Clifton Merchant Magazine - June 2007

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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The Class of 2007

Some will remember cheering for various sports teams, being a part of the Marching Mustangs or acting in the spring musical The Sound of Music. Others will have memories of turning their life around with the help of their teachers, friends, family—or a caring police officer. Many students will take with them the lessons they learned at a part time job or a class they took during their education.

Over the next 70 pages, we at Clifton Merchant Magazine are pleased to celebrate the memories and achievements of the Class of 2007, and share their hopes, dreams and plans with our readers.

Like their nearly 700 classmates, the CHS Class of 2007’s top 10 students struggled with their course work. Turn to page 50 to find out who they are.

The Clifton High School graduating class of 2007 will always be remembered for its gritty varsity football team that captured a North 1, Group 4 State Championship by defeating the Paterson Eastside Ghosts 26-0 at Giants Stadium on a cold Saturday evening in December 2006.

But for each student that receives their diploma at Clifton Schools Stadium on June 22 at 6:30 pm, that game will be just one of many memories they will take with them as they depart their high school and begin a journey of a lifetime.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko GRAPHIC ARTIST John Feasenmyer Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 • tomhawrylko@optonline.net

WRITERS: Jack DeVries, Cheryl Hawrylko, Joe Torelli, John Bendel, Joe Hawrylko, Jordan Schwartz

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Acting Out A Future ––––––––––– Story by Jordan Schwartz ––––––––––– He’s been a blood-sucking vampire, a decorated World War I captain and a star-crossed lover, but Chris Robertson most enjoyed being a murderer.

The 17-year-old CHS senior has been acting since he was six and recently starred in Dead Man Walking, a collaborative production of Action Theater Conservatory, the Theater League of Clifton and Clifton High School. From May 4-13, Robertson portrayed death row inmate Matt Poncelet.

“That was my favorite character because I don’t usually play the bad guys in shows,” he said.

“I have a baby face and I’m a good kid, but it was fun to play a bad guy because he’s nothing like me; his views are so different than mine and so it was a totally different experience for me.”

And maybe a different experience for some members of the community who questioned the foul language in the play.

A brooding Chris Robinson in his most recent and acclaimed role, as death row inmate Matt Poncelet in Dead Man Walking.

“All that stuff brings out the intensity of the show,” Robertson said. “You can’t censor this kind of show. Would a guy in a prison cell be all proper and enunciate all of his words? I don’t think so.”

And then there was the issue of capital punishment. “The play was supposed to create discourse to 8

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

make people think about the death penalty,” Robertson continued.

“You saw both sides of the argument during the show, and you left the auditorium probably with a sense of ‘What should I think?’”

Many also left the auditorium lauding the performance they had just witnessed.

“Some friends, classmates and teachers have been coming up to me and telling me I did such a marvelous job,” said Robertson. “I really enjoy bringing joy to an audience and that’s why I’m going into this profession.”

Robertson will be attending The School for Film and Television in New York City this September. It’s a two-year program, after which, he can either transfer to another college to get his degree, or he could start auditioning for films, shows or television.

“I really love performing on the stage, but I’m also fond of film and TV, so I think whatever comes first is what I’ll do first,” he said. “Hopefully it’s film. I’ve been acting on stage all my life, I think it’s time for a new way to act.”

In eight years, Robertson hopes to be on the set of a big movie production, taking on the role of a lead character that lands him a nomination for an Academy Award.

That’s what the CHS senior has been working towards his entire life.

The six-foot, brown-haired, blue-eyed thespian got his start at a young age. His parents Joel Robertson and Kathleen Kellaigh were both professional actors who own and operate the Action Theater Conservatory in Clifton, where their son has been taking classes for the past decade.

“It’s been a blessing and it’s been hard to have actors as parents,” Chris said. “They know how to teach me and they’re really good at what they do, but they can get on my case about doing a scene correctly.”

Either way, there’s no question Robertson’s parents have been the most influential people in his life.

“They taught me the importance of my academic studies, as well as advising me as I pursue my career in acting,” he said.

Robertson is a well-rounded student who lists his National Honor Society membership, and not his acting

awards, when asked what his greatest achievement is over the past 12 years.

His favorite high school memory?

Not playing Captain Von Trapp in the spring musical The Sound of Music this year. It was watching his Fighting Mustangs shutout the Eastside Ghosts to win the state football championship in December.

“The connections that I’ve made with my friends and teachers, that’s what I’ll miss the most about high school,” Robertson said.

So while his roles on stage may change on a weekly basis, in his heart, Chris will forever be a Mustang.

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Q&A

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement?

Jennifer Fallon: Maintaining good grades throughout these past 12 years. I have always tried my hardest in all of my classes, so I am proud of that achievement. I will continue to work just as hard in college.

Christina Sauerborn: Getting accepted to my first college choice of New York University was an incredible achievement. You work so hard in high school to do the best you possibly can and I’m just glad to have something to show for it.

Ivan Jakimovski: My greatest achievement would have to be graduating in the top 10 of my senior class. My class rank is 10 out of 714.

Geisy Marte: Over the past 12 years, I have been able to demonstrate that I am able to do what I want. I achieve my goals in school, I am a good student and I make my parents proud!

Vaniah Cunningham: Knowing that by second grade I wanted to become a teacher and never changing my mind.

Jessica Torres: My greatest achievement was being a part of the track teams that were able to win the League Championship for nine seasons in a row.

Karen Wilson: I’ve been singing all my life and I was very fortunate to be a part of Miss Novak’s choir and madrigals the past three years.

It has deepened my appreciation and love for music.

Michael Di Virgilio: I’d have to say it would be getting into Penn State University, the one college I really wanted to go to.

John Morales: My greatest achievement was being successful throughout all my school years while making the greatest friends along the way.

Veronica Estevez: Making the Honor Roll all four years at CHS.

Arielle Saltzman: Being accepted into the National Who’s Who of H.S. Students and having our CHS lacrosse team make it to the state tournament as a second year squad.

Anthony Shehab: Being one of the top 10 students... but there is so much more... both films that I produced for the CHS Film Festival, as well as all of the friends and relationships I have made from kindergarten till today.

Some of the friends from back then are still with me now.

Antoin Jones: I would say getting into regular education classes by sophomore year.

Congratulations to the Class of 2007...

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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Cara Ruggiero: Graduating as the 13th ranked student in my class.

Lucky number 13!

Anthony Giordano: Winning the first Mustang football State Championship in 24 years during my senior year.

Angela Gonzalez: Just simply becoming a more mature individual over all of these years.

Kathleen Rathgeber: Maintaining my good grades. Although it has been difficult to do so at some points, I have tried my best and kept a sense of determination, which has allowed me to succeed.

Nil Ece Ulias: Finally knowing for certain who I am and what I want out of life.

Alex Anolik: Participating in the State Meet of Champions during the 2006 cross country season.

Joseph Segura: Being able to speak for myself, joining the Marching Mustangs and performing in the talent show, which I had wanted to do for years.

Mustang QB Anthony Giordano and Coach Ron Anello on Dec. 2, 2006 at Giants Stadium when the Fighting Mustangs beat Paterson Eastside 26-0 to become the Group IV State Champions

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Q&A

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement?

Marquise Champagne: Making first team all-league basketball my senior year.

Jessica Munoz: I have been an honor student since fifth grade and received many academic awards along the way.

Julianna Espinosa: Graduating.

I’ve had a hard time in school so I’m glad to be able to graduate and receive my high school diploma.

Mike Huk: Playing baseball all four years was fantastic.

Gianna Fata: Making it through elementary, middle and high school with success and not giving up.

Melissa D’Arco: Every moment leading up to now. All of my hard work and commitment finally paid off and now I get to go on to the next step in my life.

Cal Goodell: Excelling in swimming for four years, including winning MVP and all-county, all-league and all-area honors.

Brian J. Dunphy: Running 10 miles from Sandy Hook to Long Branch during my sophomore year in a time of 1:01:58.

Michael Urciuoli: Getting into Notre Dame ranks up there with pitching a no-hitter and getting into National Honor Society.

Francesca Hemsey: It has to be gaining admittance to Georgetown University.

Justyna Cyrulik: Emigrating with my parents from Poland to the United States.

The 2007 Mustang Varsity basketball team. Front from left: Marquise Champagne, Justin Garcia, Travis Holm and Lamar Rodriguez. In the back from the left is Michael Cetinich, Cruise Rodriguez, Victor Torres and Emil Lozano.

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Frank Vogas: Making all-county three years and all-state one year for soccer and scoring the winning goal in the Passaic County Championship Neil Desai: Making Distinguished Honor and Honor Roll every year.

Victor Torres: Making the Varsity baseball team.

Danielle Parker: Becoming the person I am today. No matter how tough situations would get, I always pushed myself through.

Scott Reilly: Placing fifth overall in the 100 breast stroke at the NNJIL meet.

Karla Yeamans: Getting into the New Jersey Governor’s School of the Arts last summer. It was a defining time in my life and it helped me figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Mostafa Bekheet: Making the Honor Roll a couple of times.

Valmiv Xhemajli: Learning English as my second language.

Kelly Ellmer: Moving on to Arizona State University has to be my greatest achievement.

Kevin Jean-Philippe: Staying in school and becoming a senior.

Lauren Schwenk: Finding myself and finally realizing that I should live in the moment.

Lee Darden: Meeting good friends.

Robert Berrios Jr.: Just becoming an adult.

Rami Zeidan: Finishing school and having a job.

Abraham Millan Jr.: Success at all my ROTC drill competitions.

Erika Choudhury: Getting my first job and graduating CHS. Dominique Howe: Making finals in the Miss Sunburst USA Pageant.

Julio Castelar: Four years of Marine reserve officer training.

Lucian Radoslovescu: Finishing fourth place in a soccer competition back in Romania when I was 16.

Angel Lopez: Getting through 12 years without any major problems.

Kimberly O’Connor: Knowing that I never backed down from what I wanted to do and graduating high school knowing I can do anything I put my mind to.

Cesar Jaramillo: Being accepted to Seton Hall where I will study Biology with the goal of becoming an OBGYN.

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Q&A

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement?

Ashley Gagnon: Stepping up and joining the Air Force.

Johanna Oliva: Getting into Berkeley College was great because I’ve admired that school for a long time and I’m happy to be going there next year.

Melissa Colon: Making it to where I am today.

Johanna Flores: I never got Saturday detention or a suspension.

Merideth McGinley: Being named head captain of the varsity cheerleading team.

Ashley Urbano: Performing at Carnegie Hall during my sophomore year.

Rocio Sanchez: Becoming so independent at a young age and accomplishing all my goals.

Robert Johnson: Winning a state championship.

Christopher Chilimintris: Living life with the hardships I had to overcome.

Samer Hamad: Being an active member of the youth committee at my religious center, the Islamic Center of Passaic County.

Kristen Hariton: I was fortunate to earn a role in the musicals for the past four years. CHS Theatre has helped me grow as a musician, actress, student and friend. I also worked hard as Quartermaster in the Mustang Band for two years.

John Thomas: Making and staying in the marching band for four years.

Erica Cardillo: Making all-county, all-state and becoming captain of the soccer team.

David Marco: Surviving the hallways. I’ve taken harder hits in the hall than on the soccer field.

Romman Hadi: Getting inducted into the Junior Honor Society.

Edwin Curitomxi: Just being honored and recognized as a three time Distinguished Academic Award scholar.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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Q&A

Over the last 12 years, what was your greatest achievement?

Brittany Gaccione: I’ve made some really great friends and I know who I can count on and that means the most.

Melissa Fusoni: Being a member of the National Honor Society in my junior year and getting accepted to my dream college.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: Graduating in the top three percent of my class, being an officer in NHS, and becoming a Distinguished Honor student for all four years.

Chris Robertson: Being a fouryear academic award winner and a member of NHS. Samantha Bartlett: Playing soccer. I’ve grown so close to all the girls on the team, we are family. We have such great times, and played together from ages 4 to 18.

Matthew Tietjen: I was one of 100 students chosen from a pool of over 1,000 applicants to participate in the New Jersey Governor’s School of International Studies.

Cassandra Trujillo: Getting into my top-choice college, Yale.

Bhavik Vyas: Making the Distinguished Honor Roll.

Allison Busha: My greatest achievement over the past 12 years was sticking to dance until the end and not quitting.

Ryan Gorny: Being a varsity pitcher on the baseball team. I threw a shut out against Paramus Catholic this year.

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Death Defying!

––––––––––– Story by Joseph Hawrylko ––––––––––– Sometimes it takes a tragic event to put things in perspective. Just ask Andre Viola, a Cliftonite who will graduate from St. Joseph Regional High School, Montvale, on June 3.

A standout goalie with Division I aspirations, his dreams of playing ball in the professional ranks came to a crashing halt on June 12, 2005.

It was on that day that Andre’s father, Luis, woke up in the early hours of that morning to his son’s screams coming from the bathroom. He rushed over to find Andre curled up on the floor, holding his head, unable to speak.

A six centimeter blood clot in his head had burst, the product of an arterial venous malformation, which is an abnormal collection of blood vessels in the brain.

Viola was rushed to the hospital, where emergency surgery was performed. Afterwards, he was put into a medically induced coma to aid his recovery. Nine days later, he woke up to a very different world.

“I remember everything before what happened, and I remember waking up,” said Viola. He initially recognized his parents, but was unable to speak and had no clue why he was in the hospital.

“I didn’t notice how bad I was until one of the speech therapists started asking me questions and I could barely talk,” he continued. “That’s when I realized that I would have to relearn everything... walking, reading, talking. Everything.”

The soon-to-be-graduate spent two weeks in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, including the nine days when he was unconscious. When he came to and was able to start communicating, he was faced with a harsh reality: the doctors informed him that he would be unable to play soccer—or any sport for that matter— for at least two years.

Furthermore, Viola would have to go through an extensive rehabilitation process to just to once again live a normal life. Bleak news indeed, but Viola took it in stride.

“I realized just how precious life is. You can’t waste it.” he recalled. “Initially, I was depressed. But I didn’t let myself think like this.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

For his rehabilitation, Viola would spend the next three weeks at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, where he would relearn basic skills from Monday through Friday.

“I was staying at the rehab center and took classes for reading and talking,” said Viola, who attended CHS for his freshman and sophomore years. “We also did physical therapy... walking and a couple days in the pool for strength.”

At first, his progress was slow. Just walking to the bathroom was a chore, how could he even dream of returning to the soccer field? However, within a week, Viola began to notice improvements, as he started to regain his coordination and motor skills.

AVM can have life-altering effects, including brain damage, paralysis and even death, depending on where in the brain the rupture occurs. AVM is often dismissed as a headache, since without a specific scan to look for it, it is often undetectable until it’s too late.

Luckily for Viola, his emergency surgery went well and he progressed rapidly in rehab. He finally returned home on July 17, 2005, bearing great news: his doctor had informed him that he could once again play soccer that fall if he wished. However, he would still have to take speech therapy at St. Joe’s Hospital.

“I got a lot better in rehab and I started practicing again in Oct.,” said Viola, who has played since he was five. “I played in a tourney with my club team and after that, I just kept getting better and better.”

This past fall, Viola got a second opportunity at his soccer dream as the Green Knight’s starting goalie.

Although he ultimately didn’t get a Division I scholarship, his hard work and rededication to the game—and life—paid off. This fall, Viola will attend New Jersey City University to continue his soccer career. While he’s going in undecided, his near-death experience may have given him a future career, as he ponders a future in either Sports Therapy or Business.

“I always wanted to be working in sports, dealing with injuries and everything,” said Viola. “My therapy experience made me want to go into the field more.”

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As he slowly recovered, Viola began to make friends with the other youth that were in the rehabilitation center with him.

“We all helped each other out there. There was a kid who got into a car accident and hurt his knee really bad.” Recalled Viola, who came to Clifton from Newark when he was five. He lives with his older brother Dennis, his father Andre and his mother, Isilda, who works at Henry’s Deli.

“While I was there, I also started talking to two girls who were around my age,” he continued. “One of them was in pretty bad shape, so we assisted her a lot too.”

There was also one patient whose situation really hit home for the young Cliftonite. In the same room as him was another kid who had suffered from an arterial venous malformation (AVM), however, he was not nearly as fortunate as Viola.

“I was just seeing all the kids there and talking to them. There was one in my room—who was one year younger—that had the same condition as me but it was a lot worse,” said Viola, a Dutch Hill resident, who attended School 15 and WWMS. “He had three veins in his brain that had popped and he was paralyzed. I took care of him while I was there.”

