Clifton Merchant Magazine - April 2004 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 10 • issue 4 • April 2, 2004

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…on our cover

A P R I L

2004

inside…

Full Day Kindergarten? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lee’s Hawaiian Islander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Lively Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Get involved and make a difference in our community. It is as simple as casting a ballot on Election Day. The goal of this cover is to remind you–to encourage you–to push you—to take the few minutes it takes to get out and vote on April 20th.

CHS Spring Sports Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Academic Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Optimistic Friend of Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Stucco, Siding or Stone? Clifton Home offers tips from contractors on improvemnt projects for every room of your castle.

52 Scoutmasters Honored

Do you have photos and facts from the 1990s? Mail them to the address below. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like the photos returned.

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

Clifton Public Schools

Vote Yes on April 20 For Clifton’s Future Opinion by Tom & Cheryl Hawrylko

he upcoming School Board election on April 20th asks voters to elect three of nine candidate to fill open seats on the School Board. Voters will also have the opportunity to approve a $102 million district budget. To the average taxpayer, that figure translates to an increase of about $252. Is the increase worthwhile? We believe so and hope you’ll vote ‘yes’.

To those of you who actually voted in last year’s school board election, thank you for making a difference. The quality of a city’s public school system has a direct impact on its property values. And, we believe the goal of a public education is to provide our children with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be successful, productive citizens. The approval of the 2003 budget enabled our Board of Education to implement some very positive changes. The addition of teachers maintained and in some cases reduced class sizes at the middle and high schools.

Each of our elementary schools now has a full time nurse on site as well as a basic skill instructor. The addition of a human resource director will better enable our district to attract and maintain quality teachers. Clifton’s Superintendent and Board are not only addressing and remedying problems, but are looking to the future. They have encouraged community involvement and input in preparing strategic and long range plans. The ultimate goal is not to simply become better, but to strive for excellence. We believe we can succeed. However, good ideas and planning are not enough. All investments require money. To achieve this goal of excellence, we must be willing to pay. Approving the 2004 budget will keep our district moving in the right direction.

At Issue on April 20 • Elect 3 of 9 Candidates each for 3 year terms • Vote on the Schools Operating Budget • Vote on a $541,000 Proposal for Various Capital Projects 4

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Students at School 5 observing a moment of silence on the playground to mark the second anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11/01.

Kindergartners at School 9 holding a paper chain with 100 links they made to mark the 100th day of school in January.

Funding the needs of the Clifton Public In addition to the contractual obligations of Schools system is a wise investment in our chilsalaries, and funding of state and federally dren and our community. mandated programs (of which Clifton has no Can you really afford not to vote yes? control over), this budget will allow us to maintain the investments we have already made. It will upgrade the computers purchased with the 2000 technology referby Tom Hawrylko endum. It will fund supplies and buildho are they and why do they want to ing-based staff for the newly constructwork countless hours for no pay? Many ed School 17. are our friends and neighbors, the candiThis budget will also fund Clifton’s dates for the Clifton School Board. Their first pilot full-day kindergarten prodecisions to run for public office are varied but each gram at School 17, an idea we fully supdeserves an attaboy for taking time out of their lives to learn port and are hopeful of its expansion about the issues and run a campaign. throughout the district. On the following pages, we present a series of interAs property owners, parents and resviews with the nine candidates. They have “gone on the idents, we ask two things: record” with myself and staff, explaining their positions 1) Please make the time to vote on on full day kindergarten, where to site new schools, fundApril 20th. ing for education and other topics. 2) Vote on the issues at hand. We will Some of what they have to say is eye-opening. be presented with a referendum in However, our job is not to pass judgement, but to provide December regarding the construction a forum for public opinion so the voices of a much needed additional school. of the candidates can be heard. That’s a While the site of this school has been service we are honored to provide our the subject of much controversy, it is a hometown. From there, it is up to you. separate issue that can and will be disPlease vote on April 20. cussed in the months ahead.

Meet the Candidates

Clifton Merchant • April 2004

School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM

Keith LaForgia Keith LaForgia remembers the moment that he decided to run for a seat on the Board of Education. “My daughter came home from the high school,” he recalled, “and told me that she and her friends had to hold onto each other’s belt to get through the crowed hallways. Then I read about the school holding classes in the cafeteria. I said, ‘That’s it, that’s enough, I’m going to do something about this.’” LaForgia’s decision to run for the board was only confirmed when he attended “Back to School” night at the high school. “Through there were only parents there that night,” he said, “and not that many of them, the hallways were still crowed.” Describing himself as “not a politician,” LaForgia said running for the school board is his way of giving back to the city where he has lived for 20 years. A supporter and officer of the CHS Football Booster Club and the Clifton Little League, LaForgia says he’s been involved with the kids for years. “I have a lot to offer,” said the father of two daughters attending Clifton schools.

To address overcrowding, LaForgia believes another school is needed, and the best place to build it is on the grounds of the boardowned Latteri Park, not the Schultheis Farm site. “That may cost me a few votes,” he said, “but you’ll never make everyone happy with a new site. I feel there are too many schools on

that side of town. Have you ever been near Schultheis Farm when school gets out? The traffic is unbearable. “I live nearer to Latteri Park and understand people’s reservations, but still believe that area could better support a new school.” LaForgia, a project manager for Independent Sheet Metal for the

School 4 students observing Veterans Day with the raising of the American flag before the start of the school day.

A Candidate for All the Right Reasons. 15 Years of Experience.

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#9 Re-Elect #9 Ken Kurnath 6

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

New School 14 Principal Evelyn Sherman reading to a kindergarten class.

board has to run to the voter asking for money to repair things like a leaking roof. This is lack of planning. Many of our schools have been let go—that’s an accident

waiting to happen. Our kids are in those schools, and we should be prepared to address maintenance issues as they come up. “The kids deserve the best.”

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past five years, is committed to the pursuit and removal of illegal students. He also believes expansion at some of the current school buildings would add classroom space and ease student traffic—including constructing another hallway or connecting ramp between wings at the high school. “Our schools are bursting at the seams,” LaForgia said. “They recently took metal shop away from the kids,” he continued. “We should be adding things in our schools, not taking them away. As a manager in the industry, working with sheet metal is a respectable trade. Though we’d like them to, not every kid will go to college. Trade work is a great option for these kids.” Saying he will ultimately vote “yes” on the school budget, LaForgia said he would like future budgets to allocate money for building repairs. “It seems every time there is a crisis,” LaForgia said, “the

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School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM

Jon Eisenmenger Some might feel Jonathan Eisenmenger’s age (he’s 24) works against him in the Clifton School Board election. Eisenmenger sees it as a big advantage. “I’ll bring a different perspective, enthusiasm, and energy to the board,” he said. “I’m not afraid of looking at things with an open mind. I think people will find that refreshing. I also have experience in public management, which can only benefit the children of Clifton.” Some citizens have seen evidence of Eisenmenger’s energy firsthand. “On weekends,” he said, “I knock on a lot of doors. Many of the people I meet have never had any candidate—Board of Education or City Council—knock on their door and want to talk with them.” Like other candidates, Eisenmenger feels school overcrowding is an issue that must be solved. “I don’t know how you could look at our schools and not see that.” He supports building a new school, but wants to see more information before backing any specific site.

