Clifton Merchant Magazine - May 2005

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C l i f t o n M e rc h a n t M a g a z i n e • Vo l u m e 11 • i s s u e 5 • may 6, 2005

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Avenue of Flags

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he only thing Helen Zayatz likes better than making stuffed cabbage is honoring Old Glory. “I love my flag,” said the 79 year old Botany Village resident whose home is decorated with American flags, inside and out. “I even carry one with me.”

Zayatz’s patriotism extends up Clifton Ave., right to the Avenue of Flags, which is displayed on and around City Hall. With a total of about 757 flags expected to be posted from dawn to dusk on Memorial Day, May 30, Zayatz is the city’s leading sponsor, having paid for 13 banners to honor veterans, both living and deceased.

Photo: Al Hastick

The first flag she purchased was in honor of her late husband Merchant Marine George, who was discharged honorably with the rank of Chief Stewart after serving from 1941 to 1947.

Next she honored his brothers, Timothy, Nickolas and John, all of whom served in the Army during WWII. Zayatz also purchased flags for her brothers-in-laws Bill Van Dongeon and Louis Bakula, both Navy vets as well as Army veterans Peter Dopiriak and Joseph Franek Sr. She also honored her brothers Alexander Koromhas, an Army veteran, U.S. Marine William Koromhas and Navy veteran John Koromhas.

Next was her nephew George Ligos, who served in the Navy and friend Eugene Zwier, an Army vet. Zayatz added that she is still far from finished and intends to buy more flags to honor other veterans.

The display may be the largest American flag exhibit east of the Mississippi River and is on view Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day. Flags can be purchased for $100 and are three by five feet and stand on a 10-foot pole with a brass name plate. To honor someone by sponsoring a flag, call John Biegel at 973-471-8828, Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264 or Debbie Oliver at 973-470-5956.

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

, l was only 21, Dear Cliftonites years ago. Pau 30 no ta ae iG lD today were I first met Pau the man he is m hi e ak m ies that but the qualit have not d work ethic an r evident then. te ac ar ch ce, moral ed the kind of The intelligen aetano has gain iG D l au P , ng to make him ythi t God gave him changed. If an ha w on up t il state and have bu ad our troubled le experience that to e m ti t at the righ the right man Party. seph. the Republican r fo y or ct s late father, Jo vi hi m ew kn reclai I e us aetano beca ked with his I know Paul DiG ractor who wor nt co r te as m a supplier to no was Supply, was a Joseph DiGaeta on as M ia en th mpany, A hands. My co Paul, no and Sons. age 47, his son at ay Joseph DiGaeta aw ed ss iGaetano pa ness, he stood When Joseph D the family busi n ru to in d pe was there to ly step atched as Paul age 22, not on w I . ily m fa s starting ad of hi sisters, one just r ge up to become he un yo o tw r raise his help his mothe ars old. n to other just 10 ye e is just a dow college and the big money. H t ou ab ndit ca n’ of is kind Paul DiGaetano Paul is just the h. uc to th on m man ey a com relate to as the l il earth man with w on ft li C e voters in date 95% of th the r. l DiGaetano in au P er trust as Governo id ns co ill carefully ublican Party I hope you w y does the Rep el ar R s. th on cannot only and m candidate who coming weeks a e at in m no rtunity to have the oppo n. with distinctio win, but serve Sincerely, Ken Kievit

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Paid for by A.M.S. Enterprises, Inc. Clifton, NJ

Letters to the Editor On behalf of the Board and the children of Clifton, I thank the voters for their continued support of our school system. The decline of our schools in the 1990’s is in large part due to the financial instability created by years of failed budgets. The current recovery of our district, quantified by lower class sizes and higher graduation rates, is directly related to the community’s support for budgets these past three years.

Voters recognized the bargain Clifton Schools offer.

Our district—the 16th largest district in the state—has the lowest per pupil spending of all K-12 school districts in Passaic County and the fourth lowest per pupil administrative costs in northern New Jersey.

The Board is committed to this type of fiscal responsibility and to moving into the 21st century by seeking to establish full day kindergarten, addressing the needs of an aging infrastructure and with innovative safety initiatives, such as the CHS dean of student position.

February 2005

March 2005

April 2005

Joseph C. Kolodziej Board of Education President

In your April issue, I am quoted on page 8 as saying, “I don’t blame (Councilman Frank) Gaccione for spending the money.” That’s not accurate. What I said is I don’t blame Mr. Gaccione in spending his money. According to existing law, a person is entitled to spend his own money at whatever level he believes necessary to communicate his positions in a campaign. Any attempt to slap on arbitrary campaign spending limits will only hurt nonincumbents because their name recognition is lower when compared to those holding such positions.

There are remedies that can minimize the reach of money—reforming our form of government into a ward or district representation is one clear way to produce far more long term results than is being discussed now.

Matthew J. Ward

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Welcome to Clifton: For months, we published photos of the former Goodyear building on Main Ave. and questioned how long will it take for the city to get on the property owner to paint the graffiti and fix the broken and dangerous sidewalks. It took three months to get the graffiti addressed, albeit in a sloppy fashion. We are still working on getting the sidewalk corrected. Do any of our elected officials see this? Perhaps letter writer Matt Ward is correct: an elected district representative would not let this happen in their ward.

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andre Olave WRITERS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Fran Hopkins, Raymond Tulling, Daniel Wolfe, Frank Santamassino, Gary Anolik, Joe Hawrylko Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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A

Wouldn’t you like to build a School?

t a recent Board of Education meeting, School Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice quoted some lines, from of all things... a Dr. Seuss book. It was then I learned that, like me, he is a big fan of the doctor, having many verses committed to memory. It got me to thinking...

That Dr. Rice! That Dr. Rice!

I really like that Dr. Rice!

He thinks, he plans, then accomplishes fast.

He’s even gotten three budgets passed.

He’s addressing problems, but it is a pity he can’t always get the support of the city!

Like many residents, I too am frustrated by the lack of progress in selecting a site for our much need new school. Roadblocks have been numerous—city officials getting involved in matters that don’t concern them; residents and taxpayers not willing to sacrifice a little to improve the entire city in the long run.

With Dr. Seuss in mind, I started picturing these little characters arguing amongst themselves ...not here... or there... nor there... it would be comical and insightful if it were a children’s book.

But the reality is this is our hometown of Clifton!

Such was the motivation for Wouldn’t you like to build a School? my satirical take on the school site selection process.

Thanks to Dr. Seuss for the inspiration, and to Dr. Rice for his perseverance and leadership.

by Cheryl

Dr. Rice says do the city proud and address the buildings that overcrowd.

Now, I don’t mean to play the fool, But wouldn’t you like to build a school?

A long time ago, Shulton could have fixed it.

But the voters & Council went & nixed it.

They may doubt Clifton schools are overfilled But I really do think it’s time to build.

illustrations by Jack Tulling 6

May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Hawrylko

The Council thinks, that Dr. Rice!

We do not like that Dr. Rice!

He’s making waves.

The schools are fine.

Keeping ratables is our bottom line.

The Board thinks building is a great idea But picking a site will be hard, they fear.

They don’t want to make the neighbors mad.

Angering voters...now that would be BAD!!!

Cliftonites think a new school would be nice.

But not in our backyard, Dr. Rice.

Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Would you like it here or there?

Here or Ther e

We would not like it here or there.

We would not like it anywhere.

Instead, we all will just complain that overcrowding is our bane.

Would you like it in a park?

I was thinking, on a lark...

We own Latteri. It would be CHEAP! Taxpayers won’t have to dig too deep.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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We would not like it in a park.

A school built there would look so stark.

Nor do we want it on a farm.

The surge in traffic would do harm.

Would you? Could you?

At school 14?

Now Dr. Rice, that’s just plain mean.

We would not ditch a dear old school.

It would not be considered cool.

We do not want it in a park where concrete will leave its ugly mark.

We do not want it on a farm.

We do not mean to cause alarm.

We agree, a new school would be nice....

But not in our backyard, Dr. Rice.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Say! Main Ave! Here on Main Ave! Would you? Could you? On Main Ave?

Well, Dr. Rice. That might be a solution.

We could fill in the pond that is full of pollution.

It would rid us of pests like geese and such...

BUT....it would bring more kids.

And that’s just too much!

We agree, a new school would be nice...

But not in our backyard, Dr. Rice!

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

You will not build it, so you say.

Think about trailers, and you may.

THINK! And then you may, I say.

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Trailers! NO! For heaven’s sake!

Then Clifton would look like Passaic!

Our precious kids cooped up in trailers?

And teachers looking just like jailers.

We get it now. Our eyes are open!

We’ll build a school like you’ve been hopin’.

We’ll build a school despite the price!

Thank you! Thank you, Dr. Rice

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Traier, Hakim and Kowal Win; Budget Passes School Board Elections April 19th

––––––– Story by Tom Hawrylko –––––––

A

s results trickled in on election night from voting districts throughout Clifton, Commissioner Marie Hakim seemed to have a comfortable lead over the challengers and was all but assured to return to one of the three open seats.

However she and others watching results being posted at the Board of Education building on Clifton Ave. awaited the crucial numbers from the polls surrounding the Rosemawr section and Latteri Park.

CliftonUnite, a group of residents from this area, had been campaigning heavily for John Traier, Jim Leeshock and Mary Kowal. Hakim’s concern was proved by higher than average turnout from that area.

Before the results from these districts were reported, incumbents Traier, Hakim, and challenger Bill Sichel seemed to be the destined winners.

But that all changed as the votes from the Rosemawr neighborhoods were counted.

For instance, School 9 machines tallied Sichel at 269 and Hakim with 308. Meanwhile, Leeshock received 534, Kowal got 568 and Traier finished there with 619.

Results from St. Clairs School on Allwood Rd. showed the same trend: Hakim got 55 and Sichel 67.

Traier led with 266, Kowal received 251 and Leeshock got 249. Voters at this site also defeated the budget, by 141 to 140. Nowhere else in the city were the results so markedly spaced as in the Rosemawr neighborhoods.

After the machines and absentee ballots were tabulated, it was incumbents Traier and Hakim, as well as first time challenger Kowal, in that order, who won. While the budget ultimately passed by a rather slim margin of

Tax-levy referendum for $128,400,000 Yes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,561 No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,475 Board of Education (three, three-year terms) John Traier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,359 Marie Hakim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,030 Mary Kowal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,910 James Leeshock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,667 Bill Sichel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,584

John Traier

Marie Hakim

Mary Kowal

86 votes, it was the third budget in a row which residents approved. That means full day Kindergarten, which was introduced this past September in School 17, will be added to Schools 1, 4, 9 and 16 this coming fall.

Ironically, voters from School 16 passed the budget by only one vote, with a final tally of 267 to 266.

As a result of its passage, a homeowner with a property assessed at the city’s average of $174,000 will see a tax increase of $202. Voter turnout was typically spartan with only 15% of the 39,772 eligible Clifton residents casting ballots.

Beyond salaries, benefits and state and federally mandated programs, this year the school budget also includes a series of capital please turn to page 26

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

NJ Funding Vanishing?

T

he long and winding road to a new 1,700 student school for Clifton 8th and 9th graders may or may not lead to a December referendum but the funds to help offset the total price of the project now available from the State of New Jersey will likely be gone.

Jack Spencer, chief executive officer of NJ’s Schools Construction Corp., said projects that other districts will put before voters in September will probably claim what’s left in the fund. That will leave the Board of Education’s goal of opening a school in September, 2008 to be entirely funded by Clifton’s taxpayers.

The $8.5 billion New Jersey Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Fund was established in 1998. Of that amount, $6 billion was spent in the socalled Abbott districts, rebuilding and constructing new schools in 31 ‘special needs’ communities, including Paterson, Passaic and Garfield.

The remaining $2.5 billion was up for grabs in 518 other districts. Of those funds, Clifton received $12 million in December 2001 to subsidize the construction of School 17 and $4 million more to help pay for the 500 pupil facility on Brighton Rd., due to open in 2006.

But the Board’s indecision on the second part of the solution recommended by the Community Advisory Board two years ago—that Brighton Rd. and Latteri Park sites be presented to the voters in tandem—may result in Clifton missing this round of subsidies.

While the Board ran with the first part of the CAC proposal, it ran from the Latteri proposal. Members briefly considered siting the project on School 14 and instead, for about the last 18 months, focused its efforts on building a school on the former Athenia Steel property. The Board is now also considering constructing a school on a portion of Main Memorial Park.

