Clifton Merchant Magazine - April 2003

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Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 9 • Issue 4 • April 4, 2003

NJ

1185

Community Schools

Last month, we asked the City Council their opinions on various issues facing the City of Clifton.

This month, we asked Clifton residents…

Traffic

Quality Schools

Smart Growth

Appointed or Elected?

Change

Taxes

State of the City

Affordability

om

Overcrowding

Quality of Life

Rebuild Downtowns

?

What are You

Thinking

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Difficult Cases May Be Longer.

Dr. Christopher Kutney, DMD Director Dr. Richard Poller, DMD Dr. Vivian Chiu, DDS Dr. Sammi Yeung, DDS Dr. Cory Wanatick, Spec #3888 Periodontist Michael Ayoub, Spec #5147 Orthodontist Andrew Maron, Spec #3814 Oral Surgeon

…on our cover We recently asked the politicians and

APRIL

2003

now we’re asking your neighbors:

inside…

what are you thinking about the big issues facing Clifton? From quality of life topics, to investment in our schools, as well as their position on an elected

What Are Residents Thinking? . . . . . . . . .9-24 Board of Education Candidates . . . . . . .26-34

or

appointed

Board

of

Education, a vote which occurs on April 15, we asked a variety of questions.

The interviews begin on page 9.

CHS Spring Sports Preview . . . . . . . . . . .37-44 Home Improvement Headquarters . . . .46-52 2003 Optimist Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55-61 Betty Gochman Retires . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62-64

Aboard the USS Kitty Hawk pg. 70

Hamilton House History . . . . . . . . . . . . .65-68 Operation: Iraqi Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . .70-73 Clifton Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 People & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76-77 Support Sylvia Hyra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Made in Clifton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Cycling, Clifton Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 CHS Academic Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

School Board Elections

April 15, 2003

Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

900 Readers Say:

No More Housing!

Petitions with dozens of signatures still come in daily. The message is clear: Clifton is too crowded—we need to stop overdevelopment! And if the Mayor and Council cannot legally enact a moratorium, what will they do to stop the granting of variances which lead to overbuilding?

To the Mayor and City Council of Clifton, New Jersey. We, the residents of the City of Clifton, are concerned that the construction of any additional new residential buildings will over-burden our existing schools, roadways and city services, and have a negative impact on our quality of life. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests an immediate moratorium on the construction of any new residential buildings within the City.

Gabriele Abdelhady Charles Alexander Diane Alexander Jennifer Alexander Tom Alverso Yoln Alverso Carol Amoruso Mary Anderson Kathleen Annichiarico Katherine Aquino Nanette Armenta Adelle Autos Romerita Ayala Patricia Azevedo Susan Barchuk Krystle Barcia Judith Bassford Keith Bassford Lisa Bate Robert Bate Mary Bazar Loretta Beirne C. A. Bell Rita A. Bell Jean Belski Eileen Beltran Cheryl Bender Barbara Bendlin Eva K. Bendlin Robert R. Bendlin Marie Benfante Joanne Bennett Ray Bennett 4

Claudia Bergen Kevin Bergen Pam Bielen Steve Bielen A. Bizub Frank Bizub Francine Block Christopher Bloetjes Joan Bloetjes Robert Bloetjes Margaret Bolcar Kevin Brady Sherry Brand Crystal Brannen Donald Brown Naryse Brunett Betty Bsarany Joseph G. Bsarany Helen Bua Mildred Bucco Robin Buchan Frances Buongiorno John Buongiorno Blanche Burke Robert F. Busha Amparo Caamano Anthony Campanile Carol Campanile Lillian P. Cantor Beverly Carey James Carlin Maria Carparelli Jeanette Casiello

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Nick Casiello Doris Champy Joan Cheini Maureen Christie Carmela Citero Samuel Citero Abigail Clavijo Dawn Collo Lydia Collo Dorothy Constantin George Contreras Dolores Coremin Lee Corritore Diane Coyle Paula Cruz Chris Cullen Edward Curtin Florence Curtin Linda D’Alessio Linda Dandorf William Dandorf Lorraine DeFeo Angie Degen Scott Degen Maria J. DeGraaf Alice A. DeLiberto Robert DeLiberto Robert DeLillo Jim Del Papa Lois Del Papa Patricia DelTerzo Irene DeLuca Dorothy De Peri

Roman Derivolkov Doris DeVries Emily Diamond Peter Diamond Jennie DiLonardo John DiLonardo Claire Di Nicola John Di Nicola Dominick Di Paolo Julia Di Paolo Roger Di Paolo Steve Ditzig Agnes Donohue John Donohue Kenneth Draney Carol A. Drape James Duddleston Karen Duddleston Stacia Dudra David Duffy Lisa Duffy Matthew J. Duffy Dorothy Dutko Beth Egyed Doris Engelbrecht Josephine Errico Felina C. Evangelista Donna Falsetta Donna Falsetta Ruth Faria Louise Fasano Faye Fazio Andrea Fenelon

JoAnn Ferry Patrick Ferry Jim Filippone Michelle Filippone Mary Ann Finn Melva Finn Joseph Fisher Ramona Fisher Tom Fisher Eleanor Florian Rich Friedhoff Ellen Friedman Frank C. Fusco Joseph P. Gabel Doris Galofaro Andrew R. Garcia Lisa Garruto Ardell Gaudreau Arthur Gaudreau Emma Gaydosti Keri Gerlach Jules Gesco Mary Giacobbe Mary Giannetti Violet Gil Marie Giunta Mario Giunta Dorothy Glinkin Howard Glinkin Josephine Gnozzio Mary Godri Francesco Gomez L. Gomez

Thomas Gordon Judith M. Gorny Pauline M. Gostyla Charlotte Grabler John Grace Marion Grace Donna Gradzki Michael Grasso Mark D. Green Clementine Gulla Evelyn Gulywasz John Gulywasz Estelle Hallick Ramona Hallick Josephine Hamer Raymond Hamer Denise Hammer Harry Haring MaryAnn Haring Katherine Harlak Hildegard Hartung Luisa P. Hatem Madeline Hatem Marcelle Herlan Joan Hewitt Darin Hirst Rose Hobler William Hobler Janice Hoogmoed Robert Hoogmoed William Hotz Karen Hrina Mike Hrina Ronald Huber Doris Iannicelli Thomas Iannicelli Irene Ignay Antoinette P. Jacobus Clifford Jacobus Lillian Jacobus

Thomas R. Jacobus JoAnn LaGala John A. James Lillian La Gala Julie James Philip La Gala Joseph Jandura Jeanette Laky Irene Jaremkof Bernice Laugel Joy M. Jaspar Louis Laugel Rita Jonas Ruth Lay Michael Kalincsak Lucille Lehmkuhl Toni Karaginnis Marguerite Lehmkuhl Anne Kasni LouAnn Lesenko Frank W. Kasper Sherry Lesch Irmgard Kasper Anthony Lewis Ralph Kasper Gladus Lewis Abraham Kaufman Angela Ligos Dawn Keiser Domenic LoMarro Anne Kellman Rosemarie LoMarro Evelyn Kemp John Lopez Nicole Kerns Robyn Sue Lord Cynthia Kester Janina Lukas Robert Kester Rose Marie Lyons Albert F. Kircher Thomas Lyons Sr. A. J. Kiviecinaki Mary Macejka Leslie Klingler Beverley Mariso Michael Klingler Richard Mariso Barbara Koehler M. J. Martinique Robert Koehler Amy Martino Kathleen Korczynski John Martino Donna Kosnatowski Dawn Mascelli Arnold Kostomaj Hanna Masse Ernestine Kostomaj Leonard Masse Tiffany Kostomaj Fred Mattheiss Rosa Koulovits Lydia Mattheiss Janemarie Kovarcik Julia Maurer Paul Kovarcik John Maxwell Jean Koziar Judy Maxwell Michael Kranych Artie Maydel Anna Krauze Grace McEwin Marion Krieger F. A. McGuire Rob Krieger Gladys McGuire Barbara McMahon Helen Kubik

The city is overdeveloped! The schools are overflowing and the taxes are out of control. The streets are dirty with litter. We need more people to care about what is going on and to get actively involved in city matters.

A lot of us care, but we need to make our voices heard and correct some situations ASAP! Thank you for this effort!

Helen Kubik With all the empty buildings on Bloomfield Avenue, why couldn’t one of them be renovated into a school instead of building a new one? We better hope they put a traffic light at the new Acme on Allwood Road. Getting out of Styertowne there now is a death trap!

Cynthia Kester Thank you Tom and staff. We are so lucky to have you and your great magazine. No More Housing! Traffic and schools are already clogged!

Angela & Domenic Puleo

16,000 MagaziNeS are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month.

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eDiToR & PubliSHeR Tom Hawrylko buSiNeSS MaNageR Cheryl Hawrylko aRT DiReCToR Fabian M. Calvo WRiTeRS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Kevin Grasha, Christopher Sadowski, Devon McKnight, Paula Zecca Clifton Merchant • April 2003

5

I was confused with conflicting statements from Councilmen Ed Welsh and Frank Gaccione in response to questions posed to them last month. Gaccione spoke about the Athenia Steel site that ‘the city would like to use for open space and recreation’ and supported the development of Athenia Steel for industrial or commercial use. Welsh stated that ‘we are building 125 units (for senior citizens) on the Athenia Steel site. We’re all very proud of it.’ Does Welsh have inside information that Gaccione does not?

Elizabeth Czyzewski Over the last few years, we reported that the council has plans to develop the 35-acre Athenia Steel site into a total of 250 senior units, several soccer and baseball fields and walking trails.

The 125 units Welsh mentioned are the first phase; work was supposed to begin last September but it did not; we’ve heard that it will actually start in April. No timetable exists for completion of the second 125 units of housing, nor the ballfields or open space.

Gaccione has gone on record as being opposed to those plans.

The city agreed to purchase the land in 1999 for $5.5 million but does not have total access to the 35 acres; there are a number of reasons for that—financial, legal and environmental—and the deal is so strange I would need Geraldo Rivera on staff to investigate it.

Tom Hawrylko 6

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Lisa Meltzer Rosetta Mendoza John Mendyk, Jr. John G. Mendyk III Lisa Mendyk Henry R. Menegus Wm. H. Middleton Dorothy Mikalovic Stephen Mikalovic Mary Miskevich Pam Mitthauer Ida Moissinac Patricia Molinaro Angela Montague Ed Montague Doris Monteita Kathy Moore Maryann Morgenfruh Michael Morgenfruh Robert Morgenfruh Gregory R. Motta Robert Motta Zita L. Motta Alicia Munoz June Muska D. Mycek Meena Naik Carolyn Neubauer John Neubauer Kathleen Neubauer Michael Neubauer Dolores Nichols Julia Niejadlik Sigmund Niejadlik Helen Niemos Lottie Nieradka Josephine Obser Robert Obser Regina O’Neill Mary Oresido Mary Orlando Karen Osellame Sarah Otto Joseph M. Patti Joseph N. Patti Marie Patti Patty Pavick Marilyn Perez Emily V. Perovic Edward J. Petersen Alex Phillips

Nancy Phillips Allyson Piccolo Mira Piszczalko Thaddeus Piszczalko Helen Podmokly Stephen Podmokly Evelyn H. Post Bob Prendergast Jean L. Pressner Patie A. Pressner Frank Puglise Michele Puglise Susan Puglise Angela F. Puleo Domenic B. Puleo Barbara R. Quinlan

Michael D. Rice Robert Riggi Valerie Riggi Rob Rigolosi Terry Rivera Diane Robinson Patricia Rodio Jocelyn Rodriguez Judith A. Roe Alvaro Rojas Carol Roscoe Henry Roscoe Peter Rosolen Agnes Ross Gladys Rowens Daria Rudakewycz

Jere Quinlan Patrick Quinlan Rose Rabkin Carol Ragnoni Dolores Randall Harry Rater Julia L. Rater Peggy Recchia Denise Regalado Joann Reitz Michael J. Ressetar Nancy Ressetar Tanya Ressetar Allie L. Reynolds Mark V. Ricciardi Karen A. Rice

Lydia Rudakewycz Walter Rudakewycz Paul Russell Pat Russo Peter Rymut Gary M. Sabak John Sabak Marie Sabak Mary Salensky Mary Salerno Catherine Samarati Joanne Samarati Robert Samarati Christina SanAngelo Sandra SanAngelo Eunice Sanfilippo

Pat Santiago Anthony Scangarello Terry Scartelli Helen Scelba Andrew Schimpf Ellie Schimpf Robert Schimpf Mathilda Schmitz Dorothy Schneider Kristi Schneider Tom Schneider B. Scholock Raymond Schulle Elisabeth Scolamieri Michael Scolamieri Joe Scotto

Susan Scotto Ann Semchak Mary Serino Joe Serk Alice Seyka John Seyka Kristin Seyka Helen Sgambat Marguerite Shackil Herman Shapiro Ruth Shapiro Caroline Shaw Walter Shaw Louise Shoemaker Bella Sidoti Bob Sidoti

Donna Sidoti Jeff Sidoti Karen Sidoti Tom Sidoti Elsie Siems Mary Skelly Cindy Skiba Gregory Skiba Marie Skowronski John Slivinsky Beatrice H. Smith H. Smith Steve Smith Victor H. Smith Daniel M. Sony Eleanor Sovich

Bryan Muvillo-Stasiak Christina Stefanelli Helena Strzeszewska Edyta Stypula Ashley Stys Joyce P. Sunshine Ed Suscreba Mary Sutak Al Swan Danielle Swede Ron Swede Alice Talamini John Talamini Barbara Tarzillo Joanne Telep Christianne Tempio

Diane Tempio Kathy Terza Sandra Thieme Helen Tokar Eugenia Tomasinski Zozislaw Tomasinski Emma Topps John Topps Mario Toro Patricia Toro Lee Traina Karen Trujillo Josephine Tufano Kathryn Urciuoli Mary Valentino Robert Vanderhoof Marie A. Van W a l l e g h e m Albert Vaxmonsky Betty Vaxmonsky June E. Verhulst Morton A. Verhulst Concetta Vitale Pearl Vozzellla Denise Wahad Beverly Wardell Jon Wardell Claire Wasdyke Mary Weckesser B. Welsh Stacey Welyezko Mary Wiles Joanne Wilson Ruth Wilson Okhui Wong Pearl Worob Edgar Wurch Francine Wurch Eleanor Yanics Eve Yaros Raymond Yaros, Sr. Joseph Yeamans Karen Yeamans Marie Zabchin Wanda Zajac Eric Zakrzewski Helen Zaleski Helen Zapusek Dianne Zecchino Katie T. Zinsmeister Constance Zito

In your March 7 issue, I made a comment that ‘close to 20 people’ responded to an interview process saying they were interested in serving on the Board of Education to complete the term of a vacant position. This process took place in 1994—nine years ago—and there were actually nine applicants for this position. So, I stand corrected. But I still maintain that the great majority of those applicants did state that they would not run a campaign to get re-elected. My opinion has not changed. I still believe Clifton will be better served by an appointed Board of Education. Since 1990, four Board members left and were replaced by volunteers who were not elected, but appointed by the Board.

