Clifton Merchant Magazine - November 2006

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 11 • Issue 11 • November 3, 2006

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Vote Yes Commentary by Cheryl & Tom Hawrylko

for Schools

C

lifton has been wrestling with its school overcrowding problems for over a decade. While it’s obvious to most that more space is needed for our students, where to build has been the subject of much debate.

Since 1993, the pros and cons of numerous sites have been argued and Throughout the disconsidered. course, a growing number of residents have continued to point to the Board of Education owned Latteri Park as the ideal location to build, shouting “let the city vote!”

On Dec. 12th, Clifton will finally have the opportunity to end this tug of war with itself. We encourage you to vote yes to construct a middle school on Latteri Park.

For those who prefer to wait for the perfect solution to present itself, please consider this: it is likely that with our city’s limited resources of available space and financing, no We don’t perfect solution exists. believe Clifton or its children can afford to wait any longer.

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16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month.

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Split on our cover and on the previous page, this bronze sculpture, entitled Tug of War which was created by Joseph Sassoon, is found on the grounds of the municipal complex. Perhaps it best illustrates where our community is when it comes to selecting a site for the new school. Please vote Yes for Schools on Dec. 12

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The quality of a public education can make or break a community. Look around. How many ‘for sale’ signs have appeared recently in your neighborhood? How many families are moving out in search of better schools? How many have made the decision to stay, opting instead to pay private school tuition to obtain reasonable class sizes?

Our schools face enough outside challenge—from underfunded federal and state mandates, to unrealistic achievement levels as outlined in No Child Left Behind. The problem of class size is one thing we can do something about by constructing the necessary space. A thriving, healthy public education system is exactly what Clifton needs to move forward.

Granted, gaining public support would be easier if some elected officials believed the need for school space was real. Most prominently, Board of Education Commissioner Michael Paitchell and Clifton Mayor Jim Anzaldi now question the necessity of additional school space, and use as a comparison class enrollments when they attended CHS way back when.

Comparing CHS then to CHS of 2006 makes very little sense. The world has changed and so has education! In the 1960’s, special needs students were all but ignored. ESL? If a student did not speak English, it was basically sink or swim. Today’s graduation requirements are more challenging. In 1965, a student needed only one year of science vs. three years today.

2006 also requires an extra year of English, Math, and Social Studies, and two more years of Phys Ed. Additionally, students must take one year each of a World Language, Visual/Performing Arts, and Career/Tech Ed.— all newly mandated requirements.

Yes, Mike and Jim, education has evolved with the times, implementing new programs as necessary.

Didn’t We Vote for Change?

Why then, if we voters called for change in the May, 2006, City Council election, would Mayor James Anzaldi reappoint former City Councilman Ed Welsh, pictured at left, to the Clifton Planning Board? Is the mayor trying to keep the old guard in and newcomers out?

In fact, since 1985, the number of courses offered at CHS has more than doubled—from 159 to 358. This evolution has drastically changed facility requirements and space needs.

We know Clifton’s students have been able to get by despite substandard conditions; but they—our children— deserve much more than that. Even without any additional enrollment growth, we’re short space for 1,747 students, according to the state facilities formula.

We dislike the thought of building on one of Clifton’s 34 parks, but we dislike school overcrowding even more. We’re not crazy about a 6th-9th grade structure; but we are against school overcrowding.

We’ve weighed our priorities—education vs. recreation. Our school system continues to come out on top.

Clifton can be a community that is committed to education — or one that is not.

Please make the right choice on Dec. 12th.

For those more concerned about open space, the next time the Council proposes an Open Space Fund to the voting populace, perhaps we can try a little harder to approve it. (Clifton voters have rejected such a fund twice in recent years.) We also recommend asking the City Council about the status of the 29 remaining acres of Athenia Steel. It was purchased by them in 1999 for just that reason... and we hear it is moving along!

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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They want to

appoint Who?

Is she the heir-apparent? From left, former Councilwoman Lorraine Bremmer and current Council members Gloria Kolodziej, Mayor James Anzaldi and Peter Eagler at the Halloween Parade on Oct. 22.

There’s talk that Council members want to appoint Bremmer to fill Antonio Latona’s seat.

While we’re on the topic of the City Council, their things were done. That is why six incumbents lost their next meeting is at 7 pm on Wed., Nov. 8. They will then seats (two on the Board of Ed, four on the Council). By appointing anyone other than the eighth decide who if anyone to appoint to place finisher, or leaving it vacant until replace Councilman Antonio Latona who Nov. ‘07, it seems that these politicians are resigned after a judge ruled he could not not listening to their constituents... be a Councilman and a Firefighter.

Here is the question we posed... Now If you’re like the majority of residents we polled regarding this vacancy, it that Councilman Latona resigned, who seems the eighth top vote getter should be do you think the Council should select appointed. If you agree, attend the meetfor the seventh seat? Keep in mind that ing to voice your opinions. Can’t make if someone is appointed, they will hold the meeting? Call 973-470-5757 and tell office until Nov. 2007, when a Special the mayor what you think.

Election will be held to decide on a permanent replacement. Should the eighth The way we see it, Clifton voters made place finisher, Matt Ward, be appointed? it very clear in both the April and May 2006 elections that they wanted change in Councilman Antonio Latona Should it be someone else? Or should a big way. Change in the individuals rep- resigned in October; he remains we stick with six members until next fall? resenting them and change in the way a full time Clifton Firefighter.

Residents’ answers follow...

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Who should the City Council select to replace Councilman Antonio Latona?

I made a mistake over 20 years ago when I had the chance to appoint the eighth man and I did not. It is not a matter of personalities... it’s the right thing to do.

They should name Matt Ward, the eighth place finisher. It’s what the people want.

Former Mayor & Councilman Gerald Zecker Matt Ward should be appointed until the special election.

He was the eighth highest vote getter when the voters sent a very strong message that it was time for change. I would think that having only six members could create problems in terms of voting....in breaking ties.

Jacqueline Alectoridis Matt Ward should be appointed. Had Mr. Latona not run Matt Ward would already be there. Definitely the seventh seat should go to Matt Ward.

Elizabeth Cvetkovic Matt Ward should be appointed in place of Anthony Latona. He campaigned for the chance to make a difference in our town and since he was the next in line, he should get that opportunity. It’s the fair thing to do.

Karen McGinley

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2006 City Council Election Results James Anzaldi * Antonio Latona Peter C. Eagler ** Joseph Cupoli Gloria J. Kolodziej * Steven Hatala, Jr. * Frank C. Fusco

5,911 5,659 5,514 4,793 4,445 3,864 3,786

Matthew J. Ward Stefan Tatarenko * Roy Noonburg Joseph W. Chidiac Edward Welsh * Donald R. Kowal * George J. Silva Frank Gaccione * Alam Abdelaziz

3,703 3,583 3,577 3,397 3,136 3,037 3,029 2,887 1,397

C L E A N O UTS

* Incumbents during the May, 2006 election. ** While a challenger in the May, 2006 election, Peter Eagler was on the Council for three terms, from 1990 to 2002.

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Who do You think the City Council should select to replace Councilman Latona?

Matt Ward should be appointed since he had the most number of votes of those candidates who failed to get elected. While I don’t know him well, I think Mr. Ward is a thoughtful and intelligent person who genuinely cares about Clifton.

Steve O’Beirne First it is a shame that Mr.. Latona can not do both, serve the community on the Council and in his work.

People who voted for him knew he worked for the city. The voice of the people should always take precedence. These past few months were ugly for Clifton. The seventh position should be appointed by the mayor.

That’s what mayors do, make big decisions, and in our case I really feel Mayor Anzaldi is very trustworthy. However Mr. Ward or the others did not get voted on the Council.

That too is the voice of the people.

Gary Anolik Ed. Note: Under Clifton’s form of government, the Mayor does not have the authority to appoint a replacement for this position.

However, he is vested with the authority to appoint members of the Planning Board and recently reappointed former Councilman Ed Welsh to that body.

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We voted for Mr. Latona.

Unfortunately the judge saw it the way he did. In light of that, I think Matt Ward is very qualified and he would be an asset. He’s a good man.

What does our vote count for if the council is going to do what they want? Our voice—our votes— should count and the eighth person should be appointed.

Rosemarie Filippone Matt Ward should be appointed to fill Tony’s seat.

Dawn Kaiser I think Matt Ward should be appointed, since he was almost elected by the people.

Rae Angela Ruggiero I think it should be Roy Noonburg.

George Silva is qualified too.

Estelle Palko I feel the council seat should go to the eighth place finisher.

Elizabeth Grimaldi Go with the eighth place finisher since he got the next most votes.

Bob Graham Matt Ward should get the job, the people spoke. What did everyone run for if they don’t appoint him?

John Biegel

I want a new election. I voted for Tony Latona.

John Arcelli I believe it is important to appoint a replacement for Mr. Latona. As the council sits at six members now, having a seventh vote is critical.

Choosing the replacement is tricky.

It seems fair to appoint Mr. Ward, but a former councilperson might be compelling, also, as they would be able to hit the ground running and be up to speed more quickly to attend to the important challenges facing the city.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Who do You think the City Council should select to replace Councilman Latona?

Absolutely the eighth place finisher.

If we stuck with six, who would break a tie? I feel either Matt Ward should get it or the seat should be left until a permanent replacement will be voted in. However, the Council should not state, as one of them has, that whoever they appoint should not run next November!

Joyce Sunshine I think the eighth guy should get it; they need another person up there.

Frank Grecco Shame on the Council and the City of Clifton for not recognizing the problem before Tony ran. Didn’t they know he was a firefighter before he ran for office? He was a good choice either way and would have served this city well. Bring him back, he won fair and square.

Lyn Puleo Ed. Note: Readers know we were not fans of the last City Council but I must defend them in this instance. The Council had no legal right to stop Latona in his campaign for office. However, in our Jan. 2006 profile on Latona, we reported that he was advised by the City Attorney that it could be a conflict if elected.

Why did it go as far as it went? He (Latona) put a lot of time, money and effort into the campaign, for what? It should have been settled before he ran. They should give it to the next highest vote-getter—whoever it was—it make sense to me.

Tom Bizub Leave the seat open. Yes, I know the vote could be tied but I would rather vote for the person next November.

