Clifton Merchant Magazine - May 2004 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 10 • Issue 5 • May 7, 2004

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…on our cover

MAY

2004

inside…

Board of Education Results (2004) . . . . . . . . .18 Board of Education Results (1994) . . . . . . . . .26

What is the cost for the three parcels of land in the so-called Schultheis Complex? It depends who is doing the buying. That seems to be another point of contention in this process to build a Clifton School. The Case for School Space saga continues on page 12.

Memorial Day Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 We Remember Clifton Veterans . . . . . . . . . . .44 Board of Education Results (1989) . . . . . . . . .56 Unhappy with Current Leadership? . . . . . . . .63 Commerce & Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Funky Montgomery St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Cliftonia, Norselander, Lee’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Arts and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Birthdays and Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Clifton Youth Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

The Bird is the Word...

Do you have photos from the 1990s that we can use in our on-going Clifton history project? Mail them to the address below along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. See page 52.

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

Opinion by Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko

Where should Clifton build a new school? For the City Council, the answer seems to change depending on which way the wind is blowing. In Sept., 2003, after two years of studying sites, the Board of Education was gathering community input regarding potential properties, including Latteri Park. Rather than let the Board of Ed do its job, and allow the voters their say, the City Council held its own meeting. Feeling pressured by a group of residents called Clifton Unite, the Council unanimously passed a resolution agreeing to preserve the park. On May 4 the City Council once again hung the Board out to dry. Even though it was this same Council that recommended Schultheis Farm for the site during joint Board/Council meetings, when faced with hundred of residents pointing out the obvious flaws in that recommendation, they changed their minds. The Council, in a 7-0 vote, agreed that they would no longer purchase Schultheis Farm for a school. It is now the Council recommendation to start from scratch by holding public meetings in which sites can be considered. Isn’t that what the Board of Education and residents had been doing back in September? 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town SEE PAGE 90 TO SUBSCRIBE entire contents copyright 2004 © tomahawk promotions

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton cannot afford to waste any more time waiting for the Council’s support. It is apparent that they can change their minds again as quickly as the next anti-whatever group comes along. The Board needs to rely on Clifton’s voters and taxpayers. It is they—not just the City Council—who will ultimately pay for the school site and construction costs. It is time for the Board to put forth the recommendations made by the Community Advisory Board. Present Latteri Park to the voters. Let taxpayers make the decision. If It’s Free, It’s for Me. My wife and I are not the only ones in town who feel that the new school should be constructed on Latteri Park.

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Clifton Merchant Magazine: Our goal is to be a positive, fair and frank voice for our town. We will continue to be an advocate for good schools and efficient and fair government. It is our honor and pleasure to call Clifton home. These pages are open to you so send us your opinions, whether pro or con. Anonymous letters are never published. Be sure to include your name and phone. Two weeks ago, Bob Wittmann began circulating the petition on the facing page. At publication, 2,661 signatures have been collected and presented to the Council. The petition continues to be circulated and names will be presented to the Board of Education on May 19, 7 pm. Be sure to attend the meeting and let the Board know we want to build a school on Latteri Park. It is time for leadership which will solve the crisis. We don’t need more talk. Loss of Green Space? As parents of four, we have utilized most of Clifton’s 34 parks. We do not take the matter of converting a park to a school lightly. While we’re advocates of preserving open space, we believe the need for an additional school is more critical. And it is clear to us and 2,659 others that the solution presents itself in Latteri Park. Finally, thank you for voting yes on April 20 and passing the School Board budget. Our affirmation, no matter how narrow, shows that Clifton kids remain a priority. EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael McDonald ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Susan Garsky WRITERS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Fran Hopkins, Raymond Tulling

Petition

To the Clifton Board of Education, Mayor and City Council We the undersigned, residents of the City of Clifton, are in agreement that if a new school needs to be built in order to alleviate overcrowding within our middle schools and high school, we are fully prepared to approve the construction costs of such a school. We are not, however, prepared to approve the purchase of land to accommodate said school because our Board of Education already owns sufficient land. The Latteri property was given to the Board of Education for the purpose of building a school. The Latteri property does not need to be purchased. The Latteri property has no other schools within the immediate vicinity. The Latteri Property does not face contamination issues. The area surrounding the Latteri Property does not suffer from pre-existing traffic problems. The currently proposed site of Schultheis Farm would cost the city millions to purchase. There are already three schools within its immediate vicinity. There are existing traffic problems and street congestion with more to come from the Cambridge Crossings and Hovnanian developments. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests that a referendum to construct a new school on the Latteri property be placed before voters as soon as possible. We request that all necessary studies in order to expedite such a referendum be conducted immediately. We also request that the pursuit of Schultheis Farm be abandoned, and any additional expenditures related to its purchase be ceased. Name Please Print

Signature

Speak up to solve Clifton’s school space crisis! The names of the 2,700 who signed, plus any more we collect before May 19, will be presented to the Board of Education on May 19 at 7 pm. Attend the meeting!

Street Address & Zip Code

If you have already signed a petition, please do not sign again.

If you share our concern, please complete the petition and mail or deliver to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011. Copies of this petition, which are being circulated throughout the city, will be presented to our elected officials. Questions? Contact: Robert Whittmann 973-773-4387 • Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400 • Ann Bchakjian 973-472-2687 Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Alytha Abadilla Grace Abatangelo A. Abbate Mary A. Abdelmassil Joseph Aboushanab James Abramson Lauren Abramson Nelson Abreu Anna Abruscato Damaiis Acosta Milenus Adamov Natasha Adamov Barry Adams Craig Adams Eileen Adams Manuel Afonso Lucia Agnolet Carol Agnoli Thomas Aguiva Loretta Ahmad Mohamed Ahmed Jackie Alectoridis Andrew Alesso Grace Alfieri John Alfieri Rosario N. Alfieri Haifa Alhaw Fatima Alidina Inge Almuhtadi Ignazio Altizio David Alvarez Lou Amarose Michael Ambrose Manuel Angeles Elisabeth Angeli

Petition for Latteri Park Marie Angello Alex Anicito Lorraine K. Anicito Pat Anicito Patrick Anicito Patrick M. Anicito, Jr. Darlene Anton Richard Anzalone Beverly Apelian John Appleton Kathleen Appleton Teresa Aquillon Susan Araneo Natalie Arango Sergio Arce William Ardiff Janpei` Asher Lawrence Asher Carrie L. Askew Rosalie Aste Debra Atkens Nicole Atkens Robert Atkens Linda Ayers Mahnaz Ayoubi Mona Aziz Jack Babyak William Bacich Lisa Badrow Michael Bagley Cynthia Bailey Richard P. Bailey Mary Bakaletz

Michael Bakaletz Kathleen Bakarich Katie Bakarich Peter Bakarich John Baksa Jane Baldinger George Baldwin Bogdan Baran Kataryna Baran Rosemary Baran Angela Barat Ross Baratta Rick Barrela Carol Barna Daniel J. Barna Donna Barna Cathy Barnes Christopher Baron Helen Baron Thomas Barresi Elizabeth K. Barrett Janice Barry Laura Mocek Barry Laura Bartkowski Lisa Bartletta Anna Basile Judy Bassford Keith Bassford Kathy Basto Anne Bchakjian Maurice Bchakjian Lynn Becker Linda Beckoring

Although I signed the petition, I am concerned that it might be misconstrued as voicing opposition to the use of tax dollars to purchase Schultheis Farm for any purpose. This is not so. By signing, I mean to oppose using tax dollars to purchase the site for school purposes, since we already own property for this purpose, at Latteri Park. I am wholeheartedly in favor of using tax dollars to purchase the farm to maintain green space. The Master Plan states that ‘the City is dedicated to retaining all existing farms as open space.’ I wholeheartedly support this and urge the Council to spend my tax dollars in this fashion. In no event should the City permit Schultheis Farm to be sold to a developer for residential construction. Additionally, some members of the Council seem to think that we can get the State to help us clean and certify Athenia Steel in less than a year. If so, that should be done immediately. Perhaps we can then build a self-contained ‘Freshman High’ there, possibly with private road access to the high school across the street. This structure would be a complement to the Latteri Park school. The Board of Education and the Council must recognize that the vast majority of Clifton voters will not support the current proposal for an 8th and 9th grade school at Schultheis Farm, and no more time and money should be wasted on that. Ellen Nunno Corbo 6

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Diane Bednarz George Bednarz Irene Bednarz John Bednarz Linda Beirne James J. Bel Bruno Florence Belfondo Joseph Bell Ella Belli Josef Beloni Mary Beloni Teri Beloni Donald Benanti Marisa Benanti Vivian Bender Marie Benfante Thomas Bennion Jerilyn Bergen Kim Berke Matt Berke Arlene R. Bernett Richard Berthold Amy Bertolotti Ben Bertolotti Eugenia Bertolotti William Bess, Sr. Bryanne Bestherne Jacqueline Betz Deowattie Bhowandlal T. Bhowandlal John Bialoskorski Lisa Bialoskorski Helen Biege Helen Bistritz Amul Bitar Emilia Blazejewicz Charles J. Bobrowski Donna L. Bobrowski Bob Bodnar Nancy Bondonna Denise Bonin Kurt Bonin Dolores Bonkowski Mary C. Boos Nancy Booth Jean Botel Mark K. Botel Chris Botta Shari Botta Alice Boxman Bruce Boyko Dennis Boyko J. Boyko Michael Boyko Gerald Boyle Jose A. Bracamante Douglas Brocker Laurie Brody Bernard Broschowitz Ruth Broschowitz Don Brown Linda Brown William Brown Harold Brucato Joan Brucato Edna Bruckner Alexander Brunert

Peter Brunettii Christopher Brynczka Joe Brynczka Marge Brynczka S. D. Bujara C. P. Bujara H. Bulivar Janet Buonopane Erika Bush Scott R. Bush Donna Busha Robert Busha David Caccard Lino Calello Al Calvis Donna Camp Steven Camp Gerald Campbell Luciano Cancilleri Jennifer Canova Eileen Capaccio Paul Capaccio Karen Capezzati Domenick Capobianco Lillian Capobianco Frances Caprio Joseph Carabillo Saverio Caradonna Robert Cardillo Mary Cardy Joe Carlucci Janet Carnevale Joseph Carreno Anthony Casale Elizabeth Casapulla Diane Cassatly Ernie Casserby Palma Cattai Jayme Cavaiani Julie Cavanaugh G. Ceirovic Anthony Ceneri Karen Cerasiello C. Cerimido Mark Cerulli Amanda Cerullo Christopher Cerullo James Cerullo Mariesa Cerullo John Cerullo Dorothy Cervino Michael Cervino Georgene Cervone Mildred Cervone Elaine Chao Grace Charlock John Charlock Lisa Chasar Alejandra Chipoco Angela Chrisafinis Ed Christenson Helen Christy A. Ciampa Theresa Cibiniak Frank Ciccone Irma Ciccone Lisa Ciccone Joanne Cifelli Cindy Ciluick

James Corsi Carol Allen Covino Anne Cowan George R. Cowan George Cowan, Jr. Susan Cowan Teresa Cox Diane Coyle Barbara Craig Susan Criscola Michele Crocco Patrick Cross C. Crudele Andrea Cueci Beatrice C. Cunningham Olivia Curving Peter Curving Ed Cussick Mary Cvelic Matthew Cvelic Sue Daidone Todd H. Daigneault Pam D’Alessio Mildred Daley Michael Dara Kacy A. D’Arco Joanne D’Arienzo Fawzie Darwicle Alice De Bel Elias De Bel Francis De Blaise Peter De Blaise Ryan De Block Angela Degen Scott Degen Helen De Graaf John DeGraaf Maria DeGraaf

Congrats to Mr. Tahan, Mr. LaForgia and Ms. Renta in winning Trustee positions to the Board. Now some real work needs to be done. A few suggestions. Bag the Schultheis alternative for a new school and replace it with a referenda question to Clifton voters this December on the use of Latteri Park. The Board should also move quickly in moving away from the Mayer property and propose a comprehensive study on the feasibility of having another high school within Clifton. Half baked ideas and piecemeal solutions were the results of the last board—it’s time to hit the ground running with real vision. Matthew J. Ward Nick De Graaf Robert De Graaf Alfred Deleasa Cheryl DelGuercio Alice De Liberto Robert De Liberto James DeLillo Karen DeLillo Greg DeLorenzo Shirley DeLorenzo Jean DeLuca Nancy DeLuca Richard DeLuca Jesse DeLucca Mary De Mayo Agnes Dembiak Charles Denequola Chuck Denequola Kathleen Denequola Josephine Denzer Carolyn de Robertis Mark Derzsak

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Alfred Di Martino Joette Dimeo Dennis Dimun Judy Dimun Bert Disoteo Cathy Disoteo Allan M. Dob Carol Dob Esther Dogon Elaine Domyon Pat Donkersloot Richard Donkersloot Jennifer Donohue Marie Doomany Vasilios Doris Dimitrios Doris Dominic Doyle Kim Draney Robert Drucker Tina DuBois Russell J. Duca Lillian Duchnowski

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Petition for Latteri Park Robert A. Dyker Mrs. V. M. Dziedzic Al Eickenberg Lisa Eickenberg Robert Eickenberg Geraldine Eickhoff Richard Eickhoff Kathy Edel

Noha M. Edell Jacquel Edwards Bill Egatz Adelaide Elmes Francesca Emiliani James Emolo Ralph Eodice Diana Eperjesi

A Mired Building? The North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes the use of a former manufacturing facility, Mayer Textile Machine Corp., on Brighton Rd., for a public school. For over 40 years, Mayer Textile has employed hundreds of people and paid millions of dollars in Clifton property taxes. Due to a declining demand for textile machinery in this country, Mayer had placed a portion of their building (69,000 sq. ft.) on the market and found a buyer. Bringing this company to Clifton would result in about 100 new jobs, a ratable of over $90,000 and the inevitable positive impact on local merchants. Two weeks before the sale was finalized, however, the Board informed Mayer Textile of their interest in purchasing the building for a school and the buyer withdrew. Mayer is now left with the burden of maintaining an empty building, at a cost of $150,000 per year, pending voter approval of the financing to purchase and convert the building to a school. There is no doubt that Clifton must quickly find suitable space for new schools to relieve overcrowding. Our concern relates is that Brighton is a heavily traveled truck route. Mayer and their industrial neighbors generate a steady flow of truck traffic, including 18-wheelers coming and going all day. School buses and parents dropping off children will certainly block the flow of trucks along this corridor and hinder employees coming and going to work. It will also create an unsafe environment for students unless traffic restrictions are put in place. Such restrictions could have a direct impact on the ability of these companies to conduct business in the future.

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Gloria Martini, President North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce

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604 Van Houten Avenue • Clifton • 973.773.0802 Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Petition for Latteri Park Helen Kenny Robert Kenny Mark P. Kerns Tahir Khan Michael Kida Chris Kiefer Alfred Kienle Wayne Kienle Karen King Alvin M. Kipnis Edward Kishel Patricia A. Kishel Fredrick L. Kits Roselinda Kits Edyta Klawinowska Daniel Klein David Klerd David Klett Nina Klett Joyce King Ed Klimek Carol Kling Michael R. Klingler Robert Klinger

Gary Klunder Kellie Klunder Dorothy Knapp Arnold Kobernick Fran Kobernick Anna Kochan Beverly Kocsis Joseph Kofo Ed Kollar Lorna Kollar Ray Komar L. Komarowski Connie Komporlis Ana Kondel John Kondel Anita Kopec J. Kopec Kathryn Kopec Tom Kopec Coleen Kopitar Inge Koromhas Ted Kosinski Danuta Kosmider Shirley Kot

Can’t Sign It: I am 200 percent for not putting the school on Schultheis Farm. But as a 50 year resident of the City, I do not think that Latteri Park is the answer either. As a Clifton teacher for 35 years, I believe that we should expand our existing schools and keep children in their neighborhoods. This alternative would cut down on traffic and congestion. I’m sorry for not signing the petition but I cannot endorse an either/or option. Rose Lalli

Eugenia Kotys Roger Kouyoumdjian Pawel Koziol Wes Koziol Ruth Kracht Mary Kranik Florence Kravec Michael Kravec Walt Krawiec Jack Kreisberg Gary Kropilak Linda Kropilak Lena Krugsman Robert Krupinski Antoni Kucharyk Emil Kudlack Ethel Kudlack Leonard Kudlack Myron Kukuruza Irene Kuruc Claude Kurylo Suzanne Kurylo Barbara Kwasnik Ed Kwasnik Kristine Labanich Joseph A. Labriola Frank Lamanna Nicoletta Lamanna Kathy Lambert Rick Lambert Karen Langner Eleanor La Placa M. Lara Virginia Lataro Melissa Laufer

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Fred Loganchuk Rose Loganchuk Alan Login Susan Loikith Al Lombardi Kathleen Lombardi Fred Lombardo Sarah Lombardo Eleanor Longo L. Longstreet Edw. J. Looney Marie A. Looney Debbie Lopchuk Joe Lorenzo Mildred Losee Joe Lotorto Lisa Lotorto Yesenia Lozano Min Lu Thomas Lubanski Madeline Luczun John Lyons Pauline Macaluso Jean K. Mack O. Mack Vita Maggio Jennifer Maggiore Orlando Magrini Edward Maksym Elaine Maksym Phyllis Maksym Olen Maksymiw Helen Malagurt Yolanda Mancuso Greg Mandak Lorraine Mandak Donna Maolucci Edith Marchese Fred Margo Bruno Marino Gloria Marino Joyce Marino Joan Marmo Linda Marmo Margaret Marrale Anne Martin Dave Martin Robert Martin Kim Martinelli Candida Martinez Stasia Masny John D. Maso

Charles Mastroberte Pearl Mastrodonite Patrick A. Matano Donna Mate` Barbara Mathieson Tim Mathieson Donna Matulewicz Peter Matulewicz Gerald X. Mault Helen Mault Evelyn Maurer Cheryl Mauro Ray Mauro Bharat Mawdawia John Maxwell Anthony Mazzone Marisa Mazzone Martha Mazzone Patrick Mazzone Pauline H. McCann Alice McCarthy Kenneth McDonald Michael McDonald Susan McFarlane Harold E. McGinnis Linda McGinnis Ken McIntyre Wm. R. McIntyre Kevin McKay Lynne McKay Ruth McKay John P. McKenna Patricia McKenna Michael L. McLaughlin Eileen McNamee Kathleen Mcneese Madeline McPhee Denese McPherson Michele McStay Hannelove Meany Ashok Mehta M. K. Mehta Chelsea Melillo Janis Melton Robert Melton Laura Meltz Steve Meltz Liliana Mendoza John G. Mendykin Elizabeth Meneghin Paul Mercogliano Marco Merino

A Challenge: I would like to thank everyone who supported me during my run for the Board. Although I came up short, it was a gratifying experience where I made new friends and had the opportunity to discuss the educational issues facing our town. The biggest issue which became the focus of our campaign was the potential locations of the new school for 8th and 9th graders. What I found the most frustrating was the consensus that we need a new school but no one wanted it in their backyard. Whether it was an increase in traffic or the elimination of a park, people had reasons to oppose placement of the school. Thus, I am writing this letter as a challenge to our Mayor, Council and Board members to build consensus and place the appropriate referendum before the voters in December. Whatever the choice—Globe Properties, Athenia Steel, Latteri Park, Schultheis Farm—or some other site, we need to have ALL the facts so that voters will be able to make a meaningful choice. Based upon the facts that I have learned during the course of my campaign I will say that for right now Latteri Park does seem to be the best solution for this real and pressing problem. Mike Urciuoli Mary Merlo Carlos Mesa Yaneth Mesa G. A. Meyer Denise Michaels Jill Michal Barbara Mieczkowski John E. Mieczkowski Stanley Mikolajczyk Michael Mikulik Jeffrey Millar Sharon J. Millard Dorothy Miller Gaye Miller Robert Miller Steve Miller Matt Millerferli Matthew Millichap Shirley Milutinoviki Kathryn Miragliotta Henry Miskowir Jay Mistry Ranjan Mistry Ujwala Mistry

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Real Estate Closings Carl G. Zoecklein Attorney at Law

Marilyn Mitchell William C. Mocek Joy Mohrle Norma Moises Frank S. Molensky Ron Molnar Joseph Monaco Claire Mongelli John Montemurro Lorraine Montesano Vanessa Montesano William Montesano Bertha Montoya Monica Montoya Paula Moore Samantha Moore William Moore Carlos Moran Leo Morel Diane Moschetta Henry Moya Janet Mullin Alan Munoz Rose Muratore

Janet Muskardin Richard Muskardin Sonia Muskardin Joseph Musleh John Mustac Rosio Mustac Kiran D. Nahar Alfred Nahass George Nahass Johanna Nahass Gail Naletko Robert Naletko Adel Nammour Badeiah Nammour Hala Nammour Jumana Nammour Serene Nammour Philip M Napoli Ken Nazario Christine P. Neal Bill Neal Jacquelyn Neering Claire G. Neglia

please turn to page 92

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Schultheis Farm: The Proposed Solution Many Are Not Buying by Fran Hopkins

he Board of Education tried to get it right. Back in the Fall of 2001, a Community Advisory Committee was assembled and was charged with selecting a site for a school that would provide some relief for the pressing overcrowding at Clifton High School and the two middle schools. This group had just 11 volunteer members – diverse, interested citizens whose only goal was to help the town they love provide the best possible education for its children. The group was assisted in its mission by a variety of consultants who provided appropriate information to the group as needed. In 2002, the Committee originally recommended the Pope John Paul II site on Valley Road as the best solution to the school district’s space problems. But when then-Superintendent of Schools William Liess and some elected officials approached the Diocese about the property, they were told that it was not for sale; that the Diocese would be in the same boat as Clifton if it sold the school to the Board.

