Clifton Merchant Magazine - June 2003 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

TD age NJ

1185

All The Dental Care Your Family Needs Under One Roof! COmpLImENTARy ImpLANT CONSULTATIONS We Offer Special Attention For Our Senior Citizen Friends

SECOND OpINIONS WELCOmE

THE

APPREHENSIVE PATIENT

DENTAL CARE FOR COWARDS “Sleep Sedation For Any Procedure” • Brand New Facility • Tooth Whitening & Bleaching

• Implants & Crowns • Dentures & Repairs

• Oral Surgery & periodontics • Root Canals

Emergencies Seen Same Day

$ $

70 OFF

Exam • Full Mouth X-Ray • Cleaning First Time Patients Only • Regular $195 Mention This Offer When Setting Appt. Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer. Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

mOST INSURANCE ACCEpTED

200 OFF LumaArch Whitening

In As Little As 30 Minutes in Our Office. Now Just $399 • Reg. $599 Mention This Offer When Setting Appt. Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer. Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

BRACES ADULTS • CHILDREN • $99 p/mo. Retainers & Clear Braces Additional. Mention This Offer When Setting Appt. Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer. Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

HOURS: MON-FRI 9AM-8PM • SAT 9AM-3PM

973.777.7364 629 Clifton Ave • Clifton

Dr. Christopher Kutney, DMD Director Dr. Richard Poller, DMD Dr. Vivian Chiu, DDS Dr. Sammi Yeung, DDS Dr. Cory Wanatick, Spec #3888 Periodontist Michael Ayoub, Spec #5147 Orthodontist Andrew Maron, Spec #3814 Oral Surgeon

…on our cover

JUNE

2003

inside…

Allison Bybee’s Year on the Hill . . . . . . . . . .6-7 President Shemeca Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Brian ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ Kennedy . . . . . . . . . .10-11

On June 20, at 6:30 pm at Clifton Schools Stadium, about 710 members of the CHS Class of 2003 will participate in the annual commencement ceremonies. Valedictorian Aslihan Sen and Salutatorian Marc Leili will address their classmates as they begin their paths to tomorrow.

Lillian Forero has Woman Power . . . . . . . . . .16 The Goals and Dreams of Jesse Hasting . . . .18 Katie Gensinger: A Clifton Farmer . . . . . .22-23 They Made Eagle Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Voting, Democracy & Party Politics . . . . . .38-41 Pete Doris & Family at The Hot Grill . . . . . . .42 7th Annual 50’s Night Out . . . . . . . . . . . .49-51 Seeking Smart Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55-69 Summer Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70-77 Holger’s Mustang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Memorial Day 2003 Page 85

Locks of Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

More Condos on Grove Street? Page 60. Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

Letters • Observations • Corrections Dundee island should be saved as a park. We have enough housing. Take care of what we have. Let’s keep Clifton as it is—no more housing. Protect our open space and farmland. We have enough apartments, condos and townhouses. People of Clifton wake up and tell City Hall enough is enough.

1300 Main Ave.

Cletus J. Stock Jr.

On a trip from Hawaii, my sister saw your magazine and asked the cost for a yearly subscription to Hawaii. Also, I’d like to find out more about the Women’s Club of Allwood. Finally, I’m watching the outlandish amount of development and happy to learn, thanks to your magazine, that other citizens of Clifton are fed up, too. I live in Allwood and wonder which geniuses on the Planning Board allowed an Acme to be built in Styertowne? I plan on keeping an eye on the Planning Board to help stop development. Your articles are great. Keep up the good work! Lorraine Zasadinski ed note: Thanks for your encouragement. Subscriptions to Hawaii cost $25. See page 19 to order. Women’s Club of Allwood contact is Rosemarie Coombs: 973-773-6959. And together, perhaps we can slow the pace of development and help Clifton achieve Smart Growth.

there’s progress at 1300 Main Ave. And that’s a joke. For months, we’ve been running photos of this eyesore and asking if anyone knows what’s going on. City officials say they’ve fined the owner. For what? I don’t know... they also say the building will be razed soon. The next question should be, then what? Two years ago, the former Firestone building and an adjacent home on Hillman were purchased. The owner/developer proposed a three story medical center on the lots. The plan was deficient by 20 parking spaces, yet the city endorsed and approved the project. Will a medical center ever rise there? Someone recently put up on the building yellow Construction Permit Notices which are dated 11/13/02. Yes, 1300 Main Ave has become a Clifton joke Tom Hawrylko

16,000 MAgAzines are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. HOMe DeLivery AvAiLAbLe $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 • tahwk@aol.com

Corrections: May’s ‘Made In Clifton’ feature stated that the original owners of Missbrenner Wet Printing had filed for bankruptcy protection before the company was sold in 1999. The original owners actually sold the company, which was profitable, to a venture capitalist company in 1996. The current owners purchased the company in bankruptcy court in 1999. Last month’s story on Emmy Awards nominee Hope Smith had incorrectly identified the photo on page 61. The photo shows Heather, Glory and Scott Smith with Victoria Lynn Tuzzolino. In our Memorial tribute to over 300 Cliftonites killed during times of war, we listed the name of James DeBiase, a WWII vet, but he is thankfully among us. Also, Madeline Maier called to inform us that while we listed deceased WWII vet Harold Weeks, we did not note his brother, William. She said the two boys from Delawanna served in the Navy together and died aboard the USS Juneau, the same ship on which the five Sullivan Brothers perished. Maier also noted that a third Weeks brother, Robert, went on to a long career as a US Navy pilot. It is our policy to run corrections or clarifications as needed.

eDitOr & PubLisHer Tom Hawrylko business MAnAger Cheryl Hawrylko Art DireCtOr Fabian M. Calvo Writers Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Kevin Grasha, Christopher Sadowski, Devon McKnight, Paula Zecca

Opinion Editor and Publisher Tom Hawrylko

1,300 voices: On May 20, before its regular meeting, the City Council gave me a half hour to present the 1,300 petitions we collected over the past few months calling for a moratorium on the construction of new residential buildings. At the meeting, Municipal Attorney Gerald Friend reiterated that under New Jersey law, a moratorium on housing is not permissible, except in cases where “a clear imminent danger to the health of the inhabitants of the municipality exists.” In short, the Council said until Governor McGreevey puts some muscle into the Smart Growth proposals he introduced in January, the city in many ways is helpless. While I agree we need more help from the state—as a matter of fact we’ve reached out and asked the Office of Smart Growth for some input (see story on page 55)— there are many ways to fight sprawl and slow the pace of development. Here are some topics to consider: We need A Planning Officer. To me, one of the greatest weaknesses of our city is that no one individual is in charge of planning. The city uses consultants on a project basis. But as Clifton—a community of 80,000 people, perhaps the 10th largest in the state—seeks to reinvent itself in its shopping districts, commercial areas and in neighborhoods, shouldn’t a full time professional and experienced planner provide vision and leadership? Interim City Manager Al Greco noted after the meeting that $16,000 was budgeted for planning this year and the city had no plans to hire a full time officer.

A Development/Planning team: Where do ideas and proposal go to first in the city? Is there a Clifton quarterback to craft strategies or solve problems? The Council has a subcommittee and the administration has a part time Economic Development Director, but where do ideas get quickly considered and acted upon? There is not one full time individual who has that responsibility. There needs to be a team approach with full time professional leadership to shape a vision for Clifton. seek Alliances: We need to get our freeholders, state senators and assembly representatives focused on Clifton. They need to hear our problems and we need them to put their resources to work in our community. Beyond government, New Jersey Future, a smart growth advocacy group, could be an ally. Barbara Lawrence, executive director of New Jersey Future, had this to say about the future of cities like Clifton: “Some of the biggest problems that we’re likely to face in the next 10, 15 years will be in the older suburbs, which have very little fiscal capacity and very little in the way of sophisticated planning and economic development teams that can bring those places back.” Open space referendum: Council members Tatarenko and Kolodziej are working on putting an Open Space question on the November ballot. Homeowners would be asked to approve a tax of between $8.55 and $17.10 per year to generate some $500,000 annually. The city could then use the funds to purchase and preserve open space. By creating the trust, the city would also become eligible to apply for other open space grants. the Clifton Challenge: Today, Clifton is a mature suburb facing many of the same problems that have dragged down the neighboring communities of Passaic, Paterson and Garfield during the past decades. It’s getting awfully crowded in our neighborhoods, on our streets and in our schools. While the values of our homes are at an all time high, our cost of living soars and our quality of life has decreased. While our government has tried to address issues, more needs to be done. To enhance our quality of life, government, the media and residents need to look much further down the road. We need to focus on a new vision for Clifton, one that balances economic growth while ensuring the highest quality of life. We need well planned Smart Growth. How Will Clifton grow? What are your suggestions? Send your ideas to Tom.Hawrylko@verizon.net or mail us via US Postal Service: Clifton Merchant Magazine, c/o Tomahawk Promotions, 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011. Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Classf o2003

Year on the Hill By Kevin grasha

hile many of her fellow students spent their junior years earning hourly wages at restaurants, record stores or clothing outlets, Chs senior allison Bybee worked on Capitol hill in Washington, D.C. as one of 70 congressional pages for the U.s. house of representatives (the U.s. senate also employs about 30), Bybee participated in the workings of our federal government, hand-delivering communications between house members, making sure congressional luminaries like new Jersey’s Bill Pascrell were up-to-date on the day’s events and even helping to set up the house floor in the morning. For her work, Bybee was given room and board at a dorm for congressional pages, a small stipend and was enrolled in a special school—the house Page school—which is located in the attic of the Library of Congress. From sept. through June 2001, she would take classes like government and politics, chemistry, pre-calculus

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Being on the house floor and observing the action or watching it on C-span in a special room next to the house chambers “was amazing,” she said. “i was able to witness our government at work, firsthand.” This fall, she will attend Pepperdine University— located near the ocean in Malibu, California—and plans to major in international relations. Owner of a 94.25 gPa, Bybee received a $23,000per-year scholarship from Pepperdine, which will go a long way toward paying for the university’s annual cost (including room and board) of about $38,000. “it’s a new experience with new people,” she said of her decision to select the west coast school. “i just really wanted to go out there.”

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS H House Prices in 2002 Were Up 25 H H SELL NOW! H H While the Prices are Still Good! H H FREE HOUSE EVALUATION! H H LET’S TALK COMMISSION H H Angelo T. DeSanguine Coldwell Banker • 973-773-1901 H H Evening/Weekend 973-772-8956 H H www.freennjhomeinfo.com H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH %

1174

and american Literature from 6:30 to 9 am and then head off to Capitol hill. she averaged about 45 hours per week. Phys. ed. classes were not necessary, however. “We walked about seven miles a day, delivering messages,” she said. The experience was, as you might expect, invaluable. The best part? “Meeting all the various government leaders and being in a place where i want to work in the future.” Bybee said she hopes to eventually be a part of a congressperson’s staff, maybe as head of communications—a job similar to what the character Josh Lyman does on the television show The West Wing. after learning about the congressional page program from her history teacher, Bybee wrote to Pascrell, asking to be part of the program. she then went through a comprehensive application process (it took about 10 months, she said), which included an essay, letters of recommendation, interviews with Pascrell’s chief of staff as well as the congressman himself. she finally was accepted for the position in nov. 2000, her sophomore year. (Only high school juniors are eligible to be pages). Bybee said she now considers Congressman Pascrell a “role model” and was particularly moved by a passionate speech he gave on the house floor in March 2002 about the need for protecting social security.

We have Clifton BuYers*

1128

* The eighT reasOns yOU shOULD seLL yOUr hOMe WiTh yOUr LOCaL CLiFTOn COLDWeLL BanKer OFFiCe 1. The Coldwell Banker Clifton Office has more motivated Clifton buyers Walk into their office…we’ve been on the corner of Clifton ave. and Colfax approximately 25 years selling real estate.

5. The Coldwell Banker Clifton agents have up to the minute inFormation on Clifton values, to educate buyers about Clifton.

2. The Coldwell Banker Clifton agent can bring more Clifton buyers through your house, which means we can generate a higher Sale PriCe and/or quicker sale for you.

6. The Coldwell Banker Clifton Office and agents are Convenient to your home, we are minutes away if you need us, or a buyer needs us.

3. The Coldwell Banker Clifton Office advertiSeS for Clifton buyers…everyday until sold.

7. The Coldwell Banker Clifton agents are knoWledgeaBle about town amenities that attract buyers to your town and your home.

4. The Coldwell Banker Clifton Office reCeiveS buyers for Clifton from other Coldwell Banker offices…metro area and nationally.

8. The Coldwell Banker Clifton Office’s WeB-SiteS are available to also attract buyers to the Clifton area.

• • BEST REASON • • Coldwell Banker Clifton’s agents and Manager Believe in the Future oF CiFton and love servicing the residents of Clifton…what better feeling to pass on to the buyers who visit our office. Call today if you are thinking of moving, we can help you.

You get what you pay for, so get the best! REsIdENTIAl BROkERAgE

789 CLIFTON AVE

Call

973.778.4500

©2003 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation, Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark of Coldwell Banker Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independently Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

President Williams All student profiles By Kevin grAshA

fter graduating from Woodrow Wilson Middle school in 1999, where she had served as class president, shemeca Williams decided she was finished with politics. in fact, she didn’t run for student council her freshman year at Chs. it was a decision she has come to regret. “it’s like a gap in my resume,” a smiling Williams said, followed by one of her trademark laughs. the current senior Class president ran for that position her sophomore year, won again her junior year and never looked back. After three years on student council, Williams said her biggest accomplishment (as she said, her “shining moment”) was helping to organize last year’s junior prom at the Wayne Manor, which was the first ever to take place outside the walls of Chs. “When you dress up, you don’t want to go someplace where the bleachers are pulled back,” she said about why she pushed for a change of venue. According to Williams, the ‘new event’ at the Wayne Manor set a standard for junior proms, and it was something she had worked on extensively since the summer before the school year. she takes pride in incorporating all sides when making a decision. instead of only relying on her network of friends for opinions and ideas, she tries to reach beyond her inner circle.

this decision making process, she said, helped move the prom to Wayne Manor. this fall, she will attend the College of new Jersey in ewing, where will study communications or pre-law to prepare for a possible career in entertainment law or public relations—jobs she believes fit her personality. “everybody i talk to says they see me as a politician or lawyer,” she explained. “i thought if i had to be one, i wouldn’t want to be a tax lawyer or a divorce lawyer. so, i decided i might want to be an entertainment lawyer.” Although she added, “who knows? i’m so indecisive. i can tell other people what they should be doing. But when it comes to me...” Williams, who was inducted into the national honor society last year and who has received distinguished honors each year at Chs, will receive a partial scholarship at tCnJ, a school about one-and-a-half hours from Clifton, which she described as a “friendly place in the suburbs.” “Maybe if i threw a ball, i’d get more,” she said, again laughing.

From left, Shemeca Williams, Kim Green and Lilian Forrero.

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Matthew Wizner

Nesreen Alatiyat

Andrew Egan

Q&A

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement? Alicia Maria Feghhi: My greatest achievement over the last 12 years was having my name in print as a journalist for Clifton Merchant Magazine! Nesreen Alatiyat: in my junior year—making the honor roll and going to the Academic Awards dinner.

Diane Rogers

Andrew Egan: i have had several. i am very proud of my academic successes, which have earned me a full scholarship to rutgers university. Also, i have been blessed to be a key member of the Chs volleyball team. in this capacity, i have won several county and league championships, and individual honors (selection for first-team All passaic County and as a member of the nJ senior All- star team). finally, i am very proud of my involvement with the Mustang Marching Band. Band has been great to me, teaching me discipline, dedication, and the value of hard work, while providing me an opportunity to meet my closest friends and my girlfriend. Diane Rogers: to graduate high school and have made honor roll throughout my 4 years. All student surveys were conducted by Alicia Feghhi 1123

Teresa Chin: My greatest achievement would be not only earning section leader for the marching band, but also being able to graduate among the top 10 of my class.