You don’t know if the eighth person would have made it anyway.

Lauren Shefchik First let me say that I think it’s a shame what they did to Mr Latona.

The city should not have allowed him to run in the first place if indeed they thought it would have been a conflict of interest. I don’t think the citizens of Clifton thought it was a conflict of interest or he would not have been voted in by such a large margin. Mr. Latona never made it a secret that he held a job as fireman.

I think someone realized that he posed a threat to someone’s position and sabotaged him. Anyway, I guess Matt Ward should fill the seat vacated by Mr. Latona although I did not vote for him.

Carmen Szazbo

Since Matt Ward took the time, energy and spent money to run for the City Council and placed eighth according to the wishes of the voting populace, he should serve. I believe the City Council votes according to majority rule so having seven is important.

Sharon Passe Sichel I think it should be the person who had the next highest votes. But I do think Latona should be able to serve and I give him credit for taking it to court. We need more young people in government.

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The only reason I can see for not naming the next highest voter-getter, namely Matt Ward, to the seat is to deny him an advantage in the special election a year from now. Is that reason enough? Probably not.

Phil Read Give the seat to the eighth person. If Tony never ran it is likely the eighth person would have won.

Fernando Barros The next most votes should be appointed, if not then let’s redo the entire election now. I would bet that a few more incumbents would be missing if we did that.

Stephen Camp I think Matt Ward should get it. Otherwise we are going to have a stagnant government.

Bede Klein I am disappointed in the decision but I think the next guy in line should get it—that’s only fair.

Jerry Ference

seat until next November’s general election. His loss to seventh place finisher Frank Fusco was marginal.

That says to me that Clifton’s voters have faith in his ability and want him to serve on the council.

Choosing anyone else will be just another slap in the face of those voters by a City Council, who along with its appointed Planning and Zoning Boards, seems determined to do as it pleases despite the will of the electorate.

The Zoning Board’s denial of a variance to allow conversion of 290 Brighton Road for use as a school, and the Planning Board’s attempt to discourage state approval of the proposed Latteri Park referendum, clearly demonstrate that city government is not in tune with its citizenry.

Clifton voters approved a $15 million referendum for the Brighton Road project, and they elected Board of Education commissioners who favor the Latteri Park referendum; yet the council and its boards continue to ignore those mandates. If someone other than Ward is chosen, the council will again demonstrate its total disdain for Clifton's voters.

How is democracy served when the voice of the people can be so wantonly disregarded?

Joseph R. Torelli 1176

On the matter of Tony Latona, what they have done to him I think is a disgrace. As to who should take his place, I would think that the eighth place finisher, Matt Ward, should be allowed to fill the seat—after all, he was voted for in the election.

Esther Fernandez

Matt Ward should be appointed to fill the

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Who do You think the City Council should select to replace Councilman Latona?

The Council seat should be filled with the next runner up, Matt Ward.

I feel there should be an “odd” amount of people on the council for voting purposes.

Janet Wells Matt Ward should be appointed. If he does not want to serve, then leave it vacant until the next election.

Maria DeGraaf I don’t like the idea of the council having only six members until next November. When it comes time to vote on issues, with only six they could be deadlocked. I think Matt Ward should be appointed to serve until the election. He was the next highest vote-getter.

Michele Perez Why wouldn’t they take the next guy in line?

Anthony Gaccione Appointing the runner up from the May election makes sense. It would be the most fair solution.

Bob “Smitty” Smith

I think that there should be a special election and make a permanent position. The disruption caused by Tony being forced to resign, bringing a replacement up to speed only to do it again during the same council term would be a travesty and would be unfair to the citizens of Clifton. Nothing against Matt Ward (I don't know him), if Tony was not in the mix, people may have voted differently and Matt may or may not have done as well as he did.

Let’s leave it up to the voters so this city cannot be divided any further.

Ernie Berthold I believe in the will of the majority of the people. I also much prefer to have someone who ran and received the next-highest number of votes to someone who is appointed by the majority of the current Council, and who may therefore feel obligated to support whatever those Council members put forward. I therefore support the appointment of the 8th-place finisher, Matt Ward. We should not stick with 6 members until Fall.

Clifton is a big city with a lot of problems that need to be addressed, and we need a full Council to do it.

Ellen Corbo Whoever is the next in line from the previous election, that’s who I think should be appointed.

Pat Smith I voted for change and a new, younger way of thinking, that’s why I supported Tony Latona. We need someone new taking part in the process. They (the Council) need to follow the popular vote and the eighth person makes the most sense.

Anna Marie Natale

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

We need a full Council now, and it should be an elected one. The first seven ‘eligible’ finishers should be the Council. Thus, Matt Ward should be on this City Council.

Jim Gwyn Appointing the eighth person, Matt Ward, makes the most sense.

Al Zwiazek I like Tony Latona, but he knew going in there were questions. I think that they should now appoint the eighth place finisher.

Tom Sisco I think that if we are going to appoint anyone, it should be the eighth place finisher.

Marteen Dinzes The voters have spoken and when something like this happens, you just go to the next highest vote-getter, Matt Ward. If he doesn’t want to serve, you go to the ninth place guy. The Council has this obligation since the voters have already voiced their opinion.

Mike Paccioretti

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or some 33 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton.

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

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

“It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued. “Unlike a home equity loan, you do not have to make

monthly payments. Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you. More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.”

The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower.

In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home.

But a reverse mortgage allows seniors to borrow against the equity

How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage?

It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old.

You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or credit requirements to satisfy.

How can I receive my money?

You can receive it in several ways: •Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home •Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time •As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons •As a lump sum draw at closing •A combination of the above, to meet your requirements.

When must I repay the loan?

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

In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan, What are interest rate charges & fees?

•An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages •Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed •No out-of-pocket expenses at closing Are Reverse Mortgages safe?

•Yes, FHA and FannieMae guarantee the payments you receive •FHA and FannieMae also guarantee you will never owe more than your house is worth — no debt left on estate

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

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

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Who do You think the City Council should select to replace Councilman Latona?

I believe the seat should go to the eighth place finisher until a special election is held. Matt Ward should get the seat temporarily. It’s the only fair way I can think of. I do not think that the council or any board would be able to run efficiently with an even number of members. I’ve always believed that an odd number are needed to prevent ties and deadlocks.

Joe Nikischer

The Council is talking about appointing someone who served years ago? We’ll be right back where we were 10 years ago. It’s the peoples’ choice not the Council’s.

We voted and the next highest votegetter should get the job.

Arnold Simone

I think it is a real shame that this election has turned out this way in the first place. Now that we sit with this situation I feel it should remain empty until an election can be held and the voice of the people be heard. I feel that a lot of people’s votes had been thrown out when Latona had not been allowed to serve this community.

Faith Webb

Matt Ward, the eighth place finisher. Even though the argument that Mr. Latona should not have run in the first place because of a conflict of interest, consider the number of votes cast for both men combined... the City Council runs the risk of voter disenfranchisement. It’s easy to see why the Council (especially the three incumbents who won) pressed for a legal remedy rather than letting the Latona issue slide.

After all, a relative newcomer almost received the most votes in the election, and possibly could have become Mayor. They cannot afford someone that popular to sit on the Council if they can help it.

Robert Wittmann Matt Ward should be appointed based on the votes he received from the people of the our town.

Nancy Myers 1671

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Clifton citizens are serious about their desire for change. They made

The City Council and

themselves perfectly clear on that subject in the Board of Education April’s Board of Education elections when they overwhelmingly rejected the reelection bids of continue to flounder because Board President Joseph Kolodziej and four-term neither group has produced an Commissioner James Smith in favor of newcomers Michael Urciuoli and Michael Paitchell. individual willing to own the issue— If that wasn’t a clear enough signal of their dissatisfaction with the status quo, they returned to assume responsibility to the polls a month later and sent four incumfor managing it to resolution. bent City Councilmen packing.

Gone were Frank Gaccione, Donald Kowal, Quite simply, Clifton needs a leader.

Stefan Tatarenko and Edward Welsh.

In their places were newcomers Joseph Commentary by Joseph R. Torelli Cupoli, Antonio Latona, Frank Fusco and former three term Councilman Peter Eagler.

At the Oct. 13 board meeting, Paitchell even quesThe startling results from those elections brought a tioned whether a new school is needed at all. buzz to the city—an air of excitement that had been The situation is no better over on the City Council. missing for years. Voters eagerly anticipated a new era When the prospect of a referendum to build on when the long-standing issues facing the city and its Latteri Park gained momentum last year, council memschools would finally be resolved by their newly electbers quickly and unanimously approved a motion ed Councilmen and Commissioners. declaring their opposition to the plan.

Six months have now passed since the elections, and Despite joint meetings between the two governing voters are rightfully asking what happened to the changes bodies since then, no one on either board, including the they were promised. Sadly, the answer is, not much. new members, has come up with an acceptable and School overcrowding remains the number one issue workable plan to ease school overcrowding. in Clifton, and the new Board of Education and the City The City Council and the Board of Education continCouncil members are no closer to resolving it now than ue to flounder because neither group has produced an were the former politicians back in April and May. individual willing to own the issue—an individual willing Discord over whether to build a new school on to assume responsibility for managing it to resolution.

Latteri Park is still widespread between the Board of Quite simply, Clifton needs a leader.

Education members, despite the election of Paitchell The job is not an easy one. Leadership requires and Urciuoli who won their seats based largely on their commitment and passion. Above all, it requires vision. support for the site.

In a speech on the topic, the noted theologian and The dissension actually has gotten worse because former President of the University of Notre Dame, Paitchell apparently has done an about-face on the issue.

Father Theodore Hesburgh, said, “The very essence of

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leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.”

Unfortunately, as anyone who has tuned in to City Council and Board of Education meetings over the past several years can testify, uncertainty has been the dominant theme, especially on the topic of school overcrowding.

But the time for ambiguity and indecision is over.

Someone needs to step forward and lead with a clear and passionate voice, a voice free of the uncertainty that has paralyzed this city for so long.

Clifton’s citizens expect and deserve nothing less.