So the Committee went back to the drawing board. After another year of study and deliberation, in September 2003, they reported to the Board that, of the 18 sites evaluated, their reluctant site of choice was Latteri Park. Latteri Park is a 7.5-acre piece of property that’s been owned by the

“I still hope some other solution will be found. Schultheis doesn’t have to be the place. I’m hoping that God will intercede.” - Mayor James Anzaldi

Board of Education for more than half a century. It’s located in the Rosemawr section of Clifton, a part of town in which no public schools are currently located. The Committee proposed that a 1,700-student school for all of Clifton’s eighth and ninth graders be built there. So far, so good. A rational, logical process was followed by a cross-section of Clifton volunteers with no agendas, no political axes to grind—and no foregone conclusions. The Board of Education had done its job well.

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

The Schultheis Complex includes three properties:

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Schultheis Farm, above and at left, Aerodyne Engineering on Route 46 West, above right, and the home at One Broad St., right. If the December referendum passes, these properties would be purchased by the City Council (approximate cost $5 to 7 million) and then transferred to the Board of Education in exchange for Latteri Park, which is owned by the Board. Latteri Park would then be owned by the City. Voters in December also have an opportunity to endorse or deny the Board’s decision to purchase and renovate (approximate cost $13.5 million) the property at 290 Brighton Rd., currently known as the Mayer Building. This renovated building would accommodate 500 high school students.

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Case for School Space

A review of dates and facts...

Latteri Park is located off of Bloomfield Ave., in Rosemawr.

Council Gets Involved The Board of Education heard the Committee’s presentation on Sept. 24, 2003. It then scheduled a public forum for Oct. 28 to show an updated version of the presentation to interested city residents. At its Oct. 21 meeting, however, the City Council let it be known that it would not support the construction of a school on the Latteri property, voting unanimously (6-0 with Don Kowal missing) to oppose it. Several Council members explained why they took this step. “We want to preserve open space. Latteri is a neighborhood park,” said Clifton Mayor Jim Anzaldi.

“If we built a school at Latteri Park, then that would be the only neighborhood in town without a park,” stated Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej. Said Councilman Frank Gaccione, “Our Master Plan showed that we didn’t have enough open space. We didn’t want to take a park.” Jeff Gruen, a resident of the Rosemawr neighborhood where Latteri Park is located, heads up Clifton Unite, a group that’s been vocal in its opposition to a school at the Latteri site. Asked how his group had been able to convince the Council to oppose Latteri, Gruen responded: “We believe the elected City

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May 2, 1976: Official dedication of land to be known as Latteri Park. April 19, 1994: The $16 million Shulton purchase rejected by voters. April 11, 2001: The 11 member Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is given the task of researching an ideal site for a junior high school. Dec. 12, 2001: Supt. Liess announces he would retire July, 2002. May, 2002: The CAC submitted its initial recommendation that the former Pope Paul VI High School, on Valley Rd. now a Paterson Diocese Elementary School, be purchased.

July 31, 2002: Supt. Liess retires after 17 years and the CAC’s report languishes.

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Oct. 1, 1970: The Board, for $1 per year, leases the 7.5 acres to the City.

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Clifton farmers Al Schultheis and Al Schultheis Jr.

The Schultheises aren’t saying too much. And who can blame them? Al Sr., 63, and Al Jr., 38, find themselves at the center of the latest Clifton school controversy. The 5.8 acre family farm is a particularly hot commodity since the City Council and Board of Education decided that a school should be built there. The farm is still owned by the Schultheises, though, and for all their reticence about discussing their plans, it’s apparent that past dealings with the City of Clifton and the State of New Jersey have left a bad taste in their mouths. With its roots in the 1800s, Schultheis Farm prepared for the 21st century five years ago when the family was ready to order a $250,000 state-of-the-art greenhouse from The Netherlands. That’s when Schultheis first experienced bureaucracy at its most frustrating. “The City gave us the runaround,” Al Schultheis Sr. said. At first, the city’s zoning officer gave approval for construction of the new greenhouse—no variances. Thus, Schultheis forwarded a down payment and ordered the greenhouse. Soon, officials decided that a sophisticated drainage system would indeed be needed and that Schultheis would, in fact, need Zoning Board approval. He ended up having to hire a lawyer. He got the approval but it took months, delayed plans and cost thousands. Next, the State announced plans to shave off some of Schultheis farm to improve Route 46. More stalling and another runaround and still no action from the state. So what’s all this talk about the family having a multi-million dollar deal from a developer? Are they ready to sell? The Schultheises claim to be in the dark about their farm’s future and anyone’s plans to buy it. “We don’t get any straight answers,” Al Schultheis Sr. said. “All we know is what we read in the papers.” Father and son worked their chores as dad concluded: “The city can buy it at the going rate.”

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Clifton Merchant • May 2004

“Since our founding in Sept. 2003, we have consistently said that we stand for three things: assuring an appropriate school environment for our children, preserving all of Latteri Park, and finding a win-win solution.” - Jeff Gruen, Clifton Unite

Council members make public policy and are influenced by logic and facts. As Mayor Anzaldi stated at the April 19 City Council meeting, apparently four consecutive City Councils—stretching back for decades—have gone on record supporting preserving all of Latteri Park as a park,” Gruen said. “We’re not the first Council to tell the Board ‘no’,” Anzaldi said. “There is a disdain on the Council for using Latteri Park for anything other than a park.” With the ball back in the Board’s court, Board President Marie Hakim assessed the situation. “The City Council had made it known that they would not support the construction of a school on the Latteri Park site. They further offered to explore with us other sites.”

Dec. 11, 2002: Voters approve an $8 million bond to construct School #17, Clifton’s first new school since CHS was completed in 1962, but it does not address overcrowding at the middle and high school levels. January, 2003: An enrollment study predicted a growth of 953 students in Clifton Schools by Sept., 2007. An estimated 863 of these new students will be adding to the the two middle schools and CHS. Sept. 24, 2003: The CAC presented its new findings. They recommend building a 1,700-student school on Latteri Park, and a 500-student school at 290 Brighton Rd. Oct. 18, 2003: The Case For Space, an open public forum, was held at Clifton High School. Here, students and teachers talked about the problem of overcrowding. Oct. 21, 2003: The City Council voted 6-0 to oppose the use of Latteri Park. This was in response to growing opposition by Clifton Unite, which had collected 750 petitions. Oct. 28, 2003: The Case For Space 2 was held at CHS. This time, community members, including Clifton Unite which opposes the use of Latteri Park, were able to discuss potential solutions to the problem of overcrowding. Nov. 10, 2003: The first joint Board of Education and City Council meeting was held behind closed doors to discuss potential school sites. Nov. 25, 2003: A second joint Board/Council meeting was held behind closed doors. They had still not reached a consensus, but were re-considering several sites the CAC had ruled out.

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“I don’t blame them for not wanting to lose their park, but it’s not fair that Richfield and Albion should be expected to add a fourth school in an area that’s already too congested.”

Jan. 3, 2004: Members from the Board and Council went on a bus tour of Clifton to visit potential school sites. Jan. 9, 2004: Clifton Merchant Magazine published a revised list of potential school sites. These include Schultheis Farm and the Valley Rd. quarry, added to the list during the closed joint Board/Council meetings. Jan. 12, 2004: After a third closed joint Board/Council meeting, officials announced they had reached a consensus on a new school site, but did not disclose what that location is. Jan. 12, 2004: Municipal Attorney Gerald Friend writes to Schultheis Farms, LLC: ‘The City of Clifton is interested in purchasing the property in order to maintain it as open space, for recreational purposes or for the construction of of new school.’ Jan. 13/14, 2004: The Herald News followed up the Clifton Merchant Magazine article with its own stories, confirming the added locations by interviewing people from Schultheis Farm and K. Hovnanian Co. March 5, 2004: The joint Board/Council releases a statement announcing its consensus selection: the Schultheis Complex and the Mayer Building, 290 Brighton Rd. April, 2004: Opposition mounts to the selection of Schultheis Farm and a petition drive is launched. May 4, 2004: At its meeting, the City Council voted 7-0 to oppose the use of Schultheis Farm. This was in response to a show of 300 residents, which presented 2,661 petitions. Dec. 14, 2004: Referendum regarding Schultheis Complex and Meyer Building to be presented to the voters..

- Bob Wittmann, advocate for preserving Schultheis Farm

In addition, not even the entire Board supported Latteri Park. “There were some Board members who were not in favor of the park site and liked this idea of working with the City Council to explore sites,” Hakim said. “We learned from the past – Shulton – (see page 26) that without municipal leader support and without complete Board of Education agreement, referendums fail.” “Some have said that we shouldn’t have gotten involved,” Mayor Anzaldi said. “But I think it’s good that the Council got involved. We’re all one city. We’re trying to help the school Board solve a big problem. We wanted to find an idea that will work.” So during the 2003-2004 Fall and Winter, the Council and Board met several times to discuss and review other possible sites.

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Community Advisory Committee members from left front: Ethel Stein, Margaret Sichel, Linda Bandurski, Ellen Nunno Corbo, and Tom Lyons. At left rear, Nick P. Genchi, Fred Torres, Joseph Holmes, Harry Swanson and Richard DeLotto.

Budget Passes by 3; Tahan, Renta, LaForgia Win Seats The School Budget passed by just three votes with 2,493 Cliftonites casting their ballots in support of the ‘04-’05 budget and 2,490 voting ‘no.’ It was an emotional roller coaster of a week after initial tallies on Election Day, April 20, showed that the budget had been defeated. The outcome was reversed on April 27 once 23 provisional ballots – votes certified after the election – were counted. Top three vote-getters were Norman Tahan with 2,042 votes, Kim Renta 1,897 and Keith LaForgia, with 1,865 votes. All were elected to three-year terms on the Board and took their seats on May 5. Voters also authorized the expenditure of $541,000 for repairs and renovations at the High School, School 3 and School 8 by a vote of 2,852 to 1,853. Property owners will see a $250 tax increase on a home with an average assessment of $173,900 as a result of approving both the budget and the capital improvements. 18

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Attend But Remain Silent While the Community Advisory Committee chairs were permitted to attend these meetings, by a majority vote of the Council and Board, they were not permitted to speak and explain their findings (see page 32) nor share their logic in how they reached their decision. It was during these meetings that the Council brought to the Board’s attention that the Schultheis property, a 5.8 acre farm on Grove St., might be available. According to Anzaldi, “When we heard that Schultheis was being looked at by a developer, since Clifton has a long-time commitment to buying up farms to preserve open space, we offered to buy it and give it to the Board for a school in exchange for Latteri Park.” Clifton City Manager Barbara Sacks echoed Anzaldi’s commented: “We heard that (Schultheis) was getting ready to sell the farm to a developer for housing. Harry Swanson, our Director for Economic Development, went up there and asked him if he would sell it to the City or to the Board of Education. He said, ‘Sure, make an offer. I want to sell it and go live with my son in upstate New York.’” After sometimes boisterous, closed-door meetings (“There was yelling, there was shouting,” Anzaldi admitted), it was announced by the Board that the two elected bodies had reached a consensus on putting a school site proposal to the voters. On March 5, that consensus was said to be Schultheis Farm.

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Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;¢ May 2004

“This city better wake up and smell the coffee. The Board owns the Latteri property. It doesn’t need the Council’s permission to use it – it just needs the voters’ approval.” - Joe Holmes, Co-Chair, Community Advisory Committee

The Committee Chairs Get to Speak Ellen Nunno Corbo, the Committee’s co-chair, still thinks Latteri is the best choice. “It’s a practical solution,” she said. “The Board bought the Latteri property specifically in case it was ever needed for a school. It’s free, it’s clean, there are no environmental issues. Busing will be needed no matter where a school is.” Commenting on the Clifton Unite’s concern about losing their only park, Corbo said: “The Committee had two proposals for Latteri Park: one for a 1,700-student school on 6.5 acres, with one acre remaining for a park; and one for a 1,200-student school on 5 acres, with 2.5 acres for a park. We were very aware that the residents around the park would probably protest our recommendation, so we went out of our way to maintain some kind of recreational facilities for them in our proposals.” The continuing controversy over the school site misses the most important point, Corbo suggested. “We’re short on space, short on money, short on time.” Co-chair, Joe Holmes, voiced his frustration over the opposition to Latteri. “It’s an ideal place for a school,” Holmes said. “But a faction doesn’t want a school in their neighborhood. So the City Council said, ‘we’ll find another site.’ But if Schultheis doesn’t pass, we’re right back to Latteri.” Holmes is clearly distressed over the polarization of Clifton. “This City better wake up and smell the coffee,” he said. “The Board owns the Latteri property. It doesn’t need the Council’s permission to use it – it just needs the voters’ approval.”

Combining the purchase price and retrofitting costs, the cost of the Mayer building, 290 Brighton Rd would be $13.5 million. The renovated building would house 500 CHS students. The CAC proposal calls this the short range solution.

But the Board of Education has never officially closed the door on the Latteri site. “The Community Advisory Committee’s recommendations were not rejected,” said Board President Hakim. “A Board vote was never taken specifically on Latteri Park.”

Neighborhood vs. Neighborhood Driving up Van Houten Ave., you pass School 2, a K5 elementary school and, just a couple of blocks up on the same side of the street, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, a grades 6-8 school. Reaching the busy intersection of Grove and Van Houten, you turn right and quickly come upon Schultheis Farm (just across the street is the 14 acre Ploch Farm). The Farm looks to have School 2 just about in its backyard. That’s to mention that Clifton High School is only a few blocks away. Bob Wittmann lives adjacent to Schultheis Farm and is leading the opposition to build a school there. “We already have three schools – Woodrow Wilson, School 2 and Clifton High School – in this part of town,” Wittmann said. “The traffic congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times is already terrible. There will be gridlock twice a day if a 1,700-student school is built here.”

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

or some 32 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.

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But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity they already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment. Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process. “This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

“The Community Advisory Committee’s recommendations were not rejected. A Board vote was never taken specifically on Latteri Park.” - Board of Education President Marie Hakim

Mayor Anzaldi sees Wittmann’s point. “I’ve driven there in the morning and... traffic is an issue.” Wittmann notes that the only section of town that doesn’t have at least one public school is Rosemawr, where Latteri Park is located. “I don’t blame them for not wanting to lose their park, but it’s not fair that Richfield and Albion should be expected to add a fourth school in an area that’s already too congested.” A neophyte in the political process, Wittmann became “disgusted with the whole process,” he said. “The Council tells us to go to the Board, the Board tells us to go to the Council.” He started a petition drive. “Why squander millions of taxpayer dollars to purchase land when appropriate property is available at no taxpayer expense?” a recent anti-Schultheis flyer said. “Let the City Council know ‘OUR BACKYARD IS FULL.’ It is already overcrowded and unsafe for you, your children, and senior citizens.” (Ed. note: Wittmann and his group presented 2,661 petitions to the Council on May 4, which voted 7-0 to rescind its recommendation to purchase the farm and exchange it with the Board for Latteri Park.) When asked how he responds when it’s noted that his area of town is the only without a public school, Clifton Unite’s Gruen said, “First of all, if the unthinkable happened and Latteri Park were not preserved, we would be the only area of Clifton without a park. Secondly, one must recognize that this area is surrounded by four towns and that it is in a far corner of the city.”

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

he month of May is full of happy events and wonderful occasions to look forward to. First and foremost is Mother's Day. This is the one occasion when Mother becomes queen for a day. We have a variety of gifts for that special lady including earrings, bracelets, pendants, watches and many other gifts, which are sure to put a twinkle in Mom's eyes. For all the dads out there, remember the mother of your children deserves a Mother's Day gift. May is a big month for many other special occasions: college graduations, communions, and weddings. We have gifts to celebrate all these special occasions. We would like to share some interesting facts with you about jewelry insurance. When one insures jewelry with an insurance company, the company will increase your coverage every year approximately 4 to 5% to cover inflation. We are aware of one of these policies belonging to one of our customers and the coverage was much too high. After 10 to 20 years of coverage, the increases were well beyond the actual value of the jewelry. Naturally the premium was higher because of the unnecessary increases. Now is a good time to check your insurance policies and make sure this isn't happening to you. The birthstone for May is Emerald. The Greeks associated this stone with the goddess Venus. It has come to represent, for many people, the security of love. Emerald is said to aid healing diseases of the eye and problems affecting eyesight. It was believed that emerald could counteract poisons and cure dysentery. Have a very merry May and we'll talk to you again next month.

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Gruen was asked if his group would be willing to work with the anti-Schultheis group, the Council and/or the Board to propose an alternate location that’s agreeable to both parts of the city. “Since our founding in Sept. 2003, we have consistently said that we stand for three things: assuring an appropriate school environment for our children, preserving all of Latteri Park, and finding a win-win solution,” Gruen said. “We believe that the best solutions ultimately will help and unite all of Clifton. We trust that our elected officials have and are making the right decisions.” While Latteri Park as a school site would cost nothing because the Board of Education already owns it, the City will have to spend millions of dollars to buy Schultheis, plus the Aerodyne Engineering site and an adjacent Broad Street property, for a new school. But Anzaldi said, “Schultheis is going to be bought no matter what. As farms become available, the City is going to buy them.” As a result of the concerns expressed by Wittmann and his neighbors, the Board of Education commissioned a $5,800 traffic study of the Schultheis area in March. The results of that study, said Board Vice President Joe Kolodziej, should be available at the end of May or the beginning of June. “If the study indicates an overwhelmingly negative impact on the neighborhood, I doubt either the Board as a whole or the City Council as a whole would seek to pursue this alternate site,” Kolodziej said.

The Referendum Marches Forward Meanwhile, while the polarization of the City over the choice of school site rages on, the District is proceeding with its plans for a Dec. 14 referendum. (Page 28 explains referendum/state funding details.) Even the District seems to be hedging its bets. Although the actual wording of the referendum has not yet been written, there will be two questions posed, said Dr. Michael Rice, Superintendent of Schools. DAVID VASILENKO Sales As sociate

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Packed like sardines, Clifton’s public schools have 10,571 students, with an estimated 3,356 in CHS alone (a hallway pictured here). Classes are being held in the auditorium and cafeteria, and the city-wide student population is expected to increase by 200 per year. “We are the second-largest high school in the state of New Jersey,” CHS Principal William Cannici said during the Sept. 24, 2003 Board of Education meeting. “I don’t want to be number one.” “The first will ask voters to approve the construction of a new grades 8-9 school on the Schultheis Complex – Schultheis Farm, Aerodyne Engineering and a Broad St. property,” Rice said. “The second will ask their approval to use the Mayer Textiles building at 290 Brighton Rd. to house 500 students from the High School.” An 8-9 school at Schultheis would be ready in September 2007, while the Mayer building would be able to accept high schoolers a full year earlier, in September 2006. Rice explained that the future grade configuration for Clifton’s public schools is planned to

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Due to overcrowding, CHS social studies teacher Christopher Henry instructs his first three classes of the day in a cafeteria.

be grades K-5 in the elementary schools, grades 6 and 7 in the middle schools, grades 8-9 in the new school, and grades 10-12 in the high school. The goal of the December referendum is to relieve overcrowding in grades 6-12, espe-

cially at CHS and the two middle schools. “Currently there are about 3,300 students in the high school,” Rice explained. “In September 2007, we project that there will be about 3,887 high school students.”

