Clifton Merchant Magazine - March 2003 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

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Clifton Merchant Magazine •Volume9•Issue3•March7,2003

1185

What are they

Thinking

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…on our cover What are the Mayor and Council

MARCH

2003

thinking about the big issues facing

inside…

Clifton? From where they stand on our call last month for a moratorium on residential housing to their positions

What Are They Thinking? . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

on an elected or appointed Board of Education, a vote which occurs on

Grove Street: Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-16

April 15, we asked eight questions and

Colfax Avenue: Fact & Fiction . . . . . . . .18-21

they responded. The interviews begin

A Change in City Government? . . . . . .22-25

on page 7.

The History of City Managers . . . . . . . .26-29

School Board Elections on April 15.

Corrado’s: A Family Affair . . . . . . . . . . .30-34 Clifton’s Beautiful Game . . . . . . . . . . . .37-50

The Petition…Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Beer, Burgers & Bull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-55 Clifton Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56-57 People & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-63 The Clifton Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64-65 Dr. Steve LaPoff Remembered . . . . . . . . . . .70

Meet the Board of Education candidates. Three of the eight will be elected to three year terms. Next month, we’ll tell you more about where these candidates stand on the issues.

Maria Crespo

Frank Fusco

Lizz Gagnon

Joseph Kolodziej*

Bertil C. Nelson

Keith Krebs

Bob Sidoti

James Smith* * Incumbent

Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

Readers Speak:

No More Housing! Is it time for a one year moratorium on residential housing in Clifton? The people listed here think so. If you agree, sign the petition on page 51. Next month, we’ll again publish the names of those who sign the petition. To be included in next month’s list, please mail your petition to us by March 20. To the Mayor and City Council of Clifton, New Jersey. We, the residents of the City of Clifton, are concerned that the construction of any additional new residential buildings will over-burden our existing schools, roadways and city services, and have a negative impact on our quality of life. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests an immediate moratorium on the construction of any new residential buildings within the City.

To the Mayor and Council, Please stop with thoughtless construction in the City of Clifton. Additionally, please stop allowing multi-family dwellings on single family plots. What you consider ratables over-burden our roadways, schools and civil services. Perhaps the tax payers of the city should be allowed to vote on future residential and commercial construction projects. Pretty soon Clifton will look like Paterson and Passaic!!! —Peter & Ellen Sagui Editor, Thank you for doing this! I whole-heartedly concur! —Ida Fazio, resident/owner since 1952 Enough building...Stop Sprawl! —Eileen Sagui

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Joseph Aboushadab Leonora Addabbo Patricia Aftowicz Grace Alfieri Ross N. Alfieri George Andrikanich George E. Andrikanich Madia Andrikanich Linda Anema N. Anikonow Joseph Angello Marie Angello Susan Angello Hatem M. Asfour Lorgia Asfour Joseph Ashey Maria Ashey Michael Barbone Terry Barbone Carmello T. Barcia Arlene Bayeux Ann Beagan Lynn D. Becker Cheryl Bell Thomas Bennion Al Bisco Debra Bisco John Bladek Krystyna Bladek Linda Boesz Lorraine L. Boesz Richard Boesz

Amna Bouraoui Moez Bouraoui Cathy Burke Charles Butman Phyllis Butman Alfred Byrouty Laura Byrouty Terry Byrouty Mary Caldo Fabian Calvo Jeffrey S. Cenko Erik Cerame Lon Cerame Janet Cerullo Mariesa Cerullo Ellen Corbo Stephen Corbo Margaret Currain Kathy D’Amato Richard Davala Frances De Blaise Peter De Blaise Gertrude De Bonte Mario De Chellis Melinda De Chellis Latife Defti Celina De Graaf John De Graaf Laura De Grande Ellen De Losh Rich De Lotto Jean De Luccia

Harry De Muth Mary De Muth Danielle De Ritter Michele De Somma A. Di Cristo Eileen Dodd Joseph Dodd Barbara Dougherty Paul Doviak Elizabeth Ercolino Louis Ercolino E. K. Eisenmenger Ida Fazio Steve Ferrara Tom Fieldhouse M. Fienman John Filippone Rose Marie Filippone Marilee Fine Marvin Fine Florence E. Fisher Michael Fisher Sean Fitzsimons Sue Fitzsimons Conni Freeman D. Freewick Greg Fruhman Carmella Galafaro Carmelo Galafaro John Galanti Mary Galanti Anthony Galizio

Editor’s Note: We received an interesting letter regarding the Hovnanian Great Notch project on Valley Road. Unfortunately it was sent anonymously. While we do want to hear your opinions, our policy is that we will not publish anonymous letters. Elsie Gamarekian Haig Gamarekian Miriam Gamarekian Dottie Gaydos Genevieve Generalli Robert Generalli Bob Gibson Dorothy Gibson Mary Godri Matt Grabowski Florence Grenci Debra Gretina Tony Gretina Rob Grigale Frank Gulli Patrick Gulli Dorothy H. Hageman Joseph Hanrahan Gus P. Haritos Cheryl Hawrylko Thomas Hawrylko sr. Fred Hemsey Robyn Hemsey James D. Hewitt Norma Hewitt Diane Dunn-Heykoop Henry N. Heykoop Virginia Hilaire Jessie Hladik George J. Hlat Debra Iler Robert Iler Tatiana Indira

Gregg Infante Catherine Jeszenszky Sally Junclaya Angela Kashey Denise Kashey Leslie Kashey Ann Kattwinkel Karen Kattwinkel Esther Kenney Lynn Kilinski Alvin Kipnis Eileen Kirchner Lawrence Kirchner Edward A. Klingler Helen Klingler Mary D. Kluth Alicia Kosechi Andrea Kothleitner Christa Kothleitner Norma Kuruc K. Kurnath Bernadette Kutch David Lacki Robin La Femina Anthony Lazaro James Leeshock Elaine Le Ster Eleanor Le Ster Peggy Le Ster Mary Letterese Florence Lieber Michael Likston Glenn Liszner

Karen Liszner Joseph Lorenzo Lisa Lorenzo Michael Madrigal John Mankewicz Rosemarie Mankewicz Pat Marek Cynthia Marositz Bill Mc Nellis Janice Marinaro Michael Marinaro Irene Marschalk Carmela Meglio Joseph F. Meglio Laura Meltz Steven Meltz Martha Moczula Michael Moczula Olga Moczula Anastasia Molaris Basil Molaris David Molaris Brian Moore Paula Moore Carmine Morisco Connie Morisco Kim Morisco Scott Morisco Steve Mysak Tony Newton Scott Nibbling

The drain on our water and electric supply is so great now. Traffic in Clifton is getting worse and worse. —E. Le Ster I feel the City of Clifton should be looking for land for a new high school. Clifton should have purchased the land where Cambridge Crossings is being built and put a high school there. Are homeowner’s taxes going down with the 637 units being built? I do not believe they will. Why doesn’t the city build a new high school where Athenia Steel was? Keep Clifton a place to bring up your family. No more townhouses. We need schools that are up to date. —Cletus J. Stock, Jr. I agree. There should be better planning by the city. Building is out of control. No wonder our schools are overcrowded. We should stick to single family homes. Watching development in Clifton for the past 45 years, I am surprised Clifton is still allowing these cluster buildings. It is bad for Clifton.

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Please stop the over-building. Our schools are over-crowded. Our taxes are going through the roof. What you let them do with the Shulton property was terrible. Have you seen how many units have been crammed on that property? How many more children will be going to our schools? A lot of young people that I know are moving out of Clifton. They all say that Clifton has changed. The want to get out. The taxes are killing the seniors and every one we meet say ‘Clifton is going to the dogs.’ More building–more children– more crowding of schools –higher taxes. —Louis & Elizabeth Ercolino Just a comment. I moved to Clifton in 1953. My husband Joseph and myself first returned from a two year stay in the Army. We bought our first home on Fordham Road and raised our family while Joe went to work and school at night. Our children married. My daughter moved to Flanders. My son David and his family still reside here. I love Clifton. My son loves Clifton. But there is too much building of homes. What we need is more industry. My rural Clifton has become a big city. No More Housing! —Mrs. Florri Santosuosso 6

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Barbara Noonan Barry Nunno Ellen Nunno Michael Nunno Robert Nunno Keith Oakley Marilyn Oakley Pat Obolsky Kathy Opthof Sheryl Parent Marie Pargraile Pauline Pater Walter Pater Joseph C. Patti Joseph N. Patti Tom Patti Tess Pellegrino Daniel V. Peralta Sherry Peralta

Albert Runo Bennie Runo Michael Runo Robin Russell Anna Russo Devito Russo Genevieve A. Russo Morris Russo Eileen Sagui Ellen Sagui John Sagui Peter Sagui C. Salvador Florri Santosuosso Ann Schnakenberg Mary Scilla Stephen Scilla Amalia Scribner John Scribner

Johanna Szerencsits John Szerencsits Maryann Szerencsits Marianne Szurko Margaret Tardif Debbie Thomas W. Thomas Joseph R. Torelli Diane Toth William Toth Jr. Ann Trivolo Patricia Van Beveren Rosemary Van Blarcom Simon Van Bochoven William Van Eck Dian Van Nortwick Michael Van Nortwick Diane Vasilenko Amparo Velasco

Our list will continue next month. if you and your friends & neighbors would like to sign the petition, turn to page 51 R. Perehine Q. Perehine Samantha Petritis Scott M. Petritis Hector Perez Michele Perez Rich Pinksaw Betty Pizzulo Geralyn Plaskon Greg Plaskon Henry H. Poller Miriam Poller Roxann Prato Emilia Puzio Claus I. Raven Rahel Raven Ann Redmond Rachael Rossnagel Patricia Fitz-Roy

Diane Seabeck Donald E. Seabeck Debra Sepko Edward Sepko Theresa Serafin Margaret Sichel William C. Sichel William H. Sichel Nikki Sinko Anna Mae Smith Edward Smith Anthony Sorbello Damaso Soto Mathew Sroka Bonnie Stambuli Joe Stambuli Kristina Baron-Stambuli Lillian Stockerl Anne Sullivan

Asterio Velasco Barbara J. Venezia Rocco Venezia Gib Vianter Cheryl Vinciguerra Jennifer Vinciguerra Michael Vinciguerra Leo Viviano Nellie Vrogindewey Diane Walker Susan Walker Victoria Walker Janet Willard Nancy Wrigley Jean Youlios Lina Zanzonico Peter Zanzonico Marlene Zschack Robert Zschack

Grove Street

The Discussion Continues

––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha ––––––––––––––––––––– Photos by W.D. Clare

‘row of barracks’ is how Angela Kashey described C&L Developers proposal for nine single-family houses to be built on Grove St. “All we need are the soldiers to move in.” At a Zoning Board hearing on February 19, approximately 90 residents of the neighborhood where the development would be located showed up to demonstrate their opposition and to see, firsthand, C&L’s plans. The developer is seeking a variance so they can build 17 townhouses on property currently zoned for single-family houses.

