Clifton Merchant Magazine - August 2020

A Strange Time From the Editor

in America

- Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher We seem to be doing it Clifton. Wearing masks, respecting the rules of social distancing, not seeing loved ones and missing the simple social interactions we once enjoyed daily at coffee shops, restaurants and taverns has really been difficult.

But Clifton and much of Metro New York have signed on to that difficult task and have been working hard to stop the spread of Covid-19. But as the sign on one church said recently count blessings, not problems.

So as I write this on August 4, my wife, kids and I are healthy and I thank God for that. And while we have lost friends, neighbors and family, many of those close to us remain healthy. Indeed, we count our blessings.

But despite the good efforts of how we as a region have addressed the spread of Covid-19, the road ahead is still long. We are far from the demise of the pandemic.

Over the last few weeks, Governor Murphy has allowed us to begin the gradual reopening of the economy and it has been a welcome start. We have enjoyed outdoor dining, getting back into our barber shops and hair stylists, and shopping in retail stores. As long as we social distance, he said, we are allowed on beaches and in parks and we can congregate outdoors. But sadly, because of a break down in social behavior, that may change.

On August 3 Murphy in his daily briefing said that the data regarding the rate of reinfection—the number of people who are infected by a sick person—is up. How he will address that trend is unknown.

And what will that uptick mean for the opening of schools? For kids and their families, it would great to get back into the classrooms. But if we cannot safely dine indoors at a restaurant, what makes it safe for kids and teachers to be in a classroom this September?

The Comeback as we know it is part of this strange chapter of our American lives. What I do know is that now is the time to tighten our vigilance, to continue wearing masks, to keep your distance in social settings and respect the rules. On the following pages, you’ll read of how some in our hometown are dealing with these challenges and unforeseen obstacles. Hang in there folks.

On our cover is Lauren Scarfo, the Voice of Clifton. When you receive a phone call from the city, it is Lauren who is the voice behind the message. Lauren began working for the health department when she was 16 as a part time dog census officer. After college she returned here to find a career and serve her hometown. She is part of the team led by health officer John Biegel who have been guiding our community on how best to address Covid-19.

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Contributing Writers

Jack DeVries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele, Ariana Puzzo, Patricia Alex

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo Business Mgr. Irene Kulyk

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Nova UA Federal Credit Union received a $100,000 grant and regranted the funds among local non-profits pictured here.

For Many, the Comeback Begins with Giving Back

Lillian Vega of St. Peter’s Haven accepting a $5,000 donation from Christine Perry, Judy Sierchio and Margaret Hom., members of the Illuminations Club at the Four Seasons at Great Notch. The donation will allow St. Peter’s to more effectively purchase 15-20,000 pounds of food through the Food Bank of New Jersey. See page 24 for details on how you can help.

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From St. Peter’s Haven to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, and many organizations in between, donations have been down and revenue growth has declined due to Covid-19 and the ensuing economic slowdown But Cliftonites and Clifton businesses have helped address the community need and begin to fill the void.

Nova UA Federal Credit Union on Allwood Rd., for instance, requested and received a grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of NY to be dispersed to non-profits negatively impacted by the Covid-19 fallout.

The $100,000 grant was distributed among non-profits that experienced a 25% decrease in revenue for the two months during the pandemic, comparing to the same period last year.

“Our focus is on taking care of our members and the community we serve,” Val Bogattchouk, Nova’s CEO, said. “We are happy to help.”

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From Rabies Vaccines to Dealing with a Pandemic: Clifton Health Department on the Front Lines.

At left, that’s Clifton Health Officer John Biegel at the July 18 drive-thru rabies clinic at the DPW. Also shown are veterinarian Dr. Eduardo Unay, staff members, dog owners and their hounds at the first ever drive-thru clinic.

All stories by Ariana Puzzo

During the early days of lockdown, we were all at home waiting for news. Perhaps it was from forums on the local TV station. Maybe it was by following the Clifton Health Department on social media. You may have even felt surprised when you received a reverse 911 call.

The department’s health officer John Biegel still considers it “tremendously important” to make COVID-19 information readily available.

“We made a commitment to communicate because I think communication is really the important thing going on during times like this,” said Biegel.

It was a team effort with many players involved in maintaining communication with the public. When it came to the two television forums, the second forum was two and a half hours long, and both forums accepted public questions. Those involved included Biegel, the city manager, a nursing supervisor, an environmental health specialist, and the police and fire chiefs.

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Biegel stressed the importance of doing their best to answer every question. Additionally, along with expressing appreciation for additional department heads like the library director and the DPW director, he noted how MIS Coordinator John Ricca eased the department’s transition to working from home.

“I never thought I could work from home,” laughed Biegel. “So when we decided to close City Hall, I thought, ‘This isn’t going to be good.’”

“But the way he had everything set up was perfect and allowed us to feel safe and do our jobs.”

It was a busy job, too. While the department still followed up on regular duties like garbage complaints, communicable diseases like Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and processing dog licenses, the pandemic predominated the department’s time and attention.

As a result, increases were made to the Health and Human Services Department staff, for which Biegel is the director.

Many were then trained in contact tracing and there were also nurses who were hired. “We had to hire people because we couldn’t have done it with just the health department staff,” said Biegel.

“The city manager and administration were great in allowing us to hire individuals to meet needs of contact tracing,” he continued. “We lost people to being back to doing their jobs … but at least they have the training now if we have to get them back.”

If that is needed, Biegel said they are much more prepared. When considering what he would do differently if he could return to February or March, he carefully contemplated it.

“I would change the amount of people passing away, but I don’t think it was any reflection on us,” he said. “There’s always the risk of pandemic. A pandemic is always out there, but people don’t think about it.”

“It’s a loaded question because it happened and we can’t change what happened, so we try to do better,” he continued. “‘Prevention, promotion, protection’ is the health department’s public health motto … and that message never goes away.”

Look for their good teamwork to continue for many days to come...

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Top, owners and founders Dean and Tom Maroulakos.

Above left, front porch manager Brittany Abel and executive chef Bogdan Tarnowski.

The Barrow House: Feeding Neighbors in Good Times & in Bad 8

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Even during a global crisis, Thomas Maroulakos knows that he can rely on his team at The Barrow House. The CEO of Skopos Hospitality Group is proud of his team’s commitment to donating meals to frontline employees and food insecure individuals.

“It was really inspiring to see individuals just come together and really show a lot of courage in a time of fear and anxiety,” said Maroulakos. “Feeding our neighbors that are hungry was a pre-pandemic initiative.”

“I’m proud of the team for being selfless and focusing on social impact work during a time of anxiety and stress.”

Ensuring the safety of The Barrow House’s team and patrons was also a top priority. Prior to the pandemic, Maroulakos said they were “always big on cleanliness and sanitation” and the desire to keep everyone safe has only heightened since March.

As they have navigated the business these past several months, what ended up working in their favor is their sizable lot on Van Houten Ave. Although outdoor dining is a short-term solution that bolstered business while indoor dining remains on hold, Maroulakos said that there is a plan to add more tents to the parking lot due to demand.

“We were always looking at expanding the building to some capacity because we’ve been so popular pre-pandemic, we actually needed more space believe it or not,” he said.

“We don’t have much outdoor seating, and guests in NJ actually look forward to it.”

Maroulakos added that additional seating and the ability to spread out customers would be beneficial if “something like this happens again.”

Despite the “culture shock” and needing to relearn how to be social in the hospitality business during a pandemic, Maroulakos is optimistic for the future. “[This sort of thing] is once in a generation,” he said, “but if you feel you can get through this and persevere, you feel you can conquer anything.”

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Grande Saloon: ‘We Can’t Thank Clifton Enough’ What do you do when you have ordered 960 pounds of corn beef, as well as liquor and alcohol, and then you receive a COVID-19 close down notice?

As The Grande Saloon prepared for Saint Patrick’s Day, their busiest day of the year, it was clear they needed a plan and fast.

For the Van Houten Ave. owner Nick Cimmino, the tavern had two options.

“We could do one of two things,” said Cimmino.

“Adapt and change, or close the doors.”

Cimmino recalled that he and his staff sat down to discuss what those changes might look like for the business.

Delivery was uncharted territory, but was it worth keeping their doors open only for pick-ups? At that point, he asked his staff if they were comfortable with the idea of delivering food.

They were “all in,” he said, and they all learned on the job. It wasn’t easy, though.

“We started on March 17, the day after the closing, and we had no idea what we were doing,” said Cimmino.

“You want to talk about trial by fire.”

“There was no handbook … [and] we struggled the first two weeks and made a lot of mistakes,” he continued, “but customers were very patient with us.”

