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WEIGHING Priorities November, 2005
Commentary by Cheryl Hawrylko
W
hat is important to you about the community that you live in? If you could, what would you wish for? In a perfect world I’m sure we’d all love to see lower taxes and less traffic. It would be great to have a little more elbow room and a lot more green space. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if the state and federal Departments of Education actually funded the many programs that they mandate. In the real world, however, wishes don’t solve quality of life issues. It all comes down to a fine balancing act. We vote for city leaders and put our faith in them to weigh the priorities of their constituents. Then it is up to them to try to find a happy medium. But things seem to have gotten a bit off kilter in Clifton. It didn’t happen overnight, nor do I think it was intentional. But somewhere along the way, we stumbled in our balancing act. Perhaps it was the city’s effort to keep real estate taxes in check that lead to its zealous approval of residential development in the past decade. However, without adequate planning, this development soon put a strain on Clifton’s infrastructure— bringing more cars, traffic and people to the city. And more children than Clifton’s schools could properly accommodate. Old News Clifton’s student population has been growing steadily (currently around 10,500). And for quite some
time it has been anticipated that the city’s existing facilities would not adequately handle the increasing enrollment. In 1994, when Clifton had the chance to remedy its school space crunch by purchasing a vacant industrial property on Colfax Ave. (formerly Shulton) and build an educational/recreational complex, did our city leaders push the idea forward? On the contrary; there was talk of contamination. And worse yet, the loss of ratables. The opportunity was lost when voter’s rejected the Board of Education’s proposal. Yes, this is old news. And it is usually best to stay away from the whole ‘could have, should have, would have’ mentality. But it is dif-
ficult to talk about weighing priorities today without looking at the ironic outcome of the Shulton parcel. Back in the 1990’s, the City Council changed the zoning for the Shulton property on Colfax Ave. from industrial to residential, and then ushered through the construction of Cambridge Crossings, a 637 unit housing development. Great. More people. What’s missing from this picture? A solution to the overcrowding in Clifton’s schools. And yet residential development continued. By 2002, it was painfully obvious that Clifton’s two middle schools and its high school were groaning at their seams and the only real solution was to build a 1,700 student school for 7th, 8th & 9th graders.
☛
A look back at the image from the November, 2003, cover of Clifton Merchant, illustrating the school overcrowding.
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Our elected Board of Education, with input from a Community Advisory Committee, began the arduous process of finding a site to construct such a facility. Many potential sites were discussed and presented. Each was met with resistance. From neighbors who agreed that a school was needed—but not here—to a City Council more worried about losing votes and ratables. 290 Brighton Road In an effort to at least alleviate the desperate overcrowding at the high school, the Board of Education proposes to buy 290 Brighton Rd., a vacant industrial building (across from a residential neighborhood) and convert it into a 500 student CHS Annex for 9th graders. Despite a lack of support from the City Council, voters overwhelmingly approve the purchase and construction (3,109 vs 1,441) in a December, 2004 special election. The plan is also approved by the NJ Department of Education. Short of trailers, this is the fastest way to provide relief to the overcrowded high school. Construction is to start in Sept., 2005 with the annex slated for occupancy in Sept., 2006. Construction Update How is the construction moving along? It isn’t. In fact, it hasn’t even begun. The entire project has been put on hold since August. The property is currently zoned for industrial use, which does not include schools. Before any work can begin, the Board of Education must obtain a use variance from Clifton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. Okay, this shouldn’t be a monumental task. Clifton voters and the NJ Department of Education have already approved the project. The building is vacant. And the need for the high school annex is certainly as real as ever. Then why the delay? First, Clifton’s City Planner, Dennis Kirwan, decided that building a school on Brighton Rd. was not consistent with Clifton’s Master Plan. 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. SUBSCRIPTIONS $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town CALL 973-253-4400 entire contents copyright 2005 © tomahawk promotions
Unfortunately, it took Kirwan until August to voice this objection; more than eight months after voters approved the project. Even more surprising, Kirwan then wrote a letter to the NJ Department of Education informing them of his opinion and asked them to retract their approval. Amazingly, he neglected to notify anyone on Clifton’s Board of Education about this turn of events, although he did send copies of the letter to other city officials. Next, two neighboring, multi-million dollar corporations with very deep pockets object to having a school in their midst. They, along with their attorneys, consultants and PR firms, have spent the past few months fighting and stalling the project. Their owners and representatives say they are worried about the safety of the students—that is their main concern. The testimony presented by their witnesses depicts Brighton Rd. as a dangerously busy street—one filled with tractor trailers—certainly an inappropriate place for pedestrians and children. It makes you wonder if they (Van Ness Plastics and ProLogis—the two Goliath’s battling Clifton’s Board of Education and its voters) have ever noticed the homes that line the opposite side of Brighton Rd. Homes with people and children that already traverse the length of road daily as they go to and from school, walk their dogs, or go out to play. Or if they’ve ever paid attention to what lies directly across from the 290 property. For years Mt. Prospect Park has been utilized by children and their families year round for everything from softball, to sleigh riding down its slope—which faces Brighton Rd. Somehow, Clifton citizens have managed to peacefully and safely co-exist in this industrial/residential mix of zones for decades. Do we really need Van Ness Plastics and ProLogis looking out for our welfare now?
☛
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko
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WRITERS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Fran Hopkins, John Bendel, Robert Wahlers, Daniel Wolfe, Gary Anolik, Joe Hawrylko, Alicia Feghhi November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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The single entrance and exit to Cambridge Crossings, a 637 unit housing complex on Colfax Ave. This was the site of the former Shulton factory but in the 1990’s the City Council changed the zone from industrial to residential to accommodate the builder.
Weighing Priorities In a perfect world, all of our schools would be situated on roomy campuses on quiet tree-lined streets with plenty of room for playgrounds and ball fields. Heck, in a perfect world, our homes would all be on an acre of property. In reality, there are plenty of Clifton schools already existing in less than park-like surroundings: •Christopher Columbus Middle School on Route 46; •Woodrow Wilson Middle School on Van Houten Ave., across from a Route 46 entrance/exit ramp; •Clifton High School, smack in the middle of Colfax Ave., one of Clifton’s busiest roads; •School 8 on Oak St. in Delawanna; •School 3 on Paulison Ave. or School 5 on Valley Rd. I think you get the picture. We residents, for a variety of reasons, have chosen to live in Clifton—a pleasant city with a unique mix of residential, commercial and industrial properties. A city that desperately needs more room for its students. A city with very little available space. On December 14, 2004, 4,550 Clifton residents took the time to weigh their priorities and cast their votes in a special election. Some 3,109 felt the priority was to build a school. 6
October 2005 • Clifton Merchant
The Role of the Zoning Board The fate of the voter-approved construction at 290 Brighton Rd. now rests with the Zoning Board of Adjustment; an autonomous, Mayor and Council-appointed Board. While it may be tempting to blame the Board for the project’s delay, they are simply doing their job— which is to hear testimony in order to render a decision. Unfortunately, the proceedings have become excruciatingly lengthy due to the testimony by both Van Ness Plastics and ProLogis in their attempt to convince Clifton that they are concerned for the safety of our children. In the mean time, thousands of taxpayer’s dollars are being used to fight this ridiculous battle, and the reality of the school being ready for occupancy next September is becoming more and more remote. Nick Veliky, Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, explained that in any application, the Board must weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that is in the best interest of the community. I agree whole-heartedly. And our community needs a school. In a recent editorial discussing the Brighton Rd. application Veliky stated: “Perhaps we should put politics aside and focus on what really counts, the students, and do what is best for them.” We can only hope the rest of the Board is listening.
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
E
rnie and Joanne Berthold, parents of two Clifton elementary students, paid for an 18 foot banner which they and about 50 other students, parents and citizens stood behind at 290 Brighton Rd. on October 25. Voters approved the purchase of the property in December, 2004 with the intention of having it converted into a CHS annex for 500 students. While the sign says thanks, construction has not yet begun as the Zoning Board of Adjustment must grant the Board of Education a variance to begin work. The Zoning Board will again meet on Saturday, November 5 at 9 am in Clifton City Hall.
290 Brighton Road
People Ask For Action But Hearings Drag On Commentary by John Bendel
Z
The Van Ness retinue included a public relations advisor, consultants and at least one lawyer. Also present with a lawyer of his own was Marcus Petrella of ProLogis, the international real estate company that owns the building to the south of the proposed school. There were also Brighton Rd. residential neighbors opposed to the school. Of course they actually support schools, or so they say, but only when they’re somewhere else. However, none of the neighbors testified. That would be up to Van Ness and Petrella tonight. Litter box mogul William Van Ness, whose conservative business attire clashed with long gray hair that almost reached his shoulders, was the first up to bat. Van Ness said he opposed the school on safety grounds. Trucks were the problem he said, demonstrating his concerns in detail using a rather shiny toy tractor trailer.
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oning Board of Adjustment hearings don’t normally draw a crowd. But there was certainly a crowd on hand at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 25 for yet another hearing on the future of 290 Brighton Rd. and the 500 student high school annex the Clifton Board of Education plans to construct there. Zoning Board hearings are anything but exciting. Still, the place was packed with kids and parents. They carried signs and banners that they raised silently during the proceedings to let everyone know why they were there. My favorite sign was We Said Build It! a reference to the overwhelming December 2004 vote in favor of the project. Among those on hand to oppose the school were William Van Ness, owner of Van Ness Plastics, the industrial neighbor to the north of the proposed school site.