“One of the things that I’ve learned,” said Eisenmenger, who has a bachelors degree in Political Science and a masters degree in Public Administration, “is to find out everything about an issue before going forward. Building a school on the Schultheis Farm site depends on several things, including the price and any increase in traffic.” From a cost standpoint, building a school at Latteri Park, Eisenmenger feels, “is hard to argue with. The board owns the land.” But he is willing to consider

the Schultheis Farm site, if certain conditions are met. “Before I will support it,” Eisenmenger said, “it will have to have at least two additional entrance and exits. I can see why the Robin Hood residents would be concerned—traffic has to be rerouted. It’s already an extremely congested area. “Anywhere we build the school will involve making some hard choices.” However, Eisenmenger feels the Board of Education did a good job reaching out to the community.

Students at School 15 listening as a professor from Montclair State University presents a program on dinosaurs.

MIKE URCIUOLI 1693

An Independent Thinker Committed to Clifton’s Children Please support me on April 20, 2004 • Vote # 1A Pd for by Friends of Mike Urciuoli, 309 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

“An issue like this should bring out the best in public leaders,” Eisenmenger said. “They must reach out to the people the decision affects, like parents, teachers, and community members. As a Board of Education member, I’ll make sure this continues.” The candidate, who worked for two years as an intern for State Senator Norm Robertson, also takes a similar view on the upcoming school budget. “In the past,” he said, “I’ve voted in favor of the budget. But I want the opportunity to examine it before committing my support.” Eisenmenger, who graduated CHS in 1996 as a Merit Scholar, believes his longstanding family connection to Clifton and the school system is an asset. His mother, Liz, is an English teacher at CHS, and his grandmother worked as a secretary at School 9 for more than 25 years.

A former member of the Mustangs Marching Band, Eisenmenger wants other Clifton children to have the same opportunities he enjoyed as a student. “My candidacy has energized a lot of people,” he said. “That happens anytime you get people involved—especially young people—who aren’t usually involved in politics.”

Kim Renta Kim Renta is a proud, life-long resident of Clifton. “Having one kid in the system (daughter Katie is a second grader at School No. 2) and one about to enter (son Kevin is four), I have a big interest in the school system and the direction it’s going in,” said Renta. “I’ve lived in Clifton my whole life, and I love this town.” However, Renta does not look through rose-colored glasses when assessing her hometown’s school system.

Her main priority is alleviating the much-publicized overcrowding problem, which is beginning to affect Clifton’s elementary schools—something Renta sees firsthand. Her daughter is in one of three separate second grade classes at School No. 2, each with 25 students to a class. “That’s a lot of kids,” said Renta, a freelance writer for several catalogs, including Bloomingdale’s and Linens and Things. “Schools are crowded right now. With some of the projected numbers, it’s going to continue to be a problem.” In a perfect world, Renta would like to see a second high school built, but realizes that is not a realistic proposal. She is a proponent of building a third middle school for eighth and ninth graders, but against the proposed Schultheis complex site, which includes Schultheis Farm on Grove St., Aerodyne Engineering on Route 46, and a home on Broad St.

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Clifton Merchant • April 2004

School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM “There’s not enough green space left in Clifton,” she said. “That’s also the reason why I don’t support using Latteri Park. We have so

many ugly, abandoned areas that we could use instead.” Instead, Renta would like to see the middle school built at the 35-

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Mayor Anzaldi speaking to third graders at School 2 who had been studying about local government, history and civics.

acre site that formerly housed the Athenia Steel plant, located behind Pathmark on the corner of Paulison and Clifton Avenues. “I know that isn’t a real popular opinion,” Renta said. “But I would prefer taking an ugly industrial area and making it beautiful. There are 7.5 acres that have been declared environmentally sound, and the rest could be cleaned up. We shouldn’t leave it as it is.” While parents like herself have a vested interest in the school system, Renta believes all residents should be concerned with the problems facing Clifton students. “When it comes to selling your home,” she said, “people move in and out based on the school system.” Renta supports the proposed school budget that will be voted on in April. She has attended four

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public meetings where it was reviewed and believes it is sound. “Making meaningful cuts would be difficult,” she said. “We could eliminate full day kindergarten— which I support—but that would only cut about $148,000 from the budget, not enough to make a big overall difference.” As the School No. 2 Home and School Association liaison to the Board of Education, Renta has attended every Board meeting during the past year, something she hopes to do as an elected member after Election Day. “I’m doing this,” she said, acknowledging her children playing nearby, “for all the right reasons.”

School 11 received a banner for having the most summer readers at the Main Memorial Library last summer.

A sixth grader at Christopher Columbus Middle School presenting his entry in an inventions contest to the panel of faculty judges.

Joe Yeamans Joe Yeamans believes his business, education and law experience can improve and contribute to the nine member Board of Education. “It gives me a lot of different perspectives,” said Yeamans, 59. “I’m good at solving problems and have the background and skills to bring educational quality back to Clifton. It’s been slipping and sliding.” Yeamans will vote “yes” on the school budget later this month for one simple reason. “I’m in favor of the budget,” he said, “because I’m in favor of improving the quality of education

in this town. We have to pass the budget to take on the initiatives that are presently needed.” Technology needs to be upgraded, said Yeamans. For instance, computer systems are needed for the administration and teachers. “We also need to invest in the student tracking system so that the system can track all aspects of a child’s progress, from K to 12,” he said. “We have a responsibility to the students. The kids deserve it.” Yeamans was a practicing general attorney for more than 20 years and his diverse work experience includes teaching paralegal courses at Upsala College.