Councilman Stefan Tatarenko I’ve spent most of my adult life in Clifton and have seen this nice little town turn congested. Change is necessary but I feel overwhelmed. There are too many cars, too much congestion and I want to stop the overdevelopment.

Dolores Coremin People living near the corner of Clifton Ave and Third are under siege from drivers with loud boomboxes disrupting our quality of life. We have too many cars and too few police to enforce Clifton’s noise ordinance. This is progress?

Dave Salvatore Clifton Merchant • April 2003

7

There Are Cracks In The Foundation ––––––––––––––––––– Opinion by Tom Hawrylko ––––––––––––––––––– Like the mortar and bricks at Christopher Columbus Middle School, the Clifton Public School system has cracks in its foundation. And like the masonry on the 75-year-old structure, our schools need repairs. The opportunity to do that is on April 15 when residents go to the polls. On that date, I urge you to vote yes to pass the budget and yes to a second and separate budget question which would approve masonry and roof repairs at CCMS. Clifton Schools has a well deserved reputation for frugality with the lowest per pupil expenditure of any K-12 district in Passaic County but after years of defeated budgets—11 out of the last 14— our district continues to function but not excel. We are now paying for these failed budgets with overcrowded classrooms.

Teachers, students, class size: This budget is primarily about teachers and includes funding for 30 new ones. While this staff addition will not solve all the problems, it will keep things from getting worse. Also within the budget is funding for a personnel director, a professional to help attract and hire quality teachers and nurture and retain them once they join Clifton Schools. The budget also adds nurses so that each elementary school has one on premises. Over the last two years, 600 more students have entered our 10,000-plus-pupil district but the number of teachers has barely risen. As a result, class size has increased, especially at the high school and CCMS. For instance, there are 120 classes with 30 or more students at CHS. What’s more, the district expects to grow by another 1,000 students over the next five years. If this budget fails and no new teachers are hired, class sizes will grow even more, in 8

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

every level of the district, including elementary schools.

Only 15% of us care about schools? That’s about how many of the eligible voters go to the polls in school board elections. Shame on us. Education should be a priority in Clifton, especially among parents who show up at polls in ever decreasing numbers. Parents: don’t let our generation’s legacy be one of Clifton Public Schools’ mediocrity.

Your vote makes a difference. If Clifton Schools slip to mediocrity, it will be our badge of shame.

What will it cost? If both items are passed—the general fund budget and the cost of the repairs at CCMS—taxes will increase by $285 annually for homes assessed at the city average of $172,000. We should note that 40% of the cost of the CCMS project is funded by a state grant. If we don’t pass the second question this year, the foundation at CCMS will continue to deteriorate and we’ll end up paying much more to do the repairs in the following years.

Property Tax Reimbursement: Despite increases, residents over age 65 and people receiving federal disability payments are eligible for the NJ Property Tax Reimbursement.

This program freezes property tax bills by refunding the current year’s tax increase. To qualify, 2001 income must be less than $38,475 for singles and $47,177 for couples. Income for 2002 must be less than $39,475 for singles and $48,404 for couples. Get applications by calling NJ Assemblyman Peter Eagler at 973-458-1130. The deadline to file is June 1.

I consider it a privilege to vote for my representatives.

On April 15, I will be voting yes to keep the elected board and yes to repair the cracks not only in CCMS but also in

What are You

? Nearly Zoned Out

Thinking

––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha –––––––––––––––––––

W

alter Beck has become familiar with the inscrutable world of zoning regulations.

On Scoles Ave., near his home on Lorain Dr., a neighbor wanted to build a twofamily residence on a property zoned for single-family houses.

Many of the area’s residents feared the change in zoning would encourage others to convert existing single-family homes to multiple-family dwellings, adding cars and people to an already congested area.

So Beck and his neighbors protested. And when the Zoning Board approved the project in July 2002, they appealed to the City Council, who last Fall voted 4-3, with Council members Hatala, Kolodziej, Tatarenko and Anzaldi voting to overturn the Board’s decision, while Council members Welsh, Kowal and Gaccione voted to approve the two-family.

According to Beck, the single-family monstrosity now going up ‘dwarfs everything else around it,’ but yet it is completely legal. This type of project illustrates that the city’s Master Plan and Zoning laws need serious revision.

“I’m not a lawyer, but something should be done,” he said.

Beck, who graduated from CHS in 1967 and who has lived in Clifton all his life, strongly supports a moratorium on new housing development.

He pointed to the Cambridge Crossings development on Colfax Ave. as an example of project that will have long-term impact. “We are truly overburdening the system,” he said. “God forbid you live in that neighborhood, especially when the kids are coming in and out of CHS.” Despite the problems facing the city, all three of Beck’s children still live in Clifton. In fact, two have purchased

homes here. “We’ve had a great town for so long,” he said. “Unfortunately, there are things that are happening that are not in our best interests long term; businesses are slipping away, industry is disappearing.”

He added: “We need to take a look at our city—where we’re going. There needs to be some serious discussions about the future of Clifton.”

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9

What are You

? This is Our Town

Thinking

––––––––––––––––––– Story by Jack De Vries –––––––––––––––––––

I

n the midst of change, things aren’t all that different for Dorothy De Liberto on Inwood St. She and husband Joe—the street’s unofficial mayor and oneman welcoming committee—continue to enjoy retirement in the house where they’ve lived for nearly 50 years. They’re friendly with their neighbors, and “Dot,” as her friends and family know her, is looking forward to a new arrival coming next door.

“It will be wonderful having a baby in the neighborhood again,” she says.

But things have changed on Inwood St. The De Libertos’ neighbors were once all white; today, an African American family lives across the street, an Egyptian family resides a few doors down, and the new baby next door whom Dot is anxious to greet will be born to Palestinian parents.

“My neighbors are nice people,” she says. “If you give respect, you’re respected in return. We all have to get along.”

Which is what the De Libertos has always done.

“Clifton is home for us,” she says. “It’s where our children and grandchildren are. I don’t ever see us leaving.”

Like her neighbors, De Liberto’s family came to Clifton in search of a better life. “It was the American Dream for a family living in Passaic,” she says. “You make a little money and you buy a home in Clifton.”

In 1942, Dot’s parents, Vic and Mary Pollara, bought the house at 75 East Ninth St. in the Lakeview section for $4,000. Vic was an auto mechanic who later worked at Curtiss-Wright; Mary worked as a saleswoman and assistant lingerie buyer for Wechsler’s Department Store in Passaic. She was employed there 33 years, much of it full-time after Dot and her younger sister Marie were in school.

“Clifton was a place where I could ride my bike in the street and feel safe,” she remembers. “It was quiet—a place of homes with front porches and backyards.”

The family loved their new neighborhood, shopping at Foodtown and at nearby Kohout’s Bakery.

“There were lines to get in Kohout’s some days,” De Liberto remembers. “My mother raved about their spice cake, a bargain for 15 cents. Kohout’s was a wonderful place—so different from the Italian bread stores we had in Passaic.”

10

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

De Liberto enjoyed school as a student at No. 11, then at Clifton High where she graduated in 1950. She next attended the Passaic General Hospital School of Nursing and began to date her future husband Joe, a friend from Clifton High. The romance bloomed after he taught her to drive.

“He had the patience of a saint with me… back then,” she laughs.

While Dot became a nurse, Joe spent four years in the Air Force. They married in 1954 while he was on leave and were living in California when daughter Donna was born in 1955. They returned to Clifton later that year, first living in the Veteran’s housing on Speer Ave. (now a ball field), before buying their new home, built by local builder Lou Trella.

On Inwood St., the De Libertos began raising a family. Daughter Diane followed Donna and sons Joseph and Robert came along later. Joe went to work in the Clifton Post Office, spending 31 years as a letter carrier. When the kids got older, Dot became a Clifton Board of Health nurse, working for 23 of her 29 years as the assigned school nurse for St. Paul School in Clifton Center.

1511

She also supports the Clifton Merchant-led housing moratorium, saying, “There seems to be no foresight in Clifton—how building will impact our schools, services, and police and fire departments. Clifton has to step back and evaluate where it’s going for a while.”

De Liberto also says government should stand up to businesses that infringe on residents’ quality of life. A proposed business expansion in her neighborhood is a source of concern. “Our board of adjustment must be an advocate for the homeowners,” she says. “They shouldn’t allow a business to expand at our expense.”

Though she might not agree with every decision made

by Clifton leaders, De Liberto remains loyal to her hometown and has no plans to change.

“We have wonderful memories here, and wonderful memories still to come.”

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As a retiree, their life is good. Daughter Donna is a teacher in School No. 11, the same one Dot attended as a child. Diane followed in her mother’s footsteps and is now the school nurse at St. Phillip’s in Clifton. Her sons are successful entrepreneurs in the food industry. The De Libertos also have nine grandchildren—six educated in Clifton schools.

“I always vote ‘yes’ for the school budget,” Dot says.

“My grandchildren go to Clifton schools, and they deserve a good education. But it’s disappointing that all you see at the polls is senior citizens. The parents are the ones who should be voting.”

She says parents must be more involved in their schools and support the teachers.

“I always believed,” De Liberto says, “it was the school’s job to educate, but the parents’ job to make children upstanding citizens. In our day, the teacher was always right; today, parents often make excuses for their kids. That shouldn’t be the case.”

As a citizen who cares about her community, De Liberto has definite political beliefs. She supports an elected board rather than an appointed one, feeling elected board members “have an interest in education,” while appointees are the recipients of political favors. She’s a big fan of Mayor Jim Anzaldi, thinks Gloria Kolodziej is a “wonderful councilwoman,” and likes Don Kowal and former councilman Peter Eagler.

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What are You

? Keeping It Green

thinking

A

l DuBois is committed to preserving a piece of his past. “Every Friday after school,” he recalls, “I’d walk from my house on Manderville Ave. and climb the ridge up majestic Garrett Mountain. My friends and I knew where the bubbling springs were, and we’d drink the clean water flowing up just 100 yards from Valley Rd. Then we’d walk the mountain, sometimes all the way to the candy store near West Paterson.”

DuBois often uses the word “majestic” to describe the mountain,

letting it roll off his tongue with reverence. Garrett Mountain is sacred to him—an ecological treasure that defines his community, one, local historians say, gave Clifton its name.

But, as DuBois has gotten older, he’s seen the majesty of the mountain gutted and reduced by quarry mining and housing development.

“When I run up there sometimes,” he says, “I’ll notice another road, house, or bank that’s popped up. The mountain ridge is not what it once was. But it still could be.”

DuBois, the chairman-elect of the Clifton Environmental Commission, has a lifelong love of his hometown’s natural treasures, marveling about how much undeveloped land the city has while located a scant 10 miles from New York City.

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“It’s a haven for wildlife,” he says, “especially birds. It has a stream, known as the Third River, which flows into the Passaic River. The Anderson Tract could become an ecological learning center for schools someday.”

DuBois’ family came to Clifton when he was six, moving from Manhattan. Besides his hikes around Garrett Mountain as a child, he experienced much of Clifton’s rural side.

His uncle, Dominick DiPaola, raised chickens and grew peaches in his backyard behind Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and his neighbors cultivated gardens and canned their own

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

fruit. DuBois also remembers watching his cousin ride horses at nearby Ploch’s Farm.

“Up until 1971,” he remembers, “there were a lot of gardens in my neighborhood.”

After graduating from Clifton High in 1975, he worked for a time before going back to school and earning an associates degree at SUNY-Morrisville in agricultural and technical studies. Today, he his wife Tina and their seven children live in Albion, the same neighborhood where he was raised.

DuBois has great environmental dreams for his city. Besides preserving the Anderson Tract, he says Clifton could create a ‘green way’ near the tree farm on Route 3, complete with two-to-three-mile walking or bike path. But his most fervent wish is to restore Garrett Mountain to the majestic beauty of his youth.

“And we could do it,” he says.

“Today, instead of using concrete slabs, towns use natural hills of top soil and compost to create natural sound barriers along roads. Before long, grass and trees are growing. We could do the same with Garrett Mountain, and it wouldn’t be that expensive. There’s always top soil available.”

DuBois praises Clifton’s past efforts to guard its natural beauty, citing the tree farm as a positive move by local government. He likes ‘pocket parks’ that restore some greenery to barren lands, but warns dwarf trees, grass, and park benches are no substitutes for wilderness lands.

As far as future development in Clifton, DuBois says any building should be carefully considered. “We must preserve our natural environment,” he says. “Clifton should be a model for other communities.”

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13

What are You

? A Good Accident

Thinking

––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha –––––––––––––––––––

F

ranklin Newandu said he discovered Clifton‘by accident’ five years ago, when he was driving around New Jersey, looking for a place for himself and his family to settle.

“I drove in on Clifton Ave., went up Van Houten Ave. and saw the high school,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Here it is. This is my town.’ I didn’t even know the name of the town.”

Originally from Africa and now an American resident, Newandu, his wife Charity, who is British, and their three children (he calls them a ‘family of united nations’) are here to stay.

“We will live in Clifton for as long as it is feasible,” he said. “Right from the onset, I’ve loved it here.”