His roommate's situation reminded him that, as tough of a time as Viola was having going through rehabilitation, he could have been much worse.

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19

Where will you be in 2015?

Erica Cardillo: Becoming a gym teacher at a high school and attending some reunions with my friends from CHS. John Morales: I hope to be working as a publicist or a public relationist to a major record company or music magazine.

John Thomas: A drum teacher.

Robert Berrios Jr.: Working on a big NYC marketing team.

Julianna Espinosa: Probably working at a corporate office and living in an apartment.

Anthony Giordano: I envision myself either being head football coach of Clifton High School or a coach in Florida somewhere.

Vanessa Felic: A successful lawyer or nurse living in New Jersey. I might be married... I don’t know about kids because I plan to travel.

Sasha Grant: I’ll hopefully be living in New York City working as a very successful radiologist.

Kevin Jean-Philippe: Working on building up some companies and owning some real estate.

Dominique Howe: Having my own fashion label with my designs on the cover of Vogue Magazine.

Veronica Estevez: I will marry my boyfriend, David Marmolejos.

We’ll live in our own house and I will be working as a doctor.

Lucian Radoslovescu: Playing professional soccer.

Ammar Baker: Owning buildings that I rent out to doctors and others.

Ashley Gagnon: Hopefully I’ll still be in the Reserves.

Johanna Flores: Being a successful lawyer with a family.

David Marco: I want to work in the CSI or medical fields.

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Michael Urciuoli: I have this fantasy of working in NYC for some corporation rolling in the cash, kind of like Winthrop in Trading Places before Eddie Murphy’s character took his job.

I’m going to college with a business mindset but I’m still undecided, so we will see.

Tara Danny: Married and working as an actress in Los Angeles.

Karen Wilson: I honestly can’t say for sure. I love music, but it’s really hard and takes a lot of work and motivation. Perhaps doing something with music., but I don’t know what. I also like psychology. I can see myself as a therapist or a music therapist and helping other people.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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or some 34 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton.

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

A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors.

“It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued. “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

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

they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment.

Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process.

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

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God’s Blessing to our Pastor, Rev. Msgr. Julian Varettoni, upon his retirement...

Goodbye & best wishes to the Sacred Heart School’s Class of ‘07!

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Q&A

Where will you be in 2015?

Jennifer Fallon: I envision myself working toward my Master’s degree and working as a successful business woman somewhere in New York City.

Anthony Shehab: I will have a nice house and a beautiful car, living in California working for Ferrari. I hope to be employed by Ferrari as a designer, and I will be enjoying my work.

Michael Di Virgilio: I envision myself working with a well-paying company, owning a decent sized house and starting to build my own family.

Ivan Jakimovski: Finished with medical school and starting my residency in order to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I plan to become an anesthesiologist, but that may change.

Jessica Torres: I see myself being married or in a serious relationship and I will be working in a very successful job that I love.

Mike Holly: I will have my own graphic design business.

Andrew Michael: Either in medical or chiropractic school.

Cristina Cano: Hopefully working as a chiropractor.

Alisha Martinez: Teaching, hopefully finding the right man and being very independent.

Amanda Povga: Living down the shore or owning a salon in the city.

DJ Ferraiol: Teaching gym and coaching lacrosse at Clifton High or another school.

Josephine Valenzuela: Living in Mexico because that is where I want to be.

Damiene Veler: Owning my own store in Clifton.

Christina Sauerborn: I will have hopefully have graduated from law school and be working in the city.

1313 June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

23

John Thomas used to play trumpet. He still writes poetry and one day, he’d like to study cooking at a culinary school. But in the meantime, the CHS senior pounds out beats in a heavy metal band called Kill the Sun. “It’s all about being creative,” Thomas said about his eclectic mix of interests. “There’s a lot of kids out there that think it’s kind of weak that I write love letters, but I can turn them into a song.”

‘Love letter’ probably isn’t the first phrase that comes to mind when you hear a Kill the Sun record like “Jealousy is Cruel,” but the formula seems to be working.

The band, which is made up of Thomas, fellow CHS senior Adam Ismail and three guys in their twenties, was recently signed by Avail Entertainment. They played their first big gig on May 20 at the Knitting Factory in New York City.

“It was crazy,” said Thomas, Kill the Sun’s drummer. “People that weren’t even there to see us were completely amazed by our music.”

The band played another show May 26 at the American Legion Hall in Garfield and they’re scheduled to be on the bill at Club Crannell in Poughkeepsie, NY on July 29. John said they’re setting up more shows for the fall.

Thomas and Ismail, the band’s singer, have been playing together since they formed a band call Virgin Surgeons in ninth grade.

They joined a new band called Messages of Massacre two years later, before forming Kill the Sun last August.

Ismail admitted it’s difficult to keep a band together when you’re in high school, but he said they’re really committed to sticking with one another.

24

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Kill the Sun

by Jordan Schwartz

CHS seniors John Thomas and Adam Ismail are two-fifths of the band Kill the Sun.

“We’re happy it’s finally coming together,” Ismail said. “All the other guys in the band are a lot older, so they’re pushing us too.

Having other more mature kids in the band helps.”

Both Thomas and Ismail are self-taught musicians, but John works on his craft as a member of the Mustang Marching Band. He played trumpet for three years before getting an opportunity to join the drum line.

“The marching band was where I learned how to read music and it made things so much easier,” Thomas said.

The drummer added that all of his family has

been very supportive of his diverse musical endeavors.

“My mom comes to every show and my dad is always pushing Buddy Rich on me,” said Thomas.

His little brother Daniel, 15, also plays drums and John often jams with his older brother Michael, 21, who plays trumpet and is a music major in college.

Thomas said if the band thing doesn’t work out, he’d like to become a drum teacher.

But until that happens, he and Ismail will be putting everything they have into Kill the Sun. And John’s trumpet will remain tucked away in his closet.

Q&A

Where will you be in 2015?

Nil Ece Ulias: Working in either public relations or magazine publishing after completing graduate school for Journalism.

Joseph Segura: I think I will just about be ready to finish grad school for Education so that I could make a nice living for myself.

Cara Ruggiero: Married and working as a high school English teacher, going for my Doctorate.

Jennifer Delgado: A lawyer working at a law firm helping people.

Emilio Torres: I see myself as a game designer creating games for the big game companies like Nintendo or Microsoft.

Neil Desai: Working in the pharmaceutical industry and making money for myself and my wife.

Marcia Marchand: In my own place, on my way to having a family.

Gianna Fata: Living in the city, working as a fashion marketer.

Chayanne Serrano: I will have served in the National Guard and the Army. After school, I will be working as a police officer.

Brian J. Dunphy: Working as a history teacher and coach of the Clifton cross country and/or track team.

Victor Torres: Owning my own business money.

Marianne Guerriero: Hopefully I will have a steady teaching job, married and making some money.

Jillian Gradzki: I see myself as a speech pathologist working with autistic children.

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Kimberly O’Connor (above): Teaching Sign Language either in school or in the health field. I could imagine that I will be married and have a family.

Francesca Hemsey: I hope I will have earned a degree, met someone special and began to settle down as a career woman, wife and mother.

Attorney Robert J. Wertalik with his daughter & paralegal, Nicole, at the Clifton office, now in its 6th year.

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Q&A

Where will you be in 2015?

Danielle Parker: My dream? To graduate college, move into the city and work for a magazine.

Then I’d like to study early childhood education with the hopes of returning to Clifton to teach.

Deanna Perez: Pursuing a career as an interior designer in New York or London... or I will be in the US Marines pursuing a career in photography.

Mohini Patel: In an internship at a hospital and volunteering with Doctors Without Borders.

Justyna Cyrulik: Working at a hospital with children. I would like to have a family and a happy life.

Scott Reilly: Living close by, married with a couple of kids and working as a camera operator or technical director for Sports Net New York or ESPN.

Kristen Hariton: Graduating with at least a Master’s in Theatre Arts, working at either a casting agency or theatrical production company.

Karla Yeamans: I will be making a living doing something I love — performing on stage.

Timothy Jacobus: Working hard as an accountant, relaxing more and not worrying about things.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: I see myself as a successful civil engineer working at a prestigious firm in the city.

Johanna Oliva: Working in New York for a big fashion company.

Jessica Munoz: Teaching at an elementary school and perhaps opening my own day care.

Samer Hamad: I hope to be a successful computer hardware engineer working for a large corporation like AMD.

Chelsea Teixeira: With my husband and four kids in San Francisco.

Ashley Urbano: Opening up my own law firm and hopefully getting married and starting a family.

Rocio Sanchez: Having my own office and home.

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A Dancer’s Story ––––––––––– Story by Joseph Hawrylko ––––––––––– For over half of her life, ballroom dancing has been Diana Gortych’s passion. Starting lessons at age 9, the CHS senior first danced competitively when she turned 12.

“My mom signed me up when I was about nine just to have fun and to learn how to dance,” said Gortych, who explained that ballroom competition features one male and female, who are steady partners at each event.

“I ended up becoming really serious about it and it evolved from there.”

After getting her start in a studio in Garfield, Gortych began to train at the Ballroom on Fifth in NYC. “To improve, I had to go to the New York. They had coaches coming in from England and Italy,” recalled the 18 year old, who is a second generation Polish-American.

“NYC is when it really became more serious, because that’s when it began to take up all of my time.”

Gortych started going to the city after school for training, sometimes not returning until 2 am. She also

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

practiced on weekends and traveled to national competitions, which sometimes caused her to miss school.

She has competed in Salt Lake City, UT, Minneapolis, MN, Irvine, CA and beyond. She even appeared in Germany for the World Championships to compete in group Latin dance, where Gortych, her partner and seven other couples reached the quarterfinals. “It’s 24-7. Like how soccer has its season, but dancing is all the time,” said Gortych.

However, midway through her junior year, Gortych suffered a devastating injury that effectively put an end to her dancing career.

“I was practicing and I felt a crack in my back. I didn’t feel any real pain, so I just ignored it,” recalled Gortych. “After practice, it became stiff and hurt so bad that I went to the the doctor and he told me I had developed a stress fracture from overuse and that I had to stop for a while.”

She would spend the next several months—including the summer— with a brace supporting her back.

The only way doctors could completely remedy her condition is surgery, which Gortych has opted to forego. Not one to sit idle, she took a bad situation and found a new passion: dance instruction.

“Since breaking my vertebra, I had more time to myself,” she recalled.

“Then one day my instructor asked me to come help him and I did.”

Gortych began teaching ballroom dancing in Wallington at the dance studio Krakowia, where she instructs individuals of all ages.

“I definitely enjoy teaching a lot,” said Gortych. “I instruct four year olds to adults, so it’s a wide range of

students.” Dance instruction wasn’t the only new passion that she picked up during her downtime.

At her mother’s urging, Gortych began to research college majors. to get some ideas, she took up an internship at School 14 for speech pathology, where she would work for two hours every day after school.

“My mom’s a physical therapist, so it’s kind of related,” said Gortych, who hopes to be involved with speech therapy in children. “Plus, I like working with kids.”

The nine month program had a profound impact on the senior, who has settled on studying Speech Pathology at Richard Stockton College in the fall. Gortych plans to get her masters so that she can teach in schools. She credits her mentors at School 14, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Protomastro, for her new found interest in the field.

But will her studies impact her ability to continue dance instruction?

“I would want to continue teaching, but I want to focus on school first,” said Gortych, who added that Richard Stockton doesn’t have a dance team. “But you never know, maybe opening up a studio would be fun...”

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Q&A

Where will you be in September?

Jessica Torres: At the University of Delaware. I decided that was a good college for me because it had the major I wanted and the campus was beautiful.

Anthony Shehab: Stevens Institute of Technology. Several of my friends have graduated from there and others I know still attend, and that cannot say enough about how great the school is. That definitely put me on the path to this school.

Mostafa Bekheet: BCCC before transferring to MSU or WPU to study International Business.

Karen Wilson: I’ll be at Caldwell College, studying Music and Psychology. I only visited a few colleges, but I liked Caldwell the most. Everyone there was nice to me whenever I visited. People I didn’t know said hi to me and asked me to hang out with them next year already and I didn’t even stay there yet. That made me feel at home.

Robert Berrios Jr.: I went to an open house at Berkeley College and I was hooked from there.

Rami Zeidan: Bergen County Community College for hopefully one year before transferring to a university.

Irving De La Cruz: In Florida with my girlfriend.

Gloria Quispe: Hopefully in college studying audio production because I have a passion for music.

Abraham Millan Jr.: MSU for Criminal Justice and Forensics.

Valmiv Xhemajli: Berkeley College for Business Management.

Michael Di Virgilio: I’ll be at Penn State, where I will study Business and Marketing.

Brittany Gaccione: Richard Stockton College of NJ. I always wanted to go away to school, but I didn’t want to go too far from home.

Shireen Atiyat: I will be in Jordan, on vacation.

Diana Gortych: I will be at Richard Stockton College. The schools offers many things I’m looking for, including Speech Pathology, which affected my decision to go there.

Christina Sauerborn: Attending New York University, doublemajoring in Business Marketing and Studio Art. I adore living in the city and the NYU lifestyle seemed to have the most to offer me.

Ivan Jakimovski: At Rutgers University in New Brunswick. I will major in either Biological Sciences or Chemistry while minoring in Spanish. Pre-Medicine will be my main focus.

Charles Hornstra: I’ll be attending Rutgers New Brunswick. It’s a great school, modestly priced, but still knows how to party.

Ashley Gagnon: In basic training until the end of September or the beginning of October.

Xavier Vazquez: Puerto Rico.

Johanna Flores: I will be working full-time at my job.

John Thomas: On tour with my band Kill The Sun. David Marco: Playing varsity soccer at William Paterson University.

Romman Hadi: Seton Hall University.

Geisy Marte: Montclair State. I’m going there because of the excellent teacher’s program. I believe I have the ability and skills to accomplish my future goal of becoming a teacher at MSU. Michael Urciuoli: At Notre Dame.

After visiting the campus and hearing all of the great things about it, I knew it was the right choice.

Frank Vogas: Playing soccer at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

31

Q&A

Where will you be in September?

Victor Torres: I was recruited to play basketball at Montclair State.

Marianne Guerriero: I reached the decision to attend WPU with the help of my friends and teachers.

Kimberly O’Connor: Union County College for its American Sign Language Program.

Jillian Gradzki: Marywood University in Scranton, Pa.

Bryan Fitzpatrick: At Kean, majoring in Criminal Justice so I can be close to home but also experience living on campus.

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Vanessa Felic: I will be attending Rutgers New Brunswick because I don’t have a major and I think that a big school will help me decide.

Angela Gonzalez: I was accepted to three other schools, but when I visited St. Peter College’s campus, I immediately fell in love with it.

Kelly Ellmer: I will be at Arizona State. I came to the decision because the campus is beautiful and the weather is amazing.

Kathleen Rathgeber: Attending Seton Hall for Integrated Elementary and Special Education, as well as Psychology.

Nil Ece Ulias: At the University of Massachusetts-Amherst which I selected for its Journalism program.

Anthony Giordano: Kean University. The football program and the academics are what impacted my decision.

Alex Anolik: Bucknell University.

Joseph Segura: Bergen County Community College and then Montclair State, where I will study Music Education.

Cara Ruggiero: At Hofstra University. It was the only school I really liked and they have a great education program. ederal researchers from The Library of Congress American Memory Project cited the Hot Grill as the most authentic of the region’s Hot Texas Wiener restaurants. Enjoy Two-all-the-way-Two! and tell us what you think...

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Vaniah Cunningham: I’ll be attending Eastern University in Pennsylvania.

Julianna Espinosa: I will be attending Bergen Community College to take basic courses and get my grades up and then I will be transferring to a university.

Melissa D’Arco: Rider University in Lawrenceville because after visiting the campus, it seemed like a good place for me to go.

Jennifer Delgado: I will most likely be at St. John’s University in New York. I reached my decision by visiting the university and it seemed like I belonged there.

Emilio Torres: Attending college and having a part-time job.

Cal Goodell: I will be at Coastal Carolina University. I love the school and the area it is in.

Deanna Perez: Berkeley College to major in Interior Design. I love decorating rooms and expressing my ideas by decorating homes.

Marcia Marchand: Living home and going to college for nutrition.

Gianna Fata: Attending Bergen Community College for two years and then transferring.