The decline in revenue was also evident, with the busi-

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ness down 84% in total revenue from when the pandemic started. However, as Governor Phil Murphy lifted state restrictions, outdoor dining became possible and they “started climbing out of the hole.”

As they plan for an uncertain future, Cimmino has some ideas. For starters, the plan is to keep delivery as an option.

“Delivery was really successful,” he said. “So, we figure on keeping at least 50% of that business because with what that adds to our total profit a week, it would be crazy not to.”

Their outdoor permit will also remain valid until November and outdoor dining will continue for as long as possible. Cimmino acknowledged, though, that there are no solid answers and the priority is survival.

When considering the long hours and serving customers in 90-degree weather, Cimmino’s team is a source of tremendous pride for him.

“My team has been so willing to work and do whatever we can to not just stay open, but be there for people in the community,” said Cimmino. “The team is so strong right now and there isn’t anything we can’t handle.”

The community has also returned the favor.

“We can’t thank Clifton enough. If it wasn’t for the town, we wouldn’t be here.”

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Hope in Bloom: Farms Plant Community Joy When William Morton became the sole proprietor of Richfield Farms, he never anticipated navigating the business during a pandemic. Although his first year proved eventful and, at times, frightening, he is proud of the farm’s work.

“We got a lot of positive feedback from people, praising us and telling us how helpful we were,” said Morton. “So, it was nice and reassuring to hear that.”

One of the farm’s most beneficial features at this time is its air flow potential. By keeping the doors open, Morton said it made the workers less worried about stale air. However, as of mid-July, the inside of the store remained closed and the business operated outside.

“For items like fertilizers and organic insecticide, we get them for customers one-byone,” said Morton. “It’s extra work on the cashiers, but we felt it kept everyone safer.”

In the field and at check out at Richfield Farms. Above: Maryetta BartOver the past several weeks, the farm lett Downing, Skip Bartlett, Nancy Bartlett and Daniel Bartlett. has proceeded with caution while preparing Christmas orders. Morton expects that the business will still operate outdoors on its tighter schedule Bartlett’s Greenhouses & Florist marked 100 years in that sees them close now at 6 pm instead of 8 pm.

April and, with the support of their customers, are preStill, despite adjusted hours and the initial learning pared to remain an active part of the community. curve, customers have remained loyal. Whether it was Although the first few weeks of the pandemic were staying patient or buying flowers in the springtime like quiet, the Grove Street business was able to remain open normal, it made the farm realize that the initial fear about since they are a farm. Nancy Bartlett, a lifelong Clifselling all their items was unfounded. ton resident and partner in the business, said they were During Easter, in particular, they were unsure what the initially concerned since “people don’t realize we’re a outcome would be since the flowers are grown specificalfarm”, but the customers were great and followed the set ly for the farm and they were ordered a year in advance. guidelines, especially on Mother’s Day. “We were surprised at the fact that we were selling “The pickup line went to Edwards Road … and everyout of everything, we weren’t stuck with anything,” said body was super,” she said. “We opened up the store as Morton. “People wanted flowers.” much as we could so people could stay 6 feet apart. Ev“It brings a sense of joy to their lives [and it reminds erybody is on point with masks and [social] distancing.” us of the] small things that we always have been doing.”

Although Easter and Mother’s Day were busy and

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Ploch’s Farm at 158 Grove St. is in its 153rd season, but due to COVID-19, won’t open regular hours. Seen in a 2003 photo with Rudy Ploch are his sister Lin and his daughters Christine and Donna. To find out when the farm stand will open, check their FB page or give them a call at 973-778-6463.

kept them going strong, Bartlett said they experienced a general uptick in business compared to last year despite losing revenue from big accounts like the Meadowlands.

“It’s been a fabulous spring … because everyone is home planting gardens and vegetables … and it makes it a lot easier,” said Bartlett. “For what you’re losing out of the back, we gained out of the front.”

One way that the business has kept ahead is by getting creative and opening a pop-up shop for Easter that “worked so well” that they intend on keeping it.

However, they also decided it’s unlikely that the tables out front will return for the sake of creating more distance between the customers.

Bartlett said “big changes” are a necessity until there is a vaccination.

“Sometimes the worst can bring out the best in us and you discover new things just because you had to do something you’d never do,” she said. “For small businesses, it can be a good thing because you can get hung up on the way you do it, and different can be better.”

That flexibility, she said, also makes it so that “if I lose part of the equation, I don’t lose the whole business.” Although they lost events like weddings, they did three micro-weddings in June, which equalled one, and they picked up bedding plants.

Overall, Bartlett said the community played a large role in supporting many local businesses.

“Our customers were very faithful and … I really think that was intentional,” she said. “They knew you would be in trouble, so they shopped there.”

“People rallied for the cause.”

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On the Road Less Traveled, a New Era for Fette Auto Although travel came to a halt in 2020, Fette Auto was there for its customers. The Route 46 dealership, which offers Ford, Kia and Infiniti vehicles, was closed for about 10 days in April, but otherwise it adjusted like other essential businesses during the early stages of the pandemic.

Fette Ford’s president John Fette, who has worked at the dealership for 38 years, said the temporary closing was to ensure the health and safety Top, Daniel, John and Hart Fette inside their Ford Showroom. Above, at the Boys of customers and the employees. & Girls Club of Clifton, that’s Paula Benjamin and John DeGraaf accepting a do“We couldn’t get masks, gloves, nation of 100 face shields for staff at the Club from Daniel Fette and Rami Zeidan. or sanitizing material … so we said, ‘Let’s close,’” he said. “We used When considering whether the industry has successthat time to get all the necessary cleaning and sanitizing fully adapted to the pandemic, Fette believed they have done … and then we regrouped.” made the necessary changes to keep moving forward.

Fette described a new normal that required them to Some of those changes involved offering pickup and “change our processes considerably” while simultanedelivery services, as well as the ability to buy online. ously working to provide the same services to customHowever, he said, a small percentage of people utiers. Some of these changes were self-evident, like sanlize these services because there is still a desire to see a itizing cars after test drives, customers and employees product up close to avoid overlooking any details. staying at separate ends of the building, and creating “If it increases, we’ll increase those services to adapt make-shift customer lounges where customers could to that situation,” he said. “Then it would be a whole wait 6 feet apart. different business model, but we’re not there yet and Perhaps the biggest change, though, was when cuswe’ll see when we get there.” tomers started doing test drives without an employee, Fette also reflected on their preparedness in the early and it requires the dealership to get more information months to where the dealership is now, and he knows up front before sending them out with a car. they will be ready in the event of a resurgence thanks to “We lose a little bit on that because we can’t explain their workers. the features so well … like the accessories, bluetooth, “[I’m proud of] our employees and how they stepped and navigation system,” said Fette. up because they were back when everyone was not and “It’s a lot of adaptation,” he added. “But the number they worked,” he said. one priority is the safety of our customers, employees “They took care of their customers and staff.” and staff.”

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Building a Strong Future: Housing, Prayers & Careers If you’re looking for good real estate news, Freddie Nouri may have some for Cliftonites. The realtor and Clifton resident has watched the market during the pandemic and believes the city has a strong future.

“I think the Clifton market is going to bounce back strong because of the natural supply and demand,” said Nouri (CHS ’04). “[There is a] low inventory and a lot of buyers, which naturally brings prices up.”

Coupled with lower interest rates, Nouri said, it could make someone’s decision for them in terms of buying a more expensive house if the rate is lower. During the pandemic, although sales were hindered during the first few months, he saw single and multi family homes with 2.6-3.2% interest rates. Additionally, when open houses became feasible again, Nouri said the month of June “sort of brought it back to life.”

That’s where Nouri’s plans for the future come into effect. The realtor, who over the last two years launched his home rehabbing business, MetroFit Home Solutions, has several plans following the pandemic, and one of his plans includes maximizing the low inventory.

“As a home flipper, my goal is to create more inventory,” said Nouri. “I’m looking everywhere to try and buy more houses, fix them, and create more inventory for buyers out there.”

The other key element is utilizing social media. As a real estate agent, Nouri’s thought is that by focusing on Instagram or social media promotions, he will likely target New York and the Hudson County area. Pictures help with achieving that and during the pandemic, they have proven crucial as people take virtual tours.

“You work hand-in-hand with photographers because they’re a window to the outside world,” said Nouri. “People make judgments based on pictures … and once they [do], they decide if they want to see the house or not.”

“The idea is to bring people west and more buyers in and show them how great Clifton is.”

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Fred Nouri with his dad, who is also Fred, after the two completed the 2014 NYC Marathon.