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Van Ness showed how trailers back in to various loading docks in the neighborhood, pointing out that often a driver cannot see what’s behind him. In so-called blind backins a driver can barely see anything at all. Van Ness admitted under cross examination that he did not hold a CDL—Commercial Drivers License—but this former tractor trailer driver recognized the accuracy of his descriptions. My problem was with their relevance. Van Ness’s contentions were anecdotal and at variance with the previous testimony of Deputy Fire Chief Tom Lyons, a long-time former resident of the Brighton Rd. neighborhood. Lyons served on the committee that looked into possible school sites and testified earlier that truck traffic posed no particular problem here. Van Ness also observed that backed-in tractor-trailers sometimes block sidewalks in the area. That may be true, but it’s also true that motorists sometimes speed on Brighton Rd. and just about every other street in the city. Those are matters for the Clifton Police, not the Clifton Board of Adjustment. Van Ness took the better part of an hour to make these points. No wonder the crowd cheered when Board of Adjustment attorney, John Pogorelec Sr., interrupted.
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About 100 residents, many with school-aged children, attended the October 25 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. The proponents of building the school carried a variety of signs urging the Zoning Board to approve the application. Despite the large attendance, residents did not have the opportunity to comment on the project. Organizers of the silent protest said they will return with their signs and children when the Zoning Board of Adjustment meets again at the Clifton City Hall chambers on Saturday, November 5, from 9 am to 1 pm to consider the application.
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At left, Bill Van Ness and one of his professional consultants. Van Ness is holding a toy truck which he used throughout the October 25 meeting to illustrate his concern about safety. Also shown above is a real tractor trailer on Brighton Rd.
In his cross examination, school board attorney Tony D’Elia asked if Van Ness’s concern for safety arose only after he learned of school board plans for a second phase of construction that would condemn property he owned. Van Ness said he had always been concerned with safety, but had not spoken up earlier because he believed the school annex was a “done deal.” You have to wonder why a savvy, resourceful guy like Van Ness didn’t pull out his checkbook earlier. Hired lawyers, lobbyists and PR firms undo done deals all the time.
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The chambers of the municipal building were filled with both supporters and opponents of the project at 290 Brighton Rd.
Van Ness’s turn at bat went to a full count, but he had finally struck out. During a break in the proceedings, many school supporters left, especially those with younger kids. The room was less crowded when ProLogis testified.
In contrast to William Van Ness, the ProLogis witness, Marcus Petrella, wore close-cropped hair and spoke in industrial real estate lingo. ProLogis doesn’t bother with facilities of less than 50,000 square feet and owns properties up
and down the New Jersey Turnpike corridor—distribution facilities, Petrella said. Clifton was in the Rt. 3 and Rt. 46 corridor, and the ProLogis building on Brighton Road was 130,000 square feet, he testified.
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ProLogis attorney Christine Baker elicited those answers among many others until Pogorelec interrupted to ask how any of this related to the business at hand. Baker said she was laying the groundwork for Petrella’s testimony. Move on, she was told. Reluctantly, Baker did so, finally asking Petrella—under orders— why he opposed a school next door to the currently vacant Brighton Road facility. It took some more talking around the issue, but Petrella finally let it be known—though not in so many words—that ProLogis feared potential tenants might not like a school next door. The hypothetical concerns of a hypothetical tenant are speculation, Pogorelec said, and thus irrelevant in a variance hearing. Petrella was ready for cross-examination. The school board’s D’Elia went after Petrella with bared fangs, trying to elicit a blunt admission of speculation. I’m not sure why, since that had already been established. Maybe it’s just what lawyers do. Petrella tried to hold his ground – what little there may have been – and his pride, squirming for quite a while before Baker finally came to his aid. It was hopeless, but she had to do something or maybe get fired out in the parking lot.
Signs posted at homes on Brighton Rd.
So, Baker objected as best she could, claiming that the relevance of Petrella’s testimony would have been apparent had she been able to establish that darned groundwork. Pogorelec relented and the proceedings lapsed back into Baker’s so-called groundwork—yet more questions and answers about the commercial real estate business. D’Elia—correctly—objected. Board chairman Nick Veliky sustained the objection and told Baker to move on. She did—right on to more “groundwork.” D’Elia objected again. Veliky sustained the objection and Baker returned to same line of questions.
When D’Elia objected a third time, board member Paul Graupe stood from his chair and angrily accused D’Elia of trying to shut Petrella up. “This man is trying to testify and you keep stopping him!” Graupe exclaimed. Had Graupe suddenly awoken from some other hearing? He was clearly ignoring rulings by both Veliky and Pogorelec. D’Elia deserved a medal for preventing Baker and Petrella from putting everyone in the room to sleep. But by now, there weren’t that many people left. It was time to call the game on account of darkness. While Graupe stood angrily behind his chair, Veliky adjourned the hearing until Saturday, November 5 at 9 am. The opposition failed to score and the game is set to go into the final innings. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the high school annex. Taxpayer money committed to build it is at serious risk. And thousands of Clifton kids may have to endure overcrowding indefinitely. And this writer wonders just how much obstruction money can buy.
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The Zoning Board
Members appointed by
the Mayor & Council by John Bendel
H
ow did the 290 Brighton Rd. high school annex, approved by Clifton voters 11 months ago, end up before the Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment and why is it taking that board so long to settle things? First of all, the Board of Adjustment members must approve whenever a property owner wants to do something out of compliance with existing zoning. The property owner must demonstrate to the board that a proposed change is in fact a good idea, not something that will rebound to the detriment of neighbors, the city or the intent of the zoning code itself. If board members agrees, they grant a variance—official permission to proceed with the project. The simplest form of variance might grant permission to add a porch to a home even though the porch might exceed setback limits by a few inches. A much more critical matter is a use variance, referred to as a “D” variance in the 2005 edition of New Jersey Zoning and Land Use Administration, the equivalent of a bible for New Jersey zoning boards. A “D” or use variance actually changes the permitted use of a property. You would need a use variance to build a residence on a Main Avenue property zoned commercial. You would need a use variance to put a factory on a lot zoned residential. 14
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Zoning Board Chair Nick Veliky.
And, no matter what the voters said, the Clifton Board of Education needs a use variance to build a school at 290 Brighton Rd., which is zoned for industry. Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings are semi-judicial. Witnesses are sworn and the hearings are conducted much like a courtroom trial. Why So Many Hearings? The school board won voter approval of the 290 Brighton Rd. CHS Annex in December, 2004 and claims it filed for a hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 13. Not everyone agrees on that. But regardless of the reason or whose fault it might be, three months elapsed before the Board of Education was granted its first hearing on Aug. 17.
At that Aug. 17 hearing, the Board of Education began presenting its case. But the session was aborted that night when Board of Adjustment members requested a traffic study. So the Board of Education engaged a traffic expert, Louis Lugio of Volmer Associates, who conducted a study and presented the results at the Board of Adjustment meeting on Sept. 21. Lugio began his testimony at that meeting but detailed cross examination extended his time under oath for the length of the next board of adjustment meeting on Oct. 5... ...and into the meeting after that on Oct. 19. When the cross examiners were finally finished with Lugio, Hal Simoff, the traffic expert hired by Van Ness, testified. That brings us to the meeting of Oct. 25, described on previous pages when Van Ness and ProLogis made their case. Another meeting is on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 9 am, but there may not be a vote then either. Why is the Board of Adjustment taking so long? You might say Van Ness’s lawyers and at least one board member are being careful and thorough. You might say they’re dragging things out deliberately. Either way, however, it is clearly not the fault of the school board.
Who Finally Decides? The Zoning Board, appointed by Mayor Anzaldi with the advice of the City Council, consists of nine members, (all are volunteers appointed to four year staggered terms) including two alternates. Alternates hear evidence and ask questions but only vote if one of the seven regular members is absent. In this case, one of those alternates, Jeff Cupo has recused himself due to a conflict of interest. His family’s real estate company, Cupo Realty, has done work for Van Ness. Other permanent voting members are Paul Graupe, Steven Abill, Claire Kish, Steven Lataro and Steve Macko. Board Chair Nick Veliky has a vote as does Vice Chair Frank Farinella. James Varcadepane is the remaining alternate. Five votes are required for approval of the school at 290 Brighton Rd. But a decision by the Zoning Board of Adjustment might not be the final
Zoning Board member Paul Graupe.
word. If the vote is for the school, Van Ness can appeal the decision to the City Council, which would generate more controversy and political heat. If the members vote goes against the school, the Clifton Board of Education can appeal the decision to the Superior Court of New Jersey.
There, a judge will decide if the Board of Adjustment decision was supported by testimony and evidence. Remember, the Board of Adjustment hearings are semi-judicial. Individuals must support their votes with specific reasons. According to the zoning board bible mentioned above, “the board’s findings must be made on the basis of facts which are in the record and may never be made on the basis of non-disclosed evidence that the parties have no opportunity to rebut.” Further, it says, “Mere recitals of testimony do not satisfy a board’s statutory responsibility to make findings of fact.” Without supported findings of fact—not opinion or speculation—a Zoning Board’s decision is likely to be overturned. In that case, the Clifton Zoning Board and its members will be responsible for the negative results that will likely flow from such a decision.
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Clifton Merchant Magazine
Letters to the Greetings from the Jersey Shore: Just wanted to let you and your staff know how much I enjoy reading Clifton Merchant Magazine which John Zipf always mails to me. My wife and I lived on Lakeview Ave. for years and our three children attended St. Brendan’s. She grew up at 444 Lakeview Ave., so your look back at the Kohout Bakery was really a treat for her. Your 10th anniversary edition was, as always, professional and provocative, but I wanted to let you know my favorite writer is Jack DeVries. His sports history stories are always interesting and top notch. Once again, congrats on your success. Lawrence Cirignano, Manasquan
10th Anniversary Already? Today I received the anniversary edition of your enjoyable and informative magazine. As always, I look forward to reading about what’s happening in my former hometown. Although I no longer live in Clifton, I have many fond memories of growing up there and the friendships enjoyed during those many years. Yes, despite the miles and years, I still consider myself a Cliftonite. Here’s wishing you and your fine staff decades more of success—Clifton is fortunate to have you watching over our town. Joe Menegus, Upper Saddle River
Mnohaya Lita! We folks from your old hometown are so proud of your hard work and success. Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of your magazine. As we often sing in Ukrainian, Mnohaya Lita! which translates to wishing you many happy years!