Teresa Chin

• Open Everyday 8 am - 10 pm • Weekday Appointments • Walk in Medical Care Including Sat, Sun & Holidays

1355 Broad St • Clifton •

973.778.5566 Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Rock ‘N’ Roll Kid Y

ou might think varsity lacrosse star and psychopatch founder Brian Kennedy would have traded in his defensive longstick for a guitar. he has endured tough, losing seasons the past few years, but has soldiered on, despite a six-day-per-week practice schedule that produced too few victories and many tough defeats. “i’ve had fun, unfortunately,” he wryly said of the sport he has played since seventh grade. “Music is my priority but i’ve always had lacrosse as an extracurricular thing... i like to do a lot of stuff; i can’t be kept down.” But playing in a hardcore band has been his main passion (although he has also served as president of Chs’s german club). his experience in the band psychopatch, which played their first show in August 2001, released a Cd in october 2002 and then dissolved earlier this year, was something that may have defined his future. “i can’t stop playing; i’ve already started another band,” said Kennedy, who played guitar and sang/screamed in psychopatch.

While the band’s ‘scene’ mostly consisted of shows at elks lodges or American legion halls (but also included a capacity performance at the franklin reform Church Community house in nutley), they gained some local notoriety, selling numerous copies of their only fulllength album, ‘the strong die last’ and playing throughout new Jersey.

“We pressed 1,000 Cds and there are none left, if you know what i mean,” he confided. “if the irs came after us, we’d be up a creek.” this fall, Kennedy will take his music gear and his plans for either reviving psychopatch or forming a new band to seton hall, which awarded him two scholarships totaling about $15,000 per year. the future communications major said he expects to be playing Cds on the student radio station.

2003 KIA Sorento

Gotta see it to believe it!

1040

Junction of Routes 3 & 46, Clifton

1-866-46-FETTE www.fetterford.com

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

“i’m looking forward to it,” he said, adding that his plan is to do an onair show that features local bands. Kennedy lists radiohead and pink floyd as his two favorite artists. Although, listening to psychopatch—best described as a swirling cauldron of bone-crunching rhythms, monster power chords and roaring vocals— you’d think the band members had never spun anything in their Cd players besides hatebreed or Metallica. he explained: “When you put four guys together in a room, you never know what’s going to come out.” looking back, the best part about the psychopatch experience was the relationships he formed with his bandmates. “once things started to flow together we started playing shows and making albums,” he said. “i always wanted to be in a band and have an album, but looking back on it all now, i would have to say the best thing i got out of it, or my greatest achievement would have to be the relationship i formed with my band mates and the fun times we shared together.” it was a slow start at first, Kennedy recalled, because he and his bandmates had never really tried writing music as a group before. looking back to freshman year, when it all began, Kennedy said it was a self-imposed learning experience. “though sometimes things could get stressful while recording or doing a concert, nothing in the world is better than the feeling you get when you’re rockin’ out and having a good time with your three best friends,” he said. “i’m just a rock n’ roll kid.”

1239

4.99

NDWICH

ANY LUNCH SHAA SODA WIT BINED COM CANNOT BE

5.99

WICH

ANY SUB SANDSODA WITH A BINED COM CANNOT BE

D B9 ACliftGonEAveL, S ABRO591-A0661 Hall 973 Across From City

HOT gRiLL

ts Receive CHS Studen

e’ve been dedicated to serving the community for 41 years and will continue improving our service, atmosphere & food. We appreciate your patronage and pledge to make hot grill a truly enjoyable dining experience!

d / H.S. ID Car nk Items w Food & Dri

4 FREE

ELMSORE BAY 1G 2, GET 4

BUCANNOT BE COMBINED

669 LExiNgTON AvE.

973-772-6000

9 AM—1 AM/fri & sAt till 2 WWW.thehotgrill.CoM

Dominick & Carmen

R EALTY

W/P REAM CHEESE 1/2 LB SPECIALTY C

270 Colfax Ave. • Clifton JKRealty.com • RikkiDiMaria.com

seller’s MArKet!

1317

Call today for your Complimentary Market Analysis! (when listing your property)

EE R F

BAGF EALNSY 6 FURRECHEASE O

973-472-7000 Call rikki & trina to help you get your house sold in today’s

% OFF

Since 1961

Full Service or Discount Brokerage Offered rikkirealtor@aol.com • trinab@lycos.com Over 25 years of combined experience

2 FREE

LMS E BBAG 2 6, G UY

ORE

COMBINED CANNOT BE

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

David Baron

Kristin Fedorchak

Kimberly Sokolik

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement? gina Oliva: Making the top 10 of the Class of 2003. Kimberly sokolik: My greatest achievement has been maintaining the grades to be a four-year senior recipient at the Academic Awards dinner. My mom waited 4 years to put that medal around my neck, and she did it! Paola Rios: My greatest achievement is the person i am today. i’ve worked hard to get where i am and i thank god every day that i have a loving family for support. i know in the end i will be very successful.

Jessica Carlin

David Baron : When my life-long dream of becoming a basketball star was denied, i found the sport of volleyball instead. since then i have played on the Chs varsity volleyball team accomplishing many feats for the past 3 years. As a sophomore i had the honor of playing in the state final where we came up one victory short of a championship. i was named to the passaic All-County second team(2003) and honorable Mention team (2002) as well as invited to participate in the nJ senior All-star game this June. however my greatest accomplishment was being awarded the Star Ledger’s ‘dig of the year’ in 2001. As Wayne hills's 6-4 middle hitter, Ziggy goryn, pounded the ball to our side i stood my ground and dug the ball, leaving bruises on my arms. it felt great to dig one of the best players in the state and to achieve recognition for such an accomplishment. 1176

Jessica Carlin: Being a member of the Mustang Marching Band—it helped me grow as an individual.

Darren Coyle

We Sell More Because We Do More

791 PAssAiC AvE. CLiFTON • 973-779-1900

for the Month of APRiL, 2003: TOP LisTER

TOP LisTER

TOP PRODuCER

Ken Hauser

Carlito Chi

Dragan Blagojevic

Call Ken, Carlito or dragan for all your real estate needs. 973-779-1900. Ask about our gold services!

Real Estate sales: sales positions available in extremely active Clifton office. great location, great training. our sales associates are among the most successful in the industry. Call dan norton, Manager of the Clifton office, for an interview. 973-779-1900 12

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Janeth Dominguez

Gina Oliva

Ricky McGuire

Fahim Abedrabbo: i used to never do well in school, but i turned a new leaf and progressed from getting d’s and C’s to achieving B’s and A’s. Elizabeth Castellanos: passing every course. Janeth Dominguez: to finally graduate on the field and to actually realize that in order to get smarter and wiser you must apply yourself. Mallory Hernandez: i feel i have achieved a lot in the past 12 years, but getting accepted into college and seeing the pride in my parent’s eyes is one of the best. Nicky Abdiel Lee: My greatest achievement is graduating high school and breaking the stereotype that hispanics do not graduate high school. i’m proud of being guatemalan and an educated person. Ricky Mcguire: Being named captain of my roller hockey team. stacey gaughan: Making varsity bowling and achieving All-County. it made my parents real proud of me.

1023

David Pennisi: finding out that my art work was selected in the phoenix was one of my greatest achievements because i worked hard and it showed it pays off. that experience taught me to put my best into things, and ignore the negativity of “i can’t” and “i’m not good enough.”

Melissa Pagan

Maria Abella

Jonathan stephens: getting an academic scholarship to seton hall university. Amy Jackson: My greatest achievement has been to receive my girl scout gold Award this past december. Rebecca spring: When i learned to ride my bike when i was small—i remember my mother helping me get back on my bike, and i remember the tears in her eyes when she saw that i was riding my bike on my own, without her holding me up. vicki urbanowycz: i never gave up when things got tough and when i got accepted to a great college. Amanda Reece: going to the national youth leadership forum in Medicine in houston, texas. sean McNally: receiving my driver’s license—it allows you all of the freedom the world can bring. Christina Agob: Becoming patient and independent. Michelle smolt: i was named student producer of the video yearbook and making national honor’s society. Lauren Rich: Being a four-year recipient of the Academic Award. Jennifer Kosmider: Becoming first Majorette sergeant in the Mustang Band and being able to create routines for the half-time shows.

dr. barry raphael p.a. 1425 broad street, clifton, new jersey 07013 (973) 778-4222, alignmine.com N.J. Specialty # 3684

Carpe Diem! Congratulations to the Class of 2003 Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Goals and Dreams J

funny; other’s are not too sure,” he said. “I’m not going to change. I’m just going to keep doing it my way.” This past fall, Hasting was the starting goalie on CHS’s varsity soccer team, which won the Passaic County tournament (although they later lost to Kearny in the state semifinals). “It’s fun,” he said of being goalie. “I like jumping for the ball and diving—and I have to dive for a lot of shots.” He started playing goalie in grade school, when a soccer coach suggested it, “and from there, my dad taught me everything I needed to know.” Apparently, the instruction worked: the team’s record this season was 18-4-1 and in the county tournament championship game, Hasting allowed no goals, shutting out Wayne Hills 30. Hasting’s coach, Joe Vespignani commented: “As a player, he’s got great athleticism, technical skill and is reliable in net. Overall, he leads by example and is always positive, always looking to improve... I hope he continues to do that in his college career. He has something to offer the game.”

Save Thousands When Moving To A Larger Home By Avoiding 6 Costly Mistakes

Real Estate Closings

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1416

esse Hasting has his own way of studying for tests. “I don’t study the night before, because the next day, I tend not to remember anything I’ve read,” he said. “The day of the test, I take a quick glance right before, just to make sure I know what I’m doing.” Although he worries about failing every test, his studying technique has succeeded often enough that he’s been invited to the school’s academic awards dinner all four years of high school. In May, he was awarded a scholarship by Aramark, the school’s food service provider, for his academic performance and for showing some interest in a career in the food service industry. That money will help pay his tuition at Felician College in Lodi, which he will attend in the fall. As for his major: he said he hasn’t looked that far ahead, although he acknowledged an interest in biology as well as nutrition. “Right now,” he said, “I just want to go there, play soccer and basketball and work on getting a good career.” What do his teachers think of his strategy? “Some of them think it’s

es Refinanc

325

737 Broad St. Clifton

Carl G. Zoecklein Attorney at Law

Tel: 973.777.3111 Fax: 973.777.0509

on ic to

ke ve

ol, m I

d: as nt ed 3-

1416

ni ot ill he ys mdo as

Sylwia Konopka

Jennifer Kosmider

Johansson Siddayao

Q&A

Who influenced you the most in high school and why? Jennifer Kosmider: My mother’s constant guidance and support helped me through all my tough times and helped me enjoy the good times. Courtney Elizabeth Smith: At CHS, Mrs. Mistretta has had an impact on my life. She inspired me to pursue a career in deaf education and opened up an entire new world for me to explore. She’s a friend, confidant, and excellent teacher all wrapped up in one. Alexandra Valerio: My mother pushed me to try my best regardless of how hard the work is. David Pennisi: My faith in Christ. In learning who He is and growing in faith, my life got better through the years. Retty George: My sister, because I always looked up to her and she encouraged me to reach high. Kristen Timolai: Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Miller, and Mr. baker—they will give you great advice. Jonathan Stevens: Mr. McCunney. He influenced me to go beyond being satisfied.

Courtney Smith

Alexandra Valerio

Alicia Maria Feghhi: Many teachers have shed their unique light on me in a variety of ways. Those teachers influenced me to attain certain goals, such as art and writing. For instance, Mrs. Harmon, Mrs. baskinger, and Ms. Sauchelli taught me that each individual is a work of art in which they can express themselves, while my journalism teacher Mrs. Whetton helped make my dream a reality: to be a journalist—and get famous on MTV! Also, my two-year winter and spring track and field Coach John Pontes supported my journalistic dream and declared me the team’s very own track reporter. To be able to combine the two—writing and track—into one project was rewarding because that’s what I love to do. Lisa Junda: My teachers and friends have influenced me a great deal because they all inspired me to follow my dreams and be the best person I can be. Paola Rios: Someone who influenced me a lot was my father. He always pushed me to get good grades. When I was younger, I would get so mad at him for being so strict and bugging me about school. but as I got older, I started to appreciate the way he provided leadership and realized he was doing it for my own good. If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have tried so much and gotten as far as I have.

Have It Mailed To Your Home Don’t Miss Another Issue. Subscribe to Clifton Merchant Magazine.

$15/yeAR WITHIn CLIFTOn • $25 FOR 2 yeARS—OuT OF TOWn $25 PeR yeAR • $40 FOR 2 yeARS Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:____________________________________________________________Phone: ____________________

M AKe C HeCKS PAyAbLe T O : T OMAHAWK P ROMOTIOnS , 1288 M AIn AVenue , C LIFTOn , nJ 07011

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

c in

Paola Rios

Lisa Junda

Kasia Majerczak

Sarah Mikolajczyk

Cidia H. Fuentes

Who influenced you the most in high school and why?

Nicky Abdiel Lee: Coach John Pontes. He has been my Coach for four years of cross-country, three years of winter track, and four of spring track. His wise words and motivating stories will inspire me forever.

Amy Carfora: Mr. Mirabella and Mr. baker influenced me the most throughout school. When I first transferred into CHS, I had many issues I had to deal with, but they were always there to give support. because of them, I am the person I am today...because they cared!

Brian Kennedy: Greg Fruhmann has been my German teacher for four years and he taught us how to be strong, assertive individuals who are in control of our own lives. He showed us that we have a choice; we can choose to be leaders of tomorrow or just another one of society’s followers. If you get thrown off a horse trying to ride it, will you get back on? That is what Mr. Fruhmann taught me.

Tiziana Cascarano: My teachers, friends and family helped me get to where I am now and where I will be in a few years ahead. Kimberly Green: Many administrators, teachers and classmates helped me through my high school journey. Manal Salhia: Most of my teachers influenced me to be a hard working student which made me believe in myself... that I am capable of doing anything I try. Jackie Karlsson: My mother’s guidance helped me make all the correct decisions I’ve made.

Sarah Mikolajczyk: Some helped me be more open while others were my audience when I cracked jokes. Amy Jackson: I truly believe that the most influential person in all of high school for me was my close friend Diana Kalemba. We’ve stuck together through thick and thin, and no matter what happens, we always are able to have a great friendship. We’ve had some great times—you’ve changed my life. Cidia H. Fuentes: My brother said to succeed in life and not to let my talents go to waste.

Jessica Elliot: Myself—I wanted to prove I could achieve good standings in school and I did it.

Michelle Siedzik: Mr. Presley helped me make it through the day and was there to confide in.

Laura Mascuch: My friends—They are a lot of fun.

overhead overhead door door co. co.

Sarge Painting

Bob Sandri

973-773-0280

10 off %

Any Paint-Work

•Decks •Powerwashing Cleaned/Sealed •Spackling •Gutter Cleaning •Fully Insured •Exterior/Interior

Residential Garage Doors & Electric Openers ¥ Installations ¥ Service ¥ Repairs ¥ Fully Insured 1426

1274

Janeth Dominguez: The few teachers who know how it is to be a teenager and student and the one’s who are equal to their students because of their good advice.

Call John E. Cinek Today!

56 Bergen Ave ¥ Clifton ¥

973.546.3312 3

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

& A w m p th a is c

o s in li

y of ds

n g, n n of g h-

al d d le at

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

or some 30 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton. As President of Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. at 1111 Clifton Ave., Clifton, he and his firm have written millions of dollars worth of mortgages which have allowed people to purchase homes. And while that work has been fulfilling, Accavallo said he is getting his greatest satisfaction these days by helping senior citizens with reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors. “It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued. “unlike a home equity loan, you do not

1319

have to make monthly payments. Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you. More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.” The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower. In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home. but a reverse mortgage allows sen-

How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage? It’s simple. you and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old. you must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. best of all, there are no income or c redit requirements to satisfy. How can I receive my money? you can receive it in several ways: •equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home •equal monthly payments for a certain period of time •As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons •As a lump sum draw at closing •A combination of the above, to meet your requirements.

iors to borrow against the equity they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment. each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process. “This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.

When must I repay the loan? you must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home. In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees? •An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages •Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed •no out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe? •yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive •FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate

Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. not a Government Agency Mortgage bankers Licensed by nJ Department of banking & Insurance Licensed by ny & CT Department of banking 1111 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, nJ 07013

1-800-788-1184 www.federalmtg.com Clifton Merchant • June 2003

A Clifton Farmer F

or Clifton youth Week last month, Katie Gensinger was Gloria Kolodziej’s ‘shadow,’ following the Councilwoman around on what was supposed to be a typical day. Here’s some of what they did... toured the city, went to a luncheon...and then went to a police shooting range, where officers demonstrated the use of various weapons as well as how to use a flash grenade to storm a house—the same type of weapon that caused a woman in new york City to have a heart attack and die after police mistakenly threw one into her apartment. “It was so loud,” Gensinger said of the grenade demonstration. “I had earphones on and I still had to cover my ears. My hair just flew back from the force of the blast.”