After meeting extensive opposition to their previous proposal, which called for three buildings containing clusters of townhouses, C&L asked an engineering firm to draw up a preliminary sketch, which basically shows how nine houses could fit on the 2.5-acre property. According to Denise Kashey (Angela Kashey’s daughter), those plans merely demonstrated that it was possible to divide the parcel into nine conforming lots but did not address if construction was feasible with the topography. She said the developer could only fit nine houses if they filled in part of a ravine that borders the property.

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She explained that after residents and their attorney told C&L it was not possible to fit nine houses, “they basically threatened us with this proposal.” Still, she did not understand the purpose of the presentation—why discuss dividing the property into nine lots if that’s not what their intentions are? “We’re not disputing his right to build single-family houses, anyway,” she said. “We’re disputing his right to build townhouses.” The attorney representing the residents, James Segreto, said that multifamily housing units would be “discordant with the neighborhood’s character.” The only difference is the economic return for the developer would be greater with the townhouses. Still, C&L has continued to insist that townhouses would be “more

“That’s a subjective statement on the part of somebody who’s not going to live next door to it. It’s going to be an exclusive, little community, with it’s back turned to us. We’re going to be looking at the backs of buildings. By my definition that would not be attractive.” –Denise Kashey attractive” for the neighbors, an assessment Denise Kashey does not understand or agree with. In fact, she is not certain if they mean there will be less children, increased property values or some other unknown benefit. “That’s a subjective statement on the part of somebody who’s not going to live next door to it,” she said. “It’s

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A developer has proposed building either 17 townhomes or nine single family homes on this property which totals about 2.5 acres on Grove St. at the foot of Ravine Park.

going to be an exclusive, little community, with it’s back turned to us. We’re going to be looking at the backs of buildings. By my definition, that would not be attractive.” C&L’s attorney, Frank Carlet, is expected to wrap up his case at the next hearing on March 19 at 9:30 pm. That means Segreto will not have a chance to present the opposition’s views until the April 2 or April 16 meeting. Even so, Segreto maintained he would not allow the developer’s presentation to go unchallenged. “I’ve never been at a loss for questions or words,” Segreto said. “You can be confident that I’ll ask questions which I think are appropriate.” Denise Kashey said it is important for residents to understand they can successfully fight the development. “People think you can’t win these things,” she said. “That’s not true if you have a good attorney. And we do.”

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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.

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“Unlike a home equity loan, you do not 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.

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.

But a reverse mortgage allows seniors 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

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

Cambridge Crossings

Sorting Fact & Fiction –––––– Story by Kevin Grasha ––––––

tion code? Are lofts that are available in some two-bedroom units being advertised as extra bedrooms? Will the development increase the school population? Councilman Don Kowal has been hearing the same rumors, and he, too, wants to find out what is fact and what is fiction. He has proposed bringing in an impartial third party—New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs—

Dorian Howard

to look into what is going on, but so far, the Council has not taken action. “I might as well wrap myself in bandages because I feel like the invisible man,” Kowal said of the lack of support for his call for an investigation. According to Kowal, at a meeting on February 4 of this year, the Council unanimously voted for an investigation into questions surrounding the devel-

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s Cambridge Crossings, a sprawling development of townhouses and condominiums on Colfax Ave., begins to take shape, so do persistent rumors, which have surrounded this project ever since the first building permit was granted in August 2001. Were the first section of townhouses built too high, in violation of construc-

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“I asked them, ‘Did you check with Woodrow Wilson or School 2, to see if they could handle 38 children?’” Demikoff recalled. “They laughed at me. All they cared about was putting up those buildings.” opment but there has been no progress since then. Because of the Council’s inaction, Kowal said he is going to personally write a letter to the state and ask for help in dispelling the rumors. “Is something an embarrassment or is something not right? What other changes were made that have not been picked up?” Kowal asked. “The only way to quiet rumors is through an investigation.” What has been confirmed is that, when completed at the end of this year, Cambridge Crossings will feature 637 for-sale units, divided into three “neighborhoods” of townhouses and condominiums. All 210 of the available units in the first section have been sold, said Joe DiBernardo, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the developer, Town & Country. As of February 20, twenty-six units were already occupied. Construction is progressing on the second section, and those units are currently on the market, with approximately 30 percent sold. All the units, which range in size from 1,451 square

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feet to 2,227 square feet, have two bedrooms, although some have an additional upper-level loft space. It is the loft space that has raised concerns. Some have questioned whether the lofts are being marketed as a third bedroom, which would attract families with children, further burdening an already overcrowded school system, where the cost of educating one child exceeds the property tax revenue taken in. Kowal and others have questioned why Town & Country built some of the first units three feet too high, in clear violation of the construction code—a violation the late City Manager Bob Hammer discovered after construction was already underway.

School Commissioner Wayne Demikoff

“He noticed the first couple of units were being built at 38 feet instead of 35 feet and he brought it to the Council’s attention,” Kowal said. “But rather than stop the project and have them build at the correct height, the Planning Board granted a variance to let them build at 38 feet.” How many units were constructed over height? The answer to that one is hard to find. Why were the townhouses built too high? It depends on who you ask.

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Clifton Merchant • March 2003

DiBernardo of Town & Country called it a ‘design error,’ saying their architects had made an error in the plans that was “slightly higher” than regulations allow. “But that has been corrected,” he said. “The buildings are at the correct height as we speak.” Acting City Manager Al Greco offered this explanation, one that Mayor Jim Anzaldi also supports: “The builder apparently used 18-inch lumber instead of 12-inch lumber, which added to the height, so the buildings ended up being three-feet higher.” The extra height could make the units with lofts more attractive to families with children, who might consider converting a loft into an extra bedroom. Kowal and others have alleged that a member of Clifton’s Traffic Safety Council, who was looking into

“I might as well wrap myself in bandages, because I feel like the invisible man,” Kowal said. purchasing a unit at Cambridge Crossings, was told by a salesperson that, after closing, the loft could be converted into a third bedroom. Efforts to contact that official were met with no comment. Town & Country’s Director of Sales, Lori Nelson, insisted that a loft could not be used as an extra bedroom. Furthermore, city officials note that the Planning Board’s resolution specifies that no unit may contain more than two bedrooms, and lofts or dens cannot be converted to, or utilized as, bedrooms.

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It is noteworthy, however, that Town & Country felt it was necessary to send a memo to its sales staff telling them not to imply that third-floor lofts could be used as bedrooms.

It is noteworthy, however, that Town & Country felt it was necessary to send a memo to its sales staff telling them not to imply that thirdfloor lofts could be used as bedrooms. Regardless of how the lofts are used, there has always been concern that Cambridge Crossings could negatively impact the school system. As part of the approval process, Town & Country was required to appear before the Board of Education, and they were asked how many students would come out the development. They said 38, according to Wayne Demikoff who was President of the Board at the time and is still a Board Commissioner. “I asked them (at their presentation to the Board), ‘Did you check with Woodrow Wilson (Middle School) or School 2, to see if they

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could handle 38 children?’” Demikoff recalled. “They laughed at me. All they cared about was putting up those buildings.” Town & Country maintains that their luxury units, which range from $279,900 to $389,900, are intended to attract two markets: single working people and seniors 55 and over. DiBernardo emphasized that the development will not be child-friendly—there are no playgrounds, for example. Also, the unfinished third section of the project, which goes on sale May 1, will be specifically geared toward seniors. DiBernardo estimated that under 40 children would live in the entire development of 637 units. Claire Kish, chair of Clifton’s Zoning Board, has become skeptical of developers’ claims over the years— especially claims regarding the demographics of townhouses, which are usually more affordable for young families. “Developers are always saying they’ll have just a few children in an entire development,” she said. “It’s mind-boggling when they say they will not have an impact on the school system.” Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said a demographer examined increases in Clifton’s school population over the next five years. That study showed an increase of 953 new children, with 197 coming from the Cambridge Crossings development.

Former Cliftonite Dr. David Moore and his wife Elisa expect to move into Cambridge Crossings later this year.

However, the study determined that the 197 children would not have an impact on the school population, because most or all would be moving from Clifton residences. Rice noted, however, that the study did not examine the “backfill”— where the families who moved into the vacated Clifton homes would come from. “Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding,” he said. “We’ll know in a year what the effect of this development will be.”

So far, with only 26 units filled, one can only guess what effect Cambridge Crossings will have on the city. Joe and Frances Wolak, long-time residents of Clifton, recently moved there seeking “something smaller; something maintenance free,” according to Joe Wolak, 70, who has lived in Clifton since 1933. Their former home, a five-bedroom colonial on Washington Ave., was simply too big. It is now owned by a couple with two school-age children. “I couldn’t take care of it,” Wolak said. “There was a lot of grass to cut.” The first wave of new residents will also include former Cliftonite and current Wayne residents Dr. David Moore, a chiropractor, and his wife, Elisa, who have purchased a townhouse and expect to move there in June, when it is completed. They do not fit the profile of a typical dweller as defined by DiBernardo— they are neither single nor seniors. Moore said they are planning to have a child there and expect to live at Cambridge Crossings for ‘about 10 years’ before moving to another home. Despite all the rumors, guesswork, demographic study and blind speculation, no one yet knows whether the development will be dominated by singles and empty-nesters, or if it will attract a significant number of families from outside the city. Ultimately, the fact and fiction will be sorted years from now, near the intersection of Route 46 and Colfax Ave. 1275

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City Government:

Should Clifton Change? ––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Joe Torelli –––––––––––––––––––––

uring next month’s School Board Elections on April 15, Clifton voters will decide whether they want to continue to elect school commissioners themselves or turn that responsibility over to the Mayor. And while their choice will have far-reaching consequences, it may be only a precursor to an even bigger decision regarding the future of the municipality’s council-manager form of government. Clifton resident and political activist Matt Ward, a former member of both the Planning Board and the Board of Education, is advocating abandoning the council-manager system in favor of a Mayor-Council form of government. The city operated under the Mayor-Council system from the time it was incorporated in 1917 until voters opted for a change in 1934. Ward believes it is now time to return the chief executive’s responsibilities to a Mayor elected directly by the voters rather than continuing to vest them in a manager appointed by the city council. He also proposes transforming the Council from one comprised solely of at-large members to one that combines at-large members with those representing specific districts, or wards.

On Election Day, Tuesday, April 15, polls are open from 1:30 to 9 pm at all regular polling sites.

