Clifton Merchant Magazine - July 2021

Tom Hawrylko

From the Editor

Let’s Meet in the Middle What I love most about Clifton is how we have grown.

In the 40 years I have lived here, and adopted this community as my own, I have seen an evolution.

We’re more welcoming and more diverse in color and creed. Generally speaking, we Cliftonites are pretty chill. Our elected and appointed officials reflect that diversity as well. The elected members of the City Council and Board of Education, for many years now, are more reflective of our schools, neighborhoods and residents.

Clifton Police and Fire officials are Black, brown and white. These men and woman are of various nationalities and bring their life experiences to the job. They often converse and respond to those in need in many languages.

At Clifton City Hall, staff is often empathetic and will work to help solve your issue. Kudos especially to the Clifton Health and Recreation Departments, those front line folks who helped us to understand Covid-19, and worked to keep us safe and vaccinated.

Then there are the Clifton Schools—that still great institution—where a lot of this evolution finds its footing.

Our public schools is where generations of kids explore life through learning. They make friends, find mentors, and create memories and leave CHS as proud Mustangs.

With our shared cultures, religions and preferences, we Cliftonites are as red, white and blue as America. Here’s a quote from George Bush’s 2001 inaugural speech: “The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise: that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born.”

Clifton and America is a story still being written. So stay chill folks, and let’s meet in the middle and converse.

To close, consider “Motto” by poet Langston Hughes: I play it cool And dig all jive That’s the reason I stay alive.

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Contributing Writers

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

My motto, As I live and learn, is: Dig And Be Dug In Return.

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

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They Ask Future Mustangs to

Carry the Torch

By Ariana Puzzo with John Celentano

All roads to future Mustangs began on ‘Route 51.’ Over the past 70 years, the CHS Class of January 1951 have stayed connected. Arline (Favino) Pearce explains why.

“We were always a close-knit group and continue to maintain our closeness,” said Pearce.

Some of the friendships trace back to kindergarten. By the time they went on their separate journeys, it was a new world. The President was Harry S. Truman. The backdrop was the Korean War, and the number one hit was Patti Page’s Tennessee Waltz.

The class of 133 Mustangs would go on to achieve any number of triumphs. But perhaps the biggest triumph is what they are striving to inspire in younger Mustangs.

“When we were 17, everything seemed possible,” said Pearce. “Now, we’re approaching our 90’s. We’ve gained a certain wisdom, just from the bumps in the road.

“There’s something magical about reaching this milestone,” she continued. “We are scattered yet still maintain a close friendship. We are passing on the torch.”

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And what a torch it is to pass. After all, the Class of ’51 started high school at an exciting time in the country’s history. World War II ended only two years prior. Agriculture still dominated half of the city. The old truck farmers— Benkendorfs, Maxes, Plochs, Hamiltons, and others—were still working the land.

Sheep still grazed at the Samuel Hird Plant on Clifton and Paulison Ave., as did cows on the Sisco farm on Colfax Ave. Mr. Giaguzzi, Clifton’s last junkman, was still making his rounds by horse and wagon; the 4-H Club was popular.

The other half of the city had thriving industries like Bright Star Battery, Fruehauf, Forstmann Woolens, Givaudan, Hoffman LaRoche and Dumont. The baby boom was well underway and the building explosion had started.

Each of the separate sections, Albion Place, Allwood, Athenia, Botany, Clifton Center, Delawanna, Dutch Hill, Lakeview, Richfield and Rosemawr (surrounding Passaic), had its own butcher shops and small food markets. The sections were soon to fuse into the City of Clifton.

For more extensive purchases, one had to take a bus or walk to Passaic or Paterson. TV did not yet have a major role in the lives of Americans and local sports dominated the free time of the citizens.

Joe Grecco’s football teams filled stadiums from Paterson to Jersey City and Perth Amboy.

Emil Bednarcik’s basketball fives were perennial contenders for championships. Rutgers would soon have four Clifton starters on its basketball team: Hal Corizzi, Teddy Dull, Don Parsons and Ray Van Cleef.

The Class of ’51 had its share of stars in many arenas, especially true in academics.

After leaving the “Big High” on Piaget Avenue, John Celentano served in the US Army from 1954-1956 as a private first class. He studied at Colgate and then Fordham School of Law. In 1962, he opened his law practice in Passaic and was in Clifton from 1962 to 2003.

Most will recall him as the CEO of Clifton Savings Bank. When reflecting on his endeavors, he remarked, “One of the benefits that came with my career as a water boy under Joe Greco was that it came with an onfield view of the games.”

LeRoy Costantin finished his outstanding four-year high school career with a flat 96 average. The remarkable part of that record was that he couldn’t do any homework until the noisy Italian bar on the first floor of his second-floor Lake Ave. abode closed. He later commuted to Columbia University in New York City and became a professor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.

June class president Pete Ciolino had a distinguished career as a lawyer and was a New Jersey Superior Court Judge.

Joan Kuzmich became Miss New York City and a participant in the Miss America pageant.

Joe “Sarge” Padula went to Korea, returned and set the record for continual service in law enforcement to the city and Passaic County, for over 50 years.

At the Hot Grill in 2011 Joe Padula, John Celentano, Bob Stier. At right in ’51.

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Allan Armstrong Swenson became an intelligence officer for the U.S. following his graduation from Rutgers.

Ron Plaza was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals at the age of 16, played Triple-A ball with Rochester and spent the remainder of his career coaching in the majors. When his teams visited New York, he always found tickets for his old buddies.

Early Boys’ Club member from the ’40s and star athlete Walt Tencza traded in his spikes and jock for a couple of degrees and went on to a stellar legal career in Passaic.

School 3 grad Roy DeBoer went on to Cornell and headed the Landscape Architecture Department at Rutgers. Tony Russo became a priest and Bob Stier became an apostolic minister. Bob also managed New Jersey’s first highway shopping destination, Styertowne Shopping Center.

Ann Haroutunian, Class Salutatorian, broke into the maledominated field of medicine. She graduated from the NYU School of Medicine and went on to lead a distinguished career in cutting-edge genomic medicine and pediatrics.

Child-bearing and rearing were still exclusively open to women. The unsung heroines of the class were the young women who performed those Herculean tasks with no agenda except to do the job right.

They set an example. For that we are grateful and say thanks. And, like many in the CHS Class of 1951, we are proud of our hometown roots.

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Joan Kuzmach as a Mustang Majorette and at right when she won Miss New York City in 1952.

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As a new generation of Mustangs entered the 1960s, those who graduated with the Class of 1961 would watch as the world began to change in unprecedented ways.

The Vietnam War and the subsequent anti-war movement would take hold as the second half of the decade approached. A social revolution was also on the horizon. An emergence of the Black Power Movement, second-wave feminism, and an emphasis on LGBTQ+ rights would come to act as a bridge between conservative norms and fervently sought after liberation. CHS ’61 grad John Cilo was at the forefront of the evolving world.

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“John was a great guy; it was golf, sports, scotch and Marlboros. John was a great guy, but a true philosopher about life,” said Rich DeLotto (CHS 1971). “He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald Building 1 [and] got me a job interview in 1982 on the 105th floor.”

“I turned it down, and John survived everything,” recalled DeLotto. “He played the 19th hole in 2004 and flew away. Bird, we never forgot you.” Music was another element that connected two decades of Mustangs. As we have come to expect in Clifton, music tied the community together and is what put our city on the map.

What we found in our discussions with contemporaries of Clifton in the 1960s is the Marching Mustang Band connected one decade to the next. As “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1961, John Kuzmich Jr. (CHS 1961) would make his own mark in Clifton music history.

He was not the only Clifton name to bolster the Marching Mustang Band. Even during the Rockin’ Sixties, anyone who passed through CHS’ halls knew one thing was certain if they wanted to become the next Paul Butterfield or John Lennon.

They needed to measure up to the Marching Mustang Band and by extension, Saul Kay. Kay directed the band from 1956 until 1970. Previously, he was a trombone player in the Air Force band.

Those who passed through his direction during those years knew that his commitment was what helped the band become what it is still known as today: The Showband of the Northeast.

“Mr. Kay was a very stern taskmaster, but he had the chops to back it up,” said Charlie Frick to Clifton Merchant in 2009. “He really believed in music and what he was doing.”

Believing in the music made all the difference. As we take you on a journey through the 1960s and into the early 1970s, you will see just how far the Marching Mustang Band students traveled to showcase their tremendous talents. You will also get a closer look on these pages at who helped make the Clifton triumphs possible.

Clockwise: James Cencimino with Coach Joe Grecco. Coach Emil Bednarcik with Marty Stadler and Sal Valente. Jim Opfer on the tennis court and with Sandy Mueller as most talented.

Student Council clothing drive members. Class flirts Dennis Santillo and Nina Parisi. Tabulating election results in Mill Mill’s class.

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By Ariana Puzzo

John Kuzmich Jr. knows better than most that becoming involved with the Marching Band can transform a musical Mustang’s future opportunities.

When the 1961 graduate considers his high school experience, he said that it was defined by his participation with the Marching Mustangs. “[My high school experience] was the Mustang Band, which was a great organization to be a part of. It was spirited,” said Kuzmich, 77. “The students in the band were awesome and were very successful.”

“That was an attitude that changed my life,” he added.

Kuzmich, like many before and after him, grew up in that band program.

In those years, he attended CHS, which was still located where Christopher Columbus Middle School stands today.

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He played the clarinet and was eventually a rank sergeant. Kuzmich also made the All-State band in his senior year on the clarinet.

“The program was very successful, invigorating and unique,” said Kuzmich. “That’s what makes the Mustang Band experience special we do things right the first time.”

Before CHS, Kuzmich attended School 5, School 2, and then Woodrow Wilson. It was in ’61 grad John Kuzmich directing the Marching Mustangs in Holland in 1970. The Clifton band took top honors and was loved by the Dutch press.

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high school that he joined the band since he was taking private lessons on the clarinet. The Marching Mustangs’ activity attracted him to the band as a sophomore.

“I had [taken lessons] for many years and when the Mustang Band went to the Rose Bowl, that was the answer. Let’s join the party,” he laughed.

Kuzmich described an era of high school unlike that of the following decade. The backdrop of the Vietnam War was still relatively fresh when he entered high school in 1957 and stayed on the periphery. “That was not an issue at all when I graduated, but it was a big problem nationally later,” he said. “I grew up in the good years [with] tradition and excellence. We had a great city.”

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That’s the 1961 Marching Mustangs top of page. Kuzmich in 1970 with Drum Majorette Cindy MacVicker and the World Music Festival Officials as they accept their gold medals.

Above is a clip from a Clifton newspaper in August 1970.

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That tradition was in no small part thanks to the late Mustang Band director Saul Kay. During his years at the helm as the band director, they went to the Tournament of Roses Parade, the World Music Festival, the World’s Fair in New York City and Expo 67.

Kuzmich credits Kay as not only his teacher, but also his mentor. After leaving CHS, Kuzmich decided to study to become a music teacher. He attended Michigan State University. It was a decision that he said would put him back on Kay’s radar.

“I went where they were doing things in music education that were much better than what was being done on the east coast,” said Kuzmich. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965. After graduating, he was quickly placed under contract with Wayne Valley High School to teach. Then, he heard from Kay and Clifton.

Saul Kay Selected The Right Person The Marching Mustangs were headed to Holland in the summer of 1966. Since Kay did not intend to travel with the band, Kuzmich agreed to be in charge of the band.

“He had a lot of confidence in me and I had a great time,” said Kuzmich. “We did weekly concerts in Nash Park and rehearsed every night. It was a labor of love.”

Kuzmich emphasized that his appointment by Kay did not happen by accident. Kay not only knew him, but he also knew Kuzmich’s sister, Joan Kuzmich. Joan was Kay’s first Mustang Majorette, who also would be known as Miss New York City in 1952.

