants Stadium brought me along,” Natoli recalled. Then in 2010 he came to Digital Realty, where he was put in charge of the company’s data center for the two locations. “It was a very good opportunity,” Natoli said. “It’s more of a high level management position.” Natoli is responsible for “making sure we have utility power for customers,” Keeping the systems cool ensures customers will have uninterrupted service. And Natoli is very good at his job, so much so that today he also teaches at Local 68’s West Caldwell training center. “They want me to be there full time, but with my job, it’s very hard,” Natoli said. “If I decide to retire someday, then I can do it. But Local 68 took care of me very well, then I did my due diligence and showed them that the union is the way to go with the amount of training we receive once we graduate and the continuing education. It’s a really good thing.”

Natoli’s just one Clifton resident who’s benefitted from the training he received thanks to IUOE Local 68. The Peraltas Come Through Jose Peralta, 22, a Bergen Ave. resident and 2010 CHS graduate, works for Citigroup in East Rutherford as a Local 68 apprentice. “I’ve been here for six months as an operating engineer for the data center,” Peralta said. “I make sure the temperature stays at a stable 68 degrees for the people who come in. I learned a lot at Local 68. I already had a mechanical background. As a kid I used to like to take apart cars. They taught me how to weld. The teachers taught me well.” Peralta finished the course work, which typically takes about four years to complete, in just three. “I also went some nights,” Peralta explained. “I went about two nights a week.” Despite that he’s still “only” an apprentice, Peralta’s career continues to move forward. For Peralta, his role model was his father, a native of the Dominican Republic who did his own training at IUOE Local 68 over 15 years ago.

Proudly Serving Assembly District 34... Clifton, Orange, East Orange & Montclair In this age of many people being famous simply for bad behavior, it’s remarkable to consider the life of Nelson Mandela. His life and his accomplishments can never be forgotten. Along with the rest of the New Jersey General Assembly, I mourn the passing of this legendary man, but do so hoping his words and actions will always serve as examples to us all on how to make this world a better place.

Assemblywoman

Sheila Y. Oliver

15-33 Halsted St., Suite 202 East Orange, NJ 07018 973-395-1166 • AswOliver@njleg.org paid for by Committee to Elect Sheila Oliver

22 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Welcome to our Practice

Dr. Michael DelGiodice is an author on ocular disease and Vice President of the NJâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry. His specialities includes laser eye surgery, dry eye syndrome, contact lenses and neurologic eye disease. He is also a consultant for Bausch + Lomb pharmaceuticals.

Attefa Sultani, O.D., focuses on comprehensive eye care, from diagnosis and management of eye disease to contact lenses and post-operative care and can perform exams in Spanish, Hindi and Farsi.

Ceaser Pitta, M.D., specializes in diseases of the retina including Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Holes, Macular Pucker as well as Detachment surgery.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

Left, Jason Salvatore, 41, said the International Union of Engineers Local 68 gave him a great opportunity and he took full advantage. At right, Juan Peralta, is 31 and a 2001 CHS grad. An apprentice with Local 68 training center in West Caldwell, he works with his uncle Jose Peralta in Newark at Market Halsey Associates, where they manage heating and cooling for a 16 story data center. Jose has been in the union 15 years. At right is Jose’s son, Jose Peralta Jr.

The younger Peralta’s cousin, Juan Peralta, who lives nearby on Bergen Ave., is still another grad of IUOE’s Local 68 training program. For Juan Peralta Jr., hard work is now paying off in a big way. “I began by working on heavy equipment and painting support beams at the IZOD Center,” Peralta recalled. “There was a lot of humidity upstairs and I had to prime and paint to prevent rusting and maintain the cooling towers. That was a temp job.” While employed there in 2010, Peralta put his skills to work before circus performances and he even prepped the stage for a Beyonce concert and a WWE wrestling event. He especially remembers seeing WWE “champion” John Cena in action that evening. In 2012 Peralta completed the school portion of the program. “When I finished I had 39 credits toward an associate’s degree,” Peralta said. “Now I’m working as an engineer.” Peralta intends to study the more technical side of refrigeration as time and opportunities allow. He Used To Be A Painter For Jason Salvatore, who lives with his wife and two daughters, ages 20 and 10, on Nettie Pl., all he needed was an opportunity to show what he could do, and when he finished his schooling and apprenticeship in 2009, that opportunity arrived. 24 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

The Local 68 Training Center in West Caldwell is a world-class training facility for Local 68 members. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the art technology, brand-new computers, hands-on training capabilities and wireless communications. From 2003 to 2005, student enrollment doubled, from 255 students to 703 students. Enrollment continues to climb. More than 2,010 students attended the West Caldwell and Atlantic City Training Centers in 2007. Local 68 members pay one annual fee which allows them to take an unlimited number of classes throughout the year. Non-members can also take classes at the Local 68 Training Center for a fee. The curriculum has been redesigned and expanded to include a specific apprentice track with the required license preparation courses, a Chief Engineers Module, and other customized on-site trainings. Courses are offered during the morning and evening to accommodate students’ schedules. Classes are offered throughout the year. In January 2006, Local 68 opened the doors to its southern campus in Atlantic City. That facility has three classrooms, including a computer lab. For more information or to register, call the training center in West Caldwell, which is also the Local 68 Fund Service Office at 973-227-6426 or the Atlantic City facility at 609-484-8528. More details at www.iuoe-68.org.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

In 2001, Dr. Neville Mirza was the first neurosurgeon in the area to perform a miniminally invasive cervical and lumbar discetomy. Since then, he has performed over 1,500 of those proceduresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;right here on Main Avenue. Along with Pain Management Specialist Dr. Shams Qureshi, this team of highly trained physicians and healthcare specialists have dedicated themselves to the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of the entire spectrum of neurological and pain disorders. It is all done at the Bergen/Passaic Ambulatory Surgery Center on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton which offers state of the art services in modern facilities. 26 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

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For the past 20 years, Dr.’s Dobrow, Beg, Mirza & Qureshi have successfully treated patients who suffered with pain after a car accident and job related injuries. At their state of the art surgery center on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton, they will diagnose the sources of pain and restore health and function. They are supported by a staff of 10 specialized healthcare providers trained to treat and care for patients who have undergone surgeries related to pain management, spine, orthopedic and sports medicine. They will schedule your procedure so there is no waiting and no driving... a member of our team will pick you up from your home and bring you to and from our state of the art surgery center. At the Pain Relief Center, there is no need to drive to NYC and wait in traffic. Have your surgery done in Clifton and

Dr. Mizra (left) and Dr. Qureshi perform a minimally invasive Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy at the Pain Relief Center on Main Ave, in Downtown Clifton.

Endoscopic Laser Surgery: Not so long ago, back pain relief surgery mean a large incision, open surgery and weeks of recuperation. However, in one of the more popular pain-relieving procedures performed by Dr. Neville Mirza and Dr. Shams Qureshi at the Pain Relief Center in Downtown Clifton—the Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy—the only incision made is covered by a small bandage and the patient can be home in four hours. Having trained at George Washington University Hospital Center and as an attending neurosurgeon at area hospitals, Dr. Mirza is a much sought after specialist in Neurosurgery and Micro-Surgery and has performed over 1,500 Endoscopic Discectomy procedures of cervical and lumbar disease.

Clifton Merchant • January 2014

“I started school in 2004 and finished in 2009,” Salvatore remembered. “I got a good job with Goldman Sachs, while I was in the program.” At the time, Salvatore, now 41, was determined to prove to his new employer how hard a worker he was. “I painted pipes,” he said. “I paid my dues. I started tagging along with engineers. After three months I became a lighting mechanic. I used to deal with lighting switches; everything to do with lights. After two years of doing that, that got me an opportunity for the engineering side. I showed a little bit of a brain and that I know what’s going on.” Today, with six solid years of experience as an operating engineer, Salvatore works at Sentinel Data Center in Somerset. But he also fondly remembers when he used to paint for St. James Hospital in Newark, back when a friend of his wife first told him about Local 68’s training program. “He introduced me to the school about a year or so after I started the job with St. James,” he said. “At the time it was different than it is now. I feel like it was absolutely the best thing I could have ever done. I found something I like doing and I get paid a fair, nice wage.”

28 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Giblin said graduates of the engineering program typically find steady work and are living proof that despite the widely held notion, not everyone has to go to college to be successful. “If they take themselves seriously, so will prospective employers,” Giblin said. The Art Of Apprenticeship Giblin describes the four year program his local offers as basically a combination of schooling and onthe-job training certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Applicants, after acceptance into the program via an entrance exam, next participate in an intensive pre-apprenticeship orientation. “The way it works with apprentices is that we certify that they are attending schools,” Giblin said. “People who graduate from the Local 68 training program receive 39 credits toward an Associate’s degree. The apprentices would then need six or seven more courses for the Associate’s degree. When an apprentice comes in, it’s a four-year commitment toward education. The entire idea is to prepare students. It’s predicated on people taking state tests administered by the Department of Labor. Advancement is based on them taking the state test successfully. Once they get a job; they enjoy the benefits. They generally don’t go from job to job. Most of them have a tendency to stay put at one facility or with one company.” Giblin said that, given the nature of Local 68’s training, data centers are “a big area of emphasis” within the apprenticeship program itself, fully preparing its students to work for banks, brokerage firms and insurance companies. Out in the field, the local’s apprenticeship graduates deal with temperature and humidity control of computers and data processing equipment. “It’s not that they are full-fledged plumbers or electricians yet,” Giblin stressed. “They might find that if a light goes out or if there is a problem getting power to a certain unit they can trouble-shoot that. For example, if there is a water leak, they can isolate the problem until a plumber has the availability to come there.” Giblin said there are close to 800 IUOE members working in Atlantic County in the casino industry and another half dozen working in sports arenas. Local members also work on boilers, air conditioning units and refrigeration systems in shopping centers, department stores and at other large physical facilities.