1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011 Tom.Hawrylko@Verizon.Net
Editor
What’s at the tip of your pen? From addressing topics facing our schools and the politicians at city hall to commenting on the stories you see within our pages, share your opinions with us. Be sure to include your phone number when corresponding. We will not publish anonymous letters. Now for Our Next Decade: We have received many phone calls, letters and words of encouragement on hitting the 10th anniversary mark of Clifton Merchant Magazine. Thank you all for your support. As we enter our second decade of service, we seek to improve what we have created and encourage you to keep us on our toes! Tom and Cheryl Hawrylko
An ‘04 CHS Grad’s Voice: Everyone in this state should have an equal opportunity for success. Jon Corzine wants to give us this and Doug Forrester does not. Corzine wants the state to profit; Forrester’s profits—from his BeneCard business—come from the state. Corzine is the candidate of a better tomorrow; Forrester is the candidate of the status quo. When I entered Rutgers in the fall of 2004, politics were unimportant to me. Sure, I had opinions about issues and I voted in elections, but a question lingered: Does it really matter who runs our government? I’ve learned that it does and that’s why on Nov, 8, I am asking you to secure a better future for New Jersey and cast a vote for Governor Jon Corzine.
Charles and Frances Stek, Perth Amboy
Josh Ontel, Clifton Rutgers University Class of 2008
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Happy Thanksgiving!
2005 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark of Coldwell Banker Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
1731
Pick Pina for all your real estate needs! 17
1355
The CHS Class of Jan., 1951 will hold its 55th reunion on April 22 from noon to 5 pm at the Valley Regency. Tickets are $65. Pictured above, from left, are committee members Lorraine Terpstra Sager, Dave Quinn, Arline Favino Pearce, George Zaloom, Ruth Grinwis Carlson, Kenneth Holmberg and Jean Saccomanno Geider. To attend or share information about a missing classmate, call George Zaloom at 973-471-1231 or email Lorraine Terpstra Sager at Lass468@optonline.net. RSVP by Jan. 15, 2006.
BUY • SELL • LOCATE APPRAISE • CONSIGN
Corvettes In Stock Clifton Area Location
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George Zaloom 1040
Junction of Routes 3 & 46, Clifton
973-779-7000 www.fetteford.com 18
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
The Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church, 635 Broad St., celebrates its 80th anniversary on Nov. 6. His Holiness, Filaret, the Patriarch of Kyiv and all RusUkraine, will celebrate a Patriarchal divine liturgy in commemoration of this milestone.
The Orthodox are different from other denominations as they uphold traditions and practices dating back many centuries. Other qualities that distinguish Orthodox churches from other houses of worship is the powerful smell of incense wafting through the church, the detailed icons and
the religious garb worn by the priests and its hierarchy—still the same as those worn by church leaders over 1,000 years ago. Sunday’s divine liturgy is at 9:30 am, followed by a banquet at 2 pm at The Wayne Manor, on Route 23. Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children. Call 973-778-0152.
Shop Clifton His Holiness, Patriarch Filaret
Filaret is essentially like the Pope of the Ukrainian Orthodox worldwide, and his visit to Clifton is especially telling in that the Broad St. parish recently won a 10 year court battle to follow Filaret and the Kyiv Patriarchate. One of two of Clifton’s Ukrainian Orthodox churches, Holy Ascension was founded in Passaic in 1928. Parishioners in 1968 constructed the building on Broad St. which is often used as a landmark by drivers on the Garden State Parkway. Currently, there are about 200 members who follow holidays specified on the old Julian calendar.
First
Whenever possible, please Shop Clifton First. Before heading off to Wayne or Paramus and into one of those big malls, consider the many locally owned and operated Clifton stores as you prepare your gift list. The December Clifton Merchant Magazine will once again feature these Clifton merchants and the many ways in which you can Shop Clifton First. Call 973-253-4400 for advertising information. Publication date is December 2, as always, on the first Friday of the month.
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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As a child, Cliftonite Nancy Read thought of some day being a nun. Instead, she made her way into nursing. Think Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale. So, it seemed natural that the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ignited a call in her, not unlike being called as a deacon while a parishioner at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. She packed lightly and flew out on American Airlines on Oct. 2, bound for Houston. But it wasn’t until halfway into her three-week stint with the Red Cross that she found herself where she wanted to be, in rural southwest Texas, close to the Louisiana border. “It’s just total devastation,” she said from a working phone at the Deweyville Baptist Church. “Houses are smashed. Trailers are smashed. There’s that black mold that’s making everybody sick.” Tornados had ripped through with Hurricane Rita, the most recent storm to strike. And weeks after Mother Nature’s fury came and went, the only power to be had came from generators. People slept in tents or—as in Nancy’s case—on a cot inside the rural church. The people of Deweyville were upset. Just days before, they vented their frustration with their US Congressman. Why were the urban areas, they asked, getting the relief efforts and they weren’t? They were but 1,100 people in a town covering 11 square miles. Their congressman wore a bulletproof vest under his dress shirt. This was, after all, gun-toting Texas.
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
When she had landed in Houston, Read checked into a hotel and tried to link up with other registered nurses—ones given as little direction as she was. They made their way to the George R. Brown Convention Center, assisting some 400 people displaced from the storms. Parents, apparently anxious to check their homes, in some cases left their children behind. One little girl wandered over. She had three $1 bills safety-pinned to her dress and asked “Where is my mommy?” The relief mission—it being so unprecedented—was wanting. Some nurses had arrived just before Rita hit, finding a note on the door: “Red Cross Building: We have evacuated.” As the convention center shelter wound down, Read worked her way east with a rescue team, landing in Beauford, Texas, before leaving for Deweyville. The night was spent in a large shelter. “You toss and turn,” she said. In the morning, there were six showers for women—housed in a trailer. In those drab shelters, though, she witnessed the spirit amid the destruction and despair. “It’s amazing,” she said. “Some of the people smile.” Fire Lt. Nick Marchisello provided this photo of the devastation he and other Clifton Firefighters saw during their recent tour of duty in the New Orleans region to help with decontamination efforts. Like Read, Marchisello reported the spirit of the few residents he encountered were amazed, hopeful and appreciative.
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. But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity they
How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage? It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old. You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or credit requirements to satisfy. How can I receive my money? You can receive it in several ways: •Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home •Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time •As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons •As a lump sum draw at closing •A combination of the above, to meet your requirements. When must I repay the loan? You must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home. In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees? •An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages •Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed •No out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe? •Yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive •FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate
already have in their home... and they never have to make a monthly payment. Each reverse mortgage candidate is required to attend a free counseling session with a local independent housing agency approved by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Candidates are encouraged to bring other family members with them to help in the decision-making process. “This process ensures that the borrower understands the program fully and aides them in determining whether or not a reverse mortgage is for them,” said Accavallo.
Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. (Not a Government Agency) Licensed Mortgage Banker, State of NJ Dept of Banking and Insurance, Dept. of Banking NY, CT, MA and MD.
1111 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013
1-800-788-1184
www.federalmtg.com
We’re much more than Reverse Mortgages… SEE PAGE 25
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
23
This column was originally started by our founder, the late Murray Blumenfeld. In his spirit, we continue its publication.
T
he Staff at Morré Lyons is very excited about two special events coming up at our store - so mark your calendars! On November 12th, we will be having a trunk show featuring “Elini” watches and “Shula” and “I. Reiss” jewelry designs. Festivities will start at noon and run till 3 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to see an entire line of each vendor's jewelry - not just our in-store selections. Everything you see will either be available to buy or special order. It will be a wonderful occasion to do some early Christmas shopping. On December 3rd, we are having a “Swarovski” day. Our knowledgeable representative Jamie, will be spending the afternoon with us - again, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 pm. All the new products for the holiday will be on display. We will also be offering 40% off on all discontinued crystal memories, and other select items. We will even have a drawing for door prizes. The day promises to be entertaining and informative. Light refreshments will be served at both events. We look forward to seeing you. Holiday orders are arriving daily and the showcases will be filled with beautiful and unique jewelry. We're sure you will find just the right gift for the special people on your shopping list. We are anticipating another wonderful year with all our valued friends. The Birthstone for November is Topaz and it can be found in all different colors. In ancient times if a figure of a falcon was carved on a topaz it was thought to help acquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Greeks felt topaz gave them strength. Have a NOTEWORTHY NOVEMBER and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday. We'll talk again next month.
JEWELERS RICHFIELD SHOPPING CENTER 1354 CLIFTON AVE • CLIFTON • 973.777.4329 www.morrelyons.com 1295
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Over 25 angry Cliftonites braved the brisk weather at noon on Oct. 29 as they walked around the Allwood Roundabout, calling for its removal. Protesters included business owners in the area, citizens from around town and a surprise visit from Captain Clifton. The event was organized by Danny Derti, owner of Taste of Tuscany, which is located in Styretowne Shopping Center. Over the last few months, Derti collected over 2,200 signatures for a petition, which was sent to Passaic County and Clifton officials, to remove the roundabout and replace it with a traffic light. Although no action has been taken yet, Derti reminded Passaic County officials that he will not be quieting down any time soon. “Don’t hide behind the press because we won’t forget you,” he said in his speech from a microphone in front of Rick’s Pub. “Come here on a daily basis and listen to the motorists and locals and they will have two words for you and it’s definitely not ‘good morning’!”
Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. (Not a Government Agency) 1111 CLIFTON AVENUE, CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY 07013
We’re much more than Reverse Mortgages… Purchase • Refinance Debt Consolidation • Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• 2nd mortgage/100% LTV (Loan to value)
• Income or no income verification
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Call us Now at 1-800-788-1184 www.federalmtg.com Licensed Mortgage Banker, State of NJ Dept of Banking and Insurance, Dept. of Banking NY, CT, MA and MD. November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
25
registered to vote where you live now, Voter Registration: If you are not you may register by completing this form.
