POLLER DENTAL GROUP
My Mowimy Po Polsku (Dentystka)
THE APPREHENSIVE PATIENT
EXP 10-15-10
973-546-6977
470 Clifton Ave • Clifton
DENTISTRY WHILE YOU SLEEP
EXP 10-15-10
DENTAL CARE FOR COWARDS
908-686-5868
629 Clifton Ave • Clifton 459 Chestnut St • Union
973-777-7364
EXP 10-15-10
Clifton Merchant Magazine is published the first Friday of every month at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400
azine
7011
e.net
or
As Clifton Grows, So Do We Come October, this magazine will be 15 years old. From our founding, we have evolved from a 24 page circular (first edition pictured here) into a full fledged community magazine. I am proud of this and thankful to all who have contributed to our success. Some years back, we introduced a slogan, used above as our headline. It came from the fact that we look at this magazine as a diary for our community. Every month, we try and document the changes, offer historical accounts of sports and social events, and to write personal stories about life and living in Clifton today. “No matter your race, creed or color,” I wrote in a column in October, 1998, explaining the idea behind the slogan, “be part of Clifton and contribute to help make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. And remember, As Clifton Grows, So Do We...” Some 180 months into this personal yet very public journey, Clifton Merchant continues to meet our mission. We offer a package of stories, photos and advertisements that you will not find in any other publication. This month, our cover promotes the 2010 Mustang Athletic Hall of Fame. We catch up with these folks and relive their time in history. That section is followed by features about our current high schoolers as they take the field to represent the Maroon and Gray—and perhaps to find their place in Mustang history. After that, stories on the arts, business and social events. This month we are especially proud to have an essay by Christopher de Vinck which sets the tone for this back to school time of the year. It’s the mix of news and information you have come to expect us to deliver. We get feedback on what we do here in a variety of ways. Readers look for the book the first Friday of every month at our 75 or so distribution points. Merchants continue to sponsor us as they use our publication to get their business message out. Letter writers use our pages
to share their views. Former Cliftonites that want to stay in touch with their hometown get the magazine delivered all across the USA. To all of you, I offer thanks and pledge that we will continue to create a great publication. With your support and input, we will produce a magazine that truly reflects, reports and acknowledges all of what is going on in our community. Our goal is to continue to be the diary of Clifton, and to continue to grow and change with our city. Clifton Merchant Magazine is here thanks to you— and thus, we are here to serve our community. So please, stay in touch, do good things and remember, As Clifton Grows, So Do We...” 16,000 Magazines
are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants on the first Friday of every month. Subscribe Page 70
1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011
$27 per year $45 for 2 years Call 973-253-4400 © 2010 Tomahawk Promotions
4
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
by Tom Hawrylko
Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Business Manager Cheryl Hawrylko Graphic Designer Rich McCoy Staff Writer Joe Hawrylko Contributing Writers Irene Jarosewich, Carol Leonard, Rich DeLotto, Don Lotz, Jack DeVries
o
f
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
5
2010
Letters to the Editor
Clifton Merchant Magazine 1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011
tomhawrylko@optonline.net
Last week I received a note from Helen Berkenbush from Botany. “Picked up an oldie but goodie from your rack at Hot Grill,” she began, citing a 2006 edition in which the issues of community pride and clean neighborhoods were discussed. “I know I sound a little harpsie,” her letter continued, “but maybe the city as a whole needs a general review, not just Botany. Our town is getting very dirty and not only because of garbage in the streets. I think what we lack is a general sense of ownership. It seems there are too many people—residents and business owners—who come and go and never look at their space or care.” Knowing Helen, she is not one to sit back or be a little harpsie. She
6
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
and her husband of 52 years, Roy, pictured here, are doers. For decades, they have been involved in Scouting. Since its inception, she has represented Botany Village on the ACTION committee. And while kids are long gone from their home, Helen is a literacy volunteer in the media center at School 17. Good people, those Berkenbushes. “One person who does nothing on a block can change the whole neighborhood,” she said, citing a few examples of decay on certain streets around town. We all know neglected buildings, weed covered lots and areas of blight in our city that needs some extra enforcement. “We used to call it creeping cruds when I was a kid,”
she explained in a follow up phone call. Seconds later, in that same conversation, the voice of Helen the optimist was heard: “The opposite is true as well. One neighbor who takes pride in their yard and their home can also be contagious.” And that’s what Helen Berkenbush wants residents, business owners and elected officials to know. It’s time for all of us to again make Clifton the City That Cares. That can also be contagious. by Tom Hawrylko
NEWARK: 6 unit structure with 5 3 BR units, 1 2 BR unit, fin basement room, 3 car garage. Sep utilities, well maintained. Additional income from garage and basement storage. MLS#: 2792578. $$459,000
CLIFTON: Gorgeous traditional colonial with modern updates & spectacular interior design. Spacious LRm with decorative fireplace has MLS#: sitting nook and sliders to deck. 2795047 $369,000
BELLEVILLE: Great flow to this partial brick 3 BR Colonial. Open living room/dining room - perfect for entertaining. Beautiful stone fireplace in LR. Large eat-in kitchen with pantry. Newer gas heat/central air.MLS#: 2794093 $259,900
BLOOMFIELD: One block away from Oakview School, this 3 Bedrm Colonial has newer windows, h/w heater and landscaping. Fin Attic w/ office family rm and addl storage. Ready to move in. MLS#: 2735493 $299,000
BLOOMFIELD: Stately, move in condition colonial featuring a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, newer central air (3-4 yrs), roof (6-7 yrs), electrical (3-4 yrs). MLS#: 2793665 $259,900
CLIFTON: Perfect split in perfect neighborhood. Sits on cul-de-sac. 3 bdrms & updated full and half baths. Laundry rm at grd level. Spacious Rec rm w/ new ceramic tile flr. Manicured landscaping. Move-In Ready!MLS#: 2772024 $389,000
CLIFTON: Great, comfortable single fam home in Athenia with 3 BR, and large Kit, finished basement, nice private backyard, being sold as is... Nothing to do but move in.. MLS#: 2793499 $289,900
LITTLE FALLS: This single family Cape offers 3 bedrooms and lots of room to grow. A large flat lot and a detached oversized garage leaves plenty of room to expand and build the home you want. MLS#: 2783311 $179,000
CLIFTON: This stylish Cape Cod home is a great place to start. 3 BRs, attached garage, well maintained and it is situated on a nice large lot in a desirable and stable neighborhood. MLS#: 2791361 $279,000
WOODLAND PARK: Come see this move-in condition cape featuring 4 BR, LR, EIK, 2 Full Baths, Finished basement, attached one car garage and beautiful in-ground pool. Central air & natural gas MLS#: 2777387 $360,000
CLIFTON: This Colonial in Clifton Center has many updates but is awaiting your personal touch. 3 Bedrooms and 2 baths with a long yard and a garage, this homes is priced right, with room to grow. MLS#: 2764337 $262,400
CLIFTON: 3 BRs, Master w//S/Glass Door to Balcony W/stairs to yard. 2 F/Baths, Ground floor :In Law set up ,Summer Kit, Bath, Large Family Room W/Fireplace, S/Glass Door to Patio & private Yard. MLS#: 2784452 $299,000
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
7
We Proudly Announce our June Award Winners... Hilda Ferro
Ellen Weiner
Jerry Sanders
Greg Manalo
Agent of the Month
Top Sales
Top Producer
Weichert Pride
We Proudly Announce our July Award Winners...
8
Susan McFarlane
Hilda Ferro
Hilda Ferro
Top Lister
Top Producer
Top Sales
This Athenia Cape feartures a LR, DR, Kit, 2BRs, office and 2 car garage. Home has potential for 4 BR’s . MLS#: 2792665. $209,900
This Albion Home offers plenty of space.. 4BR, 2FFBA, EIK, FDR, basement, 1 car garage and large yard. MLS#: 2794269. $309,900
Renovated Colonial has 5 BRs, 3.5 BAs, EIK, FDR, in-law suite, 2 car garage. Completely renovated. MLS#: 2776190. $475,000
Clifton Center Colonial has 4BR, 2 FBAs, LR with FPL, FDR, EIK, full bsmnt and 2 car garage. Great Poential. MLS#: 2742962. $299,000
Albion Colonial with 3 BR, 1.5 BA, EIK, FDR, full basement and an additional room on first floor can be used as BR. MLS#: 2770833. $259,900
Comfortable Cape with 3 BR, large EIK, cozy LR, 2.5 Baths, C/A, 1 car garage and a nice yard with above ground pool. MLS#: 2770354. $305,500
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
In Flight...
by Christopher de Vinck
Returning Again to the Classroom The other day, as I was driving to Clifton High School, I saw seven swans flying in the high distance. I have seen in my life perhaps two or three times a single swan in flight, but never seven. I pulled off the highway, not to make a call on a cell phone, but to admire the graceful expanse of muscles and feathers that kept those great birds aloft until they disappeared over Paterson. As I pulled back onto Route 80, I thought of the Grimm’s fairy tale, “The Six Swans.” In the story the wicked stepmother transformed her six stepsons into swans following her jealous rage. Of course the stepmother forgot about her stepdaughter, the little girl who wanted to save her brothers. The girl discovered that all she had to do was not speak for six years, sew six little shirts made of asters, and after the six years, all the swans had to do was slip on those magic shirts and they would be transformed back into six happy brothers. How great it would be if happiness could be attained by simply slipping on enchanted shirts made from petals. And while it does take many years for human beings to be nurtured into their own sense of happiness, those lessons are not created with magic wands and secret spells, but rather with the kind words and loving embraces of caring adults. My first grade teacher was Sister Elizabeth Anne, a young, happy Dominican nun, and I know for sure that she was the first person, beyond my mother and father, who stood before me as a model of goodness and gentleness, an icon perhaps who has stayed with me throughout my life.
Sister Elizabeth Anne taught me how to read and write. “There was a happy man,” Sister said to the class one morning as she drew a circle on the board, and in the circle she created two dots for eyes, and a smiling face. She then told a story about this man, and how he wanted to become a clown, and so Sister drew a clown’s hat. But there was more. She explained that this hat is exactly what the letter “A” looked like. Sister Elizabeth Anne created the “A” sound. We repeated the sound, and then for the next few days, she created these little stories and drew pictures on the board that wove in the different letters. “F” was a flag. “J” a fisherman’s hook. Within two weeks, we knew the alphabet, and then she taught us how to write our names. When I wrote just plain “Chris,” Sister Elizabeth Anne, in her wonderfully scented black robe and veil leaned over me and said, “Oh not just Chris. Here, let me show you. “C-H-R-I-S-T-O-P-H-E-R. Always write your whole name and be proud of who you are.” I looked up to the powerful, holy woman as she looked down at me with a smile and whispered, “Christopher.” In third grade I was attacked by a bully. This stallion of a boy began chasing me with a raised fist and I ran for the oak tree jutting out in the middle of the school property where the boy and I began a cat and mouse dance around the tree. And then, suddenly, there was this booming voice: “What is going on here?” September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
9
Teaching consists, not in imposing acquired facts upon students, but in offering them the principles that will reveal truth within their minds. It is not a filling of tanks, but an opening of vistas. —Jose de Vinck My teacher, Sister Lillian came rushing out of the building. Her habit waved in the wind. Her rosary beads clanked against her robe. The older boy ran off and I stood there not knowing if I dared let go of the oak tree when Sister Lillian asked if the tough boy hurt me. “No sister.” And then she called me over to her. She extended her arms and embraced me and said, “Don’t be afraid.” “Yes sister,” I said and then with her angelic smile she said, “I love you Christopher.” She was much better protection than an oak tree. Sister Elizabeth Anne and Sister Lillian both slipped onto my back magical shirts made not of asters, but of love and goodness. On November 22, 1963 I was sitting in my seventh grade spelling class. My desk was pushed right up against the teacher’s desk. I was filling in a worksheet when the principal quietly stepped into the classroom, walked up to my teacher and whispered “President Kennedy has been shot.” The teacher and I were the only ones who heard what the principal said, and when the principal walked out of the room, my teacher whispered to me, “Don’t worry, Chris.” In high school I was horribly insecure and lonely. In my English class, somehow the subject of raccoons came up and I sheepishly raised my hand and said that I have pictures of the raccoons that I feed at night. “You feed raccoons?” My teacher asked, and I explained how
10
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
I open the basement window when the raccoons knock over the garbage cans and I feed them grapes. “They really like grapes.” After class, my teacher stopped me and said, “I’d love to see those raccoons, Chris.” The next day I brought in the picture. I was so proud of them, and after the teacher admired the silly creatures gobbling grapes, he suggested that I join the Junior Prom committee. It was the first time someone asked me to join something. I helped my classmates transform the cafeteria into the classic “Kingdom Beneath the Sea,” and I made my first friends, and it changed my life. During my third year of college, as I was walking out the door of one of my classes, the professor stopped me and said, “You know Chris, you’re a smart kid.” No one had ever said that I was smart at anything. It changed my life. My father, Jose, was a professor of French and Philosophy at Seton Hall University many, many years ago. Today he is 98 years old. Over the years he collected bits of his personal philosophy about life, things that he wanted to teach his students and his own six children: “Loving our children consists, not in giving them everything, but in giving them what they need, mostly ourselves.” “Teaching consists, not in imposing acquired facts upon students, but in offering them the principles that will reveal truth within their minds. It is not a filling of tanks, but an opening of vistas.”
“What all teachers should do is take the young people in their ignorance, confusion and alienation and slowly build up in them a sense of values, responsibilities, personal worth, hope and love, in the midst of a world that is chaotic by nature, but open to infinite possibilities.” When I was a graduate student at Columbia University, one of my professors said that an excellent teacher has three overriding, and similar characteristics: they know their subject matter, they deeply care about the academic and social successes of their students, and that have a distinctive and distinguished personality. Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, and the founder of analytical psychology wrote “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” Children all over the country and children here in Clifton are returning to school this month. They will buy notebooks and new shoes. They will be excited to see their friends again, and sad that the summer is over, but above all else, the children will be anxious to know who their teachers will be this year. They will find Clifton teachers who are warm,
compassionate, brilliant and kind who will open to them infinite possibilities. My seventh grade teacher tried to protect me from Lee Harvey Oswald. My high school teacher brushed the lint off my Junior Prom tuxedo and said “I am proud of you, Chris.” My college professor shook my hand when I received my BA degree. Let us celebrate the Clifton Schools and the teachers. Let us thank the board of education, the parents and the taxpayers for all they do to try as best they can to provide the children with teachers of brilliance, teachers of goodness, teachers of compassion. “S, Christopher. See how the letter S looks like a swan?” Dr. Christopher de Vinck, a graduate from Teachers College, Columbia University, is the Language Arts Supervisor at Clifton High School; an adjunct professor of English Education at Montclair State University, and the author of 12 books. His best know work is The Power of the Powerless (Crossroad Books) a book on the struggles and joys of loving his severely disabled brother.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
11
Lou Poles CHS 1951, Historian very town has a Lou Poles, Clifton’s greatest sports historian and fan said modestly a few years back. “Guys like me are the ones people like to talk sports with. We help them remember a great game or player from their past. What’s nice is that I often wind up becoming lifelong friends with the people I talk to, or at least lifelong friendly acquaintances.” He’s lying. Every town does not have a Lou Poles— they’re rare individuals, filled with a love of sports and city that goes far beyond that of a normal fan. Poles is a maroon and gray original, Clifton’s own. And that’s why this 1951 CHS grad is being inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame as Historian. “People say I know a lot about sports,” says Harry Murtha, another treasure trove of Mustang Knowledge. “While I may know what a quarterback did in a big game, Lou knows what he did... along with the brand of toothpaste he used the night before.” While such praise may seem beyond Pole’s reach, a conversation with Lou brings forth a dizzying array of games, stats and players—each flowing from one story to another. “My initials are L.P.,” he adds. “Some people says it stands for Long Playing.” It’s nearly impossible to not get swept up in the Mustang sporting world of Poles—the enthusiasm bouncing along with his rapid fire staccato voice. He remembers Coach Joe Grecco’s halftime speeches (Lou listened by the field house window), Bobby Holly and Ray “Ditch” Malavasi appearing in the Super Bowl, or Dave Szott lining up for battle for his beloved Jets. He’ll toss in a few anecdotes about the long gone Scussel Brothers, Eugene and Henry, who Lou never saw play but whose stories he now treasures as his own. And that’s just five minutes of conversation. “As you know...” he’ll say, beginning another tale. His listeners often do not know, but Lou continues.