Clifton Public Schools Projected Enrollment 2002/3: 2003/4: 2004/5: 2005/6: 2006/7: 2007/8:

10,282 10,533 10,743 10,967 11,140 11,235

Story continues on pg. 28.

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April 1994

Ten years ago, Clifton had a chance to solve its school overcrowding problems by purchasing the former Shulton industrial property, located near Route 46 and the Garden State Parkway. School officials envisioned a site that would feature two schools, Board of Education offices, and a recreational complex. “This is in the best interest of the community,” Board of Education president Frank Pecci told The Record in 1994. “We’ll never have to worry about overcrowding anymore.” “Big plans are what we need,” agreed Board member John Marchioni. “It’s about time this town decides to come to grips with the fact that we’re going to have to make some long-term decisions. We can’t keep making short-term decisions that don’t add up to anything.”

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The six candidates running for the Board of Education opposed the Shulton purchase—including the eventual 1994 winners—current Councilmen Stefan Tatarenko and Steve Hatala, and current Board of Education Commissioner James Smith. Even Clifton School Superintendent William C. Liess was onboard. “This is the way to go,” he said of converting the Shulton site for school use. “It provides for the facility needs of the district for the long term. It answers all the questions that we have to deal with in terms of meeting future enrollment.” Though Pecci and others believed purchasing the 42acre Shulton site made perfect sense, they acknowledged it would be a tough sell to the voters. The price tag for the property was large in 1994 dollars, $12 million, with another $3.8 million to convert the Shulton headquarters into a 50-classroom school for 1,500 students. Voters were asked to approve two referendums in the April 19, 1994, school elections: a 30-year, $16 million bond issue to buy and renovate the former Shulton facility, and a 25-year, $7.75 million bond issue for repairs on aging schools. “This is an opportunity for our future, not just for education, but for the whole community,” the Board’s Marie Hakim told The Record. “The price is a bargain. We couldn’t build a new school for that price. It will help us maintain a middle-class community and not go the way of Paterson and Passaic and so many others.”

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The six candidates running for the Board of Education opposed the Shulton purchase—including the eventual 1994 winners—current Councilmen Stefan Tatarenko and Steve Hatala, and current Board of Education Commissioner James Smith. “We have 18 buildings and only plans for one,” said Tatarenko, who with Hatala, was seeking a second term on the Board. “We talk about putting in a swimming pool or a skating rink but we haven’t really discussed it. I don’t know what to tell the citizens.” As dissension rose, the Board looked to raise cash to offset the Shulton price tag. Ironically, they turned to a property that would become a political football in 2004: Latteri Park. The Board offered to sell the 7.5 acre park for $2 million, but received no takers, including the City. “I’m pleased that nobody bid on it,” said a happy Mayor James Anzaldi. “The best thing to do now is for the Board to transfer the property to the City so it can remain a park for future generations.” With an eye toward the future, the Board of Education refused to sell the land to the City at anything but fair market value. “It’s still possible that we may need the land for a school building,” said Marchioni. “I’m not saying putting a school there is the best alternative, but it’s something that we should study.” Despite an advertising campaign fueled with $10,000 of Board money, Clifton citizens voted down the $16 million Shulton proposal by an overwhelming 7,327 to 2,338 margin. The $7.75 million bond issue for repairs on aging schools narrowly passed. Hatala got 6,286 votes, Tatarenko 5,082 and Smith received 4,528. Today, Cambridge Crossings and Winthrop Court, now under construction, inhabits the property—a 637-unit development that has become the poster child for over-development in Clifton. Along with adding traffic congestion to already crowded streets, it has pushed more students into Clifton’s already strained educational system. In 1994, Clifton voters decided overwhelmingly not to buy property to establish a school. It may be a vote they’ll long regret.

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If both questions on the referendum pass, this number would be reduced to 2,387: 1,000 ninth graders would move to the new grades 8/9 school and 500 high school students would move to the Mayer building. “If both questions go down, the city will be in very very deep trouble,” Rice said. “We need both to pass, but can continue to function at a minimum if one passes.” If voters approve a school at the Mayer site, then at least some of the overcrowding at the high school can be relieved by the relocation of 500 students to that building.

School Bond Referenda and State Funding State law dictates that ‘special school elections’ may be held only on the fourth Tuesday in January, the second Tuesday in March, the last Tuesday in September or the second Tuesday in December. They may also be held on the date of the annual school election, which is the third Tuesday in April, according to Josephine A. Kane, Director of Publications for the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). But finalizing the wording of referendum questions, such as the ones that will be put before Clifton voters in December, is no simple matter. That’s because, under the State’s Educational Facilities and Construction Financing Act, before Clifton can apply to the State for approval of a proposed facilities project (and for a determination as to the funding that will be available), it must first develop and file a ‘long range facilities plan’ with the State. Karen Perkins, Business Administrator and Secretary for the Board of Education, is working on this plan now. The Educational Facilities and Construction Financing Act makes available State funding for 40 percent of ‘eligible costs’ for school facilities projects. The State calculates eligible costs by multiplying the square footage allowance for a particular project, as specified by state guidelines, times a ‘per square foot’ cost allowance. Forty percent of that number would be the state aid amount. We asked NJSBA about the possibility of a referendum that allows voters to choose between school sites. “There is no provision in state law that allows school boards to hold a binding or non-binding ballot question to let people choose what part of town they want to site a new school,” said Mike Yaple of NJSBA. In other words, two sites cannot be placed before the voters. 28

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

A Park. Tight Streets. Neighborhood Opposition. Sound Familiar? Three years ago Carl Rossi was a member of a group of Botany Village residents that opposed the Board of Education’s plans to build a school in the county-owned park, Lower Weasel Brook. Residents didn’t want to lose the 3.6 acre park. They also expressed concerns about the heavy Central Ave. traffic. In support of their position, the group collected hundreds of signatures and wrote letters. Today, School 17, a grades K-5 elementary school scheduled to open this Sept., is rising on the site of the former Lower Weasel Brook Park. When the decision was made to build the school there anyway, Carl Rossi moved away, to another part of Clifton. He recalled his former neighborhood’s efforts to save its park. “We had 300 people sign our petition to save the park,” Rossi said. Rossi has a theory about why the Latteri Park neighborhood seems to have more influence than Lower Weasel Brook Park area residents did. “Latteri Park is more affluent,” he said. “People there are more involved in politics and in the community. “I’m for open space,” Rossi said. “But they’ve got to use the same criteria that they used for Botany Village.”

Hardly a Consensus, Is It Anyone’s First Choice? Some question the Council’s influence concerning a matter that is, in fact, the jurisdiction of the Board of Education. “It’s true that the Board can decide to use Latteri whether the Council endorses it or not,” Hakim said. “But based on our experience with the Shulton property, we know that there’s little chance to pass a referendum if the Council opposes it.” Board and Council members we spoke to stressed that, while Schultheis may have been the consensus choice, it wasn’t necessarily their choice. As Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej put it, “I can’t say that any of us felt that Schultheis was the number one choice. We all wound up compromising. Time was of the essence to get a referendum on the ballot for December.” “Schultheis isn’t my first choice but neither is Latteri,” Board President Hakim said. “I think that Latteri Park is too small. I still think that the Globe Products site would be better because of its size and location (Bloomfield Ave.).”

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A potential longer-term solution, Globe Products’ issues include the fact that it’s not for sale, it requires environmental cleanup, and its use would mean the loss of a tax ratable. Similarly, about Schultheis, Board member John Traier said, “I favored other locations. I’m concerned about traffic and the concentration of schools in the area. But the central element to me was the time it would take. Other sites would take longer and had environmental issues. So I reluctantly agreed.” Traier had concerns about Latteri too, believing that a school there “would change the character of the neighborhood. Areas of the neighborhood use (the park) intensely and it’s tucked away in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There are narrow streets. A three-story school building there would cast a shadow over the houses.” Traier said that he lives about half a mile from Latteri Park.

Athenia Steel Revisited Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej also prefers another site, Athenia Steel. “Many on the Council favor Athenia,” she said. “But the Board fears the environmental issues.” According to City Manager Barbara Sacks, “The part of the Athenia Steel property that was being considered for a school site

Put A School Here? At the former Athenia Steel site, a 125 unit senior citizens complex is under construction, above. The only entrance to the complex is actually a driveway on Clifton Ave., right, which offers a blind side to traffic because of the railroad trestle. Adding to the congestion is a privately owned plot of land currently for sale. When it becomes developed, it too will likely add congestion and cut down on visibility.

would require some remediation. The problem is, we don’t know what remediation would be involved or what pollutants are involved.” In other words, the costs and time associated with the site’s cleanup remain unknown. Sacks also noted that “There is a very noisy iron works by the school site that the school people said would be very distracting. It is very noisy there.”

Mayor Anzaldi also prefers the Athenia site. “The first inclination of the Council is Athenia Steel,” he said. While Anzaldi is aware of environmental concerns about Athenia Steel, he looks at it this way: “the biggest thing in society today is cleaning up ‘brownfields’ – taking old stuff and making it look good and new.” He suspects that the environmental cleanup would be “easier than we think.” Story continues on pg. 34.

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Sites Considered

If not Schultheis Farm,

Where? Dundee Island Ackerman Avenue on Passaic River • 11.7 acres • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Remote location – poor access • Environmental cleanup issue

Brogan Cadillac 775 Passaic Avenue • Under Contract - No longer available • Future site of an extended stay corporate hotel

Mayer Textiles 290 Brighton Road • School for 500 Students • 2.5 years for completion • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Total cost: $13.5 million dollars

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

These are the locations researched by the volunteer Community Advisory Committee before they made their recommendation to the Board of Education. The Committee comments include the cost, size, construction time, student capacity, location, environmental status and tax status of these properties.

Lawson Marden Building 10 Clifton Boulevard • 5.7 acres • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Remote industrial area • Environmental cleanup issue

Client Logic 120 Brighton Road • 3.3 acres • More expensive and difficult to refurbish than nearby Mayer property

Thompson Printing Company 60 Page Road • 2.6 acres • Dead end street • Environmental cleanup issue • High sale price

The Five Girls Property 200 Piaget Avenue • 1.5 acres – too small • Currently in use as school bus parking • Not for sale

High School Addition Home Care Industries on Richardson Property 333 Colfax Avenue 680 Van Houten Avenue • Clifton High School is already too big • In a long-term lease with property owner by educational standards • Carries same traffic access and • Would increase traffic flow at the high school, making the problem worse environmental issues as remaining Howe Richardson property

Pope John Paul II School 775 Valley Road • Almost 1000 students are educated daily by the Catholic Diocese at this school • Was formerly a functioning high school with a population of approximately 1500 students • Has plenty of parking and athletic fields • Not for sale

Parkway Iron & Metal 613 Route 46 East • 6.8 acres • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Poor access from Route 46 East • Environmental cleanup issue • Property cost: $12 million

Howe Richardson Scale 680 Van Houten Avenue • 17 acre property with 11 acres available • Traffic access problems • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Home Care Industries occupies six acres with a long-term lease • 6.5 years for completion • Environmental cleanup issue • Total cost to build: $70.7 million

Latteri Park Allwood Place & Hampton Road • No cost to purchase • No loss of a tax ratable • School for 1700 students • Total cost: $39.4 million • 3.75 years to completion • No eminent domain action necessary • Most cost effective solution

Athenia Steel Tract Clifton Avenue • Owned by the City of Clifton • 7 acres available at no cost • Traffic access issues • New site of senior citizen complex • Soil conditions are questionable

Globe Products 750 Bloomfield Avenue • 11.44 acres • Property not for sale • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • 6 years for completion • Total cost for school and property: $67.2 million • 90 percent rented • Environmental cleanup issue

School # 6 745 Clifton Avenue • Would serve 350 students if converted back to a school (too small) • $5 million for renovations • 2.5 years for completion • Administration offices would have to be relocated

Herald News Building 1000 Main Avenue • 1 acre – too small • Portion of building is located in Passaic • Another 4 acre industrial track is located to the rear of the property • $7-8 million

Capital Soap Complex 314 Colfax Avenue • 3 acres • Would be a loss of a tax ratable • Close to existing high school • 3.5 years for completion • Environmental cleanup issue • $25.4 million for little property and school

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

In the chess game that is Clifton politics, the City Council said ‘your move’ to the Board of Education when it voted 7-0 on May 4 to recommend that the Board remove Schultheis Farm from its December referendum. The Council also proposed that more joint Council-Board meetings be held in public to identify another site. A standing-room-only crowd effectively made its case to the Council that Schultheis Farm is a poor choice. Bob Wittmann presented the Council with petitions signed by about 2,700 residents in opposition to the construction of a school at Schultheis. Wittmann accused the City of attempting to force Al Schultheis to sell, an accusation that the Council vehemently denied. After returning to his office to get the file, City Attorney Gerald Friend read aloud from a letter received from Schultheis’s attorney on April 30 in which the negotiation of a sale price was discussed, stating that he had an offer from a developer. Afterwards, Wittmann said the Council addressed only one question on the petition and vowed to continue the campaign to solve the school space dilemma. He said the petition will next be presented to the Board of Education at its meeting on May 19 at 7 pm. Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej and others on the Council made it clear that they oppose the construction of a school at Latteri, or at any other park.

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Other Sites, Other Solutions? Despite the Council/Board consensus on Schultheis and a referendum set for December, there remains an undercurrent of hope that another site can be identified. “I hope that the Schultheis neighborhood is aware that the Council is amenable to other sites,” Councilwoman Kolodziej said. “As long as they’re willing to agree with the Council and the Board that additional space is needed for the children, we hope they’ll work with us to find an alternate site.” Mayor Anzaldi said, “I still hope some other solution will be found. Schultheis doesn’t have to be the place. I’m hoping that God will intercede.” Fran Hopkins grew up in Clifton and is co-owner of MessagePros LLC, an editorial services firm in Cedar Grove. She served as Communications Coordinator for the Cedar Grove School District and is a regular contributor to School Leader magazine, the official publication of the NJ School Boards Assoc. Contact her at hopkinsf@messagepros.com.

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Councilman Frank Gaccione also thinks that Athenia Steel should be reconsidered. “It was cleaned for senior housing. It could be cleaned for a school.” Board Vice President Kolodziej, too, favors the Athenia Steel site. “It is literally right next door to what was the Shulton property that many longer-serving Board members say was the ideal solution. The fact that the City plans to build recreational ballfields at this site makes this location all the more appealing to me since those ballfields could be used by the students at the junior high school,” Kolodziej said. In any case, the discussion of Athenia Steel may be moot, according to Economic Development Director Swanson. “Athenia Steel is not on the table now,” he said. “It’s been offered to the Board and rejected more than once. The City has completed plans now for a central recreation park there, with walking trails, bike trails, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, basketball courts and tennis courts,” Swanson said.

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Memorial Day, 2004 by Joseph R. Torelli

he picture reminded us of the part of the story we hate to think about. But there it was, inescapable in its presence on TV screens, the front pages of newspapers and on dozens of Internet sites. Now it is emblazoned indelibly in our minds as well. That image of row upon row of flag-draped coffins bearing the remains of US soldiers stowed away in the belly of a cargo plane, waiting to be shipped home from the war in Iraq, hit with the force of ice water to the face.

If anyone needed a reminder that America is at war, that simple but poignant photograph provided it in all its ghastly horror. Such pictures were fairly standard stuff 35 years ago during the height of the Vietnam War. Vivid images from battlefields were regular features in newspapers and on television, reminding us daily of the grimness of war. This war has been different. The Pentagon has exercised tight control over the images sent back from Iraq and Afghanistan,

imposing an explicit ban on pictures of flag-draped caskets. That ban was ignored on April 18, however, by Tami Silicio, a defense department contract worker in Kuwait who allowed her photo to be published in the Seattle Times. She and her husband David Landry, also a defense contract worker, were fired by their employer as a result. Publication of the picture couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more timely. As we prepare to observe another Memorial Day, a day dedicated to

A salute and honors for the remains of US soldiers arriving at Dover Air Force Base. Photo: Tami Silicio

May 2004 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

remembering those who died in service to our country, our focus will naturally and rightfully be on the past. Yet, amid the solemnity of memorial services and the pageantry of holiday parades we should not overlook, or forget, those who are serving today. On this Memorial Day, come to Main Memorial Park at 10 am and

acknowledge the sacrifices of all who paid the ultimate price for democracy and freedom in wars past. We’ll also remember the sailors and soldiers who today are serving—and dieing—for the liberty we treasure so much. As is our custom at Clifton Merchant Magazine, on pages 44 to 49, we once again honor our city sons who died in service to America.

This year, we also pay tribute to Michael Gulywasz, another of our city’s many heroes from WWII who earned two Silver Star medals for gallantry in combat. Finally, we include the story of 19 year-old Lance Dearing, a 2003 CHS graduate who will be leaving home on May 25th to begin basic training in the US Navy.

Officers Remembered by Clifton Moose #657

Family members of Fire Dept. Captain Gary Bolcar accepted the lodge award for Firefighter of the Year 2004 at an informal ceremony held at Moose #657 hall. Capt. Bolcar died in a motorcycle accident October 9 while he was off duty. A 20 year veteran he was the son of retired Deputy Chief Charles Sr. and the brother of active duty fireman Charles Jr. He left behind his wife Elycia and two daughters Olivia and Jillian. His award will be held by his family. 1313 Van Houten Avenue • Clifton, NJ 07013 Phone 973 546-2000 • Fax 973 779-3749 Timothy J. Bizub, Mgr. NJ Lic. No. 4022

515 Lexington Avenue • Clifton, NJ 07011 Phone 973 777-4332 • Fax 973 772-0108 Thomas J. Bizub, Mgr. NJ Lic. No. 2732

www.bizub.com 1370

lifton Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #657 honored the memory of two deceased public safety officers. Motorcycle Officer John Samra, who was killed in the line of duty November 2, 2003, was named police officer of the year. Samra, a CHS graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran, became the first officer in the history of the Clifton Police Dept. to be killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle he was attempting to stop during an investigation. Samra’s award will be mounted outside Clifton High auditorium in his honor. The officer was not married.

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

He’s Ready to Ship Out A

s Lance Dearing put it, he was “pretty bummed out” when he had to have surgery last year to repair a tendonitis problem in his knee. It wasn’t that he was afraid of the procedure or unduly concerned about the pain; the 2003 CHS graduate was more annoyed because the surgery set him back eight months in his quest to become a US Navy SEAL. The navy SEAL team is considered one of the most elite combat forces in the world. “Those guys are tough and motivated,” said Dearing. “I’ve wanted to be a SEAL ever since I was in the seventh grade.” SEALs operate in a variety of demanding and challenging circumstances. From the water, air, or land, they have to be able to adapt to nearly any environment using teamwork, training and high-tech equipment to accomplish their missions. At any time a SEAL might have to travel in stealth watercraft like submarines, descend to earth in high-altitude parachutes, or don desert, jungle

or arctic camouflage in pursuit of an enemy, or while on dangerous reconnaisance missions. Dearing believes part of his motivation for wanting to become a SEAL stems from his competitive swimming background with the Clifton Boys and Girls Club and at CHS. “I always found it challenging to be part of a team focused on a goal,” said the Albion resident. “Nobody is more focused than a SEAL and I want the challenge of being one of them.” In just a few short weeks, he’ll begin that challenge when he leaves his Clifton home on May 25th for the Navy’s Great Lakes training base in Illinois. Following boot camp there, he’ll train to become a hospital corpsman, since all Navy personnel are required to train in a specialized field before being considered for the SEAL team. At that point, the Albion resident finally will be eligible to apply for SEAL training, one of the most physically demanding and mentally challenging regimens in the US military.

From left, Lance, his grandfather Charles Duhrkoop, Lance’s parents Robert and Janet, ex-Seal Joe Dearing, friend Rob Tropeano and sister Jaimee.