Resources for Local Business Owners Planning on reinvesting in or relocating to Clifton? Get information, networking opportunities, grants and learn about incentives and more by contacting any of these valuable resources when starting a new local business in Clifton. The Clifton Office of Economic Development exists to assist businesses which are relocating to or reinvesting in Clifton. Director Harry Swanson provides an overview of municipal services to make the transition as smooth as possible. Swanson can also open the door to other agencies. Call 973-470-5200. Clifton Signage Program is a program offered in some business districts where funding of the cost for new signage created to meet certain criteria is subsidized. For details on this and the facade program, call City Manager Matt Watkins at 973-470-5854. The Downtown Economic Development Group oversees the Downtown Clifton Special Improvement District (SID), an area along Main Ave. from the Passaic border to Piaget Ave. The group collects an extra tax matched by city and state funds which is reinvested in the area. For info, call Angela Montague at 973-253-1455 or visit www.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 home owners, contribute to this fund, which supports and funds various programs in Botany. Contact the Joe Nikischer of the Clifton Historic Botany District (CHBD) at 609-731-5454 or go to www.historicbotany.com The Passaic County Office of Economic Development provides technical support and assistance to companies seeking to relocate or expand in any of the 16 communities it represents. The department also initiates large scale real estate projects, offers assistance in securing loans, provides info on energy initiatives and cost saving training programs, among other services. Call Director Deborah Hoffman at 973-569-4720 for details. The North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce offers an array of services for business owners. The NJRCC works as an advocate for business and industry and hosts networking events, and often arranges meetings to address specific topics. The group also has a newsletter and offers emails alerts and other services. Call 973-470-9300.

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You’re forgiven if you’re unable to locate Sebago St. Even if you have driven along Van Houten Ave. countless times, it’s easy to miss. At the edge of Athenia, with a quick turn at the railroad tracks, barely a block long, this road is home to one of Clifton’s larger businesses—Precision Electric Motor Works. From a relatively small shop originally housed in 6,000 square feet that opened in June 2000, owner Peter Zielonka and his father John have transformed Precision into one of northern New Jersey’s largest and most upto-date electric motor and pump repair facilities. The grand re-opening of the expanded facility on Dec. 6 showcased an impressive 40,000 square feet of brand spanking new, as well as renovated repair space. The company now has 38 full time employees, up from the original two, who keep the facility going, ready to respond to emergencies 24/7. 30 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Boyhood Dreams According to Peter Zielonka, ever since he was a kid, he loved to watch things be built, taken apart, then rebuilt. He still loves the hands-on, although now, he admits with a wry grin, most of his time is taken up with managing Precision. Zielonka always knew he wanted his own business, and soon after beginning it, he realized he needed a larger shop. He wanted to design a facility that could handle large motors and large equipment so that he could provide better service to existing clients, as well as bring in new ones. When the window manufacturer next door wanted to sell, Precision jumped at the opportunity to acquire the space. The expansion took about two years, and, according to Zielonka, “we have the most updated, modern facility to do electric motor repair work in north Jersey.”

The growth of the company was rapid, ten-fold in a bit more than a dozen years, and the last two geared towards physical expansion. “There’s no way I could have done this without the people around me. No way, we could have expanded this quickly,” said Zielonka. “They kept working through the construction, doing excellent work. They put in long hours. This business works as a team.” Teamwork at the Core Alex Karlicki, director of operMayor Jim Anzaldi, Pete Zielonka, Assemblyman Tom Giblin and John Zielonka. ations at Precision, confirms the ice’ but Peter really believes it. It’s our mantra here, the team approach, adding that Zielonka is not “big on customer comes first.” Karlicki, who joined Precision hierarchy” and credits Zielonka’s management style four years ago and was in sales with the HVAC firm with the smoothness of the rapid expansion. “Peter puts Trane before he joined Precision underscores, “I can’t his faith in other people, he trusts them. He’s a genuinestress this enough. His customer service exceeds anyly good guy and he’s taken his personality and put it thing I’ve ever seen.” into the business.” Although many places can fix small electric motors, Karlicki also credits Precision’s emphasis on cusnot too many can fix the pump at a water treatment tomer service for the customer loyalty that gave plant. While Precision continues to accept walk-ins at Zielonka that impetus and confidence to expand. “I the front counter, usually residential customers know everyone says ‘customer service, customer serv-

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Precision employees repair, service and fabricate electric motors and other components at Precision’s Sebago St. facility.

requesting small repairs, the building now includes cavernous bays for trucks and cranes bringing in huge motors that weigh several tons. “The doors to let the trucks in are 16x16 feet,” said Karlicki, “and we even have one bay with a catwalk that has a crane that can hoist a 10 ton motor and another that can easily handle and move a 7.5 ton motor. We fix everything from a one-quarter hp ceiling fan motor to motors up to 5000 hp used in refineries.” “We have teams going on-site to do routine maintenance, such as at hospitals,” said Zielonka, “but drivers are out there all day, every day, bringing in work. Emergencies, such a fixing a pump at an oil refinery, or fan in a laboratory cooling system, are a substantial part of our business.” One of those emergencies was Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. “I came into work the next morning,” said Karlicki, “and trucks from a local utility company were sitting outside our facility filled with motors.” It was the hurricane, and then the early snowfall and the ensuing arctic-like temps that year that brought in both a lot of work and a lot of long days for Precision. According to Karlicki, “I remember walking in one day and seeing the guys working with snow blowing in. For a while we worked with no roof since we had lost part of it to the hurricane.” People were working in an openair shop to get everybody up and going. “A lot of us were doing 18-hour-days for weeks.” 32 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Karlicki again states that it is not so much that they got new customers because of the hurricane, but that their bonds with their current customers became much tighter. Since good word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow a reputation, this tight loyalty is important for the business. Both Karlicki and Zielonka note that the successful and rapid growth of Precision is also due in large part to the expertise the company offers. “Peter has surrounded himself with people who have been in the business for 30 to 50 years,” emphasized Karlicki. “That kind of expertise is hard to find, hard to replace.” One of those experts is John Zielonka, 78, who had almost four decades of experience in the repair of electric motors before joining his son to establish Precision; he continues to work there. “My father does a lot of the specialized work. You can’t replace experience like his. It’s invaluable,” said Zielonka. “Both my parents, my mother Antonina, my father John, both gave me a lot and gave up a lot to be with me to grow this business. My father taught me that you just do what needs to get done. My work ethic comes from him.” “Not that long along, places would have their own in-house repair shops, the kind my father worked in” added Zielonka, “but that has changed. Now everyone just wants to sub out the work. But not that many places are able to handle it on an expert level.”

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That Personalized Touch Besides the scarcity of facilities qualified to handle the repair of large electric motors, fewer places still train people to do the exacting and detailed work of rewind and repair. Zielonka, 40, himself studied electric motor repair at Southwest Minnesota State University; that program, however, is no longer offered. Zielonka also isn’t sure why so few technical schools offer training in electric motor repair, “since almost everything, from home ceiling fans to hospital emergency room equipment to motors used in waste water disposal, has a motor driven by electricity.” So Precision invests heavily in employee training. “We are a UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) certified facility,” said Zielonka, “and follow strict regulations, and compliances. We work with motors that are found in dangerous, volatile environments, like pumps in oil refineries. You can’t just walk in and do this job.” Precision participates in public bids for large contracts, and has a sales staff that cold calls, as well as works with currents clients. Good service is still the best referral, notes Karlicki and “you never know if the guy who brought in his ceiling fan to get fixed is also the owner of his own company. Plus, people change jobs, and their new boss asks for a recommendation and they remember us and then we get a new customer.” Zielonka says Precision gets a number of small business referrals from parishioners at his church, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on President St., near Botany Village, where he is very involved. “I’ve known Peter my whole life,” said Karlicki, “we were both altar boys at St. Nick’s. We went to school together and now our kids attend St. Nicks. He’s a really active part of the church and supporter of the school.” Karlicki notes that the same talents that Zielonka applies to building his business he applies to building his community. “I know that he personally supports events in our community, is a big sponsor of the annual beefsteak to help the school, and involves the company in projects that help Clifton. One that we did was overhaul and rehabilitate an old military cannon that is now on display at City Hall.” 34 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

More than 300 people attended Precision’s re-opening celebration and reception, which was catered by another Clifton business, Polonia Meat Market on Van Houten. Among the guests was Rev. Andriy Dudkevych of St. Nicholas Church. “Not only did Father Andriy do a beautiful blessing,” grinned Zielonka, “but the church made us a cake in the shape of a motor!” The other cake at the celebration came from Cake Boss, with design help from Zielonka’s wife Jody and their three children Nicholas, 12, Alex, 10 and Anna, 7. Although Zielonka spent his childhood in Clifton, he and his family and parents now live in Wallington. “Yet my father and I, we definitely knew we always wanted to be in Clifton,” said Zielonka, “Clifton is a good town, and the town has been good to us. It’s centrally located, we like the people.” Most of us pay little if any attention to motors, even though, as Zielonka noted, they are ever present in our lives—little fans in our computers, bigger ones in our great rooms, pumps pulling sewage out of neighborhoods or sending water in, cooling units in commercial kitchens, school classrooms, hospital ICUs. During the past few decades, the design and complexity of these motors has undergone a major change. Motors once fueled by coal or gasoline are now powered by electricity. Yet Zielonka’s never forgotten what got him into the business of electric motor repair in the first place: the kick he gets from fixing what’s broken. Luckily for Clifton’s economy, and for all his satisfied customers with big and small repair needs alike, Zielonka has chosen to keep those motors humming and thrumming right here on Segago St. in Athenia.

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Taxable Net Interest Interest 28%tax Net E UDFNHW $IWHU 7D[ $IWHU 7D[ Value EUDFNHW vs deferred 10,216.00 84.00 10,436.67 172.33 10,662.10 265.17 10,892.40 362.69 465.07 11,127.68 11,368.04 572.48 685.15 11,613.59 11,864.44 , 803.26 927.02 12,120.71 12,382.52 , 1,056.64 , 1,192.35 12,649.98 12,923.22 1,334.38 1,482.97 13,202.36 13,487.53 1,638.36 1,800.81 13,778.86 14,076.48 , 1,970.58 , 2,147.94 14,380.53 14,691.15 , 2,333.17 , 2,523.61 15,011.44 2,725.41 15,335.69 Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

Story by Joe Hawrylko

Made in Athenia! Henry Kedron stands in front of a replica of Danish astronomer Tycho Braheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armillary sphere, used to measure the longitude and latitude of stars. The sphere is still on display at the U.S National Museum in the Smithsonian Institution.

36 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

From 1950 to 1968, products were Made in Clifton which were so uniquely outstanding that they can still be found in the Smithsonian Institution. It was the heyday of innovation in Athenia, specifically at 19 Sebago St., where L.C. Eichner Instruments, specializing in custom-engineered scientific instruments, was located. “We received orders from all over the world. Our facilities were capable of creating things you simply could not find anywhere else,” recalled Henry Kedron, former plant manager and precision instrument maker, who first started work at the firm in 1944. Many of these instruments were so well-regarded that they attracted customers from all corners of the scientific community, everywhere from astronomy to medicine. Among the more notable clients were NASA, the Smithsonian Institution itself, IBM, various universities (including Columbia and Princeton) plus individual scientists and physicians.