E
12
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
But that’s the beauty of Lou Poles. He is a story teller and the important thing to him is that Clifton History is shared and Mustang athletes live again. On the following pages, you’ll find stories on Mustangs from various eras and sports who are part of our city’s athletic history, tales that Lou Poles has shared. On Oct. 17 at noon at the Brownstone, these inductees will join generations of other Mustangs when they are installed into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame. The public is invited to the affair which includes lunch and beverages. Tickets are $40 and are available by calling CHS at 973-470-2282 or 973-470-2324.
CHS 1993, Football, Baseball, Hockey
Ralph Cinque All individual profiles in this section written by Joe Hawrylko alph Cinque Jr. was not just a star in one sport. Whether it was football, hockey or soccer, the 1993 CHS grad, he excelled. Cinque said his success was due to his large size and his father, Ralph Sr., who made sure that his son was playing any sport that he was interested in. “The best thing that my father ever could have done for me was put me in everything,” said Cinque. “I even played basketball as a kid growing up. I didn’t play it in high school, but as a kid, I played everything.” “He was athletic. He grew up in Hudson County and was a big football guy,” said Cinque. “There was the fact that I was pretty big at a young age and he saw there was some potential. He also got me into playing
R
hockey at a young age. It helped me with my hand eye coordination and agility, just learning to skate.” Cinque began playing hockey at around six years old, playing at a rink in Secaucus. “When I was growing up, they had a clinic on Sunday mornings,” he recalled. “I used to go there to play with a lot of the older kids. I was big for my age, so I was able to play with them. It makes you better, it makes you more hungry, more aggressive. Just a better competitor.” Hockey also gave Cinque discipline. To secure ice time, hockey players typically must get to the rink at obscure hours... pre-dawn skates are a staple of the sport. And it gets more competitive as you get September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
13
older. Cinque recalled his father logging many hours in the car as they went to over 70 games for traveling games. When he finally got up to the high school, Cinque found himself lining up in different positions frequently. “We didn’t have a lot of guys on the team,” said Cinque, who typically played center or defense. “Danko was supportive of me and gave a lot of ice time. I played whatever the team needed.” Though the Mustangs were a .500 team for most of his playing career, Cinque fondly recalled his time spent with the team on and off the ice. “You build a lot of different bonds with these guys,” he explained. “Sometimes you see guys around town: ‘Awww, you remember 92-93 when this happened?’ It’s fun. It’s the memories, you know?” Cinque finally got to taste victory on the ice years later in 2001 as an assistant coach, as the Mustangs went on to win the State Sectional Group 4 Title. “Danko and LaDuke were coaching,” he recalled. “It was pretty interesting. They gave me a lot of opportunities and I’m very greatful that they let me coach.” At CHS, Cinque also excelled on the football field. It was on the gridiron that he had his most memorable athletic day ever: Against Paramus Catholic, he carried the ball 28 times and rambled his way to 288 yards and three TDs on the ground. That, combined with a 30 yard reception and 12 tackles from his linebacker position, gave Cinque one of the best days in Fighting Mustang history.
“It was cool. I got some accolades for it,” he recalled. “But we lost the game. It would have been nice if I ran for 80 yards and won instead, that would have been a lot better.” Like other sports, he started young. “I played at like five years old,” recalled Cinque. “I grew up in North Bergen and moved to Clifton at seven. I was always a bigger, chubby kid and got stuck playing line so I gave up football for a while.” However, in middle school, the Cliftonite had the opportunity to join the now-defunct Colts, which played in an unlimited weight league except for skill positions. Cinque was still being used mostly on the line until the end of the season. “We had two extra exhibition games against Montclair and Passaic,” recalled Cinque. “I begged the coach to give me a chance at running back and did ok at it. I thought maybe I was a little fast for my size and weight, and I thought it would be a good position for me and it worked out.” The Cliftonite also excelled on the baseball diamond. Using his size to his advantage, Cinque eventually become a very good pitcher on a great Mustang squad. “In high school, I got to play for one of the best baseball coach I’ve ever come in contact with, Paul Pignatello,” said Cinque. “He taught us a lot about accountability—that’s a huge thing that some of these kids today lack. He taught us respect for yourself and your teammates, being on time and he taught us a lot about baseball.”
View The Giblin Report Wednesdays at 8 pm, Channel 76
Proud to
Represent Clifton Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin 1333 Broad St., Clifton, NJ 07013 office: 973-779-3125
www.assemblymangiblin.com 1814 1814
14
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Jamie Farley CHS 1993, Softball, Basketball
Story by Joe Hawrylko s the catcher for the Lady Mustangs, Jamie Farley was one of the key components to Clifton’s dominating squads from 1998 to 2002. As an incoming freshman, Farley recalls seeing members of the legendary 1997-1998 Lady Mustang squad ply their craft on the diamond. Clifton was still in the midst of a winning streak that spanned nearly two years and included two State Sectional Titles. “I remember that time, it was absolutely draining,” she added. “That was what you wanted to be. Freshman year, they were still on that winning streak. It was stuff that most people don’t get to experience in high school or ever. I was really lucky to be a part of it.” The following season, the Hall of Famer came in as a sophomore and started, and her career took off. As a catcher, Farley was part of a Lady Mustang squad that defied critics by capturing the League and County titles before bowing out in the State Finals.
A
“I think that whole season, we came in as underdogs,” she recalled. “We didn’t win a title our freshman year and Jamie Anzaldi pitched really well for us. Going from underdogs to making it to the State Finals... I can’t even break it down. There wasn’t just one memory, but the season was great as a whole.” For Farley and the rest of the team, the unexpected success was a relief. While talented, the girls were always compared to their predecessors. The bar was set high. “That 97-98 team, that’s who you wanted to be,” said Farley. “They were the celebrities of the town. That was great watching them growing up. We definitely tried emulating them.” September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
15
Watching Lady Mustang games was an event as a child. Farley recalled seeing some of her idols on the diamond at a young age and was inspired to one day be like the stars at Clifton High School. “I started when I was about six years old,” she recalled. Farley said that she started with t-ball and eventually moved onto the Clifton Charmers. “Clifton was such a big softball town when I was growing up. Coach Rich La Duke was harvesting the program,” she continued. “The big thing to do was to
go watch the County Tournament at Main Memorial Park. I know myself and other players would go there. That’s where we would meet—I think it was Memorial Day Weekend.” Besides the team’s championship year, one of Farley’s favorite memories was playing for the much heralded coach La Duke. “You would just see this softball legend,” she explained. “You’re going to play for him and he kind of influenced everything in the sport itself. He stressed the importance of things I had to do. Not just sports, but academically, what you had to do to succeed in life. Not only being a good ball player but a good person.” “I owe him a lot,” Farley laughed. “ I hope he knows that. I got to go back there and tell him that he’s such a great guy.” After Farley’s career at CHS concluded in 2002, she went on to play at Rider College, where she anchored at first base. She still plays in a competi(973) tive fast pitch league and currently Roofing • Siding works as a physician assistant in orthoSeamless Gutters pedic trauma surgery at University Additions • Alterations Hospital in Newark.
772-8451
16
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Lester Lembryk CHS 1994, Soccer, Basketball
H
e was a four year starter for the Mustangs, and one of the finest goal keepers in the team’s lengthy history. For Lester Lembryk, being inducted into the CHS Hall of Fame for his feats on the pitch is a dream come true. “Probably around five or six, my father, Stan, who is from Poland, he pretty much started bringing me to all the local soccer games,” said Lembryk.
“I remember going to some Cosmos games and from that point on, I grew to love the sport and opportunity I had I was always playing.” “I love the sport so much I would actually play out the game when I got home in my backyard,” he continued. “I would pretend that I was certain players that I knew from my older brother. I would play all night until my mother would tell me, ‘Get inside already.’
The graduate of the Class of 1994 first got a taste of playing soccer, thanks to his big brother, Stan. “I actually started playing goalie as a kid,” said Lembryk. “I remember my brother (current CHS girls coach, Stan) shooting at me and I just took a liking to it and from that point I just played goal.” He would play youth soccer and as he grew closer to high school age, Lembryk became more serious about practicing.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
17
Prior to joining the Mustangs, he was training with his brother and other CHS soccer stars at Richardson Oval for two hours every morning, from 6 to 8 am. It was a tradition he carried until graduation—and ultimately, it paid off. “I was pretty fortunate.
Benjamin Moore Paints and much more...
Able Hardware 745 Van Houten Ave.
973.773.4997 Mon.-Fri. till 7pm Sat. till 5pm
1232
18
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Coming up into high school, I really got involved with a lot of the players on a varsity level,” said Lembryk. “I was training with them early in the summer sessions. I really worked hard for that. It was a goal I had set for myself. I wanted to be on Varsity—my older brother Stan did it, I wanted to do it too.” When he finally got to the high school, Lembryk’s game was further refined under the tutelage of one of the school’s all-time coaching greats. “Coach Fernando Rossi was one of the best coaches of all time,” Lembryk stated. “He gave me an opportunity and I pretty much tried to take advantage of that opportunity. Thinks just fell into place from that time on.” “It’s not fair to forget to mention my father, Stan Sr.,” said Lembryk. “He was a tremendous impact on me. My father and my brother, Stan, besides Fernando
Rossi, were two of the figures I looked up to in the soccer world.” Lembryk is currently coaching boys soccer at Union High School. He previously was an assistant at Jersey City University. Lembryk is married to his wife, Nicole, and is currently receiving his Masters in education online.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
19
CHS 2001, Wrestling
Robbie Vargo lmost ten years after he graduated CHS, and many of Robbie Vargo’s marks still sit near the top of the all time leader board. His 133 wins and 10 losses were once Clifton and County records, and he’s still near the top of the list. His success stems from early exposure to the sport. “I started out wrestling in Clifton youth between the ages of five and nine,” explained Vargo, who left the team for club wrestling. “My dad actually owns a wrestling school. I remember days when I was with my father and my brother, traveling all across Pennsylvania up to Michigan... you name it, we were going there for wrestling tournaments when we were younger.” His father, Ron, actually picked up the sport so he could better understand it. “My father was definitely my greatest influence, both in wrestling and in life,” said Vargo. “I’ve been wrestling longer than my father, but he became one of the best teachers I had in wrestling. He
A
20
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
started to wrestle when I was 10 or so and picked it up. He just because a student of the sport and started to teach us.” “He knew me better than anyone else, what my tendencies were, what my strengths and weaknesses were,” he continued. “He didn’t need to know a great amount at the time—like he does now—but he what was important is that he knew what I was going to do before I did it.” However, that never helped the older Vargo defeat his son—and least that’s what Robbie says. “I don’t know if he ever beat me,” he laughed. “I was always bigger than him. I always had 30-40 pounds on him, so it really wasn’t a fair match up. But he had good technique. He not only taught me, I wrestled him. I knew what he was saying was coming from the heart and knew that what he was telling me was right.” Vargo participated in club wrestling up until high school. But even as be began competing as a Mustang, he’d find himself logging extra hours by practicing with his old team. Initially, Vargo started out as a 140 pound freshman wrestling against juniors and
s t t o r
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
21
seniors in Varsity competition. “I saw the jump in myself in my work ethic and just everything when I made the jump from my freshman year to sophomore year,” he explained. Another year of experience, combined with more power at 145 pounds, and Vargo became a dominant power in the state. “I think I had maybe one loss going into the state tournament that year,” he recalled. “And I blew out my knee at the state quarters. The guy blew out my knee off of an illegal move.” Vargo was ahead in the match, and a victory would have guaranteed him a finish of no worse than sixth place. Instead, he had to withdraw from the tournament. “I wrestled the same kid in the quarterfinals of my junior year,” added Vargo, who wrestled at 152 pounds in
You’re a Neighbor, Not a Number.
Thomas Tobin 973-779-4248
22
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Bill G. Eljouzi 973-478-9500
this third season. “I beat him. Same exact round, same exact kid. It was a big deal to me and everyone involved because they knew it was a dirty move the previous year.” The Cliftonite went on to the semis, where he lost and ultimately took home third place. As a senior wrestling at 171 pounds, Vargo had his sights set on the all time win record and a state crown. Though he ultimately earned both the Clifton and Passaic County records, Vargo bowed out of the State Tournament in Atlantic City in fifth place. His Mustang career came to an end in 2001, with a final record of 133 wins and 10 losses. Among his many accolades, Vargo was a four time Passaic County Champion and a two time All-State honoree. The impressive resume attracted various suitors and Vargo earned a full ride to Seton Hall University. However, the school cut its wrestling program that year but honored his scholarship. Still, Vargo left for Montclair State for the opportunity to wrestle. However, he eventually quit the team to focus on his studies. Vargo graduated and then went on to Rutgers Law in Newark, where he graduated in the top 10 of his class in 2008. Vargo is currently with the firm Lowenstein Sandler, which specializes in general business and construction litigation. He is married to his wife, Chelsea, and has a four month old son.
e d ” d
Everyone wants to put their best foot forward, but people with toenail fungus go to great lengths to keep their feet under wraps. Not only is toe fungus ugly and embarrassing, it's also easy to catch. It thrives in wet environments such as nail salons and locker rooms, even in the privacy of your own shower.
s . c e
a y y
d . r r
s s s
, n a
An Alternative to Topical and Oral Treatments, Laser Kill Fungus Instantly
New Treatment for Fungus-Free Feet Thomas Graziano, MD, DPM, FACFAS, a Clifton foot and ankle surgeon, said once the fungus gets under a toenail, it's difficult to treat. Topical solutions don't always work and oral medications carry a risk of side effects which can be hard on the body. Dr. Graziano is offering new painless and effective laser technology to treat toenail fungus introduced recently at the American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference. The laser passes through the nail without damaging it and vaporizes the germs, killing the fungus that lives under the nail. It had been utilized by top podiatric surgeons in California but is now available here in Clifton by Dr. Graziano. “This new laser is much more effective than lasers I used years ago. It travels through the nail to the level of the nail fungus and kills the fungus instantly,”said Dr. Graziano. “We go in certain patterns to make sure we get every little millimeter of the nail plate.” The procedure takes less than a half hour and, while results aren't immediate, the toenail will grow out normally in nine to 12 months, in most cases. Reports show the laser is 88% effective, better than anything else on the market, said Dr. Graziano. Call 973-473-3344 for details. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
23
The 1997 Lady Mustangs softball team went 31-0 on its way to capturing the program’s second state group title. From left in the back row, Tamara Tinajero, Lara Foster, Kim Alongi, Jamie Anzaldi, Candice D’Andrea, Danielle Brill, Jen Carlo, and Laura Tynio. From left in the middle row, Kim Anzaldi, Bobbi-Jo Gonnello, Coach Dianne Besser, Coach Rick LaDuke, Coach Tom Danko, Megan Dozci and Amanda Bongiorno. From left in the front row, Melissa Butler, Renee Anderson, Cara Boseski, Stacy Veech, Aimee Calise and Amanda Smith.