History on 8th Place The death of Councilman Richard Stockinger on March 24, 1996, left a vacant seat on the seven member governing body. By tradition, the six other City Council members would turn to the eighth place finisher of the previous election to fill Stockinger’s unexpired term, which expires in July, 1998 Press reports indicate Walter Jankowski, the eighth place finisher of the May, 1994 election, was a lock for the endorsement.

Council members Chuck Rohde, Gloria Kolodziej, Peter Eagler and Mayor James Anzaldi publicly said they would vote for him.

However, a series of strange events changed that. Council members Don Kowal and Chuck Rohde each reported receiving anonymous letters claiming their political career in Clifton would be “dead” if they did not appoint Jankowski.

Jankowski’s chances of being appointed to the Council seat were further tarnished after he claimed in news reports that Passaic County Sheriff Edwin Englehardt was influencing both Kowal and Rohde, two fellow Republicans.

At an April 24, 1994 City Council meeting called specifically to vote for Jankowski’s appointment, Rohde did not show.

Instead he faxed a note stating that he could not attend the meeting “due to circumstances beyond my control,” thus by default forcing a decision to hold a Special Election.

Seven candidates ran in that Special Election, held Nov. 5, 1996.

The winner with 5,243 of the 12,636 votes cast was Ed Welsh, who was then the Vice Chair of the Clifton Planning Board. He would be elected to two more full terms before coming in 12th place in the 2006 election.

1994 City Council Election Results James Anzaldi * Gloria J. Kolodziej * Peter C. Eagler * Chuck Rohde Lester Herrschaft * Richard Stockinger * Don Kowal * Walter Jankowski Joseph DeStefano John DalPan

10,946 10,138 8,909 8,791 8,496 8,082 7,665 5,597 4,840 3,631

* Incumbents

More history: In 1982 George Bayeux died after taking office.

The Council did not appoint the eight place finisher; Dick Stockinger won the Nov. election.

In 1981 Joe Kolodziej died while in office and no appointment was made. His wife Gloria was elected in a Nov., 1981 election and has served on the Council since.

In 1973, Mayor Anna Latteri died while in office. Councilman Israel ‘Izzy’ Friend was named Mayor; he and his colleagues appointed Terry LaCorte to the seat.

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He’s Voting... with his feet Every person has their breaking point.

John Arcelli’s happened in May, when the UPS computer programmer became tired of the ongoing Space for School Space debate and overall negative discourse in Clifton. He put his home up for sale.

“The reason I’m moving are these guys,” said Arcelli, who pointed to his daughters, Heather and Chloe. “I’ll probably head for West Milford or Warwick.”

It’s not like this is a spur of the moment decision either. Arcelli has lived in Clifton his entire life— 43 years—all of which have been at his Mt. Prospect Ave. home. He’s seen better days in Clifton and just doesn’t think things are coming around any time soon.

“There are over 650 homes on the market in Clifton,” claimed Arcelli, who added that he voted for Tony Latona and is in favor of a new election to replace him. “Mine has been up since May and I still haven’t sold. Everyone is looking to leave.”

As far as the schools, Arcelli said he just doesn't feel that Clifton and its school system have the same prestige that it used to. From politicians to residents, many in Clifton are constantly bickering and their priorities seem to be out of order. Regarding Latteri, Arcelli wants a solution that saves green space.

John Arcelli with his girls, Heather and Chole.

“I’m voting against a school on Latteri. We can possibly use Globe or other properties,” he explained, adding that the city has missed the boat on plenty of opportunities. “We’ve got condos on Shulton, more going up in Richardson Scale. Everything gets torn down here without a plan.”

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The Latteri Debate A Park for the Neigborhood or... a School for the Community?

The school should be built on Latteri Park. If they could build hat beautiful School 17 in Botany Village in the middle of a brook, then why not in Latteri? Our children are getting shortchanged. The City Council should stop playing games. This process—if you can even call it such a thing—is an embarrassment. Where is the pride in our community?

Rosemarie Filippone

I wish to God there was another alternative but if we don’t build it here where will we build? I will vote yes to approve the school.

Gerald Zecker I might not vote all together. We need parks, but at the same time, we need schools too.

George Olsen I’m not sure but the Board and the Council should get along better.

Estelle Palko

I need to tell you that I am a member of the Board of Rec and a resident of Rosemawr. I’ll vote no.

This Board has done nothing to try and alleviate the current situation by using current facilities or building walkways... how about moving teachers instead of moving kids?

Tony Yannarelli I’m for a new school. I would vote to approve Latteri, however I’m not convinced that it is the best site.

Waiting for a “best site” to come up for vote will not happen in my lifetime. So we have to work with what’s available.

Elizabeth Cvetkovic I happen to be wavering on this issue. While I believe Latteri is the right place for a school, I am not pleased that it will be a 3-story structure in a neighborhood where there are no McMansions (yet)... I don’t want Rosemawr to become like what has happened in the rest of Clifton.

Joyce Sunshine November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

It is obvious we need to build another school. All schools, at every level, are bursting at the seams. I voted to build the school on Brighton Road, to no avail. I will vote to put the school at Latteri Park. Even if the referendum is passed, someone or something will prevent this school from being built.

It’s a very sad situation.

Karen McGinley

My daughter goes to CHS so I know it is overcrowded but I cannot see putting a school there. The property may be big enough but the roads in and out of there are inadequate.

Anthony Gaccione Without suitable space, the educational advancement of our kids is being hindered. I support Latteri.

Nicole Turi

Fighting for New Jersey

I firmly believe Clifton needs a new school and I believe Latteri Park is the best option. I say this knowing that my child will not benefit from the new school and my taxes will no doubt increase because of it.

Looking at the big picture, I think the most important thing to keep Clifton a thriving city is to make sure we have an excellent school system that will ultimately increase property values in Clifton.

Steve O’Beirne We need full day kindergarten throughout Clifton so the ideas I’ve heard about building onto the elementary schools does not make sense. I’ll be voting yes for Latteri.

Fernando Barros Leave the park alone. Right now, it is unclear if we even need a school.

We should look into expansion of existing buildings... but to use a park, something that we can never get back, that’s insane.

Mike Paccioretti

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I hate to see the city lose a park, but I’d also hate to see the Board of Ed have to go buy more land. Look what happened at Brighton Rd. Latteri is the Board’s property.

Bob “Smitty” Smith

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Since the proposed school is for grades 6 to 9, I will be voting against it. What is the main reason for a 6 to 9 school? Is it to help relieve crowding at the middle schools and CHS? If this referendum passes, then the high schoolers will win a little more elbow room, but that’s about it for winners.

Is there any educational value with having 6th graders on the same campus as 9th graders? If not, why do it? I’ve heard that 9th graders will be ‘segregated’ and will never mix with the lower grades. I have also heard that same argument applied to the separate ‘grade’ floors of CCMS, but the grades do mix...a lot. If Latteri passes, what will happen when four grades are put into the three floors of CCMS? The middle school students will lose.

What about labs and such required at the existing middle schools for 9th graders? Additional facilities mean additional spending, which should be front and center on the ballot for Latteri. But you know that additional spending will be a hidden, future cost. And the voters will lose there.

The voters are also being asked to vote for a quick fix. But will the Latteri school be it? What is the total picture for the future of this city?

What will be the school population in five or 10 years? Are we at the end of the school population boom and heading into a downward dip? In other words, do we really need a 6-through-9 school?

Maybe the middle schools should be 7 to 9 and the 6th grades should be in the elementary schools. If that is the case, could the current elementary campuses accommodate 6th grades or do we add a few trailers for a few years? And then remove them when the school population drops? Or do the voters need to float a $50 million bond for 30 years?

Jim Gwyn

Yes, I will be voting in favor of Latteri because it’s the only choice.

Bill Sichel I would vote yes for Latteri. No one wants to lose parkland, but our children’s education is a higher priority.

If there isn’t a better solution, which there does not seem to be since this has been going on for so long now, the only choice is Latteri. When we needed a school in School #12 area they took away Little Weasel Brook park and built School #17, a very much needed school. So it’s no different—Latteri is the only solution at this time especially since the Board of Ed owns the land. The overcrowding is obvious. Some people may disagree but then why do we have students going to the Boys and Girls club, classes being taught in cafeterias and why do we have to wake up at 5:30am in the dark for Zero period if we don’t have overcrowding?

Nancy Myers

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

I will be voting for the school at Latteri Park. I think it’s a shame that the school on Brighton Road was not approved. The good people at Laterri Park have not presented an alternate plan, just Don’t Build Here. Before anyone starts screaming about costs take a look at our Municipal Budget. $3,951,997 in unpaid taxes. $8,412,089 in compensated absences. A surplus of $5,853,000. Do we need such a surplus. We could build a new city on the annual tax paid to cover these items. We should make the municipal budget as accountable as we do the school budget. Let’s improve the schools and look at our budget.

Gary Anolik I support the Latteri Park referendum because I am convinced of two things: we definitely need a school to relieve overcrowding, and there simply is not a better site available that makes sense economically. Any potentially viable site has either already been commercially developed, is in the process of being commercially developed, or is environmentally unsuitable. However, while I support the school, I do not support the grade structure realignment proposed by the Board once the school is constructed. Placing sixth graders in the same school as ninth graders is a bad mix no matter what steps are taken to isolate them from each other.

Joseph R. Torelli

factoring in state and federal law, and simple civility, demand no other decision. Clifton does a fine job, under great duress, educating the children of this community. It would be simply delightful to help more children excel, rather than just get by if given the proper space as required by law.

Elizabeth Eisenmenger

Yes, I will be voting in favor of the Latteri referendum. This site makes the most sense. The property is already owned by the Board of Education, and the money saved by not having to purchase a property can be used in the actual construction so corners don't have to be cut. We have plenty of parks in Clifton, I don’t think one will be missed especially since it benefits our children anyway.

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I will vote for the school to be built on Latteri Park—it should have already been built. I don’t understand the reluctance people have to having a school near their home.

Rae Angela Ruggiero I will certainly be voting for building on Latteri Park.

Sharon Passe Sichel I will be voting for the school.

Elizabeth Grimaldi Where I live in Dutch Hill we have seven schools within a two mile radius. The idea that it is too crowded in Rosemawr does not make sense. We have no place else to build. We need to invest in our schools and the facilities.

Bede Klein The Board of Education bought the Latteri property years ago and never used it. Now they want to use their land and I would say I would agree and vote yes.

