Clifton Merchant Magazine - April 2020

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From the Editor

- Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher That’s Matt Murray on our cover, sending air hugs and positive vibrations from the corner of Allwood Rd. and Clifton Ave. For the past six years, the six-foot-four-inch Murray has worked as a waver for Liberty Tax in Richfield Shopping Plaza.

Murray is like a sign of spring for Clifton. As winter’s weather broke, his tall frame would be seen draped in a Statue of Liberty gown, complete with a crown, waving his message boards and hands with enthusiasm. His big smile and air hugs elicited from passerbys and drivers smiles, waves, horn blowing and hopefully some business for Liberty Tax. When Murray was asked on March 17, as the COVID-19 virus began hitting hard, how he keeps up his energy, the talkative 48 year-old considered the question as he fingered the stone amulets held around his neck by a leather necklace.

“Life does not suck and most of us will not be dead in five minutes,” he advised. “Enjoy your purpose, even if it is to shine people’s shoes. Remember it is good to make people smile and it is good to be alive. Get yourself right or find something else to do.”

Then like most of us, Murray was sent to the sidelines, on March 21, furloughed due to COVID-19. Hopefully in a few weeks, Murray will get back to his real money maker, being a golf caddie. Cliftonites will have to wait for the 2021 tax season to see him again. But in the meantime, his photo urges us to stress less and smile more.

Coronavirus and the directive to stay at home, social distance and being isolated from co-workers, family and places where we shop, eat and mingle, has been a burden. But it is a small sacrifice that hopefully will right the course of our world soon.

Given our inconveniences, nothing compares to the burdens, challenges and daily risks faced by doctors, nurses, health care professionals and public safety workers dealing with this disease 24 hours a day. They are our heroes, here in America and across the globe.

As I walk my dog Sam in Downtown Clifton and hear the church bells, I often say the Our Father, Hail Mary and bless myself. While I offer prayers, I know that my voice is joined my millions, from all faiths across the world, praying for an end to this pandemic.

Be safe and stay well. We’ll talk to you next month.

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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 Business Mgr. Angela Livera Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2020

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Manny Mejia

By Jack DeVries & Tom Hawrylko

Paula Hoyos and Jennifer Polizzano

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April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The national adverse impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) intensified in March, including throughout New Jersey and in Clifton. Virus prevention went from handwashing to extreme social distancing as businesses, schools and recreational areas shut down.

Toilet paper and hand sanitizers were in short supply. Traffic disappeared. Financial markets cratered. Fear and uncertainty were evident.

This was life during COVID-19.

As Clifton’s storyteller, this magazine needs to mark this time. Until we go to press on March

31, we’ll show you what life was like. We won’t be providing health advice or prevention suggestions—you’re already getting that from the medical professionals.

Instead, we’re going to give you a snapshot of what Clifton life was like.

And hopefully, how we started to get through this.

This is a look of the story of life during COVID-19 in Clifton during March...

Danny Pugliese

Danny Pugliese returned to Paulison Avenue ShopRite for the third time in the past four days on March 18.

This time he found it calmer with more stocked shelves.

“Pickin’s are still a little slim,” Pugliese said while bagging veggies in the produce aisle.

“But, hey, two days ago, the shelves were empty,” he added, bringing to mind the familiar photos of empty shelves where bottled water, paper towels or hand sanitizer were once available to shoppers.

In his full time sales job for Kohler Distributing, the largest beer distributor in northeast New Jersey, Pugliese offer perspective on his industry.

“Liquor stores are taking big loads in,” he said, “and are healthy, but the bar business…”

Pugliese said both ends of his industry had stocked up for the St. Paddy’s day celebrations. “Through last week, it was all good,” he said. “Right now? It’s ok. It’s a wait-and-see for how business makes out now.”

Good news front: Manny Mejia who works for XL Plastics, a nearby plastic bag manufacturer on Clifton Blvd., found time for some happy news during his lunch hour. He picked up a balloon bouquet for his son, also named Manny, who was celebrating his 13th birthday on March 18. “All good things today,” he said as he thanked the clerk and hurried out the store.

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The Clifton Health Department team, in a earlier photo, rear from left; Mohamed Ahmed, Jennifer Terwilliger, Victoria Kaufman, Derek Fieldhouse, Nicauris De Los Santos, Melissa Spencer and Barbara Luzniak. Front from left: Leslie Leonard, John Biegel, Lauren Scarfo and Layal Helwani.

March 2: The Clifton Health Dept. hosts a discussion on efforts to address COVID-19, attended by city department and Clifton BOE leaders, and representatives from St. Mary’s General Hospital, Daughters of Miriam Independent Living and Nursing Home, and Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Center, among others.

Meetings continue throughout the month.

March 3: Throughout March, the Clifton Health Dept. participates in another CDC Clinician Outreach and Community Activity (COCA) call. The calls have been taking place regularly since late January.

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March 5: The Clifton Public Schools Website provides a parent resource of how to talk with children about the coronavirus; the district posted a COVID-19 awareness and instruction letter on Feb. 27.

March 6: Clifton Superintendent of Schools Danny Robertozzi posts a letter on the district site, detailing ongoing school cleaning efforts, providing instruction and information, and sending a link to a survey asking “about the availability of home devices and internet access” in preparation of school closures and remote learning by the students.

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Walter Voinov

Busy Times: At Colonial Pharmacy, there was a hustle and bustle in the air. Phones are ringing, questions are being asked and answered, and customers are filling prescriptions and buying preventative products.

Walter Voinov, a 43-year independent pharmacist who owns Colonial and Van Houten Pharmacy in Clifton, said, “It’s been non-stop. Customers are asking questions, and we’re doing our best to answer everybody.”

March 7: Clifton’s DeLiberto family postpones its annual St. Joseph’s Day gathering because of COVID-19.

Usually attended by 100-plus guests, it is the first time the celebration is postponed in its 98-year history.

March 9: The Clifton Health Dept. posts a letter saying, “An 18 year-old Clifton resident who attends school in New York City has tested presumptively positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on 3/2 following contact with a positive individual in New York. This individual is currently in isolation at home.” The letter states the person does not attend or is affiliated with the Clifton school system.

Grape Minkoff and Debby Miller

Life Different: At Richfield Farms on March 18, Debby Miller and Grape Minkoff, who live in the Hamilton Woods condos off Valley Rd., were shopping for seeds, fresh eggs and mushrooms.

As they have done for years, the retired couple chooses to shop at the Van Houten Ave. food stand instead of a larger super store. “We’re buying seeds,” Miller said. “I want to plant some herbs in our window and balcony garden.”

The COVID-19 social distancing has brought changes to their lives. Instead of going to their physical therapy sessions, they’re performing a lot of home-based exercises. The couple is now walking three miles each day.

“My mood is anxious,” said Miller when asked, “but I’m not losing sleep. It’s just unsettling.” Beyond gardening, she has also ordered sewing supplies. Minkoff is working out at home, saying he is “upping my kettle bell game.”

His advice on the virus? “Use common sense.”

March 10: In a posted letter, Clifton Schools notify parents of “deeper cleanings and disinfecting in high touch areas.” The letter states its nursing staff is monitoring student health.

March 13: The Clifton Senior Center is closed until further notice. Clifton schools close also close earlier than first announced, but teachers report to schools to prepare for distance learning.

March 11: Clifton Public Schools announce schools will close March 16.

March 13: The Clifton Municipal Court announces it will be closed March 16-27.