State Subsidy for 8th/9th Grade School in Jeopardy

President Joe Kolodziej long ago set a deadline for the Board to make a decision by this June and present the site to voters for approval in a December referendum.

“By December, money for the suburban districts will not be available,” Spencer last month told members of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Schools.

“My guess is by September, referenda will pass that will commit the remaining $200 million.”

The NJ Assembly has discussed offering $2 billion more in construction aid for the 31 Abbott districts and $833 million for suburban communities but that vote will not come until after November’s election in which a new Governor and the Legislature will be selected.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Shades of Gray ––––––––––– Story by Joseph R. Torelli –––––––––––

C

all them what you will—political action committees, concerned citizens’ organizations, lobbyists, or anything else you can think of—there’s no mistaking the fact that special interest groups are becoming a force in local politics. Once active only on the national and state political fronts, special interest groups have now gained a solid foothold in Clifton.

Certainly, the weeks leading up to last month’s Board of Education election saw a heightened level of activity by these organized groups as they attempted to influence Clifton voters.

At least three of the organizations spent funds and manpower to print and distribute flyers in support of their candidates and issues.

But perhaps more striking than the organized nature of these groups, was the negative tone of their messages.

In years past, the distribution of campaign literature in Clifton was pretty much handled by the various candidates running for office and the ad hoc committees formed to help elect them.

They typically were friendly in nature, consisting mostly of pictures of the smiling candidate’s family along with a list of civic and religious organizations in which he or she was active. Rarely did they mention their opponents or their opponents’ positions on any of the issues.

That has now changed. One flyer distributed just prior to last month’s election by non-candidates Robert Wittmann and

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

F

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.

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

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Anne Bchakjian, indirectly criticized candidate Mary Kowal. The flyer pointed out that if Kowal won election, “this would be the second family with one member on the City Council and one on the Board.” It further proclaimed that, “we need…an independent School Board free of outside influence.”

Without providing any factual data, it insinuated that Mrs. Kowal might be unduly influenced by her husband, Councilman Donald Kowal, and, therefore, not act independently as a school board commissioner.

Another flyer, published by the citizens’ group, CliftonUnite, contained what can best be described as an exaggeration of the truth. The group contended that plans to build a school in Latteri Park would besiege their neighborhood, bringing “over 1,700 students and 500 teachers and staff” into the area each day.

If their assertion were to prove true, it would provide a ratio of about one staff member for every three students at the new school, something not likely to happen.

A third flyer, distributed by a group called SMACC, did not support or challenge any particular candidate.

Instead, it attacked the proposed school budget, urging Clifton’s taxpayers to unite to defeat the spending referendum. It chastised Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice, calling his support of the budget, “propaganda,” while asserting that the superintendent was motivated solely because “he’s making almost $200,000.”

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Steve Goldberg, a member of CliftonUnite, said that the candidates his group supported were opposed to a school of any size on Latteri Park. He claimed that the organization never intended to mislead voters by implying that 500 staff members would be employed at the new school if it were built there.

When Anthony R. Lipari, the ‘managing member’ of SMACC, LLC, was contacted to discuss the statements in the flyer, he said that if the mailing was viewed as an attack by SMACC against the Board, that is not the case. “Publish smublish, it doesn’t mean anything,” said Lipari. “I have the highest respect for Dr. Rice and I like the job he has been doing since he has been in there.” Then why did he mail the flyer?

“I guess you have to use your imagination,” said Lipari, who runs SMACC out of his firm’s construction office at 123 Industrial East. “I have multiple offices and I wasn’t even around.”

He added that in past newspaper articles he has been misquoted and wanted to fax a statement which clarified the role of SMACC, his “monitoring organization”, and the role it plays in the community.

The letter, in part, reads: ‘SMACC ...is a company dedicated to furthering the interests of citizens in state, and local governmental issues. Among these are an interest in municipal boards, and other bodies such as the planning board and zoning board.’

So, what gives? Why this sudden turn towards negativity and animosity here in Clifton?

Why are local groups now organizing and spending money to try to sway voters by disparaging the candidates and issues they oppose, rather than focusing on the positive aspects of those they support?

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23

“They (CliftonUnite) have every right to support their candidates and positions but they should be honest in the process.”

–Board of Education Commissioner Marie Hakim

More importantly, how effective have they become?

The CliftonUnite organization, which has its base in and around Rosemawr, supported incumbents John Traier and James Leeshock, along with challenger Mary Kowal.

Their support had a definite impact in the voting precincts where the group was particularly active, although Leeshock did not win reelection.

In two wards where CliftonUnite conducted a get out the vote campaign using volunteers and paid workers to distribute flyers on election day, their three candidates garnered nearly 600 votes each, while incumbent Marie Hakim and challenger Bill Sichel each received less than 100 votes.

Hakim believes she was treated unfairly by CliftonUnite and cited that as the reason for her poor showing at individual polling sites, even though she was reelected to her sixth consecutive term last month.

She believes she was targeted by the group because she didn’t totally discount Latteri Park as the site for a future school. “They know that I don’t favor a school of that

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size (1,700 students) there,” said Hakim, “yet, they misrepresented my position.”

Asked to assess CliftonUnite’s actions, Hakim added, “They’re better organized this year. They have every right to support their candidates and positions, but they should be honest in the process.”

Steve Goldberg, a member of CliftonUnite, said that the candidates his group supported were opposed to a school of any size on Latteri Park.

He claimed that the organization never intended to mislead voters by implying that 500 staff members would be employed at the new school if it were built there. Despite its precise wording, Goldberg contended that the flyer was drawing attention to the fact that as many as 500 cars would be traveling in and out of the neighborhood each day.

Now that special interest groups have intensified their efforts in Clifton, it remains to be seen if they will become a permanent fixture on the local political scene, with ‘negative campaigning’ becoming the norm.

School Board President Joseph Kolodziej, whose term will end next year, is one observer who believes that special interest groups are here to stay.

Kolodziej sees the formation of these groups as part of a larger, national trend designed to stimulate interest and action on the part of voters.

Typically, no more than 15% of registered Clifton voters turn out for school elections and Kolodziej believes that local candidates and special interest groups are resorting to “emotionally charged buzz words” to get them excited.

Kolodziej said that the trend is likely to gain momentum. “This is just a precursor to next year’s City Council election,” he said. “That’s why this one seemed so rough and tumble—it’s merely batting practice for next year.”

If he’s right, Clifton voters had better hang on.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis. Diagnosis requires a history of at least three months of widespread pain in 11 of 18 tenderpoint sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the neck, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, thighs, knees, arms and buttocks.

The pain is described as deep-aching, radiating or burning and ranges from mild to severe.

Siblings Dr. Suzi Schulman & Dr. Jeffrey Schulman Clifton Merchant • May 2005

25

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

In his spirit, we continue its publication.

T

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, which are sure to put a twinkle in her 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 are very excited about “ELINI” ~ our new line of fashion watches. With a bold look and in a variety of shades ~ it has easily become a top seller.

Election Results

There are five different styles to choose from. Elini allows the watch wearer to choose their own combinations of dials and bands. All the straps are interchangeable, with a simple mechanism that allows you to change bands yourself!

projects at various schools. In previous years these expenditures were presented to voters in separate ballot questions. Incorporating these items into the budget created opposition from City Councilman Frank Gaccione, who urged residents to vote the budget down.

The Board was set to meet on May 4 to reorganize and select a new President and assign Committees.

After that, their agenda for the coming weeks will likely be dominated by a contentious item: how to create a consensus as it seeks to select a site for a 1,700 student facility to house 8th and 9th graders.

The current Board, under the leadership of President Joe Kolodziej, had set a deadline of early June to make a decision so that it can present the site for voter approval in December.

While Board members agree that a school is needed to relieve overcrowding in CHS and the two middle schools, the site selection has been vexing. A majority of the Board has focused on building the school on the former Athenia Steel complex on Clifton Ave. But despite 18 months of discussions, the City Council could not deliver the environmental approvals needed at Athenia to proceed.

Commissioner Norm Tahan has continued to focus on placing the school on Latteri Park, a Board-owned property in Rosemawr. Another site under study is a portion of Main Memorial Park, also owned by the Board.

Elini has won over the hearts of so many celebrities. It was the official watch of the Grammy & Emmy Awards. So, please stop by and see if they win over your hearts as well.

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 Merry May and we’ll talk to you again next month.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

continued from page 16 improvements and maintenance

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27

Moving Mountains @ Athenia Steel M –––– by Tom Hawrylko ––––

ayor Jim Anzaldi claims the city has “moved some mountains” and is making progress at the 35 acre Athena Steel site on Clifton Ave. At an April 15 meeting at the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection attended by Anzaldi and other city officials, concessions were gained which will expedite the clean up of the former factory, said Anzaldi.

“This is the first meeting in which we discussed having the northern section released and the answer was not no but that the DEP will entertain it after the RIW (remedial investigation workplan) is complete,” said Anzaldi.

The RIW is the first step to determine the extent of the contamination and what it will take in terms of money and time to clean it up.

And that northern section?

Eleven acres in the northern section was the site discussed for a 1,700 student school. The city was supposed to have the RIW by May 1 so that the Board of Education could submit plans for the facility there.

Once that was done, the city was going to swap that land for Latteri Park. But that’s not going to happen.

The Board has formally advised the city that, unless it “receives all necessary written assurances by May 1, 2005 establishing that the northern portion will be acceptable for the construction of a school site,” it will not swap Latteri Park for the northern 11 acres of Athenia Steel property, as the City Council has requested.

While there has been lots of talk about RIW’s and MOA’s (a Method of Agreement for how and who will pay for the clean up), it seems nothing much has been accomplished.

There are two road blocks to the clean up. First, the city wants the NJDEP to divide the acreage into three parts: the northern section, the central part and the already completed six acres where the senior citizens complex now exist.

If that’s not complicated enough, the second roadblock is the former owner, the party financially responsible for the clean-up.

The City Council agreed to purchase the 35 acre Athenia Steel in July 1999 for $5.5 million from the previous owners, the National Standard Company of Michigan.

But that company and its assets were sold and purchased by the Davis Wire Company of California.

The only payment made by Clifton was $1.72 million in May, 2002 when the front six acres were certified by the DEP. The rest of the purchase price is being held until final clean-up is done.

Since that date, various proposals have been considered by the city—a school, ballfields, parkland, even a ice hockey arena—but nothing has progressed because of Davis Wire’s lack of action.

While no fines have been levied, the DEP has threatened Davis Wire for its failure to act and has moved the case to the NJDEP’s Office of Accountability. As a result, a lawyer for Davis Wire wrote that the company is “preparing a revised work plan and a substantive response... which will be submitted to the Department no later than 45 days from receipt of your January 5, 2005 letter.” No word on progress there.

So when can citizens expect action on Athenia Steel, and, who will pay for the work? turn to page 31

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Clifton’s One -Stop Shopping Center Use This Directory of Stores When Shopping for Your Mother: The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne 973-777-6995

Corbo Jewelers 973-777-1635

Valley National Bank 973-777-6283

Bertelli’s Liquors

GNC 973-779-1500

Shereed’s Ladies & Mens Clothing 973-773-1673

Cleaners 2000 973-614-1400

The Season’s Fine Chinese Cuisine

The Shoe Doctor 973-777-4700

Pet Stuff 973-778-1617

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Fascination Beauty Salon 973-473-6105

The Shoe Gallery 973-777-4700

Dress Barn 973-249-0233

US Post Office 973-473-4946

Kid City 973-614-1111

Exchange Florist 973-594-0700

The Men’s Gallery 973-777-4700

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

29

Really moving mountains: Last summer, about 2,000 trees were clear-cut on a 98 acre tract of land which straddle the West Paterson and Clifton border along Garret Mountain (our cover from last August is at right). It is here that contractors are reshaping the landscape to create another K. Hovnanian Four Seasons adult community. A total of 814 condominiums are planned for the property, with 114 of those to be located in Clifton along Valley Rd. While the Passaic County Planning Board granted approval for the project, Clifton’s Planning Board won’t OK the development until a third access road is added.

Right now there’s access via Valley Road and a second road through the Passaic Valley Water Commission property to Rifle Camp Road. The city wants a third access to Notch Road to move traffic to Route 46 in West Paterson and that’s delaying the project. K. Hovnanian is taking Clifton to Superior Court to settle this issue of access.