The safety of JoAnn Marinello’s workers took precedence throughout the pandemic. The office manager at King Solomon Memorial Park is proud to uphold that value during these uncertain times.

“To me, that was of the utmost importance,” said Marinello. “I kept my people safe in the office and out on the grounds, and that was number one.”

Marinello, who has worked in the Dwasline Road office for 38 years, admitted it was difficult because it is impossible to control everything people do. However, she could control who entered the office and grounds, but making that decision was still tough.

“The worst thing I had to do is not let people into a funeral,” she said. “Even some in-laws couldn’t come. … That to me was the worst, and I hope we never have to do that again.”

Like other businesses across the state and country, their office was on lockdown in those early days of the pandemic. In accordance with state regulations, the cemetery started by limiting persons in attendance at burials to five and kept the gates locked, only letting in attendees, the funeral director, and the rabbi. By midJune, they eased those restrictions.

Still, those early months were unprecedented and took place while the office underwent construc-

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tion. When the restrooms reopen, Marinello said that there will be a wall so people cannot loiter around the office like they once did, and it is for everyone’s safety.

Changes were also made to how funerals were done.

“It’s a Jewish ceremony so, in the beginning, we didn’t let people carry the casket,” said Marinello.

“They had to stay in the car … and then our workers would go their way and mourners would go up to the graveside.”

“That’s changing back again,” she continued.

“We’re letting very religious families carry their casJoAnn Marinello, the office manager at King Solomon Memokets … [but the] only thing we’re not doing is prorial Park, with her cousins. viding a shovel if they want to fill in the grave. They “I never thought I’d have to protect [my workers] have to bring their own shovel.” like this,” said Marinello, reflecting on how everything Marinello said the cemetery is “absolutely more prefrom rituals to the routines of our lives has changed. pared” should there be another surge in cases. There were “When this was first going on, I kind of thought this about three to four weeks when it was hard for them to must’ve been like WWII for my parents. That upset keep up with the number of burials, especially since they their entire world, and that’s what this is - it just upset bury many people who were from New York. Now, burithe entire way of life that we had. Hopefully it doesn’t als are “below normal” and there are three people workspike again,” she said. “Hope and pray.” ing inside the office and seven working outside.

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The Chelsea will be very peaceful, promises Lisa Corrado.

As construction slowed then stopped during the pandemic, projects like the soon-to-open Chelsea at Clifton Senior Living paused.

But that all changed weeks ago and construction, landscaping and the entire build-out is nearly done, shaping a new senior community on Valley Rd. near Route 46 that offers various levels of living options for seniors.

The addition of a tax-paying parcel in Clifton is great long term news for the city, but what’s going on now is equally important: jobs creation.

While seniors have been placing deposits on living quarters, Executive Director Lisa Corrado said a July virtual job fair that not only offered employment opportunities, but careers in the burgeoning senior care field, attracted many qualified applicants.

“We had a tremendous response and see that the job pool here is deep with highly skilled people,” said Corrado. “We are offering new employment in Clifton and that to me is outstanding. I think that is especially good news in an economy that is anything but stable.”

A crucial qualification Corrado seeks in applicants in the senior healthcare industry, she said, is the ability and desire to care.

“You have to have a caring heart … and it gives an option to allow local job seekers an outlet to be able to give everything that they can into an organization and to people,” said Corrado, who has been with Chelsea for two years and in the industry for two decades.

The Clifton location is part of Chelsea Senior Living, which owns senior living communities across New Jersey and New York. Corrado said each Chelsea residence provides quality care for aging adults and peace of mind for their families and loved ones.

Corrado went on to say that any job opportunity in the building is rewarding and that helping the seniors is “almost like your second paycheck.” Whether it is someone taking a moment to smile or thanking you, it feels special.

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“These are things that can’t be bought,” said Corrado.

As they prepare for a fall opening, Corrado said that she is confident in their ability to keep their residents and staff safe, saying she feels safe working there. Early measures that were taken included distributing iPads and offering virtual tours of the building.

“Certainly we’re hoping sooner rather than later there will be a vaccine,” she said. “However, we’re very prepared at The Chelsea if there is a resurgence. As what’s known about the virus changes, our policies reflect that.”

“We are preparing to make sure our residents and staff are safe,” Corrado added. “That’s paramount.”

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Corrado received résumés and people came directly to the marketing trailer since November of 2019. Things slowed, of course, during the early days of the pandemic.

Corrado added that hiring will begin in August and training will continue through the early fall. Residents may be moving in later this year.

“Clifton is a really wonderful community with neighborhoods within the city,” she said. “The Chelsea will be very peaceful,” Corrado promised with a laugh, flashing the peace sign as we concluded our visit.

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Assemblyman Tom Giblin and his staff have coordinated with Peace Islands Institute in a benefit for St. Peter’s Haven. On July 30 which is Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,”Muslims sacrifice an animal—most often a goat, sheep, or cow—to distribute the meat to a family in need.

St. Peter’s Haven has served the hungry and homeless since 1986, and the nonsectarian nonprofit receives food in part from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which is a member of Feeding America’s network of food banks. That doesn’t completely stock the food pantry, though.

While food donations are greatly appreciated by the pantry, cash donations go a long way to help those in need. The money allows St. Peter’s to purchase items in bulk through the Food Bank as they need them “at a fraction of retail cost.”

“While we always appreciate food donations from the community, having the resources to buy groceries in bulk is a lot more efficient,” said Kevin Donahue, the executive director. “We can buy more with a $10 donation than a donor can buy at the supermarket for the same amount, even if what they buy is on sale.”

“Recurring donations are even better, regardless of the amount,” he added, “because we can plan ahead, stock up, and be better prepared when a crisis hits, including a pandemic.”

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The Illuminations Club at the Four Seasons at Great Notch showed how monetary donations are more efficient. The group annually organizes a summer food drive for St. Peter’s. In 2019, they collected 1,385 pounds of groceries. In 2020, shopping is now difficult due to the pandemic so volunteers collected donations earmarked for St. Peter’s. “The $5,000 they collected will purchase 15-20,000 pounds of food,” said Donohue.

To help keep St. Peter’s Haven’s food pantry stocked, donate at secure.givelively.org/donate/ st-peters-haven. Checks should be addressed and mailed to St. Peter’s Haven, 380 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011.

The Power of One Kim Castellano, at left, and her non-profit Power of One since 2011 has served the community by distributing healthy foods and other items to those in need. Every Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm, Castellano and her volunteers provide boxes of “healthy essentials” at the city hall senior center.

Our founder, Joseph M. Shook, Sr. was born

#3969, a member of the Clifton Elks Lodge

on March 15, 1924 and on June 7, 1955, the

#1569 and an active parishioner of St. John

NJ State Board of Mortuary Science granted

Kanty RC Church.

approval to operate Shook Funeral Home.

On June 9, 2008, at the age of 84, Joe died

Joe was a member of the Athenia Veterans

peacefully in his home above the funeral home,

Post, a Charter and Honorary Life Member of

where he started his business and raised his

Regina Mundi Knights of Columbus Council

family. We are proud to continue his legacy.

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“We also make 30 to 40 weekly deliveries to families who are shut-ins, elderly veterans or disabled,” said Castellano. But that’s not all Power of One does.

Their Back2School Outreach mission provides children in need with a backpack filled with school supplies.

To get it to the kids who need it most, Castellano teams with administrators at public and private schools to help get the kids the resources they need.

Power of One can use your support. Send checks to them at PO Box 6080, Clifton, NJ, 07015 or donate via Venmo@powerofone. For info on the backpack program, go to /powerofoneccom.org and learn more.

Boys & Girls Club of Clifton With the loss of fundraisers during the pandemic, Executive Director Bob Foster said the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton needs local support now more than ever.

“The biggest issue is we can’t run any special events ... which normally bring in $200,000 annually,” said Foster.

“Donations for general operating would be very helpful.”

Back-to-school donations are also appreciated.

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The needs of the Boys & Girls Club are greater than ever.

To help, write to John DeGraaf jdegraaf@bgcclifton.org.

The Club normally serves over 1,400 children at school sites and the Club, but this year they are operating at 50% capacity with 500 kids at the schools and 240 kids at the Club per day. With less kids in the buildings, that’s another significant loss of revenue.

Find out more about what the Club does and the needs it has now. Go to bgcclifton.org/donate.htm. “Clifton sees the need,” said Foster, “and we need to be able to keep our doors open to serve the kids of Clifton.”

COMING THIS FALL

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Call today for more information: 973-685-6433 Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2020

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By Ariana Puzzo #OneClifton may be a unifying hashtag for the Clifton Public School district’s social media, but Clifton Superintendent Danny Robertozzi intends to make that a reality as the district reopens its schools in September.

