Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Table of Contents
What’s Inside? 62 For Clifton’s Next Century... Medical School to Open in 2017
68 Looking Forward to 2016 Trending Issues in Our Hometown
72 P&A Now Part of CarQuest On our cover, and find them in our pages: Abrar Shahin, Sadie & Tony Sanchez, Ray Kar, John Fette, Kim Castellano, Tara Brundt, Matt Miazga, Jacqueline Turk, Ken Gensinger. In the sombrero, a staff member from Clifton City Tavern Mexican Cantina, Paul M. Aguggia and Julia Young.
And the Nation’s Largest Coop Member
76 Hanson & Ryan Tops in 2015 Silver Winner, Best Agency to Work For
78 Family Business on the Court Referees Kevin, Luis and Pastor Torres
86 FrancesaCon, Made in Clifton Mongo Nation, Hazel Section Connected
91 CHS Students of the Month Cliftonmagazine.com
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Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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“Location and availability of classes made it the best choice. I took classes at night so I could keep working my day job.” - Matt Malaszuk, Hohokus School Student
“The life of Dr. King is a good cause to celebrate. People too often forget about the trials of Dr. King and the civil rights movement.” - Seifullah Ali Shabazz, Concert Promoter
January 2015: Mario Casabona, founder and CEO of TechLaunch, seen on our cover, discussed how his Clifton firm invests in high tech start ups and transform them into successful enterprises. Among the items in our Project Watch 2015, we told of plans to “Break the Bottleneck” where Routes 46 West and 3 West merge (and traffic sometimes collides) in lessthan-optimal order. We profiled the 33-year law enforcement career of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik (CHS 1978), and visited with Seifullah Ali Shabazz, readying the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Festival which calls Clifton home.
Five Mustangs advanced in the NJ Wrestling Tournament at West Milford High School on Jan. 25. (Then) Junior Moe Farhan took home a second-straight individual crown and Clifton took fourth place. In 2016, the Mustangs are one of the top teams in the region. Farhan (145, 43-2, district and regional champ) lost in the 2015 state 138 pound semifinals in AC to Kyle Bierdumpfel of Don Bosco, 1-0. Others include seniors Patrick DePasque (160) and Tiberius Rizea (170), juniors Anthony Tudda (126), James Murdoch (132), Sean Yadimarco (152), Jacob Abill (285) and sophomore Matthew DePasque (113). In March, 2015, James Murdoch, Kareem Askew, Coach Dan Geleta, Patrick DePasque and Moe Farhan.
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January 2015 in Review
We profiled Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnick and published a tribute to singer and proud Cliftonite Frankie Randall who died on Dec. 28, 2014. On Jan. 3, CHS Senior basketball player Kelly Douglas joined the 1,000 point club. The late Chuck Pezzano, a Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer. Ken Gensinger, Jr. and John Fette of the two automotive dealerships which bear their family names, discussed construction plans for Routes 3 and 46.
Bowling icon Chuck Pezzano passed away at the age of 86 on Jan. 23. Besides being a maverick on the lanes, Pezzano dedicated himself to developing the sport and the community around it. The longtime Albion resident wrote articles for more than 100 publications, authored a dozen books and wrote thousands of newspaper columns about the sport and the people. Pezzano had four sons: Chuck, Craig, Curt, and Clay, all of whom have rolled 300-point games. Sadly, on Aug. 10, his son Craig died at the age of 57.
CCMS Principal Russell Petrocelli resigned in January after two and a half years as principal. Petrocelli was the fifth principal placed in CCMS since 2008. Parents have voiced their concerns about the administrative instability at CCMS. Additionally, district administration officials have tried to find an educator who is interested in maintaining the position for the long-term. When asked about the fate of the school’s CHAMPS program, Petrocelli said it is here to stay. Petrocelli’s resignation took effect on March 15.
Christopher Columbus Middle School celebrated their progress as CHAMPS. A behavior support program, CHAMPS works on a reward system that is triggered when students are seen acting on school rules that are posted throughout the building. Students receive raffle tickets when noted for observing the rules and winners are given the opportunity to receive a prize. CCMS featured a multitude of CHAMPS activities leading up to its 100th day of school milestone.
Clifton has held a “green” initiative for several decades with programs dating back to the mid-70s and early 80s. The Board of Education adopted a resolution to register the district for Sustainable New Jersey on Jan. 20. Currently, 25 districts and 33 schools are registered with the program. The initiative will reduce operating costs and free up money for the classroom as it promotes the purchase of locally grown foods, school gardens and an indoor air quality review.
Last January, we reported that plans were in the making to create a brew pub or microbrewery at 1296 Van Houten Ave. Once home to Yakety Yak Cafe, then Charlie Browns and a Grimaldi’s Restaurant (at left) before going vacant for a about a year, construction is now fully underway as developers and brothers Dean and Thomas Maroulakos said they expect the spot to open in late 2016. The two are experienced brew masters who also own Cowan’s Public on Centre Street in Nutley. Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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January 2015 in Review
Clifton Police and Fire added nine new officers and firefighters. The six officers, all of whom have military experience, and three firefighters, were sworn in on Jan. 21 in separate ceremonies at city hall. The new public safety officers did not add to the table of organization, but replaced those who had retired. Seton Hall University and Hackensack University Medical Center announced on Jan. 15 that they had partnered up to turn the former Hoffman-La Roche campus into the first New Jersey private medical school built in 50 years. The new grounds are expected to open in 2017.
Pictured above are some of the Mustang models who walked the runway for the CHS Prom Fashion show to benefit the 2015 Project Graduation. Included are CHS seniors Tayler Szabo, Kevin Lord, Rachel Plaskon, Matt Ferko, Karleigh Davila, Zoe Zschack, Alexia Maldonado.
Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency and travel ban on Jan. 26. Residents stocked up on food, salt, and gas in preparation for the major blizzard that was supposed to bury Clifton under two feet of snow. But the blizzard never came. New Jersey public schools wasted a snow-day and freshlystocked salt barn was half-emptied. Meteorologist Gary Szatkowski of the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly issued an apology on behalf of the faulty weather reading.
At the Jan. 2 organization of the Clifton City Council, from left, Peter Eagler, Joe Kolodziej, Mayor James Anzaldi, Lauren Murphy, Steve Hatala and Bill Gibson. Matt Grabowski was also elected for a second term but could not attend the ceremony due to illness.
Driscoll Foods announced plans to leave its 174 Delawanna Ave. facility and move to a larger warehouse in Wayne. Driscoll, which began in 1971 with one truck traveling within a 120-mile radius of Clifton to stock restaurants, diners and schools, plans to complete the move in the early part of 2017. JEI Learning Center opened at 116 Market St. on Jan. 17. The center’s purpose is to provide children with a high quality supplementary education to ensure that all children can achieve academic success. JEI holds five programs, including Math, Reading & Writing, Brain Safari, English and Problem Solving Math. 8 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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February 2015: Cupid and serendipity combined to bring Cemal and Jacqueline Turk together with a pizza delivered to the wrong address. The result: marriage (with three ceremonies!) and a life together in Clifton. An altogether different love story chronicled the lives of Sadie and Tony Sanchez, who tied the knot after two decades of getting to know you. Notching 60 years of wedded bliss: the late Jim Haraka and Rita (Pascrell), both CHS ’50. Also on the cover: Ashley Parsons an online match maker. 10 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Pictured from top left: Deborah and Anthony Gretina on their wedding day in 1980; to their right is their eldest daughter Ashley and son-in-law Cristian with grandaughter Catalina Maurine Reyes; Jim and Laura Nicosia on their wedding day with their daughter Jessica; Sadie and Tony Sanchez; Rita and Jim Haraka, and Laura and Jim Louer.
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February 2015 in Review
Steve Covello, Michael J. Evans.
Lights, Action and Relay for a Cure was the theme on Feb. 7 as teams dressed up and met at the Senior Citizen Center to whip up enthusiasm for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life scheduled for May 30. Guests were greeted by Chair Kristen Hariton as Joanne Bujnowski shared her story as a cancer survivor. With the February dismissal of head coach Steve Covello and staff, Clifton football was once again at a turning point. The Mustangs, coming off a 1-9 season, their worst since 1999 (and one of the worst in the school’s history), will usher in a new era and the new coach will have the difficult task of turning around a team that was largely non-competitive in 2014 (losing by approximately 27 points per game). 12 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Six Mustangs signed their letters to attend various colleges on Feb. 13. From left top, Lady Mustangs Coach Konrad Kruczek with Nicole Rzekiec (MSU, Athletic Trainer); Meghan Sekanics (MSU, Communications); Marisa Jaramilo (Iona College, Biology); Mark Glodova, (Rutgers Newark, Physical Therapy); Brian Pariona, (Berkeley College, Criminology); Lenny Contreras, (Berkeley College, Criminology), and Boys Coach Stan Lembryk.
Michael J. Evans was appointed a Board of Education Commissioner on Feb. 11. He’ll serve through the end of the year to fill the seat held by Wayne Demikoff who resigned in Dec. 2014. Evans is a family matters attorney. His wife, Theresa Evans, is the principal of School 11. The couple have two children attending city elementary schools Route 46 was closed during the morning rush on Feb. 6 following two explosions at AGL Welding Supply at 600 Route 46. Delays spread to the Garden State Parkway near Exit 147. NJ Transit trains were also halted in both directions
as a precaution. Clifton firefighters arrived quickly to battle the threealarm blaze, which injured three AGL employees, with one, Roberto Silva, suffering severe burns. The building's sprinkler system kept the fire in check, Clifton Fire Chief Vincent Colvatti Jr. said. Governor Chris Christie appointed Joseph Scancarella, 1955 CHS grad and retired NJ Superior Court judge, to be chair of the State Commission of Investigation, an independent agency that reports to the legislature on matters of crime, waste and corruption. Scancarella served on the bench for 21 years.
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February 2015 in Review
The City Council on Feb. 3 approved the purchase of two city-owned properties in Botany Village by nonprofit entities. The Council vote gave Community Options Inc. and Start Easy Eagle Development (SEED) Corp. the goahead to redevelop the sites, one on Arthur St. and the second on Lake Ave., (pictured above on our cover in Sept. 2008) as low and moderate-income housing, to help Clifton comply with Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) obligations. CHS Sophomore Gabby Pangaro made it to the 2015 NJSIAA Girls Bowling Individual Tournament at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick on Feb. 18. Her scores were 194, 192, and 175 at Carolier. Then the CHS girls’ bowling team finished off the season with a 12-2 record. Cliftonites Joseph Picciano and James Parisi were two of the 140 athletes who participated in the NJ Special Olympics regional bowling competition for Passaic County teams held in Wayne on Feb. 1. 14 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Lolita Cruz and James A. Cavanaugh were honored at the 61st Giblin Association Cocktail Party on Feb. 22. They are pictured at center with Chair Nadia N. Moses (left) and Tom Giblin. Founded by the late State Senator John Giblin in 1954, the Giblin Association supports civic, cultural and community organizations throughout the state. The standard-bearer of the Giblin Association is John’s son, Clifton’s Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, also the President of the Essex-West Hudson Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Matt Grabowski died on Feb. 25. The second term Councilman was ill for about a year and a half with liver cancer. Despite his prognosis, Grabowski, age 53, worked hard at keeping all aspects of his life running smoothly. In addition to his role on the City Council, he was also a Coldwell Banker realtor, president of the Athenia Business Association and lead singer of Swingman and the Misfit-Mutts Band. Flags in the city were lowered to half mast for 30 days in his honor. At the end of that period, the other six City Council members will choose an individual to fill the vacant seat. Vincent Morris and his pool cue dazzled onlookers at Clifton Billiards in Downtown Clifton, with an undefeated run culminating in his being named winner of the Tri-State Tour on Feb. 15 with an undefeated run through a field of 23 players. Clifton Billiards was Stop 27 on the 2014-2015 tour. Edward Dexter received his World War II Purple Heart and other service medals 70 years after the end of the war in Congressman Bill Pascrell’s office on Feb. 24.
Dexter dropped out of CHS in 1942 and went to Paterson to enlist in the Marines Corps at the age of 17. The lifelong Cliftonite stormed South Pacific beaches and Japanese strongholds. He eventually came to learn that the military had lost his records. With some digging by Pascrell’s Veteran Advocate Nancy Everett, they were able to locate the facts of Dexter’s war time record. The result: the now 90-years-old received the honors and medals he had earned on the sands of the South Pacific seven decades ago.
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March 2015: A bevy of A+ teachers graced our March issue as former students — some of them now teachers themselves — recalled with gratitude the impact educators had on their lives. Several teachers, in turn, recalled their own trials and triumphs, as well as some humorous moments in the classroom. We also met former Cliftonite Father Steve Shafran now a Ukrainian Catholic priest. Marking its centennial, Immaculate Conception High School, celebrated its role empowering women from Clifton and beyond through college-prep education and adherence to traditions.
