Clifton Merchant • September 2014
3
Table of Contents
What’s Inside? 6
Other Side of the Desk Math Teacher Melissa Ayers, CHS 2010
24 Check the Medicine Cabinet Addiction Can Begin in Your Home
30 9/11’s Twin Heartaches Sandy Grazioso’s Loss is Doubled
42 Don’t Give Up on Summer Picnics, Street Fairs & Fall Fun
70 Paying Scented Tribute... Murals of Shulton get Second Life
76 Dutch Hill’s Birthday Fairy Laura Byrouty, The Confetti Foundation
36 Clifton’s Kahuna! Ride Those Waves, Michael!
90 Nation’s Best Franchise Top Honors for Clifton’s Muscle Maker 16,000 Magazines
are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month. Subscribe Page 82
$27 per year $45 for 2 years
1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011
Call Us: 973-253-4400 Editorial Intern Mariel Vazquez © 2014 Tomahawk Promotions
4 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Business Manager Gabriella Marriello Graphic Designer Ken Peterson Contributing Writers Irene Jarosewich Domenick Reda Carol Leonard Michael Gabriele
Thanks to these Mustangs who on Aug. 14 worked with us to get this photo and the one you see on our cover. Clockwise from left rear: Marisa Ale, Stephen Lazorchak, Elissa McMahon, Kamila Ivashka, Samantha Wang, Alaa Khalil, Carlos Skerrett an kneeling in front Tiani Hibbert. Turn to page 50 for many more pictures of these seniors and their teammates in a preview to the fall sports season.
Mustang Sports 50
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
5
Teacher Feature
By Michael Gabriele
For Melissa Ayers, this year’s Back to School season marks the start of her career as a high school math teacher. It also represents a personal full-circle moment as she will be on the other side of the desk at CHS, her beloved alma mater. Ayers was the number-eight ranked member of the CHS Class of 2010 and attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and School 16. She did her student teaching in Bloomfield and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Montclair State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude last spring. She’s not sure how the first day of the new school year will hit her when she walks through the doors of CHS as a teacher. “I’m back where I started, but it will be different,” she said. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was a student. It’s the same hallways, the same classrooms. This is my hometown. I went through the school system here. There is a level of comfort in that. It will be interesting to see what happens when I’m a teacher and I’m on the other side of the desk.” Aside from its reassuring familiarity, Ayers was drawn to work at CHS, in part, because of her involvement with the Mustang Marching Band. In addition to serving as a math teacher, her responsibilities will 6 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
include being an assistant band director, working with the new director, Cody Holody. Last season, while still at Montclair State, Ayers was an assistant band director for Robert Morgan and the Mustang Marching Band. An alto sax and flute player, she was a member of the band while a student at CHS, and had the responsibility of being the quartermaster during her senior year. Going forward, music will remain a vibrant part of her life outside of CHS as Ayers is a member of the Clifton Community Band, led by Morgan, and the choir at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, on Valley Rd.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
7
Teacher Feature
Entering her first year of college, Ayers originally had plans to become a music teacher, but eventually decided math provided a more sustainable career path. “Most people I know say math was their least-favorite subject in high school,” she said with a smile. “I was the whiz kid in math class. I liked math and was always good at it.” Becoming an Equal with the Mentor Kathie Brach was Ayers’ favorite high school math instructor. “She was my pre-calculus teacher during my senior year. The quality I admired most about her was her passion for teaching. It’s easy to see if teachers enjoy what they do. She always had a smile and was willing to share a laugh with her students.” Brach appreciated Ayers’ performance as a student, but also saw potential for Ayers as a teacher. Brach spotted Ayers’ willingness and ability to assist other students with the academic rigors of math. “I helped the other kids and their grades improved,” Ayers recalled. “I think that’s what really impressed Ms. Brach. She told me teaching is a rewarding career, and that if I ever changed my mind about music, I should become a math teacher. That conversation stuck with me.” Visiting CHS during her junior year of college, Ayers stopped in to say hello to Brach. “I told her I had changed my major to Mathematics. I think that was music to her ears.” In addition to being inspired by Brach, Ayers’ mom, Linda, was also a role model. Linda Ayers, for many years, has been an accounting teacher and department supervisor in the Wallington school district. Obviously, proficiency with numbers runs in the Ayers family.
8 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
At her CHS 2010 graduation Melissa Ayers, with her mom Linda, her brother Rob, and her dad Bob.
As a math teacher, Ayers’ goal is to make the subject matter come alive for students—admittedly a daunting task. As a first-year teacher at CHS, her courses will include Algebra One for freshman; Geometry for sophomores; and Computer Science for all grades. Her mission will be to, quite literally, go beyond the numbers. “It’s important to understand how and why you get an answer to a certain problem,” she explained. “Math becomes more interesting when you apply it to the real world. Math is ‘out there’—not just in text books. Math is its own language.” These days, besides teaching, the “hot” job for math majors coming out of college is being a certified actuary, a career that involves the study of risk management in the financial world. Mathematicians also are in demand in a variety of research settings. For example, Ayers said math majors are needed in the field of healthcare, developing statistical models to determine how to best control the spread of disease by weighing population data and medicine distribution strategies to project various outcomes.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
9
Teacher Feature
The Art of Pedagogy In addition to being astute in math, Ayers, during her years at Montclair State, also learned the mechanics of teaching. She said her university mentors gave her high marks for her presence in the classroom—how she was able to engage with and challenge students. Her mentors lauded her ability to respect and differentiate the learning capabilities of individual students in any given class, and then adjust accordingly. For teachers, this is a skill set that demands a considerable level of homework, dedication and preparation in order to master the art of communicating and connecting with students. “This is the ‘other side’ of teaching,” Ayers explained. “This is the part of the job that most people don’t fully appreciate. You not only have to know the subject matter; you also have to learn how to teach.” Ayers is describing the field of pedagogy—the science, methods and underlying philosophies of teaching in an academic setting. The goal is to develop programs that help students think critically and learn how to learn. It requires educators to absorb and apply the “best practices” for tests and homework, lesson plans, special projects, and classroom discipline. There are also modules on how to approach students with various physical or learning disabilities.
Melissa Ayers, with alto sax in hand, is pictured as Mustang Marching at the 2009 NYC Columbus Day Parade. Stepping along Fifth Avenue, she met Christopher Columbus.
Proudly Serving Assembly District 34... Clifton, Orange, East Orange & Montclair On Labor Day and during the month of September, I want to honor workers and the labor movement here in New Jersey. Unions, by fighting for higher standards for workers, businesses, families, the environment, and public health and safety, have helped to build the middle class and make sure the economy works for everyone.
Assemblywoman
Sheila Y. Oliver 15-33 Halsted St., Suite 202 East Orange, NJ 07018 973-395-1166 • AswOliver@njleg.org paid for by Committee to Elect Sheila Oliver
10 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
11
Teacher Feature
The Creative Classroom There is no single strategy and Ayers said teachers must be flexible in their efforts. Aware of the challenges at hand, she will attempt to “hook” students on math during the first days of the new school year. “Students must invest in their own education,” Ayers declared. “I believe in maintaining mutual respect in a classroom. It’s my job to train students for the real world.” Ayers is ready to embrace a new perspective on going “back to school,” returning to the friendly confines of CHS and launching her career. “I’m not considering the first day of school as my first day of work,” she said. “I’m (still) calling it the first day of school because I enjoy what I do. My students will be learning from me and I will be learning from them. This is one of the unique things about being a A few years ago... CHS’s top ten of 2010. From top left: Colleen Reynolds, Melissa Ayers, Justyna Felusiak, Janki Patel, Christina Kata, and Jake Wilson. Front, from left: Gabriela Koziol, Emily Urcioli, and Michelle Ferrara. Missing from the photo is Laurence Singh.
teacher. I hope to inspire students the same way that I was inspired by so many of my teachers at CHS.” On a professional level, she’s eager to reinvent relationships with familiar faces and aware that, early on, there may be an awkward moment or two. “Being a colleague with the people who inspired my career choice is almost surreal and certainly makes this whole experience come full circle. One of the more difficult things for me will be acknowledging that my colleagues aren’t my teachers anymore, and that I can call them by their first names.” Most likely, Ayers’ initial challenge will come during her lunch break on the first day of school, when she enters the cafeteria and sits at the same table with her former teacher, Kathie Brach. However, considering her track record, it’s a safe bet Ayers will pass the test —and may even have an apple for her former teacher. 12 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
At Hanson & Ryan, we are property owners who live locally. So we are aware of the damages past storms have caused. We’ve prepared the essay below regarding potential insurance risks and liabilities. If you want more info, give us a call and we’ll mail a booklet or make the time to sit and talk over your policies.
Will It be the 100 Year Flood... Again? Floods and Hurricanes? Doesn’t it seem like a 100-year flood occurs more often? The truth is the term’s misleading, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, because it’s really a statistical designation, and very large floods can occur several years in a row. The Passaic River is known for chronic flooding problems during periods of heavy rainfall or snow-melt—and it is not just upcounty that gets hit. Many Clifton neighborhoods are getting soaked. Flooding can happen for reasons other than rainfall, including hurricanes, sheet flows and seiches. Whether or not you live in a flood zone, you should take precautions to help prevent flood damage to your home. And if you implement flood damage preventative measures, tell your insurance agent so you can take advantage of any applicable premium credits or discounts.
Sewers Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the house drains.
Electricity Don’t stand in water and turn off electrical switches. Even if flood waters are not reaching electrical outlets, the risk of electrical shock to someone working in a flooded area is high because of electric motors in the furnace, freezer, washer, dryer and other appliances. If the ground is still dry, shut off electrical breakers or unscrew fuses. If wet, contact the power company to have the electrical supply disconnected.
Barriers In areas where water is not expected to rise above the slab or floor level, have materials on hand to quickly construct barriers (sandbags, levees, beams, flood walls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
Elevate for Prevention Make sure your furnace, water heater, and electric panel are elevated. If a flood is imminent: • Shut off appliances at the breaker panel. • Put freezers, washers, dryers and other appliances up on wood or cement blocks to keep the motors above the water level. • If large appliances can’t be moved, wrap them in polyethylene film, tying the film in place with cord or rope. The water may still get in, but most silt will be blocked. • Move hazardous materials to higher locations – including paint, oil and cleaning supplies. • Move tax records, insurance policies, photos and other important items off the bottom shelves in the lower level of your home.
Seepage In basements or crawlspaces, seal the walls with water-proofing compounds to avoid seepage.
Your homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage. Clifton Merchant • September 2014
13
One Stop
Job Seekers Unemployed?
CDL Training
Under Employed? Need Training? Call or Visit the Passaic County One-Stop Career Center. 973-340-3400
Culinary Arts
Computer Science
GET ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS 200 Memorial Dr., Paterson • pcwdc.org 14 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
For employers, One-Stop can provide a variety of Free Services & Custom Programs.
Many Services
Employers Welfare-to-Work
Hire A Veteran
Our OJT Program will pay the salaries of your new employees while they are in training in any in-demand industry. Call Lauren Murphy to discuss details and learn about other incentives for Passaic County Employers.
973-340-3400
Vocational/Technical Director of One-Stop Career Center Lauren Murphy WIB Director Chris Irving 200 Memorial Drive, Paterson, NJ 07505 973-340-3400
One-Stop Career Center Board of Directors, Chair, Freeholder Bruce James Trustee Freeholder Hector Lora Trustee Rev. Randall Lassiter Clifton Merchant • September 2014
15
Class President
Meghan Sekanics By Domenick Reda As senior class president, Meghan Sekanics is the chief advocate for the approximately 800 seniors at CHS who will graduate in 2015. She is their representative who will sit with CHS Principal Tony Orlando, class advisors and others to discuss issues important to her classmates. First on her agenda? Lowering the cost of prom bids so more students can attend. Next? Being a Clifton booster. “The best thing about CHS is that it has so much to offer,” she said of the sprawling main campus and Annex on Brighton Rd. which together houses over 3,000 students. “There are clubs to join, sports to play and events to attend. It is an extremely active school that consistently inspires kids to get involved in new and different activities. We are lucky for that.” Known for her helpful and outgoing personality, this Mustang lives up to her reputation as a tough defender on the soccer pitch and the lacrosse field as well as being an engaged student in the classroom. So how does an average Mustang get to be in such a position? Sekanics found great mentors on life’s path. “I really have to thank my 5th grade teacher at School 9, Mrs. O’Leary, for inspiring me at such an young age,” she recalled. “She saw more in me than I saw in myself. Our conversations gave me the confidence to look farther than tomorrow...to understand that hard work today will achieve greater things later.” “During sophomore and junior years I ran for Student Council and served as the corresponding secretary,” Sekanics recalled. “This year, I was elected senior class president and I am also part of the Athletic Training Club and head of Mustang Teen Institute-Students Against Destructive Decisions.” MTISADD was formed within the past year and focuses on creating demonstrations and activities to spread awareness and prevent drunk driving. 16 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Sekanics has also been a member of the French Club since sophomore year. Her favorite subject, however, is math and she credits Frances Chin with helping her find a new appreciation for the art of numbers. “It provides me with a new challenge every day,” she said. “Mrs. Chin helped me understand the lessons and made the subject easier for me.” Athletics offer the senior further challenges. “I fell in love with soccer at the age of 5 and began to play travelling when I was in third grade and I haven’t stopped since. Although my entire soccer career began at the recreation level, I tried out for travel soccer teams and became a team member of the Clifton Stallions.” And she is pretty good. She has been on the varsity squad since freshman year and now serves as team captain. As a junior, she also started playing lacrosse. “I picked up lacrosse due to friendly peer pressure and will play defense again senior year,” Sekanics said. Perhaps due to Mrs. O’Leary’s inspiration, Sekanics is also involved in the community and her church. She has volunteered at Safety Town, a camp that teaches basic safety rules to Clifton’s preschool students. “Seeing the kids smiles as they road their bikes and learned about the ‘firehouse’ or ‘airport’ made me wish the camp was longer than two weeks,” she said.
OPEN HOUSE — Sunday —
Oct. 5, 2014 1-4 pm
— Wednesday —
Oct. 15, 2014 7-9 pm
PC Class of 2014 Graduates Earned Over $66 Million in Scholarships and Grants. Clifton Graduates earned over $3 million of those Scholarships and Grants.