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April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

March 16: The Grande Saloon, which was planning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration the next day, is in the midst of preparing 500 lbs. of corned beef. Unable to sell it all, the Saloon freezes a portion, donates more to the Clifton Senior Center, and treats a few regulars to an early St. Patrick’s Day feast.

March 16: The Clifton Health Dept. reports two new COVID-19 cases in the city, bringing the total to three. The city closes all non-emergency municipal buildings; all health and recreation department programs are cancelled until further notice.

Gus Logothetis

Down from about 40 employees to four, Gus Logothetis of the normally non-stop and bustling Allwood Diner said establishments like his cannot exist on take-out only. “We usually see 15 to 20 percent on take-out but we are not even coming near that now,” he said on March 18.

March 13: New Jersey announces 21 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state’s total to 50. One is Dr. James Pruden, head of emergency services at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson.

March 14: With Clifton schools closed at least through March, its announced home instruction will begin March 17. Since many families rely on school meals for their children, the schools plan to have breakfast and lunch available to any family in need.

March 16: New Jersey, New York and Connecticut governors shut down all non-essential businesses, including movie theaters, bars and gyms. Restaurants can offer takeout and delivery. Gov. Phil Murphy asks New Jerseyans not to leave their homes from 8 pm to 5 am.

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Seeing the Enemy: Medical Technologist Cesar Cruz of Barkley Ave. is helping in the battle against coronavirus. Cruz is essentially on the front line; he works at ACCU Reference Medical Laboratory in Linden. His role in testing for the virus is essential to the health and safety of many.

“I work with hundreds of potential COVID-19 positive samples on a daily basis,” Cruz said. “Since testing for COVID must be ordered by physician’s prescription, we treat all of our respiratory patient samples as potential COVID patients.”

In a Feb. 10 post on ACCU’s internet site, his company cited the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning against rising cases of novel coronavirus. A public health emergency was declared by the Department of Health and Human Services Jan. 31.

“Honestly,” Cruz said, “when I first heard about the virus, I had no clue that it would become pandemic or that the situation would develop into the global crisis we’re facing today. In my opinion, this situation was completely unprecedented.”

Cruz has been working as a medical technologist at ACCU for 14 months. Prior to that, he was employed at Medical Diagnostics Labs in Hamilton, N.J., for eight months—a position he began in June 2018 after his college graduation.

Cruz earned a bachelor’s of science in biology (concentrating in genetics) in May 2018 from the College of New Jersey. During high school, he was a student of the Academy of Medical Arts at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne.

When asked about his role during the COVID-19 crisis, Cruz acknowledged his work but emphasized labs are constantly serving patients and their doctors.

“In truth,” Cruz said, “medical technologists and laboratory technicians do lifesaving work daily. Hundreds of patients from private clinics, doctor’s offices, hospitals and even other labs rely on med and lab techs for accurate patient results.”

However, he acknowledges, the coronavirus and resulting health crisis have greatly impacted his life.

“The way COVID has changed my day-to-day,” he said, “is now work is much busier on a daily basis.

Since we started testing for COVID, my regular eighthour days have turned into 10-12 hour workdays. We

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Cesar Cruz

prioritize our COVID testing over all our other tests and try to get results out as promptly as possible.

“Personally, I do not feel any more stressed than any regular day at work. Med and lab techs put themselves at risk daily already performing tests on patient samples; it is our job to know how to protect ourselves from infection since we come into contact with biohazards routinely.”

After work, Cruz is heeding the call for social distancing, staying at home where he feels “safer than anywhere else” from infection.

“I will say,” he added, “I am more stressed out about the lack of resources at grocery stores and supermarkets due to people overstocking on supplies.”

As for the coming days, he offered this sage advice: “The best way to stunt this pandemic is to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Make sure to wash your hands and disinfect commonly touched surfaces often—doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, etc.”

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Managing Through a Crisis: City Manager Nick Villano understands how Cliftonites are feeling. He realizes TV is broadcasting news of the global pandemic. He knows people are concerned.

And he is aware people are wondering what is happening with their city government.

“I think we’re all in agreement that this might get worse before we’re out of it,” Villano said. “They’re seeing things on TV and unsure how it’s impacting their lives.”

On March 18, Villano hosted a town meeting, taking questions by email.

“We took in 40 email questions,” he said, “and people asked some good ones. Our message is that the best thing is to stay home, remain calm and keep yourself busy. We have to ride this out. We need to have patience.

“We’re also aware that people need to get food, and I’m closely watching what’s being done for seniors—when and where they can go. When people have provisions—food in the house, they’re not stressing out as much.”

Nick Villano

Another way to lessen stress is through information.

“We’ve been trying to keep the information going,” Villano said. “We’ve been criticized for not putting it out quicker. But our concern is if we rush, we can put the wrong information out and that creates chaos.

“We have been a bit cautious and deliberate with providing information, making sure to check our facts.”

He is proud of his city employees and their work through the crisis.

“Considering the situation that we’re in,” said Villano, “and the stress we’re under, everybody is coming together. Obviously, our city workers have concerns at home, but overall the morale is pretty good.

There’s a lot of camaraderie—everybody is pulling together.

“And I can’t say enough about the Health Dept. staff. Talk about true professionalism—these folks are stepping up, above and beyond.”

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Team at the Center: In the midst of a crisis, Health Officer John Biegel is working hard and keeping others informed—helped by the support of his hard-working team, other city employees and residents themselves.

“From a health side,” Biegel said, “there is still seasonal flu going on, there’s allergies going on, there’s strep throat… there’s other issues. If you start to experience symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19.

“But what’s happening is when a person starts coughing or sneezing, their anxiety raises and rightfully so.

People are concerned.”

With eight city cases as of March 19, a number he expects to rise, Biegel keeps perspective about the virus.”

“The majority of people recover from COVID-19,” Biegel said. “Of the first three cases in Clifton, two have recovered and the other is on the way to recovery. Of the eight total city cases, none were hospitalized.

“But we might get another batch,” he said, “and someone will have to be hospitalized. Whether it’s one case, 10 cases, 20 cases—it’s here.”

Biegel and the Health Dept. first heard of COVID-19 early in the year.

“Clifton is part of the world,” he said. “You can fly around the world in a day. If something happens in China, it can affect us here—maybe not the next day, but it can. When we first saw the reports, we began meeting in January and sent info to the police and fire departments.”

Biegel supervises a staff of three nurses (two fulltime, one part-time), five inspectors, three administrative employees and two health educators.

“All have raised their level,” he said. “I always knew I had an excellent staff but this confirms it.

“I have a nursing supervisor who’s been working ev-

John Biegel

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April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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ery day for numerous hours—at home and on the weekends—and is constant contact with the state, hospitals and our cases. The other nurses are doing this as well.”

Other department members have responded in kind.

“The health educators have been working extra,” Biegel said, “and the administrators are helping on weekends. I have one inspector who’s organizing getting food for people. Two of my inspectors went to the Allwood Diner, who is donating the food, picked it up and brought it to a person with a special needs child.

“We have people in this department who truly care about the citizens of Clifton and public health.”

Biegel has also gotten support from City Manager Nick Villano and other city employees.

“Other department heads,” he said, “came to me and said, ‘John, if you need anything—to check if there’s places open with more than 50 people, let us know.’

The Fire Dept. has helped, the Housing Dept., Building Dept.—everybody’s been great.

“And I’m taking them up on their offers.”