The teachers we remember are the teachers that care. Care not only about the subject they teach, but care about us. That’s what Paul Lechthaler remembers most about his Passaic High School English teacher and Clifton resident Gale Motaski—or Momma Mo as she was known to the students. “She was strict but always fair. She took no guff,” said Lechthaler, who grew in Dutch Hill but on the Passaic side, making him an Indian. “Her lessons were not just about English, but also about life.” Our cover story about John Luciano, CHS 1985, and Janice DeLorenzo is similar— in short, how one teacher can change a kid’s world. ‘Miss D’ was in her second year of teaching when they met. Miss D could see that Luciano wasn’t a bad kid— but a kid that came from bad circumstances. When another teacher spoke negatively about Luciano, Miss D wouldn’t tolerate it. Luciano never forgot that advocacy and that is why for the last 30 years he has roses delivered on Valentine’s Day to his favorite teacher, the one that changed his world. Some of the teachers who were celebrated or the students who commented in our March edition from top left: Bob Zschak, Gale Motaski, Fr. Steve Shafran, Kevin Ashworth, Sue Ellen Lian, Tony Orlando, Thomas P. DeVita, Diana McKenna, Mike Rogers, Beatrice Rybak-Petrolle, Dean De Ghetto, Jean Czerniecki.
16 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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March 2015 in Review
Clifton’s Gina Zegler graduated Immaculate Conception HS in 1988 and her daughter Jacqueline will do the same in 2016. Clifton’s IHOP served up free pancakes on March 3 as part of the National Pancake Day promotion to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Get over to Allwood Rd. (with an empty belly!) on March 8 for the 2016 event.
Opened in 1915 by the Felician Sisters, the all-girls Immaculate Conception High School marked its centennial in 2015. Clifton girls (and their moms) who attended the Lodi school were interviewed and spoke of how an ICHS education emphasizes core values, community service, respect for human dignity and personal growth.
In Celebration of Spring, a program of live jazz and art at the Clifton Arts Center on March 15. Mike Luipersbeck, a retired Clifton police detective and jazz drummer, pianist Peter Greco and bassist Ron Naspo performed selections from
the Great American Songbook, jazz, and Broadway. Located at 900 Clifton Ave., on the campus of the municipal complex, patrons also viewed original works by members of the CAA and funds raised benefited the Clifton Arts Center.
Recreation Director Debbie Oliver purchased Fort Lee’s abandoned skate park equipment on March 17 for $65,000 to resurrect Weasel Brook Park’s Skate Park. Mayor Anzaldi commended Oliver for her frugal buy as Fort Lee paid $169,000 for the half-pipes, spine transfers, handrails, stairsets, and other items when they were new. Inspired by Nature was the name of the March exhibit at the Clifton Arts Center. Presented by members of the Clifton Association of Artists or CAA, the goal was to illustrate nature’s beauty can influence and inspire most anyone to be an artist. 18 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Recreation’s family bowling night at Garden Palace Lanes was on March 13. About 80 residents took over the alley for the night, participating in laser light bowling, funky bowling, crafts, word search puzzles, coloring while enjoying pizza, soda and lots of candy.
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April 2015 in Review April 2015: Clifton’s 98th birthday on April 26 prompted a look back, and one inward, as we chronicled the Nostalgia and History of the city. Stretching back beyond Clifton’s official incorporation in 1917, we offered a timeline that began with the Lenni Lenape and the Dutch settlers. Using illustrations and some great facts, we worked our way up to the April 14, 1926 dedication of Clifton High School (now CCMS) on Piaget Ave.
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This postcard was provided by Passaic Historian Mark S. Auerbach, while our April cover included images of Washington Rock on Garret Mountain, the Doherty Oval, home of the Silk Sox from 1916 to 1927, and a sculpture by Seward Johnson titled Keeping Up which stood outside city hall from 2010 to 2013.
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April 2015 in Review
Jonathan Bender believed that the Clifton Masonic Lodge (some members are pictured below) could take some risks as it approached 100 years and maybe do things a bit differently. As the youngest Master in the history of the lodge, he decided to try a more contemporary approach and hold fundraisers that included all residents of Clifton, not just lodge members. And so was born the Clifton Masonic Lodge First Annual Clifton Pizza Contest, which was held on April 18 at the lodge’s building on Van Houten Ave. Fourteen pizzerias from across the city brought their signature pies to win over the discerning palettes of Clifton’s pizza-loving residents. Among the highlights were Chicken Marsala Pizza (Julian’s Restaurant), Eggplant Parm Pizza (Scotto’s Pizza), Bacon Pizza, aka “Family Favorite” (Barilari’s Restaraunt) and the Grandma Pie (Angelo’s Pizzeria). However, Ameti’s Pizza (that’s Pizza Man Sherif Ameti with Liz above) took the prize with their signature Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Pizza. Angelo’s and Bruno’s Pizza received second and third spots respectively.
22 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
The 2015 Clifton High School Fine Art Show, titled Juxtaposed, held at the Clifton Arts Center, celebrated diversity in art, including various styles, concepts, media, subject matter and designs. Teacher and curator Katherine Karcz said the theme recognized the diversity in culture, language and religion found in Clifton, the 11th largest municipality in the state, as well as the school, which with more than 3,300 pupils, has the largest student body in a single facility among high schools in New Jersey. The exhibit was up from April 8 to 25.
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April 2015
in Review
76 Boys & Girls Club Seahawks swam their way to a second place title in the 2015 National Swimming Championship in Florida, April 10 12. The Seahawks earned the team spirit award but one swimmer who stood out among the rest was Mya Vargas. The 10-year-old Vargas took first place in 10 events in the national competition: freestyle, backstroke, butterfly events and relays. A four-alarm fire early April 16 destroyed one house at 113 E. 6th St., a two-family home, and heavily damaged a neighboring home at 115 E. 6th, including the collapse of an attic roof, according to Clifton Fire Chief Vincent Colavitti. With $10 million in upgrades, the former GlaxoSmithKline manufacturing plant at 65 Industrial St., has been transformed into a new singletenant industrial building. The mid April announcement by Tulfra Real Estate said work at the site includes raising the roof of the 202,000 square-foot building to 27 feet, from 15 feet. The move would facilitate 28,000 square feet of new office space. New lighting, sprinklers, mechanical and electrical systems, and a new exterior were also planned for the 11-acre facility. Tulfra Real Estate said the revamped property would be “extremely functional and appealing. There is very little competition in the market for facilities in that size range, and no space like it currently available in the Meadowlands market.” For decades, GSK employed nearly 300 employees who manufactured and packaged AquaFresh toothpaste here in Clifton before the product shipped to Japan, Canada and Europe. 24 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
The kids at Rainbow Montessori of Clifton had fun on April 17 in their annual Hop-A-Thon to raise money for an organization called Healing the Children, a non-profit that helps provide medical care to children all over the world. The owners of Clifton’s Rainbow on Varretoni Pl. in Botany, Jackie Alectoridis and Jane Maffucci, have been doing this fundraiser for more than 25 years. They are both host parents for Healing the Children and allow host families to attend the school while they are here tuition free. This year Carlos from the Dominican Republic returned to once again live with the Alectoridis family while he is fitted with prosthetic legs. New Jersey Micro Electronic Testing Inc. (NJ MET) registered as a corporate sponsor to aid the American Red Cross during fiscal year 2015. NJ MET Director Joseph Federico said the goal was to help military members and their families, saying “a portion of proceeds from testing and procurement projects will be presented to the American Red Cross on Dec. 31, 2015.” Located on 1240 Main Ave., NJ MET conducts quality electronic component screening and qualification testing for commercial military, aerospace, industrial, automotive, and medical fields. The family owned firm has been in Downtown Clifton for decades.
Parents opposed to uniforms for elementary school children planned to protest a May 18 presentation at CHS. A subcommittee of the Board said uniforms would allow students to focus on their classes instead of their clothes and reduce bullying. The presentation included the results of a survey given to elementary school parents, in which 78% of parents answered ‘Yes’ to the statement: ‘The Clifton School District should adopt a Uniform Dress Code Policy.’ The Board made attempts to mandate uniforms in 2009 and 2012. On Sept. 25 the Board approved a motion to disband the uniform subcommittee, effectively defeating the proposal.
Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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May 2015: Publishing the names of over 300 Cliftonites killed during the five recent wars our nation has fought is a May tradition for this magazine. It keeps their memories eternal and shows appreciation to their friends and families. Our cover also reminded readers to visit the Avenue of Flags which decorates the grounds of the city hall campus. Also pictured is New Jersey’s Bugler, Robert Krupinski, who plays the solemn final salute of Taps for many vets. We also shared the courageous story of how 18-year-old PFC Robert Kruger gave his life so that his brother Marines could live to fight another day.
Michael Tarlavsky, killed in Iraq on Aug. 12, 2004; Sgt. George McClelland, killed in Vietnam on Feb. 25, 1968; Joseph Sperling, killed in WWII on Dec. 7, 1941; Bohdan Kowal, killed in Vietnam on April 8, 1967; Robert Kruger, killed in Vietnam on May 3, 1967.
Pvt. Michael J. Columbus was the 308th name to be inscribed on the War Monument in Main Memorial Park. The family of Columbus, who had served in WWII with the US Army’s 80th Infantry Division, 317th Infantry Regiment, contacted the Clifton Veterans Alliance after they learned details of the late serviceman’s death. He was officially declared dead on Sept. 27, 1944, and is buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery, Saint-Avold, France. He and other Americans who died in service during war are remembered across America at monuments, in cemeteries and during solemn services dedicated to our Fallen Veterans. 26 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
From when he joined the Navy in 1973 to his retirement as Clifton Fire Chief in 2010, the colorful life of Joe Verderosa was a good story to share. While there were many lesson along life’s path, the stuff that shaped him most was the hard work he found in the boiler room of the USS Fox, a guided missile cruiser.
Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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MAY 2015 in Review
From the solemn moments to the more carefree and enjoyable times, Clifton’s Relay for Life was held on May 30 on the grounds of CHS. The goal of the 11th annual event was to celebrate the lives of survivors of cancer and remember those who lost the battle. Some $62,000 was also raised for ongoing research by the American Cancer Society to find a cure.
The 10th Locks of Love event at CCMS on May 18 was another success run by teacher Kim Dreher and many others. Some 4,414 inches of hair were collected and provided to the national organization which creates wigs for children with illnesses. For those that want to participate in the 2016 event, set the date of May 23.
The Wellness Resource Fair held on May 2 at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club attracted many providers such as Erika Calvi, Director of Intensive Family Support Services, and Raja Salloum, Arab American Mental Health Clinician, from the Mental Health Association in Passaic County.
Clifton’s football head coaching vacancy was filled in May as long-time assistant coach Ralph Cinque was confirmed as the 20th coach of the Mustangs. Cinque, a CHS class of 1993 graduate, was a standout running back for the Mustangs and joined Chet Parlavecchio’s coaching staff in 2001. A Phys Ed teacher at CHS, he remained continuously on the Clifton staff through the coaching tenures of Ron Anello and Steve Covello. 28 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Van Houten Lanes posted final scores and closed for good on May 22. The 16-lane center was at 564 Van Houten Ave. for 80 years. Numerous county tournaments, bar tabs and league nights were enjoyed at the alley. Bowling centers in New Jersey have declined over the past 15 years from nearly 300 in operation to about only 70 remaining. Patrons took to social media to pay their respects and bemoan the loss. 745 Clifton students opted-out of 2015 PARCC testing, 6.7 percent of students. This percentage meant that the district did not meet the required 95 percent participation rate under No Child Left Behind (NCLB). PARCC testing has met with opposition from numerous parents over the past year who question the value of the testing for their child. However, falling below the required percentage could impact federal funding for the district.
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MAY 2015 in Review
St. Andrew the Apostle Gala and Awards was held at the Brownstone on May 12. The fifth annual event raises funds and honors individuals and organizations for their community contributions. Pictured above from left are Officers of the Knights of Columbus Regina Mundi No. 3696: former Grand Knights Marty Neville and Peter Kueken, current Deputy Grand Knight Robert Bolletino and Outside Guard Ray Cramer. The group, which has served Clifton since 1955, was honored for their advocacy of the Church.
Sister Regina Avard was recognized as the 2015 Distinguished Person—she is one of the five nuns who opened the parish school on Mt. Prospect Ave. in 1953. Clifton’s Rec Director Debbie Oliver was honored as a leader who helps Cliftonites lead healthier and happier lives through play!
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30 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
On May 30, the 10th anniversary of the passing of Stephen J. Menconi (above with daughter Annamaria in May 2003), the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra dedicated a performance of the Madonna del Sacro Monte Feast at Holy Face Monastery. “We remember fondly, the time Mr. Menconi dedicated to doing sound engineering for our orchestral performances, and we know how much he enjoyed the music,” said Kristine Massari, orchestra president. His daughter Annamaria has been a member of the orchestra since 1998, and plays mandola.
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June 2015: Which of these graduates on our cover will be a physician or police officer? Who among them will go on to great achievements in college... or blossom later in life? Our annual graduation edition celebrates the hopes and dreams, memories and achievements of our city’s graduates. Including seniors from CHS and local private high schools, we survey the students, write their stories and publish their photos. The result is some 90 pages of kids telling us about accomplishments during their first 12 years of education and their plans as they embark on the next stage of their lives.