Come and see why over 145 students from Clifton are making PC their high school of choice! • New Tablet Program & Online Classes • 143 Courses, Including - 27 Honors Classes - 19 AP Classes • New Track & AstroTurf Stadium Field • Full Music Program & Marching Band • Stable, Strong, & Future Focused • Cost Effective Tuition • Large School Offerings, Small Class Size • Fully Wireless Facility Scan the QR code for more information
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
17
She is also active in St. Philip’s RC parish, which is on Valley Rd. “I’ve been a team leader for St. Philip’s Antioch and What is Seven retreats, which help teenagers gain a positive and appreciative attitude towards life. I have truly enjoyed every moment of the retreats, especially seeing everyone, including the leaders, go through a positive enlightenment.” Sekanics said her best experience at CHS was in junior year when she and two other students were chosen by the Clifton Rotary Club to attend the Rotary Youth League Award leadership program. “This helped me grow as a person to sharpen my leadership skills,” she recalled. “The week long trip had many activities which forced me from my comfort zone to work with other student leaders from northern Jersey whom I have never met before. I got the chance to meet and exchange ideas and opinions and learned from them as well as the counselor members. This was a once in a lifetime experience and all the memories and lessons will carry with me forever.” So as she juggles a full academic schedule, a heady soccer season. working at DeFeo’s Deli & Grill on Market St. and being the head honcho for her senior class, Sekanics also has some decisions to make.
18 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
“College-wise I am extremely interested in the University of Delaware and hope to have the chance attend,” she said. “While in college, I plan on studying human development and family studies, as well as psychology. I hope to land a job directly out of college in the psychological field. However my main goal is to maintain a positive attitude toward life and be happy with the life I choose to pursue.” Apart from college, Sekanics hopes her experiences during her years at CHS, both academically and otherwise, will serve her well. “Throughout the years, I have attended many soccer tournaments and it has made me truly appreciate the experience of traveling to new places,” she said. “I am always ready to conquer the challenges that life may bring and I am willing to put my in all into something, whether its helping out a friend with personal problems or a school project.” Any advice to the Freshman class? It is simple: join, get involved, care and be respectful. Sekanics said because of the diversity of our area and the size of CHS, students have opportunities they won’t even find at some colleges so she encourages younger students to be active from the first semester at CHS.
St. Mary High School 64 Chestnut St., Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-933-5220 • www.stmaryhs.org
Open House Sun. Sept 28
1:00pm-3:00pm
Become a
“Gael For A Day!”
We’re St. Mary High School, a/k/a “The Gaels,” and we proudly term ourselves “Small, Personal and Catholic” If you’d like to find out for yourself what that really means, and how our complete commitment to those words can help your child achieve his/her own best, then please consider our “Gael For a Day” program. Prospective students spend a day “shadowing” a Gael throughout an “average” school day at St. Mary. The objective is to explore the special bond that develops between our students and all of us at our nearby small, personal, Catholic high school. For further information, and for the opportunity to explore firsthand how being a “Gael For A Day” can lead to a lifetime of academic and personal achievement, call John Taormina, our Admissions Director, at 201-933-5220, x220. Clifton Merchant • September 2014
19
Some 357 grants and 16 years later, the Clifton Education Foundation continues to further the educational goals of the Clifton Public Schools through the funding of creative programs and special projects that cannot be supported through the regular annual school district budget. The group has raised and allocated more than $142,000 in grants to 310 Clifton teachers since its inception in 1998 as a nonprofit, tax exempt community organization independent of the Clifton Board of Education. Proposals are solicited annually from teachers, administrators and parSome board members include, from left: Maryann Stagen, Tom Mullin, ents for grants to fund programs and Michele Morgan, Ernie Scheidemann. Back, from left: Bonnie Stambuli, projects that will enhance the district’s Lila Czaplicki, Loretta Ahmad and Marge Sichel. course offerings—math and science This scholarship is supported by the Hakim family projects, world language, multicultural programs, enviand administered by the Foundation. Since the ronmental sciences, art, theatre and music enrichment Foundation relies on contributions, donations are programs, technology projects, problem solving and always graciously accepted, as are memorial donations, critical thinking activities. bequests and grants. Fundraisers have been hosted to honor individuals Businesses, corporations and individuals may considand annual events include the CAST Program Film er assisting the Foundation with a contribution or a Festival and a Lollipops and Roses Concert featuring matching tax deductible gifts program with their employthe Clifton Community Band under the direction of Bob ees. Contributions may be sent to the Clifton Education Morgan. A scholarship in memory of one of the foundFoundation, P.O. Box 2071, Clifton, NJ 07015. Call ing members, Marie Hakim, is awarded annually to a 973-778-7704 or write CRESCI50@aol.com for details. graduating senior planning a career in education.
20 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
21
New Name, Same Mission Since 1947 The Passaic County Elks CP Center has changed its name to the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA). The new name represents the expanded reach of our service delivery and explains more about our excellent reputation. Founded in Clifton in 1947, NJEDDA has three dynamic facilities, each offering unique educational, therapeutic, medical and social programs. Some 260 children and adults come daily from over 50 towns and six different New Jersey counties—Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Hudson and Sussex. While NJEDDA still serves children and adults with cerebral palsy, the staff also addresses issues such as intellectual disabilities, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and other physical and mental conditions. Now in our 67th year as a pioneer in the rehabilitation field for children and adults with special needs, our mission to meet the needs of each individual with developmental disabilities—and the dedicated support of the Elks—remains steadfast and consistant.
22 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Unique People Supporting Each Other As We Meet The Challenges of Life NJEDDA provides services from birth through the adult years. Our programs include: • Free Special Toddler Playgroup (Ages 1-3) • Preschool (Ages 3-5) • Elementary School (Ages 5-13) • High School (Ages 14-21) • Adult Training Center
Services provided include: • Special education • Job training • Physical therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy • Nursing and social work services • State-of-the-art technology in all of our programs • Physiatrist, equipment and bracing clinics
New Name, Same Mission Since 1947 1481 Main Avenue • Clifton, NJ 07011 (973) 772-2600 • www.NJEDDA.org Clifton Merchant • September 2014
23
Drug Prevention
GATEWAY DRUGS MEDICINE CABINET
And unlike other street drugs that are Heroin addiction is a blight that is too diluted with chemicals that could be often associated with the more urban potentially fatal, oxycodone tablets are cities in northern New Jersey. But it’s a By Joe Hawrylko pure and each dosage is labeled. very real issue in middle class “If I give you a pill at a party, communities just like Clifton. it’s a lot easier than going into And the gateway to this drug the ghetto and saying, ‘Here’s a epidemic might just start in your needle, here’s a match book,” medicine cabinet. said Alexander, who received his “Oxycodone and OxyContin LCSW Master’s from Rutgers (brand name oxycodone), New Brunswick, and has been they’re basically the most popupracticing for two decades. lar street drugs out there,” “Ironically, that’s where many explained John Alexander, a end up.” Licensed Clinical Social Worker But just like heroin, oxy(LCSW) and certified drug and codone carries life-altering side alcohol counselor who counsels effects: crippling addiction, sickwith many individuals from all ening withdrawls and a physical walks of life but primarily those dependency that can influence aged 18 to 27. the user to go to desperate meas“Street pharmaceuticals are ures to get a fix. very accessible, and it’s easy It is this dark side of the preand very conducive to addicscription pain killer addiction tion,” he continued. “In other that drives an infrequent user to words, it’s not a socioeconomic its much more dangerous cousin, deal. It’s not like one kid growheroin. ing up in a school yard in pover“With the street’s ebb and ty using drugs. A lot of times we John Alexander, a licensed LCSW flow, sometimes (oxycodone) is associate drug addiction with available and sometimes’s it’s the inner city. This is infiltrating not. And it’s expensive. You can spend up to $160 a day middle class families with a history of addiction.” on the habit,” explained Alexander. “What happens is Medicinally and legally, these synthetic opioids are kids can no longer get the drug, they go into Newark to used as robust pain killers. use heroin, and get three or four dime bags to alleviate However, recreational users prize this pill for its potentheir withdrawal symptoms.” cy, and the lack of social stigma that comes with heroin “Ironically, it is cheaper to shoot dope. And when a kid and morphine—two other powerful opioids—or other gets desperate, he goes and does it,” he continued. strong drugs that must be injected, snorted or smoked. 24 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Sunday, October 12, 2014• 8:30 am
The 7th Annual John Samra Scholarship Memorial 5K Run/Walk — Certified Course — Start & End, City Hall 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton
Registration online at: cliftonpba36.com
Fee: $20/applicant if postmarked by Sept. 20, to guarantee a t-shirt.
Late registration $25 Race day reg starts at 7 am
Sponsors needed contact Race Coordinator John Kavakich at
973-470-5897 jkavakich@cliftonpolice.org John Samra was a Clifton motorcycle officer who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 21, 2003. To keep his memory eternal, a scholarship fund was established in his name and events such as this run help fund it. There are various levels of participation, from newcomers and youth, to competitive runners and seniors. presented by
Clifton PBA 36
with support from the
Clifton Roadrunners Clifton Merchant • September 2014
25
Drug Prevention “It’s easy to graduate to street heroin. It’s in Clifton, Nutley, Bloomfield—it’s definitely a middle class problem.” Even if the individual has the support and the resources to seek out professional help, the road ahead is anything but smooth. “Oxycodone, heroin and then Suboxone (an opioid blocker given to addicts). I’d say I see that about 60 percent of the time.” “Most people are a combination of alcohol and other drugs,” he said. “The alcoholic is not as common as it once was because of all the drugs out there.” Another issue that has changed since Alexander began his career is how addicts receive help following discharge from rehab. “With today’s insurance, treatment stays vary,” he explained. “They can be a five day detox on one end of the spectrum to four months of intensive outpatient treatment on the other end of the spectrum.”
26 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
“Here is a typical scenario: You’ve got a 23 year old kid addicted to street pills, narcotics, and he goes through a four or five day detox at Bergen Regional and is refered to intensive outpatient treatment that may last up to four months,” explained Alexander. The patient then gets group therapy, counseling and psychiatric help. “Then he is discharged and that’s where the problems begin.” “You have an average of three and a half months of structured help and then you’re on your own,” he said. “You’re expected to find a therapist like me—if you have the resources. As a part of the continued recovery, you’re expected to bond with Narcotics Anonymous to build contacts within that self help group but that doesn’t always work out.” Alexander explained that the issue is that for many patients, integrating into an NA session with complete strangers without the aid of the drug they’ve given up is difficult socially.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
27
Drug Prevention Furthermore, many of those who have gone through rehab also seek treatment for psychological issues, which further hinder social interactions. Alexander estimated that some 25 percent of patients have dual diagnosis—they are addicted to a drug and suffer from some form of a mental disorder. “This is where the treatment gap comes in for a lot of people. It’s not
a given that they make this connection with the NA or AA,” he said. “And it’s not always the client’s fault. We tend to blame the client if they’re not going to meetings, not following structure. But we’re discharging people that are neurologically vulnerable. They haven’t learned how to cope without drugs.” Alexander said that it takes up to
Health Care that Revolves Around You...
A National Model for Care Coordination Immedicenter is now a Patient-Centered Medical Home, or PCMH. To achieve this national recognition, we met a number of standards, including having a dedicated team of care coordinators pictured below. Along with our medical providers, they will help make sure you get the care you Dr. Michael Basista, Immedicenter Medical Director need, at the right time and place. This leads to safer, higher quality of care, more empowered patients and a renewed relationship between physician and patient. We are proud of our national recognition and welcome the opportunity to get to tell you more about PCMH during your next visit.
Our care coordinators, from left, Jessica DeVoogt, Doreen Sestilio, Idina Merz, Wanda Ruiz and Maria Squirlock.
A Family Practice for Wellness, Urgent Care for Ills, Chills & Spills
Immedicenter
1355 Broad St., Clifton • 973-778-5566 • Monday - Friday 8am to 9pm • Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm • Walk-in Medical Care • Weekday Appointments Available
www.immedicenter.com
557 Broad St., Bloomfield • 973-680-8300 • Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm • Saturdays 9am to 5pm.
28 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
12 months for a patient’s brain to be able to function normally without a dependancy for drugs. “The problem here is we don’t a year. In a year’s time, you really get to know a person,” he said. “In three months, the only thing that you’re getting is a person that is barely learning to come with life on life’s terms.” Alexander is in the process of developing a plan with peers in his community to assist those who need help outside of rehab. He hopes to organize group therapy sessions, which, unlike NA and AA meetings—that Alexander stresses are beneficial to many—are moderated by a trained professional and in a steady, familiar environment. He said continuity makes the difference in reaching to those who won’t reach out. “For NA to work, you have to become part of that culture,” said Alexander. “I’m not criticizing NA—it’s a beautiful thing—but some people cannot make that leap. It’s not necessarily group therapy. It’s more like group sharing.” “We need counselors like me who work independently, we need to start thinking creatively,” he said. “Groups need to be reasonable and cost effective, taking into considering the myriad of issues facing young adults.” “People who are straight for a year, about 77 percent of them will do for the rest of their lives,” he said. “Those who don’t follow up after treatment, your odds are around 33 percent. No treatment at all, we’re looking at 7 to 10 percent recovery rate. Those numbers are pretty much across the board for most drugs.”