Danish Diligence Founded in Bloomfield in 1944 by Laurits Christian Eichner, the company was originally a mass production parts plant. With a forced 1950 relocation to Clifton due to the newly constructed Garden State Parkway— and thanks to a few tough customers—L.C. Eichner left mass production and focused on custom engineering... and the business began to take off. “Mr. Eichner gained quite a reputation,” said Kedron. “He was known as the ‘Damn Dane’, a very social, double-fisted drinker with a hard head.” Perhaps a reputation such as Eichner’s would not go far in business today, but back then his innovation and can-do attitude pushed the firm ahead. “As hard-headed as he was, Mr. Eichner would always do what he said he would do. He was a genius and everyone respected this,” added Kedron in an admiring tone.

Clifton Merchant • January 2014

On Sebago St. 1965, L. C. Eichner, his wife, staff and Henry Kedron, the assistant to Mr. Eichner, who said: “We received orders from all over the world. Our facilities were capable of creating things you simply could not find anywhere else.”

“Mr. Eichner was actually a very kind man, even if he was quite demanding of his employees.” His ever-changing staff, however, never numbered more than a dozen, only one of which held a degree. Work at L.C. Eichner was demanding, and largely an on-the-job learning experience. The staff was led by Kedron, who was also the principal assistant. “I literally became known as the ‘right hand man’ of Mr. Eichner since he was a lefty,” said Kedron. “I apprenticed most of the new workers.”

38 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Products Beyond Compare Through the management by Eichner and the hard work of Kedron and his fellow staffers, L.C. Eichner Instruments developed some of the most unique and advanced products to ever be manufactured here in Clifton. “For NASA, we developed an unmanned balloon to carry special camera equipment to over 81,000 feet high for photos of the sun,” noted Kedron, who today is 87 years of age and reflects fondly on his days in Clifton. “We were the first to achieve photos from this height, besting a joint effort that the British and French had tried earlier in 1957.” The results gave researchers some of the first close up photos of the sun and literally shed new light on information previously unknown about the sun. “We also developed two Goniometers for NASA, which measured the moon rocks brought back from the moon,” added Kedron. Goniometers both measure angles and allow objects to be rotated to a precise angular position. In addition to NASA, the company worked closely with Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, where they introduced a what was a new procedure for putting screws into broken bones. This project, from inception to adaptation, took approximately three months, said Kedron, for a procedure still being used today by orthopedists.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

The Washington Connection L.C. Eichner Instruments also had a longstanding relationship with the Smithsonian Institution as a regular customer. “We made over 100 items, dealing with everything from astronomy to mechanical machines, which are on display at the Smithsonian,” Kedron says. “The former Director at the Today, 19 Sebago St. is the home of Premier Auto Glass but in generations past Smithsonian Museum, Robert P. it served as a manufacturing plant with items that have ended up on display in Multhauf, actually wrote a letter the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., the world’s largest museum complex. of recommendation for me, namWhile L.C. Eichner Instruments is long gone from ing me Eichner’s brightest pupil, after my career with Sebago St., Kedron remembers his time there with a L.C. Instruments ended.” great sense of pride and joy for being part of a Clifton Following Eichner’s death in 1968, his widow sold business that achieved so much during its relatively the company and Kedron subsequently left the busishort corporate existence. ness. Having done a stint in the Navy, he used the G.I. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Kedron, a Bill to attend night courses at Kean University resident of Hasbrouck Heights, emphasized. He graduated in 1975 with a Industrial Arts teaching And you’ll get a thorough sense of how much his degree, then went on to enjoy a second career as an former employer achieved in 24 productive years the Industrial Arts teacher at Northern Highlands Regional next time you visit the Smithsonian yourself. High School where he taught until retiring in 1987.

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By Carol Leonard

While not every kid about to enter high school has a clear idea of a career goal that he or she would like to pursue, for three local young people the decision to attend Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) in Wayne has provided the connection they needed to help lead them on that path. One is a Class of 2000 alumnus, another is a more recent graduate, and the third is currently a senior at the Wayne-based school. Each of them also now works for Sax Macy Fromm & Co., an accounting firm located on Valley Rd., which serves as a business partner with PCTI. Eddie Rivera, who is the firm’s tax manager, was born and raised in Paterson until moving with his family to Clifton as a teenager in the 1990s. When it came time to choose a high school, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Hector and attend PCTI. “I always had a problem with traditional schooling, so I wanted something with a more hands-on program,” he said. The curriculum at PCTI includes the usual state required menu of courses in math, language arts, science, social studies, and health and physical education, which students attend in the morning.

42 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

PCTI high school senior Luz De La Cruz is doing an internship at Sax Macy Fromm & Co., the accounting firm on Valley Rd.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

But the rest of the day is focused on an intensive and progressive study in the area of interest each student chooses. In Rivera’s case, this was business and accounting. “My father is a CPA (certified public accountant) and when I was a kid I would go to his office and watch him work,” he said. “I always knew that was what I wanted to do.” As seniors at PCTI, students are required to work in a paid internship program as part of their curriculum. After spending the morning in classes at school, they report to their assigned work site for real world career exposure during the afternoon. Rivera was fortunate enough to get approval to work with his dad, Heriberto Rivera, who operates a solo accounting practice on Lakeview Ave. in Clifton, although it wasn’t always smooth sailing between the two. “Your parent can be your toughest boss,” the younger Rivera said of his father. “He’s a little old fashion, so sometimes we had a hard time working together, but I have to admit I learned a ton from him and I got to see his professional side.” Rivera was also impressed by his father’s work ethic. “He came from nothing and became a very successful guy,” he said. “I was always mesmerized by that.” Following high school, Rivera went on to William Paterson University (WPU), where he majored in accounting and continued to work for his dad part-time. In his senior year at WPU, he was accepted for an internship with Sax Macy Fromm & Co. and has been with the firm ever since. While working full-time, Rivera earned his master’s degree in taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University as well as his CPA. Over the years, he moved up the career ladder from junior accountant to associate accountant and senior accountant before being promoted into his current position as tax manager. He hopes to someday make it to partner at the company, which has just merged with another accounting firm located in Albany, NY. Rivera, who is married and has two young sons, believes that the education he received at PCTI provided him with an advantage in college and in his job. “I’m a firm believer in the value of vocational and charter schools,” he said. 44 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

PCTI class of 2000, Eddie Rivera, got his start with an internship and is now a CPA at Sax Macy Fromm & Co.

Living the American Dream Born in Poland, Magdelena Krowka came to the United States and settled with her family in Clifton when she was seven years-old. Not speaking a word of English at the time, for about a year-and-a-half she attended School 13, which hosts the ESL (English-as-aSecond-Language) program for Polish speaking children. Once she learned English well enough to be placed in regular classes, she transferred to School 1 in the neighborhood where she lived. Math was always Krowka’s favorite subject and, when it came time for high school, she decided to apply to PCTI. “I knew that it was considered to be a very good school and I was interested in a career in business and accounting,” she said. “I always heard that you could get a good job in this area and I thought this would be a good place for me to prepare for that.” As a freshman at PCTI, Krowka applied for admission as a sophomore to the school’s Academy of Finance, which offers advanced courses and training for students interested in accounting, banking, financial planning, corporate and international finance, real estate, insurance and other finance-related pro-

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

46 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

“One of the partners told me that fessions. Only a percentage of stuit’s best to experience every departdents who apply for the program are ment before deciding what I want to accepted following a rigorous do,” she said. “I’m thinking about review and interview process. auditing, but I’m not sure yet.” PCTI’s two other advanced study With the college-level credits she academies are Information earned while at PCTI, Krowka is Technology and Medical Arts, and ahead of schedule in her program at the school also offers programs in WPU and feels that she is also leanpreparation for a variety careers, ing a great deal at her internship. including culinary arts, engineering “It’s hectic, but through this job I technology, cosmetology, performknow that I can go places,” she said. ing arts and others. “I’ve grown up faster and I underIn the Academy of Finance, stustand responsibility.” dents have access to a business Krowka feels that the preparation facility with state-of-the-art computshe received at PCTI prepared her ers and automated accounting sysvery well for college level courses, tems. particularly her classes in financial One of the school’s business partaccounting and economics. “Pretty ners, Columbia Bank, has a full2012 PCTI grad Magdelena much my first year of college I service bank branch on campus, Krowka attends WPU while she knew everything from high school,” which also serves as a living classworks at Sax Macy Fromm & Co. she said. “There were people in my room for students. classes who were so confused, but I totally understood Krowka took advantage of the opportunity to learn everything.” through competitions in resume writing, interviewing and others offered through the school’s chapter of the Learning All She Can FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). She Luz De La Cruz is a current senior at PCTI and also served as president of the club as well as president of holds an internship at Sax Macy Fromm & Co. her class during her junior and senior years. Like Rivera, she decided to follow in the footsteps of She also earned 13 college credits through the an older sibling and attend PCTI. Her sister, Anny, school’s affiliation with Berkeley College by completgraduated from the criminal justice program at the ing certain qualifying advanced courses in physics, hisschool and now attends John Jay College of Criminal tory and a management elective, and was awarded a Justice in NY. $500 scholarship from Berkeley. “I used to visit the school (PCTI) when my sister As a senior, Krowka was accepted for an internship was there and I just loved it,” De La Cruz said. “It looks at Sax Macy Fromm & Co. and the firm was so like a college campus and they have a lot to offer. They impressed with her work that she was offered a continhave a great program in finance and business.” uation of the internship after graduating from PCTI in Like Krowka, De La Cruz enjoyed math while growJune 2012. ing up. “I always had a passion for it and I knew that I The following fall, she enrolled as a full-time wanted to do something related to math,” she said. accounting major at William Paterson University. After As a freshman, she started out in the business shop attending classes at the college in the morning, she for her afternoon program and then decided to apply to works about 25-30 hours a week at her internship job. She is considered to be a member of the business the Academy of Finance. services team, but also helps out as needed with the As with Krowka, her acceptance relied upon a marketing team, human resources and the firm’s finanreview of her grades and recommendations from teachcial advisors. ers as well as an interview. When it came time 48 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

for her to be placed in an internship, her advisor suggested that she apply to Sax Macy Fromm & Co. “She said I would be a perfect fit for the them,” De La Cruz said. Over the four months that she

50 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

has been with the firm, she has spent time working with the marketing team and has helped with preparing financial statements and tax returns. “They try to get me involved to get a taste of everything,” she said. “They’re very patient and they encourage me to ask questions so I can learn.” De La Cruz continues to attend classes in the morning at PCTI and then reports to her internship job from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Interns at the firm start with $8.50 an hour and have an opportunity for raises later on. She also works part-time on weekends at Dunkin Donuts to help with her expenses. De La Cruz is in the process of completing college applications. Included on her list of potential schools are Rutgers, Montclair State, Rider, Rowan, Monmouth

and William Paterson universities as well as Ramapo and Caldwell colleges. Her decision about where to go will depend upon her budget and the financial aid for which she may be eligible. She said she plans to major in finance or something related. “You can’t go wrong with numbers,” she commented. In the meantime, she is enjoying being a high school senior and is trying to learn as much as possible at her internship. The experience has helped her broaden her idea of other careers related to accounting that she might like to pursue. And she feels very lucky to have the opportunity that her program at PCTI has provided. “Not everyone my age can say they work at an accounting firm,” she said.

