Clifton Merchant Magazine - January 2006 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 11 • Issue 1 • January 6, 2006

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THE APPREHENSIVE PATIENT

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January 2006 Tony Latona: City Council Candidate . . . .10 Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Changing Landscape . . . . . . . . . .14 No Further Action on Athenia Steel . . . . .19 Housing on Howe Richardson . . . . . . . . . .24 Green Acres & New Jobs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Lexington Avenue Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . .30 Residential Real Estate

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Those Waiting in the Wings . . . . . . . . . . .39 Aquafresh: Made in Clifton . . . . . . . . . . .49

Joseph Cupoli, age 11, a student at School 14, is shown on

Mustang Erin (Shaughnessy) Monahan . . .52

our cover and above with his

The Nikischer Family of Botany . . . . . . . . .63

dad, also Joseph, in an effort to remind voters that Election Day

These Seniors are on a Roll . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Birthdays and Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . .80

is on Jan. 24. Our opinion on the referendum is on pages 5-9.

Project Watch, 2006: Downtown developments at Main & Washington Aves. Page 21.

Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton â&#x20AC;˘ 973-253-4400

Benjamin Arthur Banker

Colbert Coldwell

A Look Back at Turn-of-the-Century Real Estate Costs & Trends

Coldwell Banker celebrates 100 years in the business with a look back in time: Teddy Roosevelt was president; the Panama Canal was in its second year of construction and the Victrola, the very first record player, was introduced at a retail price of $200. The year was 1906, and the city of San Francisco was still reeling from the after affects of the great earthquake and fire. According to Coldwell Banker, common practice among real estate solicitors at the time was to grab up good buys for themselves and later peddle them to customers at a profit. Many simply optioned the property and sold it at a profit with little or no cash invested. Net contracts were common and, according to their terms, a seller could claim only that sum for which he had contracted the broker to sell his property. Unscrupulous operators would tie up the property of an uninformed owner under a net contract and then extract a tremendous profit by selling it to a buyer who had already agreed to pay two or three times the contract price. The purchase money loan, common in real estate today, had not yet been introduced. Instead, the standard was the “take-back” loan under which the borrower, in the event of foreclosure, not only stood to lose his real estate, but was also obligated to pay the full loan balance. To avoid that liability, purchasers often hired a “dummy” buyer to sign the loan papers and then deed the property to the real owner in the same escrow. Some professional dummy buyers made their living at the trade. A twenty-three year-old real estate agent named Colbert Coldwell, and a salesman and agent named Benjamin Arthur Banker, witnessed these unethical practices. Working from just one office in San Francisco, they set out to do things differently.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

School Board Referendum Jan. 24th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM

If You’re A Voter, Clifton Needs You Commentary by John Bendel

f you care about Clifton, you have to go to the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and vote yes to approve a new school on Brighton Rd. That doesn’t mean opponents of the school don’t care about Clifton. There are honest differences of opinion, and strong ones. After all, we’re talking about taking three industrial zoned lots off the tax rolls. Then why should voters approve a new school in this particular spot? You’ll find a compelling explanation by Cheryl Hawrylko on page 10. Cheryl answers arguments against the school project. More importantly she explains in the clearest language why the new school should be built on Brighton Rd. I urge you to read it. Meanwhile, I’d like to offer a few thoughts. If the Vote is Yes An election is the climax of a debate and there is nothing subtle about a vote. It’s yes or it’s no. There is no maybe. In the coming election, the school board will be empowered to go ahead with its second phase plan for Brighton Rd. or that plan will die. There is no in between. Consider the likely consequences of both eventualities. If voters approve the school, the Clifton Board of Eduction will have the authority to build on the properties at 290, 310 and 330 Brighton Rd. Parents of young children will be reassured. Fewer for sale signs will appear on Clifton lawns.When the school opens, all Clifton students will be in a safer, healthier environment. 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE 79 $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town CALL 973-253-4400 entire contents copyright 2006 © tomahawk promotions

These kids will have proper facilities and a quality of education worthy of Clifton. The city will wake from its school overcrowding nightmare and thrive. If the Vote is No If the vote is no, Clifton will not get the school it desperately needs. Overcrowding will go on for a long time to come. Already, thousands of children have passed through Clifton middle schools and high school in those unconscionable conditions. Clifton children spend seven years, from 6th through 12th grade, in those overcrowded schools. To adults, particularly we seniors, seven years is virtually no time at all. For children, seven years is eternity. They spend that eternity in an unhealthy learning environment. Each child is deprived in one overcrowded class after another, one humiliating surge through the hallways after another, one long day, one tedious hour at a time. The failure of the school referendum will mean at least another generation of Clifton children will endure overcrowding and its inevitable impact on educational quality. For the city, the issue will not go away. It will only get worse and the school board will be back where they began. Members will have to return to sites already considered and rejected, Latteri Park, School 14... who knows. Old political battles will have to be fought all over again.

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 • tomhawrylko@optonline.net

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko GRAPHIC ARTIST Mary Lalama WRITERS: Jack DeVries, Cheryl Hawrylko, Joe Torelli, John Bendel, Robert Wahlers, Gary Anolik, Joe Hawrylko, Alicia Feghhi January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Indeed, if the vote is no, Clifton will struggle with the same issue for years to come. Without a new school, the City of Clifton takes a serious step toward decline. If the voters turn down the school proposal, both the image and the essence of the city are cheapened. Clifton will lose more of the young families to whom education is paramount, the kind of people thriving cities need. The Opponents: ProLogis Two tax-paying companies are fighting school board plans, specifically the annex at 290 Brighton Rd. authorized by the December 2004 referendum. If they succeed, the rest of the school board plan is dead for all practical purposes. One of the companies is ProLogis, a Colorado-based corporation that owns the property to the south of the proposed school site. ProLogis specializes in commercial real estate for the logistics industry, companies that move, store and distribute goods. They hope to lease their Brighton Rd. building for that purpose. During Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings, a ProLogis employee testified that a school in the neighborhood would make their facility less attractive to businesses and harder to lease. But ProLogis was unable to say how much harder or to quantify the problem in any way. In fact, a real estate assessor who testified for ProLogis on Dec. 13 said he had been unable to find a comparable case—a school being built in an industrial zone—in recent New Jersey history. Therefore, he could not say what the monetary impact would be. Please understand that the ProLogis facility in Clifton is one of 2,336 similar ProLogis properties around the world—more than $21.9 billion in total real estate assets. These headlines from the company’s four most recent press releases provide some perspective. Dec. 08, 2005: ProLogis Leases 380,000 Square Feet in Belgium to Decathlon Dec. 15, 2005: ProLogis Leases 297,000 Square Feet in Houston to Goodman Manufacturing Dec. 19, 2005: ProLogis to Develop Major Distribution Facility for Adidas in China Dec. 20, 2005: ProLogis to Develop 645,000-SquareFoot Industrial Facility at Central Japan International Airport A Google search for the word ‘Clifton’ on the ProLogis web site comes up empty. ProLogis has rights under the law but don’t think for one half of one second that ProLogis gives a fig about Clifton. 6

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Team players Bill Van Ness and Christine Baker, the attorney representing ProLogis. Van Ness is holding a toy truck which he used in meetings to illustrate his concern about safety.

If ProLogis doesn’t want a building next to a school, they’ll sell it to someone who does and that will be last we hear of ProLogis. The Opponents: Van Ness William Van Ness is another matter altogether. Van Ness owns Van Ness Plastics, a long-time taxpayer and employer in Clifton. His plant is just north of the proposed school site and he owns the property at 330 Brighton Rd., property that could be condemned should the school board win the referendum on January 24. You’ll never see ProLogis CEO Jeffrey H. Schwartz in Clifton, but William Van Ness shows up in person at Board of Adjustment hearings and quarterbacks his company’s case from a front row seat. He sits through the tedious testimony of his own expert witnesses. He doesn’t have to. This is clearly a personal matter for Van Ness and he’s fighting hard. Van Ness appears to be deliberately dragging out testimony, producing one expert witness after another.

School Board Referendum Jan. 24th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM Or perhaps the idea is to put as much testimony in evidence as possible. Maybe Van Ness hopes to bowl over the Clifton zoning commissioners with shear volume. Or perhaps he’s looking forward to the court case that will likely follow these hearings. If the variance is denied, the Board of Education has made no secret of its intentions to take the case to Superior Court in Paterson. The judge will have plenty to read, though from my municipal experience, Van Ness’s witnesses have been largely ineffective. You have to respect Van Ness for his commitment and determination.

The failure of the school referendum will mean another generation of Clifton children will have to endure the overcrowding... members will return to sites already considered... old political battles will have to be fought all over again. Indeed, Clifton will struggle with the issue for years to come. I hope that if events don’t go his way, he will continue to do business in Clifton, where he has employees, friends and supporters. But in that voting booth, you should remember that Van Ness just acquired 330 Brighton Rd. relatively recently.

Two Projects, One Issue The Clifton Board of Education’s plan for Brighton Rd. has two parts. The first is to convert an existing industrial building at 290 Brighton Rd. into a CHS annex for 500 students. Clifton voters approved this part of the plan in Dec. of 2004. The second part involves building a much larger school on unused properties to the north of 290 Brighton Rd. at 310 and 330 Brighton Rd., a $49 million project that will end Clifton’s overcrowding problem for good. This is the project before voters on Tuesday, Jan. 24. In order to put a school on property zoned industrial, the Clifton Board of Education must obtain what is called a use variance from the Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment. The first phase of the project, the annex at 290 Brighton Rd., has been the subject of hearings before that board since Aug., 2005. Further hearings are scheduled for Jan. 5, Jan. 19 and Feb. 2—all Thursdays and all begin at 7 pm. If the school board is granted a variance by the Board of Adjustment, that variance will serve as precedent for the second phase of the project. On the other hand, if the variance is denied, the second phase of the project is doomed as well. If this all sounds confusing, it is. One result of this situation is the confusing spectacle of two related yet separate school board projects in the news at the same time. The already approved annex at 290 Brighton Rd. is before the Board of Adjustment even as the option for the larger school on 310 and 330 Brighton Rd. is before the voters. Help solve this confusion: on Tuesday, Jan. 24, remember to go to the polls and vote to yes to approve that school.

He said he intends to use the property for parking. But there is nothing on the property now and there has been no business activity for a number of years on this property involved in the school project. In fact, nothing in the school board’s plan will seriously impact current Van Ness operations. A Caution to Voters Some at City Hall oppose the school board plans for Brighton Rd. and they may come forward with a last-minute proposal of an alternate school site. It may seem like a cureall for Clifton’s overcrowding ills. It won’t be. For one thing, any change in school board plans now means – at the very least – another year’s delay (please keep those kids in mind). It will mean new engineering and plans. It will mean yet another referendum, perhaps in 2007. And depending on the site, it could mean extended debate and further delays over dangerous pollution. Again, please read Cheryl Hawrylko’s column. Brighton Rd. is the best possible site for the school. Stay focused. Get the job done. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, vote yes for a new school on Brighton Rd. Clifton is counting on you. You can reach John Bendel at jbendel@gmail.com January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

School Board Referendum Jan. 24th • Polls Open 1:30 PM - 9 PM

It’s Decision Time Commentary by Cheryl Hawrylko

n Jan. 24, Clifton’s voters will finally have the opportunity to remedy the overcrowding in our middle schools and high school—once and for all. I, for one, am more than ready to move forward with this solution. I’m tired of sending our students off to learn in environments that we, as adults, would not want to work in. I’m done watching good families with children move out of town in search of better schools. And I’m fed up with a decade of debates. Three of Clifton’s schools are overcrowded to the point that their populations make it difficult to educate our children safely and properly. That is reason enough to approve the proposed plan, as outlined below. How it works: If this referendum is passed, rather than having only a 500 student high school annex at 290 Brighton Rd. (which voters already approved), the additional purchase of 310 and 330 Brighton Rd. and construction would allow for the development of a 1,150 student school combined with the annex, making a 6th9th grade complex for 1,650 students. The two existing middle schools, currently serving grades 6-8, would be changed to grades 6-9. All of the 9th grade students would be removed from the high school leaving only grades 10-12. The existing middle schools, whose enrollments have gone as high as 1300 each, would be kept at a much more manageable maximum of 1,000-1,100 each. Reasons to Vote Yes: It is an expenditure that would, for the long term, eliminate the overcrowding at the two existing middle schools and the high school. It is more than a band aid. It is not a piece-meal approach. It is a solution that not only rectifies the problem, but does so with an eye toward the future functioning of the school district as a whole. One of the Clifton School district’s strengths are its neighborhood elementary schools, all of which are grades K-5. With the approval of this referendum, we would be building on this strength. Clifton would then have three, uncrowded ‘neighborhood’ middle schools for grades 6-9, and one uncrowded high school for grades 10-12. 8

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

If the referendum doesn’t pass: The only relief in sight would be the 500 student 9th grade annex to be built on Brighton Rd. The remainder of the 9th grade would still be at the high school. And the two existing middle schools, grades 6-8, would experience no reduction in students. All of this with a continued increase in student enrollment over the next five years. If this referendum does not pass, the three schools will not only remain overcrowded–their populations will grow. Any potential alternate plans would take years to implement; time our children and our city does not have. Rebuttals to the Opposition: ‘Voters already approved the construction of a 500 student annex on Brighton Rd. but the project is being fought by neighboring businesses. Why vote to purchase additional property when we can’t get the original project built?’ Van Ness Plastics was hoping to prevent the 500 student annex, because in doing so, it would effectively kill the second phase of the plan. While businesses like Van Ness Plastics and ProLogis have indeed delayed the construction of our much needed annex, I do believe that ultimately, the will of Clifton’s voters will prevail. Testimony is nearly complete at the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and their decision on the annex should be forthcoming. Voting ‘yes’ to this referendum will only strengthen our position. ‘Brighton Rd. is an inappropriate location for a school.’ Many, perhaps a majority, of Clifton’s schools are on heavily traveled roads, including one situated on a highway. Ideally, all our schools would be in park-like settings. But Clifton does not have such space available. As far as Brighton Rd. is concerned, there is an elementary school, a park, and a residential section already safely sharing space amongst industrial neighbors. It is very convenient for people who live in other towns...towns with more space and more money...to cluck their tongues and say ‘how inappropriate’...’a school mixed with industry...a school on a busy road’. But for the residents of Clifton, a city with limited space and funds, we can and will make the best of what we have to work with. We have been doing so for decades.