When Robertozzi assumed his position in July of 2019, one of his priorities was connecting the school district and the community.

“One of the things that I heard consistently from the Board of Education when I was interviewing,” he said in Clifton Merchant’s January 2020 issue, “was they felt there needed to be better communication between superintendent-Board, Board-community, superintendent-schools and community.”

Although Robertozzi’s push to utilize social media was met with some apprehension, the modernized form of communication was instrumental in guiding them through months of Distance Learning during the pandemic.

For Robertozzi, all forms of communication - from social media to email blasts to the district’s redesigned website - is paramount in ensuring safety.

“Prior to me arriving in Clifton, basically the use of email blasts was nonexistent. There were robocalls for parents,” he said. “We sent out a survey a few weeks ago, which the district wouldn’t be capable of a year ago, and received over 6,000 responses already.”

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“It’s a tribute to the enhanced communication we’ve had through social media,” continued Robertozzi. “The more communication the better.”

Bridging the Digital Divide As Robertozzi looks ahead to the district’s planned Sept. 8 reopening, he contemplates those early weeks leading up to the statewide lockdown. When asked if he would change any decisions, he said that he is glad they closed on March 13.

“I think we made the right decision in closing when we did,” he said. “The governor did not mandate [closing schools] until the following week.”

“We were ahead of the game and saw what was coming,” Robertozzi added. “If I could go back, I might even shut down a little earlier.”

One thing he wishes the district was better prepared for was the technology for the students as they transitioned to remote learning. At the time, he said, there was an undeniable need for more devices, but that is no longer a concern.

The severity of the challenge was dependent upon grade level. At CHS, the district had implemented a 1:1 initiative in January where every student was given a Chromebook.

However, after families began completing

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technology surveys, it was evident that not every elementary or middle school student had an “appropriate device” to do online work. Now as September approaches, Robertozzi said that the district will provide a device to every student in grades K-12 - about 11,000 total students - in order to “bridge the digital divide and allow teachers to do more synchronous instruction online with students.”

“That was a priority of mine and the Board of Ed,” said Robertozzi. “Initially, it was my plan from when I came into the district to go 1:1 for grades 3-12, [and with] budgeting to provide Chromebooks next year to middle school students.”

Although the initial distribution plan was intended to take two to three years, Robertozzi said that it was made possible through district “budgeting maneuvers” and by receiving federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in March.

While decisions are finalized regarding a hybrid schedule - where students might attend school two days a week and attend three days online - the goal is for the

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devices to connect students with their teachers and peers, as well as allow teachers to provide “synchronous and live instruction.”

“It was very much asynchronous when we shut down in March, with teachers putting work in Google classrooms and students completing it,” said Robertozzi.

“Now we’re in a much better place. Our teachers have been trained and many have taken time on their own to learn better pedagogical techniques.”

“While we anticipate being open in September … if we have to shut down, we have a much better teaching model.”

The Road to Reopening Reopening Clifton Public Schools is no small task, and Robertozzi recognizes the efforts of the “20-2ONE CLIFTON” School Year Reopening Planning Committee, consisting of 185 members. These members include, Board of Education Commissioners, Central Administration, City Officials, building level administration, supervisors, staff, collective bargaining groups, parents, coaches, community members, and other stakeholders.

“Many volunteers are devoting their time because they care about what September will look like,” said Robertozzi, “and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge their tireless effort and commitment to this endeavor.”

The committee consists of four “Pillar Committees”, focusing on Health, Safety, Cleanliness, Building Level Planning; Instruction, Format, Curriculum; Operations and Governance; and Finance. The committees are further broken down into subcommittees, all with the intended goal of providing safety and a sense of normalcy for students in September.

One element of securing that normalcy is finding a way to reintroduce sports. There is an Athletics Subcommittee under Pillar 1 that is led by Athletic Director Tom Mullahey and is dedicated to the return of sports.

Robertozzi, who sits on the NJSIAA executive committee representing superintendents of Passaic County, remains realistic about the return of fall sports.

“Playing any kind of contact sport inherently has a risk, and now that risk is exacerbated by COVID-19,” he said. “One thing I am comfortable with are procedures we have in place for student athletes and coaches who are symptomatic or positive.”

“To get back to some sense of normalcy, we have to have sports,” he added, “but we want to do it in as safe a manner as possible.”

However, Robertozzi acknowledged there is no onesize-fits-all level of comfort for parents when deciding if

they feel confident in sending their child back to school.

Something that he stressed in the planning is that there will be a “parallel remote learning option” for students if their parents do not believe it is safe to return to school.

“Parents will have an option of going completely remote,” he said. “The overarching goal is to give parents options, … [and the hope is with] multiple options, at least we can ease some of our parents’ concern about opening schools in September.”

Above all else, Robertozzi expressed pride in faculty and staff for how they “changed their entire job overnight” and “adapted to a new reality.” Their efforts in making that emotional connection with students, he said, goes a long way for the future.

“What I really want parents to know is, the safety of their children will come first with every decision made in September,” said Robertozzi.

“We have to focus on the health and well being of students and staff before we can get into the real learning,” he continued. “After making sure that kids and adults are healthy mentally and have what they need, you can move onto other things like learning.”

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Class of 2020 Inductees Tom Acton - Class of 1987 • Soccer Anthony Giordano - Class of 2007 • Football Jeremy Hernandez - Class of 2014 Cross Country and Track

)

John MacLean - Class of 1985 • Baseball Jackie Pangilinan - Class of 2004 • Swimming Anthony Tuesta - Class of 2001 • Soccer Kelly Douglas - Class of 2015 Girls Volleyball and Basketball Michael Doktor • Boys and Girls Volleyball Coach Jack Whiting - Class of 1969 • Contributor

Jack Whiting (Contributor) Many people in Clifton knew Jack Whiting as the city’s mild mannered tax assessor, a position he held for more than four decades when he retired in 2015.

But at a date in 2021 yet to be determined, Whiting will be honored not for his work at city hall, but as Contributor to the Athletic Programs of Clifton High School. He and those inductees listed above were to be honored at an October banquet but the event was postponed to some time in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The lifelong Clifton resident, who still lives in the same home where he grew up, attended School 3 and what was then Christopher Columbus Jr. High before moving up to CHS, where he graduated in 1966.

While at CHS, Whiting got involved in the school’s new interscholastic wrestling program and went on to become Clifton’s first two time district champion.

Following high school, he attended Kent State University in Ohio, where he studied liberal arts with a concentration in journalism and took some education courses.

Although he wasn’t sure at the time what he planned to do with his degree, the thought had crossed his mind that he might follow in the footsteps of his dad, who had been a sports writer for the old Paterson Morning Call and The Record newspapers.

Always a Historical Guy Whiting’s final days at Kent State in the spring of 1970 were a memorable and tragic time in our nation’s history, and he painfully remembers the scene vividly.

It was at the height of the Vietnam War and the anti-war atmosphere on campus reflected what was going

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2005 Boys Volleyball Team 2007 Softball Team

on at nearly every other college and university around the country. Demonstrations against the war by students, many fearful of being drafted to fight in a war they didn’t believe in, were a common occurrence.

When the protests heated up following the expansion of our military into Cambodia, Ohio’s governor at the time, James Rhodes, ordered National Guard troops to the Kent State campus. At one point during a huge demonstration on May 4, 1970, National Guardsmen fired 67 rounds into the crowd, killing four stu-

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Jack and Eileen with their grandkids: Ryan, Quinn, McKenna, Everett, Bridget, Ellie, Jack, and Charlie.

dents and wounding nine others. A number of those shot had merely been walking by the demonstration or observing it from a distance.

Photos of the incident, including one of a young woman kneeling over the body of one of the victims, were broadcast around the country and around the world.

Whiting also recalled an incident before the shootings where he and several friends were knocked to the ground by guardsmen. “We weren’t doing anything, just walking across campus,” he said. “It was a very tragic and unfortunate situation. They were just kids and we were just kids. It was a mistake to bring them into such a volatile situation. It just created a war zone.”

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Wanderlust and then The Call That following summer, Whiting and his friends went backpacking in Europe. It was a trip that had been planned to celebrate their graduation, but it also served to help clear their heads of the eerie final days they had spent as college students.

Upon returning home to Clifton, Whiting became a substitute teacher in Paterson. He also received a surprise phone call from the director of the old Pope Paul VI High School on Valley Road to ask him to start a wrestling program at the school.

“It was totally out of the blue,” he said. “I had no clue what to do, but I decided to accept the challenge.”