Sisters Jill and Katie Gensinger at work at Richfield Farms

Congratulations To the Class of 2003 From the young grads in our elementary schools to those in our local high schools and colleges, I wish Godspeed, Good Fortune and

Assemblyman & Freeholder Peter C. Eagler

the Best of Luck In All of Your Endeavors. Paid For By Eagler For Assembly, 840 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013 1011

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Dorian Howard Realtor-Associate® *Certified Marketing Specialist Weichert Million Dollar Sales Club 2002 Weichert Million Dollar Marketed Club 2002 Notary Public of NJ

1511

Later that night, she went to city hall to sit in on a council meeting, her ears still ringing. Still, the experience proved invaluable and Gensinger was glad she did it. Gensinger plans to (somehow) apply what she learned shadowing Kolodziej for a day as she pursues a degree in elementary education at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. Last year, she decided to pursue teaching—a profession she finally decided upon after first thinking she wanted to be a physical therapist. “I switched back and forth,” she said, adding that she chose elementary education because she was inspired by her own grade school teachers, who “went out of their way” to help her. The college-bound senior was nominated a few years ago to appear in the 2001-2002 edition of the Who’s Who Among American High School Students. The reason: for good grades and for taking part in the elks Lodge’s annual peer leadership conference to learn about issues like eating disorders and peer pressure. “I thought it was going to be really boring,” she said. “but afterwards, it really changes you. It gives you a sense that there are people with problems and helps you understand how to deal with them.” A sweeper on CHS’s varsity soccer team, she was a key member on a squad that, last fall, was ranked nationally and won the Passaic County championship. She also keeps busy at Richfield Farms, where she has worked since freshman year. She currently puts in long hours: six days per week, seven or eight hours per day. She concentrated on school until her senior year and then turned her focus to making money. “I have to save for college,” she explained, adding that she recently bought the car she has always wanted: a VW Jetta. “I worked hard (as a freshman, sophomore and junior), so my senior year I could take Mickey Mouse classes,” she said, adding that on Memorial Day, while her friends are at the Jersey Shore, she will be working on the farm. “I’m kind of upset,” she admitted, “but I’ll make do up here.”

Lyon?s Den By Murray Blumenfeld The month of June is known for weddings and also for the many anniversaries that occur. A gift of jewelry is an ever lasting gift for the person celebrating their anniversary. Morré Lyons has gifts for the bride, groom and their wedding parties, so come in and see our selection of unusual items. Capturing light and movement like no other piece of jewelry can, drop style earrings are capturing hearts in the fashion and celebrity world. Romantic, sleek, or just plain sexy, drop style earrings come in a range of styles and they are all hot for 2003. On the romantic side chandelier drops complement the 1920’s influenced clothing and as the name ‘Chandelier’ implies, swirls and intricate details are the rule. The effect is just dazzling. For the sleeker minded consumer, single drops may be more appealing. Look for earring drops with gold textures or stick like designs with or without gems sparkling at the end. Finally, for the more practical, the style is interpreted into shorter and very wearable designs. One of the most noticeable trends that is continuing into 2003 is the bold use of color. Over the last few years color has invaded jewelry in a big way, from designer collections to mass produced pieces in all sizes shapes and price ranges. Color will be a continuing trend for this year and beyond. June has 2 birthstones to pick from and they are pearl and alexandrite. The pearl is the oldest gem known to man. For centuries it has been a symbol of purity, wisdom, beauty and wealth. Alexandrite is one of the most fascinating gemstones because it actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. Have a happy month of June and I’ll talk to you again in the next issue. www.morrelyons.com

Direct: 973.981.7612 Office: 973.779.1900 ext. 119

JEWELERS

791 Passaic Ave., Clifton

RICHFIELD SHOPPING CENTER 1354 CLIFTON AVE • CLIFTON • 973.777.4329 1295

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

What does it cost to go to college these days? College costs vary like cars: Do you want something practical to get you from here to there or are you looking for a flashy convertible with leather seats? Here is the breakdown of tuition costs, per year, for a New Jersey resident to attend these institutions of higher learning. Passaic County Community College . . . .$1,905 Thomas Edison State College . . . . . . . . .$4,005 Kean University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,080 New Jersey Institute of Technology . . . .$4,112 New Jersey City University . . . . . . . . . . .$5,556 Richard Stockton College of NJ . . . . . . .$5,600 Montclair State University . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,741 William Paterson University* . . . . . . . . .$6,400 Rowan University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,658 Ramapo College of NJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,775 Rutgers University, Camden . . . . . . . . . .$7,308 Rutgers University, New Brunswick . . . .$7,308

Rutgers University, Newark . . . . . . . . . . .$7,308 The College of New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . .$7,443 Bloomfield College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,300 Felician College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,450 Georgian Court College . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,850 Berkeley College, West Paterson* . . . .$15,135 College of Saint Elizabeth . . . . . . . . . . .$16,375 Centenary College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16,800 Caldwell College* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16,960 St. Peter’s College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,358 Monmouth University* . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,198 Westminster Choir College . . . . . . . . . .$19,240 Rider University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,440 Seton Hall University* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,506 Fairleigh Dickinson University* . . . . . . .$22,515 Stevens Institute of Technology . . . . . .$25,025 Drew University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,346 Princeton University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27,230 * notes 2003-2004 tuition rates

680 Rt. 3 West Clifton, NJ 973-471-7717

Try Our New Paradise Pancakes Three New Paradise Pancakes • Banana Macadamia Nut • Banana Split • South Pacific 1286

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Congratulations! S. Carrero

Class of 2003

J. Lim

M. Wamsky

J. Gomez

Msgr. Julian Varettoni Anna Hinchman, Teacher Pastor

N. Gutierrez

S. Prisk

L. Lopez

G. Vinciguerra

C. Majkczak

J. Chmielarz

D. Marco

J. Ellis

S. Steidl

J. Lorenc

V. Nibbling

M. Stenger

S acred H eart S cHool

43 Clifton Ave. Clifton • 973-546-4695 An Outstanding Catholic Education at an Affordable Price

Pre-School to 8th Grade • Middle States Accredited • State Certified Child Care (all year round, 6:30 am- 6 pm) • Full Day Kindergarten • Full Day Pre Kindergarten–Pre-School

• Hot Lunch Program • Modern Air Conditioned Facilities • State of the Art Computer Labs • Summer Camp 1154

A. Desai

Linda Merse, Principal

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

CAMBRIDGE

PAV I N G S T O N E S

e c n a s s i a n e R Collection

At Athenia Mason, our Renaissance Collection of interlocking concrete pavingstones and segmental retaining walls can dramatically enhance your Clifton home with traditional, historic, natural or contemporary landscapes designs.

June 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

From your poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrace to the drive and stairs leading to the front of your Clifton home, Athenia Mason proudly offers Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec, a surface that will look like new even

Imagine Your Clifton Home after years of wear.

t H en i a

M A S O N S U P P LY

973.473.2758

Imagine... ...your Clifton Home with beautiful interlocking pavingstones in gardens, on driveways and walkways, pool decks, patios...

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ June 2003

Lisa-Marie Person

Amanda Reece

Q&A

Sean McNally

What will you miss most about high school? Jessica carlin: Seeing everyone I’m friends with now—it’s going to be weird going to a new place and seeing different faces. Vicki Urbanowycz: Seeing all my friends in the hallways every day and waking up early (Yeah right!). rebecca Spring: Seeing all my friends. Sean Mcnally: All the walking around in the hallways I did. It was kind of funny for everyone to always tell me they see me in the hallways all the time. amanda reece: Seeing my friends every day. Gina oliva: My friends and bonds with teachers. Gloria rodriguez: Being with my friends and walking the hallways. Priyanka d. Patel: Seeing my friends every day, not having to worry about laundry, food, cooking, and of course living with my parents. lillian Forero: The action—the fast moving pace of everything.

Gloria Rodriguez

Manal Salhia

Jessica Kuzmich: Walking through the halls and seeing the familiar faces I’ve seen for 4 and even more years of my life. Although I might see some of them at Rutgers, I hope to keep in touch with the rest who will go to other states. christina agob: Seeing my friends stumbling in the hallways, especially at zero period. Michelle Smolt: All my friends. lauren rich: Being around all my friends and seeing the same people every day that I have seen for the last 4 years. I’m going to miss the friends I have made because a lot of us are going in different directions. Heather Ward: My friends, the crowded hallways, the funny teachers, and our morning coffee North wing’s hallway. elizabeth castellanos: I will miss all my friends and all the memories I had with them and my boyfriend. Jennifer Kosmider: I’ll miss the great teachers I had, all the friends I’ve made, and the activities I took part in: Majorettes, softball, and ski club. lisa-Marie Person: The memories with my friends. Jennifer cosme: My friends. Kristen timolai: The crowded hallways (just kidding).

DeMattia–O’Brien, Inc.

Real Estate since 1922 List with List with Confide ce… nce! Experien 500 Clifton Ave • Clifton 973-546-3366 • www.dobinc.com

Free Home Selling Seminar… Tue., June 17 from 6:30-8:30 pm at main memorial Library on piaget Ave. Hear Clifton professionals and City officials discuss seller’s responsibilities 1328

Refreshments, Door Prizes & Gifts to the first 30 attendees

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Two Family

$359,000

Large, Well–Kept 5/5 Separate Heat & Ulitities, 2–Car Garage Call Today!

g t e

e s

, t

Jonathan Stevens: Roaming the hallways. alicia Maria Feghhi: I’ll miss being crazy in the halls and lunch, SAT course, library hangouts before school, chatting to my cool teachers and friends, interviewing coaches and athletic Mustangs for The Clifton Hub (I never got a “no comment!”), participating in soccer, tennis, and track with friends and meeting people, all the inside jokes, my ID, and asking people for their autograph (you never know who will be famous in the years ahead!).

Visit our new location: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997

We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Machine Shop On Location No Order Too Large Or Small FREE DELIVERY

lisa Junda: I am going to miss all the great people I have met through the years, my favorite teachers, the fun times I had in the lunch room, and most of all the wonderful friends I have made. retty George: My friends and writing for the school paper. lauren nichols: I’ll miss all the friendships I’ve made over the past seven years. Bob & Jerry

1415

e t l

david Pennisi: I will miss my friends, teachers, and the experiences we’ve shared.

Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997

802 Van Houten Ave • Clifton We’ve Moved

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040 201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

201.391.3333 5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

201. 261.0411

59A E. Ridgewood Ave • Paramus New Location

973.338.9292

GRADUATE TO SAVINGS • • • •

Alignment Brakes Balancing Shocks & Struts

• • • •

973-473-4999

1103 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton New Location

1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

973-857-2600

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

973-694-2228

1168 Hamburg Turnpike • Wayne New Location

973-423-1700

93 Goffle Rd • Hawthorne New Location

1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999

Oil & Filter Service Exhaust Pre-Owned Tires Flat Repairs

2 76 Clifton Ave • Clifton

973.478.0400 COOPER

TIRES Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Q&A

What teacher inspired you and made a difference in your life? Lisa Junda: My English II teacher Mr. Groh and my speednotes teacher Ms. Craig. They taught me so many things that are going to help me in college and also in the real world. Christina Agob: Ms. Sopala—Her personality and dedication to her job inspired me the most. She is determined and strong-willed. German teacher Greg Fruhmann

Paola Rios: Mr. Dionisio helped me to decide what I wanted to do in life. He really helped me to have a love for science and helped me in the decision of majoring in Biology for college.

Christine Cruz: Mr. Hier—he’s the first teacher to ever sincerely tell me that I am a good person who would go far in life. Janeth Dominguez: Mr. Solowiks and Mrs. Delorenzo helped me when I needed advice and their attention.

Kristin Fedorchak: My sophomore History teacher, Mr. Zisa. He taught me so much more than history. He taught me so much about life that I will never forget.

Joe Hawrylko: Mr Decter. He wrote my college recommendation and encouraged me to try my best.

Jackie Karlsson: Mr. Presley—I had him in Christopher Columbus Middle School and then again in high school. He was absolutely the best and is a very inspiring person for all of his students. No one made History so enjoyable as him!

Nicky Abdiel Lee: Mr. Keuhn inspired me because of the way he taught American History II. He showed me that even if you’re an insignificant person, you can still make a difference in this world.

YOUR TICKETS FOR TOMORROW’S CAREER

CLASSES START JULY 28 CALL TODAY!

Financial Aid if Qualified • Accredited by ACCSCT • Career Placement Available • Day and Evening Classes

RETS I

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

103 PARK AVE

•

NUTLEY, NJ

973 661 0600

CAST teacher Mike McCunney

Inclusion teacher, Lori Mistretta, third from left.

Andrew Egan: Mr. Harding, my 10th and 11th grade US history teacher, and Mr. Lotito, my 12th grade economics teacher. I learned that school didn’t have to be taken so seriously. They were very popular with their students because they didn’t necessarily follow every stupid school rule to the letter. They had fun and got along well with the class, while still teaching the material. I enjoyed the subjects they taught and that made me appreciate them all the more.

Rebecca Spring: My Orchestra teacher, Mrs. Babiak, inspired me with my music. Any time I felt that I couldn’t play a note correctly on my violin, she would help me play it until I got it right. Through my three years of orchestra, she has helped me a lot.

Lauren Rich: Mr. McCunney taught me to never settle for less than my best. Retty George: Mrs. Milewski has made a big difference in my life because she taught me to take challenges in life and to never settle for just average. She’s the best college advisor. Saira Siddigi: Ms. Mihalik—she was real. David Pennisi: I find that my most difficult teachers are the ones that teacher me the most. I learned from my failures and grew stronger and I don’t think I could say only one teacher, but most of my teachers were great influences. Amy Jackson: Ms. Burke over the last three years has challenged me to do my best, and believe in myself. She has surely pushed me over the last three years to do my best, and I’m forever grateful for all the pushing she’s done. Mrs. Mistretta, although this is the first year I’ve been in her class, her compassion and great attitude towards life is extremely contagious. She always knows how to make people smile, and help them reach their full potential. She has helped me explore a new option for myself, and it has surely influenced my future. Rich Fischer: After having Mr. Fruhmann for four years in German, he led me to look at teachers differently.

Mallory Hernandez: Mr. Groh taught me to express myself and to always speak my mind. Lauren Shefchik: Mr. Michael McCunney gave us freedom to use our imagination. Jessica Carlin: Mr. Michael McCunney. Sean McNally: Mr. Greg Fruhmann made me realize that life is one big board game and you sometimes have to laugh and look back to get through it. Courtney Elizabeth Smith: Ms. Routsis, my 4th grade teacher at School # 11, taught me how to be organized and thorough in everything I do. She also taught me to stand up for what I believe in, even if that means being part of the minority. Her techniques and ways have carried me through middle school at CCMS and through high school. At CHS, Mrs. Mistretta has had an impact on my life. She inspired me to pursue a career in deaf education and opened up an entire new world for me to explore. She’s a friend, confidant, and excellent teacher all wrapped up in one. Jennifer Kosmider: Mr. Harding, Madame Rossnagel, and Mr. Bonfiglio were three teachers that really inspired me throughout high school. Madame cares about more than just your school work. She works hard and does everything possible to help you out with your problems. Mr. Harding has the perfect attitude to brighten any day with his witty humor and vast knowledge of history. Mr. Bonfiglio was an amazing teacher who made me see that faith and hard work will always lead to success. Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Mallory Hernandez

Christine Cruz

Hugo Garcia

Q&A

Where will you be in September? How did you make that decision? Mallory Hernandez: William Paterson University, majoring in Psychology; WPU has a beautiful campus. Christina Agob: Felician College— I made my decision by getting a job that relates to my career goal. Michelle Smolt: Montclair State University—I wanted to stay home my first year of college and I was accepted into the honors program for Broadcasting. Lauren Rich: Seton Hall—it is close to home and they have a really good Communications program.