Along with a long-standing connection, Kuzmich noted that he was the ideal candidate.

“I was the right person for the job because I was enthusiastic and ready for action,” he said. “I was not the best person, but I was there … and ready to do what Saul wanted me to do, and I worked all summer.”

The dedication to his craft paid off in a big way.

Kuzmich’s first trip with the Mustang Band was in the Summer of 1966. Then he went again in the Summer of 1970, and Kay joined them.

During those two trips, the Mustang Band brought home a total of five gold medals and one silver medal.

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In 1966, they won gold medals in the three categories that they performed in: Marching, Best All-Around Band; and Symphonic Band.

They won two gold medals in the Marching Band and Best All-Around Band categories in 1970, and a silver medal for the Symphonic Band performance.

“We had no idea that we could win in an international competition,” said Kuzmich. “There were bands from all over the world. New Zealand’s national brass band was exceptional.”

“Many people had never seen a marching band,” he added. “We were extremely popular and if you look at the pictures, you’ll see a lot of people in the audience.”

The “once in a lifetime” experience of traveling so far to compete was invigorating for Kuzmich. He roughly recalled that the entire trip lasted 16 days and also saw them traveling throughout Europe to cities like London and Paris. It was all organized, he said, through the Boosters.

“When you’re with great leadership and good people, it’s an awesome experience to be a part of something that has meaning,” he said. “It was not just myself, but the entire band program.”

“The photographers ate it up. They just loved the drum majorettes,” continued Kuzmich. “We went there as America’s best public relations staff.”

Students who went through the Marching Band expressed similar sentiments. One of the CHS performers was Cindy Czesak (CHS 1971).

Czesak, the future director of the Clifton Public Library, said that the trip was a definite highlight during her high school years. She played the piccolo, a small flute, and as a senior was the first chair and rank sergeant.

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“I had to keep them in line,” chuckled Czesak. “The international competition in the Netherlands was quite an amazing experience.”

“I took it very seriously, and the band people were my friends,” she continued. “We spent a lot of time together in the fall practicing every day together after school.”

Ray Grabowski was another CHS 1971 graduate who still carries memories of the 1970 trip. He was a file sergeant in his senior year and played tenor drums.

“High school was great because I was part of the Mustang Marching Band,” said Grabowski.

“We became a world famous marching band because of that competition when we took first place in Holland.”

Despite being under contract with Wayne Valley in 1966 and later with Brigham Young University in 1970, Kay’s confidence in Kuzmich meant a great deal to the 1961 grad.

“Saul was the reason that I went because he called the shots,” said Kuzmich. “I was very, very lucky to have the opportunity, and to do it more than once was fantastic.”

Kuzmich would go on to earn a PhD degree in music education. His career highlights have included producing Colorado All-State Bands and Jazz Bands with members on brass and woodwind instruments.

The Roles of Music and Teaching in Life He has been a retired public school teacher since 2009.

However, Kuzmich has continued to teach at Evergreen High School in the Denver suburbs for the past two years.

He also enjoys teaching private lessons and does so over Zoom.

As a veteran music educator for six decades, he specializes in jazz education and music technology. Kuzmich has also guest presented on five continents: Europe, South America, Australia, Asia, and throughout North America both in the USA and Canada.

In his own life, Kuzmich is married to wife Roslyn, who was also a music teacher. He also has four children and 11 grandchildren. When he thought about the roles that music and teaching have played in his life, he took a moment to carefully consider his response. “I have a purpose, and it’s better to give than to steal,” he said. “When you give

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Roslyn and John Kuzmich today.

something to students and the community, you are living life fully.”

“It is amazing that music is an international language.

It’s the soul of wit,” continued Kuzmich. “Take music out of your life and it’s boring.”

Kuzmich went on to say that he has nothing against academics. But, he added, music is the “soul and spirit.” Ultimately, what he realized is that the role of a teacher is tremendous since you are capable of touching students’ souls.

That was first felt by him during his own time as a student at CHS. “Saul Kay was a landmine for me and inspired me to go on,” said Kuzmich. “When I taught with the Mustang Band and was successful, it said, ‘This is your life’, and then I continued with that excellence.”

Traveling with the Mustangs also reinforced the sense of community and that they were not merely performing for themselves. Prior to their departure, he said, the band performed at Clifton Stadium in front of a packed house.

Later, thousands of people greeted them when they returned home.

“The parents and the community were so proud and happy that we did something because it was a lot of money to go to Europe at that point in time,” said Kuzmich. “It wasn’t like we did this every year.”

“It was an amazing thing to be successful the first time.”

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Walter Voinov, Helen Fedoriw, Dennis Suto, Joan Miketzuk, Richard DeLotto, Maria Moczula, David Glattly.

On the precipice of change, these Mustangs remember and are still involved.

As we caught up with Mustangs from the last seven decades, it was hard to miss the numerous contributions many still make today to our community. The contributions include serving over the years as council members and police officers, as well as being lawyers and business owners.

All of the graduating classes had unique stories to tell.

But the stories from the Class of 1971 certainly stood out in terms of a collective group that remained deeply ingrained in the city’s fabric.

So, who better to start with than Rich DeLotto - the man who has consistently helped us share Clifton’s history over the years?

Like many of his peers, Rich DeLotto was all too aware that life existed beyond Colfax Avenue.

As coverage of the Vietnam War persisted and students increasingly thought of getting drafted as graduation ap-

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proached, life evolved. And with it, he said, did the traditions that he recalled his older brother experiencing at CHS. “My brother … graduated in ’68 and I remember what he’d be doing. Things for his class that we never did,” said DeLotto, 67. “Before Thanksgiving, you could buy a corsage with a little football on it to give to girlfriends and mothers.

“It was a tradition in Clifton for a long time. We’d always get one for our mother, grandmother, and aunt,” he continued. “Nineteen sixty-seven was the last year that they did it.”

In DeLotto’s own words, things were changing. But more than that, people were challenging the status quo.

Despite these changes, DeLotto offered a look at what life was like while growing up around our city in the 50’s and 60’s.

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Clifton Merchant Magazine Volume 6 • Issue 5 • May 2000

A Botany Village native, DeLotto recalled having a newspaper route and playing sports in Nash Park. Come winter, he and two friends would have a sled and grab a few shovels. Then, the trio would start walking eight blocks to the park.

“We’d stop and [people] would give me a quarter to do some stairs,” said DeLotto.

“We’d stop at $3, which gave each of us a buck, and we Previous page, Poppy’s after it closed. It is now the location of Bizub-Quinlan Funeral stopped later at The Hot Grill.

Home. Above, our guide to 1971, Rich DeLotto at rear behind Walter Pruiksma, our writer, That was a lot of fun.”

Rob Wahlers, and Norm Tahan, of the Vietnam Remembrance Committee.

But that was not the real hangout in later years, DeLotFrom Clifton, he went on to eventually join the Clifton to recalled. A popular spot was Rafters, previously located Fire Department, where he served for 25 years. Today, he on Route 46 where later stood Bowlero and today, Fette lives in Toms River and has contributed considerable reFord. Another hot spot was The Red Chimney, located at search in the last two decades to help remember the Clifthe time on Route 3 westbound. ton servicemen who died during the Vietnam War. DeLotto explained that it was all a matter of the era.

Specifically in 1999 to 2000, DeLotto spent many If it was the 60’s, people would head over to Chengdu hours studying newspaper clippings at the library that re46, now Chef Yang 46. Another decade prior, the spot to ported the deaths of these Clifton men. He also spoke with be was the soda fountain shop, Poppy’s, on Van Houten family members to gather their memories of their sons Avenue, now Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home. and brothers.

As Clifton’s landscape evolved, so did its students, and Now, like many Mustangs that we connected with, DeDeLotto was no exception. While at CHS, he played cenLotto reflected on how fast the years have gone. “It went ter for the Fighting Mustangs and started for one year unfast, but we had a great time,” he said. “Then we went out der the coaching of the late William Vander Closter. in the real world and still had a good time.” �

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How Can You Serve Your Town?

Keith Oakley readily admits that the perfect town does not exist, but that a positive perspective goes a long way to make it that much better.

The Clifton native added that the best way to achieve that is by getting involved. “I just think it’s a great thing to give back to your city,” said Oakley, 67. “Clifton, like a lot of towns, has everything to offer no matter what your passion is. Whatever your passion is, that is what you should do to help your city.”

For Oakley, his passion is supporting veterans and children. The self-proclaimed professional volunteer has always had a vested interest in giving back to these groups.

Back in 2002, Oakley co-founded the city’s Avenue of Flags with the late John Biegel Jr. and the late Walter Pruiksma. Today, more than 2,100 flags honor both living and deceased veterans.

Although he is not a veteran, Oakley has always maintained a reverence for service members.

“My father spent 30 years in the Army and my cousin was killed in Vietnam,” said Oakley. “I always promised my dad that I’d never forget and always honor servicemen.”

As for children, he admits that he goofed around in high school. As a result, he was placed in a work study program to assist special needs children in School 13.

“They thought they were punishing me, but I fell in love with those kids,” he said. “I fell in love with their smiles.

Even if you think that they don’t know what you’re saying, a lot of them do.”

“They’re really great kids who need a lot of love and care.” Oakley spent nearly 40 years in the window business before retiring. Meanwhile, he is a trustee for about 20 years with the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency and serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.

Oakley, who lives in Athenia, is married to wife Michele and has four children. “Clifton’s a great town, with a great school system, recreation, and great services for veterans,” said Oakley. “It would take a lot to get me out of here.”

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No Greater Love than His City Like his former classmates, Ray Grabowski marches to the beat of his own drum. But, like with all his pursuits, the councilman and lifelong musician does it with a purpose.

“I enjoy helping people,” said Grabowski, 67.

The 1971 graduate fulfills that through his involvement since 2015 with the City Council. It was a position that he previously ran for and later assumed after the passing of his brother, Matt (CHS 1979). Grabowski has experienced firsthand the feeling of satisfaction when someone comes to the council with a problem and he has the ability to help them.

“It can be minor or major … but it’s always rewarding,” he said.

Grabowski grew up and remains in the Athenia section. He attended St. John Kanty in Clifton and Woodrow Wilson. Once at CHS, he devoted much of his time to playing tenor drums with the Mustang Marching Band, and he was file sergeant in his senior year.

For Grabowski, the band was what made his high school experience memorable. He was part of the group that performed in Holland in 1970. Grabowski continues to play music with Swingman & the Misfit-Mutts.

“You’re never alone if you play an instrument,” said Grabowski. “It’s probably the only job in the world that you can keep going at until the day you die.”

After leaving CHS, Grabowski attended Fairleigh Dickinson in Rutherford. He earned his bachelor’s degree in K-8 education. After teaching for a while, he started his landscaping business. Ray Grabowski Landscaping has striven to keep our city beautiful for 32 years.

It’s a city that Grabowski is proud to call home. Whether in his involvement with the council or the Athenia Business Association, Grabowski wants to continue giving back to the city that provided for him and his family.

“There’s no greater love for me than Clifton,” he said.

“Clifton is like my family now.”

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As the Clifton Memorial Library celebrates its 30th year, Cindy Czesak expressed her pride in her role helping make the most recent branch a reality.

Czesak (CHS 1971) started working in the Clifton Public Library at age 18. For the former Mustang, it was an unexpected, but thrilling gig.

“I wrote a letter saying that I’d like to be considered for a position … but I didn’t really know how to get a job in a place like a library,” said Czesak, 67. “When they called me and offered me a position, I was like, ‘Really? I’m so lucky.’”

After briefly attending Montclair State before leaving to work full time, it was Czesak’s desire to not take orders from anyone that saw her back in the classroom. She would earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and then a master’s degree in library science from Rutgers.

Czesak served as the Library Director of Clifton Public Library for over 14 years. During that time, the decision was made to build a new library branch. The library was dedicated in May 1991.