A real estate specialist in investment property and affordable housing for Windsor & Dover Development, LLC, a New York City-based company, Newandu, 47, does not support a moratorium on new housing development.

He believes the problems associated with new development could be addressed in two ways: proper planning and requiring developers and 1215

new residents to pay impact fees, the money from which would fund the necessary infrastructure to accommodate new inhabitants.

Both developers and new residents would be responsible for paying the fees, so current residents wouldn’t have to bear the burden of the additional cost of new people moving in.

“I don’t believe that the way to solve the problem is to stop development,” he said.

Newandu, who in 1998 received an M.Sc. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and who is working on a Ph.D. in Housing Development and Urban Policy from Walden University (a distance learning institution), said: “This is my territory... With an aging population, we need new people coming in.”

But, he noted, as new development comes into the city, impact assessments must be done so the rest of the city’s residents don’t end up paying for the costs of new projects.

Newandu has two sons in the Clifton school system—one, a junior at CHS, the other, a preschooler at School 9—but he sees overcrowding

only in the sense that there are not enough teachers. He believes the district has the needed physical space.

“Adequate infrastructure in not lacking in this city,” he said. “What we need is to provide more services and employ more teachers and support staff.”

For the future of Clifton, he would like to see more affordable, singlefamily housing—but ‘affordable’ only through technological innovation, rather than compromising quality. “This is a great city,” he concluded. “I don’t see why Clifton can’t attain that.”

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

15

What are You

? 3,000 Is A Crowd

Thinking

I

1023

s Clifton High School overcrowded? “Absolutely,” said CHS Football Booster Club President Maritza Morales. So crowded, in fact, that her son Joshua, the starting quarterback for the junior varsity football team, suffered a bruised chest when he was crushed by a backpack in a school hallway teeming with students.

“It took him a week to recover,” she said of the hallway mishap.

While some kids can deal with the overcrowding in the halls and classes, a total of 3,000 students in one building is not a positive learning environment for many kids.

For that reason, CHS was not the right choice for her other son, Jose Jr., so he attended Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, where he graduated in 2002.

Morales and her husband, Jose Sr., feared their older son would have been ‘lost academically’ in the larger classes at CHS. “He’s the one you have to keep an eye on,” she explained. “Teachers with 30 kids in a class were not going to have the time to worry about whether he made it or not.”

Morales, who was president of a PTA in Paterson for five years, said while volunteer involvement can help

solve some problems, strong leadership is needed. Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice is the right person to solve the district’s problems, but he needs consistant support from parents, teachers and school staff.

“They have to start thinking out of the box,” she said of the board, teachers and administrators. “New ideas have to be considered. And things cannot go on as they have in the past, otherwise, we are going nowhere.”

Morales, who works in marketing and sales at Hewlett Packard in Bergen County, agrees with Rice’s ideas about running the school system like a business; for example, by creating a human resources department to manage the large staff and develop talent.

“People could be held accountable, teachers and staff could be managed, credentials could be checked and productivity would be brought to a new level,” she said.

Most importantly, though, Morales believes the district needs to improve the infrastructure—perhaps even build a second high school or a third middle school to meet the projected enrollment numbers. Morales, who moved to the Lakeview section from

Paterson eight years ago, blamed school overcrowding for ‘driving people away from town.’ Just in her neighborhood, she said three families sold their homes because they didn’t want to send their children to CHS. She fears that, because ‘good people are moving,’ the quality of Clifton’s neighborhoods is in jeopardy.

Furthermore, Morales is adamantly opposed to additional residential development. She said simply: “We don’t want any more housing. Clifton will become just like Paterson or Passaic. There’s just no way we can handle more people in town.”

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

F

or some 30 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton.

As President of Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. at 1111 Clifton Ave., Clifton, he and his firm have written millions of dollars worth of mortgages which have allowed people to purchase homes. And while that work has been fulfilling, Accavallo said he is getting his greatest satisfaction these days by helping senior citizens with reverse mortgages.

A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors. “It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued.

1319

“Unlike a home equity loan, you do not have to make monthly payments.

Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you.

More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.”

The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower.

In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home.

How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage?

It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old.

You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or c redit requirements to satisfy.

How can I receive my money?

You can receive it in several ways: •Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home •Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time •As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons •As a lump sum draw at closing •A combination of the above, to meet your requirements.

But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment.

Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration).

Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process.

“This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.

When must I repay the loan?

You must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home.

In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees?

•An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages •Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed •No out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe?

•Yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive •FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate

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1-800-788-1184 www.federalmtg.com Clifton Merchant • April 2003

17

What are You

?

Thinking

Goodbye Clifton

––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha –––––––––––––––––––

B

orn and raised in Clifton, Mike DeVita is certain he will eventually move from the city.

Like his older brother who recently bought a house in North Caldwell, he sees himself somewhere else.

“It would be good to have a different atmosphere to grow old in, to have my kids grow up in,” he said.

DeVita, 25, graduated from Clifton High School in 1995 and for three years has been the senior accountant for the Tenafly Board of Education.

He currently lives in Clifton with his parents, who have lived in the city almost their entire lives.

He said, however, the community seems to be “going in a different direction than when I grew up.” Like many, DeVita is concerned about the problem of overcrowding in the schools. In

1995, he estimated that there were a little more than 2,000 students at CHS (there are about 3,250 now).

“It was easier when I was there— not as many students in the classroom,” he said. “In smaller districts (like Tenafly), teachers can focus on the individual students more.”

DeVita is in favor of an appointed Board. He said an elected representative may or may not have experience with the school system, whereas the Mayor could appoint individuals with experience. He suggested that each Board member should specialize in a specific area, so each would have experience dealing with a certain aspect of the district.

This, he believed, would give the Board more focus and make it work like a team.

Still, he longs for Clifton’s past.

“I’d like to see it get back to how it was when I was a kid, when Clifton was a popular spot,” he said.

“I’d like to see the city get that reputation back—not because they have to, but because they want to.”

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What are You

?

Thinking

Here To Stay

––––––––––––––––––– Story by Kevin Grasha –––––––––––––––––––

G

rowing up in Passaic, Hector Ayala, 37, heard all the time from Hispanic people in his neighborhood that Clifton was a racist town. But since buying his house on Edwards Ct. in December 1999, he hasn’t seen that.

“I feel welcome,” he said. “I’ve been given a fair shake wherever I’ve gone in Clifton.”

One of the two factors that convinced Ayala, a New Jersey State Trooper for the past 18 years, to move to Clifton was the police department, which he said has a great reputation throughout the state. The other: the school system.

He has two daughters (9 and 10 years old) at School 4, which he called a “great school with great teachers.”

Ayala praised Principal Luca Puzzo for having an open-door policy and being very active with the kids.

Ayala is especially thankful for how he and his wife, Carmen, were treated by district officials when they first moved here. At the time, there was concern about overcrowding in School 4 and the district initially tried to separate his daughters and send the

younger one to School 2. But after discussing his family’s plight with former Superintendent Bill Liess, the order was rescinded and Ayala’s daughters were allowed to stay together.

“That was very helpful to us at the time because we’d just moved in,” Ayala said.

Ayala points to overcrowding in the Clifton schools as a major issue facing the city. One of the district’s ‘Key Communicators’ (a group of parents from each school who meet with Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice every two months to discuss important issues), he will be voting for the school budget in the upcoming election. It is obvious, he said, that the district needs the money for additional teachers to help keep class sizes down.

“I don’t see any other way to get revenue for the schools besides taxes,” he said, adding: “I don’t have a problem paying for the education of children.”

Instead of new housing developments, he believes the city should focus on building new schools, especially another high school to accommodate the influx of new residents.

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Ayala also strongly supports an elected Board of Education: “We should be able to choose people who will voice our opinions... rather than a few who are appointed by one person,” he stated.

Living in a neighborhood free of problems like loitering teens or drug dealers, he considers the quality of life in Clifton to be excellent. He also likes the fact that his street is a diverse enclave, with Filipinos, Hispanics and African-Americans all on the same block.

“We’re going to stay here for the long haul,” he concluded..

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19

What are You

? Voting Yes For Kids

Thinking

A

bout five years ago, when Joe Cupoli and his wife, Jackie, were debating where to send their daughter Julianne (now 11 years old) to kindergarten, they reached an impasse: Jackie, who attended Catholic schools, wanted her daughter to have a private education, but Joe pushed for School 14.

Joe prevailed because the class size at School 14 was smaller—22 students instead of 37 at the private Catholic school. “That’s the last argument I won,” he said.

Now, the overcrowding problem at School 14 can only get worse.

To accommodate a preschool for handicapped children that also uses the building, the district has two modular units in the schoolyard. This alleviated potential overcrowding in the building, but blatantly illustrated

how grim the future might be for Clifton Schools if voters do not pass this budget.

Imagine neighborhood schoolyards filled with trailers instead of open area for recess, he said. Is that the future Clifton wants for its school kids, Cupoli asked.

While overcrowding is not yet ‘critical’ at the elementary school level—some of the problems, he said, have been resolved by redistricting as well as the construction of School 17—it is extremely critical in the middle and high schools.

Class sizes in those schools are growing and will only get worse if the budget fails. Passing this year’s budget will allow the district to hire 30 new teachers which will maintain class sizes and in some cases actually decrease the ratios.

Cupoli, owner of P&A Auto Parts, is also in favor of a year-long moratorium on new housing, which he said, would give the city some ‘breathing room’ to step back and evaluate all the problems associated with overdevelopment, from school expansion to traffic congestion, and to come up with a broader plan to address the city’s future.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

d d

d

? Beyond The 3 R’s

Thinking

E

llen Corbo has dug in deeply. A practicing lawyer with a Princeton law firm, Corbo and her family could probably afford to move to many of the shiny new, upscale New Jersey suburbs, but she is determined to make Clifton a better place.

She and her husband (owner of Corbo Jewelers) have decided to settle here for good as they continue to invest in their home in the Albion section of town.

Corbo, who has lived in Clifton all her life and is a volunteer on many community boards, has found it to be ‘close-knit, despite its huge size’ and she is proud to be sending her two children to Clifton schools.

“The configuration of the school system, combined with the size and diversity of the student body, educates children in many ways besides just reading, writing and arithmetic,” she said. “I personally reaped great benefits from this. By the time I graduated from high school, I was able to comfortably communicate, socialize and do business with all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds... I want to provide this opportunity to my own children.”

As a long-time member of the Clifton Schools Strategic Planning Committee charged with devising recommendations for the long term needs of the district, Corbo is also keenly aware that the school system needs to be improved.

“There is no question that our schools are overcrowded, especially the high school, with the middle schools not far behind,” she said, adding: “We need more schools...and the residents of Clifton have to make a decision: invest in our schools and move Clifton back toward the direction of a solid middle class community with an excellent school system, or refuse to invest in the schools and allow Clifton to slide into the realm of the ‘special needs’ districts, such as Paterson and Passaic. The choice is in the hands of Clifton voters,” she said.

Another problem with the school system is inadequate funding, according to Corbo, a problem which needs to be addressed by state legislators.

“New Jersey will only start sending you money if you first allow your schools to fail and your property values to plummet,” she said. “If, like Clifton, you continue to care for your

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properties and keep your community clean and safe, and despite huge enrollment increases and minimal State funding, you refuse to allow your schools to fail, the State rewards you by giving you even less funding...and forcing your taxpayers to pick up even more of the tab.”

Corbo strongly favors a year-long moratorium on new housing. She concluded: “I am afraid that if Clifton does not stop overbuilding, does not stop the overcrowding of alreadybuilt structures and does not begin redeveloping some areas and perhaps even reclaiming some land, we will not keep the next generation here.”

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

21

What are You

?

Thinking

T

om Fieldhouse moved to Clifton in 1980 after he got married and intends to stay for the rest of his life.

But to keep the next generation here, he believes the city needs to “enhance everything that we are doing now,” like making the Athenia Steel project a reality—a project that will include building baseball and soccer fields on the site.

“In order to keep people in town, you have to upgrade the city,” he said, adding that the overcrowding in the school system also needs to be corrected. “We have excellent teachers in our system,” he said. “But we can't expect them to continue with the size of the classrooms that they have.”

Fieldhouse, a data specialist at the Verizon Business Office who is

Moving Forward very involved in the city as a voluteer, supports a year-long moratorium on residential development.

“More residential building means more problems for Clifton right now,” he said. He favors purchasing undeveloped land in the city and converting it to parks.

Furthermore, the city, he said, needs to stop talking about doing things and start acting. For example, he would like to see School 6 (now used for Board of Education offices) converted back into a school.

“I’m sure we could find an empty commercial property for the Board offfice somewhere,” Fieldhouse said.

He also called using the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton as an annex to the high school a ‘band-aid fix.’ “The new school being built on the little

Weasel Brook Park is a step in the right direction, but by the time it is completed, it will be filled to the maximum,” he said. “We have to invest in the Clifton school system...because the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

His Own Castle

D

own the street from his store, Castle of Nuts, on Main Ave., Jamal Alazizi has seen many businesses close or move—including some that had been in the neighborhood for 12 or more years. He cited the lack of parking as a possible cause.

“It’s tough for businesses to survive in Clifton,” Alazizi said. “This (business) doesn’t make me rich, but it makes me live good.”

And, he said he’s not expecting anything more than that.

Originally from Jordan, Alazizi came to the U.S. in 1990 after living in Kuwait for about five years. After a few weeks in Kearny, he moved to Clifton. In 1993, he bought a house in the Delawanna section, where he is 22

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

surrounded by people of different backgrounds—mostly Irish and Italian, with some Indians.

“I am the only Arabic around there,” said Alazizi, who is divorced and has no children.

Still, he finds Clifton to be a ‘friendly town,’ and he feels ‘more safe’ here than in some of the surrounding areas.

“It’s a nice town. Nice and clean,” he said, adding: “Here, the rules are strict. In some towns, it’s easier to break the rules.”

The only time he ever experienced hostility was after 9/11, when he was received a barrage of verbal threats.

One ambitious vandal even scrawled obscenities in magic marker on the

window of his store.

He is grateful, however, about how he was treated by the Clifton police, who subsequently would check up on the store. Anyway, he said, after 9/11, he made more friends.