Stephanie Kiefer

Amanda Cerullo

Christine Cruz: In NYC attending Pace University. Kimberly Sokolik: I will be attending Monmouth University in West Long Branch. It has great academic opportunities. Plus, it’s right by the beach. Retty George: I’ll be at New Jersey City University. Mrs. Milewski helped me make that decision. Alicia Maria Feghhi: I’ll be at Montclair State where I’ll major in journalism and minor in fine arts because I love the creative fields. Stacey Gaughan: I’m going to Bergen Community College to be a veterinarian tech. Jennifer Cosme: John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Karen Colon: Montclair State University. Lauren Shefchik: I discovered MSU had the major I intended and the location was great.

Andrew Egan: I will attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick as a political science major. Rutgers offered me a full academic scholarship. I chose to go there not only for this reason, but because it is an excellent school in a good location. I am happy that many of my close friends and my girlfriends will also be joining me in New Brunswick.

Rebecca Spring: Either a community college studying radiography, or at a technical school studying to be a Dental Assistant. I’ve always wanted a career where I can help others.

Kristin Fedorchak: I will be attending Montclair State University. I am unsure of my major and MSU gave me the most options.

Jennifer Kosmider: Drexel University studying Architecture—Philadelphia is a great city that isn’t too far away, just in case I ever want to revisit good ole Clifton.

Learn 10 Inside Secrets To Selling Your Home Yourself. For A Recorded Message & Report call 24/7 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1717 This report is courtesy of Nicholas Real Estate. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Copyright © 1997.

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Jonathan Stephens: Seton Hall University.

C.Genar di Contracting

Inc.Clifton

973-

772-8451

R OOFING

¥ SIDING

Saint Paul School Academic Excellence in a Christian Atmosphere

1255 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton • 973-546-2161 www.stpaulschoolclifton.catholicweb.com • stpaulschool@aol.com

Pre-K through Grade 8 Full & Half Day Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten Morning Care and After School Care Programs Maximum Ratio of 25 students to 1 teacher Academic Courses offered in: Language Arts • Literature • Mathematics • Science • Religion • Social Studies Art • Music • Physical Education • Technology Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball (Girls & Boys) • Cheerleading • Drama • Music • Journalism John Hopkins University Gifted & Talented • Continental Math League

R. Mendoza

T. Lawson

Andrea Tavaska Principal

Rev. Victor J. Mazza Pastor

Mrs. Christine Ross Teacher

Congratulations! Class of 2003 B. Estrella

M. Smith

J. Flores

M. Coleman

A. Dyer

R. Fernandez

C. Amamdio

C. Teixeira

G. Maali

S. Herrera K. Salcedo-Proaño

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Vicki Urbanowycz

Lauren Nichols

Chris Siddayao

Where will you be in September? How did you make that decision? Courtney Elizabeth Smith: Seton Hall University in South Orange, majoring in Special Education with a minor in Speech Pathology. After carefully mapping out all my options with my parents, family, friends, and guidance counselor, I settled on SHU. It helped that my father and cousin graduated from there and I have a close friend who will be a junior there this year. I visited the campus twice thus far and feel confident, excited, yet scared about my choice. Vicki Urbanowycz: Fairleigh Dickinson University playing volleyball, majoring in Education. They have a great five-year masters program and I can live there.

Lauren Shefchik

Rebecca Spring

Priyanka D. Patel: Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. Unlike the importance of college choice for a business majoring student, pharmacy students aren’t as competitive while searching for a job placement. Rutgers was an economic decision. Jessica Carlin: East Stroudsburg University—it’s a really pretty area and the school is good. Joe Hawrylko: Montclair State University. Rich Fischer: Attending William Paterson University where I will be majoring in music management. Kim Junda: I selected William Paterson University. after much debate between three colleges. They have a wide variety of majors, and being that I’m undecided, I thought the more I’m exposed to the better the chances of finding out what truly interests me.

Clifton’s First Laser Dentist Clifton’s Second Laser Dentist No Shots! No Drills! Laser Fillings, Laser Gum Treatments

Graduation? Wedding Day? Dr Wolfson

Free Bleaching with Cleaning, Exam & X-Rays

Shouldn’t Your Smile Be As Beautiful As You Are? All Your Dental Needs, Personalized Care, 6 Days A Week

$75 Value

ALLWOOD FAMILY DENTISTRY

New Patients Only. Expires July 15, 2003

46 Market St • 973.365.2265

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1108

Dr Fields

The Good Scouts I

n today’s highly competitive marketplace, where people just out of college often compete with Ph.D.’s for the same jobs, imagine having ‘Eagle Scout’ on a resume. It certainly can make a difference. At least three Clifton youth have earned that title, the highest rank in Scouting. Stephen Kovalcik, Steven Spero and Michael Papuzenski will receive the award when Scout Troop 74 holds its first Eagle Scout Court of Honor in over 50 years on June 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Clifton. Steven Spero, a CHS senior, has been From left, Steven Spero, Michael Papuzenski and Stephen Kovalcik. involved in scouting for five years. His Eagle Stephen Kovalcik is a senior at CHS and a member Project consisted of collecting eyeglasses for the needy of the varsity wrestling team. Since February 1991, he by placing collection boxes all over the city. has been an active member of the Boy Scouts. Spero then collected the donated glasses and he and In October 2002, Stephen completed all of the necsome fellow scouts traveled to the Lions Club Recycle essary requirements to earn the Boy Scouts of America for Sight facility in southern New Jersey. There, they Eagle Scout award. As a part of these requirements, calibrated the prescription strength by using special Stephen was required to plan, organize and complete a machines, labeled the glasses and shipped them out. major community service project. Michael Papuzenski, now 18, was diagnosed autistic For his Eagle Scout project, Stephen set up a series at the age of 4. When he was 8, in order to achieve as of nature viewing stations along the trails of the 12-acre normal a lifestyle as possible, his parents decided to High Point Farm in Montague—a site that is both an have him join Cub Scout Pack 74, for which his father active farm and a natural resource in Sussex county. became a leader and his mother eventually became a In recognition of this and his other achievements, in unit commissioner—a true scouting family. March 2003, his Eagle Scout award was formally For his Eagle Project, Papuzenski organized a Blood approved and recognized by The National Council of the Drive to benefit the First Presbyterian Church of Boy Scouts of America. Clifton on Maplewood Ave., where the troop is based.

Lakeview Opticians Gregory A. Giannattasio, F.N.A.O., Optician Prescriptions Filled Family Eyewear Center

973.772.9905 1223

299 Lakeview Ave • Clifton

optiplace@hotmail.com

27 Quick & Easy Fix-Ups To Sell Your Home Fast & For Top Dollar For A Recorded Message & Report call 24/7 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1723 This report is courtesy of Nicholas Real Estate. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Copyright © 1997.

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

registered to vote where you live now, Voter Registration: If you are not you may register by completing this form.

Mail to: Passaic County, Commissioner of Registration, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503 â&#x20AC;˘ 973-881-4516 Print clearly in Ink. Use ball-point pen or marker Qualification of an Eligible Applicant You must be a citizen of the United States and, by the date of the next election, at least 18 years old and a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days. The Commissioner of Registration will notify you upon receipt of this form. The Registration deadline to vote at the next election is 29 days prior to election day. Check if you wish to be a board worker/poll clerk q in future elections. Check if you are permanently disabled, unable to go to the polls to vote, and wish to receive information on an Absentee Ballot. q

Sign or Mark If applicant is unable to complete this form, print name and address of individual who completed this form.

This page is brought to you as a community service. For questions regarding this Voter Registration Application, call the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections at 973-881-4516. 38

June 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Joseph DiDonna

Karen Noonburg

Billy Sichel

Q&A

Diane Canavan

Joe Hawrylko

Diane Canavan: I am looking forward to being able to vote because there are some things about the government that I don’t like and some laws I disagree with. I know my vote will count as something, but I hope it is enough to change things for the better. I think if I had to choose a party, I would be an Independent because I have my own opinions on issues and I’m not really familiar with how the two major parties stand.

Now that you are or will soon be legally allowed to vote, do you think your vote makes a difference? Why or why not? Are you registered with any political party?

Joe Hawrylko: I believe that every vote counts. Your vote could be the deciding vote in an election; the Clifton School budget only failed by a few votes last year but this year it passed as more parents and people got involved. I choose not to affiliate myself with any political party. I don’t want to be expected to vote for the same party every time. I want to vote for the most qualified candidate to win. Joe DiDonna: One vote doesn’t make a difference, but a bunch do. But there is nothing aimed towards me to vote. But you never know if yours really did make a difference. Katie Gensinger: Yes, I believe everyone’s vote counts. Even though it is only one vote it can still change the outcome of an election.

Billy Sichel: Of course I think voting makes a difference, because there's been so many close votes in the past and you never know because your vote might be the deciding factor. I still have some time to decide if I'll be registered as a Democratic or Republican, so I’m still considering my options. Jatin Patel: I am not legally allowed to vote yet, but when I am my vote will matter. As people have said every single vote matters, because by the time I am able to vote I will know what is going on and make a good decision to who I think is good for the job. I will be registered a Republican because the Republican party has done a lot of good for all people and they help many people and not just a select few. Nicole Carroll: My one vote will count because they all add up.

Prompt, Professional, Dependable Title Service Throughout New Jersey

titleagencyofnjinc.COM

WWW.

374 Clifton Ave • Clifton

(973) 253-2399 • (800) 61-TITLE agents for Chicago

Title, First American Title & United General Title

Title Agency of New Jersey, Inc. David Santosuosso,

President •

Patrick Santosuosso,

Vice-President

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Now that you are or will soon be legally allowed to vote, do you think your vote makes a difference? Alicia Lucci: In local elections, my vote does make a difference. This is especially the case in school board elections where a small percentage of the population votes. A candidate may win by only a few votes, thus one person’s vote can count for a lot. I am neither a Republican or a Democrat. Voting along party lines is ignorant. You should listen to what each candidate has to say before making a choice. Chris Phillips: My vote will not make a difference. One vote will not make or break a candidate or an election. John Nelson: Yes, it does. The more people who vote the more likely the vote will reflect that of the population. It’s an ideal reflection but it makes sense. I consider myself a Republican simply because their philosophy is a better fit to my ideals. Joanna Ukleja: No, it seems the government does whatever it wants anyway, so my vote really wouldn’t make a difference.

Angelica Cardone: Voting does make a difference because by the outcome, you can make an impact whether it goes your way or not. If you don’t vote don’t complain. I haven’t made a decision on what party to register for but I am preparing to do so. Ace Lacson: I do believe voting makes a difference because by casting a vote my voice is being heard. I will vote for a Democratic representative. Although politicians seems to all be the same in that they want to win people's votes, the perception of bad and good reflects the two parties. For instance, Democrats are more on the people side, mostly fighting for poor people. Republicans are on the side fighting for the wealthy, so that they can make more money. Therefore, I would go for the Democrats. Angel Santana: Yes, I believe my vote could make a difference because anything is possible these days and the deciding factor could be crucial. I am not that into the different parties but I hope to gain more knowledge about it as the years go on so I can get a better judgement of who or which party to vote for. Rickiann Pack: I know my vote makes a difference. I think it makes more of a difference on a local level. On a national level it still counts, but it does not seem to be as effective. As far as party politics, I will vote for the person, not a Democrat or Republican.

amily, Dear Shook F n mine and o t p e c c a se Plea ere ehalf our sinc b ’s y il m fa y m your services. gratitude for d was conducte l ra e n u F e h T ity and you n ig d t a re g s. with f our request o ll a h it w d complie ppearance a l a n fi ’s ie h Arc ful and was a beauti ssion. lasting impre Sincerely, evitch Marion Dutk 1269

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Shook Funeral Home, Inc. Over 45 Years of Service, Still Proudly Family Owned & Operated 639 Van Houten Ave • Clifton 973-471-9620 Roy B. Garretson Manager, NJ Lic.#3550

486 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove 973-239-1489

Wendy Shook DiGerolamo Joseph M. Shook, Sr. Joseph Shook, Jr. Director, NJ Lic.#3593 President, NJ Lic.#2134 Manager, NJ Lic.#3612 Rocco DiGerolamo Nancy Shook Garretson Director, NJ Lic.#3592 Director, NJ Lic.#3657

Ace Lacson

Allison S. Bybee

Chris Phillips

Allison S. Bybee: I absolutely believe that my vote makes a difference in elections. In the past few years our country has seen that national elections can be influenced by the decisions of a few. By getting out to vote, the youth across the America are able to make their voices heard on important issues that effect the future of our country. Voting does not guarantee that one’s choice will win, but not voting silences a citizen’s voice in important issues that impact his or her daily life. When choosing between one candidate or another in an election, I look first for the person that represents a majority of my views on the issues that are of most importance to me and my town's future. Secondly, I look for the candidate that is the most hard working, moral and skillful. Finally, I go with my gut instinct about the ability of the candidate. Evelyn Cordoun: After the Gore-Bush election, a lot of people began to say and believe that an individual’s vote doesn’t make a difference. But if all of us believed that to be true—then who, if not us (the people) would decide the future of this country? Are we to leave these decisions to the rich and the powerful? Stephanie Satarain: Now that I’ll be able to participate in our country’s political process, I do think my vote will make a difference because if there are others like me, then our votes together will help make a change and will contribute towards something important and meaningful. Chris Siddayao: Yes, I do believe that my vote makes a difference because it is the only way I can have a say in the way things are run. I will vote for a person of the same views and opinions as me. Tania Zubaly: I think that every person’s vote makes a difference. One vote added on to another makes more and more votes, eventually making a difference. Voting shows your interest in what is going on in the world.

Angelica Cardone

Jeff Gurka

Amy Jackson: I believe that my vote does make a difference. By voting, each of us has a say in the future of our country. And many times, a handful of votes make all the difference. Retty George: I believe everyone has a right to vote and voice their opinion. I’m glad that we live in a democracy where my vote can count. Stacey Gaughan: I believe that my vote makes a difference because I am choosing who I think deserves to win. If everyone thought their vote didn’t count, then no one would win. Johanssen Siddayao: One vote can’t make a difference. About one thousand will. Rosandra Fernandez: No, because I don’t believe that one vote makes a difference in our country due to the fact that our government does whatever they want anyway. Mark R. Gagnon: I think that my vote does make a difference because the youth can be a powerful force with a lot of votes for any election. Saira Siddiq: Yes, I believe that my vote makes a difference because every single vote counts. I mean, consider our last presidential election. Evelyn Estrict: Yes, I plan to vote, and yes, I do believe my vote would matter. If everyone said ‘one vote won’t matter...’, then no one would vote. Every single vote counts, even if it’s ‘just one person’. Steve Spero: I think my vote definitely makes a difference because younger voters care. By voting and getting to know politics, we can make policies and laws better to serve the next generation. I am not registered as Democrat or Republican because I am undecided of which side to lean towards. Jennifer Tirado: As of right now I personally do not care because I don’t watch the news nor am I into politics. Maybe in a few years I will have a different opinion. Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Dog Day Afternoons S

ome kids work their way through high school. CHS senior Pete Doris is no different, only he gets to spend afternoons shouting things like ‘two all the way, two! at Lexington Avenue’s Hot Grill. Pete has worked the counter at the Clifton culinary and historic landmark for three years. He takes orders five days a week (he’s off Mondays and Wednesdays), working fourand-a-half-hour shifts on weekdays and eight-hour shifts on weekends. “I love it,” he said. “Calling out orders, screaming, being yourself— that’s basically what it’s about.” He said he enjoys “the craziness” when it’s busy. “It’s not like any other restaurant.” Few restaurants not named McDonald’s or Burger King approach the magnitude of food the Hot Grill dispenses on an average day—about 4,000 dogs on weekdays; even more on weekends. They also serve up more than 100 gallons of chili sauce every day. “It’s about working with family, too,” Pete added. His father Bill has been a full-time manager at the

The Doris Family at the Hot Grill, from left, Bill, dad Bill and CHS grad Pete.

restaurant for approximately 35 years and his brother, Jim (CHS class of 1999), who is planning to go to medical school and who graduated from Rutgers-Newark in May, also works there. The money he’s made over the years will help pay his tuition this fall at Berkeley College in West Paterson, where he will major in business administration. Hot Grill regulars will not have to say good-

bye to Pete just yet: while at Berkeley, he will continue to work the counter part time, although he will not work as many hours. He noted that he will continue to maintain his long-standing, strict regimen of one dog per day, no mustard. “Any more is too much,” he said. Considering the amount of Texas Weiners served at the Hot Grill, there are some people who might argue with that.