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
29
TWIN
Heartache Sandy Grazioso lost both of her sons on September 11 Story by Jordan Schwartz
30 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Joseph M. Shook, Sr., Founder 1924 - 2008 Nancy Shook Garretson, President NJ Lic. No. 3657
Roy B. Garretson, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3550
Thomas J. Garretson, Director NJ Lic. No. 4988
Kevin V. White, Director NJ Lic. No. 4964
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
31
Twin Heartache On September 10, 2001, Tim Grazioso took his mother Sandy out to dinner for her birthday at Bella Napoli in Clifton. They couldn’t get together on her actual birthday four days earlier because Tim had to work. “I started back and heard He was always busy about it on the radio,” she working. In fact, when said of the terrorist attacks. Sandy tried to call her son “I walked into work and the next morning to thank one of the girls said him for dinner, she was told everybody was calling. We he was out of his office at a stayed there most of the meeting. Too bad that meetday making telephone calls ing didn’t last a little longer. to hospitals.” Tim Grazioso, who It took about a week for would have turned 43 the Grazioso and her ex-husfollowing month, worked band, Henry, to accept the for Cantor Fitzgerald and fact that their sons were was the chief operating offiFrom left, Tim (CHS ’76), Carolee (’80), John (’78). dead. “We thought they cer for over-the-counter might be somewhere,” she trading and chief Nasdaq explained. “Deep down, I think I knew, but you don’t trader for Cantor Fitzgerald Securities. He worked on want to give up.” Nearly 1,400 people attended Tim and the 104th floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center. John’s memorial service at St. John Kanty Church on Grazioso had just returned upstairs after his meeting Oct. 4. The place was so packed that they had to set up shortly before the first plane struck at 8:46 am. a television downstairs and speakers outside. Sandy said In On Top of the World by Tom Barbash, a book about it felt good to see all the support. the 700 Cantor employees who perished on September The brothers grew up on Lisbon St. and both played 11, workers in the company’s L.A. office detail a chilling varsity football before college, getting married and phone conversation with Grazioso. settling down with their new families out of town. “Then all of a sudden I hear in the speaker, ‘Hello! Despite the fact that John moved to Middletown and Tim Hello!’ And it was Timmy. Timmy Grazioso. We yelled, to Gulf Stream, Fla. (he commuted by plane every week), ‘Get the hell out of there! Get out of there!’ He says, their lives had deep roots in Clifton. ‘We can’t; we’re trapped.’ Their great-grandfather, Gustave Fornelius, who “Timmy said, ‘Call for help! Tell them we’re under emigrated from Sweden around 1900, was one of the the desk!’ Then the last thing he said was, ‘You guys founders of Athenia Steel and later became a city have no idea how desperate this is.’” Minutes later, the councilman. When he died in 1935, he was the building collapsed and Tim was gone, along with his superintendent of the steel firm. brother, John, 41, who worked on the 105th floor as a Tim left behind his wife of 14 years, Deborah, and salesman for the Cantor Fitzgerald subsidiary, eSpeed. their twin daughters, Lauren and Briana. John was surThe last time Sandy saw John was the previous vived by his bride of 10 years, Tina, and their three chilSaturday. She babysat her grandchildren in Middletown, dren: Kathryn, Kristen, and Michael. while her son played golf. The following Tuesday morning, Ms. Grazioso was out running a couple errands for Sandy Grazioso, who was a legal secretary for 50 the lawyers she worked for at Walter Tencza in Passaic, years, attended the first three 9/11 memorial ceremonies when she decided to go to Macy’s to pick up a birthday in New York and even participated in the reading of gift for her beau, Ed Sudol. names in 2004. 32 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
33
Twin Heartache But after that, her daughter, Carolee Azzarello began inviting people over to her house in Green Brook to celebrate her brothers’ lives rather than mourn their deaths. In 2005, Sandy also started speaking about the tragedy to seniors at PCTI in Wayne. “It’s to keep them informed of what happened and they ask questions,” said the 1953 CHS grad. “Some of them come up and give me a hug and a kiss.” The pain still lingers 13 years after her sons passed away, but she never minds talking about her boys. Grazioso belongs to a support group that includes six women who all lost their sons on 9/11. They meet once a month at an Applebee’s in the Livingston Mall. “We talk and sometimes we’ll cry, sometimes we won’t,” she said. “They’re all wonderful people. It’s a blessing. I never miss a meeting.” Grazioso, who now works part-time at Shook Funeral Home, has experienced more than her share of loss in her life. As the middle child in a family with four sons and three daughters, Sandy was just 17 when her 19-year-old brother, George Fornelius, was killed while serving
Sandy Grazioso and Ed Sudol.
34 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
The Roll Call of Cliftonites As Tim and John Grazioso’s day at the office became a nightmare, Cliftonite and Port Authority Police Officer John Skala was called to do what he did best, help others. Usually stationed at the Lincoln Tunnel, Skala (inset) was ordered to report to the World Trade Center shortly after the first plane hit the north tower. As he was known to do, Skala ran to the place where lives were in danger. The 31-year-old had the chance to escape harm but entered the Twin Towers in an attempt to help the injured. One of his co-workers reported that Skala emerged from the Trade Center, grabbed a first aid kit and re-entered the burning building. He was the only one of his unit not to escape the wreckage. Skala’s life ended the way he lived: taking care of other people. In fact, when he wasn’t on duty as a policeman, Skala was a paramedic, with the Passaic/Clifton Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Spending time with his family and friends was his other passion. In total, Clifton lost nine sons and daughters on September 11. The other six were Edward C. Murphy, Kyung Cho, Ehtesam U. Raja, Edgar H. Emery, Zuhtu Ibis and Francis Joseph Trombino.
with the Marines in the Korean War. “I was working in Passaic and the phone rang and I knew it was for me,” she recalled. “It was my mother and she told me to come home.” Grazioso remembered how horrible it was to watch her parents suffer through that pain, but no one ever asked her how she was dealing with it. “Even with my daughter, she took it horribly,” Sandy said about Carolee’s reaction to losing her brothers. “She was very close with them. They used to fight but they would stick up for her.” Azzarello’s husband, John, is a lawyer who was a member of the 9/11 Commission. Carolee, herself, testified at the trial
of Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person convicted for his role in the attacks. Sandy said she feels no anger towards the terrorists responsible for killing her sons, only sorrow. “I just can’t imagine why someone would do something like that,” she said. But Grazioso chooses not to focus on the bitterness; instead, she remembers the good times with Tim and John. “They were a lot of fun,” she said. “You would sit at a Thanksgiving table and just laugh. You never get back to normal. There’s not a day that I don’t wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good morning, boys,’ and go to bed at night and say, ‘Good night, boys.’”
On 9/11, some 1,654 American Flags will be flown on the grounds the Clifton Municipal Complex. One year after the September 11th attacks, community members started ‘planting’ flags around City Hall. Since then, the display has grown to be among the largest in the nation. Each flag represents a living or deceased Clifton military veteran. Citizens can honor a veteran by purchasing a flag with a donation of $110. This fee pays for the flag, pole, sleeve, name plate and ground socket. Five times a year volunteers raise and lower the flags, said organizer John Biegel. Other holidays on which the flags are displayed are Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. If interested in setting up the display on 9/11, be at the city hall complex before 6 am. Help is also needed to break down the display that day, well before dusk. Year round, volunteers are also needed to do behindthe-scenes prep work that gives Clifton this beautiful display. Flags must be put together, caps painted and the grounds generally maintained. The display would not be possible without Bill Van Eck who is in charge of the upkeep of the flags, poles, caps, trolley carts and general upkeep of the flag areas. For more info, call Biegel at 973-519-0858.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
35
By Irene Jarosewich Summers that once were three months long are no more. Modern summers have been cut down to eight, even seven weeks. Modern summers just buzz by. Yet the summers that were long and lazy are the ones many of us still remember. Those are the summers that live on in our souls. School buildings did not have air-conditioning, so kids were let out before mid-June. No one went back until after Labor Day. August was always hot, hot, hot. Those were the endless summers. It Starts Down the Jersey Shore... Of Course “As a kid, I spent all my summers down the shore. My mom picking me up last day of school,” reminisced Michael Corbo, of Corbo Jewelers in Styertowne Shopping Center, “and coming home and she’d ask me ‘OK, got everything you need?’ and she would have almost everything for me packed already and I’d say ‘Yeah’ and we’d get into the car and drive down to Chadwick Beach. I would take off my sneakers when I got there. I would put them in my closet. I wouldn’t put on a pair of shoes or sneakers all summer long.” 36 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
For Michael Corbo, endless summer meant lack of limits, cheerful freedom, hot sand, salt air, the glinting sun off water that looked like dancing diamonds, the gem central to his family’s life. Corbo spent those months running in and out of the water and when he was older, lifeguarding at Ocean Beach. He learned to surf during those summers and still surfs today. The Brancato boys– Billy, Chris, Jimmy, DJ – lived a few houses away from the Corbos in Chadwick Beach. Now with AGL Welding and Supply Company, Billy Brancato was Corbo’s surfing buddy all those years. Like Corbo, he still rides the waves. For the past three summers, Corbo and his wife Roe, who is not a surfer, but loves the beach, have been going to Belmar. Fortunately Belmar, unlike his childhood playground of Chadwick Beach, was not too beat up by Sandy. Corbo has surfed in California, Hawaii, Costa Rica. Surfing year round is one of the ways he keeps his New Jersey summers going. As a kid, Corbo did compete as a surfer, in the mid-1970s, in Seaside Heights. He surfed on a team sponsored by New Image, a local surf
Once You Shop Meltzer, You’ll Go Nowhere Else Sir!
Everything for
FiShERmEn
SALTWATER BAITS In Stock...
Ready to Hit the Beach? We got...
• Clams • Bunker
• Bloodworms • Squid • Speering
Feel Safe, Buy Mace!
• Crab Traps & more • Custom Tied Fluke Rigs • Fishing Reels • Starter to Expert gear
At home or when hiking, starting at $9.99 Triple Action • Pepper Guard
Bring us your
Empty Fishing Spools...
we’ll fill them with your Line of Choice! Meltzer’s now offers LIVE BAIT! • Shiners • Fatheads • Worms
Stack-On Strong Box Personal Safes are Constructed of Solid Steel, with Pry Resistant Plate Steel Doors, Steel Live Action Locking Bolts and Concealed Hinges to Provide Greater Security. Safes have predrilled holes for mounting to the floor or a shelf, fastening hardware is included.
Great Selection of New & Used Guns, Ammo, Safes For electric motors we now stock
Meltzers is an Agent for NJ State Fishing & Hunting Licenses Clifton Merchant • September 2014
37
shop. The local team competitions were judged by surfing professionals and he did OK. The real prize, however, was bragging rights with the girls. The Original Extreme Sport According to Corbo, many people who are now involved in extreme sports consider surfing to be one of the original extreme sport. Today’s extreme sports are Getting ready to hit the beach or go to work? From left, fellow merchant Adel more recognized because they are Aziz, of Moda Shoes, customer Sandra Jackson and employee Bill Bellinghause. easily televised, he noted. “Surfing is too raw, it doesn’t make for good theater. Corbo is still tight with his surfing buddy Bill Sometimes the waves are flat, sometimes so big you Brancato and the connection between the Corbos and the can’t see the surfer. It’s hard to televise. However, the Brancato families is deeper than just the beach. Their world’s best surfers are very much admired in the world fathers were also friends, as well as business partners. of extreme sports. There’s a level to the sport where you “My father was good friends with Joe Brancato, Bill’s can die. And people do die. I have great respect when I father” said Corbo, “and we would buy our gas from see somebody paddle out into waves that are 15, 20 feet. AGL Welding. We still do because we have a shop back I know if they take a spill, and inevitably, they will, I here, and some of our torches. We’ve been doing busiknow they are in for a rough ride.” ness with them since the store opened.”
Time to expand your office? We just renovated 2,862 Sq. Ft. of Route 3 Office Space at the intersection of Affordability & Accessibility.
ea Gr
ervices at the All wo o es & s r o t d ts 1051 Bloomfield Ave • Clifton
Cir cle
Call Jamie Wohr 973-591-5222 x160 Your Monthly fee includes: Heat & A/C • Electric • Daily Janitorial • Free Parking 24 Hour Access • NJ Transit Express Bus to NYC at our door plus easy access to Route 3. 38 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
A Clifton Risk that Paid Off That was 61 years ago, in 1953. Styertowne Shopping Center was brand new. Corbo remembers his father saying that at the time that there was nothing like Styertowne — all retail was in downtowns — downtown Rutherford, downtown Passaic, Main Ave. in Clifton or Botany Village — and shopping centers with parking lots were still a novelty. Choosing to locate in Styertowne was a bit of a risk. Corbo’s great-grandfather Alfonso started the family jewelry business when he immigrated from Naples to America at the end of the 19th century. A watchmaker by trade, he began selling door-todoor in Newark, followed by his son, also named Michael and Corbo’s grandfather. The family lived in the Ironbound, which was all Italian back then, and opened a store in Bloomfield Center in the 1940s. Not long after Corbo’s father, Alan, graduated the University of Pennsylvania, he convinced an elderly jewelry store owner who already had leased a space in Styertowne to sell to the Corbo family. Alan Corbo was betting on the age of the automobile to bring him success to a location that was pretty much in the middle of
nowhere back then. He was right. The 1950s and 1960s were a boom time for Clifton. Styertowne Shopping Center the region’s first strip malls and it became a popular shopping destination. The youngest of four siblings that included two brothers and a sister, Corbo grew up when the family jewelry business was rapidly expanding. “The economy was fantastic for many years after my father opened this store. He was very successful.” Translated to Italian...Blackbird The shop was busy and Corbo began to help when he was a teenager. “I don’t know that I ever said ‘I want to be in the jewelry business’ but it was our family business, so at some point I assumed that I would be,” he said. According to Corbo, “There was a time, before computers, that Hoffman-LaRoche had tons of secretaries, and around lunch time, they would drive over here. We had a number counter, there would be 30, 40 secretaries that would be in the store all at once. We carried costume jewelry, such as Monet, Trifari, which was what they bought. They would go to Bonds in the back, get lunch, and then come here.”
SAVE SAV SA AVE AVE VE MONEY MONEY W WITH ITH AFFORD AFFORDABLE A FFORDA AB B BLE
Don’t Don’t Compromise on Quality ROOFING / WINDOWS / SIDING ROOFING
SIDING
WINDOWS
973-473-4830 or call Jim’ Jim’ss cell at 973-768-3432 Installed and Guaranteed for Life by The Federle Family
Lic. # 13VHO10279100
Lic. #13VHO10279100
r urn over foers TTu r ff O Valuable
973-473-4830 FREE Estimates or call Jim’s cell at 973-768-3432 140 Arlington Ave., Clifton AffordableHomeServicesnj.com Clifton Merchant • September 2014
39
Competition from the Computer Those days, Corbo understands, of 30-40 customers at a time, will not return. Electronic shopping, even for expensive jewelry, has had an impact on the business. While older customers still want personal service, he sees from his own three children, Michael, Dylan and Katy, that the younger generation feels completely comfortable with making purchases, even expensive ones, online. Personal service is not expected. “I tell my children that when I came into the business, all I really had to do was sell, not even sell, but help customers choose. Today it’s harder, you have to be more professional. Corbo Jewelers was always more than merchandise pushers, we were always professionals, we all
became gemologists, master jewelers, we do sophisticated appraisals, we have a shop that offers high-quality repairs, but now even more so we must do this in order to survive, we must be top notch professionals. That is what will give us the edge over the internet.” People are attached to their jewelry, added Corbo, to their grandmother’s ring that needs to be reset or father’s watch that needs to be repaired and this is the aspect of the business that will still require a personal relationship. Corbo, which means blackbird in Italian, is proud of the family legacy, and notes that some of the original gift boxes from decades ago had a crest that incorporated a blackbird into the design. The classic family logo for Corbo Jewelers is still the original. And while the store in Clifton is 60 years old, the family business, which includes four locations other than Clifton, is more than 100 years old. Continuing the tradition is a fifth generation as Corbo’s middle son Dylan, a recent graduate of Rutgers University, is being trained as a jeweler. Say “I Love You” Jewelry is a happy business. So while Corbo is pessimistic about the future of retail stores in general, he is more optimistic about his family’s jewelry business. “Jewelry is always given as a special gift. There is a story behind each piece of jewelry. A husband gives his wife a piece of jewelry as congratulations for the birth of their child, a parent gives a child a graduation present. Any celebration is an opportunity for a gift. Jewelry is given as a thank you. Jewelry is not a selfish gift, it is not practical – it is simply beautiful. The gift helps communicate your message of love. When you love someone, you can say many words, or buy a card, but when you spend thousand on a ring that is simply beautiful, the message is clear. As my mother would say ‘no appliances please’ only gifts that say I love you.”