St. Mary High School 64 Chestnut St., Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-933-5220 • www.stmaryhs.org

Open House

Sunday, Jan. 26 2-4pm

Become a

“Gael For A Day!”

We’re St. Mary High School, a/k/a “The Gaels,” and we proudly term ourselves “Small, Personal and Catholic” If you’d like to find out for yourself what that really means, and how our complete commitment to those words can help your child achieve his/her own best, then please consider our “Gael For a Day” program. Prospective students spend a day “shadowing” a Gael throughout an “average” school day at St. Mary. The objective is to explore the special bond that develops between our students and all of us at our nearby small, personal, Catholic high school. For further information, and for the opportunity to explore firsthand how being a “Gael For A Day” can lead to a lifetime of academic and personal achievement, call Mike Sheridan, our Admissions Director, at 201-933-5220, x270. Clifton Merchant • January 2014

Trunk or Treating at Rainbow Montessori in Botany Village, Marching Paladin drum major Tyler Vandenberg, Hot Grill counter gal Yanina Rios.

Paul Aguggia the new chair and CEO of Clifton Savings and Clifton Firefigher Steven Turi.

John and Kristen Fette at the April 18 opening of their Infiniti Showroom.

CHS lacrosse player Brendan Schreiber who on March 1 found out he had Lymphoma. He is now healed and a CHS senior.

The cast of the CHS March Musical, at right, the June 9 PBA 36 Freed Roast Motorcycle Ride. Below right, Bobby Castronovo top guy at NYCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beacon Theater. Below, CHS coaches Ron Shekitka, Kareem West, Nick Romanak.

52 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

J anuary 2013 IN REVIEW

mall businesses are often touted by economists and politicians as the heartbeat of the economy. Our cover story celebrated several local family-owned businesses. Among them was Jimmy Corrado and how Corrado’s Family Affair grew to a regional brand. We also profiled PostNet’s Todd Friedman, and his shipping and business center on Valley Rd. Friedman was featured on CBS’s Undercover Boss in a segment which had the owner of the franchise working here in Clifton.

Profiled in January: The late James Corrado who remains an inspiration for the family-owned supermarket bearing his name. Billy Meltzer of Meltzer’s Sporting Goods explains how his retail business is reaching 100 years. Gerry Touhey of the Grande Saloon on keeping a landmark watering hole well stocked. Entrepreneurs and Pinball Wizards Gene Gulich and Ron Kochel do good for kids with disabilities. Brian Tangora, the new President of NJRCC.

Students from Clifton High School, St. Andrew’s RC School and Schools 2, 3 and 9 participated in a “Snowflakes for Sandy Hook” project. Clifton resident Laurie Kirwin championed the cause in which students created ‘snowflakes’ following the Dec. 14, 2012 shooting of 20 children and six adult staff members in a mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Working with Sandy Hook’s PTSA, Kirwin had the snowflakes delivered to Connecticut to help decorate the previously vacant Chalk Hill Middle School in Monroe, Conn., chosen as Sandy Hook’s permanent new school after the shootings. Clifton was awarded $200,000 from the Passaic County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to improve the Clifton Main Memorial Park Pond, particularly with regard to its water level. Because of flooding during storms, residents along Park Slope often face overflow into their properties. The grant money would allow Clifton to install a water control device in the pond.

The 9th Clifton Relay for Life kickoff with a real Elvis impersonator and a Las Vegas theme was held on Jan. 20 in the Senior Center. Relay for Life was staged June 8 and 9 at Clifton Stadium. The overnight walk and vigil celebrates cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the fight against the disease, and helps to raise funds and awareness to continue research. The 10th Clifton Relay for Life theme is What A Difference a Decade Makes. The kickoff for volunteers, teams and the curious is Jan. 25 at 1 pm at the Senior Citizen Center, on the City Hall Complex. The 10th Annual Relay for Life begins May 31 at 2 pm and continues to 6 am on June 1 at the Clifton Stadium. For details, go to www.relayforlife.org/cliftonnj. Dean Corizzi and Al Di Benedetto (aka Punk Rock Bagels) of Plaza Bagels and Deli celebrated 25 years of serving Clifton and Passaic County on Jan. 21 by rolling back prices on their bagels to what they charged back in 1988 when they opened their doors. From Jan. 21 to 24, bagels were 35 cents each—$4.20 a dozen. Clifton Merchant • January 2014

J anuary 2013 IN REVIEW The Hot Grill was featured on WLNY-TV 10/55’s Mobile Coach: Dine on Demand. Led by journalist Alex Denis, the show’s crew recorded an hour spot with the Grill’s owner, Domenick Sportelli, before touring the kitchen and munching on some famous Texas Wieners. Montclair State University overturned its suspension of a student it had punished for making fun of the weight of another student. Joseph Aziz, a member of MSU’s Young Americans for Liberty club, had previously been suspended for making the comments after the fellow student and her boyfriend made disparaging comments about Republican politician Steve Lonegan, who had recently made an appearance at the college. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) assisted in Aziz’s appeal. . CHS hosted a Maynard Ferguson tribute concert on Jan. 16. The concert, performed by the Clifton-based One More Once Big Band, featured high-note trumpet specialist Matt Gallagher playing the part of Ferguson, a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader. One More Once features Clifton alumni Lou Imperato, Glen Lebitsch, Ryan Krewer, Joe Verderese and Karen Verderese-Seiz. Top, Punk Rock Plaza Bagel makers Dean Corizzi and Al Di Benedetto. Below, Alex Davis and Dom Sportelli at the Hot Grill muching on weiners and Frenchy all the way.

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Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

F ebruary 2013 IN REVIEW

he February edition features love stories from all over Clifton, with Frank and Nina Corradino kissing on the cover. Other features include a story about Dominick and Barbara Maak and Melissa and Kevin Vogel, who are committee members for the Relay for Life. Also featured Johnny Manganiotis (aka Mr. Cupcakes) and his fiancé, Laura Sans as well as Thomas and Annelise Garretson of the Shook Funeral Home, signmakers Michael and Meghan Placko and other happy couples. Mary Anne Hatala Bowen of Liberty Tax Service in Richfield Shopping Center with Bob Foster, Director of Clifton’s Boys & Girls Club.

Clifton PD Detective Ed Snack’s life was recalled, telling how his 400 sketches of bad guys helped solve many regional crimes. U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg retired Feb 15, and died at the age of 89 on June 3. His family once operated a candy store on the corner of Main and Luddington Aves.

Clifton’s IHOP on Rt. 3, celebrated National Pancake Day on Feb. 5 as some 1,172 shortstacks were served at no charge. Patrons, in return, donated $1,172 to the Children’s Miracle Network, the beneficiary of this nationwide effort.

56 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Hatala is continuing the same offer as last year: She will give a $20 discount and make a $20 donation to the Boys Club when readers file 2013 tax returns with her fim before April 10.

About 70 people attended Clifton Rec’s “Dinner and a Movie” on Feb 21 at the Community Recreation Center. The movie was “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”. Participants decorated their own popcorn bags, colored and enjoyed snacks from the candy bar while watching the movie. Volunteers assisted as servers throughout the evening. Dinner by the Famous Midtown Grill included hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburger, French fries, and beverages. The city eliminated its housing officer position, absorbing its duties into other positions. Some of the responsibilities formerly held by the Housing Officer will now be performed by the City Engineer and the Ordinance Supervisor Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer (a new position created to replace the current Zoning Officer post). A new tree maintenance worker position was created, as well.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

F ebruary 2013 IN REVIEW Over 250 people packed the Boys & Girls Club to watch Super Bowl XLVII, as the club hosted its 15th annual alcohol and gambling free party. Families enjoyed a myriad of activities including games and swimming. Admission was a non-perishable food item. All the food was collected by the Club’s Keystoners for donation to St. Peter’s Haven community food pantry.

Barbara Hagen, who teaches at St. Andrew’s School, and her husband Richard, shared their love story and told of how music (Richard is a professional and is seen with his French Horn ) and Monday date nights play into their long marriage.

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58 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Feb. 6 was National Signing Day for 2013 high school athletes. CHS Mustangs Erick Ferrars (baseball, now attends Lackawana College) and Matt Miazga (soccer at University of Michigan) inked their letters of intent.

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

M arch 2013 IN REVIEW

aja Salloum, the liaison to the Arab-American community for the Mental Health Association in Passaic County, explained the unique challenges Arab-Americans face in receiving treatment for mental health issues. We featured Sheryll Franko’s work in film, particularly surrounding mental health issues, and told of Nick Lavender’s struggle with Crohn’s disease. In a feature entitled Transplanting Love, Karel Choteborsky explained how his 31-year-old daughter Mary donated a kidney, saving his life.

113 Pound Mustang wrestler Jean DuBois went deeper than any wrestler since Corey Bleaken in the NJSIAA state individual wrestling tournament, making it to the state semifinals. There, on March 4, he lost to Don Bosco Prep’s Luis Gonzalez, who ultimately won the tournament. DuBois, a junior in 2013, finished the season 38-3, winning district, county and region championships. Some students from the University of Vermont spend their Spring Break hunkered down in Clifton’s City Green to do spring clean ups to some 45 school and community gardens. City Green is on the former Schultheis’ Farm on Grove St. and offers practical, technical and financial support to revitalize urban communities. For more about City Green, contact Jennifer Papa, Executive Director at 973-800-8197 or visit www.citygreenonline.org. 60 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

From left, Nick Lavender who never gave up on his dreams even after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Cancer survivor Theresa Colon with her husband Irving. Karel and Dolores Choteborsky, with their daughter Mary in the center, and Clifton dentist Dr. Maria Sokolina.