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Lance Dearing

Being accepted into the SEAL training program is considered a major accomplishment in itself. Only a handful of candidates who apply actually get in, and of those who do qualify, only a small percentage succeed. But Dearing remains undaunted by the odds. Military service runs in his family. His grandfather served in the Army, and his father was in the US Air Force. He also has an uncle who spent over 20 years in the Navy, most as a SEAL. But Dearing wanted to make it clear that his decision to enlist and his drive to become a SEAL have little to do with family history. “As a US citizen, I want to do this for the country,” he said sincerely, without a hint of artificiality in his voice. “I’m not naïve; I understand the reality of the war in Iraq and I’d rather be there, helping out. As a hospital corpsman, I expect to be there.” Dearing’s father agreed with his son about his motivation. “Nobody’s pressuring him,” he said. “Lance has a lot in common with his uncle, but this decision is his alone. We’d rather he not be in

danger, but we can’t stop him. It’s his choice and all we can do is support him.” If Dearing succeeds in his mission to become a SEAL, he’ll be joining the ranks of another Clifton native, Richard Haas. Haas became a SEAL in 1988 and was promoted last year to Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest enlisted rank in the US Navy.

Master Chief Ricky Haas, Navy Seal and Clifton resident.

Remember the Veterans

atriotic events honoring veterans are conducted in public places and in cemeteries throughout America every Memorial Day. First established in 1868, Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day for the wreaths, crosses and bouquets left on veteran’s graves. The name was later changed and the day declared a national holiday in 1971. In Clifton, there are numerous events. On Sunday, May 30 at 7 pm Troop 3 Scouts continue a tradition of decorating the area around the War Monument in Main Memorial Park with an American Flag for every Cliftonite killed during war. At the Monument on Monday at 11 am, veterans and others gather for a solemn service. One regular feature will be missing, however: the Marching Mustangs will not perform as they will be representing NJ at the dedication of the new WWII monument in Washington, DC.

Here is a round-up of other patriotic events conducted on May 31: The Allwood VFW Post 6487 parade steps off at 9 am at Hepburn Rd. and concludes with services at Chelsea Park next to the Allwood Library. Albion VFW Post 7165 hosts services near a monument in the park on Maplewood Ave. at 10 am. At noon, the Military Order of Purple Hearts #366 pauses and reflects in front of the Main Library. American Legion Post 347 is holding services at the Post’s home on Lake Ave. at 12:30 pm. The Athenia Veterans Post services at 2 pm on Huron Ave. Drinks and food are served at conclusion. Tour the campus of city hall and see a spectacular patriotic display of over 500 American Flags. If you’d like to help with the set up or breaking down of these flags, call John Biegel at 973-471-8828 or Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264.

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Clifton’s ‘Angel At Dawn’ T

he raid began at precisely 0700 hours on a steamy Philippines’ morning in February 1945. A little more than two hours later, after a daring but perfectly coordinated attack, the soldiers, paratroopers, and amphibious units of the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division had liberated more than 2,100 civilian prisoners of war from a Japanese POW camp in the jungle village of Los Banos. Among the many hero soldiers engaged in the vicious fighting that day was Private Michael Gulywasz, a paratrooper from Clifton. As he approached the heavily fortified prison camp that morning as part of the advanced scouting team, Gulywasz, no stranger to combat, was ready for what lay ahead. He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division’s reconnaissance platoon since volunteering for the unit in 1943 and had fought in a number of major clashes throughout the Philippines, including the pivotal battle for Manila. And just three weeks prior to the Los Banos raid, Gulywasz had volunteered to join a vitally important nighttime reconnaissance mission operating behind enemy lines.

On Aug. 30, 1945, S/Sgt. Michael Gulywasz (at right) preparing the first American flag to be raised over Japan, at Atsugi Airport, Tokyo. Also pictured: Lt. Edward Jacobs, Pvt. Franklin Tieg, Pvt. Herscel Stone.

Despite drawing heavy fire several times while on recon, he and his unit were able to come away with information that proved invaluable to defeating Japanese forces in a major battle at Luzon in the days that followed. But even with their extensive experience as hardened combat veterans, Gulywasz and the troops of

the 11th Airborne Division approached this raid on Los Banos with extreme caution. They knew that execution would not be easy since the prison was located some 25 miles inside Japanese-held territory. In addition, there were thousands of Japanese forces within a short march of the camp, and the 11th Division’s commanders

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Gulywasz and his wife, Wilma Jean.

had limited knowledge of the conditions of the civilian prisoners they were being sent to liberate. Nevertheless, the carefully planned invasion worked to perfection. In brief but fierce hand-tohand skirmishes, the Japanese guards were either killed or sent fleeing, and the prison internees were rounded up and quickly evacuated before Japanese reinforcements could respond. In a remarkable tribute to the careful planning and heroic execution of the strategy, all of the 2,122 internees were rescued and moved behind US lines, while not a single soldier in the raiding force was lost. 1011

FROM

Gulywasz’s heroics did not go unnoticed. Shortly after the liberation, he was awarded a Silver Star for his valor at Los Banos, and a second Silver Star for his bravery while participating in the reconnaissance mission just before the Battle of Luzon. His unit also was honored for their heroics, receiving two separate presidential citations for valor. When the war ended, Gulywasz returned to Clifton and his young wife, Wilma Jean, who he had married while on a three-day pass just before he shipped out overseas. The two raised a family of two sons and a daughter, and the veteran didn’t talk much about the war or his heroics as he went about earning a living at area companies such as Dumont Television and Curtis-Wright. Then in 1994 Gulywasz was invited to attend a luncheon sponsored by the Philippine-American Veterans Association. “When I got there they really surprised me,” said the still-modest Clifton resident. “They told me I was the guest of honor because of what I did during the war. After dinner, the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations presented me with The Philippine Liberation Medal. Imagine that.” Gulywasz’s wife passed away in 1999 and while he still misses her.

LER PETER EAG

His daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren live close by, and he is an active member of American Legion Post 8 in Clifton. Despite his two Silver Stars and various other commendations, Gulywasz still doesn’t view his role in WWII as particularly heroic. “Sure, your blood boils when you’re in those situations,” he said, “but then you just do what you were trained to do.”

The story of the 11th Airborne Division’s liberation of the Los Banos POW camp is chronicled in the book, Angels At Dawn, by Lt. General Edward M. Flanagan, Jr. USA (Ret.). It is published by Berkley Books, New York.

May, 2004

nd to pause a e m ti e th se take ation. l Day, plea a ri o m e ns in this n M ra te e V This r u o es of the sacrific remember Sincerely,

, n Residents Dear Clifto

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In Memoriam

World War One

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Louis Ablezer Andrew Blahut Timothy Condon John Crozier Orrie De Groot Olivo De Luca Italo De Mattia August De Rose Jurgen Dykstra Seraphin Fiori Ralph Gallasso

remembers those men from our town who died while in service to our nation. The following is a list of their names, organized by the war in which they served.

Otto Geipel Mayo Giustina Peter Horoschak Emilio Lazzerin Joseph Liechty Jacob Morf, Jr. William Morf Edwin C. Peterson Robert H. Roat Alfred Sifferlen James R. Stone Carmelo Uricchio Angelo Varetoni Michael Vernarec Cornelius Visbeck Ignatius Wusching Bertie Zanetti Otto B. Zanetti

Because the memory will live forever. Over the past year, we have had the privilege of serving the families of many veterans. In recognition of the service these veterans rendered to their country, we would like to show our appreciation this Memorial Day. In memory of their lives and their service, we recall... John C. Carter Micheal Boccadoro John Ackerman Peter Worschak William Sicheri Ben Babula Henry H. Ploch Rudolph DiNapoli Charles F. Cavaini Anthony DeMarco Frank M. Waller Edward H. Holovach

World War Two

Lawrence J. Hughes Romeo Giandon John Bruning Robert E. Schabel Norman Zampese Anthony Tripodi Edward J. Troll William J. Caratenuto, Sr. Dante Elia August Friedrick

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Joseph Sperling Charles Peterson Thomas Donnellan Jerry Toth Frank Lennon Joseph Carboy Julius Weisfeld Edward Ladwik Israel Rabkin Peter Pagnillo Harold Weeks Salvatore Favata Herman Adams Edward Kostecki Charles Hooyman, Jr. Salvatore Michelli Richard Novak James Potter Adam Liptak John Van Kirk Carlyle Malmstrom Francis Gormley Charles Stanchak Joseph Ladwik Karl Germelmann Robert Stevens Albert Tau

Dedication of honor roll at Clifton Ave. and Clifton Blvd. June 6, 1943. From left, Post 8 Commander Frank Lozier, John H. Olson and George Binns. Photo: Thomas Styles.

William Scott Benjamin Puzio James Van Ness Gregory Jahn Nicholas Stanchak Frank Smith, Jr Carl Bredahl Donald Yahn Joseph Belli Edwin Kalinka Stanley Swift Charles Lotz Joseph Prebol Walter Nazar Benedict Vital Thaddeus Bukowski Leo Grossman Michael Kashey Stephen Messineo John Janek John Yanick Herbert Gibb William Nalesnik Joseph Sowma Bronislaus Pitak

Harry Tamboer John Olear Johhn Koropchak Joseph Nugent Steven Gombocs Thomas Gula Raymond Curley Harry Earnshaw James Henry John Layton Charles Messineo Joseph Petruska Bogert Terpstra John Kotulick Peter Vroeginday Michael Sobol Donald Sang Andew Sanko George Zeim, Jr. Robert Van Liere Vernon Broseman Harold O’Keefe Edward Palffy Dennis Szabaday Lewis Cosmano

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Stanley Scott, Jr. Charles Hulyo, Jr. Arnold Hutton Frank Barth John Kanyo Bryce Leighty Joseph Bertneskie Samuel Bychek Louis Netto David Ward Edward Rembisz Lawrence Zanetti Alfred Jones Stephen Blondek John Bulyn Gerhard Kaden William Lawrence Robert Doherty Samuel Guglielmo Robert Parker Joseph Molson Stephen Kucha

James De Biase Dominick Gianni Manuel Marcos Nicholas Palko William Slyboom Herman Teubner Thomas Commiciotto Stephen Surgent Albert Bertneskie Charles Gash Peter Jacklin Peter Shraga,Jr. John Aspesi Micheal Ladyczka Edward Marchese Robert Stephan Roelof Holster, Jr. Alex Hossack Siber Speer Frank Klimock Salvatore Procopio Harry Breen

Gordon Tomea, Jr. Douglas Gleeson Fred Hazekamp Harold Roy Andrew Servas, Jr. Francis Alesso Walter Bobzin Vincent Lazzaro John Op’t Hof Joseph Sondey John Zier Peter Hellrigel Steve Luka Arthur Vanden Bree Harold Baker Hans Fester Patrick Conklin John Thompson Thomas Dutton,Jr. Harold Ferris,Jr. Donald Freda Joseph Guerra

In 1942, Mayor William Dewey attended the dedication of the honor roll at the Italo-American Circle of Albion Place, Valley Road. Pictured from left are Chester Bartoli, Tessie Pascrell, George Toscano, Mayor Dewey, and Norma Bartoli. From the photo collection of Ralph Eodice.

Edward Hornbeck William Hromniak Stephen Petrilak Wayne Wells Vincent Montalbano James Miles Louis Kloss Andrew Kacmarcik John Hallam Anthony Leanza William Sieper Sylvester Cancellieri George Worschak Frank Urrichio Andrew Marchincak Carl Anderson George Holmes Edward Stadtmauer Kermit Goss George Huemmer Alexander Yewko Emil Chaplin John Hushler Edgar Coury Robert Hubinger Wilbur Lee

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William Niader Alfred Aiple Mario Taverna Sebastian De Lotto Matthew Bartnowski John Bogert Joseph Collura Matthew Daniels James Doland, Jr. Walter Dolginko Peter Konapaka Alfred Masseroni Charles Merlo Stephen Miskevich John Ptasienski Leo Schmidt Robert Teichman Louis Vuoncino Richard Vecellio Robert Hegmann Ernest Triemer John Peterson Richard Vander Laan, Jr.

On June 18, 1944, this honor roll was dedicated at Clifton & Randolph Avenues. It was one of about a dozen neighborhood billboards that were dedicated during World War II in all sections of Clifton. The first was posted November 11, 1942 in Main Memorial Park. Vito Venezia Joseph Russin Ernest Yedlick Charles Cannizzo Michael Barbero Joseph Palagano William Hadrys

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Korean War

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Donald Frost Ernest Haussler William Kuller Joseph Amato Herbert Demarest George Fornelius Edward Luisser Reynold Campbell Louis Le Ster Dennis Dyt Raymond Halendwany John Crawbuck Ernest Hagbery William Gould Edward Flanagan William Snyder Allen Hiller Arthur Grundman Donald Brannon

Alfred Pino Thomas Dando William Sipos Bohdan Kowal Robert Kruger, Jr. Bruce McFadyen Carrol Wilke Keith Perrelli William Zalewski Louis Grove Clifford Jones, Jr. George McClelland Richard Corcoran John Bilenski Donald Campbell James Strangeway, Jr. Donald Scott Howard Van Vliet Frank Moorman Robert Prete Guyler Tulp Nicholas Cornato Edward Deitman

Richard Cyran Leszek Kulaczkowski William Malcolm Leonard Bird John France Stephen Stefaniak Jr.

Nov. 8, 1961 Plane Crash Robert De Vogel Vernon Griggs Robert Marositz Robert Rinaldi Raymond Shamberger Harold Skoglund Willis Van Ess, Jr.

Join us for services at the War Monument in Main Memorial Park, Memorial Day, May 31, at 11 am. Photo by Al Zwiazek

We Salute The Men & Women Who Have Served America To Keep It Strong & Free

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2004 Clean Communities Awards Clifton Adult Opportunity Center School Number Sixteen School Number Fifteen School Number Fourteen School Number Thirteen School Number Twelve School Number Eleven School Number Nine School Number Eight School Number Five School Number Four School Number Three School Number Two School Number One St. Paul School St. John Kanty School St. Brendan School St. Philip the Apostle School St. Clare School St. Andrew the Apostle School Sacred Heart School Cub Scout Pack #22 Christopher Columbus Middle School Woodrow Wilson Middle School Rotary Club of Clifton Clifton High School Conservation Club Delawanna Citizens Association Lakeview Civic Association Dutch Hill Residents Association Boys & Girls Club of Clifton

May 2004 â&#x20AC;¢ Clifton Merchant

On April 1, 2004, the groups listed on these pages were honored for their contributions to keeping Clifton Clean, Green and Litter Free! Photos by Susan Garsky

Botany Village East Clifton Residents Association PSE&G Garden Club of Clifton Friends of Morris Canal, Jack Kuepfer Passaic County Sheriff’s Department K. J. B. Landscaping Big Mike’s Landscaping Jason Koch Landscaping Essential Landscaping Yagins Construction Landscaping Joseph Lauritano Landscaping Thumbs Up Landscaping Post #8 American Legion Passaic County Elks Greg Baron Hope Reformed Church J. F. J. DelGado’s Contractor Jack Mayo Landscaping Property Services Landscaping Inc. Gonzalez Landscaping Ken’s Landscaping G. D. Landscaping

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Recent Clifton History

Mayor James Anzaldi Dot.com boom… then bust... Bill Clinton’s Oval Office escapades, the New York Yankees’ return to postseason dominance—all these events defined the nineties. And in Clifton, the decade was stamped by one man: Mayor James Anzaldi. Anzaldi, the son of a postman from Passaic, was the top vote-getter in City Council elections in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 and has presided over Clifton during one of its most prosperous and challenging times.

During the nineties, the city began to burst with new residents, homes, buildings and businesses. Demographics also changed, as Clifton became one of the more diverse communities in North Jersey, home to many people from the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Throughout every change, Anzaldi was there—to share in both the credit and blame for the city’s fortunes. His supporters tell of his care, compassion and concern for his constituents, his indomitable work ethic—performing as a full-time mayor on a part-time salary—and his boundless love for his hometown. His critics say Anzaldi loves his job almost too much, sometimes making a decision based on how it affects his reelection chances. To the mayor’s credit, during the nineties Clifton became a vibrant, bustling city, full of new citizens, business and gigantic retail stores. But Anzaldi also has to accept responsibility for the increased traffic congestion, overcrowded schools and explosive development—all that have impacted Clifton’s quality of life and strained city services. On the following pages, Clifton Merchant Magazine presents the continuing history of our great city. Beginning in 1988 (where the section ended in our March issue), Clifton moves through the last of Mayor Gloria Kolodziej’s term into the Anzaldi years. The city’s history will continue in an upcoming issue. Regarding this project, the original research was compiled by Antoinette Dashko and edited by Jack DeVries. The Clifton Library also contributed much to the project and was extremely generous with it staff time and resource materials. Though we’re proud of the work, we acknowledge there is more to Clifton’s history and we’d like your help in collecting it. Please send us your stories, photos and memorabilia so we can continue to tell Clifton’s story. You may visit or write to us at: Clifton Merchant Magazine/Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue, Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 tom.hawrylko@verizon.net.

In June 1998 Mayor Jim Anzaldi and then-President of Clifton Savings Bank Kenneth Van Saders were on hand to open the new headquarters of the institution on Van Houten Ave.

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Tires / Tire Service Since May 1, 1960, Starr Tire has been serving Clifton. It is a tradition which will continue. As you may know, we are in the process of selling our building. During this change, we remain open, offering the best prices on new and used tires and tire service.

Starr Tire is still at 276 Clifton Ave. and ready to serve you. Stop by and see Bob, Jerry and Joe for best buys on tires.

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Sept. 30, 1988: BASF celebrates its 25th anniversary in Clifton and breaks ground on a new $6 million wing to be called “The Graphic Systems Center for Applied Printing Technology,” expected to be completed in June 1989. BASF came to Clifton after a group of its chemists relocated company laboratories from New York. BASF employs about 550 at its divisional headquarters at 1255 Broad St.. Oct. 9, 1988: After 18 months of controversy, the Planning Board rejects the application of Crest Management to build 81 condos on the steep slopes of Garret Mountain. Oct. 5, 1988: The Denman & Davis Steel Co. celebrates its 100th year in business, including 31 years at Hazel and Broad Sts. Oct. 9, 1988: Continental Chemical Company is again the cause of a noxious cloud. Police advise residents to close windows and evacuate Weasel Brook Park before learning the fumes are non-toxic. Nov., 1988: Residents vote by a 3-2 margin to change from a Board of Education with Trustees appointed by the Mayor to one which allows voters to select Board members. Clifton’s first Board of Education election will be held in April, 1989. Only three of the nine members will be up for election.

Nov. 30, 1988: The US Department of Justice brought charges against Juozas Kungys, a Clifton resident, alleging he had participated with Nazi occupying forces in the mass execution of more than 2,000 Jewish civilians in Kedainai, Lithuania, on August 28, 1941. Dec. 22, 1988: Two armed men hijack an armored car making its first delivery at First Fidelity Bank, 66 Mt. Prospect, and escape with an $3-5 million. The FBI determines the holdup was masterminded by employees of the armored car company, Coin Depot Corporation. Jan. 1, 1989: Grace Church on Hazel St. celebrates its centennial. Feb. 4, 1989: Over 350 people attend the Polish University Club of New Jersey Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award Ball. Clifton Mayor Gloria Kolodziej is the recipient of the prestigious award. Feb. 5, 1989: A study done by the city tax assessor finds Clifton’s tax rate to be the lowest of 15 major cities throughout the state. Feb. 17, 1989: Joseph Lynn retires after 20 years of service to Clifton. Lynn’s dual positions as director of purchasing and personnel were eliminated with the duties being split between two municipal employees. He also served as City Manager from 1982-1987.

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May 9, 1989: St. Paul Church, at the corner of Union Ave. and Second St., marks its 75th anniversary with a year-long celebration. (Ed. Note: The church this year is marking its 90th anniversary with a dinner dance on June 6.) Feb. 22, 1989: A group of Egyptian generals visit the United States to purchase $1.5 million worth of video equipment from TeleMeasurements Inc., in Clifton. They will use the communication devices for a 2,500 seat teleconference center in Cairo.