How It Works Today Clifton has operated under a Council-Manager form of government since 1934, when voters became disillusioned with the strong Mayor-Council system that had been employed up to that time. Upset with the political patronage, power brokering, and favoritism they claimed were the Matt Ward byproducts of the MayorCouncil system, voters passed a referendum calling for change. Under the current system of government, the City Council consists of seven members who are elected every four years on an at-large basis, in non-partisan elections. Council members, at their first organizational meeting, then choose a Mayor from within their own ranks. The Mayor has no separate policymaking power. Mayoral duties are limited mainly to presiding over and voting at council meetings and making appointments to a number of municipal boards and commissions. Administrative responsibilities are vested in the City Manager who is hired by the Council. The City Manager is Clifton’s chief executive, charged with running day-to-day operations, preparing and administering the annual budget, organizing and staffing municipal departments, and implementing the laws and policies established by the council. The Council functions strictly as a legislative and policymaking body and is prohibited by law from interfering with the administrative duties of the City Manager.

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The Issues Ward doesn’t believe this form of government will be viable for Clifton’s future. “Clifton is no longer a homogeneous community of rolling farmlands with the small, concentrated town population that it had 70 years ago,” he said. “The city is highly urbanized with an economic and ethnic diversity that didn’t exist back then. Local politics are too far removed from what the city is today.” He added that a Mayor-Council form of government, with the city divided into geographic wards, would bring elected officials closer to the people they represent. He contended that it is better for voters within a district to be represented by council members who live in that district and who share similar interests. “A Mayor-Council government with a combination of both wards and at-large representatives will ensure more direct accountability to the voters,” Ward said. “City Council candidates would have to concentrate on issues more germane to their individual voter bases, and a

Council-Manager Governments:

A Comparison The Council-Manager form of government is authorized in New Jersey under two separate statutes, The Municipal Manager Act of 1923, and the Optional Municipal Charter Law (OMCL) of 1950. The laws are almost identical regarding the responsibilities of the Mayor’s office and the City Council. However, the OMCL offers a wider choice of options. Here is a brief comparison of the two. Municipal Manager Act of 1923*

Optional Municipal Charter Law of 1950

Council elections conducted on a non-partisan basis only.

Council elections can be partisan or non-partisan.

Terms of office can be concurrent or staggered.

Council representation is on an at-large basis only.

Council representation by wards and on an at-large basis, or on an at-large basis only.

Mayor is elected by Council. Mayor serves for 4 years if terms of office are concurrent, and serves for 2 years if terms are staggered.

Mayor can be elected either directly by voters, or by the council from among its members. The term of office is 4 years.

Organization of governing body always takes place on July 1 with municipal elections conducted in May.

Organization of governing body takes place on July 1 if non-partisan elections are conducted, and on January 1 if partisan elections are held. Non-partisan elections are conducted in May while partisan elections are conducted in November.

*Clifton government is chartered under this statue

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Division of Resposibilities under Council–Manager System City Manager

City Council

Chief Executive Officeradministers municipality

Appoints City Manager by majority vote

Appoints all Department Heads and all other officers, subordinates, and assistants

Appoints Tax Assessor and provides for appointment of members of boards, commissions and authorities

Prepares and submits budget/ delivers an annual message to the council

Passes ordinances and resolutions, adopts administrative codes and passes/modifies budget

Negotiates contracts for the municipality

Investigates administration when required Mayor is a member of Council and presides at council meetings

Source: New Jersey State Commission on County and Municipal Government

directly-elected Mayor would need to be responsive to all of the citizens in order to continue in office.” Ward also favors staggering municipal elections whereby all Council terms would be equal in length, but a number of seats would be up for election every two years. Then, instead of having one local election every four years with all seven Council seats open, voters would have the opportunity to voice their opinions more frequently. Opponents of the changes proposed by Ward think it would be foolish to forfeit the services of a professional municipal manager in favor of an elected Mayor. They point out that today’s City Manager typically possesses a graduate degree in urban management or similar course of study. They note also that managers who serve large cities like Clifton normally bring with

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them valuable experience gained in smaller towns and boroughs. Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej is a staunch advocate of maintaining the current Council-Manager system.

Division of Resposibilities under Mayor–Council System Mayor

City Council

Chief Executive Officeradministers municipality

Passes ordinances and resolutions; adopts administrative code

Appoints Business Administrator, department heads, and members of boards, commissions and authorities; subject to advice and consent of Council

Appoints Municipal Clerk; consents to appointments of administrator, department heads, and members of boards, commissions, and authorities

Supervises, directs, and controls all municipal departments

Investigates administration when required

Negotiates contracts and submits budget

Passes/modifies budget

Has veto power of ordinances

Can override veto with 2/3 vote

Source: New Jersey State Commission on County and Municipal Government

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“We are much better off having the city managed by an well-trained, experienced, professional administrator who is immune from the pressures of running for office,” she said. “Restoring a ward-based system with a powerful Mayor’s office would return us to the backroom political wheeling and dealing of the past. Clifton voters grew tired of those kind of politics a long time ago.” Kolodziej also disagrees with the assessment that the current at-large Council is too far removed from the city’s distinct neighborhoods. “Our job is to ensure that the citizens in every section of town are represented, and I believe we do that very well,” she said. “It isn’t necessary to have political districts to ensure fair and equal treatment. To say otherwise is a disservice to those who serve today and to those who have served in the past.”

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Another Alternative–Perhaps Under New Jersey law, the right to govern resides at the state level and state statutes delegate governing powers to the municipalities. Municipalities are free to determine their own form of government as long as they operate under one of several statutes enacted by the legislature. Clifton’s Council-Manager system is chartered under one of New Jersey’s older laws, the Municipal Manager Act of 1923. It is one of only eight municipalities still operating under that statute. Another 46 towns and cities that have put council-manager systems in place have done so under the newer Optional Municipal Charter Law (OMCL) of 1950. The OMCL has fewer restrictions than the 1923 statute and includes a number of options for Council-Manager municipalities that were once available only to cities with the Mayor-Council form of government. Included in those options are: size of the Council (5, 7, or 9 members); the choice for partisan or non-partisan elections; division of the municipality into both wards and atlarge Council seats or at-large seats only; election of the Mayor by direct vote or by vote of the Council; and establishment of either staggered or concurrent terms of office. According to Deborah Kole, staff attorney for the NJ League of Municipalities, an organization which helps local governments, changing from one form of government to another requires a referendum. “Regardless of which alternative form of government the city may choose, the size of its population will determine the number of signatures needed to place the referendum on the ballot,” she said. For Clifton, that number is 20 percent of the registered voter base or about 7,400 signatures. When informed of the requirement, Ward agreed that changing Clifton’s system of government would be a formidable effort. However, he remained determined. “Right now, I’m trying to see if there is any momentum at all for change. We need open and honest discussions of all the alternatives, and I want to make sure the people of Clifton know that they have a choice.”

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Lyon?s Den By Murray Blumenfeld The storm that buried us under 24” of snow gave us a little more that what we bargained for. Let me set the record straight, we are open for business and all is well. RiteAid had all the damage when their roof caved in from the weight of the snow. The building will be torn down and a new one will be built in its place. The rest of the shopping center is open for business and we are looking forward to serving you. Valentines Day was everything I said it would be and more. We were busy selling a lot of heart jewelry both in sterling silver and gold. We sold quite a bit of Swarovski crystal pieces and a lot of their costume jewelry. Here is some interesting news. The American Gem trade Association announced it has added a third member to the December birthstone family: Tanzanite. The east African gem joins turquoise and zircon. This is the first time since 1912 that a birthstone has been added to the roster. Tanzanite made its debut in 1970, after being discovered in Tanzania, Africa. Do you have any jewelry you’re not wearing anymore? March is a good month to redesign items you no longer like. Bring in your ideas and we will help you create something new and exciting. It’s also a good time to do some early spring-cleaning. Bring in all your broken jewelry. We have a wonderful repair department and we’re sure you’ll be very pleased with the results. Have a good month of March, let us hope we don’t have any more snow. I’ll speak to you again in the month of April. www.morrelyons.com

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Clifton City Managers:

A Brief History ––––––––– Story by Joe Torelli –––––––––

lifton became New Jersey’s 12th city when the citizens of Acquackanonk Township voted to incorporate in 1917. They chose a Mayor-Council form of government, dividing the city into five wards with two Council members representing each ward. Executive power was centered in a Mayor and terms of office for both the Mayor and the new City Council were set at two years each. Elections were conducted on a partisan (political party) basis and were staggered, with five Council seats up for election each year. After twice failing to change this system of government during the 1920s, voters passed a referendum in 1934, adopting the Council-Manager system that is still in place today. Executive administrative duties were transferred from the mayor to an appointed City Manager, and a new non-partisan seven-member Council, serving consecutive four-year terms, was elected to office. Clifton has had seven full-time City Managers since that time. The Council is currently seeking a successor to its most recent manager, the late Robert Hammer, who died this past December while in office.

City Manager William Holster remains a legend in Clifton.

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The following is a summary for each of Clifton’s former City Managers:

1934-1951 William A. Miller Miller was Clifton’s City Clerk in 1934 when the electorate voted to adopt the Council-Manager form of government. Though a Clifton native who was highly respected during his 15 years in the clerk’s office, his appointment was not without controversy. The newly formed City Council approved his selection by a 4-2 vote with one member abstaining. Citing their disillusionment with the city’s political environment, Miller’s opponents had sought an impartial candidate from outside the city to fill the post. The Council allowed Miller to continue in his position as City Clerk while he served as City Manager. He collected a dual salary, with the clerk’s job paying nearly 60 percent more than the City Manager position.

job. He retired in 1957 after serving the city during, perhaps, its most explosive period of growth. While Fitzgerald was manager, Clifton added two elementary schools (14 and 16) and the Woodrow Wilson Middle School to serve its burgeoning population. Fitzgerald also oversaw the transfer of the city’s water system to the Passaic Valley Water Commission because it had more extensive resources to offer.

1957-1982 William Holster Holster was also Clifton’s City Engineer when he was appointed to the manager’s position in 1957. He was a strong, dynamic leader who, according to newspaper accounts, was

William A. Miller

1951-1957 John J. Fitzgerald

On a cold winter night,

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Fitzgerald was Clifton’s City Engineer at the time he was named successor to Miller. According to former Clifton Councilman, Lester Herrschaft, Fitzgerald was a robust man, large in physical stature and ‘a real straight shooter who was never afraid’ to take on the challenges of the City Manager’s

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‘revered almost as a legend’ in Clifton. He enjoyed widespread support from the city council during his 25 years in office and was well known in county and state political circles. Holster was considered an adept administrator and excellent problem solver with a nononsense reputation for tackling issues head-on. He was the longest-serving City Manager and the last one to have tenure in the position.