“I was very young and when you’re younger, you are able to achieve more because you don’t know what you don’t know. You have big dreams,” said Czesak.

“Gloria Kolodziej was the mayor at that time and they said, ‘Yes, let’s build a new building,’” she continued, “and I had to apply for grants, do fundraising and learn it all on the fly.”

After Clifton, Czesak served as the library director in Paterson for 17 years. Although the Parsippany resident retired in October 2017, she still does library consulting.

The results of her efforts were a source of pride for her family and remain so for her.

“My parents were always so … proud that their daughter made a difference with the library in the community,” she said. “You’re connected with the community in a different way. You can change people’s lives, and it really is a very heartening experience to do that.”

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Born for the Uniform For William Gibson, his Clifton experience is all-the-more special because some of his CHS classmates also remained close members of the Clifton family.

Among those that he knew throughout school were Keith Oakley and fellow councilman Ray Grabowski. Gibson, 68, also considered classmate Dave Glattly as an extremely close friend.

During those years, Gibson was active in sports. He ran cross country, wrestled, and was a pole vaulter on the track team.

“Our coach Ed Zak would let us go down even on Sundays,” recalled Gibson. “I had the key to the stadium. A bunch of us would get together, let ourselves in, vault for an hour or two, and then drag all of the stuff back and close up the stadium and go home.”

“I guess that wouldn’t happen today,” he added with a laugh.

After CHS, Gibson took some courses at Passaic County Community College and worked as a teller for a bank in Paterson. But even before working in the bank, he had a job. Gibson worked previously for the Department of Public Works as a summer job.

Then, like his father, he became an animal control officer in 1974.

“That’s when my city career started,” he said. “The interesting part of it is, my mother thought that I’d end up being in a uniform.”

By 1982, that became even more the case when his career as a Clifton police officer began. Gibson retired from the police force as Detective Sergeant and commander of anti-crime.

The Richfield resident is married to Robin Waterman Gibson and is a father to four children who all went through Clifton schools. Since 2014, he has served on the City Council.

“I’ve always been a Clifton person … and it will always be my hometown,” said Gibson. “I enjoy being a part of everything.”

Hopefully the articles I’ve written here over the last few months have been informative and interesting—at least enough that you are reading this one right now!

If that is the case, I want to extend an invitation to help you learn more about a number of topics.

On July 19 and July 26 from 5 to 6 pm, join us for retirement webinars on Zoom. I will be joined by John Traier, a Certified Public Accountant, and Vincent Macri, a Certified Elder Law Attorney. In an hour conversation, we will discuss a number of topics (above and others) important to all folks over the age of 50.

Why don’t you join us? It is a free webinar, fact filled with information to help you navigate the next decade, or two. In one hour, we will present topics then you will be able to ask questions of these professionals.

It’s called the “Alligator Webinar”! A strange name we know but you’ll find out why by signing up!!

If you are 50 and over, there’s no time like now to start planning. The Alligator Webinar is a great and painless way to get started! There is no commitment nor investment needed. But we do need you to call and reserve one of five “seats” to listen in.

Vincent N. Macri is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and the founding and senior partner of Macri & Associates.

Since 1996, the focus of his practice has been in Medicaid planning, disability planning/special needs trusts, assest preservation and related estate matters.

John M. Traier has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1982.

He is the principal of John M. Traier & Associates, LLC. His specialty is helping clients thrive as they navigate life changes and business changes at age 50 and beyond.

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A Spirited Mustang School spirit was big during Karen (Renta) Foley’s high school years, which meant the place to be on Saturday nights was at the football games.

“We’d walk to the stadium and the girls had sororities like the colleges,” said Foley (CHS 1971). “You’d join a sorority and wear a jacket to the games.

It was a really fun time.”

She recalled that her own jacket was yellow and white.

Once at the stadium, they sat together and would try to cheer the loudest.

These moments in many ways stood in stark contrast to the Vietnam era. She added that there were certainly students who “jumped on the bandwagon” and protested with college kids. But it was mostly fun times at CHS and what she described as “kind of old-fashioned.”

Another popular hangout was Frill’s Subs, located on Van Houten Avenue. When not spending time with friends, Foley enjoyed running and swimming. However, she did not run track and in those years, there was not an official swim team. So, she and other students were more a part of a club that went to the Boys & Girls Club to practice.

She also focused her attention on art.

“I loved to paint and draw, and I was in advanced art classes,” said Foley, 68. “Any of the art clubs, I usually joined those.”

After graduating, Foley immediately started working.

At the time, she was doing primarily administrative work in an office setting. Her first official job was with Prudential Financial.

Foley worked there for about five or six years. However, she will have worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 21 years this September.

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Karen Renta on the run today and back then.

“I became an analyst supporting field sales, and now I’m in the meeting planning division,” said Foley. “I help do our meetings for sales people and doctors who come in to speak on different projects.

“I really enjoy it. It feels like we’re doing good,” she continued. “We create products to help people extend their lives, and that’s a good feeling.”

Foley has two grown children, Jaclyn and Michael, and has lived on Mount Prospect Avenue in Clifton since 2007. When she considers her proudest achievements, her “crowning” one is her children and the adults they have become.

She also expressed pride in herself and the work that she has put into bettering her own life.

“I used to enjoy running in high school, mostly sprints, and then wound up starting to run again in 2006 for exercise,” said Foley. “My dad was sick at the time and I needed something to help with the stress.”

She started by walking and then added running. Eventually, it became all running and she realized how good it made her feel. She has run 37 half marathons and other length races. Foley ran her first full marathon in 2011 in New York City.

Since then, she has run eight full marathons. The only years that she missed were in 2012 and 2020 due to Superstorm Sandy and the coronavirus pandemic, respectively. She also missed it in New York for 2017 due to a stress fracture. However, she qualified the previous year for the Boston Marathon.

“I just love it,” she said. “It’s completely changed my life.”

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’81

From top left: Tara Belinski, Severin Palydowicz, Matt Hanrahan, Michele Sabeh, Mike Kanter, Lauren Haria and Mary Wyka.

The year 1981 was a big moment in the lives of Clifton of the Clifton city limits. For one, Ronald Reagan was High School’s Mustangs, as well as the rest of the world. sworn in that previous January as the 40th President of The graduating Mustangs were preparing to drive their the United States, and he was shot in the chest a little over separate ways. They gassed up at $1.35 a gallon and drove two months later. off listening to Billboard hits such as, “Jessie’s Girl” by Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and PreRick Springfield and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” vention reported what would become the first recognized

by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. cases of AIDS in five Los Angeles Stories by Ariana Puzzo Part of what made that possigay men. ble were the local jobs they held But there was much to enjoy during their high school years. as well. The thrash metal band “I usually worked after Metallica formed in Los Angeschool,” said Luz Escobar. “I les. Many also would set their worked at the former Grand tapes to record or gather with Union on Broad Street for about their friends to watch Luke and 10 years.”

Laura marry on the U.S. soap Others like Dr. George Fouopera General Hospital, making kas spent his formative years it the highest-rated hour in dayassisting the family business. time television history.

For him, it meant working at the The 1981 Mustang grads Midtown Grill. It was the kind had big plans for their futures of job, he said, that allowed you as well. Future careers for the to see all kinds of people from CHS graduating class included different walks of life sitting working in the Passaic County next to each other at the counProsecutor’s Office and practicter. ing dentistry, as well as working But, as they prepared to leave in the Passaic County Sheriff’s for college and the workforce, a Office and the Passaic County lot was also happening outside Probation Department.

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These pursuits have resulted in rewarding and fulfilling careers for the Mustangs. More so, they are now considering their futures in a new sense - what comes next for them post-retirement.

For some, they expressed a hope to travel more once it is safe and possible to do so.

“I love to travel with my wife and go to different places,” said Escobar. “We’ve been to Italy, Argentina, and a couple of Carribean islands. I would definitely like to travel more.”

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Reunited Mustangs When Nicholas Lordi reflected on life since CHS, he was full of gratitude.

During those earlier years, he said that his goals were to be successful in his chosen field and to represent his profession well. To date, he is proud to say that he has met both of those goals.

“God’s been really good to me over the years,” said Lordi (CHS 1981).

For Lordi, sports were a big part of his Clifton experience. He moved to Clifton in the ninth grade and went to then Woodrow Wilson Junior High. At CHS, he played football, basketball, baseball and hockey.

After graduating, Lordi went to the University of Delaware and majored in accounting. From there, he graduated and went to work at an accounting firm in Paterson.

In those days, he returned to Clifton and lived on Valley Road. After a while, he moved to a larger accounting firm in Manhattan for a couple of years.

Today, he works at his own Lyndhurst business, which he established in 1989. Lordi is married to Gisela and lives in Mendham Township. The couple have two children, Nicholas and Alexis. “[God’s] been able to afford me to put my kids through med school and undergrad,” said Lordi, 58. “[They] turned out to be really good kids who studied hard.”

“It’s a good thing that Top Nick Lordi calling signals on Joe Grecco field. Above, the Mustangs recently Mike Wojic, they got their mother’s Joey Aloia, Jeff Smith, Nibbles Dubois, Lordi, Larry Greco, Larry Weisel and Randy Calligaro. brains,” he quipped.

One of the things that Now, there are about seven or eight guys in a regular Lordi has enjoyed in more recent years is reconnecting texting chain. with his CHS classmates. For a number of years, he said, “We’re still busting each other on old football plays many of them were not in contact. Then, some years ago, today,” he said. “It’s good to get back together with evabout 10 of them went to dinner at Mario’s. erybody.”

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Mark Ranges in ’81 and with his family today: Kaylin, Michael Harder (Kristen’s fiancé) Kristen, Deborah, Mark.

Setting the Mustang Bar If Mark Ranges was given the choice, the ’81 Mustang would relive his high school years.

“It was just the free-spiritedness and ability to do things,” said Ranges, 57. “Running around with friends and not having the responsibilities that we have today.”

But Ranges has not left that life fully behind. He is still in touch with friends like Nick Lordi and Larry Weasel.

Also, after briefly living in Wayne and Woodland Park, he moved back to Clifton two years ago and lives across from CHS. Ranges is married to wife Deborah, and the couple have two daughters, Kristen and Kaylin.

During his time across the street, Ranges was on the football and wrestling teams. For wrestling, he was co-captain alongside Kevin Szott (CHS ’81). Other memories include spending time with friends in Phil Hertzberg’s basement or up the mountain by the quarry.

Ranges went on to study accounting at Stetson University in Florida. After realizing it was not what he wanted to do professionally for the rest of his life, he returned to New Jersey to attend Seton Hall Law School.

After 25 years in the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office he retired as the Deputy First Assistant. Since then, he has worked in private practice doing criminal defense work.

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The uniqueness of Ranges’ work is what keeps him passionate. “When I was with the prosecutor’s office, all types of cases involved helping people who were victims, but there was always something new,” he said. “Each case is different and has its own different nuances and set of facts.”

“On the defense side, it’s basically the same,” he added.

“People are accused of things that they said they didn’t do … and you get to protect their rights during a trial.”

A Personal Touch George Foukas knows that despite our city’s size, Clifton maintains a small town feel.

After all, the CHS 1981 graduate has lived here for his entire life and continues to work locally with his dental practice. “Most people call me ‘George’ rather than ‘Dr. Foukas’, and I take it as a compliment,” said Foukas, 57.

“Eighty percent of my patients are like family.”

Foukas was born in Paterson and his family moved to Clifton when he was 3 . He attended School 3, Woodrow Wilson, and then CHS. During high school, Foukas got involved with different sports. He wrestled and played football, but spent all four years playing tennis. Looking back, he acknowledged that he received a great education from Clifton and said that CHS felt like a small college.

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“It was a big class,” he remarked. “Sometimes a patient will come in and say, ‘When did you graduate?’ ‘1981.’ ‘Me too!’ But we never interfaced.”