To Cliftonites, Biegel said, “We need everyone’s help to get through this. Call on the phone to check on your neighbors. Be nice to people. After 9/11, one of the worst days ever, people became nice to each other. If we get anything out of this time, I hope people become nicer to each other again.”

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Please join us in saluting our highest achievers

2019 Weichert President’s Club

Patricia “Patty” Badia NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award Gold - 2019

2019 Weichert Ambassador’s Club

Weichert Sales Club Weichert Marketed Club

2019 Weichert Paramount’s Club

Alma Billings

Beryl Bells

Weichert Sales Club Weichert Marketed Club

Weichert Sales Club Weichert Marketed Club

NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award Gold - 2019

NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award Silver - 2019

2019 Weichert Executive’s Club

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Christopher “Chris” Andres

Hilda Ferro

COE Bronze - 2019

COE Bronze - 2019

Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Lesia Wirstiuk

Louis “Lou” Wnek

COE Bronze - 2019

COE Bronze - 2019

Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Weichert Marketed Club

April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

2019 Weichert Director’s Club

Kaitlyn Barbagallo COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Laura Bustos COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Sheryl Madonna COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Mary Jean Cetinich Weichert Sales Club

Kathleen “Kathy” Perow Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Geffrey “Geff” Gardner Weichert Marketed Club

Eileen LiVecchi COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Elena Schwartz COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Lasanda “Alice” Sheppy COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Yi Lu COE Bronze - 2019 Weichert Sales Club

Valdemar Studzinski COE Bronze - 2019

Weichert Marketed Club

2019 Weichert Million Dollar Club

Kevin Carpenter

Daniel Carrera Weichert Sales Club

Carlito Chi

Aynur Daudova Weichert Sales Club

Madelaine “Madi” Ferro Weichert Sales Club Weichert Marketed Club

Leila Harrison- Ocean Weichert Sales Club

Marsha Lindsay Weichert Sales Club

Mabel Martinez Weichert Sales Club

Susan “Sue” McFarlane

Juan Santos Weichert Sales Club

Weichert Marketed Club

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2020

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Ken Patel of Henry’s Deli and his five employees are practicing distancing, frequent washing of hands and all surfaces, and adding a dose of kindness.

“Yes this is dangerous but we cannot forget how to laugh, how to be positive,” he said. Patel feels fortunate his Van Houten Ave. business, which does offer cafe seating for 14, is built mainly on take-out.

“We miss those customers who enjoy meeting here in the morning,” said Patel. With schools closed he takes a hit on the business teachers and students previously brought in. “The priority is safety,” he said.

“We cannot panic. We all need to follow the system and things will go smoothy.”

March 16: The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton Board of Trustees votes to pay the salaries of the Club’s 190 parttime staff; full-time employees are working from home.

March 16: Clifton Schools post its “At-Home Instruction page” in English, Spanish and Arabic.

March 17: Clifton City Hall is closed to the public; employees continue to work inside.

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Ken Patel

Acts of Kindness: Pam Peterson said good people populate the world and she just met one at 6 am on March 19. She was part of a long line of seniors, 60 and over, waiting to get into Stop & Shop on Broad St. It was rainy and dreary, and she had forgotten her umbrella and was standing near the fence waiting for the doors to open. Another women has seen her and came up and handed her an umbrella.

“Please take this,” the stranger insisted, “I will share one with my husband.”

“She was so gracious,” said the jovial 71 year-old who lives in Bloomfield. “You see? People are kind.” Peterson said the hourlong shopping spree cost her $300 but allowed her to stock up on at least two weeks of needed items.

Pam Peterson

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March 17: A quiet St. Patrick’s Day takes place throughout the city.

March 17: Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch is now available for Clifton students from 10-11 am at CHS, CCMS and School 17, Mon.-Fri. March 17: A video popular on Twitter, typifying the month’s mood and activity, is produced by northjersey.com. The video and story, “At Clifton Costco, no wet wipes or toilet paper, but plenty of anxiety in the aisles,” shows long lines and harried shoppers.

March 18: City Manager Nick Villano, along with Health Officer John Biegel, hosts a live video open forum on cable Channel 77 at 6 pm, fielding questions submitted by residents through email.

More than 40 were submitted.

Villano said residents were asking for the names of sick victims and/or sections where they lived but, because of HIPPA rules, the city could not reveal them. Biegel added he was in daily contact with the Passaic County health officer. Also providing information were the Health Dept.’s Leslie Leonard, Layal Helwani and Jennifer Terwilliger, and Clifton Fire Chief Frank Prezioso and Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi. The Health Dept.’s Lauren Scarfo and Vicky Kaufman relayed residents’ questions.

“Our message,” said Villano afterward, “is that the best thing is to stay home, remain calm and keep yourself busy. We have to ride this out.”

March 18: Clifton’s Silk City Distillers begins offering curbside pickup.

March 19: Stop & Shop opens from 6-7:30 am to accommodate customers 60 and older, who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable.

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Last call Grande Saloon March 16, 8pm.

“We need to ride this out, stick together and take care of each other,” said the Grande Saloon’s Nick Cimmino. With partner Jimmy Visconti, the owners are paying their employees for the next two weeks, while continuing to serve Clifton with food pick-up and delivery. “We’re using a barebones crew now,” said Cimmino.

“We have manager Paul Kanichoff and two bartenders on a rotating basis making deliveries. Business has been okay, but we felt it was important to stay open and continue providing hot food to the Clifton community.”

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Angela Livera

Close to Home: Clifton Merchant Magazine’s Angela Livera wasn’t feeling well the week of March 15. Her symptoms included a fever, cough, sneezing and aches. Her daughter, Maxine, left, was concerned that she might have contracted COVID-19, and urged her mom to see their doctor.

After describing her symptoms over the phone, Livera was given an appointment and told to stay in her car upon arrival. She was escorted through a side door and had her vitals taken, as well as her eyes, nose, throat and lungs examined.

She was then tested for flu and strep.

“The test came back positive for strep. My lungs were clear,” Livera said, “so the COVID-19 test was not administered.” Health Officer John Biegel says people are naturally concerned now when they have symptoms like Livera’s.

However, he notes, the flu, strep throat and seasonal allergies are also afflicting individuals during this time, causing uncertainty and anxiety.

“Can you imagine?” said Livera. “I never thought I’d being relieved to say I only have strep.”

March 19: Gov. Murphy declares personal care businesses closed (barber shops, hair and tanning salons).

March 19: Health Officer John Biegel reports there are 16 COVID-19 cases in the city. The Health Department is contacting the cases and identifying their close contacts. The department will then contact these individuals and tell them to self-quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with the sick individual.

The 16 cases range in age from 18 to 62.

At CCMS

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April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Handing out homework assignments and lunches to go, staff at Christopher Columbus Middle School chat with students and parents on March 20.

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On the first day of Spring at Richfield Farms, from left: Doug Van Wageningen, William Behringer, Brian Ross and William Morton. “We are taking precautions such as two times a day bleaching surfaces,” said Morton whose family has run the Van Houten Ave. garden center and farm stand for 102 years. “Do stuff mom taught us like washing your hands frequently and we’ll all be ok.” At right, taking precautions while shopping at the Paulison Ave. ShopRite that same day.

March 19: Clifton Animal Shelter closes to walk-ins but volunteers care for animals and remain for appointment.

March 19: The city has stockpiled 25,000 N95 masks, essential to protect first responders. The masks, which filter out 95 percent of airborne particles if used correctly, were collected after 9/11 and the 2009 Swine Flu or H1N1 outbreak and the 2014-16 Ebola outbreaks.