Michael Pomykala: At The University of Sciences in Philadelphia. I received a scholarship and will be rooming with one of my best friends.

Jennifer Fallon: I will be at Rutgers University. My decision was based on size, location and cost. It’s close enough to home, yet far enough away to acquire the ‘college experience.’

John Turba:At Rutgers University of Newark, studying Business Management.

Mia Edwards: Stevens Institute of Technology to major in Business Management. Paid internships are offered that will expose me to various businesses, possibly future careers. The most appealing factor was probably their employment and salary rates post-graduation. Also, the campus is close enough to commute, so I could save $10,000 from dorming. It’s a prestigious, private institution with a small, close-knit campus—a big change from CHS.

John Morales: New York Institute of Technology. I know that NYIT will be a good place to study Communication Arts.

Brian J. Dunphy: At Centenary College in Hackettstown.

Mohini Patel: I plan to utilize NYU’s amazing study abroad program to travel to Ghana.

Scott Reilly: I’ll be at Montclair State University because it is important to me to stay close to my family.

Justyna Cyrulik: I will be taking classes in nursing.

Shannon Kennedy: Bergen Community College.

Timothy Jacobus: Rutgers in New Brunswick.. the football games are amazing and they have a great business program.

Melissa Fusoni: Rutgers University because of its large population of students, exceptional business school and I’ll get the full college experience close to home.

Ryan Gorny: Centenary College which has a great baseball program and offers Sports Management.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: I chose Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken because it’s a great college that offers a Bachelors of Engineering.

Merideth McGinley: Caldwell College is small and private, which was exactly what I was looking for.

Jessica Munoz: Montclair State University. Ever since I was a little girl playing school with my younger sisters and teaching them what I learned that day, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. MSU is a great place to achieve my goal.

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Q&A

Where will you be in September?

Chelsea Teixeira: Majoring in Hotel Management at Berkeley.

Samer Hamad: I will study Computer Engineering at NJIT. I reached this decision several years ago when I had a burst of interest in the computer field.

Andrew Michael: William Paterson.

Kevin Jean-Philippe: I’ll be at Essex County College.

Kristen Hariton: I will be in the Honors Program at MSU majoring in Theatre Arts. Montclair State is near the city, extremely affordable and had a fantastic theatre program that offers internships and intensive workshops.

Erica Cardillo: I’ll be attending Montclair State because it has a great education program.

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Ashley Urbano: At Caldwell College on an amazing scholarship. I received three scholarships (academics, music and activities) totaling $72,000, or $18,000 a year. Tuition to Caldwell College is $22,000 a year so I will only have to pay $4,000 a year. I am going to major in English Literature with plans of going to law school to study Criminal Justice and become a prosecutor.

Alexis Williams: Hohokus Tech for the Licensed Nursing Program.

TC Esquilin: Working full time.

Silvana Miyashiro: Passaic County Community College.

Lucian Radoslovescu: Playing soccer at Ramapo College.

Melissa Colon: Berdan Institute for medical assisting.

Angel Lopez: Lincoln Tech.

Amy Wong: Studying business at NYU because it has a strong business program as well as many opportunities for internships and studying abroad.

Jackie Stephens: Coastal Carolina in Conway, SC.

The Big Guy

Story by Jordan Schwartz

In Arabic, Nadal means Big Guy, and that’s exactly what Nadal Ijbara wanted to be when he first moved to Clifton.

The 17-year-old CHS senior immigrated to the United States from Palestine five years ago. As an eighth-grader at WWMS, Ijbara often got suspended and, by his own admission, was a “cut up” in class. When he went to CHS for his freshman year, he said simply, “I was bad.”

Dave Kishbaugh, a Clifton Police Officer who is stationed at the high school, got to know Ijbara pretty well.

“It was always minor stuff, but it was constant,” said Kishbaugh.

“He was always walking the hallways, pushing the envelope.”

But the police officer said he saw something in the student that didn’t want to go to class.

“We could’ve punished him, but we gave him an opportunity,” Kishbaugh said. “Even when he was in trouble, there was a spark in the kid’s eye that I liked. He always looked us in the eye, was always respectful and it told me that he had character.”

The turning point in Ijbara’s high school career came towards

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the end of his sophomore year.

Kishbaugh and some other officers sat down and had a conversation with Nadal and his father.

“My dad would come home tired and I would see how hard he worked seven days a week,” Ijbara said. “He talked to me and I realized I had to do something good to live up to my father’s standards. I felt bad, I was not giving back.”

So last year, Nadal started working five or six days a week at a linen store in Manhattan that his dad operates.

He said he

Nadal Ijbara with Clifton Police Officer Dave Kishbaugh.

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Q&A

Where will you be in September?

Shaon Jude: Most likely York College in Queens.

Mike Holly: Chubb Institute.

John Butas: NJIT because I love engineering.

Casey Puleo: I will be attending UMass Amherst in the fall.

Ashley Jacobus: At Montclair State, where I will major in Communications. I chose MSU because I wanted to stay close to home so I could be near my family and friends.

Marcia Marchand: I will be at home, hopefully going to college for nutrition.

Justine Jensen: At Berkeley College in Bergen County, Where I will be majoring in Interior Design.

I chose Berkeley when I found out that I had received a $5,800 scholarship.

James Lam: At Seton Hall University, where I have always wanted to go.

Rocco Timoldi: My uncle is helping me get into the Sheet Metal Union.

Amanda Povga: I will be studying cosmetology at the Capri Institute.

Robert Beattys: Going to trade school to learn about plumbing and heating.

Kevin Chancay: I hope I will be in the Army.

Michael Hagerman: Hopefully at Bloomfield College studying Photography and Business Management.

Nertil “Kevin” Luschka: At Rutgers University to study Civil Engineering. I am interested in constructing buildings and contracting. I also want to pursue a career in Corporate Law. Fatjon “Jon” Gjonpali: I’m going to be taking a year off, so I will probably be working. After that, I plan to take night classes and hope to pursue a career in engineering.

But who knows what the future holds for me?

Samantha Bartlett: I will be attending East Stroudsburg University in the fall. I’m super excited because I went there and just knew it was the college for me.

Matthew Tietjen: I will be enrolled at Rutgers New Brunswick because it offers so much regarding academics and athletics.

BJ Wishard: I will be attending William Paterson University, because Mr. McCunney had suggested it to me. I will study Communications.

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Karla Yeamans: FDU in Madison for Theater Arts. The school seemed to be the best fit for me and I really liked their program.

Allison Busha: I will be going to Rutgers in New Brunswick because out of all the colleges I had visited, it was the one place that felt like home.

Chris Robertson: The School for Film and Television in NYC in order to pursue my dream of becoming a professional actor.

Chayanne Serrano: This fall, I will hopefully be in boot camp for the National Guard. My brother was in it and he told me all the good things about it, so why not give it a shot?

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Bhavik Vyas: I am going to further my education by going to Bergen Community College for one year, then I’ll transfer to either William Paterson University, Montclair University or Rutgers University.

Cassandra Trujillo: In the fall I will be going to Yale. The decision was mostly visceral. The residential college system really appeals to me, their academics are some of the best in the world, and I haven't talked to a single person who regretted going.

Jill Leonard: At Montclair State University, majoring in Physical Education.

Christopher Cerullo: In September, I will be attending the University of Delaware, majoring in Political Science on a Pre-Law track. After narrowing it down to two universities, it really came down to the wire as I weighed every imaginable option with my friends and parents before making my choice.

On CHS Prom Night, May 18, these seniors had some business to take care of before heading off to a night of dining and dancing. From left, Lady Mustangs Kim Ferrara, Jess Perez, Deanna Giordano and Jill Leonard celebrating at the Main Memorial field at CCMS after their 7-1 victory over Pompton Lakes in the semi-final of the Passaic County tournament. Unfortunately, the Mustangs lost in the finals on May 20 to West Milford, 3-1. As we went to press on May 24, the softball team was 23-3 and were headed to their first game in the state tournament where they would compete against Montclair.

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Q&A

What is your favorite memory of CHS?

Shireen Atiyat: My English class with Ms. Testa. I had all my friends with me in the class and we had fun there, even though it was difficult.

Anthony Shehab: I would say both Film Festivals, since I got to see my films for the first time on the big screen with the volume blasting. Also, a rafting field trip on the Delaware River was great.

And also being in a TV studio competing in the New Jersey Challenge.

Charles Hornstra: Hitting ‘highfives’ all the way down the hallways during the change of class to all my friends. Also doing well and school and meeting so many friends along the way.

Diana Gortych: My favorite memory was being on the Honor Guard in my junior year. It was fun being part of the graduation ceremony. I also felt honored to be representing the girls from the junior class.

John Turba: Beating St. Joe’s in basketball my freshman year.

Mia Edwards: Probably getting my hair stuck in the door while driving with Mr. Randazzo.

Michael Pomykala: Having my body fully painted during the freezing weather at the football games.

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Mohini Patel: Adit Desai dressing up as Cleopatra in Mr. Harding’s AP American History Class.

Marianne Guerriero: One day during senior year gym, my friend tripped me and I landed flat on my face in front of four gym classes.

Jackie Stephens: Going down the shore after junior prom and tripping my friend Mare in gym class.

Jillian Gradzki: Being a member of the CHS Mustang Marching Band.

Francesca Hemsey: A trip to Quebec for La Carnevale, a parade in the snow, and great shopping with my band mates.

Deanna Perez: Winning the football state championship game at Giants Stadium. It’s a once in a lifetime thing.

Timothy Jacobus: Winning the state football championship on Dec. 2 26-0 over Eastside at Giants Stadium in front of 10,000 fans.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: Being at Giants Stadium with all my friends, cheering on our football team and watching them beat Eastside to win the state championship.

Merideth McGinley: Cheering at Giants Stadium for the championship football game.

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Arielle Saltzman: Scoring the winning goal with less than a minute left in the fourth overtime against DePaul, qualifying our two year old lacrosse team to enter the State Tournament.

Everyone celebrated on the field.

Rocio Sanchez: Class day because everyone has been waiting for the big day to finally graduate.

Kristen Hariton: Marching in front of thousands and cheering on the football team to victory at the championship game last December.

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Q&A

What is your favorite memory of CHS?

Alyssa Dayupay: Mrs. Lappins fifth period physics class. I’d look forward to it all day because my classmates made it a lot of fun.

Tara Danny: Winning the State Championship at Giants Stadium and attending soccer games.

Chris Cena: Having all the fun I possibly could during senior year.

Jessica Mattern: When we had that long lock down freshman year.

Emperatriz Clemente: 2006 summer school.

John Butas: My golf team friends.

Delis De Pena: Taking a field trip to the Boys & Girls Club to play with the children all day.

Josephine Valenzuela: Attending the Academic Awards.

Michael Cetinich: I liked playing basketball and soccer for the school and making friends while doing it. Also, going to the football games and painting my body in the freezing cold to support my team.

Chayanne Serrano: Freshman football was one of my favorite memories. I also enjoyed playing freshman baseball that year.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Nertil “Kevin” Luschka: Some of my best memories were at junior prom. I also enjoyed playing soccer in my first two years at CHS, but then I broke both my hands during the summer doing bike tricks after my friend accidentally tripped me and quit. I liked running track in my junior year, but quit the next year to get a job.

Casey Puleo: Definitely cheerleading at Giants Stadium for the State Finals game. It was something not many people will be able to experience and I know that I will never forget it.

BJ Wishard: CAST.

Justine Jensen: The day I met my boyfriend. We were sitting on opposite sides of the gym and when we caught eyes it was love at first sight. That was freshman year and we’ve been together ever since.

Allison Busha: Watching the football team beat Eastside at Giants Stadium... the rafting trip down the Delaware River with Mrs. Steransak.

James Lam: Scoring my first goal for the school’s soccer team.

Matthew Tietjen: Playing volleyball and going to the State Finals three years in a row.

Cassandra Trujillo: Acting in all the plays and musicals and singing in Iceland and Carnegie Hall with the choir and Madrigals.

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This column was originally started by our founder, the late Murray Blumenfeld.

In his spirit, we continue its publication.

T

he month of June has many happy occasions, graduations, weddings, anniversaries and Father’s Day. A gift of jewelry is an everlasting token for the person celebrating a special event this month. Morré Lyons has gifts for the bride and groom as well as the wedding parties.

In addition to jewelry, we have many Swarovski pieces to fit your needs.

One trend that is certainly popular for the younger generation is stainless steel jewelry.

This is the new “white hot” metal. It is durable and very well priced. The designs are very contemporary.

Pearls continue to be quite popular with all generations. Chinese fresh water pearls come in a variety of shapes and colors. “Chocolate” has joined the long list of available colors in a variety of shades soon to be followed this fall by dark multi jewel tones.

Jewelry focuses on the wrist, as bracelets become the new item to watch – everything from stacks of bangles to cuffs to mixed link chains. Just pile them on and the length of your arm is the limit.

June has two birthstones to pick from and they are pearl and alexandrite. The pearl is the oldest gem known to man for centuries and it has been a symbol of purity, wisdom, beauty and wealth. Alexandrite is one of the most fascinating gemstones because it actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Megan Murcko: Seeing my friends.

Tara Danny: Walking through the halls seeing all the familiar faces.

Jessica Mattern: Favorite teachers.

Shaon Jude: Basketball season.

Diana Gortych: CAST zero period.

Emperatriz Clemente: My friends and my teachers.

Mike Holly: Meeting new people.

Amanda Povga: Managing the boys basketball team and going to football games with all my friends.

John Turba: Seeing my friends everyday.

DJ Ferraiol: Being on the lacrosse field getting yelled at

by Coach Armstrong.

Michael Hagerman: Working in the media center.

Jaqueline Helfer: The first days of school when you’re excited to see who’s in your class.

Michael Cetinich: Being with my friends in class and playing sports.

Anthony Shehab: High school is not about learning, it’s about people. I will miss the friendly, familiar faces that I see everyday. All those relationships mean a lot. I have made many friends and that is what makes high school so enjoyable, as cliche as that sounds. But also being able to get up every morning to work with my friend in CAST zero period to produce a news show for the whole school that we were proud of.

Charles Hornstra: My friends! I’ll miss them all.

Everyone is splitting up to go to colleges all over the country... we might not see each other ever again.

Mia Edwards: That I won’t be able to take my amazing friends to college with me next year.

Michael Pomykala: My friends and teachers.

Casey Puleo: The thing that I will mist the most is being able to see all my friends everyday.

Justine Jensen: Practicing every day with the girls lacrosse team. We’re like a family and I love them.

BJ Wishard: CAST and Mr. McCunney.

Allison Busha: The familiarity of high school and its comforts, as well as seeing the same faces every day.

James Lam: Walking the hall in between periods.

Matthew Tietjen: Playing volleyball.

Cassandra Trujillo: I will most miss seeing my friends on a regular basis.

Jill Leonard: Seeing friends and great teachers everyday.

Arielle Saltzman: Friends and the many influential teachers I’ve encountered.

Q&A

What will you miss most about CHS?

Mohini Patel: The friends I won’t see on a regular basis and the teachers who have impacted me.

Marianne Guerriero: Seeing my friends every day.

Shireen Atiyat: I will miss my counselor, Mr. Venturelli.

Jillian Gradzki: Having classes with my best friends, seeing kids who I grew up with in the halls.

Francesca Hemsey: Great discussions with Mrs. Calise, Friday night football games under the lights and band apples among friends.

Deanna Perez: Being with my friends and saying hi to them in the halls and sharing the memories and laughs I had with them Timothy Jacobus: Friends, sports, everything we have been through.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: Seeing my friends everyday, working on my truck in auto shop and drawing pictures on Mrs. Brach’s side board.

Rocio Sanchez: My teachers and all their “funny” jokes.

Alyssa Dayupay: My easy schedule.

Amy Wong: Dancing in the holiday show every year.

Jackie Stephens: Cheerleading camp ever summer.

Merideth McGinley: My friends “Quatro Plus Stash” and “James.”

Kristen Hariton: The Mustang Band and the musicals. It’s going to be weird watching the first game next year and not being in uniform.

Chris Cena: The best teachers.

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Working & Learning –– Story by Jordan Schwartz ––

Five CHS seniors in the co-operative education program have afternoon jobs at City Hall. They are, from left, Danielle Parker, Elmer Cruz Acevado, Joseph Mbayed, Yoselyne Napuri and Mary Griess.

While many of their peers race to a friend’s house to hang out after school, five CHS seniors are already over at nearby Clifton City Hall long before the final bell rings. They’re participants in the co-operative education program at the high school.