Pool Openings & Closings Installation of Liners, Filters & Heaters and all your Pool Needs

Joe’s Pool Service • 973.340.0189 42

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1628

Q&A

Where do you work? What are your hours? What have you learned from your job? Stacey Gaughan: By working at Atlanta Bread Company two or three days a week, I’ve learned how to handle both work and school, which will prepare me for college and work. Fahim Abedrabbo: While working at Babywear for about 24 hours a week, I learned that a job requires responsibility and dedication. Valerie Collado: By working at Greater Community Bank about five days a week, including Saturdays, I’ve learned how to interact with people. Kimberly Green: By working at Alexus Steakhouse and Tavern for 15-20 hours a week, I have learned how to deal with customers and met many people that I love. Amy Carfora: I work for Dr. Mund. I started the job my junior year and since then increased my hours, along with my skills. I learned to be patient and more understanding with people as well as how to manage money. Jonathan Stephens: I work at Armani Exchange and Finish Line for about 30-35 hours a week. I have learned to work quickly and efficiently.

CHS senior Valerie Collado with fellow workers Gloria Amaro and Kathi Groth at Greater Community Bank near the corner of Clifton and Getty Aves.

Alicia Maria Feghhi: I’ve been working in the concession stands at Yogi Berra Stadium—home of the back-to-back Northern League Champions NJ Jackals—for three summers whenever there’s a home game. I’m also a journalist for Clifton Merchant Magazine where I can do what I love from my home and where the dress code is jammies. From my work experience, I learned that it doesn’t depend on whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or not, but upon waking, take action and boldly persevere.

Keep Your Gang in the Swim Repair Your Pool Pumps Now! Owners Peter Zielonka and John Zielonka

ITT Bell & Gossett

¥ MOTORS ¥ PUMPS ¥ BLOWERS ¥ FANS ¥

Distributor

¥ CIRCULATOR PUMPS ¥ MACHINE SHOP SERVICE ¥

Monday ? Friday — 7 am ? 5:30 pm

Precisi 1406

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

PROM 2003 Large—we mean real large—limos... beautiful women and handsome men... dining, dancing and yes, a little romancing... take a look back at the 2003 CHS Prom which was held at Skylands Manor on Friday, May 30... ...a night these young adults will remember many years from now...

Project Graduation

or too many kids, graduating high school may be the last event celebrated in their short lives. That’s why parents of CHS grads plan Project Graduation. The goal of this 14th annual event is to provide a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment for CHS seniors on the biggest night of their lives. Chairs (and parents) Carol and Nick Genchi noted volunteers work throughout the year on various projects to raise approximately $35,000 to fund Project Graduation. Their Ad Journal features advertisements

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

from local businesses and personal congratulations to seniors from family members. In addition, money is raised through raffles, a fashion show, softball games and spaghetti dinners. “Our biggest donor, a $5,000 grant, is from CASA—Clifton Against Substance Abuse,” said Carol. She also noted a private donor gave $1,000. Contribution are always welcomed. Any leftover funds from 2003 are provided to the next class to get things rolling. If you’d like to help out, send donations/checks to CHS Project Graduation, Clifton High School, 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013.

O Clift back chap nigh A in, t ed f ming and depa retur

ons to ney is games $5,000 stance

1,000. funds things checks ol, 333

According to sellers…

Silence Isn’t Always

hen trying to sell a home, silence isn’t always golden especially when you’re expecting your real estate agent to call. In fact, it’s one of the leading complaints among sellers in the real estate market. Often times you find an agent who is more than willing to take on your listing, but once the relationship is made, the seller has limited contact from the agent.

1412

‘Golden’

“A seller should establish with the agent up front the expectation that regular communication will occur. Even if it’s just to check-in, the seller will be more satisfied being kept ‘in the loop,’ said Vincent Bernarducci (pictured below). Keeping the communication lines open between the two parties assures the seller that the agent is keeping them apprised of any and all offers. In addition, agents often provide valuable tips on why prospective buyers weren’t interested. Often times, an agent is privy to the buyer’s dislikes of the property. For instance, ‘the rooms are too dark’ or ‘there are animal odors.’ This allows the agent to give the sellers constructive feedback and offer important tips on how to make the home more attractive to future buyers. If you’re a seller and are not hearing from your agent, be sure to keep calling them until they get the message that you expect a regular update. If the agent doesn’t return your calls, leave a message for your agent’s office manager. The manager will see to it that your agent becomes more attentive to your listing.

On graduation night June 20, after the ceremonies on Clifton Field and the photos at home, students meet back at CHS and board buses for the resort. Volunteer chaperones accompany about 450 seniors for the allnight gathering at a local resort. Arrival time is about 11 pm. Once the students are in, the exit doors are monitored and they’re prohibited from leaving the premises. Inside, there’s swimming, dancing, basketball, tennis, food, refreshments and plenty of fun. The Project Graduation entourage departs the resort at 6 the following morning and returns safely to Clifton.

Vincent Bernarducci Sales Manager

‘A Man for All Reasons’

A CV Real Estate Associates, Inc.

931 Clifton Ave, Clifton • 973-365-2122

The Power of Century 21 Experience • Service • Professionalism

Need more be said? Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Where do you work and what have you learned from your job? Karen Colon: I work at Rite Aid and learned to work hard and be more observant. Lisa Junda: This summer I’ll be at Yogi Berra Stadium for my fourth year. I work evenings, whenever there is a game. It has taught me about independence. Jessica Kuzmich: By working at Baskinger’s four days a week, I’ve learned to communicate and work with people my age and older, that responsibility is important, and when you do things, do it well. I have learned not to be shy. Kim Junda: I work at Jackals Stadium and got a better sense of working with a whole group of people when screaming fans want their burgers or hot dogs. Paola Rios: I work now at Baby Lou’s restaurant but won’t be there anymore starting in June. Working makes me feel independent and taught me patience.

At DeLuxe Cleaners in Downtown Clifton, from left, Katherine Koumoulos, Susan Pandorf, CHS senior Ewa Gasiorowska who will be attending Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island this fall, Dana Czerwinski and Joanna Jedrzej.

Brian Kennedy: If I learned anything from working at the Hearth for almost three years, it is how to do a lot of things at once and not mess up. I’m capable of taking several complicated orders at once and getting everyone their food without a mistake. The customers want swift service and I deliver that. Lauren Nichols: While working 25 hours a week at Bio-Reference Laboratories, I learned how to work in a professional environment. Jackie Karlsson: By working at Giovanni’s Pizzeria six days a week, I’ve learned a lot about pizza and most importantly, managing skills. Pamela Culque: At ClientLogic, I learned how to be responsible and to get along with others. Evelyn Gonzalez: By working at Daffy’s between 2030 hours a week, I learned communication skills, managing money and responsibility.

At Hot Bagels Abroad on Clifton Ave., CHS sophomore Jose Espinoza and CHS senior Jason Cooper who will attend Bergen County Community College this fall.

Tiziana Cascarano: By working at a local law firm from 1-5 pm everyday, I learned most of all there is to know about real estate and the legal system.

New Specials for June Monday—Pasta Night: Spag, Penne, Linguini, Angel Hair, Meat Ravioli, Cheese Ravioli, Manicotti . . . . . . . . . . .$5.95 w/Sausage or Meatballs $6.95 Tuesday—Pizza Night: 16” Pie $5.95, Mussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.95 ——ADD 20¢ to go Mon & tue——

Wednesday—Parm Night: Any Parm . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.95 w/soup & salad Thursday—Surf & Turf: 5oz Tail & 6oz Fillet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12.95 ——WeD & thur—Dine-in only——

Mario?s restaurant

710 Van Houten Ave. Clifton • 973-777-1559

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Andrew Egan: I have been an employee at Middle Village Pharmacy for about two years, working 6 to10 hours a week. Mainly I have learned how fast money can add up when you save and also how many stupid ways it can be wasted. Michelle Siedzik: I work in a lawyer’s office, Folry and Montalbano on Clifton Ave., from 12:30-5:00 every day. I have learned a better sense of responsibility from this job. Lisa-Marie Person: By working in a doctor’s office from 1-5pm Monday to Friday, I learned responsibility and gained experience.

Atlanta Bread Company in Styretowne Shopping Center employs many CHS seniors, including from left, David Gamarra, Sanket Shah, Christine Cruz, Cindy Hryszko, Jason Kotz and Stacey Gaughan.

Saira Siddiqi: By working at Shop Rite of Wayne, I realized that work and school are almost alike.

Scott Shadiak: By working at the Lacrosse Factory 20 hours a week, I learned responsibility.

Cheryl Carlin: I work for North Jersey Media Group and am a photographer for the Dateline Journal, usually around four hours a day. Jobs are a lot of fun if you like what you’re doing.

Manal Salhia: By working at ABS Income Tax about five days a week, I learned how to fill out tax returns and to do sales reports for other stores.

Alexandra Valeria: By working at ClientLogic four hours a day and five days a week, I learned about responsibility and hard work.

Jennifer Kosmider: During the winter, I work about 20-24 hours a week at Princeton Ski Shops in Clifton. I learned how to deal with people and made a lot of great friends.

PlAy And leAr d O O w n l Registration Now Underway! l A

1074

• Nursery School • Extended Hours • Pre-K Programs •

Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds • All Day Kindergarten 2003 • Open 7:30am to 6pm 94 Chelsea Rd. • 973 779-4844 • Deborah Tucker, Director

NURSERY SCHOOL

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Ashley Olivia

Desiree Torres

Gina Brown

Q&A

What is your advice to the class of 2004? Kim Junda: Senior year is still a year that counts. Don’t slack off because high school is not over until that day you are on the field hearing your name being called. Teresa Chin: Dreams are the impossible things people work to make possible. You need to accept both the good and the bad...the failures and the success. Jessica Kuzmich: Even though it’s senior year, work hard. It’s still important to stay on top of everything. Take advantage of the time you have left with your friends—these may be your last months together. Courtney Elizabeth Smith: Enjoy high school! It’s over before you know it—in the blink of an eye. You can never go back and do it again, so don’t waste all your time saying, “I can’t wait to get out” because when you’re almost gone, you wish you were a freshman again, starting over. Heather Ward: Study hard, go to class, don’t miss too many days because you’re only hurting yourself. Enjoy your time in high school because it goes by too quick.

Jackeline Gonzales

Robyn Woodruff

Elizabeth Castellanos: Start your college applications right away, participate in all the fundraisings so your class dues won’t be so much. But most of all, make the best of it because senior year is the best year of high school. Manal Salhia: Work as hard as you can and take advantage of all the things the school offers. Paola Rios: Just because it’s senior year, don’t slack off. Don’t take all easy classes—challenge yourself. Lillian Forero: Apply for college early—it will save you a lot of stress! Diane Rogers: Senior year will be easy as long as you don’t sleep through it. Good luck in the future. Cidia H. Fuentes: Come to school and study hard! Do not mess up your last year because you worked so hard to get here. Just remember, don’t let “senioritis” get to you because it’s very sad to watch your friends graduate while you’re sitting on the bleachers. Andrew Egan: Enjoy high school and college— they’re most likely going to be the best times of your life. Work hard and do your best, but don’t forget about friends and family. They are more important than Spanish and Calculus, as hard as that may be to believe.

K&S purchases truckloads of Andersen windows and patios doors. Stop by the showroom and see what’s just off the truck.

236 COLFAX AVE • CLIFTON

973.473.3118 48

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

BUILDING SUPPLY INC.

the glory years of clifton, 1950-1959, from the powerhouse football teams and coaches, to the great times at the ‘old high school’, which today is christopher columbus Middle school, were relived at the 7th annual clifton 50’s night out at the Brownstone in May. from left, Mustang football coach Joe Grecco—who marked his 90th birthday— cHs Basketball coach John Kostisin and Passaic coach and athletic Director Manilo Boverini. Below, from left, Mustangs George telesh (also seen as the state’s leading scorer in 1957), Bob Gursky, Dutch Hoogstraten, Wayne Demikoff and Bob Papa.

Kenneth Hauser

sales Representative Weichert Million Dollar Marketed club Weichert Million Dollar sales club nJaR Million Dollar club 1996-1997, 2001

office: fax: Pager: e-Mail: 1629

973.779.1900 973.779.0215 973.365.8881 hau643@aol.com

791 Passaic ave . c lifton

Greetings

For all Your real estate Needs, Give me a call! Clifton Merchant • June 2003

montclair’s perfect record of 10 victories out of 10 contests with clifton was smashed on a cold november day in 1957 when the no. 3 Mustangs punished the no. 1 Mounties, 26-0, on Woodman field. above left, the inhoffer brothers show off a souvenir bench their dad took home and painted to memorialize the legendary Mustang victory. above left, tom tieffenbacher, Bill Hansen and Ken Hauser. above, right, coach Kostisin with Joe vernarec and Bob leciston who he called “two of the greatest athletes to come out of lakeview playground on curie ave.”

I’LL BE THE LANDLORD! Do You Have A Building With Two or More Tenants? If so, give Gina Yarrish a call. She is an expert at managing residential properties and can handle all aspects of building management to make your property profitable and hassle free. Services include: rent collection, prompt payment, eviction proceedings, enforcing late fees, hiring handymen or licensed professionals. Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year MEMBER OF GARDEN STATE MLS

LA CORTE AGENCY REAL ESTATE ¥ MANAGEMENT ¥ APPRAISALS

Gina Yarrish PRESIDENT/BROKER Member of Million Dollar Sales Club

Serving Clifton for over 28 years in the same location C OMMERCIAL ¥ R ESIDENTIAL

604 Van Houten Avenue ¥ Clifto n ¥ 973.773.0802¥ 50

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

¥ INVESTMENT

so by the end of the night, guys start letting their hair down, especially Mike novack... and plans are now in the works for the next annual get together...see you next year!

Organizers from left, Al Mardirossian, Clifton’s former top cop Frank LoGioco, Frank Pecci, Felix Rossi and Walt Calligaro. Missing is Passaic County Superior Court Judge Joseph Scancarella. For info on next year’s event call Al Mardirossian at 973-777-7775.