“I have a lot of friends here, all different kinds of people,” he said and then listed just about every ethnicity.

A Quick Update School Budget: The Board of Education unanimously approved a $101 million preliminary budget in late March, which includes funding for 30 new teachers as well as full-time nurses at every elementary school. The budget will go before voters on April 15. A proposal will also be placed on the ballot asking if the district should revert to an appointed School Board. Resident Joe Cupoli said: “We might as well be living in Iraq,” if city residents give up their right to elect Board representatives.

Grove St. Development: At a March 27 Planning Board hearing, C&L Developers presented drawings for eight single-family houses to be built on a 2.5-acre property along Grove St. Hundreds of residents had organized intense opposition to the developer’s initial plan to construct 17 townhouses on the site. It is not yet clear whether C&L intends to withdraw their application for the townhouses. “We don’t feel like we have a victory, yet,” said Denise Kashey, who is leading the fight against a townhouse development.

Athenia Steel Site: After over two years of negotiations, crews will soon start breaking ground at the former Athenia Steel site for a 125-unit senior citizen housing complex, said City Manager Al Greco. He added that a ceremonial groundbreaking will likely be held at the end of April. The developer, Regan Development Corp., cleared the county planning board’s final hurdle by addressing line-of-sight problems surrounding the development’s exit onto Clifton Ave. While the city has purchased title to the property, it will not do the actual construction. That task was awarded to Reagan Development, a Yonkers, NY company that has been involved in several public-private housing projects throughout the region.

Cambridge Crossings Grows: According to Lori Nelson, Director of Sales for Cambridge Crossings, they have closed on 43 of the 191 townhouses (all have been sold) in the first section. Construction continues on all three sections of the project, while many units remain at varying stages of completion. Also, sources have told Clifton Merchant Magazine that we only ‘scratched the surface’ in last month’s article about Cambridge Crossings, in which we discussed allegations of zoning irregularities regarding the development and in which Councilman Don Kowal said he was calling for an investigation by NJ’s Department of Community Affairs.

“Something stinks,” said one source.

Lyon?s Den

By Murray Blumenfeld The birthstone for April is diamond so I am devoting my entire column with some important information.

The majority of diamonds we sell come with GIA certificates. The GIA is the highest authority on diamonds. When they appraise a diamond and put their seal on the report you know what you’re getting. Here is an explanation to help you understand GIA certificates.

Color - The color chart starts with the letter D and goes all the way to Z. K thru Z are varying shades of yellow. D,E,& F are colorless and considered the best color grades and naturally the most expensive. G,H,I & J are near colorless and this area tends to be the most popular.

Clarity - This pertains to the amount of flaws, called inclusions, in the diamond. Flawless is the best followed by Internally Flawless. Next comes VVS1 and VVS2. VVS stands for Very Very Slight inclusions. Then comes VS1 and VS2. VS stands for Very Slight inclusions. Next comes SI1 and SI2 which stand for Slightly Included. Imperfect stones are the last clarity grade where the inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

Cut - This part of the description of a diamond is based on mathematical formulas that affect the way light is refracted inside the diamond and reflected back to your eye. It is described on the appraisal as Depth percentage and Table percentage.

Girdle - This is the edge of the diamond. More of a descriptive device than anything else, anywhere from Thin to Thick is OK. When a diamond is described as Extremely Thin or Extremely Thick, those are stones we choose not to consider.

Culet - This is the point at the bottom of the diamond. No culet or a small culet are the most common and with technology in cutting today there are not many described larger than that.

Polish & Symmetry are self explanatory. The majority of stones are described with Good Polish and Good Symmetry. There are some stones that are described as Very Good and even some that are graded Excellent.

Fluorescence - Under certain light a stone with fluorescence will emit light when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light.

I’ve tried not to get too ‘wordy’ and give you the highlights of buying a diamond. You can call me or come in and I will gladly answer any questions you might have.

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Korean War veteran and active in all kinds community affairs, including the Moose Lodge, Tom Miller, who has lived in Clifton since 1955, is wiser than most and is in tune with what needs to happen in the city.

He will be voting in favor of the school budget in the April 15 elections. “If we don’t pass it, we could lose the half a million dollars for the new roof at Woodrow Wilson Middle School,” he said.

And for those who vote against the budget?

“That’s their prerogative,” he said, although he believes, based on the people he’s spoken to around town, that it will pass.

“But I’ve said that before and I was wrong,” he said, adding: “If anyone is going to hold it back, it’s going

Sage Advice to be the seniors in this town.

They’re up to their throat with property tax increases. With limited income, they just can’t absorb any more.”

He is also in favor of an elected Board of Education.

“If you want an office, I think its worth running for,” he said. “I don’t like one person holding power over the Board of Education.”

Overcrowded?

“We’re saturated,” he said. In addition to the illegal students he says live in town, “people are buying homes, having children and their children end up using the schools’ (resources).”

Miller, who is the Supervisor of the Veteran’s Advocate/Internment office at the Passaic County Board of Freeholders, said he is certain there

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are illegal students in his neighborhood, some even in the apartment building on St. Andrews Blvd. he’s lived in for about 20 years.

Most importantly, though, education is ‘a must,’ he said.“Without education, the next generation will

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School Board Election ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Joe Torelli ––––––––––––––––––––––––––

T

he upcoming school board election on April 15th undoubtedly will be the most intriguing in years. Besides deciding on whom among eight candidates will fill three seats on the school board, Clifton voters will cast ballots on a $102 million district budget, and they will determine whether they want to continue conducting school elections after this year.

Among the eight candidates for school commissioner are incumbents Joseph Kolodziej and James Smith.

Non-incumbents seeking office are former commissioners Lizz Gagnon and Bertl Nelson, along with newcomers Maria Crespo, Frank Fusco, Keith Krebs, and Bob Sidoti. Commissioner Wayne Demikoff, whose term is expiring, decided not to run this year.

The school budget, if passed, will add $258 in property taxes to the average homeowner’s annual bill.

The increase will be used to hire 30 new teachers to reduce the severe overcrowding conditions in several district schools, most notably Christopher Columbus Middle School and Clifton High School.

It will also pay for increased salaries and health benefits, and it provides for a Personnel Director to coordinate hiring, benefits, and teacher training across the district.

In addition to electing three commissioners and saying ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ to the proposed budget, voters will be presented with a referendum asking if they want to continue school board elections in the future, or return to a system of

letting the mayor appoint school commissioners.

The answer to that question will have far-reaching impact. If voters decide to return to an appointed board, they will forfeit their right to vote on future school budgets.

According to state law, in districts with appointed boards, the school board together with a separate Board of School Estimate also appointed by the mayor, are responsible for determining school spending.

As a service to voters, we asked each candidate for school commissioner to answer a series of questions concerning the issues that seem most pressing to the school district. We polled them during the week of March 17-22 and here are their responses:

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Why should voters elect or re-elect you to the Board of Education?

Crespo: I am a committed person who has been an educator for a long time. I was elected to Who’s Who Among American teachers and I am a radio correspondent on educational matters for Argentina Radio. I will provide a much-needed link between the board, teachers, students and the community.

Fusco: I want to give something back to the city. I’m a lifelong Clifton resident and a product of the public school system. I am also excited about the future. We elected two new board members last year who have contributed new ideas and we have an excellent new superintendent. I want to join my professional skills with theirs to secure a brighter future for Clifton’s children.

Gagnon: I was a board member for seven years so I can offer Clifton voters the invaluable experience that many candidates don’t have. I’m also a concerned parent with children attending district schools. I am closer to the dayto-day issues facing our students, teachers and administrators because my kids are affected directly. A parental perspective is important in determining school policy.

Kolodziej: I came to the board four years ago, delivering the message that we needed change in terms of our accountability and our responsiveness to the entire community. I believe I have been instrumental in implementing that change, and the board is far more effective today as a result. I hope that voters recognize my efforts in this area and grant me the privilege of serving them for another term.

Krebs: I’ve always taken an interest in the community and have contributed a lot of ideas and plans to the board and the superintendent. I am direct on the issues, so people won’t have to wonder where I stand. I am committed to bringing leadership to the board and helping it move away from the caretaker approach of the past that has left us with a host of unresolved problems and unhappy taxpayers.

Nelson: I would bring a unique perspective to the position in that I’m a senior citizen with two children in the Maria Crespo is a graduate of William Paterson University’s music conservatory and teaches music education in Paterson. This is her first campaign for public office.

Frank Fusco is a Clifton attorney who is running for state senate on the Republican Party ticket in addition to seeking a seat on the school board. public schools. I also have solid professional credentials, previous school board experience, and I hold a PhD in educational management. I’ve taught English at the college level and I have written and produced training videos, as well.

Sidoti: I have a genuine concern for the community. Since my own children attend Clifton schools, you can be sure I will be vocal on every issue that has an impact on education, not just those that come directly before the Board.

For instance, I will attend Planning Board meetings to object to new housing starts that would contribute to school overcrowding. I will also make sure that the Board has a say in the city’s master plan. I don’t think the board has done that in the past.

Smith: I’ve demonstrated leadership and dedication to the district and its students in my nine years as a commissioner. I’ve also remained actively involved in community youth services which keeps me informed of issues relevant to students. I served as school board vicepresident for three years, and have been a leader in the board’s work on residency and reducing overcrowding.

And I’ve made a number of recommendations that enabled the district to reduce expenses for energy, telecommunications and water usage.

The proposed school budget will add $258 to Clifton property taxes. What will you do to stem the continual growth of taxes and still maintain a quality education for our students?

Crespo: This budget should be approved. It is really making up for past failures and is necessary. When you divide it into the number of students in the district, it is not too high. Investing in our schools is an investment in the community. The budget would have a better chance of passing if people could see the line items so they’d know exactly where the money is being spent. They can’t be expected to vote if their eyes are closed Fusco: I will view everything with fiscal responsibility to ensure we balance all expenditures with the needs of our taxpayers. I’ll look at each line item individually to

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

27

make sure that what we spend is absolutely necessary and that there is no fat. Part of our current fiscal problem stems from the voters rejecting 11 of the last 14 budgets.

That has caused us to fall behind and we now have to play catch-up to fund the system properly. But we must make sure that we play catch-up intelligently.

Gagnon: We have to make sure the budget is sound for all schools. We can’t continue to assume that what we spent last year must automatically be spent this year. I pushed for a zero-based budgeting approach previously and I am still convinced that is the way to go. All expenditures must be justified with each new budget proposal, not just the amounts in excess of the previous year.

Kolodziej: This year’s budget is the first budget that I will be supporting in my four years as a commissioner. While it calls for a significant tax increase, I believe it is the first honest budget we will put before the taxpayers. It addresses many problems left over from past failures and will deliver

Lizz Gagnon is Clifton’s assistant tax assessor and previously served on the board from 1995-2002.

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more value for our tax dollars. It includes a Personnel Director position that will greatly improve accountability among school employees. That will result in ongoing savings for the district, and it demonstrates how this board will continue to exercise professionalism in the future.

Krebs: I believe strongly in budget transparency.

Budget line items must be available to the public so they don’t have to go through a bureaucracy to get information that should be readily available.

Accountability and reconciliation of expenses to budgets also needs to be a priority so people know that money earmarked for specific programs actually is spent on those programs. As a former EDP auditor for the state, I uncovered a number of problems with reconciliation procedures, and I will bring that skill and knowledge to the board.

Nelson: Clifton’s problems are not with the budget, itself, but rather in the way the budget is funded – through property taxes. We should not be using local taxes to fund education, and senior citizens who no longer work should have their tax contributions frozen.

Public education is a state function and the state should be paying for the bulk of it. The school board needs to continue petitioning Trenton to change, but we must have the backing of every citizen in Clifton. Trenton will respond if enough people speak out.

Sidoti: That’s a difficult question to answer as a challenger. Incumbents have an advantage in that they are

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privy to budget line items while I am not. But I promise Clifton’s voters that as a commissioner I will exercise fiscal responsibility by scrutinizing every line item. I will have no problem fighting to cut expenses where they can’t be absolutely justified.

Smith: I will continue to examine expenses, looking for ways to save money without cutting services. Employing a full-time grant writer for the district is something we should look at more closely. And we need to remain very strong and vocal in our discussions with state legislators, continuing to press them to move away from funding education through property taxes. I encourage all Clifton residents, especially parents, senior citizens and the city council to form a united Clifton front in this area.

Are you satisfied with the scores achieved by our students on the most recent state-mandated standardized tests?

What should be done to improve them?

Crespo: I haven’t seen the latest scores but there is always room for improvement. Clifton teachers do an excellent job although students’ test scores don’t always reflect that for a number of reasons. Test scores are not the best way to measure academic achievement.

Fusco: While this year’s scores indicate that Clifton students have not regressed dramatically since last year, I believe there is always room for improvement.

Gagnon: No parent or taxpayer should be completely satisfied with test scores, no matter how good they may be.

I will push for extracurricular academic programs similar to those that we have for athletics. These programs can often be funded by grants, making it unnecessary to pay for them with local tax money. I will make sure our grant writers place extra emphasis in this area.

Kolodziej: I’m not satisfied. This year’s test scores are another indicator of our need to change the way we have been educating our children. The board has commissioned a curriculum audit team that will outline areas for improvement. We also want to add a curriculum director within the school system to ensure consistency in what is being taught. We removed that position from this year’s budget in favor of funding for additional teachers and a personnel director; however, the position is important and we’ll look to add it next year.

Krebs: I’m dissatisfied with the trend that shows scores consistently heading downward. The number one factor to increasing test scores is reducing class sizes. Smaller classes are a proven link to better performance. Also, we need a director to be responsible for the district’s curriculum to ensure that all subject matter is synchronized and

Joseph Kolodziej is a Clifton businessman who has served on the school board for the past four years.

taught consistently throughout the system. The recent decision to have an independent audit of our curriculum is a step in the right direction.

Nelson: I will never be satisfied. But we need to recognize that Clifton is a city in transition. More than 30% of our students come from homes where English is not the first language. Test scores reflect the socio-cultural background of the community, and not necessarily what the schools are teaching. Scores are not predictors of future success and, historically, they require a lot of time before showing dramatic improvement.