Speaking of Shulton, now home to 637 units of housing; how many times in recent years have you heard someone lament, ‘we could have solved all the school overcrowding problems if we had purchased Shulton.’? Let’s not be saying the same thing about Brighton Rd. in the future. Latteri Park: While board-owned, the property is not suited for a school the size needed to implement a district wide 6-9 middle school plan. Perhaps an 1,100 or 1,200 student school, but that would not be enough to solve the overcrowding in a meaningful, long term way. ‘Loss of ratables.’ I would rather give up some ratables in exchange for a major improvement in our schools. An overcrowded school system makes Clifton a less desirable community. How much longer before our property values are affected? Keep in mind, one of the reasons people were against purchasing the Shulton property for

school use was the loss of ratables. A lot of good that did us. Speaking of Shulton, now home to 637 units of housing; how many times in recent years have you heard someone lament, ‘we could have solved all the school overcrowding problems if we had purchased Shulton.’? Let’s not be saying the same thing about Brighton Rd. in the future. If this referendum makes sense to you, it is vitally important that you take five minutes out of your schedule to vote yes on Jan. 24. Parents of young children, this means you in particular! If you choose not to vote, you have no right to complain. Hope to see you at the polls. 1176

‘The Board already has three other potential properties to develop that wouldn’t cost any money to purchase: Athenia Steel, Main Memorial Park, and Latteri Park.’ Athenia Steel: It has plenty of land, but the contamination issues have yet to be fully identified and remediated. Cost aside, the time frame for doing so could take years. Additionally, there is only one entrance to the property. The location is already overburdened with traffic problems. The property is in close proximity to one of the existing middle schools, and right next to the high school. Main Memorial Park: While there is ample room to build a school and still have park space left, we would be building a middle school right next to an existing middle school, and an elementary school. It certainly doesn’t make any sense as far as the neighborhood school concept is concerned. It would also overburden an already congested area.

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2006 Council Elections

He Says He Can Do It A by Joe Hawrylko

nthony Latona, a life-long Cliftonite who was born and raised in Athenia, has noticed an evolution in his hometown over his 32 years. However, there is one thing that hasn’t changed all that much—the politicians who are running it. “I want to see a change,” stated Latona, a 1992 CHS grad, who added that many in leadership during his graduation year are still guiding Clifton today. “I feel City Hall is stagnant.”

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

That’s why Latona, a Clifton firefighter for six years, is going to run for City Council. He wants voters to shift away from politicians who have been in power for decades to those who will bring in fresh ideas. Rumors of Latona’s candidacy have danced around City Hall since Veterans Day when the 13-year Air Force reservist served as co-grand marshall for the city’s parade. However, his employment as a firefighter has already caused some seasoned politicians to question his eligibility to run for City Council. How can he be his own boss, they ask? Latona researched the issue and found a Jan. 8, 2002 memo from retired Municipal Attorney Gerald Friend to the late City Manager Robert Hammer which stated: “Although we do not deem it proper for our department to give employees legal opinions on matters outside of their scope of employment, First Assistant Municipal Attorney Elisa Leib has prepared the attached memorandum indicating that the law does not prohibit employees from running for municipal council, but that there would appear to be a conflict if the employee were to continue employment if elected.” “That seems like an opinion, not a statute,” said Latona, a Tech Sgt. in the New York Air National Guard who returned in Sept. from a five month tour in Iraq. “I will abstain from voting or being involved on matters involving the fire department.” Latona said there is nothing prohibiting him from running in the May election for one of the seven seats on the City Council. Thus, over the next couple of weeks, expect to be hearing a lot more from candidate Tony Latona. Talking Issues Latona, who before joining the Clifton Fire Dept. served five years on active duty with the Air Force, said he believes that one of the biggest issues that Clifton faces today is how to properly manage its growth. He aims to tackle the root of the problem first: housing. As a firefighter Latona is someone who been within a lot of Clifton homes and in many neighborhoods has seen far too many living rooms, attics and basements turned into bedrooms.

“We need to be more aggressive in dealing with this problem and hand out more fines for both landlords and tenants,” said Latona, who noted that illegal dwellings impact everything from schools, to traffic, to parking. “We should look into substantially increasing the bounty for reporting these violations.” The other half of the housing dilemma is new construction. While he does not support a complete housing moratorium, he is opposed to more large scale development. “We need to use smart growth and curb over-development,” he said. “If you’re going to build, don’t cram 800 units into a small space. This strains all of the city resources and causes traffic.” Another key platform of his campaign is to have the city services expand with population growth. The problem, Latona explained, is that while Clifton’s population grows, city services, specifically the DPW and public safety, lag behind.

Thinking of running for either the City Council or the Board of Education? We’ve prepared a primer to give potential candidates much of what they need to know. Turn to pages 36-39. “We probably have almost the same amount of DPW employees as we did 10 years ago,” Latona claimed. Their lack of manpower becomes apparent in the fall and winter when leaves and snowy streets are sometimes not cleaned in a timely fashion. By adding more staff and trucks, Latona believes this headache could be eliminated. Even though the DPW situation concerns him, the more pressing matter at the time is the police department. “Clifton is a big, growing city and the police force needs to expand with it,” Latona explained. “We need more cops, without a doubt.” While Clifton maintains a crime rate below the state average, he said it won’t stay that way unless Clifton cops receives more funding.

He stressed the need for more coverage in certain parts of town, such as Delawanna with its large influx of malls, to Botany and Lakeview, which have a higher crime rate. By adding more staff, cops would be more visible on the street and deter crime. He lauded the plain clothes unit that has been deployed in Botany which has already been achieving the desired results. Undercover officers stopped a mugging in process in Dec. where a group was assaulting a pedestrian walking down a street. Latona is also pleased with the antigang unit and said it should receive more funding. Latona said as he hits the campaign trail, he expects other issues to emerge and be discussed.

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2006

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the

1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011 Tomhawrylko@optonline.net

(note new address)

Editor

Parents are Experts: As a parent of a child in grammar school, I consider myself, as well as every parent of a child in Clifton’s schools, an expert. On Dec. 14, 2004, voters approved a high school annex on 290 Brighton Rd. by a 68 percent margin. As experts, we considered Brighton Rd. a safe environment. What parent would choose a site that is not safe for their children? The overcrowding crisis far outweighs any of the deterrents. The so called ‘experts’ that represent the opponents don’t live in Clifton and have driven past the site once or twice—how they could be considered an expert? Cliftonites have driven on Brighton Rd. and yes, it is a Barbara Dougherty safe road and a good site for a school. Remember, the parents are the experts and we chose Get informed, vote! Two public forums, both at 7 pm, Brighton Rd. as a high school annex. Hopefully, the will be held to discuss gains in the public schools and Board of Adjustments would realize the true experts and how it relates to the Brighton Rd. referendum. The first vote in our favor. And I also urge all residents to vote yes is on Jan. 18 at School 13, 782 Van Houten Ave., and on Jan. 24 to approve the second portion of the plan. the second is Jan. 19 at School 17, 361 Lexington Ave.

Clifton Super Bowl Family Day: I once again am pleased to contribute a $100 donation to the Clifton Family Super Bowl party at the Boys & Girls Club. As I have done in years past, I give this donation in memory of my late husband Henry Dougherty, a former Vice Principal of Clifton High School. This is a great project for our youth and an excellent way to honor my husband, who worked with the kids at CHS from 1960 until his death in 1993.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Even at an early age Coldwell Banker Realtors like Associate Bill Brady (pictured below at the Clifton Boys Club back in the day) were trained to be on the cutting edge of providing great service and savings! While the classic photo below is a hoot, Bill Brady has a specific business philosophy he practices daily: To market properties utilizing sound planning, professional ethics, persuasive skills, and a strong company support system. A Licensed Realtor since 1985, this life-long Clifton resident is a consistent multi-million dollar producer and is a full time professional. With two decades of service in the Passaic, Bergen and Essex market, Bill is knowledgeable in all aspects of real estateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;residential, commercial and investment properties.

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Story by Joseph R. Torelli with Joseph Hawrylko & Tom Hawrylko

EconomicOutlook:

ChangingCityscape The extraordinary growth in real estate development that has fueled Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy for the past half decade will likely keep certain sections of the city humming for years to come. In fact, with three major developments already underway along the Rt. 3 corridor and others either in progress or set to go elsewhere in the city, 2006 promises to bring more new stores and businesses into Clifton than in any year since 2002. With thousands of new housing units constructed during the past decade, Clifton has become a magnet for retailers, bankers and other commercial businesses following that growth.

January 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

The thousands of residents moving into these new homes have become built-in shoppers, and businesses have responded to their demand for products, goods

and services. The following report provides an overview of the developments recently completed, underway or on the horizon during 2006.

The Route 3 Corridor TGI Friday’s restaurant was the first new business to ring in the New Year when it opened late last month on an 8-acre tract along Rt. 3 that was once home to the Shorewood Packaging plant. The restaurant is the first tenant in a new outdoor shopping center that is being developed on property which is sandwiched between Rt. 3 and Allwood Rd. Vehicular access to the new mall will be available from both roadways. TGI Friday’s will be joined later this year by the giant national electronics retailer, Best Buy, and by a Christmas Tree Shops department store.

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On the opposite page, a file photo of the former Brogan Cadillac showroom at Passaic Ave. and Allwood Rd., which was vacated in late 2001 and a photo today of its conversion to a long stay executive hotel, expected to open in July. This page, facing Rt. 3 and also offering access via Allwood Rd., the former Shorewood Packaging Plant, above in 2003, manufacured cardboard boxes and employed over 50 union workers. When the plant closed in Feb., 2004, the property was rezoned for retail use and demolition of the plant began in 2005. At left is a photo of the site taken in late December. 1133

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Trees have been clearcut on the Anderson Tract across from Clifton Commons, which can be seen from Rt. 3 West (above), to make room for a new shopping center. At right, the Third River, a feeder to the Passaic River, which runs through the 22-acre property being developed by Mad River LLC.

Christmas Tree Shops is a leading New England gift retailer that has chosen Clifton as the second site for its expansion into New Jersey. Its first Garden State store opened in Paramus last year. Further east on Rt. 3, the once densely forested Anderson Tract adjacent to Costco is also being transformed into a shopping center. The new mall will occupy more than one-third of the 22-acre site and will be anchored by a Bed Bath & Beyond. When completed later this year, there will be three buildings totaling 122,000 square feet of retail space along with national and regional dining establishments, including Starbucks, Stone Cold Creamery and Pizzeria Uno. Development on the tract has not been without controversy. Eight acres of the property is NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection-designated wetlands and flood plains not open to development. Additionally, the Third River runs through the site, making it even more environmentally sensitive.

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January 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

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Hundreds—perhaps thousands— of trees have been clear-cut by the builder, Mad River Development LLC of Teaneck, to make way for the shopping center, causing further concern among environmentalists. Clifton attorney Thomas DeVita, who represents Mad River, said the company has paid the city $10,000 because it is unable to replace all of the trees it has removed, as required by municipal ordinance. He also noted that six acres of the former Anderson Tract will be deeded back to Clifton for wetlands management. DeVita said to help manage the huge line of vehicles that inevitably would queue up to exit from the highway, a bridge will be built from the mall to Bridewell Pl. Mad River has already paid the city $10,350 for an easement to construct the bridge.

A third major development along the Rt. 3 corridor is the continued construction of the Togar Executive Suites on the former Brogan Cadillac site just off the highway on Passaic Ave. The hotel is expected to open partially in July, and be totally operational by year’s end. It will

provide extended-stay lodging, conference and communications services to traveling business executives in a 300,000 square foot facility. When these projects are completed during 2006, Rt. 3 will have few remaining properties available for any type of development.

ProjectWatch: KHov’sFourSeasons K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Great Notch is reshaping a large, visible portion of Garret Mountain into what soon may be identified as Hovnanian Hill. In 2004, contractors began moving earth on the former quarry and two adjacent properties to make way for Four Seasons, an 814-unit active senior housing project on 98 acres which straddle the Clifton and West Paterson border. But in the process, contractors also clear-cut over 2,000 trees which once lined Rt. 46 and Valley Rd. In our Aug., 2004 edition, a K Hov spokesperson said they will plant 600 shade trees, 860 flowering and ornamental trees and 1,800 evergreens by the time the project is completed in 2008. K. Hovnanian is the state’s largest home builder and in a project of their’s near Watchung Reservation, workers clear-cut an acre of that park. Union County officials took action and in July, 2005 K Hov agreed to pay the county $25,000 plus $225,000 for new plantings. No such fee was paid here in Passaic County. 18

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The old Liberty Lincoln Mercury showroom, located adjacent to the dealership’s new facility which opened in 2004, is currently available. It is zoned for retail use and when it is eventually occupied, it will give Rt. 3 a nearly contiguous stretch of shopping from the Passaic River bridge to Bloomfield Ave. This increased retail presence is bound to bring more traffic to the already heavily-traveled Rt. 3, and on surrounding streets such as lower Main Ave. and Allwood Rd. Clifton Police Lt. John Link, head of the city’s traffic division, said that the department will increase patrols in the area as the new businesses open. “Right now, we have no plans for major revisions to the way we operate,” said Link. “But if the situation warrants it, we will most assuredly adjust to meet the need.” At the Paterson Border Rt. 3 is not the only section of Clifton that is continuing to attract development. Significant projects also are slotted to begin or come online in Downtown Clifton, Allwood, Historic Botany Village, Delawanna and Athenia during 2006, while other areas in the city, such as the Lexington and Lakeview Avenue shopping districts, are being eyed for enhancements as well. At the northern end of Main Ave., the Corrado’s Family Affair supermarket has already begun construction on the first phase of a two-part addition that will add 25,000 square feet of new retail space. When the Corrado’s project is completed later this year, the supermarket, famous throughout the region for its domestic and international delicacies, will occupy 77,000 square feet of retail space, putting it on an equal footing with big-box ‘super’ supermarkets.

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AtheniaSteel: NoFurtherAction Indeed, environmental tests are being conducted on the 29 remaining acres of the former factory known as Athenia Steel, located on Clifton Ave., which has been ballyhooed by Council members as the site for a school, athletic fields and much more. In fact, one City Council member even suggested that in Feb. they will appear like ‘white knights’ offering the land-locked property as a solution to the Board’s school overcrowding issue. And indeed, as City Council officials have promised since 1999 when they ‘purchased’ the property from the former owner, Davis Wire Company, the city’s consultant is conducting an investigation and within weeks there will be another report which tells more. But is there a timeline for clean-up of Athenia Steel? Who will pay for the actual remediation and what will it cost? Finally, how will drivers get in and out of the property? “Feb. is maybe the first step in the process to release the property,” said City Manager Al Greco. “How long to finality?... we are dealing with a difficult issue and the DEP has taken some unprecedented steps to help us solve it but I don’t have a crystal ball.” The city’s goal is to have the NJ DEP segregate the property into three sections—north, south and central—so that the 11 acre northern section, which is assumed to have little contamination, can be developed for recreation or school use. Could that happen? Sure. And if the city gets the DEP to split the site, does Council have another plan to get cars in and out of the property? They’ve got some ideas: buy an existing car wash at Paulison and Washington Aves,, raze it and build a street level road across a commuter rail line, buy property on Colfax Ave. and raze it to construct an access road across a freight line... What’s the cost? No one seems to know not quite yet, but they’ll probably get to that pretty soon. We’ll keep you posted... January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The owner of this property wants to construct a three story retail building on the parking lot of the PNC Bank building, located on the corner of Main and Harding Aves.