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Whiting served as head wrestling coach at Pope Paul VI for 10 years, where he built the program and coached a number of championship athletes.

Through fundraisers for the team, he also got to know the parents and other Eileen, Jon, Lindsay, Jack, Courtney Whiting. members of his wrestlers’ families, including his wife Eileen, whose brother Spening More Family Time Jimmy was on the team. He started dating Eileen and the Whiting gave up his part-time coaching job at Pope two were married in July 1975.

Paul VI in 1980 to spend more time with his family.

At the time, he was also recruited by the Clifton Rec “It took up an awful lot of my time,” he said. “After Department to start a junior wrestling program in town. working all day for the city, then going there to coach, I Whiting attributes the start of his career with the tax wasn’t getting home until after 8:30 every night. I had assessment office as being in the right place at the right two young daughters and I felt it was time to move on.” time. About a year after coming home from college, he And move on he did. But this time, instead of coachwas at city hall to testify in court as a witness in a break ing wrestling as a paid member of the staff, Whiting took in, when he heard about an entry level opening. He puron the role as volunteer coach at Northern Division Little sued it and was hired as a junior assistant assessor. EvenLeague, coaching tee ball, softball and baseball tually, he was appointed as tax assessor in 1988.

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When Whiting’s son was in first grade, he helped revive the junior wrestling program, which was defunct. The program was taken up by the Clifton Junior Mustangs football program.

Whiting stayed involved as a coach with the Clifton Junior Mustangs wrestling program until this year, when he as his three children, Lindsay, now 42, decided it was time for others to assume Courtney, 41 and Jon, 33, were growing the coaching reigns for the program. up. He even stayed on to coach after his Whiting figures he put in 43 seasons kids graduated from Little League. as a volunteer coach. Asked why he conThe hardest part of coaching his tinued volunteering for so long he said, own kids, he recalled, was trying not “I just really enjoy working with kids to show favoritism. “I didn’t treat them and watching their progression. It makes any better than any of the other playPaul VI coach Jack Whiting. me feel good to think that I helped take ers,” he said. them to the next level.”

Whiting has many fond memories of Whiting has served since 1996 on coaching a group of softball players who stayed together the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. The group for many years and won two city championships. Several reviews nominations of past CHS athletes and selects of his former players, including Kim and Jamie Anzaldi, honorees for induction about every two years (Ed. note: went on to play in high school and were members of the Whiting did not know about his nomination nor this sto1997 and ’98 undefeated CHS state championship teams. ry). Out of coaching and no longer at city hall, Whiting “Those girls just loved coming to practice,” he said. enjoys being with Eileen, his wife of 45 years, and their “We used to practice every night until it was dark. I had eight grandchildren. “We spend a lot of time together and so much fun watching them. They just enjoyed the game have a lot of fun,” he said. so much.”

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Everyone knows that Texas Weiners have nothing to do with Texas. So back in the Summer of 2013, we set the record straight right with this story. Texas Weiner History is all about Jersey, always has been.

Nearly two decades ago, a folklorist from the Library of Congress came to our state to find out what puts the “Texas” in this New Jersey phenomenon.

Researchers traced the origins of the Texas Weiner back to a Greek hot dog vendor in Paterson in the 1920s.

The gentleman was experimenting with various chilitype sauces to serve on his hot dogs. He came up with something resembling a Greek spaghetti sauce, containing a concoction of tomatoes, meat and an aromatic combination of spices.

The Texas Weiner was born.

(OK, for the spelling police out there, we know there’s more than one way to spell ‘weiner.’ We decided to go with the word as it appears on the menu at The Hot Grill.)

The name of the Greek gentleman and the naming of his new hot dog the ‘Hot Texas Weiner’ remain an undocumented mystery.

Here’s what some historians think: trying to give an exotic and unique name to his new and somewhat spicy creation, the Greek hot dog vendor might have chosen the Texas designation to give his hot dog an ‘image.’

After all, the new dog was characterized by a sauce whose name ‘chili’ is associated with Western, Latino and cowboy cultures.

That’s just a theory, but it’s a pretty good one. The researchers for the Library of Congress ended up following their story to Clifton and onto Lexington Ave.

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The Hot Grill on Lexington Ave. The experts from the government cited The Hot Grill as perhaps the most authentic of our region’s hot Texas Weiner restaurants. The competition says no way. We’ll see what they have to offer later.

So, what makes Clifton arguably the hot dog capital of America? The answer is simple. Great dogs and the great places where people gather to satisfy their craving for “two all the way, two” every ­­ day and every night of the week.

The Hot Grill opened on October 13, 1961 on Lexington Ave., on the site of Gabe’s Drive Inn, an old ice cream and hot dog stand which the former owner, the colorful Gabe Maroon, hoped to convert into a used car lot.

But Maroon could not secure the proper city permits, so he reluctantly opened a hot dog stand instead. Soon thereafter, he sold it to four partners—two Italians, Carmen La Mendola (who died Aug. 29, 2019 at the age of 87) and Dominic Sportelli, and two Greeks, Nick Doris and Peter Leonidas, both now deceased—who changed the name of the hot dog stand to The Hot Grill.

“It was Friday the 13th,” Sportelli said of the opening, nearly six decades ago when the landmark restaurant

was nothing more than a dusty roadside stand with a few stools. “People thought we were crazy, but we went on and became an icon in Clifton and home of the best Texas Weiners.”

So what makes it the best? Sportelli says part of the answer is the tube steaks, a blend of veal and pork made

by Sabrett, which are then deep-fried in vegetable oil.

The dogs are covered with mustard, onions diced extra small and heaped high and topped with The Hot Grill’s signature chili sauce that has a kick, but isn’t terribly hot.

Since opening in 1961, The Hot Grill has fed generations of hungry Cliftonites, serving 4,000 or more hot Texas Weiners on an average Saturday and as much as 100 gallons of sauce (pre-COVID days ...).

One of The Hot Grill’s famous competitors is the legendary, some might argue world famous, Rutt’s Hut down in Delawanna.

Rutt’s Hut on River Rd. After all, this timeless, rustic landmark on River Rd. has starred on national television. Rutt’s Hut has been featured on the PBS special A Hot Dog Program, numerous Food Network shows and the Travel Chan-

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In file photos from 2013, Hot Grill owners Carmen La Mendola and Dominic Sportelli.

Also in 2013, at Rutt’s Hut, Bill Chrisafinis, CHS 1987, his sister Eva, CHS 1984 and their cousin Johnny Karagioris.

nel’s Deep-Fried Paradise. It is also listed in the book 1000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die. Rutt’s Hut has also gotten rave reviews in the national press.

USA Today in 2013 ranked Rutt’s #2 on its list of America’s 35 best hot dogs, calling the trademark ‘ripper’ with relish one of the country’s most delicious franks.

The original roadside stand was opened in 1928 by Royal ‘Abe’ Rutt and his wife, Anna. The family sold the restaurant in 1974. Four partners purchased later purchased it: Nicholas Karagiorgis, George Petropoulakis, George Sakellaris and Costis Chrisafinis.

Over the decades, Rutt’s has evolved into a thriving restaurant, with an iconic take-out counter and bar catering to generations of hot dog lovers not only from Clifton. Rutt’s is a dining destination for people from across the region.

The place used to look over the Passaic River, but now offers a ‘scenic’ view of Route 21. No matter. Rutt’s unmistakable brick facade and the classic neon sign towering over the restaurant beckons the hungry, weary traveler. It’s a favorite for fans who want to duck in before or after a game or concert at the Meadowlands.

Rutt’s is an eclectic institution, drawing families with children, hardcore bikers and weekend warriors from the take out area out to the parking lot on bike nights, and car nights.

In 2013, we caught up with Bill Chrisafinis, brother of co-owner Costis, working the busy back counter on a Wednesday bike night with his sister and a crew of servers. A steady stream of hundreds walked in and out, ordering ‘rippers,’ burgers, fries and beer.

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They were served up fast and with a thank you.

In a quick interview, Bill called Rutt’s “a one in a zillion place. You won’t find anything like this anywhere.

Every day somebody walks in this place for the first time; not once a day, a couple of times a day. That’s a testament to this establishment and our family.”

The late Johnny Karagiorgis, son of co-owner Nick, added in 2013: “You don’t make the top two in the country by being bad at what you do, so obviously we’re doing something right. It’s a family business, and it will always stay as one family.”

And the restaurant is indeed family-friendly. People travel for miles to eat in comfort inside Rutt’s spacious wood panelled dining room or in the older bar area.

