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By Tom Hawrylko
As Clifton turns 100 in 2017, we at this magazine will continue to tell more about the great people who make up our hometown. Over the last three decades, Clifton has evolved from what many considered to be a ‘white’ community to become among the most diverse in New Jersey. Over that time, we have documented the changes with stories and photo essays. Once again, we are proud to do that on the following pages of our magazine.
Some of the folks from our cover, from left: Petro Chudolij, Michelle Galvis, Bahaa Housni, Ruth Dippe, Brian Grace, Mustafa Angun, Arianna Dubas and Odelia Handy, They were part of a recent photo shoot at the Clifton Main Library to promote the Oct. 15 International Cultural and Food Festival .
Clifton is made up of many faces...individuals of various ethnicities, races and religious beliefs. It is often easy to notice the differences among us, but let us also remember to make time to embrace our common bonds. While each of us is unique, we are all living in America. And here, in our town, we are part of the family, the Clifton community. Clifton is our home. So how can we make it a better place to live, work and raise our families? Let’s continue by being respectful and tolerant and recognize that we need the resources of people from every corner of town to help Clifton grow. We may not always understand each other but we have to remember, we’re in this together. A few decades back, Governor Whitman proclaimed October as month to celebrate ethnicity and promote respect among all cultures. Neighbors were encouraged to get 4 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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to know one another and leadwatching our children play. It is ers in towns across the state then, if we are receptive enough were urged to foster communito look beyond language differcation among its residents. ence, skin tones and cultural This is an important issue in nuances, that we will realize that Clifton because it is a city in all cultures share the same transition. As our senior popugoals. lation ages and moves on, new As Clifton evolves, we will immigrants are moving in. see new faces in our schools, While for decades Clifton was government and community. known as a ‘white’ city, we Dutch Hill, Botany, Albion and have seen an influx of Arabic, Athenia are now neighborhoods Turkish and Hispanic families. in transition, with a variety of The impact of these ‘new’ people settling there. These new cultures on the ‘old’ Clifton families are really not that difcommunity can challenge ferent than the last ones that established ways and institulived there. They work on In Oct., 1998 we explored the changing tions. Cultures can clash. What improving their properties, just ethinicty of Clifton with Luisa Castillo, is appropriate in one can be as the old timers did. They send Richard Smith, Sophia Constandinou, John offensive to another. How do their kids to the same schools Pogorelec and Sohail Mohammed. we resolve differences? How do and they worship God, but perwe meld into a community yet retain our unique identihaps in a different way. ties? And are there common goals we all can share? Whether it is by simply saying hello to a new neighAll of us, no matter where we have come from, want bor, coming to the Oct. 15 International Festival or prosperity and all the opportunity that America offers. offering to break down barriers of prejudice, hate and We want to have nice homes, to send our kids to good indifference, invest your time in the changing Clifton. schools and we want to be safe. We want to be free to The following pages profile individuals from various worship and to express our views without fear of retricultures. They by no means serve as spokespersons or bution or harrasment. do they offer their views on behalf of any organization. Therefore, our common ground can be found in the They are simple average people telling about their backeveryday aspects of our lives. We meet people from all grounds, hopes and dreams. We hope it will help us all cultures at work, across a backyard fence or at a field be a little more understanding to our neighbors. 16,000 Magazines are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month.
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Kick-Off and Celebrate the Centennial on October 15 @ CHS By Michael Gabriele There was joyful chaos and a rainbow of smiling faces one early September evening in the first-floor lobby of Clifton Main Library. It was a spontaneous gathering of residents, dressed in their colorful ethnic garb, proudly representing their ancestral family homelands, for a Clifton Merchant Magazine photo shoot. Clifton’s International Cultural and Food Festival, part of the city’s Centennial Committee, to be held at CHS on Oct. 15, will celebrate the city’s ethnic and cultural diversity as Clifton reaches its 100-year milestone. The festival is free and open to the public, while food and craft vendors will be selling their goods. To get a flavor, so to speak, of the event and its participants, we interviewed some of those involved. What follows are their stories. The Filipino Chair & Caribbean Spices Bong Bunagan is the chair of the event. “My wife (Celia) and I volunteered to be on the international festival committee,” Bunagan said. “I told the mayor: we can use this event to bring together a lot of different people here in Clifton.” 8 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Bunagan grew up in Manila, the Philippines, came to Clifton in 1977 and resides in the Dutch Hill section. “When we first came to Clifton, our neighborhood was mainly Caucasian people. Today we have Hispanic, Indian and Turkish people as our neighbors. Our section of town has changed, just like Clifton has changed. It’s a good thing. My wife and I enjoy the diversity. We like working with different people.”
Facing page: Elise Bourne-Busby. Above, from left: Soin Alexander, Sunny Ibok, Benaiah Thomas, Marivic Ibok, Rony Jacob and Bong Bunagan.
Lauren Zulu (who appears on the cover of this edition) along with her aunt, Elise Bourne-Busby, explained that their colorful outfits represent the season of Carnival in their island homeland of Trinidad and Tabago in the Caribbean—a celebration similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. “The people on the islands celebrate
Carnival in February, just before the season of Lent.” She said the festivities involve music, dancing, food and storytelling. Zulu came to New Jersey 15 years ago and she and her two sons (Caelin, 17, and Colin, 15) spend much of their free time reading and studying at Clifton’s Main Library. She was born in Trinidad and Tabago, but grew
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INTERNATIONAL Cultural & Food Festival up in England, which accounts for her gentle British accent. Her family moved to Zimbabwe, in southeastern Africa. Relatives living in Passaic encouraged Zulu to come to the Garden State. “It’s amazing that so many different people are here,” she said. “Everyone is so proud of their culture and willing to share it.” Zulu will participate in the Oct. 15 international festival dressed in her colorful Carnival garb and will perform as a dancer. The popular music on the islands of Trinidad and Tabago is “Soca,” which combines the sounds and rhythms of American Soul and Caribbean Calypso music. Steel drums, made in Trinidad, are the dominant instrument in Soca. Her culture’s traditional cuisine blends the flavors and influences of African, Spanish and Indian cooking. Zulu’s favorite dishes include bacon sausage, codfish, shark, and a complex stew known as “Calaloo”—a savory mixture of crab legs, coconuts, okra, vegetables and spices. Independent Ukraine Peter Chudolij spoke of his family’s heritage by pointing out difficulties in the seemingly harmless word “the.” Chudolij said that these days it’s frowned upon to refer to his family’s homeland as “the Ukraine.”
Brian Grace, Ruth Dippe, Michelle Galvis, Havva Angun, Mustafa Angun, Serra Balki
Kim Oeffler, Odelia Handy, Angela Handy, Rany Jacob, Benaiah Thomas, Soin Alexander, Isaiah Handy, Zhanara Handy
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INTERNATIONAL Cultural & Food Festival
Ukrainian American youth dressed in regional garb. They will be performing a dance program on Oct. 15.
“This is a sharp point, a phrase that reflects the old Soviet Union era of domination—a dark period for the country.” He said those old fears and friction have been heightened in recent months, given the ongoing conflict along the Russia/eastern Ukraine border. A 2013 graduate of CHS, Chudolij said both sets of his grandparents were born in Ukraine, while he and his parents were born in America. His grandparents spent months in a DP camp—short for Displaced Persons— camp in the aftermath of World War II and chose to come to the United States. Following the war, his grandparents felt like outcasts in their own country, due to the Soviet Union’s “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe. Clifton, he said, is “a melting pot for all to coexist. The community is very accepting. People want to feel accepted. You can be proud of your ethnicity and heritage and feel comfortable sharing that heritage with others. Other people are open to share their heritage with you.” After graduating from CHS, he traveled to Ukraine as part of a good-will delegation organized by the 12 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Ukrainian American Youth Association of Passaic. He spent two weeks interacting with young adults and helping children learn to speak English. Visiting the country allowed him to better understand his culture and relate to the stories told by his parents and grandparents. Ukrainian dance is Chudolij’s main connection with his family’s culture and roots. He began dancing at age four, when he attended dance camps at resorts in New York State’s Catskill Mountains. “Dancing is an important part of Ukrainian culture.” Dancing gives him a proud feeling of “euphoria” to express his culture. The colorful costume he displayed at the Clifton Main Library photo shoot was a traditional outfit worn by farmers in the Carpathian mountain region of western Ukraine. Chudolij and his family are members of Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church. He is now in his senior year at Rutgers University, New Brunswick (a biology major), and looks forward to enrolling in optometry school in 2017.
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INTERNATIONAL Cultural & Food Festival The Old Dutcharicans Anita Perez DeVos said her diverse life story involves her Dutch husband, Marinus (Russ) DeVos. “Russ and I met 12 years ago through my former church, Hope Reformed, which is on Burgess and Third. That’s where I grew up and attended Sunday School, youth group and vacation Bible school.” Anita and Russ DeVos, Kim Oeffler, Linda Gregg, Ed Kaiser, Celia and Bong Bunagan Russ traces his family are the committee members putting together the Oct. 15 International Festival. To get ancestry back to the involved, call 551-486-7368 or write to bong_bunagan@yahoo.com. Netherlands, while Anita’s a brief interview, and Eman wore a head covering family roots are in Puerto Rico. Russ and his parents known as a Hijab. “It’s my choice,” Eman said. “If you lived in the Allwood section, while Anita—one of five decide to wear the Hijab, it’s something you feel in children—grew up in Dutch Hill. Anita and Russ are your heart.” Muslim women choose to wear the hijab as “proud Dutcharicans.” an outward sign of dignity and modesty. “I’ve had more diversity in my life, living in Dutch Graciela will perform a Palestinian folk dance Hill, than the Dutchman I married—until he met me, of known as the Debka, which involves intricate, circular course,” she continued. They currently attend Christ footwork. Members of her community will share a traOur Hope church, which meets in School 3. Church ditional dish known as Makluba, a type of stew that has membership is an international rainbow coalition of yellow rice, chicken, lamb, vegetables and distinctive people with ancestral roots in Argentina, Brazil, spices. Poland, Jamaica, Ecuador and Honduras. The pastor, Carlos Soca, and his wife Madai, are of Cuban descent. The second pastor, Wesley Handy, hails from Virginia, A Dapper Highlands Chap while his wife, Zhanara, comes from Kazakhstan. Decked out during the Clifton Library photo shoot in Whether church members are black, brown, white or his bold tartan kilt, sporty beanie cap, stylish plaid shades in between, Anita said there are three things scarf, dark vest and knee socks, Brian Grace clearly they all have in common: a strong faith; a love of was putting his family’s Scottish Highland heritage on America, and a love for Clifton. The church, she said, display for all to see. is “a picture of heaven in its diversity. We are looking Well, not exactly. Grace said his mom was born in forward to meeting more neighbors and learning about Sicily while his dad comes from a mixture of German, other groups during the international festival. We love English and Irish stock. Grace’s grandparents settled in that our city is so diverse and full of rich cultural backClifton in the early 1930s. His grandfather was a shoegrounds and experiences.” maker and owned a shop at 53 Barkley Ave., at the corner of Main Ave. His parents were married in 1947 at Middle Eastern Influx St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church on Union Ave. Graciela Mustafa and Eman Hamdeh, two best So then why the dapper Scottish garb? Grace recentfriends who are juniors at CHS, will express their ly explored his family tree and found a distant ancestor Palestinian traditions at the Oct. 15 festival. The two with the name MacDonald. “I do believe there is some girls displayed their artistically decorated gowns during Scottish in me,” he said with a chuckle. 14 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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INTERNATIONAL Cultural & Food Festival In fact, he purchased the spiffy outfit as part of his participation in the annual “Tartan Day Parade” held in New York City, noting that he and his friends simply have come to enjoy attending that convivial event over the years. (The 18th annual New York Tartan Day Parade will be held on April 8, 2017.) Even though he may not have a direct link to the Highlands, and while his voice has no trace of a Scottish “burr,” Grace clearly has been inspired by the call of the bagpipes. He’s happy to serve as an honorary son of the sod and share the Scottish spirit to help celebrate Clifton’s diversity. A 1976 graduate of CHS, Grace is embracing the city’s centennial anniversary celebration. He is a member of the city’s Parade Committee, the Dinner Committee and the Special Events Committee, and even found the energy to serve as stage manager for the music and dance numbers to be performed at the Oct. 15 festival. He is well suited for this task, given his experience as a singer, actor and dancer in Off-Broadway productions during the 1980s and 1990s. “I love Clifton. It’s home and filled with all different kinds of people. I’m very excited and very lucky to be
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Graciela Mustafa and Eman Hamdeh
part of the celebration.” He counts his blessings because, just seven years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. That same year, in June of 2009, his father died of cancer and his mom developed the disease. Two years ago his sister also was diagnosed with cancer. Even though he has suffered residual effects from radi-
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INTERNATIONAL Cultural & Food Festival ation treatments, Grace said he is cancer free, taking life “one day at a time,” and most grateful to have his health and celebrate Clifton’s grand milestone. A Seasoned Mayor & Council Major Jim Anzaldi proudly proclaims Clifton to be one of the most diverse communities among New Jersey’s 565 municipalities. “We’re a city that speaks over 80 languages,” he said. Councilman Peter Eagler said that while Clifton originally was mostly a rural region of Dutch farmers, there was a mass influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Asia, India, and South American and Caribbean countries during the 20th century, especially the boom years of Clifton’s rapid growth following World War II. “People came to Clifton for a better life,” Eagler said. “Today we still have hard-working families coming to Clifton, looking for the American dream. That dream continues here in Clifton.” Eagler is an especially keen observer of cultural trends in as he previously served (1986-1996) as an organizer of annual ethnic festivals held at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel (today known as PNC Bank Arts Center).