Mail to: Passaic County, Commissioner of Registration, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503 • 973-881-4516 Print clearly in Ink. Use ball-point pen or marker Qualification of an Eligible Applicant You must be a citizen of the United States and, by the date of the next election, at least 18 years old and a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days. The Commissioner of Registration will notify you upon receipt of this form. The Registration deadline to vote at the next election is 29 days prior to election day. Check if you wish to be a board worker/poll clerk ❑ in future elections. Check if you are permanently disabled, unable to go to the polls to vote, and wish to receive information on an Absentee Ballot. ❑
Sign or Mark If applicant is unable to complete this form, print name and address of individual who completed this form.
This page is brought to you as a community service. For questions regarding this Voter Registration Application, call the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections at 973-881-4516. 26
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Want to run for
City Council? Election Day is May 9, 2006
M
or if the individual signs more than seven petitions. Get Official: Alphabetize the petitions and submit them 54 days before the election. There are other forms to submit, to indicate that you accept the candidacy and, if you so choose, to put a policy statement next to your name on the ballot. Your campaign manager must also submit records with the NJ ELEC commission. Fund Raising: It costs money to run any campaign and experienced campaigners say this one will cost from $30,000 to $50,000. Look to family and friends—your base—they advise, to contribute funds and host get-outthe-vote parties. Write letters to the editor and speak at the Council meetings to get your name known and positions heard. As the previous story here explains, successful candidates in the 2002 Councilmanic campaign spent between $17,415 and $53,776 to win the four year position. Can you handle that kind of pressure?
any complain about government and politicians but few take the time to be a candidate. If you are among those who are considering the leap into public service, and more specifically running for the City Council, here’s a primer to getting started. See the Clerk: While the applications are not yet ready, the first step is to get guidelines and petition forms from City Clerk Richard Moran at City Hall. Election day is May 9, 2006 but you need to get started months before to have a shot. Call him at 973-470-5829. Voter Petitions: Candidates need to get registered voters to sign petitions, a form which acknowledges the candidacy. At least one percent of the registered voters in the constituency is needed, estimated to be 400 people. However, since some names may become invalid, the City Clerk advises getting at least 600 signatures. A signature is invalid if the individual is not a registered voter,
1671
Directions: Route 3 to Bloomfield Ave Exit. Make right at Bloomfield Ave. Go halfway around Allwood Circle and continue on Bloomfield Ave. We are located just past the Home Depot.
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Jack Daniels Single Barrel
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Prices effective through 12/31/05. Good only at Shoppers Vineyard in Clifton. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices do not include sales tax. Not responsible for typographical errors. No rainchecks. Limited to store inventory.
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
27
2006 Council Elections
Do You Know Frank? by Joseph Hawrylko
D
o you know Frank Fusco? The 1983 CHS graduate and life long Clifton resident is a lawyer with his own practice in town. The Delawanna native is your average local guy who just happens to be seeking a City Council seat in 2006 so he can, in his own words, “make my hometown a better place to live.” This is not the first time Fusco has run for an elected office. He initially sought a City Council seat in 2002 and then ran for the Board of Education in 2003. He was also a candidate for the state Senate on the Republican ticket later that year. So far he is 0-3. With all that campaigning and publicity, you’d think Fusco would be a household name by now. So why is it, then, that when Cliftonites talk about local politics, his name is not one of the first that comes to mind? “When I ran for Council in 2002,” Fusco explained, “I spent under $3,000 for my campaign, so it was not recorded.” He ultimately finished 11th in a field of 12. Fusco ran into the same problem that many new candidates have had lately in Clifton: they can’t raise the big bucks necessary to compete with high-spending incumbents. In the 2002 City Council election, the average campaign expenditure for all 12 candidates was $20,343. Incumbents were the biggest spenders, averaging more than $29,000. Frank Gaccione, then a challenger, spent in excess of $50,000 on his campaign. Gaccione ultimately won a seat on the Council alongside the six incumbents who ran for reelection. “I can’t understand why anyone would spend such an exorbitant amount of money for a job that only pays $4,000,” said Fusco, who echoed cries by others for a spending cap. “There needs to be a limit. It’s hard to put a number on it but I think that around $25,000 is more than enough.”
New Blood, New Ideas Fusco’s 2006 campaign will focus on two fundamental areas that he says have been overlooked for years by the City Council. The first, he says, is Clifton’s dire need for a comprehensive, professional urban redevelopment plan to revitalize its shopping districts. 28
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
He said he is dissatisfied with the current piecemeal approach to planning, both for the two shopping districts, and for the city at large. “Main and Botany both need comprehensive plans,” added Fusco. “We need to bring in experienced urban planners and see what they can do for us.
“When dealing with retail,” he continued, “you need to balance the need for ratables against the quality of life. This is something a professional planner could accomplish.” Fusco also noted that both districts, along with the rest of Clifton, have large commuter bases. As a council member, he said he would take a fresh look at the opportunities this presents. “Many people commute through Clifton,” said Fusco, pointing to NJ Transit’s expansion of bus stations in response to the city’s growing commuter needs. “If we had a train station hub, the entire city could capitalize and benefit greatly.” “We should look into developing a large train station similar to the one in Hoboken,” added Fusco, who said that he would also address the extensive traffic bottlenecks that sometimes paralyze the city. “If you want to bring more people into Clifton, you have to be able to move them around. Right now, we are too congested to do that.”
“All you ever hear about is Paterson, Camden or Trenton,” Fusco continued. “We need more grants and we need to go and fight for them.” He said he would create a committee of council members and citizens to oversee the city’s representation. The group would track legislation, lobby for changes in taxation laws, and create a powerful voice for the local community. Fusco, who has been campaigning since May said he is more experienced this time around and will tweak his strategy a bit.
Put Clifton First
PN1 Dorian Flint–Howard U.S. Navy, 1979-1990
Proud to have Served Our Country…
…and Ready to Serve You
Dorian Howard REALTOR/ePRO, Broker of Record, Notary Public of New Jersey
Direct: 973.981.7612 • dorian@dorianhoward.com
1742
The second focal point in Fusco’s bid for a City Council seat is Clifton’s lack of representation in county and state governments. Currently, Passaic County Freeholder and New Jersey State Assemblyman Peter Eagler, who is relinquishing his seats in November, is the only elected official from Clifton on either body. “Clifton may not be represented at all on the State or County levels after November,” said Fusco, pointing out that the municipality pays 26% of the Passaic County budget while receiving the smallest return. “We need our share of the pie,” he said. “We need to put Clifton first, and I will do my best to make sure that happens.”
Aside from spending more for campaign signs and direct mailings, he will take a more old-school approach to campaigning by going door-to-door to meet voters, and attending civic events and other community meetings. “People want a government that reaches out to them,” Fusco said. “That’s what I plan to do.” The Clifton City Council elections are on May, 9, 2006, and from past comments from the current Mayor and Council, it is likely all seven incumbents will run.
Sgt Valentino Rivera U.S. Marine Corps 1979-1985
Valentino Rivera REALTOR/ePRO, Office Manager/Sales, Recruiter
Direct: 201.888.1614 • valentino@valentinorivera.com
811 Clifton Ave. Office 973.458.0100 Fax 973.458.0911 Visit us on the web at:
www.hillcrestrealtyhomes.com November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Code Enforcement
A New Sheriff in Town by Joe Torelli
H
e may not ride a golden mustang, nor wear a big ten-gallon hat, but Construction Official Joseph Lotorto is fast becoming known as the new sheriff in town—at least when it comes to enforcing municipal building codes. Since the beginning of the year, Lotorto and his posse of nine code enforcement officers have been laying down the law to code violators. As a result, building and home owners are being forced to remove illegally constructed walls, bedrooms, kitchens, living areas in basements and bathrooms at an astonishing pace. They’ve also had to pay hefty fines. The increased vigilance by Lotorto and his team has resulted Some of the Clifton Code Enforcement posse includes, from left, Joe Macones, Fire in a remarkable 600 percent gain in Sub-Code Official and Kevin Guilfoyle, Assistant Construction Official, with Joe Lotorto, Clifton’s new Construction “Sheriff”. revenues received from fines levied “Al is spearheading the illegal ly penalized $10,000 for violating against owners of illegal dwellings. housing task force,” said Lotorto, The fines start at $2,000, but one several building codes. The increase in fines—from who has been a city employee for 22 owner, who made extensive illegal renovations to his home, was recent- $33,225 in all of 2004 to nearly years. “We meet periodically to $200,000 as of Oct. 11—comes at a ensure a steady flow of pertinent Clifton’s New time when the city is experiencing information between departments. Benjamin Moore Dealer! unprecedented growth in both new Al’s a big communicator who works construction and in renovations to hands-on with his departments.” In a report to the Council, Greco existing homes and apartments. 745 Van Houten Ave. “We’ve had to take a new noted that the stricter enforcement approach as a result,” said Lotorto, of construction violations has Mon.-Fri. till 7pm “or we’d never be able to stop illegal depended heavily on the assistance Sat. till 5pm of the police and fire departments. construction.” He also credited recent successes Part of that new approach has been an effort to improve communi- in rooting out violators to additional cations between various depart- field inspections by the tax assessor’s office, as well as renewed ments and agencies at City Hall. Lotorto credits City Manager Al cooperation between zoning and Greco for recognizing the need for housing code officials. “All activithe departments to work together ties,” he stated in his letter, “help more effectively to control illegal locate and identify illegal conver1232 sions and overcrowded housing.” construction.
Able Hardware
973.773.4997
30
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
The Board of Education has also been a partner in the drive to eliminate illegal dwellings. Overcrowding has been a chronic issue at the city’s upper schools for some time, with many attributing the problem, at least in part, to students who reside in illegal housing units. Joseph Kolodziej, the Board of Ed President, said they recently supplied the city with a list of addresses at which more than five students reside. “We’re precluded by law from providing names,” he said, “but if we can help reduce school overcrowding by identifying high density housing, we’re more than happy to cooperate.” If you are renovating a home or making a new building purchase in the city, Lotorto advises prospective homebuyer to consult with his office before finalizing their project to avoid potential problems with code enforcement regulations, . “If you’re buying in Clifton and you see a finished basement or apartment,” he said, “check with us first to see if the renovations are legal. If they’re not, we won’t be able to provide a Certificate of Occupancy until the work is removed or a fine has been paid.” Questions concerning construction code enforcement should be directed to Lotorto or a member of his staff at 973-470-5815.