Rutt’s, of course, is home of the classic ‘ripper,’ which refers to the unique deep frying process that causes the hot dog casings to crack and split. For the meek of heart, there’s the ‘in-and-outer,’ a dog which is lightly fried but really terrific. The strong of stomach might consider a couple of ‘cremators,’ which are basically incinerated in the deep fryer to a tasty black.

Unlike The Hot Grill, there is no Texas Weiner sauce here. If you want chili, with or without beans, you have to order it and pay extra. The same goes for onions.

But you’ll find complimentary toppings like spicy brown mustard within reach.

Also on the house, Rutt’s famously awesome homemade relish. It’s a secret recipe that is impossible to pass up. The menu goes beyond hot dogs. Try the pork roll sandwiches, with some corn on the cob and onion rings on the side and bread pudding for dessert. Full dinner options include pork chops and fried chicken.

The ‘New’ Corral on Hazel St. Clifton’s hot dog palaces come in all shapes, sizes and flavors like the shiny New Corral.

When the original Corral opened its doors back in the 1940s on Hazel St., visitors could enjoy hot Texas Weiners and pay pennies to ride ponies in the backyard. That’s how this Clifton landmark got its name.

Since then, owners George Karagiannis and Jimmy Karabetsos (see page 60) reinvented their establishment, adding dining space for over 100 people and expanding the menu.

What was once a small hot dog stand now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 5:30 am to 11 pm seven days a week. “We’ve made it bigger, better and busier, but we never forget that the customer is the boss,” said George. “They keep the doors open for us.”

Added Jimmy: “We make everything homemade, from the soups to the desserts, right here. Our food is good and plenty and our prices are always reasonable.”

Of course, the New Corral’s Texas Weiners are a must-have along with some fries with gravy. “It’s not the usual nutmeg-y Passaic County chili; the Corral’s is spicier and more tomatoey,” wrote NJ.Com’s Peter Genovese earlier this year. “Their chili dog is top-notch.”

Popular selections also include the cheeseburger platter, chicken finger appetizers, gyros, buffalo wings, onion rings and all sorts of soups and salads. Wash it all down with one of the New Corral’s flavorful shakes.

George and Jimmy remodeled the restaurant twice - once in 1967, adding booths and stools for 60. A more recent expansion provides seating for more than 150 visitors.

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The Late Famous Midtown Grill No 2013 tour of the hot dog capital of America would have been complete without visiting Downtown Clifton’s famous Midtown Grill at 1216 Main Ave., also known as the home of the Texas Weiner.

Midtown’s famous chili sauce recipe was developed by the original owners, Tommy and John Foukas, the two brothers who started Midtown Grill back in 1959.

In 2013 when this story appeared, patrons still enjoyed the same great fare they came to expect for decades.

But Midtown’s young new owners In 1998, former Midtown Grill founders and brothers John and Tommy Foukas expanded the menu and gave the with new owners and brothers-in-law Jerry Dimitratos and Jimmy Doris. place a facelift.

The changes began in 1998, when The change has helped their already thriving business.

Gerasimo (Jerry) Dimitratos and Dimitrious (Jimmy) But it’s really the buzz from their good food that attracts Doris took over the Main Ave. landmark. the crowds. During the hours of noon and 2 pm, they Gyros, chicken, salads, and desserts were added to an were serving more than 100 customers on any given day. expanded menu. Hours of operation were lengthened to Of course, their trademark lunch and dinner favorites include breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also installed a include Midtown’s famous Texas Weiners and french soft ice cream dispenser which helped add traffic. fries with gravy and cheese.

One of the menu’s brightest stars was the gyro. “Not But Jimmy said, “People like to come back and try too many restaurants in the area have the gyro,” says Jerlots of different things.” Freshly made Greek salads have ry Dimitratos. “We’re the only ones around who have it become popular. Then there’s chefs salad, tossed salad and who make it fresh, all the time.” and greens with grilled chicken sandwiches and platters.

But the gyro is only one of the secrets to Midtown “I like working hard and serving the people the best Grill’s success. that I can,” said Jimmy, “plus we try to make everything “We wanted it to look better, so we put neon signs outfast.” Sadly, Midtown was sold in 2014 and it became side and in the windows to attract more attention,” added Lucky’s Midtown. Today, it is the site of Burger IM. Jimmy Doris.

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After School 9 and CCMS, Angela Stefanacci made the decision to attend Paramus Catholic. Here is how she reached that decision: The main factor was the wide range of musical opportunities. Once I had been accepted I joined the Marching Paladins and my musical journey kicked off from there. I eventually became a part of Pit Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Drum Line.

English is my favorite subject and I love reading and exploring the world through different perspectives. I’ve learned a lot about the way language functions by examining different styles of writing. As an aspiring writer, I gain experience and am inspired by reading.

I’ve explored several instruments besides the flute, including clarinet, snare/percussion, and saxophone. Being a versatile player has helped me appreciate the hard work that goes into creating and playing music. Playing alongside my bandmates has also helped me realize how many elements go into creating music and how each player’s role is vital to the end result.

As an introvert, I’ve found that music is an ideal way to communicate without using a single word. I am proud to call myself a musician because through music, I have the ability to express my own emotions and likewise draw feelings from my audience.

If anyone is looking to get into a great and fulfilling musical program, I highly recommend PCHS for all the choices it has to offer, no matter your level of experience.

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La Fortaleza on Lexington Ave.

Clifton is home to many cultures and that is reflected in the diverse restaurants, bakeries and taverns around town.

While we spent many weeks not being able to dine out, that order was modified earlier this summer. Owners of restaurants have since added outdoor seating and that is why we have listed the names, addresses and phone numbers of establishments, from most every Clifton neighborhood.

Over the last few weeks, we met patrons and owners of these eateries and saw how hard the staff at these places are working.

So go get your mask—and your wallet, your phone, your partner—and dine out in Clifton!

And be sure to thank those front line workers who are doing their best to serve us—and follow the rules to keep themselves and us safe.

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4 Son’s Pizza & Grill 457 Clifton Ave. • 862-225-9999 Agamie Brothers Deli and Catering 62 Market St. • 973-779-3643 Ají Limón 1239 Main Ave. • 973-272-3660 Ak Cafe 415 Crooks Ave. • 973-340-0060 Alaeddin’s Pizza 600 Getty Ave. • 973-247-9922 Alexus Steakhouse and Tavern 955 Valley Rd. • 973-746-6600 ANT Bookstore and Cafe 345 Clifton Ave. • 973-777-2704 The Allwood Diner 913 Allwood Rd. • 973-365-2575

Get out and SUPPORT OUR

restaurants!

Tracey Travers of The Love of Grub Ameti’s Pizza 1162 Broad St. • 973-272-6080 Angelo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant 72 Market St. • 973-777-5599 Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza 852 Rt. 3 West • 973-471-2625

Dino Palamieis of Agamie Deli

Applebee’s 375 Rt. 3 East • 973-471-6161

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Aurora Ristorante 429 Piaget Ave. • 973-772-2914 Bagel Station 1223 Van Houten Ave. • 973-249-7999 Banana King 485 Crooks Ave. • 973-685-9002 The Barrow House 1296 Van Houten Ave. • 862-336-7070 Barry’s Bagel & Deli 10 Market St. • 973-472-2435 Baskin Robbins 1053 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-473-9631 Beirut Restaurant 1543 Main Ave. • 973-955-2311 Beyti Sweet Shop & Bakery 60 Madison Ave. • 973-458-0067

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In the shade at The Clif Blimpie 873 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-777-8110 Bogey’s Sports Pub 103 Valley Rd. • 862-257-3964 Boom Burger 374 Rt. 3 West • 973-779-2759 Boston Market 1342 Clifton Ave. • 973-778-7879 1160 US 46 West • 973-591-0111

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Enjoying the outdoors at El Mexicano Botany Village Pizza 266 Parker Ave. • 973-546-4163

Chinatown Gourmet 850 Van Houten Ave. • 973-614-8227

Bruno’s Pizzeria Clifton Plaza, Rt. 46 West • 973-473-3339

Chipotle Mexican Grill 380 Rt. 3 West• 973-916-0040

Burek King 223 Parker Ave. • 973-513-9050

The Clif Tavern 605 Clifton Ave. • 973-365-2060

BurgerIM Gourmet Burger 1216 Main Ave. • 973-955-4697

Clifton Bagel & Deli 106 Kingsland Rd. • 973-779-2900

Burgerstrasee 14 Market St. • 973-928-4859

Clifton Buffet 79 Ackerman Ave. • 973-478-6888

Cafe Bubamara 263 Parker Ave. • 973-928-1371 Carla Mia Pizzeria 397 Piaget Ave. • 973-253-6030 Carvel 750 Van Houten Ave. • 973-773-4737 Chef Yang 1105 US-46 East • 973-777-8855 Chevys Fresh Mex 365 Rt. 3 West • 973-777-6277 China House 402 Lexington Ave. • 973-546-0012 China Wok 90 Market St. • 973-773-6628