March 19: Stop & Shop on Broad St. opens at 6 am.

Toilet paper is gone in eight minutes.

March 20: COVID-19 cases in Clifton rise to 17.

March 20: The Power of One “Hunger Doesn’t Stop” food program for families in need puts out a call for help.

Working with Clifton OEM and Crossroads Church, they ask for donations of canned tuna or chicken, spam, chili, jar sauce and pastas, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, mac and cheese, hot dogs, pancake mix and syrup, crackers, granola snack bars, protein bars, peanut butter and jelly, bread, water, cleaning supplies, paper products, baby supplies and toiletries. Bring donations to the Crossroads Church parking lot at 195 Piaget Ave., Tuesdays, 1:30-3 pm, and Wednesdays, noon to 2. Donations can also be left at 59 Mahar Ave. (on porch).

March 21: Gov. Murphy announces a stay-at-home order for state residents. All non-essential business close.

New Jersey marks 1,327 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths.

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March 21: The Barrow House reopens for curbside pickup daily from noon to 8 pm. Delivery is available by DoorDash. Most city restaurants remain open for pickup and/or delivery, including IHOP, Mario’s, Grande Saloon, The Love of Grub, Allwood Diner, George’s Coffee Shop and nearby Amore in Woodland Park.

March 21: The Paterson Times announces anyone attending the March 14 Mustard Seed fundraiser at the Valley Regency in Clifton may have been exposed to COVID-19 (a dinner organizer tested positive). The event benefited children in the Dominican Republic. continues on page 30

Meals On Wheels

March 21: Passaic County Meals on Wheels driver Tracey (who did not want to have a photo or use his last name) delivers a package of fresh and frozen meals to a home on Barkley Ave. Asked how many smiles he delivers daily, Tracey says about 80, explaining his route takes him through six towns.

“They are getting more nervous now,” he said of the seniors he brings the meals to. “We are cutting it down to three deliveries a week starting next week but it is not just the food,” continued the 63 year-old driver. “It’s the conversation, the connection.” For more info on the program, call 973-569-4099.

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Det. Kasey Kida and his partner Det. Eddie Ruiz.

March 21: Silk City Distillers begins distributing bottles of liquid hand sanitizer at no cost (maximum of 4 oz. per person). Silk City says when picking up sanitizer: “For the love of God, practice social distancing!”

Jose Guaman

“Were as safe as we can be from an invisible enemy,” said Det. Eddie Ruiz as he and his partner Det. Kasey Kida waited for their orders at Bagel Station on Van Houten Ave. on March 24.

Three other customers were in the storefront, chatting or talking on the phone and practicing safe distancing. The usual morning rush at the bagel store was but a trickle.

The two Clifton cops do juvenile investigations and with fewer people on the streets that means less crime, at least the more obvious stuff. There is a positive side to this all, they said. “People seem friendlier,” said Kida. “I guess we all have the same concerns.”

Behind the counter the regular crew of friendly workers are keeping distance as they pour coffee, make eggs, toast bagels and prepare orders.

Volume is down, no doubt, said Jose Guaman, because the whole working world has slowed down.

“It’s a residual effect,” said Guaman, boiling it down: “Less companies open, less people working means less orders here.”

March 21: COVID-19 cases in Clifton reach 29.

March 22: COVID-19 cases in Clifton climb to 33, the most in Passaic County. Impacted ages range from 18 to 82. Of the cases, 73 percent are under age 50 and 9 percent over 60.

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Bob Foster

With the Boys & Girls Club—one of Clifton’s most active places—closed due to COVID-19, things can get a bit eerie inside for Executive Director Bob Foster, who continues to work in his office.

“It’s a little bit strange… but I’m used to it,” said Foster. “I come in early mornings so it’s nothing I’m not used to.” The Club closed March 14 on the recommendation of Clifton Health Officer John Biegel.

“John recommended that we close operations,” Foster said, “including Bingo. That means we have no income coming in. We have about $60,000 in weekly fixed costs.”

As the Club’s leader, safety is Foster’s priority.

“First and foremost,” he said, “is listening to the CDC and health professionals, and protecting our members and staff. We’ve done a deep cleaning of the Club—we had a service come in and they’ve cleaned top to bottom. The next is supporting our staff and helping to protect them and their families.”

Supporting the staff also means doing it financially.

“We have 190 part-time and 28 full-time staff,” he said, “and we’re trying to do the right thing by them.

We’ll be paying part-timers through March 29. After that we’ll have to temporarily lay them off.

“With the full-timers, the plan is to pay them through April 12 and then ask them to do a give-back, reducing their pay to two-thirds. We’ll continue to pay them through the crisis, keeping their medical [benefits] intact.”

Like many non-profits, the B&GC is not part of the New Jersey Unemployment Plan, self-insuring with a third party.

“All those people who go on unemployment,” Foster said, “those cost are coming back to us.”

Though finances are challenging, the Club has not lost sight of its mission.

“We’re trying to put together some virtual learning things for our staff and our kids through Zoom,” Foster said. “It will be where our kids can call or click in on the computer and have interaction with staff and access our virtual programs to keep them busy.”

Since March 18, all Club staff has been working remotely from home.

“We preparing for summer camp,” Foster said.

“Hopefully, we’ll get there. We were practicing socials distancing at work, but I didn’t want to take any more chances. Hearing the stories, I decided it was time for everybody to work from home.”

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Power of One Power of One Director Kim Castellano with volunteers on March 25 distributed over 150 boxes of fresh food to families in need at the Crossroads Church, 195 Piaget Ave. Those in need can pick up a parcel of food every Wednesday, noon to 2 pm.

March 22: Church bells at St. Paul RC Church are ringing daily as usual in Downtown Clifton but the pews of the structure are empty. The faithful in Catholic, Jewish and Islamic religions are prohibited from attending their houses of worship, yet spiritual leaders from all faiths say prayers are still being said and offered across our community.

March 24: Clifton’s COVID-19 cases rise to 41. The city reports the death of its first resident on March 23, a 93 year-old male with underlying health conditions and expresses heartfelt condolences to the man’s family.

March 23: The Clifton Police Dept. announces it will switch to a 12-hour, seven days on and seven days off schedule March 30. Officers had been working eight-hour shifts for five straight days. The new schedule, agreed to by the police union and city manager, seeks to minimize interaction among officers during shift switches.

Clifton Schools continues to feed its students. “The Department of Education,” said Samantha DeRose, a spokesperson for Clifton Public Schools, “requires that schools provide food and nutrition services, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture, for students qualifying for free and reduced meals. While school buildings are physically closed due to COVID-19 and athome instruction is taking place, the district will continue to provide meals to all students in the Clifton Public Schools community.” And they have. Beginning March 17, a “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch has been distributed each morning. The meals are available at CHS, CCMS and School 17, Mon.-Fri. On the first day of operation, schools distributed 166 meals at CHS, 150 at CCMS and 265 at School 17. Numbers have steadily increased since (as example, School 17 gave out 862 meals on March 20). During March 17-25, average daily meal distribution was CHS with 278, CCMS with 201 and School 17 with 582.

March 24: Richfield Farms closes its doors to cash business and announces it will only take orders over the phone with a prepayment by credit card. Customer then can pick up their items at the Van Houten Ave. stand.

March 24: Clifton announces a COVID-19 drive-thru screening center will open March 25 at William Paterson University in Wayne for Passaic County residents (with prescription) only.