Sidoti: No, I’m not satisfied. There is always room for improvement. But a lot of our test scores, especially those in the 8th grade and High School, don’t truly reflect a Clifton education. Many of today’s older students went to elementary schools in other towns where the early education is not as good as ours. Clifton provides an excellent education; that’s why my children attend

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schools here. But we need to strengthen programs like the curriculum audit team to ensure that the proper material is being taught at all levels.

Smith: I think the fact that 89% of our graduating classes go on to higher education is a better measurement of the district’s effectiveness than test scores alone.

However, we do need to continually improve district performance. one way is through staff development, encouraging our teachers to continue to develop their professional skills, and helping them to do that with funding. I also think our assistant superintendent should be given full responsibility for curriculum development.

That would ensure coordination of efforts among all department heads without incurring the expense of a separate curriculum director.

A recent survey predicts school enrollment will grow by nearly 1,000 students over the next five years, exacerbating the overcrowding problem.

What should be done to alleviate and resolve this issue?

Crespo: overcrowding eventually effects student achievement. We need to look at some different and innovative options such as redistricting and realignment of boundaries to relieve overcrowding. As a temporary measure only, modular units on school property provide needed space at a reasonable cost. We should also investigate programs where we pay private schools to accept students on a limited basis. of course, this would only be done with parental consent. A number of states, including Texas, have programs like this and they work very well. They are more cost-effective than building new schools.

Fusco: Adding new teachers and utilizing existing space would help relieve classroom overcrowding. As our buildings reach capacity, we have to do two things; provide more space by adding on to existing schools, and convert the administration building for use as a high school annex. Many of our existing school sites can

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Bertl Nelson is a health care system manager who previously served on the school board from 1993-1997.

accommodate expansion, a far cheaper alternative to putting up new buildings. Leasing office space and bringing the administration building online for classroom use will also be less expensive.

Gagnon: I don’t like the idea of renting or leasing classroom space. I’d rather lease office space for the administration. We should investigate the feasibility of selling School 6 to raise funds for a new middle school.

Conversion of that building back to classrooms would be too costly and it wouldn’t provide the space we need.

With senior housing getting started across the street on the Athenia Steel property and with the upgrade to the nearby commuter train station, we should be able to get top dollar for the building.

Kolodziej: The board needs to abandon its search for the perfect solution, end the debate over what to do, and take action. We should assess which buildings in the district are capable of handling additions and start expanding them. That will eliminate the cost of land acquisition.

We should also convert School 6 back to classroom use and lease office space for the administration. And we need to remain open to leasing classroom space like we do at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, a program that I introduced several years ago Krebs: This issue needs to be addressed on two fronts: now, and for the future. Realistically, we need another middle school to remove the bottlenecks that exist today.

And we should also think about creating magnet schools that are dedicated to an honors program or to a special discipline such as science or math. Magnet schools often become the jewels in the crown of a city’s educational system. As for the future, the board needs to tackle problems head-on and take decisive action a lot sooner. More foresight and leadership is needed.

Nelson: This problem is not a recent phenomenon.

Demographic studies in 1993 predicted significant population growth in Clifton through 2009; yet, we failed to address its impact on our schools. We missed a real opportunity by not acquiring the Shulton property for school use. We should be looking at long-term leasing to resolve the issue now. We need to find

builders willing to construct proper school facilities and lease from them. That way, the city has a ratable, and we can walk away from the lease or buy the property later on as the situation dictates.

Sidoti: We should continue to pursue acquiring the former Paul VI school facilities on Valley Road. I know the Paterson diocese said no to that proposal on more than one occasion.

However, if all other efforts to relieve overcrowding fail, I would be in favor of using the eminent domain laws. Under those laws, the Council would condemn the property and pay fair market value for it to the diocese.

That would be a dramatic step, but if it turns out to be the absolute best course to solving our problems, we should take it.

Smith: I continue to be a strong advocate for a third middle school and think we should be taking a more aggressive approach to acquiring property for that purpose. We may have to look at re-districting, also, as a means of enabling better use of the facilities we already have. There are no easy answers and we need to consider all feasible approaches.

Illegal students – Is the problem real or is it being overstated?

What should we do?

Crespo: The problem is real but I don’t think it’s as bad as some people claim.

Clifton has excellent residency programs but the community needs to help more by identifying illegal students to the board. Everybody deserves an education but it should be in their own districts. Re-registering students when they move from elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school, would help in this area.

Fusco: The problem is real. Clifton is a leader in tracking down illegal stu-

dents but we need to do more. We have to remain vigilant and aggressive in pursuing students who don’t live in town. If we can cost-justify it, we should look into adding one or two additional residency investigators to the existing staff.

Gagnon: The full-time residency investigator that we’ve hired and the automated tip line have been getting good results. We are succeeding in rooting out illegal students and I think we will continue to succeed. Another complete re-registration, similar to the one we had a couple of years ago, would be too costly at this point, and would not produce significantly better

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Bob Sidoti is a Clifton business owner who serves on the rent leveling board. He has run for public office on three prior occasions.

10-12 people live in a home or apartment that should have only 5 or 6, it causes severe overcrowding in our schools. We need to ensure that our existing housing remains legally occupied.

Smith: This problem is never going to go away, entirely. The number of illegal students that we continue to uncover proves that it exists throughout the entire school year. our residency programs have been effective and we need to continue them.

I also support the addition of a truancy officer to ensure that all Clifton students are receiving the education they deserve.

How will you establish or strengthen alliances with other commissioners to enhance your effectiveness?

Crespo: When working with others I always approach things as a team player. The only way to make changes and be productive is by working together and respecting everyone’s opinions. When we all recognize that

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results.

Kolodziej: Clifton is the recognized leader in identifying and removing illegal students. While the problem is not as large as some say it is, we need to stay on top of the issue to ensure that we’re paying for the education of Clifton children only. We’ll never catch every illegal student or identify every illegal apartment, but we need to continue to be aggressive.

Krebs: The problem is both real and overstated. A district like ours that has a highly regarded system and is bordered by several Abbott districts will always attract illegal students. It’s a natural phenomenon and you can’t put up border guards to prevent it. The programs we have now are very effective. Adding additional resources without guaranteed results is unfair to taxpayers. There’s no proof that adding those resources will uncover more illegals.

Nelson: The problem is real but the cost is overstated.

This is a complex issue that requires more space to address than this interview can provide. However, I will be glad to discuss my views with anyone who is interested.

Sidoti: The problem of illegal students is real but I don’t think it contributes as much to overcrowding as illegal housing does. School overcrowding comes from within the city as well as from without. our population is now cycling, with larger families moving into homes formerly owned by senior citizens. A lot of them are occupying homes intended for smaller families. When

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we’re working towards the same goal of providing the best education for our children, we will be successful.

Fusco: I will always act professionally and consider everyone’s opinion, just as I do in my profession. I believe in working with people to win them over rather than taking an antagonistic stance when I don’t agree with them. It is much easier and really enhances the communication process.

Gagnon: As a former commissioner, I understand as well as anybody that there are nine unique individuals on the board. The situation in the past was never as bad as people made it out to be. There are a lot of valid opinions on the issues and I try to listen to everyone. With my prior experience, I’ll be able to hit the ground running when it comes to relationships with my fellow commissioners.

Kolodziej: Many people talk about forming alliances in order to be effective and I think that is wrong. We don’t need alliances as much as we need professionalism. I will continJames Smith has served three terms on the school board. He teaches computer courses at St. Andrew’s Elementary School and is seeking a Masters Degree at Montclair State.

Clifton’s

ue to stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues, listening to their ideas and paying them the respect to which they’re entitled. That’s more effective than trying to form alliances that can turn out to be counter-productive.

Krebs: I’ve already established solid relationships with several commissioners through my interactions with the board and administration. Many of them share my views and my desire to improve the quality of our system. I’ve also worked closely with legislators at the state and federal levels and that will be advantageous in keeping Clifton’s needs in front of them as legislation is developed.

Nelson: The answer is simple. I will abide by the code of ethics governing school board commissioners as I have always done in the past. Commissioners are hard-working people who dedicate tremendous amounts of time without remuneration. Each individual deserves respect and I guarantee they will have mine.

Sidoti: My sole purpose in running is to help the community. It’s about making sure Clifton schools continue to provide the best education for my own children as well as for others. I believe most school commissioners share that goal and I will have no problem working with those who do.

Smith: If there’s one thing I’ve done consistently in my nine years as a board member, it has been always to vote my conscience. My colleagues know that I will always support what I believe is best for the district and our students, and they respect that. In return, I maintain respect 1286

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for them and I’m confident that, together, we will continue to accomplish good things for Clifton.

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fter playing to a 15-6 record and second place in the league last season, the tennis team looks strong. With the loss of just two members of last year’s varsity team, six of this year’s players are returning lettermen.

Seniors Anatoly Kvitnitsky and partner Godfrey Anderson provide the team with a very experienced doubles team. Fellow senior Teddy Niziolek returns to the team after spending a year playing for the school golf team.

In his sophomore year, Teddy was the school’s top singles player. He takes that role again, but this year must balance it with his golf schedule.

Junior Mithra Maneyapanda returns for his third varsity season and holds the team’s second singles slot.

He, like Niziolek, must juggle other sports commitments with tennis matches, but will provide solid playing and experience to the team.

Juniors Neil and Tim Reilly return as a dependable doubles team. This is their second year on the varsity team and work very well together.

Coach Andrea Bobby feels confident that these returning players will carry the team through the season, but that the team also has great depth this year. There are a number of players vying for that final varsity slot,

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including juniors Daniel Kuleta, Kunal Desai, and Parin Patel. Also, standout freshman John Salierno provides insurance to the team’s depth when necessary.

Overall, Bobby says the team is one of the most experienced among its competitors and thinks that everyone will make a solid contribution in his spot. The team will be a contender in the hunt for both their league title and county championship.

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

37

Softball

T

he Clifton Mustang girls’ softball team is stepping up to the plate in hopes of a strong season. With 10 years as a Clifton trainer under her belt, and starting her second year as Head Coach, Julianne Magliarditi is confident about what the season has to offer.

“I definitely think we are a contender in the county tournament,” preducted Coach Magliarditi. Their weeklong tournament in Florida was a memorable one. Clifton came home carrying a 5-3 record in which their opponents from Oregon, Alabama, long Island, and Iowa, provided quality competition, a good tune-up for the season.

BLOOMFIELD

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squad. “I expect the seniors to be leaders and for the younger kids to look to the veterans for experience,” said Coach Magliarditi. With a positive outlook toward the season and the team coming together on and off the field as a unit, the Mustangs head into a season of great potential.

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“The girls played extremely well and performed as a team,” said Coach Magliarditi. The senior captains serve not only as great athletes, but as role models too. each with three years of varsity experience behind them is the aggressive shield of 3rd base, Robyn Woodruff, who attacks the ball on the field, and shortstop Kaitlin Vinciguerra, a strong hitter that is quick on getting the ball in the field. leading the team by example with her uplifting speeches before the game is the dynamic left fielder Kim Ashton, playing her second year on varsity.

According to Coach Magliarditi, the seniors are the building blocks of the

APR 3

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Baseball

T

his season’s Clifton Mustang baseball team will have a new look. Gone from last year’s team, which compiled a record of 199-1, as well as a Division B league Championship and a Passaic County Semifinal appearance, are 12 seniors.

Only three players return from that team. eric Rodriguez will be on the mound and centerfield, Bob Wisse at first base and Kevin Carestia at shortstop. The Mustangs will be young this year and lack varsity playing experience. This is not to say that the Mustangs are lacking the talent to

compete in the tough NNJIl as many move up to the varsity squad.

“This team is capable of playing solid baseball and competing with each team in its league,” said head coach Rich BelBruno, now in his sixth year at the helm. He is assisted

by Joe Rivera, who returns for his second year.

“As the season progresses and the team gets the experience, it will be in the thick of things come tournament time,” predicted BelBruno.

Jayson Tejada, Jason Aviles, Adam Pieciak, Jim Mancinelli, Steve Spero,

APR 2

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and Matt Amelio will perform from the mound. Behind the plate will be Andrew Dziopa and Bill Boseski.

Rounding out the infield will be ed Crespo, Kyle Scudilla, Paul Pomykala (second base), Matt Hoey (shortstop) and Kris Scotto at third.

Tracking down the flyballs in the outfield will be Chris Seely, enver Tejada and Justin Huber.

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39

Golf

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HAWTHORNE CHRISTIAN 4:00

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Clifton’s golf team competes in two leagues, the NNJIl and the Passaic County league. A total of 30 matches are scheduled. The season’s competition will begin on April 3, at Passaic County Golf Course, against Passaic High School and Manchester High School. In May, the team will compete in the NNJIl Championship Tournament, the Passaic County Tournament, and are looking to qualify for the state tournament.

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J

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im

4 S M I T H

(freshman), Adam Bartlett (sophomore), Christopher Paruta (junior), and Rob Ayers (junior). last year the team compiled a record of 24 wins and 7 losses, a school record for number of wins in a season, and won the NNJIl division B league championship.

This year’s team has accepted the challenge to meet or surpass last year’s performance. The starting six will be determined by the scores compiled during practice rounds to be played at Passaic County Golf Course and Upper Montclair Country Club.

PASSAIC

im

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s they head to the grounds of Upper Montclair Country Club and other links in northern New Jersey, the CHS golf team has a 12 man roster with seven returnees from last year’s team and five rookies.

The seven returning players will add depth and experience to the 2003 team.

They are: John Bray (team captain), Tim Bray, Christopher Kiefer, Geoff Goodell, Teddy Niziolek, Michael Grasso and Kyle Black-Smith.

The five new players are Joseph DeSomma (freshman), Joseph Tudda

APR 3

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Volleyball APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR APR

T

he 2003 Clifton Boys’ Volleyball campaign begins with a very tough stretch.

They start with seven games in five days including two tops teams, Fair lawn and Don Bosco Prep.

In addition, they will be playing some of the toughest competition throughout the year. For a team that lost four starters from last year’s 34-2 team, this seems to be a bit ambitious.