Doctor, what is a...
Thyroid Gland? •Your thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands which make hormones to regulate physiological functions in your body. •Thyroid disease is very common, affecting millions of Americans. The most common are hyperthyroidism, an over-active gland, or hypothyroidism, an under-active gland, both which may cause the thyroid to become enlarged. Patients may also develop lumps or masses, which can either be benign or malignant. •Diagnosis is done by taking a medical history and examining the neck. A doctor may recommend a fine needle aspiration biopsy, a thyroid scan, an ultrasound, a CT scan, an X-ray or a blood test. •Treatment varies for each condition. Your doctor may treat a mass with medication known as suppression therapy to shrink it. He may also recommend surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid.
Ear, Nose & Throat
Ear, Nose, & Throat Center of New Jersey
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OF FAMILY SERVICE TO THE CLIFTON COMMUNITY! Fredrick J. Paternoster, D.D.S. 296 Clifton Avenue • Downtown Clifton corner of Clifton & Getty Avenues 1554
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
31
Wear Red on Fridays
Regardless of where they are or why they are there...
Support Our Troops! Wear Red on Fridays to show that every red-blooded American supports our troops. Americans who support our troops used to be called the “silent majority” but it will not be long before our troops know the once “silent majority” is on their side. Their blood runs red, so wear red!
A T H EN I A M A S O N S U P P LY
973.253.0570 In God We Trust
UNICO’s 30th Annual Christmas Party for the women from Cottage 9, North Jersey Developmental Center, is Dec.7 at 6 pm at the Brownstone. The tradition began in 1977, when Unican Michael Corradino hosted a party that has, year after year, touched the hearts of many. Goodwill from Unicans across the region prevails to keep the tradition of giving alive. Robert Giaconia visits as Santa, and music is provided by John Morano & the Sisco Lane Trio. Cochairs of the party are Nina and Frank Corradino and Anna Belle and Michael N. Corradino. For tickets, or to donate funds, call 973-812-0065. The Hamilton House Museum, at 971 Valley Rd. is now open on Sundays from 2 to 4 pm for tours over the next two months. On Dec. 2, the annual traditional candlelight tour with the CHS Madrigal Singers begins at 7 pm. Refreshments will be served and a donation of $4 is requested. Afterwards, the holiday shop will be open for purchases. On Dec. 4 at 1:30 pm, kids can visit with St. Nicholas. There’ll be songs, stories, games, goodies and gifts ($4 donation). On Dec. 9 and 10, a Red Hatters and Friends Victorian Tea will be held at 11:30 am; reservations are required for the tea and the fee is $15. Annual Hamilton House membership is $5; donations always appreciated. Call 973-744-5707.
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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On September 11, 2001, a great tragedy was cast upon our nation. Thousands died and many more were injured when terrorists hijacked planes and crashed them into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and rural Pennsylvania. And now, if Cliftonites Kelly Eckert and her daughter Caitlin, a CHS junior, have their way, this date will now become an official Day of Remembrance across New Jersey. The Eckert’s crusade began this past September in Passaic, when the United Organization of MexicanAmericans was seeking City Council approval for a flag raising in front of City Hall, followed by a parade and music festival at Pulaski Park. After objecting to the organization’s festival, Eckert and her daughter convinced Passaic Councilman Jonathan Soto to introduce a resolution to discourage events on Sept. 11 and to mark the date as a day of remembrance. Following the approval of the Passaic resolution, Eckert took her cause into Clifton. The Clifton City Council also passed it, signing into effect that Sept. 11 shall only be for remembrance and nothing else. Now that her hometown has recognized the date, Eckert aims to take her campaign to the next level. “My goal is by Sept. 11, 2010, to have a concise and comprehensive law for the state,” said Kelly Eckert, noting that 2010 is the next year that Sept. 11 falls on a Saturday. “I don’t want to see the day end up as another Macy sales day 20 years from now.”
Cliftonites Kelly Eckert and her daughter Caitlin want cities across New Jersey to set 9/11 as a Day of Remembrance.
The Clifton City Council forwarded the resolution to all municipalities across the state, as well as New Jersey elected officials and even President Bush. So far, her plan is slowly moving along, with about 10 other towns endorsing their request. “If we have to go municipality to municipality, that’s what we’ll do, she concluded.
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Walkers Welcomed: You don’t have to be a runner to compete or participate in the 8th Annual 5K Stampede through Clifton, which is on Nov. 20 at 9 am. A new addition is the 5K Walk, which will step off at 9:05 am, five minutes after the runners hit the streets. The event is sponsored by Clifton Rec and the CHS Track Booster Club. A free T-shirt will be given to all preregistered participants and to post-registered runners and walkers, while supplies last. Participants may register the day of the race after 7:30 am. The race will begin behind the Municipal Building at Dog Pound
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Rd. at 9 am and make a right onto Colfax, then continue to Clifton and Van Houten Aves. before turning onto Pershing Rd., then Urma Ave. From there, it is back to Van Houten and through the CHS lot before the finish at Dog Pound Rd., pictured below. Awards will be given to the first three male and female finishers in categories from 14 and under to 70 and over. Awards given to the first place male and female overall winner. Entry fees are $15 before Nov. 17th and $20 after. Registration forms are at Clifton Rec—call 973-4705956—or go to www.eliteracingsystems.com.
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SnipClipSave With gas prices skyrocketing and the holidays coming up, many Cliftonites’ wallets are slimming. While it’s impossible to avoid the rising prices, there is a way to stretch a dollar. All it takes is a few snips, or tips, from two coupon gurus. Luis Vazquez (below, left) of Passaic, and Luis Rodriguez of Paterson (at right), who make pirogies for a living at Homemade Pirogi on Main Ave., says it makes sense to cut lots of coupons. Vazquez, the original penny pincher, started the coupon clipping hobby back in 1999, months before the start of the new millennium. “With all the commotion about Y2K, I got scared,” he said.
He heard from the news that people should stock up on batteries and non-perishable foods, such as canned beans and bottled water “in case the world explodes.” In response, he started collecting those heavy Sunday papers filled with hundreds of coupons. He traveled as far as New York to purchase stacks of newspapers, which are 50 cents cheaper than in New Jersey. He also went frequently to supermarkets and drug stores, picking up multiple copies of store circulars. “When the world didn’t blow up, I was left with piles of canned food, stacks of water cartons and boxes filled with batteries overflowing in my basement,” said Vazquez.
In 2002, Vazquez had someone to share his tips with: his pirogi making co-worker, Luis Rodriguez. Since that time, Luis and Luis have invented a system of clipping and organizing their soon-to-befound savings in plastic bags, which they call coupon banks. “I save a lot of money and time by doing this,” the understated Rodriguez noted. And they can really use the savings. In addition to providing the essentials for their large, immediate families, they have grandchildren to take care of. Vazquez, who has 34 grandchildren, said there is no question about whether cutting tons of coupons is an option. At the supermarket checkout, they lay out hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries on the counter— and often hand over less than $50— and of course, many of those neatly clipped coupons. “A lot of people throw away these coupons,” Vazquez said of the Sunday papers. “but that’s like they’re throwing away money.” Another great source for coupons is manufacturer’s websites from where clippers can print free coupons. He also directed readers to the site eversave.com. Take it from coupon gurus Luis Vazquez and Luis Rodriguez: don’t be so fast to recycle those old newspapers—it just does not make cents!
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Clifton Jr. Mustang Wrestling registration is now open for boys and girls, grades one through eight. Wrestlers are broken up by age, weight and experience. Sign ups will be held at the Clifton Rec. Center on Nov. 17 and 22 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Fee is $35. Call coaches Jack Whiting at 973-478-8668 or Tony Santorelli 973-433-4131. Shown are the Hawks, of the 2nd and 3rd grade division of the Clifton Stallions Rec Soccer league. Anthony Rodriguez, Andrew Pineros, Brian Kommer, Artn Patel, Jose Rodriguez, Nicky Valentin, Todd Breitfeller, Derrick Taralloo, Jonathan Osorio, William Medel, GianFranco Barrientos, Jason Aries and Diego Taravez were coached by Jesse Hastings and Joe Hawrylko. Registration for the spring season is now underway. Stop by the Valley Rd. or Robin Hood Park fieldhouses on Saturday for info.
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What do sports and education have in common? Learning. That’s what the late Dr. Joseph Grecco, coach of the Fighting Mustangs during the forties, fifties and sixties, valued. He motivated his players to win on the field and achieve in the classroom. The winning results on the scoreboard and on his team’s report cards proved just that. To honor Coach Grecco’s legacy, a group of former players and friends have established the Joseph Grecco Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded annually to one Clifton High scholar-athlete. The 2005 recipient was Fighting Mustang Joe Hathaway, who now attends Yale. The Joseph Grecco Scholarship Fund’s second annual beefsteak is on Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton on Colfax Ave. Proceeds provide scholarships to CHS
Marching Mustangs Bowen (at left) and Sage Walsh with their dad Frank and their uncle Joe Walsh of the Eagles holding the guitar to be raffled off.
athletes. Tickets are $35 and should be purchased by Nov. 7. Call Roger Fardin at 201-310-5558 or Sarah and Fred Lombardo at 973-478-2478.