At Winthrop Court in Clifton, There Are No Limits. So reads the advertisements for the second phase of Cambridge Crossings on Colfax Ave., which opens to buyers on May 14. Cambridge Crossings already houses 367 units and the four story Winthrop Court project, designed for people 55 and over, will add 270 additional condominiums on the land which was the former Shulton manufacturing plant and offices.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Dangerous Lines Greg Baron isn’t one to take things sitting down.

Three years ago when he first noticed PSE&G power lines that were in safety violation, the Lakeview resident went to action.

He took photos of the live wires tied to street signs, hanging wires, broken traffic signals and construction equipment. Baron also wrote a letter detailing the hazards and sent it to PSE&G multiple times. Each time a form response was returned.

“I gave them solid suggestions how to save lives,” added Baron. “And all I get is form letters.

I still get no real answers after three years.”

Frustrated by seeing no progress, Baron turned to Clifton City Manager Al Greco.

After written correspondence were exchanged, Baron and Greco recently had a conversation by phone. They discussed Baron’s proposed solutions and ways to get change done.

Although no action has been taken as of yet, Baron hopes that in the coming weeks he will see progress in his crusade.

Moving Mountains from page 28 “We won’t know that until the RIW

is completed,” the mayor said, adding he expects a state grant “which we do not have but it is something the state is working on.” Anzaldi said he expected answers from DEP by July 15.

And finally, this comment of clarity from Fred Mumford of the NJDEP press office: “This is just an investigation. We’re not talking about a cleanup plan here.” So much for moving mountains.

To hear more about any movement on Athenia Steel, attend a joint meeting of the Board and Council at 6:30 pm, May 10, at 745 Clifton Ave.

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The 16th Child Health & Safety Fair is on May 14 from 10 am to 2 pm at Clifton Public School 16 on Grove St. The fair is held both indoors and outdoors and offers parents and children health and safety demonstrations, screenings and information about summer rec programs. Participating organizations include the Clifton Fire and Police Departments, Clifton Public Schools, the Passaic/Clifton Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Clifton Public Library, Clifton Safety Town, Clifton Health Department and Clifton Against Substance Abuse. Those who would like to participate by providing a display or interactive activity for children, should contact Deputy Chief Thomas Lyons at 973-471-1742, or via FMBA21@aol.com. The fair is an informative and fun days which is free and open to the public.

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Clifton Safety Town is at School 2 on 1217 Van Houten Ave. for children entering public or private kindergarten or those presently in kindergarten who have not experienced the program last summer. Safety Town begins at 8:45 and runs until 11:30 every day, Monday thru Friday, from July 18 until July 29. Volunteers offers lessons in traffic, fire, pool and drug safety as well as dental hygiene and nutrition. Children also take field trips to the police and fire stations. Registration is through the Clifton Rec Dept. from May 16 to June 3. A meeting for teen and adult volunteers is on May 24 at 7 pm.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Youth of the Year ––––––––––– Story by Joe Hawrylko ––––––––––– Self motivation is something that Vanessa Palka knows a lot about.

She’s in her first class at CHS by 7 am. After school, work, swimming and dance, it’s already 9:30 pm by the time she reaches home. Her days are only going to get longer.

Palka, along with 3,000 other dancers, recently tried out for the Radio City Rockettes. She won a coveted spot on the summer program which begins this July. From there, she’ll have a chance to become a world famous Rockette.

Most would dread her schedule, but Palka takes it in stride and actually enjoys her weekly routine.

“Because I am so busy, I have an exciting time keeping up with all of my events,” said Palka, who was also this year’s CHS Swim team captain. “I know that working hard in a field of study will lead to a great job and the personal satisfaction of knowing that I got myself to my destination point.”

These values were instilled long ago by her family, whom she credits to giving her the strong moral character that radiates from her today. Her responsibility, integrity and inner strength allowed her to get through the adversity that she has encountered that make her story much more incredible.

Family life in the Palka house has changed dramatically over the past seven years. When the CHS senior was in the 7th grade, her mother had two strokes.

Tragedy struck again in her junior year of high school when her father was diagnosed with Glial Blastoma, Type C VI Brain Cancer, a terminal disease. Their disabilities left both parents out of work and on permanent disability with a very limited income.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

33

Seeing her parents in need, Palka stepped up to the challenge, purchasing groceries for the house, a monthly expense of $360. In addition, she gives her mother $100 a month to help with debt the family has accumulated over the years. Palka also pays her own insurance on the car she financed.

As an escape to her sometimes stressful life Palka has found a second home at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club. She has been a member since 1992 as well as an employee for the last two years and has come away with a sense of community. “My service to the community does not feel like service to me,” said Palka, who donates time for various Clifton causes. “I volunteer for personal gratification. If I see a need I help where I can. It is important to teach children community service and that someone cares about them.”

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This type of attitude doesn’t go unnoticed which is why the 18 year old was named the 2005 Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. Her boss and mentor, 1978 Olympic swimmer Nadia Stavko remarked: “Vanessa is a hard-working, professional, dependable and responsible young lady. Even on bad days, she’s a bundle of light and smiles.”

Palka works equally as hard at swimming and dance as she does at CHS. A member of the National Honor Society, Palka holds a 90.25 GPA. But it wasn’t enough to dedicate over 12 hours of her day, so she decided to take Advanced Placement classes in biology, English, precalculus and Spanish.

Her biology class sparked an interest in a possible future career. After studying stem cell research, Palka became intrigued and plans to attend Rutgers New Brunswick in September and hopes to one day cure cancer.

That’s if the Rockettes don’t get her first.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

35

Seated from left is Esteemed Leading Knight Ryan Dvorak and Exalted Ruler Keith Oakley. Standing from left Lodge Treasurer Elaine Simone, Esteemed Loyal Knight Jeffrey Dvorak, Lodge Chaplain Bernard Vroom, Lodge Inner Guard Ronald Bracke, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Joanne Stolarz, Lodge Secretary David Malin, Trustees John Mieczkowski, Ken Urgo, Al Mazalewski, Lodge Esquire Raymond Cariou and Trustee Florence Klutsarits. Not pictured is Lodge Tiler Robert Miller.

75th Anniversary Mention Clifton Elks and the first thing that may come to mind is the Cerebral Palsy Center on Main Ave., which the group helped found with other local Elks chapters some years ago. This educational facility is perhaps the main charity of the benevolent organization, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a dinner dance on the evening of May 21.

Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity are the hallmarks of the Elks, a nationwide organization comprised of men and women of good character who are 21 or older, believe in God and are citizens of the United States. Clifton’s Elk Lodge 1569 was established in 1930 at the corner of Colfax and Clifton Aves.

Under the guidance of Exalted Ruler Keith Oakley, the Elks fund Clifton Little League teams, the Mustang Cheerleaders, the Eagle Scout awards, the High School Achievement Awards and the Drug Awareness Peer Leadership Conference.

In conjunction with other New Jersey lodges, they established and maintain the Elks Camp Moore, a nearby summer camp for handicapped children.

Every Flag Day, they host an event at the lodge to properly honor the American flag. The lodge will also properly dispose of tattered and torn flags for residents.

The 200 members of the Elks do all these services from their lodge at 775 Clifton Ave. with fund raising and lots of hard work. For more on the dinner or the lodge, call 973-473-9752 or Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Beth Sholom Reform Temple, 733 Passaic Ave., hosts a tricky tray on May 19 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and includes refreshments. Call 973-773-0355.

St. Peter’s Haven Tricky Tray is May 12 at 6:30 pm at The Brownstone. Tickets are $35. Call 973-546-3406.

Passaic Catholic Regional School, 212 Market St., Passaic, celebrates its 30th anniversary on May 22 at St. Mary’s Church at noon with mass, followed by a luncheon. Tickets are $30, $15 or $10 and must be purchased

by May 13. Call Ann Marie Veliky at 201-280-6446.

Clifton teachers Arlene Rodgers of School 16 and Meredith Madden of School 5 are coordinating the Clifton Junior Olympics for the learning and language impaired on June 4 (rain date June 5) at Clifton Stadium.

They seek financial donations for prizes, food and other supplies for the program, which include track and field and a variety of other fun activities. Make checks out to the Clifton Board of Education, with a notation of Clifton Junior Olympics, and send them to Meredith Madden, School 5, 136 Valley Rd., Clifton, NJ 07013.

Camp out on the grounds of the city hall complex on June 10 and 11 and participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. For details call Clifton Health Dept. Educator Alicia Gambino at 973-470-5773 or go to www.cancer.org.

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The Coalition for Brain Injury Research will host a beefsteak on June 3 at 6:30 pm at the Clifton Boys & Girls Club. Peter King of HBO & Sports Illustrated Family Entertainment will be the featured guest. There will be a 50/50 as well as an auction of sports memorabilia. Tickets are $35. Make checks payable to the: Coalition for Brain Injury Research 270 Hazel St., Clifton, NJ 07011. Call 973-478-3913 for info.

973-773-0280

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10OFF

CHS Social Studies teacher Shaina Lewis will participate in a triathlon in Belmar on June 25 to raise funds for Angelwish, a non-profit organization focused on AIDS/HIV research. The program also grants wishes to children who are living with the virus. Those interested in donating to Shaina Lewis’ Angelwish fund can visit www.angelwish.org/shaina or see a CHS student who belong to TIGS—Teen Institute of the Garden State.

May Is Better Hearing Month

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Real Estate • Municipal Court Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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The Mel-O-Chords Ensemble perform Broadway Highlights IV at the Woodrow WIlson Middle School auditorium on May 19 at 7 pm. The Mel-O-Chords are a 20 to 25 member touring vocal and instrumental ensemble of the MOC Musical Theater of Montclair under the direction of CHS graduate Jalmari Vanamo. The concert is free, however, a non-perishable food item or cash donation is requested for St. Peter’s Haven Food Bank. Call 973-772-5291.

The Chopin Singing Society hosts a 95th anniversary concert on May 15 at the Polish American Cultural Center, 1 Monroe St., Passaic.

Tickets at $17. The Chopin Singing Society is an all male chorus with many Clifton members. New members are welcomed at the rehearsals, which are Mondays at 8 pm at the Polish American Cultural Center. For more info call Stanley Kobylarz at 973-478-8268.

Allison Green

Danny Green

Action Theatre Conservatory Players’ production, Journey, will finish its run this month with shows on May 6 at 8 pm and May 7 and 8 at 3 pm. The play will be performed at Mt. Hebron Middle School, Montclair. The cast members of Journey include Clifton residents Ashley Leeshock, Schuyler Schrickel, Karla Yeamans, Vanessa Laine, Christopher Robertson, Michael Press, Carrie Nagy,

Jonathan Grant, Joel Robertson, Kathleen Kellaigh, Deanna Lecava, Jeannie Kempa and Rachel Oliver.

For ticket info call 973-471-7357.

Love the arts? The Clifton Arts Center, located on the grounds of city hall, seeks volunteers to help manage the gallery. Help is needed in greeting visitors, installing exhibits, stuffing envelopes and setting up displays. For more details call the center at 973-472-5499.

YM-YWHA of Clifton-Passaic presents:

Fitness Center Open House Sunday, May 15 • 9 am to noon

Summer’s coming and now’s the time to get in shape! Come find out about our “50 Days to Fitness” program.

• Tour our state-of-the-art Fitness Center.

• Speak with our staff on Personal Fitness Training.

• Free Abs class at 11:30 am.

• Massage therapists available to answer your questions.

• Raffles, Give-a-ways and much more.

Sign up for a new “Y” membership the day of the Open House and receive $100 OFF your membership dues!!

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Personal Fitness Trainer Greg Shraga, pictured right with Bob Brown after losing 200lbs!

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Clifton siblings Allison and Danny Green perform in the Roche Players production Bye Bye Birdie, on May 6 and 7 at 8 pm at Midland Park High School. Bye Bye Birdie, directed by Philip Sprayberry, also of Clifton, is a remake of the classic 1960 musical. Tickets are $12 and $10. Proceeds will be donated to The Community Healthcare Network, SERV Foundation Inc., and The Independent College Fund of New Jersey Post-Secondary Student Assistant Fund. For tickets and info call 973-235-5366.

Harris Blues Band will gig. Tickets are $30 per event and includes food and refreshments; only 40 will be sold for each sail. Mail checks to St. Peter’s Haven, PO Box 2244, Clifton, NJ 07015. For info, call cruise coordinators John Muller or Bob Masiello at 973-340-9405 or the Haven at 973-546-3406.