The annual Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey traversed Main Ave. on June 12 on its way to Princeton for the annual competition. The photo above was taken at the corner of Main and Washington Aves., where Clifton’s police officers who ran and carried the torch, as well as those who escorted the runners on motorcycles, met with Clifton’s Special Olympic team members. Events such as the Torch Run are conducted to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics 32 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
CHS Class of 2015 returned to Clifton Stadium for commencement on June 26. Graduation in 2014 was held at the Izod Center while re-construction at the stadium was completed. Future grads will now enjoy the fresh air—and no geese guava—as renovations included an expansion of the field and the placement of synthetic turf. Once Canadian Geese swam around Racy’s Pond and fed on the natural grass on Joe Grecco Field—but now the synthetic turf does nothing for them.
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JUNE 2015
in Review
There could be a lot of swagger from these kids, but they are all down to earth. From conversations and emails with them, it is clear that the CHS 2015 Top 10 played well and worked equally hard to academically excel, rising above more than 700 classmates. Four will attend Ivy League colleges and all are receiving hefty academic scholarships, which should make their parents extremely proud and extremely happy.
CHS Senior Abrar Shahin was voted “Best Dressed” by the Class of 2015, inspired by her fashion sense tailored by her religious beliefs. Shahin, 18, a Muslim, wears a hijab over her head, but said modesty doesn't have to be boring, and developing a style she described as "simple yet fun." Nick Romanak was named the 2015 Passaic County Volleyball Coach of the Year. He started as an assistant to older brother Corey at Bridgewater-Raritan and became Clifton’s head coach in 2013. 34 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
St. Clare RC School closed on June 30. Enrollment numbers for the Allwood Rd. Catholic elementary school declined and subsidies given by St. Clare Parish did not eliminate the school’s growing debt. Patrick Peace, director of the Catholic Academy of Passaic County, delivered the bad news at a staff meeting on May 29.
Former Governor Richard J. Codey was the speaker for the 30th celebration of the Mental Health Association in Passaic County on June 10. MHAPC, as it is known, is headquartered on Clifton Ave., and provides mental health services for those impacted by mental illness with counseling, support services, education and advocacy.
Clifton’s Andrew Tatarenko was promoted to borough administrator in the Bergen County town of Waldwick on June 9. Tatarenko, whose appointment was supported by Waldwick’s mayor and council, has worked as the assistant borough administrator since January, 2013. Aside from his work as the grants administrator, Tatarenko possesses a background in public administration. Prior to working in Waldwick, he served as the deputy city clerk for Clifton for three years.
Judge Scott Bennion served Clifton for 25 years. However, Gov. Christie nominated Bennion as a NJ Superior Court Judge the week of June 14. Bennion, a lifelong resident, became Clifton’s first legal assistant and served as the city’s only municipal court judge since 2001. Christie also nominated Clifton attorney Vicki Anne Citrino for a judgeship as well. The appointments of Bennion and Citrino were confirmed by the NJ Senate on June 22.
Infants • Pre-School • Kindergarten • Full Day & Half Day
rainbowmontessori.com 22 Varettoni Pl., Clifton • 973-772-2330 1293 Broad St., Bloomfield • 973-338-8300
The Montessori Method “Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole, which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.” -Dr. Maria Montessori
Directors Jackie Licata-Alectoridis & Jane Maffucci
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JUNE 2015 in Review
CHS Senior Olivia Rosenberg (with Brian Torres) was among the recipients of the 2015 Fred Torres Memorial Scholarships. Some volunteers at the Clifton Animal Shelter, from back left: Kelli Buckalew, Liz Taranda, Nancy Comito, Linda Gimon, Anna Proszowski. Seated: Rebecca DeSimone, Pam Sinatra, Michelle Cupo, Andy Bove.
Clifton’s Liz Taranda was chosen as Purina’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year. As a member of the Friends of the Shelter, the all-volunteer group who help care for and find homes for the cats and dogs housed at the Clifton Animal Shelter, the group received $25,000 in services to build better lives for the animals. The front office, new floors, new windows and an improved visitation area were just some of the changes made at the shelter on the city hall campus. “This gives adopters a better experience and hopefully will help the animals find more homes,” explained Taranda. “Every animal adopted from the shelter has seen a vet, is up to date on vaccines and A landmark since its founding in 1965 by Ed Sudol (at center with tie), Colonial Pharmacy marked its service milestone this past year with a some fanfare (just a banner actually) and this photo. From left: owners Walter Diduch and Walter Voinov, his son Alex, and long time pharmacist Clint Spaar.
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spayed and neutered. This is a good time to remind everyone to spay and neuter your pets,” she added. Despite the gift from Purina, donations of food, bedding or cash are ongoing, added Taranda. “They can be done online, in person or via the shelter’s Amazon Wish List.
Every penny donated goes to the adorable faces of those animals in need of a new home.” Learn more about the services and see pets to adopt at cliftonanimalshelter.com or call 973-470-5936. The shelter is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 8 pm, Sunday from noon to 4 pm.
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July 2015: Look back at the year you graduated high school. Do you wonder what happened to your sweetheart? How about the big jock or that quiet and kind kid who no one really knew? That is what we do every July... we track down Mustangs near and far, going back in 10 year increments. The goal is tofind out what these “kids” are up to today. So if you graduated CHS in 2006, 1996, 1986, 1976, 1966, 1956 or 1946, contact us!
Center stage for Music. The (former Garfield) Cadets hosted a July 5 Drum Corps International competition at Clifton Stadium. On July 11, the Hawthorne Caballeros’ 51st Annual Grand Prix took the field and presented eight drum and bugle corps in competition and another six in exhibition. In 2016, the Cabs, sponsored by American Legion Post 199 in Hawthorne, will be in their 70th season of competition and are expected to return to Clifton. On Sunday evenings in Main Memorial Park, the weekly concert series opened on July 12 with Joey Arminio and the Family, followed by the Clifton Community Band on July 19 and Swingman and the Misfit-Mutts Band on July 26. The series ran through Aug. 30.
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Jimmy Sturr returned to Passaic’s Third Ward Park on July 30 for his annual free concert. He is pictured at center with Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik and Greg Komeshok. The former Passaic High Athletic Directo is the producer of the show and its chief fundraiser.
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JULY 2015 in Review
July was a busy month for Tara Brundt and her husband Tom. At right, Cupcake Wars TV veteran and genre innovator Johnny ‘Mr. Cupcakes’ Manganiotis and his dad John ran a charity car show on July 26. Their second annual event raised funds for Jason & Justin’s Journey. Learn more at jasonandjustinsjourneyx2.com.
Tara Brunt was named principal of St. Mary’s High School in early July. The Clifton native has degrees in education and education administration from Kean Montclair State universities and nearly four decades of experience in secondary education. Shas worked with the Newark Archdiocese and Paterson Diocese and her former positions include director of development at the Academy of the Holy Angels and serving as principal at the Academy of St. Aloysius.
Thomas Brunt was named Clifton Municipal Judge in a unanimous vote by the City Council on July 7. Brunt is a familiar face in the Clifton court, serving as the city’s prosecutor since 2008. Additionally, he worked as a public defender, and subsequently as a prosecutor, in Haledon. Brunt’s former position as Clifton’s Prosecutor was to be filled by a prosecutor from any of the surrounding towns until the the city determined a formal successor.
Top left, class of 2005: Tom Hawrylko, Jessica Russell, Joseph Musleh; class of 1995: Rachel Deutsch, Michael Daniel Doktor, Mary Foukas; class of 1985: William Mocek, Theresa Najjar, Michael Skala; class of 1975: Barbara Larosa, Robert Genuardi; class of 1965: Cecilia Zwiazek, Joseph Spinosa: class of 1955: Joan Janowicz, Edward Szott; class of 1945: Dolores Fette, Harold “Mickey” McFadden.
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JULY 2015 in Review In a literal poetic twist of history, a headstone was placed on the previously unmarked grave of Thaddeus Marshall in East Ridgelawn Cemetery on July 18. Marshall, who lived on Elm St. in Rutherford, was an elderly African-American man and the muse for William Carlos Williams’ poem, The Red Wheelbarrow. Williams’ 16-word poem features Marshall’s wheelbarrow and white chickens. Williams, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, was also an obstetrician at Passaic General Hospital (now St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic) for more than 40 years. He At East Ridgelawn Cemetary, Thaddeus Marshall was celebrated on July 18. delivered an estimated 3,000 babies Two Pathmarks in Clifton, one at the intersection of from 1912 to 1955. The Meadowlands Museum in Clifton and Paulison Aves., the other in Botany Village, Rutherford chose to honor Williams by hosting a reception were among those to close their doors following A&P’s for his grown-up “babies” on July 29. Additionally, the filing for bankruptcy on July 20. Great Atlantic & Pacific museum loaned medical equipment for the event from the Tea Co. was once the largest food retailer in America. practices of Williams and his son, pediatrician William However, the 156-year-old company became a regional Eric Williams. supermarket chain that struggled against younger and more innovative competitors. The chain had filed for Former Passaic Mayor Margie Semler was remembered bankruptcy in the past. Previously, unions accepted wage as devoted, honest and a force to be reckoned with—a and benefit cuts that were expected to be restored when proud legacy. Semler died July the company was again financially sound, which did not 13, age 92, after battling pancrehappen. A&P panned to shutter 25 stores in 60 days and atic cancer for two years. Semler complete the sales of its other locations by Oct. 30. served eight years as mayor of Passaic, 15 years on the City The closing of St. Clare School on Allwood Rd. in June Council and six on the Passaic turned out to be a financial windfall for the parish. Plans school board. Her dedication to for a pre-school to open there in September were Passaic was unparalleled and she announced by the Clifton Board of Education on July 1. made herself recognizable by The agreement involved a lease that calls for payment of reprimanding colleagues or local $198,000 per year with a two percent annual increase over politicians who reflected poorly the five-year term that began Sept. 1. The facility is named on the city. Additionally, Semler made her mark by the Clifton Early Learner Academy and School 8 Annex. becoming the first woman elected to the Passaic City Council in 1973. In 1993, Semler also became Passaic’s Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. on July 29 announced that first, and to date only, female mayor. Her two terms as the Clifton Fire Department received a $1.7 million grant mayor and her accomplishments revealed determination from the Department of Homeland Security to hire 11 new and a motivation to improve Passaic. Semler continues to firefighters. In 2012, $1.3 million was given to the city be remembered by her many supporters as “a champion under the same program. for her beloved city.” 42 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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In August, readers read about, from left: 1943 Heisman Trophy winner Angelo Bertelli, Coach Joe Grecco, George Bellin of the Clifton Swim Club, bowling center proprietor Yogi Berra, Eric Sudhalter of Van Houten Lanes, Joseph De Lora of DeLuxe Cleaners, 2015 Clifton Athletic Hall of Famer Emily Urciuoli and Marion D’Ettorre of Avato’s Department Store.
August 2015: In August, we dug up the true tale of when big dinosaurs roamed the Garret Mountain ridge, from Paterson right through to Washington’s Rock, a 600 foot cropping used by General Washington to see when the British were coming. Our August 2004 cover (right) helped explain that when our landmark cliffs were being quarried for the K. Hovnanian Four Seasons housing complex, workers uncovered dinosaur prints that today are on display at the NJ State Museum in Trenton. Last year, our running timeline of Clifton history took readers from 1928 through 1949, with plenty of great photos and more true tales. 44 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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August 2015
in Review
Ariana Puzzo and Madison Molner were editorial interns at this magazine in the summer of 2015. At right, participants in the Clifton Rec Dept.’s Family Campout on Aug. 21 in Albion Park on Maplewood Ave. Some 350 people pitched tents, enjoying campfires, songs and marshmallows. Below on right, Clifton’s Tiki long-gone landmarks: Lee’s Hawaiian Islander on Piaget Ave., the Pu Pu Inn on Main Ave. and the Jade Fountain on River Rd.,
From a history of bowling centers (we are down to the final 16 alleys with Garden Palace on Lakeview Ave.) to a review of our city’s Tiki Culture when bamboo bars and blowfish lights hung in three establishments, our August history covered many topics. Readers also met Ed Miedema, Bill Lemke, Mike Libin, Tom Jordan, Jeff Grotsky, Tom Menegus, Bob Havasy, Dick Cattani and Ken Donnelly who were inducted into the White Castle Hall of Fame in 2002. We also introduced the 2015 Clifton Athletic Hall of Famers. (To see the line up and photos of inductees, turn to page 52). Councilman Matt Grabowski was memorialized as a flagpole was dedicated in his honor in Zwier Park on Aug. 17. The event was attended by family and friends, as well as freeholders, the mayor and council members. Christine Sienicki and her fellow Rockettes offered a holiday season show preview on Aug. 13. The annual Christmas in August performance took place in front of Radio City Music Hall to promote the 2015 Christmas Spectacular. Sienicki attended the now-closed St. Cyril and Methodius over 20 years ago before graduating from Queen of Peace High School. She has been a Rockette for 15 years. 46 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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September 2015: That’s CMM publisher Tom Hawrylko on horseback (in 1983) on the cover as we reached our 20th anniversary of publication. Pictured above is our first edition—24 pages of advertorials. Thanks to loyal readers and advertisers, we have come a long way since. To commemorate our two decades of publication, we presented an exhibit of covers, photos and essays at the Clifton Arts Center during September.