Jessica Markovich was crowned Miss New Jersey USA Ambassador on March 17. The Irish American Cultural Institute’s 20th annual Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day ball honored Kevin Cummings, CEO and President of Investors Bank, as the 2013 Annie Moore recipient. He was presented by Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, the 2012 recipient.

M arch 2013 IN REVIEW

On March 4, Clifton School One students and teachers Eugene Thurston and Christine Nydam, visited the Passaic County Elks C.P. elementary school to meet and read to students of the Center, in honor of Read Across America day.

St. Clare Parish celebrated its 100th year of serving the Catholics of Delawanna with a liturgy on March 10 with Bishop Arthur Serratelli in attendance. St. Clare was incorporated in 1913, and obtained parish status in 1941. Robert Shaker received the Bronze Pelican Award from Bishop Serratelli at its annual Scout Sunday Mass. Shakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affiliation with St. Philip the Apostle Troop 21 spans over two decades, during which time he has served as Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Advancement Chair. The Bronze Pelican is awarded to adult Boy Scout leaders who have shown exemplary service to the Scouts and their respective religious organizations.

On March 9 the Mustang Pride Basketball team played the Harlem Wizards at CHS. Kneeling: Mark Gengaro and Tom DiDonna. Middle: coaches Krystal Cevallos and AnnMarie Genneken. Back: Steve Shukaitis, Jack Jaeger, Bob Foster, Tafari Anderson and Joe Kolodziej. With funds benefitting Clifton Public Schools, the Wizards won, 104-91.

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

A pril 2013 IN REVIEW

or this edition, we tracked down Cliftonites who have awesome, unique jobs. There was horseman Derek Drobenak, a 22-year-old Valley Rd. resident, and Robert Castronovo, the 2000 CHS grad who runs things at the famous Beacon Theater in NYC. Readers recognized Yanina Rios, who shouts out orders over at the Hot Grill. We told of how Cliftonite and business owner Mike Najda is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). And a Clifton History tidbit—on how the PaceMaster 600 treadmill was invented on Colfax Ave. by William Staub. The Clifton Rec Department held its 14th Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 15. The theme was Volunteers…We Can’t Spell Success Without U. Pictured at left are some of the Board of Recreation officers and volunteers honored. members. They included Sponsor of the Year Garden Palace Lanes; the Recreation Staff Woman of the Year Ashley Leeshock; the Recreation Staff Man of the Year Dustin Malaszuk; the Youth Service Award Felipe Rodriguez; the Recreation Service Award Joe Nikischer; the 2012 Friend of Recreation Floyd Hall Enterprises. To find out about volunteering, call 973-470-5956.

In a straight-out-of-the-movies scenario, the Tick Tock Diner on Route 3 became the center of a murderfor-hire plot. On April 9, Georgios Spyropoulos was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and more for arranging to kill his uncle. The intended victim, Alexandros Sgourdos, is the coowner of the dining landmark. The goal of the plot was to get a greater share of profits. State police detectives foiled the plot and closed the case in November with the help of an informant. 62 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton-born international soccer star Giuseppe Rossi finished a 16-month rehabilitation process following a torn ACL, allowing him to get back on the field for Italian club Florentina. Rossi had spent much of the previous year in New Jersey, recovering and training for his eventual comeback. Rossi, the son of the late Clifton boys soccer coach Fernando and his wife Cleo, has always publicly maintained pride in his Mustang roots, acknowledging his trips home with excitement and joy via social media.

A pril 2013 IN REVIEW Next time you’re on an airplane or train and toss debris into a plastic trash bag, chances are that four-by-three foot polyethylene item was Made in Clifton. Those bags and others are customized at the Champion Plastics Division of X-L Plastics on Clifton Blvd. With over 100 factory employees, and more than 50 others in sales and support, the company operates 24/7, with three shifts around the clock, producing over 250,000 pounds of finished product daily. The firm was among our April features. At its sixth annual Msgr. Doody scholarship beefsteak dinner, St. Philip the Apostle Knights of Columbus honored retired Passaic County veteran’s coordinator Tom Miller as well as former pastor administrator Msgr. Kevin Flannigan. The dinner’s goal was to raise awareness and funds for the Msgr. Doody Scholarship Fund. School 4 students got a very realistic glimpse into what it was like in Colonial America. Moving through stations of “colonial representatives,” they received lessons of how wives provided domestics services in exchange for half ration army provisions. They also got to sample pieces of colonial life like various educational resources, money and clothing. School 5 celebrated its 100th anniversary as former students, teachers and parents all returned to the Mountainside school on Valley Rd. to tour and reminisce. The celebration was coordinated by physical education teacher John Silva, who narrated a slide show chronicling the history of the city and school. Those attending also viewed historical photos, documents and yearbooks on display.

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M ay 2013 IN REVIEW

he May edition focused on our Veterans. On the cover is Johnny Ace, a former Cliftonite who served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. Also inside is a story about Dr. Gregory Zipf, who was an opthamologist in the Army during the 80s in Berlin, Germany, where he treated the infamous Nazi, Rudolf Hess. There’s also a story about Woodrow Wilson students and teachers honoring veterans at their 13th annual Veterans Teaching History program.

Adriana and Jeffrey with best man and grandfather, 99 year old Frank Hahofer, at the couple’s May 31 wedding. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra violinst Debra Biderman is a 1964 CHS grad who returned to the school with the NJSO to perform with students in an assembly on May 29.

The New 4 U Thrift Shop on Lakeview Ave. on May 10 made TV news when the store’s owner found a wire-covered vest in a storage locker he had purchased at an auction. Believing the item might be a bomb, he called police, who sequestered a four-block area and forced residents to evacuate homes. Detonated by the Passaic County Sheriff’s bomb squad, they determined the item was an old movie prop and of no danger. Woodrow Wilson Middle School students raised $22,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the highest total for any school in New Jersey. Using a variety of fundraising tactics including bake sales and class competitions, the school’s total also ranked eighth in the nation. 64 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Johnny Ace in Vietnam. Inset, a recent photo.

Clifton Firefighters Derek Cotten, Cpt. Ryan Fitzsimmons, Lt. Gary Tufaro and other Clifton Firefighters collected food for the St. Peter’s Haven Food Pantry. Albin Zwiazek at the May 27 Memorial Day Service in Downton Clifton.

M ay 2013 IN REVIEW Clifton businesses and residents helped Clifton PBA 36 members raise over $21,000 for the Police Unity Tour, a national campaign to honor police officer killed in the line of duty. Bicyclists Robert Bais, Randy Colondres, Daniel Ishak and Tom Hawrylko pedaled to Washington D.C. on May 9-12. They were supported by Mike Adamo, Brian Fopma, Gary Giardina, Derek Fogg, Stacey Costa, Robert Bielstein, Michael McLaughlin and Mark Centurione. The 300 Cliftonites who have perished while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces were honored on Memorial Day at Main Memorial Park. Those from Clifton lost during war have their names inscribed on the memorial at the park. In addition, over 1,500 flags were on display throughout the City Hall campus for the annual Avenue of Flags tribute to honor veterans both living and deceased.

A Place to Learn, Grow & Have Fun! Ophthalmologist Dr. Greg Zipf while in the US Army treated the infamous Nazi Rudolf Hess. He is pictured with his brother, John, a retired Clifton Police Officer.

Clifton’s Patricia Dunn was honored by the Passaic County Elks Club C.P. Center on Main Ave. on May 17 for her 35 years of service. She has acted as an administrative assistant, and as such, has been an integral part of the organization’s fundraising efforts, grant writing and technological advances. She also coordinates the Center’s annual high school prom. State investigators raided 29 bars and restaurants, including TGI Friday’s on Route 3 on May 22, following an investigation that it had been serving cheaper brands of liquor as higher-priced spirits with bigger names. The investigators, from the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control stated that it found that the businesses had filled premium brand bottles with cheaper liquor to increase profits. The raids and probe were known as “Operation Swill.” A consumer lawsuit was filed later in the year, as well.

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

J une 2013 IN REVIEW

hat’s next for the Class of 2013? Hundreds of grads from CHS, St. Mary’s, Paramus Catholic and Don Bosco high schools tell us about their hopes, dreams and fondest memories. We profiled kids going to top ten schools, the military and on to the working world. We also uncovered the lass behind the Mustang mascot costume for 2012 and 2013—what, you thought that was a real horse? We also explained why CHS’s Key Club keeps right on growing.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Philip’s the Apostle Council held its fourth annual Tank Pull on June 23. Funds raised went to the Wounded Warrior Project, as well as the Clifton Veterans’ Committee and Paramus Veterans’ Home. Teams of 30 groups took turns to pull a 27-ton, four-man M42 Korean War tank between St. James Place and Olga B. Terrace. PBA 36’s Freedom Roast began at Clifton’s Avenue of Flags on June 9 as 300 motorcyclists paraded through Eagle Rock Park in West Orange to North Arlington Cemetery to honor fallen military heroes, including Jorge Oliveira, formerly of the Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. Riders returned to the Masonic Lodge on Van Houten Ave. for a pig roast honoring Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda. Organized by Clifton Police Officers John Kavakich, Steve Farrell and Wayne Stine, the goal is to welcome and honor Wounded Warriors and others who served or are currently serving in the U. S. military.

Dutch Hill Residents Association awarded two $750 scholarships to CHS Seniors Andrew Mulick and Gregory Gwyn at their June 29 meeting.

2013 CHS grad Tricia Montague kept it quiet but we spilled the beans on the Mustang within the mascot.

Some graduates who appeared on our cover from left, Kenneth Barilari, Vina Tailor, Mark Surgent, Valerie Marcucci, Gregory Jobeless, Sasha Lukaszczyk, Ammar Ibrahim, Nick Hawrylko, Nisha Shah, Chris DiFalco, Nicole Berthold, Andrew Roennau, Jaclyn Scotto, Nicholas Martin, Nicholas Martin, JoAnn Bartnik and Joseph Cupoli.

66 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

J une 2013 IN REVIEW

CCMS teachers and staff (above) threw down a challenge to their peers at WWMS. A fund-raising face-off in the fourth annual June 23 Knight of Columbus Tank Pull which yielded a combined $3,000 for Wounded Warriors.

Elvis Kevin Vogel led the charge against cancer at Clifton Stadium.

CCMS teacher Kim (Carline) Dreher coordinated the 8th Locks of Love and had staff, students and friends clip 2,413 inches of hair, including those pictured above. Locks of Love provides hairpieces to children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. The 9th event is on May 19 at CCMS. To participate, write to kdreher@cliftonschools.net

Clifton’s Relay for Life took place at Clifton Stadium began at dusk on June 8 and ended at daybreak on June 9 with the Vegas theme Don’t Bet on Cancer, Bet on a Cure. The overnight celebration involves teams camping out, taking turns walking the track in a relay style. At nightfall, participants lit luminary candles around the track in a ceremony honoring cancer survivors, as well as those who have passed away due to the disease.