Clifton-Passaic Hadassah hosts a benefit performance of Wendy Wasserstein’s comedy The Sisters

Rosensweig on June 2 at 8 pm at the Studio Players, 14 Alvin Pl., Upper Montclair. Taking place in London at a gathering to celebrate sister Sarah’s birthday, the play explores family and relationships of three Jewish sisters from Brooklyn with their male companions from 1930’s to 1990’s. It is fast-paced, quite clever, and often hilarious. Tickets are $15 and $12.

For tickets, call 973-773-6463.

Doctor, can you cure my

Snoring?

Cruise the Hudson enjoying music while benefiting St. Peter’s Haven.

Blues Cruise to benefit St. Peter’s: This summers two blues cruise sails that combine fun and fundraising will be dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Hank Dwyer who unexpectedly succumbed to a heart attack just before Easter Sunday. As the pastor of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Clifton Ave., Rev. Hank was also the director of St. Peter’s Haven, Clifton’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Combining just a two of Rev. Hank’s passions (the blues and St. Peter’s) friends of the shelter will set sail from Liberty State Park aboard the AJ Meerwald, a restored 1928 oyster schooner, shown above. On July 26, Scott Hunter and the Soul Searchers will perform and on July 28 the Bennett

• Snoring is can be caused by many things, including sickness (such as a cold), poor throat muscle tone, or excessive bulkiness in throat tissue. In all cases, the flow of air becomes obstructed and draws the walls of the throat together.

• Those who suffer from extreme cases of snoring may experience sleep apnea, an episode of totally obstructed breathing. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may stop breathing for as long as 10 seconds and may experience this hundreds of times during a night. This forces the person to sleep lighter, depriving them of deep sleep and leaving the afflicted feeling drowsy in the daytime. Long term sufferers may experience elevated blood pressure or heart enlargement.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

39

PC Arts Directory How do we keep cultural centers in Clifton connected with those in Ringwood? And how do we share information on Passaic County’s artists, municipal arts councils, public art collections, as well as poets and writers, performing artists and visual artists? The Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council offers one solution and that is by publishing the Passaic County Arts Directory.

The goal is to build community awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts, and to network the artists who live or work within the 16 communities of Passaic County.

Last printed in 2001, the Passaic County Arts Directory publishes the listings for free and then distributes the publication to arts organizations, museums, libraries and other outlets. Tom Hawrylko of Clifton Merchant Magazine is the editor of the directory.

Help make the seventh printing of the Passaic County Arts Directory more valuable to everyone by adding your listing today and telling others about it. If you are an artist, actor, writer or poet, belong to an arts organization or have an arts-related business, we encourage you to submit a listing to the Arts Directory now. For an easy to use form, call 973-684-6555, go to www.pccc.edu/poetry or visit Tomahawk Promotions at 1288 Main Ave., Clifton.

The 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 7 to 24 at the Louis Bay 2nd Library & Community Center, 345 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne. For info, call 973-881-4950.

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5 Years & 10,000 Visitors...

photo by Suzanne Duke Bujara

Clifton Arts Center Marks a Milestone

M

any government complexes in New Jersey serve a functional role—the practicality is clear but the character is often sterile. The Clifton Municipal Complex is a showpiece with art at its core. Walk the 26-acre site and the pulse of life is ubiquitous with a sculpture park containing the works of 35 pieces located throughout the grounds.

Among the most notable was a piece located between the main parking area and the entrance to city hall. The sculpture originally called Point of View and eventually renamed Cliff Hall (at right) was on loan to the city. After a five-year stay the piece has since been returned to its owner, Seward Johnson, one of the principal heirs to the Johnson & Johnson fortunes, and is now being shown at different shows throughout the world.

On January 6, 2000, an important step was taken to solidify the collaboration of the arts and the community with the opening of the Clifton Arts Center—located in the rear of the complex immediately adjacent to the artesian well.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

illustration by Jacquie Kiernan

Built in the early twentieth century and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ground and buildings which now house the Arts Center served as the U. S. Animal Quarantine Station.

Established by the federal government in 1884 due to a direct rail link from the Port of New York to ‘Athenia’, the barns and homes on the property were built between 1900 and 1907 with the Quarantine Station becoming fully operational in 1900. For the next 50 years, the site temporarily housed birds, cattle, giraffes and other exotic animals from across the globe.

In 1953, the federal government agreed to allow the city to purchase a portion of the 24 acre site for what is now Clifton High School.

In 1962, a deal was struck for the remaining acres to be purchased so that the city hall and the Clifton Police Department could be relocated from Main Avenue to the site, a move completed in 1980.

Since that time, as the timeline on the next page indicates, work proceeded and two of the renovated brick barns have been joined together by a modern, airy atrium creating a unique venue for the exhibition of the visual arts.

“The Arts Center will have a major impact on the City of Clifton... almost every town that has a cultural and artistic center benefits in countless ways,” Jeffrey Labriola, President of the Clifton Arts Center, predicted in 2000.

☛

photo by Joseph Hawrylko The collaboration between the Clifton Public Schools and the Clifton Arts Center has proven productive and provided many opportunities for emerging artists. Above at a recent show, CHS junior Caitlin Lotorto and other students from throughout the district showcased their work in an annual display which included a reception for the students.

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The then-21 year-old resident of Clifton said he believed the reputation of the community would grow as more people become aware of it.

“The Arts Center provides a haven in the heart of our diverse community to unite and celebrate the arts,” said Labriola, now an arts teacher at Christopher Columbus Middle School who remains the President of the Clifton Arts Center to this day.

On January 6, 2000, the initial exhibition was entitled ‘Clifton Arts 2000’ and showcased more than 50 artists, drawn from the memberships of many organizations and artists’ groups that have worked together to create the Clifton Arts Center. Exhibitors included members of the Clifton Association of Artists and the Clifton Camera Club, as well as faculty members of the Clifton Public Schools.

Tug of War by Jay Sassoon (in a photo taken in 1999) is displayed on the Van Houten Ave. side of Clifton’s Sculpture Park. Outdoor art found on the complex was created by nationally acclaimed artists. While touring the 26 acre complex, take time to appreciate the 14 historic brick and stone barns which once housed the US Quarantine Station. The buildings are on the National Register of Historic Sites.

☛ Clifton Arts Center Timeline

1980’s- Plans are discussed by the Mayor and Council to create a cultural center on the grounds of the new City Hall.

1984- The Barns Museum Workshop Committee is formed to establish a cultural center in two Quarantine barns in coordination with the City and Clifton Public Schools. Rita Cadorin leads the effort with Richard Moran, Eugene Angiulli and Juel Olzak. Plans are called for a location where groups of students, community and business groups would enjoy seminars, recitals, demonstrations and discussions.

Summer, 1985-The Barns Music Workshop Committee launches a fund raising campaign.

1990-1992-Plans are finalized after successful fund raising and construction joining the two Quarantine barns with a contemporary atrium structure begins.

1992-The Barns Museum project is placed on hold.

1997-The Clifton Association of Artists urges the City Council to consider finishing the Barns Museum facility and creating an artistic and cultural center.

Summer, 1998-In an effort spearheaded by Councilwoman Kolodziej, Clifton Arts Center Inc. (the non-profit agency that would soon govern the City’s art center) is created.

Trustees include Mary Ann Baskinger, Dr. Joseph Leo Barone, Roxanne Cammilleri, Vice President Cynthia Czesak, and President Jeff Labriola. see page 46 Clifton Merchant • May 2005

45

Fall 1998-The Clifton Arts Center offers trips to Broadway theater with bus transportation provided from City Hall. Trips continue to date.

November, 1999-Don Burmeister is named the first Arts Center Curator.

Winter, 1999-The Clifton Arts Center establishes its identity with a logo contest won by Richard Ashton.

Spring, 1999-The Clifton Sculpture Park is dedicated on a beautiful April afternoon with a ceremony coordinated by Dr. Jerry Raphael.

Summer, 1999-The Clifton Arts Center launches the first fund raising campaign, Support the Arts 2000. The first curator, Don Burmeister, is hired.

art by Rev. Ralph Boult

Fall 1999-The Clifton Arts Center establishes the date for its grand opening and announces the millennium Gallery schedule. The first Gallery show announced is Clifton Arts 2000 which would showcase the work of over 50 artists who were instrumental in forming the Center.

Another milestone was marked in March, 2000 when the first director, Dr. Donald Burmiester was hired.

Clifton resident Roxanne Cammilleri was named to that post in December, 2003.

Five Years & 10,000 Visitors Later is the theme of an exhibit which opens on May 11 to mark the 5th anniver-

January 6, 2000-The Clifton Arts Center’s inaugural reception.

March, 2000- Don Burmeister resigns.

July, 2000- Barbara Flexner takes over as curator.

April, 2003- The Art Studio/Education Barn opens on the City Hall campus.

sary of the Clifton Arts Center and to celebrate the best of its art shows and outdoor sculptures. The exhibit highlights the Arts Center as a vital, growing,and essential component of Clifton. Artists represented in this exhibit are from solo, group, community and/or regional exhibitions displayed over the past five years.

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November, 2003- Barbara Flexner resigns.

December, 2003-Roxanne Cammilleri is named curator.

May 11, 2005-The Clifton Arts Center celebrates its 5th anniversary with the opening of the exhibit Five Years & 10,000 Visitors Later.

A free reception is open to the public on May 12 at 7 pm. Other events to celebrate the anniversary include a classical concert on June 3 at 7:30 pm entitled Distinguished Music Artist Series: European Vocal Miniatures. Tickets are $25.

On July 16 at 6 pm a free outdoor concert will be presented by the Clifton Mustang Band Alumni Association. Bring chairs, come early and picnic. In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Clifton High School Auditorium.

The Clifton Arts Center is located on the grounds of the Clifton Municipal Complex near the intersection of Clifton and Van Houten Aves. Exhibit hours are Thursday through Saturday noon to 4 pm and Sunday 1 to 4 pm.

Call 973-472-5499 for more info or go to www.cliftonnj.org.

Friend of Youth ––––––––––– Story by Joe Hawrylko ––––––––––– If your kids ever played Clifton Stallions Soccer, chances are you know OPTIMIST him. In fact, if you’ve participated in any recreational event in Clifton, you’ve probably met him.

Over the past 25 years, Tom Fieldhouse has immersed himself in all facets of Clifton sports, education and recreation, dedicating hours out of his schedule to coach teams, serve on the Recreation Board or anything involving Clifton’s youth.

“I love working with kids,” said Fieldhouse. “They are the future.”

For his dedication to children and his adopted hometown, Fieldhouse will be recognized by the Optimist Club with the group’s highest honor, the 2005 Friend of Youth Award.

Fieldhouse, an Athenia resident since 1980, grew up in North Haledon and has always been a sports enthusiast, playing baseball, football and basketball for Eastern Christian High School.

Soon after those high school years, he began dating a young Clifton Mustang named Kathy Biegel.

INTERNATIONAL

Within a few short years of their first meeting, the couple wed and on September 27th will mark their 25 anniversary.

It was Kathy’s father, John, who would spark Fieldhouse’s interests in volunteering. “John was and is still very active in the community, always volunteering his time,” he recalled. “He got me started as a coach in the Clifton Midget League basketball program.”

Fieldhouse enjoyed volunteering and it would be something that stuck with him over the years. “I get great satisfaction from volunteering,” he said. “I get to contribute to my community and work with children.”

Coaching became his passion, volunteering time to many teams, including CML basketball, CML baseball, Boys and Girls Club soccer, Boys and Girls Club hockey and his favorite organization, the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club.

“The Clifton Stallions games will always be special to me,” said Fieldhouse. “It was where I really began in Clifton.”

The Clifton Optimist Club honors Tom Fieldhouse, Clifton Special Police Officers and Tom Miller at a beefsteak on May 22 at 4 pm at the Boys & Girls Club. To attend the dinner, send checks ($35) payable to: Clifton Optimist Club c/o Tomahawk Promotions, 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 or to Dennis Hahofer, 5 Tremont Terrace, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For info on the dinner or the Optimist Club of Clifton, call Tom Hawrylko: 973-253-4400.

Bringing Out the Best in Kids is the theme of Optimist Clubs worldwide. The Clifton Chapter, while small in number, is involved in positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand and being a Friend of Youth. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers make this world a better place to live. New members are always welcomed.

Tom Fieldhouse

He began in 1988, managing his elder son Jason’s rec team and continued to coach when his son Derek, now a CHS senior, was old enough to play. He soon moved up to coaching the Stallion’s traveling teams, working with kids of all ages. “When I coach, I try to instill good values onto my players,” said Fieldhouse.