Lady Mustangs 1997 & 1998 Girls Softball Teams by Jordan Schwartz
R
ich LaDuke had seen this before. When Toms River East loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth of a scoreless Group 4 Championship Game on June 9, 2007, LaDuke knew Clifton would get out of the jam. After all, he had taught them how to do it. Well, maybe he didn’t teach the girls on the 2007 version of the Lady Mustangs softball team. But as the architect of the dynasty he was about to witness Clifton reclaim, LaDuke was as responsible for the escape as anyone wearing Maroon and Gray on the field that day. “The kids found the way to play defense and they didn’t make the big error,” he said. “That’s the way Juli and Cara were.” 24
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Juli and Cara are Juliann Magliarditi and Cara Boseski — two women who played for LaDuke before taking over the head coaching reigns following his move to the athletic director’s office in 2001. Magliarditi was on LaDuke’s team until she graduated CHS in 1989. Boseski was a senior on the Lady Mustangs squad that captured the Group 4 championship in 1997. They both learned the fundamentals of the game during the three month clinics Coach LaDuke (who retired as athletic director this past summer) organized every spring. Some may have referred to these as “softball season.”
Meet Charles D. Crowley, M.D. and his Associates Today’s lifestyles require good eyesight, 24/7. That’s why it makes sense to have your eyes carefully examined regularly. At Associated Eye Physicians, we take the time to thoroughly examine your eyes, test eye function and diagnose eye problems. What distinguishes Associated Eye Physicians? For starters, we offer all your vision needs under one roof, from contacts to cataracts. Next, we are renowned for our eye care and offer one of the finest private practices in northern New Jersey. Finally, expert physicians and personalized care. Our doctors have more than 60 years combined experience in vision care and will make your visit a positive one. —Dr. Charles D. Crowley
All you need is at AEP—Associated Eye Physicians Michael Landolfi, D.O., offers expertise in cataract surgery including no-stitch cataract surgery and multi-focal intraocular lens implantation which reduces the need for glasses after surgery.
• Board Certified Surgeons • State of the Art Diagnosis &Treatment of Eye Diseases • Great Choice of Eyeglass & Sunglasses • Contact Lens Fittings & Teachings
Ceaser Pitta, M.D., specializes in diseases of the retina including Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Holes, Macular Pucker as well as Detachment surgery. Attefa Sultani, O.D., focuses on comprehensive eye care, from diagnosis and management of eye disease to contact lenses and postoperative care and can perform exams in Spanish, Hindi and Farsi.
MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
25
“When kids came to practice, they were worried about so many other things, so I’d try to do the same thing everyday for the first 30 minutes,” said LaDuke. “This way they’d remember they were at softball practice.”
26
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
LaDuke instituted this policy as soon as he became varsity head coach in 1982. He had played baseball at Canton High School and St. Lawrence University in northern New York before being hired in 1977 to coach Clifton’s new ice hockey team. LaDuke also replaced Pat Vantrell as coach of the freshman softball squad. At that time, the varsity girls were led by Jackie Pami and her uncle Frank Pecci. After five years as an assistant, LaDuke became varsity head coach in ‘82. He took over an average program that had only been around for about a decade. The first thing he did was bring in assistant coaches that really knew the game. They included Howie Nolan, pitching coach Maryann Goodwin and retired Clifton baseball coach John Hargreaves. The initial turning point of the LaDuke regime came after the team went 12-13 in his inaugural season. “We started playing defense and making contact on offense,” said LaDuke, whose Lady Mustangs improved to 21-5 in his second year, finishing second in the league and the Passaic County Tournament. Another turning point occurred when Little League and summer league softball teams such as the Clifton Phillies, Charmers and Cobras, the Clark Wildcats, the Wayne Shilohs and the Hawthorne Explosion began popping up in the late ‘80s. “If you do nothing
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
27
but work on fundamentals during the season and then play against great competition in the summer, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Coach said. Pitcher Diane Besser was the first high school kid to play summer ball. With her arm, Clifton was able to get over the hump and win its first NNJIL Division A league title in 1987. “The toughest thing in the early years was that we didn’t know how to win the big games. We were always really close and all of a sudden, we knocked off a powerhouse and won a share of the league,” said LaDuke. “We didn’t look back after that and everything fell into place.” The team went 291 in Besser’s senior season in ‘89, winning its first of 10 county tournaments. “She was our first state-quality pitcher,” LaDuke said of Besser. “Pitching is the key
to softball and so we benefitted greatly once we had a feeder program with pitching.” Assistant Coach Goodwin established pitching schools that produced a number of Clifton starters. After Besser, came Dana DeVito, who LaDuke called the most dominant pitcher in the program’s history. In her junior year in ‘93, the Lady Mustangs reached the pinnacle of the NJ high school softball world by claiming their first Group 4 state title with a win over Washington Township. “We went through a bumpy road that year losing a couple girls during the season,” said LaDuke. “I made some decisions and kids didn’t like it so they dropped out.” But the Lady Mustangs’ most historic run began when pitcher Laura Tynio arrived on the scene in 1997. Clifton won the league, county and section before getting its revenge on Middletown South in the group final to cap an undefeated 31-0 season. Tynio, third baseman Boseski, shortstop Stacy Veech and outfielder Aimee Calise were named to the all-county team. The junior hurler was 26-0 with 251 strikeouts, Veech was the county’s best hitter with a .580 batting average and Boseski hit .413 and made only one error in her final two years on the team. The magic continued in ‘98, despite the departure of Boseski, Veech and Calise. Tynio again led the team to a perfect 31-0 season, defeating Cherokee in the state final. Clifton became the first Group 4 softball team to win back-to-back championships since Edison turned the Klimek trick in ‘90 and ‘91. 105 Avondale Ave. Clifton Siding The Lady Mustangs were victoriPettke ous in the first five games of the ‘99 333 Harding Ave. season as well, before losing to snap Roofing their stunning 67 game winning Nolasco 430 Terhune Ave. Passaic streak. Clifton reached the Group 4 Roofing title game again in 2000, but the team Wurch came up short against J.P. Stevens. 375 Colfax Ave. Clifton Siding & Windows In 2001, the Lady Mustangs failed to Cervone win 18 games for the first time in 17 years, 215 E. Park St. Moonachie and Coach LaDuke was faced with a diffiSiding & cult decision at season’s end. He had been Blown in Insulation offered a promotion to the position of athCall James, Ron, letic director, but if he took it, he’d have to Jim or John for a Free Estimate! resign as softball coach.
28
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
a
s , r J 4
e
n n s e 0
e y h s e e . , , e . e
9 p g 4
-
o
The 1998 Lady Mustangs captured the program’s second straight Group 4 State championship with yet another unblemished 31-0 record. Back row, from left, Tamara Tinijero, Kim Anzaldi, Danielle Brill, Candice D'Andrea, Jamie Anzaldi, Jen Carlo, Amanda Bongiorno, Bobbi-Jo Gonnello and Megan Doci. Front row, from left, Kim Alongi, Ashley Gonnello, Erin Burke, Lara Foster, Vickie Benitez and Jackie Barnes. And lying down in front is Laura Tynio. Photo Kathy Burke
It was already a difficult time in LaDuke’s life. His father passed earlier that year and so he couldn’t discuss the offer and the options with his most trusted mentor. LaDuke spoke with some other people such as Coach Hargreaves before deciding to take the A.D. job. “There were lots of mixed emotions,” he said. “You want to make the right decision for yourself and the kids.” LaDuke’s assistant coach and former player Juliann Magliarditi took over as head coach in 2002. He said she was the perfect candidate to replace him. “Who else would you want to turn it over to than someone who already knows the pride of the program?” said LaDuke, who finished with an outstanding record of 467-86. The team struggled in Magliarditi’s first season, though, finishing 16-10. “There’s a lot of pressure to take over a program that has been winning so much,” said LaDuke. Magliarditi agreed. “Coach taught me everything I know so it was an easy transition, but they were tough shoes to fill,” she said. “Of course there’s always some pressure because they have a reputation for being a great team and Mr. LaDuke is a legend.” The Lady Mustangs improved in Magliarditi’s next three seasons, winning three league titles, two sectionals and reaching the Group 4 final in 2004. But her dad died in the spring of 2005, and that combined with the stress of the position forced Magliarditi, a physical education
and health teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, to step down after the ‘05 campaign. “It’s not easy to be a young coach in this town,” said LaDuke. “Guys like me and Grecco and Vandy needed 20 years to develop a program. You got to give coaches time.” Magliarditi, whose married name is DeLallo, was replaced by Boseski, who had served as her assistant coach. Veech became Boseski’s assistant. LaDuke said it made sense that they would take over—because they were the best leaders when they were on his team. In 2007, in just her second year as head coach, Boseski led the Lady Mustangs all the way to the Group 4 title game at Toms River North High School. And the man who had taken the CHS softball program from an embryonic stage to a state powerhouse was on the sidelines to watch. So LaDuke wasn’t surprised on June 9, 2007 when pitcher Deanna Giordano and her defense escaped the bases loaded jam in the ninth against Toms River East. He wasn’t surprised when the Lady Mustangs scored two times in the top of the 10th inning on RBI singles by Kim Ferrara and Lindsey Moore to clinch Clifton’s fourth group state championship. But he was proud. “When I stood on that field, I saw Cara and Stacey as coaches and I remembered them celebrating the same way as players,” said LaDuke. “The program’s really come full circle.” September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
29
Victor Stojanow CHS 1992, Baseball, Football, Basketball The Mustangs were a force on the baseball diamond in the early 90s, thanks in large part to the work of Victor Stojanow. “Both my junior and senior years, we were State Sectional Champs each year,” said Stojanow. “If we would have won two more games we would have been outright State Champs in Group 4.” Playing both third base and outfield, he was a highly decorated baseball player who got his start at an early age. “I was probably like three or four years old, playing with my dad in the backyard,” recalled Stojanow, who grew up on Clifton Ave. “But I played organized Little League when I was seven. I played for Northern Division at Main Memorial Park.” At CHS, Stojanow was a three sport athlete—football, basketball and baseball. However, it was his skills on the diamond that allowed him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “Coach Pignatello ran these baseball camps in the summer and I had gone to them for many years, starting when I was about ten,” recalled Stojanow. “I believe the team was good before I got there and certainly by my sophomore year we had a great team.” He only began starting on the mound at the end of his sophomore year. “It was just great to make the team. I was happy for any playing time I got,” he explained. “The team was stacked with great juniors and seniors. I got more playing time that summer because of the summer leagues and the Legion team.” In his junior year, Stojanow exploded and his was recognized for his skills at third base. In his senior year, Stojanow moved to outfield and enjoyed his best success. He was named to various honors, including AllState, and the team won another State Section Championship. “It was just a blur of success and winning,” he laughed. “We played this one game in 1991 I think, it might have been a County Championship game against Hawthorne. We came from behind against this pitcher 30
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
who threw really hard. That was a really intense game, we just got a ton of hits at the end and pulled it out.” The memory is up there with the honor of playing for the New Jersey All Stars, who lined up against a New York City All Star Squad in Yankee Stadium. “That was pretty amazing,” he said. “I remember that Billy DeStefano just hit a ball that hit the left center wall on a fly. It was a shot. The best shot of the day for sure.” Stojanow said much of his success was due to his coach. “What I can say for him is that he made it fun for everyone,” he explained. “Obviously, a baseball team in Clifton is going to have all different types of personalties. He got the best out of everyone in their attitude, their focus on playing baseball and getting them to make the most of their talent.” “There was a pureness to it, a fairness. I think you felt the kids who were the best and deserved to play were the ones who played,” Stojanow continued. “Everyone was as good as they can be because that’s the coach Pignatello was.” After graduating, he briefly played college ball at Cornell. Stojanow then attended UPenn Law. He currently works as a corporate lawyer for Deloitte.
Eddie Joe Curreri CHS 1961, Football, Baseball The biggest factor in Ed Curreri’s success as an athlete was his upbringing. Growing up in Delawanna, the 1961 CHS alum often spent his days playing ball with friends. For Curreri, sandlot ball was just how he first learned the game and made friends. Though he ultimately ended up playing organized ball, it was with his pals that Curreri really honed his skills. It wasn’t until high school, when the kid from Delawanna was under the tutelage of some great coaches, that Curreri’s potential was realized. ‘We had great football teams. Joe Grecco was the high school football coach—very inspirational,” he said. “He straightened me out and I learned an awful lot from him. Ed Sanicki, I want to say he played baseball for Philadelphia was it? He was an inspiration as well—it’s an ex Major League ball player.” It was on the baseball diamond that Curreri truly excelled for Clifton. As the team’s shortstop and ace, he led the Mustangs and garnered All State honors, in addition to a number of memories. “I was a pretty good pitcher and was undefeated. In my junior year, I first played against Nutley, which had a great baseball team. I shut them out and we beat them 1-0,” recalled Curreri. “The following year, we were pretty much playing for the number one ranking in New Jersey. They absolutely killed us. It was the first time I ever really got beaten badly.”
He began to doubt his skills. But an intervention by coach Sanicki led to a turnaround. “I can tell you I lost my confidence and everything else. But the coach threw me the baseball and said, ‘I know you can do it’,’” he recalled. “I pitched a no hitter and we beat them 9-0 and won the Passaic Valley Conference Championship.” Though not as successful in football as he was in baseball, Curreri said he has plenty of memories from his days on the gridiron under legendary Coach Greco. “We played Montclair and beat them like 36 to 7
or something,” he recalled. “Clary Anderson, who was a famous coach at Montclair, said on this given day, that was the best football team he had ever seen in high school. That was a real honor.” The memories he made while in Clifton are something that Curreri will cherish forever. “I played with a lot of great athletes. It’s a terrific honor to be inducted into Clifton’s Hall of Fame,” he said. “Not to demean my college Hall of Fame, but I played with better athletes in Clifton than I did in college. It’s not a putdown. It’s a terrific honor.” Curreri attended Ohio Wesleyan University after CHS. Now retired, he lives in North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina with his wife of 40 years, Susan. The couple has been there for nine years and has two grown children. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
31
N
Robert Knight CHS 1958, Baseball, Basketball Robert Knight still remembers the day that Varsity coach Emil Bednarcik pulled him aside after the JV squad finished their game. Sweaty and heading to the showers, he figured the coach was congratulating him. Instead, he was being sent out to play a second game with the Varsity. Knight never went back down to JV. That’s how the guard known as Zeke started his Mustang career. Knight, a member of the Class of 1958, went on to be named to the First Team All Passaic Valley Conference, All-County, and Group 4 All State Third Team. Despite the accolades, Knight actually picked up basketball late in life. Growing up in Dutch Hill, he honed his skills on the courts of nearby Weasel Brook Park. Occasionally, the group—which included the likes of Johnny and Joe Scangarella, Charlie Volbe and Jack Hacinski—would play at the Passaic YMCA. However, it was all informal play—there were no teams, jerseys or refs. “We didn’t have any of the things they have today, the midget league and all that,” said Knight. It was only when he entered CHS in 1954 that Knight was able to finally get more formal coaching under Eddie Bednarcik, brother of Varsity coach, Emil. He said he took his training seriously. “You were proud to play for Clifton back then,” said Knight. “You represented the Clifton Mustangs. It was a big thing—you 32
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
T h o K e
g t a c t m s t had a Varsity jacket and you were just proud to play.” Heading into his sophomore year, JV coach Bill Vander Closter —better known as legendary football coach Vandy—became acquainted with his new player and got him a job at Bubbling Spring Lake as a life guard. In addition to getting paid, Knight and his friends got room and board. “Coach Vandy was a manager and used to hire a lot of the jocks to lifeguard up there in the summer,” explained Knight. It was at this camp that the Cliftonite picked up the nickname Zeke. “The little kids would all hang around the life guard stand. I kept on saying hey kid, hey kid!. I started calling them Zeke because I didn’t know their names,” said Knight. “Coach Vandy and Dave ‘Moose’ Bossom hear me saying this all the time so they start calling me Zeke and brought it back to high school in September.”
p M m Back at Clifton, Knight’s career was progressing. Coach Bednarcik was impressed with his play and called him up and the accolades rolled in. Knight said that his success was built upon his short time with Coach Vandy on the JV team. “He was the first to mold me as a player,” he recalled. “I worked for him in the summer. We had a real good relationship. He was like a father figure to me. I had no father—he died when I was seven.” After graduating in 1958, Knight went off to Muhlenberg College. He then transfered to the University of Southern Mississippi. Knight ultimately received his degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he also played basketball. Knight is currently living in Virginia with his wife of 46 years, Andrea, where he is a State Farm agent. They have two grown children and one grandchild.
s
Nikki Krzysik CHS 2005, Soccer, Track The Lady Mustang soccer team has evolved into quite a program over the last decade or so, and Nikki Krzysik might just be the finest player ever to lace up for Clifton. The 2005 graduate is not just a great local talent, she’s one of the top talents in the State of New Jersey, and has received plenty of media coverage to prove it. She grew up in the Stallions program and rapidly moving up. Before she even hit high school, Krzysik was a 13 year old in the Olympic Development Program. The Cliftonite shunned soccer powerhouse IHA for Mustang Maroon, and became a star midfielder/defender at CHS. Krzysik helped lead her team to several League and County titles,
and an appearance in the State Final in 2001. She also racked up numerous personal accolades over her Clifton career, and was a Parade magazine High School AllAmerican. In addition, Krzysik was a standout in track, particularly the 800 meter event, and was a four year honor student.