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April 4, 1989: Clifton holds its first ever board of education election. The candidates selected from a group of 29, will serve on the board for three years. The first elected school board members are Frank Pecci, Dr. Margaret ReillyPetrone and Kenneth Kurnath. Here’s a look back and a synopsis of those who ran—some familiar names—and a recap of the issues: • Richard B. Garibell is vice-principal of School 15 in Paterson and has been employed by the district for 18 years. He is a former vicepresident of the Paterson Education Association. • Dr. Joel W. Rosenberg, 47, has a urology practice in Clifton and is a former trustee of the Boys Club. • Kenneth Kurnath, 57, is principal of School 8 in Passaic and has lived in Clifton for 45 years. • Marie Hakim, 48, is a teacher at Paramus High School. She is in her 26th year as Republican county commiteewoman. • Peter Collesano, 54, was employed by the Continental Can Co. for 30 years before retiring. He is president of the Clifton Football Booster Club. • Norman A. Tahan, 32, has been a city firefighter for 10 years. A grad of William Paterson, he is a member of the Clifton Taxpayers Assoc. • Dolores Mullen, 51, formerly taught school in the Bronx and now works as an administrative assistant for a Clifton-based firm. • Eugene Rabinowitz, 64, has been a teacher for 35 years and is employed as a school librarian in Passaic. He was named 1986 teacher of the year in Passaic. • Leonard J. Cerisano, 40, has been a teacher at Passiac County Technical and Vocational High School for 19 years and has served as president of its teacher assoc. 56

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

A mix of elected and appointed board members from the 1990 CHS yearbook: seated, from left, Dr. R. Perkowski, President Wayne Demikoff, Vice President H. DeVos. Standing: F. Pecci, Dr. J. Zabchin, S. Kolakowsky, G. Manning, Kenneth Kurnath. Missing from photos is Dr. M. Reilly-Petrone.

• Ron Burgess, 36, is a basic-skills teacher at Passaic HS and a trustee of St. Peter’s & Paul’s Church. • Brian Sieper, 35, a city fireman for 11 years, served for three years as president of the firemen’s union. • Robert Priolo, 46, is a stockbroker and first vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in Manhattan. He is a financial advisor for the board of the Passaic County Elks Crippled Childrens Center. • Rev. Alan F. Savitt, 41, is executive director of the Passaic County Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Prevention. The Roman Catholic priest has worked for various parishes, all of which had schools in which he was involved. • Frank A. Pecci, 55, is a former appointed school board member. He has been a trustee of the board of PCCC and and a member of the Passaic Valley Water Commission. • Abbot A. Bernstein, 59, is a psychologist employed as chairman of the child study team at Passaic Valley Regional High School.

• Florence Nibbling, 57, is a clerical worker, a member of the Clifton Historical Commission and was named Outstanding District President of the state VFW. In 1986 the Clifton Veterans Alliance named her Citizen of the Year. • Michael Gula, 64, is a retired Clifton police lieutenant with a bachelor’s degree in public safety from William Paterson College. • Robert Austin, 31, is a product manager at Wakefern Food Corp. in Elizabeth and a lifelong resident. He graduated Wilkes College. • Richard J. Less Jr., 23, is a 1984 graduate of CHS and from Villanova University in 1988 with a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance. Less works as a credit representative for First Fidelity Bank in Totowa. • Steven E. Kishel, 23, is a 1983 CHS grad who received a B.S. from Kean College in 1988. He is employed as an accountant by Gluckman and Co. in Jersey City. Kishel is active in St. Philip’s Church.

• Jeanne DeLeeuw, 68, has lived in Clifton since 1931, when she immigrated from Holland. She was president of the HSA for School 10 and was active in the Clifton Mustang Parents Association. • George DelMonte has been a teacher for 29 years, 21 years of which were with the West Orange school district. He instructs a language arts-English program. • Ann B. Tritak, 41, is a lifelong resident. She has a doctorate in education from Rutgers University, with a concentration in curriculum development and theory. • Margaret Reilly-Petrone has a Ph.D. in economics from Fordham University and was a professor at Montclair State College for 18 years. She was also an elementary school teacher for 12 years. She has been an adviser to the Federal Reserve Board. • Beverly Caccavale, 40, is a biology teacher at Paramus High School, and this year received an ‘Outstanding Biology Teacher’ award from the University of Chicago. She has served as a member of the curriculum council and as a faculty representative. • Michael Paitchell, 34, is an engineer and headhunter for his own company, Systems Recruiters. He is a graduate of CHS and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The order of finish in the 1989 School Board election: Frank A. Pecci . . . . . . . . . .2,169 Kenneth Kurnath . . . . . . . .1,861 Margaret Reilly-Petrone . .1,394 Peter Collesano . . . . . . . . .1,221 Ann B. Tritak . . . . . . . . . . . .967 Dolores M. Mullen . . . . . . . .904 Marie L. Hakim . . . . . . . . . . .903 Joel W. Rosenberg . . . . . . . .857 Joseph T. Latiano . . . . . . . . .814 Michael Gula . . . . . . . . . . . .711 Alan F. Savitt . . . . . . . . . . . . .690 Eugene Rabinowitz . . . . . . .640 Brian Sieper . . . . . . . . . . . . .637 Abbot A. Bernstein . . . . . . . .597 Florence Nibbling . . . . . . . .577 Jeanne DeLeeuw . . . . . . . . .544 Beverly Caccavale . . . . . . . . .532 J. Robert Priolo . . . . . . . . . . .509 Richard J. Less Jr. . . . . . . . . .477 Michael Paitchell . . . . . . . . .477 Norman A. Tahan . . . . . . . . .460 George DelMonte . . . . . . . .457 Richard Garibell . . . . . . . . . .432 Robert Austin . . . . . . . . . . . .396 Leonard J. Cerisano . . . . . . .276 Jennifer Boyko . . . . . . . . . . .271 Ronald Burgess . . . . . . . . . . .211 Steven E. Kishel . . . . . . . . . .195 Lisa M. Bimonte . . . . . . . . . . .85

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Along with the selection of three candidates, voters were asked to approve a $43.9 million budget, and additional questions. The first was whether to spend $16.9 million to replace two structures built before World War I, Schools 11 and 12, which need millions in renovations to meet state standards. Also on the ballot was a $2.8 million bond issue for removal of asbestos from various schools and for making improvements at all schools to prepare for new state mandates in the spring of 1990. In a controversial move, members of the appointed board voted on Feb. 22, during closed session, to put a question on the ballot asking voters if they wanted to return to an appointed board system. With a total of 7,192 people voting in the election, 18.44 percent of the city’s registered voters, the results were as follows: Voters rejected 3,988 to 2,762 that the Board should borrow $16.9 million to replace Schools 11 and 12. They then approved, by 4,109 to 2,535, a $2.8 million bond issue to remove asbestos and make improvements at all schools for health and safety reasons. Voters rejected, by 5,154 to 1,711, to go back to an appointed school board. The $43.9 million school budget went down in defeat.

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May 20, 1989: St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mt. Prospect Ave., celebrates its 50th anniversary. May 31, 1989: Workmen tear up Van Riper Ave. to replace 1,000 feet of aging sewer pipe. The emergency service became necessary after residents complained of raw sewage in their basements. June 1, 1989: Clifton’s V Channel celebrates 10th anniversary. June 25, 1989: Police investigate a rash of animal sacrifices by a group believed to be a Haitian religious cult, who practice rituals in city parks and cemeteries. The mutilated remains include chickens, rabbits, lamb and dogs. The symbols left behind are indicative of the ‘Santeria’ religious cult, a Caribbean mix of Christianity and voodoo. June 28, 1989: A sudden downpour drenches Clifton with three inches of rain within 45 minutes. July 5, 1989: Another severe rainstorm hits New Jersey, causing local flooding and the bursting of a little known historic dam in the Delawanna section of Clifton. Yantacaw Pond, near Oak St., off River Road and near Route 3, was washed away. Many old time residents refer to the watering hole as Mill Pond and remember it as a favorite place to fish and swim.

Sept. 17, 1989: City Manager Roger Kemp announces the city’s next chief of police will be Capt. Frank LoGioco, (above) a 27-year veteran of the force. The chief’s position became available after a NJ Supreme Court decision mandated the retirement of all police and fire chiefs over the age of 65. Clifton’s acting Police Chief, Edward Kredatus was granted a stay order which halted the transition. LoGioco did not officially become chief until March 9, 1990, a post he held until May 31, 2002.

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July 12, 1989: Clifton’s former mayor turned Assemblyman Gerald Zecker co-sponsors a bill that will put a stop to road construction during rush hour, except for emergencies. The New Jersey General Assembly passes it.

May 20, 1990: Globe Products, a city-based company for almost 50 years, closes its doors permanently following what critics call a hostile takeover by its chief competitor. The shut-down of the Bloomfield Ave. business results in the layoff of nearly 300 employees. Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej ignites controversy by warning that the city may be in violation of Equal Employment Opportunity laws if it does not hire a qualified woman as city clerk. She points out there are no women serving as department heads in the entire city government. Kolodziej adds that Moran was chosen despite being less qualified than at least one of the women candidates.

July 15, 1990: The Council selects Richard Moran (above) to fill the position of deputy City Clerk from a field of four final candidates. The deputy City Clerk will perform all the duties of the City Clerk, but the Council cannot legally appoint a new City Clerk until February 1991.

July 26, 1989: Clifton’s 14-andunder girls’ fast pitch softball team returns victorious from the MidAtlantic Regional tournament in Pendleton, N.Y. Aug. 16, 1989: Tipped off by Bergen County authorities, city police arrest an alleged cocaine dealer after raiding his Hazel St. business and recovering $180,000 worth of the narcotic, paraphernalia and six firearms.

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Jan. 24, 1990: Keystone Camera, one of Clifton’s largest employers, lays-off 60 employees as part of a plan to rebuild the Getty Ave. company. “We have to do what we have to do to remain viable in the face of an onslaught by the Far East,” says a Keystone spokesperson. “We have to remember to keep it American.”

Nov. 5, 1989: The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony takes place for the Main Memorial Library. The city bonded $3.5 million for the $4.2 million project; the state contributed another $200,000 and the remaining $500,000 was raised through private donations. Nov. 8, 1989: About 117 residents sign a petition circulated by the Dutch Hill Residents Association. The opposed issue is the Islamic Center of Passaic County Inc.’s desirefor a variance at a proposed mosque with inadequate parking. The DHRA acknowledges the group’s right to worship while highlighting four points of contention. A traffic study will be performed before any decision is made.

March 1, 1990: City Clerk Betty Lutz retires after 25 years. She was born and educated in Oregon, moving east “as a bride in 1946 after marrying a Clifton soldier.”

Nov. 15, 1989: An effort between the City of Clifton, the NJ Dept. of Transportation and NJ Transit provides NYC-bound commuters with a new 120 space parking lot near the Athenia train station.

Jan. 3, 1990: City Manager Roger Kemp pioneers the ‘Future Vision Consortium Project,’ a study looking to identify trends and issues municipalities will confront during the final decade of the 20th Century.

Feb. 14, 1990: Mayor Gloria Kolodziej announces she will seek an unprecedented third term. Feb. 14, 1990: Clifton’s Mental Health Services, then on Clifton Ave., marks its 30th anniversary. March 8, 1990: A spectacular warehouse fire guts Liberty Provisions Inc. Fire crews from seven cities battle the general alarm fire of undetermined origin. May 9, 1990: Police investigate vandalism at Morris Canal Park, just off of Broad St., which left most of the park’s benches and tables damaged or destroyed.

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June 10, 1990: James Corrado, of Corrado’s Family Affair on Main Ave., announces his plan to convert a turn of the century building at 600 Getty Ave. into an enclosed mini-mall. The three-story building was the home of Bright Star Industries whose lease does not expire until 1993. Corrado said his idea was inspired by his visits to Quincy Market in Boston and New York City’s South Street Seaport. The story of how the

Corrado family business grew from a tiny produce outlet into the largest family-owned retailing enterprise in Clifton is a story of the American Dream. It’s a tale of vision, hard work, family involvement and dedication to customers. Now deceased, James Corrado’s dreams have become a reality as his sons, Jerry, Peter and Joey, and James’ grandsons, continue to build upon a business founded in the early 1920’s by Pietro Corrado.

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“The Mayor and Council have demonstrated time and again that they do not know how to govern in the people’s best interests,” claimed Clifton 90. The unsigned newsletter blamed incumbents for a 94 percent increase in taxes during Kolodziej’s terms as mayor; a DEP imposed sewer ban; an alleged overassessment of property values during the citywide revaluation; high crime; a lack of planning; and political interference in the school system.

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Clifton 90 Spices Election: Fed up with high taxes? Unhappy with current leadership? Want a return to the good old days? These were the questions asked by ‘Clifton 90,’ a political action group that spoke loudly during the 1990 City Council election. Established a year before the May 8, 1990 election, the group of 12 announced it was sick and tired of the city’s direction. It bemoaned the destruction of Clifton’s infrastructure—exacerbated by the Council’s inaction— and claimed a poor economic atmosphere was hindering business expansion and limiting the creation of ratables. The group—which included developer Tom Cupo and attorney Frank Carlet—also claimed the Council was confrontational with city employees and residents. “It’s a constant antagonistic attitude from all of them,” Clifton 90 chairman Richard DeLuca told The Record. The former member of the city’s Insurance Committee (which was dissolved in 1988) went on to say: “Nothing ever gets solved, and that’s not the way it should be.” While Clifton 90 said it had the city’s best interests at heart, others saw the group existing for another aim: knocking Mayor Gloria Kolodziej from power. “These are desperation moves,” Kolodziej told the Herald News of the group’s efforts, “and I expect things to get worse.” She added that Clifton 90 wants to return to the ‘good ol’ boy” back room politics of years past—something Kolodziej had battled against constantly since becoming mayor eight years before. Clifton 90 supporters were said to include former Clifton City Manager William Holster and Passaic County Freeholder Charles Delahanty. Aiming to unseat all incumbents (with the exception of Councilman Lester Herrschaft), Clifton 90 sent three blistering newsletters to up to 30,000 residents. Under the masthead, The Clifton Taxpayer, the newsletter featured headlines like, ‘Taxes in This Town Are Killing Me,’ and labeled the property revaluation ‘A Comedy of Errors.’

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Kolodziej responded that the 94 percent figure included county and school taxes, which were beyond the Council’s control. “They see nothing positive,” she added.

Regarding the inflammatory newsletter, Carlet told The Record, “We had to use the sledgehammer to drive the issues home. We had to hit. We only had so much money.

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Results of the May 8, 1990 City Council election: James Anzaldi . . . . . . . . . .9,578 Lester F. Herrschaft . . . . . .9,546 Bill Martini . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,211 Gloria Kolodziej . . . . . . . . .7,879 Donald Kowal . . . . . . . . . .7,664 Richard Stockinger . . . . . .7,499 Peter C. Eagler . . . . . . . . . .7,496 G.F. “Chuck” Rohde . . . . . .6,558 Ed Schumacher . . . . . . . . .6,334 Mary Ann Maloney . . . . . .6,219 Patricia Bremer . . . . . . . . .6,218 Matt Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,386 David H. Stein . . . . . . . . . .4,372 Claire E. Kish . . . . . . . . . . .3,935 Robert Kavanaugh . . . . . .2,040 Thomas M. Federico . . . . .1,097

We only had so much time. We have not set forth on untrue fact. Our intention was to highlight, not to mislead.” Though city voters took note of the colorful political attacks, Clifton 90 could not influence enough voters to claim victory. James Anzaldi—another Clifton 90 target—was the high vote-getter and became mayor, outdistancing Herrschaft, 9,578 to 9,546. Kolodziej retained her seat on the Council, finishing a respectable fourth with 7,879 votes. “The two people who took the most heat did well in spite of Clifton 90,” Kolodziej told The Record after the election. Anzaldi was less conciliatory, saying some Clifton 90 members acted unprofessionally. “Will Clifton 90 be remembered?” he asked. “I think probably by everybody in this campaign. Really, this is the first I remember anybody playing so dirty.” Despite the mudslinging, the battle with Clifton 90 proved to be a baptism of fire for Anzaldi, who would retain his mayor’s job through the next three elections.

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July 23, 1990: 250 people gather in 95 degree weather for the opening of Recycled Paperboard Inc. on Ackerman Ave. in Botany Village. The refurbished mill is intended to be a source of economic growth as well an outlet for easing the state’s garbage disposal crisis. Senator Bill Bradley, who attends the opening (above with President Vincent M. Ponte and Corporate Secretary Vincent J. Ponte) says the mixed-paper recycling mill will play a vital role in helping the state reach the 60 percent recycling goal set by Gov. James Florio. June 1, 1990: Paterson Diocese announces Paul VI HS on Valley Rd. will close due to dwindling enrollment, unsuccessful fundraisers and high deficit spending. Students transfer to Paterson Catholic HS. Efforts are made to place teachers and support personnel in other area Catholic schools.

June 20, 1990: Shulton, a major regional employer and long-time fixture on Colfax Ave. and Route 46 in Clifton, is sold by American Cyanamid to Proctor and Gamble. No jobs are yet affected but rumors persist regarding its manufacturing plant in Clifton, which produce a line of Old Spice cologne.

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Aug. 15, 1990: Clifton’s former Naval Reserve site at Trenton and Merselis Aves. in Lakeview is made available by the federal government for the construction of housing for the homeless. Under

the McKinney Act, organizations involved in providing assistance to the homeless may apply to lease most vacant government properties. As a result, the city will expand its senior housing proposition to accommodate the homeless. Oct. 14, 1990: The Planning Board unanimously approves plans for Hoffman LaRoche to construct a $100 million research facility. Mayor Anzaldi lauds the plan, indicating the building will be attractive, there will be no pollution, and local residents will benefit from the significant tax ratable. Nov. 7, 1990: Prime Motor Inns, Inc, owners of the Ramada Inn on Route 3, files for Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. The hotel was unable to reach an out of court financial arrangement with lenders.

Sept. 16, 1990: City education officials address concerns of more than 100 people who come to City Hall questioning how rising school costs would affect their tax bills. School Superintendent William Liess says increases are not only necessary, they are crucial to the maintenance of any municipality. Two days later, three top school officials, Liess included, are granted pay raises by the Board of Education.

Nov. 25, 1990: The General Services Administration and the US Department of Health and Human Services award Paterson Coalition for Housing the property at Merselis and Trenton Aves. The coalition plans to construct a homeless shelter, but Clifton is determined to acquire the site to develop a combination senior housing, developmentally disabled, and homeless shelter complex. The City Council will take legal action to block the homeless housing.

Oct. 28, 1990: Tension develops between the City Council and Board of Education. The school board has been receiving heat from parents since it decided to reduce courtesy busing and approve administrative raises. Mayor Anzaldi and other Council members voice their disapproval at council meetings. School Board President Wayne Demikoff, above, accuses Anzaldi of fueling the fire rather than making an effort to resolve the differences. Dec. 2, 1990: Clifton Lodge 203 of the Free Accepted Masons celebrates its 75th anniversary. Dec. 12, 1990: School officials warn taxpayers to brace for a tax hike due to Governor James Florio’s budget cuts. Clifton was HAPPY MOTHER ’S DAY!

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one of the hardest hit districts under Florio’s Quality Education Act, aimed at bringing poorer districts up to the average of the wealthier districts. Clifton, designated a more affluent district, will lose about $31 million in aid over five years. Dec. 16, 1990: BASF donates $5,000 to the city in celebration of the Board St. company’s 125th anniversary. The funds are to be used for landscaping and beautification of city hall grounds. Nov. 28, 1990: Clifton’s DeLuxe Cleaners celebrates its 60th anniversary. The family-operated business, at 1280 Main Ave., was established in 1930 by Joseph DeLora, (above) and has evolved from a small retail store to a regional operation with a staff of more than 50.

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Jan. 13, 1991: The Council and the Board call a truce and put aside their differences to address the impact of losing millions of dollars in state education aid. Jan. 30, 1991: Center Savings & Loan Assoc. is taken over by a federal banking regulatory agency following losses of more than $5.9 million for fiscal 1990. The bank, with one office and 29 employees, is the first in Clifton to fail.

Feb. 6, 1991: Close to 1,000 attend a candlelight vigil at City Hall in response to President Bush’s appeal for a national prayer day.

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March 10, 1991: As a result of Clifton’s first property tax revaluation in 20 years, 86 percent of the city’s homeowners will be hit with a tax increase of up to $1,000 and 14 percent will receive a decrease of up to $1,000.