“They learn respect, team chemistry... all the values they learn helps them build character for later in life.”

In addition to coaching for the Stallions, Fieldhouse also held different management positions within the soccer club. He served for 13 years as the trustee of the Clifton Stallions, three years as the Secretary, one year as Vice President and three years as President.

During his tenure, Fieldhouse organized last year’s Danny Szetela Day at Giants Stadium, where Clifton residents came out to support the Major League Soccer

☛

Clifton Merchant • May 2005

47

“We try and help kids who got off track...

We can’t help everyone but it’s nice to know we’ve changed the paths for some kids.”

–Tom Fieldhouse

star who hails from Clifton. A few years back, he also arranged the first Clifton Stallions Parade.

Fieldhouse has also served on the Clifton Rec Board for eight years.

He was President for the last four and VP for two years before that.

“The Rec Department always has great programs,” added Fieldhouse.

“I always enjoy doing Youth Week.”

In fact, you can find him at most any Clifton Recreation event, just helping everything run smoothly.

Even when he’s not on the field, he finds ways to stay involved.

Being the class father for each year his children were in Clifton’s Public Schools is one way.

Being the President of the Soccer Booster Club and serving on the

Key Communicators and Parent Awareness Committees is another way. Beyond educational and recreational programs, Fieldhouse is particularly proud of his role on the Passaic County Juvenile Conference Committee.

The committee’s role is to interact with troubled youths who are first time offenders. They attempt to mediate the situation rather then have it go to court, Fieldhouse explained.

“We try to step in and help kids who got off track and turn their lives around,” he added. “We can’t help everyone but it’s nice to know we’ve changed the paths of some kids.”

Volunteer activities also permeate the 9 to 5 aspect of Fieldhouse’s life.

A manager at Verizon for 27 years,

he organized a winter clothing drive for Eva’s Kitchen, a local food pantry for the homeless where he still volunteers his time.

For those efforts and the work he has done in Clifton, Fieldhouse has received the Verizon’s Leaders in Excellence Award.

While Fieldhouse has accomplished much more then your average Cliftonite, he is still far from satisfied. “There is much more that I can accomplish,” he added.

“Which is why I will run for City Council next year.”

Judge Joseph J. Salerno Respect for Law Award OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

As a kid growing up in the 50’s at Delawanna’s Dunney Park, Bob Bracken found a role model in Special Police Officer Bob Genneken. “He was a great example for kids to follow and I had a ton of respect for him,” said Bracken. It would spark a sense of community

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

Clifton Kids Win

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48

May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

1264

2005 Lincoln LS VALUED AT $38,735

When you purchase one of the 750 raffles to win a 2005 Lincoln LS shown left, your donation helps the Boys & Girls Club provide services to thousands of Clifton kids, year round. Tickets are $100 each so see a Trustee or call the Club at 973-773-0966 to purchase yours today! The drawing will be held at a wine and cheese reception on May 19 at 8 pm held at the Upper Montclair Country Club, 177 Hepburn Road.

The Clifton Special Police Officers, rear from left: Vincent Colavitti Sr., Bob Bracken Sr., George Planthaber and Steve Ruppert.

Middle: Lance DeMuno, Jim Derco, John Lyons and Vincent Colavitti Jr. Front: Dom DiMinni, Frank Robinson, Larry Posey, Pat Castaldo. Missing: Chris DiBella, Jim Janisheski, Bert Pampanin, Charles Theodora, Marty Wilkos, Sharon Berkenbush.

service that led him to join the Clifton Special Police Association in 1983.

Established in 1941, the Special Police Officers are part time law enforcers who augment the Clifton Police Department. Many SPO’s are employed full time in addition to their SPO work, including Bracken, a technician for Crown Lift Trucks for the last 18 years.

Members come from many differ-

ent walks of life, from current and retired firefighters to entrepreneurs, even a mother of twins.

“It’s really not that hard balancing my job with my family life,” said SPO Sharon Berkenbush, whose twins will soon turn three. “I only work when my husband is home so it balances out.” Berkenbush, a six year veteran on the SPO, cited her father, current SPO Marty Wilkos, as

Saint Paul School

an influence in her joining the force.

“I was thinking about being a cop and my father recommended that I get a feel for it by joining the SPOA,” added Berkenbush. “I really enjoy what I do.”

While diversified, all SPO’s seem to share the desire to contribute to their community. “It’s a great way to stay active,” noted Bracken. For their dedication and unselfish-

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ness, the SPOA will receive the Optimist Club’s Judge Joseph J. Salerno Respect for Law Award.

The SPO’s duties include patrolling city parks and providing security at Clifton Rec programs as well as events sponsored by the Board of Education and the City.

They can also been seen at the CHS graduation, the city picnic, the CHS football games and many other events. “I enjoy interacting with people, especially kids in the park,” added Bracken. “I aim to give children a positive view of police officers rather then a negative.”

While SPO’s primary responsibilities are community security, they can be called for back-up.

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“I was thinking about being a cop and my father recommended that I get a feel for it by joining the SPOA. I really enjoy what I do.”

–Sharon Berkenbush

“Like regular officers, SPO’s are professionally trained and duty sworn law enforcement personnel,” stated SPOA President and Supervisor Vincent Colavitti Sr. “They have the same powers of arrest and are required by law to meet the same hiring standards.”

All SPO’s attend the Police Academy at night for eight months.

And even thought they are paid for their services, SPO’s regularly find time to volunteer in town.

They provide traffic control and security for the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Parades.

During the holidays, SPO’s oversee tree lightings in town and provide the escort for Santa on his annual 26 mile tour of Clifton on Christmas Eve. Colavitti noted there are a number of favorite charities which the Clifton Specials support, including ZONTA International, which educates people on rape and violence, and the Torch Run and other events for the city’s Special Olympics, a charity event for handicapped children. In addition to the aforementioned

events, the SPOA, in conjunction with the Recreation Department, sponsors the Annual Albion Family Camp Out in August.

For the last five years, families have been invited to Albion Park on Maplewood Rd. to participate in an overnight event of fun and games designed to promote unity amongst the community. The day is highlighted by a photo from a plane flown by SPO Steve Rupert.

“I was flying in the morning of the first camp out and while flying overhead I radioed into the guys on the ground,” said Rupert. “We set up everyone for aerial photos that I later showed Debbie Oliver and we have been doing it ever since.” In years past, families were lined up to form a big ‘C’ and smiley faces.

At night, everyone gathers around a campfire for stories and marshmallows.

“The Albion Family Camp Out is a wonderful way of bringing the community together,” added Rupert. “I enjoy doing it very much. It is just a shame that not many communities show unity any more.”

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

The Clifton Optimist Club’s Community Service Award is a fitting tribute to the late Clifton Mayor and longtime Optimist Stanley Zwier, at right, because Zwier was involved in many community events, even up until his death in 1999.

Stanley Zwier Community Service Award OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

Tom Miller is involved in so many charities and fund raisers, one might have to ask him which is his favorite.

“That’s hard,” laughed Miller, “I think maybe the pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge for a girl who had cancer.”

That’s typical Tom Miller: he hears of a problem, then musters resources, his friends and gets the community involved to solve it. For his longtime efforts and leadership, he has been selected as the recipient of the 2005 Optimist Club Stanley Zwier Community Service Award.

Miller, 71, has always been one to volunteer his time. He attributes his generous nature to his youth. “I had asthma as a kid and many people kindly helped me out,” noted Miller, a Korean War veteran.

“That stuck with me and after I left the military, I started becoming more involved in the community as a way of giving back.”

He has spearheaded campaigns to raise funds for countless causes, including fund raisers for individuals in need as well as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, St. Peter’s Haven and Clifton Midget League baseball.

Tom Miller

Miller has also served on the St. Peter’s Haven Board, Clifton Traffic Council, Alcoholic Beverages Commission, Clifton Bicentennial Committee and the Board of Recreation. However, his accomplishments would be much harder without the help of the Clifton Moose Lodge.

“The Moose Lodge has allowed me to expand my reach of helping the community,” stated Miller.

A member of the Clifton Moose Lodge 657 since 1986, Miller currently holds the title of Chair of Community Service and Veteran’s Affairs. Together, the Main Ave. organization and Miller have won numerous awards for their contributions, including the State Moose

Award in 2003. His charity events regularly make use of the Moose Lodge and all its services. Through the Moose, he has been able to remain vigilant in his passion for veteran’s rights.

Since retiring from C. Pfizer & Co. after 32 years in 1993, Miller has worked for Veteran Services for the Passaic County Board of Freeholders, an advocate group for veteran’s rights. Miller’s job is diverse; he assists vets in welfare, healthcare, tax rebates and filing complaints and appeals. Miller is also part of Veteran’s Outreach, a state veterans assistance program and he serves on the state legislation committee to the veterans.

As a veteran’s advocate, Miller has served as an aide on veteran’s affairs to Republican Congressman William Martini from 1994 to 1996 and has held the same position for Democrat Congressman Bill Pascrell since 1997.

“Some limit themselves when it comes to volunteering and politics,” said Miller. “I do not. If a good cause needs my help, I will be there.”

When asked how he keeps at his pace, he said: “I’m not your stay at home, boob tube guy. I like to get out there and be active. You do get tired after a while but you regenerate and keep going again.”

Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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We Remember F

rom the Doughboys who served and died in the trenches of Europe during World War I to US Army Captain Mike Tarlavsky who perished in Iraq just last summer, Clifton remembers those men from our town who died while in service to our nation. As has been the tradition of this publication, the following is a list of their

names, organized by the war in which they served. Their names are also inscribed on the War Monument on Main Avenue where on Monday, May 30 at 11 am our community will join to pay tribute to those who died defending our nation. To the families of the deceased, we again offer condolences and join to honor the memory of the fallen.

Clifton Memorial Day Services at War Monument May 30, 11 am 52

May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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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

World War One 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 Otto Geipel

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...

Albert Bartko Joseph M. Billy John J. Casale Andrew Cosmano Joseph Crosby, Jr. Charles F. De Peri Robert B. Hoogmoed Alfred Madernini Neno Mazzer James J. O’Toole Robert “Peach” Paci Ernest Parsons

Ralph Peluso John J. Pickett Joseph Preziosi Daniel Rocco Bernard A. Sala Peter Sarchio Emil Soltis, Sr. Arthur M. Spinelli Joseph Torjek Arthur A. Vogt

Army Sgt. David C. Van Dillen served for 16 months in France during World War I but fortunately returned home to Clifton.

World War Two

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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

The dedication of the honor roll on June 6, 1943 of those city men serving during World War II. The board was located at Clifton Ave. and Clifton Blvd. From left, Post 8 Commander Frank Lozier, John H. Olson, George Binns and an unidentified individual. Photo courtesy of Thomas Styles.

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William 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 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

Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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World War Two 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

Proud to have Served Our Country…

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Dennis Szabaday Lewis Cosmano 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

Emil Remembered I

By Emil Soltis Jr.

would like to tell you a little bit about my Dad, Emil Soltis, Sr. He was born in Garfield in 1928. He attended St. Cyril and Methodius grammar school after my grandparents moved to Clifton.

He didn’t graduate from high school, but joined the Army, instead, when he was 19. He was stationed in Germany where he was responsible for procuring supplies. In 1949, he met the love of his life, my mom, Anne. When his tour of duty was over in 1951, he reenlisted because he couldn’t take her back to the US at that time. He married her the folEmil Soltis Sr. lowing year and brought her back to Clifton as a GI bride.

When his second tour was over, he went to night school to get his diploma. His military training as a supply sergeant served him well. As a purchasing agent for several companies, dad knew how to get supplies for anything. And his job as a purchasing agent did not end at work.

Dad spent countless hours getting supplies donated to the Boy Scouts after I joined in 1970, and he also used his expertise to help the church. If the scouts or the church needed something, he did his best to get someone to donate it. Dad got hooked on scouting and was always involved. He was so proud when I became an Eagle Scout. It was if he became one with me.

Dad was a Yankee fan and also loved the game of golf. He would take me to the ballpark with him two or three times a month during the summer.

He never actually played golf, but he loved to watch his favorite player, Arnold Palmer.

I was able to give Dad a big thrill a few years ago. I got skybox tickets to the Cadillac Open at the Upper Montclair Country Club and got Dad a front row seat. He waited for a good three hours until Palmer walked up the fairway. Arnie hit his approach shot about 30 feet from the pin, right in front of Dad who had a smile from ear to ear. Unfortunately, Arnie blew the putt, but it made Dad’s day, anyway.