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On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

1785

On the Latteri referendum, I will be voting no ... A few years ago, we were talking about shutting down a school or schools ... we even converted a school to administrative offices (on Clifton Ave.) ... now we want to build another school ... maybe a restructuring of the placement of the students would more than satisfy the so-called overcrowding ... maybe a partitioning of the classrooms used for special-ed classes where there are very few students in a room meant to hold at least 30 would help alleviate the situation ... maybe split shifts (although I’m sure the teachers would hate that one), would help alleviate the situation. I think there are several contingencies that might be looked into if the Board and Council weren’t in such an all-fired up hurry to spend our hard- earned and overpaid taxpayer dollars.

Esther Fernandez

I don’t want children to lose a park but the Board does own the land and they should be able to do what they think is in the best interest of the community with it. While I have mixed feelings about it, I say build on Latteri.

Janet Gergowitz I am absolutely in favor of using Latteri Park for the new school.

The Board of Education already owns the land. It was purchased for this reason. Whether or not the neighborhood wants it shouldn’t matter. I think the needs of the community should come first. The Latteri land should be used for educating the children of Clifton.

Michele Perez I will be voting yes for a school on Latteri. We already own the land, why should we buy more? This shouldn’t even be a question.

Pat Smith

I know it is crowded at the middle schools and high school. In regard to the referendum for the school, sorry to say I might vote no. Not due to location, but I really can’t believe and am too confused at this point by what I hear or read from the BOE or from the “group” who opposes the school at Latteri.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

I will be voting against using Latteri Park. We can’t give up what little open space we have left.

Globe or Athenia Steel are better sites.

Mary Ellen Michelotti Building on Latteri Park makes the most sense to me, we already own it.

Bob Graham Clifton needs a school. I am not a proponent of building on parks, but a strong educational system is the foundation of a strong city. If the school system fails, the city as a whole fails. I have never heard of anyone moving to or away from a city because they had a nice park... I have seen many of my sons friends move away to other towns because of the situation at the high school.

Ernie Berthold I feel Latteri Park should be the site for the new school, only if absolutely needed, will I vote “yes.” At this point, I think the citizens of Clifton are disgusted with this entire school situation, which has been dragging on forever. We have been lied to about this issue for so long that we no longer trust decisions and/or opinions of the Council.

Janet Wells

I’ve stood outside my polling place with a placard saying, ‘Vote Yes. Be true to your school’, invoking the 1960’s Beach Boys tune.

As a parent and a CHS alum, I’ve personally grieved whenever a school budget was voted down, knowing full well that Clifton spends far, far less than other districts.

But I now have no hesitation voting ‘No’ to seizing a public neighborhood park for brick, mortar and black top.

This will be my first ‘No’ vote on any school measure—ever. I voted for the Brighton Rd. school; I use to live nearby. It’s a sleepy road with little traffic and would face a residential neighborhood rather than intrude upon it. In fact, that very land was once zoned residential before industrial and office demand led to a switch.

Now, with American industry in retreat to less expensive labor markets overseas, the pendulum has flipped the other way. The ‘For Sale’ and ‘For Lease’ signs on Brighton Rd. today are the clearest evidence of that.

I will vote ‘Yes’ on any school spending—always— that doesn’t take away our precious green space and deny the good citizens of Clifton a park for their families.

I am saddened that this elected Board of Education has taken us down this ill-advised path.

Phil Read

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After five years of searching, no one has been able to come up with a better alternative site. In fact, aside from Brighton Rd., no one has been able to come up with any viable alternative site. Five years is long enough. While the powers that be keep arguing, middle class families keep leaving because they are afraid to send their children to the toobig, overcrowded high school.* If we want to attract the middle class back to Clifton, we have to take care of the overcrowding at the middle and high school levels.

And the City Council should spend more time getting rid of illegallyovercrowded housing (which is a huge part of why our schools are overcrowded), and less time getting rid of popularly elected Council members, and it should spend more time stopping the continued building of new residences, and less time stopping the building of a desperatelyneeded school.

I believe that the referendum in December is our last best hope to get that school built before we lose what’s left of our middle class families.

Yes, I will vote in support of the school referendum in December. * According to the State Department of Education, on a scale from A (the poorest) to J (the wealthiest), Clifton’s socioeconomic rating has slid from FG to DE (like Secaucus) to CD (like Hackensack). Twenty years ago, both Clifton and Wayne were FG districts. Now, Clifton is CD but Wayne has moved up to GH. Wayne has about 3,000 fewer students than Clifton. Wayne has two high schools and three middle schools. A lot of middle class families moved there when they left Clifton. Guess why?

Ellen Corbo

I will be voting yes for the school.

Robert Azevedo I’m kind of on the fence about the school still. A school definitely has to be build, but people can’t come to an agreement. I feel it’s an urgent need that we have to address and that’s the most logical spot.

Al Zwiazek The school should be built at Latteri Park, because we own it already.

Tom Sisco I will be voting for the school in Dec. We need a school and at Latteri, we don’t have to purchase any land.

Marteen Dinzes We cannot keep knocking down the issue, nor is there time or room to place blame. Too much time has been wasted fighting about where to build it. I’ll be voting for Latteri.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

Regarding the Latteri referendum I will be voting for it if the BOE can provide a reasonable price to Clifton taxpayers. The prior BOE president asserted he could provide a $49 milliom school on 310 and 330 Brighton Rd. for $50 additional taxes over the next 30 years.

With a little imagination the current BOE could, I believe, improve on this number.

For example, the BOE (not the City Council) should apply for Green Acre funds for the three acres to remain as a park and use it to offset construction costs.

Also consider the need for the Boys/Girls Club. If 290 Brighton Rd. obtains the needed variance through the courts, can the use of this facility be discontinued?

Is there a better site? Probably not. Whether you agree with the school superintendent or not, he believes overcrowding exists, the

BOE for the most part believes it exists, and the State Board of Education concurs.

If this referendum fails Dr. Rice will be back next year with another site. After all, that’s one of the functions he was hired for. It seems that there will always be oposition to any site, but Latteri is probably the only site that can obtain enough votes for referendum approval.

Robert Wittmann I used to live right there so I don’t support it. I know other options may be more expensive but you can’t take away a park. We don’t have enough parks as it is.

Lauren Shefchik We voted three people in to get that school built. I feel we should have a school in that section of town. If it doesn’t get approved, then the issue is done.

Arnold Simone

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A Local Park. Tight Streets.

Neighborhood Opposition.

Sound Familiar?

In 2000 and 2001, Carl Rossi was a member of a group of Lakeview and Botany residents who opposed the Board of Education’s plan to build a school in the Passaic Countyowned park, Lower Weasel Brook.

Residents didn’t want to lose the 3.6 acre park because they had little open space. They also expressed concerns about Central Ave. traffic.

The group made headlines but lost the fight.

Today, School 17, a grades K-5 elementary facility which opened in Sept., 2004, exists on that former park. Rossi moved across town soon after the voters approved the project.

In an interview published in 2004, during an earlier round to build a school on the Board-owned Latteri Park in Rosemawr, Rossi recalled the resident’s efforts to save the Botany park and pondered the similar scenarios.

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The groundbreaking of School 17 on Oct. 8, 2002 on what was then Little Weasel Brook Park. That’s former Board of Education Vice-President Joe Kolodziej presenting a $1 bill—the purchase price of the land—to then-Freeholder and NJ Assemblyman Peter Eagler. Eagler, recently reelected to his fourth term as a Clifton City Councilman, was instrumental in arranging the purchase. Also pictured is NJ Senator Nia Gill and current Board President Marie Hakim. Photo by Joe Torelli.

“We had 300 people sign our petition,” said Rossi. But the politicians paid no heed.

He offered a theory as to why Board and Council members respond to the voices of the Rosemawr residents and not those from Botany. “Latteri is more

affluent,” he surmised of the Rosemawr residents and their successful effort to thwart the use of Latteri Park for a school. “People there are more involved in politics.

They (the politicians) got to use the same criteria that they used in Botany Village.”

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

(When Listing Your Property)

On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

I am voting no for the new school on Latteri Park because I feel that the Board is not unified in their endeavors and at this point I do not feel there is enough ‘knowledge’ to decide: 1) if a school is definitely needed; 2) if Latteri Park is the closest to perfect spot that we can obtain; 3) that enrollment is increasing in a sufficient manner that warrants this expenditure; and 4) that we have looked into every other possibility for utilization of classroom space.

Faith Webb I plan on voting for a school to be placed at Latteri for a couple of reasons. The first is that the Board of Education already owns the property. The second is for a very personal reason. My parents still live on Russell St. where I was brought up.

I practically grew up in Weasel Brook playground. The summer

picnics my friends and I used to have under the trees, the tree climbing, and the hide and seek games are all fond memories that I still carry with me. I remember the year the Fire Dept. flooded the playground in the winter turning it into a giant ice skating rink that lasted a few days and the fun we had on it until it melted. When I walked passed the school (#17) for the first time, the only thing that came to my mind was the Madonna song, ‘This used to be my playground’. It brought tears to my eyes. School #17 is a beautiful school but so was the park. From my understanding, the new school will be taking only a part of Latteri and part of the park will remain. That area will have the best of both worlds. I also am a firm believer that if it’s good for one side of town, it’s good for the other. We all pay the same tax rate.

Joe Nikischer

I have been hearing about building a new school since my son was in 2nd grade, that was eight years ago.

Back then I didn't think anything of it because he was so young and I thought a school would been built years ago. I will be voting yes to any school, anywhere.

Angela Montague

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For two years former Board President Joe Kolodziej (illustrated here with his mom, City Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej) championed a campaign to build the proposed school on 11 of the 29 remaining acres of the former factory known as Athenia Steel, located on Clifton Ave. That was back in 2004-2005, and he had the support of the former City Council to do it.

The deal was that the City was to do whatever environmental clean-up was necessary on Athenia Steel, which the city has owned since 1999. Once that remediation was completed, the Board would swap Latteri Park for the clean 11 acres and then build a school.

But things did not go as scheduled. Deadlines came and went, promised environmental reports were never delivered by the city and after two years of waiting, Kolodziej’s plan for building a school on Athenia Steel never came close to fruition.