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Abel Alicea of Empananda Spanish Grill with his son Seth

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Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2020

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Clifton Thai Restaurant 239 Parker Ave. • 973-253-1400 Clifton Village Pizza 1380 Clifton Ave. • 973-458-0505 Con Sabor A Peru 109 Lakeview Ave. • 973-340-0008 Corrado’s Bakery 1578 Main Ave. • 973-340-0628 Costco Bakery 20 Bridewell Pl. • 973-779-8715 Julian Montero at Gallery Bistro

Crab Island Cajun Seafood & Bar 1016 Main Ave. • 973-955-2911

Clifton City Tavern Mexican Cantina 709 Van Houten Ave. • 973-567-5111

Cups Frozen Yogurt 852 Rt. 3 West • 973-272-1990

Clifton Pizza & Grill 638 Paulison Ave. • 973-473-3003

Dayton Homemade Chocolates Styertowne Shopping Center • 973-574-0444

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Dera Masala Grill 741 Broad St. • 862-239-9300 Dillinger’s Pub 349 Hazel St. • 973-246-3066 Dingo’s Den 615 Van Houten Ave. • 973-471-7767 Dunkin Donuts (9 Clifton Stores) dunkindonuts.com El Dorado Restaurant and Lounge 255 Parker Ave. • 973-246-1856 El Fogon Restaurant 1025 Main Ave. • 973-272-2675

Chef Franco Carlino La Riviera Trattoria

El Mexicano Urban Bistro 1293 Main Ave. • 973-546-2348 Emerald Corner 12 Oak St. • 973-773-2000 Empanada Spanish Grill 12 Market St. • 973-272-8202 Euro Cafe 211 Dayton Ave. • 973-928-2599 European Grill & BBQ Restaurant 224 Parker Ave. • 973-928-1680 Francesca’s Bakery 70 Market St. • 973-955-4458 Friday’s 826 NJ-3 West • 973-778-1828 Gallery Bistro 1281 Main Ave. • 973-340-3900 George’s Coffee Shop 227 Parker Ave. • 973-546-0920 Golden Palace 403 Piaget Ave. • 973-478-2899

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Outdoor dining at Toros on Crooks Ave.

The Cake Factory’s Armondo Sotamba

Gourmet Desserts 851 Van Houten Ave. • 973-815-1111

Hideout Bar And Grill 39 Harding Ave. • 973-246-6900

Grande Saloon 940 Van Houten Ave. • 973-472-5207

Hi Good Stuff 603 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-7778

Happy Belly Cafe 616 Van Houten Ave. • 973-594-8888

Homemade Pirogi 1295 Main Ave. • 973-340-0340

Happy Garden 1154 Main Ave. • 973-614-0601

Hong Kong Restaurant 259 Lakeview Ave. • 973-546-6667

Happy Vegans / Çiğ Köfte 1279 Main Ave. • 973-928-1303

Hornitos Bakery 1094 Main Ave. • 973-272-8899

Harp N’ Bard 363 Lakeview Ave. • 973-772-7282

Hot Bagels Abroad 859 Clifton Ave. • 973-591-0661

Henrys Delicatessen & Catering 1224 Van Houten Ave. • 973-473-1118

Hot Grill 669 Lexington Ave. • 973-772-6000

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James Koka and Gent Shkololli of Clifton Village Pizza

Johnny Managaniotis with his dad John of Mr. Cupcakes

Hunan Wok 849 Clifton Ave. • 973-778-0818

Jamie’s Cigar Bar and Restaurant 915 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-779-8596

IHOP 680 Rt. 3 West • 973-471-7717

JJ Peruvian Restaurant 312 Lexington Ave. • 973-772-1112

Ino Sushi 116A Market St. • 973-815-0801

Joe’s Crab Shack 405 Allwood Rd. • 973-777-5114

Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant 1378 Main Ave. • 862-238-8888

Kamil’s Lebanese Cuisine & Hookah Lounge 1489 Main Ave. • 973-772-1972

It’s Greek To Me 852 Rt. 3 West • 973-594-1777

Kebab Platters 1193 Main Ave. • 973-478-2211

Iyagi 1578 Main Ave. • 862-249-1277

La Fortaleza Restaurant 590 Lexington Ave. • 973-478-7700

Jaimito’s Chinese Restaurant 389 Lexington Ave. • 973-546-2549

La Nona Restaurant 405 Lexington Ave. #1 • 973-478-5955

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2020

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

George Karagiannis and Jimmy Karabetsos in front of the New Corral.

Tony’s Pizza Pasta Grill on Van Houten Ave.

La Piazza Pizzeria Ristorante 150 7th St. • 973-478-3050

Layalina Restaurant 1462 Main Ave. • 973-928-6870

La Posada 1055 Main Ave. • 973-779-4947

Lexington Diner 351 Lexington Ave. • 973-478-2900

La Riviera Trattoria 421 Piaget Ave. • 973-478-4181

The Love of Grub 606 Van Houten Ave. • 973-928-0080

La Ziza Restaurant 341 Crooks Ave. • 973-772-2700

Macondo 1154 Main Ave. • 973-405-5028

Lakeview Bagels & Deli 78 Lakeview Ave. • 973-478-2050

Maple Valley Diner 1116 Rt. 46 West • 973-473-6444

Lakeview Bakery 308 Lakeview Ave. • 973-772-3837

Mario’s Restaurant 710 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-1559

Lamoon’s Thai Restaurant 64 Market St. •973-928-6777

Master Pizza Deli & Caterer 1326 Main Ave. • 973-772-4333

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Early morning risers at the Bagel Station

Dean Corizzi and Al DiBenedetto of Plaza Bagels & Deli

Matteo & Sons Italian Deli 754 Clifton Ave. • 973-773-3737

Mountainside Inn 509 Hazel St. • 973-772-1333

Matthew’s Italian Restaurant 1131 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-928-4300

Mr. Cupcakes 1216 Van Houten Ave. • 973-859-0180

Mausam Indian Curry N Bites 76 Market St. • 973-472-3663

Muscle Maker Grill 1037 Bloomfield Ave. • 862-899-7111

Meiwei East Chinese & Pan Asian Bistro 86 Lakeview Ave. • 973-772-6666

Neil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant 57 Harding Ave. • 973-546-8889

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque 850 Rt. 3 West • 973-777-8340

New Corral 499 Hazel St. • 973-772-0941

Milano’s Restaurant 561 Van Houten Ave. • 862-225-9773

New Taste of China 655 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-3380

Moe’s Southwest Grill 852 Rt. 3 West • 973-773-1700

Noches de Columbia 25 Lake Ave. • 973-928-4553

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY DIRECTORY RESTAURANT

Emma-style pizza at Mario’s in Athenia

River Rd. dining at Rumba Cubana

Ofelia’s Kitchen Latin Cuisine 327 A Lakeview Ave. • 973-955-4489

Plaza Bagel & Deli 850 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-2094

Off The Grill Mediterranean Restaurant 1348 Clifton Ave. • 973-777-3780

Polish Deli Smakosz 634 Van Houten Ave. • 973-778-0007

Ooka Sushi Hibachi Lounge 166 Main Ave. • 862-899-7005

Polonia Meat Market 785 Van Houten Ave. • 973-777-7355

Ora Café & Bistro 441 Crooks Ave. • 856-542-2451

Portuguese Tavern 507 Crooks Ave. • 973-772-9703

Palenque Bar and Grill 283 Parker Ave. • 973-272-6966

Pub 46 1081 Rt. 46 East • 973-473-8184

Panera Bread 352 Rt. 3 West • 973-778-1436

Rancho Caribeño 1159 Main Ave. • 973-955-2207

Park Pide Lahmacun 247 Crooks Ave. • 973-928-4202

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 265 Rt. 3 East • 973-470-9222

Philly Pretzel Factory 859 Clifton Ave. • 973-826-0159

The Rock, Bar & Grill 414 Main Ave. • 973-916-1888

Piña Mango 93 Randolph Ave. • 973-928-4944

Route 3 Pizza 590 Rt. 3 West • 973-777-7077

Pinkicecream 243 Parker Ave. • 973-772-5040

Rumba Cubana 2 South Parkway • 973-777-2999

Pizza Hut (2 Clifton Stores) pizzahut.com

Rutt’s Hut 417 River Rd. • 973-779-8615

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Masked and ready to serve: Henry’s Deli