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EISENMENGER Clifton School Board – April 20 1697

“Educational Excellence at an Affordable Price” Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jon Eisenmenger Clifton Merchant • April 2004

School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM These days, he is a financial trader. Originally from Irvington, Yeamans has lived in Clifton since 1980. His daughter Karla is a freshman at CHS and has been in the Clifton school system since seventh grade when she enrolled at Woodrow Wilson after attending Catholic and private schools. “Clifton is a good community,” he said, “I willing to fight and kick for our kids and for the community. Clifton is worth taking a stand for but the schools needs improving.” Yeamans believes the biggest obstacle facing Clifton schools is overcrowding, and the lack of space has consequences. “If the numbers of students continue to rise,” he said, “we’re going to simply run out of space. As far as I am concerned, the safety, the general welfare and the educational

environment are all impaired when you have such overcrowded conditions and it should not be tolerated. We need to remedy this.” He believes to eliminate the congestion in both middle schools and

the high school, Clifton must build a separate school for eighth and ninth graders, and favors building a school on the Schultheis farm site. It is a decision he has come to reluctantly,

Third graders at School 1 listening to a phone call on a speaker phone from a Peace Corps worker stationed in Africa with whom they had been corresponding. 1630

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

“I could scream Latteri Park is the better place—and I do believe that—but the Council has forced the Board to choose between no school and the Schultheis farm site,” Yeamans said. “Now what do I do? I’m stuck with the lesser of the two evils. The bottom line is I want to eliminate overcrowding. And for that reason, I go on record as supporting the Schultheis complex.” Looking at past actions of the elected boards in the city, Yeamans questions whether or not the City Council and the School Board have considered the best interests of the students in recent years. If elected, Yeamans will likely be an interesting public official as he is a frank and outspoken individual who promises that he will not be pushed around by political veterans. “I’m not going to let the City Council run the Board,” said Yeamans. “I would rather resign than be a puppet.”

Members of the Muslim Students Association painting a multicultural peace mural in the gymnasium wing hallway at Clifton High School.

Mike Urciuoli Mike Urciuoli says it’s always about the kids. At the bottom of emails, the 46-year-old trial attorney often closes with the letters, “W-DI-F-T-K,” his acronym for: “We do it for the kids.”

Urciuoli’s son Michael is a freshman at Clifton High School and his daughter Emily is a sixthgrader at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. He has served as president of the Clifton Little League Baseball’s Western Division

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On April 20th Vote #8 Kim Renta for Board of Education

She Cares About Clifton’s Future!

• A School #2 parent • Focused on improving the quality of our schools • A homeowner concerned about taxes

• Board of Education liaison for School #2 HSA

• A lifelong Clifton resident Board of Education Candidate, Kim Renta; her husband, Gerard Scorziello and their children Katie, 7 and Kevin, 4.

Paid for by the Friends of Kim Renta; G. Scorziello, treasurer 156 Huron Avenue, Clifton, NJ

Clifton Merchant • April 2004

School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM “Schultheis is my first choice, and it is sort of a default position, but as I campaign I listen to people in town who have suggested other sites that need to be looked at,” said Urciuoli. They include the Board of Education-owned Latteri Park, the privately-owned Globe Properties on Bloomfield Ave. and the Cityowned Main Memorial Park. Another amazing fact Urciuoli. has learned on the campaign trail: “Everyone who you talk to about the new school prefers the property not be in their neighborhood. “My bottom line is that the city needs a new school and come December, I want to put the best plan before the voters,” he said. “More discussion is needed.” Urciuoli said despite an anti-tax sentiment, he said it is important for voters to support the budget.

“I’m voting yes for the budget because it is best for the kids,” he said. “As a politician, it is too easy to say no just to be popular. Yes, taxes will go up but it is important that we fund the district to keep class size down,” he continued. Over the last few weeks, he said he has had access to the budget and again, another campaign epiphany: “The more I look at the Board of Ed budget, I realize we as citizens just don’t get enough details.” If elected, he will help draft next year’s budget and will present a document sensitive to taxpayers while providing a thorough and efficient education. As far as full day kindergarten, Urciuoli said he supports it but “we need to spread it around to other taxpayer neighborhoods”. The candidate said many positive initiatives have been offered by the Board and 1123

and is currently president of his daughter’s gymnastics school. “Volunteerism is an extremely important thing for me,” said Urciuoli, who does litigations for Harleysville, a New Brunswick insurance company. Like other candidates, Urciuoli stated that the greatest issue facing the district is the space problem. “When my son has to go from one class to the next, he has to go outside the building,” said Urciuoli. “That’s not the worst thing in the world, but it shouldn’t have to happen.” Urciuoli’s solution is to build a school that would house eighth and ninth graders and prefers the Schultheis complex as the site, which includes Schultheis Farm on Grove St., Aerodyne Engineering on Route 46, and a home on Broad St.

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Ken Kurnath Ken Kurnath is old school, no doubt about it. But the 15-year veteran of the Clifton Board of Education believes he is still an innovator with a lot to offer residents. That’s why he’s running for his sixth term. “I’ve got old ideas and I’ve got modern ideas,” said Kurnath, a Dutch Hill resident. “You don’t need to throw everything old away.” Drawing on his 26-years experience as a principal in Passaic, Kurnath feels he brings street smarts to Clifton’s Board of Ed.

While retired, he is currently working as a mentor to new teachers at William Paterson University. Kurnath also serves as a certified referee for volleyball and softball, which contributes to his reputation as the “School Board jock.” But his critics say he spends more time worrying about coaches, fields, and competition than education. “People who say that don’t see what I contribute to the Education Committee,” he said, citing his two-plus decades of experience dealing with ESL (English as a Second Language) programs and other issues in Passaic.

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Grandparents Day at School 3 gave elders a chance to see a typical day. 1699

Administration. “I like the fact that (Superintendent Dr. Michael) Rice is renovating the shop classes and creating rooms where kids will have technical classes. I like the internships,” he continued. “Our school has to deal with these changes. It’s all good stuff.” Urciuoli thinks improving conditions at CHS should be a top priority of the Board and feels a quality high school is appealing to current and prospective homebuyers. “Priorities need to be smaller class size and less kids in the larger schools,” said Urciuoli.“When parents are looking at where to live, they put a lot of focus on the high school,” he said. “Our schools need to be a showcase of the community.” Because of his background as lawyer, Urciuoli is confident he has the skills to make the Clifton Board of Education better. However, he is concerned about the Board’s relationship with the Clifton City Council. “There is too much, ‘he said, she said,’ between the two sides,” Urciuoli said. If the two sides can work better with one another, Urciuoli feels the district will be stronger. “What’s good for the Board of Education and good for the City Council are not always going to be the same thing,” he said. “But if you work together, a lot can be accomplished.”