Today, the city still does not have the needed approvals from the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection to develop Athenia Steel for any purpose, nor does it have a plan to get people and cars on and off the property.

This past April, Kolodziej and four term Commissioner Jim Smith were swept out of office by the 1-2-6 ticket who campaigned on the platform of giving voters the right to vote on the Latteri School.

Can it be built on Globe or Athenia Steel?

Another site often talked about for the school has been Globe Products, a former factory near Latteri Park.

The City and the Board repeatedly contacted the property owner about a purchase but he was not interested in selling the land. The city has gone on record against using eminent domain to force the sale and thus the options of Globe or Latteri are not viable solutions.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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I am still undecided. The Latteri question will be tough. We definitely need a new school. The location is the best choice we have available and makes the most sense as it was purchased for a school when the need arose. However, I have a real problem with the BOE restructuring the grade levels. I do not think 9th graders belong in a middle school. It is no longer a clear cut vote for or against a school. Now a vote for the school, which we desperately need, is also a vote to approve the grade change.

Dawn Kaiser I will most definitely vote for a school on Latteri Park. We need it.

The only complaint from my three kids while in the high school has been about the crowding.

Maryann Cornett I will be voting in favor of the Latteri Park school site for several reasons. I don’t have great faith in the Board and Council’s ability to find still another site expeditiously.

I don’t believe the site addresses all the problems, but it is a first step toward a real solution. No site will be popular with every citizen, but most importantly no additional funds need be levied since the proper authority already owns the property. I do have another suggestion, if I might offer it here. We have the one middle school, Woodrow Wilson, on the west side of the “C”. Columbus sits up top, over toward the upper east end. I feel we need a third large middle school on the southeast end of the “C”, toward the Delawanna section. This would allow for the same “neighborhood school” feel which so benefits the city.

Frank Walsh

On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

I will vote yes to building a school no matter where they build it. It is already too little too late. Good schools create good neighborhoods for everyone; single, married, working, retired, with or without children. CHS has a lot to offer if you are willing to do the work. My sons, both Matt and Andrew, were well prepared for

college. But I can see the difference in just the five years from Matt to Chris.

Jane Seitz I will vote for the new school to be built on Latteri Park. It’s a safe site and will not hurt the neighborhood.

Build it...this subject is getting old....the City is losing its audience.

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On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

Put it there. The old School Board, by proposing Brighton Rd., and the current School Board, by proposing Latteri Park, has indicated that the schools are crowded. I defer to the experts. I will also be voting to support the new walkways at CHS. We need to invest in our schools. I am listening to the superintendent’s comments in which—and others have said this—that to draw new families and

maintain a good city we need good schools. When people are thinking of moving here they don’t ask how good is the police or fire departments or the DPW or the parks. They want to know about schools. The value of our homes is directly related to the quality of our schools. That affects people from every Clifton neighborhood. I will vote yes.

Rich Vandenbrook

I agree children are a priority but there must be a more appropriate site. The Board has to do a little more homework. I am against it.

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I’m voting for it. First off they own the property and second off we need that school for our kids.

Pete Salerno What I know for sure is that Clifton needs another school desperately. I was in favor of the purchase of the Shulton property for a school, I was in favor of the purchase of the Brighton Rd. property and I will be in favor of the third location as well. Is it the best location? I don’t know. I don’t like giving up park land. However, after years of debate, no one has proposed a more viable solution.

Ellen Thelin I heard about it, read about and I agree we definitely need another school but Latteri is not the right location. Taking away a park is just not right. The Board just needs to come up with another location.

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On Dec. 12, how will you vote?

When you take parks, it affects people of all ages. I will vote no.

Ask if Mr. Van Ness is going to give a speech on how unsafe Latteri is, just like he did with Brighton Rd. The same railroad tracks that pass his place are just a few blocks away. Bloomfield and Allwood Ave’s. have 10 times the amount of commuter traffic and has a 40 mph speed limit. And over half of the roads in the area don’t have sidewalks. We do need a school, but it should have been at Brighton Rd. Carmen Foti

I’m voting for the school. There is plenty of space there to build a school and still have room for a park. There’s not a school on that end of town now, so traffic will be a little more balanced out.

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I don’t think we should be building on Latteri. If they are going to build, it should be at Globe.

Bob Baran Money-wise, Latteri is probably the best idea. I hate to lose a park, but it’s give and take. My first choice was Brighton Rd. John Kivlehan

I’m against building a school. I moved into this neighborhood because of the park. We need a school, but keep the integrity of this neighborhood by leaving the open space. We shouldn’t do anything that involves eminent domain like Brighton Rd. Vic Rosamilia Yes, we should have just built it there without the vote. There are a lot of issues at Latteri right now.

People are bringing up stuff about drainage and traffic. Personally, I think it is going to end just like Brighton Rd. It’s terrible, people just don’t come out to vote. Dr. Rice is doing so much already. But I think it’s up to us—the parents— to get things to change. People keep complaining about the taxes, but hey, do you not want kids to have a good education?

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I am against Latteri Park because they are putting up a 1,200 student school and we need a 1,700 student school. I absolutely do not want students on Brighton Rd. which the Board is counting on for this project. They should build onto CHS and keep the ninth graders there.

Ellen Delosh with Suki We need to build on Latteri not add on to buildings.I will vote yes.

Rose Cronin

I attended school plopped in a small closed-in residential neighborhood and people have no idea of the problems they will encounter. In the long term there will be way too many people in too little space.

There is an absolute disregard for quality of life in this neighborhood.

All around us are big box retailers and ongoing construction. Traffic is one of my major concerns.

Irene Jarosewich

T I will definitely vote yes. Our schools are just too overcrowded.

Eric Rodriguez Yes to a school on Latteri as long as there is still some open space there.

Trisha Lopez There are a host of issues as to why this site is not appropriate. The streets surrounding it are narrow and you cannot fit two cars simutaneously. There are no sidewalks on surrounding streets. You cannot possibly walk there and have cars driving. Imagine having children there and it is life threatening? How can you bring 1,000 or more children and the staff and teachers? And what would you do if there were a fire? To me, the safety issues are the most prominent and glaring.

David Gross I will approve the Latteri referendum, and if if can’t be built then the BOE should put up condos there, sell them and use the profit for the next school site.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

39

I will certainly be voting against the referendum. In a matter of fact I and hundreds of volunteers from Clifton as well as people outside of Clifton are committed to do all we can to defeat this referendum.

First and foremost it robs the city of precious open space and recreation land when we are drastically deficient in this area. It is costing $50 million plus more in off site improvements. And remember we are not picking up any new assets but losing a very valuable one, a park.

As a result of possible flooding it has the potential to cause irreparable harm to the city. Lastly it is a referendum that even if it does pass it can be a decade or more before any groundbreaking occurs.

One only has to look at a recent referendum in Monroe Township that passed three years ago and building has still not occurred. The same environmental groups that have worked on that case are committed to saving Latteri Park. The two years we have waited for an answer on the Brighton Rd. Annex might seem like a weekend when compared to Latteri Park.

I have been an educator for more than a quarter of a century and have dedicated much of my life to educating handicapped children. My wife is a pediatrician who oversees school based pediatric health clinics for impoverished children. We both believe that those who care for and educate our children need to lead the way morally and the Board of Education has failed in this regard. There is nothing more important than our credibility, and throughout this process the credibility of our Board continues to decline.

I hope in the near future that a change in direction or leadership will occur so we can not only solve any “overcrowding” that may exist but improve the quality of our educational system as a whole.

Steve Goldberg

I am voting in favor of the Latteri referendum. The schools have been overcrowded for quite a while and the City has been short-sighted in the past in terms of building new schools. As time goes on the cost of building a new school only goes up.

As the mother of three young boys I would like to see them benefit from a new school.

Jacqueline Alectoridis It is still not clear to me why the solution to move sixth grade back to elementary schools and ninth grade to middle school is not being considered. I will vote no.

Alex Burakovsky I live around the corner from there and I want to keep it a park. I enjoy watching the kids playing.

Marvin ‘Lucky’ Bock Ed Note: If you’d like to share your opinions, send your comments— which must include your name and phone number. chawk6072@optonline.net

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

CHS sophomore Marianna Atiya pictured below and above in her AP American History class, which has 31 students.

From the beginning of the Case for Space campaign in 2004, I have eagerly supported attempts by the Board of Education to acquire a satisfactory addition to CHS, only to be repeatedly disappointed by what has transpired.

Every fact and figure displayed by the Board concerning the overcrowded condition at CHS has been trampled down by those who believe that a school is not needed.

As a sophomore in CHS, I have firsthand experience with the crowded condition. I am no longer able to escape the situation by avoiding the hallways; the crowded condition of the school is steadily pervading into the classrooms.

More than half of my classes have close to or over 30 students; my AP American History class, taught by a single teacher, holds 31 students. With so many students, it is difficult for teachers to productively interact with students, and the lessons are usually given in a type of lecture.

My non-academic classes are also affected. Nearly 100 students crowd into the one-third division of the gym, all within a 12-inch radius of each other. Some may argue that PE is not an important class but don’t we students deserve our personal space without having to worry about giving our neighbor a black eye during exercises?

Likewise, my art class lacks space and our teacher is unable to attend to the needs of all of us.

The problem is no longer the crowded hallways.

Marianna Atiya isn’t old enough to vote but we’ll give her the last word Only the highest math and science class in the school, the Math Connections program, of which I am part and which is offered only to a select group of students, has 19 students. This should be the number of every class, but now, it seems, it is becoming a privilege to be educated in a classroom with less than 30 students.

Now, the very quality of our education is in jeopardy. I ask that, for the upcoming referendum, Clifton residents think about the type of education they are giving their students. After all, we are the future of this community.

If Clifton votes no to this much needed new school, what kind of future is it voting for?

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

41

Mustangs 20 Ridgewood 17

42

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

here’s one second left on the clock and Clifton is down 14-17 against public school powerhouse Ridgewood on a cold, rainy October night. It’s fourth down at the Maroon one yard line in a game with playoff implications. On the sidelines after spiking the ball on third down, senior Mustang quarterback Anthony Giordano (at left) confidently asks coach Ron Anello to call a quarterback keeper, rather then go for the tie. This had the makings of a legendary Mustang game.