Downtown Clifton Heading south on Main Ave. is a former car dealership and most recently a Goodyear Tire store which remains boarded up and unoccupied. Vacant since 1999, the property owner has a long term lease with Goodyear and has been playing hardball with the city and any potential tenants. Worse yet, the neglected building became an eyesore until this past summer when city officials finally got the property owner to paint the facade and perform maintenance on the site. What will happen to this property is unclear. Another landmark property in Downtown Clifton is the new construction at the corner of Main and Hillman. The former Firestone Tire building was razed a few years back and a three-story office/medical building was constructed in its place. While it looks as if interior construction is done, the property is vacant and landscaping has yet to be completed in the rear.

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ProjectWatch: DowntownClifton

New owners have purchased a large block of stores and second floor residences on Main Ave. from Washington Ave. to where the former Studio J. Stained Glass store was and have implemented some changes which are rippling through the neighborhood. While the relocation of Studio J from Clifton to Fairfield is among the most visible, the new owners—some say the lot was split and sold to another party—have fenced in a portion of the property along Putnam Pl. This vacant lot was used by both the commercial and residential tenants for parking. It also provided access to the rear of the stores, allowing shipping and receiving. In fact, the lot being fenced in was the final straw for Studio J owners as it cut off their daily deliveries and essentially forced them to move. So what is the purpose of the fenced in lot? Neighbors and some city officials said the owner hopes to build housing on the property but that would require a few zoning variances. Whatever plans the new owners have for their property facing Putnam Pl. will likely face intense scrutiny from neighbors and city officials alike.

Studio J, the stained glass company, has moved from its longtime home on Main Ave. to a new warehouse in Fairfield. What will happen next to this large mixeduse slice of real estate with apartments and stores on Main Ave.—and more intriguing—to the rest of the property which fronts Putnam Pl. and Washington Ave. (seen here), makes it a project to watch in 2006.

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Bellin’s Clifton Swim Club is a two acre site located on Main Ave. near the Passaic border. The property may be developed into a mixed-use retail and residential development. Next door, demolition of the former Herald News building will soon begin. It will become a new Passaic elementary school.

RoadProjects Clifton’s Engineering Department reports these projects for 2006: Road Replacement Elm Hill Rd. Pine Hill Rd. Lotz Rd. Stanley St. West Third St. Campbell Ave. (Van Houten to LaSalle) Bowdoin St. Althea St. (Van Houten to Speer) Rutherford Blvd. (Filmore to Park ) Mountain View Dr. Chestnut St. Hawthorne Ave. (Van Houten to Hobart) Hobart Pl. (Hawthorne to Paulison) Norman Ave. Jones Ct. Richfield Ter. Pino Ct. Wanda Ct. 22

Viola Ave. Lorrie Ln. Autumn St. Barnsdale Rd. Bennington Ct. Beverly Hill Rd. (Short Hill to Surrey) Short Hill Rd. Concord St. Fordham Rd. Kathryn St. Renaissance Dr. (portion) South Parkway. (Filmore to River ) Tristan Rd. Curb/Sidewalk Work Van Houten Ave. (Mt. Prospect to Clifton) Lakeview Ave. (GSP to Crooks) Piaget Ave. (Fourth St. to Main) Valley Rd. (Fenner to Gillies)

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

On the corner of Main and Harding Ave., a proposal has been floated to develop a portion of the PNC Bank parking lot and construct a 5,000 square foot retail building. Preliminary plans were presented to members of the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group in mid-2005 but the status of the project is unknown. At the intersection of Grace St. and Main, construction should soon begin on a 12,000 square foot laundromat and coffee shop, which will replace a vacant lot. Banking Industry Back in the center of the district, the new First BankAmericano branch is retrofitting the former Clifton Camera store (most recently a nutrition center) on Main Ave., just to the south of Clifton Ave. The 4,000 square foot building is being renovated into a professional facility, with the bank on the first floor and legal offices on the second floor. Completion is expected in late Spring. Also setting up shop in Downtown Clifton will be the Ft. Lee Federal Savings bank. Construction is expected to begin shortly at the former location of Darby O’Gill’s pub on Main Ave., just two doors away from First BankAmericano, towards Madison Ave. When completed in the later part of 2006, the renovated building will offer teller service on the first floor and its second story addition will accommodate administrative offices. These financial institutions will join four other banks—Banco Popular, Spencer Savings, and the two new Commerce Bank branches—that opened new offices in Clifton since 2004, adding to the long serving banks such as PNC, Clifton Savings and Valley National.

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or over three decades 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. “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. But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity they

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 credit 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. 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

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.

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AtheniaDevelopment RichardsonScale Just off of a dead end near the intersection of Van Houten and Huron Aves., city officials are optimistic that construction of a senior citizen housing complex on the former Richardson Scale property will begin this year. The proposal calls for erecting four, four-story buildings with 52 rental units each on the tract, located adjacent to the Evergreen Manor complex. The project would be done by Regan Development Corporation of Ardsley, NY, builders of the 125-unit Senior Horizons complex on the former Athenia Steel property off of Clifton Ave. But before construction can begin, Regan must first address and solve a number of environmental issues. Several abandoned industrial buildings that will be demolished to make way for the apartment buildings probably contain asbestos and soil remediation work must be undertaken to remove contamination. City officials remain confident, however, that none of the suspected problems are insurmountable. City Manager Al Greco said the apartments will provide a viable alternative for seniors who may otherwise consider moving elsewhere, to stay in Clifton. “These apartments are needed,” said Greco, “And having shoppers within walking distance will be great for Van Houten Ave. store owners.” The city also stands to benefit from the project in another way. Three acres of the 11-acre tract will not be needed for construction of the senior housing and Regan Development may deed them to the city. The city would more than likely annex the land to the adjacent Richardson Scale Park. Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej, an Athenia resident and business owner, said she is optimistic that the developers will succeed with the project. “Based on their track record with Senior Horizons, I am positive Regan will deliver on schedule,” she said, adding that remediation may take up to a year to complete. 24

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

“Nothing is more prestigious to a neighborhood than a bank,” said Clifton’s Director of Economic Development, Harry Swanson. “With that kind of growth, there’s little question that the banking industry has sharpened its focus on Clifton. It’s a sign of vitality and an indication that Clifton is a desirable place in which to do business.” At the Passaic Border The long-anticipated conversion of the Bellin Swim Club property into a senior citizen housing and retail center may come to fruition within the next few weeks. While still in the conceptual stages, Swanson said he expects all remaining issues with the proposed development to be resolved shortly so that developer, Peter Evgenikos, can begin construction mid-year. Plans for the swim club property, located on Main Ave., near the Passaic border., include construction of a three-story building with a large (perhaps nine stores) retail center on the first floor and 36 senior citizen apartments on the second and third floors. Swanson said the intent is “to create a self-contained village that will serve the needs of both the seniors and the neighborhood,” thereby helping to revitalize the south end of Downtown Clifton. While Swanson remains optimistic that the project will get underway soon, others are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Uses for the two-acre site have been discussed and bandied about almost continuously since owner George Bellin announced his intention to sell the property in 2002. Bellin has continued to operate the pool each year since then and needs a decision by March so he’ll know whether he’ll need to open the swim club for Memorial Day.

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Stretching over two blocks along Ackerman Ave. at the Garfield border, as this photo and the one on the bottom of the facing page illustrates, the former Recycled Paperboard plant is massive. It will be converted into a document warehouse.

Historic Botany Hopes have been running high in Clifton’s historic Botany Village and the adjacent Botany Plaza since business owners there were authorized to form a Special Improvement District (SID) in March of last year. The SID is a designated area of businesses (and in the case of the Botany SID, also some residences) which pay an additional property tax. The fund is then used for creating improvements to the district which contribute to the overall vitality of the area. Decisions on these matters are made by a board of directors comprised of merchants, residents and government officials. So far, monies have been allocated for events, holiday decorations, security, other marketing efforts and additional trash collection. Don Smartt, the SID’s business manager, said the organization will concentrate its efforts in 2006 on cooperative advertising between individual business owners and cor-

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DundeeIsland: Jobs&Open Space

Dundee Island, just off Ackerman Ave., was first reported about in May 2003 when Town & Country Developers, which had constructed almost 800 units of housing between Cambridge Heights and Cambridge Crossings, proposed a multi-story, 540-unit housing complex on a portion of this 13 acre peninsula on the Passaic River. While Botany merchants supported the project, the City Council didn’t and rewrote the density ordinance to essentially block it. That was some two years ago and the property, owned by the Safas Corp., which has a 100,000 square foot manufacturing plant on the site, was up for sale. On Dec. 21, the city, with the help of the Passaic River Coalition, took another step to preserve the land when it purchased a portion of the property for $1.6 million. In a win-win deal, a portion of the property will be used by the Safas Corp., which will expand its facilities, thus creating new manufacturing jobs for local residents. “Dundee Island has gone from a low priority to the top of our list,” said Ella Filippone, Executive Director of the PRC, who added that the public will have access to the river. Currently closed to the public, Clifton’s small nature preserve is expected to offer pathways to the riverbank and a fishing dock by late 2006. The City of Garfield is also creating public access to the waterfront. Both projects are part of the emerging Passaic River Master Plan being updated and written by the Passaic River Coalition. porate retailers like K-Mart and Pathmark housed in the adjacent Botany Plaza. And in a cost-sharing effort, Historic Botany SID will join with the Downtown Clifton SID to hire a person who will produce street fairs in the two districts. On the development front, the huge Recycled Paperboard building which has laid dormant on Ackerman Ave. since the company ceased operations there in Feb., 2005, will see changes. Although it was considered to be a prime target for housing, which local merchants wanted, Eckstein Developers LLC is renovating the two-block long building for use as a corporate records storage warehousing facility. The company is currently performing soil remediation and is expected to start construction this spring.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

All of the buildings in this shopping plaza, located at the intersection of Broad St. and Allwood Rd., will be demolished later this year and the entire property will be replaced by a 75,000 square foot Super Stop & Shop.

The shopping center on the corner of Allwood Rd. and Broad St. will undergo a massive change in 2006. The strip center is currently home to a Stop & Shop supermarket, Mandee’s clothing store, Sam Goody’s, Payless Shoes, a hair salon, a liquor store and a pharmacy. All of the stores and the buildings in the plaza will be demolished

and be replaced by a larger, fullservice Super Stop & Shop market. The super Stop & Shop will occupy a new 75,000 square foot building and will house a PNC Bank branch, a floral shop and an Office Depot section on site in addition to greatly expanded areas for traditional supermarket products and services. The status of the businesses

Is this the year that Lexington Ave. will see activity? 28

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

being displaced has not been determined, although most of them are expected to relocate within Clifton. In Delawanna, one of its longvacant buildings is currently being transformed from a stationery supply manufacturer to a family wellness center. The building is located on Main and Delawanna Aves., adjacent to the Costco gas station. When construction is done this spring, the 28,000 square feet World Gym will offer physical therapy, exercise and fitness programs. There are a lot of plans but nothing definitive in the work on a couple of sites along Lexington Ave. At 560 Lexington Ave, the former location of Mike Duch’s Homemade Pirogi Store (which relocated to Main Ave), plans are being discussed to replace the vacant lot with a convenience store along with other retail establishments. The site has been vacant since a March 2003 fire. At the intersection of Lexington and Piaget Aves., another troublesome lot has been vacant since

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This vacant lot on the corner of Lexington and Piaget Aves. was most recently the site of Lee’s Hawaiian Islander, pictured below, destroyed in a fire on July 26, 2003. The location was also the home to successful eateries in the past, such as the Cliftonia and the Norselander. With that track record, city officials hope another restaurant owner will develop the property.

July 2003. That’s when Lee’s Hawaiian Islander, an old Tiki bar/restaurant, burned down. The historic property became an eyesore and was finally razed in the summer of 2004. It has been vacant since, awaiting a plan. City officials are hoping to attract another restaurant to the site as part of a larger strategy for Lexington Ave. Elsewhere, Spencer Savings Bank will build a 3,500 square foot building to replace its existing facility on Piaget Ave. The new structure, which will be situated on the vacant gas station lot next to the current branch, will offer more drive-through banking lanes, as well as floor space. Just this past December, Spencer opened a new facility in Athenia on Van Houten Ave.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Economic Development Director Harry Swanson said that the willingness of banks, retailers and other commercial businesses to continue investing in Clifton illustrates that the city’s five year program for economic development had succeeded beyond all expectations and that the future looks just as encouraging. “I believe 2005 and 2006 commercial space will add some 700,000 square feet of new tax ratables to the city of Clifton,” predicted Swanson, as he added that “Clifton’s commercial growth is stronger than ever.”

LocalResources Clifton’s Economic Development Office can provide lists of available industrial, retail and office space. The office has info on Clifton’s revolving loan program, NJ loan programs and SBA lenders. Call Harry Swanson at 973-470-5200. T he Passaic County Office of Economic Development provides assistance to firms relocating or expanding within the 16 communities it represents. It also assists in securing loans and lines of credit and connects businesses to cost saving training programs. Call Deborah Hoffman at 973-881-4427. Downtown Clifton is an advocate for businesses along Main Ave., from the Passaic border to Piaget Ave. Call Mike Andalaft at 973-594-8822. The Athenia Business Association represents stores and merchants along Van Houten Ave. Call Matt Grabowski at 973-473-0986 or Gina Yarrish at 973-773-0802. Historic Botany District represents businesses and residents in both Botany Village and Botany Plaza. Call Joe Nikischer 973-546-8787 or go to www.historicbotany.com. More local resources on page 40.