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School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM “Sure, I’m focused on athletics,” he continued. “But if it weren’t for people like myself, athletics would die in this city. Sports keeps kids active and involved. They’re not hanging around. They’re involved. But c’mon, I contribute in many areas beyond athletics.” Kurnath will vote “yes” for the school budget and urged residents to be realistic when considering the cost of quality schools. “You have to spend money for public education,” he said. “Prices don’t go down. Insurance, salaries, energy... the cost of everything is rising. To keep the budget at the same level as last year is ludicrous. It’s just not possible.” One investment Kurnath supports is full-day kindergarten. He called grades K to 3 the most important in a child’s education, citing developing reading skills and study habits, as well as social skills. “One complaint that I’m hearing is (full day kindergarten) would be a babysitting service. Kindergarten is far from that. We need to get kids early and educate them. If we don’t, we’ll be spending money on remedial education for years to come.” There are several issues now facing the schools, he said, in

School 16 students visiting with puppeteers following a show at the school by the Blue Sky Puppet Theater on conflict resolution.

which real leadership is needed. They include the April budget vote and December’s referendum on the purchase of the Schultheis complex site for a middle school. The referendum also asks for funds to purchase and renovate property at 290 Brighton Rd. that will be used to house 500 high school students and alleviate overcrowding at Clifton High. These issues are simply not a Board of Education problem, according to Kurnath. He is looking to his City Council colleagues for support. “You need their help

TOUGH

INTEGRITY

Vote #7 April 20, 2004

Norman A. Tahan Clifton Board of Education

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“It’s time.” 16

Paid for by the committee to elect Norman Tahan - 141 Rutgers Place - Clifton, NJ 07013 April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

to push it,” he said of the seven member Council. “Or at least you need them not to attack it. Let’s be realistic—(Mayor) Jimmy Anzaldi gets 10,000 votes in an election. (Council member) Gloria Kolodziej gets 8,000. I get 4,000. Who are people going to listen to?” Kurnath, who supported buying the Globe property site instead, said he is not completely sold on the Schultheis complex. With voters to decide on the site in December, he said, “I will sit back and see what the public wants, We need people involved.” EXPERIENCE

William Sichel Children matter to Sichel. His son is a recent Clifton High grad (now attending Franklin and Marshall College), and his daughter is a sophomore at CHS. He’s served on the CHS Mustang Band Parents organization and CHS Softball Booster Club. He’s also a member of the NJ School Board Association’s Citizen Action Project and NJ Assoc. of Gifted Children. In 2003, Sichel got his first taste of politics when he helped prevent 17 townhouses from being built at 76 Grove St., preserving the singlefamily home character of his neighborhood. As a result, he’s been a frequent spectator and participant at many public meetings. His biggest surprise as a firsttime candidate was finding out the amount of money that most prospective Board members need to fuel their campaign. Sichel has decided not to join the crowd.

“I have decided,” he said, “to make my campaign a frugal campaign. I will not solicit funds from anyone. I’ve told people that rather than contribute to my campaign, to take that money and contribute to the school organization of their choice. All I ask for is their vote. “I also believe if we could eliminate the perceived need for large sums of money to run for the Board, we might get a lot of very well qualified people to serve.” The biggest problem facing the school district, Sichel believes, is equitable state and federal funding of our education system. “Our education costs are the lowest per student in Passaic County and perhaps the state,” he noted. “We cannot reasonably expect to decrease our budgets as our student population increases.” By performing his own in-depth analysis of NJ Department of Education data, Sichel finds Clifton is under-funded by anywhere from

$1 to $6 million. “We need to get every Clifton citizen involve in our advocacy efforts,” he said. “Legislators respond to numbers.” Another issue Sichel is passionate about is something he calls “English as a First Language.” “Over half of Clifton’s students do not speak English at home,” he said. “This issue has the potential to make already difficult school budgetary issues more difficult and requires a solution.” Sichel proposes a partnership between the Board, City Council, and civic groups to promote learning the language to non-English speaking parents of students. “If they learn and begin speaking English with their children, it will have a tremendous beneficial effect on their children’s educational progress,” he said. “If a child attends a school whose curriculum is taught in a language they only use at school, that child is at an extreme disadvantage.”

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School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM While Sichel feels another middle school is needed to reduce overcrowding, he refuses to endorse the Schultheis complex as a solution, saying he was not part of the discussions regarding the location and will not comment. “The important issue,” he added, “is that we minimize any tax increase in seeking a solution and proceed rapidly in the commencement of that solution.”

Norman Tahan Former Board member Norm Tahan has strong opinions about the proposed site for Clifton’s new middle school. “I agree with the concept for a building to house eighth and ninth graders,” he said, “but you couldn’t find a more horrible place in the city to put it than the Schultheis complex. It will compound traffic problems, plus we have to buy it. I can’t agree with that strategy when we have Latteri Park for free.” When reminded that some Rosemawr section residents oppose using the Board of Educationowned Latteri Park land for a new school, Tahan said: “The good of the many sometimes outweighs the good of the few.” The always frank candidate has a strong opinion about full-day kindergarten, too. “I don’t believe in it,” said Tahan, who served on the Board for seven years (from 19931999) but was not reelected in his third bid in1999. “Parental responsibility should not be something taxpayers have to pay for,” he added. “Plus, there’s not enough room for full-day kindergarten district-wide.” 18

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Seventh graders at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on stage presenting a scene from a Shakespearean play.

A Clifton Firefighter since 1979, Tahan is now a captain. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Passaic Public Schools for the last six years. A father of two, he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from William Paterson University. He believes that some of the overcrowding in Clifton schools can be remedied with a serious, concerted effort by the city to rid the community of illegal housing. “As a fireman,” he said, “I see too many illegal apartments and a lack of enforcement and follow through by the city.” “Stormin’ Norman,” as both supporters and critics call him, also has strong views about the city’s education system. “Our schools,” said Tahan, “present a good program with many options, and it’s up to students and parents to take advantage of them. As far as spending on our children’s

education, we’re still below state average on funding per pupil— Clifton is still a great buy.” He added that the politicians in Trenton are responsible for most of the school’s budget woes and believes the state government’s formula to provide funding is wrong. On the upcoming school budget that Clifton citizens will vote on in April, Tahan is again crystal clear. “By voting the school budget down,” he said, “the City Council will then have to cut into many areas that none of us want to see cut. We need to vote “yes” on the budget. I believe in education.” Clifton Merchant Magazine interviewed Tahan in 1999 and he explained his reason for serving on the Board of Education, something he says holds true today: “I love being on the Board. I may get kicked in the rear 500 times, but it’s the one time that someone says, ‘thank you,’ that makes it all worthwhile.”