Giordano takes the snap and fakes a handoff to junior fullback Matt Davella and sprints to the left side of the end zone, just beating out the Maroon defenders by diving across the goal line. The fans who stayed and braved the weather at Clifton Stadium went crazy, reminiscent of the days of the Mustang dynasty teams under Joe Grecco and Bill Vander Closter.

This was a true team effort, a gritty and crafty win against a formidable opponent. The implications of this win will go far beyond this year, as Clifton has made a statement this season: the Fighting Mustangs are once again a force to be reckoned with.

T

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Optimist Cup 2006 Clifton leads the series with a 37-35-5 record.

Getting ready to break bread—or at least chow down on some hot dogs on Nov. 15—are captains from both teams. Top row, left to right: Mustang Rob McClear who is holding the Optimist Cup, Indians Alvaro Mejia and Adam Rojas, and Mustang Timmy Jacobus. Bottom row: Mustang Anthony Giordano, Indians Tariq McDaniel and Franklin Tapia, and Mustang Nick Cvetic.

Thanksgiving Day Passaic Stadium•10 am 44

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Passaic & Clifton Optimist Clubs Hot Dog Nite Wed. Nov. 15, 6:30 ike the ancient city-states of Greece and Troy, Clifton and Passaic are long standing rivals that share an illustrious history. Before they were known by their current names, the two cities were one in the same as Acquackanonk.

In modern times, some say the two have evolved differently, but they still have many connections to their shared origins. For many of the past 83 years, the game of football reunites the two sister cities, as the Indians and Mustangs fight for pride, respect and bragging rights.

But before these two rivals clash in their Thanksgiving Day gridiron war, they will make peace in an unusual way: eating hot dogs together with members of the Passaic & Clifton Optimist Clubs.

This annual event is organized as a way for not only the football team to get to know one another, but also for members of the girls volleyball teams, cheerleaders and bands to meet. Now, we ask you to get to know these kids and be a Friend of Youth. Join us at our Clifton & Passaic Optimist Clubs Hot Dog Nite on Nov. 15 at 6:30 pm.

All youth from both Clifton and Passaic get in for free. Parents and others are asked to pay $10 in advance to help fund and support this event. For tickets, call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400.

One goal of the event is to get the kids from the two schools to forge relationships and have respect for one another. Players from both squads will get up and say a few words about their teams and what sports have meant to them.

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The Downtown Clifton landmark, the MidTown Grill, will cater the event, which will be held next door at the Rec Center on Main Ave. On Thanksgiving Day, the teams will battle in Passaic for the Optimist Cup Trophy, now in the Mustangs possession. It will be awarded on the 50 yard line to the winning football team at the end of

the annual Thanksgiving game, held this year at Boverini Stadium.

Clifton leads the series with a 3735-5 record. Trophies for offensive and defensive MVP’s for each team will also be awarded. Be sure to come to both events to see old friends, meet your neighbors and, of course, support your Clifton Fighting Mustangs.

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Clifton’s Favorite Adopted Son...

Angelo Bertelli

by Jack DeVries

Angelo Bertelli walked from the corrugated steel Quonset hut on Parris Island, wiping tears from his eyes.

He had just finished listening to the radio, hearing his beloved Notre Dame lose to Great Lakes Naval Station—beaten in the last 33 seconds on a desperation pass for a touchdown. The 1943 undefeated season— one which Bertelli led the Irish to victory in the first six games—was history, the final loss apparently killing any chance of Notre Dame winning the national championship.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Humble and unassuming, the late Angelo Bertelli’s life is a great American story. In addition to starring for Notre Dame and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1943, ‘Bert’ fought at Iwo Jima, built a successful business, raised a family, and lived most of his life in the place that became his beloved home, Clifton.

Pvt. Bertelli, USMC, receiving the Heisman Trophy in 1943.

Bertelli wasn’t going to the award ceremony in New York City. America had a war to win and every soldier was needed. When the Downtown Athletic Club called, the Marines sent the following response on Bertelli’s behalf: “Regret to inform you impractical to grant request for presence of Pvt. Angelo Bertelli at Downtown Athletic Club. Bertelli now undergoing training at Parris Island… any absence for even a limited time materially affects his chance for selection (into officer candidates school)… in view of which is necessary to disapprove request.”

The Heisman would have to wait. Pvt. Angelo Bertelli, USMC had appointments in Guam, Iwo Jima, and ultimately Japan.

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Bertelli imagined the dejected look on his teammates’ faces and the sorrow in Coach Frank Leahy’s heart. He was so far away, unable to throw his long arm around Johnny Lujack’s shoulders, the kid who replaced him, and tell the sophomore quarterback to keep his chin up.

The loss also reminded Angelo that he might never play football again. After finishing his Marine boot camp, Bertelli was going overseas to fight an opponent who was a hell of lot more dangerous than Michigan, Illinois, or all the schools combined.

Suddenly, a jeep roared up and a corporal hopped out with a telegram. Opening it, Bertelli learned he had just won the Heisman Trophy, selected as the nation’s best college football player—the first time the award was ever won by a player from Notre Dame.

What followed was much different than what happens today. When a modern college player wins the Heisman, we see his happy reaction broadcast by ESPN. If a football star turned U.S. serviceman won the award, it would be a recruiter’s dream come true. The military would love seeing an athlete accept the legendary award in his dress uniform on national TV. But it was a far different time in 1943.

YEARS

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The Springfield Rifle Angelo Bertelli grew up in Springfield, Mass., the son of immigrants who came to America in 1915. As writer Gene Schoor describes in A Treasury of Notre Dame Football, his parents returned to Italy in 1926 with their children to sell their farm, located near Venice.

After finishing their business, the Bertellis’ set sail for their new home in the U.S., “disregarding the strident protest of (5 year-old) Angelo who wanted to become a gondolier.”

In America, Bertelli discovered a new passion: sports. He began playing baseball and football with his sandlot friends called the “Deadliners,” as in “cross this line and you’re dead.”

“He was one of those absolute naturals, always ahead of the other kids,” friend Sam Pompei told the Springfield Union News. “When he was 16, he was catching for the Exposition AA, a neighborhood team of players in their twenties.”

However, Bertelli loved hockey best, becoming a “rink rat” and working at the Eastern States Coliseum, the home ice of Hockey Hall of Famer Eddie Shore’s Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League. Bertelli assisted the janitor by sharpening skates, cleaning uniforms, and sweeping up after the crowds left— and learning the game from the Springfield players.

Shore, a former Boston Bruins star, would later describe Bertelli as the greatest prep player he had ever seen. However, he advised Angelo to go to college, saying “education was No. 1” and a hockey career would wait.

Courted by baseball’s Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds for his prowess as a catcher, Bertelli’s greatest success was on the gridiron.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

As a junior running back for the Cathedral High football team, Angelo was tall, thin, and not particularly fast, and soon dropped to fourth-string… until his coach saw him fire a forward pass in practice.

It was a pass that changed his life.

“I’ve always said it, thank God for Cathedral High School, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and (football coach) Billy Wise,” Bertelli told the Springfield Union News four months before his death in June 1999. “They were the perfect combination for someone like me.”

Bertelli was the perfect combination for Cathedral. As a starter in 1938, he led the Purple Panthers

(2-4 the year before) to the Western Mass. championship.

In 1939, Bertelli was better, throwing 10 touchdown passes and running for six more, along with handling the team’s kicking duties, as his undefeated squad won the Western Mass. championship again.

After the season, Bertelli was named Outstanding Player in Western Mass., an award now named in his honor.

“There were some of us,” remembered Pompei, “who figured football was Bert’s third-best sport. That’s how good he was at everything.”

... for Old Notre Dame

Ironically after Bertelli’s freshman year, Leahy was hired as the Fighting Irish’s new head coach.

Accurate Angelo As Bertelli and Leahy met up at Notre Dame, football was entering a new era, about to embrace the forward pass as a dominant offensive weapon.

The 1940 Chicago Bears won the NFL title with the passing “T formation”, placing the quarterback behind the center with running

backs on either side. In the college ranks, Stanford employed the T and went from a 1-7-1 team that scored just 54 points in a season to 196point scoring powerhouse that beat Nebraska in the Rose Bowl.

Leahy took notice.

As he had started his Cathedral High career, the wiry 6’1”, 168pound Bertelli was a fourth string running back. At the college level, he was considered slow and easy to tackle.

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Though gifted as an athlete, Bertelli almost never played in college. When he was 16, his father Bortolo was killed in a hit and run accident while riding his bicycle back from his coal shoveling job.

Bertelli wanted to quit school and get a job to help support the family, but his mother and sisters wouldn’t hear it. Instead, his mother took a job as a hostess at a neighborhood Italian restaurant to feed the family.

“His two sisters and my grandmother thought he was special,” says son Michael Bertelli. “Besides athletics, he was good at everything he did—an honor student, class president… why he was the Western Mass. marbles champion.

They wanted him to go to college.”

With graduation approaching, Bertelli received many scholarship offers from schools like Cornell, Holy Cross, Boston University and Boston College. But Notre Dame’s interest meant the most to him.

Cathedral alum Milt Piepul, a fullback and captain of the 1940 Fighting Irish, was instrumental in steering Bertelli to the university— but not without a fight from Boston College and coach Frank Leahy.

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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In fact, Schoor writes that Leahy once told Bertelli, “You are also about the slowest running tailback I have seen…” But with his arm, the Springfield Rifle’s time had come Still employing Knute Rockne’s box offense—but using the pass more often— sophomore Bertelli enjoyed a storybook 1941 season, completing 70 out of 123 passes for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns.

Notre Dame finished 8-0-1.

“Accurate Angelo,” as the writers nicknamed him, earned AllAmerican honors and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting— a feat accomplished by only two other sophomores, Army’s Glenn Davis and Georgia’s Hershel Walker.

However, Leahy believed the Irish and Bertelli could be better.

On a snowy February day in 1941, the coach summoned Bertelli to tell his plans to institute the T formation at Notre Dame.

Scrapping Rockne’s offense would be considered sacrilegious at the school, and the weight of Leahy’s decision rested on Angelo’s right arm and work ethic.

Through the spring and summer, Bertelli practiced, as he described, “millions” of snaps and throws.