After graduation, Krzysik received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Virginia. She currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and the U-23 US National Team.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
33
A 2002 photo of some of the members of the only back to back undefeated Fighting Mustangs in CHS history. In front, holding the ‘73 jacket is Bob Bais and Greg Wichot is holding the ‘72 jacket on the right. At center with trophy which states ‘Clifton 9-0 Star-Ledger Poll #1 1973’ is Joseph McGonigle. Left rear, Charles DiGiacomo, Paul Nebesni, the late Coach Bill Vander Closter and Dennis Mikula.
Fighting Mustangs 1972 & 1973 FootballTeams by Jack DeVries They were descended from Coach Joe Grecco and Bobby Boettcher, nephews of the 1950s great stars Billy DeGraaf, George Telesh, and Roger Fardin. They saw their big brother Tom Papa crack his helmet during Clifton’s last undefeated season in 1962, and flew along with Gary Shenton in 1969, soaking in the crowd’s roar at Clifton School Stadium. They learned the Clifton style of play in Pee Wee Football, and refined their game as members of Frank Pecci’s Junior Mustangs. And, when it was their turn to play for Clifton High, the 1972-73 players showed everyone just how good a team could be. In fact, they became the best there ever was. “The 1972-73 teams were the culmination of all the ones before them,” says their coach, Bill Vander Closter. 34
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
“I believe they’re the two most outstanding teams in Clifton’s history. They didn’t have one star like Boettcher or Telesh—they were a team with many stars.” It’s hard to argue with Vander Closter. From 1972 through 1973, the Mustangs scored 708 points while giving up only 70. The result was an 18-0 record, two state championships, and a legacy that endures nearly four decades later. “I hope,” says Joe McGonigle, offensive lineman and captain of the 1973 team, “that another Clifton team comes along that’s even better than we were. I hope that for Clifton.” A nice wish, but an unlikely one just the same. Clifton’s 1972 season started with uncertainty. Booted out of the Passaic Valley Conference because of high
enrollment, the Mustangs were ordered by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to join the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League to play against Group IV teams. But, because of commitments to play Garfield and Passaic through 1973, Clifton was barred from contending for the NNJIL title. Newspapers said Clifton would finally “get what’s coming to them” against the bigger schools like Bergenfield, Paramus, and Fair Lawn. “When school started,” remembers 1972 offensive lineman and team captain Dennis Mikula, “Principal (Aaron) Halpern called me in his office and said principals of other schools told him they were going to wipe the floor with Clifton.” With Vander Closter calling the 1972 season a “rebuilding year” in the papers, the talk of the NNJIL’s tougher competition affected the players. “That summer (before the season),” says Mikula, “a bunch of us used to meet at night to work out. We’d go over to the stadium, hop the wall, and run on the track, even though we weren’t allowed to be inside. We had to run two miles on the first day of camp and wanted to be ready. We’d also run the stairs and do wind sprints— sometimes even play a scrimmage. “After working out, we’d talk about the new league. We figured we’d be about 5-4.” Clifton started the year by traveling to Fair Lawn and beating the Cutters, 25-7.
Coach Vander Closter with Capt. Dennis Mikula.
Junior quarterback Dale Oostdyk began his All-State season by throwing touchdowns to Bob Conrad and Rich Forte. Junior running back Jim Jenkins scored on a threeyard run, and Paul “Mooch” Millar blocked a punt and went in for a TD. Fair Lawn passed for a meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter. “After they scored,” says Mikula, “the coaches made the decision that nobody was going to score on us again.” The next week, the Mustangs backed up their decision. They shut out Wayne Valley, 27-0, ignited by an
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
35
Dale Oostyk unleashing another long one.
85-yard punt return by John Cordasco, 28- and 38-yard TD runs by Dom Fego, and another Oostdyk to Conrad strike. Vander Closter’s talk quickly turned from rebuilding to “shooting for the state championship.” After allowing a late touchdown against their second unit to Teaneck in a 49-7 rout, the defense began pitching shutouts again. They beat the Paramus Spartans, 19-0, with linebackers Denny Kleber and Millar both returning after a bout with the flu to lead the defense, and blanked Bergenfield, 28-0, at muddy Clifton School Stadium, led by their “spiritual leader,” 5’4”, 160 lbs. defensive captain Joel DiOrio. “I was quicker than everybody else,” says DiOrio, a lineman. “Bergenfield lined up with a foot between each lineman, so I shot the gaps and was in the backfield all day. The whole defense had a great game.” Vander Closter’s 4-4-3 defense was patterned after Notre Dame University’s and built around his quick, talented linebackers—juniors Millar, Kleber, Ken Ritoch, and senior Steve Weiss. Other defensive starters were lineman Al Lisowski, John Prueh, Paul Nebesni, and DiOrio, and defensive backs Fego, Cliff Miras, and Mike Duda. 36
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
The offensive team was loaded with weapons, including Jenkins, who ran for nearly 700 yards and seven scores, and Oostdyk, who passed for 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns that season. “My being the captain,” says Mikula, “and Dale being the quarterback, a player who is usually the team leader, created an awkward situation. One day before practice, I pulled him aside and said, ‘You’ve got to take control of the team in the huddle. Don’t worry if a guy starts up with you, I’ll back you. But you’ve got to start getting on these guys,’ which he did. “During one game, our line was doing a great job of protecting Dale. His uniform was clean, and he hadn’t been touched all day. But after one play, he comes in the huddle and yells, “You guys better start blocking!” Mikula quickly assumed his captain’s role. “I looked at him and said, ‘Who are you to say that to us?’ Mikula’s response surprised Oostdyk. “Dale’s eyes almost popped out of his head,” Mikula laughs. “When he saw how angry I was, he pointed to Vandy on the sidelines and said, ‘He told be to say that!’ Other offensive standouts included running backs Jeff MacPeek, Craig Whalen, Pat Donahue, Cordasco, and Fego, who led the team with 48 points scored, and junior linemen Charlie DiGiacomo, Chris Conrad, and McGonigle, and senior tackles Mikula and Nebesni. The Mustangs also had a potent receiving core, featuring Forte, Bob Conrad, and Jerry Andrewlavage, who starred as the team’s place kicker and punter, arguably the finest in Clifton’s history. “An advantage we had,” says Mikula, “was our depth. Most of us played only one way (with the exception of Nebesni). Says Vander Closter, “We’d bring some of our offensive lineman in for goal line stands, but they (the offense and defense) were two different units. That was also true of our special teams—we used different players.” Though Vander Closter called Hackensack the “toughest game on our schedule,” the Mustangs rolled over the Comets, 47-0, holding them to 26 yards rushing and 60 yards passing on their home field. With 4:05 left in the fourth quarter, the Hackensack band played “Taps” in surrender. The next game featured a grudge match against Passaic Valley. Some of the Clifton players had faced Passaic Valley once before as members of the Christopher Columbus freshman team. In a 1969 game, Columbus led at halftime, 14-0, but PV came back to win. “When they left the field,” says DiOrio, “they were laughing at us. I had the PV game marked on my calendar for the entire season.”
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
37
PV coach Steve Gerdy realized his team had almost no chance against the Mustangs. His game plan included reverses, jump passes, and running the old single wing offense—not seen since the days of Grecco’s 1940s teams. Clifton was unimpressed with the nostalgia, blanking PV, 44-0. The Mustangs gained 306 yards of total offense, with Jenkins rushing for 95 yards and two touchdowns—giving DiOrio sweet revenge. “We rolled those guys,” remembers Oostdyk. A 55-0 laugher over Garfield followed, setting up a season ending contest against Passaic on Thanksgiving Day, also Vander Closter’s 48th birthday. Much of the town was at Clifton School Stadium for the Passaic Game, which saw the Mustangs hammer the Indians, 35-6. Despite the win giving the Mustangs their undefeated season, the game remains bittersweet for DiOrio. “The play I remember 30 years later,” he says, “was the long pass to (Ken) Slappy that went for a touchdown on their first possession. That was the first points anybody scored on our first-team defense. I tipped that ball as it went by, but I didn’t get enough of it.” Says Mikula about the play, “It was an icy field, and our safety slipped.” Based on their perfect season, the Tastykake Dunkel Top Twenty rated Clifton as the best team in the state with
38
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
a 77.7 score, ahead of Summit, Brick, Westfield, and Hasbrouck Heights. Oostdyk gained first team All-State honors, Bob Conrad was selected to the All-State second team, and Jenkins joined the pair on the All-Metropolitan Team, with other Mustangs grabbing All-NNJIL honors. For McGonigle, the 1973 season would have a strange beginning. “Late in my junior year, I cut school,” McGonigle remembers. “I got a message the next day that Coach Vander Closter wanted to see me in his office. I thought, ‘I’m dead—he must have seen me at the sweet shop the day before.’ “When I got there, he said, ‘Congratulations, you’re my captain for next season.’ I couldn’t believe it—what an honor. I’d gotten about three-quarters of the vote. Later, I found out that when Coach found out who’d won, he told them to count the votes again. I think he wanted either Denny Kleber or Dale Oostdyk to be captain, but he got stuck with me.” As captain, McGonigle says he got along well with his coach. “I respected Vandy,” he says. “It wasn’t until my senior year that I got to know him. As a sophomore and junior, he seemed kind of aloof—maybe that was his way of maintaining discipline. But as a senior, we talked, and I’d express my opinion if I felt something wasn’t right.” Becoming captain also had a positive effect on McGonigle.
“Having the responsibility of captain thrust on me made me act differently,” he says. “I had to set an example and look after the guys. Anytime you get a lot of recognition, it changes you, and that season changed me.” “Joe McGonigle,” says Kleber, “was a good leader. He wasn’t loud or pushy—he was solid as a rock. He set a great example in practice. He worked hard and didn’t cheat. Everyone had a lot of respect for him.” Though many of his core players and stars were returning, Vander Closter worried before the 1973 season about overconfidence—reminded by the fate of another Mustangs team a decade before. Like the 1972 squad, the 1962 state championship team had gone undefeated and was a squad loaded with talented juniors. The 1963 Mustangs opened against Paterson Central, a team they had whipped the year before, 49-6, ruining the coaching debut of Coach Joe Biscaha. But this time, Biscaha wrecked Clifton’s hopes of another undefeated year as Central pasted the Mustangs, 20-7. Clifton finished the 1963 season a lackluster 6-3.
“I thought about the opening of the 1963 season,” says Vander Closter, “and might’ve even mentioned it a few times to the team. The 1973 team was similar to the 1963 team in many respects, and I didn’t want another opening game loss. But I probably worried about it a lot more than the players did.” “We knew about the 1963 team,” says Kleber. “The coach would tell us about all the great teams and players of the past to motivate us.” The ghost of the 1963 Mustangs did not bother the 1973 squad. They opened the season by pounding Fair Lawn 56-24, with Oostdyk hitting Fego on a 25-yard score with only 1:40 gone in the first quarter. Jenkins ran a kickoff back 88 yards and Fego added two more touchdowns. Vander Closter told reporters the team looked even stronger than the 1972 squad. “After the Fair Lawn game,” says McGonigle, “a lot of us were quiet. We won, but our defense had given up more points in one game than we had all last season. They’d come mostly against our second team, but we were still disappointed.” Jerry Andrewlevege on the carry.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
39
Starting for Clifton’s 1973 defensive unit were linebackers Ritoch, Kleber, Millar, and Allan Kanter; lineman Karl Buttner, Pat Daly, Mike Molner, John George, and Pete Dubniczki; and defensive backs Bob Bel Bruno, Greg Wichot, and Ed Evers. The offensive starters were linemen Charlie DiGiacomo, McGonigle, Chris Conrad, Bob Lucas, and Chet Stuphen; receivers Ritoch and Andrewlavage, and offensive backs Oostdyk, Jenkins, Fego, Jim Radcliffe, and Bob Kuper. The team’s disappointment was short-lived as Clifton settled into its familiar routine of revving up before games, dominating opponents, and celebrating afterwards. The pre-game routine went like this: The Mustangs would blast the heavy metal music of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in their field house and pound in unison on their lockers. Just before they would take the field, Vander Closter would speak with the team, starting quietly, but building to a motivating roar. “They were his ‘Knute’ talks,” says DiGiacomo of the Knute Rockne-type speeches. “He’s get us so pumped up, we were ready to run through walls.” Vander Closter also used other ways to motivate his players. “Near the end of the year,” says DiGiacomo, “he would talk with the seniors. He might talk about the player’s father or grandfather if they played for Clifton, or simply thank the player for what they meant to the Mustangs. It was very moving.”
40
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Not all the players got ready the same way. McGonigle prepared quietly, as did Oostdyk. “I didn’t mind the music,” he says. “Using it to get psyched was more of a lineman’s psychology. But I had to think about what I needed to do before the game.” After the game, the players had a standing invitation for free hot dogs, burgers, and fries at the Red Chimney on Route 3. The team, coaches, and cheerleaders would go their after every game, the guests of Lou Trella, father of former 1966 Mustang Ron Trella. “It was hard to appreciate everything as high school kids,” says Kleber, “all the glory, limelight, and appreciation the city had for us. As I’ve gotten older, I realize how significant those seasons were to people—my dad loves to talk about those days.” After beating Fair Lawn, Clifton silenced Wayne Valley, 21-0, on the strength of Jenkins 118-yard, two touchdown performance and another stellar defensive effort. After the game, Wayne Valley coach Ken Sinofsky refused to shake Vander Closter’s hand at midfield because Clifton was driving for another score late in the game. “You really needed that last one,” Sinofsky said as he stalked off. The charge of “running up the score” would dog Vander Closter and Clifton throughout the season and was played up by the Bergen Record. While Vander Closter would tell the papers, “We’re like the Yankees—everyone is out to beat us,” the criticism was hard to avoid.
The 1972 Fighting Mustangs during their 20 year reunion in 1993. Third row, from left, Chris Conrad, Mike Molnar, Bob Belbruno, Dennis Kleber, Greg Wichot, Dominick Fego. Second row, from left, Ken Ritoch, Paul Millar, John George, Kyle Huziarski, Joe Mc Gonigle, James Jenkins, Bob Lucas, Karl Buttner, Bob Davis and Greg Pavan. Bottom row, from left, Charles DiGiacomo, Lou Capuano, Coach Vander Closter, E. Chaky and Lischak.