40 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
41
By Irene Jarosewich So what if Labor Day has come and gone? That’s no reason to be glum. September in Clifton means summer goes a second round. A packed month of outdoor activities and festivities will keep you feeling sunny well into the first days of fall. Now in its 31st year, the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Festival and Zabava will start at noon on Sept. 21 at 217 President St, near Botany Village. A day of delicious food, traditional Ukrainian music, games and raffle prizes will wrap up with a zabava in the evening. Zabava means “to play” in Ukrainian and play they will with singing and dancing into the night. And while in the area, pay a visit to the Botany Village ‘Fair in the Square’ Outdoor Market on Sept. 21, from early morning to 3 pm. The Outdoor Markets are held in the historic district the third Sunday through December. Call Joe Nikischer at 609-731-5454. To see pros perform the difficult leaps and whirlwind twirls that are the signature moves of Ukrainian folk dance, join the audience at the Festival of Traditional Ukrainian Folk Dance and Music on Sept. 14 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral at 635 Broad St. The festival starts at noon, and among 42 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
43
Second Summer the musicians and dancers featured will be the ensemble ISKRA, as well as the youth ensemble SUM-Passaic. Admission is three dollars. St. Andrew’s Carnival is loads of fun each year with more than 230 volunteers already signed up to help at the four-day event that will be held on parish grounds bordered by Mt. Prospect Ave. and St. Andrew’s Blvd. Start time is 5 pm, Sept. 3 and the carnival will run each evening until close at 8 pm on, Sept. 7. Thousands attend the festival, famous for the carnival-style rides and games and live music. Plan to eat dinner there each night; Stop by Chief Lou’s Pasta and Meatball Stand, which is being sponsored by the Passaic-Clifton UNICO in honor of the late Lou Imparato who, write his friends on Facebook, “was the anchor of every food stand we ever had.” Visit sascarnival.com for times and info. After three days at the carnival, try something different and visit Saint John Kanty Parish Picnic on Sept. 7, from 1 to 10 pm, at 49 Speer Ave. Admission is $3 and children under 12 are free. All are invited for a day of games and raffles, Polish specialties by the plateful, followed by music and dancing to burn off those calories. More information at 973-779-4102. Another way to burn off some calories is to tee off at the Clifton Against Substance Abuse (CASA) Foundation Golf Outing on Sept. 23 at the Black Bear Golf Club, Route 23 in Franklin Lakes. Registration is at 7 am and tee time is 8 am. CASA works with the community to increase awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and to combat addiction among the youth. Contact Tom Whittles at 973-800-2938.
Pat DeLora and Angela Montague of Downtown Clifton. Angela has a Facebook page called Clifton, NJ Events, a one click spot for a list of all non-profit events in the city of Clifton. Don’t miss the Downtown Clifton Street Fair on Oct. 18.
If you’re a fan of volleyball, the Clifton Department of Recreation is accepting registrations for the Grass Volleyball Tournament in Robin Hood Park Sept. 13 and 14 from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Women's and Men's Doubles, as well as Co-ed Quad teams are invited to participate. All are invited to come and view. Prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners in all categories. To register or for information, call 973-470-5956. The Weather Hotline for day of tournament is 973-470-5680. The Clifton Rec Department will continue Walk & Talk Thursdays, a great way to walk, talk and meet friends. The group meets Thursdays in front of City Hall beginning at 5:30 pm for a two-to-three mile stroll
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Friday to Eat Pirogies !!! Come to The Famous & Original (from Lexington Ave)...
HOMEMADE PIROGI Call for Hours
1295 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton Across from DeLuxe Cleaners
973.340.0340
WWW.HOMEMADEPIROGI.COM
Varieties • Potatoes & Cheese • Potato • Sauerkraut • Pot Cheese • Mushroom • Pot Cheese & Potato • Broccoli • Spinach • Pizza • Apple • Prune • Cabbage • Apricot & Cheese • Broccoli & Spinach
NEW! Great for Parties... Hot, Homemade Empanadas! 44 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
45
Second Summer through town. There is plenty of sun to enjoy in the September evenings, so get fit, get healthy, get moving. The program is free. Since free is good, then take time to enjoy two free Friday Night Concerts that have been added to the music series in Botany Village. On Sept. 5 Mark Russomanno will take the stage and Sept. 12 will feature The Victoria Warne Band. Both performances begin at 6:30 pm in Sullivan Square in the center of Botany Village. Bring a chair and your dancing shoes! Also free, are more than 30 Clifton parks. How many can you name? Visit Dudiak Park at 25 Stony Hill Road simply because you have never been there. Play tennis, softball, basketball, toss a frisbee to your dog, playgrounds for the kids, enjoy the warm evenings. Go to cliftonrec.com for a list. While you probably can’t name more than ten Clifton parks, one of them should have been Morris Canal Park and Jack W. Kuepfer Sr. Nature Preserve at 1115 Broad St., part of North Jersey’s Morris Canal Greenway. This is just a part of the original 107-mile canal that operated in the
46 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Fire! Bricks! Focused! That’s sensei Jim Meghdir of Clifton Martial Arts Academy and he’ll be doing this live at the Van Houten Ave. Street Fair in Athenia on Sept. 14. If it rains, the Fair will be held on Sept. 21.
19th century and stretched from the Delaware River to the Hudson. The Morris Canal paralleled Broad St. and passed through what was once open farmland. Now it is a cool and quiet spot to relax. To learn more about the history of the canal, join the Morris Canal Greenway Hike on Sept. 14 from noon to 3 pm that begins in Riverside Park in Wayne. Contact Jason Simmons at 973569-4045. Besides athletics, Clifton’s parks are home to events such as the semiannual Dutch Hill Flea Market on
Sept. 6, from 9 am to 4 pm in Weasel Brook Park (rain date Sept. 13). Have something to sell? Contact George Silva at 973-470-0679 or Maryann Miksits at 973-365-2577. The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton Benefit Car Show displays at The Allwood Atrium at 2-4 Brighton Rd. on Sept. 7 (rain date Sept. 14). Free spectator admission to view the more than 200 cars that will be on display. For details, call John DeGraaf of the Boys Club at 973773-0966 ext 111 or email him at jdegraaf@bgcclifton.org.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
47
Second Summer As part of the Van Houten Avenue Street Fair, at least 50 classic cars will be on display at the 2nd Annual Shook Funeral Home Car Show on Sept. 14. To register a classic car, call Roy Garretson at 973-471-9620. Close out the month at the 23rd Annual Cadillac Club of North Jersey Car Show on Sept. 28 (rain date Oct. 5) in the parking lot at 660 Van Houten Ave., across from Shook’s. Details at cadillacclubnj.org. Classic cars will not be the only things on display at the 12th Annual Van Houten Avenue Street Fair on Sept. 14 (rain date Sept. 21) from 11 am to 5 pm. Athenia’s main avenue will be transformed into a giant block party, a pedestrian marketplace with art exhibitors, food vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, demonstrations by the Clifton Martial Arts Academy, a performance by the Mustang Marching Band, and sword fights by Medieval Times. Call 201-410-1686, or 973-778-7837, or e-mail posteagle@aol.com. The Municipal Complex is not just for building permits and public hearings. The grounds at the intersection of Clifton and Van Houten Aves. are also home to the Clifton Arts Center and Sculpture Garden. With some 24 acres of relatively flat, park-like land, visitors will find a variety of sculptures between several former historic buildings once usedto quarentine animals being imported into the United States. Take an extra hour before visiting the gallery to stroll through the surrounding Sculpture Garden. You’ll find about 30 pieces on display, which are on loan from the artists. Next time you go to pay your taxes, don’t just drive in, park, drive out. Take a walk.
48 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Vendors at the annual Saint Andrew’s Carnival.
Although not a Clifton park, but open to the public are the chapel and grounds of the Holy Face of Jesus Monastery above Route 3, off Grove St. and Vincent Dr. Opened in 1953 by a community of Silvestrine Benedictine monks, the location is a serene place for meditation and reflection, a perfect spot for a quiet, late summer picnic lunch, or contemplation. For information and hours, call 973-778-1177. Not enough time in September to complete summer? Roll the sunny warmth into October. Look for the Clifton Street Fair on Oct. 18, the 14th Annual Cure for Brain Injury Walk-a-thon on Oct. 20; the Fred Torres Memorial 5K that begins on Garrett Mountain on Oct.19; and the 7th Annual John Samra Scholarship Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 12 (register by Sept. 20). Then pick your pumpkin at Ploch’s Farm at 148 Grove St. Once you have picked your Halloween pumpkin, then that’s it. That’s when summer really ends.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
49
MUSTANG SPORTS
Varsity Fighting Mustangs from left front: Joseph Casperino, Chris Bonaparte, Kevin Davis, Otto De Leon, Stephen Lazorchak. Second row: Josiah Belfield, Freddy Guiran, Jose Quintero, Daniel Parra, Ahmed Jamhour.
All Fall Sports Previews by Tom Szieber
The 2014 season will be a turning point for Clifton football, there is really no way around it. Searching for their first playoff berth since 2008 and first winning season since 2011, the Mustangs are a hard team to figure out. Recently, some of their best campaigns have come in seasons when they had little name recognition entering the fall. Still, there are some that believe it is playoffs or bust for Clifton. Fourth-year head coach Steve Covello won’t be quite that blunt, but he recognizes that there is truly only one satisfactory ending to this regular season. “We need a winning season,” he said. “It’s a necessity to have more wins than losses. After back-to-back losing seasons—and I will take full responsibility for 50 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
those—it has made us work harder as a staff.” Under center will be junior quarterback Chris Boneparte, a program player who has studied for two seasons behind now-graduated Malik Mouzone. Lauded for his athleticism, Boneparte has impressed Covello with his progression in grasping the Clifton offense. “He has materialized, and he threw some good balls at Wayne Valley [in a recent scrimmage],” said Covello. “He is in the process of gaining confidence. He has gotten better scrimmage by scrimmage and comes to practice everyday working hard. He is doing a good job.” His primary wide receivers will be senior Kevin
MUSTANG SPORTS Football Davis and junior Maurice Greene. As Boneparte works Parra on the inside. Lazorchak (team-high 88 tackles to shore up his fakes, drops and overall fundamentals, last year), Belfield and De Leon form an impressive the running game will carry a greater load. linebacking contingent. Junior Joziah Belfield will now carry an expanded In the secondary, Quintero will play strong safety, role after playing exclusively and will be backed up by sophomore defense a year ago. A tough, smart Luis Lantigua. Juniors Gerard Mustangs player, he embodies the gritty perMoquillaza and Maher Maheisan will sona of Clifton football. fill the cornerback slots, with the free “Joziah came into the weightroom safety job still subject to a competiin January and worked hard,” said tion. Sept 13 @Fair Lawn 2:30pm Covello. “He is filling in the role Despite some inexperience, the Sept 19 @Eastside Paterson 7pm very nicely and understands the Mustangs have gone from seemingly Sept 26 @West NY Memorial 7pm offense and what we expect of him.” hapless in their first scrimmage to far Oct 10 Ridgewood 7pm Belfield will be spelled at times more polished in their most recent. Oct 17 @JFK 7pm by senior Jose Quintero, as well as Covello attributes some of that to Oct 24 @PCTI 7pm fullback Otto DeLeon. pride, and some to the rapid maturity Oct 31 Bergenfield 7pm Clifton’s offensive line will be led of a group that knows the task in front Nov 6 Hackensack 12pm by four-year starting left guard Steve of it on Sept. 12 against Fair Lawn. Nov 27 @Passaic TBD Lazorchak, who will be joined by “They know what’s at stake,” he tackles Joe Casperino and Ervin said. “The seniors know what has Sokoli (both seniors), center Adam Miranda and right happened on opening day the last four years (four guard Jacob Abill (sophomores). straight losses). They have to take these losses personalDefensively, Clifton’s front four will consist of Davis ly. They know that if you win week one, it could make and Greene at the ends and Casperino and senior Daniel or break your season.”
Football
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
51
MUSTANG SPORTS Cheerleadering
Varsity senior cheerleaders include Breanna Calderon, Christine Castillo, Gianna Cordi, Emelyn Henriquez, Tiani Hibbert, Courtney Licata, Katherine Morales, Tania Reyes, Gabriela Rodriguez, Bianca Perdomo, Raquel Prada, Samantha Valentin.
In many ways, they are the hardest-working athletes in CHS. Between football, basketball and competition seasons, the Mustang cheerleaders are seemingly always demonstrating their talent and athleticism. This fall, they will be led by head coach Alyssa Bono, who will oversee the squad after two years as an assistant. The Mustangs have had a highly successful 2014 calendar year, having earned four first-place finishes in competitions in the winter—including the GottaCheer and JuST Cheer competitions at CHS, and the Big North Liberty competition at Paramus Catholic. They will have a strong senior presence on the sidelines this fall, with eight veteran varsity cheerleaders: Breanna Calderon, Christine Castillo, Gianna Cordi, Tiani Hibbert, Courtney Licata, Katherine Morales, Tania Reyes and Samantha Valentin “It is a great thing as a new coach, and really as any season goes,” said Bono. “Having a lot of leaders who have expectations and know what to expect, they can set the example. The underclassmen have a lot of girls to look up to and model their behavior and their skills after.” 52 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
53
MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Soccer
Front from left, Gianfranco Barrientos, Matthew Ferko, Mark Glodava, Lucas Lech, Luis Bravo, Lenny Contreras. Back: Angel Fuentas, Steven Leal, Nick Bonafede, Brian Semorile, Brian Pariona, Raymond Rodriguez, Nelson Leon, Kevin Gonzalez, Arden Lembryk. (Missing is Nelson Pusquin).