As Leahy said, “No player ever worked harder to improve than Angelo Bertelli.”

But when the season began, the T-formation offense was a disaster.

In its first game, Notre Dame tied Wisconsin, 7-7, and then lost, 13-6, to Georgia Tech. Bertelli passed for just 150 yards in those two games and Leahy ended up in the hospital, probably overcome by stress and second-guessers.

To help his young quarterback, Leahy shifted the play-calling responsibilities to Sparta’s Harry Wright, who had moved from quarterback to guard to accommodate Bertelli.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

In the next game, the young quarterback responded by throwing four touchdowns against Stanford for a 27-0 win. The Irish went 7-22 for the season with Bertelli finishing sixth in the Heisman race.

In 1943, Leahy’s T-formation experiment came to fruition as Notre Dame went 9-1, their only loss coming to Great Lakes, a Navy all-star team stocked with college talent.

Though they ended the season with a loss, Notre Dame was crowned college football’s national champions, based on quality wins against tough opponents, including a 35-12 road victory over No. 2 Michigan.

In the Heisman race, Bertelli easily outdistanced his competition with 648 votes. Pennsylvania’s Bob O’Dell finished second with 177 and the great Otto Graham third with 140.

In typical fashion, Bertelli played down his accomplishment, saying the Heisman was more a “career thing—you don’t win it for six games.”

His numbers dispute his statement. In his six games, Notre Dame outscored the opposition 221-31 with Accurate Angelo notching 10 TD passes.

During his career at Notre Dame, the Irish went 21-2-3, with Bertelli throwing for 2,578 yards and 28 TD passes. He also kicked 41 extra points.

But the best measure of his talent was his No. 1 selection in the 1943 NFL draft.

The Boston Yanks selected Bertelli ahead of future NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Otto Graham and Bob Waterfield, and the great halfback Steve Van Buren.

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Angelo Bertelli at his Styretowne liquor store during a promotion for Olifant Vodka.

Dec. 15, 2006 Dec. 15, 2006

Dec. 15, 2006

Dec. 15, 2006

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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The 1969 Bertelli football team, from left: Frank Kida #61, Paul McGuiness, Carmen Arlotta #82, Kurt Brennan, Paul Errico, Joe Pauan #51, Allen Asbaty #30, Jerry Mangrella #53, Bill Cluney #63 2nd Row: Manny Govia, Ron Furtino #33, Rene Bardell, Gordon Hahn #70, Diego #62, Gary Ippolito #64, Ed Kuborwicz #52, Jack Crosby, Steve Nugent #71, Coach Buttner 3rd Row: Head Coach Norm VanSchimf, Karl Buttner, Tom Juronick, Joe Funk, Al Carestia, Steve Szurko, Coach Hahn.

Semper Fi! While at Notre Dame, Bertelli enlisted in the U.S. Marines, which placed him in their V-12 program, a college course for prospective officers. After completing boot camp, he served at Guam, which was already secured, as a recreation officer.

Bertelli saw combat at the battle of Iwo Jima, where 77,000 Marines fought against 22,000 Japanese, entrenched in tunnels, pillboxes, and caves.

In an interview with the Sunday Republican of Massachusetts, he talked about his experiences, but emphasized, “Don’t make me out to be a hero. I was just there doing what needed to be done.”

Before his eventual landing on Day 3 of the battle, he witnessed the Navy bombardment of the island.

“It made you wonder how anybody could be left alive,” Bertelli said.

“It was the most awesome fireworks show I’ve ever seen.”

As a platoon leader helping secure the island’s airfield, Lieutenant Bertelli escaped death twice, once when a mortar explod54

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

ed nearby, killing a corpsman attending to a fallen comrade. The second was when Bertelli threw a grenade into a foxhole. To his shock, the grenade came flying back out at him.

“You never saw Bertelli move so fast,” he said. To take out the foxhole, he and his men “threw five grenades at once.” Throughout his life, he said the “the smell of sulphur and death” remained with him.

After Iwo Jima, Bertelli was part of the occupying force that landed on Japan. While there, he helped organize one of the strangest touch football games ever played—the “Atom Bowl”—in the decimated city of Nagasaki.

“We thought (the game) would be totally appropriate and symbolic of a celebration,” retired Colonel Gerald Sanders told the New York Times in 2005. “It was certainly not to look like there was a joyful glee in what had happened there. It had an emotional effect on us. We were there, yet we had many buddies that didn’t make it through the war.”

After the war, Bertelli returned to the states, earned his degree, rejected the NFL, and played with the Los Angles Dons and later with the Chicago Rockets. A knee injury ruined his brief pro career.

“We used to kid him,” says Clifton’s Jim White, a friend for more than 30 years.

“In 1943, he got a $5,000 bonus for signing. We’d tell him, ‘Bert you had bad timing. A Heisman Trophy winner today gets $10 million.’ He’d just laugh.”

A New Hometown After football, Bertelli went back to Springfield to manage a sporting goods store. Now married to his childhood sweetheart Gilda, they began a family that would eventually include daughters Judith and Lauren, and sons Michael and Robert.

In 1949, Bertelli got a call from his an old Chicago Rockets teammate Augie Lio, who asked him to come to New Jersey and coach a semi-pro football team, the Paterson Panthers. Though the Panthers folded soon after he arrived, once living in Clifton, Bertelli made friends with developer Steve Dudiak.

It was another moment that changed his life as Dudiak later became his silent partner, helping Bertelli open a liquor store in the Styertowne Shopping Center.

“They opened at least 10 different liquor stores and held interests in others,” says Michael Bertelli, who

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Steve Dudiak and Angelo Bertelli in 1972, at his dinner induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

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This program is our way of reaching out to families we have served, and to others in our community, to let them know that they are not alone this holiday season.

Everyone is welcomed to attend our memorial program.

The program is free. Reservations requested but not required. Please call 973-249-6111.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

runs the Styertowne store today. “My dad lost his father at a young age and looked up to Mr. Dudiak, who was a hard worker himself and accomplished a lot without much formal education. “It was a great partnership. In fact, I’m still in partnership with the Dudiak family today.”

Unlike some ex-athletes, Bertelli left the field with no regrets. He played volleyball and golfed but never took either seriously. Bertelli also was a football radio color commentator for Princeton University from 1956 to 1967.

Though Bertelli remained close to Springfield, son Michael notes Clifton soon became his home. “He loved his business, loved his friends here,” he says Bertelli. “He was a people person and treated everyone the same regardless of their station in life.”

He also never made too much of his celebrity status.

“Once, he invited a bunch of us to go to Notre Dame with him,” says White. “You should’ve seen the way people treated him there—like a god. Just before halftime, he told us he’d be right back. Then we saw him on the field being honored—he never told us that was going to happen. That was Bert.”

White also remembers Bertelli using the famous Heisman as a doorstop in his home.

“He was a humble man,” says Doc Paternoster, another friend. “Bert was never flamboyant and had a subtle wit… just a great guy. We became friends when he opened his liquor store by my office, and there were always people stopping by his place to visit.”

Angelo Bertelli with the Heisman, circa 1985.

This December, Clifton can remember its favorite adopted son by stopping by Bertelli’s Wines and Liquors in Styertowne and seeing the famous Heisman Trophy on display.

“People should see it,” says Michael Bertelli.

“Clifton meant a lot to my father.

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www.drpaternoster.com November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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by Joe Hawrylko

‘66 Junior Mustangs magine the excitement of being an 11 year old on a plane headed to Florida in the middle of November for a football game.

Now imagine doing it in 1966. At that time, air transportation was not as common as it is today. But for 33 lucky Clifton Junior Mustangs, it’s a football story they still tell.

In an era when most youth teams played nearby communities, the 1966 Mustangs were in a league of their own as they became the first Clifton junior team to be invited to an out of state game. Their selection wasn’t by chance, either.

“Our team was so good that we had trouble finding games in our weight class,” explained head coach Frank Pecci, a football star at CHS from 1948-51. “It got so bad that we started playing Bantam weight teams, which were 15, 20 pounds heavier then us.”

Led by Pecci, a former CHS football assistant coach for 13 years, the Junior ‘Stangs stepped out of the shadows of the big boys at the high school and began their own legacy as a powerhouse team by routinely dominating teams statewide.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

“One of the parents said to me that these Mustangs went away as little boys,” recalled assistant coach Ray Promin, “and they came back as little men.”

The staff for 1966: Coach Frank Pecci, assistant coaches Jack Boetcher, Ray Promin, club president Gene Ross, and treasurer John Dee. The players: Ken Pami, James Spillane, Frank La Ceese, Joseph Calise, Carmen Alotta, Dennis Ryby, Dennis and Douglas Kleber, Robert Perugino, Robert Andriknich, Kenneth Moore, John Van Dorn, Jay Russo, Patrick Gully, William Campbell, Robert Bania, James Turano, Robert Coates, Robert Walker, Thomas Carleo, Robert Siljee, Thomas De Stefano, David Chambers, Richard Waller, Anthony Pollizi, Stephen Augustine, Thomas Biro, James Carrigan, Edward Chaky, Richard DeLotto, Earl White, Roy McTeeran and Robert Pressner.

Their play caught the attention of the Pop Warner International Football League, who invited them to the Millard Cain Bowl in Florida, to play the Gill Hotel AllStars. The catch was that the Clifton’s kids raise the funds to fly to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and find a place to stay there. Luckily, their hometown came out to support the Junior Fighting Mustangs.

Local businesses, from large corporations like Hoffman La Roche and Givaudan, to small mom and pop stores, lent their support to the boys. Some gave money, others

donated supplies for the three day trip, such as toothbrushes, towels and other goods which were bagged

by Pecci, his wife and his staff and given to the boys. These gifts, combined with the funds raised by the booster drive, proved to be enough to send the Mustangs to Fort Lauderdale, where they would spend their Thanksgiving in 1966.

“Pop Warner told us we just had to raise the money. Whatever wasn’t raised, parents would pay,” said Pecci, who was then in his first of 12 years with the Junior Mustangs. “In the end, not one parent paid.”

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Pecci knew that his boys would be under intense scrutiny once in Florida. Emulating the legendary Joe Grecco’s coaching style, Pecci stressed the importance of the public’s perception of the team. Complete with suits, hair cuts and team bags, the Junior ‘Stangs could be mistaken for a pro team if it wasn’t for their size.