However, the team brings back a core of talented role players and has added three key additions that were not in the program last year. Basketball standout, Damon laSalle, 6’ 7” senior, Simon Chodakowski, and Passaic

transfer student, Manny Semidey, will add a great deal to this year’s title run.

Providing the guidance and experience for these new players are veterans Robert Tani, Andy egan, Michael Genchi, Chris Siddayao, Jo Siddayao, and Dave Baron.

In addition, several players who have either been on JV or Varsity plan on adding to the team. These players include Tom Garretson, Tom Jaeger, Aakash Shah, Jeff Hwang and Paul lo.

The biggest obstacles for this team to achieve their goal of a state championship is to gel as a team, stay healthy, and play as a team.

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Track & Field A PR 1

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pring track and field team consists of athletes on a mission competing in sprints, hurdles, distance, pole vault, high, long, and triple jumps, javelin, discus, and shot put heats. The Mustangs are confident that by the end of the season their mission will be complete, thus coming out not as victorious individuals, but as a team.

With an encouraging coaching staff, both teams are sure to excel tremendously in their competitions. Coaching the boys sprinters along with the boys and girls distance runners is Coach John Pontes, who is certain, “the boys will do as well as last year and be in the top three of the county championship, league and county relays.” Girl’s Coach Florence Calise stated: “This year, we are hoping for great things from all events and we’ll experience success.”

Coach St. Clair and Coach Clerico manage the shot put, javelin, and discus athletes, while Coach Piotrowski guides the pole-vaulters and hurdlers, whereas Coach Presley leads the jumping events, and Coach Woo assists the high jump contenders. Continuing from their indoor success, transferring their accomplishments to the outdoor

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track are a number of adroit male athletes. Senior Kenny Stoute and junior distance runner Paul Kornaszewski were named first team all county, as well as first and second team all league respectively. Junior hurdler Max Koziol achieved all around first team all county and second team all league, whereas senior Milan Halik earned second team all county and junior sprinters Sammy Qassis and Brian Schaab received honorable mention all county as well.

The boys 4x800 relay team, comprised of sophomores Honam Ng, Alvin Foster, junior Dan Gomez, and freshman Steve Klett, attained first team all league.

The girls’ track stars, honored with regard to their accomplishments in the winter season, will benefit spring track. Senior Nicole Zarek and sophomore Nicole Kryzik were selected first team all county, and Zarek was also awarded first team all league. Senior Alicia lucci and junior Karen langner conquered honorable mention all county and were joined by sophomore Renata Koziol and senior Julianne Shumko in the girls 4x400 relay, obtaining the second team all league title.

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In the girls 4x800 relay, freshmen distance runners Megan White and Ariana Hryckowian, sophomore Marta leja and senior lisa Dunphy achieved first team all league.

Junior sprinter Kristin Mikolajczyk accomplished honorable mention all league. leading the boys’ team are senior captains and distance runners Nicky lee and Milan Halik, along with accomplished versatile athlete Kenny Stoute. As a four-year veteran, lee knows exactly what to expect from the team: “I’m confident that this year’s spring track team will accomplish many set expectations by our coaches as well the captains.”

The female athletes are also tough contenders. led by the senior captains distance runner lucci, high jumper and sprinter Shumko, and pole vaulter/jumper/sprinter Zarek, are all positive role models for the girls team. “Many of our teammates have spent years training, and for the seniors, this is our last opportunity to put our abilities to the test and hope for success,” said lucci. The beginning of their journey is certainly a path that will lead them to a season filled with many

By Alicia Feghhi promising feats.

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43

T

he last few years have been tough ones for the Mustang lacrosse team. Wins have gone wanting as the team has been rebuilding. Nonetheless, the season brings a fresh attitude and a young new coach with former Montclair State University Red Hawk lacrosse player Kenny Conlon. led by senior captains midfielders Jon Schwartz and Scott Shadiak, defenseman Chris Philips, along with attacker Blake Pugaczewski, are among the athletes who provide the team with varsity experience.

Although the Mustangs suffered downfalls previous years, they hope to rebound with with a new coach.

“Once we play at our potential, we will begin to come together and be a competitive team,” said Philips.

Pugaczewski agreed: “There are a few points that we can work on to better ourselves as a team but everyone seems to be giving 110 percent every day.” Returning to goal is Anthony Florio. Big sticks in the back include Brian Kennedy, Nick Panchame, Bobby Graham and Philips. Midfield duties will be handled by Joe Hawrylko, Craig Bleaken, Kevin Shadiak and Rob Robinson. Racking up goals will be Sal DePuda, Gary Garcia and Pugaczewski.

With rivals such as MKA, Chatham, Ridgewood and Bergen Catholic, the Mustangs face a tough schedule with teams coming from the heart of New Jersey’s lacrosse territory. The Mustang game plan is to work hard and perform with determination.

By Alicia Feghhi

Lacrosse APR 7

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Clifton’s

Optimist Awards

By Kevin Grasha

Jo and Bob Obser at center with their dance partners at the Downtown Clifton Rec Center

Beefsteak of Champions Four exceptional Cliftonites will be honored by the Clifton Optimist Club, an organization that OPTIMIST for over 50 years has promoted positive activities that ‘incorporate friendship and patriotism’ and has strived to make young people more aware of their role in the community.

Each year, club members take a look around to see who else is helping out and presents awards to deserving citizens at its annual beefsteak, which this year will be held on May 2 at 7 pm at the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton. 2003’s honorees are: Bob and Jo Obser, who will be recognized for their extensive volunteer work INTERNATIONAL

with the Stanley Zwier Community Service Award; the Friend of Youth Award will go to Clifton High School Athletic Director Rick LaDuke, for his advocacy of the city’s young people; Police Chief Bob Ferrari will receive the Judge Joseph J. Salerno Respect for Law Award, presented in memory of the esteemed New Jersey superior court judge.

Tickets for the beefsteak are $35. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the youth of Clifton. To join the Clifton Optimist Club, or for tickets to the May 2 event, send checks ($35) made payable to: Clifton Optimist Club c/o Dennis Hahofer, Clifton Savings Bank, 1055 Clifton Ave.,Clifton, NJ 07013.

*

Clifton Merchant • April 2003

55

OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

Stanley Zwier Community Service Award

Self-described ‘professional volunteers,’ Bob and Jo Obser, seem to be everywhere at once. Clifton residents since 1964, they have been involved in so many organizations, associations and clubs, their resumes read like encyclopedia entries.

A brief sampling of Bob’s activities over the years: sign language teacher; PTA board member; editor and publisher of a booklet that lists over 450 free concerts in Northern New Jersey.

He also plays Santa Claus for scouts school and deaf children every year.

And he hosts a weekly film program at alternating branches of the Clifton Public Library.

“Obviously, I have a gift for gab,” he said about why he was chosen to present films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Mighty Joe Young, in addition to documentaries and classics. He got the job in 1993, after applying to volunteer at the library.

Because of his ‘gift,’ the director at the time decided Bob might better serve the library if he could utilize that gift by hosting the film screenings. Besides summarizing what each film is about, he said he also updates the audience on local issues, such as elections...or one of the free concerts he’s promoting.

Jo and Bob Obser

Bob, 71, a former chemical engineer who retired at 55 and who now considers himself a professional volunteer, is also responsible for booking concerts and shows in the city, including the eight events for Clifton’s summer concert series.

He started the series in 1997 and the first concert in May, an eightpiece swing band performance at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, will mark the 64th he’s been involved with. He also organizes the ‘Salute to Veterans’ concert in the Fall, which draws over 1,200 people to the Clifton High School auditorium. If a music event is happening in Clifton, Bob is probably associated with it.

“That’s why they call me The Music Matador,” he said, referring to a nickname given to him by Arnold Friedman, a former writer for Dateline Journal. At events as far away as Belmont, he said he is recognized as The Music Matador.

But it is the listing of free summer concerts, which Bob self-finances (although he does receive some funding through subscribers’ contributions as well as minimal city support), edits and publishes, that he may be best known for.

The annual directory lists free concerts that happen from June through August in northern New Jersey. The schedule has grown from about 50 listings in 1992 to over 450 for the upcoming June edition.

Production starts in mid-April and finishes in early June.

“It’s two months of intense work,” he said. The directory is distributed to a nucleus of about 1,000 subscribers, but he also stocks them in places like City Hall, local libraries and senior clubs.

Jo Obser, also 71, is the ‘Gal Friday’ of the publication, handling all the administrative tasks. Their daughter, Diane, a freelance graphic designer who lives in Pittstown, New Jersey, does the layout.

Jo’s roster of activities is equally impressive.

*

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Bob has been a lifelong resident of Clifton and a product of the Clifton Schools.

Bob Sidoti has made a life?long commitment to the youth of Clifton and has been Bob & Donna Sidoti wit involved h their children, Bobby, Hannah and Zac k. in many civic activities. We know that Bob can and will make a difference.

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

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Besides the designated ‘Gal Friday’ for the concert directory, she is involved with the Clifton Seniors Association, Clifton’s Boys and Girls Club and Clifton Chapter #878 of the AARP. In addition, since 1989, she has been a craft teacher for adult and senior citizen programs at Clifton High School, teaching among other things, plastic canvas needlepoint and crocheting.

“Jo is a super person with crafts,” Bob said, adding that she also teaches a popular line dancing class at Clifton’s recreation center.

What’s their inspiration?

“We like being around people and we like to accept new challenges,” Bob said. “If there’s something that hasn’t been done before, we’ll see if we can make a go of it.”

He explained that the concert series and the monthly flea market (which the Obsers started in 1973) at the Boys and Girls Club, did not exist until they came around.

“It’s a satisfying feeling to help people,” Jo said. “It’s just like how satisfied you are with your child after they’ve grown up.”

Obser said that he and his wife are honored to be receiving an award that is named after late Mayor Stanley Zwier, someone who “did so much service for the city.”

The award also has special meaning because their late son, Bruce, who passed away in 1991, received the Young Man of the Year Award from

Rick La Duke in his office

the Clifton Boys Club in the mid1970s for his volunteer work.

“We’re two people who can’t say no,” he said. Because they take on so many different projects, “We don’t necessarily do things together, but we do help one another in each of our adventures. She’s been my best friend and I’ve been her best friend (for 46 years).”

Friend of Youth Award Clifton High School Athletic Director Rick LaDuke will receive the Friend of Youth Award, a distinction he thinks is appropriate, considering he’s seen thousands of kids come and go in his 27 years at CHS—most of them spent as a teacher and a coach.

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LaDuke has coached girls softball, ice hockey and football teams during his tenure at the high school. He was head coach of the hockey team for 11 years, took some time off and then was an assistant for seven years. He also served as defensive coordinator of the football team for six years.

But it was as head coach of the Mustangs girls varsity softball teams where he made his mark.

In 20 years as head coach, his teams dominated, winning 10 county titles, eight sectional state titles and three Group 4 state championships (in 1993, 1997 and 1998). His teams won or tied for their league championship from 1987-2000, and he compiled a 470-95 career record.

“I had a good run,” he said modestly. Good enough, in fact, that the National Federation of State High Schools named him national coach of the year for girls softball in 2000.

LaDuke is also one of three Clifton coaches, along with Fernando Rossi and Lou Fraulo, to be inducted into the NJ Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame.

How was he able to impart expertise in so many sports over the years?

“I played them all my life,” he said.

LaDuke played ice hockey, football and baseball in high school as well as at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

He ended his baseball career after his sophomore year in college,

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Many remember the late Joseph James Salerno, pictured left, as the honorable Passaic County Superior Court Judge, a position held until his death in 1992. But to Cliftonites, Judge Salerno, a longtime Optimist, was also respected for his contributions to his town. To commemorate his association with Clifton, Judge Salerno will forever be associated with the Clifton Optimist Club’s Respect For Law Award.

The Clifton Optimist Club’s Community Service Award is a fitting tribute to the late Clifton Mayor and longtime Optimist Stanley Zwier, at right, because Zwier was involved in many community events, even up until his death in 1999. when he decided he had to start getting serious about his studies. “I knew that a few years down the road, I’d have to be looking for something to do, anyway,” he said.

LaDuke, who recently turned 50, hails from Canton, New York, a small town of about 6,500, near the Canadian border. After getting a master’s degree in education, he came to CHS in 1976 as a physical education teacher and hockey coach.

He has been the CHS Athletic Director for only one-and-a-half years, but in that time has come to understand the differences between being a coach and an athletic director, a job that requires a lot of time and effort—more than he expected. In fact, he called his new understanding of an athletic director’s role “eyeopening.”

As a coach, he said, he only had to focus on one thing, his team; as athletic director, he has to focus on everybody’s teams. “When you’re a coach, you don’t have to know what’s going on in other programs,” he said.

“It’s mind-boggling now that I look at it, to see how (other athletic directors) juggled it all.”

Still, it was LaDuke’s lifetime goal to be an athletic director, which he considers the culmination of all his athletic coaching experience. One thing he misses about being coach, however, is the sense of closure at the 60

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

end of a season, when he could sit back and reflect on all his hard work.

As athletic director, “there’s closure until you get to the next season, which is maybe 15 minutes later.”

With more than 50 teams—from football to cheerleading—to juggle at Clifton High School, LaDuke has his hands full. He has found the stress and pressure of being athletic director even more intense than as a coach because he has to deal with a lot more people.

“Friends kept telling me: ‘Be careful what you wish for,’” he said about his now realized dream of being an athletic director. “I’m still here, though. I guess my work isn’t done yet.”

Police Chief Bob Ferrari

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One of Clifton Police Chief Bob Ferrari’s priorities as police chief has been to address quality of life issues in the city, an initiative he said has been well received by the community.

Under Ferrari’s watch, the department makes a concerted effort to address issues that are not criminal in nature, but which disturb the tranquility of a neighborhood. That includes littering, graffiti, junked cars left on the street or people not maintaining their property.

“If you allow things to deteriorate, one thing leads to another,” he said, adding that studies have shown quality of life ‘crimes’ can be precursors to criminal activity and dealing with them prevents anything more serious from taking place in a neighborhood.