For a short while, there was clear discontent in the world of Clifton boys soccer. The 14-6-1 record the Mustangs achieved in 2013 clearly was not good enough. But that discontent didn’t last long. In February, the Mustangs got a new, homegrown head coach in Stan Lembryk, whose enthusiasm and knowledge of the game gave Clifton fans optimism that their team would be right back in the sectional championship hunt. “I think the first thing is to establish the way we want to play—the way in which a lot of our fans and alumni are accustomed to seeing us play—with a lot of passing, pressure and attacking,” said Lembryk, a CHS Athletic Hall of Famer who is a disciple of the legendary Fernando Rossi. “Letting the players think on their own and instilling the confidence in these guys is critical. They have a lot of ability and now it’s a matter of just bringing all the parts together.” Defense is always the name of the game on a Lembryk-led squad, and Mark Glodava will be the player assigned the task of keeping opposition off the board. The senior goalkeeper will also be a key element of the Clifton offense, as he’ll be asked to take part in the buildup of its attack. He will be backed up by junior Alexis Juarez. 54 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs
Boys Soccer Sept 6
West Milford
2pm
Sept 11
Bergen Cty Tech
Sept 13
@Passaic
Sept 15
PCTI
Sept 18
@JFK
Sept 22
Eastside Paterson
Sept 27
@Bergen Catholic 12:30pm
Oct 2
Fair Lawn
4:15pm
Oct 6
@Lakeland
4:15pm
Oct 9
Passaic Valley
Oct 14
@Bergen Cty Tech 4:15pm
Oct 16
Passaic
4:!5pm
Oct 21
@PCTI
4:!5pm
Oct 23
JFK
Oct 28
@Eastside Paterson 4:30pm
Oct 31
DePaul Catholic
4:30pm 11:30pm 4:15pm 4pm 4:30pm
4:!5pm
4:30pm
4:15pm
Snug soccer cleats and hand-me-downs, can lead to
Ingrown Nails Blame improper toenail trimming, snug soccer cleats and repetitive kicking for a soccer player’s ingrown toenail problem, says foot & ankle surgeon Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD, FACFAS. “Plus many kids wear hand-me-down cleats that don’t fit,” he adds. “And older children like tighter cleats. They believe it gives them a better feel for the ball and the field.” Prevention is key to avoid the pain, says Dr. Graziano. First, teach kids how to trim their toenails properly—in a fairly straight line—and don’t cut them too short. Second, make sure cleats fit properly. “A child’s shoe size can change within a season.” If a child develops an ingrown toenail, soaking their foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold can reduce inflammation. “If ingrown toenails show signs of infection, it’s time to seek medical care,” says Dr. Graziano, who can remove a child’s ingrown toenail and prevent it from returning with a 10-minute surgical procedure. He’ll numb the toe and remove the ingrown portion of the nail.“Most kids experience a little pain,” says Dr. Graziano, “but resume activity the next day.”
There are about 12,000 podiatrists in the United States, according to the Department of Labor, and Clifton podiatrist Thomas Graziano is one of only six who hold both a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Thomas A. Graziano, MD, DPM, FACFAS Clifton Merchant • September 2013
55
MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Soccer “Mark has been very open-minded to playing a different role, as not just a keeper, but as someone who takes a big part in organizing our system,” Lembryk said. “He has responded well to that.” Supporting Glodava is a deep defensive unit, headed by seniors
Brian Pariona, Nelson Pusquin and Lucas Lech—who has emerged as leader from a technical standpoint and vocally. Among the slew of other key players in the rotation will be juniors Bruno Frascolla and Romario DePalmer. In the midfield, Clifton will be bolstered by the return of senior Brian Semorile, who is returning to high school competition after a year of academy play. “A lot of our scheme will go through Brian,” said Lembryk. “He is very technical and calm with the ball, and makes good decisions.” He will be joined by classmates Luis Bravo and Steven Neal, as well as skilled juniors Yunis Aubuiut, Matt Miller, Frankie Salensky and Freddy Talavera. Offensively, the Mustangs possess a group with great athleticism and versatility. Ray Rodriguez is the
senior member of that corps, while juniors Peter Blazon and Boris Diaz bolster the attack. Ultimately, the new-look Mustangs look very little like a team rebuilding, and a lot more a squad poised to flourish under a proud alum-turned-head coach. Lembryk is brimming with confidence, and he believes his transition from the girls squad to the boys will be smooth. “I always say this, there is no difference in coaching or playing boys and girls,” he said. “That is what makes it very unique. Coaching the girls were some of the greatest moments of my career. The only difference here is, coaching a team you played for obviously gives a little different feeling. I hope I can be a good mentor to a bunch of young guys the way Coach Rossi was for so many of us.”
NJ License 13VH00726700
r of e are the sons of the founde family R.F. Knapp Construction, a in Clifton owned business founded preferred a are nearly 50 years ago. We and a ing contractor of Alcoa Mastic Sid of GAF GAF Factory Certified Installer Products Cert. # CE19509. , gutters, We specialize in roofing, siding call and a leaders and windows. Give us tment to we will gladly set-up an appoin go over a discuss your job needs and complete written estimate.
1301
W
Brothers Don and Rich Knapp
• Roofing • Siding • Gutters & Leaders • Windows 56 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
We now do Gutter Cleaning
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
57
MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Soccer
Stan Lembryk loves the CHS girls soccer program—so much that he wouldn’t have felt right turning it over unless his successor was just the right fit. Enter Konrad Kruczek, a former Mustang soccer player who played for former boys coach Joe Vespignani in 2002, and developed a relationship with Lembryk during the latter’s time as an assistant at Kean University in 2002. Kruczek’s knowledge of the game and cerebral approach as a player gave Lembryk the reassurance that if Kruczek was selected as his successor as head coach for girls soccer, the program would be in good hands. And Kruczek has no intention of letting him down. “When I got offered the job I was very excited,” 58 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs
Girls Soccer Sept 6
@Pascack Valley
Sept 11
@Bergen Cty Tech
11am
Sept 13
Passaic
Sept 15
@PCTI
4:15pm
Sept 18
Newton
4:15pm
Sept 22
@Eastside Paterson
4:30pm
Sept 25
Union
Sept 29
Holy Angels
Oct 2
@Fair Lawn
4:15pm
Oct 7
Lakeland
4:30pm
Oct 10
@Passaic Valley
Oct 14
Bergen Cty Tech
Oct 16
@Passaic
Oct 21
PCTI
4:15pm
Oct 28
Eastside Paterson
4:30pm
Oct 30
@DePaul Catholic
4:15pm
4:15pm 12pm
11am 4pm
4pm 4:30pm 4pm
Varsity Mustangs from left front: Karolina Kot, Meghan Sekanics, Marisa Ale, Paola Ossa. Second row from left: Nicole Roncancio, Mariana Jaramillo, Tamara Pavlovic, Cory Montiel.
Kruczek said. “Obviously, the expectation is to continue the excellent job Coach L has done with this team. One of the expectations is to continue to be at the highest level with the girls. I am striving to get back to the [county final] and win it.” Starting in goal for the Mustangs will be junior Carly Egyed, a player who has strong fundamentals and has played in the goal before. Backing her up will be sophomore Mollie Slonina, who Kruczek has coached in the program at the junior varsity level. “They’ll both play,” said Kruczek. “Carly is very good technically. She
MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Soccer played a few games in the goal and did a good job. Mollie was a freshman last year, and when I took the team over I wasn’t sure if Carly would be goalkeeper so we prepared Mollie to play there, as well.” The defense will be led by a seasoned veteran in senior Meghan Sekanics. A four-year starter, Sekanics is a true field general who can act as a coach on the field for her new head coach. “She has started every game since she was a freshman,” Kruczek emphasized. “Her dedication and talent and vision of the field are outstanding. She will be a great model for the young players coming into the program.” The rest of the defensive unit will consist of senior Nicole Roncancio and juniors Catherine Jordan and Sharon Garcia. The midfield is fairly young, but possesses a great deal of talent in juniors Brittany Morales, Kelly Agular, Olivia DeMuro and sophomore Daniella LoBue. The group will be bolstered by the addition of senior Mariana
Jaramillo, who joined the team after previously living in Colombia. Jaramillo will likely crack the starting lineup as she further acclimates herself to the team. Senior Nicole Rzekic, an important contributor, was recently lost for the season to a torn ACL. Clifton’s primary offensive weapons will be the senior duo of Marisa Ale, who started every game last season, and Paola Ossa. Talent and skill are no doubt strong points for the Mustangs, but the smooth transition between old head coach and new is unquestionably advantageous for a squad that would rather contend than rebuild. Clifton is used to competing, and thanks to the continuity and cooperation of two head coaches who share a love for CHS soccer, both squads will. “It is one big program,” Kruczek stated. “I have been very close with Coach L, and I have the same philosophy as he does: this is a ‘soccer program,’ not just a boys program and a girls program. I am confident in what we can achieve.”
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
59
MUSTANG SPORTS Volleyball
Mustangs
Outside their homecourt, Varsity Mustangs from left: Kristen Kakascick, Nicole Montague, Kelly Douglass, April DiAngelo, Christie Louer, Katherine Fraczek. Second row from left: Nialah Smith, Chelsea Barile, Sarah Rosenthal, Jamie Marchioni, Elissa McMahon, Dhiti Kapadia, Eleanor Espejo, Brittany Guzman.
In two years as the head coach of Clifton girls volleyball, Nick Romanak has compiled an impressive 32 wins. But in his mind, the Mustangs could have had more. Despite an 18-4 record a year ago, Romanak is hoping an extra year of maturity and growth will allow his squad to have an even better 2014. “I’d like to see us play more consistent than last year,” he said. “I think the games that we won last year, we should have won. A few that we lost could’ve gone either way, but we just didn’t finish strong. I’d like to fight for every game, every point more so than last year.” The defending Big North Liberty Division champs will be led by senior middle hitter Kelly Douglass, who figures to be the team’s biggest offensive weapon. In addition, senior setter April DiAngelo brings a veteran presence to the floor, and has a truly well-rounded arsenal of skills. “Kelly is probably our most athletic player, and she has definitely gotten stronger since last year,” Romanak noted. “April sets from the back row and has a good strong armswing to hit from the right side with when she comes up front.” Senior outside hitter Nialah Smith will be another key returnee, while the Mustangs figure to get contributions from some of their younger players, as well. Junior middle hitter Nicole Montague, junior outside hitter Brittany Guzman, Sophomore setter Christie Louer and freshman Kristen Kakascick, will all likely see significant time on the court. 60 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Volleyball Aug 29 Nutley
10am
Sept 5
Mount St Dominic
4pm
Sept 6
@Madison
TBD
Sept 9
@McNair Academic
4pm
Sept 11 @Bergen Cty Tech
4:15pm
Sept 12 @Ramapo
4:15pm
Sept 16 Passaic
4pm
Sept 18 @PCTI
4:15pm
Sept 19 JFK
4:30pm
Sept 23 @Eastside Paterson
4pm
Sept 24 @Immaculate Heart 4:15pm Sept 30 Holy Angels
4:15pm
Oct 2
@Fair Lawn
4:15pm
Oct 3
@Union City
Oct 8
Lakeland
Oct 9
@Passaic Valley
Oct 10
Bergen Cty Tech
Oct 14
@Passaic
Oct 16
PCTI
Oct 17
@JFK
Oct 21
Eastside Paterson
4:30pm
Oct 23
@DePaul Catholic
4pm
4pm 4:30pm 4pm 4:30pm 4pm 4:15pm 4pm
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
61
MUSTANG SPORTS Tennis
Mustangs
Near the tennis courts, Varsity Mustangs from left: Roaa Hamzeh, Archi Shah, Prianka Kunadia, Sharmitha Yerneni, Samantha Gear. Second row from right: Heena Patel, Kamila Ivashka, Emily Yuasa, and Krishna Patel.
CHS girls tennis has gotten a bit younger, but that doesn’t mean it will be a rebuilding season for the Mustangs. Head coach Chad Cole is excited about the young talent on his roster, and believes his team has the potential to surprise some people in 2014. “We’ve got some players who are really capable on the court,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised by the progress I’ve seen already.” There is, however, a bit of experience at first singles, as senior Malika Radjapova will return to the lineup. Radjapova played well in doubles last season, and has played quite a bit in Europe this summer while visiting family. Cole has been impressed with how seriously she is about constantly improving. Junior Kamila Ivashka will occupy one of the other singles slots, with the third likely being filled by one of two freshmen—Heena Patel or Prianka Kunadia. Patel is a transfer from Passaic with great ground strokes and a load of potential, while Kunadia is a skilled all-around player who Cole also believes can be very good. Which ninth-grader does not play singles will be a key doubles player. The lineup will be rounded out newcomers in four seniors—Emily Yuasa, Joohi Rana, Roaa Hamzeh and Helly Patel—and junior Sharmitha Yerneni. 62 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Tennis Sept 5
Bayonne
4:15pm
Sept 9
@Kearny
4pm
Sept 11 @Bergen Cty Tech
4pm
Sept 16 Passaic
4pm
Sept 18 @PCTI
4pm
Sept 19 JFK Sept 23 @Eastside Paterson
4:30pm 4pm
Sept 30 Holy Angels
4:15pm
Oct 2
@Fair Lawn
4:15pm
Oct 7
Lakeland
4:30pm
Oct 8
Kearny
4pm
Oct 9
@Passaic Valley
4pm
Oct 10
Bergen Cty Tech
Oct 14
@Passaic
4pm
Oct 16
PCTI
4pm
Oct 17
@JFK
4pm
Oct 21
Eastside Paterson
4:30pm
Oct 23
@DePaul Catholic
4pm
4:30pm
T
R C
Martini Martini Foundation Foundation Aqua Aquatic tic Center compete & place at the East Coast Zone Trials. Trials. We We are the Feeder Feeder Program for the CHS Team. Team. eam
esent Clifton & pete with the...