March 22: “Baseball is all about social distancing,” offered one of the six family members who enjoyed a break from being indoors while batting and catching balls on March 22 at the School 3 field on Washington Ave. March 23: City Hall cuts half of its workforce inside the building, asking the other half to stay home. The groups will alternate days. Some will continue working from home each day, based on their positions, others will be asked to work when needed.

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At CHS Mike Doktor, CHS Principal, Alex Rosenburg, of Pomptonian Food Services along with Vice Principals Sue Schnepf and Ahmad Hamdeh, are distributing lunch packets and homework to students, 5 days a week at CHS.

March 24: NorthJersey.com reports Clifton has the most cases in Passaic County, seven more than Paterson.

March 25: Clifton’s COVID-19 cases jump to 52. The most impacted group is between ages 30-39.

March 25: Gov. Murphy orders all childcare centers not solely serving children of essential workers to close by April 1.

March 25: Over 150 families were served and are being connected to other resources through the Family Counseling Center at Crossroads Church and the Power of One’s Hunger Doesn’t Stop food package program. On Tuesdays, food is delivered to 195 Piaget Ave. by Table to Table, a community-based food rescue program that collects prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted. Volunteers then unload the truck full of perishable foods and prepare care packages for families .

Items vary each week based on the collection from Table to Table and donations. On Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm, families in need can come to the Center and pick up packages at Crossroads Church.

March 26: City Manager Nick Villano posts a corona virus video update on cliftonnj.org. He provides statistics and updates, including his call to remove basketball hoops in city parks to encourage social distancing. Garbage collection will continue, Villano says, and the recycling center remains open.

March 26: Northjersey.com reports the Marriott Dual-Branded Hotel planned for former Hoffmann-La Roche property in Clifton might be “dead” with little chance of resurrecting it unless the economy, weakened by the coronavirus, improves fast, said the Route 3 property principal Eugene Diaz.

March 26: The B&G Club of Clifton will distribute 1,000 family packages of two-weeks of food, thanks to the Community Food Bank of N.J. on March 27. To limit contact, families are asked to stay in their cars, open their trunks and volunteers will load the food.

March 26: After a Jan. 2019 fire, 88-year old Marcal Paper in Elmwood Park is running 24/7, producing 170 tons of paper towels and toilet paper each day to satisfy consumer demand caused by the COVID-19 crisis, reports northjersey.com.

March 26: With 40 new cases reported, COVID-19 cases in Clifton rise to 92, likely due to increased area testing.

March 27: Immedicenter on Broad St. introduces “Telemedicine” for established patients, looking to diagnose and treat some ailments, and/or prescribe or refill medicine by phone. If the ailment is not appropriate to diagnose and treat this way, patients will be directed to come to the Immedicenter.

March 27: Clifton’s COVID-19 cases rise to 109.

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People Are Clifton’s Strength: ship, assisted by Health Officer John During three decades as mayor, Jim Biegel, Anzaldi is participating in nuAnzaldi believes there has never been merous calls with people like Couna crisis like the one caused by the coty Administrator Tony DeNova and rona virus. the county’s 16 mayors, as well as “The only thing comparable would the Governor’s Office rep Rob Field, be 9/11,” said Anzaldi. “We’ve lived who Anzaldi described as “absolutely through [storms like] Sandy, Irene, helpful.”

Floyd… those events have been He is gratified by Clifton’s relargely forgotten today. 9/11 we’ll sponse. never forget, and we won’t forget this Anzaldi applauded decisions to time either.” close schools, libraries and the B&G The mayor and council last met Club before the governor’s mandate.

March 17 in the municipal court with He credits teachers working electronthe city manager, clerk and attorney, ically, city employees working from all seated far apart from each other. home, and the police and fire depart“We limited it to 10 people,” said ments, and DPW for continued work.

Anzaldi, “and it lasted about an hour.

Anzaldi said the Recreation Dept.

The public was able to call in to composting home activities online is ment, though there were only two helpful. His fellow council members calls.” are bringing citizen concerns and reMayor James Anzaldi For a mayor who is usually everyquests to appropriate departments, where—attending events and conand he can’t give the Health Dept. stantly interacting with residents—leading through the enough accolades. crisis has been an adjustment.

“The strength of Clifton is its people,” said Anzaldi.

“I’m following instructions of health professionals,” “During storms, during 9/11—people are always helpAnzaldi said. “I’ve been in my house more in the last ing. I had a senior call me last Friday, saying he’d pay his five days than I have in 30 years. I get texts, emails and August taxes along with his May bill if the city needed leave my home and cell number on my City Hall phone money. message. I’ve also been calling people who are more vul“I told him to just pay his May taxes and thanked him nerable than others. for his offer.”

“It’s been difficult for me not to be in City Hall, but Anzaldi takes two car trips through Clifton each day, I’ve created a City Hall in my house.” one in the morning, the other at 7 pm.

Acknowledging City Manager Nick Villano’s leader“We’re so fortunate to have the people we have in this city,” he said. “It’s heartwarming to see people are listening—99 percent are staying inside. The streets remind me of Christmas Eve with everyone home.”

However, Anzaldi has no love for price-gougers, saying they’re “not good Americans.” He also believes in avoiding negativity, saying: “Now is not the time to criticize. Now is the time to rise up and do what’s best.”

And, if citizens need help, they should contact him.

“I’ll try to get them whatever help they need.”

The Clifton City Council meets April 7 at 8 pm; check cliftonnj.org for info.

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At the Hot Grill, it’s curbside pick up or pay at the counter. Manager Adam Wilk said the landmark Hot Texas Weiner joint “is suffering like every business, like everyone.” He did note that the two-fer promotions for weiners and burgers has been extended from noon to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. Cassidy Travers at the Love of Grub on Van Houten Ave. said her family is keeping their restaurant open, 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, and until 5 pm on Sunday. Mike Davila works in food distribution so he said his job seems safe now. We caught up with him as he got his order from Louis Lopez at Clifton IHOP.

March 27: Dr. James Pruden, head of emergency services at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, is on the road to recovery from COVID-19, Gov. Murphy announces. Pruden has been off a ventilator for a few days.

March 27: The William Paterson University testing site totals 220 tests, its highest daily count.

March 27: Passaic County has 399 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the eighth highest total among state counties.

March 27: As posted on the Clifton News and Community Facebook site, CHS nurse Janet DeStefano has been sewing face masks for those in need.

March 28: Drive-through corona testing facilities at Bergen Community College and the PNC Arts Center are reserved today for symptomatic healthcare workers and first responders only.

March 28: COVID-19 cases in Clifton climb to 131. The city reports its second death from the virus, a 52 year-old man (it’s unclear if there were underlying health conditions). Clifton expresses its condolences to the community member’s friends and family.

March 28: Schools Superintendent Danny A. Robetozzi sends a message to school parents. He notes Gov. Mur-

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phy “does not intend to assess the reopening of schools until at least April 17, 2020, at the earliest.”

March 29: Councilman Bill Gibson is being treated for COVID-19 at the Hackensack University Medical Center ICU. Gibson entered the hospital March 26.

March 29: Clifton’s COVID-19 case count is now 177.

March 30: Clifton’s Girl Scouts take to social media to sell cookies. For a $5 donation, they will deliver a box of cookies to hospitals, the police station and fire houses.

March 30: The 1,000-bed U.S, Navy hospital ship Comfort arrives in New York harbor across from Weehawken.

The ship will handle trauma cases and other emergencies, allowing hospitals to devote more resources to coronavirus patients.