Joseph Mbayed works in the building department on the first floor. He files, issues permits and grabs the occasional coffees for his coworkers. While he plans to continue working at City Hall over the summer, he has loftier goals for the future.

“I’m going to Montclair State and studying to become a dentist,” said Mbayed.

He said he considered studying business in college because he enjoyed a class in the subject at CHS taught

by Ms. Rossi.

“She’s nice, easy going and helpful, but I wanted to do something in the medical field,” Mbayed said.

In the next department over sits Elmer Cruz Acevado in the city clerk’s office. He deals with marriage and birth certificates, garage sales and voter registration.

Acevado hasn’t decided yet what he’s going to do after graduation, but he plans to apply to Felician College in 44

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Lodi with his eye set on studying nuclear science. He said his family is the biggest influence in his life. “My parents always tell me to go on and have a good career,” said Acevado. “I wasn’t into going to college, but my cousin Karen encouraged me.”

Across the hall from Acevado is another member of the CHS senior co-op program. Danielle Parker works as an assistant to City Manager Al Greco.

She’s heading to Bergen Community College in the fall with plans to study visual communications or early childhood and eventually transfer to Bloomfield College.

Parker said her most memorable experiences during her four years at CHS came while attending hockey games. “It was so much fun to be in the cold rink with the crowd going wild,” she said.

Upstairs at City Hall is where Yoselyne Napuri works in the health department. She’s heading to Fairleigh Dickinson University in September to study forensic psychology and hopes to attend law school after that.

Napuri said her favorite memory of high school is attending every football game during the team’s State Championship season.

Napuri participated in high school sports herself, playing one year on the lacrosse team as a junior. She couldn’t be on the team this year due to her commitment at City Hall.

The CHS senior who attended School 2 and WWMS said that when she considers who is the most influential person in her life, it has to be here mom.

“She’s a single parent,” Napuri said. “It was a struggle, but we managed to get through.”

Down the hall from Napuri and the health department is Mary Griess in Violations. That’s where the CHS senior works on the municipal court calendar and other matters from 12:30 to 4:15 every afternoon, earning $6.50 an hour. It’s good experience for Napuri because she’s heading to William Paterson University this fall to study criminal justice with hopes of one day going to law school and becoming a prosecutor.

But Napuri almost quit the job earlier this year because she didn’t like it at first. She credits her co-op teacher Ms. Rossi and her principal Ms. Walker for encouraging her to stick with it.

“I gave them a hard time with this job and I wanted to leave, but they told me it would help me in the future,” said Napuri, who also wanted to thank her boss Anne Dreps for being so flexible with her schedule.

“They let me leave work for a couple hours to take criminal justice classes at the high school.”

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About 175 Clifton seniors participate in the cooperative business and cooperative marketing education programs offered at CHS. They spend half the day in school earning 15 credits before heading to work for the rest of the day. Students leave CHS between 11:15 am and 12:30 pm, and spend 20 hours per week, or about 600 hours for the school year, at work. All different types of students take part in the paid internship program, earning between minimum wage and $12 an hour at various jobs located as close as Clifton and as far away as Elizabeth. Kathy Rossi, Frank Valenzano and Howie Schlesinger teach the seven sections of the program. Rossi herself was a co-op student 30 years ago and so she knows the importance of it. “We have kids doing it for the experience and others that are doing it for the money,” she said. “It’s really a program that’s great for everybody.”

Students in the co-op program don’t only work at City Hall, though. CHS senior Karim Aboualia has worked at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Clifton Ave. by the high school for about nine months. He heads to work shortly after sixth period ends at 12:52 pm.

“I do it to get out earlier and to get credits,” Aboualia said. “I also have car insurance to pay for.”

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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Finding a Career, at Work ––––––––––– Story by Joseph Hawrylko ––––––––––– For some students, such as senior Geisy Marte, their employment can open windows to a possible career. It was a little bit less than a year ago that she took a job at The New Bairn School, a child care service which on Scoles Ave. “I was looking for a job and went down to Central Wing and they had a job listing,” explained Marte, a native of the Dominican Republic, who moved to Clifton four years ago from Paterson. “I took this job and have been doing it ever since.”

Since then, she’s taken quite a liking to her work. Marte’s role at the New Bairn School, which offers care for children from six weeks old to kindergarten, is to supervise the one to two year olds, making sure they don’t hit one another, changing diapers and other tasks.

Karim Aboualia: I worked for the past nine months at Dunkin Donuts on Clifton Ave. as a part of the Co-op program at CHS. It has been good because it taught me how to deal with people.

48

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Lynne Ascoli of the New Bairn School with Geisy Marte, who now has plans for a career in early childhood education, thanks to a part time job at the childcare center.

Her enthusiasm for her job hasn’t gone unnoticed by her boss either.

She’s a fabulous kid, one of the best I’ve ever had,” said owner Lynne Ascoli, who added that she employees a few CHS students annually. “She’s very level headed and has common sense. She’s a good person and will go far in life.”

Although Marte was never interested in the field prior to taking the job, she has found herself

enjoying her work and now plans to make a career out of it. This fall, Marte will study Early Childhood Education at Montclair State University and will continue to work at the New Bairn School while she goes to college. Ascoli said that her employee is a natural and she is fully confident that she will succeed in child care.

“Common sense comes first, the degree comes second.” said Ascoli.

Shireen Atiyat: At my brother’s cell phone store, Easy Pass.

Anthony Shehab: Van Houten Auto Repair, my father’s business.

Of course it was my favorite job, I get to work on cars all day with my dad. It’s awesome.

Charles Hornstra: At Willowbrook as the ‘survey guy’ and then at Sabrett as the ‘hot dog guy.’

John Turba: I worked at Plochs Garden Center for the past four years. I also worked at Deliberto’s.

Mia Edwards: At the Kumon Learning Center tutoring math and reading. Last summer, I worked at Keller Williams Realty as a clerk.

Mohini Patel: I volunteered at the library as a tutor. It was fulfilling to help the same student and see him progress in his weaker subjects.

Francesca Hemsey: I worked as a landscaper with my dad. It was surprisingly fun and I turned a lot of heads as a young girl with a lawn mower.

Q&A

Where do you work?

Deanna Perez: At Party Box in Lodi. It wasn’t the best job ever, but I made a lot of new friends.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: At Colonial Pharmacy since junior year.

From left, Fatjon ‘Jon’ Gjonpali, Chayanne Serrano and Nertil ‘Kevin’ Luschka at their workplace, Hot Bagels Abroad on Clifton Ave.

Daniel Kaiser: I’m part of the Geek Squad. I’ve worked there for the past two years because I always liked computers.... repairing them, building them and stuff like that. I’ll work for them through college, when I go to WPU to study Business. I hope to open my own computerrelated business some day.

Merideth McGinley: I worked at a law office because I thought it would be a great experience, but I also worked for the Boys & Girls Club and I enjoyed that more because I go to work with kids.

Kristen Hariton: At the Boys & Girls Club in water safety.

Megan Murcko: Target.

Alyssa Dayupay: In a dental office to earn extra pocket change for whatever I choose to spend it on!

Tara Danny: Abercrombie.

Chris Cena: Raymour & Flanigan.

Emperatriz Clemente: Friendly’s, Popeye’s and I baby sat.

Chayanne Serrano: At Hot Bagels Abroad for a little over a year now.

I’ll work here this summer before leaving for the National Guard.

Mike Holly: Acme Markets.

John Butas: Part-time with my dad doing construction.

Justine Jensen: At the Pathmark on Clifton and Paulison Aves. I was 16 when I started and did not have a license, so I chose to work there because it was convenient for me to walk to work from school.

DJ Ferraiol: Bob’s, Quiznos and Pac Sun at the Willow Brook Mall.

Kevin Chancay: Hot Grill.

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CHS Top 10 In a graduating class that exceeds 700, the diverse students profiled here have managed to distance themselves from the pack through their academic success, and many extra curricular activities. They are wellrounded and their talents extend well beyond the books.

Meet the Top 10 graduating seniors of the Class of 2007.

This year’s valedictorian Cassandra Trujillo remains modest, even after all her academic success. The lifelong Cliftonite has committed to Yale after completing her CHS career with a 104.875 weighted GPA, thanks to Advanced Placement courses in History 1 and 2, Spanish, Statistics and English.

She also took advantage of Clifton’s program with Montclair State University, taking courses in Psychology, Logic and Mythology, which she says will help her assimilate into a college environment. Her talents aren’t just limited to her books either. Trujillo has performed or participated in, by her count, at least seven plays and musicals while at CHS. Outside of school, she was also active in community theater, working with various production companies. However, although it’s been a lifelong passion for her, Trujillo doesn’t plan to make a career out of theater. While in New Haven, CT, she plans to either major in English or History.

Could a career in international business await Amy Wong? Time will tell, but for the salutatorian, who will be heading to New York University in the fall, the wide range of study abroad programs there may help her decide on which business field to specialize in. After a trip to Russia last summer with Dance World Academy, she was able to experience culture a half-a-world away, something that may help her decision down the road.

The lifelong Cliftonite, who attended School 2 and WWMS, also was a part of the CHS gymnastics team for three years and has talent as an artist, with works on display at the Clifton Art Show. Wong used her skills with a brush to paint a bunch of sneaker’s which she donated to St. Joseph’s Hospital for kids with cancer. Despite her abilities in other fields, it’s business that she’s settled on.

On the walls leading up to Principal Tardalo’s, you’ll find two of Mohini Patel’s art pieces, which are among the many that the talented 18 year old has drawn for her art class. She’s had several drawings featured in the CHS Art Show, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Patel, who considers it a hobby.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

In the rear, from left, stands Mia Edwards, Francesca Hemsey and Cassandra Trujillo. In front is Amy Wong and Mohini Patel

During her school years, Patel had a variety of experiences with different groups. She was a member of various CHS clubs, tutors students at the Clifton libraries and volunteers at Passaic General Hospital to prepare for a career in medicine. “I went to a forum on medicine last summer at Villanova. It was 10 days of meeting doctors, going to hospitals and just seeing the field,” recalled Patel, who credits the experience in helping her decide a career.

“I got a letter in the mail saying that a teacher had nominated me, so I went and did it. I still don’t know who did that for me.” The senior will kick off the long path to becoming a medical professional at NYU in the fall. “It only took one visit there for me,” said Patel. “it was one of those days that it was pouring rain and I figured if I can love it when it’s pouring rain, I can love it any time.”

The health of the body is important to Ivan Jakimovski. The tenth-ranked senior has been a part of the state program against smoking, Reaching Everyone

By Exposing Lies (REBEL) since eighth grade.

Jakimovski, who attended WWMS after moving here from Wayne, is involved in park clean-ups, Thanksgiving food drives at local churches and educating Clifton’s youth about the dangers of tobacco.

In high school, Jakimovski’s interest in the human body grew, with the help of two teachers who he credits in helping shape his career.

“I ultimately want to become an anesthesiologist,” explained the 17 year old, who also played volleyball during his freshman and sophomore years. “It has a lot to do with chemistry and biology, two classes I enjoyed in junior year with my teachers, Mr. Niglio (no longer at CHS) and Mr. Newman.”

Jakimovski will study at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. He plans to minor in Pre-Med and will major in either Chemistry or Biological Sciences.

Technology has always been an interest to Samer Hamad, the sixth ranked senior of the CHS Class of 2007. The avid programmer got into the field on his own and it has become a passion for him. As a three year member of the Junior Engineer Technical Society (JETS), he and his team entered an annual competition at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where they finished fourth in the state in 2007.

Outside of computer science, Hamad has a diverse field of interests. At CHS, he is active in the Conservation Club, which does fundraising for environmental projects and maintains the eco-garden at the school. He also volunteers as a lab assistant at school and is a member of the computer club.

Another important aspect in his life is religion.

A devout Muslim, Hamad has been a part of the Muslim Student’s Association for the past three years.

At his place of worship, the Islamic Center of Passaic

County, located in Paterson, Hamad serves as the educational director and is a member of the ICPC youth committee. His devotion to his faith is something that will not diminish when he attends NJIT in the fall on a full ride to study computer engineering.

As a four year member of the CAST program, Anthony Shehab spent his senior year as one of the anchors on the morning news. Shehab, who was ranked eighth in his class, is also adept behind the camera and had his piece, The Agenda, featured in the 2007 CHS Film Festival. He also was on statewide television, along with fellow top-10 students Francesca Hemsey and Zachary Solomon for Quiz Bowl, a student trivia game.

He has been a four year member of the Math and Science Leagues, and participated in Official’s Day for Youth Week in his sophomore and junior years, foregoing the event this year due to testing. Shehab also entered the American Legion Oratorical Contest, placing fourth in the state.

Outside of school, the devout Jehovah’s Witness often volunteers for his congregation, Kingdom Hall, which is located in Passaic. Shehab also clocks in roughly 20 hours a week at his father’s business, Van Houten Auto Repairs, where he has worked since he was a child. That experience motivated him to attend Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, where he secured a scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering.

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Fifth-ranked senior Christopher Shagawat said that he has his teacher, Nicolas Bonfiglio, to thank for leading him in the right director for his future career.

“I want to work on Wall Street,” said Shagawat, who previously attended School 2 and WWMS. “Mr. Bonfiglio told me about his degree and how he got there.” Up until his junior year, Shagawat was involved with both the cross country and track teams at CHS, as well as the Math and Science Leagues.

However, when senior year rolled around, he opted to drop the extracurricular activities in favor of his job at the Westmount Country Club and for the opportunity to see his friends more.

“I like to just play sports with friends a lot,” explained Shagawat, who will attend Rutgers New Brunswick. “I just want to have fun, get my work done and do what I have to do. Just take life how it comes.”

With her busy schedule, Francesca Hemsey barely has any downtime. In addition to having the third highest GPA of her class, she is a four-year member of the Marching Mustangs, Orchestra and Concert Band. She also participated in the Quiz Bowl with Zach Solomon and Anthony Shehab, and is a member of the Cultural Exchange Club and Science and Math Leagues.

Hemsey, a product of School 3 and CCMS, is active in sports as well, as a member of the Varsity swim team and as wrestling manager.

Even after school is done, she doesn’t get much rest, staying active in St. Paul’s Church and as a member of the Save the Animals Rescue Team.

The senior lists counselor Florence Calise and Band Director Robert Morgan as her biggest influences, as she prepares to head to Georgetown University in the fall.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Zachary Solomon, Anthony Shehab, Ivan Jakimovski, Samer Hamad, Chris Shagawat.

Ninth-ranked Mia Edwards took a different route to CHS than the other top-10 students, attending the Classical Academy of Charter School on Valley Rd. At CHS, she was a three-year member of both the French Club and the Botany Club and was also a member of both the Science and Math Leagues. Edwards was a member of the spring track team for one season, but quit so she could work. Currently, she is employed at the Kumon Learning Center, Clifton Ave., tutoring math and English.

In addition to her work, she volunteers on Saturdays at her church. In the fall, Edwards will attend Stevens Institute of Technology for business. “They’ve got a good business program there,” said Edwards, who moved to Clifton in kindergarten and attended Schools 12 and 13. “They incorporate technology and offer a lot of internships at good businesses, so I should be secure when I graduate.”

Zachary Solomon is your model student-athlete. In addition to being the fourth ranked senior, Solomon captained the Mustang ice hockey teams.

Solomon has been skating since he was four, and he also works with his father at a goalie training facility in Fairfield.

That experience probably helped him on the ice with the Mustangs. Solomon also has brains to go with sports talents.

Since he was 12, Solomon started playing piano. However, he never took any lessons, he actually taught himself. Outside of sports and music, he Solomon keeps himself busy at school with other projects.

A member of the French club all four years, Solomon was also a part of the student trivia TV show, along with Hemsey and Shehab.

In the fall, this lifelong Cliftonite (he attended School 16 and WWMS) will go to Princeton, where he will study either English or Math, with hopes of going to law school.

Who was your greatest influence?

Geisy Marte: Both of my parents have influenced me during my high school years because they have always been their for me when I was down. Whenever I need any advice, my parents are always available to listen to my problems.

However, it is my mother who has really impacted me in life. She has taught me good morals and given me that extra push to do what I want to do in the future. She always tells me that I have to try my best.

Anthony Giordano: My football coach Ron Anello and my parents helped me get through all four years of high school.

Nil Ece Ulias: My best friend for the past ten years, Krishna, and my mother have both been there for me through the thick and thin. I do not know what I would have done without them.