1982-1987 Joseph Lynn Lynn’s 5-year term as city manager was fraught with controversy. in contrast to his tough and dynamic predecessors, Lynn, Clifton’s Purchasing and Personnel Manager at the time of his appointment, was mild-mannered and easy-going. His detractors criticized him for continually getting the Council involved in issues that they claimed Holster and Fitzgerald would have handled themselves. He faced heavy and constant criticism from several on the City Council, most notably then-Mayor gloria kolodziej, the only Council member to vote against his appointment. Though credited with a strong work ethic, Lynn was never able to develop a solid political base. Lacking tenure because of changes in state law, he resigned in 1987 in the face of an almost-certain Council vote for his removal.

1987-1993 Roger Kemp kemp was the first City Manager hired without a Clifton background. A

John J. Fitzgerald

Bob Hammer

Californian and holder of a doctorate degree in public administration, he was appointed by unanimous vote of the Council after a nationwide search for Lynn’s replacement. A prolific author who taught courses in government at Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson universities while City Manager, kemp also had difficulty securing support from the Council. Councilman Donald kowal was particularly critical of his

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performance, citing what he termed, ‘crisis management’ under kemp’s leadership. kemp resigned in 1987 to take a lower-paying City Manager’s position in Meriden, Connecticut. At the time, several Council members said they would look to replace him with a ‘home-grown’ City Manager, someone, according to kowal, “whose concern is about Clifton rather than bolstering and enhancing their own resume.”

1993-1995 Edward Murphy in a novel effort to save money, the Council appointed Murphy as City Manager on a contractor, or consultant, basis. Murphy had asked for the classification so he could collect the state pension he had earned after working for 15 years as Cranford’s administrator. The Council agreed with the request, saying it would enable the city to avoid paying Social Security taxes, health insurance, and pension contributions for the City Manager. However, city auditors later determined that the contractor classification was illegal because Murphy was performing the duties of a full-time employee. The

state’s Public Employees Retirement System then ruled that Murphy could not continue to work for Clifton while collecting the pension. They ordered him to repay more than $40,000 he had collected from the pension fund while he worked for Clifton. Facing a Council ultimatum to quit or be fired because of the ensuing controversy, Murphy resigned in May 1995.

in an advisory capacity during the transition to a new manager. Hammer died on December 20, before the council could appoint a successor. Some information for this article was obtained from Clifton resident Robert Obser’s excellent research report, A History of Clifton Government, which is available for reading at the Main Memorial Library’s reference desk.

1995-2002 Robert Hammer in his seven years as manager, Hammer gained a reputation for being a skilled negotiator and for fostering unity within city government. He completely restructured and reorganized municipal departments to increase their accountability and he was credited with maintaining minimal tax increases during his tenure. in addition to serving as city manager, he was a member of the Clifton Planning Board, and sat on the Transportation Advisory Committee headed by U.S. Representative William Pascrell Jr. He tendered his resignation to the council in November 2002 because of serious health problems and pledged to serve

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aul Giannone carefully arranged the dozen or so bags of groceries in the trunk of his car. He had just scratched the last item off of his shopping list, completed the checkout process at Corrado’s Family Affair market on Main Ave. in Clifton and was getting ready to head home on a chilly Saturday morning. There was nothing particularly unusual about the scene, except that home for Giannone is in Warren, some 40 miles from Clifton. That’s a long way to travel for groceries, but Giannone said the trip, which he makes at least once a month, is worth it. “There’s no other store I know of that carries such an incredible variety of products in one place,” said the middle-aged father of two teenagers. “I started coming here about 10 years ago to buy grapes, grape juice and supplies for my wine-making and just kept coming back for the cheeses, olives, spices and herbs that I can’t seem to get anywhere else.”

It’s a family affair with two generations of the Corrado's. From top, left: Jerry, Peter and Joey, sons of the late James Corrado. Middle photo, from left: Paul and Jerry jr, son of Jerry. Also pictured is Frank, son of Peter. Bottom photo, from left: Jimmy, son of Peter, Joey Jr. son of Joey and Anthony, son of Jerry. The aerial photo at left gives an overview of the market (left corner), the wholesale food operation (left cemter) and garden center (right center), intersected by Getty Ave.

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Indeed, a walk through Corrado’s brightly lit and teeming aisles reveals a wide array of foods and condiments not commonly seen elsewhere. In addition to the more than 300 varieties of imported and domestic cheeses and the two dozen types of fresh olives, items such as sanbitter and chinotto—carbonated beverages popular with ItalianAmericans—daikon (an Asian radish), stuffed vine leaves from Turkey and lime curd from Scotland populate the shelves and displays alongside the more customary staples familiar to American supermarkets. “The variety and the quality of our products is what sets us apart,” said Paul Corrado, one of the store’s managers and a grandson of its founder, James Corrado. “Clifton, Paterson and Passaic are such diverse cities,” he continued. “We try to serve the needs of the multicultural population that surrounds us by providing the food and products they want. That has always been a key for us, and one that has helped us to grow steadily over the years.” a Solid anchor The growth that Paul Corrado speaks of is clearly visible in the area surrounding the 55,000-square-foot flagship supermarket at 1285 Main Avenue. Since the store opened

Back in 1975, the Corrado’s tract was an eyesore of a vacant old supermarket.

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there in 1975, the family business has expanded to include a separate beer and wine-making center, wholesale food warehouse and garden center. Those three newer stores are located in Corrado’s Clifton Family Plaza complex, a group of attractive, modern buildings located on the former site of the Bright Star Battery Company at 600 Getty Ave., directly across from the rear of the supermarket. Together, the beer and wine center, wholesale warehouse and garden center occupy an additional 79,000 square feet of retail and storage space. And right next door to them, at 550 Getty Ave., the Corrado’s built a 40,000-square-foot building that houses a huge independent children’s wear outlet. The outlet was modeled after the plaza buildings to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the area, said architect George A. Held, designer of the complex. With such a large retailing presence in Clifton, the Corrado family obviously plays an important role in maintaining the city’s economic health along the vital but fragile Main Ave. corridor. And city officials have taken notice. Councilman Steven Hatala, a member of the Council’s economic development Committee, noted the strategic importance of Corrado’s location near the city’s border with Paterson. “It would have been easy for them to leave the city as several other merchants have,” said Hatala.

A view of the property as it appears from Main Ave. today..

“Yet, they chose to stay. And they’ve been rewarded, becoming a solid anchor at one end of a growing Main Ave. shopping district.” Hatala pointed to the recent addition of Walgreen’s in the center of the Main Ave. district, along with the soon-tobe-completed U.S. Post Office, as other positive developments in the ongoing effort to revitalize Clifton’s downtown. “Once we get an anchor as attractive as Corrado’s to occupy some of the vacant space near the Passaic end, Main Ave. will become increasingly popular with shoppers,” he said. The city’s economic development director, Harry Swanson, is equally enthusiastic. Calling the merchant an “economic stalwart,” Swanson noted that the retailer’s presence is starting to attract other businesses to the area. “The traffic volume generated by Corrado’s certainly has others taking notice,” he said. “Banco Popular’s

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recent decision to open a branch on West 2nd St. and Getty Ave. demonstrates the drawing power that such a dedicated and successful enterprise can have.” And Corrado’s commitment to Clifton will be demonstrated even further later this year, if plans for an addition to the supermarket are approved. Paul Corrado said that designs are nearly complete for an additional 24,000 square feet of retail space on the Getty Ave. side of the building, near West 2nd St. When final, they will be presented to the Clifton Planning Board at an upcoming meeting. Humble Beginnings The story of how the Corrado family business grew from a tiny produce outlet into the largest family-owned retailing enterprise in Clifton is a story of the American dream in action. It’s a story of hard work, family involvement, and dedication to customers. 1216

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The family entered the produce business in the early 1920’s when Pietro Corrado started as a merchant in Paterson’s Island market. In 1932, Pietro and his sons, James and Anthony, moved into a converted shed in what was to become the Paterson Farmers’ Market and began speculating and selling produce on consignment. From the beginning, James demonstrated a knack for the business and an eye towards the future. He began expanding by selling flowers, shrubs, watermelons and California juice grapes to his growing base of dedicated customers. According to grandson, Paul, he thrived on hard work, often putting in 20-hour days, picking up produce from the Hunt’s Point Market in the Bronx, as well as from local and regional farms, and hauling it back to the small store in Paterson. James also believed in the importance of family. during the 1960’s, he worked in the Railway Ave. store alongside sons Jerry, Peter and Joey (now the three principal owners of the

The late James Corrado

business) his wife Margie and daughter Patty. In 1975 he opened Corrado’s Family Affair at its current location in Clifton, while continuing to operate the Farmer’s Market store for another 11 years. With the new Clifton store, the elder Corrado finally had the opportunity he’d been seeking—to provide a wider array of products to an increasingly diverse customer population. He quickly added pasta, fresh meat and a deli counter, and turned the simple produce store into a supermarket.

later on, Corrado added fresh cut flowers, seafood, a bakery and a liquor store, and dramatically expanded the grocery and produce sections of his market. The grocery section now carries over 200 privatelabel items in addition to most popular brand-name products. Peter Corrado explained that his father was the real secret behind Corrado’s success. “He was magical, and his reputation for sound advice and quality products was known far and wide,” he said. “People trusted him. He wanted the best for his customers and he made sure they got it. His vision is what motivates us today and is the inspiration behind our continued growth.” The tradition of family participation in the business that began back in the 1920’s is more evident than ever today. Paul Corrado noted that the family atmosphere created by his grandfather is prevalent throughout the store and has extended well into the family’s fourth generation. “Customers can always find a Corrado to listen to them and help with whatever they need,” he said.

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To further accommodate today’s customers, Corrado’s now leases space in the supermarket building to a one-hour photo developer, a dunkin’ donuts shop and a recently opened KFC/A&W restaurant. “even though we don’t own those businesses, it adds another measure of convenience for our customers,” noted Paul Corrado. But despite all of the enhancements and expansion into other areas, he said that produce is still their number one attraction. “Our customers keep telling us that our produce is what keeps them coming back time after time. It’s always fresh and we have more variety than just about anyone else.” To emphasize his point, Corrado pointed out, as an example, that the store carries more than a dozen kinds of fresh peppers and many exotic, hard-to-find imported herbs and spices. And he noted that trucks deliver fresh produce to the store 24 hours a day from all over the country. an example of Smart growth in clifton A lot has been written lately about a concept called “Smart Growth,” that’s becoming increasingly popular among

environmentalists and government officials. Governor James McGreevey, in fact, made Smart Growth the cornerstone of his State of the State address last month, citing it as the key to preserving New Jersey’s dwindling open space. Clifton Councilman Frank Gaccione, an advocate for responsible commercial and industrial development in Clifton, considers Corrado’s expansion over the years to be consistent with Smart Growth objectives. And according to New Jersey Future, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organiza-

A view of the most recent expansion, the garden center along the rear of the property.