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J uly 2013 IN REVIEW

hat has become of those Mustangs? From the 1953 class leaving Clifton just as a little nation nicknamed “Nam” crept into public consciousness to those who walked in 2003 into what was a growing economy. It has become our July tradition to catch up with grads on milestone years. So well before the summer, contact us if you graduated in 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994 or 2004.

Joseph Hawrylko, Alicia Feghhi, Brian Kennedy, Diane Canavan, Mark Ponikowski, Lisa Giaconia, Vincent Malba, Amy Hudak, John Hanrahan, Jacqueline Ference, Anthony Hinson, Jeannine Carlo, Steven Bivaletz, Donna De Liberto, Robert Bertelli, Helen Latawiec, Jay Horwitz, Vera Swiderski, Ronald Patierno, Catherine Russin, Theodore Kalinka.

At left, Eileen Nicole Dalton, her mom Joann Gross Dalton and Joann’s sister Maryann Gross Hoffspeigel. Below the ‘today’ photo, the gals who graduated in 1963, 1973 and in 2003.

70 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

J uly 2013 IN REVIEW

Eight new Clifton Police Officers were sworn to duty on July 18. Three of them are Clifton residents, from left, Matt West, Edgar Duran and Matthew Phillips.

A month after the departure of his predecessor Michael McGinley, longtime Clifton administrator, teacher and coach Anthony Orlando was named the new principal at Clifton High School. After two decades as a physical education teacher in the district, the 1976 CHS grad became the very first principal at School 17 upon the building’s opening in 2004, and has been a well-liked figure in Clifton throughout his career. Despite only elementary school experience as a principal prior to taking the reigns at CHS, Orlando has been a popular choice and has been lauded for improving the morale among both teachers and students.

Led by veteran CHS Mustang Marching Band director Bob Morgan, the Clifton Community Band performed on the Clifton Arts Center lawn on July 19. The performance was open to the public, and was sponsored by the Arts Center, the Clifton Mustang Band Alumni Association and the Clifton Recreation Department. The Community Band is composed of many former Mustang Band members, and often plays both patriotic marches and popular music. The Clifton Beautification Committee created a new garden on the grounds of the Clifton Municipal Complex. It is dedicated to the memory charter member Carole Kramer. The garden was designed and put in place by Richfield Farms. Friends of the Shelter gathered with members of the Clifton Arts Center on July 20 for a joint effort of art and animal enthusiasts. The “In Their Eyes” exhibit, which featured artwork of wild and domestic animals Volunteers from the Friends of the Shelter discussed care for animals gave out adoption information. Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, the 18 time Grammy Award winning polka band, returned for his annual free performormance on July 18 at Third Ward Park at Van Houten and Passaic Aves.

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

A ugust 2013 IN REVIEW

e sampled many of our hometown’s culinary glories for our August edition. Some chefs shared their secret ingridients but not recipes. Others told of how they got their start. Ever consider the origins of those Hot Texas Weiners? Was there ever really a “Mr. Rutt?” who began the landmark hot dog joint on Route 21? And next time you enjoy stacking bread at a beefsteak fundraiser, know that it too was invented right here in 1938.

Carlos Armondo Sotamba of Lakeview Bakery, Mike Duch of Homemade Pirogi, Karpaty Deli’s Maria Szumniak, Hungarian Meat Center’s Andrew Jozsa, Angelo Gencarelli of Angelo’s Pizza and Hap Nightingale, beefsteak inventor.

The Clifton Police Department hosted its National Night Out on Aug. 6 at Main Memorial Park, as residents got to party with the City’s finest. National Night Out is a nationwide effort to foster the police-community relationship.

At Rutt’s Hut, Bill Chrisafinis, CHS 1987, his sister Eva, CHS 1984 and their cousin Johnny Karagioris, who graduated St. Mary’s HS, 1993.

Jenny Sichel, at left, the 2006 CHS Marching Mustang Drum Major, was selected as cox for one of the four-oared shells of the U.S. Paralympics team which competed in South Korea and represented the USA between Aug. 25 and Sept. 1 in the World Rowing Championships. 72 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Alberto Molina, owner of Mario’s on Van Houten Ave. since Aug. 20, 2010, completed a major renovation of the landmark dining establishment.

A dozen students from CCMS and WWMS participated in a seminar organized by Write On Sports, a non-profit organization that aims to develop youth writers. The seminar took participants to a Newark Bears and New Jersey Jackals game, and also got to ask questions to ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard, who has regularly donated time to the program.

When he’s not repairing roofs in North Jersey, Richie Knapp (right) heads down to LBI on weekends to live on and skipper his fishing boat, “Red Napper.” Two summers ago, Knapp and his crew of six took third place in the Beach Haven White Marlin Tournament and shared $50,000. Fishing for big game can be lucrative but it is full of risks and challenges, physical and financial.

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

S eptember 2013 IN REVIEW

ack-To-School is different for every student, parent and teacher. We contacted kids and teachers from area high schools to learn how they prepared over the summer for their return to the classrooms. In a milestone tribute, friends and family of Clifton Motorcycle Police Officer John Samra told why his life and professional achievements still mean so much today, 10 years after his death. Sadly, Samra remains the only Clifton officer killed in the line of duty.

State Champion cyclists Mike Novemsky and Dr. Lou Schimmel. The Botany Blues Pub Crawl was on Sept. 28 and featured five bands in five neighborhood taverns starting at 7 pm. Residents toured the historic district and its taverns to see performers such as Clifton’s own blues rocker Victoria Warne.

The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton hosted A Taste of Clifton Food & Wine Festival on Sept. 30, in the Bingo hall at the Club on Colfax Ave. Some 25 restaurants, caterers, wine sellers and other vendors offered visitors samples of their fare. The new event was announced as an annual fundraiser. Money is raised for the club by visitors paying an admission fee of $35. Proceeds help fund services the B&GC offers to its 5,345 members which are mainly youth from pre school to age 18. Sax Macy Fromm & Co. announced a merger with Bollam Sheedy Torani & Co., of Albany, N.Y., effective Jan. 1. The merger of the two firms will create the new SaxBST, with over $45 million in annual billings. The firm would continue to maintain its Valley Rd. offices. 74 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Jamie’s Cigar Bar and Restaurant filed an application to become the first restaurant in New Jersey to offer its customers online horse betting for races throughout the United States. The bar hoped to become part of the state pilot program which will allow online betting for horse racing enthusiasts. McDonald’s awarded the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton with a $5,000 check to cover the cost of “The Summer Brain Game,” a program designed to reduce summer learning loss when school is out. A spokesperson for McDonald’s said the Club was selected largely due to the Brain Game’s criteria, which included nutrition focus, impact on the community, creativity, longevity and the organization’s track record.

Nearly 300 residents visited Mario’s Restaurant on Sept. 8 for the Miracle for Maria Kutyla, an event organized by friends of the CHS student who had been battling Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. The event raised $12,000 to help pay for Maria’s medical bills. Sadly, Maria passed away in November, but the event was a testament to how many people loved the courageous CHS senior, who battled the disease as hard as she could until her very last day. Clifton senior running back James Sonzogni rushed for 240 yards in a 19-0 Mustang victory over Fair Lawn, but it was one long scoring run in the third quarter that put him in Mustang history. Sonzogni broke a 95-yard touchdown run against the Cutters, tying the all-time record for the longest rushing score in program history. The original record was set in 1967 by Rich Tate, and tied in 1971 by Gary Taylor. Hot Dog Nation, a 400-member organization of discriminating wiener buffs in all shapes, ages and sizes, brought two busloads of devotees of the deep-fried into Clifton on Sept. 21 to make the final two stops on its annual Hot Dog Tour at the Hot Grill and Rutt’s Hut. The Van Houten Ave. Street Fair on Sept. 15 was another crowd favorite. Visitors strolled the avenue, enjoying food, entertainment, kiddie and pony rides and a petting zoo. The 11th annual event was presented by members of the Athenia Business Association

S eptember 2013 IN REVIEW

Port Authority Police Officer John Skala, brothers Tim and John Grazioso and six other Cliftonites were among those killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and commemorated at Clifton City Hall services.

Cyclists Dr. Lou Schimmel, Mike Novemsky and Marcello Rodio won big in the “Tour de Fair Haven” on Sept. 15, as part of DNK Cycling. Schimmel, a partner at The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne, came back to Clifton as a 35+ State Champion. The Theater League of Clifton hosted auditions for a new children’s theater piece, Aladdin Visits the 21st Century, written and directed by Kirk Woodward. The show was presented as Theater in the Round at the Clifton Arts Center, and tells a whimsical story of the mythical character Aladdin and his adventures in modern day. Performances were Oct. 5 and 6.

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Clifton Merchant • January 2014

O ctober 2013 IN REVIEW

lifton is certainly dappled with ethnicities and our glorious mosaic is repaired and burnished daily by our citizens. To many residents, this is our community’s core strength. There are so many ethnic blocs contributing to the city’s fabric that covering them all is simply impossible. Nonetheless, in the October edition, we did our best to share stories of our neighbor’s ethnicity. We at Clifton Merchant Magazine are proud to evolve with our hometown.

Matt Melnik was presented with a $1,000 check on Oct. 13 by PBA 36 President Steve Berge following the John Samra Run. Melnik is a freshman at Fairleigh Dickinson University majoring in Criminology. At right, retired Clifton Police Sgt. Billy Gibson awarding a trophy to a Halloween Parade participant. Below, members of the newly arrived Alma Bank team in Downtown Clifton took to the Avenue for the Oct. 19 street fair and festival.

76 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton held its annual Halloween Parade & HarvestFest on Oct. 27 with a parade led by the Mustang Marching Band, floats and costumed characters of all ages. It began at Main and Madison Aves., and concluded at Main Memorial Park, where contest judging occurred. The HarvestFest then kicked off, with food, rides, games and an Apple Pie Bake-Off. Governor Chris Christie visited Mario’s Restaurant on Van Houten Ave. on Oct. 15 following a televised debate with Democratic challenger and Sen. Barbara Buono at Montclair State University. Accompanied by First Lady Mary Pat Christie and his daughter Sarah, Christie was greeted by chants of “four more years” and “we love the Gov.” Re-elected a month later by over 22 percentage points statewide, he received 56 percent of the votes by Clifton voters. The Sixth Annual John Samra Scholarship Memorial 5k Walk/Run presented by Clifton PBA 36 was on Oct. 13 beginning and ending at City Hall. Police Officer Esly Panduro finished sixth, the top hometown runner. Scholarship recipients, who must be Clifton High School students, were awarded $1,000.