Ruth Dippe After 15 years as a Clifton resident, Ruth Dippe knows exactly why she’s running for elected office. “I want to contribute to Clifton, my hometown, and I think I have the background and the experience to do that.” said Dippe, who was born in Columbia where for six years she worked as a lawyer. “I care about people and especially children, and solving problems.” A problem she sees facing the Clifton Schools is overcrowding. Dippe, who lives in Albion near School 5, is a proponent of building a third middle school for eighth and ninth graders and is in favor of putting the school at the proposed Schultheis complex. She said she has considered the other sites proposed and feels that purchasing the farm and the adjacent property is the best solution. “That’s something that not only needs to be addressed for current students, but for future ones too,” she said. “It’s important we look towards the future.” Dippe also supports the pilot kindergarten proposal for the new School 17 and feels strongly about taking the program city-wide. She said it’s about giving students the fullest education. “It’s important a child gets the best education...

A Candidates’ Forum will be hosted by the Clifton Democratic Club on Monday, April 12 at 7 pm at the Allwood Library Community Room. The public is invited to meet candidates and hear them state their positions on the issues facing the community. the building blocks ... when they’re young,” Dippe, 38, said. “Two or three hours a day is not enough. They need more time in the classroom... more time reading.” In her campaign talks, Dippe tells voters that ‘we have to approve the budget,” she said. “To continue the progress we made last year, it has to get passed.” If elected, Dippe said her agenda will include the expansion of after school and summer programs for students, which she feels will give kids new opportunities and lessen the chances of them being influenced by drugs and gangs. To pay for these programs, Dippe said she hoped to find corporate sponsors and get other non-profit groups involved in the schools. An American citizen for 11 years, Dippe has three nephews in Clifton schools. She has been employed at AEP, a plastic manufacturing company in Hackensack, for the last 15 years.

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Clifton Public Schools

One of the Best Buys in Northern New Jersey by Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. Superintendent, Clifton Public Schools

lifton Public Schools spend less tax money per student than any other K-12 district in Passaic County. In fact, we spend $1157 less per student than West Milford, the next lowest district in the county. If we were equal in per pupil expenditures to West Milford instead of last in the county, we would be able to provide approximately $12 million more in services for our children each year. We’re not just low in Passaic County. We’re low throughout Northern New Jersey. Only 3 of 107 K-12 school districts in the eight Northern New Jersey counties (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren) have per pupil spending less than Clifton. For a district whose student body is the most linguistically diverse in the state, with more than 6,000 of our students speaking 65 languages at home, with national elementary TerraNova test scores above the

A Comparison of Per Pupil Expenditures and Administrative Spending Per Pupil Administrative Cost Per Pupil

District

Cost Per Pupil

Passaic

$13,550

$1,215

Paterson

12,135

1,302

State Average

10,725

1,174

Hawthorne

10,051

1,054

Pompton Lakes

10,012

1,455

Wayne

9,864

1,063

West Milford

9,752

985

Clifton

8,595

923

Compiled from the NJ State Department of Education’s 2004 Comparative Spending Guide of New Jersey School Districts

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Parents move to communities (and away from them) more often due to the public schools than any other factor. We all know this. We don’t have to be real estate agents or economists to figure it out. national average and state New Jersey ASK 4 test results above state benchmarks, we’re a great buy. Can we improve? Absolutely. To do so, however, requires a full community effort. In the last two years, we have raised elementary test scores, finished a five-year community strategic plan for the schools, completed a curriculum management audit of the schools and improved communication with our parents, staff, and community. We have worked hard to improve our curriculum guides, our professional development, our hiring processes and our teaching. We have begun two new senior options programs for CHS seniors: credit-bearing Montclair State University and career internship programs, additional mentoring for many of our new teachers, an aspiring administrators academy, a financial education pilot program for many fifth graders and an additional opportunity for senior citizens to volunteer one-on-one in our schools. In addition, thanks to the support of voters last April, this year we were able to: stabilize elementary school class sizes, reduce a number of the large class sizes at the high school, and reduce large class sizes at Christopher Columbus Middle School to those at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Moreover, for the first time in the district’s history, the additions of small numbers of staff permitted us to

finally have a full-time basic skills instructor at every elementary school, a full-time nurse at every elementary school, and some statemandated world language instruction at every elementary school. This year, on April 20, the voters have another choice. Apart from the normal cost-ofliving adjustments for staff, there are four primary goals of the district’s financial progress plan: the building-based staff at School 17, a pilot full-day kindergarten program, a phase-in of the replacement of instructional technology, and a phase-in of a student information management system. As many people are aware, in September 2004, we are opening School 17, the district’s first new school in 42 years. The district’s financial progress plan, before the voters on April 20, includes the cost of building-based staff (e.g., principal, secretary, custodians, lunch monitors, and others) as well as materials, supplies, and utilities for this new building. Classroom teachers will not need to be added to the budget for School 17, since they will come from other schools along with students, who will be redistricted from School 11, School 12, and School 15. Discussed on the following pages, the pilot full-day kinder-

$4.38 MILLION

10%

$10.6 MILLION

Purchased services

Supplies, materials, textbooks and equipment

$813 THOUSAND

School #17

$7.935 MILLION

Tuition

78%

$85.554 MILLION

Teachers/Other Employees

Clifton Public Schools preliminary budget illustrated by expense category.

garten program will be implemented at School 17 and, if successful, would be expanded to other schools. Full-day kindergarten was a goal of the community strategic plan for the schools. It is a program that is long overdue for Clifton and is the most important educational initiative we can provide for our students. Several years ago, citizens supported our children’s need for what was then new instructional technol-

ogy. Now, some of these aging computers and older software need to be replaced with newer machines with expanded memory and updated software, which enable our students, upon graduation, to maintain their competitive edge as they move into college, technical school, and the workplace. The phase-in of the cost of the replacement rotation will take place gently, over a number of years.

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...thanks to the support of voters last April, this year we were able to: stabilize elementary school class sizes, reduce a number of the large class sizes at the high school, and reduce large class sizes at CCMS to those of WWMS. taxpayer, but the impact of a cut in services is substantial for our children. Invariably, in a district as tightly budgeted as ours, class sizes increase, which directly and negatively affects the quality of education that children receive. One of the major factors in a property’s value is the local public school system. Indeed, parents move to communities (and away from them) more often due to the public schools than any other factor. We all know this. We don’t have to be real estate agents or economists to figure it out. It’s great to be one of the best buys in Northern New Jersey, one of the school districts that provide a high quality education relative to its per pupil spending. Let’s not rest on our laurels, though. As a community, we still have considerable work to do before we serve children to the best of our ability. As we work to move the education of Clifton children from good to great, please let us know your thoughts on April 20.