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• Now Taking Registration for our Summer Camp www.sacredheartclifton.com Clifton Merchant • May 2004

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Match 31, 1991: An Easter Sunday explosion at the United Reform Church on Clifton Avenue at First Street damages the educational building, part of the sanctuary, and causes some minor injuries. March 31, 1991: Marty’s Shoe Outlet celebrates its grand opening at 1500 Main Ave. Located on the first floor of the former Doherty Silk Mill, Marty’s floor space covers the same area where mill owner Henry Doherty’s office was. April 14, 1991: Mayor Anzaldi justifies the Council’s move to layoff six city employees to meet the spending cap. Three employees from the Engineering Department, one building inspector, a welfare department secretary, and a housing department clerk are given notice of termination. The Council also decides to fire three patrolmen, demote seven officers, and have the entire Police Department forfeit one week’s pay. Police officers and their families protest at city hall in response to the cutbacks. March 17, 1991: Tom Hawrylko organizes a sweepstakes intended to cause a Clifton ‘Gold Rush’ between March and May. The plan is to use a $1,000 donation to the Community Fund for the Clifton Memorial Library to generate ten times that amount. The sweepstakes winners will divide a thousand dollars in pure gold coins contributed by Marie and Joe Angello (above with their dog Baron) of American Coin & Stamp Co. on Main Ave.

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

May 5, 1991: Keystone Camera on Getty Ave. moves closer to liquidation when a rival camera company makes a $5.9 million offer to buy Keystone’s manufacturing equipment. The liquidation will permanently close the 72-year-old company and eliminate about 600 jobs. May 22, 1991: The Boys’ & Girls’ Club receives a $125,000 bequest from Ms. Alice Seifert, a resident impressed with the organization’s dedication and decided to help them continue their valuable work..

June 10, 1991: Clifton’s Marching Mustang Band announces it will represent the city and step smartly along Fifth Ave. in New York City as part of the ‘Operation Welcome Home’ parade planned for Desert Shield and Desert Storm troops. June 12, 1991: The Botany Village Produce Shop closes. The Italian grocery and dry goods store, owned by soon-to-be 100-year-old Giuseppe Riccobono, has been at the same location, 221 Dayton Ave., for 77 continuous years.

☛

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June 12, 1991: The fate of the vacant Naval Reserve located at Merselis and Trenton Aves. is decided by a U.S. District judge. The Paterson Coalition of Housing wins the go ahead to build a homeless shelter in Clifton’s Lakeview section. The Council votes to appeal the court ruling and challenge the constitutionality of the McKinney Act. June 19, 1991: Another city business closes, eliminating 40 jobs. Royal Silk Ltd. filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in November 1988 and filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 earlier in 1991. The firm opened 12 years ago and enjoyed great success and expansion before falling on hard times. June 1991: Clifton’s Optimist Club celebrates its 40th anniversary. The club, pictured above, lives up to its motto ‘Friends of Youth’. The Optimist Club has donated more than $10,000 to various city youth activities and an additional several thousand to drug and alcohol programs. July 3, 1991: Fette Ford, at the intersection of Route 46 and 3, agrees to underwrite the cost of the local history room in the new Memorial Library. Henry Fette, right, founder of the third generation family business, chose to make the contribution in tribute to his family’s long time roots in Clifton. July 7, 1991: The state approves the city’s last minute application for funds out of the NJ Supplemental Municipal Property Tax Relief Discretionary Fund. The approval nets Clifton a million dollars which will reduce the tax rate by eight points, roughly $30 per $35,000 of property value. 72

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

July 31, 1991: The Daughters of Miriam Center for the Aged on Hazel St. celebrates its 70th year. Aug. 4, 1991: The city and the NAACP reach an out of court settlement in the long-standing legal battle in which Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residency requirement for city employees was called discriminatory to blacks. The settlement calls for the abolishment of residency requirements and utilization of new hiring criteria. Two major stipulations include advertising in all Essex and Passaic county newspapers to fill positions (rather than by word of mouth) and applicants hired from outside of the city must agree to move within 15 miles of Clifton City Hall. Sept. 15, 1991: With an additional 200-300 students registering in Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school system, close to a dozen classes exceed the state limit. Many registrations came

through over the summer and are attributed to a trend of younger families moving into the area. The increase in high school freshmen is more than likely due to private and parochial school transfers. Superintendent of Schools William Leiss scrambles to hire new teachers and find classrooms to accommodate the classroom splits necessitated by the additional students. Sept. 16, 1991: Clifton Police warn residents to take precautions after a month-long series of cat burglaries. The 12 incidents all are believed to be committed by the same person.

Aug. 31, 1991: Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Municipal Judge Harry Fengya observes his 15th anniversary on the bench. Fengya, (shown above in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) who takes a stern approach to criminal offenders, has earned the nickname Hang â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em Harry.

Sept. 18, 1991: Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual city picnic is a great success as thousands attended in Main Memorial Park. Though attendance was well below the record 50,000, concessionaires are pleased.

Oct. 12, 1991: The Athenia Veteran Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Auxiliary celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Sept. 27, 1991: The Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; & Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club of Clifton 30th anniversary.

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Sept. 29, 1991: A stubborn situation persists and the city attempts to “make a deal” with the Paterson Coalition for Housing. Clifton still wishes to obtain the former Naval Reserve site and will offer the Coalition property on New Street in Paterson in exchange if all conditions can be met. A spokesperson says the coalition will agree to the deal if the city can provide an alternate location with a guarantee that the zoning will be approved and money involved to cover costs in changing the site is offered.

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Oct. 13, 1991: The Hot Grill celebrates 30 years of business at 669 Lexington Ave. by selling thousands of deep-fried beef hot dogs, topped with spicy mustard, chopped onions, and a distinctive chili sauce. It began on the site of Gabe’s, (a former car lot) with just 20 stools, but after 30 years and three renovations, it boasts a seating capacity of 128. Hot Grill patrons can enjoy the delights of a Texas Weiner served ‘all the way’ by owners Carmen LaMendola and Domenick Sportelli Oct. 23, 1991: Parian & Sons, a Dayton Ave. family owned jewelry store, celebrates 70 years of business in the heart of Botany Village. Oct. 23, 1991: St. Peter’s Haven celebrates it fifth anniversary. Oct. 27, 1991: Impostors and scams run amok. Police warn residents of callers soliciting donations for the Clifton Drug Awareness Program. Police investigate two robberies involving a man impersonating a police officer. Both times, the man identified himself as a cop before stealing the victims’ wallets. In November, Clifton’s crime spree continues as a disguised suspect robs the Midlantic Bank on Clifton Ave.

Feb. 17, 1992: The body of a 17year-old boy is found slumped over the steering wheel of his father’s car behind School 15. The alleged murderer is arrested within hours, but police say the suspect has no apparent motive beyond disliking the victim. The 17-year-old accused requests, but is not is not permitted, to attend the victim’s funeral, which 300 attend. The murderer allegedly strangled the victim with an extension cord while sitting behind him in the car. Four other minors would be arrested in connection to the murder.

March 18, 1992: According to Superintendent of Schools William Liess, the state’s report card shows Clifton provides equal education at less cost per student then the state average. Grades for Clifton Schools issued by the New Jersey State Department of Education are above state and regional levels, and spending is below the average. It is a theme reminiscent of another long-time former Superintendent William Shershin, who was fond of saying Clifton “provided a Cadillac education at Chevy prices”

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Nov. 10, 1991: The long anticipated, new, enlarged Clifton Memorial Library at Piaget Ave. and Third St. is officially dedicated. Nov. 17, 1991: Henny Miller, secretary of the detective bureau in Clifton for 27 years, retires. Dec. 15, 1991: Clifton is awarded the 10th largest state grant by the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy for its 1990 recycling efforts. A check for over $72,000 will be used to expand the recycling program. Jan. 26, 1992: Sax, Macy, Fromm and Co., at 855 Valley Rd., Clifton, celebrates its 35th anniversary. The firm is the 15th largest accounting firm in New Jersey. Feb. 16, 1992: US Senator Bill Bradley’s town meeting becomes the biggest program event in the history of Clifton’s library system. About 300 people crowd into the new building’s meeting room and more are turned away. Bradley, a former NY Knickerbocker, speaks for over an hour, responding to demands and answering questions spanning a range of topics.

OFF $ STUDENT DISCOUNT 20 May not be combined with any other offers. Expires 6/30/04.

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

March 22, 1992: In 1988, developer Thomas Cupo wanted to build 81 townhouses on Garrett Mountain, but the Planning Board rejected the plans because they did not meet slope restrictions. Now, Cupo, owner of the Thomas St. property, offers to sell the city the 17 acres of land for half of what he paid for it.

April 1, 1992: The City Council approves the Clifton Beautification Committee’s proposal to participate in the Elm Research Institute’s Johnny Elmseed Project. The oneyear membership will cost $500, but entitle the city to 100 one-foot tall American Liberty Elm Trees. Givaudan-Roure contributes $1,000 to underwrite the cost.

April 15, 1992: The Diocese announced that Paul VI, the former parochial high school on Valley Rd. which closed two years ago, will reopen as the Pope John Paul II Diocesan Elementary School, to educate some 820 students through the eighth grade. These students are drawn primarily from St. John Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Parishes, both in Paterson, which have facilities that no longer meet codes. Built on the former site of the Great Notch Nursery in 1966 (above), Paul VI Regional High School’s first freshman class entered its doors in Sept., 1967. But after graduating just 20 classes, Paul VI closed its doors in June, 1990. At right is the high school’s first director, Father Thomas Suchon.

☛

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Clifton’s Fresh Spring Salads 680 Route 3 West Clifton • 973-471-7717

Southwestern Chicken Fajita Salad $ 29

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

s i a in t r Ma

s s i c a s l . . C . e h t e v g a n i D g f t i o l n n C ! i o r t B k

c a B

Since its founding in Botany Village in 1953, Cliftonites have loved Maria’s. Dave Martina is proud to announce that with the opening of Maria’s Homemade Ravioli Retail Store, this Clifton Classic is back ...

623 Van Houten Ave (Adjacent to Sabrett Store)

973-773-4020 Ravioli & Filled Pasta round, square, mini, jumbo & more

Fresh Pasta the Remember ed can old-fashion hips of Charles C your delivered to y’re back home? The s ever) (delicious a e classic and so is th tin at decorative a’s Dave Martin re, Sabrett Sto uten Ave. 621Van Ho 01. 973-773-44

white, spinach, whole wheat, tomato

Sauces meat, marinara, mushroom, pesto and many more

Soups Meatballs Cheeses Semolina Bread

1115

Take Home Meals Clifton Merchant • May 2004

May 24, 1992: Nancy Schulz, a Clifton native, rides her 18-speed bicycle 3,600 miles from Seattle to Washington, D.C. for Bike-Aid ’92 to raise money for projects that help people in the United States and Third World countries.

April 8, 1992: The Boys’ & Girls’ Club televises a 12-hour fundraiser telethon on Clifton’s Channel 19. The telethon collects $103,000, but is abruptly cut-off in the eleventh hour. A 13-year-old modulator, which transmits the picture, goes on the blink and keeps the fundraiser from meeting its $125,000 goal. April 19, 1992: The United Reform Church, Clifton Ave. and First St., marks its 100th anniversary. About 200 people attend a May 9 event. From the editor: While we have many more historic photos and information, we have simply run out of room. Over the coming months, we will continue publishing this timeline of the notso-distant past and hope to receive additional photos and stories from readers. So if you wish to send information, photos or memorabilia as it relates to Clifton from 1980 through the

April 26, 1992: The 75th anniversary of the actual Acquakanack Township incorporation of Clifton is marked. Yearlong festivities begin. year 2000, please do so immediately. While we will consider all submissions, it is our right to edit or reject information.

June 3, 1992: A district-wide rotation process of teachers and principals who have at least 10 years at one school is proposed. Parents and students are opposed and make their concerns known. Supt. William Liess receives 240 letters in support of one principal alone. Despite the protest, the proposal is approved and the changes will be effective for the 1992-93 school year.

You may visit or write to us at: Clifton Merchant Magazine c/o Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Ave. Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 tom.hawrylko@verizon.net.

We will be open May 29 to Labor Day, 10 am to 8 pm daily

Bellin’s Clifton Swimming Club 1016 Main Avenue 973

S Membership Packages To Fit Your Needs Call 365-1209 For Information & Brochure 78

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

365-1209

ummer is here again and George, Diane and Chris Bellin and our extended family invite you and yours to join us at our affordable & convenient oasis in downtown Clifton. There are swim lessons, basketball, parties, sand beach, picnicking, volleyball, handball, ping pong & old-fashioned poolside lounging. Spend your summer with friends and neighbors, just as your parents did.

Clifton Merchant Magazine • May 2004

Liberty Lincoln-Mercury officially opened its four star showroom on April 23. Owner Robert Robertazzi (at right) along with his wife Elaine, daughter Renee and son-in-law John Chirico are proud of the bold new building on prime Route 3 West real estate. The three story, 100 feet wide 2.5 acre showroom and service center brings much of the car-buying and servicing experience indoors. Chef Tom Halik and his wife, Roselie have opened a New Yorkstyle bakery and specialty prepared foods store at 1216 Van Houten Ave. (formerly the Jefferson Bakery). A classically trained chef, Tom has traveled widely in many capacities in the food service industry including restaurants, country clubs, hotels, embassies and food stores. He trained in Paris at the renowned LaVarenne and his expertise varies from classic American to international cuisines, and of course, sweet pastries.

The Village Baker is not the couple’s first venue, however. They began nine years ago in New York City baking just one product, rugelach. With a loyal following and a thriving mail order and wholesale business, they moved the business in 1999 to Kearny, where the production grew to include a variety of Viennese pastries. Not Just Rugelach, as it is known today, is a full service bakeshop. Clifton residents, the Halik’s have three kids: LeighAnn, Samantha and baby Thomas.

On Van Houten Ave., they are the Village Bakers: Tom and Roselie Halik.

Main Clifton Diner: The new owners at the classic Downtown Clifton eatery at the intersection of Clifton and Main Aves. want you to visit and see what’s improved. During May, they are offering new breakfast, lunch and dinner specials and a let’s-get-acquainted price of 25 cents for a container of coffee. Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Mike Duch, at right, at his new Downtown Clifton Homemade Pirogi store.

Just Like Babcia Makes Them: On March 21, 2003, a fire ripped through several commercial businesses on Lexington Ave., forcing stores to close. Among them was Mike Duch and his seven employees from Homemade Pirogi. Duch founded his unique business at 560 Lexington Ave. 16 years ago. Since then, using his mom Anna’s recipes, he added his own flair and ingredients to develop 15 varieties of the classic varenyky. For those not in the know, a pirogi (varenyky) is a thin layer of dough wrapped around a filling, often nonmeat. It is a classic eastern European food often made by babcia or grandma. And Homemade Pirogi obviously makes them just like grandma. Despite the months it took to move to Downtown Clifton, build the store and then get the custommade equipment, Mike Duch’s loyal customers have been waiting and already found their way to Main Ave. Visit his store Mon. to Sat. and try a dozen or two at your home. 80

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Can You Hear Me Now? Clifton’s Wireless Zone at 1390 Main Ave., in Downtown Clifton, has renovated its showroom. As the authorized retailer for Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading provider of wireless communications services, Clifton’s Wireless Zone offers competitively-priced voice and data products and a selection of accessories for all other makes and models of wireless products.

The Wireless Zone, Downtown Clifton.

Clifton Classics go Hollywood: Operating from his Van Houten Ave. store, Dave Martina has been renting and selling Sabrett hot dogs and renting stainless steel pushcarts (a mini version is above) for the past 20 years. Over two decades, Martina and his Pushcart International firm have served rock and roll stars at the old Capitol Theatre in Passaic, politicians and residents at local events and leaders of business. These days, Martina’s stainless steel pushcarts have also gone Hollywood. Pushcarts Made in Clifton are now featured in films such as The Sopranos, Spider-Man 2, Taxi, Strip Search, Felicity, Red Bull, and Tomb Raider 2, in which pushcarts were shipped from Athenia to a stage in Argentina. Just last week, Martina was at the Tribeca Film Festival where—big stretch—he played the role of a hot dog vendor with teenage celebrities Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. That’s not all Martina and Company are up to these days. Also at his Athenia storefront, Martina and his partner have brought two classic foods back to Clifton: Charles Chips in a tin can and Maria’s Homemade Ravioli, formerly of Botany Village. by Raymond Tulling

W I L L

I T

H E L P

The Word May Make You Shout: The Allwood Roundabout will be in service this month. The Passaic County Engineering Dept. announced that after a break for the winter, the project to convert the old circle into a modern roundabout is expected to be completed July 1. Traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed roundabout (diagram at right) by the beginning of May. At that time, traffic will yield before entering the roundabout, which will be the same as when the project is completed. The removal of the old circle will then begin. The Passaic County Engineering Dept., there are three changes provided by the Allwood Roundabout: Yield At Entry: All traffic must yield before entering the roundabout. Previously, Allwood Rd. traffic had the right-of-way. Clear signing and pavement markings will convey the message that all traffic must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Lower Speeds: The smaller size of the new roundabout, and the ‘Yield At Entry’ rule, will dramatically reduce speeds, compared to the old circle. This is one of the main reasons why modern roundabouts experience much lower crash rates than other types of intersections. Bypass Ramps: Right turns from Allwood Rd. onto Bloomfield Ave. can be made via new bypass ramps, without entering the roundabout. The Passaic County Engineering Dept. noted this is the first roundabouts in the county and that many have been constructed throughout the US in the last several years. Sure, roundabouts are popular in Europe, but don’t they also drive on the other side of the street there?

O R

H I N D E R

Odds Are Improved—Two Cars, Two Winners: The Boys & Girls Club has upped the ante and the fun in the ‘Go For The Gold’ limited edition raffle held May 18. In addition to a top prize of a 2004 Lincoln Mercury LS, an American luxury vehicle valued at $32,610, a second winner will receive a 2004 Honda Civic DX valued at $13,500, a donation from Garden State Honda on Route 3.

Last year, Ken Dal Pos turned a $100 donation into a $32,000 Lincoln Mercury.

T R A F F I C ?

Win a 2004 Lincoln LS or a 2004 Honda Civic DX in the Boys & Girls Club Club’s Go For the Gold fundraiser.

With only 800 tickets being sold at $100 each, odds of winning are favorable. Just ask Ken Dal Pos who last year held ticket number 178 which earned him a $32,000 prize. Winning tickets will be drawn during a wine and cheese reception on May 18 at 8 pm at the Valley Regency Caterers. It is a fun evening, with consolation prizes awarded periodically. Each purchased ticket entitles two to attend. A tax deductible ticket helps the Boys & Girls Club provide services to thousands of Clifton kids, year round. Tickets are now on sale. Call 973-773-0966 for info. Clifton Merchant • May 2004

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CLIFTON • 973-478-3600 • 1390 Main Ave. Nights 9:01pm - 5:59am M-F; Wknds 12am Sat - 11:59pm Sun. Taxes & surcharges apply and may vary. Federal Universal Service Charge of 1.86% (varies quarterly based on FCC rate) and a 45¢ Regulatory Charge per line/month are our charges, not taxes. For more details call 1-888-684-1888. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Service Agreement & Calling Plan. Activation fee of $35 on 12-month agreement. Early termination fee up to $175. Requires credit approval. Cannot combine with other offers. Usage rounded to next full minute. Unused allowances lost. Subject to taxes & other charges. See calling plan. Limited time offer. Not responsible for typographical errors.

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Athenia Mason Supply can grow another generation or two in its hometown now that the firm moved to a 4.5 acre location at 70 Rosalie Ave., just off of Lakeview Ave. Owner Ken Kievit was forced to relocate his 50 year old business from Clifton Terrace after NJ Transit decided to expand a parking lot to accommodate commuters bound for the Secaucus Junction rail station. In addition to its roomy yard, Athenia Mason also has a showroom featuring Cultured Stone products. With hundreds of precast stone veneers that replicate a variety of texture, and colors of natural stone, homeowners can make selections and consider the options.

Awaiting Ottis: Football Giant Ottis Anderson was the featured guest at the opening of the Athenia Mason Supply showroom on April 24. Family, friends, clients and others enjoyed a tasty lunch and refreshments, courtesy of the Kievit family.

Dorian Howard of Weichert Realtors, Clifton, is now a certified real estate broker/salesperson. That means she has attended many industry education programs and demonstrates a high level of professional conduct. Congratulations!

J&R Lamb Studios, located in Athenia on Van Houten Ave., is featured in the Encyclopedia of New Jersey, a new and definitive publication of fascinating facts of the Garden State. J&R Lamb Studios, founded by brothers Joseph and Richard Lamb, is noted as the oldest continuously operating stained glass studios in the United States. Now owned by Don Samick, Lamb Studios moved to Clifton from Midland Park in July, 2002. The studio was established in 1857 in Greenwich Village, NYC, and moved to New Jersey after the Depression. Lamb Studios specializing in churches.