Our September edition also featured some of the newsmen that served our city. Pictured above are brothers Seymour and George Kroll with their dad Max Kroll of the Clifton Journal, which Max purchased in 1938. At right, Terry LaCorte with his dad, Gus, the founder of The Clifton Leader, which began in 1926.
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“Clifton High prepares you for the real world better than any private school ever could. I can meet all types of people and I love it.”
“A Catholic education grants me the opportunities to live the words of the Gospel, practice works of mercy and live by the Golden Rule.”
- Matt Madrigal, CHS Class of 2017 President
- Christina Cramer, Paramus Catholic HS Class of 2019
September’s back-to-school coverage began with photos and stories on a new herd of Mustangs on our sports fields. Christina Cramer of Paramus Catholic explained why she received the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award and CHS Class President Matt Madrigal spoke of plans for himself and classmates. We also began our anti-hookah/e-cigs campaign, telling teens and parents about this dangerous trend. Cliftonites lost on 9/11/01 were remembered in an early morning ceremony at city hall: Zuhtu Ibis Kyung Cho, Francis Joseph Trombino, Ehtesham U. Raja, Edward C. Murphy, Edgar H. Emery, Port Authority Officer John Skala, brothers John and Tim Grazioso.
At the Sept. 20 Car Show to benefit the Boys & Girls Club, Bob Foster and Don Knapp award a trophy to one of the exhibitors, at left.
At the Sept. 19 opening of the Clifton Storyteller exhibit at the Clifton Arts Center, some current and former staff members of Clifton Merchant Magazine. From left: Fabian Calvo, Aly Ibrahim, Ken Peterson, Tom and Lori Hawrylko, Michael Gabriele and John Bendel. At left, Ray Kar of Toros Restaurant on Hazel St., one of about 30 eateries at the Taste of Clifton on Sept. 28, a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club. Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Pictured are some of the Clifton residents who attend Paramus Catholic. Ask these students and their parents why they have made PC their high school of choice. Please call or visit to learn more about PC.
Class of 2016
Class of 2017 50 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Members of the PC classes of 2014 and 2015 received over
$110 million in scholarships and were accepted into such prestigious universities as: Boston College, Bucknell, Clemson, Colgate, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Fairfield, Georgetown, NYU, Princeton, Purdue, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, UCLA, UPenn, Michigan, and University of Southern California, among many others.
Class of 2018
Clifton graduates from the PC classes of 2014 & 2015 earned over $6.5 million in scholarships! PC Offers... • 140 courses, including 20 Advanced Placement • STEM Program with over 40 courses • New Music Conservatory • Marching Band • 80-member Orchestra • Vibrant Campus Ministry, Retreat and Community Service Programs • Numerous educational trips all over the nation • Cost effective tuition for families • Bus service
Class of 2019 Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Mustang running back Bobby Boettcher in 1947 and quarterback Ron Haraka in 1976. Both are on our October cover with today’s QB Joe Santillo CHS, 2017.
On Oct. 11, Mustang Athletic Hall of Fame inductees included Emily Urciuoli, Pete Lehr, Corey Bleaken, Mickey Soccol, Joe Hathaway, Mike Lombardo, Ken Kurnath. Teams being inducted were the 2001 Hockey Champs, the 2008 Girls Track Team and the 1986 Wrestling Squad. This was the first time new members had been inducted in five years. Below, the late Rabbi Eugene Markovitz of Clifton Jewish Center was recalled for his lessons in tolerance.
October 2015: Clifton’s proud Mustang football tradition, spanning the decades from 1950 until today, was epitomized by our sepia-toned October cover photo, buttressed by input from three Fighting Mustangs themselves. A timeline of the 1950s detailed the city’s boisterous post-war period as development boomed and new citizens swelled the city’s ranks. Featured within that period: the impact of Shulton Inc., makers of Old Spice, and pharmaceutical powerhouse Pfizer. 52 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
October 2015 in Review
The Mustang Homecoming tradition continued on Oct. 17. At center, Homecoming Queen and King Jaclyn Hanrahan and Otto DeLeon with their court, from left: Olivia DeMuro and Patrick DePasque, Brittany Guzman and Jahi McDonald, Brittany Morales and Alejandro Joewono, and Aniah Whitmire and Bruno Frascola.
Pasquale Di Ianni was honored on Oct. 24 with the Garret Mountain Boathouse being named in his memory. An attorney, Di Ianni’s had a lifelong commitment to Passaic County parks and historic sites. His efforts included aiding the creation of the Great Falls National Historical Park, approved by President Obama in 2010, and spearheading the Passaic County Fair, held each summer atop Garrett Mountain. The renovated boathouse, constructed during the Great Depression, sits alongside Barbour Pond. He died in 2013 at the age of 85. William J. Bate was honored on Oct. 27 as the courthouse plaza in Paterson was dedicated in his name. Bate, who passed in 2011 at the age of 76, was elected in 1966 to the Clifton Council, subsequently serving in the NJ Assembly and Senate, and as judge of the Surrogate Court in Passaic County. The plaza, on Hamilton St. between Ward and Grand streets, is surrounded by the justice complex, county offices, and social services and private agencies. A plaque honoring the Clifton Optimist is at the center of the plaza.
Christopher Columbus Middle School’s 10th Annual Diversity Dinner was on Oct. 9. Some 150 attended and saw the CCMS Step Team perform before cuisines from across the globe (prepared by families) were shared. Volunteers from Student Council, as well as the Character and Builder’s Club and the CCMS HSA made it all happen. In total, some nine prizes were awarded and one of the winners, Andrew Potocki, is pictured. Leandro Mendoza, 21, known as Leo, was fatally wounded Oct. 16 as he and another employee were closing up the Lexington Liquors shop at 432 Lexington Ave. A gang of up to four teenagers, at least one with a gun, opened fire on the pair at about 2 am. The second employee’s injuries were not serious. Police arrested four suspects, three of them under age 18. Police reported a woman was shot in the face and throat at the Howard Johnson Inn on Route 3 Oct. 23, drawing a response from a SWAT team. A portion of the hotel was evacuated. The victim was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson. Two Wells Fargo branches awarded two grants totaling $2,000 to the Clifton Boys & Girls Club, part of the bank’s Community Connections program. Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Lisa Galanti, Roman Diduch and Roxanne Cammilleri (above left) were among those sharing comments on why they are thankful. Julia Young, pictured here at age 14 with father Jerry and mother Michele.
Charlie Frick, Norma Smith, William Weiss, Katrim Girgis, Bharat Rana and Latasha Caserlow-Lalla.
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November 2015: Our cover feature cataloged the Journey of Julia Young and the Cliftonite’s remarkable poise and resilience following a catastrophic bonfire accident in March 2009. Young candidly discussed the pain and the process of recovery — and the discomfort not only to herself but to first responders, family, friends, and even casual acquaintances struggling to deal with her injuries and recovery. The trials and triumphs of three Clifton veterans of World War II, as they recalled them, were in tribute to America’s military corps. And a visit to Clifton Savings Bank with Chair Paul M. Aguggia provided reassurance that a hometown staple was positioned to help lead the city to a bright future.
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November 2015 in Review
The Fighting Mustangs drove past Passaic, 35-12, at home on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Clifton now leads the all-time Thanksgiving series, 47-36-5. At right, WWII vet (and former newsman) George Kroll with his wife Lorraine. Clifton’s Billy and Lisa Meltzer closed their family sporting goods store on Outwater Lane in Garfield on Nov. 14 after 101 years. Bottom are WWII vet Ray Yannetti and Clifton Bank’s Chair and CEO Paul M. Aguggia.
At the heart of Athenia for 60 years, we profiled Shook Funeral Home and the people there. The family includes Thomas and Annelise Garretson, Roy and Nancy (seated) Garretson, Kevin White, Sandra Grazioso and Amanda (Garretson) Sardo.
Good Neighbors, Great Rates
973-772-8451 Thomas Tobin 973-779-4248
56 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Bill G. Eljouzi 973-478-9500
Roofing • Siding • Gutters Ventilation • Chimneys
Stephen Mihalovic served our nation during WWII strapped in the back of a US Navy Dive Bomber. His life story was told in the November edition. To his left are some of the other vets seen at Clifton’s Veterans Parade along Van Houten Ave. on Nov. 8.
Great memories were made at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club and to keep paying it forward, the Club holds an Alumni Party every November as it inducts some to the Hall of Fame. A few that made the cut this year include, from top left, Ken Bucsko, Charles Bucsko, Felicia Barbosa, Peter Dones, Greg Schabel and Joe Dera. Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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December 2015: Our sleuths uncovered Santa Claus’s annual Christmas Eve launch point in Acquackanonk Gardens, and garnered photographic evidence of Claus and family for our cover story. Santa consented to an in-depth interview revealing some – but not all – of his life in Clifton as personified by Patrick M. Doremus, veteran employee of Clifton’s DPW. Also found within our pages was dozens of readers sharing their traditions and memories while others told how sharing and caring helps them get into the Christmas spirit.
Mayor Jim Anzaldi’s Christmas Party is a three-decades-old tradition that draws hundreds to the Valley Regency. Seen with the mayor on Dec. 14 were friends and family of Nina and Jim Marrocco and Frank and Nina Corradino. The Student Development & Campus Life Department of Montclair State University joined with Assembly members Giblin and Oliver for their 2015 Toy Drive. Over 300 toys and books were collected and distributed. Pictured on Dec. 18 from left: Lolita Cruz, Dr. Karen Pennington, Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, Julie Fleming, George Silva and Emily Cordero.
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Tim Andrelczyk was a grid iron standout for Bergen Catholic, Class of 2015, and is now at American International College in Springfield, MA. “I ended the first semester with a 3.8 GPA with a major in Finance. Football wise I competed my butt off and I was able to work in with the first team offense as a freshman center.
When golfing legend Stephen Kozak died on Dec. 2 at age 94, writer Joe Hawrylko said he recalled the Delawanna resident for his bee hives hidden along the rails as much as being America’s oldest caddy. Kozak, pictured above in 2010, was also a veteran, serving with the 5th Marine Divisionin in both World War II and Korea. Born in 1921, Kozak grew up in the same River Rd. house that his parents, Mike and Julia, raised him in. He attended School 8 but dropped out of CHS in 1940 for a job at Givaudan. “I did it just to make some money for myself and the family,” explained Kozak, who lived with his parents, two brothers and two sisters. “We weren’t rich. My dad used to work at Waldrich. It used to be a silk factory across the street.” Kozak began as a caddy at the Yantacaw Country Club and in 1940, began also at the Upper Montclair Country Club. Intrigued by the game as both a player and a caddy, he always dreamed off a career in golf. “I just like doing it,” he said of his time on the links. “It brings in a little money and occupies my time for now.” Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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T raditions & Memories
Kindness Matters with the Key Club of CHS. Now through the end of January, the members of perhaps the most active group at CHS, the Key Club, are focused on trying to change the way students and teachers interact. The goal is to make the school and the community a kindler and gentler place to live, work and study. By selling T-shirts and bracelets, hosting bake sales and doing fundraising, they also hope to raise $4,500. If so, they will turn the funds over to Giggles, a group that presents live shows to help ease the suffering of pediatric patients at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. Club advisor Jacqueline Turk said Clifton just received a $2,000 grant through Key Club International. “Our goal is to donate the full $4,500. So far, we have $2100.” Write to JTurk@cliftonschools.net to help out.
CHS Key Clubbers from left: James Freyland, Gabriella Sotelo, Sharmitha Yerneni, Tahmin Choudhury, Bayanne Waqqad with Pranathi Kandalai in front.
Sharing their traditions and memories, from top left: Ricky Bagoli, Lillianna Chuddolij, Fred Seidler, Bobby DeVito, Anna Mariano, Henrique Schulz, Tara Fueshko, Seifullah Ali Shabazz, Josh Texidor, Kelly Williams, Norm Tahan, Michelle Shackil, Nina Sennert Klett.
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St. Philip the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 11671 presented Christmas checks to Mayor Jim Anzaldi for the Veterans Parade and to Lizz Gagnon of Clifton Cares, which helps supply needed items to service personnel overseas. These funds are part of the revenue generated by the annual Tank Pull also run by Council 11671, (which will be on June 19 on the Clifton Ave. Extension). Over the five years of the Tank Pull, $750,000 in goods and services have been donated to veterans causes.
December 2015
in Review
Gloria Martini is Chair of the Boys & Girls Club Board while Bob Jaffe joined as the newest Board Trustee.