Throughout high school, and prior to that, Foukas worked at his family-owned Midtown Grill. He started going in with his father at age six. That city connection through the patrons is something that he still regards today as unique and special.

“Everyone knew me there,” he said. “You’d cook and clean, but people would also come in and you’d Back in 1981, talk to them. It’s a different kind of discipline.” that’s Herbert Krygsman. At Foukas attended Fairleigh Dickinson for his unright in a more dergraduate studies and then later, for dental school. recent photo It was the perfect opportunity, he said, to remain lothat’s he and his cal while he worked. wife, Nidia.

Foukas graduated from dental school in 1989.

He then opened his office at 54 Grove St., the former office of Dr. Lou Bertolotti. Now, he’s crowding 30 years in that office. be accepted as being myself and that’s kind of tough.”

“When you open from scratch after becoming a dentist, Krygsman, 59, counted himself fortunate for the close it takes a while,” he said. “I put a chair in there and eventufriends who he said made a mark on his life. Those are the ally, we got busy. We’ve outgrown it, but we’re not movpeople that he will remember for years to come. ing.

When it came to spending time outside of school, he and The best part of his work and where he does it is the perhis friends would go to Skate USA or Fun and Games up by sonal touch. He has seen generations of Cliftonites come Willowbrook. They also spent time at Brookdale Park, the through his doors and making people happy is a priority.

Hearth, The Hot Grill, and Rutt’s Hut. “You go into it to make a living, but it feels so good As for his extracurriculars, he was sporadically involved when you help people and make it affordable for them,” in sports. Krygsman found himself mostly involved in the said Foukas. “I’ve been blessed with knowing such nice shop classes. He particularly enjoyed working with his people.” hands and excelled in Woodshop I and II. Foukas has also found another way to remain connected After CHS, Krygsman entered the US Air Force in July to the community. The Clifton resident joined the Zoning of 1981. He was medically discharged in October of 1981, Board about 13 or 14 years ago. He served for one year as and began working with general contractors in the area. In the chair and still serves as a member. The volunteer role 1993, he started to work as a correction’s officer after takis an important and interesting one. “We help guide future ing the test. growth and development,” he said.

After more training and a second police academy, he became a sheriff’s officer and today, he is a detective corporal in the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office. He’s also a first reA Hands-On Mustang sponder instructor for the Passaic County Police Academy Herbert Krygsman recalled high school with a candidand will complete 28 years in the Sheriff’s Office at the end ness for how life is for most kids at that age. of August.

“I look back at it right now and it was kind of chaotic,” “[The pride comes from] the treatment that you give to laughed Krygsman (CHS 1981). “It was about fitting in, an individual and the lives you’re able to save,” said Krygswhether you were the most popular boy or girl.” man. “Working as a sheriff’s officer, I can’t tell you “I just wanted to be myself,” he continued. “I wanted to

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how many times I worked in the court system with people who were in dire need.”

Krygsman lives in Clifton with his wife, Nidia. He is the father of two sons, Wesley, 36, and Frank, 33, from his first marriage.

Later, with the Prosecutor’s Office, she was with the Special Victims Unit, the White Collar Crimes Unit, and then finished in the Narcotics Unit.

“Probably the most rewarding part was having worked in SVU and helping people who were abused,” Next Stop ... The World said Escobar. “As difficult a When we caught up 10 Luz Escobar in 1981 and today. subject as it was to work with years ago with Luz Escobar, children who were sexually or physically abused, being the former Mustang had recently returned to her native Boable to help them was probably most rewarding.” gotá, Colombia. Today, Escobar is stateside again and reEscobar and her wife, Angelica, have lived in Delaware invented herself in a new career. since 2015. Escobar now works as a realtor for Sea Bova “I had a very good high school experience, particularly Associates. because I was on the basketball team,” said Escobar, 57.

“I wanted to do something that didn’t require me to go “That was my thing back then. We had a little get-together into an office and work every day from 9 to 5,” she said. “I a couple of years ago with coaches and a couple of playwanted to have the liberty because I still go back and forth ers.” to Colombia.”

After high school, Escobar briefly attended William Pa“It actually has and worked out well for me.” terson and later Bergen Community College after she was One of the best parts of the last 10 years is reconnecting dismissed from William Paterson due to poor grades. She with her high school friends, Jackie Festa (CHS 1980) and would eventually return to William Paterson and earn her Maureen Egan (CHS 1981). Overall, she is proud of her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. time at CHS and college, and grateful for what it afforded Escobar’s hard work led to a successful career in the her. “I have had a wonderful career and a good life, with Passaic County Probation Department and Prosecutor’s all the ups and downs that life throws your way,” she said.

Office. During her tenure in the Probation Department, she “Life has been good for me.” worked as an investigator and a probation officer.

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Wheeling From Smoking Retired Clifton motorcycle cop Brian Fopma ditched cigarettes in November 2009, and the decision transformed his life.

Fopma broke the cycle of smoking after he was challenged by then fellow officers and friends, Randy Colondres and John Kavakich. What encouraged his efforts was his desire to ride in the Police Unity Tour.

“It was motivation and it kind of gave me a goal,” said Fopma (CHS 1981). “If I do this, I’ll actually be able to ride to Washington.”

Fopma told Clifton Merchant in 2009 that he started smoking when he worked as a mechanic in a gas station. The habit continued over the years, going from a few at work to a pack-and-a-half a day.

Despite skepticism from friends and family about his ability to quit, Fopma was determined.

“I made up my mind and quit smoking, and it really did change my life.”

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Top left, Jason Declet and Trina Diakos, Danielle Donkersloot and Lori Rothe, Michelle Barraud and Gendy Chinchay, below, best dressed, Steve Corrubias and Kari Hemerick. At left, an unidentified picture from the 1991 yearbook.

All stories by Ariana Puzzo As acid-washed jeans and denim jackets grew in popularity during the late 1980s, the Class of 1991 prepared to make their own mark on the world. But before the left the halls of CHS, they dressed it up a bit.

Check out the photos on this page to recall the days of big hair, a precell phone and social media world.

Following graduation, they would pursue many paths, many of which wound their way back to their hometown. While some found their foothold in architecture, others went into recruiting. Others still found a different sense of purpose. A handful of Mustangs went on to serve their communities through the pursuit of education and law enforcement.

While they were still in school together, though, they all had their favorite hangouts. Some of those spots still remain staples in our city,

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like Rutt’s Hut and The Hot Grill.

Or, like true New Jerseyans, the diners. “The thing to do was go to the Tick Tock Diner,” Clifton police officer Kevin Collucci recalled in a recent interview.

Other hot spots are now a footnote in our city’s history, but still hold special memories for Class of 1991 grads like Wayne Demikoff.

“The popular places were The Hot Grill and Rutt’s Hut. I still go to those places - that never left me, that’s for sure,” laughed Demikoff.

“But the Red Chimney? Too bad that’s gone now.”

External world events also came to an end the same year as the ’91 Mustangs went their separate ways after graduation. Both the Gulf War and the Cold War concluded that year.

Despite the unpredictability of a new decade and time in the lives of CHS ’91 graduates, one thing was certain: They were prepared for the future.

“Our graduating class was huge,” said Demikoff. “But meeting new people and trying to survive helps you grow as a person.”

Mustangs gymnastics, from left front: Michele Prato, Tara Hemerick, Lesley Zawacki, Carolyn Ruffilo, Coach Judy D’Argenio. Rear: Toni Reccoppa, Sounye Ganapathy, Meredith Wilson, Shari Alboum, Andrea Kothleitner. The volleyball team from front left: Emily Kellam, Ann Pelensky, Jennifer Tate, Trina Braun. Standing: Cara Kling, Adrianna Farmiga, Melissa Lasiw, Coach Tuorto, Loretta Zahn, Betty Franko, Chris Pavloski, Kim Jacukiewicz.

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Another Point for Clifton If you have followed Mustang basketball, you should recognize the name Sam Poulis.

The CHS 1991 grad finished his senior year with 1,258 points. Poulis finished his Mustang career as the leading scorer in CHS history and is still in the top three. He was inducted into the CHS Hall of Fame for basketball in 2004.

Despite leaving the high school court 30 years ago, the game remains special for Poulis.

He plays a little bit now with his son and daughter. “They haven’t quite found a passion for it yet, but I think I’m wearing them down,” he laughed.

Poulis, 48, lives in Mahwah with his three children and wife, Debbie. The former Mustang went to Union College in New York. He studied economics and played basketball for all four years.

Then, in his words, he “fell backwards” into his future career as a recruiter in the software field.

“I was looking for a job … and was trying to find information and data on companies that I was interviewing with,” said Poulis. “A buddy who was a headhunter said, ‘You ask a lot of good questions - why don’t you come in and meet with my boss?’”

Poulis works for New Relic, a San Francisco-based company. Founded in 2008, the company’s cloud-based software lets application and website owners track their services’ performances.

No longer living in Clifton, Poulis shared fond memories.

“Being able to hang out with friends until the sun went down and roam the neighborhood with my buddies until nightfall - that was awesome,” he said.

His brother, Mike, still lives here, which gives Poulis the opportunity to hit up his old haunts like The Hot Grill and Bruno’s. “I was at Nash Park every day and The Hot Grill is right across the street,” said Poulis. “It was a drink and one all-the-way.”

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Sam Poulis in 1991 on his way to his Mustang record. Today, Sam and Debbie Poulis with Gianna, Jack and Ava. At left, Kevin Collucci in 1991 and on the job today.

Paying It Forward Giving back and serving his community are second nature to Kevin Collucci. After all, it was something that he grew up seeing firsthand.

Collucci learned those values by watching his father, Vito Colluci Sr., in action for years. Vito is a retired police officer who served for 27 years. Today, the younger Collucci serves in the Community Policing Division.

“My interest started at age 7 when I brought my father in for a show-and-tell [at School 11],” said Collucci, 49.

“This is what I wanted to do and where I wanted to do it.”

Working in the city that he grew up in remains important to Collucci. Today, he lives elsewhere with his wife, Allison, and their children, Kyle, 15, and Julia, 12. But he is still connected to the city. Part of that is due to his parents still residing here.

The other aspect is staying in touch with the community.

“Gary Passenti, who’s a sergeant, graduated with me,” said Collucci. “So, I’m working with someone that I knew from school. I enjoyed my time growing up here. It’s nice to see individuals that I went to high school with who open up businesses in Clifton and contribute to our city.”

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Lifting Up Others But her earliest teaching One of the best parts of Clifton for experiences can be traced back to Jessica (Gulardo) Justin is the lifelong Clifton summer programs. “I went as bonds. Justin has experienced these a child and then became a counselor bonds in her own life. in high school,” said Justin. “I taught “I had a really fun experience in cheering and arts and crafts.” high school. I loved everything about “I think working with the kids made it,” said Justin, 47. “I was friends with me want to become a teacher,” she the same group of kids since about continued. “Along with a few of my kindergarten, and I’m still friends with favorite elementary teachers as well.” them.”

Justin lives in Wayne with her The CHS 1991 grad said she also husband, Shawn (CHS 1992), and loved the school’s atmosphere. She their daughter, Jane. Along with participated in the cheer squad for teaching, Justin has a photography all four years. When she was not in business on the side to further spark school, she remembers going to The her creativity.

Hot Grill or walking around the city Teaching children in a special Jessica (Gulardo) back in the day, and with friends. education classroom fulfills a different above with her husband Shawn Justin.

Justin attended the University of desire.

Delaware, majoring in elementary and special education.

“I feel like I’ve always wanted to help the underdog type When she returned, she got a job in Garfield and has taught of person,” said Justin. “A lot of times, I feel like they don’t at the elementary level for 17 years and in middle school have the confidence … and I’ve always been shy, too. I for 8 years. Today, she teaches the fourth grade. wanted to help people who needed extra help.”