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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At the same time, we are converting, at a fraction of the cost of new computers, many of the older machines for use by our secretaries, who have recently begun to take advantage of the power of Word and Excel software. This conversion has saved taxpayers just under $50,000. Finally, we must begin to phase in a student information management system. This system will track each student’s progress from his or her entry into the district until his or her departure in a number of different ways: academics, evaluations, test results, health, attendance, and discipline. The student information system will permit educators to better focus on the specific needs of each individual student, as students move through the system. Our present ability to track student performance in these ways is severely limited, particularly across school levels (from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school) and is critical under the federal No Child Left Behind law. One of the consequences of the New Jersey method of school finance is that property taxes go up each year, regardless of whether voters approve a school district’s budget or not. Unfortunately, however, with a failed budget, taxes go up but services for children, often teachers, in the schools end up being cut. With a successful budget, taxes go up a bit more, but services for children in schools improve. The tax difference between a failed budget and a successful budget is relatively small for the average

Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ April 2004

Clifton Public Schools

Full-Day Kindergarten by Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. Superintendent, Clifton Public Schools

wenty-one of 26 school districts in towns around Clifton have full-day kindergarten. When I first came to Clifton almost two years ago, I asked people their thoughts about full-day kindergarten. One person said to me, “I think it’s the wave of the future.” If so, the future is now. Support for full-day kindergarten comes from two fields of study: early childhood brain research and student achievement research. For the last decade, brain research has pointed to the importance of early childhood cognitive development. Indeed, it is widely accepted that the absorbency or sponge-like quality of the mind is greatest in very young children. Since most public schools don’t start until kindergarten, this is often the first and best opportunity to educate children, when they are alert and curious and their minds seem to pick up everything. A full-day experience at school, rather than the 2-1/2 hour half-day session, gives students essential academic and social experiences that serve as a tremendous educational foundation for their later years. Student achievement research has demonstrated the same importance of full-day kindergarten. Four years ago, Montgomery County, Maryland, a large suburban school district, implemented full-day kindergarten in 60 of its schools.

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Towns circled have full day kindergarten.

Full-day kindergarten students there have experienced substantial achievement gains relative to their peers who had half-day kindergarten experience. These gains have persisted to the present day. In other words, a half year of education, provided early in a child’s life, has a positive academic or educational ripple effect through the rest of his or her education. Parents have expressed tremendous support for full-day kindergarten in our hometown. Like school teachers, many Clifton parents realize that in an era of increasing accountability, kindergarten is more than simply a social experience.

Indeed, on the first day of kindergarten, the expectation of the state is that every kindergarten student knows his or her alphabet, numbers to 10, colors and shapes. Imagine the difference from when many of us were in school, where the expectation was that kindergarten was the place we went to learn these things or even just to learn to socialize. While many Clifton students do not enter kindergarten with these prerequisites, our teachers work hard in the summer before kindergarten as well as during kindergarten to get them up to speed. Half-day kindergarten, however, is an implicit impediment in

School Board Elections April 20th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM this process, one that more often than not results in students slipping further behind, in spite of the best efforts of teachers and parents, given the gap between the half-day Clifton experience and the full-day experience in most of the rest of the neighboring towns. Full-day kindergarten is a goal of the five-year community strategic plan for the schools. Many people are so sold on full-day kindergarten that they have suggested that we implement it in one fell swoop. Given space and financial constraints, however, we cannot possibly do so. On March 31, as part of its financial progress plan, the Board of Education approved funding for a pilot full-day kindergarten program at School 17, which is due to open in September. If the financial progress plan is approved by the voters on April 20 and the pilot full-day kindergarten program is successful next year, the recommendation would be to expand the pilot program to a few more schools in the following year. Eventually, we as a community would have to make the decision of whether to follow both the research and our neighbors in surrounding towns to

Our students currently get 50 percent the kindergarten experience that their neighbor student-peers receive. Full-day kindergarten in Clifton would begin to level the playing field with neighboring school districts. expand full-day kindergarten throughout the district. There is no doubt that full-day kindergarten has additional costs in both teachers and space. There is equally no doubt that there are substantial educational benefits of full-day kindergarten for Clifton’s children. Our students currently get 50 percent the kindergarten experience that their neighbor student-peers receive. Full-day kindergarten in Clifton would begin to level the playing field with neighboring school districts. It’s our choice as voters on April 20.

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Kindergarten registration for September 2004 in the Clifton Public Schools will be held at each elementary school during the week of April 12-16. To be eligible to register, children must reside in Clifton and be five years of age on or before October 1, 2004. Parents must provide three proofs of residence from among the following documents: utility bill, driver’s license, voter registration card, house deed, department store or credit card bills, rent lease or contract, landlord sworn statement or other valid legal evidence. In addition to the child’s original birth certificate, parents must bring a copy of a recent physical examination and an immunization record in English, and various other forms. Individuals registering a child, other than the student’s natural parents, must provide legal proof of guardianship or custody. Children should not come to the registration. Each school will have a Kindergarten Orientation Day for the children and parents, at which time the kindergarten program will be explained. The orientation dates will be announced following registration. Get more info at www.clifton.k12.nj.us. The Boys & Girls Club and the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce announce the 25th annual Career Exploration Day on May 6. The program encourages CHS juniors to explore a career by spending a day with a business person/sponsor. Debra Lesnick, Director of Education for the Club, asks businesses of all sizes to get involved. The program begins at the Boys Club on Colfax Ave at 8:30 am and ends at 2 pm. Call 973-773-2697, ext. 20, for more details.

Al & Bruce love compost!

Murray Blumenfeld

We - at Morré Lyons - are writing this month’s column with a heavy heart. As many of you already know, our beloved mentor, the writer of this column and the founder of Morré Lyons, Murray Blumenfeld, died on March 8. Murray was a community leader from his days in the old bustling downtown of Passaic to his leadership and vision as a merchant in Richfield Shopping Center. His accomplishments were limitless. The outpouring of love - in the wake of his passing - has been astounding. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this sad time in our lives. In Morré Lyons tradition - we will continue the Lyon’s Den, providing you with interesting information about our industry. Murray loved writing this column so our every written endeavor will be dedicated to his memory. As Murray would say “Talk to you again next month”.