Come See Coach John Kostisin & Brian Scott to get your best deal

% OFF In stock Items only

Scott T

Rte. 46E • Clifton • Lakeview Section

973-772-3626 1354

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

thenia business association DIRECTORY Automotive:

Funeral Homes/Services:

Professional Offices:

Athenia Auto Repair . . . . . . .973.779.2249

Cremation Society of NJ . . . .973.815.0955

First Lenders Mortgage . . . . .973.777.7706

Auto Audio & Alarms . . . . . .973.778.9554

Diamond Memorials, Inc. . . .973.471.5008

Clifton Auto Repair . . . . . . . .973.778.8432

Flanagan Funeral Home . . . .973.614.1717

Law Offices of Koribanics & Koribanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.778.1800

Jule’s Service Station . . . . . . .973.473.9390

Shook Funeral Home . . . . . . .973.471.9620

La Corte Real Estate Office . .973.773.0802

Matt’s Auto Service . . . . . . . .973.778.7073 Obsolete Auto Supply . . . . . .973.472.0625 P&A Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . .973.473.1997 Sound City Car Stereo . . . . . .973.778.9554 Sunoco Ultra Service Center .973.778.5777 Telep Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.779.0283 Van Houten Auto Repair . . .973.773.2121

Banks: The Bank of New York . . . . .973.365.1088 Clifton Savings Bank SLA . . .973.473.2200

Cleaners/Tailors:

Pogorelec Law Offices . . . . . .973.778.1606

Nails/Beauty:

Vargo & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.779.1101

Al’s Barber Salon . . . . . . . . . .973.779.2192

Pharmacies:

Carol’s Coiffures . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.8723 Changes Hair, Nail & Skin . . .973.777.2383

Bergen Passaic Respiratory Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.773.7171

Coliseum Hair Cutters . . . . . .973.365.2224

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy .973.777.2428

Hair’s Geri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.916.0883

Van Houten Pharmacy . . . . . .973.779.1122

Jin’s Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.473.4440

Walgreen’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.249.9318

Kaleidokuts Hair & Nails . . . .973.458.9434 Ken’s Athenia Barber Shop . .973.773.8822 Mario’s Barber Shop . . . . . . .973.773.7544 Miel Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.6622

Charm Drive–In Cleaners . . . .973.473.3332

Millennium Salon . . . . . . . . .973.777.7990

Continental Custom Tailor . .973.473.8898

R&K Enterprise Cosmetics . . .973.472.5225

Kennedy’s Tailors & Cleaners 973.773.0201

Roma Hair Studio . . . . . . . . .973.473.4732

Laundry Depot . . . . . . . . . . . .973.365.0664

Sally’s Crystal Nails . . . . . . . . .973.471.1155

Sun’s Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . .973.472.3804

Ultimate Hair Expression . . . .973.778.1343

Van Houten Laundry . . . . . . .973.458.0937

Home Improvements:

Restaurants/Bars: Abe’s Famous Pizzeria . . . . . .973.773.7646 Athenia Vets Hall . . . . . . . . . .973.778.0931 Baby Lou’s Pizzeria Rest. . . . .973.773.5468 Carvel Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . .973.773.4737 De Feo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.6644 Dingo’s Den . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.471.7767 Dunkin’ Donuts . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.9531 Giorgio’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.773.7770 Grande Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . .973.472.5207

Able Paint & Hardware . . . . .973.773.4997

Jumbo Ices

Air–Chek Window Depot . . .973.473.7770

Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 973.777.1559

Avanti Technologies, Inc. . . .973.591.0288

Blesing’s Hardware Floors . . .973.777.0101

Milano Ristorante . . . . . . . . .973.614.0408

Duo Computers . . . . . . . . . . .973.773.9544

D&L Restoration . . . . . . . . . .201.913.7617

Pizza Hut Delivery . . . . . . . . .973.773.7575

Empire Drain Service . . . . . . .973.773.1280

Plaza Bagels & Deli . . . . . . . .973.777.2094

Fashion Carpets . . . . . . . . . . .973.473.3167

Sabrett Push Cart, Intl. . . . . .973.773.4401

Four Strong Builders . . . . . . .973.614.0377

Spring Garden Chinese Food .973.773.0756

Alan F. Weissman, Optometrist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.773.7200

Jackson Faspray . . . . . . . . . . .973.471.8000

The Mirage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.471.7017

T&R Alarm Systems . . . . . . . .800.486.5019

Uncle Roy’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.779.9748

Giordano Chiropractic . . . . . .973.777.9404

Valley Fabrics & Drapery . . . .973.471-1413

Lewitan Smile Center . . . . . .973.815.0600

Window Mill, Inc. . . . . . . . . .973.779.5544

Computers Technology:

Doctors, Dentists & Veterinarians: Josephine Bajer, DDS. . . . . . .973.777.0848

Veterinary Health Care . . . . .973.472.8883 Alexandra Ves, DDS . . . . . . . .973.777.7116

Electric Motors: Precision Elec. Motors Wks . .973.471.2600

Fitness/Leisure: D3 Dancenter . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.773.9997 Curves for Women . . . . . . . . .973.777.3771 Quality Martial Arts . . . . . . . .973.594.4990 Shapes Express . . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.9280 Van Houten Lanes . . . . . . . . .973.773.1675

Florists: Edible Arrangements . . . . . .973.249.0220

Signage: Sign–A–Rama . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.471.5558

Jewelry: Gnome Jewelers . . . . . . . . . .973.471.2330 Lacki’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.471.4075

Landscaping: Ray Grabowski Landscaping .973.458-8417

Markets: Carmela’s Bakery & Deli . . . .973.773.1280

Stained Glass: Lamb Studios Stained Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.916.0331

Travel Agency: Krystyna Travel Tours & Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.779.0077

Video:

Polonia Meat Market . . . . . .973.777.7355

Bollywood Video . . . . . . . . . .973.365.1235

Six–Eleven Food Mart . . . . . .973.471.1044

Polonia Video . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.4730

Newspaper/Media: The Post Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . .973.473.5414

Photo Services:

Wine and Liquor: Athenia Wines & Liquors . . .973.777.7830 The Liquor Depot . . . . . . . . .973.777.4445

Halka’s Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.777.0262

Pro–Lab Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973.778.4747

The Wright Wines & Liquors .973.777.5813

St. George Florist . . . . . . . . . .973.916.0788

Young’s Camera & 1 Hr. Photo .973.773.8990

Town Liquors Beer & Wine . .973.778.2333

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

When complete, K. Hovnanian’s River Walk in Delawanna will add 246 townhomes on a former industrial tract of land. Below, an ecologically sensitive, 13-acre parcel of land on the Passaic River known as Dundee Island, where a 540-unit condo development has been proposed.

Seeking Smart Growth –––––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

alancing economic growth and quality of life is now the challenge in Clifton. One critical yet late-in-coming item, which is essential for the ‘smart growth’ of our community, is a revised Master Plan—a blueprint for how our city must grow. A well-conceived Master Plan should detail what type of future we as a community envision. It is a state-mandated document that should also reflect the Smart Growth principles now being advocated in Trenton. Either in June or July, residents will have a chance to discuss the Master Plan before its final approval. A time, date and location for that meeting were yet to be announced. If you’d like to attend, call 973-470-5263. * Clifton Merchant • June 2003

or Clifton, a densely populated city that, like most of northern New Jersey, has nearly exhausted its supply of available land for development, a well-organized and well-thought-out Master Plan is essential. A Master Plan is a document that is supposed to be used to guide a city’s growth, balancing economic growth and quality of life. It is supposed to review and project development and assess the city’s needs for infrastructure and services. It should also be written to reflect the Smart Growth principles now being advocated in Trenton. On May 14, Clifton Merchant Magazine invited Carlos Rodrigues—manager of plan implementation for the NJ Office of Smart Growth—to take a tour of Clifton and see, firsthand, its old neighborhoods as well as the newer residential developments and to give his opinion on what the city’s Master Plan should focus on. He then offered some thoughts on a recent draft of the Master Plan obtained by Clifton Merchant Magazine, which according to Mayor James Anzaldi, is “essentially” the final version—give or take a few changes. However, the Council, as of late May, was still waiting for neighborhood maps to be added to the document and the public had not yet been given a chance to see that version of the Master Plan in order to make suggestions.

For Rodrigues, a Master Plan needs to combine a planner’s technical analysis with direct input of people who live in the city, soliciting the community’s input through neighborhood meetings, surveys and/or questionnaires.

BlESING’S HARdWOOd

Rodrigues’ overall impression of the Master Plan was diplomatic: “There are some good things and there are some missing pieces,” he said. Even Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej said she had not yet seen the updated version. The Planning Board or City Council will hold a public hearing in June but some believe that is too late. Shouldn’t residents be given a chance to suggest changes to the Master Plan before it is Carlos Rodrigues, Manager of essentially signed, sealed Plan Implementation for the state’s Office of Smart Growth and delivered? And, does this new Master Plan offer any useful solutions to the Clifton problem areas it mentions? The Game Plan There is little doubt that Clifton—a mature suburb that according to the Smart Growth advocacy group New Jersey Future has “very little fiscal capacity and very little in the way of sophisticated planning and economic development teams” to help it grow— should have a complete game plan that strategically examines what its needs are. While the city has made efforts to define itself in the form of a Master Plan—a state-mandated document that is supposed to guide a city’s growth—the Planning Board and Council have been slow to act.

973

1216

471-7171

www.blesingsflooring.com

Visit Our New Showroom 13 Sebago St. Clifton

FlOORING The Fine Art Of Wood Flooring

ResidenTial & CommeRCial Old Floors Refinished • New Floors Installed Sanding • Staining • Finishing Bleaching • White Stain

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

FREE ESTIMATES Over 20 Years Experience References Available

VP, evandro Carvalho

President, John Blesing

If You Are Ready To Buy/Sell Your Home… Then Leave It to The Professionals at Franklin Realty Brand New Units Available! All Properties Feature A Club House, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pools, Fitness Centers, Saunas & An Easy NY Commute

1477

Janet De Palma Cambridge Crossings

Riverwalk

Broker/Owner

CALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENT VALUE OF YOUR HOME!

(973) 777-7877 Cambridge Heights

Cambridge Heights

Ranked #1 in 2002 Nutley Re sidential GSMLS Listin gs

1378 Broad Street • Clifton

973-777-7877 or visit our other location at:

Cambridge Heights

of Clifton

527 Franklin Avenue • Nutley

Wall street Financial Corporation 100% Financing to 1st Time Qualified Buyers ~Innovative New Programs Available~ Ralph Nieves Regional Manager

75 Lane Road • Fairfield Office: 973?227?6000 x2029 ¥ Cell: 917?723? Clifton Merchant • June 2003

The Clifton PBA 36 Proposal Costs Nothing To Implement

In fact, we project $100,000 in annual overtime savings... By scheduling Clifton Police Officers to attend court while on-duty, the PBA projects a 45% reduction in court overtime costs—well over $100,000 per year in overtime savings—that’s just one of the benefits of the PBA’s proposal for modern deployment of manpower and resources. Here are some other items to consider as PBA Local 36 seeks to settle... •PBA Local 36 long ago accepted the city’s wage offer. But as part of the negotiations, we asked the Mayor & Council to consider a proposal for the modern deployment of manpower and resources. Our plan puts more cops on Clifton streets at the times of day when they are most needed. •The PBA has worked without a contract since December 2000. Ironically, when this dispute is finally settled, it will again be time to negotiate a new three-year contract. Is that any way to manage people? Is that any way to run a city? •Negotiations? They just don’t happen anymore. The Mayor & Council just hires high priced lawyers to arbitrate, a process which drags on, feeds lawyers, beats down employee morale and costs taxpayers serious big bucks. •The PBA proposal offers a modern, safe and efficient work schedule which costs nothing—absolutely nothing—to implement. It is a system which is used in over 125 New Jersey Police Departments. •Recently, with the FMBA, the Mayor & Council wasted a year fighting the Fire Department’s proposed work schedule. And then, after thousands of dollars in payments to high priced law firms—the Mayor & Council agreed to a one year trial—the same conclusion the PBA seeks today. Let’s Settle Now!

PBA Local 36 asks the Mayor & Council to give our proposal for modern manpower and deployment a one year trial.

Give Us One Year Paid for by Clifton PBA Local 36 1626

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

The last complete rewrite was done in 1990, although a ‘Reexamination Report” was issued in August 2000. However, some say the document devised this year, with the help of Mahwah-based planning consultant Jill Hartmann, might be better described as an inventory, rather than an actual plan. According to planning experts such as Carlos Rodrigues, manager of plan implementation for the Office of Smart Growth, the newest draft of the Master Plan is lacking in many ways. Rodrigues’ overall impression of the Master Plan was diplomatic: “There are some good things and there are some missing pieces,” he said. He was impressed by how the Master Plan described 15 of the city’s neighborhoods in detail, listing housing stock and land uses. “You have to start by identifying neighborhoods and explaining what makes them unique,” he said. “With a complex place the size of Clifton, it’s good to break it down into smaller pieces to make it more manageable.” But his praise for the plan seem to end there. He said what is missing is a vision for what should happen in these neighborhoods as well as an assessment of the strengths and shortcomings of the city. Now that the city has a map identifying all the different neighborhoods, he said, “it would be very helpful to

Vacant storefronts seem to dot the historic square in Botany Village. The shopping district on the Passaic/Garfield border was the city’s first redevelopment project, having been renovated in the early 1970s. Merchants say the district was cut off from the rest of Clifton without a Route 46 East ramp.

look at the neighborhoods and say here are the major strengths and here are some of the shortcomings, such as code enforcement problems, lack of open space, not enough retail—whatever the case may be.”

$544,000

Wasted

The Mayor & Council have thus far wasted $544,015 of your tax dollars fighting PBA/FMBA work schedule arbitrations. Here are just some of the expenses and projected savings... •Payment to law firm of Ruderman & Glickman May 3, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100,142 •Payment to new law firm of Genova, Burns & Vernoia thru 2/21/03 . . . . . . . . .$167,229 •Police salaries involved in six arbitration-hearing dates: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,644 •Unnecessary police municipal court overtime ($100,000 year x 2.5 years) . . .$250,000 These bills, approved by Clifton’s Mayor & Council, calculate expenses up until Feb. 21, 2003. Since then, there were two more arbitration dates and post-hearing court briefs and motions approved by the Mayor & Council... Imagine what the next payment to Genova, Burns & Vernoia will be!

Give Us One Year Paid for by Clifton PBA Local 36

1626

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

more Condos Here?

Will condos be built at 272 Grove St.? In early May, a developer purchased the 100-by-179-foot property and razed the single family home (left) which was on it. While the 100-by-179-foot property is adjacent to a condo village built a decade ago by the late Joe DiDonna at the corner of Van Houten and Grove (right), 272 Grove is zoned for residential single-family homes. In order to get approval for condos, the new owner of the property needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

For Rodrigues, a Master Plan needs to combine a planner’s technical analysis with the direct input of people who live in the city, soliciting the community’s input through neighborhood meetings, surveys and/or questionnaires. He said the document should be a “launching pad for a series of public outreach opportunities,” where the public would take part in crafting the plan. “That’s not here,” he said. “Right now, it doesn’t give me a sense of what the vision is for either the city as whole or the different neighborhoods. This is an inventory. It seems like the ‘plan’ part is missing.” He was also critical of the city for scheduling just one public hearing on the Master Plan for late June, after it will almost be completely decided. “You want community input at the beginning,” he said. “If citizens can’t pick up the Master Plan and understand where their town is going, the document is not doing its job...and you’re likely not getting meaningful public participation to validate the planning process.” 60

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

He added that while the Master Plan contains substantial quantitative information, in terms of background like changes in the city’s population and housing prices, it draws few conclusions. He explained: “For example, it

says housing prices have gone up and population has increased. So what? How do you want to react to that? The trends are spelled out, but that’s it.” listed are more of Rodrigues’ opinions and suggestions:

no Fishing!

Access to this nature preserve and fishing area, which is part of Dundee Island, is blocked by this fence erected by the City of Clifton. The preserve was created by the State of New Jersey as part of the deal to construct the Route 21/46/80 interchange above the Passaic River. The original agreement called for Clifton to maintain the property. To the left is Route 21, heading towards Paterson.

Botany Village While the Master Plan mentions that “potential redevelopment” in Botany Village and “measures to upgrade” the Athenia neighborhood and the Van Houten Ave. business district are being planned for the “near future,” Rodrigues suggested plans for Clifton’s many shopping districts need to go further and be more specific. He noted that the aesthetically charming Botany Village, with its turn-of-the-century motif, has so much to offer the city. “The question is,” he said, “how do you use it?” Across the street from Botany Plaza is a new shopping center anchored by Pathmark and Kmart. How do these centers relate? Botany is bordered by Garfield and Passaic and when the new Route 46/21/80 interchange was completed, a ramp to Route 46 East was eliminated. The Botany Village Merchants Association seeks to improve access to the historic shopping district at the interchange. Specific solutions for Botany are not addressed in the revised Master Plan, however. please turn to page 64

senior Housing

Ground will be broken for 125 units of senior housing at the former Athenia Steel site on June 14 but no solid plans exists for the remaining 33 acres of open space located on Clifton Ave. The city has floated ideas for 125 more units of affordable senior housing as well as creating soccer, baseball fields and an indoor hockey arena.

Tax-Free Bonds 3.25%

4.75%

Cy Yannarelli, CFP 730 Broad Street Clifton, NJ 07013

1337

973?777?9620 Open 8AM ? 6PM Sat. 9?1 www.edwardjones.com

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

he debate about what to build on a Grove St. property—17 townhouses or 8 single-family houses—got much louder at a May 22 Planning Board hearing. In a heated exchange, Board member Phil Binaso confronted Frank Carlet, the high-powered attorney representing C&l, about his side’s lack of compromise in helping to resolve the issue. “We’ve been going back and forth and there’s no compromise,” Binaso said. “There has to be a better way to solve this.” Carlet responded: “The better way is townhouses. We came up with a plan for an eight-lot subdivision and we are going way beyond what any developer is required to do. We are tying to be good neighbors.” After meeting extensive opposition from residents to their initial

proposal, which called for three buildings containing clusters of townhouses, C&l has countered with eight single-family houses. dubbed ‘Grove Hollows,’ C&l’s most recent plan calls for extending layton dr. down to Grove St., so it would be parallel to Kashey St. Because they can’t stop C&l from building on the property, the goal, said Grove St. resident denise Kashey, “is how we can make it the least expensive for the neighborhood in terms of aesthetics and property values.” By extending layton dr., they would essentially be creating a new road that would border the backyards of about six Kashey St. residences, thereby hemming them in with a road on two sides. The residents want C&l to explore the possibility of putting the road along the Weasel Brook.

ee Fr

Grove street Update

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 9 • Issue 2 • February 7, 2003

No More

Housing

Another resident Thomas Cucci, said they preferred that houses were backyard to backyard, not with a road going through. denise Kashey, a 30 year resident, concluded: “No one seems to take quality of life issues to heart here. The developers want to trade our quality of life for profit.” The next meeting is on June 26 at 8 pm.