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Back to School Gina (Giaconia) Karlicki’s journey back to the classroom was not set in stone, but it is where she knew she could make the most difference.

Karlicki described her own school years as a “coming of age time.” The CHS ’91 graduate said that she met many people in high school that helped her to grow.

Incidentally, a friend that she has remained close to was met almost by accident during French class.

“Aneta (Zurawski) Ferreira Gina (Giaconia) in 1991 and I became friends in our and today with her husband freshman year,” said Karlicki, Alex Karlicki and their kids 47. “One kid was a jokester Augustus and Madeline. in our class and he’d put a thumbtack on people’s chairs when they got up.”

“We made a promise to each other that we’d let each other know if he did that to the other, and we became close from there,” she laughed.

Karlicki’s friendship with Ferreira is also how Karlicki met her husband, Alex, a 1993 graduate of Don Bosco Prep. The couple have two children and will mark 18 years of marriage this month.

Karlicki went to Rutgers - Newark, where she studied psychology and minored in education. But she was not always set on education. From the end of sophomore year into college, Karlicki had a job at the old Allwood Pharmacy. Not sure if she wanted to pursue education or pharmaceuticals, Karlicki credited her father’s guidance while she was in college.

“My dad really helped me to see that I can make more of a difference with education,” said Karlicki. “He sat down with me and we had a discussion because I was at a crossroads.”

“Dad was a Passaic police officer, too, so he felt that it was important to give back to your community.”

Karlicki does just that. The Clifton resident is a Reading Interventionist in Passaic Public Schools. Her roles

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over the last 25 years have included working as a Basic Skills teacher, classroom teacher, and then a literacy coach.

“Being a teacher means changing the world for the better,” said Karlicki. “The change is more evident over the years, but I hope that I can inspire others to learn and to grow.”

A Diverse Landscape Diversity of people and opportunities were assets during Lori Koehler Ritz’s youth. The CHS ’91 graduate said she learned a lot from her experiences growing up in Clifton.

“It makes you work that much harder when there are so many people around to compete with,” said Ritz, 48.

Ritz’s adolescence involved playing soccer and softball at CHS. She also participated in the concert choir and the Madrigals under Ms. Barbara Novak. During off-campus pastimes, Ritz recalled going with friends to the Tick Tock Diner and Henry’s Deli.

But something that stuck out were the courses offered at CHS. The Albion native started taking architectural drafting classes in seventh grade and continued them through high school. It was these classes that inspired her

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to pursue a career in commercial said Ritz. “Design is such an evoarchitecture. lution. It’s never really done.”

Ritz earned her undergraduate degree in architecture and interior A Family Game design. She first attended the BosYou might say that the apple ton Architectural Center and then doesn’t fall far from the Demikoff took some time to work. Then, she family tree. When it comes to havfinished her degree at The Art Ining an affinity for sports, Wayne Lori (Koehler) Ritz in 1991 and today. stitute of Portland, Oregon. From Demikoff has bridged that passion there, she pursued many types of across generations. projects.

“I was brought up on it by my dad, [Wayne (CHS “I was doing Gulf Coast work after Hurricane Ka1960)],” said Demikoff (CHS 1991). “He was an Alltrina,” said Ritz. “I built casinos in the Gulf Coast region, American in high school, and he [later] helped out with the and I did casino and hotel work in Atlantic City, as well as football team.” designing TD and Commerce banks.”

“My earliest memories are of going down to practice Today, Ritz lives in Washington Township with her with him and watching the games,” continued Demikoff, husband, Mike, and their children, Ava, 14, and Mike Jr., 48. “It was a great experience as a kid.”

12. At the present moment, she is a stay-at-home mother, During junior’s own time at CHS, he played multiple but is still passionate about design. sports. As a freshman, he was on the football, basketball “It’s doing something different every day and it can and baseball teams. After reconstructive surgery on his take you to different parts of the country or the world,” shoulder, Demikoff replaced baseball with track.

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Demikoff knew that he wanted to maintain a connection to football. He earned his social studies and education degree from Rutgers - New Brunswick. He then taught at Belleville High School for 17 years and then at Wayne Hills High School since 2013, where he is also the head coach.

“I followed the legendary Coach Chris Olsen, who has pretty big shoes to fill,” laughed Demikoff. “I worked with him for 14 years and it was a great experience.”

“He’s a great guy and I learned a ton from him,” he added. “He made Wayne Hills known throughout the country.”

The lessons that he learned from the figures in his life are ones that Demikoff strives to pass on to his sons, Tyler, 16, and Troy, 12. Both boys also love football and other sports.

What Demikoff has found is that athletics not only affect students, but also their families. He emphasized that whether you are teaching classroom study habits or athletic work ethic, the lessons are not mutually exclusive.

He added that Clifton prepared him for these lessons.

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Wayne Demikoff with dad, Wayne, and sons Tyler and Troy.

“Clifton did a really good job preparing me for life,” said Demikoff. “Being exposed to all different types of kids … helps you meet so many good people, and I think that’s important to anybody.”

“The roots are there and make you who you are.”

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Stories by Ariana Puzzo Can you imagine that there are two farmers that are still working the land here in Clifton that graduated with the CHS Class of 2001?

Well, it’s true. None other than William Morton and Donna Ploch are helping contribute to the continuation of Clifton’s farming roots.

Morton is now the sole proprietor of Richfield Farms & Garden Center. The farm, at 1139 Van Houten Ave., has existed since Clifton’s own incorporation in 1917.

Ploch’s Farm has an even deeper history in our city.

Located at 148 Grove St., the farm has existed in the Ploch family since George Ploch emigrated from Germany and purchased 60 acres of land in 1867. Today, Donna, her dad Rudy, her sister and aunt Lin keep the green acres producing on the Clifton mountainside.

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William Morton, Donna Ploch, Douglas Barber, Angelina Tirado, Brian Jeffrey Reilly, Chelsea Blasko.

These two 2001 graduates keep us in touch with a fondly regarded century in our city. But they are not the only graduates from their class to form deep connections with the city.

Angelina Tirado and Brian Jeffrey Reilly have dedicated their lives and their careers to being members of the Clifton Fire Department. Separately, Kasey Kida is devoted to serving on the Clifton Police Department.

Another Cliftonite and 2001 grad on the frontlines is Jason Fieldhouse.

He works for the Clifton Health Department. Fieldhouse’s work and the work of others in the department became of truly immeasurable value in the past year and a half during the coronavirus pandemic.

But CHS is known for producing other types of workers. Throughout the decades, we’ve seen local business owners emerge from Colfax Avenue.

One of them is Thomas Kievit who, along with his brother Kenneth, owns Athenia Mason Supplies. The business has two Clifton locations at 72 Mina Ave. and 127 Clifton Blvd. It has served the Tri-State area since 1970.

We haven’t forgotten about Christopher Sadowski. Before his gig at the New York Post, Sadowski was known around town as the managing editor of our very own Clifton Teen.

Jennifer Vitiello, Jason Fieldhouse, Jorge Cabral, Christopher Sadowski, Thomas Kievit, Kasey Kida, Raymond Cabral, Matthew Stuart.

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Bringing Visions to Life The year 2001 may not feel like all that long ago, but a lot sure has happened for graduating Mustangs like Gianpaolo Castaldo.

After graduating from high school, Castaldo went directly into the workforce. He started working for his friend selling T-shirts at flea markets. Later, he worked for a while at Verizon Wireless as a sales associate. Then, he went to work for Cingular Wireless for about four years.

Today, he is the owner of Signarama Clifton, located at 681 Van Houten Ave. “The previous owner, Mike Placko, was someone that I went through Woodrow Wilson and graduated with, and we kept in contact,” said Castaldo, 37. “Someone told me that he was looking to step away or sell it.”

“We had a conversation about it and we worked out a plan, and it just kind of happened.”

Castaldo’s daily duties include bookkeeping and sales, as well as meeting with customers, doing estimates and putting together designs.

He lives today with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children in Totowa. The former resident takes great pride in being a business owner in his hometown.

“It’s nice being back and having people call from different schools and things,” he said.

“The CML / Clifton Junior Athletic League also called … looking for quotes for signage. It was my stomping ground and where I grew up in the park as a kid.”

When reflecting on the last two decades, Castaldo is happy to have created his family and to have become a business owner since he always wanted to be his own boss.

His goal for the next 20 years is seeing his children grow and then passing the business on to one of them.

In the meantime, he enjoys each day as it comes.

“It’s always something different and you’re not dealing with the same routine,” said Castaldo. “There’s always someone coming up with a different project.”

“Making their vision come to life,” he added, “is one of the things that I like most about it.”

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The Point of Healing Alaina Scordilis always knew that she wanted to help others. Now, her desire helps heal the body, mind and spirit from her Clifton office.

The Cliftonite was a member of the Mustang Marching Band and graduated from CHS in 2001. After high school, Scordilis went on to study psychology. Then, she realized her specific calling.

“I had a dream about being an acupuncturist and I followed my dream,” said Scordilis.

In 2010, Scordilis opened her practice, Acupuncture to Serenity, at 925 Allwood Road. Her practice is in the same office as Scordilis Chiropractic, which is owned by her father, George Scordilis, and her brother, Peter Scordilis

At left, Gianpaolo Castaldo, today with his wife Lindsey and Giovanni, Antonio, Santino and Angelina. At right, Alaina Scordilis and Philip Read Jr. from back in the day and in a recent look.

(CHS 1998). Both men have served Clifton for the last 40 years. Now the third member of the family brings a new dimension to the healing arts. Scordilis’ passion is evident by the way she discusses acupuncture’s healing effect on the human body.

“What interests me the most is how the body is ‘a whole’ - the physical body, the emotional mind and the spirit,” said Scordilis.

Scordilis is grateful to help her patients with pain management and emotional support. It is an indescribably good feeling, she said, when patients tell her that they are no longer in pain or experiencing depressed thoughts or debilitating anxious behaviors.

“The connection between myself and my patients is not just symptomatic and a therapy response, but rather it is a true mutual connection of positivity and gratitude,” said Scordilis. “I am forever grateful to be so fortunate to be able to serve the Clifton community and support those to live their lives of beauty and strength.”

and a half years ago. Now, he is a senior graphic designer and illustrator for 27587 MAGAZINE. The magazine was started by his father, Philip Sr. (CHS 1973), who got his start at the Paterson News and later worked as an editor for The Bergen Record. He is also author of several books.

See it in print or online at: 27587magazine.com.

Among the junior Read’s proudest achievements is winning illustration awards from the North Carolina Press Association for 27587’s covers. Read also illustrates and selfpublishes his own graphic comic.

“It’s great because I’m getting paid to draw for a living, which has always been a goal,” said Read. “Art has always been a part of my life. It’s a good mix of being challenging and rewarding … [and there’s] always room for improvement,” he continued. “That keeps me going.” See some of his work at: deviantart.com/preadjr.

An Eye for Illustration Like many artists, Philip Read, Jr. found that artistic creativity thrived and kept him grounded throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The CHS 2001 graduate has appreciated art from a young age. Read grew up in Clifton and attended School 16 and WWMS. Once at CHS, he said that he took a bunch of art classes.

“Ever since I was a kid, I was always interested in comics and … my uncle was an artist as well,” said Read, 38.

“Art was always a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

After CHS, Read attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City. There, he took his interest in comic books and chose to major in cartooning.

“The visual storytelling [interested me most], and I think it’s a very unique medium,” said Read.

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A Taste of Everything For Laura Tacchi, one of the best parts of CHS was its size.

While some find the school overwhelming, the 2001 grad immediately said that she enjoyed going to a large school.

What made it great was the opportunity to have a number of different friends over the four years.

Tacchi grew up in Clifton. Prior to CHS, she attended School 13 and Woodrow Wilson Middle School. While growing up, she spoke English and Italian in her household since her parents had emigrated from Gubbio, a town in central Italy.