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Participants in the Oct. 15 festival include Christ Our Home Church; Hungarian Reformed Church of Passaic; Parul Patel; Stix and Stone Farm; Antoniette Dunn of the Dutch Hill Association; Linda’s Creations; Kiran Nahar; Colombian Community of Clifton; St. Nicholas Ukranian Catholic Church; Biwanko; 5 Chris Catering; the Palestinian American Community Center; Natural Kiss for Body and Soul; Clifton Assembly No. 16, Rainbow Girls; Tetyana Gutsaliuk; July Hernandez; the Turkish Cultural Center; Bubble Tea-licious and Smoothies World; the Trini Group; Hermandad Dominicana; Tupperware; Spanish Passaic North Congregation JW’s; Romero; and Solid Gold Holistic Pet Food.Romeo Recinos, Gustavo Josamillo, Ricardo Lopez, Gviomas Rodriguez, Union City Art Collective, and Jonathan Carpio will be among the artists and organizations displaying paintings at the event. Musicians and folk dancers include the Colombian Community of Clifton; the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra (under the sponsorship of Passaic/Clifton Unico); BIWANKO (Japanese drums, flutes and dancing); the Palestinian American Community Center; and the Trinidad and Tobago calypso dance troupe.
With Great Pride, We Recognize the Clifton Office’s Highest Achievers. July 2016 Award Winners
Kaitlyn Barbagallo
Top Lister
Reenakumari “Reena” Gohil
Top Seller
Reenakumari “Reena” Gohil
Top Producer
Lesia Wirstiuk
Mark Polanco
Agent of the Month
Weichert Pride
August 2016 Award Winners
Patricia “Patty” Badia
Top Lister
Eileen LiVecchi
Top Seller
Kaitlyn Barbagallo
Eileen LiVecchi
Top Producer
Agent of the Month
Pearl Wang
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Sohail
Mohammed NJ Superior Court Judge July 26, 2011. The day he was not misjudged based on his name. Back in 1998, Sohail Mohammed told this magazine he was waiting for a time in which he will be simply accepted and not misjudged based on his name, when people will not automatically suspect that he may be a subversive simply because of his religion. “I would like to see a time,” he said in October of that year, part of our Many Faces, One Family Project, “when my name can be taken as it is, and I am not considered a terrorist,” he said. Mohammed added that about the only time his name and culture isn’t questioned is when he presents his business card that says he is an attorney at law. That day of equality and respect came on July 26, 2011, when at the age of 47, Mohammed was sworn in as a superior court judge in Passaic County, the second Muslim superior court judge in New Jersey. But controversy did follow. Some political columnists and bloggers accused Mohammed of having links to terrorism and said he’ll be more likely to follow Shariah law, religious standards based on the Koran, instead of state or federal 20 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
statutes. Christie, then a first-term Republican and former U.S. attorney, stated that he met Mohammed after 9/11 when he represented Muslims detained by the FBI. Mohammed “played an integral role” in creating trust between the Islamic community and law enforcement, Christie said. “This Shariah law business is crap,” Christie said in 2011. “It’s just crazy and I’m tired of dealing with the crazies.” Born in Hyderabad, India, Mohammed immigrated to New Jersey at the age of 17. In 1988, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from NJIT and worked full-time while pursuing a law degree at Seton Hall. He became an attorney in 1993. He discovered his passion for law by chance. While still in school, he was called to jury duty where he served as foreman in a criminal case. The legal proceedings captured Mohammed’s interest. Several years later, he was sworn into the legal profession. Prior to being appointment as a judge, he practiced immigration law and as a young attorney, was the recipient of two prestigious awards.
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In 1997, he won the New Jersey Young Lawyers Professional Achievement Award and in 1995 he was one of six attorneys in the nation who won a scholarship to attend the national leadership conference for young lawyers. As a superior court judge, Mohammed cannot speak to the press so this story is updated from various sources. What is interesting to note is that what he said 18 years ago is still valid today. Here are his comments: “We, as Muslims, or whatever culture you may be, must educate. I cannot expect my neighbor to understand my culture and beliefs. I must educate him,” Mohammed said. “Every culture has certain traditions that they uphold. These traditions make up our history, our past. Some cultures share the same beliefs, but celebrate in a different way.” For example, Muslims believe in the same God as Catholics and Christians. Muslims attend prayer services weekly, but instead of going to church on Sundays like Catholics, they worship in a mosque on Friday afternoons. Much like the Jewish faith, Muslims have dietary restrictions. They must eat Kosher foods and can only buy from Halal Meat markets.
All Muslims, no matter what country they hail from, celebrate two holy days. The first, Ramadan, is a celebration of the time when Allah revealed his teachings to the prophet, Mohammed. During Ramadan, Muslims must fast for 30 days, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The second is Eid al-Adha and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command, before God then intervened. It is also when Muslims make their Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, the holy city. Even though we’re all Americans, we each have different backgrounds and Mohammed said then that he feels that it is important to retain one’s heritage and pass it down to future generations. “My son is an American kid, but I want him to know his culture and where he came from. If I don’t teach him my culture, I am shunning him from our celebrations and what we do,” he said. “People from various cultures should respect one another,” concluded Mohammed. “We’re all here, we’re all Americans.” The first step to a better community is by sharing and learning about other cultures.
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It happened in 1988. Here were my Ukrainian brothers and sisters in the midst of a Millenium Celebration. One thousand years prior, Prince Vladimir threw the heathens out of Kyiv and converted the people of my ancestral homeland to Christianity. And in 1988 I was caught up in this celebration of All Things Ukrainian. I became a bornagain Ukrainian. When I graduated from Ukrainian elementary school in Perth Amboy in 1971, I basically turned my back on my heritage. It was not until many years later--upon the birth of my first son, Joseph in 1985--that I started getting back into our community. Ukraine, for those already saying “oh, that’s in Russia” is a large country right next to Russia. It just so happens that the Soviet empire and other neighboring countries trampled over Ukraine for centuries. The most terrible atrocity occurred from August, 1933 to Spring, 1934, when 7 million peasants were starved to death in a man-made famine created by the Soviets to further their oppression. Ukraine took control of its own destiny on August 24, 1991, when this country of 52 million declared its independence. While I know a bit about my country’s history and culture, the epiphany I experienced in 1988 really directed me into being a Ukrainian American advocate. I got active in my church’s Veteran’s post. I attended mass regularly in our Byzantine rite church. And while I don’t speak Ukrainian, I know the Liturgy in Ukrainian verbatim from my Catholic school days. So I joined the choir and I sung in Ukrainian. 24 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
During the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to not only explore my religious heritage but to have had the opportunity to work in the Ukrainian business community, too. I’ve consulted for the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, an international organization dedicated to relieving the health problems caused by the nuclear disaster in 1986. My firm serves as a consultant to the Ukrainian National Association, a fraternal benefit society that provides insurance to 60,000 members, publishes two newspapers, one in Ukrainian, the other in English, and does a variety of projects to preserve our heritage. I’m happy that there are many visible signs of my culture’s contributions in our community— our churches and schools, NOVA Federal Credit Union on Allwood Rd. as examples—filled with people, who, like me, take pride in the statement by the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko; “Learn what others have to offer, but do not forget your own.”
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STARTING
GROWING
ETHNIC
DIVERSE By Irene Jarosewich
After reviewing many options that included soliciting opinions from board members, staff, and community leaders, the Self Reliance (NJ) Federal Credit Union officially changed its name this September to Nova UA Federal Credit Union. At the core of the name “Nova” is the concept of innovation - the process of meeting new challenges with new approaches. And in Latin, as well as in Ukrainian, the word “nova” simply means new. “With our rapid growth in recent years, and the increasing demand for mobile banking and online services, we remain committed to the credit union philosophy of people helping people, being owned by our members and serving our community. “We also understand that to maintain our service to our members, the credit union needed to expand not only our physical location, but the way we do business overall,” said Val Bogattchouk, CEO of the credit union who is overseeing this transition. Established in 1959 to serve the Ukrainian American community of Clifton and Passaic, the credit union has expanded it’s base of members in the past decade. 26 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
From the original charter to serve immigrants of Ukrainian heritage, the credit union’s charter now includes anyone who lives, works, or studies in Passaic County. This community charter, plus an increase in Ukrainian immigration into our area, are the basis for the credit union’s recent and projected growth. In 2015, the credit union exceeded $100 million in assets and membership grew by more than 7.5 percent. Every year, about 15% to 20% of the credit union’s earned profits go to support various organizations and the local community. In 2016, the credit union was selected as the “#2 Healthiest Credit Union in the Nation” out of 200 top choices in the United States. The renaming and rebranding includes the renovation and expansion of the Main Office on Allwood Rd. (temporary location: 387 Valley Rd. with a branch in Botany Village), upgrades to computer banking and ATM services, a new website, and continuing to provide great rates on mortgages, loans, CDs, a low-interest rate credit card and low-cost wire transfers — an essential service for many immigrants.