Town & Country Fined

own & Country developers, Inc. was fined $604,110 by the New Jersey dept. of Environmental Protection on May 7 for illegally constructing and connecting a sewer extension in Nutley. Town & Country failed to obtain a Treatment Works Approval (TWA) for its Cambridge Heights at Nutley condo complex prior to constructing and connecting a sewer main to Nutley’s sewage collection system. The total wastewater flow for the Nutley development, which consists of 33 single-family homes and 135 townhomes, is 138,000 gallons per day of sewage. In Clifton, Town & Country is currently developing the 637-unit Cambridge Crossings on the old Shulton site.

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

The Woodcliff lake firm has also proposed a 540-unit condo development on dundee Island, near Ackerman Ave. and an ecologically sensitive section of the Passaic River. Town & Country’s first Clifton project was 140 condos (also called Cambridge Heights) in delawanna. “Town & Country neglected a critical environmental review of its wastewater treatment plans required to protect New Jersey’s waterways and ensure that local sewage infrastructures are not overburdened by new development,” said dEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. “Illegal sewer hookups undermine the effectiveness of regional water quality management plans and the state’s ability to safeguard clean and adequate water supplies.”

Town & Country applied for and obtained the necessary TWA permit nearly a year after the sewer main to Nutley’s system had been constructed and connected. Cambridge Heights at Nutley is located just beyond the Clifton border, near Clifton Commons, between Washington Ave. and Kinglands Road.

Paying of Respects at the Mausoleum. Visits are unlimited and unaffected by the weather. Crypts are easily located in the building. More convenient for elderly and handicapped. Provides greater Peace of Mind & Security.

1540

Call us to learn more about our new Mausoleum.

East Ridgelawn Cemetery 255 M A I N A V E N U E , C L I F T O N , NJ 07014 For more infor mation wit h no obligation call:

973-777-1920 Non-Sectarian / Mausoleum / Niches / Garden Graves / Monumental Graves No Obligation Pre-Need Counseling Financing Available 1 year at no interest on easy mont hly plans

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ June 2003

dundee island In early May, the Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution recommending that dundee Island be used as a nature preserve. “It’s buyer beware,” said Mayor Anzaldi, adding that the Council, to “slow down any housing development,” has also lowered the number of units per acre a developer can build on. He said developers will have “a lot of hoops to go through” if they want to put multiple-family dwellings on tracts like dundee Island. “Eight units per acre is not as financially feasible as 12 or 15 units per acre,” Anzaldi said.

missed the Cut

Two single family homes which are going up on Valley Rd. were the Council’s topic of discussion recently. The question was whether the developer had the right to cut down trees on the property. The question came to light are a result of a new tree ordinance adopted by the Council in Jan. The new law governs subdivisions of three lots or larger and limits tree take down to the foot print of the property. The goal of the ordinance, said acting City Manager Al Greco, is to eliminates clear cutting of older, mature trees in new development. If trees must be removed, the developer pays into a fund and the money is used to replenish trees throughout Clifton.

GianT PesT ConTRol

While Rodrigues stopped short making any recommendations for dundee Island—currently home to the Safas Corp. and which could be converted into to a multi-unit housing development, nature preserve or both (see our May 2003 issue)—he said the Master Plan failed to make enough specific recommendations about whether it would be better to preserve dundee Island as open space or use it for residential development. “The Planning Board might determine that, in order to have a balanced development scenario, the city needs to have more open space and the location has unique environmental attributes that need be preserved,” he said, “or they could determine that dundee Island should be developed because there is a better location for additional open space... But they don’t provide justification for either possibility.” athenia steel site The Master Plan points out that there has been a decrease in the senior citizen population (55-74 years of age), which “may be associated with the lack of senior housing in the city.” Now, after years of false starts, a groundbreaking ceremony is finally being held on June 14 for a 125-unit affordable housing complex for senior citizens (dubbed “Senior Horizons”) on the 35-acre former Athenia Steel site. The city seems to hope that by providing affordable senior housing, it will help slow the exodus of senior citizens who continue to be forced to leave the city because they are on fixed incomes and either can’t afford skyrocketing property tax rates or the exorbitant rents of most condominium developments. Rodrigues was encouraged about the new housing, but he added:“35 acres is a lot of land,” and agreed that the property easily lends itself to other uses like recreational fields—a plan that has been proposed but has still not please turn to page 66 been presented in final form.

R.F. K NAPP R OOFING S iDing • g utterS • L eaDerS

973- 777-1699 • 14 Pilgrim Dr.• Clifton

737 Broad St • Clifton

973.546.8410 giantpest@aol.com

100 oFF

a Full termite treatment, Clifton residents Only. exp. 8/31/03

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Giant Will Blitz Your Bugs!

Free e StimateS • e St. 40

yearS

• F uLLy i nSureD

delawanna dilemma

Called Smart Growth by some and overdevelopment by others, Phase II of Clifton Commons in Delawanna will be complete later this summer.

ois Wienbrock, who has lived in delawanna for 56 years, says traffic is her “biggest gripe.” In fact, she said she cannot imagine more traffic than there already is. A trip (she calls it a “major ordeal”) to her local post office at 266 Main Ave. from her home on Princeton St.—a distance of .66 miles or 2 minutes, according to the website MapQuest—often takes 15 minutes because of the cattle herd of cars filling the streets.

“Not only are the lights poorly timed, according to Wienbrock, but the traffic patterns are “horrendous.” “Between my house and the post office, there are three lights to go through and I always have to stop three times—always,” she said. “Whoever did that traffic survey should be made to ride through there four times a day. That would be a just punishment.” Wienbrock says the traffic is the result of overdevelopment—one major cul-

prit being Clifton Commons, which continues to grow. And the 20-acre Anderson Tract behind Costco, which is rumored to have been recently sold for a hotel and conference center complex, would add an immeasurable number of vehicles. “It would be unreal,” she said. “I can’t imagine how much more traffic that would create onto Route 3.” Wienbrock asks: “is anybody on the Clifton Planning Board paying attention to this?”

Make Your Pappy?

Big Green ® Egg

1139 Van Houten aVe • Clifton

973.777.7535 www.riCHfieldfarms.Com mon–Fri: 8am–8pm Sat: 8am-7 pm Sun: 8am–6pm

World’s Best Smoker

Our Greenhouses are Bursting with Color

Everything tastes better on the Big Green Egg! From Chicken to Fish & Steak to the best vegetables you’ll ever eat! If you can only own one grill or smoker in your life get the all ceramic Big Green Egg! —NBC-TV

Come to Richfield Farms & Get One for Dad Today! COMES WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE 3 SIZES AVAILABLE

5 OFF 00

2500 Purchase

(excludes items on sale) expires 6/30/03

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

The US Postal facility on Paulison Ave. (above left) will close its retail windows as the new US Postal facilty at the corner of Main and Madison Aves. in Downtown Clifton will become the main postal center for the city on June 9.

downtown Clifton Post office On June 9, the US Post Office will open at the corner of Clifton Ave. and Main Ave. with 1,900 private post office boxes and parking for a total of 18 vehicles. The old station at the corner of Washington Ave. and Main Ave., will close and retail services will cease on Paulison Ave. The new facility, next to the Walgreens, was built by a private developer after the city purchased the former Knights of Columbus building for $850,000 and razed it in Aug., 2000. City officials have estimated that between the Walgreens and the Post Office, over 3,000 people a day would visit Clifton and Main. Having that many visitors in the center of town again would give a boost to retailers and restaurants. What will be the effect of all those additional customers? Where will they park? Is this smart growth? Regional Relationships Rodrigues believes it is a wasted opportunity that there are no regional relationships with neighboring cities like Passaic, which seems to be separated from Clifton by an invisible line of demarcation. Rodrigues explained that the Municipal land Use law requires cities, in their Master Plans, to look at relationships

Planning to sell your home this year? Wouldn’t it be nice to know how much it’s worth? 1328

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

with adjoining municipalities and see whether zoning is consistent between them. Clifton’s Master Plan, he said, narrowly defines each zone but offers no ideas for how zones should interrelate. A ‘more interesting’ approach, he said, would be to see what relationships exists—sections like Botany Village for instance, or along Main Ave. in downtown Clifton as another example, and where it doesn’t, so that it is not duplicated—and draw conclusions about each city’s retail/residential needs. Working with the office of smart Growth The Master Plan states the city “anticipates” participating with the state’s Office of Smart Growth in order to recognize and expand on measures that support smart growth. However, Rodrigues said: “I haven’t heard anything about that. My personal feeling is that it’s just a blanket statement. It doesn’t commit them to do anything.” Furthermore, the Master Plan indicates that all “major residential, commercial and industrial developments, over the last decade, “have been consistent” with the state’s Smart Growth initiatives. Again, Rodrigues could see no logic behind such a statement: “Who decided that exactly? It’s just a statement that doesn’t have any particular meaning. Nothing was discussed with this office.”

Find Out FREE At:

HOUSEVALUES

.COM

Your Home’s Market Value Online

www.housevalues.com

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ June 2003

Downtown Doo-Wop

he singing style known as ‘doo-wop’, named in the early 1970s by New York City DJ Gus Gossert, which became popular in the 1950s, lives on in Downtown Clifton in the 21st Century. This style of group harmony started during World War II and became better defined in the late 1940s and 1950s by pioneer groups such as the Ravens and the Orioles. By 1956, most of the hits on the radio were doo-wop songs. Some of the more popular groups were Dion & the Belmonts, the Chantels and the Five Disks. Doo-wop peaked in 1961 and was almost made extinct by the 1964 British Invasion led by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, when disk jockeys became more interested in British rock than the American-bred variety. At that point, doo-wop virtually disappeared from the airwaves. The style has long been popular in Downtown Clifton and events like the June 14 Patriot’s Day celebration and Doo-Wop Cruise Nights, which take place this summer, show that a bunch of guys (and gals) singing shoobee-doo-wopdoo-wah continues to entertain.

Groups like Remembrance (above) perform in Clifton throughout the summer.

At the helm of it all is Clifton Music’s Ronni I, a producer, renown doo-wop enthusiast, vocal group historian and founder of the United in Group Harmony Association (UGHA). On June 14 (rain date is June 21), four acappella groups will take the stage on Clifton’s Main Ave. for a free concert celebrating the opening of the new U.S. Post Office. In addition, there will be classic cars, rides, food and beverages, as well as merchandise—including flags, t-shirts and other patrioticthemed memorabilia.

Also this summer, the UGHA and the Black Top Cruisers present a series of concerts, dubbed DooWop Cruise Nights, on June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7. The shows, from 5 to 10 pm, are on the blacktop in the municipal parking lot on First St. and Clifton Ave, There will be vintage cars and at least two doo-wop and acappella performances. The music, the cars and the fun are free; food and beverages are available for a fee. Owners of vintage wheels made before 1978 are encouraged to display their machinery. For info or to register, call 973-365-0049. 1275

1484

The power to amaze yourself

Two Locations in Clifton 601 Van Houten Ave • Clifton

973.777.3771

1094 Main Ave • Clifton

973.470.8585 Now Open at 6AM

One Free Workout (with this ad) Expires 7/10/03

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1102 Main Ave • Clifton • 973-779-5885

Passaic County Arts Grants Despite the on-again, off-again funding of the arts situation at the State of New Jersey, the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council (PCCHC) encourages organizations to apply for grants. The grant cycle for arts and cultural programs planned for 2004 will begin in June with the workshops listed below.

At age 81, Andrew Pearson, vividly remembers Poppy’s as Hugo’s Dairy Farm, a place he worked as a kid. But we know you Mustangs of the 50s and 60s hung there after school and football games, or for a sweet ending to that special Saturday night. If you have memories and photographs of Poppy’s from when it was rockin’ & rollin’, share them with Clifton Merchant Magazine. 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, or call 973-253-4400. As always, we return all memorabilia in the condition in which it was

Applicants for Local Arts Program Grants must be Passaic Countybased, tax-exempt, non-profit organizations or educational, social service or municipal organizations that have planned an arts project (dance, music, theater, media arts, visual arts, etc.) to be presented in Passaic County between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2004. Applicant organizations must match every dollar of the grant with one dollar of their own. Deadline is July 21. PCCHC has scheduled the following free grant-writing workshops to help prepare the application: • Monday, June 9 at 1 pm at the Hamilton Club Building, Passaic County Community College, 32 Church Street, Paterson. • Monday, June 9 at 6:45 pm at the Louis Bay II Library, 345 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne. • Tuesday, June 10 at 7 pm at PCCC’s Wanaque Academic Center, 500 Union Ave., Wanaque. All three sites are wheelchair accessible. Spanish language or sign interpreter can be available if requested. Call 973-684-5444 for info.

Patriot’s Day IN DOWNTOWN CLIFTON Saturday, June 14 from 10 AM to 3 PM (Rain Date: Saturday, June 21)

On Main Avenue LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • ACAPPELLA GROUPS CLASSIC CARS • FOOD • BEVERAGE • RIDES • NEW CARS This Project is funded, in part, by the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council at Passaic County Community College, through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of the State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Clifton Merchant • June 2003

The first ever Clifton Arts Summit was held at the Clifton Arts Center on the grounds of the Municipal Campus on May 22. The summit gave representatives of local arts groups the chance to meet and network with people from other arts organizations as well as city representatives. The goal of the event was promoting the arts in Clifton, which has (in case you didn’t already know) a thriving network of musicians, performers and visual artists living and working in the city. Representatives from the city’s many departments, the Board of Education, appointed and elected 18 The Plaza Styertowne Shopping Center Clifton, NJ 07012 (973) 471-0001 TheArtisansTouch@aol.com

Exhibition Gallery of Original Art Services By and For Artists Framing Signs Graphic Design Quality Printmaking Portraits Murals Sculpture Art Restoration 1215

From left, Barbara Flexner, Rick Van Horn, Elizabeth Reiss and Kathleen Kellaigh at the May 22 Clifton Arts Summit.

officials, and many involved in marketing the municipality and programming for the community gathered for the summit. In a format modeled after ‘speed dating,’ each group had 90 seconds to make a verbal presentation, describing what they do. Attendees included: Mike Bertelli of The Artisans Touch, Justine Tomczak of the Clifton Public Library (Piaget Branch); Don DeBello from the Department of Public Works; acting City Manager Al Greco; Elizabeth Reiss from the Menconi School of Music, Genevieve Generalli from

the Hamilton House museum; Debra Lesnick of the Boys & Girls Club; Rick Van Horn of Van Horn Enterprises (a public relations, music/theatrical consulting firm); Clifton Public Schools’ Mary Ann Baskinger; Jeff Labriola of the Clifton Arts Center’s Advisory Board; Clifton Rec Director Debbie Oliver; Kathleen Kellaigh from Action Theater Conservatory; Ralph Boult from the Clifton Association of Artists; Gil Hermes from the Clifton Camera Club; and Barbara Flexner from the Clifton Arts Center. 1303

Find Our What Homes In Your Neighborhood Are Selling For For A Recorded Message & Report call 24/7 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1741 This report is courtesy of Nicholas Real Estate. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Copyright © 1997.