“We were playing sometimes 60 to 70 players a game,” he says. “You couldn’t tell the second team players to ease up—they wanted an opportunity to shine, too.” Kleber agrees. “Our second teams were hungry,” he says. “We scored a lot because we never wanted anybody coming back to beat us.” In the third game against Teaneck, Clifton romped to a 47-0 victory behind Jenkins’ four TDs and four interceptions by the defense. The next game, after Bergenfield took a 6-0 lead, the Mustangs scored the next 33 for the win. A 40-8 dusting of Paramus followed, setting up a match against 4-1 Hackensack, who had beaten undefeated Ridgewood the week before. Like other teams that season, the Comets were no test for the Mustangs. Behind the ferocious Ritoch—who most consider the greatest linebacker in Clifton’s history—the Mustangs shutout Hackensack, 34-0. Despite suffering from tonsillitis the day before, Jenkins ran for
128 yards and three scores. “Jimmy Jenkins,” says Vander Closter of the player who rushed for 1,113 yards and 22 touchdowns in 1973, “was as good a running back that ever played for Clifton.” Passaic Valley (7-0) was Clifton’s next opponent, and the newspapers predicted a tough battle. They were wrong. Clifton rolled up 384 offensive yards and didn’t punt the entire day, blasting the Hornets, 39-0 before 6,000 fans in Little Falls. Though Garfield played inspired ball against the Mustangs in the next game, battling to a 0-0 tie until 2:35 remained in the first half, Clifton won, 34-0. Despite a damaged navicular bone in this throwing wrist, Oostdyk again enjoyed another tremendous year, throwing for 1,384 yards, completing 79 passes in 144 attempts, and passing for 19 touchdowns. The quarterback suffered the injury in a scrimmage before the season started when Cont’d on page 45...
$1Off
Any Menu Item*
Excludes Kiddie Cups & Cones, Quarts, Cakes & Pies Expires 12/31/10. Limit one coupon/person. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Clifton store only.
$3 Off
Any Cake or Deep Dish Pie
Expires 12/31/10. Limit one coupon/person. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Clifton store only.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
41
D
P
F & A n
o i y c “ t y h
S a t
D t o c y t
“ o b r t
p w e
w f
g
42
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Dignified, Individualized...
Pet Cremation Services For 111 years, the Marrocco Memorial Chapel & Powell-Marrocco Funeral Home on Colfax Avenue in Clifton has been one of the most trusted names in funeral service. So in an effort to continue to meet the needs of our community, the Marrocco family has expanded its services to now include cremation options for your pets. “We understand that our dogs and cats can become part of the family,” said Jim Marrocco. “When our pets die, I have long realized that it is truly like losing a member of the family. You grieve, you mourn their loss...and now we offer a way to help with that process. ” Called Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Services, Jim and his wife Nina Marrocco invested and constructed a state-of-the-art facility next to their landmark funeral home at 470 Colfax Ave. After the death of a pet, the Marroccos or Director of Sales Kristin Reilly arrange for same-day transportation of your deceased pet from your home or clinic, to their facility, using specially-designed containers for the transportation and cremation of your pet. The cremains of your pet is then returned to you within 24 hours. “It truly is dignified and individualized,”said Jim. “Family name and pet name are always identified on the outside of the container. In addition, numbered stainless steel ID tags are assigned and recorded in our system so your pet is tagged and tracked through the entire cremation process.” There are waiting rooms available for families prior to and during the cremation process. Those wishing to witness the cremation can do so, at no extra charge. “Like society, the funeral industry has evolved with the times and we are proud to be among the first in New Jersey to offer this service,” said Jim. To discuss this new service, call 973-249-7200 or go to www.faithfulcompanion.com.
Kristin Reilly, Faithful Companion Director of Sales, with her dog Maggie, and President Jim Marrocco. They are pictured in the waiting room of their new facilty at 470 Colfax Ave.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
43
1
The Botany Labor Day Weekend Carnival in the Park September 3rd - 6th, 4pm - 10:30pm daily in Randolph Park
Carnival Rides • Games Food • Fun for all!
DINE, SHOP, STROLL www.HistoricBotany.com Contact: John Penkalski: 973-546-9813 or Joe Nikischer: 973-546-8787 Greg Mayo: gmayo@AmericanCleanAndSafe.com 44
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
1972 & 1973 Fighting Mustangs from page 41
he was pushed and fell after completing a pass. Though his wrist hurt for a week, he learned about the injury later in the season when he was having trouble shooting baskets. His mother took him to the doctor, and the injury was discovered. “Before the PV game,” says Vander Closter, “I met with his parents. They asked he be allowed to play because the injury hadn’t affected his throwing. Because they were supportive, I agreed.” Clifton’s last game was their traditional match against Passaic—“a scary game,” according to DiGiacomo because so much was a stake. Clifton had a right to be scared. With its shotgun offense, Passaic only trailed, 1412, at the end of the first quarter. But the Mustangs put their fear to good use, rolling to a 75-12 victory behind Jenkins four touchdowns’ and Ritoch’s three. Besides the various honors for the Mustangs players— including All-State selections for Oostdyk and Ritoch and Kodak National High School “Coach of the Year” for Vander Closter—the Mustangs finished as the StarLedger’s choice for New Jersey state champion, scoring 379 points while giving up 50. The Tastykake Final Dunkel Top Twenty also rated Clifton as the state’s best team with a 90.1 score, good for third best in the nation. The players give a lot of the credit for their success to their coach and his staff.
“Vandy,” says Kleber, “created the environment, the expectation to win.” Says DiGiacomo of Vander Closter and his staff, “There were never any negative comments, only positive reinforcement—no yelling or screaming in your face. Vandy and the other coaches talked to you as an adult.” “What struck me about Vandy,” Oostdyk says, “was the way he handled his coaching staff—Emil Chaky, John Lischak, Joe Green, and Bob Roberts. They were strong individuals, head coach material. But he was able to delegate and work with them, and they complimented each other. They were a very cohesive group.” As was the entire Mustangs team in 1972-73. “We never believed,” says Kleber, “that anybody could beat us.”
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
45
Scott Orlovsky CHS 1994, Swimming, Baseball
Scott Orlovsky was a force for the Mustangs on the baseball diamond in the early 90s. The Cliftonite was the ace hurler for the high school, racking up All-State, All-Area and All-County awards for his pitching prowess. Orlovsky was a true ball player, capable of playing catcher or right field as well. His love of the game was fostered by his father, Dennis, who owns an auto repair shop at the corner of Lakeview and Piaget Aves. “I really didn’t want to do it when I first got signed up,” said the Hall of Famer, who started around the age of five. “I really wasn’t very good at all, but my father took me out and taught me. He’s probably the reason for my success. I don’t think I would’ve done it without his original prodding and following through.” Raised in the shadow of Nash Park, Orlovsky grew up with the game, and continued to play for various teams as he attended School 12 and CCMS. But it was at Clifton High School that his skills really emerged under renown coach Paul Pignatello. “He knew a lot and was a great guy to play for,” said Orlovsky, who also swam. “He was a 46
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
religious man; he would never curse. If he got upset, he would substitute other words for curses, but he had that personality where you’d listen.” It was under Pignatello that Orlovsky had his greatest season as a senior, accumulating numerous accolades including All-State honors. The Mustangs as a whole were a great squad, compiling a 28-3-1 record and making a deep run into the State tournament. That entire senior season still stands out in Orlovsky’s mind. “I could not have accomplished an ERA of 0.47 without the excellent defense that included Bob Capo, Bob Lucien, Chuck Kline, Lou Magliarditi, Kevin Dobko, Greg Rakvorian and Anthony Destefano,” he recalled. “We gelled as a team and the entire team should be honored for all of their contributions to the extraordinary Mustang season.” After graduation, Orlovsky attended John Hopkins University, where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Orlovsky, now married with one child, currently teachers history at CHS, and coached swimming for over seven years.
VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE ATHENIA STREET FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 19
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
47
Fall Sports’10
Batting Cages Pro Shop Lessons
48
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Anello plans to bolster the line by Entering his seventh year at the Mustangs regularly running a Jumo offensive helm of the Fighting Mustangs, set as well, which allows the Ron Anello has left his stamp on Mustangs to hide their athletic tight Clifton Football. The incoming ends in a formation ty: Junior Timmy freshman are fluent in the team’s Sept 11 @ PCT 7:00 pm Brown and seniors Josh Peralta and huddle language, familiar with all the Sept 16 @ Teaneck 7:00 pm Ahmad Alfawair. nuances of Anello’s antiquated, yet 7:00 pm Sept 24 Eastside “If we were to start the season still effective Wing-T offense and the Oct 1 Bergen Tech 7:00 pm tomorrow, those three would have to stifling 4-4 defense. Oct 9 @ Ridgewood 2:30 pm get in the game.” explained coach. “We’re reaping the benefits of doing 1:00 pm Wideouts will be led by returning things at the youth level. The kids Oct 16 @ Fair Lawn Oct 29 Kennedy 7:00 pm starter Alex Alicea. Although running coming up are all familiar with our ter7:00 pm is the Mustang identity, Anello said he minology. Some guys have been play- Nov 5 Don Bosco Prep is confident in his passing game and ing for seven years,” he explained. Nov 25 at Passaic 10:30 am will utilize spread formations to keep “We used to take three to do a play in Stories by Joe Hawrylko defenses honest. Expect to see plenty practice. Now it takes one.” of Max MacDonald (Jr.) Mo Ramadan (Jr.) and John These are the little things that are required to build Sunday (Sr.). Timmy Brown, a convert to TE, gives extra winners. The difference between being a flash in the pan flexability in this set. and a perrennial contender. Defensively, Anello has stuck to his philosphy of “The attitude now is that last year is not who we are,” building from the line first. “The D-Line, I think we’re stated Anello. The Mustangs finished 4-6. “We’re better strong,” he explained, adding that many Mustangs play than our record was.” two ways. “We’re young at linebacker and we’re experiAnd perhaps he’s right. Inexperience, injuries and rosenced but young in the secondary.” ter changes plagued Clifton in the beginning of the seaThe interior will be anchored by Tom Trommelen and son, but team closed out with three straight victories over Diaa Khalil (Sr.), with senior Nick Drozjock coming in Hackensack, Montclair and arch-rival Passaic in the off the bench. David Ricca and Chris Rodgers are the annual Thanksgiving Day clash. Those teams aren’t senior anchors at end, and will be relieved by John exactly doormats, and Clifton is returning a number of Sunday and Chris Acevedo, a sophomore who has younger athletes who earned a large maroon “C” in 2009. impressed Anello. Quarterback Pat Ferrerra has already logged two seaThe linebacking core has potential, but is limited by sons at the helm of the Varsity squad. Though the Wingexperience. Junior OLB Mike Naideck is the veteran, T is designed to facilitate running, it will open up ample with only three starts under his belt. Classmate Sal opportunities for the junior to display his skill. That Farhan (OLB) missed most of last season due to injury. should keep defenses honest due to the thread of junior Anello said sophomore Joe Cupoli has greatly impressed Andre McClain on the ground. “He’s real good,” added on the outside. The interior backers are junior Kevin coach. “He played as a sophomore.” Martinez, Angello Menucci and Mike Duesler (Jr.). McClain will be the featured piece in Anello’s running Anello returns his entire secondary from the 2009 back stable—a concept the coach has utilized with succampaign. Seniors Ryan Harrington and Mo Ramadan cessduring his tenure. Junior Joey Chiavetta is another are the corners, with juniors Tyler Holmes and Andre strong back who is quick enough to also play defensive McClain waiting in the wings. back as well. Sal Farhan and Ryan Harrington, two more Max Egyed will once again be a ball hawk at free safejuniors, will also be in the mix. Senior Angelo Mennucil ty. The strong safety, which plays a signifigant role in run will clear holes at fullback. stopping in the 4-4, will be Joe Chiavetta. Though slightThe line is of the upmost importance in the Wing-T, and ly undersized, Anello didn’t hold back in praising one of one of Clifton’s strengths as the team returns three starters his best two way players. in seniors in Mark Cruz (Sr., T), David Ricca (Sr., G) and “You know guys who could probably play at a D1 level Chris Rogers (Jr., G). Senior Tom Trommelen has a lock if they were a bit bigger?” he said. “The kid’s got a 4.0. on the opposite tackle spot while center is a position batHe’s smart. He’s got heart. And he’s probably the toughtle, with senior Matt Vail having an edge over his classest kid out there. He gets everything out of his body.” mate Juan Beltran and skilled sophomore Alex Tirado.
Football
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
49
delete
50
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs seniors, top row from left: Joel Hernandez, Valdrin Seci, Paul Jadamiec, Marcin Blazon, Igor Petrovic, Oscar Gonzalez and Brendan Guzman. Kneeling: Stephen Bienkiewicz, Anthony Tsouhnikas, Joey Borrajo, Danny Herrera and Christian Castro.
In reaching its third State Final in three years, Clifton is on the cusp of high school soccer history. “I believe Kearny’s teams in the 80s were the only ones to win four straight sectionals,” said coach Joe Vespignani, the maestro of each of those prolific squads. But the Mustangs have not had much luck in the State Finals, only emerging victorious in 2007. “We talk very openly about it. It’s important that we don’t make it an obsession, but it’s certainly our focus,” he said. “It’s a matter of resiliency. It’s very easy for us to sit back and say we tried.” Vespignani shouldn’t have any trouble motivating his players—for many, this is the last shot at a Title. “I think that’s the one thing that a lot of teams may have not known 50
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
about us in the States, we’re one of the younger teams,” he said. “A lot of seniors are going on their fourth campaign with me. Many are in their third year. They all know the rigors of the playoffs, and for the most part, all they know is winning.” Vespignani is confident that he will once again have a balanced team from the net out. Senior Anthony Tsouhnikas returns after logging a staggering 16 shutouts and .54 goals against average in ‘09. He was flawless in the playoffs except for one goal in the final. The stout defense is led by senior centerback Joe Borrajo. He will be flanked by Stephen Bienkiewicz, heralded by coach as a premier marking back. Junior Brendan Guzman fits in on the backline or as a defensive middie.
Mustangs
Boys Soccer Sept 11
Don Bosco Prep
4:00 pm
Sept 13
Passaic
4:15 pm
Sept 15
@ Eastside
4:15 pm
Sept 20
Wayne Hills
4:15 pm
Sept 22
@ Kennedy
Sept 25
PCT
Sept 27
Kennedy
4:15 pm
Sept 28
@ Bergen Tech
4:15 pm
Sept 30
Wayne Valley
4:15 pm
Oct 4
@ Don Bosco Prep 7:00 pm
4:15 pm 12:00 pm
Oct 7
@ Passaic
4:15 pm
Oct 11
@ Millburn
6:00 pm
Oct 15
Eastside
4:15 pm
Oct 19
@ PCT
4:15 pm
Oct 21
Passaic Valley
4:15 pm
Oct 26
@ Lakeland
4:15 pm
Oct 29
@ West Milford
4:15 pm
Matt Miazga, a sophomore who trains at the Red Bull Academy, is a talented and large defender who is blessed with technical ability. “There’s a big hole in the back and we feel Matt can do it for us,” said Cont’d on page 52... coach.