Dad was also a member of the notorious senior citizens group known as the Dirty Dozen.

They spent holidays together traveling across the country. I am convinced the reason Donald Trump is bankrupt in Atlantic City is because of dad and the Dirty Dozen. They knew where all the freebies were.

Well, I hope you learned something about my Dad. He passed away on March 30. He will be missed, but never forgotten by my mom, my two sisters, Maria Pinter and Susan Hernandez, his eight Emil & Anne Soltis on their wedding day, May 17, 1952. grandchildren, and by me.

Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Memorial Day • May 30, 2005

E

stablished 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, on Sunday, May 29 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.

Next morning at 11 am at the Main Ave. Monument, the public gathers for a solemn service with a tribute to the fallen which features brief speeches and patriotic music by the Marching Mustang Band.

Here is a round-up of other Clifton patriotic events conducted on May 30: Tour the campus of City Hall all day to see The Avenue of Flags, a spectacular patriotic display of 750 American Flags. Those who would like to help with the set up of the display, should

be there at 6 am; to help break down and store the flags, volunteers are needed from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

The Allwood VFW Post 6487 parade steps off at 9 am at Allwood Rd. and concludes with services at Chelsea Park next to the Allwood Library.

Councilman Frank Gaccione will be the speaker and the invocation is delivered by Rev. Fred Tanis jr. of the United Reform Church.

Albion VFW Post 7165 hosts services near the memorial in Albion Park on Maplewood Ave. at 9:30 am.

At noon, the Military Order of Purple Hearts #366 pauses and reflects in front of the Main Library.

American Legion Post 347 remembers the deceased at the Post home on Lake Ave. at 12:15 pm The DAV 2 will hold a service at the Post on Hazel Road at 1 pm.

The Athenia Veterans Post services are at 2 pm on Huron Ave. Drinks and food are served at the conclusion.

World War Two 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 Edward Hornbeck William Hromniak Stephen Petrilak Wayne Wells Vincent Montalbano

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

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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 Vito Venezia Joseph Russin Ernest Yedlick Charles Cannizzo Michael Barbero Joseph Palagano William Hadrys Joseph Hoffer, Jr. Joseph Piccolo John Robinson Frank Torkos Arthur Mayer Edward Jaskot George Russell Frank Groseibl Richard Van Vliet 1011

FROM

In a file photo from May 2001, the scouts of Troop 3 and friends are shown decorating the area around the War Monument in Main Memorial Park with an American Flag for every Cliftonite killed during past wars. This year, on Sunday May 29 at 7 pm, volunteers are invited to come and help post the flags and continue the tradition of decorating the monument.

Benjamin Boyko Harry Carline Paul Domino John Fusiak Louis Ritz William Niader Alfred Aiple Mario Taverna Sebastian De Lotto Matthew Bartnowski

LER PETER EAG

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. Stephan Kucha ‘Gigito’ Netto

May, 2005

pause and e time to th e k ta lease ation. rial Day, p ns in this n ra te e V This Memo r u es of o the sacrific remember Sincerely,

, n Residents Dear Clifto

Paid For By Peter Eagler for Assembly 32 Greendale Avenue Clifton, NJ 07013

gler Peter C. Ea Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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William Gould

Donald Scott

Reynold Campbell

Edward Flanagan

Howard Van Vliet

Louis Le Ster

William Snyder

Frank Moorman

Dennis Dyt

Allen Hiller

Robert Prete

Raymond Halendwany

Arthur Grundman

Guyler Tulp

Joseph Amato

John Crawbuck

Donald Brannon

Nicholas Cornato

Herbert Demarest George Fornelius

Ernest Hagbery

Edward Luisser

Korean War Donald Frost Ernest Haussler William Kuller

Edward Deitman

Vietnam War

Richard Cyran

Alfred Pino

Leszek Kulaczkowski

Thomas Dando

William Malcolm

William Sipos

Leonard Bird

Bohdan Kowal

John France

Robert Kruger, Jr.

Stephen Stefaniak Jr.

Iraq War US Army/Special Forces Captain Michael Tarlavsky was killed in Najaf, Iraq on Aug. 12, 2004 and buried with honors in Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 24. Tarlavsky, CHS Class of ‘92, was captain of the Swim Team and enlisted in the Army in 1996. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is survived by his wife Tricia, their son Joseph, his parents Yury and Rimma and a sister, Elina. The Veterans Alliance engraved his name on the Main Avenue War Memorial late last year— the first name added in 34 years.

Bruce McFadyen Keith Perrelli

Nov. 8, 1961 Plane Crash

William Zalewski

Robert De Vogel

Carrol Wilke

Louis Grove

Vernon Griggs

Clifford Jones, Jr.

Robert Marositz

George McClelland

Robert Rinaldi

Richard Corcoran John Bilenski

Raymond Shamberger

Donald Campbell

Harold Skoglund

James Strangeway, Jr.

Willis Van Ess, Jr.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

Proud to Serve Aviation Ordinanceman 3rd Class Steve Kordys is a 2001 CHS grad now in his fourth year in the Navy who just signed up for another four year hitch.

What type of work do you do?

I work on bombs and laser guided missiles aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier stationed in Norfolk, Va. We just got back from our second six month cruise to the Persian Gulf where we cleaned up after Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Tell us about the ship.

Upon deployment, we have nearly 7,000 sailors and officers aboard along with about 90 aircraft. On our first cruise for Operation Iraqi Freedom, we ran over 2,500 sorties and dropped about 750 tons of armor.

What is most notable in your change from civilian to military life?

The freedom of doing what I want when I want... growing my hair...

Is the military restrictive?

Yes. I had to route request chits for my six tattoos and the one on my forearm must always be covered. If I travel a certain distance from my ship, I need a travel chit. I needed an out of bounds chit to come to Clifton.

If you could go back to graduation day in 2001 and change things for yourself what would you have done differently?

I’d take better advantage of the freedom I had. I wish I would have gone to college and then into the military. I’d like to be an officer and a pilot.

What have you learned while in the Navy?

Self control... some simple things like sewing, ironing, polishing boots.

Boot camp made me realize how important it is to be organized and to be neat.

To take nothing for granted, especially family and friends. A lot about politics.

Where have you travelled and what is notable about these places?

Greece, Slovenia, France, England, Bahrain, Jebel Ali (a port city in the United Arab Emirates nation of Dubai), Italy... there’s at least two more countries I can’t remember right now. Jebel Ali had more skyscrapers than New York City. People in some countries like France don’t like Americans but the nationals were really friendly and welcomed us in Greece and Italy.

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Leopoldville

the Final Voyage

Story by Robert Wahlers • Illustration by Jack Tulling he story begins late on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1944. Approximately 2,200 men of the U.S. 66th Infantry Division in England board the S.S. Leopoldville, a converted Belgian luxury liner, and embark for the French port of Cherbourg.

Their mission is to reinforce beleaguered American troops who are attempting to fight off a fierce counterattack by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge.

Art DiSalvo, a longtime Lakeview Avenue business owner, was one of those men.

T

“I don’t remember a lot of the details because it’s something you try to forget, although you never can,” said DiSalvo, who entered the Army in 1943 and was shipped overseas in November 1944.

Like most of his shipmates aboard the Leopoldville that dark Christmas Eve night, DiSalvo had never seen action. According to published accounts, and a documentary which appeared on The History Channel, the 550-foot long ship was about six miles off the coast of France when a German U-boat fired a torpedo into its starboard side.

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“I consider myself lucky. Half of my company died that night. But then if I had made it into the Battle of the Bulge, maybe I wouldn’t be here today. All I know is that when I was in that water, I kept thinking to myself, I’m never going to get out of this.”

–Art DiSalvo

Art DiSalvo

“I was sleeping in a hammock that was slung over a picnic table about two decks below when it hit,” he recalled. “Everything inside the ship was wood and the explosion shattered everything. It knocked the staircase right out. Other people above us dropped a cable down and we climbed it hand-over-hand to get up on the deck.”

When he got topside, DiSalvo heard the standing orders: Keep your clothes on and wait.

“I had carried everything with me, my helmet, my rifle, my overcoat. So I waited with everyone else,” he said. “We didn’t know what was going to happen. You couldn’t see anything, either. It was pitch dark out there.”

After the torpedo fatally damaged the ship, the British destroyers that had been escorting the Leopoldville left the scene to chase the German submarine.

One of those destroyers returned about an hour later to begin a rescue operation.

“The channel was rough,” DiSalvo remembered. “It seemed like the swells were about 30 feet high. A lot of GIs were trying to throw the stretcher cases from the ship to the destroyer. Many of the wounded didn’t make it across.

Other guys jumped and fell between the ships. It’s not easy to talk about.”

DiSalvo stayed on board until the ship began to list heavily to one side. “I walked up to the rail, which was practically overhead by this time, pulled myself over the rail and into a lifeboat, which was still attached. There was no time to get it loose so I walked across the lifeboat and went into the water.”

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63

The water temperature was about 45 degrees.

“As the ship went down, it pulled me underwater, but I had a life jacket on so I finally popped up again. Then a swell would come and take me down and everything would disappear. Over the swells I could see the spotlight from the Coast Guard ship. I saw a friend of mine float by on a raft but I never saw him again. I guess I was in the water for about 20 minutes until the Coast Guard ship pulled me out with a grappling hook. I was so numb I couldn’t stand up.”

Although accounts vary, it is estimated that about 800 soldiers, or more than one-third of the ship’s occupants, died that night. Many of the bodies were never recovered. DiSalvo and other survivors were sent to the hospital in Cherbourg to recover. They would eventually be awarded the Purple Heart.

After the war, DiSalvo got married and settled in Clifton, where he opened his own interior decorating business, Custom Corner. He is still active in the Lakeview Avenue business.

“I didn’t know the sinking of the Leopoldville wasn’t public knowledge until I read about it in the newspaper a few years ago. I also learned that The History Channel did a story about it. The government did keep it hushhush and the guys who were there that night, well, we didn’t want to talk about it, either.”

After the loss of the Leopoldville, families who received the dreaded We regret to inform you telegram from the Army were only told that their relative was either ‘killed in action’ or ‘lost at sea.’

Critics of the so-called ‘cover-up’ contend that the Army kept the incident classified for many years because it was embarrassed about a number of key mistakes that were made that night, resulting in a higher loss of life than necessary.

A few years ago, the same year that a book about the tragedy was published, a monument to the Leopoldville soldiers was dedicated at the U.S. Army’s Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Among the names listed on that monument are PFC Douglas C. Gleeson of Clifton, a named inscribed on Clifton’s War Monument. Attempts to contact survivors of his family in town and surrounding communities did not result in any living relatives.

“In retrospect, I consider myself lucky,” DiSalvo said.

“Half of my company died that night. But then if I had made it into the Battle of the Bulge, maybe I wouldn’t be here today. All I know is that when I was in that water, I kept thinking to myself, I’m never going to get out of this.”

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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• Renovation • Custom borders • Distressed floors Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Clifton Almanac May 13, 1796: Bloomfield Rd. (now Broad St. in Richfield) is laid out from Paterson to “Notch Rd. (now Van Houten Ave.) to a point 100 feet west of the log schoolhouse on the south side of Notch Rd.“ (near today’s Richfield Farms) May 10, 1873: Henry A. Hudson’s hotel in Delawanna opens.

May 11, 1877: A part of Centerville takes the name Richfield to get its own Post Office.

May 15, 1905: Police Chief William J. Coughlan is appointed.

May 27, 1905: Fairyland Amusement Park opens where the Garden State Parkway crosses Main Avenue on the east side today.

May 1913: A Delawanna referen-

A look back at May events which shaped Clifton...

May 18, 1939: The President of Nicaragua, Anastasio Samosa, is welcomed to Clifton and receives a tour of the Magor Car Company.

May 25, 1944: A citywide drill is held by Clifton Civil Defense units.

May 1, 1947: The Athenia Post Office opens at the corner of Van Houten & Mt. Prospect Avenues.

May 19, 1948: International Telephone & Telegraph on the Nutley border holds a press event at its 300 foot high microwave tower.

May 30, 1950: Clifton Swimming Club at Renschler’s Pool (now Bellin’s) opens for 20th season.

May 6, 1952: Levy Brothers’ Department Store in Styertowne Shopping Center opens.