Cuts for Men: Laurie Kirwin, the manager of Curves for Women, has announced a new franchise at 618 Van Houten Ave. At Cuts, men perform total body strength training through the use of hydraulic resistance. Cuts is a bare bones approach to fitness that focuses on the basics. The equipment adjusts automatically to a man’s level of fitness. The goal is to maintain elevated heart rate for 30 minutes and to get back to life. For info: 973-779-8777.

k! ve. c a B e r ’ We ted at 1295 Main A

a Now loc

15 Pirogi Varieties •Potatoes & Cheese •Potato •Sauerkraut •Pot Cheese •Pot Cheese & Potato

Honoring the Heroic: At the annual Valor & Scholarship Awards Dinner on May 10, the Passaic County 200 Club is honoring safety officers and civilians who risked their lives for the public good. This is also the annual meeting and a slate of trustees will be presented for election to a three-year term. Tickets are $50. Call the Passaic County 200 Club at 973-754-6445. Downtown Clifton Food Fest & Street Fair is June 5 along Main Ave., between Luddington Ave & Clinton Ave. Call 973-253-1455. Bellin’s Clifton Swim Club at 1016 Main Ave. opens for another season on Memorial Day weekend. Call 973-365-1209 for info.

HOMEMADE

Pirogi

•Broccoli •Spinach •Pizzarogies •Prune •Cheese & Apricot

1311

There’s nothing like the taste of food made by experts

1295 Main Ave. • Clifton •Sweet Cabbage 973.340.0340 •Broccoli & Spinach Royale With Pirogies this good, •Blueberry it doesn’t pay to make them at home Hours: Mon - Fri 8AM - 5:30PM • Sat 10AM - 4PM •Apple •Pirogi Dinners www.HomemadePirogi.com Clifton Merchant • May 2004

North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in Clifton and chair Robert Jaffe and president Gloria Martini said they are committed to creating a better connection between the city, its businesses and the Chamber. In that spirit, the Chamber on May 11, from 5 to 7 pm, is hosting Opportunities/Perspectives in Clifton, the 1st Annual Clifton Municipal Leaders Forum. Designed for those in the industrial and banking community, the event will be in the new headquarters of Harve Benard, Ltd. 125 Delawanna Ave. Another event, on May 21 at 8 am, The Mayors’Economic Development Summit, is being held to promote regional economic development and to advocate an appreciation of the contributions of the business community to the quality of life in Passaic and Bergen counties. Mayors from various cities and other elected officials will attend. The Summit is at the Brownstone in Paterson. Tickets are $25. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 973-470-9300 for info.

At the April 7 Chamber mixer, Josephine Scavone of Clifton Savings, Gerald Lipkin, CEO of Valley National Bancorp and Valley’s Rt. 46 branch manager James Palmer.

Botany Village Merchants are focused on creating a SID or Special Improvement District. A SID is a designated area where property owners impose an additional tax. The funds generated are used solely to promote and improve the district. The plans call to incorporate the historic area and the nearby Botany Plaza. Merchants and the property owner in the newer shopping plaza are still mulling over the concept.

Elvis A. Danielle, center, a 10 year old student at School 13, was the winner of the $1,000 grand prize diamond provided by Gnome Jewelers of Van Houten Ave. in a Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Athenia Business Association.

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

The Athenia Business Association continues to be an advocate for the 100 or so businesses located along and around Van Houten Ave., from city hall to the Passaic border. The group recently held a successful dinner and dance. A street festival is in the works. For info: 973-473-0986. More Housing in Athenia: 66 Mt. Prospect Ave. remains an eyesore, but the building, damaged in a fire a few months ago, and two others in the business complex, will be demolished in a plan the City Council is pushing. CRG Realty wants to purchase the complex and needs variances to change the zoning so the commercial area can become a three-story building with 24 condominiums and 10,000 square feet of medical office space. The Council’s economic development committee—Steve Hatala, Jim Anzaldi and Gloria Kolodziej—insisted that the apartments be marketed to those 55 years old and older. A meeting is to be scheduled with residents for their input. Call Clifton’s Economic Development office if you are an ‘interested party’ who’d like to be invited: 973-470-5200.

Funky Montgomery: Off the fast and beaten trail of Route 46 lies Montgomery St., and stores with more personality than those found in the busiest of shopping malls. There’s Dolly’s Ceramic Art Studio, a fixture for over 50 years. Earth Essence, a new earth and spirituality store. Next door is Hair’s Bev and just upstairs is Professional Touch Therapeutic Massage. With a mixture of old and new, these businesses offer the adventurous shopper something different. Dolly’s was operated by Dolly Dziob and her husband, but when he passed away six years ago, it was up to Dolly to take over the operation. She still does what she loves: creating beautiful ceramic figurines, painting and firing them. Over the years she has taught others the techniques of ceramics. Across from Dolly’s at 29A Montgomery St. is Earth Essence. Owner Tom Bertalan is a Clifton resident who just opened the store.

Tom Bertalan, owner of Earth Essence, located at 29A Montgomery St., near the Burger King on Route 46, offers candles, chimes and other unique gifts.

Earth Essence carries wind chimes, celestial candle holders, tarot cards, feng shui books and candles, henna art kits, faeries, incense, oils, goddess books, relaxing cd’s and more. Bertalan’s path to Montgomery St. is as eclectic as his store. From his days at CHS, he went on to work in the construction industry, holding

various jobs. Now, Bertalan said he is finally doing what he always wanted to: operating the kind of store he would like to shop in. So next time you’re getting off of Route 46 and quickly cruising down Montgomery St.—stop—and say hello to Dolly, Tom and the other Montgomery St. merchants. by Susan Garsky

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CLIFTON “GO FOR THE GOLD” CAR RAFFLE

Clifton Kids Win 2004 Honda Civic DX VALUED AT $13,500 BY

2004 Lincoln LS VALUED AT $32,610

GARDEN STATE HONDA

When you purchase one of the 800 raffles to win one of the two cars shown above, your donation helps the Boys & Girls Club provide services to thousands of Clifton kids, year round. Tickets are

now on sale so see a Trustee or call the Club at 973-773-0966 for info. The drawing will be held at a wine and cheese reception on May 18 at 8 pm at the Valley Regency, 1129 Valley Rd.

LICENSE # RL4998

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DONATED

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Lee’s Hawaiian Islander on the corner of Lexington and Piaget Ave. was to be demolished on April 24 but that has not yet happened. The Tiki bar/restaurant has been an eyesore since it burned in a fire on July 26, 2003. Owner Daniel Yee was facing $5,000 in fines when on March 24 he appeared before Clifton Judge Scott Bennion. Yee produced a contract for demolition and Bennion postponed sentencing for 30 days. What’s to happen next is unknown. Our story generated calls. The first was from Kurt Ramig, the son of former owners Kurt and Mae Ramig, who operated the Cliftonia and then the Norselander. He provided the info on these two pages. A letter, which follows, is from Clifton’s former historian, Elvira Hessler. It reads:

Above, Lee’s, before the fire, and a sketch of the Norselander.

In your article, author James Teitelbaum is quoted as saying ‘Anytime one of them vanishes it's a loss.’ He was referring to Tiki bars. However there is an even greater loss for this community than a Tiki bar. For within the foundation walls of this Victorian-looking structure stands a stone incised ‘P.P.’ and dated ‘1713’ remaining from the original dwelling built there beside the old Wessel Road now called Lexington Ave. My tears will not be shed for the loss of a Tiki bar, but rather for the traces of Clifton’s earliest beginnings, forever lost.

Owner Kurt Raming, his son Kurt, and Joe Franklin on the set of Joe Franklin’s Memory Lane TV show, about 1958.

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

From the menu of The Norselander, circa 1961: The early 18th century and the present are separated by more than 250 years. Yet, here at the Norselander, a connection with this remote era still remains. When Paul Powlson had erected his farm house on the site of what is now the Norselander, he chiseled his initials ‘PP’ and the year ‘1713’ into a stone of the front wall. Today it is still intact as part of our Terrace Room. Historically, not much is known, but in 1777, a squad of British soldiers, passing by, searched the house for deserters. None were found, but they confiscated two demijohns of Applejack which they uncovered during their search. Hard liquor, therefore is no newcomer to these premises. Successive owners added the upper stories to the original house, and in 1933, with the return of legalized liquor, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Cusak began the modern history of this landmark. They renovated what is now the Viking Room, by installing an oak bar, and the beamed ceilings as it is presently constituted. The front of the bar became a victim of progress in 1955, but the back bar, with its mirror and side door cabinets, still greets our Viking Room guests to this day. The new venture was named, quite appropriately, The Cliftonia. In 1940, further renovations led to the addition of our present Candlelight Dining Room. At that time, this room was the favorite rendezvous for dancers from the entire vicinity.

December of 1944 brought a change of management. Mr. and Mrs. Cusak retired, and the present owners, Mae and Kurt Ramig have guided its destiny from that time on. In 1955 our Smorgasbord table, and a large kitchen was added, and in 1961, ‘The Cliftonia’, in keeping with its new image, was renamed. The menu concluded: One may only conjecture what the next two and one half centuries will bring. For the present, however, The Norselander will continue to serve its guests, as in the past, with fine food and excellent service, amid pleasant surroundings.

Win A

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Enter a FREE Raffle for a 25” Color TV!

TV donated by Andalaft & Associates LLC Come to the International Food & Street Festival in Downtown Clifton on Saturday June 5th. Deposit this ticket in the box at Main Mall Plaza, 1187 Main Ave. between 10am and 3pm. The drawing will be held at 3pm. Winner does not have to be present.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2004

The Clifton Arts Center, on the city hall campus, begins a Distinguished Artist Series of Classical Music on May 7 at 7:30 pm featuring baritone Oleg Chmyr, soprano Ana Rojas and pianist David Mailullo. Taxdeductible tickets are $20. Other levels of sponsorship available. Make checks payable to Clifton Arts Center, Inc., 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013. For info, call 973-472-5499.

Oleg Chmyr

David Maiullo

Ana Rojas

Passaic County Senior Art Show seeks residents 60 and over, to enter show-ready work for the annual art show, which will be held June 14 to 25 at the Louis Bay 2nd Library & Community Center, 345 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne. For info and rules, call 973-881-4950. Dave and Debbie Plowman, former Clifton residents, who both perform with the Bloomingdale Cornet Band, have made it a family affair. Their fiveyear-old, Braeden, is now ‘band front’, carrying BCB’s banner. Braeden joins sister Brittany, 16, and twelve-year-old twins, Shawn and Shaina. BCB, which performs in Clifton parades, hosts a free 120th Anniversary Concert on May 30 at 7 pm in Sloan Park, Bloomingdale. Present and former members should attend a rehearsal on May 29 at 6 pm at the Senior Center at 103 Hamburg Tpk., Bloomingdale. Anyone may come and listen to the rehearsal. Call 973-872-8847 or go to www.bloomingdalecornetband.org. The Art Of Calligraphy, the work of Roxanne Cammilleri, (sample above) will be exhibited during the month of May at the Clifton Main Public Library on Piaget Ave. during regular operating hours. The collection of artwork exhibited contains hand-painted letter designs and mixed media on various papers. Calligraphy commonly known as ‘beautiful handwriting’ is still a form of art used today for addressing special invitations and honoring notable achievements. Calligraphy note cards will also be for sale. For info, call 973-772-5500. Visions in Watercolor, a group show by members of the NJ Watercolor Society, will be displayed May 5-27 at the Clifton Arts Center, 900 Clifton Ave. There will be a free reception on May 8, from 1 to 4 pm. Joel Popadics offers a free demonstration on May 13, from 7 to 9 pm. Info: 973-472-5499. 88

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Downtown Clifton Street Fair: The funky Ultra Band will headline the jazz stage in front of the Luna Rossa Jazz Restaurant at the Downtown Clifton International Food & Street Festival along Main Ave. on June 5. Classic oldies and doo wop bands will be on a second stage in front of Clifton Music. In addition to musical acts, crafters and artists can rent space for the event, which runs from 10 am to 5 pm, in the city’s Main Ave. business district. The raindate is June 6. To vend, perform or for details: 973-253-1455.

18 pastel landscapes and still lifes by Clifton artist Michael Gabriele are displayed at Dupre Framing and Gallery, 127 Valley Rd., Montclair, through May 29. Artwork in the Dupre exhibit, in the medium of pastel on paper, includes landscape scenes from Europe and floral still lifes. Gabriele is a member of the Clifton Association of Artists and serves on the executive committee of the Montclair State Alumni Association. He is also a member of Studio Montclair Inc. and the Nutley Little Theatre. Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, whose members include Clifton residents Annamaria Menconi and Janet Wells, performs 3 pm on May 16 with the Russian Carnival Ensemble (above) in a program showcasing classical and world music genres. The event is at the

The Russian Carnival Ensemble mixes it up with the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra.

Bloomfield Presbyterian Church On-The-Green. Tickets: $8-$15, under 12 free. Call 973-259-1331. Send your news and photos to us 30 days in advance of publication. Clifton Merchant Magazine 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011.

Clifton’s Helping Band: Bobby Byrne, shown at left, returns to Clifton and will perform Broadway showstoppers, Irish ballads, Italian Opera, humorous novelty tunes plus Elvis ‘rockers’ at CHS on May 25 at 7 pm. Hosted by the Clifton Rec. Dept., and coordinated by the ‘Music Matador’, Bob Obser, no tickets are required but a non-perishable food item donation is suggested to assist the Clifton Helping Hands food bank. Cash donations are always welcomed. For info 973-772-5291.

The Passaic County Film Commission is hosting a logo contest. While there are no specific guidelines, the commission reminds artists that the group was created to promote the development of the motion picture and television film industry in the 16 towns of Passaic County. Consider that as background in the image development. Logos may be submitted on paper or electronically. Deadline: June 30. To discuss more specifics, call 973-881-4428. hair nails color

• University Piano Rooms • Student Recitals • Instrument Rentals 1385

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309 Lakeview Ave. Clifton (behind the Lakeview Ave. Community Police Division)

973-253-7500 • www.menconimusicstudio.com

Call Sheryl at 973.365.0220 to make an appointment. 88 Market Street, Clifton Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Project Graduation, Spring Fever Concert featuring Infamous Plague and the Flying Mueller Brothers, and other groups, is May 16 at 2 pm in the CHS senior parking lot. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others. Checks can be made to CHS PTSA and mailed to 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013. For details on the concert, call Maryann Cornett at 973-779-5678. The concert benefits Project Graduation, which takes place June 21, the night of the CHS commencement. Now in its 15th year, Project Graduation is an all-night party at a local resort, where the kids, discreetly escorted by public safety officials and other chaperones, are safely entertained. The 500 or so grads return to Clifton next morning tired but safe.

This Summer’s Perfect Pitch: This summer, Menconi Music Studio, at 309 Lakeview Ave., is offering group classes for perfect pitch, music appreciation, and guitar techniques. Also offered will be private lessons for all instruments and voice. Call 973-253-7500 for info.

Clifton Schools Summer Music and Arts Camps registration is now underway.

Summer Music Camp or Summer Art Camp presented by the Clifton Public Schools Department of Fine and Performing Arts is 8:30 am – 12:30 pm four days a week from June 22 through July 16 at WWMS. The course is designed for students entering grades four through eight next September. Music Camp includes daily participation in a small group instrumental lesson, a large group ensemble and two new segments that were added this year: music composition on the computer and musical theater, which will include singing, dancing and acting. The program will conclude with a concert and theatrical presentation. Kids in Art Camp will have sessions in drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Students will rotate through each to give them exposure to various forms of art expression. A portfolio of student art work will be presented at the conclusion. Tuition is $100 for Music Camp and $125 for Art Camp. Music students must provide their own instruments, and art students must supply a sketchbook. All other supplies and materials will be provided. Students must sign up for the entire four weeks of the programs. Art and music teachers have applications. Registration deadline is May 28. Call 973-594-4199 for info.

Subscribe To Clifton Merchant Don’t Miss Another Issue. Have It Mailed To Your Home. $15/YEAR WITHIN CLIFTON • $25 FOR 2 YEARS—OUT OF TOWN $25 PER YEAR • $40 FOR 2 YEARS Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:____________________________________________________________Phone: ____________________

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Anthony Neglia Steven Nereth M. Newman Armand Nicdao Peggy Nicoll Stasia Niejadlik Dorothy L. Nieradka Jon J. Nikischer Andreas Nikolakopoulos John L. Nikovits Daniel Noga Kathleen Noga Maureen Nolan Charles Nouhan Phyllis J. Nouhan Fayez Noury Marilyn Oakley Brian Obolsky Andrew E. Obssuth Ann Obssuth Amy O’Connell

Petition for Latteri Park Durronisha P. Patel Jitendra Patel Unmesha Patel Abdur Pathan Barbara Patierno Chris Patino Henry Patino Marie Paukovits Stefan Paukovits Violet Pavan Ann Pavick Kristina Pawelko Joe Payne Joe Pearson Kay Pedersen Martin Pedersen John J. Pelle Noel Pena

Charles Pivirotto Michael Pivirotto Vincenzo Pizzi John Pizzimenti Geralyn Plaskon Greg Plaskon Waldemar Pocztarski Tom Podkanowicz Andrew Polick Joseph Poliska Paola Poliska Rose Poliska Gary Pollaro Alan J. Polyniak Margaret Pomorski Walter Pomorski Ida Pompeo Francine Ponte

You, Me and My Wife Passed the Budget. It’s a shame that in a city of 80,000 people, so few of us came out to vote for something as important as the School Budget. Since the Budget did pass by three votes, I want to thank everyone that took the time to cast a ballot. We should also use this election to remind parents that every vote does count. And as far as the Latteri Park issue, yes indeed, if it’s for free, it is for me. Put the school in Rosemawr. Joe Cupoli Mary Ogilvie Gene Oleniak Rose Oliva Stan W. Omelczik E. Onischuk Lawrence Orbe Charles Orlando Concetta Orlando Charles Oroitz David Orr Cristian Ortega Reinaldo Ortiz Yvette Ortiz Jackie Osmak Ahmad Osman Elia Otavaro Ken Owci Doreen Pall Angelo Palladino Marie Palladino Rita Paluch Desirree Palumbo Gus Panchame` Jean Panchame` James Papalia Jack Paparella Dean Papasso Lucille Paradiso Edward Parcells Balmukund Parikh Priti Parikh Maria Paris Cathy Parisi Jeff Parisi Betty Parkinson Denise Passenti

Hector Perez Michele Perez Catherine M. Perrdick Antoinette Perrone Gary Person Nancy Peskosky Carol Peterson John Peterson Joseph Peterson Kenneth Peterson Maria Peterson Joe Petto Nikalus Petrich Irene Petrone Pat Petrone Doris Pharo Donna Philhower Ken Philhower Kevin Philp Allen Jean Philippe Kathleen Picarello Lawrence Picarello Joseph Pieciak Thomas K. Piede Bernadeta Piekarus Mark Piekarus Cheryl Pienciak Richard T. Pienciak Ann Pietkowicz Meghan K. Pilkir Rich Pinksaw Maria Pinter Rick Pinter Joseph Pisarczyk Gail Pison Tinarae Pistilli

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

Guillermo Portilla John Poryanda Christine Potash Thomas Potash Joan A. Potter William E. Potter Michael Press El. Pribit Bruce Price Mary E. Prill Ann Profita Peter Proha Annette Prosper Mark Pugliese Helen Purn Greg Pych Janet Querido Jeanne Querido Karen Quinn Nick Quintavella Diane Raichel Robert Raichel Theresa Raichel Prakash Ramani Hector Ramos Leticia Ramos Mehtin Rani Josephine Ravina Margaret Reckenbeil Melissa Reed Teresa Regazzi Helen Reid Joanne Reilly Debbie Reisman Michael Renda Billie-Joe Renteria

Louis Renzo Adrienne Reonieri Dean Reonieri Debra Reonieri Joyce Reynolds Michael Reynolds John Riccardi Karen Rice Michael Rice Cathy Richmond Elizabeth Richmond William Richmond Margaret Rinkerman L. Rios Felix Rivera Nereida Rivera Vivian Rivera Lidi Rizaniw Walter Rizaniw Deborah Rizzi John Rlaze Catherine Robertson Jack Robol C. Rodrigues Da Silva Fred Rogers Judy Rogers Linda Rogers Mary Rogers May Rogers Mary Rohaley Lydia Rold John E. Rollo Katherine Rollo Elizabeth Romaniak Ernest Romaniak Rich Romaniak Nancy Romeo Bernice Rooney Kathleen Rooney William J. Rooney Terry Rosa Frances Rosado Armando Rosales Gerard Roselli Barry Rosenfeld Sherry Rosenfeld Gregory Ross Helen Ross Maurice Rossi Suzanne Rossi Rosamond G. Roth Robert R. Rounseville Josephine Rowbotham Lisa Rowbotham Cathlin Rozman Robert Rozman Matthew Rubenacker Herbert Rubenstein Leonard Rubenstein Nicolina Ruble Edward R. Ruinello Edwin Ruiz Albert Runo Bennie Runo John Ruppert, Jr. Angelo W. Russo Michael Russo