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tion, Smart Growth does include accountable growth within cities, as well as guidelines for curbing urban sprawl. “Anytime we increase retailing operations the way they have, in areas where our citizens need them, I consider that to be smart,” said Gaccione. “And they do it without neighborhood upheaval. By continuing to invest in the city, Corrado’s demonstrates their ongoing commitment to Clifton’s people and to our economy.” For further information about Smart Growth, you can visit the New Jersey

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here are guys that he played with in the 1980’s like former All-State performers Stan Koziol and Bill Wilson. There are also more current standouts such as Chris Halupka and Wojtek and Pavel Krakowiak, who were all members of the 23-0-1 1994 team. More recently, Chris Karcz, a 2000 graduate, was named a high school All-American after recording 36 goals as a senior. “I could go on-and-on,” Lembryk said. “Those guys were first team AllState. The list of talent goes much, much deeper..” Clifton has dominated the soccer season in North Jersey since 1978, the year Fernando Rossi was hired as coach. In his 23-years at the helm, the Mustangs have gone 31490-49 and have won 12 County titles, three state sectional crowns and one state championship. In 2002, Rossi’s successor, Joe Vespignani, started off with a record of 18-4-1 and a Passaic County championship.

Clifton’s

Under Lembryk, the girls team has gotten into the act. In the last two years, the girls have gone 34-6-1 and won two County titles and one state sectional title. With all this tradition, it’s hard to imagine that two of the best stars in Clifton history are up and coming talents. Danny Szetela and Nicole Krzysik, two products of Clifton’s youth soccer programs, were named to the United States National Teams. “They are two of the best players to come out of Clifton,” Lembryk noted. “If Clifton had one player on the U.S. National Team that would be tremendous. We have two at the same time!” Szetela is on the Under-17 boys team, while Krzysik made the Under16 girls team. Both are a prelude to potential inclusion on the junior and senior World Cup teams. Szetela relocated to the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he now lives. He attends high school in the morning and practices soccer in the afternoon.

Danny Szetela

Krzysik, who just completed her sophomore season at Clifton, is in a different situation in that she is not required to relocate from Clifton. The girls team plays and practices over shorter periods of time. That will enable her to continue to attend and play for Clifton.

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The CHS 2001 team finished with a 19-2-1 record and a State Sectional Title but lost the State Final to East Brunswick, 1-0.

“The boys national program is a little older and further along at this point,” Lembryk said. “In some ways, it’s similar to basketball. The best boys basketball players are now going straight from high school to the NBA. The best girls basketball players go to college, then the WNBA.” Szetela is excited about being a part of the national team, although he does still miss Clifton. He joined the team from Clifton High where, as a freshmen, he helped the Mustangs to a 20-2 record. After the season, he was named to Parade Magazine’s All-American team. “I was thrilled to make the team,” he said. “Here I am, only a freshmen from New Jersey and after just one

year of high school, I was named to the national team. I was so happy. I still think about the guys from Clifton. I am still friends with everybody on the team. I was very happy that they won the County last year.” The national team is using him differently than Clifton. He’s now gets more freedom on the field, where he plays more of a offensive role from his center-midfield position. “I enjoy playing offense more,” he said. “My job is to distribute the ball to the forwards and set them up. The biggest adjustment, has been getting used to the level of play. I am playing with and against some of the best players in the world. That’s only going to help me get better. It’s my

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dream to play professionally. And there are always college recruiters at the national games.” Vespignani, who was Rossi’s assistant during Szetela’s freshmen season, says that the team is very happy for Danny. “It’s hard to get over losing someone like that but we’re all proud of him. It’s an honor to have a former Mustang on the National Team.” Lembryk is equally proud of Krzysik, but luckily does not have deal with losing her to the national team. He can only imagine what an off-season with the National team will do for her already impressive game. “Nicole was only a sophomore,” he said. “Now she’s playing with girls Dr. Moore works with Samantha Eromenok. She is a member of both the the Clifton Mustang Swim Team and Water Polo team. Chiropractic gives her the edge she needs to win.

that have a realistic chance to make the World Cup team. It’s only going to make her better.” That’s a scary thought. In two seasons with Clifton, Krzysik, has 40 goals and 22 assists. Before she gets to work on a third county championship, she has a busy national team schedule on international tournaments on her plate. Last month, she played in the Region 1 President’s Day Tournament in Phoenix. Next is an Easter trip to Spain. From there, who knows? “I am shooting to make the junior World Cup team and then the senior team,” she said recently. “I am confi-

dent that I can make it. I shouldn’t be thinking that far ahead. Really, I am still a little overwhelmed about making the U-16 team.” Beyond the World Cup, Krzysik is also hoping to play professionally, with the WUSA. Lembryk is optimistic about the professional prospects for both stars. “They both have a good shot. Everyone at the school and a lot of people around town are very proud of them. We know that they’re going to represent Clifton well. They are both good kids. On the soccer field they have all the intangibles . . . the things you can’t teach.”

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Giuseppe Rossi is another soccer prodigy from Clifton. The 16-yearold son of Mustang coaching legend Fernando Rossi and CHS language teacher Cleonilde has taken his game to Salsomaggiore, Italy. Giuseppe (this photo is three years old) is there with his dad, playing for Parma, one of the premier club teams in the Italian First Division. “I’m most impressed when I hear Giuseppe on the phone,” said Cleonilde. “His Italian is really improving. As a teacher, mother and native Italian, that’s a big deal.’’

THE HISTORY OF

CLIFTON

SOCCER By Doug Scancarella

After Clifton defeated Wayne Hills in the 2002 Boys Passaic County Championship last November, several Mustangs reveled in the fact that this was supposed to be a rebuilding year. “Clifton is still Clifton,” declared Teddy Niziolek, an All-County sweeper. “We upheld the tradition,” added Ronnie Sanchez, an All-State fullback. No one could be faulted for labeling the 2002 Mustangs a rebuilding team. Fernando Rossi, the team’s long-time coach, retired in 2001. He moved to Salsomaggiore, Italy to guide the soccer career of his 16year old son, Giuseppe, who plays for the youth team of Parma. Giuseppe aspires to play professionally. His father felt that the best way to accomplish that would be to affiliate with a club team in Italy. 42

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

“I wanted to go to Italy and spend more time with my son,” Rossi said. “He needs support.” That decision, it was thought, would cripple Clifton. In 23 seasons, Rossi had become a legend, winning 12 County, 10 NNJIL, three State Sectional and one State Championships.

Rossi’s departure was not the only hurdle presented to the team. Nine starters, two which were AllAmericans, graduated after the 2001 season. Behind its All-State performers Anthony Tuesta, Neil Wilson, Umut Angis and Danny Szetela, the 2001 team went 20-2.

Coach Fernando Rossi

Szetela left Clifton after the season to play for the Under-17 U.S. National Team, which is based in Bradenton, Fla. The other three graduated. A year earlier, the Mustangs said goodbye to the former New Jersey High School Player of the Year and High School All-American, Chris Karcz, who now plays for Rutgers. In four years at Clifton, he set a County record with 118 goals. Another All-Stater, David Tuesta, graduated with Karcz. David and Anthony recently led Mercer County Community College to the Junior College National

Some members of coach Fernando Rossi’s last team in 2001

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The 2000 Mustangs posted a 19-2-2 record and earned a fourth consecutive Passaic County, third NNJIL and North Jersey’s Group 4 titles.

Championship. Also finishing up in 2000, was Mirza Rusevic, another All-Stater. He now plays at Fairleigh Dickinson. “Those were tremendous teams to leave with,” Rossi said. “I was always lucky enough to have the players who could execute.” Finally, it seemed, the Mustangs

were due for a rebuilding year. It never happened. In 2002, Clifton turned to Rossi’s handpicked successor, Joe Vespignani, who had served as Rossi’s junior varsity coach for just one season. Some Clifton fans openly wondered if the 24-year old coach was too inexperienced. He had previously played at

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in 1987, two Division I Top 25 college soccer teams squared off when LoyolaMaryland visited FDU-Madison. The game featured eight Clifton grads, all of whom played for the Mustang 1983 Passaic County championship squad. From left to right: Danny O’Donnell (CHS’85/FDU ’89), Steven O’Donnell (CHS ’86/FDU ’90), Robbie Kraznowski (CHS ’86/FDU ’90), Stan Lembryk (CHS ’87/Loyola ’91), Joe Koziol (CHS’85/Loyola ’89), Bill Wilson (CHS’85/Loyola ’89), Rich Babicz (CHS ’87/Loyola ’91) and Stan Koziol (CHS ‘83/Loyola ’87). “We (Loyola) beat ‘em,” Lembryk recalled. “Stan Koziol was a senior that year, so it was the only time all eight of us were on the same field as collegians. A lot of family and friends were there. I’ll always remember that day as one of my soccer highlights.”

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Parsippany High School, where he was elected to the all Morris County team. Later at FDU-Madison, he was named to the MAC Academic Honor role. “Some people see a young coach and assume things will fall apart,” he said. “There is too much pride in this program for it to drop off the map. When people wrote us off, it motivated us.” Clifton spent the season proving critics wrong, winning their 11th League and their 13th Passaic County Championship. They went 18-4-1. They would reach the Section I, Group IV finals before losing to Kearny. Matt Sleece, who scored the winning goal in the Sectional Semi final win over Memorial, was the sweeper on a defense that limited opponents to just 18 goals in 23 games. Konrad Kruczek, who had the assist on the Sleece game-winner, dished out 23 assists. Niziolek and Marcelo Carpio led the team in scoring with 27 and 23 goals respectively. Joe Fazio was

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cks The 1994 team won the NJ Championship game with a punishing score of 3-0 over the favored Kearny High team.

moved from defense to midfielder halfway through the season. He responded with six goals, including the game clincher against Hills. “Clifton has always had the horses to pull the carriage. Nothing’s changed.” Vespignani said. The talent to come through Clifton has always been strong. Bill Wilson, the goalie from 1982-to-1984, still holds the school’s shutout mark. At Loyola of Maryland, he led the nation in

shutouts as senior. Stan Koziol, a midfielder from 1978-to-1981, led the Mustangs in assists three years in a row and twice in scoring. He also went on to a stellar career at Loyola of Maryland. Chris Halupka, who played from 1991-to-1994, was honored as a high school All-American after recording a 30 goals/27 assist senior season. He went on to Princeton, where he was named All-Ivy League. Wojtek

Krawowiak, who also graduated in 1995, led the state in scoring with 49 goals as a senior. He played at St. John’s and transferred to Clemson. In his senior year with the Tigers, he was awarded the Hermann Trophy, which goes to the top player in Division I. His brother, Pavel also played for Clifton and at St. John’s. The Krawowiaks and Halupka were members of the 1994 team that finished 23-0-1 and won the

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Led by Massimo Lupi, Angus MacLeod and Fidele Marranaccio, the 1967 team won the Passaic Valley and New Jersey State Championships, finishing the season with a 41-2 record.