O ctober 2013 IN REVIEW

Clifton Recreation held its annual Apple Pie Baking Contest on Oct. 27 following the Halloween Parade at HarvestFest at Main Memorial Park. Winners included Paula Cruz, Naomi Oyanguen and Marilena Riley. Honorable Mention went to Jennifer Fay, Cynthia Neuschafer and Sharon Kievit.

25 Lorettas Ladies led by Janet Mozolewski paced the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Oct. 19 and 20 in memory of Loretta Gaffney. They raised $56,000 bringing their 10 year cumulative total to $513,000. Mozolewski is already planning the 2014 walk. Details on Facebook: Loretta’s Ladies Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Mountain Development Corp. sold its 215,000-square-foot data center on Peekay Dr. in Delawanna to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and GI Partners, an equity firm, for $53.9 million. Manhattan-based provider Telx remained a tenant and operator of the data center. Mountain Development of Woodland Park, had opened the facility in June. Clifton dentist Wayne Gangi terminated his annual Halloween display at the corner of Grove St. and Robin Hood Rd. after being told he could not utilize city-owned trees. The 12-year exhibit was popular among citizens from across North Jersey. Many city resources were used to block neighborhood roads, manage traffic and parking from gawking hordes. GlaxoSmithKline announced it would close its plant off of Bloomfield Ave. on Oct. 31, cutting 165 jobs. The tootpaste manufacturer will move production of its oral care products to Oak Hill, NY. The employees in Clifton get severance packages and receive 60 days of ‘non working notice pay.’ They also were eligible to apply for other company jobs. Downtown Clifton’s Street Fair was staged along Main Ave. on Oct. 19 with Clifton merchants, neighborhood charities, rides and vendors. Brookwood performed noon to 4 pm and a DJ spinned at the Midtown Grill. Clifton’s Garden State Opera presented Tamar da Timna (from Misery to Glory) and Donizetti’s Il Campanello di notte on Oct. 27 at Caldwell College. The GSO is under the baton of Clifton resident Francesco Santelli. The Board of Education voted at its Oct. 9 meeting to install cameras at CCMS and WWMS and approved renovations to the CHS JFK Auditorium.

Clifton Merchant • January 2014

N ovember 2013

IN REVIEW

rom our cover feature on the good people and participants at the Passaic County Elks CP Treatment Center on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton to stories of service by our community’s veterans, this month’s edition seemed to have a story from every neighborhood. We also previewed the inductees to the 2013 Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.

Yes, those Mustangs are holding turkeys. The photo was to promote the Thanksgiving Day game against Passaic and the Optimist Club’s Hot Dog night when the two bands, cheerleaders and football players meet prior to the game. Pictured are trainer Samantha Wojtowicz, Drum Major Rebecca Brand, cheerleader Zion Hall, Marching Mustang Mohim Patel and Fighting Mustang James Sonzogni.

Clifton football concluded its 2013 season with a 21-6 victory over Passaic on Thanksgiving morning. The victory, at Clifton Stadium, saw the Mustangs avenge a 2012 loss that snapped its previous 12-game win streak in the series. It also returned the Optimist Cup to Steve Covello and the Mustangs. Clifton quarterback Malik Mouzone and linebacker Steve Lazorchak were Clifton’s MVPs for the game. Clifton now owns a 43-36-5 advantage in the all-time series with the Indians, which began in 1923. 78 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

On Nov. 5, 7,295 voters to change the Mayoral and City Council elections from May to November. Also, Board of Education President Gary Passenti won a second term with roughly 6,000 votes while fellow veteran Commissioner Wayne Demikoff won a seventh term. Rosemary Pino came in second and became the first Latino elected to Clifton public office with 5,974 votes. Clifton resident and Democrat Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik headed the Passaic County ticket which brought back incumbent Freeholders Terry Duffy and Pat Lepore. This allows the Democrats to retain all seven seats on the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Incumbent Nia H. Gill of Montclair will continue to represent Clifton in the 34th Legislative District in the NJ Senate and Assembly members Tom Giblin and Sheila Oliver also won relection over a ticket headed by Clifton’s Republican Joe Cupoli.

N ovember 2013

Joe “Sarge” Padula was the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Parade while Alex Donetz and his family were featured in a story entitled “Generations of Service.”

Van Houten Avenue was the site of Clifton’s annual Veterans Parade. The event took place on Nov. 10, and was led by the CHS Mustang Marching Band, along with seven other bands. In addition, floats, scouts and, of course, veterans joined in the festivities. The parade concluded at City Hall, where those in attendance celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Avenue of Flags. The Grand Marshal was retired Clifton Police Sgt. Joe Padula, who served during the Korean War.

IN REVIEW

Even a century from now, Clifton will still remember and properly honor its only police office killed in the line of duty in the Clifton PD’s 93-year history, John Samra. That’s because on Nov. 22 a time capsule was buried at police headquarters behind a black granite memorial stone commemorating Samra’s death, 10 years to the day after his dogged pursuit of someone driving with a suspended license as a result of a drug conviction. McDonald’s proposed restaurant on Piaget Ave. will bring pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as noise and litter problems, said opponents at two November meetings. The proposed structure would be built a few blocks from Burger King on Route 46. McDonald’s tried to build in Clifton in 2010, but opposition resulted in it a withdrawal of the application. The Allwood Diner was ultimately built in that location. Darren and Trystan Wagner, a father and son from Newtown, Conn., spoke at a gun violence symposium held at CHS on Nov. 14. Organized by JoAnne MacBeth, the seminar sought to spread awareness about gun violence. It also allowed attendees to see crime statistics and information on the prevalence of gun violence in the United States.

Clifton Merchant • January 2014

D ecember 2013 IN REVIEW

ur December cover story introduced the merry gentlemen who play both Santa and St. Nicholas at our town’s seasonal ceremonies. Then, we suggested some charitable causes to support, including the Boys & Girls Club’s “Secret Santa” program. Plus there’s an exceptionally touching essay by CHS’s Chris de Vinck on what it’s like to re-imagine oneself as an eight-year-old come Christmas. And even more goodies you can still see at cliftonmerchant.com!

Parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral on Broad St. on Dec. 21 built a Euromaidan Christmas Tree. Modeled after a similar one in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, the tree is a symbol of the peaceful unity of the Ukrainian protesters who currently stand in what has been dubbed the “Euromaidan.” The Christmas tree was built to honor the one month anniversary of the Euromaidan protests, formed spontaneously after Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, (EU). The tree has become a symbol of peace, amid the brutal beatings of protesters by the Yanukovych regime. Dmitri Lenczuk is a 22year-old Clifton native who has been central in the organization of similar Euromaidan protests in New York City. Lenczuk, during his student teaching in Rutgers-Newark, has pushed for local recognition of the pro-democratic protests in Kyiv for the last month. Those who built and maintain the tree are, also, pictured above. 80 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

On Broad St., Mykola Stefak, Luke Lenczuk, Walter Mohuchy, Father Oleh Zhownirowych, Dmitri Lenczuk, Serhiy Drozdyak. Photo by John Lenczuk.

Gaye Miller and the Miller Highlights, a musical group from Clifton who volunteer to perform for special needs schools and nursing homes. This photo was snapped at a Dec. 20 holiday show at a nearby nursing home.

D ecember 2013 IN REVIEW

At the Newton Remembrance at Clifton City Hall.

Clifton recalled the first anniversary of the tragic Newtown, CT shooting with an anti gun-and-violence remembrance march. The Dec. 13 event began at the Clifton BOE, proceeding with a candlelight vigil march along Clifton Ave. to City Hall where it concluded after a short program. The expected start time of the program will be approximately between 7:15 and 7:30 PM. Surplus lab and biotech items previously used at drugmaker Roche went up for auction on Dec. 12. In total, 10,000 pieces of equipment used by clinical scientists at the sprawling campus will be sold off. While the company once employed 10,000 people at the 119acre campus on the Clifton and Nutley border, the Swiss-owned firm announced in June 2012 plans to close the Route 3 facility at the end of 2013. Officials from Clifton, Nutley and Roche have been meeting to discuss redevelopment of the campus which houses 40 buildings, with 19 in Clifton and 21 in Nutley. Ideas considered include making the property into a conference center, hotel complex or science park.

Board of Education members announced plans to upgrade Clifton Stadium’s Joe Grecco Field with a synthetic turf. No additional taxpayer money will be necessary to fund the project, as there are enough “in house” dollars to do so. Other aspects of the project involve improvements to the track, and a conversion of some of the lawn in front of CCMS into extra parking. Clifton Public Schools received a $2.4 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Education in December. The grants will be provided as reimbursement for the district paying for upgrades to faulty windows, roofs and heat and hot water. The money is part of a statewide package of over $500,000,000 of “Level 1” Regular Operating District grants, which will pay for school construction projects throughout the state. Mayor James Anzaldi held his annual Christmas Party on Dec. 2 at the Valley Regency. Some 350 people attended the event, which originated in 1990, with the intention of simply bringing Cliftonites together. Anzaldi is in his sixth, four-year-term as mayor. His only election loss came in 1982. In a 1994 council race, he won the highest percentage of votes in city history. The City Council officially moved election of its seven members from the second Tuesday in May to the November general election The 6-0 vote was recorded at the Dec. 3 meeting with Councilman Matthew Grabowski absent. Supporters cite $100,000 in savings and a desire to increase voter turnout as benefits Opponents state that municipal campaigns will be influenced by big money and party politics as the election will be run with county, state and federal races. The first election is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014. As part of state statute, the move remains in effect for 10 years.

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By Richard Szathmary Well, here they are again, our Students of the Month. And the “tradition” of choosing multiple examples from each wing of CHS and one from the Annex is now officially three issues old here. Firmly established! So let’s get right to it since by now all you readers out there know how we reverence “tradition.”