As construction is set to begin on the Allwood Ave. office of Nova UA Federal Credit Union, board members and staff, from left: Pawlo Figol, Val Bogattchouk, Dr. Michael Lewko, George Oliarnyk, Helen Newmerzyckyj, Walter Voinov, Volodymyr Hunko, Nicholas Kosciolek. At SS Cyril & Methodius Church on Ackerman Ave., 2016 Officers of Slovak Catholic Sokol Assembly 162, first row, from left: Anthony Glodava, David Bulwin, John D. Pogorelec, Jr., Steven M. Pogorelec; second row: Thomas Krack, Fr. Richard Bay, Peter Walentowicz.
Credit unions belong to a group known as “benefit societies” that includes insurance fraternals, some savings and loans, mutual aid organizations. Benefit societies became popular in North America with the increase in immigration in the mid-19th century. Based on the idea that everyone who joins is an equal member, the societies return proceeds to their members and to their communities, not to stockholders or private owners. Benefit societies were organized around religion, trade, location or national origin. Benefit societies were and remain popular in East European communities, as well as within the Orthodox Jewish, Hispanic and Muslim communities, who have more informal community-based mutual aid groups. All is ready for the centennial of the fraternal Slovak Catholic Sokol Assembly 162 on Oct. 16 with a Mass in the Church SS Cyril and Methodius to start the day, followed by a gala reception. On October 15, 1916, a group of ten young Slovaks met to organize a new lodge of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in Clifton. They chose the Apostles of the Slavs, SS Cyril and Methodius, as patrons and then helped establish the parish. The lodge promotes the ideals of fraternalism and provides financial protection, fitness programs, and benevolence for its members.
The community also celebrated the 125th anniversary of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Passaic on Sept. 30. The parish was officially incorporated in 1891 to minister to the Slovak Catholic community.
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John Pogorelec’s father, Albert, had an advantage over other Slovaks-he was born in America. However, at the age of one, he and his parents Front from left: Alexandra Pogorelec, Thomas Pogorelec, Suzanne returned to Slovakia, where Albert Pogorelec, Rebecca Hess, Ashley Hess, and Brooke Hess. Standing: Jason lived until he was a young man. After Pogorelec, John D. Pogorelec, Sr., Phyllis Pogorelec, Robert Hess, Pamela marrying, Pogorelec’s dad came back Hess, and John D. Pogorelec, Jr. to the United States and settled in Clifton to raise five sons. After the New Year, once the Feast of Epiphany has It’s a classic American success story as the boys went ended, a priest visits and blesses the homes. And on on to do well, including John, who many people know as Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, the day the attorney for the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. before Easter Sunday, baskets of food to be enjoyed on Raised with Slovakian traditions, John Pogorelec has the next day are decorated at home and brought to church done his best to share the spirit of his people with the to be blessed. next generation. “My children don’t speak Slovakian, “Slovakians are very religious people because that’s but they do pray in that language,” he said. all they had to fall back on in the Old Country,” His children also grew up learning the customs that Pogorelec said. Many Slovaks, including Pogorelec surrounded the holidays. For instance, in early worship at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church on Ackerman December, they observe the Feast of St. Nicholas. At Ave. In addition to churches, many ethnic groups estabChristmas Eve supper, called Vilia, they share platky, lished social clubs and even their own lending instituwhich is unleavened bread. tions. 28 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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The Fraternal Benefit Society was created to provide financial assistance to Slovakian members, to encourage the pursuit of cultural activities and to foster pride, said Pogorelec. Since Slovakia achieved independence and sovereignity in 1993, Pogorelec said he is also proud that his homeland strengthened its political ties with other countries and joined NATO in 2004. “It took so long for the Slovak Republic to be independent, it is good to see the Republic recognized as a partner in the international scene,� he said.
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Wearing the
POLONIA SASH By Joe Hawrylko Casimir Pulaski is revered as a great military hero, both in his native Poland, as well as in the United States, where he is known as one of the “fathers of American cavalry” for his exploits on horseback during the Revolutionary War. The American general is a source of pride for all who claim Polish heritage, including for Joseph Zak, 63, who was honored to be named Marshal of the Passaic-Clifton contingent for the 79th annual Pulaski Day Parade held Oct. 2 in New York City. “When I was young, we would march in school, but I didn’t think much of it,” explained Zak. “As I got older, I learned more about Pulaski. Ben Franklin was in Europe recruiting for America’s cause during the Revolutionary War, wrote back that Pulaski would be able to expertly contribute. “This is a man who saved George Washington’s life. He was a brilliant tactician who lost his life in battle by the age of 34.” In the United States, Pulaski has at least ten cities named after him, several bridges and roadways, numerous monuments, a fort and even a ballastic submarine. In 2009, he was one of seven people to receive honorary citizenship post-humously from President Obama. A Lifetime of Parades The Passaic-Clifton group, led by Zak, was one of 32 contingents that marched in the parade that stretched down Fifth Ave. for more than 20 blocks and lasted more than four hours. After the parade, a gala is held at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown. Each marshall is escorted by a Miss Polonia or Junior Miss Polonia. 32 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
“I’ve been marching in the parade since I immigrated to the United States in 1967 with my parents, Jozef and Zofia,” explained the native of Przedzel, Poland. In Clifton, parade day starts in Clifton’s Athenia section, home to a large Polish community. “We march down Speer Ave, past my church, St. John Kanty, then we go down Huron Ave. and finish at the Athenia Veterans Post,” explained Zak. After the local march, the Passaic-Clifton contingent boards buses packed with Polish snacks and polka music hand-picked by Zak, as they ride off to New York City for the main parade. “It’s been 21 years now that I’ve provided buses for the Pulaski Day Parade,” explained Zak, founder and coowner of Panorama Bus Tours on Somerset Place. “We provide transportation for the Passaic-Clifton contingent, for Garfield, Wallington, and other cities. We now rent additional buses for the day to help out because the group traveling has become so large.”
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Zak’s ongoing involvement with the parade, as well as his omniscient presence in the Polish community, is one of the chief reasons he was named Marshal of the Passaic-Clifton contingent for 2016. Successful Blend of Two Cultures “Coming to the US, speaking English and becoming part of the fabric of America was priority number one. I became a citizen as soon as I could. However, I would participate in Polish events and keep our rich traditions throughout my life. We have special meals for Christmas and Easter… but also love American holidays. Thanksgiving is great!” Zak’s family settled in Passaic, where he graduated from Passaic High School in 1972. He also was a founding player for Olympic Soccer Club, playing under Mary Bieleski and Joe Lewandowski. “They were great people, two of the most giving, hardworking, and dedicated people for Polish youth in the Passaic area,” recalled Zak, who was also the first PHS soccer player to be selected to the All Passaic County and All State teams in high school. “They would take two cars and pack the entire team in there and take us to games and practices. We had some great rivalries against the Portuguese teams from the area.” On June 23, 1975, Zak became a US citizen; five days later, he married his high school sweetheart, June Lisiura. “We met at a Polish dance,” he laughed. “Things were a little different back then. The dances were always over by 11pm because the girls all had to be home by midnight, no questions asked.” From Grief, A Family Closeness The couple had two children, Christopher and Michelle, however, June fell ill with cancer, and passed away in 1982, leaving two toddlers and a grieving husband. Zak’s mother, Zofia, moved in the following year to help raise the children, but the loss still had a profound impact on the family. “I think my wife dying brought us closer together,” explained Zak. “Michelle always said to me, ‘Life would have been different if Mom was alive. I would have been more focused on education, and I definitely 34 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
would not have been in the family business. But I am a lot tougher because of it since I always had to keep up with the men in the house’. “The fact is after all these years, we’re still very closely connected. I can go over to either of their houses any time. America doesn’t value their children as much as they should,” he added. “As a father, you are a reflection of your children in a way. We learned to ski together. They took piano lessons, I took piano lessons. I’d coach their soccer games, and they’d come and watch my men’s league on Sundays.” “I brought in Michelle to answer the phones and before I knew it, she took over the company. She is the President now,” laughed Zak. “Chris has been with me since the beginning, and now he is the Vice President of Finance. I’ve been given a slight demotion to Vice President of Operations,” he adds with a grin. Christopher and Michelle are so intertwined with the success of the family business that they even met their future spouses while working. “My kids both met their other halves on a Panorama Bus tour: Michelle met her husband during a ski trip to Lake Placid. Chris met his wife on a bus trip to Atlantic City. Michelle swore up and down to me, ‘If you think I am going to marry someone Polish, forget about it, Dad.’ But both of them ended up doing just that!” Christopher, 39, and Michelle, 38, each have families of their own now. Zak has four grandchildren who often visit their parents and grandfather at the office. Often Zak still works 16-hours days, over the weekends. He says it’s all worth it since he gets to be around his family every day. There’s nothing better. “A majority of small business owners with family involved have a hard time with transitioning. The founders have a hard time letting go,” explained Zak. “Not us.” “I just said to the kids, ‘Here, I don’t want it, you can have it!’ They’ve been involved with the company almost their whole lives. Michelle is great for the company. She will spend nights sleeping on the couch upstairs. As far as kids go, I’ve really gotten lucky with Chris and Michelle. They’re my crowning achievement, not Panorama.”
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Grazie, Dominic! While the title may be ‘Honorary’ the work is for real. On Sept. 23, Honorary Consul General of Italy Dominic Caruso officially opened a mobile fingerprinting station in his Clifton law office, making life much easier for the hundreds of people in New Jersey who want to renew their Italian passports. An Honorary Consul is an officially recognized representative of a foreign government. While Honorary Consuls are citizens of America, they are selected, with the approval of the US State Department, to help a particular country’s appointed foreign representatives with such tasks as visa issues, cultural events, translations, notarizations, student exchange programs.
By Irene Jarosewich
Dominic Caruso (left) with Consul General of Italy Francesco Genuardi.
In the case of Caruso, he will provide great relief for those who find it difficult to travel to Manhattan to resolve Italian consular matters. Consul General Francesco Genuardi and Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola traveled to Clifton to inaugurate the mobile fingerprinting station. New Jersey has a large Italian American community, as well as Italian citizens who are permanent residents. Fingerprints are required for renewal of Italian passports. Caruso immigrated to the United States from Italy with his parents and younger sister in 1956. They crossed the Atlantic on the infamous ocean liner Andrea Doria, which sank four months later. Living in various places in northern New Jersey with his parents and six siblings, he became a US citizen in 1965. The family settled in Clifton and Caruso graduated the long-gone but beloved Paul VI High School in 1971. He went to Seton Hall to get his JD and was admitted to the NJ Bar in June, 1979. For info about issues regarding the Italian consular, which is in his law office at 1037 Route 46 East, Clifton, call Caruso at 973-614-8646. 36 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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The St. Paul Family Each of us is God’s child and each child is welcome at St. Paul’s. Sending this message, believing this message, said Fr. Leonardo Jarimillo, is the heartbeat of his congregation in Downtown Clifton. At the five-year mark, Fr. Leonardo, a native of Columbia, is proud of his parish accomplishments and honest about the challenges that remain. In 2011, the congregation at the then nearly 100year-old St. Paul Roman Catholic Church on Union Ave. was aging and dwindling, the aging church and surrounding buildings required maintenance, the adjacent school on Main Ave. had closed in 2006 and the debt had crept up to $2.9 million. A young priest, with apparently boundless energy, Fr. Leonardo asked his bishop for six months to implement a strategy that would stave off the possible sale of the church building and forever close St. Paul’s. That six months turned into five years during which the debt was decreased to $2.6 million, the congregation increased to 900 families and vibrancy returned to the parish. Some of the first steps were difficult — all full-time workers were converted to part-time and he still relies on teams of volunteers for ongoing maintenance and preparation tasks. And while the debt needed to be lowered, money was also needed annually to upgrade the 38 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
church and run the parish. Hard choices needed to be made constantly. Also, he is still the only priest serving the parish, which includes four Masses on Sunday, funerals, weddings and christenings, visitation to those ill and dying. “On a typical Sunday,” said Fr. Leonardo, “more than 1,000 people attend Mass.” As part of his strategy to evangelize the word of God and to return vibrancy to the parish, Fr. Leonardo instituted an open door policy - the church is open to everyone, every day, who wants to come in and pray. This is essential to his vision of a church as a home, a safe and sacred place. With the support of his bishop and the original parishioners, a Spanish-language Mass was added, the first in a Catholic church in Clifton, and is held each Sunday at 1pm, now attended by almost 400 people weekly. Many Cultures, Many Countries, Many Languages In One Body: St. Paul’s Family has become the guiding principle of the parish. Another strategy to expand the congregation was to focus on families with children. “Almost 85% of our parishioners are seniors,” noted Fr. Leonardo, “however, with us, as with all churches, the future is with our children. It is our responsibility and obligation as a community to bring them to God’s love.”