SSEAHAWKS EAHAWKS B Boys oys & Girls Girls Club Club of of Clifton Clifton
822 Clif Clifton ton A Avenue venue We We offer a Fall/Winter Fal Swim Prep TTeam eam & Pr Prep for ffor High Hi h School. S hool. Sc more For mor re info, iinfo, visit v sit ourr website vis websit webs te www.cliftonseahawks.org at ww www .ccliftonseahawks.or liftoonseahaw seahaw wks.or ks g 973-773-2697 or call all 9973 733-7 3 773 733-26977 ext eexxtt 31 3
TO PM -ON &RI TOO PM -OONN &RRII
ult/S ult/Senior S Senio en S Swim ise E ercise ercise cis ograms P ograms
o
DULT 3ENIOR DUULLTT 3EENNIIOORR QQUA !EROBICS CLASSES UAA ! !EROOBBICCS CLA LASSEES -OM 4OT PROGRAMS -OOM M 4OOT PROOGGRRA RAM MS IF IFE 'UARD TRAINING FEE 'UUAARDD TRRAAIINNIINNG NG OUTH 3WIM ,ESSONS OUTHH 3WIIM M ,ESSONS DUULT 3WIIM M ,ESSONS DULT 3WIM ,ESSONS ULT ,APP 3WIIM MS DU DULT ,AP 3WIMS MPPLETEE !QUATI TIC OOMPLETE !QUATIC RROGRAM !VAILABLE OGGRRAAM !VAAILLAABLE RO
ister or for info call the Aquatics Department @ 973.773.2697 ext 31 o orr v visit isit www.bgcclifton.org www.bgcclifton.org Clifton Merchant • September 2013
63
MUSTANG SPORTS Cross Country
Mustang Harriers from left front: Joshua Stanford, Brandon Lopez, Jay Pathak, Bhargav Desai, Rory Houston; Second row: Neil Shah, Michael Zavaleta, Summer Zheng, Aakash Lad, Ryan Mendoza, Cameron Hebron, Carlos Skerrett.
For the 31st year, John Pontes will lead the Clifton cross country squads into competition. And just like every year, they will go into the season looking to bring home titles on both the boys and girls side. In 2013, the Mustang boys took second in Passaic County while the girls finished fourth. Both won the Big North Liberty Division. Repeating and improving on their impressive years will be tough, but with Pontes at the helm, you can be sure the Mustangs will have the grit and perseverance to make a run—pun intended... “Most of the team is new to this level,” Pontes admitted. “We graduated a lot. I think we may be ‘rebuilding’ by our standards, but we will still be a contender. Our league is very balanced this year, but we will be in the mix.” The girls are led by senior Sofiya Nedelcheva, a four-year runner at the varsity level. Nedelcheva is healthy after being injured throughout 2013, and is in top shape according to her head coach. “Sofiya toughed it out last year,” he said. “She has worked herself back and she leads our team by example.” Sophomore Meghan Jozefczyk will be another key contributor, and has shown that despite running the 400 and 800 in the spring, she can do distance 64 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs
Cross Country Sept 6
@Passaic
11am
Sept 8
Eastside Paterson
4:15pm
Sept 13
TBA (Invitational)
9am
Sept 15
JFK
Sept 19
TBA (Invitational)
3pm
Sept 27
TBA (County Meet)
9am
Sept 29
Bergen Cty Tech
Oct 4
TBA (Invitational)
Oct 6
Union City
Oct 11
TBA (Invitational)
Oct 17
TBA (Div. Meet)
Oct 24
TBA (County Meet)
4pm
Oct 30
Woodbridge
4pm
Nov 8
TBA (State Sectional) 10am
Nov 15
TBA (State Meet)
11am
Nov 22
TBA
11am
4:15pm
4:15pm 9pm 4:15pm 9am 3:30pm
MUSTANG SPORTS Cross Country
Rounding out the Cross Country squads, Mustang girls from left: Yasmine Helwani, Samantha Abdelslame, Alaa Khalil, Olivia Rosenberg, Krysta Astengo, Ally Wohr, Hailey Fusaro, Sonia Shastri.
running without any problem. Among the other Mustangs expected to lead the way are juniors Ewa Oldziej and Megan Davey and seniors Samantha Abdelslame and Olivia Rosenberg. The boys, meanwhile, will be bolstered by a strong senior presence, beginning with Carlos Skerrett. A thirdyear varsity runner, he provides both leadership and work ethic to the squad. Rory Houston is new to the cross country scene, but excelled in spring track. Jay Pathak, Bhargav Desai and Joshua Stanford are other seniors that will be in the lineup, while sophomore Carlos Polanco
(the 2013 county freshman champion) will provide some youth. Despite the inexperience on both rosters, the Mustangs are confident that they can stay in the hunt in both the Big North and Passaic County. With Pontes and veteran assistant Mike Rogers guiding them, there is no reason to think they can’t. “Passaic and Passaic County Tech will be good [on the boys side],” said Pontes. “It’s the same for the girls, and Bergen Tech will be in it, too. We have potential, but we know that sometimes ‘potential’ but that is a dangerous word. But our kids know that we work hard.”
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
65
MUSTANG SPORTS Gymnastics
From top left: Kristen Garcia, Leann Kievit, Valentina Rincon, Naomi Paulino, Shania Moncada, Cindy Fezjullah, Samantha Wong. Middle (left: Melanie Wong, Ayanna Eryin, Maria Benitez, Giselle Sequera, Vanessa Castillo, Rita DuBois, Stephany Ayala, Bottom left: Kristine Carillo, Kristen Wong, Briana Valdez, Mariel Buscar, Cindy Hernandez, Renuka Rupee, Francine Choy
Clifton has not been known as a gymnastics powerhouse in recent years. Still, new Mustangs head coach Brittany Gaccione is enthusiastic and optimistic about what her team can achieve this fall. After one year as an assistant, Gaccione took over upon the departure of former coach Amy Glenn, and is determined to bring the best out of Clifton because, as a 2007 CHS grad, Clifton is who she is. “I am proud to be a Mustang and I take pride in everything our school does,” she said. “It’s my alma mater. I want to be able to say that I brought some pride to the program and gave back to CHS.” The Mustangs took third place in the North Jersey Gymnastics
League Division B last year, and will look to improve behind a terrific junior class. Leading the way is Samantha Wong, a standout who took second in Passaic County in all-around competition as a sophomore. Kristen Wong, also a junior, finished sixth all-around in the county last spring, and will also return. Valentina Rincon is one of the leaders on the Clifton squad, competing in vault and beam, while Francine Choy and Ayanna Eryin will contribute in floor and uneven bars, respectively. Overall, numbers are up for the team, and young talent like sophomores Cindy Hernandez, Leann Kievit, Melanie Wong and Kristen
66 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs
Gymnastics Sept 16
@Ridgewood
4:30pm
Sept 18
@West Milford
Sept 23
@Randolph
5:30pm
Sept 29
Ramapo
4:30pm
Oct 2
@Wayne Hills
4:30pm
Oct 7
Wayne Valley
4:30pm
Oct 10
Pascack Hills
4:30pm
Oct 16
Passaic Valley
4:30pm
Oct 23
@Butler
5pm
5pm
Garcia, and freshmen Rita DuBois and Cindy Fejzullah give Gaccione even more reason to believe this squad could be a special one. “We have a good turnout and the younger girls are showing a lot of promise,” she said. “And I would really like to see us continue to improve camaraderie and make gymnastics a major source of Mustang school spirit.”
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
67
Marching Mustangs
Drum Majorette Dana Drobenak (facing page, top photo, top row, third from left) will lead the Marching Mustangs this year as the Showband of the Northeast performs on football fields and along parade routes. Pictured on these pages are many of the senior members of the Marching Mustangs as they worked to perfect their music and high stepping during the annual band camp during mid-August. The other senior class member pictured on these pages include: Brianna Labanich, Lacey Loughlin, Gabriela Barcelona, Paul Bury, Jamie Loughlin, Slavka
Simic, Samantha Declet, Janelyn DeJesus, Jessica Goldberg, Samantha Zalewska, Lovely Mercado, James DeJesus, Rachel Plaskon, Michael Bondonna, Tayler Szabo, Kevin Biernat, Thomas Barile, Shea Harris, Nathaniel Santelli, Daniel Herrara, Arth Patel, Ryan Giust, Francis Ledesma, Karleigh Davila, Nikola Kamcev, Fred Wiles and Joel Cicarella. After the retirement of Bob Morgan, the Marching Mustangs are now under the direction of Cody Holody. He will be assisted in corralling this group by Korinne Kensicki, Melissa Ayers, Brian Cox and Joe Seider.
Good Neighbors, Great Rates
772-8451
Thomas Tobin 973-779-4248
Bill G. Eljouzi 973-478-9500
68 September 2013 • Clifton Merchant
973Roofing • Siding Seamless Gutters Additions • Alterations
Clifton Merchant • September 2013
69
Arts & History
Louis Bouché pays scented tribute to Venus... The Modern Artists Era is the second part of a groundbreaking exhibition at the Clifton Arts Center that focuses on selected works by Louis Bouché and other contemporary Woodstock artists of his time. The exhibit showcases additional large scale mural sections that once hung in the lobby of Shulton, the former Clifton cosmetic company which was located on Colfax Ave near Route 46. The company manufactured items such as Old Spice and other national scents, fragrances and cosmetics for men and women. The land on which it stood is now home to a condo development called Parkwood at Cambridge Crossings. These murals were painted by Bouché between 1946-1948 and were titled Womanhood throughout the ages pays scented tribute to Venus, Goddess of Beauty. His work includes the cosmetics, hair-dos and costumes of various periods, as the mural section here illustrates. The American artist, muralist and decorator grew up in Paris and died on Aug. 7, 1969 in Pittsfield, Mass. In conjunction to the mural sections, the Woodstock (NY) Art Association and Museum is loaning selected paintings
70 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
On these pages, segments of the murals once displayed in the corridors of the former Shulton Plant on Colfax Ave. as seen above. Also pictured are bottle of Old Spice, once manufactured there, and a photo of Louis Bouché.
from their permanent Bouché collection. The Art in Embassies Program from Washington, DC is also loaning the 1948 painting of Spring in Park by Bouché while Ted and Jane Boyer of Princeton are loaning art from their private collection of Woodstock artists. The exhibit opens on Sept. 17 and is displayed through Oct. 25. A reception, open to the public, is on Sept. 20 at 4 pm. Admission $3 is for non-members. The Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park is at 900 Clifton Ave. Info: cliftonnj.org.
308 Lakeview Ave. Clifton 973-772-3837 • Se Habla Español Lakeviewbakeryonline.com
Custom Made Wedding Cakes
Engagement Cakes Birthday Cakes Sweet 16 Cakes Baby Shower Cakes
Eucaris & Erica wish you a Sweet School Year Clifton Merchant • September 2014
71
Arts & Music Pancakes, Patties and Pies...the History of the Silk City Diner Company of Paterson is the subject of an exhibit at Lambert Castle, home of the Passaic County Historical Society, at 3 Valley Rd., at the Clifton/Paterson border. The exhibit is displayed through Oct. 6 and will focus on the history of the old Silk City Diner Company, a prolific New Jersey diner manufacturer that was a division of the Paterson Vehicle Company. The Silk City business ran from the 1920s to the 1960s. Clifton resident Michael C. Gabriele is the author of The Michael Gabriele History of Diners in New Jersey, is also a frequent and the co-curator of the Lambert contributor to this Castle exhibit. magazine. At a Sept. 21 reception, and Gabriele will give a talk on New Jersey diner history. Lambert Castle visitors can see the exhibit WednesdaySunday. Go to lambertcastle.org for hours and admission, or call 973-247-0085. The Garden State Opera (GSO) launches its fall season with Mozart’s L’ Impresario on Oct. 12 at 4 pm at the Allwood Community Church, Lyall Rd., Clifton. Tickets are $10. The performance is staged with piano accompaMaestro Francesco niment and the opera will be Santelli, Garden sung in German with English State Opera. subtitles. On Oct. 26, at the Caldwell University Student Center Auditorium (120 Bloomfield Ave Caldwell,) the GSO will present Puccini’s Le Villi and Mozart’s L’ Impresario. The performance is staged with orchestra and Le Villi will be sung in Italian while L’ Impresario will be sung in German. There are English supertitles for both operas. There will also be a matinee performance of L’ Impresario at Caldwell University at 11 am on Oct. 25 for middle and high school students. For info, call 973-685-9972. or go to www.gardenstateopera.org. 72 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
73
Fun & Music The Clifton Rec Department presents an afternoon of free ‘music and magic’ at Main Memorial Park on Sept. 21 at 3:15 pm. The show opens with magician Joe Fischer who has the perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement. Then the rockin’ duo Presley and Melody presents a concert to get participants to rock out on guitars, shake maracas and other props as they perform pop music. No pre-registration is required. For info, call 973-470-5956. The Coalition for Brain Injury Research (CBIR) has two events in October. Their beefsteak dinner is on Oct. 3 at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club, 181 Colfax Ave., at 6:30 pm. Enjoy comedy by Uncle Floyd, and a chance to win great prizes. Tickets
Uncle Floyd Vivino with Kim Benigno with at last year’s annual CBIR beeksteak dinner. Uncle Floyd will be performing again at the Oct. 3 event.
are $50; proceeds benefit the search for a brain injury cure. The 14th annual “Cure for Brain Injury Walka-thon” begins at 9 am on Oct. 20 at
City Hall. Come help renew hope for victims and their families. Contact Dennis Benigno at 973-632-2066 or email: benignod@verizon.net.
SELF RELIANCE (NJ) FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Join Your Local Credit Union and experience its advantages...