“It’s the old broken window theory, which they talk about in New York City,” he said. “You start with a broken window. If you don’t fix the window, more windows get broken and then graffiti goes up on the building. Then, the next thing you know, gangs are hanging out there and they start selling drugs.”

Ferrari was appointed Police Chief on June 1, 2002—the eighth person to hold the position.

At the time, he was captain of the Field Operations Bureau, which meant he was in charge of the majority of Clifton’s uniformed officers. Since getting the top job, he has also created a tactical unit to battle narcotics— focusing on suppliers more than users—which has been successful.

While the public seems to appreciate the changes, Ferrari said he has also received extensive support from the mayor, the city manager and members of the city council for his initiatives and ideas. “Despite tight budgets, they’ve realized the need for having adequate staff and haven’t cut any of my manpower,” he said.

Clifton currently has 155 sworn police officers, which he said is‘pretty good’ for a city of its size.

“Towns comparable to ours do have more officers, but we have a very thorough selection process and we have qualified people here,” he said. “Many of our officers have some college, some have master’s degrees—we even have one who is an attorney.”

In the past five years, Clifton’s crime rate has dropped about two percent, he said. In addition, the department has maintained a good response time and citizen complaints are ‘at a minimum.’

Born and raised in Jersey City, Ferrari was appointed to the Clifton Police Department in 1974 and worked his way through the ranks.

He is a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains College in Kansas and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from New Jersey City University. He has three children, all of whom graduated or will graduate from Clifton High School.

Police chiefs must retire at age 65, but Ferrari, who is 53, isn’t sure he’ll stay that long. “When my tenure comes to an end, I hope people say I did make a difference, that the police department was a better place to work,” he said. “And that Clifton was a safer place to live, based on things we did at the police department.”

Dining Guide restaurant Owners are invited to submit information for our Clifton Dining Guide to be published later this year. From take-out to fine dining, all Clifton restaurants, diners, bakeries—any location which serves food—may submit info and receive a free listing.

To be listed, send the following on letterhead or with a business card: the name address and telephone number of the restaurant, type of food served, exactly which credit cards are accepted, if the restaurant is handicapped accessible and its smoking rules.

Please also send a copy of your current menu and any other information you think is important.

Submissions must be made in writing and received no later than April 18. Mail to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011.

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Goodbye

Betty!

By Kevin Grasha

Betty Gochman has at least 300 reasons not to retire at the end of this school year—the approximately 300 pre-kindergarten through 5th-grade children who attend the Public School 14 on Mt. Prospect Ave. “I’ll miss the children the most,” she said during a conversation in her office, sitting next to a wall plastered with snapshots of hundreds of students both past and present.

But that’s not all she will miss as she ends her teaching career. “Of course I’ll also miss the professionalism of the teachers and staff.”

Gochman is leaving after 37 years in the Clifton School District, 14 years as principal of School 14.

It has been a long and distinguished career, marked by some twists and turns that allowed her, she said, to experience many different aspects of the educational process along the way.

In 1953, the same year she received her B.A. from New York University, she married Herbert Gochman (who passed away in 1989) and they moved to Clifton. She spent a couple of years as a first grade

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teacher in Paterson, before devoting herself full time to raising their two children, Lynn and Rob. In 1965, once her children were in school, Gochman decided to again pursue teaching. Because there was a pressing need for reading teachers at the time, she got a position as a Title I reading teacher at School 12 and

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continued in that role at a number of Clifton elementary schools for the next seven years.

“I loved teaching reading,” she reflected. “It’s gratifying to see when the dawn breaks with the children because they’re having trouble and they break the code.”

Teaching, however, evolved into supervisory positions—Title I Coordinator and Coordinator of Language Arts/Bilingual eSL and Basic Skills—and in 1979 she received a master’s degree in education and certification as a reading specialist from William Paterson College, which led to certifications as a supervisor and principal.

After a few years as Supervisor of elementary Curriculum for Clifton’s school district, in 1987 she was named Director of elementary Curriculum.

But when budget cuts eliminated all director positions within the district, in 1990, Gochman was assigned to School 14 as principal, where she has remained ever since.

Where are they now? Betty Gochman at Field Day in 1993 with some young charges who today are 10 years older and perhaps in Clifton High School.

Gochman explained: “I consider (becoming) a principal the pinnacle of my career. Working with children and teachers, becoming not only professionally but personally involved in their lives, has enriched my life tremendously.”

During her tenure at the Mt. Prospect Ave. facility, she has seen the school’s population grow from 185 to about 300 students, but says she still makes an effort to learn the name of every child in the building.

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Where will they be 10 years from now? Betty Gochman with some current students.

“Kindergarten is always a challenge,” she said, explaining that it’s more difficult to learn the names of so many new faces each year.

One of the unique characteristics of School 14, according to Gochman, is the blending of the school population. Her goal is to mix students together, regardless of whether or not they have special needs.

“Wherever possible, all groups are blended and every child is always included,” she said, adding that hear-

ing impaired children, for example, can be included in school activities because their teacher translates using sign language.

“It’s a plus for the children to grow up in an atmosphere where there are groups with various needs, so they learn how to get along with children that are different,” she said.

Kim Puzzo, a teacher for the deaf, who has been at the school about 20 years, says the school has become a melting pot and while that is due in

large part to the changes in the community, Gochman’s leadership helped make that a smooth transition. “Any kind of child there is, you can find at School 14.” Puzzo said. “And Betty is always there to greet them at the door.

“She made the building her own— it has been her home away from home,” Puzzo said, adding that Gochman’s departure will leave a void in the building.

Gochman says she is looking forward to whatever the future holds—a future that may include teaching in some capacity.

Besides spending more time with her family, increasing her travel schedule and volunteering in museums and libraries, “I may teach reading here and there,” she said. “If the opportunity arose and it was a special situation, I might take advantage of it.”

The faculty and staff of School 14 will host a retirement celebration honoring Betty Gochman on May 7 at 6:30 pm at the Valley Regency in Clifton.

To attend the celebration, send—by April 28—a $45 check or money order payable to the School 14 Sunshine Fund along with your name, address and telephone number to: Betty Gochman Retirement Celebration, School 14, 99 St. Andrew’s Blvd., Clifton, NJ 07012.

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

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Members of Clifton Memorial Post 347 of The American Legion initiate ‘Operation Taste of Home.’ They have sent cartons of girl scout cookies (from Clifton’s Girl Scout Troop #306) and local newspapers—including copies of Clifton Merchant Magazine— to paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division serving in Afghanistan. From left: Larry Graziano, Romeo Giandon, Emil Krak, Ted Harsaghy, Joe Gyorgydeak, Charles Lajeskie, Peter Myrna and Post Commander Frank Smith.

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Van Houten Ave. Effort For Troops: The LaCorte Agency is working with http://www.defendamerica.mil/nma Boy Scout Troop 74 of the First m.html, sign a message thanking the Presbyterian Church and the American men and women of our military servRed Cross to collect recreational and ices for their work. The list will be convenience items for US military cursent out to the troops at the end of the rently overseas. Appropriate items month. So far, there are only include decks of cards, books and mag6,017,103 names. Organizers say azines, pre-paid phone cards, bottled there should be hundreds of millions. water, candy, sunscreen, flytraps, graAnd, they add, the process only takes nola bars, bug spray, shaving cream, batteries and handheld games. Items can be dropped off before April 28 at the LaCorte Agency, 604 Van Houten Ave., Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Call 973-773-0802 for details.

Dominic Capobianco, a World War II US Army corporal, recently received the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton’s Avenue of Flags on the grounds of the municipal campus will fly on Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The display of 450 flags, each sponsored in memory of a veteran, goes up in the morning and is down before dark. Flags are three by five feet and stand on a 10foot ash pole with a brass name plate at its foot. Sponsorship costs $100.

Volunteers are needed for set up.

Call John Biegel and Keith Oakley at 973-473-7136 or 973-777-0264

photo by Al Zwiazek

Support Our Troops: Thousands of miles away, U.S. troops are living and fighting in the blowing sand and scorching heat of the Iraqi desert.

Although family members and friends are still welcome to send letters and packages to service personnel they know, in late March, the Pentagon announced that other individuals and groups should not flood the system. The concern about unsolicited mailings is that they clog the postal system and, according to the Pentagon, provide ‘an avenue to introduce hazardous substances.’

Some Pentagon-approved ways that the public can show its appreciation include: donating money to military families, signing thank-you cards over the Internet and volunteering at veterans’ hospitals. At the U.S. Department of Defense website

Clifton’s Memorial Day Services are on May 26 at Main Memorial Park. Details will be in next month’s magazine.

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people reverend Carolyn Keith was installed as Minister of the Allwood Community Church on March 9, beginning a new chapter in the history of a church that has been around since 1932. For over a year, she had been part-time minister, but according to church members, gave more than part-time service. Her compassion and energy have become her trademarks.

In the weeks following 9/11, she would visit Ground Zero and offer encouragement and support to the volunteers, workers and people who were grieving. She also regularly visits nursing homes, hospitals and the homes of elderly people who are unable to go to church. Bringing the congregation together is essential for Keith, and she has supported social activities, such as movie night in the church parlor, vacation bible school and a homecoming picnic in the fall. Additionally, her Sunday sermon is always followed by a coffee hour for conversation.

Keith, who received a master’s of divinity from New Brunswick Seminary in 1992, has been married for 31 years and has three children. Easter activities at Allwood Community Church will include: on Palm Sunday, a ‘walkthrough’ demonstrating the events that occurred before the crucifixion. From noon to 8 pm on Good Friday, there will be a ‘Walking the Labyrinth,’ a spiritual program, where people pray and medicate as they follow a large carpet like a maze through the church hall. Easter Sunday services will begin at

Reverend Carolyn Keith

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10:30 am. dames at Sea, a rollicking salute to the Busby Berkeley musicals of the 1930’s, will be presented by the Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Rd., on April 1 at 7 pm and at William Paterson University’s Shea Center for the Performing Arts on April 10-15. Dames at Sea takes the formula of one fresh-offthe-bus heroine, ‘with nothing but tap shoes in her suitcase and a prayer in her heart,’ adds a dash of dashing young sailor (played by Clifton resident, Mike Wnoroski), and mixes in a boatload of grand Hollywood-style song and dance numbers for a fun-filled musical romp. For tickets, call the Wayne Public Library at 973-694-4272 or WPU at 973-720-2371.

Two beloved Clifton mothers, Diane E. Cristantiello and Anita Dombrowski, passed away in March. Cristantiello’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Cristantiello College Trust c/o Debbie Wuethrich, 135 Fisher Ave., Bricktown, NJ 08723. Also, Dombrowski’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made payable to Nancy Falco for the establishment of the Dombrowski College Fund. Please mail to Bizub Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave in Clifton.

St. Peter’s Haven, at left, cordially invites all in the community to its second annual Tricky Tray on May 8 at 6:30 pm at the Valley Regency. Reservations are $35. To make a

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The duprees perform hits such as ‘You Belong To Me’ and other oldies at Joey’s in Clifton at a benefit for the Passaic-Clifton chapter of UNICO National on May 14.

Doors open at 8 pm and showtime is at 10:15 pm. DJ dancing will follow. Proceeds will be donated to PassaicClifton UNICO’s scholarship fund. UNICO, translated from Italian meaning ‘only one of its kind’, is the largest Italian-American service club in the United States. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call 973-773-2110 or UNICO Club President Ricky Bagolie at 201-618-0508.

The Man From Galilee will be presented at Clifton’s Woodrow Wilson Middle School Auditorium on April 13 at 5 pm by the Clifton-based New Jersey Music and Arts.

Under the direction of Francesco Santelli, the original play is about the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Tickets are $10. Call 973-472-3855 for info.

St. Philip’s Knights of Columbus hosts a sports card show on April 12 from 9 am to 4 pm at St. Philip’s Auditorium, 797 Valley Rd. The show features cards, autographs, memorabilia and collectibles as well as free prize drawings. Call 973-684-1180 for info.

Beth Sholom reform Temple announces a community pot-luck second Seder dinner for the first day of Passover on April 17 at 6:30 pm. Call 973-249-5148 for info.

Clifton holds its annual Safety Town Program for children entering kindergarten and children presently in kindergarten who did not experience the program last summer. Safety Town is designed to teach young children about traffic, pool, fire, dental health and drug safety, as well as, first aid, and nutrition. The program runs from July 14-25, from 9 am to 11:30 pm at School 2, 1270 Van Houten Ave. Registration forms are available after April 7 in all public and private kindergartens and nursery schools and at the Community Development Office in City Hall.

Enrollment is limited.

Cast members of ‘The Man from Galilee’, from left, Cathleen Bell from Clifton, Lewie Soaivan and Tatyana Sladich also from Clifton.

The Duprees are in Clifton on May 14.

St. Brendan School presents a ‘Grocery Tricky Tray Auction’ on April 6. Bidders can try for groceries, housewares, small appliances and gift certificates. Tickets are $8 and include one sheet and door prizes. For info call the school at 973-772-1149.

The dutch Hill residents Association will offer three $300 scholarships to graduating high school students who live in Dutch Hill. Any senior graduating this year, who will attend a ‘school of higher learning,’ is eligible. The award is based on academic achievement and community service. Applications are available at the CHS guidance office or by calling 973-471-2627.

Clifton residents: Alexandra Thelin (CHS class of 2001), Alyson Thelin (CHS class of 1998), Laurie Jeffers (CHS class of 1989), Stephanie Peterson (CHS class of 2001), Vanessa Laine (CHS class of 1999), Jalmari Vanamo (CHS class of 1978) and Mark Peterson are all involved with MOC Musical Theatre’s production of “Children of Eden.” Performances are scheduled for the first two weekends in April at the Mt. Hebron School in Montclair.

For tickets call 973-773-9933.

Some of the Clifton cast members of the MOC Musical Theatre’s production of ‘Children of Eden’.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Sylvia Hyra and her dog, Mishu.

Sylvia Hyra, 13, of Clifton, is currently battling leukemia, but has endured even more. In Sept. 2001, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a life-threatening bone cancer, beneath her right knee.