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Now during September through April, the last Sunday of each month, the parish holds a Family Mass - in English at 11:30 am and in Spanish at 1pm. Engaging children is the foundation of the Family Mass. The homily is crafted specifically for children, the family choir sings, children serve as ushers and afterwards everyone gathers in the parish hall for a light meal. The Family Mass reaches across multiple generations including grandparents, great-aunts and uncles. Further outreach to families includes religious education program that registered 120 students this year and revival of the youth group. And while reducing the debt was a consistent priority, funds are needed for ongoing needs, as well. Most pressing was the need to have an elevator. On Oct. 9, Bishop Serratelli will preside over the Eucharist during Mass, and afterwards, he will bless the new elevator, resurrection wall and the parish hall. Fr. Leonardo is grateful for the support of Bishop Serratelli, who has been to St. Paul’s on several occasions, including the 100th anniversary celebrations. The
church, which was built in 1914, completed centennial celebrations in 2015 with the unveiling and blessing of the Chapel of St. Theresa of Calcutta. “When the church was first built,” said Fr. Leonardo, “a small building was built where nuns serving the parish lived and inside was a small chapel. We have renovated the building and expanded the chapel, and this is where we hold our daily Mass.” With the announcement in 2015 by the Vatican that Mother Theresa would be canonized as St. Theresa of Calcutta, the congregation of St. Paul’s chose to recognize the Catholic Church’s new saint with the naming of their chapel in her honor. Focusing on the next five years, Fr. Leonardo understands that many of the fundamental challenges still need to be addressed. However, he looks to the patron saint of his church, St. Paul, for his main inspiration. “Evangelization of God’s word,” said Fr. Leonardo, “this was the mission of St. Paul. I am convinced that those who built this church understood that. That is our first duty. So we will continue to expand on that mission, continue to share God’s love.”
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Healthcare System
150Young Years St. Joseph’s Healthcare System Kicks-off Sesquicentennial Hundreds of thousands of babies born, hundreds of thousands of lives saved. From humble beginnings in a small and rickety wooden building in Paterson, St. Joseph’s Hospital has expanded into a top-rated regional medical center in northern New Jersey. And while St. Joe’s may be in Paterson, it has always been Clifton’s hospital. With great compassion and focus, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth has managed St. Joseph’s for 150 years. Through economic upheavals, world wars, several dramatic overhauls in the health care system, and widespread hospital mergers, the stable success of St. Joe’s is a remarkable achievement, a testament to the commitment and steady leadership of the Sisters. 40 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
At festivities to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System (SJHS) on Sept. 8, from top left: Sr. Marilyn Thie, SC, Chair, Board of Trustees, SJHS; Dr. Antoinette M. Cecere; Sr. Jane Brady, who was the CEO of St. Joe’s for 27 years, before retiring in 1999, and Dr. Robert Amoruso. In the second photo, Sr. Marilyn and Kevin Slavin, President & CEO, SJHS, unveil the St. Joseph’s 150th Anniversary Commemorative Marker.
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Healthcare System
Sr. Patricia Mennor, SC, Vice President, Mission, SJHS; Paterson Mayor Jose Torres; Sr. Marilyn Thie; Kevin Slavin; Rev. Msgr. Herbert Tillyer, representing the Diocese of Paterson; and Paterson City Council President William McKoy. Below, St. Joe’s, circa 1900, when it was on Church St.
A History of Loving Care A year of celebrations was launched on Sept. 8 to mark the hospital’s distinguished milestone – their 150th anniversary. An historic marker was unveiled that commemorated the hospital’s first day of service on Sept. 8, 1867. While the marker was unveiled at St. Joseph’s current Main Street location, the marker’s permanent home will be found at hospital’s original location on Church St, between Ellison and Market Sts. Fr. William McNulty, the super-organizer priest who served the Catholic communities in Passaic County for more than 60 years during the 19th and early 20th centuries saw a need for a hospital to care for Paterson’s poor immigrants, many escaping the Irish Potato Famine. He turned to the Sisters for help and St. Joe’s became one of the first hospitals in New Jersey and the first in Paterson. From that one, small structure, St. Joseph’s Hospital has grown to include St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Wayne, St. Vincent’s Healthcare and Rehab Center, Visiting Health Services of New Jersey, and a spectrum of outpatient centers across Northern New Jersey. 42 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
The founding group of sisters cared for 102 patients in a 12-bed building their first year. Now, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center cares for more than 1.5 million people annually, including more than 163,000 emergency department visits. St. Joe’s is also the largest employer in Passaic County and through the decades, thousands of Cliftonites have worked at St. Joe’s. “St. Joseph’s is one of the greatest jewels in the Diocese of Paterson crown. We are fortunate to have St. Joseph’s here in Paterson. Thank you for the miracles you work here each day. Keep working the miracles of healing for the next 150 years,” concluded Rev. Msgr. Herbert Tillyer from the Diocese of Paterson.
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NJEDDA: Helping others as we help ourselves As part of their Pouches for People Program, clients at the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) Adult Center have created and delivered over 100 “care pouches” to area shelters, veterans organizations, and active duty military. The clients learn valuable vocational and daily living skills, while helping community members in need. Learn more about the Pouches for People Program and how to help out, visit NJEDDA.org/adult-services.
Acts of kindness are committed in Clifton everyday. Fran Warren and Kim Oeffler, co-chairs of Clifton’s Random Acts of Kindness committee, have proof. Since the end of August, they have been collecting the messages that people have left in the 47 Kindness Boxes placed throughout the city. As we wrote last month, the Clifton Random Acts of Kindness committee is promoting acts of kindness as part of Clifton’s centennial celebration. The idea is a natural fit since Clifton has the reputation of being A City That Cares, filled with nice people. The information provided above the Kindness Boxes encourage people to insert notes that share memories and stories of everyday acts. The goal is to help spread kindness to others—often by simple gestures and thoughtful, 44 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
compassionate good deeds, as well as acknowledge acts of kindness done to us. The committee’s symbol, a red umbrella, comes from a personal story from Fran’s past. “My sister Cindy and I were returning from a sisterbonding excursion one stormy November Saturday afternoon. Along the road, we saw an elderly woman standing with no umbrella, soaked clothes and rain cascading down her face. “She refused our offer of a ride,” Fran continued. “However, my sister didn’t hesitate to give the woman her red umbrella. I reminded her that she only had one. My sister replied, ‘but she needs it more than I do.’ To this day I carry an extra red umbrella in my car in memory of my sister’s kindness.
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Acting Neighborly Heloise Ruskin often saw a serious-looking, elderly man sitting alone in the window of a eatery along the route of her daily walk. Ruskin wanted to see if she could make him just a bit happier, “so I started to wave to him as I walked by. Now he smiles as we wave to each other every morning.” As often happens with random acts of kindness, the good energy is returned many times over. While she started off trying to make someone’s day a bit happier, the elderly gentleman’s daily smile and wave in return has now become an important part of Ruskin’s morning routine. One Clifton senior and his wife live in an over 55 development. He still practices the old-fashioned habit of neighborly kindness. “Some of my neighbors are quite elderly, even more so than me, and can’t easily manage the garbage barrels. After garbage pick-up, I pull the barrels back up from the street and place them near their door.” One snowy morning he noticed a senior, more than 90-years-old he estimates, shoveling snow off his property. “I went to help him, but couldn’t get much done
46 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
since I was exhausted from my own shoveling. Then nother neighbor then saw us both and came over to help, too!” Road Kindness Elaine Maksym was driving along the Garden State Parkway, slowing down to pay at one of the toll booths, when she noticed a familiar car in front of her. She tapped her horn and waved. Her friend waved back, then drove off. “When it was my turn to pay, I was told that my toll had been paid by my friend.” Pat Zalesny and husband Joe were driving down Allwood Rd. when they saw a white dog running loose, close to traffic, too close for comfort. Being animal lovers with several dogs themselves, the Zalesny’s followed slowly alongside the young dog to keep him from being hit. They then pulled over. “We got the dog into the car and called Animal Control, which arrived soon with help. Fortunately, the pup had a chip and Animal Control found the owner.” For everyone who ever had their beloved pet jump out of a car in a strange place and then get lost, or suddenly chase after another dog and not return, the
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Zalesny’s effort to save someone’s kind, but they actually are! That pet was an act of kindness that not made me believe there are more only saved a dog’s life, but stopped nice people than I thought. Now I deep heartache for the dog’s owners. remember — always try kindness!” Paul and Ro Baumgarten are also Another young man wrote to animal lovers and have helped atthank the stranger who recently risk animals, both large and those paid for his soda in a store “since I not-so-large. “One time,” said Paul, did not have the money to pay.” “my wife and I saw a 15-inch box Fran Warren gives a shout-out to turtle trying to cross a busy road. her friend Livia, who “planted an “We got out, stopped the traffic Asian pear tree for me in her yard for a minute, retrieved the turtle and since I have no room in mine.” put it on the backseat of our car. We One senior woman is grateful for can’t even guess how it got there.” all the people who still remember to The Baumgartens then made a hold open heavy doors for the elderAnn-Marie Lancaster, who is rundetour from their original plan and ly and then patiently wait for them ning a pet blanket drive, with Toby. drove until they could put the turtle to pass through. She is particular near a pond, more of a natural habitat than the roadway. thankful to one young man who not only held open one set of doors, but ran ahead of her to open and hold a secSmall Gestures, Big Meaning ond set in front of her. Justin wrote that he attends a middle school in Clifton, Kim Oeffler notes that acts of kindness not only ben“and students there are extremely nice. At first, I had efit the recipients, but the givers, as well. For 15 years, people in my class who I thought maybe were not that Oeffler drove a woman who was handicapped to
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church, food shopping, other places. What began as a simple act of helpfulness became a mutual beneficial friendship. Robin Gibson wrote that she was remembering those who passed on 9/11 and thanked everyone who worked hard to honor their memories, as well. Barbara remembers that she would buy lunch everyday for a homeless man and his dog who sat together on a bench in a park outside her office. She suspects that it was the only real meal either would have all day. Sprucing up the Peace Garden In summer 2013, Raymond Romanski, Jr. built three wooden benches, a bird feeder and a six-foot stone peace sign at the Clifton High School Peace Garden for his Eagle Scout Project. This September 11, Donna Fantacone and Raymond Romanski, Sr. spent the day restoring their son’s project that had become overgrown by weeds. As Ray Jr. has gone off to college, his father did most of the work to add new stone and dig out the weeds. Now, said Donna, the project looks like it did on the day it was first completed.