SchultheisFarm: PreservedLand The former Schultheis Farm on Grove St., the site once proposed in March 2004 by city officials as the location for a 1,700-student eighth and ninth grade school, was purchased by the City Council in Sept. 2005 for $4.125 million. Although it was agreed to be preserved as green space, the future of the 5.8-acre property still remains up in the air. In fact, the only thing that seems definite is that the property will remain passive—no playgrounds nor ballfield, essentially nothing which would impact traffic. Past proposals have varied. Early considerations included renting out blocks of farmable land to Clifton residents with a green thumb or bringing in someone to live in the farmhouse and grow crops on the property once again. For a short time, even a petting zoo was considered. Ideas for a tree farm have also been considered, however, no definite plans exist. For now, the only use of the land will be to store Clifton’s First Response Mobile Command Center truck in an old barn on the farm. Ultimately, the most likely result will be the use of the property as open space. Clifton officials applied to a state farm preservation fund to get reimbursed for the purchase price and a response is expected sometime in 2006. January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

For the first time in more than five years, people looking to buy a single-family home in the Clifton area may actually be able to find one that suits both their desires and their pocketbooks. The sizzling-hot residential Clifton real estate market that has sent home prices spiraling upward for more than half a decade is finally starting to cool. As a result, buyers in northern New Jersey and throughout the country are beginning to find themselves on a more equal footing with sellers. In fact, some Clifton Realtors noted there are more homes available for sale in the city as the new year begins than at any time in the recent past. However, rather than seeing this as a bursting of the much ballyhooed, ‘real estate bubble,’ those we spoke with view this trend simply as a leveling of the field, with the market becoming better balanced between supply and demand.

ResidentialRealEstate:

Buyer’sMarket? “With the recent increases in interest rates, people are not as quick to buy,” said Ernie Scheidemann, owner of Ernest Scheidemann Real Estate and Insurance in Downtown Clifton. “And that certainly means there are more homes for sale in the city now,” he added. “But I see this more as air slowly escaping from a balloon than as a bursting of any bubble.” Gina Yarrish, president/broker of Michael LaCorte Real Estate in Athenia agreed. “We expect 2006 to be another bright year for home sales in Clifton,” she said, while affirming that the market is, indeed, becoming more buyer-friendly. “The inventory is building, and that gives buyers greater choice than they’ve had recently,” she said.

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Yarrish estimated that about 250 to 300 single-family homes were listed with local brokers as 2005 ended. “That’s up from an average of 50 to 75 back in August,” she added. Nick Tselepis, owner of Nicholas Real Estate Agency on Main Ave. is another Clifton broker who remains upbeat about 2006. “The fact that home inventories have grown doesn’t necessarily mean that the housing market is heading for a huge upheaval,” Tselepis said. Although interest rates have increased recently, they haven’t done so at an alarming rate. “As long as mortgage rates remain relatively stable—and indicators show they will—I think 2006 will be another strong year,” he added. Specializing in Medical & Surgical Foot & Ankle Correction

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Mortgage rates tend to move in the same direction as interest rates on bank loans, which are driven by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board. But that doesn’t mean they necessarily move at the same pace. As an example, the Federal Reserve has raised the prime rate (the rate it charges banks for borrowing money) 13 times since 2004; however, mortgage rates increased only slightly over that same period. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for the Freddie Mac mortgage finance company, said in a recent Reuters interview that “although mortgage rates by and large are higher than they were at the start of this year, they’ve only risen about one percentage point since hitting a fourdecade record low in June of 2003.” That’s good news for home buyers. The optimism expressed by Tselepis and the other Clifton Realtors is shared by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), an

organization that tracks trends and serves more than a million brokers and agents across the country. NAR’s chief economist, David Lereah, stated recently: “We feel confident that housing is landing softly (even) as rates continue to rise.” In the report, he noted that home sale prices have remained relatively high, even as interest rates continued to inch upward. “The median existing-home price in the Northeast was up 10.5 percent from a year ago, indicating that demand is still there,” he said. The demand for homes in Clifton is fueled by more than interest rates and prices, however. With Routes 3, 21, 46, the Parkway and I-80 running through the city, excellent access to mass transportation, close proximity to jobs in New York City and at office campuses nearby, and good schools, Clifton continues to be desirable to families looking for a better quality of life. 1274

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Wafa Othman, owner/broker of Re/Max Realty Professionals, Inc. on Allwood Rd. confirmed the city’s continuing appeal to out-of-town homebuyers. “Many of our clients come to Clifton from places like Hudson County and New York City,” she said, “and the things that appeal most to them are the location and the quality of our school system.” Speaking of schools, Othman echoed the comments of other Realtors when asked if the current controversy concerning the school overcrowding and related issues has any impact on home sales here. “It just doesn’t seem to be news outside of Clifton,” Othman said, adding that prospective customers are far more interested in academic performance. “Clifton has a lot to offer,” she continued. “I think 2006 will continue to be strong here, even though the housing market has leveled out across the board.”

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City Council—May 9 Election Get Started: Because the election is just months away, candidates must begin the process now. The first step is to get guidelines and petition forms from City Clerk Richard Moran at 900 Clifton Ave. Call 973-470-5829. Voter Petitions: Candidates need to get registered voters to sign petitions, a form which acknowledges the candidacy. At least one percent of the registered voters in the constituency is needed, estimated to be 400 people. However, since some names may become invalid, the City Clerk advises getting at least 600 signatures. A signature is invalid if the individual is not a registered voter, or if the individual signs more than seven petitions (the number of City Council seats to be filled). Get Official: Alphabetize the petitions and submit them 54 days before the election (March 16). There are other forms to submit, to indicate that you accept the candidacy and, if you so choose, to put a policy statement next to your name on the ballot. Your campaign manager must also submit forms for the city’s records. Fund Raising: It costs money to run any campaign. How much? That all depends upon the candidate. Many candidates mail brochures to voters, host get-out-thevote parties and spend funds on advertising to get their names known and their positions heard. Some publications provide a limited amount of free space as a public service but that is subject to editing. In the most recent City Council campaign, held in May, 2002, successful candidates spent between $17,000 to $53,000 to win the four year position. Annual Compensation: $4,000 (or $4,500 if selected as Mayor) plus health care benefits.

CliftonVotes Here are the Nov. ‘05 election results, broken down to show Clifton patterns. Candidate . . . . . . . . . .Clifton . . . . . . .County Passaic County Freeholder Elease Evans . . . . . . . .7,794 . . . . . . .51,063 Bruce James . . . . . . . .7,874 . . . . . . .50,356 Frank Gaccione . . . . . .6,652 . . . . . . .38,643 Victor Rabbat . . . . . . .6,104 . . . . . . .36,562 New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine . . . . . . . .9,926 . . . . . . .61,083 Doug Forrester . . . . . .7,038 . . . . . . .41,682 source: Passaic County Superintendent of Elections 36

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

ElectedOffice? Considering the leap into Clifton public service, and more specifically a campaign for the City Council or Board of Education? On this page and the next we’ve published a primer to help you get started. This is a busy election year, starting with the Jan. 24 referendum in which voters will decide on the purchase and construction of a new school on Brighton Rd. From there, a number of dates for filing petitions are fast approaching. So if you or someone you know is ready to run for elected office here in Clifton, get moving.

School Board—April 18 Election Get Started: The business office of the Board of Education, 745 Clifton Ave., will have an easy to use packet for candidates in mid-month. Call 973-470-2288. Voter Petitions: The petition process is a bit easier for School Board candidates: all is needed are 10 signatures from registered voters in Clifton. The forms have space for 12 names, in case signatures prove invalid. Get Official: You must also submit forms accepting your candidacy and asserting your basic qualifications alongside your petition names. Materials must be submitted at least 50 days (Feb. 27) before the election date. Fund Raising: School Board campaigns are generally less costly than other election efforts and for that reason many politicians get their start on this level. Ironically, while the School Board’s budget is greater than that of the City’s, less voters ‘pay attention’ to these annual campaigns. Typically, about 15 percent of the electorate turn out to vote. For many reasons, far less money is raised and expended to conduct a School Board campaign, perhaps about $1,500 to $5,000. Nonetheless, whether running for the Board or the Council, candidates, typically name a chair of the campaign, set up a fund raising committee and establish an account (Friends of....) which can receive donations. There are a variety of rules and regulations to be followed with political fund raising. Campaigns must file state reports on where contributions come from and documenting what expenses are made. Those who do not file on time and accurately are subject to fines. Annual Compensation: None.

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City government is operated under a Council–Manager Form of Government. This means that a seven member Council is elected at large in a non-partisan election held once every four years. Unlike the Board of Education, all seven Council seats are up at once. Residents do not directly vote for the Mayor as he or she is appointed by acclimation by the seven newly elected Council members. Council members, part time employees who receive a life insurance and medical benefits package, are paid $4,000 annually; the Mayor receives $4,500.

ElectionDates January 24 - School Board Referendum Feb. 27 - Filing date School Board Elections March 16 - Filing date City Council Elections April 18 - School Board Elections May 9 - City Council Elections June 6 - Primary Elections November 7- General Elections The role of the Mayor and Council is to establish policy, pass laws, approve budgets, advocate citizen concerns and set policy for of the operation of the government. The role of the City Manager, who is

PoliticalQuestions • Will this be the year that Clifton stops debating its overcrowding issues and starts building schools? • What impact will the Jan. 24 referendum have on other elections? • Will former Assemblyman and Freeholder Peter Eagler find a job which will allow him to run for Clifton City Council? • Will the form of city government change to one of issues and leadership or remain a popularity contest? • Is Mayor Jim Anzaldi running for reelection or will he be appointed DPW Director or City Clerk a year from now? • Can Frank Gaccione come back from his Freeholder loss and win reelection to the City Council? • Will new Council candidates emerge who will be strong enough to beat the three or four vulnerable incumbents? • Will the Board and the Council share goals and lead together? • Who will run for the School Board? • Can the Board of Education pass another budget on April 18? • Will Senator Nia Gill, Assemblymen Tom Giblin and Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver open an office in Clifton?

Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver

Assemblyman Tom Giblin

E M A I L 38

U S :

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Senator Nia Gill

appointed by the Mayor and Council, is to enforce the Council’s policy and to manage the day-to-day operation of the city. The City Council meets every first and third Tuesday at 7 pm. With 16 schools, over 10,000 students and 1,200 employees, Clifton is the second largest public school district in the state. In addition to the kindergarten through 12th grade program, it also operates a federally-funded pre-school program. Setting policy for the district and overseeing the budget is a ninemember Board, run independently from the City Council. Board Commissioners are unpaid and receive no health benefits. They serve three-year terms, with three seats up for election every April. Meetings of the Board are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, September through June. The Board meets monthly in July and August. Numerous committee meetings and planning sessions are held throughout each month. Most meetings are at the Board offices, 745 Clifton Ave. The daily operation of the Clifton School District is run by the Superintendent, who is appointed by the Board to manage the day-to-day responsibilities, enforce policies mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education and the locally elected Board.

T O M H A W R Y L K O @ O P T O N L I N E . N E T

Here is a list of volunteers waiting in the wings (and the dates that their applications were originally received by the City Clerk) to serve on one of the boards and committees that help our city function. Duties performed by these board members are imperative to a city. For instance, they may consider the validity of a tavern owner’s liquor license or approve or deny an application for the city’s next public school—as the Zoning Board is now doing. The task is serious and often requires a lot of time, commitment and expertise. Board commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with input from the six other City Council members. To be considered for a post, file an application with the City Clerk’s office (973-470-5828) at which point the applicant may be considered the next time a seat becomes available. However, as the waiting list indicates, board vacancies are few and far between.

AppointedBoards AdvisoryCommittees Alcohol Beverage Commission Thomas Miller, 2/2/99 Advisory Board of Health Andreas Skounakis, 11/5/03 Michael Urciuoli

Beautification Committee Louise Greiner, 11/6/02 Fran Warren, 4/13/03 Clifton Economic Development Advisory Committee George Silva, 11/17/03

Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Committee Thomas Charsky, 4/1/03 Dorota Luto, 11/1/05

George Silva

Clifton Economic Development Committee William Epstein, 2/18/99 Carmen Maggio, 2/15/05 Construction Board of Appeals John Gervato, 9/6/05 HAZMAT Jane Pych, 10/15/99 Donald Smith, 10/15/99 Robert Jaffe, 7/14/04

PassaicValley WaterCommissioners

Planning Board Jamhadas Hathis, 12/12/99

Passaic Valley Water Commissioners (unlike the other boards listed here) serve four year terms and are paid $7,500 annually, receive health benefits and a pension, if eligible. Currently, Cliftonites Thomas DeVita and Lester Herrschaft serve on the PVWC and their terms expire 12/31/07 and 12/31/08 respectively. Those waiting in the wings for the next appointment include:

Rent Leveling Board Gina Yarrish, 11/17/03 Anita Barcia, 1/5/04 Traffic Safety Council Robert Jaffe, 5/9/03 Carmen Maggio, 2/15/05

Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej, 11/8/00

Zoning Board of Adjustment Jamhadas Hathis, 12/12/99 Michael Urciuoli, 2/6/01 Joseph Gaccione, 10/6/01 Stephen Mokis, 2/5/02 Carl Rossi, 4/2/02 Richard Danielovich, 9/2/03 Michael LaCorte, 4/7/04 John Foukas, 1/18/05

Councilman Donald Kowal, 10/7/03 Nicholas Tauriello, 10/21/03 Tom DeVita

Les Herrschaft

Recreation Board Kristin Fedorchak, 3/15/05

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Passaic County Community College has received a $1.6 million grant to train Registered Nurses to work in specialty areas such as critical care, trauma, operating room and cardiovascular within four partner hospitals—St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Barnert Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and PBI Regional Medical Center. The fundss will also train individuals with the skills needed to work in acute care settings.

SkillsThat Work:

PCCCJobTraining Steve Rose, President of PCCC, said the college was one of 70 colleges nationwide selected for the grant, which was awarded by the US Department of Labor to help with localized job training.

PassaicCounty WorkforceDevelopment The Passaic County Workforce Development Center, 388 Lakeview Ave., provides services for both employers and employees. Employers can access an assortment of resources and information about the labor market, job placement and subsidized retraining opportunities. The Development Center also offers employers support services for their staff, such as training, child care and transportation. They can also help employers navigate confusing government programs. Employees also have a number of options available to them as as well, including adult education opportunities, employment services, unemployment insurance, welfare-to-work, vocational rehabilitation, youth services for children, veterans services, older worker programs, vocational and technical training and literacy services. The staff at the Development Center can help an individual identify skills and interests and decide the type of occupation that best suits them. Computers are also available to create resumes and cover letters. Employers or those seeks retraining can get more information by calling 973-340-3400 or visiting either Development Center location at 388 Lakeview Ave., Clifton, or 52 Church St., Paterson.