Allwood Road PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 851 Allwood Rd., Clifton 973-471-0700
www.bankuke.com
Botany Village BOTANY BRANCH: 237 Dayton Ave., Clifton 973-772-0620 74 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Federally insured up to $250,000
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
75
Birthdays & Reunions
Laura Byrouty is a birthday fairy—just read her shirt. She is the Clifton advocate for the Confetti Foundation, a national group of volunteers who help families shift focus from their child’s hospitilization to a 30 minute party to celebrate the child’s birthday. And she’s asking Cliftonites to help support her cause. A party kit, which Byrouty is holding, costs $22. Her group is an approved 501(c3) charity so you can simply mail a check. Or you can join her fundraiser at noon on Sept. 12 at FunTime Junction, 400 Fairfield Rd., Fairfield. The party place is donating 20 percent of its profits to the Confetti Foundation so come and help Clifton’s birthday fairy put smiles on the faces of hospitalized children—and their families. Clip and present this story at FunTime Junction if you go on Sept. 12. Or make checks to the Confetti Foundation and mail to 143 DeMott Ave., Clifton, NJ. 07011. Call Laura Byrouty at 973-224-3608 or visit confettifoundation.org for more details. The Clifton Democratic Club will meet on Sept. 8 at the Allwood Library, 44 Lyall Rd. at 7 pm. For info, call Club President John D. Pogorelec Jr. at 973-778-1604. The Paul VI Class of 1974 40th Reunion is Oct. 11, from 6-10 pm at Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill in Fairfield. Cost is $65 and a cash bar will be available. Send a check, payable to Paul VI 1974 Alumni Committee, to Mark Murray, c/o SST Corporation, 635 Brighton Road, Clifton, NJ 07012. Find them on Fb at Paul VI Class of 1974 Reunion or write to lgeider@optonline.net.
St. John’s Lutheran Church Thrift Shop, 140 Lexington Ave. Passaic, is on Sept. 6, 9:30 am to 1 pm. Gently used clothing for the family, household items, toys and books will be sold. To vend or for more info, call 973-779-1166 or 973-777-0322. Clifton Stallions U 8 Girls Travelling Team has its inaugural game on Sept. 7 at 9 am at the Athenia Field Sports Complex. Coached by Esly Panduro, the team will compete in the Northern Counties League. For info, write to eslypanduro@yahoo.com.
Oscar G. Buonafina Sales Associate 36 Preakness Shopping Center Hamburg Turnpike Wayne, NJ 07470 T: 973-686-0404 Cell: 201-625-5549 sgtbuonafina@yahoo.com
76 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Passaic-$275,000. Updated kitchen & bathrooms, very large rooms and high ceilings. New boiler. Updated electrical. Blown insulation w/vinyl windows. MLS#: 3144775
Passaic-$190,000. Complete interior rehab needed. Cash or 203k purchase required. NOT a short sale! MLS#: 3161092
The CHS Class of 1974 40 year reunion is Oct. 11, 6 pm at the Bethwood in Totowa. For tickets, call 973-818-7209, Fb at CHS 1974 Alumni Page or email CHS74reunion@optonline.net. Dennis Sprick, CHS 1974, performs “My Top 40 of 1967” at 8 pm on Oct. 10 at School 3 auditorium, Washington Ave., as a prelude to the CHS 1974 reunion the next evening. Tickets are $20 at the door, cash only. Email theheartfultouch@yahoo.com. The CHS Class of 1984 30 year reunion is on Nov. 8 at the Parsippany Sheraton. Tickets are $89 for the buffet dinner, and there’s a cash bar. For further info go to: reunions-unlimited.com, or check out the CHS Class of 1984 Facebook page or email John Amorison: johnamorisonlaw.com.
The Clifton Veterans Day Parade steps off at 2 pm on Nov. 9. The parade is tentatively set to begin at Huron and Van Houten Aves. and continue through Athenia to Clifton City Hall and the Avenue of Flags. “Join us as a veteran or have your group march in the parade,” said Cahir Keith Oakley. “We want scout troops and social organizations as part of the event. Our goal is to honor those who have served and by participating we do that as a community.” To participate, donate or for details, call Oakley at 201-774-6666 or write to him at oaknuts26@aol.com.
CHS Class of 1974 40th Reunion at
7-11pm
OCT
11
The Bethwood, Totowa $85 due by September 15 • no payments at the door
FB: CHS 1974 Alumni Page
email: CHS74reunion@optonline.ne t
The CHS Class of 1994 20 year reunion is Nov. 29, 7 pm at the Empire Club, Little Ferry. Tickets are $80 and include dinner, open bar and entertainment. Details on the Clifton High School Class of 1994 Facebook group page. Or email apashman@gmail.com. The CHS Class of 2004 10 year reunion is at 7 pm on Nov. 28 at the Brownstone. Details are still being worked out but look for Clifton Class of 2004 on Fb or write to Class President Tom Garretson at shookfuneralhome@gmail.com Clifton Merchant • September 2014
77
September Events The Dutch Hill Flea Market is on Sept. 6 at Weasel Brook Park on Paulison Ave. Set up for vendors begins at 6 am; the market is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The rain date is Sept. 13. Info, call 973-365-2577. Young at Heart Senior Club meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the First Presbyterian Church, Maplewood Ave. The next meeting is on Sept. 16 at noon. Call 973-779-5581.
The North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) presents a Beefsteak Dinner and Tricky Tray on Oct. 24 at 6:30 pm at the Boys & Girls Club, 181 Colfax Ave. Formerly the Passaic County Elks CP Treatment Center, the annual fundraiser offers prizes, a 50-50 raffle, music and dancing with DJ Joey, with catering by Nightingale’s. Tickets are $40 - all proceeds benefit the NJEDDA Children’s Benefit Fund & Adult Training Center. Call 973-772-2600. PRAISE (Parents Requiring Action and Information for Special Education) is a non-profit support group for parents raising children with special needs. Meetings are at the Allwood Library, 44 Lyall Rd. The next is on Sept. 22 at 7 pm. Visit their Facebook page or write to cliftonpraise@gmail.com. St. Paul Church’s Rosary Society’s Chicken Dinner is on Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 pm in the church hall, 124 Union Ave. Catered by Tastefully British, tickets are $15 or $7 for children under the age of 12—tickets will not be sold at the door. To purchase in advance, call 973-478-2605. The Mental Health Association in Passaic County (MHAPC) presents a Trivia and Fajita Friday fundraiser on Sept. 26 at 7 pm at the Wayne PAL Tickets are $40 or $300 for a team of 8. Go to mhapassaic.org, for more details or call 973-478-4444, or write lrivera@mhapassaic.org. The North Jersey Chamber of Commerce will host a Leads-NLunch Networking Roundtable event at the Barnyard & Carriage House in Totowa on Sept. 12 from noon to 2 pm. Over 200 professionals will attend so bring business cards and a lot of energy. Call 973-470-9300 to make reservations.
78 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
79
Helping Neighbors
The Jones and Lil families with Colin at right and above with his mom.
The St. Phillip’s Knights of Columbus Council is hosting the 3rd annual Colin Michael Jones Dinner, Tricky Tray and Live Auction. The Oct. 18 is in the St. Phillip the Apostle Auditorium at 797 Valley Rd. at 7 pm. Colin suffers from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and proceeds will support his needs and expenses. Tickets are $35 prepaid, $40 at the door. For information, donations, or to volunteer, call Carlos Roco 973-272-8776 or Dennis Fitzpatrick 973-271-9577 or visit colinmichaelfund.org.
80 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
81
Helping Neighbors The Paulison Avenue ShopRite hosts Partners in Caring to raise funds to fight hunger and benefit local food pantries. Cuellar Family Markets owner, store managers and employees are ramping up activities to bring awareness to the cause. Patrons can participate by purchasing goods bearing the Partners in Caring shelf tag and a portion is donated to the fund. Kristine Dehais and others at the store are organizing charity events, including a beefsteak on Sept. 12.
At the Paulison Avenue ShopRite planning for the Partners in Caring event: Felix Morales, Joe Russa, Emily Pi, Jerry Trester, Stephanie Pose, Rafael Cuellar, Kristine Dehais and Guillermo Garcia. Get involved: 973-471-0868.
Shook Funeral Home’s 2nd Annual Car Show is at the Sept. 14 Van Houten Ave. Street Fair. Register at shookfuneralhome@aol.com for the car show or call 973-471-9620. The fair will start at 11 am and end at 5 pm. Raindate is Sept. 21. The Cadillac Club of North Jersey will host its 23rd annual Fall Car Show on Sept 28 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Municipal Parking Lot, 660 Van Houten Ave., in Athenia. Prizes will be awarded so pre-register cars by Sept 14. Call 201-888-8727 or visit cadillacclubnj.org for details. Free admission, no rain date. Roy Garretson with his 1942 Cadillac.
Have Clifton Merchant Mailed. $27/YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Mailed via first class to your home.
Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________State:____________________________________ Zip:______________________Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011
82 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
83
September Events Passaic County’s 200 Club will feature ex-NYC detective-turned comedian Mark DeMayo at their 7th annual Beefsteak Benefit Dinner on Sept. 16 at the Brownstone. Tickets are $60. The 200 Club is an organization that raises money to aid the families of fallen police officers, EMT workers and fire fighters. Call 201-450-1271 to purchase tickets or go to www.pc200club.org. Bernie Kerik the former Police Commissioner of the City of New York who also served as the Passaic County Jail Warden, will be the featured speaker at the Clifton Republican Club meeting at 7:30 pm on Sept. 9. He will be speaking on counter terrorism issues and his role on 9/11 during his tenure in NYC. Open to all, the event is at VFW 7165 on Valley Rd. For info, write to cliftongop@gmail.com. Sensei Jim Meghdir of Clifton Martial Arts Academy and his staff helped students at the Bloomfield Ave. school take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Aug. 14. Look for students demonstrating their skills at the Van Houten Ave. Street Fair. Info: cliftonmartialarts.com.
6) _ 6WRU\ 2IĂ€FH %XLOGLQJ ZLWK D 6WRU\ $WULXP /REE\ 6) _ 6WRU\ 2IĂ€FH %XLOGLQJ ZLWK D 6WRU\ $WULXP /REE\ Available Available Now Now Wayne
Elmwood Park
Englewood
46
ackensack Hackensack
4 46
80
Clif Clifton 21
Montclair 3
Ruth herford Rutherford
New York City
West Orange 95
Available 6XLWHV DYDLODEOH IURP 6) 6) Suites: 1,250 SF, 2,500 SF, 5,000 SF, and 10,000 SF ‡ 0LQXWHV IURP WKH *DUGHQ 6WDWH 3DUNZD\ 1- 7XUQSLNH ‡‡ 'LUHFW ZD\ 5RXWH LQWHUFKDQJH ‡ 0LQXWHV IURP WKH *DUGHQ 6WDWH 3DUNZD\ 1- 7XUQSLNH 'LUHFW ZD\ 5RXWH LQWHUFKDQJH , 5RXWHV DQG WKH /LQFROQ 7XQQHO , 5RXWHV DQG WKH /LQFROQ 7XQQHO ‡‡ *HQHURXV SDUNLQJ UDWLR *HQHURXV SDUNLQJ UDWLR
777 PPassaic assaic AAvenue venue Clifton, NeNeww JJersey ersey
84 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Fort Lee
Contact Bill Martini at 973-643-3333 95
• EORFNV WR 1- 7UDQVLW WUDLQ VWDWLRQ EORFNV WR 1- 7UDQVLW WUDLQ VWDWLRQ ‡‡ 7ZR QHLJKERULQJ KRWHOV FRQIHUHQFH IDFLOLWLHV 7ZR QHLJKERULQJ KRWHOV FRQIHUHQFH IDFLOLWLHV %XV WR 3RUW $XWKRULW\ DFURVV WKH VWUHHW • On-site security & FFRYHUHG SDUNLQJ RYHUHG SDUNLQJ ‡‡ %XV WR 3RUW $XWKRULW\ DFURVV WKH VWUHHW
www..777P www 777PASSAIC ASSAIC.com
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
85
Back to School Passaic County Technical Insitute received a 2014 Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association in school communications and engagement. The initiative reminds drivers to avoid the temptation and risk of operating cell phones while driving. “Reject the Text” street signs were designed by PCTI’s Communication Arts students and made possible by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Public Works Committee. The Clifton Recreation Department offers a Readiness and Learning Pre-K Program at the Community Recreation Center, 1232 Main Ave. All children must be age four or five by Oct. 5 to participate. Classes are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from either 9:30 to 11:30 am, or 12:30 to 2:30 pm. To register at the Clifton Rec. Dept. office in City Hall, fill out a registration card (available in office), and bring the child’s birth certificate, and a fee of $145 for residents, $175 for non-residents. Tuition rates are $120 per month for residents, $150 per month for nonresidents. Call the Clifton Rec Dept. at 973-470-5956. PCTI graduates Devin Broughton of Clifton and Anthony Gonzalez assist members of the Passaic County Engineering Department in installing the “Reject the Text” sign on the Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.
86 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton High School offers prep courses for the Nov. 8 and Dec. 6 SATs, and the Oct. 15 and Oct. 18 PSATs. The Sept. to Nov. package, (geared toward the Nov. 8 SAT), includes: Course 101, which meets on Saturdays from 8 am to noon, begins Sept. 13 and ends Nov. 1. Course 102 meets on weeknights from 7 to 9 pm, beginning on Sept. 16, ending on Nov. 5. The Sept. to Dec. package, (geared toward the Dec. 6 SAT), includes: Course 101, on Saturdays from 8 am to noon, starting on Sept. 27 and ends on Nov. 22. Course 102 meets on weeknights from 7 to 9 pm from Oct. 7 to Dec. 4. Each package is $340. Registration forms are in the CHS main office, or at clifton.k12.nj.us. For more info and deadlines, call Louise Iuele at 973-470-2310. The Back2School Bookbag Outreach program, sponsored by the Power of One Christian Coaching and Outreach Ministries, annually prepares backpacks filled with school supplies for underpriviledged children, K-8. Attend the pack and sort party on Sept. 5 from 4:30-7:30 pm at School 12 (165 Clifton Ave.) to help fill 800 backpacks. Visit powerofoneccom.org/outreach. The Fred Torres Memorial 5K is Oct. 19 at 8:30 am on Garrett Mountain. Torres was an avid supporter of the Mustang community of runners. His memory is kept alive with a memorial scholarship for CHS Harriers. Register at eliteracingsystems.com.
Abundant Life Chiropractic Center organized a Backpack and School Supplies Drive to benefit the children of St. Peter's Haven. Over 50 backpacks filled with school supplies were donated by patients of the practice and members of the Passaic-Clifton Lions Club. Pictured: Dr. Vincent Malba and Pamela Liptak.
North Jersey Woodworkers Association is reaching out to amateurs or professional woodworkers interested in attending their meetings on the third Monday of every month. Held at the Allwood Community Church, 100 Chelsea Rd., meetings begin at 7 pm. Dues are $50 per year but attend your first meeting with no obligation. On Nov. 17, the group will hold its first NJWA “Open House and Exhibition.” More info at njwa.dreamhosters.com.