May 12, 1953: A Youth in Government Day features student counterparts for city officials, lunch and visits to industrial sites and city offices.

May 12, 1953: Allen B. DuMont Laboratories instrument division is relocated from the old Doherty Mill on Main Avenue to 760 Bloomfield Avenue in Allwood, adjacent to its Cathode Ray tube manufacturing facilities. Television transmitter production is then expanded at the Doherty Mill site.

May 25, 1954: St. Phillip the Apostle parish dedicates its new $1.3 million parish center which includes a church, a school, a rectory, a convent and a recreation building.

May 3, 1956: NY Yankees Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto lease the 40 lane bowling center in Styertowne.

May 27, 1958: Stanley Zwier is named Mayor by City Council.

dum rejects annexation by Passaic.

May 7, 1921: Clifton Library opens in a storefront on Main Avenue.

May 1, 1921: John Parian opens a jewelry store in Botany Village.

May 16, 1936: The Post Office building is dedicated at Main & Washington Avenues to become Clifton’s Main Post Office.

May 9, 1937: St. Paul’s R.C. Church breaks ground for a new building on the site of its old church, which is to be razed.

May 1 to 8, 1937: Mayor Wilson Brower schedules Youth Week.

May 19, 1938: The Allwood Library opens in the Allwood Community Church, a project of the Allwood Woman’s Club.

May 24, 1938: Edward Birmingham gets more votes, but Godfrey Meyer is named Mayor by the City Council.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

America’s first set of healthy quadruplets, born right next door in Passaic’s St. Mary’s Hospital, are actually from Clifton. The Kasper quadruplets, born on May 9, 1936, were delivered by Dr. Frank Jani, Dr. D. John Calabrese and Sister Francis Aloysius. Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Hospital.

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May 22, 1964: Clifton Day is observed at New York’s World Fair as part of the ongoing State of New Jersey Tercentennial.

May 4, 1965: The 7.5 acre Brighton Road and Allwood Urban Redevelopment project is approved.

Four buildings housing 32 apartments are razed to be replaced by a firehouse, library and park.

May 19, 1966: Joseph J. Vanecek is named Mayor of Clifton by his Council colleagues, even though he polled 1,200 fewer votes than William Bate, the top popular vote winner in the 1966 election.

May 1970: Anna Latteri selected first female Mayor of Clifton.

May 1982: Gloria Kolodziej named second female Mayor in city history.

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May 1994: James Anzaldi reelected Mayor with highest percentage of votes in Clifton’s history.

May 29, 2000: The 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 29 Clifton men who died during the conflict are memorialized.

May 14, 2002: Anzaldi becomes Clifton’s first four term Mayor.

May 20, 2003: The names of 1,300 residents who signed a petition calling for a residential building moratorium are presented by Tom Hawrylko to the City Council.

May 7, 2004: The names of over 2,700 people who signed a petition supporting the building of a school on Latteri Park are published in Clifton Merchant Magazine.

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May 7, 1987: Morris Canal Park on Broad St. is officially dedicated.

May 1998: Ground is broken on the first phase of Clifton Commons.

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May 23, 1960: Voters approve a $5.8 million referendum for the construction of a 3,000 pupil Senior High School on Colfax Avenue.

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Philip Read, the author of Clifton and Paterson, seeks photos for his next book, Memories from The Meadowbrook.

Submissions, which will be credited, should capture dancers or perfomers (rather than table shots) and can include the era of the big bands, disco and rock at the Cedar Grove venue. Please send photo reprints (no Kodak machine reprints, please) to Philip Read, 12 Northfield Terr., Clifton, NJ, 07013. Include a phone number and any story accompanying the photo.

CHS Mustang Band alum Michael Soprano—class of ‘97—is finding adventure in SKA venues of the world. He plays trombone with Streetlight Manifesto now touring England, Scotland, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and France. The New Jersey headquartered Streetlight has packed them in at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, House of Blues in Anaheim and BB Kings in NYC. After the European tour, they’ll return to New Jersey stages in June. Info at www.streetlightmanifesto.com

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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send Clifton business news to Tom.Hawrylko@verizon.net

Nature, Health & Beauty has opened in Botany Village at 343 Parker Ave. The family owned company specializes in organic foods, natural cosmetics and herbs. Pictured at left are Lydia Niebrzydowski and her parents, Jerry and Terry.

The semi annual warehouse sale at Harve` Benard begins May 12.

Clothing manufacturer Harve` Benard established a massive distribution and office building in Delawanna a few years back because of the easy access that section of Clifton offers to all major routes. In addition to bringing in a hefty ratable for the tax base, Cliftonites get another benefit to having the company here in town—the semi annual warehouse sale. Located at 125 Delawanna Ave., right near the train station, the doors are opened to shoppers, offering high quality name brand merchandise at incredible prices. In addition to the ladies’ fashions, a line up of mens’ suits, sports jackets and ties are offered. Savvy shoppers will get there at 3 pm on May 12. The sale runs daily through May 15.

To commemorate its 50th year in business, and to encourage coin collecting, American Coin & Stamp Company on Main Ave. released into circulation 112 collectable coins worth several thousand dollars.

Owner Jeff Angello coordinated the promotion during April’s National Coin Week. The most valuable coin reintroduced into circulation was a 1955 error penny valued at $2,000 (left). He choose this coin in honor of the company’s founding in 1955, by his late father, Joseph. The promotion was documented on Channel 9 News, as a reporter from the station followed Angello with a hidden camera into some local stores. The coin has not yet been found.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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The Boys & Girls Club will raffle a 2005 Lincoln LS, valued at $38,735, at a wine and cheese reception on May 19 at 8 pm at the Upper Montclair Country Club.

This annual fund raiser will benefit numerous programs at the Clifton Ave. Club. Tickets are $100 and includes admission for two to the reception. Only 750 tickets will be sold on a first come basis. For more info, call 973-773-2697.

Noelle Nieva has joined Clifton Chiropractic & Physical Therapy on the corner of Valley Rd and Edison St. as a Certified Massage Therapist.

The Clifton resident completed her training at Healing Hands Institute in Westwood. She specializes in hot stone therapy, Thai stretching, trigger point therapy and other integrative modalities. Clifton Chiropractic is run by Dr. Suzi Schulman and her brother Dr. Jeff Schulman.

The Athenia Business Association hosts the Van Houten Avenue Street Fair on Sept. 18; there’ll be fun, food, vendors, entertainment, a petting zoo, rides for children and a classic car show. Vendors can call 973-473-0986 or 973-773-0802.

Downtown Clifton on June 11 from 10 am to 5 pm hosts the International Food & Street Festival along Main Ave. On July 14 and Aug. 11, from 5 to 11 pm, they’ll present a 50’s Block Party in Municipal Parking Lot 8 on the corner of First St. and Clifton Ave. A Columbus and Pulaski Day Street Festival will be held on Oct. 8. Plans are still be discussed for a Christmas Parade. For more info, call Kirk Johnson at 973-253-1455.

Exit Queen’s Realty recently opened at 1092 Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton. Broker and owner Luis Cardoch is pictured at right with friends and associates.

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Rohde’s Western Wildcats: Katie Webb, Andrew DePiero, Ronak Shah, Robert Manzo, Ryan Kientz, Megan Harriman, Seby Clement, Andy Mauro, Danielle Cornell, Michael Casiano, Jonathon Casiano, Melissa Conrad, Dani Paino, Vinny Caggia, Jim Scancarella, Ryan Powers, Amanda Schneider, Peter Sieczka, Serafina Pedone, coaches Mike Soccol, Mickey Soccol, Michele Cornell and Melissa DeMolli.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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It’s spring and that means baseball for Rohde’s Western Wildcats. For Mike and Mickey Soccol, it will be their 15th year at the helm of the team, which competes in the Saddle Brook Challenge League.

From April to June, the Soccol’s are on the field, giving physically or mentally challenged people aged six to 21 an opportunity to play structured Little League baseball, something that they had not been able to do before.

Mike, who works in Clifton’s Tax Assessor’s Office and his son, Mickey, a 1989 CHS grad who captained Mustang football and basketball squads, have coached in the league together since its inception.

Founded in 1990, the league has grown each year, allowing more youngsters to be a part of something special. For more information, call Mike or Mickey Soccol at 973-357-0868 or 201-463-7256.

ItI’s Katie’s Week

How do you take a lemon and make lemonade?

Call the expert, Kaitlyn Webb. For the past 14 years, this spunky Clifton teen has lived with Chiari Malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM), a rare brain and spinal condition. Having undergone some 26 operations and making great strides thanks to doctors and family, Katie still lives with a brace and experiences challenging days.

A few weeks ago, her mom Faith recalled, Katie was having a tough time with the impact of the disease. But it isn’t her nature to be down for long so she regrouped and Katie and her family came up with the idea to form an awareness day for CM/SM. The Webb family first wrote the City Council. “They denied us the day,” said Faith, “and gave us a week. People have been so giving, Clifton is neat in that way.”

So now it’s official—May 22 to 28 is Syringomyelia and Chiari Awareness Week. Cliftonites can purchase blue ribbons to help raise funds and attend the family oriented kick-off on May 22 at 2:30 at City Hall. There will be food, raffles and activities, including a butterfly launch.

Other activities are still in the works, including a baseball game with the Passaic County Sheriff’s officers and a basketball game with some of the 1985 Villanova NCAA champs. Other ideas are welcomed.

The week is expected to generate funds and awareness for the American Syringomyelia Alliance Project (ASAP), which the Webb family is a member of.

Katie hopes to achieve three goals from the week: find a cure, and raise awareness and funds for research. “I’ve always wanted to be a normal girl and this could make that happen,” she said.

When asked what she enjoys to do beyond baseball and bike riding, Katie said: “I also like to ballet dance. But that’s only when no one is looking.” To become a sponsor or volunteer, call 973-473-7240 or write Faith Webb at chiarimom@optonline.net.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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75

Jaclyn Hanrahan is lucky to still have her teeth.

On April 10, the 7 year old was riding her bike down the infamous Vernon Ave. hill when she hit a pothole and flipped over the handlebars.

While she was wearing a helmet, the total impact went to her front four teeth. The first grader, pictured at right, ended up in Dr. Fred Paternoster’s dental chair for four hours that Sunday afternoon, leaving her with a cast which is expected to restore the teeth.

Her parents, Jacqueline and Joe, are thankful to Doc Paternoster and said they want to use the incident to remind readers that helmets save thousands of lives yearly and prevent many from brain injury.

Here are some bike safety tips to consider: Be sure to wear the helmet flat atop the head, not tilted back at an angle. Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct the rider’s field of vision. Make sure the chin strap fits securely and that the buckle stays fastened. On bikes, skates and boards, always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.

Clifton has two stores, Clifton Speed Center and Allwood Bicycles, with staff people that can properly size you or your child with a quality helmet.

The Phenomenal Grandmothers Club, a community service group, seeks new members. Meetings are held the first Wed. of the month at the Veterans Memorial Library at 6:30 pm. Call 973-253-9579.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

CLIFTON DOG & CAT HOSPITAL A

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Clifton Dog & Cat Hospital at 1315 Main Ave. received a four year accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association, the highest accreditation bestowed by this international organization of animal hospitals. This is the third consecutive four year certification made to Clifton Dog & Cat Hospital.

Awarded to a select few veterinary hospitals, this four year accreditation was made after a comprehensive evaluation of the facility, said Dr. Eduardo Unay, owner of Clifton Dog & Cat Hospital since 1982.

The evaluation, which is conducted by independent consultants, includes a quality assessment review of the Main Ave. facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.

The AAHA designation instills confidence in the public by letting them know that the staff at Clifton Dog & Cat Hospital adheres to the strictest guidelines when treating patients. Dr. Unay credits his staff—Sandie Conklin, Karen Suarez, Jennifer Giptulan—with bringing the best care to their patients, some of whom are seen on this page.

The American Animal Hospital Association Dr. Unay and his wife Edna from left is an international association of more than Sandie, Karen, and Jennifer.

16,000 veterinarians who treat companion animals, such as dogs and cats. Established in 1933, the association is well known in the veterinary field for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care.

Clifton Dog & Cat Hospital has been a AAHA member since 1989 and is a full service veterinary hospital serving Clifton and the immediate area.

Call 973-772-6686 for more details.

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Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Morning on the Passaic River

Join Clifton Merchant Magazine and Hackensack Riverkeeper on Saturday, June 11 for a kayak tour of the Passaic River.