Emilio Torres: My mother has always told me, “If you love what you do for work, it’s not really working at all.”

Cal Goodell: My friends have influenced me to be more open to any situation that is thrown at me.

They have made me more relaxed and ready for anything.

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Gianna Fata: My mom who pushed me to study and showed me that if I want nice things in life, I’d have to work for a good career.

Deanna Perez: Sgt. Maj. Davis said that I am the only person that can plan my future and that even though life might have some obstacles in the way, I should find a back up plan to overcome that obstacle.

Jessica Torres: My track coach, Mr. Pontes. He has been there for my family and myself ever since my brother ran for him 16 years ago. he is a second father to me.

Sasha Grant: My mom has always been such a strong person and always told me I could accomplish anything.

Alexis Williams: Mrs. Lanza because she just kept pushing me.

Marquis Champagne: Coach Santulli and my mother impacted my future and my sport.

Vaniah Cunningham: Mr. Radler, who was also the best teacher I’ve had. He was fun and the class was pretty easy as long as you did all of your work. (There was a lot!)

John Thomas: Band Director Mr. Morgan was able to make me focus on what I really wanted to do in my life.

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Q&A

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Q&A

Who was your greatest influence?

Scott Reilly: My sophomore English teacher Mr. Groh was made the biggest impact on my life. He made me realize that some things are problems and others are inconveniences, basically just reminding me not to sweat the small things in life.

Kevin Chancay: My mom, who raised me by herself and told me to work hard in life to get what I want.

Anthony Shehab: People like Mr. St. Clair, Mr. Harding, Mrs. Brach, Mr. Hlat or my friends Zach Solomon or Paul Peskosky were all great, but the one who influenced me the most was Mr. McCunney.

Everybody that knows him loves him. He is always open honest, helpful, supportive and has definitely guided me in the right direction. Everybody loves Mr. McCunney, but words just can’t describe why we love him so much.

Karen Wilson: My best friend, Kim Chimento. She helped me with my music for Madrigals, the play and music theory. She’s just assisted me with my life in general. Kim told me that whatever I do in life, I should like and be positive about it.

She told me that long as I set my mind on it, I can do anything.

Angela Gonzalez: My parents, because they’ve checked up on me to see if I’ve studied or not and have always supported me in anything I wanted to do in school.

Charles Hornstra: My mom definitely influenced me the most. She always pushed me to do my best and I always strived to make her proud. I love my mom! (and dad!)

Diana Gortych: Mr. Lesler. He made learning a fun experience and at the same time, I remember many things he taught me. My mentors at my internship at School 14, Mrs. Peters and mrs.

Protomastro, impacted my decision on my future career. They were informative and fun to be around. They truly inspired me to go into the field of Speech Pathology and hopefully one day I will be doing what they are.

Michael Pomykala: Definitely my parents, who, no matter what I did, were always there to support me 100 percent.

Vanessa Felic: My mother has to be the greatest influence in my life.

She stuck with me during the good and the bad. She always tried to make the bad the good.

Merideth McGinley: My mom, Karen, has been my biggest influence throughout my life. She has been through so much and has been able to remain such a strong person and I truly do envy her for that. Every good quality that I have in me, I received from her.

Kelly Ellmer: My mother and my best friends have all influenced me the most. They have always helped me out with any problems that I’ve had.

John Turba: My parents always pushed me to try harder, but my favorite teacher, Mr. Wu, helped me the most. He showed me that you can actually have fun and learn at the same time.

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Edwin Curitomxi: My parents because they came from Peru and have succeeded in America.

Christina Sauerborn: I think my parents were my biggest influence.

They’ve been unconditionally supportive of my dreams and helped me to realize the kind of life I would like to make for myself someday. There’s no question that I simply wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Ivan Jakimovski: My parents and my sister, who have always pushed me to do my best in anything that I strived to accomplish. They never failed to believe in me and continued to have faith in me even when I doubted myself. I want to thank them greatly for all of the support that they have given me throughout my four years at CHS. Jennifer Delgado: My grandmother always pushed me to do my best and to not let anyone bring me down. She taught me how to be the best I can be.

Cara Ruggiero: Mr. Arts.

Although I didn’t have him as a teacher, I spent a lot of time with him during the fall plays. I realized, through him, that teaching can be a very important outlet for performing arts.

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Alex Anolik: Coach Pontes was my greatest influence, teaching me to put it all on the line whenever I do anything.

Jennifer Fallon: My parents— although they have not always been around—have been my greatest influences in my life.

They taught me that only I can dictate my future, so it is up to me to work towards that goal.

Joseph Segura: The person who has made the biggest impact on me would be my teacher Mr. Gengaro, who I have known since my freshman year. He encouraged me to go through with my music and to be my own independent person.

Kathleen Rathgeber: My parents, because they have always taught me that I can do whatever I want to do in life. They always have faith in me and show how proud of me they are. They’ve enabled me to be successful by instilling in me qualities that will help me for the rest of my life.

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It’s the party season and Appy & Hots Foods Manager Susan Asanovski and her team are here to cater your graduation party, Father’s Day fest or backyard barbeque. Kelvin Davis and Steven Marrero will design a platter of fresh meats and salads... while everyone’s favorite fish monger Pasquale Castaldo serves up the Catch of the Day, platters of shrimp as well as smoked specialty items. And stop by for hot lunch and dinner specials 7 days a week.

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The Produce team at Cuellar Family Markets take great pride in the selection, cleanliness and freshness of what goes on the shelves. From left, Juventino Aguilar, Produce Manager Sandy Franco, Enrique Chappilliquen and Assistant Store Manager Juan Ruiz invites shoppers to the Paulison Ave. ShopRite for the best selection of fruits and vegetables.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Q&A

Who was your greatest influence?

Brian J. Dunphy: Coach Pontes who inspired me to want to become a track or cross country coach.

Frank Vogas: My mother has helped me through everything and encouraged me to do my best. I don’t know where I would be without her.

Neil Desai: My parents, my friends and my girlfriend told me to do whatever I wanted and so I chose to go into pharmacy.

Marianne Guerriero: My junior year English teacher Ms. Sobel wasn’t like most teachers and when I become a teacher, I’d like to be just like her.

Kimberly O’Connor: My Sign Language teacher Mrs. Mistretta.

She’s the one who made me want to take the class again and continue my education in that field as well as teaching others and hopefully being as helpful and understanding as she was for me.

Kristen Hariton: Mr. Morgan taught me so much about life through music and his lessons will always be a part of who I am.

Mohini Patel: My parents and their businesses showed me the importance of diligent work.

Success and excellence only come with time and experience.

Justyna Cyrulik: My parents told me that education is very important in this country.

John Morales: Mr. Vancheri, who I had for history in my junior year, was my biggest influence. He told us to start to think as young adults, because once we leave high school, that’s what we will become.

Karla Yeamans: My parents have always guided and helped me. They instilled good values in me.

Chelsea Teixeira: My boyfriend Ben Rozborski pushes me to do the right thing. He taught me not to give up. He’s my best friend and mentor.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: My decision to become an engineer is thanks to Mr. Harding, Mrs. Delorenzo, Mr. St. Clair and Mrs. Brach. I owe them each a great deal.

Andrew Michael: Vice Principal Mrs. Peters, Dr. Casale and my family have been my biggest influences through high school.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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Q&A

Who was your greatest influence?

Robert Berrios Jr.: My mother influenced me to go to Berkeley to study marketing.

Ahmad Elhaj: The police made me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Irving De La Cruz: Mr. Carline and Mr. Ashworth pushed me to become what I am today.

Gloria Quispe: My uncle was always there for me, keeping me positive through my ups and downs.

Abraham Millan Jr.: Mr. Presley, Mr. Wu, Sgt. Maj. Davis and Mr. Santulli were all great mentors.

Lee Darden: My cousin who’s achieving a life I’d like to have but don’t have the talent to keep up.

Valmiv Xhemajli: My parents influenced me the most. My dad runs a restaurant where I’ve worked for years and that’s why I made the decision to major in business.

Brittany Gaccione: All of my family members played such a huge part in all of my achievements and decisions.

Ryan Gorny: My parents both supported and encouraged me and Mrs. Calise was always there for me.

Johanna Oliva: My parents because every time I would get lazy, they would straighten me out for the better.

Jessica Munoz: My third grade teacher Mrs. Waller made me want to be an elementary school teacher.

She never said no and always helped her students as much as possible.

Antoin Jones: My mother and my grandmother. They have always been my backbone.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Amy Wong: I was lucky enough to have some amazing teachers such as Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Brach, Mr. St. Clair and Dr. Greenwald.

Jackie Stephens: My track coach Mr. Wu always encouraged me to try harder and to live up to my potential.

Tara Danny: Mr. Bell, Mr. McCunney, Mr. Carissomo and my mom all influenced me greatly.

Jessica Mattern: My mentor Mrs. Aggie pushed me to finish high school and go for my goals.

Delis De Pena: Mr. Becker and Mr. Mirabella taught me how to make the right decisions in my life.

Fernando Quiroz: My sister helped me a lot.

Alisha Martinez: Miss Sobel helped me and made me want to learn. I want to be just like her.

Lauren Schwenk: My mom is my backbone.

Michael Hagerman: Ms. Burke wasn’t just a teacher, she was a friend and a mother figure. If you needed something, she would go out of her way for you.

Samantha Bartlett: My mom was my greatest influence. She’s my best friend and is always there, pushing me to do my best and be happy with all that I do. I really wouldn’t have achieved so much without her in my life. Thanks mom, I love you!

Bryan Fitzpatrick: My parents influenced me the most. They kept on top of me throughout high school and helped me decide to study Criminal Justice.

BJ Wishard: Mr. McCunney was my greatest influence.

Melissa D’Arco: My parents have always been a great influence throughout the years. They have always give me the best advice and have never turned their back on me. I don’t know exactly what I want to be yet, but if I am just half the person that either of my parents are, I know that I will be successful.

Allison Busha: My parents, because no matter how many times I changed my mind with what I wanted to do in my life, they have always supported me.

Ashley Jacobus: My parents have definitely influenced me the most during high school because they always pushed me to strive and do my best in everything I do.

Justine Jensen: My sister, Roxanne. She had good grades and that made me want to have good grades too. i knew from an early age that I wanted to be an interior designer, but the tv show Trading Spaces is what probably influenced me the most.

Casey Puleo: My parents definitely influenced me the most by motivating me to do good and have fun in school so that I could have a good future. I want to be in the business field like my father.

James Lam: Mrs. Steransak. She always made sure I stayed on the right track, even after I wasn’t in her class anymore.

Zach Ontell: Ms. Bobby. She is a mentor, friend, teacher, coach, boss and role model. Ms. Bobby isalso very down to earth, intelligent and humble. She helped me all four years and lead me to success.

Jill Leonard: My parents and Mr. BelBruno influenced me the most during high school. Through the years they have taught me so much, and also pushed me to keep doing my best. Mr. BelBruno impacted my decision on becoming a Physical Education teacher, because he showed me that teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.

Michael Di Virgilio: My friends and family, specifically my uncles. They were the main reason I chose to study Business and Marketing at Penn State.

Edwin Curitomxi: My parents achieving success after coming here from Peru has inspired me to make something of myself.

Deanna Giordano: There are many that influenced me...all of my coaches throughout my athletic career, my teachers and especially my family. Nothing beats having your parents and your sister cheering you on no matter what.

All of these people have helped build a foundation and that has impacted my decision to continue my schooling in hopes of finding a career that I will really enjoy.

Nertil “Kevin” Luschka: My parents, because I came to America four years ago from Albania and their hard work and dedication showed me how to be a better person. Mrs. Dondiego was my French teacher for three years and she influenced me greatly too with the way she taught and respected students.

It was a difficult transition coming from a different country because basically you have to start a whole new life. But thanks to these people, I’m more comfortable at this point.

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Brothers Don and Rich Knapp June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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2007 Clifton Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year award winner Yvonne Burnett with her mom Annette.

While most five-year-olds were searching for a role model, Yvonne Burnett was busy being one.

Yvonne’s parents divorced when she was five, but there was no time to cry about it. She had to stay strong for her younger sister Elise and tell her that despite their father’s departure, he still loved them.

Four years later, Yvonne, her mother and her sister moved from South Jersey to Clifton and Yvonne was expected to begin helping out around the house. She made lunch, washed dishes and did the laundry in order to set a good example for Elise.

Burnett even got a job as a lifeguard and swim teacher at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club when she got older in order to take the financial pressure off her mom.

She used her paycheck to purchase her own clothes and meals so she didn’t have burden her mother.

Burnett is also an active Girl Scout and recently completed her Gold Award, which required 50 hours of community service.

She has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club since fourth grade and is this year’s recipient of the Youth of the Year Award.

Yvonne is graduating Mount Saint Dominic Academy this month and will be attending the University of Rhode Island with hopes of becoming a pharmacist.

Kids Day America was held at CCMS on May 19.

The event is dedicated to Children’s Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness Presented by Clifton’s Chiropractors: Dr. Suzi Schulman • Dr. Jeffrey Schulman • Dr. Vincent Malba • Dr. Michael Magwood • Dr. Scott Gardner • Dr. Jackie Paz

Tom Lyons, Dr. Ira Oustatcher, Mr. Sal Anzaldi, Mr. Rich LaDuke, Mr. Lou Fraulo, Deputy Chief Mike McLaughlin, Clifton Fire Department, Clifton Police Department, Clifton K-9 Unit, LuLu Belle the Clown, Magic the Clown, Skyline Community Church.

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Over 300 kids received ID cards and were provided with spinal screenings. We hosted over 700 people and will be donating any proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Special thanks to the participants: Mayor James Anzaldi, Deputy Chief

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For more info call 973-742-3400 or go to www.childrenswellness.com

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Q&A

How will you spend your summer?

Jose Soto: Taking a vacation to Cancun, Mexico with my family.

Marquis Champagne: Working at a basketball camp.

Dominique Howe: For a graduation present, I’m going to Cancun and Columbus, GA, then I’ll be working at New York & Co. David Marco: It should be relaxing until preseason comes around in August. My coach already told me to get in shape because if not, it’s going to be the longest month of my life.

Abraham Millan Jr.: I’m going to Florida and Puerto Rico for two weeks in August and working the rest of the time.

Christopher Cerullo: This summer is definitely going to be a lazy one. I hope to spend many days with as many of my friends as possible before we all go off to college either down the shore or at my friend’s house in the Poconos. I would also like to go to a few shows as well.

Christina Sauerborn: Taking trips with my family and spending as much time as I can with my friends before we all part ways. I’ll also be working and trying to save up some money for college at NYU. New York City is expensive.

Julio Castelar: Working for the Clifton Fire Dept.

Karen Wilson: I’ll definitely be getting a job. But first, I’m going on a cruise with my family. I’m also going to spend lots of time with my friends this summer, making sure that we don’t lose touch because we are all going to different schools.

Michael Di Virgilio: During the summer, I will be working at a Boy Scout Camp as a sports director and I will continue working at the Allwood Theater.

Cassandra Trujillo: I will probably be working this summer.

I will also be volunteering at Safety Town, relaxing with friends, and getting ready for college. And of course, on July 21 I will be reading the last Harry Potter book!

Chayanne Serrano: I will spend my time working and just enjoying my summer. In Aug., I plan on joining the National Guard. There’s a three month boot camp, where they will train me for whatever field I want to specialize in Kathleen Rathgeber: Since this summer is my last before leaving for college, I want to spend as much time as possible with the people I care about the most. For me, these three months are the perfect opportunity to just have fun and enjoy the company of the people I love.

Alex Anolik: My summer will be spent working at the Allwood Theater, playing basketball at Eddie Mayo Park and just hanging out with my friends.

Vanessa Felic: I will be here in New Jersey and I may go to Florida. i’ll be spending my time with my family and friends because I won’t be seeing them as much come Sept.

Angela Gonzalez: I will spend my time working and going to Bally Total Fitness. I will also travel to Florida and visit family and friends in New York and the Dominican Republic.

John Thomas: I’m going to be working three jobs, including one at a fireworks company. I’ll also be getting my EMT and firefighting certification and doing a tri-state tour with my band.

Brian Guzman: Working and hopefully going on a cruise with my friend.

Lee Darden: Spending time with my family in Georgia or with my cousin in Japan.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

61

Q&A

How will you spend your summer?

Joseph Segura: When summer comes, I will spend time with my family, as well as work on my music. I also plan to look for a job so I can help my parents pay off college and make a little money for myself.