Judi Den Herder gives premature infants lots of loving attention at the HUMC neo-natal unit. “I can’t seem to put into words is how it felt to do this project on 9/11. It was so cathartic, as if it were our own personal quest to show our personal resolve. And that, honestly, only partly explains exactly what I am
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Scouts preparing backpacks from left: Casey Wellins, Sofia Carrol, Fiona Smyth, Rebecca Coles, Isabella Andruch, Julia and Anna DeBlock with project director Kim Castellano.
trying to say here. It was the most fitting day we could have picked to beautify a symbol that means everything. We had watched some of the documentaries about that day, as well as the ‘reading of the names’ on 9/11. I knew three people who lost their lives that day and it still does not seem real to me that on that now infamous day America was changed forever.” Kindness All Year Round Not all acts of kindness are random or one-time. Many in Clifton are performing acts of kindness all year round. After she retired from Roche in 2001, Judi Den Herder had more time for the volunteer work she loves. At Hackensack University Medical Center, she volunteers in the NICU - the neo-natal unit that cares for premature babies. She comes in to soothe the distressed infants by rocking them.”Give me a rocking chair and a
baby and I’m in Heaven,” she said of her volunteer work.”You forget about the world when you see how innocent and new these babies are. It is a joy. I get more in return than the time I give.” For more than 30 years, needy families in Clifton have turned to the food pantry St. Peter’s Haven for help. On Sept. 21, during the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, the Peace Islands Institute worked with St. Peter’s Haven to provide and distribute food to the needy, as they have done so for many years, now. Remembering and helping the needy is an important tradition of this holiday. Yavuz Aydin, director of The Peace Islands Institute, an interfaith organization in northern New Jersey, was accompanied by Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin as volunteers from PII visited two area food pantries — St. Peters Haven and Toni’s Kitchen in Montclair — to donate and distribute fresh food.
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Just in Time for School This spring, Kim Castellano and Kelly Keil Power of Power of One Outreach Ministries expanded their Back2School backpack project and this year more than 275 backpacks filled with school supplies and items of personal hygiene were assembled by the community and local businesses in time for the first day of school. Throughout the summer, banners hung on front of Clifton fire stations to help raise awareRyan, Lori, Ryley and Kevin White during a family outing last year. The family ness of the program. The stashare their story of extreme acts of kindness after Ryley was in a boating accident. tions also served as drop off in ads and emails that raised awareness and encouraged locations. Some firehouses packed backpacks themthe community to donate items on the list. selves and added encouraging cards wishing each stuOn Aug. 31, volunteers came together for the dent to have a great school year. “It’s really important PackNSort party held at School 12. More than 30 volunthat our kids know that there are people out there that teers, along with the young ladies of Girl Scout Troop care about them,” noted Castellano. 95322, sorted through the thousands of donated items. This year, 20 backpacks worth of school supplies Volunteers packed and inspected backpacks and sorted were dropped off at the Main Library, the most in four through kid-friendly food donations that helped stock the years. school pantry for the first week of school. New volunteer and sponsor, Maria Kosmider from CSBK (Clifton Savings Bank) visited area dentists to Wrapped Up in Warmth collect hundreds of free toothbrushes and tubes of toothAnn-Marie Lancaster grew up in a home where love paste to include in the backpacks. CSBK also brought of animals was a given. Her husband feels the same way. hundreds of items of school supplies and food donations When the couple’s pet cats passed away in 2012, they that were dropped off at four CSBK Clifton branches. again turned to the Clifton Animal Shelter to find a kitRealtor Frank Cortes of the Diamond Agency joined ten available for adoption. in and promoted The Back2School Outreach supply list
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Assembleyman Tom Giblin, center, with Peace Island Institute volunteers and staff at St. Peter’s Haven food pantry.
Their search led them to Toby, an adorable tabby that became the inspiration and poster-kitty for the Blanket Drive for shelter animals. Lancaster’s husband is a Clifton firefighter and the city’s fire department helps with the drive, as it has for many years, now. “The CFD also runs a Pet Food Drive to help the Clifton Animal Shelter, usually during June of each year,” said Lancaster. “Clifton residents are so very generous, and many donations are received. but I wanted to do something that would help the animals in the winter months, as well. The idea of a Blanket Drive was born.” According to Lancaster, the first year was so overwhelmingly successful, that the drive is now into the third year. “Residents pour their hearts into knitting, crocheting and quilting blankets for the little fur-babies at the shelter. Blankets of every size, color and pattern, each of which was carefully crafted, have been donated. People spent a lot of time making them. They were most definitely made with love. Some knitted cat toys filled with cat nip.” The blankets help ease anxiety that shelter animals sometimes feel, noted Lancaster, as well as adding warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. “Some people have told me ‘I’ve already started on my 56 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
blankets for next year’ as they drop off this year’s donation.” Snuggly blankets are being accepted until Dec. 15. All must be washed before delivery and can be delivered to Fire Headquarters, which is in the yellow house, on the city hall campus. Many Mustangs & Guardian Angels Few moments are more terrifying for parents than to hear that their child has been in a life-threatening accident. Kevin and Lori White had one such moment early this summer when on June 10 their daughter, Ryley, 18, was injured in a wave runner accident from which she endured a life-threatening brain trauma. Ryley was flown immediately to Westchester Medical Center where she spent a week in the Trauma ICU, and was then transported to Kessler Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey. She continues to receive outpatient therapy to restore her cognitive functions fully. Four months out, she is doing well, but many months of therapy lie ahead. Ryley had finished CHS, but the accident happened one week before her senior prom and two weeks before her graduation ceremony. CHS Principal Anthony Orlando asked Ryley’s brother Ryan to come onstage and accept her diploma. The Whites are deeply grateful for all the support that they have received from family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
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“We know that we have guardian angels,” said Kevin White, “but now we believe there is another kind of angel that is a family angel. They are the ones that live among us day-today and help us in times of need. Clifton is full of these family angels who support us and do whatever is necessary to help us cope with our tragedies. White offered deep thanks to the Garretson and Shook families for their unfailing support, as well as the family of Lynn Marakovitz, as well as to the family of Jeff Camp for organizing a fundraising through the booster and softball families. “Numerous members of the Clifton City Council, the Clifton Board of Education, and the Clifton school system staff have made our life easier during this time, for which we are most grateful,” he added.
Ray Romanski building the CHS Peace Garden in 2013, and this year’s restored symbol.
“The Athletic Trainers Club, most especially trainers Tom Cutalo and Meg Conte, have made a tremendous difference in our lives,” said White. “They provided the training and knowledge that enabled my son Ryan and his girlfriend Heather Ranges, and Ryley’s boyfriend Stephen Besso, to save Ryley’s life at the scene of the accident. Lori and I firmly belief that the ATC not only teaches life-saving techniques, but also helps students become more mature, responsible and compassionate people.” White added, “And we are more than deeply grateful to the first responders who were there to help with Ryley’s care and airlifted her to the trauma center. So many in Clifton have given our family support and friendship. We are proud to say that we live in Clifton, a city where people really care for one another.”
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Barilla Pasta & Cuellar Family Markets Addressing Hunger & Nutritional Education When the Lucky Penne, Barilla’s Mobile Kitchen pictured above, recently visited Paulison Avenue ShopRite, it was a small gesture to combat a much larger, longterm challenge—hunger in the community and nutritional education. “At Barilla, we truly believe in food for all,” said Larry Torres, a Clifton resident who is also in charge of sales in the New York Region for Barilla. “We are proud to partner with Cuellar Family Markets as they educate shoppers and we are proud to support them in their community efforts.” Barilla’s Mobile Kitchen team served a variety of pasta, sauce, vegetable and meat dishes as chefs provided cooking demonstrations and discussed healthy cooking practices. Torres explained that the visit to the Paulison Avenue ShopRite is a way for Barilla, the world’s largest pasta manufacturer, to address the issue of hunger across the globe by connecting with a neighborhood supermarket. 58 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
The Paulison Avenue ShopRite has an in-store dietitian who meets with shoppers to offer nutritional advice, meal planning, and diet modification for specific medical conditions. “Rafael Cuellar (president and CEO of Cuellar Family Markets) and his staff are to be commended. Having an in-store dietician is another example of how the community can address hunger and nutrition as well as adopt healthy lifestyles.” Finally, Barilla’s Share the Table campaign reminds families that preparing and eating food together is one of the simplest things we can do to live better. “Enjoying great food together not only provides us with physical sustenance, but also nourishes us mentally and emotionally,” said Torres. “Those families who eat together frequently have improved life outcomes, including being satisfied with every aspect of their lives.” Visit sharethetable.com or barilla.com for info.
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Krystian Artwik, Elijah Lee, Heily Diaz, Jaedon Jay, Jeffrey Jimenez and Skylar Velez at CCMS.
CCMS Prepares for Presidential Elections By Irene Jarosewich
They are too young to vote, but not too young to learn about one of the most important events to take place in America this year – the 2016 presidential election. This fall, all the 8th grade students at CCMS will participate in the elections by learning about political issues, campaign strategies and the rules of the game of America’s democracy. Teachers and supervisors all agree that personal political views of instructors should not enter into the mix. They also agree that no matter how contentious the real political competition becomes, that tension should not transfer to the school. Yet, they also agree that keeping their students sheltered from the real political world is useless – the students see and hear politics every day all around them and need to be given context. Learning Civics with a Modern Twist “I had the good fortune to begin my teaching career at Christopher Columbus 14 years ago,” said Cara Boseski who currently teaches 8th grade social studies 60 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
at CCMS. Social studies classes are where you would expect students to learn about our 240-year-old American political system. Boseski’s approach, however, is thoroughly modern: she is planning a mock Twitter project. “Being 21st-century-learners, students incorporate technology into education in many ways. I decided to integrate Twitter because it is not a commonly used form of social media used by 8th grade students. Although we are not actually “tweeting,” this project will show students how Twitter works and will present social media in a positive way as they learn about the presidential election.” Students will research the views of presidential candidates on 10 current issues of their choice. When research is complete, each student will choose a candidate to support. Each student then will create 10 “tweets” with hashtags in support of the candidate’s 10 policies. However, the tweets will only be written and will not be posted online.”
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Good tweets are not that easy to write. Tweets are limited to no more than 140 characters. Students will need to concentrate on finding the essence of the political message. Boseski offered a sample tweet about CCMS – “CCMS is a good school to attend because everyone helps each other” – followed by the hashtag #kindnessmatters. “Student tweets will focus on the
positive characteristics of their candidate,” she emphasized. Each student’s list of tweets will then be displayed and discussed. “The goal is to have students develop their own educated opinion on the presidential election. It is important for them to be able to provide facts, a positive approach in their claim of who they support rather than just the negative characteristics of their opponents.”