March 30: Total COVID-19 cases in Clifton reaches 212.

March 31: With the COVID-19 crisis, there is an urgent need for blood. People are encouraged to visit the Northern New Jersey Blood Donation Center at 209 Fairfield Rd. in Fairfield to donate blood and ensure a stable supply throughout the pandemic. Info and appointments at redcrossblood.org.

Councilman Bill Gibson shown with his wife Robin, continues his hospital battle with COVID-19. Robin posts on March 30: “Bill texted me this morning. He’s said he’s fighting hard. He’s not giving up. Please my Facebook family pray hard for him!” The entire city does pray for Gibson, along with all Clifton’s virus victims.

Aziz Elmhad works for the Botany and Downtown Clifton business districts providing additional maintenance service. He is finding hundreds of masks and gloves on the streets as people discard them anywhere. “The disease will get worse with their lack of caring,” he said.

“Please put your gloves and masks in the trash.”

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By Jack DeVries

My 2003 Clifton Merchant Magazine article, “Four for the Show,” centered on a quartet of 1950 Mustangs baseball players who signed pro contacts: senior pitcher Gene Pami and sophomores Frank Pecci, Billy DeGraaf and Ron Plaza, and their team’s accomplishments.

That season, CHS became co-Group IV, Section I state champions.

While researching that team, I interviewed the late, great Clifton sports historian, Lou Poles. After talking at length (Lou said his initials LP also stood for “Long Playing”), he made the following throwaway comment: “As you know,” which is how Lou began many statements before bestowing pearls of sports wisdom, “Ron Plaza was the first player to hit a fair ball out of Clifton Stadium.”

Huh? Before the new track ringed Joseph Grecco Field bordered by a black chain-link fence, baseball was indeed played in Clifton Stadium.

Home plate was nestled in the stadium’s southeast corner, near the fieldhouses. A stalwart brick outfield wall, now gone, stood on the stadium’s east side, marking the outfield boundary.

For anyone who ever visited the stadium, Poles’ statement deserves a pause.

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Was a baseball hit that far? By a high school student?

It’s been 17 years since I heard Lou’s statement, and I’ve always wondered if it really happened.

To confirm or deny this Clifton legend, I went in search of the truth—getting help estimating distances, sifting through old newspaper accounts and talking to potential witnesses. I also reviewed my notes and interviews from Lou Poles

A picture of the 1949 team (we used this photo because many members of the 1950 squad are included and were not pictured in their own team photo). Bottom (l to r) Ron Plaza, Ken Kurnath, Lou Andreotta, George Pasterchick, Harry Scofield, Billy DeGraaf, Gene Pami, and Peter Klein; second row (l to r) Asst. Coach Emil Bednarcik, Jim Sevasta, Bill Ziemkiewicz, Joseph Ventura, Don Vasta, Thomas Pojedinec, Walt Tenza, Frank Pecci, Armand Buongiorno, Ray Carroll, and Coach Edward Bedarcik; third row (l to r) Dan Marchisen, Reynold Zanetti, Carlton Ulrich, Frank Baldanza, Edward Frank, Jack Sammarco, Bill Vande Wende, Ed Riley, Charlie Bolcar, Wendell Inhoffer, Frank Niader, and Robert Lubarski.

the 2003 article, looking to see if anyone with certainty had substantiated or denied Plaza’s historic blast.

This is what I found…

Two Seasons The high school baseball and track seasons did indeed take place in Clifton Stadium in 1950, its concrete stands still under construction. The stadium opened officially with great fanfare for an Oct. 14 football game against Dickinson High School of Jersey City, which CHS won, 19-6.

Starting in the spring of 1950, Ron Plaza played two seasons in the stadium. While his 1950 team enjoyed great success, the 1951 Mustangs had a 7-6 record.

During the 1950 campaign, Plaza batted .373. The next season, Pecci and Plaza were named to All-State teams. Pecci batted .385 and was selected for the Newark

News and Star-Ledger All State squads, while Plaza was chosen for the Newark News second team.

Old box scores show Plaza usually batted third—in back of Pecci and before the powerful DeGraaf.

In 1950, newspapers reported Plaza hit no home runs.

In 1951, he hit one at Clifton Stadium, coming April 28 against Kearny High School.

Was this the ball that went out?

In the game article, the Herald-News wrote: “Third baseman Ronnie Plaza helped the home club get off winging by blasting a home run to deep left field in the first inning…” The Paterson Evening News reported: Ronnie Plaza started the Mustangs off on the right foot by blasting a solo home run to left center in the first inning.”

Both accounts make no mention of the homer going over the stadium’s wall.

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Lost legends

of Clifton

Frankly, it’s unknown if a stadium-clearing homer where the brick wall once stood. was possible. With the wall that once ringed the “Get the ball up in that wind,” he said, field behind the visitors’ stands long gone, past “and it would go.” perspective was needed.

Pontes then looked at left field, toward the Enter CHS boys track coach John Pontes.

School 1 end of the stadium.

On a gray March day, assisted by CHS “Nobody was hitting the ball out there— girls track coach Mike Rogers, Pontes, 69, that’s 500 ft.,” Pontes said. “But right field, used his stadium knowledge to guess the it’s possible.” distance.

Plaza was a lefty and more inclined to hit Examining old photos to deterto the shorter field. However, newspaper mine where home plate might have accounts said Plaza’s ball went to left been—along with knowing how the center. It would have had to go even old track’s width compared to the farther than Pontes’ estimated if present one—Pontes added his lone homer was the one. the existing fields’ dimenIt was sounding more like this sions and estimated the disblast was more legend than fact. tance to the long-gone wall.

Billy DeGraaf as a Cornell pitcher back in 1955.

“It might have been 375The Slugger 379 ft. down the right foul After graduating in June 1951, Plaza joined line,” he said. “Could he the St. Louis Cardinals organization, signing have done it? It’s possible if the wind was right. Look a contract in scout Bennie Borgmann’s car in how hard it’s blowing out today.” the Food Fair parking lot on Route 46, where As Pontes gazed out where right field once was, the Ron worked. The Cardinals gave him a $10,000 bonus. wind whipped the American flag straight out toward He would remain in organized ball his entire life, never making the majors as a player but managing in the minors and serving as major league coach for the Seattle Pilots, Cincinnati Reds and Oakland A’s. He also scouted for the A’s.

Plaza died in 2012, rarely returning to Clifton. However, he did have fond memories of growing up on Harrison St. and Vernon Ave. “We’d go down to the semi-pro game,” said Plaza in 2003, “and take home the cracked bats and fix them.

When they’d foul the ball off into the bushes, we’d go look for them and hide them. We wouldn’t come out with one, but when the game was over, we knew where a few were.”

After graduating from CHS and signing his contract,

by July, he was playing for Johnson City Cardinals in Tennessee. Plaza, just 16 (he turned 17 August 24), batted .302 for the Cards that season.

For his 10-year minor league career, Plaza batted .251.

His best season was in 1956 for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings when he hit .294. He ended his playing career with the Atlanta Crackers, who won the 1962 Little World Series.

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Plaza then managed in the minors. “Back then,” he said, “your best friend was the bus driver and your oldest pitcher acted as a trainer, carrying the tackle box with the medical supplies.”

In 1969, Plaza finally made it to “The Show,” as a member of the Seattle Pilots coaching staff. He was immortalized as one of Jim Bouten’s foils in his classic tell-all baseball book, Ball Four. Bouten nicknamed Plaza, “The Drill Instructor.”