Ammar Baker: I will go on vacation to California for one month and from there, I plan to work.

Julianna Espinosa: In the beginning of the summer, I’m going to be working, and then in August, I’m going to Florida with my best friend until I start school.

Michael Huk: For the first half of the summer, I will be playing Post 8 baseball and then it’s off to the beach for some much needed relaxation and surfing.

Jennifer Delgado: Working at Home Depot until I leave for college at the end of August.

Emilio Torres: I will be spending this summer in summer school and then in August, I will be off to vacation in Puerto Rico.

Cal Goodell: I will be a life guard down the shore at Sea Crest beach.

Jill Leonard: This summer I will be working at ARTSPORT with one of my best friends, Cheryl Porter. I will also be spending time with friends before some of them go away to college.

Marcia Marchand: I will spend time with my friends and dance with my dance group.

Scott Reilly: Working with my Uncle Bob at his business, DeLiberto’s Speciality Foods.

Michael Urciuoli: Working for the Clifton Rec Dept., but I’ll also be down the shore and hanging with friends and enjoying these last few months that we still have together.

Ryan Gorny: Down the shore and playing baseball for American Legion Post 8.

Samantha Bartlett: I’m going to Wildwood with my best friend Chelsea and also with a great group of friends that came home from college. Also, I plan to spend time with my family before I leave.

Valmiv Xhemajli: I will be visiting Kosovo and other places in Europe for about a month.

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Bhavik Vyas: I’m going to be hanging out around Clifton with some close friends and working.

Vaniah Cunningham: Hopefully I will work, but I know there will be a lot of play too. That’s because my birthday is on July 19!

Ivan Jakimovski: Hopefully, I will be working so I can save up a little bit of money before college starts. I will also be traveling to visit family, mostly to Virginia to visit my aunt and uncle who live in Arlington.

Shannon Kennedy: Working or going down the shore with my friends before every one leaves.

Geisy Marte: I’ll be working most of the summer at the New Bairn School because I need to save up to pay for MSU. However, I plan to have fun in the Dominican Republic with my family and friends, but I want to spend time with my friends and family up here too!

Jessica Torres: Working with the Recreation Department at Summer Days in the Park. However, I’ll be spending my nights and weekends with my friends.

Q&A

Does your one vote make a difference?

Paul Peskosky Jr.: As seen in the last BOE election,a few votes can change the outcome. My vote goes to the man or woman that I see most fit for the job. I’m not going to vote for someone just because a certain group supports a candidate.

Ashley Gagnon: I began voting at the last School Board election, and trust me, it definitely does make a difference.

Geisy Marte: Yes, I think voting matter however, I am not registered with any political party.

Vaniah Cunningham: My vote does make a difference. Just like how it can sometimes take only a second for an event to change your whole year, one vote could have an impact for a lifetime.

Dominique Howe: I’ll vote because then I can’t complain who’s in office.

Jessica Torres: Yes, it does. Every vote, matters in our town and nation. If you don’t get out there to state your opinion, you have no right to complain.

Michael Di Virgilio: I believe everyone’s vote matters and I will be watching the debates to determine who I will be voting for President in 2008.

Nil Ece Ulias: I think it does make a difference in today’s American society, where there is controversy over the current President’s decisions. The public needs to vote in order to get their thoughts across.

Michael Huk: I will be voting in the next election, but I don’t really think it will make that big of a difference.

Veronica Estevez: I don’t think my vote will make a difference and I really don’t like any of the political parties.

John Morales: Yes because I know that I voted for what I believe in. I am not registered with any political party, but I would consider myself to be a Democrat.

Francesca Hemsey: Your vote makes a difference if you want it to. The action of making an informed decision is a contribution to our society and a duty as an American. Person over party is my method as of now.

Charles Hornstra: I am a registered voter and every vote does count, especially in city elections. I voted for the first time this past Board of Education elections. Go Mr. St. Clair!

Mia Edwards: Yes, I am a registered voter—just not with any party—and I believe that every vote counts. If a majority of the voters believed their votes didn’t count, why would they vote? We wouldn’t have a true consensus of what everyone wants. The wrong wishes may not be carried out.

Vanessa Felic: I think my vote does make a difference, because each one counts. I am all for the Democratic party.

Emilio Torres: I think my vote counts because you should let your opinion be known.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

63

Q&A

Does your one vote make a difference?

Diana Gortych: I think that every vote counts. Our generation is extremely apathetic when it comes to the government and needs to understand what is going on around them. We need to take charge and try to make a difference.

John Turba: The right to vote allows Americans to choose what you believe in. Every vote makes a difference.

Cindy Delgado: Voting is not for me. It’s a waste of time.

Angela Gonzalez: My vote does make a difference, just like everyone else’s. One dollar can make the difference between a million dollars and $999,999.

Kathleen Rathgeber: Now that I have the right to vote, I make sure to participate in every election.

Every vote makes a difference and our generation needs to learn how to stand up for what they believe in. I’m not registered with any party, but I tend to vote for Democratic candidates.

Joseph Segura: Yes, I believe my vote will make a difference, although I am not registered with any party. If there were more students that vote, we would have a new school in no time.

Christopher Cerullo: Thinking back to the past, how many times has something passed or failed to pass based on just a few votes?

Everyone should be able to exert their right to vote and let their voice be heard.

Joshua Ramos: I won’t vote because it’s only one vote.

Silvana Miyashiro: My vote doesn’t make a difference. I think everything will be the same.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Cara Ruggiero: I do think that my vote does make a difference. The school budget failed by less than 35 votes and if just that many more people had voted yes, there would have been a different outcome.

Jennifer Delgado: Yes, my vote makes a difference. One vote can change an outcome. I have not registered with a political party.

Michael DiFabrizio: There are too many people for my vote to make a difference.

Cal Goodell: My single vote makes little difference, but the American youth as a whole can make a difference.

Marcia Marchand: One vote can always make a difference.

Gianna Fata: It sounds cliche, but one vote really does make a difference, and all of the new voters will be able to make some changes.

Kevin Jean-Philippe: I won’t vote because the government chooses who they want anyway.

Michael Urciuoli: Every vote can make a difference. Our school budget, for example, only passes or fails by a marginal number of votes. I’m not affiliated with any political parties because I still can’t vote, but I tend to be conservative.

Brian J. Dunphy: I will soon be able to vote and I think that if every one said that their vote didn’t count, then no one would vote. I will register as a Democrat.

Daniel Lima: My vote doesn’t really count.

Karen Wilson: I’m not 18 yet and I really don’t have a strong opinion to one political party. I’m new to it.

But I am going to vote, since my vote can make a difference in an election.

Zach Ontell: My right to vote makes a major difference in any election. I remember when the school budget passed by just three votes. And when I do hit the polls, I always vote Democrat!

Josephine Valenzuela: Voting is the way we choose our future.

Neil Desai: Voting is important because we have the ability to change our country.

Victor Torres: I think my vote would make a difference because it’s one more vote.

Kimberly O’Connor: I am a registered voter and I every one who has the right to vote should make an effort to do so. Every vote counts, especially when the race is close.

Jillian Gradzki: My vote makes a difference. I voted in the last election and I will continue to do so.

Deanna Perez: Voting does make a difference because when you vote, your powerful voice gets heard.

Mohini Patel: Every vote makes a difference. Elections can be won or lost by one single vote.

Savvas Dimitratos

Alyssa Dayupay

Erica Cardillo

Christina Collins: I think it makes a difference because I’m making a statement by casting my vote.

Fernando Quiroz: Millions of people vote and one person doesn’t make a difference.

Karla Yeamans: If you don’t vote, you’re not doing your duty as a citizen.

Jennifer Fallon: Voting definitely makes a difference and I will be sure to exercise my right.

James Lam: Yes, my vote does make a difference. The sooner people realize this, the better.

Matthew Tietjen: Elections are becoming tighter and tighter, especially on items like the school budget.

One vote could be the difference.

I am a registered independent.

Antoin Jones: Yes. If I cast my vote, it will count.

Christina Sauerborn: While I’m not registered with any political party, I think it is incredibly important to exercise my right to vote.. By not voting, you’re basically saying you’d rather have other people make important decisions for you.

Ivan Jakimovski: Though I will not be old enough to vote until Aug. 19, I will surely register to vote. The vote for the school budget is a perfect example of how every vote counts. If a few more people had voted in favor of it, the budget would have finally passed!

Irving De La Cruz: I’ll vote but it won’t do anything.

Chelsea Teixeira: It makes a huge difference because just one vote can determine the outcome of an election.

Timothy Jacobus: My vote counts because it represents my say in our government.

Brittany Gaccione: Sometimes elections come down to only a few votes and if everyone who’s registered votes, things may change.

Melissa Fusoni: Exercise the right to vote!

Jessica Munoz: I can’t vote yet because I’m only 17, but I can’t wait until I can vote. I’m probably going to register as a Democrat.

Stacey Zoecklein

Timothy Jacobus

Kristen Hariton: I have voted three times already.

Everyone should use their right to vote — it takes five minutes and the results could make a world’s difference.

Kevin Chancay: I will not vote because each candidate says the same thing about peace and how they will help society and they don’t keep their word.

Samantha Bartlett: Whatever you decide to vote for, make sure you do it, because it is your right.

Allison Busha: I think my vote really does count because there has been elections here in Clifton that have been won or lost by only a few votes. I am not registered with any party, but I plan to be soon.

Marcia Marchand: Of course, one vote can always make a difference. I am not registered with any party.

Cassandra Trujillo: I’m not really sure if my vote makes a difference, but I will vote anyway.

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65

Q&A

How can society encourage young voters?

Cassandra Trujillo: Candidates should focus on explaining what they will do to better the country (state, council, school board, etc.), instead of why they are better than their opponents. Young adults have no incentive to vote if they feel as though they are merely choosing the lesser of evils.

Shireen Atiyat: Just stay in touch with students and keep asking them questions.

Diana Gortych: Make it more interesting.

Getting students involved with campaigning can get other students to listen to their peers.

Mia Edwards: We should distribute cupcakes! And pins too.

An assembly should be held for registered voters at the high school.

Michael Pomykala: Politicians should come visit kids one on one at the high school.

Jillian Gradzki: Encourage it more in classes at school.

Francesca Hemsey: It has to be a personal decision. Sooner or later, people will realize they missed out on making changes.

Deanna Perez: Telling them that voting is a right we have and that our future depends on our actions.

Timothy Jacobus: Society can go to schools and talk to teens about how important it is to vote. This will make young people pay attention and vote.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: It’s more of a personal decision.

One must realize what it means to have that right to vote and that it counts.

Rocio Sanchez: Giving the youth more opportunities to achieve their goals and have it connect in some way with government.

Casey Puleo: Make sure all young people know that their vote does count and will make a difference.

Megan Murcko: Get more young celebrities to tell kids to vote.

Justine Jensen: Young people would have a greater interest in voting if they were more informed about the politicians. Politicians should speak publicly in places where young people frequent, such as colleges, malls and more.

Kristen Hariton: Focus more on issues that affect teens, such as car safety, labor laws and education.

Shaon Jude: Tell teens how voting will benefit them.

Matthew Tietjen: Ask us what we think. Don’t just assume you know what’s best for us.

John Butas: Make the politicians stop lying and more young people will probably vote.

Alisha Martinez: Organize community events that will get young people involved in the community.

Angel Lopez: Give them someone good to vote for.

Michael Cetinich: More commercials with famous people voting.

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67

Q&A

What will you miss least about CHS?

Marianne Guerriero: Waking up for zero period.

Francesca Hemsey: The South intersection—madness that I will never miss.

Hasan Al-Mallah: The mosh pit intersections in the halls.

Timothy Jacobus: All the work and papers I had to do over the years.

Deanna Perez: The annoying music they always play when we switch classes.

Rocio Sanchez: Winter fire drills.

Kristen Hariton: The very overcrowded hallways and classrooms, especially the overstuffed gyms.

Amy Wong: My lanyard and ID, and the herds of people in the halls.

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John Turba: I won’t miss going through the crowded halls.

Tara Danny: Walking through the crowded halls.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: Staring at the computer to see whether there’s a snow day and driving to school in the dark and cold for zero period.

DJ Ferraiol: Waking up early to get a spot in the senior lot.

Michael Cetinich: The hot rooms at the end of the year and the mosh pit.

Anthony Shehab: I definitely won’t miss the long nights of homework, the crowded hallways, the smelly locker rooms, the mid-terms and finals or Mr. Dionisio’s tests.

Diana Gortych: I won’t really miss the overcrowding.

Michael Pomykala: I’m glad I won’t have have to wake up at 5:45 am every morning for zero period.

Casey Puleo: I definitely won’t miss all of the work.

Justine Jensen: Staying up all night trying to finish “that paper” that I was told about two weeks ago that is now due tomorrow.

Although, I’m sure the same thing will happen to me in college.

Q&A

Your advice for the Class of 2008...

Jennifer Fallon: Truly enjoy this last year with all your friends. You can always retake a class, but you can never relive this party!

Christina Sauerborn: Work hard, play hard—period.

Ivan Jakimovski: Get your college applications done early! I finished mine by the end of October of my senior year and did not experience any stress. The sooner you finish, the less time you have to worry about deadlines. Also, never limit yourself to what schools you are applying to. Aim high and apply to tough schools. Who knows, maybe you’ll get in!

Geisy Marte: I strongly suggest that everyone should set their priorities in school, by focusing on setting and achieving academic goals for a better future.

Jessica Torres: Try your hardest and never give up. Live life to the fullest, because these are going to be your best memories.

Anthony Shehab: CHS is just a beginning; now is when all that knowledge we acquired is put to the test.

Veronica Estevez: Have fun, but do your work and don’t cut classes.

Karen Wilson: If you ever take Mr. Gorgan’s classes, just smile, nod and agree with everything he says.

Michael Di Virgilio: Stay sharp and leave some time to be with your friends and family because you don’t know when you’ll see them after you graduate.

John Morales: Make the best of your senior year. Never be late to a class, you need to graduate!

Arielle Saltzman: Enjoy your senior year because it goes by too fast and don’t lose the relationships you have with your best friends.

Vanessa Felic: Don’t get senioritis too soon. Work hard, party harder!

Kelly Ellmer: Just enjoy the time you have with your friends and don’t cause petty drama.

Kathleen Rathgeber: You are responsible for making high school what you want it to be. Be yourself, find your true friends and don’t waste time being stressed. In the end, all that really matters are the memories and bonds you’ve made. Remember that the person you are becoming in high school is the person you’ll be for the rest of your life, so above all, make sure you like yourself.

Gianna Fata: Don’t let senioritis catch up to you too fast.

Anthony Giordano: Enjoy every moment, it goes by too fast.

Angela Gonzalez: Have high expectations of yourself.

Nil Ece Ulias: Have fun during your senior year while still getting ready for college. I can’t believe how fast these four years have passed by. It makes me wish I enjoyed every moment more.

Enjoy your last year in CHS! Cara Ruggiero: Don’t party too hard. You will definitely want to remember this later.

Alex Anolik: Don’t eat the cafeteria food on Tuesdays. Trust me.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

69

Q&A

Your advice for the class of 2008...

Joseph Segura: Be your own person and do what’s best for you and your family. Follow this and maybe we’d have a community with more successful and humble people.

Julianna Espinosa: Enjoy senior year as much as possible because it goes by way to fast. Also, don’t slack off in attendance or grades because by April it will catch up to you and you may have problems for prom and graduation.

Mike Huk: Don’t slack off and always try your best.

Melissa D’Arco: Cherish every moment of senior year because it goes so fast. Don’t let stupid drama ruin anything because sooner or later it won’t even matter.

Mohini Patel: Don’t stress about school. Find a balance and you’ll be happy.

Allison Busha: Enjoy everyday as it comes because it ends faster than a blink of an eye. Ignore all the drama and simply enjoy yourself because high school only happens once.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Michael Urciuoli: The only thing that can hold you back is you.

Enjoy high school while you still can.

Don’t be afraid of the experience. These are the best years of your life so live it up.

Kimberly O’Connor: Enjoy senior year but be respectful while having fun.

Make the most memories you can and treasure everything because the year flies by and before you know it, you are on the field getting your diploma.

Jennifer Delgado: There is no feeling like knowing that you are growing up, life is moving on and your future is so nearby.

Emilio Torres: Try to have as much fun while you are still here and make sure you don’t mess up with your school work.