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Students who may like certain positions from different candidate will learn to give information priority and choose which candidate is most important for them. Respecting the opinions of others is also part of the lesson. At the beginning of the class discussion during which each student will share a tweet they created, Boseski will emphasize an important lesson: all students will have their chance to share and that they should show respect to their classmates at all times. “If there comes a time that tension arises, we will take a brief time to discuss their feelings. Talking through it will allow students to express how they feel. This will decompress the situation without just putting an end to it.” Politics Through Art Jeff Labriola approaches this election season both as an art teacher and as the Student Council Advisor. Labriola realizes that students in middle school are both impressionable and becoming old enough that they need to develop their own opinion. “Just like good media, we should be presenting on the facts without bias.” While he wryly admits that in the real world media without bias is not always the case, “it should be that way in classrooms,” adding “At times, I like to play devil advocates with the kids…it makes them think…makes them question what they hear in the media.” One of the most ubiquitous images in the media is the presidential campaign poster.
Born & Raised in Clifton—Wanting to Give Back In short, I have taken my parGrowing up on Donald St., my ent’s advice to heart—that is why I parents taught my siblings and I am a candidate for the Clifton that education is the key to sucBoard of Education. I am a new cess. Whether attending School voice putting our children first! One, CCMS, or CHS they made it My wife Hannah and I have a clear academics came first. daughter Lubna who is almost two After graduating from years old. I want to ensure she has Montclair State University in even better opportunities in 2007 with my Bachelor’s degree in Clifton Public Schools than I had. Political Science and Law, I A good education is a foundaworked in Congress for six years. I tion for a great community. I, like graduated with my Masters in all parents, wish my child a bright Public Administration from Seton future, and that starts with excelHall University. lence in the classroom. I had the opportunity to share Fahim Abedrabbo, CHS 2003 As a team member of the Board, my experiences as a teacher at I want to be an advocate for the Montclair State and am now the Director of Government Relations at Seton Hall concerns and interests of teachers and parents University where I am a Ph.D. candidate in across our great city. But I’ll need your help to make it a reality. Education Leadership, Management, and Policy. My path since my youth illustrates that I’ve always Please consider my qualifications and my love of our believed that public service is incredibly important. Hometown when you vote on November 8.
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mer First Lady to President Bill Clinton. If elected, it “As an art teacher I plan on using the art of election will also show that woman have equal power to men. posters as a springboard for discussion. I’m considering She would be the first female president and maybe the having the students design a poster as if they were runbest president in all of history!” ning for an elected office themselves. I recently purHillary Clinton would also be the choice for Elijah chased a book about presidential election posters. We Lee. “Donald Trump basically bought his relevancy in will use the posters to identify successful use of design, the election. He has no actual knowledge of what it and composition, and will examine how color and would take to be president. Hillary Clinton was a secimage conveys emotion and ideas. These students can retary of state. She helped President Obama with mulall remember the signature Obama campaign poster. tiple issues on a daily basis. She is more knowledgeCampaign posters, signs, and buttons are graphic able. Another reason why my fellow classmates and I design at its best.” do NOT want Donald Social media and the Trump to win the election 24/7 news cycle, he notes, One of the tools to teach students is because of Trump’s has engaged children far how to articulate their thoughts, and plans to deport immimore in politics far more than when he was in midnot just in the hallways, are the mock grants.” Skylar Velez, however, dle school. “But then all presidential debates. Students will would choose Donald the more,” he adds, “the responsibility of educators chose one of the presidential hopefuls Trump. “I feel Clinton is not honest. People should is to teach students the and make their case. not trust Hillary Clinton skills that will help them because of the email scanunderstand this world and dal. Some say Trump is a racist; I respectfully disagree. separate fact from fiction.” Trump doesn’t want to get rid of all the immigrants in the United States, just those who did not enter the counPolitics Through Debate try legally.” As Student Council Advisor, one of the lessons Heily Diaz still cannot make up her mind, because “I Labriola hopes to convey is the importance of voting, have my brother and grandma yelling ‘Trump’ in one the basis for America’s democratic system. ear and in another ear I have the rest of my family “We need to encourage students to encourage the yelling ‘Hillary!’” Diaz does know that one of the adults in their family to vote…in this election and all issues that most concerns her is gun violence in elections. Students need to realize the great opportuniAmerica. She notes “CCMS has done a great job ty we have as Americans to vote. This is a vital lesson.” explaining to me how the election works and how the Furthermore, “many students hold very strong opinvotes are counted.” ions in this upcoming election. Towards the end of last Although CCMS 8th graders will not be able to vote school year, they expressed these opinions and I witin the 2016 presidential election, for the next election in nessed many 8th graders engage in lively debates 2020, many will already be 18. “I wish I could vote, regarding the various candidates. Many were not fans now” said Krystian Artwik, “if I could, I would vote for of Trump as they were generally fearful of many of his Hillary Clinton. When I think of the American initial comments regarding immigrants.” President, I think of someone like Hillary, someone One of the tools to teach students how to articulate smart, well-spoken and who does not make offensive or their thoughts, and not just in the hallways, are the mock presidential debates. Students will chose one of racist statements.” Jeffrey Jimenz feels the same way. the presidential hopefuls and make their case. “Donald Trump is careless with his words and in his Jaedon Jay, who hopes to debate, would vote for actions. I agree with President Obama when he says Hillary Clinton. “She has the experience. She was Trump is not ready to become President. His followers Secretary of State, a Senator from New York and forare being lead into false hope.” 64 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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Maria Dal Pan Dias writes about Cliftonites with a mix of traits that are interesting, charming and refreshing. “Trust your crazy ideas.” These four words on the wall of Debbie Oliver’s office are not only the philosophy beneath Clifton’s award-winning Recreation Department which she oversees, but also a recipe for a well-lived life. As a child, Oliver had plenty. “I was always bigger than the other kids, and I was always the leader,” said Oliver, now 60, who grew to be 5’10’’ shortly after moving to West Orange, NJ, from St. Louis in the 6th grade. So when she would run plays and talent shows out of her backyard, she would organize the neighborhood kids to perform. When she set up a skating rink inside her garage, she would gather everyone up to skate. And when she offered up her basement steps as concerthall seats, she would convince all her friends to pay a quarter and see her brother’s band. One week she’d be off camping with the Green Berets learning survival skills in the woods; the next, she’d be at a lapidary class or out learning how to swim. At 13, she was hired to be the director of a local summer camp. Still, she said, at the time she had no idea where these experiences would ultimately lead her, and no clue that 66 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
a role as recreation director even existed as a possible career. “If I look back, I credit my mom,” she said, remembering her mother, Alta. “My mom signed me up for everything. She always taught me to see things outside of the box, and she was one of those people who always saw a solution to any problem.” Now, in her 20th year with the Clifton Recreation Department, Oliver puts those early experiences and lessons into practice every day, bringing “crazy ideas” to life for anyone who enjoys the city’s 39 parks and countless classes and activities. “I consider myself a dreamer,” Oliver said, with gratitude to the people she has worked with over the years who have let her run with her unconventional ideas and unbridled enthusiasm. “And I have an amazing staff,” she said. “They are the talent who make my dreams happen. … We try to be a little creative and a little inventive in all we do.” From a party for dogs to family campouts, Oliver and her team produce a variety of activities throughout the year – each with a creative spin. Aside from being fun, every activity her team presents also has a deeper meaning or mission contained within it. For example, Daddy-Daughter Date Night, which many communities host, stands out in Clifton because Oliver and her team took the standard event and applied a few clever twists. Their goal: to bring fathers and daughters together not only for a fun night out, but also for meaningful interaction. To achieve it, in addition to the standard dancing and food which many communities feature at this kind of event, Oliver and her team also offered a room where fathers and daughters could play board games face-to-
face and an arts-and-crafts area where pairs could truly spend quality time making and creating together. “There was no music downstairs,” she said. “There was communication.” It was a crazy idea. And it won Oliver and her team an award this year 2016 from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association. It’s just one way Oliver is advancing the department’s mission to help people from all walks of life and all areas of the city enjoy fulfilling leisure time and come together as a community. “You can have people who wouldn’t normally be together enjoying each other’s company or enjoying the same activity,” she said. “Having and enjoying leisure time takes away our differences.” She credits her father, Paul, a salesman with Sears & Roebuck who moved up the ranks to senior management, with teaching her the importance of both hard work and getting people to believe in a vision. But unlike her father, Oliver said she’s not in the business of selling a product, rather she is selling ideas and opportunities. “It’s funny,” she said. “I was in recreation all my life, I just didn’t realize it.”
Unconventional Clifton
by Maria Dal Pan Dias Have any story ideas for Unconventional Clifton? Email: mariasdias@hotmail.com
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The Many CosTuMes of
Jessica Van Wie
Jessica Van Wie does not need a reminder about the date of the Halloween Parade & HarvestFest. The 16-year-old junior at Paramus Catholic High School creates elaborate costumes and usually walks away with the top prize. “We always did homemade costumes in our family. My mom, Judith, was a seamstress when she was single, so she made beautiful costumes for me and my sisters when we were kids,” explained Jessica, shown at right in 2015 as the woodland elf. “I am a bit of a hack on the sewing machine but it has worked out for costumes. I would never attempt real clothes.” In 2004, Jessica Van Wie wanted to be a butterfly, which led to a group costume tradition that has since continued. Her father, James, had a butterfly net and pith helmet, while Jessica was a monarch, and her sister, Jane, was the caterpillar. The group costume won the award for floats and families. The Van Wie family also won again in 2006 with a Jersey Fresh group costume involving fruits, vegetables and local produce. “Cleopatra was one of Jessica’s first solo works,” offered mom Judith Van Wie who with her husband James owns the decades-old Hiemer and Company Stained Glass Studio in the Lakeview neighborhood.
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Roofing • Siding • Gutters Ventilation • Chimneys
Jessica Van Wie in a steam punk costume which she wore to ComicCon 2015 in New York City. Her modified elf queen costume worked well at this summer’s New York Renaissance Faire. At right is her zombie of the bride costume from 2014.
“I’ve always had an interest in the performing arts and dressing up. As a child, I took dance lessons at Dance World Academy, and my favorite part would be wearing a costume and dancing on stage in the recital at the end of the year,” explained Jessica. “I have also taken acting classes at ATC Studios because I love to perform and act as different characters. Last summer, we performed short scenes of Shakespearean plays at Lambert Castle.”
“All of my costumes are assembled by me,” she continued. “The pieces are either hand sewn or purchased from stores and put together. My aunt has taught me how to sew so that is a skill that I have found to be very useful in costume making. I have also had an interest in special effects makeup for a long time. I love doing different makeup looks for all of my costumes because I feel it adds to the characters and completes the costume.”