Plaza refused to read the book, unwilling to give Bouten the satisfaction.

As a pro coach, he mentored players like Steve Carlton, became friends with Johnny Bench and threw extra batting practice to Pete Rose during his 44-game hitting streak in 1978.

“Clifton remains a part of my life,” said Plaza. “There were nice people there. I’ll always remember playing in Clifton Stadium—that was a big ballpark.”

Why It Never Happened Plaza was not a giant. Though he grew to 5’11”, 175 lbs., he was undoubtedly lighter as a 16 year-old.

In his first minor league season in 1951, he hit just two homers.

The Johnson’s City ballpark’s distance to right field foul line was 320 ft.—much shorter than what his legendary Clifton home run would have travelled.

A line-drive hitter, Plaza did not hit more than 14 homers in a season. For his career, he hit just 65 homers in 11 minor league campaigns.

Ken Kurnath, 88, a player on the 1949 team, never heard anyone mention Plaza hitting the ball out except Poles.

“Louie always talked about it,” Kurnath said, “but I never saw it.”

Finally, if Plaza’s Clifton homer was such a shot, why didn’t sportswriters make mention of the ball going over the wall on April 28? In game accounts at other high school stadiums, they certainly did.

In a 1951 game at Passaic Stadium, writers noted Pecci smacking “a long drive over the left field wall for a four-bagger.” In 1950, they reported “DeGraaf drove the ball out of the park” in a contest at Kearny.

But the most damning evidence of Plaza not hitting a fair ball out of Clifton Stadium is Pecci’s memory. Batting in front of Plaza, when interviewed on 2003 about his teammate’s supposed blast at Clifton Stadium, the Mustangs star said plainly, “It never happened.”

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Above left, Mustangs Track Coach John Pontes points to where the long gone wall was. In 2003, outside their old high school are 1950 first basemen Armand Buongiorno, Bill Ziemkewicz, Lou Poles, and the team’s star pitcher, Gene Pami.

Why It Did Happen Could a high school player hit a ball nearly 400 ft.?

To support the claim Plaza did hit a ball out of Clifton Stadium, one only needs to look at his teammate, Billy DeGraaf.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest athletes in CHS history, the three-sport star hit a ball in 1950 that shocked many—including sportswriters covering the game.

In a 10-8 win against Nutley (in which Pecci hit homered twice), DeGraaf stunned the crowd by hitting a ball that rolled almost to the wall in left field. The Herald-News called it a “495-ft home run.”

The Paterson Morning Call had a more apt description, writing DeGraaf’s blast went “fully 400 feet on the fly and rolling nearly to the leftfield wall over 500 feet away.”

“Billy the Kid” was just 14.

Also supporting Pole’s claim was his friend, Armand Buongiorno, a .367 hitter on the 1950 CHS team. In 2003, Buongiorno agreed with Lou that Plaza did hit it out.

John Pontes is convinced.

“Lou Poles was the encyclopedia of Clifton sports,” Pontes said, “and if he says Plaza did it, than he did it.”

The Last Word I often interviewed Pecci and Poles for articles about CHS sports. Both were outstanding sources with sharp memories. Never, I found, did they stretch the truth.

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But one said Plaza’s blast happened, the other said it never did.

When asked if he did hit the ball out of the stadium in 2003, Plaza himself said: “I really don’t remember it, but if they say it happened, maybe it did.”

At the end of my search, after looking at every game account from 1950 and 1951, I found the last word on this mystery.

It was buried at the bottom of a June 16, 1950, column by esteemed w sportswriter Bob Whiting.

He wrote: “And no one has yet hit the ball out of the new Clifton Stadium in a game, although it is reported that Ron Plaza turned the trick in batting drill one day when he clouted a pitch over the right field wall. The shortest distance down that right field line is 345 feet; along left field it is 495 feet.”

And there you have it—mystery solved.

Pecci might not have remembered the shot because it wasn’t hit during a game. But Whiting adds credence to the fact that Plaza did hit the first ball out of Clifton Stadium—something a rabid fan like the late Poles-— who attended countless Mustang games and practices— would have remembered.

As the late Mustangs football Coach Bill Vander Closter once said during an interview about one of his team’s wins: “Ask Lou Poles about that game. I might know what the quarterback did on the field, but Lou knows the kind of toothpaste the quarterback used that morning.”

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The 16th Passaic County Film Festival will be screened online later this Spring with specific sites and dates to be announced in early May. While nearly 100 entries were received before the Jan. 31 deadline, no one could have predicted the Fabian 8 and many offices and services would be closed due to the COVID 19 health crisis.

During February, all entries were screened by Passaic County Film Commission member judges, however only the top ranked entries in each category make it into what is essentially a highlight reel.

“I wish we could screen each and every one of them,” said Deborah Hoffman, Director of the Passaic County Division of Economic Development, which oversees the Film Commission. “All of the films this year were wonderful.”

The festival is an exhibition of student and independent filmmakers’ work, featuring projects created by those who live, attend school or work in Passaic County. Along with providing a showcase forum, the festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to have their work reviewed and screened in a professional venue and interact with industry members.

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Festival films are judged in the following categories: General Short Film; Public Service Announcement; Documentary; and Music Video. The top three films in each category will be presented with “The Costello,” named in honor of comedian Lou Costello.

The film festival will also award a Costello for the best overall film.

In addition, the North Jersey Federal Credit Union will present a special award of $1,000 to one filmmaker selected by NJFCU representatives and four “Shooting Star” awards. A donation of film equipment will be given to a Passaic County High School, courtesy of Unique Photo and the Passaic County Film Commission.

The festival is sponsored by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders with additional financial support from a grant administered by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts; Accurate Box; Bascom Corporation; Columbia Bank; The North Jersey Federal Credit Union; Passaic County Community College Foundation; PSEG Foundation; Ross International; and Unique Photo.

More details will be offered once Passaic County offices reopen. Go to passaiccountynj.org for info.

PCTI students Asia Brown and Samantha Olsen are among the film makers. Asia’s film ‘Look Around’ deals with challenges in high school. Samantha project, ‘A Student with Dyslexia,’ was a piece produced to inform, educate and break stereotypes about the condition.

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Cassidy Rubio, Darent Trejo, Tomas Ortega, Justin Morales.

April has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students who have gotten a head start on the latest activities on the campus, one from each grade.

Cassidy Rubio, Senior Cassidy Rubio’s two favorite subjects are English and History. Both help her see life’s bigger picture.

“Reading allows me to empathize with circumstances different than my own,” Rubio said, “while history allows me to look to the past to understand the present.”

A three-sport athlete (cross country, and indoor and outdoor track), Cassidy also participates in the Key Club and National Art Honor Society, and is CHS’s yearbook editor.

Her studies and activities have taught her to manage time wisely.

“I spend several hours a day running for most of the school year,” Rubio said, “so I needed to learn to balance schoolwork and athletics. Once I figured out how to do that, everything else seemed to fall into place.”

Her teachers have been a positive influence.

“Some include,” she said, “Mrs. Slanina, Ms. Miller-Hamilton, Mr. Henry and Mr. Rogers. All pushed me to try things outside of my comfort zone.”

But her father is her biggest inspiration.

“My dad is an extremely hard worker who always puts family first. He tries his best to come to every one of our track meets,” Rubio said, noting she has two sisters on the team.

“My dad is also one of the most generous people

48

April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

I know—whether it be volunteer coaching a rec soccer team long after his daughters left or helping out a friend.” In college, Rubio plans to study international relations.