After she graduated, her next stops were Caldwell College, and then William Laura Tacchi in 2001 and today with her husband Paterson University. Tacchi studied English Nicholas Faustino and their child Christian. literature and education.

“I always had an interest in it [and] I great ways to achieve that goal. think it was because I always really enjoyed reading,” she Desai graduated from CHS in said. “I think that made me want to pursue English. Plus, 2001. Today, she works in MontI really enjoyed the idea of teaching.” clair as an attorney, specializing Today, Tacchi is married to Nicholas Faustino. The in US immigration law. By staycouple live in the Athenia section with their 1-year-old ing local and contributing her “knowledge base”, she son, Christian. hopes to pay it forward to her community.

Tacchi has taught for the last 12 years and has always Her desire also stems from a deep gratitude for the taught in Clifton. She taught first at Saint Philip’s, and Clifton Public Schools. she currently teaches at Christopher Columbus Middle “The Clifton school system invested in me and made School. it possible for me to become the attorney that I am now,” “I like middle school kids because they’re kids, but said Desai, 38. “My hope is in my hopefully decades they’re not babies,” said Tacchi. “They’re a fun age.” long career … I’m able to contribute and give something One of the best feelings, she added, is helping students. back.”

When it comes to the best moments, Tacchi considers Desai was born in India. As a first generation immithose when you see a child struggling and then they start grant, she emigrated from Mumbai with her family when to do well again. she was 10-years-old. After arriving in Clifton, she atShe is also glad that she gets to experience that growth tended School 15, CCMS for one year, WWMS for two with great students and fellow faculty. years, and then CHS. “Clifton has a little bit of everything, I really just love She graduated from Rutgers with a bachelor’s degree [it],” she said. “I love that it’s a diverse town and I love in criminal justice. From there, she attended law school at that we have … a little taste of everything.”

New York Law School.

Paying It Forward Arti Desai is all about investing in her community, and she has found that living and working locally are two

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She described law as something that was always a passion in her father’s family.

“My dad really wanted me to pursue law. [He] was

planning on going into it before his father passed away, and then he had to take up the mantle and he couldn’t fulfill that dream,” said Desai.

“My grandmother also told me that my grandfather was in law school,” she continued, “and quit to join the freedom movement in India.”

What she enjoys most about practicing immigration law is her daily interactions with clients. Helping to make their lives easier is a large part of her desire to go into the specific law, too.

What’s more, Desai understands how daunting the process is to bring your family to the U.S. or to attain a worker visa.

“The laws are confusing and the consequences [for not following them] are severe,” said Desai. “When they come by with their green card … and it’s the happiest that they’ve been, I’ve helped them achieve the American Dream .. and contribute to this great country we live in.”

“My law school debt is worth it if I can do that,” she laughed.

Desai works at the Law Office of Rupal Parikh, located at 33 Park St. in Montclair. Her cases are family and employment based. She focuses on H-1B visas, which has her working with small businesses and universities.

What she would like to see is a greater awareness that people immigrating to the U.S. are doing so for a good reason – no one wants to uproot their life and livelihood. “[They’re] people,” she said. “I think what happens is the impact on the individual gets lost in the rhetoric.

The media and especially pundits need to understand that these are not ‘illegals.’”

“We need to understand their drive and motivation,” added Desai. “If we bring more humanity into immigration and understand why they come … hopefully, we can revise our immigration laws and come up with something more humanistic.”

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Sparking Creativity Creativity and community involvement remain big elements in Stephanie Peterson-Yoda’s life.

Although she graduated from Montclair State University with a major in psychology and a minor in theater, she has found unique ways to put her knowledge to great use.

“The arts and psychology combined allow you to use creativity,” said Peterson-Yoda, 38, who works in the electrical and lighting industry as the Vice President of Marketing at Thea Enterprises, on Allwood Rd. “[It helps in] understanding how people think, and I melded that together to create a passion for marketing and design.”

Living with her husband, Adam Yoda, in Wayne with their boys, Maxwell, 3, and Samuel, 11 months, one of her big career accomplishments is working in the male-dominated electrical construction industry as one of only a few women. Yoda is also on the Theater League of Clifton’s board since 2012.

Peterson-Yoda’s love of the arts is not new.

She acknowledged that her high school experience “definitely centered around the arts.” For Adam and Stephanie (Peterson) Yoda with Samuel and Maxwell. her, it included the theater, Marching Band, stagecraft, and the Madrigals.

“It’s important because after school, a lot of people don’t “I have a nice core group of friends from have the opportunity to be involved in the arts. We want to high school,” she said. “I think our bond was created nurture that passion,” said Peterson-Yoda. “It encourages through those activities.” students to go from that high school experience and pursue Getting involved with TLC was a natural progression. the arts in their careers.”

Particularly given last year’s effect on the ability of per“We also have scholarships every year that help them formers to engage audiences, she emphasized the imporcontinue to pursue that passion.” tance of keeping the arts alive in the community.

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When Robbie Vargo was 13 years old, he had a “goal board.” Yes, seriously. The new teen had a board in his bedroom, on which he listed his long-term goals. Atop it was his prime aspiration—to become an attorney.

It is remarkable enough that Vargo had the board in the first place. But to make it a self-fulfilling prophecy is a testament to the ambition, discipline and vision the Clifton Class of 2001 grad has had since his time growing up on Washington Avenue.

Before law school, Vargo was one of the Mustangs’ most celebrated wrestlers ever, wrestling at various weights between 140 and 171 between the 1997-98 and 2000-01 seasons. He was a two-time state place-winner, taking third at 171 as a junior and fifth as a senior. He likely would have placed as sophomore, as well, but was injured in the NJSIAA quarterfinals that year. Vargo also won four Passaic County and district titles, two region championships, and graduated with 130 wins (which, at the time, were the most in Passaic County history).

He earned a full scholarship to Seton Hall University, but the Pirates cut their wrestling program before he began his freshman season. He spent a year there anyway, but wanted to wrestle and decided to transfer to Montclair State. But once he got there, he decided to focus on academics, giving up his lifelong athletic love to hit the books. “[Seton Hall cutting their program] forced me out of it,” Vargo recalled. “It was my dream to wrestle in college and it was a shock when the program was cut. When I got to Montclair State, I really wanted to wrestle, but then ultimately I decided that I wanted to focus on my studies.”

He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and entered Rutgers Law School in Newark

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Robbie Vargo on the attack in 2000. Today, he and Chelsea with Aidan, Preston, Jaxson and Remington.

that fall. Vargo proceeded to graduate in the top 10 in his class in 2008, landing a job in the construction and employment practice group at Lowenstein Sandler, one of the top law firms in New Jersey.

Looking for greater work-life balance, Vargo left Lowenstein in 2011 for a risk management position at Turner Construction Company and soon achieved another entry on the goal board—opening up a day care facility.

A venture on which he wanted to embark due to his belief that it was simply a “good business”, he and his wife, Chelsea, teamed up to found Love, Laugh, Learn in Cedar Grove in 2015.

“Chelsea is the smartest educator I know,” he said. “She has worked in that industry for 20 years. I had the idea; she had the execution. She is the reason it has been a success.”

Vargo served on the Cedar Grove Council from 2017 to 2020 (as Mayor starting in 2019) before stepping down in June 2020 to devote attention to his business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These days, Vargo’s number one job is being dad to his four children: Aidan, 11, Preston, 7, Jaxson, 5 and Remington, 2. With such outstanding pedigree, the four Vargo kids are sure to be achievers in the same mold as their father.

And one has to figure it will only be a matter of time until they’re fitting their bedrooms for goal boards of their own.

By Tom Szieber

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All stories by Ariana Puzzo As Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” topped the charts in 2011, CHS’ senior class prepared for a whole new world outside of Colfax Avenue.

The world had changed significantly for the seniors long before they donned their caps and gowns that June.

As they began their high school journey, they watched as the financial crisis took hold in cities across America. They also watched as the United States elected its first black president and later as social media expanded through the creation of Instagram in 2010.

Despite all of these significant worldwide events, the Class of 2011 enjoyed traditions just as previous generations of Mustangs did. Students were still invested in their electives and sports, and worked in CAST and cheerleading. They enjoyed a prom, walked the field at Clifton Stadium and then went to Project Graduation. Read on and find out what some have done over these past 10 years.

Madrigal Brian Bender, volleyball player Silvia Siposova, Paul Jadamiec. Celebrity look alikes Ricardo Love (Will Smith) and Emily Komarczyk (Taylor Swift). Headshots: Vetri Velan, Amanda Zaccone, Anthony Vilchez, Sonja Shirak, Bhavin Shah.

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Most athletic Eryka Baez and Elvis Daniele, Ginene and Sherene Saadah, Rina Idrizi and Azhar Aljibawi, Adam Chirlin, Kris Alvarez, Christy Zoecklein, Julianne Lorenzo.

Most likely to succeed Vetri Velan and Marija Kamceva.

Headshots: Marija Kamcera, Michael Phillips, Itati Aburto, Michael Biondi, Jessica Gonzaga. At left, Anthony Gretina and Paige Sciarrino. Below, Most Changed Kris Alvarez and Jamie Lynn France. Bottom left, Class Flirt: Stephanie Hernandez and Moe Grudic.

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Through his t-shirt business, Justin Noll meets celebrities like DMC. Above right, that’s him fiddling around in CHS.

A Positive Force Now 10 years out of CHS, one thing is certain for Justin Noll: he consistently strives to help and empower others.

The CHS 2011 graduate earned his political science degree from Caldwell. Today, he is a defense contractor working on communication systems. But, like many millennials, Noll’s professional interests and journey have encountered external influences.

“Working on humanitarian aid projects is still very much what I want to do in life,” said Noll. “The problem was that it took a very long time to make any progress in applying for jobs.”

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A job that caught his eye from 2015 to 2016 was with Peace Corps. He would have helped farmers in Senegal learn the basics of business. It was an ideal job - he would not only be working less than two hours from his aunt in St. Louis. He also speaks French, which is a proven asset.

Then, the 2016 Presidential Election resulted in an immediate hiring freeze at the Federal level.

“The people I was speaking to stopped responding and that was the end of it,” said Noll. “I put my dream on indefinite hold and continued my job working in the fashion industry as an ‘accountant.’”

For the next 18 months, he worked primarily in ac-

counts payable and accounts receivable while looking at other job opportunities. That is what led him to finding work in the defense sector.

Although it is the type of work that cannot be discussed in great detail, Noll offered that he is working with “preventative technology used in the field to save lives.”

Alternatively, it is not the only way he is contributing to the betterment of people’s lives and well-being. Over the past four years, Noll has started a clothing company.

He and a friend worked together previously at a women’s clothing company in 2017 when they decided to collaborate and create their own T-shirt business.

The two of them wanted to create a product that rejected the objectified and sexualized imagery that is often found in streetwear.

“The goal was to make clothing that depicted strong, positive portrayals of women,” said Noll. “We incorporated a lot of elements from Japanese manga and anime in what we were doing.”

“I think growing up in the States in the 90’s when Pokémon was a thing made it sort of inescapable,” he added.

Noll described the creative process as fairly straightforward. He reaches out to artists and will generally ask them to illustrate their vision of a strong woman. Then, Noll offers his feedback, which generally focuses on technical details for the production.

Occasionally, he will offer composition and subject matter insight to contribute his own evolved design skills.

“I still try to give them as much creative freedom as possible,” he said. “I don’t want to be that kind of nightmare client who has ridiculous demands and micromanages every detail.”

As far as his collaborators, they have included college friends, long-time animators, manga game-changers, and people who help foster diversity in comics. Ultimately, his hope is to create as much positive influence in people’s

lives with his company. “I’m trying my best to turn my clothing company into something that contributes more often and more significantly to charitable causes, while also serving as a platform for artists early in their career to make a name for themselves.”

In 2011, Death came to visit Brian Bender in a cautionary promotion to help stop drunk driving.