Group IV NJ State Championship. With all of the talent that has come through the school, it’s hard to believe that 40 years ago, the school’s administration scoffed at the idea of starting a team. In 1962, Severin Palydowycz was hired by the school

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system to teach Russian and German at the high school. He had just finished a stellar playing career with Lviv, a Ukrainian Soccer team based in New Haven. He immediately noticed that Clifton had wide-ranging immigrant-base. Many of those people were from Europe and South America where soccer has been part of the cultural fabric for 100 years. With that in mind, Palydowycz proposed starting a soccer program. Soccer had not yet gained in popularity in America. Still, Palydowycz believed that Clifton, with its ethnically diverse makeup, should have a team. The biggest hurdle was convincing the administration there would be enough interest in another fall sport. Football was the favored pastime in Clifton. And while the school’s football team has struggled in recent years, it was very much a power in the 1960’s. Aware of the football’s standing in Clifton, Palydowycz still felt that there would

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started to cover the team. Local busiThe team’s goalie, Andrea nesses started calling us to advertise Kovalcik, had 140 saves and five around the field.” shutouts. Amanda Fabiano was the The local interest has never waned. team’s most consistent defender and It eventually spilled over to the girls. was an integral component of a covWhile Vespignani is upholding the tra- erage that surrendered just 18 goals dition that was built by Palydowycz in 19 games. Midfielder Danielle and Rossi, Stan Lembryk, the new girls Karcz, Chris Karcz’s sister, led the coach, faced a different challenge. team in assists. When taking over the girls team, “I am not at all surprised by the which historically hovered around the success,” remarked Palydowycz, who .500 mark, he was looking toward went on to serve as Clifton’s vice building a program. principal before retiring in 1995. “But “They had some pretty good I never expected it to become what it teams,” he said. “Our goal was to build became. Looking back, it’s hard to on that and take the team to the next believe that they laughed at me in level.” 1962, when I proposed starting a Lembryk played at Clifton in the team. No one laughed, though, in mid-80’s, when he earned All-State 1967, the year we won the State honors. After playing college soccer Championship.” at Loyola-Maryland, he returned to And they won’t be laughing next Clifton to work as an assistant. fall, when both the Mustang boys and When the girls job opened up, he girls team embark on another journey jumped at it. Many counted on him to toward their annual goal—County build a program but few expected him supremacy. interlocking pavingstone system for to take Create the teama tobeautiful the next level driveways immediately. Astonishingly, that’s exactly what happened.and walkways, pool decks, patios and every In two years as the head coach, area around your home. Lembryk helped Clifton win the County Championship each season. They won the State Sectional Title in 2001, but lost in the State Final to East Brunswick, 1-0. The team’s 19-2-1 record was the best mark in school history. In 2002, they finished with a 15-4 record and reached the Sectional Final before losing to Vernon. “We never won the County Tournament before,” he said. “Now, our mentality has changed. We feel we can play with anybody.” In that relatively short-period of time, colleges, which for years have been scouting the Clifton boys, were now showing up at girl’s games. Many were already interested in Krzysik, a sophomoreLinI2002. twoN F TInO ERRACE years, she has 40 goals and 22 assists. She was recently selected to the Under-16 U.S. National Team.

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be enough support. Unfortunately, he did not get the reaction he had hoped for. “They laughed at me,” he recalled. “Football was king in Clifton. Fans were coming to the games in droves. No one was interested in another fall sport. The administration thought that the school already offered enough in terms of athletics.” Despite being turned down, Palydowycz persisted. In 1963, the school allowed him to start an intramural program. According to Palydowycz, ‘hundreds’ of students signed up. “I wouldn’t take no for an answer,” he said. “So many Clifton residents were foreigners. I knew that there would be an interest.” The turnout led Clifton to start a boys varsity program in 1964. They struggled a little bit out of the gates but pulled together as the season went on. They finished just under the .500 mark. It was the only time in the team’s history that they finished with a losing record. “We were fed to the wolves,” Palydowycz said. “We went from an intramural team to a varsity team in one year.” The Mustangs haven’t looked back since. In 1967, the team’s fourth year, they won a state championship by toppling East Brunswick, 4-1 in the final. Rossi’s teams would not win another State Championship until the HalupkaKrawowiak led team won it in 1994. “That’s how hard it is to win a state championship,” Palydowycz said. “Clifton has had so many good teams, but couldn’t win it all for 25 more years.” That first championship, according to Palydowycz laid the ground work for the team to take off. In his nine years at the helm, the Mustangs went 93-14. Rossi, who coached from 1978-to-2001, would lead the team to a 353-95-51 mark. “When you win a state championship, everything changes,” Palydowycz said. “The newspapers

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Clifton Merchant • March 2003

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March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

housing Petition To the Mayor and City Council of Clifton, New Jersey

We, the residents of the City of Clifton, are concerned that the construction of any additional new residential buildings will over-burden our existing schools, roadways and city services, and have a negative impact on our quality of life. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests an immediate moratorium on the construction of any new residential buildings within the City. Name Please Print

Signature

Street Address & Zip Code

If you share our concern, please complete the petition and mail or deliver to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011. Copies of this petition, which are being circulated throughout the city, will be collected by us and be presented to the Mayor and City Council. Call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400 if you have any questions.

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Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ March 2003

Beer, Burgers & Bull BY JOE TORELLI If you’ve ever wondered where Clifton’s Bravest go after hanging up their firefighting gear, the answer is Angie’s—at least on the third Thursday of each month, anyway. That’s when you’ll find most members of the Beer, Burger & Bull Association, the official title of a loosely organized group of retired Clifton firefighters who assemble at the friendly Grunwald St. tavern for

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

one of their two monthly “business” meetings. The other meeting takes place on the first Thursday of the month at the FMBA hall on Valley Rd. Business usually centers around several games of pinochle after polishing off platters of mouthwatering barbecued ribs, kielbasa, steamed clams, or the personalpizza-sized hamburgers that Angie’s owners, Joe and

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without feeling that way,” said Kimberley. DeDomenico added that the association gives them a reason to stay close. “Not that we need extra motivation,” he said, “but we’d probably only see each other at retirement dinners and funerals if it weren’t for this group.” It was DeDomeico’s wife, Andrea, who suggested the Beer, Burgers & Bull name for the association. The members quickly adopted her suggestion and designed a logo that, except for the letters BBB inscribed in its center, looks similar to the official insignia of the Clifton fire department. The camaraderie between members of the association clearly is evident in the constant hum of lively banter and good-natured teasing that takes place whenever they get together. Most are Clifton natives who still live here, and they all take pride in having dedicated their careers to serving their city. “It’s not the same with today’s young guys, who don’t live in town,” said Goetschius, as other members voiced their agreement. “A lot of us grew up and went to high school together,” he continued, “and I think that’s what kept us so dedicated to Clifton. I’m not saying that today’s firefighters don’t do a good job, but to most of them it’s just a paycheck. We lived here and what happened here meant a lot to us. It still does.” While the organization provides the retired firefighters with the opportunity to continue their friendships, it also gives them a forum to discuss and act upon matters of a more serious nature. They maintain a liaison between the association and the active firefighters to keep the retirees abreast of important changes. Several members travel to New York each year to place wreaths in the harbor to honor America’s veterans and, now, those who died on 9/11. Member Mike Boyko serves as Passaic County’s representative on the board of governors at the fireman’s home in Boonton. Boyko explained that New Jersey is one of only two states in the nation to have such a home. “Anyone who has been a firefighter anywhere in the state for at least one

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Clifton Commerce The Northern New Jersey Chamber Consortium Business Expo on March 27, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Wayne Manor, Route 23, Wayne, features 100 area businesses displaying their products and services. Gloria Martini, president of the Clifton-based North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, one of the sponsors of the event, stated: “The Business Expo is a great opportunity to put your best business foot forward in a relaxed social atmosphere. Hundreds of area business people participate in the event, providing a great opportunity to network and make new business contacts.” Participation as an exhibitor at the show, co-sponsored by the North Jersey Regional, Greater Paterson and Tri-County Chambers of Commerce, is open to members as well as to non-members on a firstcome first-served basis. All vendors are encouraged to invite as many customers and clients as they wish. The show is open to the public and admission is free. For details on vendor participation, call the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce at 973-470-9300.

Curves, 30 Minute Fitness and Weight Loss Center, with two locations in Clifton, hosts a food drive during the week of March 17 to benefit local food banks. Anyone may drop off non-perishable items at 601 Van Houten Ave or 1094 Main Ave. and have the normal service fee waived. From left, Curves member Mary Hudson, Manager Laurie Kirwin and member Ronnie Poland.

Jennifer and Jim Rodano, shown with their daughter Paige, opened Savory Solutions in Downtown Clifton on Dec 13. The renovated cafe at 1159 Main, has seating for about 25 at breakfast and lunch and offers delivery, as well as catering.

Santa Parade Cancelled: After reviving a tradition gone for almost two decades and keeping it going for the past two years, the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group announced that it will not sponsor the parade along Main Ave. in early December The non-profit group cited excessive costs and massive amounts of paid and volunteer hours to making the parade a reality as reason for the cancellation. “Also, we just can’t seem to get people to come out for the parade,” said Pat DeLora, DCEDG President, who said slightly more than 1,000 people attended last December’s parade. “If we can’t get the people, why have it? It’s time to look at other ways to attract people to Downtown Clifton.” The group invites other business districts to pick up the parade and continue the tradition elsewhere in the city. Details are being worked out with the North Pole to have Santa visit Downtown Clifton on various days and evening during the holiday season.

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March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Patriot’s Day is among the new promotions scheduled for Downtown Clifton. While details are still be massaged by the business association, the June 14 event will celebrate the grand opening of the new and long awaited US Post Office at the corner of Main and Madison Aves. with what organizers promise will be a red, white and blue event. The new facility will consolidate services now offered at the Post Office at Main and Washington Aves. and a portion of services offered at the main Post Office on Paulison Ave. Currently under construction, the new postal facility is on the site of the former Knights of Columbus building which the city purchased for $850,000 in Aug. 2000 and razed in mid-2002. Once completed later this spring, the post office is expected to bring 1,000 or more daily visitors back to Downtown Clifton. The relocation of the post office has been a key focus of the city’s plan to revitalize Downtown Clifton. Call 973-253-1455 for details on Patriot’s Day or other activities in the Special Improvement District.