Darent Trejo, Junior Since arriving at CHS, Darent Trejo says that Ms. Kotrotsios has been his biggest and best influence.

“All my teachers inspire me,” said the junior, mentioning Mr. Gouliamos, Mr. Rivera, Mrs. Brown, Ms. Kotrotsios, Mr. Mecca and Ms. Caploon, “by telling me which things that I do are wrong and which things that I do are right.”

He most enjoys his time in Studio Art 2.

“In Studio Art 2,” Trejo said, “I can improve my drawing abilities and also learn about new art techniques.”

Though he does not participate in athletics or activities at CHS, Trejo focuses on other areas, specifically with his language.

“Even though it is a big hurdle,” he said, “I keep improving my English skills.”

After graduating, Trejo plans to attend college.

“My future aspiration,” he said, “is to be an endocrinologist, someone who treats kids who have diseases like diabetes or [those affecting the] thyroid.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2020

49

Tomas Ortega, Sophomore Tomas Ortega likes economics.

“Finance and economics have played a large role in who I am,” he said, adding Mr. Lotito and Mr. Schlesinger have been key to his subject knowledge. “Being able to watch the markets from a different perspective and having the ability to understand and make decisions is what makes the study of economics and finance so fun.”

He also counts Mrs. Breslow, Ms. Conti and Ms. Balascio as positive influences, as well as his soccer coaches and teammates.

“Coach Lembryk,” Ortega said, “always pushed us to be the best—not only on the field but in the class-

50

room and our daily lives.”

He adds CCMS’s Mrs. Mikolajczyk has been instrumental in his personal development.

“I have no words to explain how influential she has been in my life,” he said. “She has been there and seen all the steps I have taken to become who I am today.”

Deeply inspired by active military members and veterans, he draws strength to overcome life’s obstacles from “the power of passion, friendships and family.”

Ortega is a member of DECA, Heroes and Cool Kids, and the Italian Club, and wants to join Mock Trial. He also wants to start a CHS Finance and Economics Club.

Enrolled in the Marketing Academy, he plans to attend college.

Justin A. Morales, Freshman Instead of looking to others for inspiration, Justin A. Morales looks inward.

“I strive for the things I want, and I do the things I do for myself,” Morales said. “I get good grades so I have a great education, and I help others because I feel good doing it.”

Morales says he gains something from all his teachers.

Mr. Gramp prepares him for personal finance. His “awesome” Spanish teacher Mr. Alvarado “makes sure that we are learning but he also tells jokes and stories.” His “cool” social studies teacher Mr. Sarsano “gives us new facts about different things.”

Biology teacher Ms. Massa is also “cool” but will “be strict to get you on the right track.”

And his math instructor Ms. Gordon is a “kind and great teacher.”

But his most influential is Mr. Radler, who provided Morales with “a lot of great advice” that he’s taken to heart.

A member of two clubs, Anime and E-Sports, he aspires to play a team sport, hopefully baseball.

“My dad has played baseball since he was a kid,” Morales said, “and he can help me a lot with it.”

Regarding adjusting to CHS, he said, “Personally the jump from middle to high school wasn’t that bad. I was already adjusted to moving from class-to-class and having similar assignments.”

April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2020

51

Birthdays & Celebrations - April 2020

Happy Birthday to....

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

The Hawrylko brothers; Joe turns 35 on April 27 and Tom Jr. is 33 on April 16. Damian Robert Calvo will be 14 on April 13. Mark Peterson is 67 on April 5. Pete Fierro turns 80 on April 18. On April 28, happy 41st anniversary to big brother John & Donna Hawrylko.

Karen Goldey.....................

Timothy Hayes....................

Stephanie L. Magaster.........

Hetal Patel.........................

Karen Schwartz..................

Raymond DeDios................

Carl DiGisi.........................

Eric Homsany.....................

JoEllen Kenney-Illenye..........

Kevin John Lord..................

Greg Alexander..................

Joey Scotto.........................

Bo Franko..........................

Sabrina Greco....................

Wafa Othman....................

Mark Peterson....................

Bob Tanis...........................

Joe Franek..........................

Sharon J. Koribanics............

Carmela Meglio..................

Jessica Mondelli..................

Emma Rozewski..................

Luke Kulesa........................

Donna Mangone.................

George Sadiv.....................

Patricia Colman..................

Sheryll Franko....................

Jackie Henderson................

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4/1 4/1 4/1 4/1 4/1 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/4 4/4 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/7 4/7 4/7 4/8 4/8 4/8

April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cassandra Dinzes turns 30 April 15 and is pictured with daughter Harper.

Jeff Murcko........................ 4/8 John Filippone.................... 4/9 Emma Gretina.................... 4/9 Kathy Krisinski.................... 4/9 Brian Firstmeyer................ 4/11 Leila Gasior...................... 4/11 Felipe Rivera.................... 4/11 Erin Smith........................ 4/11 Debbie Tucker.................. 4/11 Alice Shanley Babinski...... 4/12 Josh Ontell....................... 4/13 William Parks III................ 4/13

Alexander John Mosciszko. 4/14 Lisa Kulesa....................... 4/15 Adam Pienciak................. 4/15 Kurt Irizarry...................... 4/16 Robert Monzo.................. 4/16 Linda Humphrey................ 4/17 Joseph P. Koribanics.......... 4/17 Peter Fierro....................... 4/18 Maura Coleman............... 4/19 Jason Dubnoff................... 4/19 Jennifer O’Sullivan............ 4/19 Bryan Rodriguez............... 4/19 John Anderson.................. 4/20 Jeff Camp........................ 4/20 Greg Nysk....................... 4/21 Alicia Rose Aste................ 4/22 Lori Hart.......................... 4/22 Alyssa Tucker.................... 4/22 Bobby Ventimiglia............. 4/22 Danny Gorun................... 4/23 John Pogorelec, Jr............. 4/23 Marc Scancarella.............. 4/23 Katie Michelotti................. 4/25 Brianna A. Pastore............ 4/25 Klondike Tresca................ 4/25 Buddy Czyzewski............. 4/26 Stephanie Magaster.......... 4/26 Jillian Mangone................ 4/26

Ed Bivaletz and Casey Hawrylko announced their plans to marry on March 8.

Annie Pogorelec...............

Elise Termyna....................

Mike Grimaldi..................

Michael Press...................

Peter Chudolij...................

April Graham...................

Stephen Camp, Jr..............

Paul Colman.....................

Heather Halasz.................

Christine Klein..................

4/26 4/26 4/27 4/27 4/28 4/28 4/29 4/29 4/29 4/29

Frank and Lee Robinson will be celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 12.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2020 

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Freeholder John Bartlett and a team of volunteers from all 16 Passaic County communities have been working for a year to encourage response to the 2020 U.S. Census.

Now, just as census surveys are arriving, the state is struggling with the COVID-19 coronavirus, creating a challenge and reminder of why the census is so important.

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.

“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.

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April 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Due to COVID-19, the Census Bureau has suspended field operations and delayed hiring door-to-door surveryors to complete the count. As a result, county and local officials are redoubling efforts to reach everyone with the message: #BeCounted now!

“We were preparing to reach people at religious services and by hosting neighborhood picnics,” says Complete Count Committee member N.K. Mehta of Clifton.

“Now, those events are canceled.”

Spread the word by adding U.S. Census info to community e-mails, sharing census videos and graphics on social media and WhatsApp, and talking about the census on the phone with neighbors and loved ones. More info at www.passaiccountynj.org/census.

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