Steve Rose, President of PCCC

“It illustrates how practical, relevant and realistic our programs are,” said Rose. “After completing our program, our students—these workers—will have the training they need to access good paying jobs in high growth industries.” The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Passaic County, Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) and the College of St. Elizabeth are also partners in this CommunityBased Job Training Initiative. PCCC will expand the capacity of its Associate Degree in Nursing/ Registered Nurse (ADN/RN) pro-

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gram to expand the number of students enrolled from 80 to 160 and to increase the number of program graduates from 35 per year to approximately 70 per year. The Paterson-based college will work with partner hospitals to develop a 12-credit Nursing Fellowship program that will train 64 nursing graduates to work in the specialty units of those four medical centers. “And the grant will also allow us to create an Acute Care Patient Care Associate (PCA) Certificate program through which 200 individuals will be trained to work as PCAs in acute care settings,” said Rose. The hospital partners have agreed to hire the Nursing Fellows prior to their enrollment in the fellowship program, and the hospitals have further agreed to hire PCA certificate grads within three months of them receiving certification. For details on the new program, call PCCC’s Continuing Education Dept. at 973- 684-6153.

It was only two years ago that the former Passaic Beth Israel Hospital and the General Hospital Center consolidated to create the new medical facility now known as PBI Regional Medical Center. “It’s been quite a couple of years,” said Rhoda Schermer, Vice President of Corporate Development. “We knew there would be challenges. It is never simple or easy to combine two ‘families’ but we are forming a future that continues the traditions of both hospitals.” Much has been accomplished in the two years. For too long the former General Hospital was experiencing financial losses that continued during its acquisition by Atlantic Health System. However 2005 has seen a significant decrease in loss over 2004 and Schermer anticipates breaking even by third quarter 2006. “This will enable the hospital to move ahead and prosper,” said added. Advances on the medical front include construction of a new state of the art Cancer Center in 2005. New computer technology was installed in the lab, radiology and pharmacy departments along with a patient tracking system for the Cardiac Catheterization Program. “The Nuclear Medicine Department also now has the latest state of the art equipment,” she noted, adding that the Emergency Department implemented a Fast Track system to improve patient waiting time. The hospital, located just off Paulison Ave on Broadway in Passaic, is now associated with New Jersey’s premier mobile intensive care program and PBI doctors provide medical direction to the paramedics in the Passaic/Clifton area. “Our goal is to be the best neighbor possible and provide the programs and services that our communities need,” Schermer concluded.

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Tom Hawrylko @ 973-253-4400 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

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Bring your towels to the annual alcohol-and-cambling-free Super Bowl Family Day. That’s because the pool will be open at this year’s event, as will the gym and much more. The party is on Feb. 5 at 5 pm at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club at 802 Clifton Ave. (enter from Colfax Ave.). Watch the Super Bowl on big-screen TVs while the kids play games in the gym, swim in the pool and munch on hot dogs, chips, pretzels, and soda, all for $5 per family or $2 per person. Funding is provided by CASA—Clifton Against Substance Abuse—and those sponsors listed here who provided $100 each. To become a member of the ‘21 Club’, call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400 For other details call Bob Foster: 973-773-0966.

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The CHS Mustang Swim Team is hosting a beefsteak on Jan. 21, at 7 pm at the Mountainside. The fundraiser is open to parents and kids and the cost is $35. DJ Joey Dee will keep the party going and there will be plenty of tricky tray prizes, and other suprises. Make reservations by Jan. 10. For info, call Audrey Casperino at 973-546-2221. The Baha’i of Clifton invite the community to a social dinner on Jan. 28 at 6:30 to learn more about the teachings of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the faith who was born in Persia in 1917. There are over 100 volumes of revelation in which

he has introduced a prescription for world peace. Among his teachings are: the unity of God’s Prophets, the oneness of the entire human race, the unfettered search after truth, elimination of all kinds of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, and equality of women and men. While the social is held at another location, the Baha’i also host a devotional gathering every Sunday at 9 am at their center on 421 Clifton Ave. Believers from all faiths are welcomed and children as well as adults are invited. For more info, call Habib Hosseiny at 973-253-7222 or 973-591-1190.

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The Clifton Stamp Society meets twice a month at the Community Rec Center, 1232 Main Ave. The group is open to all with an interest in collecting postage stamps, postcards and other printed items for fun, history and perhaps profit. Meetings, which are open to the public (there is no admission fee) begin at 6:30 pm on the following dates: Jan. 17 and 30; Feb. 6 and 21; March 6 and 20; April 3 and 17; May 1 and 15 and June 5 and 19. For more info, call 973-470-5956.

Support Clifton’s Hamilton House Museum by sending a $25 membership donation.

DESIGN • BUDGET • BUILD

The Hamilton House on Valley Rd. is a farmhouse, built in 1817 by Anna and John Vreeland, which is operated as Clifton’s living museum. When it opens again in March, authentically dressed volunteers describe early 19th century life and visitors can see early cooking skills demonstrated on an open hearth. Funding for the Hamilton House is provided through membership, donations and grants. To join, send a $25 check made payable to Hamilton House and mail it to 941 Valley Rd, Clifton, NJ, 07013. For member info, to volunteer or discuss how to help, call curator Norma Lee Smith at 973-744-5707.

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NOC Automotive Solutions at 574 Van Houten Ave., is the city’s newest auto body shop. Proprietor Noel Coronel moved his company from Belleville to the former Telep Motors building on Dec. 1. Coronel started his business in Passaic 10 years ago but the move to Athenia is a homecoming for Coronel. The Clifton resident said his facility is licensed by the state to do collision repairs, specialty auto body work, and through Telep Motors, NOC also offers 24 hour towing. The North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, which has its headquarters on Route 46 in Clifton, has announced that the following individuals were elected to a one-year term on the Chamber’s Executive Committee: Robert Puleo, Chair; Richard DeLuca, Vice Chair; Howard Bersch, Vice President, Programs and Special Events; Lou March Sr., Vice President,

Noel Coronel of NOC Automotive and Nick Telep jr., of the towing firm Telep Motors, and owner of the Van Houten Ave. property where NOC is now located.

Government Affairs; James Palmer, Vice President, Membership and Leonard Carlucci, Vice President, Treasurer. Three year terms to the Chamber’s Board of Directors were filled as well. They include Joseph Barone, Bill Ermolowich, Gia

Just before Christmas, Clifton resident Luisa Brown opened Kela Vage, a new variety gift store on Piaget Ave., offering residents an option to mall shopping. 46

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

DeVito, Ray Kunz, Joseph Giamartino, Deborah Hoffman, Ed Quinn, Jeff Schulman, Marti-Sue Wahnon and Sharon Zahn. Also appointed to fill unexpired terms are Jennifer Scheck and Nicholas Beattie. Continuing as president is Gloria Martini, who has headed the organization since March 2002. For info on the Chamber, call 973-470-9300. Shop Clifton First! Cliftonite Luisa Brown recently opened Kela Vage at 525 Piaget Ave., a variety gift store. Brown said she designed her store so that one can find any gift for any occasion—birthday, bridal, sweet 16, baby shower or any special occasion—all under one roof. “We offer what you’d expect in a mall but it’s right here in Clifton,” she said. Some of the brands shoppers will find: Swarovski Crystal, Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Fossil, Elegant Silver, Gotinger Silver, Crabtree & Evelyn, Mor and various designer fragrances.

Poor Richard’s Shoebox: Cliftonite Joseph Dunphy hosts this live internet radio show about taxes and personal finance on Mondays at 7 am (PST) on www.voiceamerica.com. The show’s title reflects two key elements of the show. ‘Poor Richard’ refers to Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, used as a blueprint for seeking a better life in America. The ‘Shoebox’ refers to harried taxpayers who come into accounting offices carrying shoeboxes of records in disarray, often at the height of the tax season. The Main Clifton Diner, the decadesold Downtown Clifton landmark at 341 Clifton Ave., has new owners. Eva Alvarez and Alexis Delgado are now at the helm of this restaurant, which they acquired in December. Thus far, they have remodeled the interior of the 72seat eatery and once again are open for business seven days a week, from 6 am to 8 pm. “Our goal is to restore the reputation of the Main Clifton with improved service and food quality and by lowering prices,” said Delgado.

Eva Alvarez and Alexis Delgado are the new owners of the Main Clifton Diner. 1767

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Happy New Year Clifton residents!! Now is the time when you put your New Year’s Resolution to work. Don’t wait for PAIN to set in. What most people don’t realize is that pain is the last warning signal the body sends out to let you know there is a problem. Irreversible changes may be taking place in your spine that you are unaware of until it’s too late. The average individual spends between $1,000 and $2,000 per year on maintaining the upkeep of their automobile. Don’t neglect the maintenance and upkeep of your body!!

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Aquafresh! E very morning in Japan, thousands of people brush their teeth with red, white and aquastriped toothpaste—the trademark of Aquafresh—which is Made in Clifton. “It’s all about the stripes,” said Gerrod Adams, the packaging supervisor of Clifton’s GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Global Manufacturing & Supply factory, which produces Aquafresh and Sensodyne consumed in Japan, the United States and elsewhere across the world. “It’s quite patriotic.” The Clifton plant on Industrial South, a busy but unobtrusive street off of Bloomfield Ave. where Shopper’s Vineyard is located, is one of four sites in the US which has been manufacturing consumer healthcare products for GSK in North America since 1954. In previous years, the Clifton plant was known as Beecham Products which manufactured liquids, creams (such as Brylcreem hair gel), lotions and tubefilled products. Today, the Clifton plant hums with state-of-art technology and is run around the clock by hundreds of wellpaid and highly trained employees. On the spotless industrial gray floor, there is a maze of huge elevated tanks filled with six tons of flavored gel and paste. Feeding the manufacturing lines and snaking through the ceiling of the plant are red, blue and green tubes that represent the toothpaste colors. Also above the employees’ heads are cases of Aquafresh on a moving assembly line. Although the packaging line and most of the production is highly automated, technology didn’t cause employee numbers to decrease. “Staffing is the same despite machine work,” claimed Adams, who started as a temporary employee in 1995. “It didn’t cost anyone’s job. There’s still a manual aspect.”

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Cliftonite Janina Lach, who has worked at Clifton’s GSK plant for 22 years, holds a tube of Aquafresh ready for shipment to Japan.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

From manually inserting the tubes in the machine, to squeezing the tubes to check whether the stripes are in a straight line, these 260 men, and women are working hard, 24 hours a day, six days a week. The beginning wage is $18 an hour. In a recent tour of the plant, a team of employees focused on packaging some 70 million sample sizes of Extreme Clean Aquafresh for a Super Bowl promotion. Among those trying to meet that goal were two women with the small tubes on their fingers. They quickly inserted their fingers in the tubes and then placed them in the circular holes in the machine, where it squirts the toothpaste in the tubes. In one day, which is in three, eight-hour shifts, employees working on just one manufacturing line produce 6,600 tubes of toothpaste, which are then put into cardboard cases. In total, some 215 million tubes of Aquafresh are Made in Clifton annually.

These GSK employees are among the many who must package 70 million sample sizes of Extreme Clean Aquafresh tubes for next month’s Super Bowl promotion.

of GSK. Nothing enters or leaves the Clifton facility unchecked and if a flaw is found in the processing, distribution is halted until the exact cause of the problem is discovered and corrected. “These products are important to the health of people around the world,” Adams said. “We pay careful attention to detail and make sure that the products are of the highest quality and safe.” Senior lab technician Sharda Tailor, one of about 35 Cliftonites who work there, makes sure the quality and safety controls of Aquafresh are met before they are shipped domestically or abroad. She tests each line sample of toothpaste as well as the levels of fluoride. Tailor said there is a big difference in Japanese and American fluoride levels. There are some ingredients that can’t be used in either of the nations so it is imperative that the standards are rigidly enforced and Cliftonite Sharda Tailor, a senior lab technician, is responsible for testing the tooththat production is kept separate. paste ingredients are safe for consumers in the United States and in Japan. 50

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

But before the toothpaste is sent to stores and supermarkets around the globe, they must be tested. Quality and safety are the priorities

Another Cliftonite who has worked at GSK for 22 years, Janina Lach, said she knows how important her job is to the industry and to the consumers. “This is my bible,” she said, clutching a packet of info which describes the functions and duties of the station she manages. After reading some of her responsibilities, Lach fed toothpaste tubes into the monster machine, which organized the tubes into cases of 36 in less than two minutes. “I don’t just stay in this one department,” she said. “I do a lot of things here, and it’s the diversity that keeps this job interesting and never boring.” Adams said flexibility is the key in this changing economy. “The great thing about this job is that it’s always changing.” As the bell rang for the next shift to put on their white cloaks and caps, lines of employees—all in white lab coats and white caps—went to hang up their outfits. Their workday is done, It’s all about the stripes: a Clifton GSK employee performs one of many checks on a random tube of Aquafresh to confirm the style and consistency of the stripes. and a new shift was set to begin.

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Mustang Erin Shaughnessy Today’s Erin Monahan is now the head coach of the WPU Lady Pioneer Basketball Team By Jack De Vries

t’s a late December practice and William Paterson University women’s basketball coach Erin (Shaughnessy) Monahan stands at center court as her players whirl around her. They dribble full court, make a lay-up, and then speed the other way to the far basket. The only sound in the large gym, looking more cavernous with its bleachers folded against the walls, is the heating system’s hum and pounding of 15 basketballs—along with Monahan’s words only her players hear. The players sometimes tell their coach they’d wish she’d speak up.

☛

The 1985-86 CHS Mustangs. front from left, Robyn Greenwald, Janet Domino, Christa Breen, Michelle Patzan and Roseann Santulli. Standing are: Head Coach Al Carline, Michele Miller, Ellen Oostdyk, Ann Marie Merrandino, Mary Wiesnewski, Rita Reddington, Erin Shaughnessy, Kelly Fusco and Assistant Coach Tony Orlando. 52

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Not her style. Everything about Monahan is matter-of-fact and direct—from her black sweat suit to her team’s businesslike manner. There’s no screaming, no emotional displays, just a focus on basketball. During a full court fast break drill, Monahan tells her players they’re not communicating on defense. To reinforce her point, she tells the Pioneers to run. They do— twice from end line to end line— without complaint. While the team sprints, guard Lauren Miller, one of her legs wrapped in a long black brace, does push ups. When the team runs the drill again, the pace quickens and players’ screams like “pick up the cutter” echo through the gym. Going into her 13th season at WPU, Monahan’s coaching record is 220-105, including five 20-win seasons and four NCAA Division III playoff appearances. Her Pioneers have made two trips to the Elite Eight (1995, 1998) The Shaughnessy family in a photo from the mid-1980’s. Top from left is Bill, his and one berth in the Sweet 16 (1997). father William and Brian. Seated below at right is Erin with her mom, Marilyn. Special

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Before coaching, Monahan, 32, played for WPU, earning secondteam All-New Jersey Athletic Conference honors in 1990 and finishing her career with 1,025 points (16th in the NJAC all-time). She was also a starting first baseman for the Pioneers’ softball team from 1987-90. But there’s more to Monahan’s story than success or quiet efficiency. Below the surface are important qualities like loyalty, determination, and respect. At Monahan’s side during practice is assistant coach Jill Bachonski, a basketball gunslinger who played as a freshman during the coach’s senior year. In Monahan’s first season leading the team (199293), Bachonski scored 35 points against Rowan and hit four late free throws to give the new coach her first and only NJAC championship. Monahan lights up when she remembers the game or when she talks about Bachonski’s efforts this season. “She was out scouting the other night and called me from Route 80 with a flat tire,” Monahan says. “She said, ‘Coach, I might not make the game tonight.’ I would’ve gone home at that point. But Jill made it to the game. I couldn’t be here without her contributions or those of my other assistants.”