Gus Logothetis Allwood Diner

Sam & Dee’s Deli 160 Hazel St. # A • 973-772-2450

Stew Leonard’s Wines of Clifton 345 Allwood Rd. • 973-859-7700

San Remo Pizzeria 1102 Main Ave. • 973-779-5885

Styertowne Bakery 1039 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-777-6193

Scoops & Wize Guys Pizza 353 Crooks Ave. • 973-772-3332

Subway (4 Clifton Stores) subway.com

Shaking Crab 1168 Broad St. • 862-225-9996

Sultan Palace 429 Crooks Ave. • 973-772-1995

Shannon Rose Pub 98 Kingsland Rd. • 973-284-0200

Tacos Matamoros 213 Parker Ave. • 973-772-0886

Sharky’s Wings & Raw Bar 545 Highland Ave. • 973-473-0713

Taste of Tuscany 1051 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-916-0700

Smashburger 700 Rt. 3 West • 973-777-3600

The Seasons Fine Chinese Cuisine 1061 Bloomfield Ave. • 973-777-5538

Sportzone Bar & Grill 93 Van Houten Ave. • 973-859-0433

Tick Tock Diner 281 Allwood Rd. • 973-777-0511

Spring Garden 787 Van Houten Ave. • 973-773-0756

Tony’s Pizza Pasta Grill 755 Van Houten Ave. • 973-928-4500

Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas 70 Kingsland Rd. • 973-661-2435

Toros Restaurant 489 Hazel St. • 973-772-8032

Starbucks (2 Clifton Stores) starbucks.com

Troops Subs 1212 Van Houten Ave. • 973-365-1544

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Paula and Federico Cotic at Francesca’s Bakery on Market St.

Sherif Ameti of Ameti’s Pizza

Uno Chicago Grill 426 Rt. 3 West • 973-574-1303

Yasmeen Mediterranean Cuisine 247 Piaget Ave. • 973-928-3766

Valley Family Deli 117 Valley Rd. • 973-341-2070

Yesterdays Bar and Grill 70 Main Ave. • 973-235-1766

Vida’s Berries 171 Lakeview Ave. • 856-535-3350

Yukihana Japanese Restaurant 849 Clifton Ave. • 973-955-2755

Villa Pizza 290 Lakeview Ave. • 973-546-5707

Zen Sushi 433 Piaget Ave. • 973-253-7788

Villa Roma Pizzeria 849 Clifton Ave. • 973-472-4833

Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar 850 Rt. 3 • 973-272-1492

White Castle 1341 Main Ave. • 973-772-0335 Wingstop 1578 Main Ave. • 862-225-9464

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Did we miss your establishment? If so, send an email along with your phone number to tomhawrylkosr@gmail.com

Casey Hawrylko, a teacher and CHS ‘08 grad, had lots of free time after schools closed and her summer job was canceled due to COVID. She decided to take this opportunity to follow a passion of hers—creating vegan foods.

An avid cook and dedicated vegan (abstaining from all animal products), she wanted to share her passion and bring awareness to the benefits that going vegan has on one’s health, the environment, and most importantly, saving animals.

Hawrylko focused on veganizing a popular food that many people swear they could never give up, herself included years ago—cheese.

“Although there are many alternatives on the market today,” she said, “they are pricey, highly processed, and loaded with plastic packaging.”

Her fiance Edward Bivaletz (CHS ‘06), often joined her in following those hard-to-make recipes to recreate foods like nacho cheese. But they noted these recipes took a lot of time, effort, and included ingredients not found in the typical household For these reasons, anyone who wanted to eat vegan foods and cheese would encounter obstacles and often avoid the time it took to create it.

“Making easier-to-make vegan foods would be helpful not only for people who choose the vegan lifestyle or have dairy allergies,” said Hawrylko, “but it would encourage others to incorporate more plant based foods into their diets.”

The couple took to their kitchen to experiment in making a shelf-stable, easy cheese sauce using simple ingredients and environmentally sensitive packaging. After some trial and error, they developed a simplified version of a potato based vegan cheese sauce, Spuddenly Cheeze.

“We even made a veganized version of Hot Grill fries with cheese and gravy,” said Hawrylko, adding other creations include stuffed lentil loaf, chiles rellenos and mac and cheese.

While the couple is now working on starting a business with hopes of reaching like-minded food retailers, Hawrylko is documenting their journey by sharing 100% vegan home-cooked meals on Instagram or Facebook.

Follow Veganlicious Foods on social media or write to veganliciousfoods@gmail.com.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2020

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Birthdays & Celebrations - August 2020

Happy Birthday to...

Send dates & names .... tomhawrylko@optonline.net

Tom and Lori Hawrylko celebrate their anniversary on Aug. 18, Lori’s 62nd is on Aug. 4 and Tom’s 63rd is on Aug. 15.

Ottilia Kedl turned 14 on July 23 and brother Alexander celebrates his 12th birthday on Aug. 28.

Greetings to Emilie Oakley who is 27 on Aug. 22. Rudy Hudak, a former CHS teacher and still a Marine, turns 91 on Aug. 19. Luciana Meneses turns 14 on Aug. 23. Donald D. Dunn celebrates Aug. 22.

Margot Villanova................. 8/1 Kim West............................ 8/1 Angelo Greco...................... 8/2 Karen Lime.......................... 8/2 Michael Urciuoli.................. 8/2 Christian Gomez.................. 8/3 Lori Hawrylko...................... 8/4 Kevin Ciok.......................... 8/4 Scott Malgieri...................... 8/4 Mark W. Mikolajczyk........... 8/5

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Christina Sotelo................... 8/5 Ed Gasior Sr........................ 8/6 Sean McNally..................... 8/6 Gladys Shefchik................... 8/8 Chiara Cristantiello.............. 8/9 Jean Schubert...................... 8/9 Emily Hawrylko................. 8/12 Danielle Swede................. 8/13 Andrew Cronin.................. 8/14 Kimberly Mozo.................. 8/14

Michelle Smolt................... 8/14 Christopher Antal............... 8/15 Peter Bodor....................... 8/15 Tom Hawrylko................... 8/15 Andrew Noblett................. 8/15 Jessica Oliva..................... 8/15 Maria Pinter...................... 8/15 Susan Van Blarcom............ 8/15 Daniel Wolfe..................... 8/15 Arlene Hard...................... 8/17

Bella Bulsara..................... 8/18 Alexandria Veltre............... 8/19 Michael Melendez............. 8/20 Rachelle Swede................. 8/20 Luciana Meneses............... 8/23 Cara Cholewczynski.......... 8/24 Yasmin Ledesma................. 8/24 Joanne Pituch.................... 8/24 Robbie Lucas..................... 8/25 Eileen Gasior..................... 8/26 Cameron J. Popovski.......... 8/26 Adam Brandhorst............... 8/27 Peter Fierro, Jr.................... 8/28 Nicholas Swede................ 8/29 Michelle “Mish” Choy........ 8/30 Joe Rushen........................ 8/30 Kathleen McKenny............. 8/31

Peter & Christina Kedl celebrate their 16th anniversary on Aug. 21.

Jack & Anne Houston celebrate their 34th anniversary on Aug. 8.

Cliftonmagazine.com • August 2020

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The U.S. Census Bureau is cutting its schedule for data collection for the 2020 census a month short as legislation that would have extended the national head count’s deadlines stalls in Congress.

The move is worrying researchers, politicians and others who say the change will miss hard-to-count communities, including minorities and immigrants, and produce less trustworthy data.

The Census Bureau said on August 3 that the door-knocking and ability for households to respond either online, by phone or by mail to the questionnaire will stop at the end of September instead of the end of October so that it can meet an end-of-the-year deadline to turn in numbers used for redrawing congressional districts.

“This is a change, of course, that is coming as a surprise to many organizers who have been working towards an October 31 deadline for months now,” said Freeholder John Bartlett who has headed up Passaic County’s efforts to encourage response to the 2020 U.S. Census. “So please encourage readers to respond now.”

Census data collected in 2020 will affect how the U.S. government allocates more than $900 billion over the next decade, Bartlett explains. Those funds “support a lot of the services that we need most.

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“Federal support for health care and education,” he said, “two areas where we’re seeing providers stretched thin and challenged to meet everyone’s needs, are determined by funding formulas using census data.”

In mid-August, Bartlett said the U.S. Census Bureau will be going door-to-door to speak with residents who did not respond to the 2020 Census. “If you don’t want a visit from the Census Bureau,” added Bartlett, “call 844-330-2020 to complete your Census, or go online and visit my2020census dot gov to respond.

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