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CHS grads in TLC’s production of The Odd Couple include Kyle Parkin, Devin Sogluizzo, Kurt Irizarry and Mike Purdy. The comedy will open at the Theresa Aprea Theater on Nov. 4 with dates through Nov. 13. Tickets are $15 to $25. For info, go to theaterleagueofclifton.com or call 973-928-7668.
halloween Parade & harvestfest Clifton’s Annual Halloween Parade & HarvestFest is Oct. 30, rain or shine on the city hall campus. The parade will begin at 12:45 led by the costumed Marching Mustangs. There will be floats and costumed characters of all ages. Step-off will be on Van Houten Ave. and go into the city hall campus, where judges will evaluate the entrants. HarvestFest continues until 4:30 pm with games and rides costing between a quarter and a dollar, game booths, plus a midway of sorts with rides. There is also pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, a petting zoo, and hayrides Food prices will vary. Enter the 17th Annual Apple Pie Baking Contest by registering between 1 and 1:30 pm, when judging begins. Prizes will be awarded to the top three bakers. Plan ahead and pre-purchase $5 bags of tokens with special pricing, beginning Oct. 9. Volunteers and vendors are needed and welcomed. For more info, call 973-470-5956, visit Clifton Rec at City Hall. 70 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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You can’t grow peaches on a cherry tree is an old folkie tune built for great harmony. Now imagine the late Bob Zschack, aka the Voice of the Mustangs and Woodrow Wilson and CHS biology teacher, introducing the song at one of the WWMS folkie concerts back in the ‘70s. Thanks to archived audio, Zschack did introduce the song again—at the WWMS Alumni Folk Reunion on Sept. 28. His wife Marlene and son Matt were among the audience of 150 who enjoyed hearing that but the performance and the night was actually a salute to former WW music teacher Frank Rainey, at right. He would audition singers from the school for a select group—the 9th Grade Singing Ensemble—who performed difficult group numbers and audience participation tunes. Dante vocal and instrumental pieces leading up to the Liberti, CHS 1975, organized this event, a fundraiser for Hootenanny, or Folk Program, from 1967 to 1977. Up to TLC, which had 35 performers, with one—Susan 40 singers would gather on the stage for the concerts, (Vogel) Wolters, coming from as far as Germany—to which featured full group numbers, solos and small honor their ‘Mr. Rainey’ in his 76th year.
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Tony Knotts
Starring
Have you ever been in love with someone, a friend or coworker, but were afraid to take a chance for fear that the relationship might fail? That is the basis for Rolling, a short film starring CHS 2011 grad Paige Sciarrino, who also wrote the script for the romantic comedy. “I wanted to write a film that captured what it’s like to feel like you’ve found adult love at a college age. How that can be scary. And how no matter how old you are when it happens, and no matter the circumstance, when you fall in love, they are a part of you forever,” explained Sciarrino. “This film explores the ‘What if?’ when two people who fell in love in college let life get in the way and decide to let it keep rolling along.” Sciarrino has appeared in 12 films to date, and Rolling will be the first that she receives screenwriting credits for. “I have been working as an actress for a production company, Impression Garden, and sent them my script,” she recalled. “I am very grateful to have them support me, since it is so hard and expensive to finance it on your own.” Sciarrino, who graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in acting, magna cum laude, in 2015, will star alongside Clifton resident, Tony Knotts, who is also a graduate of MSU.
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“We filmed in Montclair, on various sites on MSU. Since that it where the film’s inspiration originally came from, it felt right. We also shot a few scenes at my house in Delawanna,” she explained, adding that the main location was at Richfield Farms on Van Houten Ave.” The owners, Jack and Debbie Morton “totally gave me the go ahead to use the space as we needed. We went in and started setting up about an hour before they closed for the day, so there was a little bit of cross over with customers being there,” Sciarrino explained. “We filmed for about four hours on two nights.” Sciarrino and her team transformed the greenhouse into a cafe for one of the film’s key scenes. Thanks to the Mortons, the entire production cost about $300. Rolling is now in post production, and Sciarrino said Impression Garden is hopping it to various film festivals. While she waits for the debut, Sciarrino has been auditioning for roles. “I was just cast in an episode of a new crime series, Holiday Homicide,” explained Sciarrino. Each episode will be a different story, and Sciarrino will be playing a murderer. “It’s a little different vibe than Rolling,” she laughed. Go to PaigeSciarrino.com to get the latest info.
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Name:____________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Bring form to store. Drawing Nov. 10, 2016
Historian Don Lotz
Clifton’s Walk through History Part IV is an exhibit by historian Don Lotz provide a visual story and glance at the history of Clifton from about 1975 through 2015. Visitors are encouraged to share their stories of this era of Clifton history with the members of the Clifton Historical Commission, helping to provide a path to Clifton’s Centennial Celebration in 2017.
The exhibit opens at the Clifton Arts Center on Oct. 12 and will be displayed through Dec. 3. There is a reception on Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 pm. The gallery is open Wed. throughou through Sat., 1 to 4 pm. There is a $3 fee. More info at cliftonnj.org. Since opening in Jan., 2000, more than 40,000 visitors have enjoyed art exhibits and cultural events at the Clifton Arts Center.
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17th Annual Tattoo Marching Mustangs in West Milford on Nov. 12 for Highlander Band Tattoo—the Moving Musical Jam
Highlander Band Drum Majors Megan Hogan and Madison McIntyre surround Marching Mustang Drum Major Michele Zerelik as a prelude to the 17th Annual Military Concert and Tattoo in West Milford. This indoor musical showcase of bagpiping bands, drum corps and the high-stepping Marching Mustangs is on Nov. 12, 6:30 pm at West Milford High School, 67 Highlander Drive, West Milford. Over nearly two decades, the Highlander Tattoo has become a must-see moving musical showcase of band precision, bagpipe glory, and drum excellence. And it is worth the drive from Clifton to see not only the bands but the colorful fall foliage of western Passaic County. The word tattoo derived from the Dutch language which described when military bands of the 17th century would parade through towns alerting taverns it was curfew for the soldiers. 76 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
The Highlander Tattoo has become a way for high school musicians to see and hear different genres of music and to connect with musicians and performers from throughout the region. Funds raised by ticket sales support the Highlander Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Brian McLaughlin and Matt Gramata, as they perform their 2016 Field Show entitled Dreamscape— Travel Your Dreams, Face Your Nightmares.
The Marching Mustangs will perform their 2016 program on the gym floor, and will also join with The Highlanders and other bands for a grand finale. Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and over, $15 for 60 and over. Kids 5 to 12 are $10 and those under 4 are free. Visit wmhighlanderband.com or mail checks to WMBPA, PO Box 603, West Milford, NJ 07480. Questions? Write to julia.ligosh@gmail.com for info.
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SDA Indoor Sports Facility
For the past 46 years driving on Route 46 East a familiar site ‘The Clifton Tennis and Racket Club’ would greet you. Today those aging brown letters have been replaced with large shiny, sparkling blue letters that read: SDA Indoor Sports Facility. The new, all sports facility is made up of two parts. The front section is 30 yards by 30 yards and said goodbye to tennis many moons ago. Sports Domain Academy have been operating the front section as a small all sports facility throughout that time. The second part of the building is an 80 yard by 40 yard space which was originally five, side-by-side tennis courts. This summer, SDA was offered the opportunity to take over the entire building. “The buildings owner Dr. Peck and his son Dr. George Peck have been incredibly helpful in the transition,” explained SDA owner Ashley Hammond. “We happily agreed to take over the building this June and have been tirelessly working all summer to ready the place as an all sports facility. We opened on Sept. 1 and today the brand new turf field is already busy with many different programs including, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, baseball and softball. We have pick up soccer groups and this week we are having two hitting cages installed for even more activity.” 78 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
A mid summer view of the turf going on the pitch at Sports Domain Academy and at the Sept. 1 opening of SDA, the new indoor soccer facility on Route 46 East, from left: Councilmen Bill Gibson and Ray Grabowski with owner Ashley Hammond and Mayor Jim Anzaldi.
Hammond said the facility works with Clifton programs such as Bobby Cardillo of the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club and Joe Gaccione’s junior Flag Football program as well as other youth and adult sports programs throughout the region. Flag football is a growing alternative to full contact football that teaches basic skills and concepts of the game. Gaccione, who also runs the Junior Mustang Football Program, said Flag Football programs are designed to introduce youth to the game while providing a safe environment to grow in the sport. The season begins on Oct. 22 and registration is now underway. To register or for details, go to hofflagclifton.com.
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Clifton Stallions Director Bobby Cardillo said SDA is a welcome addition to his Clifton’s sports facilities. He is pictured with Meaghan Mancini, Aiden Masri and Adriana Rojas. SDA also runs a Flag Football Program and offers facility for team training in a variety of sports.
Additionally, SDA is working with Debbie Oliver of Clifton Recreation to expand a Junior Golden Kickers program. This activity teaches the fundamentals of soccer to children as young as four years of age These programs along with birthday parties, kids nights and much more will be the staple of one of the largest sports facilities in northern New Jersey. Hammond went on to talk about another personal and exciting part of the business. “We have worked with Parabolic from Little Falls for three years now. Parabolic is a physical therapy and strength and conditioning company that are at the top of the tree,” said Hammond adding: “They have done wonders with my own son
Shea who had a stroke when he was a baby.” Shea is heading to California for the second time to train with the Paralympic National Soccer team at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego. He’ll be spending a week there in October.” From training for teams in soccer, football, baseball softball and lacrosse to birthday parties, Sports Domain Academy is growing and evolving. Stop by. There is plenty of parking or visit www.sdaclifton.com for info. Cliftonmagazine.com • October 2016
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Breaking ground on Sept. 9 for an extensive renovation of Weasel Brook Park, from left: Kerry Pflugh of the NJDEP, Councilman Bill Gibson, Sheriff Richard Berdnik, Freeholder Pat Lepore, Councilwoman Lauren Murphy, Freeholder Bruce James, Councilman Raymond Grabowski, Freeholder Terry Duffy, Administrator Tony DeNova, Horizon Foundation’s Filomena Machlader and NJ Green Acres Coordinator Martha Sapp.
OctOber is Fire saFety MOnth Clifton FMBA Local 21 members have again published the 2016 Fire Prevention Booklet for Kids. The book is published at no cost to taxpayers as members of Clifton FMBA Local 21 have worked with Tomahawk Promotions, Clifton Merchant Magazine and a variety of businesses to pay for printing of 10,000 books. The 28 page activity and coloring book is designed for kids in grade 3 and below. Clifton Firefighters visit public and private schools during October to talk to kids about fire safety. The book’s main message urges families to check the date on smoke alarms and to replace ones over 10 years old. Sponsors include: Apprehensive Patient and Poller Dental Group; State Farm Agents Tom Tobin and Bill G. Eljouzi; Coldwell Banker Realtor Pina Nazario; Joseph Lauritano Landscaping; Tenafly Pediatrics; North Jersey Federal Credit Union; The New Bairn School; Clifton IHOP Restaurant; Downtown Clifton Economic Group, Inc.; Athenia Veterans Post; P&A Auto Parts; Valley National Bank; Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin; Mr. Cupcakes; Carl G. Zoecklein, Esq; Rainbow Montessori School; Clifton FMBA Local 21 members. To have fire officials visit your school, for copies of the book, or for info on Fire Safety, call 973-470-5801. 80 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
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NJFCU Summit North Jersey Federal Credit Union brought together some 80 Passaic County business leaders and small business owners to a business summit on Sept. 19 at NJFCU headquarters in Totowa. “This was our opportunity to present information while also working toward our mission of people helping people,” stated Lourdes Cortez, CEO for North Jersey Federal. The credit union was founded in 1936 in Paterson to serve teachers in Passaic County. Seventy-five years later, it is open to those who lives or conducts business in Passaic and Bergen counties. It is a full-service financial institution serving over 28,000 members, with $230 million in assets. For info, www.NJFCU.org.
Brian Tangora of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce received the Small Business Advocate Award from Lourdes Cortez, President & CEO of North Jersey Federal Credit Union. At right, Christina, Lazara and Emilio Hernandez of Rico Foods, the Community Advocate Award recipients.
Above left: Carrie Ryan of Hanson & Ryan Insurance with Vicki Wu of Eagle Home Mortgage. Rob Carrujo of Public House 46 and Mother’s Ale House with Alia Sugi of NextWave. Below right, Michelle Dziobek and Michelle Fitzpatrick and at left, Bradley Browne and Colin Carrasquillo, all of NJFCU. Bottom left of page, Glenn Fischer of CIANJ, two unidentified men and Bob Masiello of Mainly Meetings Travel.