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Creating Road Maps for Others Brian Bender knows all about the responsibility of providing guidance to others, and it was a lesson that he learned while he lived in Clifton.

While attending CHS, Bender (CHS 2011) was heavily involved in activities. These included the Marching Mustang Band, the Madrigals and the spring musical.

“The road map for my year was pretty much always planned out in advance. I always kept busy,” said Bender, 27. “It gave me a lot of structure, which was really helpful back then.”

Another group he was involved in through the drama club was Students Against Destructive Decisions. During his senior year, they were part of SADD for an awareness campaign.

“We got to see the effects that drunk driving has, whether it was someone we knew personally or people that we knew through family,” said Bender. “It’s something that affected all of us in different ways.”

After CHS, Bender attended Penn State, where he was a member of the Blue Band. While in college, he studied aerospace engineering. It is the field he works in today.

“What I really liked about it was how versatile the aerospace education was,” he said. “We learned a lot of neat things that maybe a mechanical engineer wouldn’t learn.”

Bender works as a Manufacturing Process Engineer for TLD in Windsor, Connecticut. His work sees him providing outlines for what people on the shop floor do while producing equipment. It is also his responsibility to troubleshoot as issues arise, such as when workers do not receive the necessary components to build equipment.

He said that what gives him the greatest sense of pride is their reach. The company supports many major airlines and the US Air Force.

“There are planes that the U.S. government keeps running 24/7 to intercept nuclear weapons at a moment’s notice,” said Bender. “It’s something that I never realized we needed … but without us, these planes would not be [ready].”

Bender and his fiancée, Kayla, got engaged in April 2020. When he reflects on his life since high school, he has nothing but positive feelings toward his hometown.

“I’m definitely thankful for the opportunities I’ve had from Clifton,” said Bender. “The experiences that I went through … all shaped me into the person that I am today.”

“I’ve taken them with me wherever I go.”

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Alive and well today despite Death’s visit a decade ago at CHS, Brian Bender with his bride-to-be Kayla Gonzalez.

Growing Together We’ve heard enough Mustang love stories across the decades and the generations to know that Jim and Christy (Zoecklein) Fraunberger (CHS 2011) have their own special story to tell.

In fact, you might even say their wedding was the Mustang event of the season.

The couple wed on June 20, 2020 and had their big wedding exactly one year later. Christy’s bridal party included three long-time friends from school as bridesmaids and their good friend Marcela Callejas (CHS 2011) officiated the ceremony. “[Jim and I] met sophomore year in English class and we have dated since then,” said Christy, 28. “It was kind of immediate. I knew of him and then we had class together and started talking, and that was it.”

Both lifelong Cliftonites, Christy attended School 2 and Woodrow Wilson Middle School, while Jim went to School 3 and Christopher Columbus Middle School.

Christy said her high school experience was a great one. She was captain of the cheerleading squad and got to cheer for competitions, as well as for the football and basketball games. The couple’s time at CHS also saw both of them become friends with a number of people.

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After CHS, Jim started working as a lineman for PSEG. Meanwhile, Christy graduated in 2015 from William Paterson. Today, she works as the Director of Project Management and Field Producer for ProInnovation, a webcasting and production company in Cedar Grove.

But one of the most special parts of finding their person at such a young age are the memories that they have shared through the years.

“Camping and going to homecoming and prom together are some of the best memories,” said Christy. “We got engaged on the 10-year anniversary of us dating when we were in Florida.”

“Also, another special memory Christy Zoecklein and James Fraunberger in 2011 and Mr. and Mrs. Fraunberger today. was getting our golden retriever, Nash, in 2016.”

Christy and Jim live on Plymouth Road and are expecting their first baby girl in September. Their future plans are fitting for the relaxed, sociable people that Christy described them as.

“We enjoy having our friends over and having a good time with everybody,” she said. “We just want to grow our family and keep having fun together.”

A Passion for Communication Marcela Callejas has made the most of the last decade.

The 2011 grad is happy where she is with her career and life. “I know a lot of people had kids right out of high school and while that’s amazing, I’m so happy I got to travel the world and do everything that I wanted to do,” said Callejas, 28.

She graduated in 2015 from MSU with a degree in communication and media studies. Then, she decided that she wanted to travel Europe.

In 2016, she traveled to Spain and was an au pair for a family. The family was half Italian and half Spanish, and while she taught the children English, the family taught her Italian.

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Marcela Callejas in 2011 and today.

“It was the best year of my life,” she said. “I originally planned to go for three months and ended up coming home seven months later.”

Today, Callejas lives in Paramus with her boyfriend, Janak. She works as a Public Relations Coordinator and Social Media Director at Bergen Oral Surgery.

It’s a job that she enjoys as a “people person.”

“Meeting new people and faces and interacting with people from all walks of life on a daily basis is always the highlight of my day,” she said.

Clifton PUBLIC SCHOOLS Kindergarten Registration Parents of Clifton Residents who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2021 can register as of February 22, 2021

Pre-School Registration Parents of Clifton Residents who will be 4 years old by October 1, 2021 can register as of February 22, 2021 Limited Space Available, requirements can be found at https://www.clifton.k12.nj.us/domain/928

Limited Income Eligible 3-year-old Pre-School Program please call 973-472-8880

Go Online To Register Registration forms for both programs, required documents, and details can be found at:

www.clifton.k12.nj.us/domain/109

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Most recently, she was able to reunite with people to celebrate the marriage of her two friends and classmates, Jim and Christy (Zoecklein) Fraunberger. Callejas officiated the wedding and said the experience was unique.

“I didn’t have a certificate before Christy asked me to be her officiant,” said Callejas.

“The reason why [she asked] is because Jim asked her to be his girlfriend 12 years ago to the day outside of my house because Christy was sleeping over that night.”

So, what are her hopes for the next 10 years?

“It’s scary to think about 10 years down the line,” she said. “I think I’ll still work in this field … but maybe a little more humanitarian based.”

“I want to be somewhere that I can be challenged intellectually, while still feeling like I love my job and I’m doing what I like, which is communicating with people.”

The Management Side of Sports After a stellar athletic career at both the high school and collegiate level, it’s not surprising that Eryka Baez would want to remain immersed in sports.

Today, the three-sport Mustang Class of 2011 star is the Director of Athletic Compliance at the University of California, Riverside, where she works to ensure that Highlanders stay on the field and experience the same success she once did as an athlete.

“Back in CHS when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I remember during my junior year I wanted to go into forensic science or criminology,” Baez said.

“My senior year,” she continued, “I took a step back and decided what I really wanted to do. I discovered the sports management major. Sports has always been embedded in me. I can’t see myself without it. Obviously, I knew there would be a point where I couldn’t play anymore. But then what? I couldn’t just give up sports.”

Baez was a four-year member of the Clifton girls soccer team (2007-2010), becoming a standout goalkeeper for the squads that shared the Passaic County title in 2009 and won it outright in 2010.

She ran the point for the girls basketball team and was a four-year varsity player in girls lacrosse, mostly as a midfielder but in the goal as a senior.

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Eryka Baez in the ’11 yearbook and today in California.

She moved on to Division II Post University (Conn.), playing soccer and lacrosse. She interned at the XLCenter in Hartford and was the Volunteer Coordinator for the AAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, an experience that triggered a deeper interest in college athletics.

She was also influenced by some very accomplished women.

“My compliance person, Karin Mann at Post, has played so many different [roles] there,” Baez said. “I have always tried to keep my life updated with hers about what I am doing and where I am. Seeing the opportunities she was given, as a woman in athletics, being a voice of a department, it gave me the aspiration of wanting to do that too.”

After graduating with a sports management degree in 2015, she was hired at Rutgers-Newark, where she was part of an NCAA Women’s and Ethnic Minority Program and served as an assistant for marketing and advertising.

Two years later, she secured a graduate assistantship at Illinois State in their compliance department. Wanting to get into the administrative side of sports, she oversaw several programs and assisted in ensuring eligibility while earning a Master’s in Sports Management.

She has been with UC Riverside since 2019.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

Times and Locations Beginning July 5, 2021*:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10:00 am - 11:30 am Christopher Columbus Middle School 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 School 17 361 Lexington Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 Clifton High School 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013

New Location!

*Times and locations subject to change

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2021

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Different Opportunities Finding lifelong friends in high school is special, but Bianca Madrigal found hers even earlier.

“My whole group of friends from high school; a lot of them were my friends since grammar school,” said Madrigal (CHS 2011).

“It was such a great experience going through everything in high school with them, and we’re still close friends, which makes it even better.”

Among her favorite high school memories were her four years cheering. She cheered for football and basketball games, as well as competition.

Madrigal went on to attend MSU and earned a bachelor’s of science in business management. After graduating, Madrigal worked as a marketing coordinator at Sax LLP, which was located in Clifton before moving to Parsippany.

She works today as a business development manager at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in New York City.

“I love my job,” said Madrigal, 27. “I think working at a legal marketing agency is something that people need to be more aware of since it’s a great opportunity.”

Madrigal lives in Hoboken and has several goals for the future. These goals include continuing to excel in her work, buying a house, and getting married and having a child.

In the meantime, one of her favorite hobbies is traveling.

“Pre-COVID, I would travel all over,” she said. “I’d try to make it to Europe at least once a year, and Napa is one of my favorite places in the U.S.” Treating Others Priya Shah may no longer run competitively, but the 2011 grad has always had her eye on success.

Today, Shah works as an internal medicine clinical pharmacist at ChristianaCare in Delaware.

“I was always interested in medicine,” said Shah, 27.

“During my senior year of high school, we could do an internship at different places in the city.”

“I interned at Walgreens’ pharmacy, and it was one of my first exposures,” she continued. “I really enjoyed it.”

Shah’s main CHS memories include running cross country and track and field for all four years. She recalled winning the county championships and qualifying for states a few times.

After she graduated third in her class, she completed the six-year PharmD program at Rutgers University’s Er-

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Bianca Madrigal in 2011 and today.

Priya Shah in 2011 and today.

nest Mario School of Pharmacy. During her freshman year, she lived with Riddhy Panchal (CHS 2011). The two were friends at CHS and reunited this past Memorial Day. Shah completed a residency program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. It was there that she received “rigorous clinical pharmacy training.”

“I would honestly say [that my proudest achievements are] completing pharmacy school, finishing my residency, and getting the job of my dream,” said Shah.

She worked hard to get there as well. She acknowledged the challenges of once ranking top in her high school class and then studying alongside others who were at the top of their own high schools.

Despite her achievements and aspirations outside of New Jersey, Shah still has a deep appreciation for Clifton.

“Clifton will always be near and dear to my heart,” she said. “You can sometimes find me running around town and reminiscing on high school memories.”

AUGUST 12TH -15TH

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL PCFAIR@PASSAICCOUNTYNJ.ORG Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2021

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS The New Jersey Torch Run for Special Olympics always winds its way through Clifton and it did so again on June 11. Thanks to retired Clifton Police Officer Frank Dara and a team of other officers from Clifton and surrounding towns, the Torch makes stops at NJEDDA on Main Ave. and the Clifton Recreation building as it is carried through dozens of communities. This route was one of 26 done by officers statewide for a total of nearly 750 miles, stretching from Sussex County to Cape May. The goal is to raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.

Even though they didn’t travel to the New Jersey Summer Games this year, Clifton Recreation came up with their version called Canteen Olympics, held June 5 in Stefan Tatarenko Memorial Park. Twelve athletes competed in four events each. The athletes walked on the field parade as Rachel Chisolm sang the Star Spangled Banner and Steven Haskoor led the athletes and fans in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag raised by Tiffany Sheppard. A picnic lunch followed with entertainment by guitarist and athlete Dalibor Lisica. In the end, there were medals, much love and good vibes for all involved.

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Annual Peruvian Parade!

Begins 9:30 am Sunday, August 1, in Passaic then through Clifton and ends in Downtown Paterson.