Mustang Basketball coach Al Carline with Erin and an unidentified player.

During practice, player Lindsey Krenza sits at the trainer’s table in street clothes, carefully pulling stick-on stars from paper. Because Monahan thought her team wasn’t working hard enough on defense, she began awarding stars for every deflection or steal, during practices and games. Krenza, an honor student, is out for the year with an injury, but comes to practice anyway. “Coach never said I had to,” Krenza says. “I never thought of not coming.” In her third season, Krenza says she loves playing for Monahan. “She never yells at us—even when

we get in trouble. Coach treats us like we’re adults and never sugar coats what needs to be said. If we’re getting out-rebounded by 20 at halftime, she tells us. We’re also not just a team,” she adds, “but close friends. Somebody asked me if the players have to eat lunch together every single day. We just do.” Krenza talks of team bowling trips, tutors for players struggling in class, and the chance for incoming freshman to play with their teammates in the summer—all arranged by Monahan. Tonight, the team is going to the coach’s house for a Christmas party.

☛

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“Creating a family atmosphere,” Monahan says, “is something I learned from Coach (Al) Carline in high school.” Family is the true cornerstone of Erin Monahan’s story. And it begins in Clifton. Blame it on Dori Breen Monahan grew up on Rollins Ave., the middle child of William and Marylyn Shaughnessy, sweethearts since middle school. The couple married in 1964. Son Brian was born in 1966 and son Bill in 1970, with Erin arriving in 1968. Though neither parent was an athlete, their boys would go on to play quarterback for Clifton. Erin was a match for either of them. “Brian and Billy were great athletes,” says Clifton sports historian Lou Poles, “but Erin was the best in the family.” “Because we grew up with friends who liked sports, like the Harakas,” Monahan says, “we got involved. We’d meet on Martha Ave. for football or baseball games, and my father put up a hoop at our house. I remember playing basketball against my brothers for hours.” Helping fuel her passion for sports were athletic friends, like Ellen Oostdyk, and Dori and Krista Breen, who lived around the corner from the Shaughnessys. “I wasn’t into sports 24 hours-a-day like my brothers,” says Monahan. “I also did the ‘girl things,’ like play dolls and make mud pies.”

☛

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irst and foremost, we would all like to wish our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. May all your dreams come true for the year 2006. We hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season. Wow ~ what a busy season it was! Thanks to the staff for a job well done! It was so nice seeing all our regular customers and such a pleasure meeting all our new ones. We hope all of you were happy with the gifts you purchased and received. We thank you for your continued confidence and loyalty, which warms our hearts ~ along with all the "GOODIES" you brought to warm our tummies as well! They were much appreciated. And now for a jewelry update: While still extremely popular, white gold had some company this year! Pink and yellow gold was met with a strong positive response during the holiday season. Many loved the Swarovski items, especially those replicating the beautiful Rockefeller Center Tree Topper. Honora's pearl line was red hot for the holidays, along with Lois Hill, Philippe Charriol and Lori Bonn ~ just to name a few. It was truly a Rolex season, and Tag Heuer and Raymond Weil also made a big splash. As Valentine's Day draws near, we look forward to receiving all the new exciting pieces that we have ordered for this lovely romantic holiday. We have something for everyone ~ in all price ranges. So come in and treat your Valentine (or yourself !!!). The birthstone for January is Garnet. Garnet has been treasured for thousands of years. This lovely red stone was thought to cure fever and promote good health and it was worn for protection when traveling. Again, all the very best for the New Year. Have a "Joyous January" and we'll talk to you again next month.

1143

Dr. Maury Buchalter

This column was originally started by our founder, the late Murray Blumenfeld. In his spirit, we continue its publication.

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Monahan tried cheerleading, but hated it after a single football game. She joined the marching band but quit despite her mother’s objections. “It wasn’t for me,” she remembers. Playing sports was. In high school (Monahan graduated in 1986), she excelled in basketball and softball. As a first baseman and team captain for the Mustangs, she played with friends Lynn Weinrock and Janet Domino, and was part of a squad that went to county semifinals. “I learned so much from Coach (Rick) LaDuke. When I went to William Paterson, I was a better play- Erin with Billy, an All-State quarterback for the Mustangs and a 1,000-point scorer in basketball and Brian, who started for Clifton at quarterback as a sophomore. er because of the Clifton program.” Monahan describes herself as Carline admits breaking a few clipThough she says her basketball teams did not enjoy great success, boards. He also clearly remembers more of a “role player” at Clifton Carline’s example inspired her Monahan’s first game against Nutley than an elite athlete. “I blame it on future. Besides learning about the as a sophomore when she scored 14 Dori Breen,” she laughs, comparing game, Monahan saw how hard the points, all on shots from the corner. “I herself to her friend. “She was a coach worked at creating a family remember talking to her parents in the year older and so good. I had one atmosphere for his team, including hallway after the game,” he says, year to play at that level, but couldinvolving his wife Ann and daugh- “telling them this could be the start of n’t get there.” ters Robyn, Beth, and Kim in his big things for Erin.” She was recruited by then Along with her parents, William Paterson College athletic program. She also witnessed his intensity Monahan’s brothers were her biggest director Art Eason while trying on fans. “I looked up to my brothers for sneakers at A&E Sports in Passaic, for the game early in her career. “During a game against different aspects,” she says. “Brian owned by Clifton’s Al Madirossian. Bloomfield,” Monahan says, “I had a more academic side, but Billy “I was a big girl and had my remember Mr. Carline throwing his was the better athlete—Brian will Clifton jacket on,” Monahan says. clipboard against the bleachers and shoot me for saying that. Although “He asked me to look at the campus breaking it because he was upset Billy was younger, he encouraged and I liked it. My parents wanted about something—I thought, ‘Oh, me and we were more buddy-buddy. me to go to Rutgers, but I wanted to I’m still close to both of them.” God, what are we in for?’” stay close to them—that’s why I picked William Paterson.” Family Meeting Since 1961 After college, Monahan became a e’ve been dedicated to serving physical education teacher, gaining the community for 45 years a permanent substitute position at and will continue improving our Clifton High. She also worked as an service, atmosphere & food. We appreciate your patronage and assistant basketball coach at her pledge to make Hot Grill alma mater She soon earned fulla truly enjoyable dining time job offers—Clifton wanted her experience! as a fulltime phys ed instructor; 669 LEXINGTON AVE. William Paterson was offering the 973-772-6000 Dominick 9 AM—1 AM/FRI & SAT TILL 2 head coaching job. Monahan was 1037 & Carmen WWW.THEHOTGRILL.COM only 23 at the time.

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To help her make the right choice, the Shaughnessys held a family meeting. “My parents wanted me to take the Clifton job,” she recalls. “Becoming a phys ed teacher in Clifton was a dream, they said. But I wanted to be a head coach. I’m like my mother, strong in my beliefs. I also have a lot of common sense—I wouldn’t take the coaching job unless I felt I could do it.” “I advised her to go for the coaching job,” says Carline, who coached at Clifton for 28 years. “The money wasn’t as good, but I didn’t want her spending the rest of her life thinking ‘could’ve, should’ve, would’ve.’”

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Taking over from Coach Patty Delahanty—whom Monahan says she respected and learned from—the young coach understood exactly what the team needed. Responding to Monahan’s quieter coaching style, the Pioneers began their run to the NJAC title. However, her career was not without growing pains. “One of my biggest surprises,” she recalls, “was I didn’t know ‘X&Os’ like I thought. In my first game, we lost to Cortland because I didn’t have any timeouts at the end. But I learned. Plus, I had an incredible bunch of girls.” She also enlisted Carline’s help, bringing him to practices.“He still comes to my games,” Monahan says, “and I still call to talk to him and panic at times.” “Besides being a great coach,” Carline says, “Erin is true lady and good friend—loyal, reliable, and 1317

Erin and Kevin Monahan and their children Colleen, 2,Caitlin, 5 and Patrick, 4.

sincere. I go to her games because I want to, but she still calls me afterwards to thank me for coming.” Making it Possible During the following years, Monahan grew as a person. After “living coaching every minute,” she met future husband Kevin Monahan,

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an assistant football coach at WPU. They married in 1998. Today, managing life is Monahan’s biggest challenge. Living in Bloomingdale (a halfway point between Kevin’s Sussex County hometown and Clifton), the couple uses an around-the-clock schedule to run their home. Kevin works nights as a maintenance mechanic for JPMorgan Chase in Jersey City, leaving for work at 9:45 pm and returning in the morning. After getting some sleep, he watches the children when Erin goes to work. “It’s a wacky situation,” she says, “but it works for us. Sometimes after losses (the Pioneers are 6-5 this year), I question it, but I couldn’t do anything else.”

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Life became more of a balancing act last fall when Kevin joined Wayne Valley High School’s football coaching staff as an assistant. As always, it was Monahan’s family that came to the rescue. “If it wasn’t for my parents,” she says, “I wouldn’t be doing this and Kevin wouldn’t have had the chance to coach. During football season, my father watched the kids so he could be at practice at 2 p.m.” Today, Monahan’s parents are with her children three days a week, giving her time to do her job. Also supportive is WPU athletic director and friend Sabrina Grant.“The school’s been great to me, adjusting my schedule and job after my third child. While I might be down to 80 percent of what I used to do, I’m still giving 100 percent. I have four tapes (of opposing teams) to review and Christmas presents to wrap. I may watch the tapes at 2 am, but I will.” Though her unique situation means missing some time with her children, it also helps keep her husband more involved in their lives. And she treasures her kids’ relationship with their grandparents—one she has with her own maternal grandmother, Nel Hazinski, 90, who lives in Clifton and continues to attend her games. Her parents remain her rock, always there, always willing to help. “My older brother once said to me, ‘Dad doesn’t feel he did enough for us.’ I broke down in tears. If my dad hadn’t done what he did for us, giving us the support we needed, we wouldn’t have been gone to school and been successful today. He’s been amazing.” Devoted to her nine grandchildren, Marilyn Shaughnessy is her daughter’s inspiration. Monahan says her mother keeps her bookkeeping job “to support her toys and children’s clothes buying habit. “I feel my grandmother, my mother, and I are the same person,” she says. “In 1982 and ’83, my mother ran the New York City Marathon. The joke is she began walking around the dining room table to stay active,

Erin Monahan mentors guard Luci Custis during one of her 220 career victories entering the 2005-06 season. Monahan is 41st all-time in Division III with a .681 winning percentage.

then around the block, and then around the neighborhood. Finally, she started running. I give her all credit in world; she’s so determined in everything she does.” Looking ahead, Monahan hopes to stay at WPU “as long as they’ll keep me.” She’s earned her master’s degree with thoughts of someday becoming an athletic director. And she plans to remain true to her Clifton roots, keeping the spirit of family alive in her personal and professional life. “Coaching’s what I do, what we do,” she says. “Come March, my mother wants our team’s schedule for next year to put on her calendar.”

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Making a Difference

The Nikischer Family of Botany Village

by Alicia Feghhi

Taking a break from work, running a business and a lot of civic involvement, that’s Joe Nikischer seated with his mom Arlene, her husband, Joseph, standing and to his right is their daughter-in-law Jennifer Thomas-Nikischer and her husband, Jon.

ack in 2000, the Nikischer family of Botany Village strongly opposed the Board of Education’s plan to build an elementary school in Lower Weasel Brook Park. The park was like a second backyard to Jon Nikischer and his older brother Joe when they were growing up and, even though it had continued its steady decline into a little-used, rundown 3.6 acre strip of land wedged between Central and Lexington Ave., they did not want to see it demolished. So the brothers, along with their parents, Joseph and Arlene Nikischer, and Jon’s wife, Jennifer Thomas-Nikischer, attended nearly every Board and City Council meeting to express their views with passion and intelligence.

But with no viable alternative sites on which to build the badly-needed school, the Board’s plan eventually became a reality. When their efforts failed, the Nikischers could have acted like sore losers and continued their protest. But that’s not the family’s style. Instead, they embraced the idea of the elementary school that eventually replaced their neighborhood park. “I miss the park,” said Jennifer, “but you have to give something up in order to get something back.” She should know. Giving is what the Nikischers do best. It came as no surprise to those familiar with the Nikischer family’s long history of volunteering, to learn that Jennifer was named the first President of the

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

School 17 Home and School Association (HSA) when the new building opened its doors in September 2004—or that her husband Jon agreed to be the organization’s Treasurer. “There’s no point in moping when you can’t put the park back,” said Jennifer, “so my husband and I put the past behind us to help the school.” Jon added: “I want the students to have the best education they can get, so I will do anything to help them reach that goal.” Despite their initial opposition to the school, getting involved just made sense to Jon and Jennifer since their daughter Katelyn is a third grade student there. Her father-inlaw said that even though the park is gone, the land beneath School 17 continues to be a learning ground. “I learned how to play baseball in that park, and now Katelyn is learning other valuable lessons in that

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For example, while many families spend their Labor Day weekend at the beach before their children return to school, the Nikischers stay behind in Botany Village to volunteer for the Labor Day Festival that is held in a small neighborhood park. same location,” he said. The spirit of giving displayed by Jon and Jennifer at School 17 is really not new for the Nikischers. It’s just another example of how everyone in the family gets involved in making Clifton and their Botany Village neighborhood better places in which to live. For example, while many families spend their Labor Day weekend at the beach before their children return to school, the Nikischers stay behind in Botany Village to volunteer for the Labor Day Festival that is held annually in a small neighborhood park. “I don’t look at it as giving up my vacation, but as giving

something back,” said Jennifer, who has worked the festival’s concessions with her husband for the past five years. Perhaps the Nikischer who shines the spotlight the most on Botany Village throughout the year is Jon’s older brother, Joe. He is Vice President and Special Events Coordinator for the Clifton Historic Botany Village District (CHBD), a non-profit group whose goal is to improve the Botany Village area. The group, along with area businesses, often subsidizes the amusement rides at the fair. “This year, we handed out 300 free tickets for rides to kids

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who were just wishing they could go on them,” said Joe, who owns J. Michael’s Florist on Parker Ave. The Nikischer family’s fervor for volunteering is not limited to the younger generation. It started with the elder Nikischers, Arlene and Joseph, who have been active in the community for years. They both serve on the Board of Trustees of the CHBD, and can often be seen and heard expressing their views before the City Council and Board of Education on a variety of issues important to them. Joseph, a Botany Village native who was born and raised in a home

“...as long as we do something beneficial for the community, we believe that blessings will come knocking at our door,” said Joseph Nikischer. on the corner of Parker and Highland Aves., now lives downstairs from his granddaughter Katelyn and her parents in their twofamily Russell St. home. “We go out and help because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. Arlene added, “We actually enjoy our Labor Day more from helping others and meeting new people, especially when they return the favor with a smile.”