She underwent three months of chemotherapy and then had surgery to remove a tumor—a 12-hour procedure that required four inches of her leg bone to be removed and replaced with donated bone. That was followed by three additional surgeries to restore blood flow in her leg and she underwent six additional months of chemotherapy as well as intensive physical therapy. Sylvia was declared cancer-free in Aug. 2002.

However, three months later, she was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia—a rare side effect of chemotherapy—which meant her bone marrow had no healthy cells present.

She was treated immediately and her leukemia is in remission, but she remains on chemotherapy until a matching bone marrow donor is found and a bone marrow transplant is performed.

Her family is working with a national charity, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), in raising funds to help cover Sylvia’s bone marrow transplant and medical bills.

Donations, which are tax deductible, can be made to: COTA for Sylvia H., 2501 Cota Dr., Bloomington, IN 47403.

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Clifton Merchant • April 2003

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The Athenia Business Association hosts its first dinner and dance on April 26 at 6:30 at the Athenia Vets Post, on 147 Huron Ave. Tickets are $30 and it includes a family style dinner and late night dancing to music by the Bill Plaza Band. ABA President Matt Grabowski said the group will soon publish a directory to the 100 businesses in and around Van Houten Ave., from City Hall to the Passaic border. For tickets to the dinner dance, or more info on the ABA, call Grabowski at 973-473-0986 or contact Gina Yarrish at the LaCorte Agency at 973-773-0802.

The Passaic County 200 Club’s membership cocktail party has been rescheduled to April 16, at 6 pm at the Brownstone in Paterson. The original date of March 6 was cancelled due to inclement weather. The featured speaker is Kevin Donovan, Assistant FBI Director, New York Field Office. The cocktail party, which features an open bar and a free buffet, is open to all at no charge who may be interested in joining the non-profit Passaic County 200 Club.

The 200 Club is an organization of concerned citizens who have pledged to honor and support law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency service (EMS) personnel who live or work in Passaic County. Membership also includes local, county, state and federal public safety officers. Contact President Rick Ricca at 973-7739908, Trustee Ricky Bagolie at 201618-0508 or Club Administrator Therese White at 973-754-6445.

Kevin Donavan

Giorgio’s has opened on the corner of Spencer and Van Houten Aves. Chef George Kostiuk and his wife Carmelina say the new restuarant specializes in seafood and pastas.

The Passaic County Board of Freeholders approved $1.4 million of funds for 15 grants recommended by the Passaic County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Committee. Clifton will receive $70,000 for a bike/walk way in Jubilee Park, located at Clifton Ave. and Allwood Rd. Homemade Pirogi at 560 Lexington Ave. and other business in that neighborhood were devastated in an extensive fire last month. We wish owner Mike Duch success in find-

Gina Yarrish, at left, assumes the helm of the recently renamed LaCorte Agency which was founded by her dad, Mike LaCorte, at center, in 1975. Yarrish said the firm will handle more property management, commercial real estate and residential rentals.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Ben Capobianco admits it: he’s the laziest guy on the beach.

That’s why he invented the Beachcomer, Wheels for Sit-On Top Kayaks. As an ocean kayaker, the Clifton resident said after hours on the water, he dreaded the idea of dragging a 14 foot, 70 pound kayak through the sand and back to his car. “It just haunts you all day,” Capobianco said recently from his Piaget Ave. welding shop. “You’re having fun on the water but it’s just hanging on your head that you got to drag this big thing back hundreds of yards.” So one summer day in 1997, Capobianco returned to his welding shop and engineered a hand-held trailer of aluminum with small rubber wheels to make the trip back to the car easier. It was good but not perfect. Capobianco tooled around with the original design and went back at the beach with larger polyurethane wheels and a lighter nylon frame. His ocean going buds loved the idea and started placing orders.

Capobianco soon applied to the US Patent office to copyright his idea. These days, the Beachcomer comes in standard and custom sizes and offers a two year replacement warranty. He now sells the Beachcomer under the trade name PolyMarine Enterprises Inc. at www.kayakwheels.com.

In The Swim: Bellin’s Swim Club in Downtown Clifton will reopen this Memorial Day. However, plans for a multi-story subsidized senior citizens housing project on the site are on the drawing board. The non-profit First Montclair House is conducting due diligence on the property.

Big Four Textiles, a manufacturer and wholesaler of fabrics and owner of a chain of retail stores in Manhattan, has relocated from Dayton Ave. in Passaic to the renovated mill

Ben Capobianco holding the first version of the Beachcomer.

Shown at right are the wheels of the US Patented item.

at 1000 Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton.

Made In Clifton? Do you know of a product founded or manufactured within the borders of our city? How about a service that has not yet been duplicated elsewhere? If so, submit your suggestions for this column to via e-mail at tom.hawrylko@verizon.net or via US Postal Service to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Avenue., Downtown Clifton, NJ, 07011. You may also send your

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Cycling, Clifton Style The Northeastern Hardware Cycling In 2001, he was the North Jersey Series Team competes at the ‘pro-am’ level, both Expert Champion, but he also started road locally and throughout the northeast. racing that same year. 2002 was the first Its riders have won just about every year he seriously committed to the race in New Jersey, as well as some road racing circuit. prestigious races in surrounding Keeping up with fellow Clifton states and New England. resident Dr. Lou Schimmel—a Three Clifton cyclists, Dave former pro racer, who had four Martin, Lou Schimmel and Dave victories in 2002—will be diffiKishbaugh, will help the team cult. Dr. Schimmel, 30, a chirothrough a schedule with events in practor who has an office in New Jersey, North Carolina, Styertowne, raced nationally Connecticut and Massachusetts. and internationally for an The team convened in the Atlanta-based professional team Thousand Oaks area of Los Angeles before moving to Clifton in March 7-13 for a training camp, the Fall of 2000. In 2001, he enduring 80- to 100-mile rides in the was ranked 11th in the shadows of the region’s mountains. nation by USA Cycling.

The purpose of that trip: get long, susDave Martin went out From left, Dave Martin, tained climbs (the kind where the to California in late Feb., Lou Schimmel and Dave Kishbaugh blood rushes to your eyeballs, before the rest of the team. according to Kishbaugh) not possible in Jersey.

For weeks, he rode five hours per day, hoping to return to Dave Kishbaugh, 35, was born and raised in Clifton the form he displayed in 2000—the last year he considers and is a 16-year veteran of the Clifton Police Department. a success; before he bought a house on Athenia Ave. He has been assigned to the department’s bicycle patrol Martin, 29, currently runs a decorative painting business, unit for the past eight years. In fact, he got started in which has allowed him to spend months at a time training cycling in 1996 while attending a basic police cyclist in warm-weather states like California. He has raced comcourse and fell in love with the sport. It wasn’t long before petitively for eight years and has traveled around the U.S., he started competing in mountain bike races. competing in national-level races.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Change your Clocks?

Change your Battery?

Remember to change your smoke detector’s battery, bulbs and clean its grill on Sunday, April 6!

Many homes have smoke detectors that do not work. And having a smoke detector that doesn’t work is the same as having no smoke detector at all.

So when you change your clocks, be sure to check every smoke detector in your home.

For more information on fire safety, call the Clifton Fire Department

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celebrations!

Send written notices of your family celebrations by the 15th of the month prior to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011.

We cannot guarantee photos will be used but if you do send pictures, enclose a self addressed stamped envelope along with info on those celebrating.

Happy Birthday To...

Hetal Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/1 Timothy Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/1 Eric Homsany . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/3 Carl DiGisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/3 Raymond DeDios . . . . . . . . . .4/3 Joey Scotto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/4 Stephanie Biazzo . . . . . . . . . .4/5 Joe Franek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/6

Jessica Mondelli . . . . . . . . . . .4/6 Daniel Magaster . . . . . . . . . . .4/7 Patricia Colman . . . . . . . . . . .4/8 Jackie Henderson . . . . . . . . .4/8 Emma Gretina . . . . . . . . . . . .4/9 Debbie Tucker . . . . . . . . . . . .4/11 Bryan Castro . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/13 Adam Pienciak . . . . . . . . . . .4/15 Tom Hawrylko Jr. . . . . . . . . . .4/16

Open your heart and your home.

Michael Mecca . . . . . . . . . .4/16 Robert Monzo . . . . . . . . . . . .4/16 Cesar DeChellis . . . . . . . . . .4/16 Linda Humphrey . . . . . . . . . .4/17 Peter Fierro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/18 Jason Dubnoff . . . . . . . . . . .4/19 Bryan Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . .4/19 Alicia Rose Aste . . . . . . . . . .4/22 Lori Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/22 Jay Parmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/22 Alyssa Tucker . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/22 Lisa Sassine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/23 Danny Gorun . . . . . . . . . . . .4/23 Marc Scancarella . . . . . . . . .4/23 Katie Michelotti . . . . . . . . . . .4/25 Stephanie Magaster . . . . . .4/26 Daniel Ricca . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/26 Joe Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . . . .4/27 Kristin Triolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/27 Sarah E. Perez . . . . . . . . . . . .4/28 Kimberly Takaki . . . . . . . . . . .4/29 Heather Halasz . . . . . . . . . . .4/29 Paul Colman . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/29 Dania Saleh . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/29 Happy “Sweet Sixteen” to Tom Hawrylko, Jr. on April 16.

Happy 18th Birthday to: Joe Hawrylko, 4/27 Christine Klein, 4/29

Many children are waiting for very special foster families...

Congratulations to Joe & Darlene Franek who celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary on April 6.

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www.fostercare.com 84

April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Gondolier Mike Novack turns a young 65 on April 4

Good Grades = Good Food

These CHS academic award winning students were asked to bring to the photo shoot an item to illustrate their diverse interests. From left, valedictorian and painter Aslihan Sen holds a still life of things which represent Turkish culture, Joseph Schmidt presents a letter from Passaic General Hospital recognizing his 1000 volunteer hours and CHS tennis team captain Natalie Mendoza.

out at the information desk on Friday nights. Since November 1999, he has logged over 1,083 volunteer hours at the hospital and in February received the ‘1000-hour award’ from the Clifton Board of Education.

Class valedictorian and National Honor Society member Aslihan Sen has been painting since the 6th grade.

One recent work she is especially proud of is a neo-Expressionist still life (see photograph) featuring Muslim beads, a cup of Turkish tea and a belly dancer—all homages to her Turkish heritage.

Sen has applied to most of the heavy-hitters, including MIT, Harvard, Yale and Brown and has already been accepted at Dartmouth, Boston University and Carnegie Mellon.

CHS’s Distinguished Academic Awards Dinner will be held on April 10 at 7 pm at the Westmount Country Club in West Paterson. This year’s dinner will feature keynote speaker Brian Murphy (CHS class of ‘94), managing editor of PoliticsNJ.com and an occasional co-host of News 12 New Jersey’s Power and Politics. For information call 973-470-2296.

S acred H eart S cHool 43 Clifton Ave. Clifton • 973-546-4695

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the largest event of its kind in the state, the 14th-annual Clifton High School academic awards dinner honors students from all grade levels who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. To be eligible, sophomores, juniors and seniors must maintain a grade point average of 90 or above for three of the four previous marking periods, while freshmen must have a 90 grade point average for the first and second marking periods.

Approximately 450 students qualified for the Distinguished Academic Award and each will receive a complimentary ticket to the dinner, a pin for their graduation gown and a ‘special surprise gift’ from the school.

According to CHS vice principal Sue Peters, awards are presented to students at every academic ‘realm,’ from special ed. to college prep.

One honoree, girls tennis team captain Natalie Mendoza said that, in between practices, she has been involved with the French Club and the French Honor Society. In addition, she participated in the KEY Club, the SAVE Club, Student Leadership and the yearbook team. Mendoza has applied to six schools for next year and is undecided about her major.

Joseph Schmidt has volunteered at Passaic General Hospital for the past four years. He works in the pharmacy department on weekends and helps

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• Full Day Pre Kindergarten – Pre-School • Summer Camp Clifton Merchant • April 2003

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all-Passaic basketball, bowling, ice hockey, indoor track, swimming and wrestling teams were announced in March, with several Clifton High School students named to the region’s first and second teams. Teams were chosen by the Passaic County Coaches Association.

Boys basketball First Team includes Luis Martinez (who is also the first CHS player selected to play in the NorthSouth All-Star game). Damon LaSalle was named to the Second Team; Carlos Pena and Will Buckingham received honorable mention. In girls basketball, Shannon Lancaster and Kaitlin Vinciguerra received honorable mention.

In bowling, Alex Berberich and Kyle Handoga were named to the Boys First Team. Boys Second Team includes Andrew Kropilak. Jeunelle Sanabria, Stacey Gaughan, Caitlin White and Lindsay Specian were named to the Girls First Team. Stephanie Cupac was named to the Girls Second Team.

Mike Iracki, Jason Zuck and Ian Meltzer were named First Team in ice hockey. The Second Team includes John Calise and Patryk Wlazel. Honorable mention went to Andy Surowiec and Jake Bilinski.

First Team boys indoor track includes Paul Kornaszewski (the sixth time he’s been selected to an allPassaic team), Ken Stoute and Max Koziol. Boys Second Team includes Milan Halik. Sammy Qassis and Brian

Mid-town Grill, located at 1218 Main Ave., hosts their 6th-annual race car show on April 9, from noon until 8 pm. Meet racing personalities and get their autographs. The first 100 people get a free Mid-Town Grill T-shirt.

Rain date is April 16. Call 973-546-0121 for details.

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April 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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Schaab received honorable mention. Girls First Team includes Nicole Krzysik (also one of the best scholastic soccer players in the nation). Karen Langner and Alicia Lucci received honorable mention.

In swimming, Boys First Team includes Chris Landrith, Nick Vitiello and Matt Hyde. Honorable mention went to Doug Ciallella, Nick Panchame and Brian Platt. Jackie Pangilinan was named to the Girls First Team and Laura Bania received honorable mention.

Craig Bleaken was named to the First Team in wrestling. Corey Bleaken made the Second Team. Teddy Kwolek and Omar Rojas received honorable mention.

Also, the Star-Ledger named John Pontes, girls and boys indoor track coach, Coach of the Year in Passaic County.

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