The Athenia Business Association hosts its first dinner and dance on April 26 at 6:30 at the Athenia Vets Post, on 147 Huron Ave. Tickets are $30 and it includes a family style dinner and late night dancing to music by the Bill Plaza Band. “Its a way of getting acquainted again and letting people know that the Association has reformed,” said ABA President Matt Grabowski. The group is considering a

number of ideas to market Athenia, an area with about 100 businesses in and around Van Houten Ave., from City Hall to the Passaic border. Immediate improvements include a streetscape project being paid for with a $250,000 NJ Dept. of Transportation grant. For details or for tickets to the dinner dance, call Grabowski at 973-4730986 or contact Gina Yarrish at Mike LaCorte Realty at 973-773-0802.

Perhaps many of us know that this new construction at the corner of Main and Madison in Downtown Clifton is the new US Post Office. But wouldn’t it be more customer friendly if there was a sign on the fence or on the property letting those who pass the site know more about this exciting development and when it will be completed?

d Nancy, Dear Roy an ily of the the entire fam s, please f o lf a h e b n O anic le John Korib late Honorab found thanks for the ro dered in accept my p rvice you ren husband se ry a in rd o late extra neral for my providing a fu f us proud. ll o that made a n was in which Joh ues and n n The ma er eag is family, coll irit and h to d te n se pre e sp s captured th many friend wonderful man. is od taste essence of th mpassion, go a huge o c , sy e rt u o c Your il lifted to every deta and attention ur shoulders during o burden from ays. d lt u c fi d you those dif n, I commen . o ti ia c re p p a well done With deep staff for a job re ti n e r u o y and Thank You, anics Irene T. Korib

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Clifton Merchant • March 2003

Clifton People Former Congressman William J. Martini of Clifton has been sworn in as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. He was nominated by President Bush in Jan. 2002, but was not confirmed by the Senate until November. He was sworn in immediately after being confirmed, but a formal ceremony— attended by family, friends, members of the Federal judiciary, retired Supreme Court justices, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, former Governor Donald DiFrancesco and many other state and local officials—was held on Jan. 9. At the swearing-in ceremony, Martini’s wife, Gloria, held the bible. Martini, a Republican, served one term in congress, from 1994-96, representing the 8th Congressional District. An attorney, he recently worked at the Newark law firm of Sills, Cumis, Radin, Tishman, Epstein & Gross, specializing in litigation, government affairs and regulatory work. He began his political career as a city councilman in Clifton, and then moved to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Judge William J. Martini Freeholders. At the time of his nomination, Martini had been a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, but resigned after being confirmed. Lizz M. Gagnon announced that, once again, she is seeking a seat on the Clifton Board of Education. Anyone interested in helping out Gagnon in her quest can contact her at 973-473-3559. A fundraiser for her campaign is being held at Mario’s Restaurant on March 26 from 7-9 pm. Donations for that event are $20 per person.

Nicholas Tselepis, broker and president of Nicholas Real Estate Agency, was awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist professional designation by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC), a group that tracks the issues and needs of senior property owners and provides education to realtors who make Realtor Nicholas Tselepis seniors a focus of their business. As a ‘specialist,’ he will help seniors make decisions about selling their home, buying rental property and other real estate issues. Call Tselepis at 973-340-1107. Info about SAREC is available by calling 1-800-500-4564 or via their web site, www.seniorsrealestate.com. John M. Traier is a candidate for the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The Clifton Republican is currently a commissioner on the city’s board of education, having won the most votes in a 2002 election in which he defeated two incumbents. Traier served in Governor Whitman’s cabinet as the acting commissioner of banking and insurance. He is a member of the Republican State Committee and is the Clifton Republican Municipal Leader. Owner of the Clifton-based accounting firm, Traier Associates, LLC, and a member of St. Brendan’s RCC, he has lived in Clifton his entire life. 13-year-old Viola Gjoka represented the U.S.A. at the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championships in Las Vegas on Feb. 19-23—an event attended by over 20 countries. Gjoka won a gold medal in the in the 12- and 13-year-old female black belt division and she is now considered a Junior World Champion for 2003. For the past three years, Gjoka, a student at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, has honed her abilities at Quality Martial Arts on Van Houten Ave. under the guidance of Master Elliott Durham.

S AINT PAUL S CHOOL

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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 and Technology Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball (Girls & Boys), Cheerleading, Drama, Music, Journalism, John Hopkins University Gifted & Talented, and Continental Math League 1281

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ March 2003

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

Joe Labriola, the acting Chair of the Clifton Environmental Protective Commission reports that Captain Bill Sheehan, (pictured above) head of the non-profit Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc., will speak about an issue many are concerned about—the dwindling open marshes of the Hackensack Meadowlands—at a meeting of the CEPC on March 19 at 7pm. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the Allwood Library. Call CEPC secretary Macil Homza at 973-470-5754 for information.

The Optimist Club of Clifton hosts its annual Beefsteak Dinner on May 2 at 7 pm and this year will honor CHS Athletic Director Rich LaDuke with its Friend of Youth Award, Police Chief Robert Ferrari with the Judge Joseph J. Salerno Respect for Law Award and Bob and Jo Obser with the Stanley Zwier Community Service Award. Tickets are $30 and proceeds are used to promote a variety of youth programs for Clifton kids. Details about the awards and the awardees will be in next month’s magazine. For ticket info, call Dennis Hahofer at 973-473-2200. Congressman Bill Pascrell is one of 22 Democrats to be named to the House Select Committee for Homeland Security. The committee will be dealing with a variety of issues that have yet to be clearly defined, but will included border security, bioterrorism, healthcare system and issues pertaining to the preparedness of first responders. Call Pascrell’s office at 973-523-5152 for more info.

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March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Pete Vasil, the coach of the Clifton boys' basketball team, has resigned. He’s coming off a 15-9 season which featured a number of double figure wins, a few single digit losses and a 4-0 start with a monumental come from behind win over Don Bosco on their gym floor. “I wanted to go out with a bang and we did it,” said Vasil, who lives in the Albion section with his wife and two kids. He will continue to teach special ed at CHS. “I wanted to take a step back...I’m thinking of coaching on the college level and if that means being on the sidelines, so be it.” Vasil came to Clifton in June 1997 after a two-year stint at Dumont High. He launched his coaching career in 1988 with a start-up program at Passaic Collegiate. At CHS, Vasil turned things around with a 12 month program, competitive summer and fall leagues and weight training. Vasil won’t be sitting still for long. At 40 and a 6-0 guard, he continues to play hoops with the Albanian National Team. Who’ll lead the Mustangs next season? Don’t know, but assistant coach Joe Rivera, a teacher at CCMS, might be a good candidate. Former coach Pete Vasil

Voter Registration:

If you are not registered to vote where you live no you may register by completing this form.

Mail to: Passaic County, Commissioner of Registration, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503 ÂĽ 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 Mar k 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. Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ March 2003

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March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Michael B Piercy

Michael B. Piercy has joined the staff of Greater Community Bancorp as Vice President/Regional Branch Manager. Mr. Piercy will manage the Greater Community Bank branch located at 535 Getty Ave. and will serve as Regional Manager over this branch and the Greater Community Bank branches located at Clifton Ave. and the Overlook office on Clove Road in Little Falls. Karen Christens reports registration for Clifton Safety Towne begins on April 7. Safety Towne is a summer program for young kids which teaches a variety of home and society safety skills in an entertaining manner. For registration info, call 973-473-1282. Elizabeth (Betty) Gochman , the principal of Clifton School 14 since 1990, will retire effective June 30. During her 37 year tenure in the district, Gochman has held a number of positions, including Coordinator of Reading/Language Arts and Director of Elementary Curriculum. School 14 will host a retirement celebration on May 7 at 6:30 pm at the Valley Regency. Tickets are $45. To attend, send check made payable to School 14 Sunshine Fund along with your name, address and telephone number to: Betty Gochman Retirement Celebration, School 14, 99 St. Andrew’s Blvd. Clifton, NJ 07012 before April 28.

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Clifton Merchant • March 2003

Clifton Arts Music in Our Schools is the theme in Clifton Public Schools during March. And while the Marching Mustang Band is the jewel in the music program, students at every grade level find music as part of the learning experience. As early as Kindergarten, the vocal program encourages song, rhythm, and rhyme for group performance. In grade three, students are taught the basics of staff and rhythmic notation and correct fingering for the instruments such as the recorder. In grade four, students can enter the instrumental music classes. Brass, woodwind, strings and percussion are offered in elementary school. The middle schools provide both vocal classes and chorus and instrumental music with band, orchestra and jazz band. CHS elective courses include keyboard, strings, concert choir, band, music appreciation and music theory. In the end, it is this 12 year program which produces results, such as the Marching Mustangs, the Showband of the Northeast and the pride of Clifton. Many graduates go on to rewarding careers in the music field. Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children are given the opportunity to make music a part of their total education. Music along with the Visual Arts, Drama, and Dance, teach students self expression while enriching their learning. Music gives children a chance to excel and it enhances the whole learning process by offering opportunities for higher order thinking, motor development, discipline and commitment.

March 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

The CHS Orchestra, under the direction of Natalie L. Babiak, is just one of the activites of the Clifton Schools Music Program. From left, Wesley Krygsman on bass, Associate Concert Master Dhara Vaidya on violin and Michelle Spages on cello.

The Artisans Touch on the lower level of Styretowne Shopping Center features the work of Rich McCrohan, Richard Davala and Andy Gorcica from March 11 to 30. A reception is March 16 from 1 to 4 pm. The shop is open seven days a week. Free. Call 973-471-0001 for info. The Hamilton House Museum hosts an exhibit of acrylics with themes from local parks by Dante Guariglia. A reception is March 9, from 2 to 4 pm, and the exhibit is on until March 20. On March 16 from 2 to 4 pm, come to a reading by several poets followed by open readings. $3 donation; refreshments will be served. The Hamilton House is at 971 Valley Rd. Call 973-744-5707. The Man From Galilee will be presented at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Auditorium on April 13 at 5 pm by the Clifton-based New Jersey Music and Arts. Under the direction of Francesco Santelli, the original play is about the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Tickets are $10 with group discounts available. Call 973-472-3855 for info. The Clifton Association of Artists will mark their fourth decade with an exhibit at the Clifton Arts Center through April 5. On March 20, there will be an Art Forum featuring Richard McCrohan who won first place for an oil painting at the CAA’s 2002 Outdoor Show. The group meets at the Clifton Arts Center on the first Monday of each month. For details on the CAA, call 973-777-7553. Send your news and photos by the 15th of the month prior to publication to Clifton Merchant Magazine/Tomahawk Promotions, 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011.