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The family has two firm beliefs said the elder Nikischer: “Do unto others what they would do unto you”and, “What goes around comes around.” He added, “as long as we do something beneficial for the community, we believe that blessings will come knocking at our door.” It is obvious that the younger Nikischers are influenced by their parents’ dedication. “They have always done a lot for this community, so they are examples of how to give back,” said Joe, whose parents work with him at the florist. And Jon added, “They’ve experienced Botany’s history and its changes, and they know how to make a difference.” Jon said that Katelyn and his two teen-aged children who live in Pennsylvania remain true to the Nikischer tradition of volunteering. They’ve helped out at the annual Botany Village Labor Day Festival and when Katelyn recently took part in a number of fundraising events at school, he was pleased. “I’m glad to see that she seems to have our ‘volunteer gene,’” he said. Even though they lost the battle to save the park, the Nikischer family refuses to stop working to improve Botany. “The Village is Clifton’s beginning, and no one should try to put an end to it by destroying its history,” said Arlene. Joseph continued: “I’ve been living here my whole life, and I believe that Botany will flourish with the help of its dedicated residents.” They don’t come more dedicated than the Nikischer family.

Marching Mustangs Beefsteak: Families, friends and fans of the Showband of the Northeast are invited to dine and dance at the Boys & Girls Club on Jan. 20 from 6 to 11 pm. Menu includes beefsteak, salad, fruit, drinks and pastries. Cost is $40 per person or $30 for CHS students. Reservations by Jan 7. Make checks payable to CHS PTSA Band Committee and mail them to: Mike Urciuoli, 309 Valley Rd., Clifton, NJ 07013. Call him at 973-881-0252. St. Andrew’s School hosts its 5th Annual Beefsteak and Night at the Races on Feb. 11, in the church hall on Mt. Prospect Ave. at 6:30 pm. The dinner, a BYOB affair catered by Nightengale, is a fun way to raise funds for the school. Tickets are $35, for those age 21 and older only. For tickets call 973-473-3711, Holly Cedro at 973-773-1946 or Rosemary Trinkle Baran at 973-779-4611.

Dr. Scott Mitchell Smith, son of Glory Smith and the late Ralph Smith, was promoted to the rank of Captain in the US Navy. The ceremony was held aboard the aircraft carrier Midway homeported in San Diego, California. Dr. Smith is a dentist specializing in prosthodontics and has served in the Navy for 17 years. During his tenure, he served at various stations, Mustang Coach Joe Vespignani of the CHS Boys’ Soccer team hosts an indoor soccer camp for boys and girls ages 3-12 in cooperation with the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club at The eight-week camps meets once a

including the US Naval Academy and aboard the Belleau Wood during the Gulf War. Capt. Smith is a 1979 graduate of CHS where he was the captain of that year’s Mustang baseball squad as well as the Post 8 American Legion team. He also played baseball while at Gettysburg College, Pa. Capt. Smith and his wife Susan now reside in San Diego and have three children, Tyler, Justin and Madison. week, starting Jan. 8. The fee is $65 and participants receive a t-shirt. For times and days of respective age groups call 973-334-0207 or go to Vespignanisoccercamps.com. A Free Civics Education and Naturalization class will be offered by Passaic County Community College in Paterson which covers the civics knowledge required for attaining US Citizenship. There is also an English As a Second Language component for those whose first language is not English. The 12 hours classes begin in Feb., March, April and June and include evening and Saturday hours. For info, call the PCCC Continuing Education program at 973-684-6153 or 973-684-5782. Gib Kanter, pictured at left as a young Marine and today at age 80, was featured last month on The History Channel in a segment on battles in Guam on June 21, 1944 and on Okinawa on April 1, 1945. Kanter served in the Pacific during WWII and also received the Purple Heart medal. The footage about Kanter is part of the eight part series entitled Pacific: The Lost Evidence produced by a British firm. January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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send your news and photos to our new email address: tomhawrylko@optonline.net Clifton Midget League, a volunteer program offering t-ball and baseball for kids, ages 5 to 12, has registration on Jan. 7 at 10 am with other dates to follow. The season starts on April 8 with a parade which begins at the Masonic Temple on Van Houten Ave. and heads to the home field—Albion Park on Maplewood Ave. Call 973-345-3438 or go to www.eteamz.com/cmlbaseball.

Glinka Folk Ensemble, an Eastern European folk dance company serving Passaic County, seeks an instructor to teach female dancers. Call John Suizzo at 973-427-6809 or Rich Walter at 973-345-7503. Clifton’s Garden State Opera Company is seeking a stage director. For more info on the job, call 973-272-3255 or email resumes to gstopera@optonline.net.

Doctor, what is... In addition to the CHS student models, Dr. Level will entertain at the CHS Prom Fashion Show. on Feb. 12.

The CHS Prom Fashion Show is on Feb. 12 at 2 pm in the JFK Auditorium of the Colfax Ave. school. Mustang models will be styling in gowns provided by Angelica Fashions and tuxedos from Deluxe Formal Wear, both in Downtown Clifton. Hair will be styled by Infatuation on Market St, as well as Hairworks, Urban Oasis and Lunar E Clips, with flowers by Millie Fiore. During intermission a hypnotist/comedian, Dr. Level, will provide some fun and ‘levity’. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go to defray the cost of Project Graduation. The goal of this 17th annual event is to provide a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment for CHS seniors on the biggest night of their lives. On graduation night, after the ceremony, students meet back at CHS and board buses for a nearby resort. Chaperones accompany about 450 seniors for the all-night gathering. For more info on these events, call chair Maryann Cornett at 973-779-5678.

Sinusitis? • Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities which is caused by bacteria. It is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. • However, unlike a normal cold, sinus infections require doctor attention to cure the infection and prevent future complications. • Many patients do not even realize they have sinusitis, as it is very similar to having a cold or an allergy attack. Experts estimate that 37 million a year in America are afflicted with sinusitis, with many more who never have it properly identified. • Some symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain, nasal congestion, pain in teeth, bad breath, coughing, and nasal discharge. If you have three or more of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor for an appointment.

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

THE

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PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER BOX OFFICE DURING SHOW HOURS. Reg. admission $8, with this ticket one adult admission $6. Valid Jan 21 & 22, and Jan 26 through 29, 2006. Children under 12 $4 at all times, plus applicable fees. Kids under 4 FREE. DIRECTIONS: MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER: From North (Rts. 80/95 & GW Bridge): Take NJ Turnpike South. When it divides use eastern spur toward LINCOLN TUNNEL, get off at exit 17 follow signs toward SECAUCUS, pay toll and follow signs to Exposition Center. From south (Newark Airport): Take NJ Tpk. North. When it divides take the eastern spur toward LINCOLN TUNNEL. Take to exit 16E, KEEP LEFT toward SECAUCUS follow signs to the Exposition Center. From West (Rt.3 EAST): Take Secaucus exit on right (service lane) and exit at HARMON MEADOW BLVD. & PLAZA at the Meadowlands follow signs to the Meadowlands Exposition Center. TO BECOME AN EXHIBITOR (800) 736-EXPO EXT 201. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (201) 223-1000.

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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SATURDAY 11am-10pm SUNDAY 11am-7pm THURSDAY 5pm-10pm FRIDAY 5pm-10pm SATURDAY 11am-10pm SUNDAY 11am-7pm

THE

AUTOMOTIVE

EVENT OF THE YEAR

Suzanne Czyzewski and Sijun Yang have been chosen as the winners of the CHS yearbook design contest. The competition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Clifton High School, which was originally founded in 1905 on the upper floors of the defunct School 10, at the corner of First and Clifton Aves. The high school moved to Piaget Ave. in 1926, and then finally relocated to its current location in 1962 when the Piaget Ave. facility was rededicated as Christopher Columbus Middle School. In addition to being featured on the Rotunda, their design will be used on all CHS letterheads, shirts and other memorabilia. The 2006 yearbook will be expanded to 352 color pages, which will now include underclassmen photos. Ads will also be available for the first time as well. For more information, call CHS yearbook coordinator Gary Kopko at 973-470-2312. The Lady Mustangs Softball Booster Club’s 8th annual Beefsteak Dinner is Feb. 3 at the Boys & Girls Club Bingo Hall (snow date Feb. 24). Catered by Baskinger’s the menu includes pasta, salad, beef-

From left, Principal William Cannici, senior Suzanne Czyzewski, freshman Sijun Yang and yearbook coordinator Gary Kopko. Czyzewski and Yang were the winners of the CHS yearbook contest. Their design will be featured on the cover of the 2006 Rotunda and they will also receive a free copy of the yearbook, an $80 value.

steak, fries, dessert and drinks. Tickets are $35 and a DJ will spin discs. For info, call John Pizzimenti at 973-340-6466 or 973-574-8-88 or Carol Leonard at 973-779-7274. These Mustangs also took first place for the second year in a row at the UGALS Summer Softball League in the 17 & Under division.

Woodrow Wilson Middle School’s Tricky Tray is on March 3. Volunteers from the Home & School Association are now soliciting for donations, gift certificates and merchandise to be awarded at the event. For tickets, more information, or to get a gift donation picked up, call Eileen Hatala at 973-777-5389. 1355

BUY • SELL • LOCATE APPRAISE • CONSIGN

Corvettes In Stock Lady Mustangs, from left , Coach Cara Boseki, Samantha Boseki, Jenny Sichel, Stephanie Lorenzo, Ashley Terhune, Amanda Caparso, Jackie Saltamachia, Jennalyn Pizzimenti, Coach Kim Along and Coach Bill Cluney. Kneeling are Jamie Davella, Kim Ferrara, Ashley Jacobus, Jessica Perez and Jill Leonard. Missing are Meredith McGinley, Deanna Giordano and Cheryl Porter.

Clifton Area Location

973-980-4312 January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

CHS Athletic Hall of Fame

1959 Fighting Mustangs The undefeated 1959 Mustangs State Championship team will be inducted to the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame on April 23. Pictured here, from left, is the offensive sqaud: John Schroth, Joe Vernarec, Eugene Cleirbaut, Lloyd Theriault, Dennis Yaskowsky, Wayne Demikoff, Doug Wieczorkowski, David Tate, Curtis Ish, Donald Grilli and Robert Papa, who went on to play for the 1964 National Championship Team at Notre Dame.

On April 23 at noon, several legendary athletes and teams will join the Mustang elite when they are inducted to the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame at a luncheon at The Brownstone. Those being inducted include the undefeated 1959 Fighting Mustangs, which went on to be the State Champs. The 1959 squad, led by quarterback Wayne Demikoff, is viewed by some as one of the greatest ever fielded by the Mustangs.

Also to be recognized that afternoon are the ‘52, ‘53 and ‘54 track and field PVC League Champs sparked by Ken Lenert, who went on to stardom at Princeton University. Also to be honored are nine individuals who will be named in our February edition. Clifton sports historian Lou Poles seeks help in locating team members. Call Poles at 973-773-9934 or CHS Athletic Director Rick LaDuke at 973-470-2280 with info or for tickets.

Saint Paul School Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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O p e n H o u s e E ve r yd a y J a n . 30 t h - Fe b. 2 n d • 9 : 0 0 a m - 2 : 30 p m

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

• Class of 2005 earned over $15,000,000 in scholarships/grants • Small class size (average under 25; no class more than 30) • 115 courses including 13 AP level and new courses in Marine Biology, AP Italian, and AP Human Geography • New television studio wired for digital production

• New air bubble over tennis courts for winter activities • Wireless laptop access in classrooms, many with new electronic boards • A scenic campus of woods, waters and fields • The variety of opportunities of a large school, with a commitment to personal attention and individual needs

Ask your Clifton Neighbors why they chose Paramus Catholic.

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Pictured above are some of your Clifton Neighbors who attend Paramus Catholic. Call to arrange a tour of our campus.

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Food & Blanket Drive: On Jan. 14 and 15 and then again on Jan. 21 and 22, David ‘DJ’ Montroni will coordinate a drive at the Styertowne Shopping Center Acme and at the Stop & Shop at Broad St. and Allwood Rd. to collect canned foods and new or ‘near new’ blankets. All of the donations will go to The Salvation Army which will distribute to those in need. Montroni, a Paramus Catholic High School sophomore, is a Troop 74 Life Scout who created the drive as the centerpiece of his Eagle Scout Service Project. Other drop off points include City Hall and several churches who have joined in the effort. People wishing to make donations or schedule a pick-up should call 973-768-0804.

Troop 74 Eagle Scout candidate DJ Montroni asks readers to donate funds, canned foods and new blankets which will be distributed to Clifton residents in need.

From left, soon to be Eagle Scouts Steven Klett, Brian Smith and Richard Yannette.

Three Eagles Soar: Troop 74, affiliated with First Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave.,will host a ceremony to induct three Eagle Scouts on Jan. 7 at 5 pm. Steven Klett, Brian Smith, and Richard Yannette have completed all of the requirements to reach Scouting’s highest rank. In addition to their scouting achievements, Klett, a CHS senior, is on the Mustang Cross Country and Track teams and will study writing next year. Smith, also a CHS senior, is a Marching Mustang and track team member who will attend NJIT in the fall. Yannette is currently a freshman at Montclair State University.