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LIVE MUSIC AGAIN! He’s performed with Willie Nelson and other national artists but Jimmy Sturr still enjoys performing in Passaic’s Third Ward Park.

America’s favorite polka band, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, return for the 18th year on July 22 at 7:30 pm at the bandshell on Passaic and Van Houten Aves.

Sturr has 18 Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album. His orchestra is on the Top 10 list of the All-Time Grammy Awards.

Jimmy Sturr is at Passaic’s Third Ward Park on July 22. The Powertones take the Historic Botany Village stage on July 30. Both events are free.

Returning for the 18th year to perform in Passaic, fans can sit on the park’s lawn and listen and dance to Sturr and his 10 piece orchestra perform not only Polkas, but also country music and American standards.

Former Passaic Schools AD Greg Komeshok began the shows in 2003. He does all the fundraising through the Holy Rosary Young Mens Club which is affiliated with the Passaic church by the same name on Wall St. which is attended by many Poles.

Komeshok has a list of sponsors, including the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council, but can always use additional monetary support. To volunteer, contribute or find out more, call Greg Komeshok at 973-473-5111.

Historic Botany Village is home to some of the best events. And while Covid-19 sidetracked things last year, the Friday Evening Summer Concerts on the Square are back. Staged outdoors in Sullivan Square, they feature a variety of hard working, diverse musicians.

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Clifton favorite hometown band, Swingman and The Misfit Mutts, make the Grande Saloon rock the fourth Friday of every month.

Also catch them at the Clifton Summer Concerts on July 23, Aug. 6 in Botany and Aug. 19 at the new Dundee Park in Passaic. From left, that’s Little Ricky Fisher on guitar and lead male vocals, Big Butchie on bass, the lovely lead vocal of Kim Latiano, Ray Grabowski on sax, drums and more and Beth Roseland on vocal and flute.

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Art is an amazing way to bring beauty to our parks. The Clifton Recreation Department is planning to take a more active approach to providing art in local parks through site amenities, outdoor art exhibits, education, outreach and art appreciation ventures. The Clifton Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to serve on an “Arts in the Parks” committee to plan and conduct some of these projects. If this sounds of interest to you, contact Debbie Oliver at 973-470-5956 or via email at doliver@cliftonnj.org.

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Historic Botany shows are at 6:30 pm. Dates and performers are: July 9, Katie Henry Band; July 16, Rock Kandy 80’s Revue; July 23, The Powertones; July 30, The Spanish Big Band of Adrian Rod; Aug. 6, Swingman and the Misfit Mutts; Aug. 13, Rachel Wise and The Guys; Aug. 20, The Frost Kings; Aug. 27, Carlos Colina and The Grind.

Sullivan Square is at Lake and Parker Aves. There are plenty of dining and drinking establishments, so visit Historic Botany and check it out. Go to historicbotanyvillage.org.

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940 VAN HOUTEN AVE • 973-472-5207 • GRANDESALOON.COM Cliftonmagazine.com • July 2021

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Clifton Recreation and Clifton Public Library offer StoryWalk on July 17, from 10 am to noon at Richardson Scale Park, 680 Van Houten Ave. Families walk along the path and stop at each sign to read the next page of the story.

After reading the story, children can participate in making a craft related to the story and sign up for a library card. The book is Penguin Cha Cha by Kristi Valiant. It’s free, but pre-register at CliftonRec.com for further details or call 973-470-5956.

The Clifton Arts Center and the Passaic County Department of Cultural Affairs present Wishful Wonders Art Camp outside the grounds of the Westervelt-Vanderhoef House Museum in Weasel Brook Park

The Clifton Arts Center presents Wishful Wonders Art Camp in a partnership with the Passaic County Department of Cultural Affairs at Weasel Brook Park.

Using art and social skills, the goal is to provide growth for kids in the areas of selfesteem, mindfulness, stress, management, social skills, cultural awareness, problem solving/critical thinking and leadership.

Sounds ambitious but it is presented on age appropriates levels. The dates are: • July 12-15, for ages 6 to 7; • July 19-22, for ages 8-10; • July 26 - July 29, ages 11-13 There is a $125 fee per student which includes materials and supplies. Limited seating. Register by July 7.

This project was funded in part by County of Passaic Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs. The historic landmark is Westervelt Vanderhoef House Museum, in Weasel Brook Park, Clifton. The area outside of the property and park will be used. Instructors will follow health and safety protocols.

To register e-mail: rcammilleri@cliftonnj. org or call 973-472-5499. Also, the Clifton Arts Center will reopen on July 6, on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

Info: cliftonartscenter.org.

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The Back2School Outreach program that has helped alleviate poverty for Clifton families over the past 10 years needs the community’s help in 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic has given the organization Power of One a new direction in their efforts to support education and students in need. This year, instead of asking for full backpacks filled with school supplies they suggest donors provide items such as pencils and erasers or crayons, safety scissors and other items. “Education is the best solution to ending poverty,” said Power of One’s Director Kim Castellano. She is pictured second from left with Clifton Schools principals who are part of the team that identify students in need. A supply list with instructions is available at powerofoneccom.org. Send items or donations before Aug. 27. Questions? Call Kim Castellano at 201-328-2326.

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USNA CLASS OF ’25

By Ariana Puzzo Strength Beyond Measure Hinton’s previous leadership experiWhen seeking to serve a larger ence and volunteer work is extensive. purpose, Alvin “AJ” Tyrone HinHe has over 700 certified volunteer ton, Jr. knows that serving one’s hours. He has also served as the country is one of the best ways.

2019 NJ Student Ambassador to The Clifton native and Seton Japan through the Student DiploHall Prep Class of 2020 gradumacy Corps and worked for two ate was inducted on June 30 summers at the Thomas Edison into the Naval Academy Class National Park. of 2025.

While he strives to create Hinton’s desire to attend his own path, he is also folthe Naval Academy stems lowing in some important footfrom his admiration of the steps. His maternal grandfather school’s prestige and its served in the US Marines from commitment to tradition 1953 to 1957. Additionally, his and history. Approximatepaternal grandfather served for ly 1,200 “plebes” were two years in the US Army. selected out of 16,000 canBut Hinton has become a young didates for the incoming freshman in his own right and describes man class. himself by three traits.

The incoming freshman “If I could describe myself discussed his intention to main three words, they would be jor in physics, specializing in tough, intelligent, and respectastrophysics, in the resume ful,” said Hinton. “I am some“If I could describe myself in three that he sent to Congressman one who can and has overcome words, they would be tough, intelligent, Bill Pascrell when seeking his most obstacles.” nomination.

One instance he referenced and respectful. I am someone who can “I have always loved sciis how in sports even when and has overcome most obstacles.” ence and in particular how it the momentum is in an oprelates to space, planets, and posing team’s favor, he rallies our solar systems,” wrote Hinand puts 100% into the game. ton, 19.

He noted it is that tenacity that has enabled him to turn Hinton attended School 16 and WWMS before going around the outcome of a game. to Seton Hall Prep. His younger brother, Jayson, currently His intelligence, he continued, relates to his passion for attends CHS. reading and learning. His independent reading list has inHe was a youth wrestler and football player for Clifton cluded: 1984, Moby Dick, The Art of War, Einstein (His Jr. Mustangs’ youth program for six years, becoming a Life & Universe), and Animal Farm. youth wrestling state placer. He wrestled varsity during But it is his third mentioned characteristic that will high school, becoming an All-Conference and District serve him well with the Academy. #16 Champion. “As a former wrestler for 10 years,” said “I am always respectful to the people around me, and I Hinton, “my plan is to either compete on the Judo club consider myself to be a disciplined, well-mannered inditeam or try and walk-on for the wrestling team.” vidual,” said Hinton.

“

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COVID-19 Moderna Vaccination Clinics Every Wednesday 9:00am - 11:00am

Clifton City Hall 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 FOR INDIVIDUALS OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Vaccination Tent is located across from Parking Lot #4

To expedite your visit, schedule your appointment at: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/Avdk8g If you need assistance with making your appointment, please call 973-470-5770

The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency serving the Township of Little Falls.

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The City That Cares On June 19, the city raised the Pride flag along with America’s Red, White and Blue in a ceremony on the great lawn in front of city hall.

The rainbow Pride flag signifies the colorful activities and flavors of this growing month-long celebration. Over 75 people attended the event to show support for the LGBTQ community and their allies.

Among those at the event included City Manager Nick Villano, Mayor James Anzaldi and Council members Rosemary Pino, Bill Gibson, Mary Sadrakula and Lauren Murphy. Board of Education Commissioners Frank Kasper and Judy Bassford as well as Passaic County Commissioner Bruce James were in attendance.

The flag flew for a week and helped convey the message that Clifton is really a city that cares.

Organized by Ray Robertello, the flag was raised by George Silva and speakers included Kevin-Ryan Cruz of the Gay Straight Alliance at CHS and Clifton Schools Superintendent Danny Robertozzi.

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Birthdays & Celebrations - July 2021

Nicolas Marcel Calvo turns 12 on July 11. Isabella Andruch is 15 on July 1. Stallions coach Jesse Hasting turns 36 on July 10. Mammie Angello hits another milestone on July 3. Robert Marriello celebrates on July 9.

Happy Birthday to....

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

Mary (Brugnoni) Kennedy will be 92 on July 18. Ernie Scheidemann is 86 on July 17.

Joan and Gene Murphy 57th anniversary is July 25. They are here with their grandsons Nicholas and Joseph Cucinella.

Amanda Di Angelo.............

Marie Angello....................

Chris Torrao.......................

Nicholas Iannacone............

Bob Landrith.......................

Robyn Sue Lord...................

Frank Rando.......................

Lori Lill...............................

Susan Rego........................

Darlene Franek...................

Ron Curtiss.........................

Angelo Grippo...................

Thomas Marriello................

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Edward Sepulveda.............. 7/7 Jenna De Liberto................. 7/8 Christopher Landrith............ 7/8 Cynthia Kester.................... 7/9 Kristi Schopfer.................. 7/10 Brian Counterman Jr.......... 7/12 Anthony Zaccone.............. 7/13 Alyssa Marie Misyak......... 7/14 Kenneth & Donna Chipura on July 11 celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ann Schamble.................. 7/15 Derek Dobol..................... 7/16 Jessica Dobol................... 7/16 Joanne Gursky.................. 7/17 Carrie Szluka................... 7/18 Alexander Razvmov.......... 7/19 Ryan Saccoman................ 7/19 Cocoa Saccoman............. 7/19 Ashley Jacobus................. 7/19 Linda Portaro.................... 7/20 Megan Suaifan................. 7/20 Priya Shah........................7/22 Kaitlin Vinciguerra............. 7/22

Phyllis Bivaletz pictured with her 17th great grand child Lyla, turns 91 on July 17.

George Shamar................ 7/23 Kayla Lord....................... 7/24 Anna Schubert.................. 7/24 Eva Gasporowska............. 7/25 Kathy Valdes.................... 7/25 Jack DeVries Sr............. ....7/26 Joseph Lopez.................... 7/27 Ornella Ganoza............... 7/27 Gina Oliva....................... 7/28 Brian Counterman Sr......... 7/29 Amanda Fabiano.............. 7/29 Lee-Ann Varga.................. 7/29 Stephen Camp Sr............. 7/30 Joe Prebish....................... 7/30 Obs Zayatz...................... 7/30 Frances Greco.................. 7/31 Sue Sadik........................ 7/31

Dorothy and Ted Guzowski will be married 39 years on July 10.

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On June 29, Dr. William Weiss of the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton retired after 43 years of service. The trustees and staff of NJEDDA, which provide social, therapeutic, educational and various other services to those with disabilities, feted his service, leadership and love with a permanent plaque for the building. Weiss was director since 1979 and initiated and established a high school and adult school. More info at NJEDDA.org.

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