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Don’t Let your Kitchen be the turkey
Design & Install a New Kitchen Before Thanksgiving
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Help these vets build the Passaic Monument: Ben Lanza and Jeremiah Drozd with his dog Mac, and from rear left: John Abdul, Walter Bysiek, John Dubyna, Joe Dudek, Cmdr. Jerry Pigan and Fred Corbitt of the Passaic DPW.
Last month’s story on the newly enlisted Army recruits from Clifton and Passaic who died in a fiery airplane crash on their way to boot camp touched many families. In total some 74 East Coast recruits and three crew members perished in the tragedy on Nov. 8, 1961, which occurred about 30 miles east of Richmond, VA. While the Clifton men have been immortalized on the Veteran’s Monument in Downtown Clifton, the 15 from Passaic never received such honors. That will change on Nov. 9 at 11 am when a monument and rose garden will be dedicated in Third Ward Park, thanks to the efforts of American Legion RosolDul Memorial Post 359 of Passaic. The project costs $25,000, and fundraising efforts continue, as close to $19,000 has been raised. Post 359 is selling brick pavers for $100 to offset the cost. Purchase one by visiting Post 359, 1 Wall St., Passaic, or by calling 973-473-2669. The Roll call of the Passaic Fallen who will be immortalized include: Henry Joseph Barna; Donald N. Gurtman; Joseph Kandravy; Donald Robert Kaplan; Valeri Korschuk; Hartmut Kuttnick; David Nathaniel Moore; Bernard Burrill Olster; Hellmut Petratschek; Patrick Robert Purcell; Edward Raymond Shamberger; Stephen Paul Soltesz; Richard James Vanderhoven; Richard Dolan Wall; Alberto Zyczynski. 84 October 2016 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Clifton Veteran Parade is at 2 pm, Nov. 6 on Van Houten Ave. and will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and six other military bases on the Hawaiian island of Oahu precipitated America’s entry into World War II. Pearl Harbor endures as a symbol of American resilience and resolve, and the commemoration of the attack fosters reflection, remembrance, and understanding. “To me it is such an important date in our country’s history that is vital to mark the occasion and honor those not only killed there but also all of the WWII vets,” said parade chair Keith Oakley. To participate or donate, call Oakley at 201-774-6666. Five times a year, volunteers erect the Avenue of Flags through lanes of the municipal complex. The flags go up around dawn and come down at dusk. They’re quite a sight—nearly 1,800 Stars and Stripes billowing in the breeze of a sunny, blue-sky day. As you walk through the municipal campus, two sounds drown out any others: the flapping of the nylon in the wind, and the rustle of leaves beneath your feet — at least on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day— weather permitting, the next day the colors are hoisted. Other dates are Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Patriot’s Day. Honor a veteran by purchasing a flag. To do so, fill out the application (cliftonnj.org) and mail with a $110 check and proof of veteran’s service. The purchase includes a flag, pole and protective sleeve, a name plate and a ground socket. Call John Biegel, Jr. at 973-519-0858 to volunteer or donate a flag.
The raising and lowering of the American flag held at dawn and dusk daily on US military bases across the globe holds enormous meaning. Morning and evening colors are so highly regarded that any military members outside will immediately stop what they are doing, face the flag, and salute. They will also stop, pull over their cars and wait until the flag ceremony is done and the color guard announces it is alright to carry on with business. So when a vandal cut the halyard on the flag pole of the Beck family on Lorraine Dr. on Sept. 11, it send the Stars & Stripes aground. Photos of the desecration were posted online and it stirred a contingent of marines, led by brothers Gunnery Sergeant Mario Monaco and Sgt. Dominick Monaco, to restore Old Glory. So on Sept. 14, a USMC color guard called the neighborhood to attention and the time-honored tradition was conducted as they raised the colors at the Beck home.
which means Tomahawk Jr. is trained and nationally certified in restorative water drying methods by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as IICRC. Cliftonmagazine.com • October 2016
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Milestones & Reunions
Mustangs in 1967: Patricia Stagnitto, Philip Fenster, Eileen Ploch, Roy Stesko, George Kuch, Michael Duch, Doreen Holmes.
The CHS Class of 1967 50th reunion is April 22 from 7 to 11 pm at the Bethwood. The cost is $100, which will include a four hour buffet and open bar as well as a DJ. Most importantly, there will be four hours of
catching up with old Mustangs. Checks should be payable to Patricia M. Gibson and received no later than Jan. 31, 2017. Contact Gibson (aka Patricia Stagnitto back in ‘67) at pattymarie25@gmail.com. The CHS class of 1966 50th Year Reunion Weekend is Nov. 4 to 6. Events begin at the CHS stadium with the Friday Mustang football game followed by a Saturday morning tour of CHS and lunch with classmates at Rutt’s Hut and a banquet at the Regency House, Pompton Plains. The banquet is $70; other events are pay-as-yougo. Write to CHSreunion66@aol.com, on FB at “Clifton HS Class of ‘66” or call Nancy Maurer Muddell at 201723-0402 or Jackie Sussman Schein at 973-265-4873. The CHS class of 1986 is holding a 30th reunion at the Bethwood on Nov. 26. The cost is $75 and for more information, write chsmustangs86@optonline.net. The CHS class of 1996 20th reunion will be held on Nov. 26 at 7 pm at the Barnyard and Carriage House in Totowa. Tickets are $60 and include dinner, beer, wine, door prizes and a DJ. Make checks to the CHS class of 1996 and mail to P.O. Box 4109, Clifton, NJ 07012. The 9th annual John Samra Memorial Walk & 5K Run is Oct. 9, at 8:30 am at City Hall. Late registration is $25 and begins at 7 am.
He listens and talks to the kids (just ask School 5’s Genaro Quispe) and is a gentle person. Those are just some of the accolades his staff shared about Dr. Kenith Nevard, who will be retiring later this month after four decades as the Clifton Health Dept’s Dentist. “He is like a breath of fresh air,” said Barbara Luzniak. “He is here in the rain or the snow and always dressed in a blazer and a tie. He is old school—a true gentleman. The kids and all of us will miss him.” Asked of his plans, the CHS 1955 grad said he expects to spend lots of time with his seven grandchildren and find ways to relax around his hometown. Cliftonmagazine.com • October 2016
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Really big cannolis. Lots to eat and drink. And plenty of friends to see. The Fourth Taste of Clifton on Sept. 26 was another success for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Held in the Club’s Auditorium, hundreds enjoyed the drinks, foods and sweets served up by reps from local restaurants and liquor purveyors. A team of volunteers and Development Director John DeGraaf made it happen, raising funds to help underwrite youth programming at the Club. Photos from Monday’s event are on the next five pages.
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Raising funds for the Club doesn’t stop so on Sept. 18 it switched into high gear at the Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show. The third annual show was held in the corporate park on the corner of Allwood and Bloomfield Aves. Dozens of exhibitors walked away with some trophies and all received booty bags filled with Turtle Wax products Funds raised by exhibitor fees go to underwrite costs for the 5,310 kids in programs such as Early Childhood, After School and Summer Camps, Youth Swim and Sports Programs, and Teen Activities. The Club is able to deliver these affordable programs thanks to the generosity of donors and through fundraising programs like the car show and the Taste of Clifton.
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Birthdays & Celebrations
George Hayek at center with the blue shirt, turned 90 on Oct. 1 and had a few celebrations around town. He is pictured at his butcher shop on Getty Ave. in South Paterson with pals, from left: Bill Van Eck, sons Bobby and Charley, John Biegel and Doug Tenis.
Send dates & names... tomhawrylko@optonline.net George Hayek .................10/1 Sarah Bekheet..................10/1 Melissa Szwec .................10/2 Awilda Gorman ...............10/3 Ashley Messick ................10/3 Christopher Papademetriou .10/3 Charlene Rivera ...............10/3 Grace Robol ....................10/3 Frank Antoniello ...............10/4 John Brock Jr....................10/4 Kimberly Ferrara ..............10/4 Kayla Galka ....................10/4 Lisa Junda........................10/4 Alan Merena ...................10/4 Bruce Merena ..................10/4 Villeroy Hard ...................10/5 Rosalie D. Konopinski .......10/5 Kyle Takacs......................10/5 Gene D’Amico .................10/6 Nicole Nettleton...............10/6 Joseph Tahan ...................10/6 Cheryl Cafone .................10/7
Christopher Phillips ...........10/7 Jilian Fueshko...................10/8 Nick Kacmarcik ...............10/8 Kim Oeffler......................10/8 Michael Biondi...............10/10 Rich Montague...............10/10 Kyle Zlotkowski ..............10/10 Eileen Patterson..............10/11 Anthony Shackil .............10/11 Michael D. Rice .............10/12 Stepanie M. Palomba .......10/13 Kimberly Beirne..............10/14 Lil Geiger ......................10/14 Mary Anne Kowalczyk....10/14 Andrea Kovalcik.............10/15 Stephen Kovalcik............10/15 Marianne Meyer ............10/15 Noel Oliver ...................10/16 Noel Coronel.................10/16 Nicole Zlotkowski...........10/16 Benjamin Brody..............10/17 Nancy Hromchak ...........10/17
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Devin DeVries ................10/18 Matthew Fabiano ...........10/18 Edward Holster, Sr..........10/18 Jamie Norris ..................10/18 Brian James Grace .........10/19 Kristen A. Hariton...........10/19 Ben Brody..........................10/19 Joan Bednarski...............10/20 Jean Chiariello ...............10/20 Lea Dziuba ....................10/20 Pactrick M. Doremus Jr. ....10/21 Eugene Osmak...............10/21 Nathaniel Santelli...........10/21 Katelyn Smith .................10/21 Jonathan Rossman ..........10/22 Toni Van Blarcom ...........10/22 Daniel Atoche ................10/23 Andrew J. “Dez“ Varga ........10/23 Allison Beirne.................10/24 Sandra Kuruc.................10/24 Heather Fierro................10/24 Paul G. Andrikanich .......10/25
Ida Marotta celebrates her 90th birthday on Oct. 17
Noel Coronel turns 12 Oct 16. Mildred Scrosia..............10/25 Matthew McGuire ..........10/26 Kristofer Scotto ...............10/27 Nicole Keller..................10/28 Ashley Gretina ...............10/29 Lindsay Berberich ...........10/30 Francesca Scrosia ..........10/30 Hadeel Aref...................10/31 Raymond Romanski ........10/31 Josef Schmidt .................10/31 Cliftonmagazine.com • October 2016
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Valley Goes Pink 8th annual breast cancer walk is on Oct. 8 at 9 am on the campus of Valley National Bank’s corporate campus at 1460 Valley Rd. in Wayne. This walk raises money and awareness for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). Proceeds are used for research and conferences at Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center and other research facilities under the direction of Dr. Larry Norton, M.D, who serves as the Foundation’s Scientific Advisor.
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Come walk then participate in prize drawings, a 50/50 raffle and free food and beverages. Dr. Norton and WOIX-TV weather expert Mr. ‘G’ will also be on hand to support lead the walk. To make a donation—over the past seven years, Valley has raised over $700,000—visit any Valley branch. To learn more or make an online donation, visit the CBCF’s website at curebreastcancerfoundation.org and type “VNB Walk” in the company field.
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
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