Brian J. Dunphy: Make your senior year worth something.

Make it memorable with no regrets.

Frank Vogas: Have fun.

Neil Desai: Try as hard as you can and make the best of your last year here. Send out your applications to college as quickly as possible.

Victor Jones: Make sure you stay in school and don’t cut class.

Marianne Guerriero: Don’t slack off but don’t forget to have fun.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Francesca Hemsey: Be confident in who you are and make the most of each day, for each is a gift and a new beginning.

BJ Wishard: Stay out of trouble!

Ashley Urbano: Don’t go into senior year expecting it to be amazing, go into it expecting it to be like every other year and watch it turn into the best of your life.

Shannon Kennedy: Remember every moment because it goes by way too fast.

Danielle Parker: Disregard all the drama and rumors. They are just words and life goes by too fast to worry about any of that.

Justyna Cyrulik: Start early on college applications because before you know it, it will be time to make those important decisions.

Scott Reilly: Don’t take it for granted because you can only be a senior in high school once.

Karla Yeamans: Get your college applications finished early. Enjoy the rest of your senior year and don’t let anything pass you by.

Chelsea Teixeira: Don’t give up.

It really is never too late.

Brittany Gaccioine: Do not take your time together with friends for granted. Senior year is gone in the blink of an eye.

Melissa Fusoni: Work until the end of the year because most colleges do look at your final transcripts.

Edwin Curitomai: Study hard.

Do the best you can, but don’t get exhausted because this is your year to remember.

Paul Peskosky Jr.: It’s never too early to look at colleges and apply for scholarships.

Johanna Oliva: Please go to prom because money is in the moment but memories last a lifetime.

Samer Hamad: Don’t get senioritis before you’re even a senior.

John Thomas: Life is like music, it’s written in pencil for a reason.

Robert Johnson: Just pass because you want to graduate with the class you came in with.

Samantha Bartlett: Do your work and get out alive. Enjoy every moment, since they will give you a lifetime of memories.

Matthew Tietjen: Apply early to college, before Oct. 1. You have a better chance of admittance.

Ashley Jacobus: Get your college application done right away so you can enjoy the rest of your senior year and not worry about rushing to fill them out at the end of the year.

Zach Ontell: The end of high school is the beginning of your future.

Cassandra Trujillo: Take time to do things for yourself.

Procrastinate and make sure to read for pleasure. Be selfish in college applications—apply where you want to go, not where your parents want you to go or where your friends are going.

Bhavik Vyas: Some advice I would give to the next graduating class would be not to drop out of school and just try your best.

Bryan Fitzpatrick: Keep on top of your work and don’t slack off senior year.

Come Hungry.

Christopher Cerullo: Don’t get too caught up in the competition and pressure involved with senior year and getting into colleges. You should be able to have fun and go out with your friends as much as possible before you go off to college and never regret anything.

Daniel Kaiser: Don’t cut. Enjoy senior year while it lasts because it goes by very fast. Don’t be lazy, the hard work will pay off.

Antoin Jones: Enjoy your senior year because it’s the last time you’ll be with all your friends.

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Cal Goodell: Study hard and don’t let senioritis take over your school work.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

71

The Castle

by Jordan Schwartz

An architect’s rendering of how the proposed restaurant and catering hall would look from the corner of Lexington and Bergen Aves.

Fadi Salim wants to build a castle at the corner of Lexington and Piaget Aves. in Clifton.

The Castle would be a restaurant and catering hall on a 1.265 acre plot of land at 635 Lexington Ave. A restaurant is only a conditional use within the zone where it would be located, and so the Totowa developer had to apply for site plan approval.

The project would also require a use variance because the building height is proposed at 44 feet where a maximum of 30 feet is permitted, three stories are proposed where only two are allowed, and the parking lot aisle width proposed is 20 feet where 24 feet is required.

Ah, yes, parking—the one word that can single-handedly derail a Clifton project and send its architect back to the literal drawing board.

Plans call for a catering hall building facing Lexington Ave. with a parking garage behind it along Bergen Ave. The 22-foot, two-story garage would have 213 spaces. Architect Gianni Intili said the proposed aisle width is only 20 feet because the spots themselves are bigger.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

“In my experience, this flexible parking condition allows us to turn the cars better,” said Intili.

But the 213 parking spaces are 66 short of the 279 required for a building of The Castle’s size. The project’s traffic expert Hal Simoff told the Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 16 that the 279 number is based on the gross square footage of the catering hall, which is an inaccurate measurement to use because a lot of the building will not be occupiable space.

Simoff said the 9,333 sq. ft. first floor will contain a large lobby area, bathrooms, lounges, a kitchen and a water fountain.

The 9,500 sq. ft. second floor will have more bathrooms and another kitchen. The 900 sq. ft. third floor tower would serve as a waiting area for honored guests such as those in a wedding party.

Because of this, Simoff suggested that net area be considered when determining the number of parking spaces needed.

Despite Simoff’s argument, the Board decided that the developer would have to apply for a parking variance as well when he returns for a second hearing on August 15.

About a dozen residents who live in the neighborhood where The Castle is proposed to be located showed up at the Zoning Board meeting on May 16 to voice their concern about the project.

Laure Barrett of 27 Bergen Ave. was one of those in attendance along with her husband Fred and their son Scott, 24. She doesn’t like the idea of having a parking garage in her backyard.

“It’s going to really have an impact on the quality of life on our neighborhood,” Laure said. “I don’t have a problem with development there, I just think it’s too massive of a project for a residential block.”

Fred Barrett expressed concern over the possibility of a line of cars waiting to be valet parked clogging up traffic on the street.

The applicant said there is room for about 10 cars to line up on The Castle’s property itself and so vehicles shouldn’t spill out of the

Lexington Ave. entrance onto Bergen Avenue.

Simoff added that they are proposing to add a northbound left hand turn lane to Lexington Ave, but the applicant must also receive Passaic County Planning Board approval because it is a county road.

Margarita McGrath of 20 Piaget Ave. questioned the applicant’s claim that the establishment would only need parking for 30 workers.

“They can’t handle a wedding with only 30 employees,” she said.

Lisa Lowe of 12 Bergen Ave. said she is worried about trucks driving down her residential street twice a day to make deliveries to the restaurant.

Commissioner James Varcatapane echoed her remarks, adding that he wasn’t happy with trucks going past a day care center on the road. In response, the applicant said he will amend the plan to remove deliveries from Bergen Ave. Salim’s attorney William Sala said they are more than willing to work with the neighbors to make The Castle a good thing for everyone involved.

“This project will solidify the rebirth of lower Lexington Ave.,” said Sala, whose office is located at 179 Randolph Ave. “We have gone through great pains to screen all the neighboring residential properties.”

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Some residents who oppose the plan to construct a restaurant and catering hall at the corner of Piaget and Lexington Aves. They include John Bacha, Frank and Grace Penek, Joe Prochilo, Helen Pitlivka, Eugen Justin, Mary Rantowich, William and Margarita McGrath, Fred and Laure Barrett, Rush and Rashelle Jackson, Ingrid and Humberto Reyes, Xierra Gonzales, Maxine Rivas and Elizabeth, Clara, Carlos and Jose Peralta. The application is before the Zoning Board on Aug. 15.

The plan calls for trees and flowers to be planted along the sides of the building for beautification purposes and to serve as a 10-foot buffer between The Castle and residents. But the buffer may not be

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Pub or Club?

Story by Jordan Schwartz

City Manager Al Greco says there are no Clifton laws or ordinances that define the term ‘nightclub.’

“We’re looking at a number of standardized definitions that are provided in some of the land use manuals,” he said.

So is Pub 46 a nightclub?

Depends on who you ask. Owner Rob Corujo doesn’t think so.

“My place has no cover charge, I serve food until 2 am, I don’t have DJs and my last ever band performance was May 9,” he said. “What makes me different from T.G.I. Friday’s or Applebees? Just because I have a lot of people at my place?”

That’s exactly why, according to Pub 46 neighbor Mark Nouhan.

“They get over 200 cars parking 74

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

there,” said Nouhan, who lives right behind the establishment in his home at 19 Gleeson Dr. “They’re only allowed 88 people according to the zoning ordinance.”

Nouhan said when a couple hundred people gather in one place, they tend to make a lot of noise.

“Patrons go in the back lot and have fights on cell phones and argue with their boyfriends and girlfriends,” he said.

“From Tuesday to Saturday, I’m up until 5:30 am listening to employees slamming dumpsters.”

Nouhan has spent $35,000 over the past seven years trying to con-

What impact will an Appellate Court decision regarding Pub 46 have on the many other Clifton establishments that hold entertainment licenses?

vince the city that Corujo was operating an illegal nightclub. In the middle of 2005, the Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled that Pub 46 was a restaurant with an entertainment license, and not a nightclub.

Nouhan and some of his neighbors then took the matter to Passaic County Superior Court, but the Zoning Board’s decision was upheld.

Finally, on April 19, a State Superior Court Appellate Division panel of three judges unanimously ruled that the Rt. 46 east restaurant’s “current use of its property as a discotheque-nightclub is not a permitted use under the zoning ordinance or the special exception under which Pub 46 is permitted to operate a restaurant.”

R

The panel reversed the lower court’s decision and remanded the case to the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Officer Dan Howell to enforce the zoning ordinance.

Corujo’s attorney Glenn Peterson called the ruling an incredibly bad decision.

“The Appellate Court just took Mr. Nouhan’s testimony and said Pub 46 is a discotheque because people are dancing,” he said. “When Springsteen does a concert in Giants Stadium and people are bopping to the music, are they dancing? Does that make Giants Stadium a large discotheque? Maybe Clifton needs a definition of dancing.”

Greco said the Appellate Court has put the City of Clifton in an unenforceable position.

“From Tuesday to Saturday, I’m up until 5:30 am listening to employees slamming dumpsters,” said Pub 46 neighbor Mark Nouhan.

“We must have 35 or 40 places with entertainment licenses that will be affected,” added City Manager Greco.

Two of those other places are Dingo’s Den and Ding Batz on Van Houten Ave. Both are owned by Fred Barnes, who is President of the Clifton Tavern Association and Vice President of the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association.

He doesn’t consider Pub 46 a nightclub and neither does Whitepages.com, which lists it as a

“What makes me different from T.G.I. Friday’s or Applebees?” asked Pub 46 owner Rob Corujo. “Just because I have a lot of people at my place?”

restaurant and banquet facility.

Incidentally, the website categorizes Ding Batz as a nightclub, but Barnes doesn’t think the court’s ruling is going to have an immediate effect on other places with entertainment licenses.

“No, not yet, but I’m sure this is going to open up a can of worms,” he said.

Barnes added that customers need to show a little bit more respect for neighbors, but people like Mark Nouhan need to realize what effect their actions may have.

“You’re not just talking about the bars, you’re talking about the lives of the owners and employees,” Barnes said. “This industry is struggling.

We have a lot of things against us... stricter DWI laws and the smoking ban. You can’t keep taking from us.”

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75

Last Month at the Zoning Board The Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5 to 2 on May 16 to reject a variance application for the proposed Clifton Professional Plaza at 1260 Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton.

Owner George Tafankaji wanted to redevelop his Exxon Station (pictured here) into a three-story, 10,000 sq. ft. professional office building, but the plan, presented by attorney Frank Carlet, was deficient by 29 parking spaces.

Some residents who live in the neighborhood spoke out against the plan during previous Zoning Board hearings. They were concerned that the proposed office building’s employees would be forced to park on their residential streets.

And apparently, the Board was listening. Alternate Commissioner Roy Noonburg, who replaced Steve Abill who recused himself from the vote, made the motion to deny the application because he was concerned about congestion and quality of life issues.

Chair Steven Lataro agreed.

“They’ve gone a little too far,” he said. “The height (40 feet proposed, 35 feet permitted) is really a detriment. Something new and something good for the city could be developed there that doesn’t require as many parking spots.”

Commissioners Joseph Korbanics, George Foukas and Arlene Bayeux also voted to deny the application.

Vice Chair James Varcatapane called the Board’s decision a huge mistake. “This is probably one of the best applications that will ever come to that property,” he said.

“The parking issue there is created by the residents themselves. I’ve spent many hours there and I find no 76

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

“The parking issue there is created by the residents themselves,” said Zoning Board Vice Chair James Varcatapane, who voted to approve the plan, which was deficient by 29 parking spaces. parking issues whatsoever. Not allowing a professional building like this will open up the door to allowing less desirable businesses on Main Ave.” Commissioner Frank Farinella cast the other dissenting vote.

“People in the city have knocked themselves out to try to get this building there,” he said. “If this building fails, I really don’t see anything succeeding on that portion of Main Ave. Yes, parking is an issue, but the applicant did agree to let people park under the building and they paid into the parking fund.”

As the Burgh Ave. neighborhood residents in attendance expressed their satisfaction in the Board’s vote, Tafankaji’s wife Janet, who was sitting in front of them, turned and uttered a warning.

“It’s not over yet, so you can say whatever you want,” she said.

Garret Pointe Associates will have another opportunity to present its case for an entranceway through Clifton to its proposed housing development in West Paterson.

The developer’s May 2 hearing before the Zoning Board was continued to June 6.

A use variance is needed because Garret Pointe wants to use a piece of property in a residential zone as a driveway. Paxton St. off of Mountain Park Rd. would be used as an entranceway to service a group of 128 residential units.

At the May 2 hearing, Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment Chairman Steven Lataro asked the applicant if it’s possible to build an entranceway through the Bank of New York property that sits behind the quarry in which the development would be located.

The project’s engineer, Arthur Hanson of Wayne, said it’s not possible because of the 50 foot quarry wall (pictured at right) between the bank property and the Garret Pointe land.

The applicant’s attorney Frank Carlet said his client will pay Clifton for the next three times Paxton St. is scheduled to be repaved. He added that the city will also benefit from the increased property tax assessment value of the homes on the street due to the improved condition of the street.

Attorney Glenn Peterson appeared before the Board representing two complainants in the matter. He urged the Board to view the site before voting on the application.

It will be a busy first week of June for the Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment.

In addition to the continued Garret Pointe hearing on June 6, the Board will also consider a new parking variance so operations can continue at Pub 46.

On June 7, the Zoning Board will hold a special meeting at 7 pm to consider the Board of Education’s variance application to convert an industrial building into a 500-student 9th grade high school annex at 290 Brighton Rd. It’s the last possible day the Board of Adjustment has to rule on the matter in accordance with a deadline set forth by Passaic County Superior Court Judge Robert Passero.

The judge has said the Board must rule on the variance without considering matters that aren’t its legal responsibility such as sidewalks, walk routes and transportation patterns.

Passero directed the Board to only consider the project’s impact on municipal code and the neighborhood. The Zoning Board is also prohibited from hearing further testimony on the matter.

Cliftonites passed a referendum on the annex in a 68 to 32 percent vote on Dec. 14, 2004. The Board of Adjustment first denied the district’s application for a variance to build the annex following 10 months and 17 hearings in 2005 and 2006.

by Jordan Schwartz Proponents of building the Brighton Rd. school carried signs urging the Zoning Board to approve the application at a meeting on Oct. 25, 2005.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

77

At the Schools It was news to the Board of Ed. BOE Attorney Anthony D’Elia sent a letter on May 24 to Clifton City Manager Al Greco concerning the Council’s recent announcement that it planned to construct ball fields on the Athenia Steel property.

This came as somewhat of a surprise to D’Elia who wrote, “The Board has not ruled out any sites which might be utilized to address the overcrowding situation, including Athenia Steel.”

D’Elia then asked that the Council address traffic and environmental concerns at the site, if it feels Athenia may be used for a school.

Last month, the city said it planned to start construction next year on a 30-acre park at the former Athenia Steel industrial site.

The first phase of the project involves the construction of two soccer/lacrosse fields. The plan may also include a bike path and walking trail in the woods by the fields.

The second phase calls for a playground, an ice hockey rink, a softball field and a basketball court.

The city would need to get state approval to construct an access road along a rail line on the site’s east side. It would also need permission from Trenton to build on the northern section of the site.

The BOE voted 7-0 on May 17 to accept the Council’s suggested reduction of the school budget by one tax point, or $527,000. Superintendent Michael Rice said the Board will cut $327,000 from health insurance and the other $200,000 will be offset by an increase in interest earned at the district’s new bank.

by Jordan Schwartz 78

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

This image should be very familiar to Cliftonites.

It first appeared on the cover of the Nov. 2003 Clifton Merchant Magazine, illustrating the school overcrowding.