Mustangs
Girls Soccer Sept 11
IHA
Sept 16
Eastside
10:00 am
Sept 17
Holy Family Acad
4:00 pm
Sept 20
@ Wayne Hills
4:00 pm
Sept 25
@ PCT
Sept 27
Bergen Tech
Sept 30
@ Wayne Valley
4:15 pm
Oct 2
@ Pascack Valley
11:30 am
Oct 5
@ IHA
4:15 pm
Oct 12
@ Watchung Hills
4:00 pm
Oct 14
@ Eastside
4:15 pm
Oct 19
PCT
7:00 pm
Oct 21
@ Passaic Valley
4:15 pm
Oct 28
Lakeland
4:15 pm
Nov 2
West Milford
4:15 pm
4:15 pm
10:00 am 4:15 pm
Senior Mustangs, top row, from left: Shannon Siedzik, Itati Aburto, Michelle Lima and Megan Ferrara. Seated: Jamilla Hemeid, Bianca Rodriguez, Elizabeth Finkler and Eryka Baez. Turn page for story.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
51
It’s year two of the Stan Lembryk’s second stint with the Lady Mustangs, and expectations are as high as ever for Clifton. “One of the things we’re tying to do is to create a culture, a family culture,” said Lembryk, who has coached for seven years total. He noted the constant interaction between the boys CHS program and it’s youth counterparts. Lembryk recalled his own experiences as a young Mustang ball boy, dreaming of one day playing with the big team. “We’re tying in with our youth coaches and traveling teams,” he explained. The coach has also enlisted the help of former players who were with Lembryk in 2001 when he coached the Lady Mustangs to a State Sectional title. “We’re using people who have been there before, who know what it takes to get there,” he said. The volunteer assistants include former players like Mariana Moore-Tuesta, Amanda Fabiano, Annette Bednarz and Jess Oliva. Lembryk doesn’t want to win it this year. He expects to be a major player every year going forward. And so far, the pieces are in place. Clifton completed its 2009 campaign with a 11-7-2 record and a County Championship before bowing out in the State quarters. But after going that far with a relatively young, inexperienced team, Lembryk thinks that the Mustangs are primed for a deep run. “Everyone buys into the team concept,” said Lembryk. “It entails a good team defense, possession of the ball and picking the right moments to go for goal.” In goal will be Eryka Baez, who emerged as a starter last year as a junior. She will be pushed for time by juniors Mariana Rodriguez and carly Podula, and freshman Rachael Egyed. “Defense is one of our strong points,” explained Lembryk. “We’re returning most of our starters.”
Seniors Michelle Lima and Shannon Siedzik will anchor the back line, with support from juniors Samantha Pedraza and Kimberly Douglass. Though those are the likely starters for most games, Lembryk added that he will not hesitate to bring in senior Elizabeth Finkler or sophomore Katie Brody in relief. “Everyone’s got a real strong concept of what it means to be a team. They’re familiar with our system,” he explained. “We have a lot of depth. It’s definitely one of our strengths.” Lembryk stated that number of talented athletes on the backline and across the team as a whole will enable him to deploy different tactics depending on the opponent. Seniors Itati Aburto and Jamilla Hemeid will control the flow of the game from center midfield. They will be joined by junior Gina LoBue, a returning starter, and sophomore Delana Pasquale, who did receive Varsity time last year. Lembryk said he sometimes deploys dedicated attacking or defending midfields, so certain girls may get playing time if the Mustangs are ahead or deadlocked. Those that will come off the bench for midfield include junior Marissa Fragapone, sophomore Annette Malysa and sophomore Shannon Guzman, who saw ample time as a Varsity reserve as a freshman. Lembryk is looking for the underclassmen to possibly step up into a full time role this season. Starting strikers will be sophomore Jenny Hornstra and senior Megan Ferrara. Hornstra was the lone starting freshman on the Lady Mustangs last year, and Lembryk is expecting the underclassman to continue to improve. Coming off the bench will be sophomores Victoria Vale and senior Bianca Rodriguez. “We’re in a good league,” explained Lembryk. “But I think we’re a good, balanced team. We’re going to do well this year.”
Boys Soccer (Cont’d from page 50) Midfielders include seniors Christian Castro (4g, 3a), Paul Jadamiec and Marcin Blazon. A key piece will be senior Oscar Gonzales (12g, 11a), who can play at midfield or attack. “He’s arguably going to be the best player in the state this year,” said Vespignani. “He’s had double digit goals every season and he’s the reigning Passaic County Player of the Year.” Also a factor in the midfield will be Jamie Montero, a junior who returned to Clifton after
spending last year in Peru. Coach said Montero would have started last year if present, and he expects the junior to earn a prominent role. Up front will be senior forwards Igor Petrovic (10g, 5a) and Valdrin Seci (7g, 6a). Sophomore Danny Herrera got time last year and coach expects the underclassman to continue his progress. “We just have to be very focused and determined,” said Vespignani. “and we’ll get the result that we want.”
Mustangs Girls Soccer...
52
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Mustangs Top row, from left: Tiffany Astengo, Emily Guzman, Melanie Poplawski, Silvia Siposova, Zeina Halwani and Nikoleta Sragova. Bottom, left: Callie Shanahan, Melissa Merino, Meghan Fahy, Holly Kocsis, Renee Korczynski and Kelly Young.
Though not as successful as the previous campaign, dropping to a 14-11 record in 2009, the Lady Mustangs are poised for a big rebound this season. Coach Mike Doktor returns a number of athletes, many of whom are still underclassmen with Varsity experience. “We’re returning a lot of kids who were sophomores,” explained coach. He said he has eight juniors on the roster. “A lot of them got Varsity time last year.” And it’s not as if the Mustangs had a bad 2009 campaign by any means. Dealing with a restructured league that gave the Mustangs a much tougher schedule according to Doktor, the team finished second in the league behind IHA—a perennial power that has won the last three Tournament of Champions. “I really think that this year and the next, we’re going to make some very, very big strides,”
Doktor stated. Senior Silvia Siposova, a setter, will be one of the leaders on this year’s squad. Nikoleta Sragova, a middle hitter, is another key returning senior. “We’re a good strong team all around really,” explained coach. Outside hitters include junior Kelly Young and Melanie Poplowsky, who Doktor described as, ‘The toughest player that you’ll ever find.” Poplowsky garnered All-County honors in 2009. Junior Callie Shanahan will also play outside hitter, as well as defensive specialist. One youngster to keep an eye on is Emily Guzman, a 5’11 sophomore middle hitter. “She’s going to be making contributions,” said Doktor. “She’s got a lot of talent.” Junior Christine Peskosky will line up at the opposite position. Defensive specialists include seniors Holly Kocsis and Melissa Merino and junior Megan Fahy.
Volleyball Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 16 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 28 Sept 30 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 7 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 27 Oct 30
IHA. @ Passaic Eastside @ Ridgewood @ Wayne Hills Kennedy @ PCT Clifton Tournament @ Bergen Tech @ Wayne Valley Wayne Valley Tourn @ IHA Passaic @ Eastside PCT @ Passaic Valley @ Kennedy Lakeland Ridgewood County Semis County Finals
4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 9:00 am 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 9:00 am 4:00 pm 4:15 pm 4:15 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
“One of the things we cell at is that we’re a very good passing and serving team,” explained Doktor. “We won’t block everything, but in girl’s volleyball it’s more about being efficient and not making mistakes than power. We’re looking forward to a good year.” September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
53
Some members of the girls cross country squad. Front, from left: Ektaa Rana, Priya Shah and Ana Carballo. Back: Indira Silverio, Kriss Zambrana, Amanda Greco and Felicia Castillo.
Just last season, coach John Pontes seemed pretty convinced that his boys were heading for a rebuilding season. Even the girls, he was a bit skeptical. The records for 2009? The
hair • nails • color 88 Market Street, Clifton 973.365.0220 54
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
boys:12-3 and the Girls: 11-4. Each squad won its league, and was on the verge of County glory as well. Clifton just happens to be a city where there’s a pipeline of young runners eager to learn from one of the sport’s coaching greats. People like Pontes get the most out of their athletes and it shows. Mustang rebuilding years aren’t nearly as harsh as they are in other cities. “They’ve just gone through the first week of practice now and it’s gone real well,” said Pontes, who credited his assistant Mike Rogers, a CHS history teacher, with helping him achieve that success. The boys will be led by senior Dan Green, who collected First Team All-County honors in 2009. junior David Monclova (Second Team All-County) will battle with senior Wojciech Losof for the second position. Junior Ryan Dziuba will also be in the mix.
Mustangs
Cross Country Sept 11
at Eastside
10:00 am
Sept 14
Kennedy.
5:00 pm
Sept 17
Season Opener Inv 4:00 pm
Sept 20
Passaic
4:30 pm
Sept 25
Passaic County Inv
9:00 am
Sept 28
Passaic Cty Tech
5:00 pm
Oct 1
Maroon Invittational 3:30 pm
Oct 4
Bergen Tech
5:00 pm
Oct 13
Big North League
4:00 pm
Oct 22
Passaic Cty Champs 3:30 pm
Oct. 28
W. Milford & Manch 4:00 pm
Nov 6
State Sectional
Nov 13
State Group Champ
TBD
Nov 20
State Meet of Champ
TBD
TBD
Pontes is high on sophomore Jessie Boria. “He was the freshman County Champion,” said coach. “We’re looking for him to move right on up and be great for us.” Other Varsity runners include seniors Kevin Calalpa and Dylan Wong, and sophomore Karol Oldziej. The girls are a bit younger, with
sophomore Yuria Yuasa (First Team All-County) coming in as the top runner. Seniors Priya Shah (Second Team All-County) and Indira Silverio round out a solid top three. The next four positions are up for grabs. Pontes said senior Ektaa Rana is a team leader and will see time. Two newcomers are sophomores Taylour Mauro and Gabriella Gonzaga, who both run in the spring and winter. Other runners vying for a top seven spot include seniors Ana Carballo and Kriss Zambrano, junior Jillian Swisher and Monika Miazga and sophomores Elizabeth Los and Ivone Boria. “We’d like to contend for everything we did last year,” said Pontes. “They work hard and the attitude is great.” The boys cross country team. Front, from left: Ronak Pathak, Vatsel Shah and Dan Green. Back, from left: Kevin Calalpa, Wojciech Losos and Dave Alburo.
Sherry & Barry Rosenfeld are the 2nd generation owners of Dundee Floor Covering.
Call us for an estimate on: • Carpet • Ceramic • Vinyl • Linoleum • Wood • Cork • Laminates
Family Owned since 1927
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
55
play. Hemakshi Mandania, a junior who was the number one JV singles player in 2009, is the third starter. Doubles teams have still not materialized. Cole will use a combination of Seniors Hiral Patel, Anar Naik, Divya Patel and Zalak Patel, and juniors Marchela Stancheva and Payal Handiwala. Coach said freshman Natasha Mendoza looks to be promising. “I’m optimistic,” said Cole. “A lot of the girls played over the summer and everyone got better.”
Mustangs
Tennis
Back row, from left: Anar Naik, Hiral Patel, Jasmine Lao and Divya Patel. Front: Jessica Kunadia and Ruchi Shah.
After graduating his number one and number three singles players, head coach Chad Cole expects a rebuilding year. However, the coach said he has faith in the replacements. Senior Ruchi Shah ended the 2009 season as second on the singles depth
56
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
chart and Cole believes the Mustang co-captain will be number one. Jessica Kunadia, a senior who played doubles last year, will be one of three Mustangs on the Varsity singles roster, but Cole hasn’t decided where his co-captain will
Sept 7
IHA
4:00 pm
Sept 14
@ Passaic
4:00 pm
Sept 16
Eastside
4:00 pm
Sept 21
@ Wayne Hills
4:00 pm
Sept 23
Kennedy
4:00 pm
Sept 24
@ PCT
4:00 pm
Sept 28
Bergen Tech
4:00 pm
Sept 30
@ Wayne Valley
4:00 pm
Oct 5
@ IHA
4:00 pm
Oct 7
Passaic
4:00 pm
Oct 12
@ Eastside
4:00 pm
Oct 15
PCT
4:00 pm
Oct 19
@ Passaic Valley
4:00 pm
Oct 21
@ Kennedy
4:00 pm
Oct 23
Lakeland
4:00 pm
Oct 26
West Milord
4:00 pm
Nov 2
@ PCT
4:15 pm
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
57
Year-round, your Paulison Avenue ShopRite offers a wide selection and great value on items for the classroom and your child’s lunchbox!
58
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
It’s another year of turnover for the gymnastics squad, but the team has retained that contagious optimism: Support each other and everyone will improve. “I always tell them, if you keep putting effort in, you will get better,” said coach Judy D'Argenio. “We set realistic goals and our scores get better.” The coach relies on experienced seniors like Nicolette Camacho (All around) Maritza Domenack (Vault, Bar, Floor) and Camille Buscar (All around) to mentor younger gymnasts. Other top Mustang gymnasts include juniors Karina Rojasso (Bar, Floor, Vault) and Kaitlyn McCracken (Floor, Bar, Vault). Junior Gabriella Cruz (All Around) sophomore Simone Stilley (All Around) will likely be Clifton’s top scorers this season. Mustangs
Gymnastics
The Mustang gymnastics team. Bottom, left to right: Nicolette Camacho, Maritza Domenack and Camille Buscar. Second row: Karina Rojasso, Simone Stilley, Gabriella Cruz and Kaitlyn McCracken. Third: Jacqueline Vasquez, Carla Ayala, Samantha Rios, Bianca Greem, Yelitza Diaz, Samantha Ruiz and Sally Duran. Top: Tatyana Genoves, Natalia Dymora and Martiza Santiago.
Sept 13
@ Butler
Sept 15
Wayne Valley
5:00 pm 4:30 pm
Sept 22
Wayne Hills
4:30 pm
Sept 24
@ Indian Hills
4:30 pm
Sept 27
@ Ridgewood
4:30 pm
Sept 29
@ West Milford
4:30 pm
Oct 5
Pascack Valley
5:00 pm
Oct 13
@ Montclair
5:00 pm
Oct 15
Passaic Valley
4:30 pm
Oct 28
NJGL B @ W Milford 5:00 pm
Nov 1
PCCA Tourn @ WH 5:00 pm
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
59
CHS Varsity senior Cheerleaders, rear from left: Julianne Lorenzo, Katrina Abdelhady, Nicole Villegas, Valentina Correa, Jamie Lynn France, Christy Zoecklein, Samantha Sonzogni, Erica Mason, and Lina Jaramillo. Front left: Brittany Murphy, Stefania Pica, Tracey Gomez, Bianca Madrigal and Stefanie Castanza.
The three Mustang Cheerleading squads recently attended Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp where they learned new cheers, dances, and stunts that they will use throughout the year, reported Coach Christy Greco. “While at camp Senior Samantha Sonzogni was named a UCA All-American for the fourth year in a row,” coach added. “Samantha displayed superior cheer, dance and jumping skills in order to receive this honor.” Clifton Cheerleaders received recognition in other areas while at camp. “The Freshman cheerleaders were named the most improved team at camp,” coach noted. “I’m so proud of them... and the entire CHS cheerleading program was awarded the Top Banana for the high level of spirit, effort, and enthusiasm they displayed at camp.” The cheerleaders started practicing the first week in August. Veteran cheerleaders have been teaching the new girls cheers, chants, and band dances as they prepare them for the upcoming season. They have also been working on improving other cheerleading skills such as jumping and stunting. In addition to the seniors pictured above, four juniors are also on Varsity: Katie Amoruso, Michelle Antello, Laura Jaramillo, and Kelsey McGinley. 60
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
m
m
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
61
Marching Mustangs They have been in camp finetuning their marching and music, from fight songs to the national anthem. Come Sept. 11, CHS senior and this year’s Drum Major Kristofer Alvarez will high step it onto the PCTI field, leading the 72nd edition of the Marching Mustangs. Other seniors include Ludelys Acevedo, Brian Bender, Karina Carmichael, Stephanie Cherico, Kelly Degen, Michael Gabriele, Nicholas Gordon, Anthony Gretina, Christina Ihle, Emily Komarczyk, Maggie Larsen, Steven Loeber, Austin Mancenido, Preeti Rana, Nicole Rhodes, Dean Scordilis, Nicholas Surgent, Jay Tailor, Andrew Tichacek, Allyson Wiles and Amanda Zaccone. Under the baton of director Robert Morgan since 1973, the Marching Mustangs will also be seen at the Clifton Halloween Parade, Clifton Veteran’s Day Parade, North Jersey Band Festival (Oct. 24) and the West Milford Tattoo show. For more on the Showband of the Northeast, visit cliftonmustangband.com.