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

RECYCLED PAPERBOARD INC. of Clifton One Ackerman Ave • Clifton

Vincent M. Ponte President

Tel: 973-546-0030 • Fax: 973-546-1349

United in Group Harmony Are you into great music, dancing, food and beverages at fabulous low prices, and admission at a minimal price, all in a warm, friendly atmosphere provided by fun loving good people? Then join us at our monthly United In Group Harmony Association (UGHA) meeting/shows held monthly alternating between the Lodi Boys & Girls Club and St. Joseph’s School in East Rutherford. About UGHA: Founded by Ronnie Italiano (a.k.a. Ronnie I.) in 1976, UGHA is the only

2003 UGHA Schedule (All Saturdays) • June 7 in Lodi 3rd Annual Hall of Fame Tribute • June 21 at St. Joe’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Harptones • July 26 in Lodi . . . .The Velons • Aug. 23 at St. Joe’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Jewels

nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of its kind

• Sept. 27 in Lodi . . . . . . .Otis Williams & Charms

that is truly dedicated to the preservation,

• Oct. 25 at St. Joe’s

exposure and education of authentic group

• Sat, Nov 29 & Sun, Nov 30 in Lodi 27th Anniversary Celebration Weekend

harmony (R&B, pop, spiritual, jazz vocal styles, and of course acappella) music. For info on membership, events, and

• Dec. 27 at St. Joe’s

directions: Call 973-365-0049 or 973-470-UGHA.

On Saturday, June 21 at St. Joseph’s School, Hackensack Street and Hoboken Road, East Rutherford, featured groups include Willie Winfield & The Harptones (‘A Sunday Kind Of Love’), Speedo & Cadillacs (‘Gloria’), Cliftonaires, Sheps, plus others.

Clifton Merchant • June 2003

Acting City Manager Al greco finished a productive term as Rotary Club President, one that he said had been a ‘whirlwind’ since December. The year produced some very positive outcomes for the Rotary Club, including new membership, which he said brought “vitality and proof of the strength of our organization in Clifton.” With 10 new members, the club’s membership grew to 50 during Greco’s term. He noted that another child’s life was saved at Montifiore Hospital in New York through the club’s Gift of Life Project—the ninth child sponsored by Clifton’s Rotary Club and offered life-saving surgery. Greco was pleased that every one of the year’s activities exceeded expectations: The Golf Outing raised over $4,000 for the club’s Gift of Life Project; the Beefsteak proved to be the most successful fundraising event ever, collecting

From left, incoming Rotary Club officers: Marlene H. Lubinger (President), departing President and acting City Manager Al Greco, Michael A. Cerone Jr. (Treasurer), Russ Schneider (Secretary) and Kevin Murphy (Vice President).

over $16,000 to support local organizations; and the food drives helped many families in Clifton. There was more, Greco added, noting the Annual Youth Week Luncheon, sponsored alternately

MiKULA

COnTrACTing, inC.

with the Optimist Club, and the upcoming installation dinner, which takes place June 23. “I thank those who have given of themselves to help,” Greco said. “Your support is needed in all our efforts.”

TenAFLy PediATriCS 1135 Broad St., Suite 208 • Clifton • 973-471-8600 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm Wednesday 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (for check-ups, too!) Sunday 9 am – 12 noon

Excavating Contractor Since 1946 Dennis Mikula 630 Route 46 W • Clifton 973-478-4769 • 973-772-1684 • excavating Service • Tank removal

Dr. Maury Buchalter

Dr. Nancy Mallon

Dr. Robert Jawetz

Dr. David Wisotsky

• demolition • Fill dirt • Top Soil

We welcome new patients in Clifton and our other locations! Tenafly 32 Franklin St 201-569-2400

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Fort Lee 301 Bridge Plaza N. 201-592-8787

Paramus 26 Park Place 201-262-1140

1143

1591

Holger’s Mustang Holger’s Mustang is at the Hamilton House museum. The wooden carousel horse was a work-in-progress, being carved by Master Carver Holger Jensen when he died in April at the age of 96. Jensen’s family followed his wishes by donating some of his best works, including the carousel horse,

to the Hamilton House, where they will be available for viewing. A humble man, the Clifton resident never revealed that he was internationally known for his carvings. He was a restorer for renown carousel horse creator, Charlotte Dinger, but also carved smaller items like spoons and canes. Holger Jensen and Teri Hislop.

Master Carver Holger Jensen will always be remembered for this carousel horse ‘Holger’s Mustang’ now on display at the Hamilton House museum.

His house was like a gallery, with carvings on every wall, in every corner and perched on every flat surface, said Teri Hislap, a fellow carver who Hislop mentored. An eagle Jensen carved was cast in bronze and hangs over the city hall in Union. He started carving when he was eight, after breaking the tip of his wooden shoe while herding cattle in his native Denmark. From that time, he never stopped carving—even after losing his right index finger. At 95, Jensen encouraged children from North Arlington School with a four-foot eagle that tops a 9/11 ‘America Rises’ memorial they designed and carved. This was to be Jensen’s last project. The Hamilton House is located on Valley Rd.; tours are available by appointment. Call 973-744-5707.

Gambling GE LOTTI ICE CR E AM Problem? $2.00OFF

ITALIAN ICES ¥ SOFT ICE CREAM ¥ SHERBERT ¥ YOGURT ¥ CAKE ¥ GELATO

~ Everything Home Made ~ FREE SUNDAE

Buy One Ice Cream or Yogurt Sundae, Get Another

call1?800?Gambler or visit

www.800gambler.org

FREE With This Coupon Coupons May Not Be Combined. Offer Expires 6/30/03

Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined. Offer Expires 6/30/03

194 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell • 973-403-9968

2 Union Ave., Paterson • 973-595-1647 Clifton Merchant • June 2003

D RS . L EWKO

M AO :

On Aging Wellness As life expectancy increases and the number of people over age 65 continues to grow, proper medical care for this growing segment of our population is becoming more important. That’s why it is important for people to see physicians who specialize in geriatric medicine. Dr. Michael P. Lewko and Dr. Cheng-An Mao, practitioners at Senior Health Partners, a private medical center in Clifton, provides medical care and health maintenance for the senior population. Dr. Mao, who has degrees from Taipei Medical College as well as Harvard University’s School of Public Health, has specialized in geriatric medicine since 1996, when he completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Currently, in addition to being an attending physician in the Family Medicine Department at St. Joseph’s, he is also medical director at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home. After getting his medical degree from Rutger’s, Dr. Lewko completed three years of residency at Robert Wood Johnson. He then went on to Brown University School of Medicine for fellowship training in Geriatrics before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania for a combined Geriatrics-Rheumatology fellowship. In addition to the Clifton practice, Dr. Lewko has been affiliated

with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center since 1991. To Drs. Lewko and Mao, ‘aging wellness’ is more than just physical well-being. “Aging wellness means functioning at maximum capacity.” Lewko explained. “It’s an attitude, a mindset.” The most common physical complaints as people age are aches and pains, and Senior Health Partners can help with those, but they also offer many other services, including: Arthritis/pain management: Dr. Lewko specializes in managing patient pain of arthritis, osteoporosis and other conditions while Dr. Mao offers treatment of pain through acupuncture. Geriatric assessments: A multidimensional process that assesses functional ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health, and a person’s living environment. House calls: “We go wherever our patients go,” Dr. Mao said of their willingness to treat patients outside of the office. Frailty management: As people live longer, they begin to suffer chronic medical conditions that need attention. With end of life care, the focus is on comfort of the patient. Long-term care: Following the care of their patients to other facilities, including assisted living, sub acute care and nursing facilities.

Senior Health Partners B OARD C ERTIFIED Michael P. Lewko, MD

Cheng-An Mao, MD

Geriatrics-Rheumatology

Geriatrics-Family Medicine Acupuncture

716 Broad St., 1st Fl., Clifton • 973.754.4152 Geriatric Assessment • Aging Wellness • Home Care

1527

Specializing in Arthritis, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

At St. Paul Church and School in Downtown Clifton, some staff changes and additions have occurred. Peter Casamento, a detective for the Maywood Police Department, volunteer firefighter, Harley Davidson enthusiast...a man of many hats...has added the title of Pastoral Administrator. On May 31, he was ordained as a Deacon and now works with Monsignor Victor Mazza and the other staff in ministering to the parish. Casamento joined the Maywood police force in 1986 and is currently Commanding Officer of the Detective Bureau as well as an instructor at the police academy. Casamento is also a former undercover investigator with the Bergen County Narcotics Task Force. Presently, he is a social member of the Maywood Fire Department, Peerless Engine Company #2. His fire service career started in 1975 with the Franklin Lakes Fire Department. After moving to Maywood in 1982, he joined the Maywood Fire Department and has served in just about every capacity, from lieutenant (1984-1986) to Chief (1993-1994). Christine Kathryn Ross has been named principal of St. Paul School,which is located on the corner of Washington and Main Avenues. Ross, who taught language arts and literature at St. Paul, said she is looking forward to building upon the school’s rigorous academic standards. “This kind of success is what we strive for in a constantly changing world,” she said.

Kathryn Ross, left, and Diana Shagawat at St. Paul School.

Diana Shagawat, who this fall will begin her 16th year at St. Paul as a Grade 6, 7 and 8 math and social studies teacher., will also add the title of vice principal. She said the school’s small community helps its graduates compete well when they make the transition to high school. In fact, both these St. Paul graduates went on to become valedictorians at CHS (we won’t tell the dates!) Shagawat concluded: “With all the other members of our faculty, we will be able to carry on the fine traditions established at St. Paul...and look forward to the future with enthusiasm.” 1019

Clifton Stallions Soccer Fall 2003 Registration

June

7 &14

egistration for the Fall 2003 Season is underway. Boys registration is at Pope John Paul II school, 775 Valley Rd. Girls registration is at Robin Hood Park, Standish Dr. & Knox Pl., off of Van Houten Ave. Soccer is open to boys & girls, ages of 4 to 13. Registration is $40. Questions? Call 973-778-8416.

Re gi s t r a t i o n i s a t P o p e J o hn Pa ul I I & R ob i n H o o d Pa r k

J u n e 7 & J u n e 1 4 , 10 a m - 2 p m Volunteer to coach or assist. Get Involved. Help keep this program successful. Clifton Merchant • June 2003

R M From left, Ann Catena marks her 50th year of teaching at School 3, Ava Nicole Genardi is 5 on June 9, Sally & Pete Brask are married 50 years on June 20, Connie Musleh is Sweet 16 on June 26, & Jessica Russell is Sweet 16 on June 21.

celebrations! Happy Birthday To... Jonathan Borrajo . . . . . . . . . . . .6/2 Karl Aponte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/3 Jeffrey Angello . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/4 Thomas Lesch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/4 Samantha Malenchak . . . . . . . .6/6

Send written notices of your celebrations by the 15th of the month prior. Mail to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011. We cannot guarantee photos will be used but if you do send pictures, enclose a self addressed stamped envelope so your material will be returned.

Michael Reuther . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/6 Joseph Sassine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/6 Diane Canavan . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/7 Shaun Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . .6/7 Nora Abbasi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/8 Koreana Sabo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/8

Open your heart and your home.

Many children are waiting for very special foster families...

Happy Birthday to Jeffrey Angello who turns the big 4-0 on June 4.

Financial Assistance & Free Training Available

Antonio Gerardo Palomba celebrates a milestone on June 7...he turns 10! Mom, Dad and everyone loves you very much and wish you at least ten more tens!

Call toll-free: 1-800-837-9102 N E W

J E R S E Y

To qualify to be a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old, have a steady source of income and adequate space in your home.

www.fostercare.com 84

June 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Robert Ciallella . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/9 Ava Nicole Genardi . . . . . . . . . .6/9 Adam Soder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/11 Christopher Stetz . . . . . . . . . . . .6/13 Annette Vander Teems . . . . . .6/13 Anne Sanfratello . . . . . . . . . . . .6/14 Alaa Elsarraj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/15 Danielle Dvorak . . . . . . . . . . . .6/16 Derek Dvorak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/16 Stephanie Dvorak . . . . . . . . . . .6/16 Shauna Farrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/17 Raymond Kuruc . . . . . . . . . . . .6/18 Sean Rouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/18 Tabitha Sosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/18 Christopher Van Valkenburg . .6/19 Timothy Egner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/21 Florentina Wakkary . . . . . . . . . .6/21 Victoria Coloccia . . . . . . . . . . .6/22 Joseph Hrina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/23 Mike Skurski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/24 Jack DeVries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/25 Lori Homsany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/25 Connie Musleh . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/26 Dorian Patti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/27 Walter Vladyka . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/27 Monica Szewczyk . . . . . . . . . . .6/29 Robert Conklin . . . . . . . . . . . . .6/30 Christopher Lucas . . . . . . . . . . .6/30

1284

Belated Greetings to: MaryEllen Krattinger who turned 21 on May 23 and Anthony Alcalde who celebrated on May 29. Best wishes to you both!

r M d o N t l d f u A i g c A

M PAT R I O T I S M M Rain fell long and hard on Memorial Day 2003 and as a result, commemorative events at Main Memorial Park and many traditional graveside services throughout the state were cancelled. Nonetheless, an early morning tribute to those who gave their lives defending the causes of freedom and democracy was held at the firehouse on Brighton Rd. The regular 2 pm memorial services at the Athenia Veterans Post was held indoors but the playing of taps and a gun salute to fallen veterans were conducted in the front of the Huron Ave. center so all could hear. Christopher Columbus Middle School students learned more about veterans such as Francis Zensen, at left, who served as a U.S. Air Force Crew Chief on a B-25 from 1942-1945 which flew missions in Northern Africa, Sicily, Italy and Corsica. He and other vets shared their stories of service and patriotism with the students in late May. Photo by Rudy Hudak.

Scouts of Troop 3 continued a tradition of decorating the area around the War Monument in Main Memorial Park on the night before Memorial Day with over 300 American Flags to commemorate Cliftonites killed during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. On Flag Day, Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Avenue of Flags on the municipal campus displays nearly 600 flags, each in memory of a veteran. Flags are up early and down before dusk. East is 3 x 5 feet and stands on a 10-foot pole with a brass name plate. To sponsor a flag ($100) or to volunteer for set up and break down, call John Biegel Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ June 2003

Locks of Love Renee LaPeter, 10, is a 4th-grader at School #11. About two-and-a-half years ago, when she was desperately in need of a haircut (which would be her first ever) but did not want one, she heard about Locks of Love—an organization that makes real wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. After seeing photographs of the happy kids with their new wigs, Renee was inspired to cut and donate 12 inches of her previously untouched-by-steel-blades hair. Nancy Madsen, Renee’s mother, recounted the moment of inspiration: “She told me that she would have her hair cut for the sick children because she wanted them to be happy.” Renee was so inspired that she grew her hair out again and in late May had it cut at Infatuation on Market St. They shipped it to Locks of Love. Renee says she will continue to grow, cut and Ten-year-old Renee LaPeter displaying her ‘Locks of Love.’ Above left, hair stylist Keri Gerlach donate her hair to help of Infatuation on Market St., who removed those locks, and Renee’s mother Nancy.

G et Back Into Action ! Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor 1576

Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005 Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155

www.fitspine.net www.fitspine.net

June 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Happy Father’s Day from Moore Chiropractic. Pictured here (left) Bob Moore and Dr. David Moore.

S o.

al.

y, DMD

DMD DS DDS c #3888

#5147

#3814

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID CLIFTON, NJ PeRMIT NO. 1185

Your Home Sold in Under 120 Days At a Price Acceptable to You,

GUARANTEED… or I’ll Buy It Myself

To help you learn more about the program and how you can benefit, a special FREE Report called “How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Two Homes,” has been prepared. To receive a copy please call 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1772 24 hr/day.

Nick Tselepis Top 1% Realtors www.noonesellsmore.com

sCLIFTON—Montclair Hts. Colonial Call 1-866-826-9875 ext. 2744

$349,900

sCLIFTON—Picture Perfect Call 1-866-826-9875 ext. 2746

$289,000

sCLIFTON—Just Too Wonderful! Call 1-866-826-9875 ext. 2745

$439,900

sCLIFTON—Charming Call 1-866-826-9875 ext. 2748

$469,000

Divorce: What You Need To Know About Your House, Your Home Loan And Taxes Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home Due To Divorce. For A Recorded Message & Report call 24/7 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1709

The 9 Step System To Get Your Home Sold Fast & For Top Dollar For A Recorded Message & Report call 24/7 1-866-831-4517 ID# 1700

FREE Quick Over The NeT home evaluation www.freehomeevaluation.com

NICHOLAS REAL ESTATE AGENCY