St. Andrew the Apostle School 418 Mt. Prospect Ave. • Clifton • 973-473-3711 www.standrewsschoolclifton.catholicweb.com

We’re About What You Value Most • • • • •

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OPEN HOUSE: Tues., Jan. 31 • 1:15-2:15pm & Thurs., Feb. 2 • 9:30-11am 74

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Character, Compassion, Values is the theme of this years’s Catholic Schools Week which will be celebrated Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 with open houses and tours of local schools. In next month’s magazine, we will publish information, advertisements and photos telling more about these schools. To advertise on those pages, call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400. St. Brendan School’s 12th annual tricky tray is on Jan. 29, 2 pm, at the Wayne Manor. Tickets are $30 and includes dinner, one sheet of tickets and door prizes. Call 973-772-1149. Stephen Condon, a member of Clifton’s Boy Scout Troop 15, has officially become an Eagle Scout, the highest position of honor that a Boy Scout can receive. For his Eagle Scout project requirement, Condon erected a bulletin board at St. Clare Church on Allwood Rd. with the assistance of Troops 15 and 22. Special thanks go to the Optimist Club, which donated materials, and Dave Calafati, who guided

Mary Condon with her son, Stephen, who recently achieved Eagle Scout.

the project. Troop 15 is a handicap group, comprised of people primarily in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, which for decades has been led by Scoutmaster William Martin.

Condon has been a member of the Boy Scouts for 33 years and has earned 62 merit badges. He has traveled across the nation with Troop 15 and the scouts even visited England.

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week Character • Compassion • Values • Full Day Pre-K (4yrs. old) through Grade 8 • Before & After School Care Available

OPEN HOUSE Wed., Feb. 1st, 9-11am & 1-2pm (Snow Date: Feb. 8)

Saint Clare School 39 Allwood Road • Clifton, NJ. 07014

973.777.7582 saintclareschool@aol.com • www.saintclareschool.com January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Adult Learning Center: We offer Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Civics Education, and courses to earn a GED. For information call 973-684–0106.

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• Heating • Home Remodeling & Improv. • House Framing I & II • Housewiring • Industrial Wiring I & II • Intro to the Internet & E-Mail • Intro to Computer Programming • Intro to the Web Page Design • Machine Shop I, II, & III • National Electric Code • Nurse Aid • Nutritional Cooking • Personal Computer • Plumbing I & II • Plumber’s License Prep • Power Point • Real Estate Salesperson Licensing • Refrigeration I,II & III • Small Engine Repair • Sign Language • Skin Care • Welding Basic or Advanced • Word 2000 / XP

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January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

In-Person

Registration Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30 - 9 pm January 10, 11 & 12

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Garden Palace Lanes is the place to be on Tuesdays at 9 am, report members of AARP 1995.

Members of AARP 1995 of St. Brendan’s Church wants readers to know that this is an active seniors group and they invite like-minded Cliftonites to join them. For instance, members and guests meet every Tuesday at Garden Palace Lanes at 9 am (pictured above) for an early morning workout. They urge others to come and throw a few balls at the Lakeview Ave. lanes. For those interested in other functions of the group, meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at 10 am in the basement of St. Brendan Church. It usually opens with a speaker who will discuss topics facing seniors, followed by a

regular meeting where members can become involved in volunteer and social activities On March 30, the group will host a St. Joseph’s feast at The Brownstone and on April 19,

a trip is planned to the Big M Casino in Monticello, NY. For trip info, call Bob Koistra at 973-345-2637; for general info, call Jean Eardley at 973-772-1990.

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59 Liberty St., Passaic 07055 • 973-779-2513

effective immediately, please note our new email: tomhawrylko@optonline.net January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The Clifton-based Garden State Opera Company was among the recipients of grants given out by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council (PCCHC) at Passaic County Community College. A total of $85,900 in funding was distributed to 41 groups, including seven Clifton organizations. Clifton recipients include The Action Theatre Conservatory, Clifton Arts Center, Clifton Recreation Department, the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group, Friends of Clifton Public Library, NJ Music & Arts, the parent group of the Garden State Opera, and the YM-YWHA of Greater Clifton/Passaic. Grants are available annually through the PCCHC to non-profit, tax-exempt Passaic County organizations which plan to present arts and cultural events (crafts, dance, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, etc.) that will take place in Passaic County. To be eligible for funding, the non-profit local arts organization must match every dollar of the grant with a dollar of its own. The next grant cycle will be for programs scheduled for the period between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007. Applications will be available in May with the deadline being July 31. Grant writing workshops will be Cliftonite Francesco Santelli of Garden State Opera, one of scheduled during early June at a date to be announced seven Clifton groups which received PCCHC grants this year. in the spring. For more details, call the PCCHC at Lights, Camera, Action: The Registration deadline for 973-684-6507 or 973-684-6555. the Passaic County Student Film and Video Festival is The 11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Jazz Jan. 30. The competition is open to all students who Festival & Dinner is Jan. 14 from 6 pm to midnight at attend Passaic County educational institutions or who the Church of the Assumption, 35 Orange Ave., in the live in the county and attend school elsewhere. Entries Athenia section of Clifton. The festival features the will be grouped into categories for high school and colmusic of artists such as the Leo Johnson Trio, Jazzy lege students. The screening date for the Student Film Bear & Friends, James Gibbs III, Lonnie Youngblood, and Video Festival, which will be held at the Passaic the David Robinson Quartet and Madam Pat Tandy and County Public Safety Complex in Wayne, is April 15. the Tommy Gryce Trio. Tickets are $35, which includes Applications are available from the Passaic County dinner and soft drinks. For more info, call Seifullah Film Commission. Call 973-881-4427, or send a Ali Shabazz at 973-478-4124 or visit Record City in request for more information via email to Deborah Passaic or Paterson. Hoffman at ecodev@passaiccountynj.org.

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Many Thanks To Friends & Clients for Another Successful Year! CORRINE RASQUINHA

Broker/Sales Associate New Homes Specialist NJAR Million Dollar Sales Club 1998, Silver Level

C. Genardi

973-778-4500 Office 973-594-4338 Direct 201-401-5660 Cell

Contracting Inc.Clifton

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973R OOFING â&#x20AC;˘ S IDING S EAMLESS G UTTERS

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January 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Residential Office 789 Clifton Avenue 1097

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Consensus of Light is an exhibit and sale of the work by the members of the Clifton Camera Club which will be on display at the Clifton Arts Center, located on the municipal campus at Cliftonand Van Houten Aves. The show, which also feature the contemporary sculpture designs of Scandinavian artist Ulla Novina, opens on Jan. 18 and runs through Feb. 25. The public is invited to a free reception to meet the artists on Jan. 21 from 14 pm. The Clifton Camera Club has been in existence since 1948 and is home to amateur and professional film, digital and light photographers. For more info, call 973-472-5499 or visit www.cliftoncameraclub.org.

Among the photos to be displayed by members of the Clifton Camera Club include those shown here. Above left is‘Girl Running’ from the NJ Boardwalk Series, which was awarded Black and White Print of the Year; at right, an untitled print from the Coney Island Series, which won Color Print of the Year. Both photos by Clifton resident Joseph V. Riggio.

Subscribe To Clifton Merchant Have Clifton Merchant Magazine Mailed To Your Home. $15/YEAR

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PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011 January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Birthdays & Celebrations! Birthday greetings from Tato, Olivia & Babcia to Ariana Hryckowian who turns 18 on 1/9

Belated Birthdays! Kyle Zlotkowski turned 4 on Oct. 10 and his sister Kyle turned 2 on Oct.16.

Happy Birthday to Maggie DeMolli who turns 24 on 1/3

FREE SUNDAE Buy One Ice Cream or Yogurt Sundae, Get Another

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Joseph Frost turns 101 on 01/1 Ernie Rodrigues, III turns 30 on 01/14

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Megan Duffy . . . . . . . .1/12 Daisy Colman . . . . . . .1/13 Joe Musleh . . . . . . . . . .1/14 Mark Stuart . . . . . . . . . .1/14 Kyle Santiago . . . . . . . .1/15 Susan Hernandez . . . .1/16 Jennifer Montanile . . .1/16 Steve Nikithser, Jr. . . . .1/16 Matthew Soprano . . . .1/16 Anna Tatarenko . . . . . .1/17 Kim Barilari . . . . . . . . . .1/18 Erica Pangilinan . . . . . .1/19 Lindsay Dueben . . . . . .1/20 Luke Falzo . . . . . . . . . . .1/20 Payton Bogatch . . . . .1/21 Douglas Ciallella . . . . .1/21 Matthew Gorun . . . . . .1/21 Cindy Hawrylko . . . . . .1/22 Daniel Shackil . . . . . . .1/22 Catherine Coloccia . .1/24 Jamie Mikolajczyk . . . .1/24 Alexander Stransky . . .1/24 Larissa Unis . . . . . . . . . .1/24 Susan Angello . . . . . . .1/25

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194 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell • 973-403-9968 –– 2 Union Ave., Paterson • 973-595-1647

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Shaun LaGala . . . . . . . .1/1 Connie Zangara . . . . . .1/1 Chrissy Cetinich . . . . . . .1/2 Amanda Esposito . . . . .1/2 Kristin Reilly . . . . . . . . . . .1/2 Steven Hrina . . . . . . . . . .1/3 Rosalie Konopinski . . . . .1/3 Ray Krenc . . . . . . . . . . . .1/3 Emily Zawicki . . . . . . . . .1/3 Mohamad Bekheet . . . .1/5 Missy Fazio . . . . . . . . . . .1/5 Alexander Ortiz . . . . . . .1/5 Gay Eaclie . . . . . . . . . . .1/6 Larry Homsany . . . . . . . .1/8 Theresa Albanese . . . . .1/9 Amanda Curtiss . . . . . . .1/9 Ariana Hryckowian . . . .1/9 Joseph Perzely . . . . . . . .1/9 Stefan Tatarenko . . . . . .1/9 Fatma Bekheet . . . . . .1/10 Ronald Calo . . . . . . . . .1/10 Richie DeMarco . . . . . .1/10 Katy Sokolik . . . . . . . . .1/11 Nicole Unis . . . . . . . . . .1/11

Visit us in Downtown Clifton: 1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999

We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Melissa & Fabian Calvo wed on 12/10/05

Machine Shop On Location No Order Too Large Or Small FREE DELIVERY

On a cold winter night, cozy up in front of your fireplace with a nice bottle of Port and a little bleu cheese.

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Robert Duffy . . . . . . . . .1/25 Ashley Gagnon . . . . . .1/25 Debbi Koch . . . . . . . . .1/26 Michelle Nahass . . . . .1/26 Karen Rice . . . . . . . . . .1/26 Nicholas Grippo . . . . . .1/27 Scott Crawford . . . . . .1/28 Robert C. Henn . . . . . .1/28 Stephanie Smith . . . . . .1/28 Laura Kuruc . . . . . . . . .1/30 Sean Sabo . . . . . . . . . .1/30 Lisa Paitchell . . . . . . . . .1/31 Jessica Sonn . . . . . . . . .1/31

Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997

973-473-4999

802 Van Houten Ave • Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun 9-1pm

1103 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun Closed

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040

201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

201.391.3333

973-857-2600

5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

201. 261.0411 59A E. Ridgewood Ave • Paramus New Location

973.338.9292 1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

973-694-2228 1168 Hamburg Turnpike • Wayne New Location

973-423-1700 93 Goffle Rd • Hawthorne New Location 1036

ERTELLI’S FINE WINE

BEER & LIQUOR

Styertowne Shopping Center 1045 Bloomfield Ave. • Clifton 973 779-0199 www.bertelli.com winemaster@bertelli.com

Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Help Raise Funds for Ryan Klein Ryan Klein, 5, the son of Kathy and Clifton Police Officer Richard Klein, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome the day after his birth and with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) last year.

Clifton’s New

Benjamin Moore Dealer!

Able Hardware 745 Van Houten Ave.

973.773.4997 Mon.-Fri. till 7pm Sat. till 5pm

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ALL is a type of leukemia caused by a change in the cells in the bone marrow in which too many immature white blood cells grow. The marrow does not have room to make the normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Ryan, pictured here, is being treated at the Tomorrows Children’s Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he is receiving chemo in a three-year program. To help pay for some of the expenses related to his treatment, there will be a benefit concert for Ryan featuring his favorite jazz band: Muzzy and the Original Axcent Band, at the Boys & Girls Club on Jan. 29 from 4 to 8 pm. Tickets are $50 for adults and $10 for kids; the donation includes dinner and drinks. Make checks payable to: Ryan Klein Benefit Fund

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor

and mail it to 34 Brookwood Rd., Clifton, NJ 07012. For info, call Steve Hatala at 973-777-5389 or Lizz Gagnon at 973-473-3559.

www.fitspine.net

Dr. Moore and staff would like to wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005 Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155

Sports Injuries • Car Accidents Family Practice 82

January 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Pictured from left Rania Abughanieh, Dr. Moore and Alison Jonkman.

• • • • •

non-sectarian • niches mausoleum • garden graves monumental graves no obligation pre-need counseling financing available one-year at no interest on easy monthly plans

973.777.1920

for more information with no obligation call:

255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07014

East Ridgelawn Cemetery

East Ridgelawn Cemetery invites you to visit our Mausoleum on Main Avenue to pause, reflect and remember the lives of those who have passed. Visits are unlimited and unaffected by the weather. Crypts are located in the building and convenient for elderly and handicapped. Mausoleum entombment provides greater Peace of Mind & Security.

Reflect... Remember...

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Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011

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Sellers Beware Avoid 11 Mistakes that Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

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$439,000

Clifton

$599,000

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$359,900

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$414,900

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$499,900

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$399,000

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Features Formal DR, LR, EIK, 3 bdrms, master bdrm w/Jacuzzi, walk in closet, 2.1 bath. 1 car gar, fin. Bsmnt, driveway for 1 car. Nice yard, owner motivated to sell. Ask for Luis Guzman.

Home 3 bdrms, LR, KIT on each floor. Basement is full unfinished. Open attic, driveway has space for 3 cars. Lg. well maintained backyard

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Clifton

$489,900

Clifton

$319,900

110 Arlington St.

Clifton

$329,900

NEW 2 FAMILY HOME.

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LOVELY COLONIAL

1st & 2nd floor have 5 rooms, 2 bdrms possible 3. Ground floor has 4 rooms. 2 car garage plus off- Street Parking. Call for more information

With Living Room, Modern EIK, 3 Bedrooms and a den that can be used as a 4th bedroom. Call for more information.

Features enclosed porch. LR, DR, EIK on the 1st level and 3 bdrms plus full bath on the 2nd level. Full attic that can possibly be made to a 4th bedroom.

CALL 877-833-2365

Visit us online at:

23 Louis Dr.

68 Walman Ave.

CALL 877-833-2365