Gloria Martini was installed as President of the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton as she heads up fundraising in 2016. As President of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce from 2002 until she retired in 2012, Martini lead the 500-member advocacy group. Previously, she had over 25 years experience in the healthcare field. She also serves on the Hackensack University Medical Center’s Board of Governors and is Secretary / Treasurer of the HUMC Foundation. Other Trustees include Chair Brent Rudnick; First VP Dante Liberti; Second VP Richard Mariso; Treasurer Cindy DeVos; Assistant Treasurer Jeffrey T. Cupo, Secretary Lauren Ricca; Assistant Secretary Thomas E. Fieldhouse; Historian Keith Oakley, and the newest Trustee is Robert Jaffe.
Getting ready for the June 19 Tank Pull, from left: C0-Chair Ray Lill, Mayor Jim Anzaldi, Lizz Gagnon of Clifton Cares, Co-Chair John Hughes.
Lisa Brady Schmittgall was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. “She is joining the healthcare system at a pivotal time as we position our organization for continued stability and growth in a quickly evolving healthcare industry,” said Kevin J. Slavin, President and Chief Executive Officer at St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. With more than 3,000 babies delivered annually, St. Joe’s wants to help parents celebrate. Next time you are driving down Route 80 East in Paterson near Straight St., look up and catch a glimpse of one of the recent newborns. The hospital’s digital Baby Billboard may have a baby you know up in lights. To learn more about St. Joe’s Labor and Delivery, and Mother/Baby unit, go to www.StJosephsHealth.org.
Don’t Wait Until Friday To Eat Pirogies!!! Come to The Famous & Original (from Lexington Ave)...
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973.340.0340
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NEW! Great for Parties... Hot, Homemade Empanadas! Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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By Douglas John Bowen
New Jersey’s first medical school in 50 years will deliver some much-needed economic medicine to Clifton, and its neighbors, in time for our city’s centennial year celebration in 2017. Construction is expected to begin this year on New Jersey’s first new private medical school in more than 50 years, to be located on the site still owned by the Roche Group along Route 3. Hackensack University Health Network and Seton Hall University are equal project partners. Their plan was officially announced in June, with a goal of starting initial classes in 2017, also Clifton’s 100th anniversary. 62 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Six months earlier, press reports in January 2015 broke news for the planned partnership on the 116 acre site. The list of active players expanded rapidly after that, including the Roche Group, Clifton, Nutley, and the state of New Jersey itself. The medical school will be the first step leading to economic development of the Roche site over a period of 15 to 25 years, with a huge impact on the regional
economy, and a boost in particular to Clifton and Nutley, home to the Roche Group’s campus. Construction will begin with the medical school as the project anchor and expand incrementally in future years. Total cost of the project currently is estimated at $100 million. Numerous observers consider the project a sound fiscal investment as the region repositions itself economically in the years ahead.
In 1929, Hoffman-LaRoche broke ground for offices, research and manufacturing facilities on the Clifton/Nutley border. An aerial photo of the current campus shows the vastness of the campus. Above, the entrance gate in Clifton on Route 3.
Funding falling into place In November 2015, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved $16.9 million in tax credits to launch the private medical school, the first such entity in nearly 60 years. Added to $10 million from an anonymous donor, the NJEDA commitment provides financial momentum. The medical school will focus on primary care specialties in acute shortage, including internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.
By 2020, the nation will need 50,000 more physicians, medical industry experts assert, including about 2,500 within New Jersey itself. A Seton Hall press release noted the move would “establish the only private Catholic school of medicine currently in the state.” Though private and not a public facility, the school would also be nonprofit, a status that threatened to pose potential revenue issues for both Clifton, in Passaic County, and its neighbor Nutley, in Essex County.
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Employees in Clifton and Nutley had no idea of the changes when Roche was named Fortune’s 2005 Top Best Companies.
However, the fiscal issue is being addressed, according to Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi. “We’re waiting for the medical school to develop a PILOT program (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) that we can agree to,” possibly by the end of January, Anzaldi told Clifton Merchant Magazine during an interview last month. Both Nutley and Clifton are “pretty much in line that we don’t want a ‘big box’ development,” Anzaldi noted. “Our joint push is for a sort of corporate center, something that’s similar to Roche in very general terms, and we continue to work toward that idea.” Both municipalities also continue to review site plans. Clifton completed the rezoning process for its portion of the proposal last month, according to Anzaldi. Some reuse of existing assets The mayor said the proposed school and related startup would incorporate and revamp the most up-to-date buildings in the Roche complex, including Building 76, modernized just a few years ago. “As well, Buildings 123 and 123A are where the medical school and nursing school will go.Those are newer buildings.” Suggested ancillary facilities for the school include an R&D cluster, possibly a conference center and hotel. The school itself initially will occupy only 14 acres of the overall site, varying by estimate at being between 119 and 127 acres big. Despite New Jersey’s legendary zealotry for “home rule,” Anzaldi said Clifton and Nutley have cooperated 64 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
to great degree on this matter. “Our relationship has been great. I’ve found, per my experience in the League of Municipalities, that when there’s a common goal, cities usually get along pretty well,” he said. “The state has been, on this, in the forefront,” Anzaldi added. “The governor and lieutenant governor, and the legislative delegations of both parties, have been helpful. They’ve done an excellent job.” Princeton-based Real Estate Solutions Group and New York-based EEK Architects were chosen by Clifton and Nutley to oversee the redevelopment plan and options. Roche still owns the property, so the corporation is still involved with the development planning. Roche wrapping up a long goodbye For Roche Group, it’s part of an end game entering its ninth year, roughly 88 years after Hoffman-LaRoche broke ground on its new plant in New Jersey, having outgrown its New York offices. The Clifton/Nutley site accommodated Roche’s needs for 80 years, and one former employee remembers her time there during the 1980s fondly. “You had a feeling the company really cared about you,” she recalled. Roche encouraged equal opportunity for women and “there was no discrimination whatsoever, and that was a big deal back in the ’80s,” she said. But as the 1980s ended, the situation changed. “When Valium went ‘off-patent,’ Roche anticipated they’d have to lay off people for the first time in the company’s history,” the ex-Roche veteran said.
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Looking Forward “I was part of the interview team. We ended up laying off a lot of people, which changed the whole tone and demeanor of the company. The (severance) packages were very fair. But the whole tone changed.” In 2008 Roche acquired rival Genentech for $43.7 billion. The newly merged company chose Genentech’s San Francisco, location for its headquarters. In 2012 Roche announced in 2012 it would close its Clifton/Nutley site. Industry observers attribute that development, in part, not to just the merger but also to the widespread consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry in general, which has affected New Jersey significantly. Roche closed the campus in 2013, ending or disrupting the careers of some 1,000 employees. In 2013, Roche Group paid approximately $14 million in property taxes each year at its New Jersey facility, with about $9 million going to Nutley, and almost $5 million going to Clifton. Both municipalities reduced their tax rates for Roche in 2014, apparently anxious to avoid any tax appeal that Roche might file. Hopes, concerns, and ‘high-end’ lemonade The redevelopment plan may ultimately create more jobs and generate more property tax revenue for Clifton and Nutley than the drug maker did, some business and elected officials have said. But the timeline is a fairly long one, stretching from 15 to 25 years depending on the estimate. Anzaldi sees the time frame as a positive, because it fosters creativity and the ability to respond to problems (and opportunities) as they arise. “I don’t think it’s all going to happen overnight, but you want a positive ratable, and create good jobs, and not create quality-of-life issues such as traffic congestion,” he said.
“It’s not about now, but how it will impact things many years in the future. This will do that.” Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban Seton Hall University President
Quality-of-life issues include environmental concerns. Last February 60 property owners adjacent to the Roche site threatened to file a class-action lawsuit related to leaks in sewer lines under the campus that may have allowed contaminants into groundwater. A Roche spokesman said it had supplied remediation reports to the US Environmental Protection Agency and NJ Environmental Protection Department, and “is in compliance with all state and federal regulatory guidelines and has already begun approved remediation on-site.” Though proponents have expressed concerns over future traffic congestion, little if any consideration of potential passenger rail has been discussed. The site is bisected by an active rail line, the Newark Branch, linking Paterson, Clifton, and Nutley with points south, with Newark-Penn Station on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Anzaldi said he and the mayor of Nutley share the concerns over remediation, traffic and all quality of life matters. He asserted that all players are taking those issues seriously, adding, “Anywhere you are in New Jersey, you’re going to have some issues” of this type. And the mayor reiterated the metaphor he employs of turning a lemon into lemonade. “The school, I think, in fact, will bring ‘high-end’ lemonade that’s good not just for Clifton and Nutley, but for the region and indeed for New Jersey as a whole.”
“It’s a game-changer, not just for Hackensack, but for the state of New Jersey to have this sort of project that will create several hundred jobs and spur economic development.” Robert C. Garrett, Hackensack University Health Network CEO
66 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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Clifton was in the national spotlight far more often than normal in 2015. It began on March 28 with a fake hostage incident at Digital Press Games on Rt. 46. A few issues and incidents in Clifton Schools followed. But it wasn’t all negative: 2015 CHS Grad Abrar Shahin, an observant Muslim who wears a hijab, was voted best dressed by her peers and made headlines across the world. By Joe Hawrylko As Clifton heads into 2016 and the social media age, the question remains: can the district find a more effective way to open more efficient communication with students, parents and residents? In December 2015, several School 11 students developed a plan to ‘bomb’ the high school in retaliation for perceived bullying. Though the plan was predictably harmless, parents were not notified until going to drop their children off the following day. Within hours of the incident, the ‘bombing’ was already the talk of the town... then the region... then it was on tv. Next morning, news vans surrounded the school on Lakeview and Merselis Ave., pushing parents for answers, creating news hype and earning the School Administration and Board of Education scrutiny. Also on the schools front, and in a more positive tone, CHS senior Kaity Assaf ended 2015 by presenting the Board of Ed with a petition of more than 500 signatures asking that the district adopt the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as recognized school holidays in coming years. With an ever-growing Muslim population, this topic will surely be discussed and perhaps even be resolved in 2016. A resolution may also pose challenges. For instance, how to implement these additional days off— 68 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
That’s Ken Gensinger and John Fette, both own and operate car dealerships that bear their family names at the interchange of Routes 3 & 46. Also pictured, unlikely allies: Mary Sadrakula and Mayor Jim Anzaldi.
and when one consider the growing number of other ethnicities and religions in our community—what gets cut and what is added? Another school topic which may resurface—the never-ending debate about school uniforms—which has surfaced at least three times over the past years. Synagogues and sidewalks The growing Orthodox Jewish community in Rosemawr may likely again dominate headlines in 2016. The city began the new path of pursuing plans to install sidewalks on Dwasline Rd., a busy through
street linking Allwood Rd. and Brook Ave. For nearly 15 years, the debate has raged on, pitting long time residents against a newer and growing Orthodox Jewish population that also calls the quiet neighborhood home. There have been numerous pedestrians struck by vehicles on the road—some fatally. At the end of 2015, the City Council voted 4-2 (Lauren Murphy, Joe Kolodziej, Ray Grabowski, and Peter Eagler) to make use of $240,000 in leftover money from road resurfacing projects to put towards sidewalks on the street. However, the debate now focuses on whether or not the Council can move forward with those plans. Redirecting funds for streets Mayor James Anzaldi, who opposed the measure along with Steve Hatala and Bill Gibson, questioned whether the money could be legally redirected from its original purpose. If not, the city would need to put forth a vote for a separate bond measure, which would require five yes votes. That question or a vote on the topics should be resolved in 2016. But even if that is approved, residents intend to keep up the fight, which could make it difficult to acquire the private land necessary for sidewalks. Opposition has characterized the Council’s moves as payback for the Orthodox community’s support for several Council members, and argue that the sidewalks should be paid for by those residents who want them. One of the most vocal opponents of the sidewalks has been Mary Sadrakula, a former Councilwoman who founded and now heads the Clifton Watchdog Group.
The Dwasline Rd. home proposed to become a 20,000 ft. synagogue.