Don’t bother searching on eBay for a brand new Takamine acoustic guitar signed by the Eagles (the band, not the football team). Instead, save yourself a few thousand dollars and just buy a $5 raffle ticket from any Marching Mustang, right up until the big Thanksgiving Day game. The guitar was provided by Joe Walsh of the Eagles, whose nephews, twin trumpet players Bowen and Sage Walsh, have been part of the CHS Marching Mustangs for four years. Their parents, Frank and Karen, arranged for the donation of the guitar to help raise funds for future generations of Marching Mustangs. To win the guitar, send $5 checks to CHS PTSA Mustang Band Committee and mail to Steven Smith, President, CHS Mustang Band Parents Association, 14 Rutgers Pl., Clifton, 07013. Checks must be postmarked by Nov. 18 and the winner will be drawn at halftime of the Thanksgiving Day game. That’s Coach Grecco’s wife, Theresa, at left, and their daughter, Phyllis Borowski as well as Fred and Sara Lombardo and others at last year’s dinner. November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
How cold could it be in Iceland? Ask one of the 38 members of the CHS Concert Choir and Madrigals. “I heard it’s supposed to be in the 40’s and 50’s,” guessed junior Madrigal Karen Wilson, who with her fellow Mustangs will sing in a series of performances in Iceland during their one-week stay in April.
Icelandic Singers “I am really excited for them,” said CHS choir director of 20 years Barbara Novak. “This is probably our biggest trip yet.” Previous performance trips for the group include Disneyland and Canada. The chorus
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Some of the CHS Seniors who will be going to Iceland include: John Williams, Ashley Manangon, Connie Musleh, Sarah Greulich, Wayne Mazzitelle, Sandra Martinez, Luticia Johnson, and Robert Pepitione.
was slated to travel to Iceland in 2001, but plans were canceled because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Their 2006 concert tour starts in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, where the kids will sing at numerous cathedrals and also at a charity concert for children with cancer. Besides performing, the students will go site-seeing, horseback riding and swimming in the Blue Lagoon, a spa in which the water temperature is 90 degrees yearround.
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The Clifton students will also get to meet other chorus groups from Iceland (yes, they speak English). Novak said the most rewarding thing about her job is helping to create opportunities like this. “Just to hear them sing onstage at all these places is great,” she said, noting they will also perform on the Carnegie hall stage in NYC in December. “They are always consistent and have received high ratings for their overall sound, musicianship, interpretation, appearance and choice of repertoire.” The trip will cost each member $1,600. Vickie Williams, the chair of the parent association, said the kids and their parents are now conducting fundraisers. They’ll be tagging and hosting pizza sales, as well as selling Watkins products through catalogs. To purchase products, make a donation or for more info, call parents Vickie Williams at 973-546-0759 or Michele Perez at 973-253-5625. by Alicia Feghhi
CHS Mustang Marching Band Director Bob Morgan will be honored by the Clifton Education Foundation with a luncheon on Nov. 13 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm at the Valley Regency. Tickets are $45. For info, call 973-778-7704. Morgan has been the at the helm of the Marching Mustangs since 1972 and is responsible for many of the impressive routines and intricate drills which have earned the group the Showband of the Northeast moniker. Morgan, a 1966 CHS grad, has been involved with music for decades. During his junior year as a Marching Mustang, he got his first taste of leadership when he was appointed Master Sergeant of the band by director Saul Kay. From there, he refined his passion for performance and marching music at William Paterson College and later at the University of Iowa,
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Bob Morgan in a recent photo and an inset from the CHS 1966 yearbook.
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Clifton Firefighters and Clifton’s IHOP, the International House of Pancakes on Route 3, will again team up to provide a free Thanksgiving Day Dinner to those residents who might otherwise be having theirs alone, or who might not be able to afford one at all. This is the 10th year that Clifton Firefighters and the O’Neil family, owners of Clifton’s IHOP will provide this holiday meal. The dinner will begin at 11:30 am on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at the Clifton Senior Citizen Center, behind City Hall. Seating will be limited to the first 150 residents who respond before Nov. 21. To register, call Ann Marie Czaplicki at Fire Headquarters, 973-470-5802. You will be required to supply the following Thomas and Christopher Lyons, volunteers at last year’s information: name of family, number of adults and children Thanksgiving Day dinner, hosted by Clifton’s IHOP and attending, and a telephone number where you can be reached. the city’s Firefighters. 1286
St. Peter’s Haven, pictured above, needs volunteers for sorting and bagging food for their Thanksgiving baskets program on Nov. 16, from 10 am to noon, and 6 to 8 pm in the parish hall, 386 Clifton Ave. Contributions are also always needed, either cash or food. Deliver non-perishable food items from Nov. 7 to 10, between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Complete turkey baskets with perishable food can be delivered to the parish hall on Nov. 20 from 1 to 3 pm. The baskets will be distributed on Nov. 21 from 10 am to noon and from 6 to 7 pm in the parish hall. For info, call the Haven office at 973546-3406 and ask for Ann. The Annual Elmer Goetschius Fish ‘n’ Chips dinner, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church, 303 Maplewood Ave., is on Nov. 11 from 5 to 7 pm. Tickets are $11 and $6.50 for kids. For info, call 973-423-1272.
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ike most parents, Joan MacMullen is proud of her son, Steven. She always carries a picture of him, shown here. But there’s just one difference. Steven died 10 years ago, at the age of 18, from a heroin overdose. “My son went on to heaven and took a piece of my heart,” said MacMullen, as she shared Steven’s story at the Mountainside Inn on Oct. 11 with about 70 Clifton kids and 50 adults in an event sponsored by CASA, Clifton Against Substance Abuse. “But he left me his voice to tell everyone what had happened.”
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STEVEN His Story by Joseph Hawrylko
Shortly after Steven’s death, MacMullen took it upon herself to be a spokesperson for heroin awareness. Over the last decade, she has visited schools and events like the CASA-sponsored dinner to educate listeners about the drug and the lasting impact it has had on one suburban kid and up until then, a pretty average New Jersey family To say that MacMullen’s efforts are courageous and the presentation gripping is an understatement. “If I talk to a million families and just one doesn’t have to go through this,” she said, “then I did my job.” This is Steven’s Story The year was 1995 and Nutley High School senior Steven MacMullen was preparing for his final year of high school. Nutley, a diverse, middle-class community, is very similar to Clifton. And, just like Clifton kids and plenty of other high schoolers everywhere, Steven and his friends liked to party. Many of Steven’s friends were people he had known for years. They had been together in middle school and throughout high school. As they got older, the parties became bigger. Undesirable elements, such as drugs and alcohol, were being introduced. Rather than being about having a good time, the focus of parties became to get drunk and high. However, MacMullen had believed at the time that there were only certain types of people who did
such things. Looking back, she regrets that she was not more educated on drugs at the time. “I thought it was certain kids who did it,” she said. “Bad kids and ones who came from dysfunctional families. I never thought drugs would be in my home.” MacMullen believes Steven’s turn to drugs was because of his low self esteem. He had always had a little trouble reading but was an overall bright student. Nonetheless, his reading troubles chipped away at his self image over the years. To compensate for his low self esteem, Steven developed the personality of a risk taker. He felt the need to prove himself to others as the tough guy, the cool kid who everyone wanted to be around. “Steven was the kind of kid who would go out way farther then everyone else in the ocean; he would always push the envelope,” MacMullen recalled.
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“Risk takers need more attention as they hit their pre-teens,” she advised. Steven also looked very young, so his friends would call him ‘Baby’, which would infuriate him and trigger this behavior. Over time, this led to Steven to try drinking. Even though alcohol is legal, without a fake id or an older friend who can buy, it is hard to obtain underage. Steven quickly learned that marijuana was much more readily available if you had the money,
so his friends and him began smoking. According to MacMullen, that is where all the problems began. “I’m not going to get into an argument about weed being a gateway drug,” she stated. “But I do know this: once you cross the first line, each one gets easier after that.” Trying P-Dope Your body naturally builds a tolerance to drinking and drugs as you use them more. For Steven and his friends, once it started to get harder
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to get a high off of weed, they moved onto pills and other narcotics. One day a friend bought something new to try, P-Dope. Little did they know it wasn’t a new street drug, but just clever marketing by a dealer who wanted to exploit a bunch of suburban kids into using his highly addictive narcotic supply. They were using heroin. “I asked him, ‘Didn’t you think at that point that a white powder in a bag was something very bad?’,” recalled MacMullen. “All he said to me was, ‘I knew it was bad, but I couldn’t think of anything worse at the time than being a chicken.’” Steven started using heroin by snorting or inhaling it. The incredible high had him addicted from his first time. Soon after, Steven was out looking for the dealer who had given the bag to his friend. Slowly, but surely, heroin was already beginning to take over his life. She had begun to notice that her son was loosing a lot of weight and he also was always tired and had bags under his eyes. When she asked Steven, he brushed it off, saying that he was loosing weight for the summer and that he had spent the last few nights up late on the phone with his girlfriend. But by the time the signs of addiction become apparent, MacMullen said it is often too late. However, the pieces of the puzzle came together for MacMullen after Steven’s employer, who had noticed the same symptoms his mother did, told him to go home and return after he got his life together. When MacMullen went to pick up her son, she could tell something was wrong. That’s when Steven broke down and said one of the most terrifying things a parent could hear from their child. “Mom,” he told her. “I’m addicted to heroin.”
At the CASA dinner, students from a new CHS group, the Mustang Institute, presented a skit on the impact of drugs in Clifton.
Just Experimenting “He told me that he never thought he was addicted, that he was just a drug experimenter,” MacMullen said of that telling conversation in 1995. “Steven thought that you outgrow drugs when you hit college and start drinking at keggers, then you just get a job and go on with your life.” He admitted to his mom that his addiction had become too much for him to handle. No longer just using heroin a couple times a week, Steven was then snorting up to five bags a day or more. In order to be able to afford his addiction, Steven began injecting heroin, since the more potent high would once again get him down to a bag or two a day. “I didn’t have a choice,” he told his mother. With no other viable option, the family turned to rehab, a 30-day program costing $20,000. Steven later compared withdrawal to having an extremely bad case of the flu, except 10 times worse. However, only 3 out of 100 junkies who actually complete rehab stay sober.