Al & Bruce also love the 1990s... In May, Clifton Merchant Magazine will take readers back to the 1990’s. And to do so, we need your help. Share your opinions, stories, and, most of all, photos that tell the story of this recent but already distant decade. Call, write or visit by April 10. Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher Clifton Merchant Magazine 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 Phone 973-253-4400 • tom.hawrylko@verizon.net

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Clifton Merchant • April 2004

Lee’s Hawaiian Islander on the corner of Lexington and Piaget Ave. may be demolished by April 24. The classic Tiki bar and restaurant has been an eyesore since it burned in a fire on July 26. Owner Daniel Yee was facing $5,000 in fines when he appeared before Municipal Court Judge Scott Bennion on March 24. Yee produced a written contract for demolition of the structure and Bennion postponed sentencing for 30 days. The restaurant opened in 1974 and is considered one of the two dozen or so legendary Tiki bars still in existence in America, according to James Teitelbaum, author of Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America (Santa Monica Press). “Anytime one of them vanishes it’s a loss,” Teitelbaum told the New York Times a few weeks ago.

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How long have these scaffolds surrounded this property at 369 Lakeview Ave?

Have we become blind to blight? The photos of the Lakeview Ave. home on the top of the page could have been taken months or even years ago. No one knows for sure how long that building has had scaffolds around it. And don’t forget about the former Firestone building, located at 1300 Main Ave, which went unattended for a decade before being partially demolished last year. Firefighters recently visit the eyesore to open a fire hydrant covered by planks of plywood. How long can the City Council allow the code enforcement department to go under-staffed? The four full-time officers in that department cover a 17 mile wide city that has 22,000 homes and which adds 500,000 square feet of new business each year.

☛

Clifton Firefighters at 1300 Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton on March 24. 1040

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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Consider This: The code enforcement problems Clifton faces are growing but not near as bad as in other cities, where the problem is, well, shameful. Some municipalities have embraced a last-resort option called the shaming ordinance. At its basic, the ordinance serves to draw attention and shame upon a negligent and code-violating property owner. At its most sensational, a code violator could be featured on the evening news.

WRITER/EDITOR

Such was the case of Warren S. Hornik’s 2522 N. 1st St. property in Milwaukee. In addition to a highly visible sign the city put on the lawn of his neglected property in November, 2002 – a sign which listed Hornik’s full name, address, and phone number at his suburban residence – there were the TV cameras. This, the city’s first enforcement of its 1998 shaming ordinance, was what they called a ‘scarlet letter’ approach to the problem, after

nearly all other approaches failed: the homeowner did not respond to notifications, fines, and an arrest warrant tied to his 24 code violations, according to Milwaukee news sources. The building had already been boarded up and deemed unsafe. Could this type of approach work in Clifton? Don’t know, but something has to be done to slow the blight of decay which seems to be creeping into neighborhoods all over town. 1317

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Clifton Merchant • April 2004

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the Price and Location. Those are the ingredients necessary for any future school expansion. The totality of what has been proposed by the Board of Education and City Council flies in the face of what is really needed. Instead of using a site (Latteri Park) in the right location and at the right price (free) we get a plan that flies in the face of the forthright logic previously used for the successful School 17 elementary school now being built. Taxpayers will be the ones holding the bill for this lack of vision. The proposed swap of land is also comical if it wasn't so serious. A proposed new school would be within a very short distance to three other schools nearby—the High School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Elementary School #2. Anyone going through that area early morning and mid-afternoon knows the traffic headaches that already exist. When I served on the Board the rationale behind the new school was to find the right site at the right cost. That was what was proposed and supported at the polls. 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town CALL US TO SUBSCRIBE entire contents copyright 2004 © tomahawk promotions

April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011 Tom.Hawrylko@Verizon.Net

Editor

Why this process has taken so long since the successful referenda vote in Dec. ‘01 is truly mind boggling. Now, after all the ‘deliberating’ between the Board and Council we get this turkey of a plan. It’s time for Clifton voters to weigh in with one simple word ... no! Matthew J. Ward former President, Board of Education

No School on Grove Street: Why are we catering to special interest groups by not putting the Latteri Park on a ballot like the Schultheis Farm? Our so-called city fathers need to wake up and get with it. The northern part of the city already has seven schools. The southern part is empty. How could the City Council and the Board of Education say no to a park that is free and go out and buy a farm? They should stop catering to special interest groups and put the school on Latteri Park. It’s free. Also, we were told the Shulton deal (now Cambridge Crossings townhomes) would bring in ratables but I did not see my tax bill lower. Soon I will need a helicopter to get around town. Emil Soltis

Our cover story last month asking Governor McGreevey to come to Clifton, visit our high school and talk about the issues facing our schools has stirred readers but not Trenton. We asked the governor to tour what we believe to be a dangerously overcrowded high school and see how nearly 3,400 students are packed like sardines and being taught in cafeterias. We also explained how Clifton Public Schools provide a quality and cost efficient education at about $8,000 per student despite growing challenges and little funding from the state. Still no response!

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael McDonald WRITERS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Paula Zecca Andy Seyka, Fran Hopkins

Who is the Champion of our Schools? What amazes me most regarding the overcrowding of the Clifton Public Schools is how nothing has been done to hold all our locally elected officials accountable, to make this issue/problem their priority. Where are our advocates? Although publishing a number where we can express our concerns to the Governor is a step in right direction, I would like to know if anyone is championing an effort to ensure that Governor McGreevey will hear the problems of our schools? The parents, students, teachers, taxpayers, business leaders and property owners need to be engaged in the process. Is there a task force in place to champion such an effort? It’s time that Clifton residents get involved. Nancy Alejandro

Trenton is the Problem: You pointed to where the real problems lie—not with the overwhelmed taxpayers of Clifton—but with the uncaring politicians in Trenton. Spiraling education costs are not the result of waste or mismanagement in Clifton Schools (as in some neighboring towns), but the result of ever-increasing, un- or under- funded State and Federal mandates. This year, the state-run Abbott district Paterson can’t account for $20 million of its school budget. No investigation. No arrests. No follow up. No problem. They’ll just get another check. Meanwhile Clifton pays for its own tax hikes and new schools...to add insult, the State

Governor James E. McGreevey 609-292-6000 The State House, PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625-001 Senator Nia H. Gill 425 Bloomfield Ave, 2nd Fl Montclair, NJ 07042 973-509-0388

Assemblyman Peter C. Eagler 1113 Main Ave Clifton, NJ 07011 973-458-1130

Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver 15-33 Halsted St East Orange, NJ 07018 973 395-1166

Call or write our elected state representatives and tell them Clifton Schools need their support, funding and attention.