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A Rosemawr resident herself, the former councilwoman has also opposed the neighborhood’s other endless project, the proposed Congregation Shomrei Torah religious center. In December 2015, the congregation filed another suit against Clifton’s Planning Board, after more than a decade of legal wrangling and more than two dozen planning board meetings. Hotly contested for being too large for the neighborhood from the time it was proposed, the latest action stems from an August planning board meeting when it As Clifton plans for its centennial in 2017, here are members of the 75th anniversary seemed that the project committee in April, 1992 at the party at the Valley Regency, then still under construction. would finally be ok’ed. At the Route 3 and 46 interchange near Valley Rd., However, the board instead approved a 7,000 sq ft the NJ Department of Transportation should commence facility, saying that was in line with the aesthetics of the Phase One of the $150 million project. The goal is to neighborhood but well short of the 20,000 sq. ft. house create a safer interchange on a stretch of highway notoof worship originally proposed. The board argued that rious for being dangerous. From 2004 and 2014, there the size change could still fit 124 worshipers, the maxiwere over 1,000 accidents on both sides of the merge. mum which was determined in a previous court battle. The plans for this stage include a new access road, The congregation’s legal counsel, attorney Frank and an overpass from MSU to Clove Rd. to be completCarlet, filed a suit in an effort to get approval on the ed by summer 2017, and construction is not expected to Congregation’s original plans. In addition to seeking seriously impact traffic flow until the second phase in approval, David Gross, the congregation’s president, 2018, when work on the actual highway begins. indicated that they would utilize the Religious Land Use Initial work has already impacted Clifton residents and Institutionalized Persons Act to attempt to recoup and businesses as the state has purchased land in anticlegal costs incurred over a decade of battles. ipation of the project. Corey and Michelle Genardi lost a large section of their yard on Normandy Rd. Similar battle across town Gensinger Volkswagen and Fette Ford also straddle the The plight of the synagogue is similar to the battle interchange, and while Fette lost some land, both dealwaged by members of the House of Fire Christian ers anticipate construction traffic leading way to better Church on Grove St. This decade long battle by the city access to Rt. 3 once the project is completed in 2021. was won by the congregants in 2014. It is interesting to At City Hall, Mayor James Anzaldi and volunteers note that Frank Carlet was also legal counsel on this are preparing for Clifton’s centennial, which is April project—as the attorney for neighbors opposed to the 26, 2017. A year worth of celebration is in store, with church. While work has slowed at the House of Fire, a family dinner at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club kickconstruction may be completed this year. As far as the ing off the party on April 26 of this year. Congregation Shomrei Torah? Stay tunned. 70 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
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Joe Cupoli and Billy Freedman with some of the staff at their Saddle Brook warehouse and store.
By Douglas John Bowen Cliftonite Joseph S. Cupoli runs P&A Auto Parts. Simple statement. Anything but simple reality. With co-partner Billy Freedman, Cupoli on a daily basis juggles a staff of 175 employees covering operations at 10 stores in three northeastern New Jersey counties, including two stores in Clifton — at 820 Van Houten Ave. and 1103 Main Ave. Together, the stores generate an average of $80,000 in revenue daily. Customers range from individuals, trusting P&A service over an auto dealership or local gas station, to corporate and government fleet owners. The revenue flow sounds impressive, until one factors in the costs and highly competitive nature of the automotive aftermarket segment. Cupoli is up to the challenge, exemplified by a company battlecry of “Whatever it takes.” Customer service, to some eyes, may be taken to extremes, even to the point of picking up a customer’s laundry or a cup of coffee en route to a destination. Despite the big numbers, this is still a please and thank you place of business. 72 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Partners in progress Cupoli, along with co-partners Billy Freedman, has owned P&A since 2003, when they both purchased the business from his father-in-law. Freedman’s route to partnership was somewhat circuitous, and interesting, Cupoli said. “Billy started working for us in 1989,” Cupoli recounted. “We had only one store at the time. His goal was to inherit his uncle’s store in Mahwah, but it became clear that wasn’t going to happen. “My father-in-law, aware of all this, said to Billy, ‘Let’s be partners on a store in Clifton’ that we were evaluating,” Cupoli said. “That worked out, and in fact Billy and my father-in-law eventually were partners for three stores. “Ironically, P&A was able to buy the original store in Mahwah in 2013,” said Cupoli. “It’s been a strong addition.” Some doubt that partnerships can endure, and Cupoli acknowledged that he and Freedman have different approaches, insights, and at times even priorities. “But our partnership works; we each respect the other’s abilities and focus,” he asserted.
Of customers and a comfort zone P&A’s website states, “The P & A ‘Point of View’ is simply that people come first and everything else, including auto parts, follows!” Cupoli, in an interview, added to that, declaring, “I don’t love cars; I love business. That surprises some people, but we’re in the business of serving people.” “We’re a big family here,” injected Operations Manager Armando Soto. “We are committed to the customer, to the company, to the community. We’re here for them. And we are here because of them.” Cupoli said proof of that can be found both in-house among employees and in customer interaction on the road, through the sincere use of words such as “please” and “thank you.” “It costs nothing, and buys so very much,” he said emphatically. “It makes people feel good to say those words; it makes people feel good to hear the words.” Ample inventory backs up those words. “We have a full supply of GM AC/Delco parts; we have a full supply of Motorcraft parts” for Ford vehicles, as well,” said Soto, a 15-year veteran at P&A. Behind him are additional rows carrying stock from various foreign car and truck manufacturers.
Gesturing to the expanse of warehouse shelves, he said. “Our goal traditionally has been, ‘The right part in 30 minutes or less.’ We try real hard to adhere to that standard.” Novel offerings include a fully equipped machine shop in P&A’s Saddle Brook location, “with a full-time staff of two,” Cupoli said – something fewer and fewer service centers offer today. The owner casually noted that he has made it a point to experience every facet of the operation himself, whether it be the machine shop, customer service, warehouse operations, or delivery. Soto pointed with pride to one of the company’s newer capabilities: car body paint available by spray can. The quality upgrade is significant, he said. “We’re beyond the typical ‘touch-up’ applicator option,” he said. “We can make the paint and them put it into a spray can, using the car’s own paint code” and matching it by computer. “We’re now your paint guy.” Soto allowed that the paint service isn’t a driving force for customers. But it is an attractive add-on option for many of those customers, be they fleet owners or individuals, requiring new brakes or air filters or something else deemed more essential. “Every day, I’m mixing paint,” he observed.
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Cupoli said the success of service diversity shouldn’t surprise anyone if quality and expertise are the foundation of business success. “You don’t need to be the smartest person; you just need to hire the smartest people,” he asserted. And perhaps also the most adaptable. Though populated with “old-timers” — Cupoli at one point jovially singled out an employee with the company for “only eight years” — staff minds strive to think young. That includes competence with the newest phone and computer apps relevant to the business. One of those apps, Dayco, allows P&A staff to identify a customer’s car make and model by license plate number, greatly expediting the process of delivering the right part of service, inside the shop or out, Cupoli said, demonstrating its speed and accuracy. “Our guys don’t say ‘no’ because we have tabs open anywhere they are,” Soto added. More parts, shorter shelf life P&A’s warehouse shelves in Saddle Brook are more full than ever, in part because “manufacturers used to produce items that would be viable for years — in your 1978 Buick, 1979 Buick, 1980 Buick, and so forth. That’s changed. Now manufacturers often update or change specifications as often as six months. And to be competitive, P&A has to have theat inventory ready. “We used to sell 1,000 parts to generate $30,000,” Cupoli said as an example. “Now we have to sell 3,000 parts to generate the same $30,000. And that time period will continue to shrink.” 74 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Cupoli: Inject business acumen into government Cliftonites — and for that matter many throughout Passaic County — may know Joseph S. Cupoli primarily for his involvement in local politics. That includes, most recently, campaigning for Passaic County Freeholder. Cupoli’s effort fell short last November. The dichotomy — business Republican Cupoli with owner and politician — might Democrat Lauren Murphy seem severe, but Cupoli is able to on our Oct. 2012 cover. bridge the two. “My frustration with government is that often it’s too big and too slow. In some ways, it’s set up to fail.” The setup, in his view, includes overwhelming pressure for government of all stripes to purchase the cheapest goods or services through bidding, too often ignoring the longer-term, higher-quality options. “The bidding process for governments doesn’t allow for quality,” while business interests are willing to evaluate quality and longevity far more often. Some local communities do try to buck that trend, Cupoli noted, “and you can sometimes succeed if a town or city issues exact specifications that a quality option clearly offers.” But even then a knowledgeable local official may have to clash with the local purchasing agent, fixated on cost and nothing else. Cupoli pointed out his concerns or objections are not an automatic anti-government screed. Tax rates and regulations are obvious business issues but less damaging than government’s ponderous pace. Otherwise, he said, government actions impact upon P&A “very minimally.” Nor has he given up on serving the public sector. When a visitor suggested his recent campaign might have been his last, Cupoli quickly quipped, “Who said I’ve given up?” That’s a can-do business attitude that aptly can be applied to the public sector, too. P&A’s Saddle Brook warehouse totals at least 60,000 square feet. It’s a cavernous space with high ceilings, originally occupied by a supplier of ammunition, then operated by New York Golf, which offered an indoor driving range. P&A converted the space through sweat equity over a yearful of
Saturdays and off-days, Cupoli said with pride. “Our people built everything ourselves,” with a core group of about 10 staff members putting together rows and rows of shelving, reaching at least 20 feet in height, into position “one piece at a time,” Cupoli said.
But if even the best inventory stock isn’t always enough, P&A will scour other sources to deliver timely service and satisfaction. The quality must measure up. But with that standard established, “We’ll send our people to Home Depot, if necessary,” to make a quick purchase to expedite service, Cupoli said, adding, “We’ll buy from anybody” that can offer a quality product as quickly as possible. Association adjustment Reluctantly, P&A recently detached itself from Atlanta-based National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), finding a new home with Raleigh, N.C.-based CarQuest. “NAPA was never successful in the Northeast market,” Cupoli observed. “It didn’t have a viable business model for a 10-store chain in New Jersey. We’re not a single store in Iowa. My labor costs are different. My tax issues are different. The environment, its impact on cars and trucks, is different. But NAPA didn’t acknowledge or react to those differences; it didn’t seem capable of helping us.” P&A weighed a switch to CarQuest at a time when the latter’s own viability was an industry question mark. But CarQuest acquired a new parent, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., giving CarQuest stability and P&A chance to address key issues. The switchover hasn’t been painless nor without concerns. “NAPA still has ‘tentacles’ into my customer base after 12 years,” Cupoli said. “That doesn’t go away quickly. We have to reassure our customers, one at a time, that we’re here for them.” Or as Soto phrases it: “At the end of the day, we’re still P&A.” Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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“We delegate responsibilities to our associates, support their decision-making and try to provide them with all the education and tools that they need to be successful. We encourage personal initiative, a comfortable work environment and team spirit,” Hanson & Ryan CEO Terry M. Ryan said. “This is a great place to work because we invest in those principles, respect our people and create opportunities for all.” The insurance professionals at Hanson & Ryan, the Silver Winner of Insurance Journal’s 2015 Best Agency to Work For – East Region, say every employee is appreciated and valued, and is empowered in any way needed for their personal growth and development. Founded in 1876, Hanson & Ryan in Totowa, has more than 30 staff members, providing commercial and personal insurance including life and health to Clifton and various northern New Jersey communities. 76 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
“In my career, I’ve never worked for a company where I’ve felt more respected, trusted and appreciated, than I do at Hanson & Ryan,” wrote one employee. “I enjoy coming to work every day because I know that my co-workers and my managers have my back. We’re a team and we never forget that. When times get a little hectic, we all pitch in to help each other out — whether it’s during a natural disaster like Superstorm Sandy or during a deep winter freeze in mid-January.”
“Everyone is treated equally and fairly, regardless of their position with the company. Hanson & Ryan is not just an insurance agency, but a family that I am thankful to be a part of,” said another. “We provide superior service to all our clients. Our clients are like our family as well.” CEO Terry M. Ryan, a third-generation agency principal who’s been working as an independent agent for over 45 years, said being recognized as a Best Agency to Work For is an honor, an affirmation “that our associates truly believe in Hanson & Ryan.” “We delegate responsibilities to Clifton’s Rich DeLuca, at left, worked at Hanson & Ryan from 1978 until his our associates, support their decideath in 2010. He is next to Dennis Quinn of Travelers Insurance and H&R sion-making and try to provide them CEO Terry Ryan, who is also pictured on the facing page in a recent photo. with all the education and tools that Employees and the company continually participate they need to be successful. We encourage personal iniin events that have raised thousands of dollars for autism tiative, a comfortable work environment and team spirawareness, multiple sclerosis, domestic abuse shelters it,” Ryan said. “This is a great place to work because we and needy families. invest in those principles, respect our people and create The agency also has “Jean Fridays” where employees opportunities for all.” can donate $10 monthly and the collected funds are One employee wrote that H&R shows appreciation given to local families in need. for employees year round. “We have company apprecia“We have developed dedicated professionals who tion days, whether they are at a baseball game, a tour bus understand our business and know that our commitment to our insured restaurants, or a volleyball tournament to our clients and company-partners is the route to sucwith our carrier representatives.” cess,” Ryan concluded. “Our strength comes from our Employees take pride in community contributions. willingness to work hard for all the right reasons. Our The agency’s philanthropic efforts include a 139-year reputation for professionalism, integrity and Christmas toy and fund drive, charitable work and donacommitment to the area communities makes us truly distions to Boys & Girls Clubs, St. Joseph’s Wayne tinctive in the insurance industry.” Hospital events, and other non-profit organizations.
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By Douglas John Bowen
The family business is officiating with the Torres clan. At left is Luis, age 31 and CHS 2002, center is Kevin, age 29 and CHS 2005, and at right is their dad Pastor.