After completing rehab, MacMullen began noticing used tinfoil and tissues with tape lying around the house. She later learned Steven was taping a needle to his leg so that he could inject whenever he needed to. In addition, she began to notice her silverware was missing. There were 12 forks, 12 knives but no spoons. “I had blamed everything on our other kids,” said MacMullen. “I didn’t realize what he was doing. He kept the heroin in the tinfoil and was cooking it up to inject it. Parents need to be aware of signs like that.” Three weeks after completing rehab, Steven relapsed. MacMullen and her husband had to step in and make a decision. They figured tough love would set him straight and told him to go to rehab again or leave the house. Steven opted to leave. “He loved his family,” she said. “But he was addicted and the drug was in control.” Steven felt that a second stint in rehab would not work and wanted to try his own method. He got one of his sober friends to check into a motel and watch him through withdrawal.
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After two grueling and sickening days, Steven called his parents. He admitted defeat and asked if he could come home. But instead of allowing him back in the house, his father went and coached him through withdrawal. The MacMullen’s went through some tough times in 1995 and 1996, but with love and dedication, they made it. Steven became sober once again. He stayed clean and graduated high school in 1996 and soon celebrated his 18th birthday. His parents were so proud of his accomplishments that they rewarded Steven by sending him to meet his friends in Disneyland. After such a difficult period, life finally seemed to be back to normal. He From left, an unidentified person from the Passaic County Council on Drug Abuse was working again and doing the and Prevention, Angela Swan, center, who is the chair of Clifton Against Substance things an average 18 year old does. Abuse and Steven’s mom, Joan MacMullen, at the Oct. 11 event in Clifton. However, addiction is a very hard room too long, she knocked and Steven motivate her to continue her thing to overcome; whether it is cig- received no response. Her husband. campaign. “Don’t be sad from his arettes, alcohol or any kind of drug. kicked down the door to find Steven, story,” she told the Clifton parents One day during the summer of dead, overdosed from heroin. and kids. “Instead, let us use it as 1996, the lure of heroin beckoned. An autopsy would reveal that the motivation to beat drugs.” Steven drove into Paterson to go bag contained 98 percent pure heroToday, the MacMullen family has buy a bag of heroin. He was clean in—an almost instantly lethal moved on but Steven is never far for months and his tolerance was dosage—especially for someone from their hearts. In his memory, low, and little did he know that he who just recently gone sober. they have adopted a 14-month old had just purchased some of the most There is not a day since his death child of a drug addict who was going potent heroin around. that Joan MacMullen does not think to put the baby into foster care. As Back home in Nutley, Steven shot of her son. However, she does not for Joan MacMullen, the 8th grade up and went to take a shower. It tell Steven’s story for sympathy, but teacher who works in Little Falls would be his last. After his mother to save others from experiencing the will always share Steven’s story. “I realized that he had been in the bath- same tragedy. Her thoughts of just continue celebrating his life.”
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Optimist Cup 2005
Representing Passaic are football player Da’Kwon Dickens, cheerleader Jessica Ramirez and band member Carlos Perez. From Clifton are cheerleader LeeAnn Iapicca, football player Mike Feliciano and Jenny Sichel of the Marching Mustangs. Thanksgiving festivities start at 10 with kick-off at 10:30 am.
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Passaic & Clifton Optimist Clubs’ Thanksgiving Trophy, Hot Dog Nite The members of the Clifton and Passaic Optimist Clubs want you to get to know your neighbors and be a Friend of Youth. Join us at our Clifton & Passaic Optimist Clubs’ Hot Dog Nite which is at 6:30 pm on Nov. 16. Members of the Clifton and Passaic football teams, cheerleaders and marching bands get in free. Parents and community people are asked to pay $10 in advance to help fund and support this event. The idea of the Hot Dog nite is to get the kids from the two schools to forge relationships and have respect for one another. Players from the two teams will have a chance to get up and say a few words about their teams and what high school sports have meant to them. The Hot Dog nite will be held at the Clifton Rec Center on Main Ave. and be catered by the world famous MidTown Grill. Beyond the Hot Dog night, the two clubs are also proud to sponsor The Optimist Cup Trophy, now in the possession of Clifton’s Fighting Mustangs. The Optimist Cup Trophy will be awarded on the 50 yard line to the winning football team at the conclusion of the annual Thanksgiving game, held this year in Clifton. That’s right before the Marching Mustangs take the field for their season finale. The Optimist Clubs will also award MVP trophies, one for offensive and defensive MVPs on each team, selected by the opposing Athletic Director.
The Optimist Creed Promise Yourself—To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. • To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. • To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. • To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. • To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. • To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. • To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. • To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. • To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. • To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. Come out to the game to see old friends, support the marching bands, the cheerleaders and the football players. The members of the Clifton and Passaic Optimist Clubs are proud to support our neighboring communities and be involved with these positive events. We invite the residents of our two towns to attend the Hot Dog nite and the Turkey Day game.
Come to the Clifton & Passaic Optimist Clubs’ Hot Dog Night
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Free Admission for Clifton & Passaic Football, Band & Cheering Teams
$10 Donation for adults (please support us) Call for Tickets or Info: OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Friend of Youth
Tom Hawrylko 973-253-4400 Joe Bionci 973-472-1707 November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Installed and Guaranteed by the Federle Family for Life!
Vinyl Siding, Roofing and Insulated Windows Here’s what some customers have to say about us and our services... Karol 72 Greendale Road Roofing & Siding
Hussar 44 Penobscot Street –Roofing
Stolarz 103 Knollwood Terr. –Roofing
Macaluso 63 Rosedale Avenue Roofing, Siding & Windows
Rice 49 E. Emerson Ave. –Roofing Martina 116 Knollwood Terr. Roofing & Windows
Hernandez 28 Clifton Boulevard –Roofing Generalli 766 Grove Street –Siding
Hawrylko 242 Washington Ave. -Windows Lange 47 Penobscot Street –Windows Lahey 8 Maple Hill Road –Siding Keller 63 Stevens Road –Roofing
Stern 715 Broad Street –Roofing Tenney 47 New Brier Lane –Windows Aviles 183 E. 6th Street Siding /Windows Scoppetta 52 Surrey Lane Roofing & Windows
“Beautiful work. Detail oriented. Professional. That sums up the work you did for us.” Dr. John Cataldi Veterinary Health Care, Van Houten Avenue. Schoen 276 Urma Avenue– Roofing
Sabato 15 Charles Street –Windows
Perez 175 Lockwood Drive - Roofing & Siding
Perrius 58 Rosedale Avenue –Roofing
Affordable Now... Affordable for Life! Call us for a free estimate Meet the Federle Family Jim, John, Sal & Ron
HOME SERVICES
72 St. James Place • Clifton • 973.473.4830 68
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Call Affordable Now... ...Affordable For Life!
C
lifton’s Halloween Parade, held on Oct. 23 along Lakeview Ave., is a great family day. Participants marched right into Nash Park where they took part in HarvestFest. On this and the following pages are photos of some of your neighbors and friends who shared a great afternoon of campy costumes and fall fun!
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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1274
Sarge Painting
Bob Sandri 973-773-0280
R.F. K NAPP C ONSTRUCTION R OOFING • S IDING • G UTTERS • L EADERS
973- 777-1699 • 14 Pilgrim Dr.• Clifton
%
10OFF Any Paint-Work
–R ESIDENTIAL O NLY –
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
•Powerwashing •Spackling •Fully Insured
1301
•Decks Cleaned/Sealed •Gutter Cleaning •Exterior/Interior
FREE ESTIMATES • OVER 40
YEARS
• FULLY INSURED
HOT G RILL
Since 1961
W
e’ve been dedicated to serving the community for 44 years and will continue improving our service, atmosphere & food. We appreciate your patronage and pledge to make Hot Grill a truly enjoyable dining experience!
669 LEXINGTON AVE.
973-772-6000
9 AM—1 AM/FRI & SAT TILL 2 WWW.THEHOTGRILL.COM
1037
Dominick & Carmen
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
71
1773
OUR GOAL... everyday low prices-high satisfaction
ADDITIONS 2ND STORIES MAJOR RENOVATIONS
973-633-7777 201-343-7383 269 Passaic St • Hackensack, NJ
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
1-800-676-GTFM
ONE STOP CONTRACTORS
DESIGN • BUDGET • BUILD
100% FINANCING TO QUALIFIED HOMEOWNERS
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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• Class of 2005 earned over $15,000,000 in scholarships/grants • Small class size (average under 25; no class more than 30) • 115 courses including 13 AP level and new courses in Marine Biology, AP Italian, and AP Human Geography • New television studio wired for digital production
• New air bubble over tennis courts for winter activities • Wireless laptop access in classrooms, many with new electronic boards • A scenic campus of woods, waters and fields • The variety of opportunities of a large school, with a commitment to personal attention and individual needs
Ask your Clifton Neighbors why they chose Paramus Catholic.
www.paramuscatholic.org
201.445.4466
425 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ
Pictured above are some of your Clifton Neighbors who attend Paramus Catholic. Call to arrange a tour of our campus.
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Gentle, Effective Pain Relief from:
1199 MAIN AVENUE • DOWNTOWN CLIFTON 973-772-6425 DR. LENNY KRUGLYAK CHIROPRACTOR
• Headaches • Lower Back Pain • Neck & Back Pain • Sciatica/Leg Pain • Shoulder & Arm Pain • Disc Problems • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Muscle & Joint Pain Sports, Auto & Work-Related Injuries Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Emergency Service Available Convenient Office Hours by Appt. 74
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
1759
1074
Open 9am to 3pm Sept. - June
Copiers, Printers & Fax Machines For All Your Printing/Copying Needs Business Cards • Envelopes Letterheads • Typesetting & More
ALLWOOD PLAY AND LEARN LLC
Where learning begins and the fun never ends
Call Victor Terranova Today!
973.478.6180 1642
Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds
Fall Registration Now in Progress! 94 Chelsea Road • 973-779-4844 November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
75
Shop The Renovated & Historic...