Bring your own kayak or for a fee, we’ll provide one. Either way, make plans to paddle a kayak on the Passaic River on June 11, from 9 am to noon.

This is the second tour of the river Clifton Merchant Magazine is conducting thanks to the Hackensack Riverkeeper. The non-profit organization is providing 16 kayak seats (some seat two). Tickets are $25. To reserve a kayak, make checks payable to Hackensack Riverkeeper and mail them to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011.

“The Passaic River has languished for too long,” said Captain Bill Sheehan, who founded Hackensack Riverkeeper in 1997. “Many people think the Passaic is a lost cause; they don’t realize what it once was. We

need to get people interacting with the river, using it for recreation. Clifton and the entire area needs to know that the waters do not belong to polluters, it belongs to them.”

To let people know the Passaic is really user friendly, last July Clifton Merchant Magazine and friends kayaked a portion of the placid river, from a launch in Elmwood Park to the Dundee Lake.

The trip offered great views of urban wildlife and heavy industry in water which was not dirty but far from clear, ranging in depth from six feet to six inches.

The Passaic River begins in Mendham where small streams merge. It grows and meanders for about 90 miles through seven counties and 45 municipalities before emptying into the Newark Bay.

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May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

A Black Throated Green Warbler is one of the large number and variety of song birds that can be seen now at Garret Mountain. The reservation, which straddles West Paterson and Clifton, is in a main migration route in which the birds feed and rest in. May offers the greatest variety of transient birds, including wood warblers; two types of cuckoos, woodpeckers, thrushes, ducks, hawks and other species.

The Black-Throated Green Warbler.

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., who represents Clifton, was named the 2005 Legislator of the Year by the Congressional Fire Services Institute for his leadership on behalf of first responders nationwide. Pascrell, who is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the ranking Democrat on the Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology Subcommittee, was honored before 2,000 firefighters from across the nation.

Most birds can be found in the shrubs surrounding the quarter mile long Barbour’s pond, advised birdwatcher David Calafati. Go on a sunny day and wear a pair of sneakers and bring a pair of 7x35 binoculars. The NJ Audubon Society offers guided tours at Garret in May and the Montclair Bird Club has a guided walk every Wednesday morning. For info, call 908-204-8998 or 973-835-2160.

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A free rabies clinic for dogs is on May 9 at the DPW Garage, E. Seventh St. from 6 to 8 pm. Dogs must be licensed by the city and on a leash. Call 973-470-5760.

A sign language program for kids ages 5 to 12 will be held on May 20 at 4 pm at the Allwood Library, 44 Lyall Rd. Children will be introduced to American Sign Language through songs and signs. Register on May 9; call 973-471-0555.

Clifton’s favorite signer, Muriel Sakas.

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973-778-0013 Clifton Merchant • May 2005

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Happy Birthday to...

Birthday wishes to Gia Camille Genardi who celebrated her 5th birthday on 5/2.

Jessica Perez ............................ 5/2 Maria DeGraaf ........................ 5/3 Pelagia Hryckowian ................5/3 Julia Komarczyk ...................... 5/3 Margie Maloney ...................... 5/3 Russell Courtney ...................... 5/6 Dolores Hatala ........................ 5/6 Mary D. Henn .......................... 5/6 Vanessa Laine Montesano .... 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

The FAMOUS Lexington Ave. Pirogi Shop is BACK!

16 Varieties!

• Potatoes & Cheese • Potato • Sauerkraut • Pot Cheese • Mushroom • Pot Cheese & Potato • Broccoli • Spinach

Thomas Steranko .................... 5/8 Petey Pathos ............................ 5/4 Ray Zang .................................. 5/9 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 Michael Zawicki .................... 5/13 Alice De Liberto .................... 5/14 Earl Grosser Jr. ........................ 5/15 Victoria Leja .......................... 5/15 Mark McGuire ........................ 5/16 Rosemary Canavan .............. 5/17 John Hawrylko........................ 5/17 Jamie Antal ............................ 5/18 Walter Hryckowian ................5/18 Ashley Leeshock .................... 5/18

Belated Birthday wishes to Stefan Andruch who celebrated his 1st birthday on 4/3!

Mariana Pineda ....................

Brian Smith ..............................

Becky Kuter ............................

Jennifer Mulick ......................

Ken Bender ............................

5/18 5/18 5/19 5/20 5/21

Four generations of Lombardo’s celebrate Vincent Joseph Lombardo. From left, father Stephen J. Lombardo, great grand pa Fred V. Lombardo and grandfather Dr. Joseph V. Lombardo.

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

PIROGI DINNERS

HOMEMADE PIROGI

• Pizza • Prune • Cabbage 1295 Main Ave. • Clifton • Blueberry NEW! Hot Empanadas!

• Apple Mon - Fri 8 - 6 • Sat 10 - 4 • Meat • Apricot & Cheese www.HomemadePirogi.com • Broccoli & Spinach With Pirogi this good, it doesn’t pay to make them at home.

973.340.0340

1311

80

May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

The Showband of the Northeast, the Marching Mustangs, will double as the Greatest Car Washers in Clifton on every Saturday in May from 9 am to 1 pm at the CHS upper parking lot. All funds raised will benefit the band, a Clifton musical institution which travels extensively.

Anthony Markozanis ..............

Joe Murolo..............................

Matthew Palladino ................

Jessica Bielen ........................

MaryEllen Krattinger ..............

Michele Perez ........................

Donald Lopuzzo ....................

Michael Santosuosso ............

Brittney Abell ..........................

Olivia Hryckowian ..................

Kaylee Pinter ..........................

Jonathan Rideg ....................

Agnes Shumack ....................

Fred Antes ..............................

Steve Bielen ............................

Kyle J. Magaster ....................

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 5/25 5/25 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/27 5/27 5/27 5/28 5/29 5/30 5/31 5/31 5/31

hair nails color

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

We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Machine Shop On Location No Order Too Large Or Small FREE DELIVERY

Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997

973-473-4999

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

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

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040

201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

201.391.3333

973-857-2600

5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

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

973.338.9292 1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

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

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

1385

1036

Call Jill at 973.365.0220 to make an appointment.

88 Market Street, Clifton

Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 Clifton Merchant • May 2005

81

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

Letters to the Editor As a longtime teacher at Clifton High, I applaud you for the positive ways you depict the citizens of the community and the students of its school system. While you regularly presents people struggling to make the best of their lives, trying to improve their environment, striving to make a better tomorrow for their offspring, you do not shrink from covering the major issues facing Clifton. You also offer a forum for citizens to express a variety of views. Yes, you do print your own editorial opinions, but you actively seek out—and publicize— reactions and suggestions from the community as well.

While I have enjoyed so many issues, the one I most look forward to each year is the June issue that celebrates the graduating seniors. From the cover pictures that reflect our diverse population to the articles inside that recount their often amazing exploits, I see it as a very important way of showing Clifton’s appreciation for its youth. Very simply, thank you.

John R. Groh

Enclosed are my renewals for what I consider to be the finest publication in the city. Both my wife Margaret and I have been lifelong residents of Clifton and look forward to each publication; we wish you continued success. I was born in Clifton, attended Clifton Public Schools, left to serve in the Army for three years plus during World War II, taught in the elementary schools, served as principal and several other administrative positions during my tenure in the Clifton Public Schools. I relay this information only to indicate that I have seen many, many changes during the years and your publication parallels those changes during my life time.

Thank you for reviewing important events in our lives.

Emil M. Orey

Thank you all for your letters. We welcome and respect the opinions of our readers (both pro and con) and encourage you to correspond with us. It is our honor to serve the community in which we live. Tom Hawrylko

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor

www.fitspine.net

Doctor Moore has teamed up with Jack the Jackal to help bring Baseball and Family Fun to Clifton. Every new patient will receive 2 tickets for any home game at Yogi Berra Stadium. Current patients inquire how you too can get to the games.

P L AY B A L L ! !

Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005

Sports Injuries • Car Accidents Family Practice 82

May 2005 • Clifton Merchant

1576

Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155

harvé benard S E M I - A N N UA L

WAREHOUSE

SALE

AT O U R C L I F TO N , N J LO C AT I O N

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...

MEN’S SUITS, SPORT JACKETS & TIES LADIES’ FASHIONS IN MISSY, PETITE & WOMEN’S SIZES Cash, ch e cks, Maste rc a rd, Visa and Discover gl a d ly accepted. All sales final. Fitting room available. Handicap accessible. No stro l l e rs. No ch i l d ren under 12. No pets. All coats and packages must be ch e cked at door.

FOUR DAYS ONLY:

Thursday, May 12th - Sunday, May 15th THURSDAY MAY 12TH 3pm - 9pm

FRIDAY MAY 13TH 11am - 6pm

SATURDAY M A Y 1 4 TH 9am - 6pm

DIRECTIONS TO WAREHOUSE: 125 Delawanna Ave •Clifton, NJ •From NJ Turnp i ke or Ro u te 95 ta ke Exit 16W to Ro u te 3 We st •From Lincoln Tunnel take 495 We st to Ro u te 3 We st •From Garden Sta te Pa rk way No rth take Exit 153A to Route 3 East •From Garden Sta te Pa rk way South take Exit 153 to Ro u te 3 East Follow directions from Route 3

From 3 East — Take 3E to Main Ave. exit — Turn right onto Main Ave. — Go to 4th traffic light — Turn right onto Delawa n n a Ave. — 2nd parking lot on right after railroad trestle.

From 3 West — Take 3W to Main Ave. exit — Tu rn right onto Main Ave. — Go to 3rd traffic light — Turn right onto Delawa n n a Ave. — 2nd parking lot on right after railroad trestle.

SUNDAY MAY 15TH 11am - 5pm

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main Avenue Clifton, nJ 07011

PRSRT STD US Postage PaiD ClifTon, nJ PeRmiT no. 1185

NICK TSELEPIS Broker/Owner

TOP 1% REALTORS Direct Line 973-340-1107 Selling? Call Nick and start packing!

Call Toll Free

877-833-2365

Buy or Sell A Home With Us & Use This Truck!

Most Homes Sold In Clifton! *

*nick had most listings sold in Clifton, more than any other Agent. (Source - imS incorporated/GSmlS)

Free Report #1

Find Out What the Home Down the Street Sold For To hear a brief recorded message call

1-866-831-4517 ID# 1741 Call anytime 24/7

Clifton

$759,000

Clifton

$529,900

Clifton

$375,000

Large Immaculate 1 family home Offers 4 bedrooms, Living Room, Formal Dining Room 2 and 1/2 bathroom, extra room, finished basement, 2 car garage.

Beautiful Mother & Daughter One Family home in a great area. 3 large bdrms, Living Room, Dining Room, Eat-In-Kitchen, 2 and 1/2 baths, 2car garage.

Expanded Cape Super Sized Cape w/lrg rooms.

Kit with dining area, 2 bdrms, office area, large family room. 2 bdrms on 2nd floor, fin bsmnt with summer kit, drive + garage.

Call 877-833-2365

Call 877-833-2365

Call 877-833-2365

Free Report #2

Moving Up! How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Two Homes To hear a brief recorded message call 1-866-826-9875 ID# 1772 Call anytime 24/7

Clifton

$650,000

1-866-831-4517 ID# 1723 Call anytime 24/7

Clifton

$330,000

Well Kept House New KIT & Pantry, new carpeting, new windows, new doors, new plumbing and up-grated electric.

3bdrm. Ask for Tom & Peggy.

Call 877-833-2365

Call 877-833-2365

Call 877-833-2365

Nicholas Real estate ageNcy

Selling?

To hear a brief recorded message call

$429,000

Lovely 2 Family Home 1st Flr, 3 bdrms, KIT, LR DR. 2nd Flr 1 bdrm, LR, KIT. Fin Bsmnt. rec room. 1 car gar + parking.

Large deck and above ground pool.

Free Report #3

27 Quick & Easy FixUps to Sell your Home FAST & FOR TOP DOLLAR!

Clifton

Maple Valley Section Long established church in the area with a large sanctuary that seats 150 people. Ground level has rec. room, reception area, kitchen, nursery, conference room.

salutes america’s Veterans Clifton

$370,000

Nice Colonial House Charming colonial with chestnut trim, hardwood floors, brick fireplace, private side door to beautiful pinewood, Fin bsmnt. 50 fruit trees in fenced-in yard. Ask for Wendell.

May 30th

Call 877-833-2365

Visit us online at:

www.NoOneSellsMore.com