Clifton’s Hungarian Advocate, Ted Harsaghy, reminds us that the famous Bartók Quartet performs in a benefit for St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Magyar Church, 223 Third St. Passaic, on March 12 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10. For more info or reservations, call 973-779-0332 . Clifton Merchant • March 2003

Clifton’s Tom Miller, Passaic County’s Veteran’s Outreach and Interment Officer, announced that information for all veterans concerning free federal medical services and a prescription drug plan is now available through the Passaic County Veteran’s Service office. Available services to veterans also include a high school diploma program, hepatitis screenings, diabetes treatment, tuition programs and survivor benefits. Passaic County is home to more than 29,000 veterans, and at this time, only 16 percent of veterans make use of such programs. Miller said he is available to speak to groups who are interested in learning more about veteran’s benefits. His phone number: 973-881-4173. CHS senior Matthew Kida achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and he will receive the honor on March 7 at 7 pm from Troop 7, Saint Paul Church, 126 Union Ave. Kida, who completed his project at the Allwood Learn & Play Nursery School, plans to study carpentry at Johnson Technical Institute, a two-year trade school in Scranton, PA.

The Mustang Marching Band of Clifton High School will hold its sixth annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on March 22 at St. Andrew’s Church on Mt. Prospect Ave. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Mounds of pasta will be served from noon-3 pm and 4-8 pm. Tickets may be purchased from band members or at the door. For info, call 973-523-9261. The ladies Auxiliary of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church hosts a Chinese Auction on March 9 at 12:30 at the Church Hall, 214 President St. in Passaic. Donations are $4. The Clifton High School Class of 1963 is planning a 40th reunion on November 28 at the Mountainside Inn at 7 pm. If interested, call Helen Kubik at 973-742-4466. The Clifton Education Foundation screening of Gods and Generals on February 20 was a success in fundraising and creating awareness of the group’s goals, reported Events Chair Robert Zschack. Money raised help to further educational programs.

B OYS & G IRLS C LUB

Hamilton House curator Gen Generalli promises that a feature on this historic home, originally slated for this month’s magazine, will appear in our April edition.

Correction: In last month’s article on the Clifton School Board, we reported that the Mayor must appoint a new School Board by January 1, 2004, if voters choose to switch from an elected to an appointed Board in April’s election. School Board Attorney Anthony D’Elia stated that the correct date is January 31, 2004.

C LIFTON S PRING N EWS

S MART G IRLS B ASKETBALL L EAGUE Registration & Shoot-Around to be held Monday, March 10th from 6:30-8:30 PM Games will be held Monday Nights March 17th – June 9th Open to Girls – Ages 12-15 The Girls Basketball program is sponsored by the WNBA - NY Liberty with a WNBA game shirt, WNBA game tickets and site visit/clinic by a NY Liberty player. Team selection and coaches practice will be held Monday, March 17th.

C LUB –P OOL R ENTALS /B IRTHDAY PARTIES Have your Child's Birthday Party at The Boys & Girls Club–Swimming Pool The club pool will be available to outside community groups for rentals, birthday parties, community groups must have certificates of insurance. All party groups must sign a contract with Hold Harmless Agreements. Children (6 & under) must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Children under 4 years old not permitted in the pool. • • • • •

2-Hour Rentals ‘Birthday Parties’ – 1-Hour in pool, 1-Hour in the Party Room Days: Saturdays & Sundays Time: Saturdays 4-6 pm, Sunday NOON-2 PM, 3-5 PM & 4-6 PM Fee: $200 (Maximum of 25 children, each additional child $10) Contact: Front Desk (No reservations made over the phone-must sign contract)

All groups subject to pool rules & regulations

To Register for any of these programs please come to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton at 181 Colfax Avenue

F OR F URTHER I NFO C ALL (973) 773-2697 “The Positive Place for Kids”

March 2003 • Clifton Merchant

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE BOyS & GirlS CluB OF CliFTOn, inC.

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The Woman’s Club of Allwood More than an excuse to socialize, The Woman’s Club of Allwood, since 1932, has been involved with numerous charitable, religious, educational and scientific causes. They have provided contributions to organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, Passaic County Hospice, the Clifton Food Bank and Habitat For Humanity. In addition, they set up a scholarship fund and provide three awards at Clifton High School. The club was even instrumental in founding the Allwood Branch of the Clifton Public Library, which they started in an old chicken coop in the early 1940s. General meetings are held in the Allwood Community Church Hall the first Monday of each month, from October through May, excluding January. Members participate in making Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts, which are donated to nursing homes; they also cook holiday dinners for needy families. The club’s latest endeavor will be a Mardi Gras at the Allwood Community Church Hall, located on Chelsea and Merrill Roads, on March 22 at 7 pm. Admission is $25, which includes a ‘home-cooked’ buffet dinner and desserts. Entertainment will be provided by Flavian The Mind Reader. Beads are optional. For tickets and more info, call Rosemarie Coombs at 973-773-6959.

Some club members by a flag they sponsored for Clifton’s Avenue of Flags.

Clifton’s Avenue of Flags will again be unveiled on the grounds of the municipal campus on five days during the summer and fall. The display, which will feature over 450 flags— each one sponsored by a family in spirit of, or in memory of, a veteran— is considered the second largest American flag exhibit east of the Mississippi River. Flags are three by five feet and stand on a 10-foot ash pole with a brass name plate at its

foot. Displays are scheduled to go up on the following dates: Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. All displays will go up in the morning and be taken down before dark. John Biegel and Keith Oakley, chairmen of the display, say that sponsors are still needed. Each sponsorship costs $100. They are also seeking volunteers for set up and take down. Call Oakley at 973-473-7136 or 973-777-0264.

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A LTERATIONS Clifton Merchant • March 2003

celebrations! Send written notices of your family celebrations by the 15th of the month prior 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 along with info on those celebrating.

Happy Birthday To...

Pamela Culque . . . . . . . . . .3/10

Amanda Lacz . . . . . . . . . . . .3/18

Suki Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/1

Tiffany Sabo . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/10

Suzanne Ciok . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Eric Sudhalter . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/1

Mike Pesaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/12

Caitlin Lotorto . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Kathleen Pocoek . . . . . . . . . .3/1

Victor Berdecia . . . . . . . . . . .3/13

Ameena Saleh . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Eric Sudhalter . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/1

Alesia Jedrzej . . . . . . . . . . . .3/14

Carl Scandale . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Casey Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . . .3/2

Elaine Sassine . . . . . . . . . . . .3/15

Onix Rivera . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/20

Valerie Godowsky . . . . . . . . .3/5

Laura Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/15

Holly Sorenson . . . . . . . . . . . .3/20

Alice Paxton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/5

Melisa Migdal . . . . . . . . . . . .3/16

Nenad Vuckovic . . . . . . . . .3/20 Monica Ahmed . . . . . . . . . .3/21 George Andrikanich . . . . . .3/22

Open your heart and your home.

Pat Hiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/22 Carmen Rivera . . . . . . . . . . .3/24 Kyle Hooyman . . . . . . . . . . .3/24 Edgar Flor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/24 Michele Andrikanich . . . . . .3/27 Mary A. Van Eck . . . . . . . . . .3/27 Jennifer Mondelli . . . . . . . . .3/27 Nicholas Surgent . . . . . . . . . .3/27 Andreas Alectoridis . . . . . . .3/30 Francis Salonga . . . . . . . . . .3/31 Paul McVeigh . . . . . . . . . . . .3/31 Steven Vargo . . . . . . . . . . . .3/31 Chris Kolodziej . . . . . . . . . . . .3/31 Birthday Greetings to Eric Sudhalter, manager of Van Houten Bowling Lanes, who turned 40 on March 1.

Many children are waiting for very special foster families... Financial Assistance & Free Training Available

Best Wishes to Corey and Michelle Genardi who celebrate their wedding anniversary on March 28.

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

Congratulations to Dolores and Steven Hatala Sr. who will be married 52 years on March 31.

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 68

March 2003 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

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Kids ages 9 and older are invited to read Kate Klise’s Regarding the Fountain, the older kids’ selection for One Book New Jersey. Pick up a copy of this wacky book and then attend a book party at the Clifton Memorial Library on April 4 at 7 pm. Kids need to register at the library and read the book in advance. Copies and registration forms are available at either library branch. For info, contact the Children’s Dept. at 973-772-5500.

S ACred H eArt S CHool 43 Clifton Ave. Clifton • 973-546-4695

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Clifton’s Amanda Garretson, a student at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, and her classmates are raising funds to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The event, run in conjunction with Frank’s GMC/Pontiac of Lyndhurst, is expected to raise over $10,000. The students The Tiger Scouts of Troop #21 Den 11 (and some good friends) affiliated with St. Philip also hope to raise greater awareness the Apostle Church visited Clifton Merchant Magazine on February 11 to see how a about SIDS. To support the cause, call magazine is created, thus completing the requirements for their Tiger Cup Badge. Amanda at 973-471-9620.

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• Modern Air Conditioned Facilities • State of the Art Computer Labs • Summer Camp

Clifton Merchant • March 2003

Dr. Steven LaPoff Remembered dr. Steven laPoff, who died at the age of 50 on February 12, was a passionate man, who always demonstrated a zeal for everything he undertook. He brought that same passion as a partner at Immedicenter, an urgent-care medical center he co-founded in Clifton. Dr. LaPoff was committed to providing quality healthcare to his patients and according to Aaron M. Stein, Chief Operating Officer of Immedicenter, “all his patients developed an extremely strong bond with him.” A long time support of Clifton Merchant Magazine, Dr. LaPoff was a journalist at heart. A grad of CHS Class of ‘71, he worked on the school’s newspaper. While at the University of Pennsylvania, he was the sports announcer for Penn’s radio station. Over the years, he interviewed Julius Erving, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and other sports greats. Dr. LaPoff often worked hard at Immedicenter’s three offices but also found time to play. He had a passion for horses which he bred and raced at the Meadowlands. But by far, his most enjoyable times in life were spent with his three boys and his wife of 19 years, Susan. He will be missed by many. A scholarship fund has been established in Dr. LaPoff’s name at the University of Pennsylvania. Send memorials to The Penn Fund, 601 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

A photo of the late Dr. Steve LaPoff and his wife Susan with their kids, Mitchell, Jared and Brad. Photo by Mario, Inc.

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