Paterson Farmers Market ...Make it a Bountiful Thanksgiving with Fresh Vegetables & Fruits Meet Our Farmers...
...and Their Produce
Adickes Farm
Our Farmers Grow & Sell These Crops and More Peaches • Apples Melons • Plums Pears • Quince Jersey Tomatoes Heirloom Tomatoes Flat Red Onions Potatoes of all kinds Corn • Squash Brussels Sprouts • Cabbage Beans • Arugula Pumpkin Flower Broccoli Rabe • Parsley Root Celery Nob • Green Garlic Red Carrots • White Radishes Winter Squash Large Variety of Peppers New Crops Arrive Daily
Bader Farm Breezy Valley Farm Dagelle Farm Don Donohoe Farms
Farms View of Wayne, NJ
Farms View Healthway Farm Hurley Farm Paul Donoho Farms Ricky’s Produce Rolling T’s Sammis Farms Sekulovski Farm Selle Farm Sleepy Hills Orchard Windy Maples Farm
Meet Our Merchants...
...and Their Products
Healthway Farm Milton, NY AG&S Beef and Beyond El Campesino Farmers Market *
El Rancho International* Farmers Deli Farmers Produce Fruti Mex Jerusalem Halal Meat Seasonal Walk Spinella Garden Center Spinella Produce *open till 9 pm
Sekulovski Farm West Caldwell, NJ
Dried Fruit Spices & Herbs Fresh Fruit & Produce Roasted Nuts Tropical Specialty Items Meats & Halal Meats Chicken • Grocery Items Cold Cuts • Sandwiches Grilled Items Seasonal Plants Wine Grapes
East Railway Ave., Paterson • 973-742-1019 Open Daily: 7am-6pm 76
November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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We come to you for a change.
1790
Reasonable and Reliable • Mobile Diesel Maintenance & Repair • Large Full Service Facility • Roadside Assistance Available
59 Liberty St., Passaic 07055 • 973-779-2513 November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Clifton’s Veterans Parade On Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 pm, our community honors Clifton’s veterans with a parade. Attend or participate to show your appreciation. Led by the Marching Mustangs, it steps off from Main at Sylvan Ave. and continues to the Veterans Memorial in Main Memorial Park. The photos on these pages are of some of the veterans we have written about over the years. By sharing their stories, Clifton Merchant Magazine is proud to be at the forefront of saluting the men and women who served, both in war and during peace.
Joe Tuzzolino
Dutch Hoogstraten
Al Zwiazek
George Bobal
Joe Imperato
Dorothy Den Herder
Joe Hawrylko
Mark Centurione
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Sunday, November 6, 2 pm
Denise Vasel
Les Herrschaft
Helene Lenkowec
Randy Colondres
Lou Wong
Marty Nee
The Clifton Veterans Parade is a celebration of the lives of those city residents who served our nation, both during times of peace and while at war. For 1266
more information, or to participate in the parade, call Co-Chairs Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264 or John Biegel at 973-471-8828.
construction
Slavco inc.
• • • • •
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL MUNICIPAL
164 Getty Ave. Clifton 973-478-4848 • Fax 973-478-7877
ASBESTOS REMOVAL • DEMOLITION • INSPECTIONS • REMOVAL • Encapsulation • Re-Insulation Free Estimates & Consultation November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Birthdays & Celebrations!
TRANSFORM YOUR HAIR
1385
Experience a REDKEN Hair Recovery Treatment
Happy 6th Anniversary to Joe and Susan Angello who celebrate on 11/14
Nicole Mokray ..................11/7 Francine Anderson ..........11/8 Ray Konopinski..................11/8 Marie Sanzo ......................11/8 Brandy Stiles ....................11/10 Tom Szieber ....................11/10 Joseph Franek III ............11/11 Laura Gasior ..................11/12 Geraldine Ball ................11/13 Patricia Franek................11/13 Robert Paci ....................11/13 Gregory Chase ..............11/15 Matthew Phillips..............11/16 Anthony Wrobel ............11/16 Marilyn Velez ..................11/18 Nancy Hawrylko ............11/19 Joseph Tyler ....................11/19 Rudy Domyon ................11/20 Joseph Guerra................11/20 Congratulations to Jerry and Pat Franek who on 11/3 celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
hair • nails • color 88 Market Street, Clifton 973.365.0220
FREE SUNDAE Buy One Ice Cream or Yogurt Sundae, Get Another
FREE With This Coupon Coupons May Not Be Combined.
$
2 00 OFF
Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined.
Happy 5th Birthday on 11/7 to Nicole Mokray!
Birthday Boy! Frank Lacki of Lacki’s Jewelers turned 78 on 11/2
Gelotti HOME MADE ICE CREAM
ITALIAN ICES • SOFT ICE CREAM SHERBERT • YOGURT • CAKE • GELATO
194 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell • 973-403-9968 –– 2 Union Ave., Paterson • 973-595-1647
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Jazzlyn Caba ....................11/1 Robyn Jo Paci ..................11/2 Thomas Scancarella ........11/2 Kelly Tierney ......................11/3 Lance Dearing..................11/4 Andrew Seitz ....................11/4 Tanya Ressetar..................11/5 Joe Angello ......................11/6 Nicole Lorraine Bonin ......11/6 Danielle Osellame............11/6 Kristen Soltis ......................11/6 Christina Ambrose ............11/7 James Ball ........................11/7
Katherine Stankiewicz ......11/20 Jon Whiting ......................11/21 Andreas Dimitratos ..........11/22 Katerina Dimitratos ..........11/22 Margaret Egner................11/22 Eileen Fierro ......................11/25 Crystal Lanham................11/25 Rachel Prehodka-Spindel 11/25 Kristen Bridda....................11/26 Jessi Cholewczynski ........11/26 Bethany Havriliak ............11/26 Sami Suaifan ....................11/28 Christopher Seitz ..............11/29 Kaitlyn Graham................11/30
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 P&A offers genuine NAPA parts
Two Stores in Clifton 973-473-4999 1103 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun Closed
973-473-1997 802 Van Houten Ave • Clifton Mon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun 9-1pm
Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040 136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays
201.391.3333 5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location
201. 261.0411
973-857-2600
59A E. Ridgewood Ave • Paramus New Location
614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location
973.338.9292
973-694-2228
1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location
1168 Hamburg Turnpike • Wayne New Location
201-845-8353 101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays
973-423-1700 93 Goffle Rd • Hawthorne New Location
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Visit us in Athenia • 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
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Renee’s Locks of Love It was that time again for Renee LaPeter, 12, a 7th grader at Woodrow Wilson MIddle School, to make an appointment for a haircut. For the third time in four years, she did it and donated her long, thick black hair to Locks of Love—an organization that makes real wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer or other illnesses. After seeing photographs of the happy kids smilRenee ing with their new wigs, Renee was inspired to LaPeter, once again cut and donate 12 inches of her age 10 long mane. She did it on Oct. 20 at Salon Ilona on Clifton Ave. Nancy Madsen, Renee’s mother, is proud of her daughter for thinking of others. “I think it’s great that she does this,” she said. “Renee wants others to be happy and that’s what we all strive for.” “It makes me feel good to help people,” Renee said smiling. “The only reason I cut my hair is for Locks of Love.” As far as the future, Renee says she expects she will continue to grow, cut and donate her hair to help kids in need.
Renee LaPeter, 2005.
Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor Dr. Moore uses Surface Electromyography (sEMG) to detect levels of muscle tension associated with Vertebral Subluxation. This computerized spinal examination provides qualitative and quantitative data used to determine levels of the nervous system that are reducing the body's ability to maintain optimal health. Call our office so you and your family can have your spine checked, (973) 253-7005.
Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005 Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155
1576
www.fitspine.net www.fitspine.net
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November 2005 • Clifton Merchant
Inside Back Cover
BACK COVER
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 for These FREE REPORTS!
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niCHOlAS ReAl eSTATe SellS HOmeS
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1-800-613-4059
Free Report #2
Sellers Beware Avoid 11 Mistakes that Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars
Clifton
$549,900
STORE + BUILDING
Fairlawn
$599,000
IMMACULATE COLONIAL
Take over this long established Store You’ll appreciate this barnd new in the Center of Clifton. Along with Center Hall Colonial, spacious LR, a 2-story building which includes the FDR, lrg mod KIT, 4 bdrms, 3 baths, Full funished lower level w/500 sf store, 5 room apartment for rent and rec room w/full bath. a loft, nice size property with parking. Nice enclosed yard Ask for Nick. CALL 877-833-2365 CALL 877-833-2365
Clifton
$439,000
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To hear a brief recorded message call 1-800-613-4059 ID# 2053
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Clifton
$534,900
Free Report #3
IMMACULATE SHAPED RANCH
How to Hire the Right Agent
In Montclair Heights Section. Absolute move in condition. 2 Fireplaces, 2 baths, Beautifully Landscaped. Driveway fits 6 cars Ask for Maria Carrera CALL 877-833-2365
13 Things You Must Do to Get the Most $ From the Sale of Your Home To hear a brief recorded message call 1-800-613-4059 ID# 2033
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Clifton
$359,900
NICE CAPE Possible 4 bdrm on 2nd floor, has many upgrades including KIT, ceramic tile bath 1st flr, C/A burglar alarm, deck, semi fin bsmnt with knotty pine. Drive for two cars. Ask for Dave Kelly. CALL 877-833-2365
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LOCATION - CUL-DE-SAC
NICE CAPE COD
Lovely landscaping and gorgeous backyard 'Rain Forest' like garden. Enjoy from the Enc. Porch. LR, DR, Kit, 3Bdrm, w/mstr bath, fin bsmnt w/rec rm half bath. CALL 877-833-2365
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$319,900 ONE FAMILY HOME Features LR, DR, Kitchen, 3 bdrms and an extra room that can be used as a den or bdrm. Full unfin. Bsmnt w/laundry area, off street parking. CALL 877-833-2365
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