62
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Pictured on these pages are senior members of the Marching Mustangs.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
63
Clifton Arts Center @ 10 any governmental complexes in New Jersey serve a functional role – the practicality is clear but the character is often sterile. The Clifton Municipal Complex is a showpiece with art at its core. Start at the Clifton Arts Center and walk the 26-acre site... the pulse of life is ubiquitous with a sculpture park containing the works of 35 pieces located throughout the grounds.
M
Have Clifton Merchant Mailed. Sorry but due to problems with Bulk Mail Delivery
$27/YEAR SUBSCRIPTION we no longer offer a $16 rate for Clifton Subscribers. Name: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________State: _________________________________________ Zip:______________________Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011 64
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Since January 6, 2000, the Clifton Arts Center has been a haven where Clifton celebrates the arts. Ten years later, the board, staff, volunteers and community look back to acknowledge the contributions so many have made to make the dream of the Clifton Arts Center a reality. “The Clifton Arts Center has truly become Clifton’s millennium gift—a cultural gem in the heart of our City,” wrote Director Roxanne Cammilleri. To mark the 10th anniversary milestone, the CAC will host a gala reception and fundraiser on Oct. 17 at 4 pm at the Upper Montclair Country Club. There will be cocktails, tricky tray gift prizes, a buffet dinner, cash raffle, cash bar, entertainment and presentations to a individuals and organizations. The CHS Strings under the direction of Natalie Babiak, will perform. Tickets are $70 or $135 per couple; children ages 5 through 12 are $30. To purchase tickets or for more info, call 973-473-8122 or 973-472-5499. Built in the early twentieth century and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former location of the U. S. Animal Quarantine Station has been skillfully updated. The brick barns that serve as home to the Arts Center have been joined together by a modern, airy atrium creating a venue for visual and often performing arts. Regular exhibit hours are Thursday through Saturday noon to 4 pm and Sunday 1 to 4 pm.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
65
Other North Jersey communities, such as Montclair and Ridgewood, have long had a close association with the arts. However, Clifton is quickly moving ahead through its unique partnership involving public and private sector promotion of the arts. “The Clifton Arts Center has enhanced the cultural landscape of our community since we opened the doors in 2000. For many years various groups and individuals always thought, ‘why doesn’t Clifton have a designated place for the arts?’ said
Jeffrey Labriola, President of the Clifton Arts Center since its inception. “The opening of the Clifton Arts Center answered that need and has provided enjoyment and education to the residents and visitors from surrounding municipalities. The Clifton Arts Center services the visual needs of our diverse community—children to adults.” The 31 year-old resident who is also a art teacher at CHS said he believes the reputation of the community will only grow as more and more people become aware of it.
The Turkish Bath, a self portrait oil by James Carlin was part of the first one person exhibit at the CAC in Feb., 2000. At right, an illustration by Jacqui Kiernan of Point of View, aka Cliff Hall.
“The arts need to be nurtured and finally Clifton has embraced that concept with open arms. The arts center provides a haven in the heart of our diverse community to unite and celebrate the arts.” The Clifton Public Schools component was essential in the development, he added. “We need Clifton children to receive a full education and the arts play an important role for like skills. Each year the Arts Center hosts many school groups— particularly visits from advanced art students in CHS.” In addition, Clifton art students showcase their work in the gallery each spring for a six-week exhibit. 66
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Looking back 10 years or more, Labriola said there were many who contributed to make the CAC happen. “There was the DPW, and companies such as Home Depot and Athenia Mason and individuals who have a deep love for the arts. The Arts Center is the culmination of a 20 year vision ever since the city took ownership of the property from the federal government.” “The City Council played a major role in supporting this project,” added Labriola. “The leadership of the late Dr. Jerry Raphael for his tireless commitment in moving ahead with the sculpture park. The sculpture park really provided the necessary momentum for this. We are also tremendously thankful for the Clifton Association of Artists, who have upheld a high level of artistic quality in the city, helping to lay the groundwork in the formation of an Arts Center.” Dr. Raphael served on the city’s Beautification Committee and
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
67
played an instrumental role in advocating the development of arts in Clifton. He led the effort in the placement of sculptures on the grounds of the municipal complex starting with the stainless steel piece entitled “One City One Nation” by Miklos L. Sebek which celebrated the multiplicity and diversity of the city. After that came the popular installation of “Point of View” by Seward Johnson. Showcased in front of City Hall, the statue was of an engaged citizen reading a newspaper and it became a favorite of the community and was somehow renamed “Cliff Hall.” After a few years being exhibit here in Clifton, the piece is now on a tour and being displayed at venues across the world. To begin to celebrate and thank the many who contributed to the success of the Clifton Arts Center, the Board on Oct. 17 will honor the following individuals and organizations at the 10th anniversary gala, said Labriola. They include:
68
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Association of Artists and its members were some of the biggest supporters from the concept of a community art center. Many of the Association members have and continue to serve as CAC volunteers (Ralph Boult, Eugenia Gore, Marie Hyman and many others…). Clifton Beautification Committee was responsible for the Sculpture Park, incorporated under the auspices of the CAC in 1999. The Committee will be recognized for their vision of the Sculpture Park, and continued efforts to make Clifton a more beautiful place in which to live. Clifton Community Band, under the direction of Bob Morgan, hosts a wonderful concert on our lawn each July. Their love of their respective instrument and respect for one another are a few of the reasons why we are recognizing this special group of arts minded individuals. Clifton Public Library Board last year generously assumed the salary of the Gallery Director when the City was faced with the elimination of the position. Since the CAC has only has one employee the elimination of the director would have meant the closure of the Arts Center. Clifton Public Schools has partnered with the CAC since 2000 to promote and encourage the arts within the school district. Each Spring the advanced HS art students display their work in our gallery and year round, students from the schools volunteer in the gallery as interns, and help out during art classes and other special events. Rich Ashton is the man behind the “image” of the CAC. In 1999 he won the Clifton Arts Center logo contest. Since then, he has been one of our most dedicated volunteers. Every postcard, banner, poster, and piece of graphic material produced for the Arts Center has been created by Rich. He is a humble and sincere man who is always willing to help us. Rich is to be applauded for this beautiful work. Without Rich, the image of the Clifton Arts Center would not be as defined and recognizable within the community and beyond. MaryAnn Baskinger, recently retired Clifton Schools Supervisor of the Fine and Performing Arts K-12, has served on the Advisory Board and non-profit boards since 1998 and is dedicated, caring and wants all of Clifton to recognize how fortunate it is to have its own arts center.” Al Greco worked with the founding CAC board members in 1998 on the development and opening of the Arts Center. Now City Manager, Al has great pride in his contributions to the Arts Center and will be recognized for his ability ‘get things done’ in a practical and timely manner.” Gloria Kolodziej is an essential reason for the opening of the Arts Center. Although not a visual artist herself, Gloria can ‘see’ the beauty when it isn't there. As a longtime City Council member, she is responsible for the formation of the Arts Center Advisory Board Her vision for a more beautiful Clifton is seen throughout town but significantly with the Sculpture Park and the CAC.
Clifton Historian Don Lotz has curated an exhibit at the CAC entitled Clifton’s Walk… Through History. Using photographs, artifacts and memorabilia from decades past, Lotz (pictured here with a map of Beantown, the Valley Rd area) and members of the Clifton Historical Commission have created a highly personal tour of our community’s historical and chronological past. “Stroll through Clifton’s history starting from its natural beginnings following a chronological walk up to the first decade of the 20th century,” wrote Lotz. “The project exhibition is to help increase the City’s historical identity and create a special view of early Clifton life before Clifton was incorporated as a City.” The exhibit opens on Sept. 22, and will be on display through Oct. 30. A reception open to the public is on Sept. 25, from 1 to 4 pm. Admission donation/ fee is $3 for non-members. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 pm. Group tours are available by appointment. For more info go to www.cliftonnj.org or call the Clifton Arts Center at 973-472-5499. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
69
What’s That Buzz on Lincoln Ave? Story and photos by Joe Hawrylko
t’s somewhat unsettling to think about if you’re a bit skeeved by bugs. Over 60,000 bees in a hive that’s probably a shade under three feet tall—a massive swarm of honey producing insects, armed with stingers, boarded on two sides by normal looking, suburban backyards. But in reality, these winged insects are hardly a menace to society. The bees peacefully dwell in the backyard of Brian Eromenok Sr., an amateur beekeeper who got into the hobby two years ago after retiring from the Clifton Police Department, a job he had for over three decades. Eventually, his son, Brian Jr., a 2002 CHS graduate, developed interest and their collection has grown from one to over a dozen hives, including four in Clifton and several more in Vermont. Beekeeping—also known as apiculture—is a hobby that requires little time investment. “The less meddling, the better,” explained Eromenok Sr., who maintains hives locally at his home, his mother’s home off of Lexington Ave., the Community Gardens and Richfield Farms. “Normally, you’re just checking up on it once a week or so.” But the reward is plentiful. Hives can yield several pounds of sweet honey and beeswax, which has a number of uses. The insects’ stingers can be used in holistic medicine. And, most importantly, apiculture provides shelter for these vital insects, which have had a massive decline in population, much to the dismay of gardeners and farmers who rely on bees pollinate plants. Getting started was simple. Looking for ways to pass the time in retirement, Eromenok heard about beekeeping (also known as apiculture) and his wife, Cindy, paid for a weekend crash course at Rutgers University. Armed with knowledge, he enlisted the help of his son and mail ordered a queen and 10,000 workers from a farm in Georgia.
I
70
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
?
“I figured someone’s going to have to be the heir to the beekeeping throne,” laughed Eromenok Jr. Next, the Eromenoks purchased the foundation for the bees to build (the boxes at left, known as Langstroth hives) which contain removable frames. These frames have a wax honeycomb outline that induces the bees to build to a certain size or shape, depending if the slide is for honey, or if it is a brood frame for eggs and larve. Ideally, brood frames are at the bottom, as to not disturb the queen when collecting honey. After the initial set up, which costs around $200, little maintenance is required. “They’re so self-reliant,” said Eromenok Jr. “They take care of themselves. It’s like a utopian society.” With ample food sources, the hive will grow at a regular rate, with additional Langstroth boxes providing room for expansion. Weekly maintenance is all that is typically required, with the work usually being limited to rotating frames or checking to ensure that no wax moths or parasites have infiltrated the hive. The bees can even survive with little assistance in the winter, as the insects huddle together for warmth. The basics are easy to grasp, but nuances take time to learn. It takes experience to recognize that a queen is about to leave with half of the hive in a swarm. “The most time consuming part is processing the honey,” said Eromenok Jr. To do that, frames with honey cells are removed and the caps scraped off. The frames are then placed in a large cylinder, which spins rapidly and draws the honey out into a collection bin. The emptied frames are then placed back in the hive for reuse. Honey production naturally rises in May and June, when flowers are plentiful. However, prolonged rain can inhibit collection and as a result, slow hive growth. But after the storms, a spike is usually seen. Output and taste is also effected by the type of plant— the Eromenoks with a blend of flavors they’ve dubbed wildflower. Commercial keepers will sometimes pair up with a farmer to pollinate a crop field and the honey takes on the a flavor reminiscent of the plant primarily used. “We put a hive in a blueberry field in Vermont,” recalled Eromenok Sr. Apiarists like him are essential to those in agriculture, as the feral bee population in the United States has drastically declined in recent years. “California is looking to get people to come and pollinate its crops. They lost almost $1 billion,” explained Eromenok Sr. “Even in Clifton, I’ve noticed more bees since we’ve placed the hives.” The type of bee used also effects everything from honey yield to pollination rates. Locally, the Eromenoks
Brian Eromenok, Sr., and his son Brian hold the wax frames that are in the Langstroth boxes, which make the hive foundation.
use Italian bees, which are hardly aggressive even when provoked—Brian Jr. often does his regular inspection barefoot, with nothing more than his suit top on. In Vermont, the Eromenoks use Russians, which aren’t as inviting to guests but have a higher yield. Ultimately, the father-son duo would like to turn this hobby into a profitable side business through pollination and wax and honey production, and the abundance of space on their cabin property is ideal for keepers. Honey and other products can be purchased at Richfield Farms or by emailing stixandstonesfarmvp@yahoo.com. Bees also hold a medicinal value, which Brian Jr. has been experimenting with. Most often, apitherapy is associated with the use of bee venom. “It’s a holistic thing, kind of similar to acupuncture,” said Eromenok Jr, who has experimented on friends with minor muscular issues, with positive results. “It’s good for arthritis and multiple sclerosis, as well as inflammation. You won’t really see any results until the second or third visit. When it swells, that’s positive.” However, the focus for Eromenok and his father is on the turning the hobby into a business. But in the mean time, they are quite happy with their hobby. “All it takes is a couple of square feet in your back yard and you can be a beekeeper,” said Eromenok Sr. ‘That’s the idea, to turn it into something profitable, but if all we get out of it is enjoyment and some honey, that’s good too.” September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
71
9/11 Remembered: There will be two events commemorating the terrorist attacks on this country in 2001 that took the lives of nine Cliftonites: Edgar H. Emery, Edward C. Murphy, Kyung ‘Kaccy’ Cho, Ethesham U. Raja, Zuhtu Ibis, Francis Joseph Trombino, John P. Skala and brothers Timothy and John Grazioso. On Sept. 10, members of City Hall will meet at the on-campus memorial for a moment of silence. That evening at 6 pm, rain or shine, there will be a complete name reading of all of the victims from the attacks. For info, call Mayor Jim Anzaldi at 973-470-5757.
Susan Bivaletz helps her husband Steven get into a pair of high heels. Also wearing pumps for the cause is Bryan McGuire.