Matteo Varano

Nicholas Glodava

Matteo makes it clear Matteo Varano, a senior from the North ence here, someone who’s defiWing says forthrightly that “I had the nitely sparked his interest in a great fortune to be an English student of future career in Music Ed, with a Ms. Donna Testa for two years, Her K-12 certification. He’d even like unique and creative lessons and assignto offer private music lessons ments always prompted me to read later in life. between the lines while nurturing my And he believes he was named skills as a writer and editor.” Student of the Month for his wing He also praises both “her notable “based on diligence, character, humor” and, somewhat rare for a student, commitment and perseverance. also her “sarcasm,” which he feels gave “I am always available to lend her “a unique way of getting her point a hand to staff and students and to across.” His best friend is someone he met focus on what is positive,” he Erinn Slanina in 6th grade at Christopher Columbus sums up. Middle School, Anupa Mehta, who’s a fellow musician, rated by him as “a role model for many Erinn Establishes Herself and an unsung hero of our class.” Erinn Slanina, an 11th grader in the Central Wing, Accordingly, given how he relates to his best friend says her favorite class “is either English with Mrs. specifically as a fellow musician, Matteo notes that his Chuff or AP American History with Mr. Henry.” And extracurricular activities “revolve around music or the she thus always looks forward to 8th period (when stage.” many classmates are zoning out after a long schoolday) He’s a Marching Mustang and has also played in the “because I know I will learn.” orchestra, pit orchestra for school dramatic [producShe cites three best friends on the campus in Hailey tions and the concert band. He’s also served two years Fusaro, Jess Nosal and Anuja Brahmbhatt, rating each running as Historian for the Tri-M Music Honor as “funny and interesting.” Society. For all four years he has been in the AV club, As for extracurricular activities, she’s involved with working sound and lights for all sorts of student prothe stage crew for student productions and peer tutors. ductions; he cites teacher Jeff Horn as an abiding influShe also works after school at School 13’s exten82 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

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sion program. She’d like to work in book publishing in some capacity later on in life and praises the staggering variety of courses offered at CHS and its faculty overall as well for their commitment and teaching skills. She’s not exactly certain why she was chosen as a Student of the Month, either, but definitely feels honored by the designation. “Maybe it’s because I’m a good student and I work hard,” she notes modestly.

His best friends are his brother Mark and his girlfriend Adriana. “My parents taught me that nothing is more important than family, so thanks Mark for taking half the blame for everything at home.” As for the ladyfriend, she always cheers him up when he stresses out over schoolwork. “Thanks, Princess,” he shouts out, “you mean a lot to me.” Activities-wise, Nicholas is solidly into soccer. Four years as a Mustang plus club soccer for the Clifton Nicholas aims at Stallions. He also coaches during the Mohammad A. Abdelkarim an engineering career winder indoors at the Boys & Girls Nicholas Glodava, 12th grader Club. He’d like very much to attend from the East Wing, has two favorite pedagogues. Mr. Stevens Tech in Hoboken to study civil engineering. Chilowicz made Nicholas enjoy going to Honors He too, similar to Erinn, savors CHS’s smorgasbord Chemistry daily and Nicholas also much appreciated of courses, both the “Students at Montclair” program his presence at varsity soccer games. He taught and his AP courses. Finally, he realizes he was chosen Nicholas, as well, that “soccer players can be smart.” as a Student of the Month because of his academic And Mr./Coach Tomesko “took the time everyday to achievements, and sends a special thank-you to Mrs. help me become the man and soccer players I am Salahuddin for both the nomination and for guiding today.” Nicholas cites him as “truly a great person.” him through the involved college application process.

84 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

Sometimes, too, she even feels a Mohammed shows class student can even make new friends in 12th grader Mohammed A. such activities purley based on a comAbdelkarim represents the North monality of interests. Wing this month, and his favorite “I had to think about why I was class has been American History 2 chosen as “Student of the Month,” she with Mr. Fackina, because he taught comments. Friends tell her it’s “in an interactive way.” because she’s smart, but she thinks it His four best friends are Eridon, has to do “with good character and Luis, Moe and Ervin, each of which, showing a positive progression in he assures us, brings “something difclasses.” Whatever, Cristina, just ferent to the friendship.” whatever. We’re just happy you made He’s also a JROTC cadet and is on it this month, and we salute you and the track and field team. And down your four fellow students. You’ve all life’s line Mohammed would like to Cristina Lezcano earned our regard. become a medical doctor. He also strongly surmises that he Lastly... was specifically chosen as Student of the Month from Again, from this vantage point we’re impressed by his wing because of core character issues. our five students of the month, to whom we wish the Without going into possibly embarrassing detail heartiest of New Year wishes. We suspect that each suc(and anyway Mohammed may simply be underestimatcessive year in their respective lives will only show ing just how outstanding he really is), more than once greater accomplishments for them. his teachers have witnessed and remarked favorably on his general attitude of respect, his manners and overall behavior. And Christina follows suit 9th grader Cristina Lezcano, over at the Annex, says her favorite teacher “has to be” Ms. Corvo. She notes Ms. Corvo’s considerable enthusiasm for both the job and the material. Her best friend is Alejandra Garcia, citing her equally “amazing” taste in music and that “we keep each other on solid ground and I can really trust her.” And although it’s surely a bit early in her high school career to lock her in on this, she thinks she’d like to attend college in NYC, Gotham, the Big Apple, at either the New School or NYU. She was, however, a little vague to us re her extracurricular life, merely noting “the amount of clubs and activities” one is able to pursue at CHS. Clifton Merchant • January 2014

Mustang Fashions The CHS Prom Fashion Show is Feb. 9 at 2 pm. The event is at the JFK Auditorium and is a major fundraiser for the Class of 2014. Models will be styling tuxedos donated by Deluxe Formal Wear of Clifton with gowns by Just Beautiful Boutique of Clifton, Vesa of Nutley and Group USA in Secaucus. Proceeds go to help pay for Project Graduation which will take place on June 28, right after commencement. Project Graduation is the lock-in at an undisclosed location to keep our graduating seniors safe from alcohol and drugs in a party like atmosphere. The seniors meet at CHS and are taken by bus to the party place at 10 pm. They remain at the location where there is plenty of food and frolic with doors locked until 5 am when they are returned to CHS. Salons interested in participating should call Maryann Cornett at 973-779-5678.

Some student models include Marina Bertolotti, James Piros, Anthony Riggi, Amanda Samra, Julie Baez, Vanessa Betancourth, Elena Mendoza.

More senior models, top row left to right, Justin Olaya, Keith Bassford, Steven Naideck,Shannon Christie, Frankie Fragapane, Luis Lopez, Antonio De Chellis, Anna Garbus. Bottom row left to right, Emily Sconzo, KelliRae Kosinski, Kat Culque, Marisa Rossi, Jessica Peralta, Zion Hall

86 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

St. Mary Gaels St. Mary High School in Rutherford broke ground on a $1 million gym expansion on Dec. 17. The recent blessing by the Archdiocese of Newark and Pastor Fr. Michael Kreder has generated much support from alumni and students of the small Catholic school which opened in 1932, said Football Coach Mike Sheridan, a former Clifton resident. The new entrance and facilities, which will be dedicated as the Jack Sloan Lobby after the 1959 graduate, includes the expansion and redesign of the current structure. Offices and conference rooms for the athletic department and the design of a grand showcase for the Gael’s tradition of athletic accomplishments will be added. The expansion in the gym will also open classroom space for academics elsewhere on the campus. The school had an enrollment of 350 co-ed students to 26 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of about 13.1. The Gaels compete in a variety of sports in the NJIC, a league of public and private high schools in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. Freeholder Bruce James will discuss the role of Passaic County government at the Jan. 13, 7 pm Clifton Democratic Club meeting. The event at the Allwood library, Lyall Rd., is free and open to all. Fore more details on the program, call Club President John Pogorelec Jr. at 973-778-1606.

The St. Mary football team made it to the 2013 NJSIAA/Atlantic Health Non-Public, Group 1 playoff on Dec. 7 where it was defeated by St. Joseph, No. 15 in The Star-Ledger Top 20. The Gaels were propelled this season by a couple of juniors in running back Keon Banks and Kevin Woupes who received All Bergen County third team honors. “When our students, as well as prospective students and their parents, walk through this facility they are going to be amazed at what this school has achieved over the years,” said Sheridan, who is also the Alumni Director in addition to being Football Coach. St. Mary hosts an open house on Jan. 26, from 2 to 4 pm. More details at stmaryhs.org.

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 Clifton Merchant • January 2014

Birthdays & Celebrations - January 2014

Sarah Counterman celebrates her 13th birthday on Jan. 12. Austin Blesing turns 8 on Jan. 17. Vicky Petrovic will party on Jan. 5. Cindy Hawrylko is 23 Jan. 22. Skylar De Santis turns 9 on Jan. 17. Happy Sweet 16 to Patricia Fay Baran on Jan. 26.

Happy Birthday to... Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Shaun LaGala .................... Connie Zangara ................. Chrissy Cetinich.................. Matthew Delaney................ Amanda Esposito................ Kristin Reilly........................ Steven Hrina....................... Rosalie Konopinski .............. Ray Krenc .......................... Emily Zawicki ..................... Rich Peterson ...................... Mohamad Bekheet.............. Missy Fazio........................ Alexander Ortiz.................. Jeremy Delaney .................. Gay Eaclie ......................... Larry Homsany ...................

1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 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 Rob Generalli ................... 1/14 Joe Musleh ....................... 1/14 Mark Stuart ...................... 1/14 Kyle Santiago................... 1/15 Susan Hernandez ............. 1/16 Jennifer Montanile............. 1/16

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 ....................... Gianna Caramucci ........... Nicholas Grippo...............

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

Happy 60th Birthday to Bob Sandri on Jan. 6.

88 January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Becca Potocki & Alyssa Phillhower share a birthday on Jan. 1.

Scott Crawford ............... Patrick Ferrara III ............ Robert C. Henn .............. Stephanie Smith.............. Alexis Camp .................. Donna Chipura .............. Laura Kuruc.................... Sean Sabo..................... Evangeline Joy Kohler ..... Jessica Sonn...................

1/28 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/31 1/31

Happy 21st Birthday to Charles Bucsko Jr. on Jan. 15. Happy Birthday to Bob Henn who will be 83 on Jan. 28.

Happy Birthday to Susan Angello on Jan. 25. Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ January 2014

Corrado’s Party

Corrado’s 15th Annual Amateur Winemaking Competition will be one great party too. The Jan 24 event at The Venetian in Garfield begins at 6 pm when guests can sample food and wine and enjoy an evening of music and dancing. Judge Jimmy Corrado, pictured above, said winemakers can enter their wares until Jan. 15. Awards will be presented that evening but throughout the night it is a time to party, mingle and mangia. Individual tickets are $115 or for tables of 10 or 12, prices are $105 per person. To purchase or for info on how to enter the competition, call 973-340-0848. Hire a Name You Know

Tom Hawrylko Jr.

90 January 2014 • Clifton Merchant

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