78 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Next time you’re in your comfortable chair at home, or on your favorite barstool, watching an NCAA basketball game, pay some attention – and perhaps a little respect – to the referees. It could be that Cliftonite Pastor Torres, or his son, Luis – or at rare times, both! – are guiding the action. Father and son are on the road, or in the air, or on the court for large portions of the calendar year, leaving their hometown behind for the love of the round ball on the hardwood court. And another Torres family member, son Kevin, keeps games orderly on area high school courts. “We miss a lot of birthdays and family events,” said Pastor Torres, 51, an Athenia resident since 1991. “You’re an independent contractor.”
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Pastor Torres began his life as a basketball ref in 1998, as a spectator, watching Kevin in a youth game at the Wayne Police Athletic League. “The scheduler was complaining about ‘this guy not making it’ or ‘not being responsible.’ I asked if perhaps I could fill the void. The guy said, “‘If you have a shirt and the gear, it’s $30 a game to run up and down the court.’ “I replied, ‘Sure, I’ll do it,’” Torres said. He acquired a striped shirt and black pants, and painted his sneakers black, per uniform code. “I got on the floor and I was all over the place. I didn’t know what I was doing,” Torres said with a smile. “It’s easier to make a call as a fan. But I wanted to learn, and got coaching and counsel – and weeks and weeks of rules review and on-floor training.” Pastor Torres broke in with two years of junior varsity and freshman basketball games, then “did varsity (high school) for a couple years, in Passaic, Bergen, and Essex counties,” Torres said. A second son, Luis, also known as basketball star Albert Torres, CHS 2002, launched his referee career in 2010, at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club. “I was terrified.
“Communication is the key” when refs deal with coaches at any level, Pastor Torres said.
I had no clue about how to ref a game. It’s a lot different being on the floor than just watching,” he pointed out, recalling with a smile his own discomfort. He persevered, however, and during the next three years,
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When Richard F. Knapp started his roofing business in 1960, he wasn’t only constructing an umbrella of protection that would ensure the people of Clifton a solid home environment—he was laying a foundation of trust and honesty that has continued to serve our community for generations. “Richard was honest with the people,” said Dorothy Knapp, Richard’s widow. “We always stand behind our work. That’s the way Richard started it and the way my sons have done it. We’re keeping up the honesty.” Richard Knapp passed away in 1991. That’s when the Knapp boys, Richard and Donald, took the reins of the business. They had been working with their father since their teens and knew how much quality and trust mattered. Unfortunately, tragedy struck again when Richard M. Knapp succumbed to a short but valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer at age 50 in 2014. But as in the past, the business continues on, serving the community with Don and his mom moving forward.
Mrs. Knapp said people who had work done by Knapp Roofing decades ago are calling again for work on either the same homes or new homes. That’s how a strong tradition of dependability is built. What better testament to the honesty of a business whose first priority was and still is the best interests of their customers than that? “There was an older gentleman whose roof needed some repairs,” recalled Mrs. Knapp. “His wife was bedridden. Richard didn’t charge him. He told him to buy his wife some flowers. That’s the kind of things he did. He was well-liked. If a roof didn’t need to be done he’d tell them. He didn’t push unnecessary work.” Donny Knapp carries on that legacy. “We proudly remain a family business, started and still run by the same family. We are committed to continue the reputation of our family name,” said Mrs. Knapp. “Donny is kind, respectable and fair to all people and we appreciate our customers.” Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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“I went to basketball camps during the summer, and that got pretty intense. At the end of the summer of 2012 I got my first contract.” Kevin Torres – who in a way was the catalyst for launching a family tradition – keeps it local as a referee at the high school level. Grueling year-round grind Both Pastor and Luis Torres are in superb physical shape – and that matters. In some ways, referees have to have better endurance, and be more resilient, than the athletes they monitor. “We don’t have timeouts, water breaks and we’re constantly scrutinized. We get a break at halftime. That’s it,” Pastor said. Watching what one eats, staying in shape, and loosening up before game time are definitely must-do items. “Hurt yourself and you may have hurt your ability to ref games for the year,” Torres said. For many refs working at the collegiate level, “this is their full time job.” That’s Luis and Kevin Torres near the flag while their dad Pastor is on the left, as seen in Oct. 2006 when they lived in Lakeview.
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Even before the season begins, “We get background checks, physicals, have to take a 50-question test, and go through rules questions. We go to meeting after meeting and fly to NCAA meetings at wherever the host city will be.” There are scrimmages. “All that, before the games go live,” Pastor Torres said. Son Luis Torres added, “My season starts at the end of October and goes into March. Then I have maybe a month to relax. I go to a camp in April, a camp in May, two camps in June, and the whole month of July I’m away three out of four weeks, traveling from Pennsylvania to Tennessee to Washington, D.C. to Maryland, just for example.” “We joke that for referees, it’s a ‘summer of illusion, winter of discontent.’ You’re waiting for that elusive contract to come in the mail,” says the elder Torres. “Your family life needs to be strong. Without my wife’s support, it would be difficult to do this.” Pre-game, game, postgame work Pastor Torres currently refs NCAA Division 1 Women’s basketball, and “I’ve had the honor of going to March Madness twice,” including refereeing a D1 championship game. “There are 1,200 to 1,300 officials
in the nation. Only 112 are selected” for March Madness, Torres said. “So it’s quite an honor.” Even avid basketball fans may not know the complex pre-game preparations a team of referees pursues. “One often has to meet with the media, certainly meet with the table personnel, meet with your crew and discuss where each member will be, how we’ll position ourselves,” Pastor Torres said. “We also discuss the tendencies of each team and of their coaches, and review guidelines prescribed by the NCAA. We do all that for 1 ½ hours before game time.” Then there’s the game, the work that’s visible, at least in part, to spectators. But the night’s work isn’t done, even if one can now head for home or, just as often, the hotel on the road. “Once the game is over, we have to write reports, we have to review videos,” Pastor Torres said. “We have to report to the supervisor weekly at the college level.” Asked if coaches try to play one official against another, or otherwise tamper with referee team coordination, Luis Torres stated; “It’s a constant.” As for irate or agitated coaches, “The ref team will discuss how to handle an agitated coach, and see if we can talk him back down,” Pastor Torres said.
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“But if we did something,” he continues, “right or wrong, and the coach gets angry and we ignore him, it’s going to get worse. In today’s world, you must communicate with the coaches. Communication is the key.” Luis Torres sometimes faces another issue. “A lot of coaches are older than I am, so there’s a respect factor, certainly one I Then senior Albert Torres, who finished his career at CHS in 2002 with 1,081 defer to. When I first started, career points, Coach Pete Vasil and then sophmore Devon Moffatt, who just netsome coaches tried to exploit ted 1,003 career points and was on his way to smash the school’s scoring record. that. I’ll tell the coaches of any Father and son tandem decision I make that it’s a decision by the book. I’ll The “right place” has now included father and son never go wrong if it’s by the book.” working together during the same game. “The first time Over time, he added, “I’ve gotten a little more was two years ago in Philadelphia, Temple vs. respect. I’m a known commodity.” LaSalle,” Luis Torres said. “It’s a normal game other“Officials are smarter, younger, faster, Internet wise. But when I’m with my dad, the expectations savvy. Luis is in that category,” said Pastor Torres with make me kind of nervous. I’m working with the man I some pride. “The sport is going to invest 20, 25 years either want to be like, or surpass. It’s nerve-wracking,” in them. Luis is in the right place right now.”
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and for the Temple/LaSalle game it took “until the second half to calm down.” But the father-son team has repeated the experience successfully. “Last year, we had three games we worked at together, including Bucknell vs. Army, which was on CBS Sports,” Luis said. “It’s one of the highlights of my career so far.” Asked if he “went easy” on his son or put the pressure on instead, Pastor Torres replied, “At one time I was harder on him, but now he’s taken his own path. He had to ref a children’s education game one time. Game time was 11 am, and there were thousands of screaming kids in a gym; the noise was pretty intense, incredibly noisy. “Luis worked the game as I watched, and kept it all together. I was proud of him,” his father said. Experience as a player has helped Luis referee effectively. “I was a 1,000-point scorer in Clifton High School in 2002, the year I graduated,” he said. (Luis notched 1,081 points.) “We made it to the state finals twice, in my junior and senior year.” He continued playing in his college years, so “on the court, I actually use my player instincts, as far as when the guard is going to shoot before he actually shoots, for example. I
think as a player, I think as a guard, and it helps me anticipate.” Instructing the next generation The basketball referees of tomorrow, beyond just family, are part of Pastor Torres’ concern, advanced through the group Officials Timeout. “Right now I train and mentor a lot of officials and I also assign officials to nine or 10 different towns. It’s part of giving back, paying back,” Torres said. “I advise and consult with new officials. And I’m an observer at different Division 1, 2, and 3 camps. I go out and recommend different officials to supervisors. My doors are open; my phones are constantly ringing.” Within Officials Timeout, Torres also assists a referral program to refer officials to different supervisors. “Obviously today because of the economy, a lot of folks are going toward sports because sports pay the bills,” he observed. “But it’s not an easy job. You really have to love the game – not necessarily the big stars or the hype surrounding a player or event.” And on the court itself, the safe haven? “Work hard; be humble,” Pastor Torres advised. “For life as a referee, that’ll go a long way.”
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FrancesaCon has grown to be huge. An invention of Clifton’s Ron Haraka (above right) and his college pal Michael Leboff, the Jan. 23 event is centered around WFAN radio personality Mike Francesa (inset) and those residents of the online world of Mongo Nation who gather in Irving Plaza to honor their so-called Sports Pope. Get the picture? If not, put on a grey wig, stethoscope headphones, and start yapping with a Diet Coke in hand. Then on Jan. 23, head over to the Irving Plaza Ballroom in Union Square and join the Mongo Nation for FrancesaCon3. Ok, you really can dress as a civilian, said Clifton’s Ron Haraka, co-creator of this celebration of all things Mike Francesca, the sports radio personality who hosts Mike’s On: Francesa on the FAN, during the afternoon drive slot formerly occupied by Mike and the Mad Dog. “Fanatics in attendance can be seen dressing up like Francesa (thus the grey wig, etc...) in addition to some other wacky costumes of other sports media personalities,” explained Haraka, 25 who graduated Seton Hall Prep in 2008 before going on to Loyola University in Maryland where he earned a degree in Writing in 2012. “One guy even dressed up as a full Diet Coke can.” 86 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Haraka said it is the members of Mongo Nation who help make this day great, from drumming up hype year round on Twitter to pitching in and offering feedback on how to improve the event year in and year out. Most importantly, Haraka continued, “FrancesaCon has given us the opportunity to give back to a few charities with which we have personal ties. Last year, a total of $7,500 was contributed to the Children’s Network For Hope, the Theodore Atlas Foundation, and the Coalition for Brain Injury Research, which is Clifton-based and run by the Benigno family of Hazel St.” The radio host didn’t come to the 2014 event—but the fans did. Last year saw a huge spike in public attention, with the appearance of Francesa himself on the big day. “He didn’t know much about it and he was very unsure,” recalled Haraka. “But once he said he was coming in
2015, it was like, This is the big time. I think what convinced him was that one, it was for charity, and two, that it was a success last year.” “I’ve been doing this a long time and this is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” Francesa told the crowd in 2015. “You’re all nuts. A thousand people with nothing better to do. You should be home watching basketball.” The crowd, some dressed identically as the sports show talk host, laughed and cheered before a derogatory chant about Francesa’s radio rival, Michael Kay, broke out. For 2016, Haraka said Jerry and The Newcomers, will perform throughout the day, leading up to Francesca’s appearance. Also featured will be Mike and The Mad Dog impersonators Bill Buchanan and Mike Benevento, who will help to give away prizes, raffles and manage a silent auctions. Francesca’s former on-air partner is Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo. Official FrancesaCon merchandise will be for sale and Haraka said there may even be a few surprise guests to be announced. Tickets are $20 to $30. Find out more on Twitter.
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www.immedicenter.com Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Community News St. John Lutheran Church’s Thrift Shop is on Feb. 6, from 9:30 am to 1 pm, at 140 Lexington Ave. Shoppers will find a generous supply of gently used winter clothing as well as household items and toys and games at low prices. For info, call 973-779-1166.
The Young At Heart Senior Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave. at noon. Refreshments begin at 11 am. Make new friends, play bingo and travel. Call 973-779-5581 for info.
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88 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
US Airman Billy Gibson
On New Years Eve, Billy Gibson graduated Air Force Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. After eight and a half weeks of boot camp (Basic Military Training), the 2015 CHS grad enjoyed the company of his family at the commencement. He will remain at Lackland in Security Force Tech School for the next few months before receiving orders for the first part of his four year enlistment.