On Sept. 25, men will walk side by side with women from the NJ Coalition for Battered Women and the Prosecutor’s Office in protest rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The march will begin at 11:30 am (registration is at 10 am) at Jubilee Park. Men are encouraged (but not required) to wear women’s shoes. Donation is $50 for adults and $25 for children. According to Frank Baird, founder of the march, one in three women has experienced gender violence in her lifetime and a woman is raped every 90 seconds in America. For more info, call Theresa Bivaletz, DVRT Specialist at the Passaic County Women’s Center, at 973-881-0725, ext. 16.
f Clifton— the heart o in e b to d pe to see We’re prou ve—and ho A n te u o H o events! on Van at these tw ia n e th A you in 2
nic, Sept. 1 roic P ty n a K n h St. Jo delicious pie 1 pm, enjoy
In Loving Memory of our Founder
Joseph M. Shook, Sr. March 15, 1924 - June 9, 2008
t ed at Beginning a d more, serv n a sa a lb ie k n gi, golumbki, e., just of f Va r on Speer Av te , en C ce n sh a ri h of C the Pa Grill, Games r oo td 0 u O /5 . 50 Houten nd a Super ant Booth, a hool Sc e th White Eleph kids in e th r fo n Raffle. Fu Live Music! Parking Lot &
19 et Fair, Sept. ents e tr S ia n e th A usem ting zoo, am
a pet attractions Pony rides, among the re a od fo t n Houten and grea t. Stroll Va en ev l a u n n meet old at this a the day and y jo en , op show and Ave. to sh a classic car o ls a is e er tal Soul. friends. Th ookwood & To pt. 26. Br y b t en m entertain Fair is on Se in, the Street In case of ra
72
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Shook Funeral Home Inc. Over 55 Years of Service, Still Proudly Family Owned & Operated
639 Van Houten Ave • Clifton 973-471-9620 Roy B. Garretson Manager, NJ Lic.#3550
Nancy Shook Garretson President, NJ Lic.#3657
Fr. Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, pastor of St, John Kanty Church
Fr. Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, pastor of St. John Kanty Church, is the 2010 Marshal of the Passaic-Clifton contingent of the Pulaski Day Parade. He will be honored at the 73rd Annual Sash Night on Sept 19. at 3:30 pm at the Polish-American Cultural Center, 1-3 Monroe St., Passaic. Tickets to this semi-formal event are $40 and include a buffet. For tickets, call 973-777-5149. The 24th Annual St. Nicholas Parish Picnic is Sept. 12, from noon to 8 pm at the church, 217 President St., Passaic. Tickets are $3 per person—children under 16 are free—and open up a world of culture, fun, entertainment and food. Liquor will also be available. There will be a 50/50 cash with five prizes as well. St. Nicholas will celebrate its Centennial Jubilee on Oct. 24 with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 1:00 pm, followed by cocktails and dinner at 4 pm. Call 973-471-9727 or go to www.stnicholasucc.org. The Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church Annual Picnic will take place on Sept. 19 at noon on the grounds of the Broad St. parish. Call 973-471-8131. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
73
Power from the Heavens East Ridgelawn Cemetary joins the solar powered movement. Story by Joe Hawrylko
W
ho knew that going green was as good for your business as it is for the environment? Gary Sciarrino, the superintendent of East Ridgelawn Cemetery, is now reaping the benefits of the solar array that was recently installed on his Delawanna burial plot. The 79 acre property, which includes Sciarrino’s office and living quarters, the crematory, mausoleum and maintenance garage is entirely powered by the sun. Three solar stands—each comprised of 25 individual panels—sits on low lying corner of the property near the East Ridgelawn entrance on Main Ave. Solar energy has been around for a number of years. However, advancements in technology have improved efficency, and the sheer amount of grants available at a local, state and federal level have spurred a renewed interest in going green. “We’re a non-profit, so we have to put money back into the business,” said Sciarrino, who has been at East Ridgelawn since 1989. “We were looking for ways to cut our electric bill. We had thought about it before in the past and the solution was to go green.” 74
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Solar installs can be expensive investments—this project ran some $250,000—but the return on investment is quick. Depending on the size of an array, solar energy can pay for itself within half a decade. When planning such an investment, it’s important to carefully search for a reputable company that will thoroughly explain the different options and help find funding through grants. A good company will also make sure the right array is installed. Sciarrino opted for a ground unit after his installer determined that the cemetery buildings, which date back to 1905, would not support a roof array. “We checked out a few different companies before we settled on Bysolar, a company out of Denville,” explained Sciarrino. He added that the selection was due to the price, customer service and the quality materials used, which originate from Germany. Nationwide, governments are pushing for businesses and homeowners to go green through various grants. New Jersey is one of the leading states in the Green Race, second in installed capacity next to California, and because the Garden State pays homeowners the
most in the nation for solar renewable energy credits— essentially cash for energy produced. “We got a state rebate,” he explained. “We didn’t get a federal rebate because we’re a non-profit. If we were profit, we would get a third off of our income tax.” Bysolar has calculated that the investment will pay for itself within seven years. “The company helps with that stuff, figuring out how long it will take to pay off with
Clifton’s Jenny Sichel is the coxswain on the crew team that will represent the United States at the 2010 World Rowing Championships in Lake Karapiro, New Zealand later this month. Sichel graduated CHS in 2008 and was the Drum Major of the Marching Mustangs among her many accomplishments.
The Dutch Hill Residents Association opens this season with a meeting on Sept,. 16 at 7:30 pm. Join and participate in a discussion of community information related to this neighborhood and Clifton as a whole. Meetings at the Family Federation, at the corner of De Mott Ave. and Second St. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 973-365-2577.
grants,” he explained. “That’s what they sell you on.” In total, it took two months to construct the array, which was finished in mid-August. Sciarrino says he’s already noticed a lower bill from PSE&G, which buys back his excess energy. Overall, he’s satisfied with green technology. “Once it’s installed, there’s no maintenance,” he stated. “You really just put it there and forget about it.”
New Jersey Music and Arts presents Fall Fest 2010, a celebration of the season with performances of music, drama and dance at the YM/YWHA on Scoles Ave. on Nov. 7 at 4 pm. Among the performers will be the New Hope Players and the Kennedy Dancers. For tickets, call 973-272-3255 or go to http://njma.homestead.com. The Second Annual History Day at Lambert Castle is on Oct. 2, 10 am to 5 pm at Lambert Castle on Garret Mountain. Hosted by the Passaic County Historical Society, representatives from the society’s Genealogy Club, the Passaic County Film Commission, the Clifton Arts Center, The Manor and Forges of Ringwood, the Long Pond Iron Works, the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, the HamiltonVan Wagoner House, The Botto House, The Paterson Library, Coro D’Italia, town historians and other groups will present literature, artifacts, storyboards and books about their corner of the county’s history. Free Call 973-247-0085, ext. 200. The Clifton Community Blood Drive will help to insure that the transfusion needs of area patients will be met. The drive is on Sept. 20, from 5 to 8 pm at the Allwood Branch Library, 44 Lyall Rd., in cooperation with Community Blood Services. Any healthy individual, age 17 through 75, and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate blood.
Donors should eat a moderate meal before donating and must bring identification showing signature. All donors receive a complimentary cholesterol and glucose screening with every blood donation. A free tee shirt will also be given out. Call 201-251-3703. Send us news and notes on your community events. Mail files and info to tomhawrylko@optonline.net or call 973-253-4400.
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
75
The Passaic-Clifton Chapter of UNICO National recently presented 10 scholarships, a total of $7,000 in awards this year. Chapter President David D’Arco is proud when the chapter can award or donate to the school children of Passaic and Clifton or to local charities. “This was UNICO founder Dr. Anthony Vastola’s dream back in 1922... to create an Italian American service organization to engage in charitable works, support higher education, and perform patriotic deeds. That’s what we are doing here, giving back to the community which has given us all so much.” For info on UNICO, write to chapterprez@optonline.net. UNICO will also host its Columbus Day Fundraiser with the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club. A Pasta Dinner/Tricky Tray is on Oct. 1 at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 and live music will be performed by Clifton’s own, Kayla’s Krew and Brookwood. Call Dave D’Arco at 973-685-7479 or Stallions President Bobby Cardillo at 973-614-1694. Alumni from CHS classes from 1971 through 1974 host a reunion on Oct. 30 at the Regency House Hotel in Pompton Plains. The $85 ticket includes cocktails, buffet dinner, dessert, entertainment and an open bar from 7 pm to midnight. Visit www.chsreunion71-74.com or call Bill Geiger at 973-557-3613 Diane Gangi Ohland at 973-284-1054.
The Passaic High School Classes of 1964 and 1965 will host a combined reunion on Oct. 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fairfield. The event will run from 7 to 11 pm. For info, call Charles Cannata, PHS ‘64 at 973-773-7769 or Paula Rudolph, PHS ‘65, (973-339-9102 or by email at passaic65@yahoo.com.) It’s a massive challenge—weighing in at 80,000 pounds to be exact. On Sept. 12, teams of up to 20 individuals will compete in the The Knights of Columbus 0645 Tank Pull, which is from 8 am to 4 pm at Oak Ridge Park on Clifton Ave. Chair John Hughes said the primary goal of the Tank Pull is to raise awareness and funding for troops coming home. “Guys are coming back and they need support, they need jobs and they need friends,” he explained. The Knights are still seeking volunteers to assist with the event, or to donate additional funds. It’s also not too late to sign up a team for the Tank Pull. To help out, call 973-472-0061 or visit www.tankpullkofc.org. Tifereth Israel, 180 Passaic Ave., Passaic, offers a new and used clothing sale on Sept. 5, from 10 am to 6 pm. There will be a selection of skirts, suits and winter jackets, plus a great inventory of back to school clothes and jackets for boys and girls of all sizes - all below $20. For info, call 973-953-7892.
Clifton’s Anthony DeSomma was named All-Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Second Team Designated Hitter after hitting .391 (43-for-110), with 24 runs, nine doubles and seven home runs for the Centenary College Cyclones. He led the team with 42 RBIs, the secondbest single-season mark in program history. He slugged .664, walked 15 times and recorded an on-base percentage of .451. Defensively he tallied a 1.000 fielding percentage with 76 putouts and eight assists. DeSomma was just as successful off the diamond. He received ESPN the Magazine/Cosida Academic AllDistrict 2 First Team and the CSAC All-Academic Team accolades and earned Dean’s List honors for both the Fall and Spring semesters. The Boys and Girls Club of Clifton has announced the Class of 2010 inductees to its Hall of Fame. They include: 1950’s: Al Carline and John Gogick. 1960’s: Kent Bania and Ed Welsh. 1970’s: Tom Di Donna, and Gary Hughes. 1980’s: Rob Haraka and MaryAnn Goodwin. 1990’s: Jennifer Paci and Steve Sokolewicz. 2000’s: Nicole Krzysik and Chris Karcz. They will be feted at the Club on Oct. 22 from 7 to 11 pm in a catered affair with music, food, nostalgia and more than a few tales from the past. Advance tickets are $40. Call 973-773-0966 for info.
END OF SUMMERTIME DOUBLE HEADER Friday September 10th Super Double Session Bingo Game on Friday, September 10th with a $6,000+ cash prize payout. Call Joe Holmes (973) 773-0966 ext 21 any time or Linda (973) 773-2697 ext 34 during bingo hours. hosted by the
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CLIFTON
76
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
s c m
Ice Cream from
Poppy’s?
e d m 5 h
f e C d h
n 0 y n d d a
s e n , s e
Chris Liszner is on the CHS 1961 50th class reunion committee and writes: “We are hoping to do a then and now digital presentation of all our favorite places and the changed places in Clifton since 1961. We’d like to get photos of kids at Poppy’s, School 7 and 10 and other locations. Can you and your readers help?” The digital slide show will be presented at the reunion on Oct. 14, 201, at the Bethwood. To attend and for more details, send your information to CHS Class of 1961, PO Box 3749, Wayne, NJ 07474, call 973-650-2719 or email at cliftonhighschool61@yahoo.com.
M
any who attended CHS between 1958 and 1968 remembers Poppy’s. In fact, the milk bar and luncheonette (pictured above in 1970, but today where the Bizub Quinlan Funeral home is) became such a popular spot that it was featured in Seventeen Magazine, a national publication geared to teenagers. Teachers, parents, local politicians, and folks from all walks of life were drawn to the place by the homemade ice cream, milk shakes, burgers and fries served up by Poppy’s staff of attractive young waiters and waitresses in starched white shirts and aprons. No doubt about it, Poppy’s was the place to go in Clifton. We’d love to do a story on Poppy’s but other than this one photograph Bob Zschak provided, we have none. We know that many of you Mustangs gathered there after school, following football games or after a Saturday night date. So if you have special memories and photographs you’d care to share of Poppy’s, please share them with us. Call 973-253-4400, send to the address above or mail them to us at 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
77
78
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Fernando Rossi Scholarship Fund and Alumni Game: Severin Palydowycz may be called the granddaddy of Clifton soccer, but Fernando Rossi (pictured above) was the coach who took the program to new heights. Upon his arrival in 1978, the Italian-born coach molded Clifton into a perennial state powerhouse. His tenure was marked by a stifling defense and a talented, opportunistic offense. Rossi’s grand achievement may be the 1994 team, ranked number three in the United States. Leading up to his 2001 retirement, Clifton remained a force on the pitch, winning five consecutive Passaic County Championships. His final record stood at 353-95-51, but there is no count of the number of hearts he touched, both as a coach and an educator at CHS where he taught Italian. Friends and family will honor Rossi, who passed away this past February at the age of 60, with a memorial unveiling on Sept. 25 at 1:45 pm at the Varsity field following the regualr season game. After the ceremony, an alumni match will follow. Former Mustangs are asked to participate and donate to a new scholarship fund in Rossi’s name. Contact Coach Stan Lembryk at SLembryk@cliftonschools.net. September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
79
Amanda Ellen Garretson & Gary Francis Sardo will wed on October 2 at St. John Kanty Church. Cheryl and Carly Hawrylko share a September 12 birthday. Mom turns 52 and Carly is 15.
Birthdays & Celebrations
Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net
y
O
Belated Birthday Greetings to Tom Tresca who turned 22 on August 24. Michael Capwell...............9/1 Allison Di Angelo .............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 Christy Gordon.................9/5
Mohammed Othman .......9/5 Ana Stojanovski................9/6 Greg Martin......................9/7 Helen Albano ...................9/8 Eddie Bivaletz ..................9/8 Shannon Carroll................9/8 Geoff Goodell ..................9/9 Annamarie Priolo..............9/9 George Andrikanich .......9/10 Nicole Moore .................9/10 Ronnie Courtney ............9/11 Tammy Csaszar...............9/11 Andrew Orr ....................9/11
Alexandra Krynski turns 8 on September 12 while her sister Olivia will be 5 on September 26. 80
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
Andrew Shackil...............9/11 Lee Ann Doremus ..........9/12 Wayne Funke..................9/12 Naoma Martin ................9/12 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 Happy Anniversary to Mike & Karen Hrina on September 20. 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 Sgt. Darren Kester celebrates his 30th Birthday on September 7.
Happy Birthday to Liz Tresca who will turn 18 on September 8. Sara Gretina ...................9/21 Lynne Lonison ................9/21 Annamaria Theresa Menconi..9/21 Peter Skoutelakis............9/21 Valerie Carestia ..............9/22 Beverly Duffy ..................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
Dorothy Knapp turns 75 on September 12.
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 Happy Anniversary to Jim & Anna Shubert who will be married 12 years on September 11.
1036
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
81
Brook Van Beveren’s world changed this past June when the 23 year old learned that she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Now, the community is coming together to support the 2005 CHS graduate and her family through this time of need. The Clifton VFW Post 7165 on Valley Rd. will hold a fundraiser on Sept. 19, from 10 am to
82
September 2010 • Clifton Merchant
2 pm. Paulison Avenue ShopRite owner Rafael Cuellar is among those donating goods and services, including carving stations, salads, fruit platters and refreshments. Tickets are $20. Proceeds will help alleviate the numerous costs associated with the various procedures. Van Beveren is currently enduring her third chemotherapy session. After one more, she is scheduled for 37 radiation treatments. For more info, call 973-523-9762. Motorcycle Ride for a Cure: The Phenomenal Grandmothers 1036 Ride for the Cure to benefit childrens cancer research is on Sept. 12. However, riding isn’t necessary to participate. Donations are as follows: Riders $25, passengers $15 and non-riding supporters $25. Registration starts at 12:30 pm and send off will be at 2 pm from City Hall, 900 Van Houten Ave. A complimentary hot Italian buffet will be awaiting upon return. For info, call 973-253-9579.
The Passaic County 200 Club Beefsteak Benefit to honor local police, fire and EMS workers is on Sept 27 at 6 pm at The Brownstone. Entertainment will be provided by Uncle Floyd and while it is a lot of fun, the group is the first on the scene in the event if a public safety officials is killed or injured. Tickets are $60. Call 973-733-0777 or visit www.pc200club.org. The Dutch Hill Residents Association Flea Market is on Sept. 18 at Weasel Brook Park on Paulison Ave. Spaces are $35 if reserved prior to Sept. 8 and $40 after; cash or check accepted. The event runs from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 973-413-5007 or 973-470-0679. The First Presbyterian Church, 303 Maplewood Ave, will host a fish and chips dinner on Sept. 17 from 5 to 7 pm. The event will be catered by Tastefully British. Tickets are $12.50 and $7.50 for children. Take-out orders and walkins welcome. Call 973-523-1272.
sd
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, nJ 07011
PRSRT STD US Postage PA I D PaTeRSon, nJ PeRmiT no. 617