has laws that make it extremely difficult to get rid of illegally overcrowded houses and apartments and outof-town students who are attending our schools. Still, in my opinion, neither the City Council nor the Board of Education is doing a good enough job in these areas. Nonetheless, even if the best job is done, we still have too many kids at CHS and the middle schools. If new housing continues to be built in the city and senior citizens continue to sell their homes to young families, our student population will continue to grow. Thus, it is clear that we need a new 8th & 9th grade school. But, sadly if Assemblyman Peter Eager doesn’t think or know about that (page 60, March edition) then we have little hope of getting Trenton to help us fund it, don’t we? How discouraging. Ellen Corbo, Co-Chair, Clifton Public Schools Community Advisory Committee

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Clifton Merchant • April 2004

Your March History issue covering the 1980s was most interesting. In 1986, I was the first woman to be named “Citizen of the Year” by the Clifton Veterans Alliance. Usually, only one person was so honored. But because some Alliance members were not happy with a woman receiving the award, a worthy male, Rudy Gregg, was also honored. Secondly, I enjoyed the items on the Morris Canal Park. I was chair of the Clifton Historical Commission at the time and would like to add more information to your story and correct some errors. Although Jack Kuepfer did and continues to do a yeoman’s job on the project, there were other people involved with the founding of the Morris Canal Park. Much preliminary work was done before Jack became commissioner of the Historical Commission. Before the building started, the Clifton Historical Commission inspected the site and contacted the neighbors to see if they agreed with a park being built there. Another part of the story was the acquisition of the land, which Peter Eagler took care of. I still have the program for the Dedication, which took place on May 17 1987, (not May 20 as you reported) at the start of the weeklong celebration of Passaic County’s 150th Florence Nibbling Anniversary and Clifton’s 70th.

Our look back at the history of our city can only continue with your help. In May, we will complete the 1980s and move into the 1990s. Share photos, memorabilia and facts with us. If you have some items you’d like to share, call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400 by April 10. Is this the Letter of the Month? Your magazine keeps me informed of what’s going on in Clifton – the good and the bad. Keep up the quality journalism. Mary E. Tiberi

I enjoy reading Clifton Merchant Magazine. As a long time Clifton resident, the articles bring back memories in addition to keeping me abreast of what's going on in town. The March issue was no exception, but for future reference, I’d like to correct some names that appeared in it. On page 16, regarding the merger of Clifton Dateline Journal and Clifton Journal News, the combined weekly (Dateline Journal) is now the Clifton Journal owned by North Jersey Media Group, not the Bergen Record. Also, there is no such paper as the Bergen Record. It is The Record. These are common errors, but we would appreciate you making note of them. Thanks, and keep up the great reporting.

Correction: Sarah Lombardo is holding grandaughter Marisah Potkalesky on page 8 of the March edition.

Bob Lanzetti, Corporate Communications North Jersey Media Group

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Tennis

HS coach Andrea Bobby received good news recently. She found out that senior Mithra Maneyapanda was giving a full commitment to tennis. As a junior last season, Maneyapanda, an excellent soccer player, split time between the tennis team and the Metro Stars U-18 squad. He only made half the team’s matches and was often too exhausted to perform at his best and the Mustangs finished the season a disappointing 9-11. “He’ll be more mentally and physically ready for tennis this season,” Bobby said. “He’s such a great athlete.” Maneyapanda, a quick and consistent player who possesses great touch, is slotted for

first singles. Seven players will be vying for the six remaining slots, Bobby said. Among them are Kunal Desai and Dan Kuleta, both seniors who will likely duke it out for second and third seniors. Senior twins Neil and Tim Reilly work well together and are a probable tandem at first doubles. “Because of the way they work with each other, doubles is better for them,” Bobby said. T.J. Shah, also a senior, will be in the mix, as well. Because of the slew of seniors on this year’s squad, Bobby, now in her 15th season, is optimistic about her team’s chances in the Passaic County Tournament, which begins in mid-May.

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“I’m looking forward to that this year,” Bobby said. “With our experience, I think we can do good things in the tournament.” Having Maneyapanda at every match this season certainly makes the Mustangs more of a threat than last year, but he can’t do it alone. How well CHS does this season will be determined on how the other players in the lineup perform.

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Tel: 973.777.3111 Fax: 973.777.0509 Clifton Merchant • April 2004

ich BelBruno is encouraged that a young and inexperienced squad last year was able to finish 15-13 and qualify for the state tournament. The Mustangs beat Vernon in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament before bowing out to Bayonne in the second round. “Last year, I thought we were playing for this year,” the seventhyear coach said. “We knew we would take some lumps along the way with a young group.”

ball on a regular basis,” BelBruno said during a practice session. Ciallella (third base), Satkowski (first base) Amelio (third base), Pienciak (first base) and Irizarry (shortstop) are versatile and can also play in the infield. Senior Matt Hoey will also get time in shortstop and classmate Ed Crespo will be at second base. Senior Andrew Dziopa and junior Adam Bania will be behind the plate. Dave Smith and Chris Seely will be shagging fly balls in the

Seniors Matt Amelio, Adam Pienciak, Rey Irizarry and Jimmy Mancinelli and juniors Doug Ciallella and Adam Satkowski will perform on the mound. BelBruno has not been able to label any of those hurlers an ace, but says each is capable of throwing a strong game. The first couple weeks of the season will go a long way in determining who will be the go to guys. “Whoever is throwing strikes and getting guys out will get the

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April 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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outfield, along with Mancinelli and Bania. Scoring runs wasn’t always easy for the Mustangs last season. Dziopa, Crespo and Seely are the club’s top hitters, but need some protection in the lineup. The Mustangs compete in Division B of the NNJIL. The other teams in the division are Hackensack, Bloomfield, Passaic, Paterson Eastside and Paterson Kennedy. “We should challenge for the league crown,” BelBruno said. Just like the state tournament, CHS got only as far as the second round in Passaic County Tournament. It topped rival Passaic in the first round before losing to Wayne Hills in the next round. In BelBruno’s six seasons at CHS, the school has never gotten further than the semi-finals. Getting to this year’s final will not be easy. Defending county champion Lakeland is once again fields a

What is your competition doing to get ready for spring?

strong team and BelBruno says West Milford, Paterson Eastside and Hawthorne are also formidable opponents. “How far we go in the county and state tournaments will be determined by our defense,” BelBruno said. “If we start kicking the ball around then we will be out early.” Defense was an area that the Mustangs struggled in last season, but BelBruno has been encouraged by the can-do attitude he has been seen during the preseason. “Last year, I thought we pitched pretty well, but it seemed like nobody wanted the ball hit to them,” the coach said. “This season seems totally different. But looking good in the gym is different then out on the field. It’s got to get done when the game’s start.” An early season contest against Bergen Catholic on April 6 will give a good barometer in determining how good the Mustangs are.

Baseball APRIL 3

BLOOMFIELD