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Not a safe alternative to cigarettes Cigarette smoking among high school students is dropping—that’s the good news. But a new study published last month in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, cautions hookah use among teens is rising dramatically In a national study of high school seniors, 18% of the 5,540 surveyed had used hookah at least once in the past 12 months. Hookahs are water pipes with a smoke chamber, bowl, pipe and hose used to smoke specially made flavored tobacco appealing to youth. They’re often shared by users in smoking sessions. Youth and young adults often think they are safer than smoking cigarettes. But hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. “It’s a serious mistake to think that hookah filters out harmful chemicals. Carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, and other toxic chemicals are still present in tobaccobased hookah smoke – and often at even higher levels than cigarettes,” said Stanley H. Weiss, MD, of the Essex-Passaic Wellness Coalition (EPWC) and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. In fact, the Florida American Lung Association has pointed out that a 40 to 45minute session using a water pipe is the equivalent of smoking 40 cigarettes—two full packs—at one sitting! For truthful info on hookah and e-cigs, visit web.njms.rutgers.edu/EPWC. 90 January 2016 • Clifton Merchant
Each month Vice Principals from each wing of Clifton High nominate select students to receive recognition as a Student of the Month. Profiles for this month are featured below.
Quinae Jones
Career training starts unexpectedly For senior Quinae Jones, impromptu training for her nursing career came unbidden — and was most disruptive to her academic life. “In the fall of 2014, everything was going great until my mom got sick and I missed many of days in school,” Jones recalled. “It was my junior year and I realized that I lost credit for every class because I was absent so much; I was so scared and felt horrible. My guidance counselor told I could apply for the Aspire program. At first, I was so confused I had no clue. During the summer I went for an interview/meeting with staff from the Aspire program; we spoke to see what I can do to get my credits back. During the meeting I was told that I could possibly be in Aspire for two years, which made me sad because I wasn’t going to graduate with my class but that changed and I was given the opportunity to graduate,” she said. At CHS Annex, “I had a goal: to work hard and not miss a lot of school. I knew it was going to be a lot of work but it would be worth it. A couple months into the school year I was accepted to be a senior! Now I keep up with my grades and I try my best not to be absent,” despite continuing to care for her mother at home. “My goal is to have a career in nursing, focusing on working in Critical Care units,” she said. “I even see my plans moving past just nursing school and later going to law school to link the two professions, to help those in need get the services and representation they deserve.”
Aaron Bloom Medicinal and musical blending Aaron Bloom also is eying a career in medicine, but maybe with a bar of music on the side. “My future goal is to go to Nursing school and became a registered nurse. I also want to minor in music if I can. From there, I may decide to go to Med School; it’s still up in the air. Either way, be it as a nurse or a doctor, I want to work in an Emergency Room, as the cases rolled in tend to be a bit more interesting than your average checkup,” the CHS North Wing senior said. But CHS has honed his musical interests as well. “This may sound corny, but the band program has been my greatest experience in school. While many subjects come easy to people, playing an instrument is something that needs practice, and when you see the results of your hard work, it’s very rewarding,” said Bloom, who plays the trumpet. “Throw in the trips to places like Florida to perform in the Gator Bowl, and all the friends you meet, and you get the icing on the cake,” Bloom said. His ‘m&m’ mix mirrors the diversity at CHS. “We live in a melting pot of ethnicities, interests,” he said of his hometown. “You’re never truly alone, there’s always someone in the school that shares your interests, be it art, music, math, or even just playing the same video games as you.” Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Students of the Month Bloom is part of Boy Scout Troop 122 in Allwood, chartered to the Allwood Community Church. “The students in CHS helped me fund my Eagle Scout project of building 22 PVC dog beds for the Clifton Animal Shelter. Without the donations of the many students, whether it be a penny or $20, I would never have reached the goal amount required to fund the project,” he said. Desire more than skin-deep CHS East Wing freshman Juliana Loukachouk, is proudly UkrainianAmerican. She attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic where she is still involved in her parish. Looking ahead after CHS, she wants to get “my dermatology degree in college. I always wanted to have a career that is challenging and can help people, and I believe dermatology covers both of those characteristics,” she said.
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Juliana Loukachouk
Jamie Marchioni
Her interest in math, “my favorite subject,” may prove useful for her career goal. “Unlike other subjects, you actually have to do the work to find the answer, and there are multiple ways to solve a problem. It can actually help me in the future and is a very useful subject that I can apply to many aspects in my life,” Loukachouk said. Outside school, “I am a member of the Clifton Key Club, where I volunteer to help people in need. I am also a member of a Ukrainian-American Youth Organization, where I learn about Ukrainian history and traditions,” Loukachouk said. At college, reading, writing, volleyball Though senior Jamie Marchioni is college-bound, she’s chosen no major just yet. But given her role as a Mustang on the court, volleyball must be part of any such journey.
That’s of little surprise to her classmates, given that the she was CHS volleyball team captain this year, as well as being named to Second Team All County and First Team All Division. “I also have been part of North Jersey Volleyball Club for the past four years. I definitely plan to continue playing in college,” she said. Outside of sports, Marchioni served as class president in her junior year. Her leadership is also reflected in her extra curricular activities. In junior and senior year, she was president of Student Against Destructive Decisions. “We think of ways to stop substance abuse in our school and are peer leaders to whoever needs it.” Marchioni explained.
Michelle Ardiff Involved and motivated, she spent four years challenging herself with honors, AP classes and extra curricular activities. She was manager of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse Team, member of the CHS History Club and Clifton Community Band. History Teacher John Lesler had the greatest influence on her education.
“He makes learning interesting and fun, and gets his students involved in discussions and debates. He gives his students every opportunity possible to succeed and is always there for them even after they leave his class or graduate.” Her best CHS experience was the band trip to Norfolk, Va. “It felt great to be involved in things outside of our hometown and to give Clifton a good name in other parts of the country,” she said. “Clifton has evolved and modernized with the times but it still keeps its history and past alive by preserving and educating its citizens about the history and significant events that have happened here.”
Communications career eyed From playing clarinet as a Marching Mustang to learning more about our city’s history through AP classes, Michelle Ardiff said her four years at CHS have been important in setting her course in college for a career in some aspect of communications. The industry of Public Relations interests her in that she believes she can tell the public the good news of a product or person. She explained her take on the trade: “You can help the person or company you are working for achieve their goals and in doing so provide the public with an honest image of whom you represent. I hope to be involved in internships possibly in New York City to help further my education and enhance my abilities by getting first hand experience. Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Arts & Entertainment The 12th Passaic County Film Festival is on April 23 at 10 am at the Fabian Theater in Paterson’s Center City Mall. Film entries are due on Jan. 29, 2016 and may be no more than 10 minutes in length. Filmmakers must live, work, or attend school in Passaic County. Categories of the competition include general short film; public service announcement; documentary; music video and tourism, or eco-tourism; history short film. Awards for best film, best short film that highlights mental health awareness, and North Jersey Federal Credit Union provides a $1,000 prize and selects a filmmaker to produce a video to help promote the services of the credit union. There is no cost to enter a film or to attend the festival. For rules, contact film@passaiccountynj.org or visit passaiccountynj.org/film.
The Friends of the Clifton Public Library President Vivian Semeraro, second from right, presented a $3,100 check to Library Director Candice Brown recently. Also pictured from left are Roberta Silverburg, Joan Sanford, Joan Robertson, and Fran Warren. The work of the volunteer, non-profit 501c3 organization, raised the money through fund raising efforts and a membership campaign. The money has been designated for the continuation of the museum pass initiative and musical programs.
ATC Studios’ 2016 Young Playwrights Project is open to middle and high school students and is accepting short (10 minutes or under), one-act scripts that reflect this year’s theme Behind the Mask. Scripts, written for one to 10 actors, with simple tech requirements can be submitted to ATC as a .doc or .docx to atcstudios411@gmail.com. Deadline is March 15. Scripts will be read and evaluated by professionals and
teachers. From all submissions, six to 12 will be selected for public performance in June, then cast and produced through ATC. The audience and a panel of professional theater judges will select three winners to be featured on the internet. Guidelines and past winning entries are at atcstudios.org. Located in Downtown Clifton, ATC Studios has been training actors, singers and dancers of all ages and in all medias since 1990. The 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Festival and Dinner is Jan. 16 from 6 pm to midnight at the Church of the Assumption, 35 Orange Ave., Clifton. Featured performers are Jazzy Bear and Friends, Mark Turner and Jasphere, Mista B and The Boys (pictured), Choice, Madame Pat Tandy and her Jazz Ensemble and Sieedah Songbird and Trio. Tickets include dinner and show, are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Call Seifullah Ali Shabazz at Shabazz Productions, 973-478-4124.
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At the Theater League of Clifton’s (TLC) 10th Anniversary Christmas Party, from left, Councilman Bill Gibson, John Traier, Barbara Novak, Councilman Ray Grabowski, David Oddo of Clifton Savings Bank, Stephanie Yoda, Gloria Kolodziej, Mark Peterson, Tara Freifeld, Kathleen Kellaigh, Monique Balsamo, Maryann Irizarry, Elizabeth Eisenmenger.
The Giggles Children’s Theater presents live shows to pediatric patients at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. Shows are free and families in the community are invited to attend. January shows: singer Veronica Cole on Jan. 12 at 4 pm; Paterson’s Art in Motion dancers on Jan. 14 at 4 pm; Singer Carl Martin on Jan. 19 at 4 pm; a virtual field trip to Ghana, Africa with O’iada International on Jan. 21 at 10:30 am; Grooves Unlimited Dance Team on Jan. 26 at 6 pm; and Short Stories for Teens! by Angela and Evelin from the Passaic Vicinage on Jan. 28 at 1:30 pm. Call 973-754-4960 or giggles@mmissions.org for info.
The Theater League of Clifton’s annual murder-mystery dinner theater will be The Multiple Mystery Murder, by Kirk Woodward, features a cast of seven, yet to be announced. With pratfalls, whodunits and audience participation, performances are at Mario’s Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave. Tckets sell out quickly so hurry and make reservations. Dinner and the show are included in one price. Show dates are Feb. 26, 27, and 28, and March 4, 5, and 6. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 pm; Sunday shows begin at 4 pm. Call 973-928-7668 or go to theaterleagueofclifton.com to order.
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Birthdays & Celebrations - January 2016
Ashley Jeffries is 30 on Jan. 25. Austin Blesing turns 10 on Jan. 17. Vicky Petrovic will party on Jan. 5. Niece Cindy Hawrylko is 25 Jan. 22. Skylar De Santis turns 11 Jan. 17. Patricia Fay Baran is 18 on Jan. 26. Happy 62nd Birthday to Bob Sandri on Jan. 6. Marek Rzasa turned 14 on Jan. 1 (sorry no photo!).
Happy Birthday to...
Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Shaun LaGala .................... Marek Rzasa ...................... Connie Zangara ................. Chrissy Cetinich.................. Matthew Delaney................ Amanda Esposito................ Kristin Reilly........................ Steven Hrina....................... Rosalie Konopinski .............. Ray Krenc .......................... Emily Zawicki ..................... James Dohm.......................
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Rich Peterson ...................... 1/4 Mohamad Bekheet.............. 1/5 Missy Fazio........................ 1/5 Alexander Ortiz.................. 1/5 Jeremy Delaney .................. 1/6 Gay Eaclie ......................... 1/6 Larry Homsany ................... 1/8 Amanda Curtiss .................. 1/9 Ariana Hryckowian............. 1/9 Joseph Perzely .................... 1/9 Fatma Bekheet .................. 1/10 Ronald Calo ..................... 1/10
Richie DeMarco................ Michael Gorny ................. Katy Sokolik ..................... Nicole Unis ...................... Megan Duffy .................... Daisy Colman................... Olivia Dohm..................... Rob Generalli ................... Joe Musleh ....................... Mark Stuart ...................... Kyle Santiago................... Susan Hernandez .............
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Isabel Victoria Calvo celebrates her first birthday on Jan. 12. Jennifer Montanile........... Matthew Soprano........... Anna Tatarenko .............. Kim Barilari .................... Erica Pangilinan ............. Lindsay Dueben .............. Luke Falzo...................... Payton Bogatch .............. Douglas Ciallella ............ Matthew Gorun .............. Daniel Shackil ................ Evelyn Montague............ Cheryl Vigh.................... Catherine Coloccia ......... Greg Collucci.................
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Elizabeth Fazio turned 2 on Dec. 24 but we missed it! Clifton Merchant • January 2016
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Birthdays & Celebrations - January 2016 Jamie Mikolajczyk ............ Anna Redling ................... Larissa Unis ...................... Robert Duffy ..................... Ashley Gagnon ................ Patricia Fay Baran ............ Debbi Koch ...................... Michelle Nahass............... Karen Rice ....................... Michael Bandurski ............ Gianna Caramucci ........... Nicholas Grippo............... Scott Crawford ................. Patrick Ferrara III............... Robert C. Henn ................ Stephanie Smith................ Alexis Camp .................... Donna Chipura................. Laura Kuruc...................... Sean Sabo ....................... Evangeline Joy Kohler ....... Jessica Sonn .....................
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Angely Sotambo had her 4th birthday on Jan. 26. Her mom Dayana (Dec. 7 b-day) and dad Carlos (Dec. 21 b-day) the Cake Boss of Lakeview Bakery, celebrated their 7th anniversary on Dec. 6. On New Years Day, Becca Potocki and Alyssa Phillhower share a birthday.
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