Helen Rutkowski Violet Rybak Janis Ryerson Helen Saavedra Ramon Saavedra Gary M. Sabak Frank Sabo Eghdami Saghafi Hassan Saghafi Asia Saleh Said Saleh Dalia Salloum Raja Salloum Norman Salveson Sinar Samaniego Gelmi Sanchez Joan Sanford Anne Sanfratello Lourdes Santosuosso Carmen Sarmiento June Saunders Elizabeth Scandale Lynn Scelba Marsha Schadt Ron Schadt Roy R. Schafer Brian Schagman Christine Scher Robert Scher Vera Schimenti Alfred Schultheis Jr. Donald Schwarz Fred Schweighardt Margaret Schweighardt Cheryl Schwerin Angela Sciancalepore John Sciancalepore Joe Scibon Ronald Scilla Wendy Scrudato Elaine Seabeck Mark Seigfried Mary Elizabeth Selvakumar Vivian Semerard Frieda Sennert Mary Serino Jack Serovich Judy Serovich John Seyka Jr. John T. Seyka Tillie Seyka John Seymour Arvino Shah Bindi Shah Ketul Shah Pankaj Shah Sujit Shah Sylvia Shami Cindy Shamp Margaret Shannon Alessondra Sihiere Christine Shortman Joseph Sider Meredith Sieper Elsie Siems Maria Silva Dennis Simon Arnold Simone

Elaine Simone L. Sinakowicz Richard Sinakowicz Carlton Singleton Doreen L. Sitar Margaret Skarbeck Mary Skibola Donna Sloan George Sloth Joseph Smalz JoAnne Smerigin Mark Smerigin Claire M. Smith Dorothy G. Smith Lenore Smith-Aman Nicole Smith Evelyn M. Sochon J. Sokasits Emily B. Sokerka Rae Solimine D. J. Solomon Karl Solomon Lilian Solomon David Soltis Karen Somm Catherine Sommers Gerard Sommers Josephine C. Somoracki Emily Sondej Stanley Sondej Mary Soroka James Sottosanti Vincent Sottosanti Yolanda Sottosanti Christine Southway Robert Southway Tammy Spagnuolo Victor Spagnuolo Robert Spellmon Mitchell Spingarn Maryann Stagen Martha Stark David Starr Marie Starr Lucy Stathopoulos Jaye Staudinger Robert Staudinger Carol Stauhs Barbara Steinbinder Marie Steiner Carrie Stern Michael Sternick Sarah Sternick

Roy Stesko Christina Stier James Stier Roger Stier Lee-ann St. Laurent S. St Laurent Todd St. Laurent Anthony Stolarz Pat Stols Annette Strungis Luis Suarez June Sudol Walter E. Sudol Cathy Sullivan John Suscreba Maryellen Suscreba Valerie Suruy Mary Suter-Antoniotti Peter Suter Anna Sydor Joseph Szczepanik Agnes Szerencsits Ed Szerencsits Johanna Szerencsits John P. Szerencsits Maryann Szerencsits Greg Szetela Bertha Szewczyk Irene Szewczyk Joseph Szewczyk Marie Szewczyk Richard Szewczyk Lorraine Szluka Kris Tabor Toni Tanis Arlene Tarnowski Stanley Tarnowski W. Tarnowski Louise Tarsitano Nettie Tavares Eileen Taylor Teri Taylor Florence Telesh Kenneth Terpstad Michael Terranova Courtney Terry Nimisha Thakkar S. Thakkar Anna Theodoropoulos Jennifer A. Thomas Justin Thomas III Tim Thompson Patrick Tierney

Carol Tillery Stanislaw Tokarz Barbara Tolvay Anne Toombs James Toombs Joseph Torelli David S. Torley Miriam Torresola Jacqueline Traub Anna Triantafyllou Ilias Triantafyllou Scott Tristram Lewis Trommer Lynn Trzcinski Lucy Tsimpedes Gary V. Tufaro Susan Tularowski Josephine Tulp M. A. Tunison Rachelle Turcci Sophie Turos Joyce Turrin Florence Tuscano Luis Tuscano Amanda Ullmer Renee Ullmer Steven Ullmer Gene Uricoli Carmen Urteaga Marion Van Assen Cathy Van Buskirk John Vanderhook Brian VanDerHorn Keith VanDerHorn E. Van Der Horn D. Vanderwekke Gwen Van Dyk Linda VanEss D. VanNortwick Irene VanNortwick Michael VanNortwick Myron J. Varn Gloria Vasilik Robert Vasko Kathy Vassallo Jerry Velardi Mary Velardi Audrey Velazquez Peter Velechk Kristen Velez Maria Elena Velez Wilfredo Velez

Barbara J. Venezia Rocco Venezia Cathy Ventimiglia Kalliope Vergis June Verhulst Morton Verhulst Linda Viloria Antonio Vinci Charles Visconti Ella Visscher Sharon Vitiello Antonio Volonnino Michael Volonnino Jim Wagner Lorraine Wagner Henry Walentowicz Peter Walentowicz Bryja Walenty Leonard Walker Susan Walker Victoria Walker Matthew J. Walkley Steven Walkley James Waller Mary Walsh Jill Warning Fran Warren Lech Welnitz Monica Weis Eric J. Weitner Louis G. Weitner Roseann J. Weitner Evelyn Wescott Ralph Wescott Paul Wesoly Kenneth West Scott Whisten Eileen Wieczerzak Elizabeth M. Wison Mary A. Wilson Ronald Wilson Stephen E. Wilson Linda Winfield Cindy Winkler Janina Winowski Elsie Wispelwey

Maria Wispelwey Robert Wittmann Barbara Wittmann Anita Winkler Andrea Wohl Michael Wojcik Virginia Wojcik Gail Wojtowicz Joseph Wojtowicz Virginia Wojtovitz Michael Woods Michael Wortendyke Joseph Wrobel Connie Wry Dr. John Wry Edgar Wurch Francine Wurch John M. Wydak Thomas Wyko Beverly G. Yackovich Edward Yackovich Bo Yaremko Ted Yarrish Joseph Yeamans Karen Yeamans Carl Young Lorayne Young Eliza Zabalela Joe Zaborney Fred Zaccone G. Zaccone M. Zaccone Trudi Zaccone Matt Yagins Michele Yagins Irene Zagorski Issam Zaineh Andy Zakrzewski Eileen Zakrzewski Patricia M. Zalesny Richie Zambrana Miguel A. Zayas Debbie Zayatz Tom Zayatz Gina Zegler Kenneth Zeigler

As we went press, we have about 1,000 more names not shown in this list. We will continue to publish names until this matter is resolved. Attend the Board of Ed. meeting May 19 at 7 pm.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2004

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101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

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5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

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

973.338.9292 1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

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

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

Visit us in Downtown Clifton: 1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999 94

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

The Black-Throated Green Warbler is one of the large number and variety of song birds that can be seen now at Garret Mountain. The park, off Valley Rd., is in a main migration route in which the birds feed and rest in on their way north. The month of May has the most variety of these transient birds, which include many types of wood warblers; two types of cuckoos; various woodpeckers, thrushes, ducks, hawks and other species. Most can be found in the shrubs surrounding the quarter mile long Barbour’s pond. Go on a sunny day and wear a pair of sneakers and bring that pair of 7x35 binoculars collecting dust in your closet! The NJ Audubon Society has a number of guided walks at Garret in May and the Montclair Bird Club has a guided walk every Wednesday morning. For more details, call 908-204-8998 or 973-835-2160. The WasteWise program is an EPA effort that focuses in three areas: waste prevention, recycling collection and buying or manufacturing recycled-content products. For more information on how to join or what you can do to help, call Clifton’s Recycling Coordinator Al Dubois at 973-470-2234 or go to www.epa.gov/wastewise.

Sacred Heart School seeks the following for its reunion on July 10: Dorretta Perrini, Eugene Dunn, Lynn Palatini, Joyce Bellini, and Alan Pra Sisto. Contact Steve Christopher: SChris1313@aol.com. BSA Troop 7 of St. Paul Church hosts an Eagle Court of Honor for Dharya B. Dalal, Aaron D. Parry, Christopher Stetz and Michael John Ross on June 3. Info: 973-340-3958. The Mustang Marching Band hosts a Classic Car Show fundraiser on May 22, 10 am to 4 pm, at the CHS parking lot. Register at 8 am, $15 donation per car. Spectators are $2. There will be a DJ, food, vendors, and fun. Rain date: May 23. Register now: 973-523-9261. Queen of Peace HS students James Daley, Lauren Nycz, Sylwia Soltys, Katie Dombrowski, Ashley LaTrace, Maciej Dabrowski, David Millar, Patricia Niedziela, Jonathan Ramirez and Sylvia Szerszen host a Car/Motorcycle Show on May 8 at the school track in North Arlington. Proceeds benefit Covenant House. Info: www.qphs.org. Joseph F. Scancarella, former Presiding Judge of Passaic County Civil Division, has joined the law offices of Damlan, Taylor, Russo and Finkel, Clifton, where he handles arbitration, mediation and other law related matters of counsel. Some remember him from his days on a different court–at CHS in the 1950’s.

John E. Biegel, Jr received the Passaic County Distinguished Service Plaque on May 1 at the Passaic County American Legion Installation Dinner, for his activities on behalf of the Legion and veterans of Clifton. He is also becoming the Commander of Allwood VFW Post 6487. He is the only vet that has held command in three different posts: Athenia Veteran’s Post, American Legion Post 8, and now VFW 6487. Biegel is also Vice President of the Navy League and co-founder of Clifton’s Avenue of Flags. Attaboy for Bill: Tom Miller, the Passaic County Veterans Advocate, said a new VA Outpatient Clinic has opened at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, thanks to Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Despite a moratorium on new outpatient clinics, Pascrell was able to convince the VA that Passaic County needed one, said Miller. Pascrell’s Veterans Advisory Committee, veterans from the district and elsewhere, have been instrumental in supporting the effort to establish a new health clinic. The panel works with Pascrell on a regular basis to address the day to day needs of veterans. The St. Joe’s facility will be the first of its kind in Passaic County and will serve the more than 30,000 veterans that reside in the area. Call Tom Miller at 881-4173 for issues regarding veterans services.

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Bring your pooch to Chelsea Park on May 22 from 2 to 5 pm for an afternoon of fun and games. Prizes for well behaved and performance dogs. Register at the Rec Dept., City Hall. Make donations to the Friends of the Animal Shelter. Call 973-470-5958 for info. Free Rabies Shots for Clifton dogs will be offered May 18, from 6 to 8 pm at the DPW Garage on 7th St. Fido must have a license, which can be purchased there or in advance at the Health Dept., at City Hall. For fees and info, call 973-470-5758. CHS Class of 1954’s 50 year reunion on June 11 at the Regency House, Rte. 23, Pompton Plains. Call G. Tuzzolino at 201-852-2948. CHS Class of 1979 25th reunion is Nov. 26 at the Bethwood in Totowa. The cost is $75. Call Linda HarakaDiFalco at 973-778-1992.

2 00 OFF

Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined.

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

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

Happy Birthday To Asutosh Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/1 Jessica Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/2 Maria DeGraaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/3 Julia Komarczyk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/3 Margie Maloney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/3 Russell Courtney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6 Dolores Hatala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6 Mary D. Henn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6 Yasmeen Saleh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6 Mary Domyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/7 Margie Hatala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/7 Alexandra Homsany . . . . . . . . . . 5/8 Matthew Nagy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/8 Hector Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/8 Christine Siluk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/8 Thomas Steranko . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/8 Ray Zang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/9 Michelle Kepisty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/10 Rebecca DeChellis . . . . . . . . . . 5/11 Joe De Liberto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/12 Maria Markozanis . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/12 Donna De Liberto . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/13 Myrtle (Myrt) Petty . . . . . . . . . . . 5/13 Jeff Reilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/13

Gia Camille Genardi turns 4 on May 2

Petros “Petey” Pathos turns 2 on May 4 Michael Zawicki . . . Alice De Liberto . . . Earl Grosser Jr. . . . . . Victoria Leja . . . . . . Mark McGuire . . . . Rosemary Canavan John Hawrylko . . . . Jamie Antal . . . . . . Ashley Leeshock . . . Mariana Pineda . . . Brian Smith . . . . . . . Jennifer Mulick . . . . Ken Bender . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/13 5/14 5/15 5/15 5/16 5/17 5/17 5/18 5/18 5/18 5/18 5/20 5/21

Open your heart and your home.

Anthony Markozanis . Joe Murolo . . . . . . . . Matthew Palladino . . Jessica Bielen . . . . . . MaryEllen Krattinger . Michele Perez . . . . . . Donald Lopuzzo . . . . Michael Santosuosso Claire Swede . . . . . . Brittney Abell . . . . . . Alyssa Dalbo . . . . . . . Ken McDonald . . . . . Kaylee Pinter . . . . . . Jonathan Rideg . . . . Agnes Shumack . . . . Fred Antes . . . . . . . . Steve Bielen . . . . . . . David J. Ricca . . . . . Anthony Alcalde . . . Anthony DeSomma . Christopher Ramirez . Christopher Smith . . . Logan Thompson . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/21 5/21 5/21 5/23 5/23 5/23 5/24 5/24 5/24 5/25 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/27 5/27 5/28 5/29 5/30 5/31 5/31 5/31

Belated Birthday to April Graham who turned 21 on April 28; and a special message from Grandma & Pop: We love you April! Nyo Hya Lita!!! It’s a busy birthday month at the Hryckowian house: Pelagia turns 90 on May 3, Walter turns 51 on May 18, Olivia turns 10 on May 25. Best wishes for a wonderful year to Mary Henn who turns 73 on May 6 Happy Birthday to Jason Hochmuth of Fort Lauderdale who turns 7 May 19.

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

Stephanie and Maxine send special birthday wishes to their brother, Kyle J. Magaster, who turns 20 May 27.

Financial Assistance & Free Training Available

Russell and Ronnie Courtney have a wedding anniversary May 17.

Call toll-free: 1-800-837-9102

More Anniversaries... Edward & Fran Termyna 26 years on 5/6

N E W

Emil & Ann Soltis 52 years on 5/15

J E R S E Y

Robert & Terry Raichel 39 years on 5/22

To qualify to be a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old, have a steady source of income and adequate space in your home.

www.fostercare.com 96

May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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Maria & Rick Pinter 27 years on 5/25

Mustang Baseball and Softball Camp for kids 7-17, is June 28-July 2 and July 6-9 at Nash Park, from 8:45 am until noon. Offense/defense skills will be covered in the first week. July 6-9 is designed for pitchers and catchers. CHS varsity baseball coach Rich Bel Bruno is director while CHS softball varsity coach Juliann Magliarditi and Pequannock head varsity softball coach Mary Ann Goodwin co-direct the softball division. The fee is $100 for the five-day program and $90 for the four-day pitchers and catchers camp week. Call 973-773-7248 for info.

Joe Vespignani’s Soccer Camps for kids ages 3 to 10 is on July 12-16 and Aug. 9-13, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Camp is at the CHS varsity soccer field. The fee is $80 for one week or $150 for both, which includes a t-shirt. Coach Vespignani in the last two years has guided Mustang boys soccer to a 99-14-6 record, two Passaic County Championships, two league titles, and was twice a finalist in the state sectional. Call 973-334-0207 or email VespignaniSoccer@aol.com. 1074

LWOOD AL AY AND LEARN PL

Mustang Hoops Basketball Camp is June 28 to July 1 ($125) and Aug. 2 to 6 ($150) in the CHS gym. Directed by CHS coach John Michael Santulli, both camps run 9 am to 3 pm. Early bird and pay-in-full discounts. Make checks to Mustang Hoops Basketball Camp and mail to: 16 Addicts Rd., Westwood, NJ 07675. for more info, call 201-310-9152 or email jmsan@msn.com. MVP Basketball Camp for boys and girls, grades 3 through 9, by former CHS boys basketball coach Pete Vasil, is June 28 through July 2, 9 am to 3 pm at St. Paul School on Main Ave. Coach Bob Hurley of national boys basketball power St. Anthony will be a guest speaker on July 1 at 9 am. Vasil, who coached the Mustangs from 1997 through 2003, is currently an assistant coach at William Paterson. Cost is $155. Call 973-569-0407.

TENAFLY ENAFLY PEDIATRICS EDIATRICS 1135 Broad St., Suite 208 • Clifton • 973-471-8600 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm Wednesday 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (for check-ups, too!) Sunday 9 am – 12 noon • www.tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. Maury Buchalter

Dr. Nancy Mallon

Dr. Robert Jawetz

Dr. David Wisotsky

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Stan Lembryk’s Training of Champs Soccer Camp for boys pre-k to 8th grade is Aug. 9-13 and for girls pre-k to 8th grade, Aug. 16-20, from 9 am to noon, at WWMS. CHS ‘87 grad Lembryk is the CHS girls soccer coach, director of USA Soccer Academy and head coach NY/NJ U-18 Metro Stars (MLS). Cost is $120; register by June 15 and save 10 percent. Call 973-686-1764.

Ken Kurnath will be roasted in a red, white and blue affair on June 14 at 6:30 pm. Kurnath will be honored for his 15 years on Clifton’s Board of Education and his four decades of service to Passaic Schools. Norm Tahan is chair and seeks Kurnath’s former students, friends and athletes. Call Tahan for info/tickets: 973-569-0936.

Registration Now Underway! • Nursery School • Pre-K Programs • Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds Open 9 am to 3 pm

Allwood Play & Learn, 94 Chelsea Rd.

973 779-4844

We welcome new patients in Clifton and our other locations! Tenafly 32 Franklin St 201-569-2400

Fort Lee 301 Bridge Plaza N. 201-592-8787

Paramus 26 Park Place 201-262-1140

Oakland 3 Post Road 201-651-0404

Clifton Merchant • May 2004

The goal of Clifton Youth Week, which begins May 7 and is run by the Rec Dept., is to get and keep adolescents and teens involved in the city. This year’s theme is ‘50 Years of Dreams’ to mark the milestone. Our records show that Clifton Youth Week first began on May 12, 1953 as ‘Youth in Government Day,’ featuring teen counterparts for city officials. The pairs broke break at lunch and then conducted visits to industrial sites and municipal offices. Clifton joined the national observance of Youth Week on May 12, 1956. The chair that year was Charles Epstein, the proprietor of the former family clothing store on Main Ave. For half a century, Clifton Youth Week has evolved but even today, it still seeks to instill in city kids values such as respect for elders, special needs groups, animals, the environment, the schools and the Golden Rule of helping one another. As in the past, Clifton firms sponsor each event and participating schools, both public and private, have a representative who volunteers their time to make things happen.

Held on a variety of days, and managed by Clifton Rec staff and many volunteers, events include fishing, bowling, basketball, creative writing and poster design. Youth in Government day is always popular as is the talent show at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on May 14 at 6:30 pm. Other events include Fantastic Flight with Mother Goose, Computer Talent Showcase, Family Day Out and SIdewalk Chalk Art. And yes, there still is a fishing contest, and it is still sponsored by our friends at Meltzer’s Sporting Goods. Rain or shine, it will be held May 15, from 7 to 10 am at Racy’s Pond in Main Memorial Park. The contest is open to kids through 8th grade. Ribbons and recreation dollars will be given for largest trout caught and most fish. Finally, fish must be snagged by hook (no nets) and must still be in the mouth when presented for judging. For all the details on Clifton Youth Week 2004, call, 973-470-5956. We’re not sure if this young guy won the 1972 Youth Week prize, but this carp was hauled out of Racy’s Pond back then.

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor Dr. Moore and staff would like to wish all moms a happy Mother’s Day. (Pictured here is Josephine Carabello, (doc’s grandma) Dr. Moore, and Sandra Moore, (doc’s mom).

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

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May 2004 • Clifton Merchant

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