The Fred Torres Memorial Scholarships were created to benefit CHS Cross Country and Track & Field team members. To qualify, applicants must have competed in all three seasons (Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field) at CHS for four years and will be competing in college. The first recipients are Cassidy Cardone, Jeremy Hernandez and Maria Barbieri who are pictured with Mustang Coach John Pontes and members of the Torres family. Clifton Merchant • September 2014
87
Back to School Clifton residents Adrianna Oliver and Christopher Peltyszyn are eighth-graders of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School who scored in the 96th- 99th percentiles nationally in Math, Reading, and Language Arts on the COOP exams earlier this school year. Both eighth-graders have attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School since Pre-K. They will be attend Immaculate Heart Academy and CHS, respectively. Tapan Naik has graduated from SUNY Farmingdale with a degree in Aviation Administration. “I originally wanted to become a pilot, but quickly found that staying on the ground is better for me,” said the Marrion St. resident who graduated CHS in 2007. “I turned to land-side airport operations and become an aircraft dispatcher, which is basically the same as an air-traffic controller, but with less responsibilities. I recently started working with Prime Flight at Newark Airport.” Passaic County Clerk Kristin M. Corrado and Veterans Officer John Harris will be at the Clifton Memorial Library, 292 Piaget Ave., on Sept. 22 from 5 to 7 pm and Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave. on Sept.
88 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
At. St. Nicholas UCC School on President St., top scoring 8th graders are Geovanni Guerrero, Christopher Peltyszyn, Adrianna Oliver and Nataliya Miklosh.
25 from 11 am to 2 pm They will process Passport applications, issue Notary Oaths and Veteran Photo ID cards. The Clerk will also be in Clifton on the fourth Thursday of each month through the end of the year from 11 am to 2 pm. For info, call 973-225-3690.
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
89
Nation’s BEST MMG in Styertowne Shopping Center By Irene Jarosewich
At America’s best Muscle Maker Grill: Kelly Arroyo, franchise owner Tom Buckley (with trophy) and Diva Henriguez.
Growing up in Clark, Tom Buckley was a jock. Little League since he was eight, then on to football in high school, more baseball, as well as track and field, where he excelled in shot put. Decades later, he remains a jock. On his half-a-week summer vacation down at LBI, Buckley took his basketball and tennis racket with him, rented a bike, swam in the ocean, and went to the gym. To relax, Buckley does not sit. He moves. He moves 80 hours per week to make his Muscle Maker Grill location in Styertowne Shopping Center the busiest Muscle Maker location throughout all of New Jersey. Each morning he opens the doors, closes them each evening and in between, serves customers, manages staff, prepares food. 90 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
As one of the newest restaurant chains in America, the New Jersey-based Muscle Maker Grill was established with the goal of providing healthy food with delicious taste that was served quickly. Buckley, 42, opened up his Muscle Maker Grill franchise in February 2012, on the main level of Styertowne next to Bertelli’s Fine Wines. His grand opening, he said, was low key. On purpose. “Many restaurants open with a bang, with a ribboncutting ceremony, balloons, a visit from the mayor. I wanted to do it differently. I chose to go slow and steady, just kind of opened my doors, to give me time to get my staff trained, to work out the kinks, make sure that our food prep was under control, so that customers would be satisfied on their first visit and would come back.”
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
91
The strategy of a winner The strategy worked. In March 2014, just two years after he opened, Buckley was given the Muscle Maker Grill Franchisee of the Year Award for 2013, top in sales, top in customer satisfaction and top in growth among the more than 200 Muscle Maker Grill locations nationwide. “I banked on the overall reputation of Muscle Maker when I chose to open this franchise. I go to gyms, bodybuilding shows and offer free samples of food. I do print, internet, social media promotion. But word of mouth and taking care of your customers is how to keep business. There is no better sales strategy for a restaurant than good customer service and good food.” Although Buckley had confidence that his great location and the Muscle Maker Grill’s great reputation would bring him success, he was still surprised that it happened so quickly. “In March, in Edison, they had a banquet. But I did not know it was a banquet,” said Buckley with a grin. “For some reason I thought it was a regular operations meeting. They didn’t tell me that I was going to win an award, except that my district managers kept hinting ‘you’re going to be there, right?’” “So I get there and I’m in my work clothes. At the restaurant, I had just finished cutting up chicken, got into the car and drove down. I walk in and everybody is in a suit and tie, sitting at the bar, having a drink. I look at them. They look at me. I ask them, ‘hey, what’s going on?’ They say ‘hey, it’s an awards banquet’. I say, ‘for who?’ They say, ‘for you.’” Buckley laughs. “I was completely surprised. As part of my award, they gave me a trip for two to Las Vegas. I asked them ‘who’s going to run my business, the number one location, while I’m gone?’ Then they laughed at me.” A business born of frustration Buckley has known about Muscle Maker Grill since the business first began as a storefront in December 1995, in Colonia, close to where Buckley lived. The franchise founder, Rod Silva, was frustrated with having no good options for quick, healthy food that would give him the balanced nutrition he wanted in order to stay in shape. At first, he opened a small shop that sold protein shakes. Then he began to prepare dish92 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
es for customers that were low fat, low sugar, fresh food with no additives or preservatives, with lean protein and complex carbs. His storefront evolved into a restaurant and lean meats, complex carbs, fresh vegetables became the building blocks of the Muscle Maker menu. Based on his success in Colonia, in 2007, Silva sold the first Muscle Maker franchise. “Great food with your health in mind” is not just the Muscle Maker Grill slogan, said Buckley, this is the philosophy of the restaurant chain. “I choose this franchise because of the philosophy to make food healthy and to make healthy food easy. If he (Silva) did not begin to expand, I would have started something like this on my own. “The original location was two miles from my house. I would work out and go there to eat. It’s always a struggle to find something to eat after a great workout. You don’t want to fill your body with junk food. You just had this great workout. But you also want something quick. That’s where Muscle Maker comes in.” According to Buckley, healthy does not mean wheatgrass and tofu. Muscle Maker makes a point of serving healthier versions of foods people typically eat. “It’s what we call ‘the food you love with a healthy twist,’’’ said Buckley. “Pasta, but it is whole wheat, the rice is brown, the breads and wraps are whole grain, the food is grilled, not fried and no processed food allowed, only fresh.” Besides serving healthy, the second goal is to serve quickly. From the time you order to the time you are served should be five to seven minutes. Seeking future customers Buckley concedes that the original target audience was, and to a large degree continues to be, men between the ages of 18-35 who work out and are health-conscious. Buckley wants to expand that target group to include more women. “Muscle Maker Grill. I know. The name can be offputting to women. It sounds kind of macho guy. Some people think it’s a sports bar, or maybe a gym. Others are not sure what it is. So I focus on the healthy food. Healthy food is for everyone. This will appeal to women.” Buckley notes that he’s pleased that his location gets all different types of people. Lots of foot traffic at lunch. People from the nearby LA Fitness on Route 3.
NFL Sunday Ticket... Every Game! Satellite TV 70 Inch HD TV plus 8 more Tubes!
Monday Night Football 50¢ Wings $1 Domestic Drafts
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
93
Now that he’s won a top franchisee award, he is striving to double sales. Right now, the location is at max capacity for lunch, he said. “Between 11:30 to 1:30, we’re cruising. So, I want to push for the dinner crowd. And to attract more women who also want a healthy meal after a workout at the gym, or simply for lunch or dinner.” Soon, Buckley will be using an additional strategy towards doubling sales: meal plans. Customers can call in or order meals online to be delivered or picked up five, six or seven days per week, one, two or even three meals per day. “I’m hoping that this, in particular, will appeal to women. People are very busy. With a meal plan, you don’t have to cook, or prep or shop, all you have to do is heat and eat. And if you order through a meal plan, several meals at once, the price per meal is lower. “The planned price point is seven dollars per meal. For that, you get fresh, healthy food – never frozen and processed – you can pick up daily or we can deliver. When you calculate the cost of your time for shopping,
cooking and clean up, for wasted food, this is a bargain. We can deliver to office or home. Besides being delicious and good for you, the meal plans will simplify your life.” The meal plans, he thinks, will be particularly effective for lunch. Seating and serving more people in the restaurant during the peak lunch hours would be hard, even carry out lines would get too long, but the service of pre-ordered deliveries can expand. “The original positive reputation for Muscle Maker Grill was word of mouth,” noted Buckley. “Guys found out about it at the gym, then they would go there to eat, then they would want to have it for lunch, then their coworkers would ask them what they were eating and would want to get some, and so on. There are a lot of offices here in Clifton, a lot of professionals, all of them have to eat lunch. There’s plenty of room in Clifton for growth.” As an additional incentive to try their menu, Muscle Maker Grill in Clifton offers 10% discount to those with gym card, as well as anyone with a Mustang ID.
From left, Tyler Hughes, Chris Rizzuto and Trevor Steinfeldt of Plaza Bagels at 850 Van Houten Ave. which we missed in our August dining edition. Also, Leandro's Pizzeria moved to 754 Clifton Ave. (973-928-6020); Smashburger, is at 700 Rt 3 West, (973-777-3600) Wize Guys Brick Oven Pizzeria is at 353 Crooks Ave. (973-772-3535). And don’t miss A Taste of Clifton, the food fundraising event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club on Monday evening, Sept. 29. About three dozen food, wine and entertainment vendors are participating, allowing you to sample from a wide variety of food. For tickets, which are selling out fast, call John DeGraaf at 973-773-0966 ext 111 or write to him at jdegraaf@bgcclifton.org.
94 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • September 2014
95
Birthdays & Celebrations - September 2014
Mnohaya lita! God grant you many years Frances Stek who will turn 91 on Sept. 22. Frank Hahofer celebrated his 101st birthday on Aug. 7. Dorothy Knapp has a birthday on Sept.12. Happy birthday to Nick Hawrylko who will be 19 on Sept 12. Margot and Gino Villanova celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18.
Birthdays & Celebrations
Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Michael Capwell ...............9/1 Allison Di Angelo ..............9/2 Liam Robert Martin ............9/2 Bill Federowic ...................9/3 Dave Gabel ......................9/3 Jennifer Martin ..................9/3 Sharon Holster ..................9/4 Joseph Shackil...................9/4 Eric Wahad ......................9/4 Linda Ayers.......................9/5 Christy Gordon .................9/5 Mohammed Othman ..........9/5
Ana Stojanovski ................9/6 Darren Kester ....................9/7 Greg Martin .....................9/7 Helen Albano....................9/8 Eddie Bivaletz ...................9/8 Shannon Carroll ................9/8 Liz Tresca .........................9/8 Geoff Goodell...................9/9 Annamarie Priolo...............9/9 George Andrikanich ........9/10 Nicole Moore .................9/10 Dolores Wyka .................9/10
96 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Ronnie Courtney..............9/11 Andrew Orr ....................9/11 Andrew Shackil ...............9/11 Lee Ann Doremus ............9/12 Wayne Funke..................9/12 Naoma Martin ................9/12 Thomas Wayne ...............9/13 Sarah Bielen ...................9/14 Anthony Dorski................9/14 Jayde Gouveia-Hernandez..9/14 Emily Duchnowski ............9/15 Manny Monzo ................9/15 Stacey Corbo..................9/16 Nancy Ann Eadie............9/16 Joe Genchi .....................9/16 Jaclyn Scotto ...................9/16 Cindy Murcko .................9/17 Kathleen Gorman ............9/18 Amanda Meneghin..........9/18 Dawn Smolt ....................9/18 Daniel Smith ...................9/18 Gloria Turba ...................9/18 Mickey Garrigan .............9/19 James Graham ................9/19 Rickie Ojeda...................9/19 Louis DeLeon ...................9/20 Sara Gretina...................9/21 Lynne Lonison..................9/21 Annamaria Menconi ........9/21 Peter Skoutelakis..............9/21
Allwood’s Russell Kay Carey & Lillian (Ferguson) will be married 60 years on Sept 25. Valerie Carestia...............9/22 Beverly Duffy...................9/22 Ryan Gorny ....................9/22 Timothy St. Clair..............9/22 Keith Myers ....................9/23 Brian Salonga .................9/23 Brian Engel....... ..............9/23 Pam Bielen......................9/25 Deanna Cristantiello ........9/25 Donato Murolo................9/25 Corey Genardi................9/26 Saverio Greco.................9/26 Richard Van Blarcom........9/26 Kenneth Chipura .............9/28 Barbara Mascola.............9/29 Thomas E. Moore ............9/29 Mary Perzely ..................9/29 Lauren Hrina ...................9/30 Ryan Lill..........................9/30 Daniela Santos celebrates her 18th birthday on Sept. 5. Happy 14th anniversary to Greg & Margaret Nysk on Sept. 17. Arlene & Villeroy Hard will be married 56 years on Sept. 14. Walter & Claire Pruiksma are married 68 years on Sept. 18. Clifton Merchant • September 2014
97
November 4 Election Seven City Council members, three Board of Education Commissioners and various county, state and federal officials are up for election on Nov. 4. The City Council election was moved from the second Tuesday in May to the November cycle and it seems to have opened the field. Additionally, incumbent Matt Ward declined to run so that opens it up a bit too. The council candidates are: James Anzaldi, Joe Cupoli, Peter Eagler, Bill Gibson, Steven Goldberg, Matt Grabowski, Steve Hatala, Joe Kolodziej, Lauren Murphy, Bharat Rana, Beatrice Rybak-Petrolle, Mary Sadrakula, John Salierno, Norman Tahan and Joseph Yeamans. City Council members serve four year terms and are paid $4,000 annually or $4,500 if selected by their colleagues as Mayor, plus health benefits. Terms begin on Jan. 1, 2015. Board of Education Commissioners receive no compensation nor benefits and serve three year terms, which begin on the BOE meeting following the election. Candidates include Arlene Agresti, Judi Bassford, Jeff Camp, Lucy Danny and Andy White. Passaic County Freeholder and Clifton resident Bruce James is up for reelection for one of three available seats. Passaic County Clerk Kristin Corrado, Congressman Bill Pascrell and US Senator Cory Booker also face opponents.
98 September 2014 • Clifton Merchant
Our Oct. 2012 cover featured Joe Cupoli and Lauren Murphy, both of whom are running in the Nov. 4 Clifton City Council election.
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Phila Pa 191 PeRmiT No. 7510