Athenia Steel Timeline January 1907 – A small steel mill opens in Athenia.

January 1937 – National Standard Company of Niles, Michigan purchases the company from its founders for an undisclosed price.

June 1987 – National Standard says it has received purchase offers from several parties who promise to continue operating the plant.

January 1988 – National Standard announces Athenia Steel will cease operating on the 35 acre tract at the end of February.

November 1990 – The adjacent former Shulton and Athenia Steel tracts are rezoned as planned development sites, which allows the properties to be used for commercial development, as well as manufacturing.

July 1999 – The City Council agrees to buy the 35-acre tract for $5.5 million.

The Council plans to build 250 subsidized senior citizen apartments in two four-story buildings on the site. The plan also calls for two baseball fields, two soccer fields, and four basketball courts. Mayor James Anzaldi says he wants to break ground within two years. As a condition of the sale, National Standard agrees to pay for an environmental cleanup of the grounds.

January 2001 – Council votes unanimously to rezone the Athenia Steel property to allow for construction of the senior housing and rec facilities.

January 2002 – Clifton receives a grant of $250,000 from Passaic County to pay for designs of ball fields planned for the Athenia Steel tract.

July 2002 – NJDEP approves National Standard’s cleanup of the first six acres of the Athenia Steel site. Clifton pays $1.72 million for the six acres. Former City Manager Bob Hammer says he believes a 125-unit senior citizen complex will be complete on the tract within 18 months.

June 14, 2003 – Council members ceremoniously break ground for the 125 unit senior citizens complex that was completed in the Fall, 2004.

November 2006 – NJDEP declares the site’s northern section free of industrial contaminants.

May 2007 – The City Council announces plans to construct a 30-acre park.

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Lori Homsany . . . . . . . . . . 6/25 Connie Musleh . . . . . . . . 6/26 Walter Vladyka . . . . . . . . 6/27 Marco Greco . . . . . . . . . 6/28 Monica Szewczyk . . . . . . 6/29 Robert Conklin . . . . . . . . 6/30 Christopher Lucas . . . . . . 6/30 Rafelina Reyes is 15 on June 18. Happy Birthday from your sister, Josefina.

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CHS Students send belated wishes to Mr. Shelley, “the best teacher ever”, whose birthday is May 18.

Happy Anniversary Ed & Eileen Gasior married 25 years on June 5.

Sarah and Fred Lombardo who will be married 61 years on June 23.

Courtney McKenna Whiting and Kevin Peter Shannon were wed on May 12.

Volunteer extraordinaire Myrtle (Myrt) Petty had her 29th birthday on May 13.

Fran & Tom Skurski celebrate their 25th anniversary June 19.

Emma Nysk is 1 on June 5.

Julia Elizabeth was born April 28 to John & Andrea Mieczkowski

Nicole Carreno is 3 on June 11

John Traier is 50 on June 2 June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

81

Want to do something fun this summer? The Clifton Rec Dept.’s Summer Brochure is out and it features a number of fun activities to participate in this summer. Pick up a copy at the Rec Dept. on Clifton Ave., call them at 973-470-5956 or visit www.cliftonnj.org/recreation.

Track and Field Camps: Andrew Piotrowski, CHS pole vault and hurdle coach, and John Pontes, distance and sprints coach, will be holding track and field camps in July for ages 7 to 13 and 14 to 18.

All camps run from 9 am to 12 pm at Clifton Stadium. The camp is $130 per week for ages 7 to 13 and $150 for ages 14 to 18. You can also sign up for all four weeks. All participants will receive a t-shirt.

For more info, call 973-246-6896 or email andypv44@hotmail.com.

St. Brendan School at the corner of Crooks and Lakeview Aves. is now accepting registration for next school year. The pre-k through eighth grade school offers before and after care, a hot lunch program, a computer and science lab, Spanish, music, sports, clubs and much more. Call 973-772-1149 or visit www.st-brendan.org.

Registration for Clifton children currently attending private or parochial schools and who plan to enroll in the Clifton Public Schools for the 2007-08 school year will be held June 11-14, from 9 am to noon in the district administration building on Clifton Ave. Parents or guardians registering children must bring proof of birth; a physician’s immunization card or school health record; proof of a doctor’s physical examination within the past 365 days; school transfer records; three original and current proof of Clifton residency. Call 973-458-6709.

Meet Clifton Jewish Center’s newly elected officers June 1 at 7:30 pm. The president of the Delaware Ave. synagogue is Steve Goldberg.

Vice presidents are Elinor Alboum, Hy Eisenstein, William Frisch, Faith Kleinfeld and Eric Rosenberg.

Polka King and sixteen-time Grammy Winner Jimmy Sturr will appear on the bandstand in Passaic’s Third Ward Park on July 18, at 7:30 pm, headlining a free concert for the fourth straight year.

Visit www.jimmysturr.com or call Greg Komeshok at 973-473-5111.

The Polish Heritage Festival is June 3 from 10 am to 6 pm at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

Admission is free to the event that features food and cultural exhibits.

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Margaret Pipala of Teddy’s Catering & Restaurant, at 1014 Main Ave. invites everyone to a picnic on June 16.

Teddy’s is celebrating two years in business with a picnic starting at noon on June 16. The PolishAmerican family restaurant is located at 1014 Main Ave. The picnic will feature music, dancing and a hot dog eating contest. Call 973473-4077 for more details.

The St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Ladies Auxiliary is hosting an indoor flea market on June 23 and 24 from 9 am to 5 pm at St. Nick's Church on President St. in Passaic. The annual event offers shoppers a wide variety of goods.

For info, call Olga at 973-214-5763 or Oksana at 201-587-1343.

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Clifton’s Middle School Carnival is underway at CCMS field. There are rides for all ages, games and food. It runs until June 3.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

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Free citizenship preparation classes sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic will be offered until June 14 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Passaic High School on Paulison Blvd. from 6 to 8:30 pm.

To be eligible, people must be legal immigrants with a green card and five year U.S. residency and able to speak, read and write in English.

Call 973-470-3535. St. Peter’s Haven is offering free citizen preparation classes as well. The six week course will run between July 16 and Aug. 23 on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 pm. English testing is on July 9. You must call 973-546-3406 to pre-register.

The Dutch Hill Residents Association’s 25th Annual Flea Market is at Weasel Brook Park on June 2, with a rain date of June 9, from 9 am to 4 pm. Call Terry McMahon at 973-594-9883 or Carol Sadowski at 973-779-0599.

The Lakeview Civic Association’s next meeting is June 26. For information, e-mail Pat Blair at Pblair@maintrucking.com.

Come celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Dutch Hill Residents Association from 6 to 10 pm on Oct. 18 at the Brownstone in Paterson. For $25 tickets or to place an ad in the Souvenir Booklet, call Joan Sanford at 973778-8337 by Sept. 18.

The Phenomenal Grandmothers host an all you can eat Italian Dinner Pasta Buffet on June 8 at the Clifton Senior Center on Dog Pound Rd from 6 to 9 pm.

Proceeds will benefit CURE Children’s Cancer Research.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 5 to 12 years old and free for kids under 5.

For more info, call 973-473-3758.

The 18th Annual Child Health and Safety Fair is June 9 from 10 am to 2 pm at School 16 on Grove St. The event features free safetyoriented displays, demonstrations and screenings for families.

Organizations that would like to provide a display or interactive activity, call Deputy Chief Jeffrey Adams at 973-470-5976.

John Mollica is “Elvis in Concert” on June 23 from 7 to 10 pm. It’s one of the three Botany Saturday Night concerts scheduled outdoors in the Village Square this summer. Two other concerts are scheduled for July 21 and August 11. All performances are free. Crafters and vendors are invited to sell their wares during the Botany Saturday Night summer entertainment program. Interested vendors should contact Clifton’s Historic Botany District at 973-8571467 for applications or visit www.HistoricBotany.com.

Downtown Clifton’s International Street Fair

June 9 3–9pm (rain date 6/16)

Children’s Activities • Great Food • Live Entertainment Stroll along Main between Clinton & Washington Aves.

Hosted by the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group for info call 973-253-1455 or go to downtownclifton.com This project is funded, in part, by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council through a grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

83

Some of the St. Philip’s Knights of Columbus, include, top from left: Jack Jaeger, Carlos Roco, Deacon Rodak, Michael Renda, Armando Rosales and Dennis Fitzpatrick. Sitting: Anthony D’Amato, John Filippone, Ross Alfieri and John Sadvary. “The K of C would like to thank all who mailed in contributions. We also extend a special thank you to all of the merchants who contributed in our fundraising, which benefits citizens with mental retardation,” said Chair John Filippone.

A Golf Outing and Beefsteak hosted by St. Philip’s Knights of Columbus is on July 13 at High Point Golf Club in Montague.

Lunch is at noon and tee-off is at 1 pm. The event will be played shotgun-style. The beefsteak is at St. Philip’s at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $150 for golf, cart rental, lunch,

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

snacks and the beefsteak, or just $125 for golf. Tickets to the beefsteak are $135. Sponsors are also needed for each hole, at the price of $100. Call 973-779-6200 or e-mail KofCevent4@aol.com.

The First Annual Family Picnic hosted by St. Philip’s Knights of Columbus is on June 3 from 1 to 5 pm on the Masonic Hall Grounds on Van Houten Ave. A $5 donation is requested for an entire family.

RSVP to Ray Lill at 973-472-1756.

CHS Class of 1957 will be celebrating its 50 year reunion the weekend of June 8, 9 and 10. Friday evening from 7 to 10 pm is the welcome reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fairfield. On Saturday at 11 am, the group will tour the ‘old high school’ (now CCMS). There will be CHS senior football players and band members present for a Q&A after the tour. Saturday from 7 to 11 pm will be a buffet/dance. Sunday at 9 am is the farewell breakfast.

Call 973-881-1688.

The Clifton-based Coalition for Brain Injury Research is sponsoring its annual beefsteak dinner on June 1 at 6:30 pm at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club.

Tickets are $40. Proceeds benefit the search for a brain injury cure. For more info on the group, call 973-632-2066.

School #13 will be hosting a Community Day on June 13th, from 4 to 6 pm. This event will feature a local history exhibit displaying historical postcards of Athenia, photographs depicting student life at School #13 from the 1930s through the 1950s and a timeline highlighting the important events of the school’s early history.

Graduating class photographs will also be part of the exhibit. Alumni of the school, along with all residents of Clifton, are invited to experience the exhibit firsthand.

Call School #13 at 973-470-2410 if you would like to attend.

Morris Canal Park volunteer Jack Kuepfer (at right in 2001) was the recipient of a $2,500 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference on May 18. You can join Mr. Kuepfer and the Friends of Morris Canal Park as they plant a tree in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Restoration and Dedication of the Canal. The celebration will be at noon on June 2 at 1115 Broad St. Frank J. Hahofer received a special tribute from the NJ League of Community Bankers during its convention on May 5. The Director Emeritus of Clifton Savings Bank was recognized for achieving the longest period of industry service of any banking representative recognized by the League. Hahofer served as a Director of the bank from 1941 until Feb. 28, 2007.

The 6th Annual Lollipops and Roses Concert will be performed by the Clifton Community Band on June 10 at 2 pm in the CHS audito-

rium. The band, under the direction of Bob Morgan,which is open to all members of the community but features several alumni of the Marching Mustang Band, is marking its fifth anniversary with this concert. Admission is $7 but children under 12 are admitted for free.

Proceeds benefit the Clifton Education Foundation and Clifton Community Band. For info, write

to CliftonBand@optonline.net or call 973-777-1781.

The Downtown Clifton International Street Fair is June 9 from 3 to 9 pm. The Downtown Clifton Salsa Night is July 13 from 7 to 11 pm. For info on other events, call Angela Montague at the DCEDG at 973-253-1455. For more info on the Main Ave. district, go to www.downtownclifton.com.

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Donating to the B&G Club Nazario, a 12 year resident of Clifton has been part of the Club’s family for years.

“Both my boys are members and I have seen first hand the positive effects that the Club and its programs have on these kids.”

Sons Julian, 15, and Peter, 12, have been Boys & Girls Clubs members for more than seven years.

Pina Nazario of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage presents a $1,000 check to Boys & Girls Club of Clifton Executive Director Robert Foster.

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Over the years, Nazario has contributed to the Club in several ways, from support of the Clubs Annual Golf event to sponsorships and donations, to volunteerism, but the Clubs Annual One Campaign really inspired her to help.

The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton implemented the “It Just Takes One” Campaign last year.

According to Executive Director Robert Foster, “the response to the 2006 Campaign was overwhelming and has strengthened our belief that the campaign remains a successful fundraising vehicle for the Club.”

The theme of the Campaign involves the belief that one person can make a difference in the life of a child and one Boys & Girls Club can give hope to an entire neighborhood. It was the Club’s One Campaign that inspired Nazario to donate $100 of each sale to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.

“We have seen “One Campaign” increase visibility and awareness of the Club and our programs, inspire gifts from individuals, and help lay the groundwork for larger endowments and planned gifts,” said Foster, who urged others to join the fundraising campaign.

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Realtor Pina Nazario, an associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage since 1998, presented a check for $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton this past month.

“It’s all about the kids and their futures,” she said. “The Club has been such a big part of our community for over 60 years. I feel that as members of the community, it’s up to us to ensure that organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton continue to provide a safe haven for our youth.”

In an effort to provide technology access to community youth, ITT Corporation presented The Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, with a check in the amount of $17,967. the donation allows the Club to purchase 15 new computers and a color laser printer for the Club facility. It is all part of the evolving services offered to Club members.

Said Executive Director Robert Foster. “Thanks to ITT, we are now able to provide members with computer access from Early Childhood through Teen Programs and present new opportunities for learning, completing homework assignments, science research, creating art and ultimately experiencing the power of technology all within the fun, safe environment of the Club.”

Since 1947, the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton has been at the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances.

Dante P. Liberti CFP

Accompanied by Club members, from left, are ITT Marketing and Communication Manager John Dench, Boys and Girls Club of Clifton Executive Director Robert Foster, BGCC IT Director John Kungl and ITT Human Resources VP Rachelle Tucci.

Today, more than 5,000 boys and girls are taking advantage of the services provided by the Club which offers daily access to a broad range of programs. The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton is a place where children participate in a variety of character

building, educational and recreational programs and are provided with an opportunity to set and achieve goals, make friends and have fun. For additional information or to make a tax exempt contribution, call 973-773-0966.

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Memorial Day, 2007 Cliftonites remembered those who died while in service to our nation at Memorial Day services on May 28 at the War Monument in Downtown Clifton. About 200 people attended the 11 am solemn service, which included the laying of wreaths to commemorate Clifton’s 301 war dead from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.

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June 2007 • Clifton Merchant

Readers respond: Last month, Vietnam Veteran Bill Van Eyk put out a call for sporting equipment to be donated to soliders serving in Iraq. Readers responded by dropping off 76 pounds worth of equipment at our Main Ave. location.

Another 153 pounds were dropped off at the other collection spot in

Fairfield. The Clifton FMBA donated $100 to the cause and the Phenomenal Grandmother’s gave $50. Thank you, one and all.

Clifton’s Relay For Life, an annual event run to fight cancer, begins at Clifton Stadium on June 30 at 2 pm and concludes on July 1 at 7 am. The idea is that for those

touched by cancer to participate as a team to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure. Those not running, can enjoy food, games and contests. At 10 pm, a luminary ceremony is held, as a lit candle is placed for each person who has been touched by cancer. For info, call 201-457-3418 ext. 2231.

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Quentin Roosevelt Post 8 Chaplain Edward Noll, Colonel Norvall Coots, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Piantanida and Post 8 Commander Roger Edmonds.

The American Legion Post 8 is collecting phone cards to send to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. To donate, call Noll at 973-523-7510.

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CCMS 6th grade math teacher Kim Dreher coordinated the second annual cutathon for Locks of Love. Pictured above are just some of the 40 girls, boys and teachers who cut 775 inches of their hair on May 21. The sheared locks are used to make real wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. For more info, visit www.locksoflove.org.

Happy Father’s Day from Dr. Moore, seen (at right) with his father Robert Moore and Dr. Moore’s son Max. On June 5 at 6 pm, join Dr. Moore to discuss Quality Time Living and Financing Your 100 Year Lifestyle. Also on June 19 at 6 pm, Acupuncturist Patti Safian will discuss Achieving Balance with Acupuncture.

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