Once the bus arrived at LaGuardia Airport on the morning of Nov. 23, all eyes were on the 33 kids from Clifton.

“For most of us, it was our first time on a plane,” recalled Rich DeLotto, a member of the ‘66 team and current Clifton Firefighter. “When we left, it was cold out, but down there, it was about 40 degrees warmer.”

Florida would also expose the boys to the southern lifestyle. Players would spend their three days living with the family of an opposing player.

“That was an experience. We were in Florida and these were true southerners,” explained DeLotto.

“They asked about you, New Jersey, our schools and other stuff. We had Thanksgiving dinner with them.”

However, once the turkey was gone, these new friends would soon be turned into foes, with game day less than 24 hours away.

Nothing could prepare the Junior Mustangs for the huge game before them, as they had never played in an event of this magnitude.

“It was real impressive, like around 8,500 people at the game,” said DeLotto, recalling the 40 year old event like it happened recently. “It was like the old championship games at CHS. Plus, it was televised.”

But due to a scheduling error, the ‘Stangs would be playing their game with the odds stacked against them.

Pecci learned that they would be playing an all-star team some 15 pounds heavier then the Mustangs. But the kids didn’t travel 1,000 miles just for turkey. However, pitted against much larger opponents, the Junior ‘Stangs didn’t fare well, getting shut out in the first half.

With nothing to lose, Pecci decided to start improvising and began drawing up plays on a board that many would deem too complex for kids. But the Mustangs soaked it right up and scored 28 points in the second half, losing 52-28. It was a moral victory.

“It was more points against the all-stars that had been scored by any other team in their weight class all season,” reported Pecci in a post game interview.

The kids from Clifton even managed to win over their hosts with their gritty performance, and the Junior Mustangs were invited back for a game in 1968.

It was a new era for the Junior Mustangs.

Seeing how well the plays worked in the second half of the bowl game, Pecci borrowed plays from friend and former CHS teammate Ray ‘Ditch’ Malavasi, who would later go on to coach the L.A Rams to the 1979 Super Bowl. Combined with Pecci’s stern coaching style, the Mustangs dominated, earning out-of-state bowl games in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Washington, Maryland and Connecticut in eight out of 12 years under Pecci. The Millard Cain Bowl was the catalyst in starting this tradition. Assistant coach Ray Promin best summed up that experience.

“One of the parents said to me that these Mustangs went away as little boys,” he said, recalling the team’s first bowl game. “And they came back as little men.”

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Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the Let’s Go Mets: The article on the Mets VP of Media Relations Jay Horwitz was great! I’ve been a Met fan since I was a little boy in the 1960’s and from time to time in the more recent past, the announcers in the broadcast booth will refer to something that Jay did or said, and they’ll all crack up. I did not know that he was a Clifton guy. And he’s dealt with some wild things: the ridiculous (such as the over-priced clowns the Mets had in the early 1990’s who embarrassed themselves wherever they went) and the sublime (sitting in Davey Johnson’s office watching the end of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series on TV along with Keith Hernandez who refused to leave his chair—which still had some hits in it—until the rally was complete and his teammates came back to win the game). What a great career Jay has had!

Dave Arts Social Studies teacher, CHS

1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011

tomhawrylko@optonline.net

Editor

What’s at the tip of your pen? From addressing topics facing our schools and the city’s politicians to commenting on the stories you see within our pages, share your opinions with us. Write to us at the address above. Be sure to include your phone number when corresponding. We will not publish anonymous letters.

You could count on Jay: Your heartwarming human interest story of Jay Horwitz provided wonderful memories of an innocent time of our lives. Jay’s devotion, spirit and unbridled enthusiasm to CHS athletics lifted many of us on and off the basketball court and athletic field to become more than we ever could be. Like so many caring people who work tirelessly in the shadows of others, Jay was the wind beneath our wings...

Edward J. Roccella, CHS ‘62 Bethesda, MD

Mets and more: As one who grew up in Clifton and graduated CHS in ‘63, I enjoy every issue of Clifton Merchant Magazine. Living out of state, your magazine keeps me connected to my hometown and I look forward to each issue.

Your article about the history of sports personalities from Clifton was one of the many that brought our town's history to life. To learn that the great Honus Wagner got his start on Clifton’s Olympic Field was a pleasant surprise.

And, thank you very much for the great job with the story about my good friend Jay Horwitz! Reading your story, I even learned things about him that I should have remembered.

I spoke with Jay and he said he loved the article as well. That is a tribute to the effort of Jack DeVries in putting it all together after speaking to people like Mookie Wilson who works with Jay everyday. If you had the time, there would be good words for Jay from many of those in MLB. I hope some of our former schoolmates who might not live in Clifton get to see the article as well.

John Scalzo, CHS ‘63 Loudoun County, VA 60

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Since I was too young to go to the war, I worked on a farm off of Day St., owned by a man named Nick, and another near Rt. 46 and Hazel St., the Max farm. My pay was 10 cents an hour, a total of a dollar a day. When I got paid, I felt like I was a rich boy.

As a Boy Scout, we collected scrap metal and rags for the war drive, which we would pack into the gym. There was so much that we never could use it for basketball.

It was nice to read about Matt Kudlacik in your Oct. edition (p 20) and to see him keeping Lakeview green. I worked with Matt at UPS some years ago and he was an environmentalist then and I am glad to read he still is today. You did not mention one important fact about Matt: he was also an Eagle Scout.

Robert Fierro Clifton

Clifton farms & memories: I just received my third issue of Clifton Merchant Magazine and I must say, it brings back memories to me as a 78 year old Cliftonite at heart.

When the ‘city’ was still all farms, I moved around Clifton like it was my back yard. The only place I did not venture into was the Delawanna section, except for a trip to Rutts Hut for a hot dog, (Sorry Hot Grill... the Texas Weiner wasn’t invented yet.)

I learned how to fish in the race track pond, introducing me to being a fisherman for life. Hunting was also right in our hometown, a passion that I still love to this day.

After class at School 3 on Washington Ave., I would go out the back door to where it was woods, and follow the road all the way to the Allwood section.

Thursday was a big day back then. The Herald News had a coupon for White Castle, where you bought 20 hamburgers for a dollar, (5 cents each) and received another 5, which came to 25 for a dollar—a total of two and a half cents each.

Wow! I could go on about my exploits growing up in Clifton but... I must get my cane and go for a walk. I’d just like to say ‘hello’ to all the folks back home.

Thomas Passafiume Lake Havasu, AZ

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

61

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

In his spirit, we continue its publication. he staff at Morré Lyons is very excited about a special event coming up at our store—so mark your calendars! On Wednesday, November 15th, we will be having a trunk show where an array of spectacular jewelry will be on display. Festivities will start at 12 noon and run until 8 o’clock in the evening. This is the perfect opportunity to see the entire line of each vendor’s merchandise, not just our in-store selections. It’s a wonderful occasion to do some early Holiday shopping.

T

“Journey” diamond jewelry is now available at Morré Lyons. These stylish new creations consist of at least four diamonds of different sizes arranged in a graduated pattern from smallest to largest with at least one stone of significant size. The design symbolizes how a couple’s love grows over time and how each relationship is a unique journey in and of itself. Journey diamond designs are available in a wide range of items including pendants, rings, and earrings.

Holiday orders are arriving daily and the showcases are filled with beautiful and unique designs that make perfect holiday gifts. We’re sure you’ll find just the right gift for all the special people in your life and on your list. We anticipate another wonderful holiday season with all our valued friends and loved ones.

The birthstone for November is Topaz which can be found in a wide range of colors but is typically straw-yellow colored. The name “topaz” is derived from the Greek word “to seek” which was the name of a Red Sea island that was difficult to find and from which a yellow stone was mined in ancient times. Topaz was believed to strengthen the mind and make one wiser.

Have a NOTEWORTHY NOVEMBER and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday. We’ll talk to you again next month.

JEWELERS RICHFIELD SHOPPING CENTER 1354 CLIFTON AVE • CLIFTON • 973.777.4329 www.morrelyons.com 1295

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

‘59 CHS Drum Majorette Diane Reichardt (now Paulik) writes from Danville, CA: “Great work on telling the story of our trip to the 1959 Rose Bowl in your August edition. It brought back so many memories and connected a lot of old friends. Thanks.”

The legacy of Harry Collester: John A Celentano Jr. sent us a note relaying a letter which he received. It is paraphrased here: Thank you for your letter in the Sept.

Clifton Merchant Magazine, in which you recall my grandfather and your dad’s memory that teacher Harry Collester played the infield for CHS just after WWI. Granddad played baseball for Madison (now Colgate University) and after graduation in 1904 joined a pick-up team and barnstormed through the Northeast. He gave that up when he married my grandmother and pursued the lucrative career of a teacher (imagine that!), coming to Clifton after my father was born. He taught at CHS for over 50 years and coached baseball and basketball.

Granddad stood only 5’5”, but to me, he was a giant.

I was so fortunate to have him in my life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reflect upon him again.

Judge Donald G. Collester Jr. Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division

It would’ve been impossible to document Lakeview’s history in your Oct. edition without some reference to Kohout’s. Although gone now for 20 years, Kohout’s was a fixture at 262 Lakeview Ave.—later renumbered to 308 Lakeview —for over five decades. My grandparents, Barney and Frances Kohout, started the bakery in the 1920s. They were Czech immigrants who were devoted to America and to the Lakeview melting pot that welcomed them. It was good to read that these rich traditions continue today in Lakeview.

Fran (Fleischer) Hopkins Cedar Grove

Marching Mustang Tradition: Raymond Damiano was the Marching Mustang Drum Major in the 1943 season, and is pictured front and center. After reading the profile in Sept. about Christopher Cerullo, the 2006 Drum Major, Damiano sent us this photo and a short note: “At that time we didn’t have uniforms. They issued us a hat

and baton and we had to purchase our own white sweater, white trousers and saddle shoes.” Today, Damiano is 80 years old and lives in Little Falls. In 1943, he was president of the band, the orchestra and senior class. After graduation in June, he enlisted in the US Navy and shipped out on Nov. 25, 1944.

Serving the community since 1928.

CLIFTON • GARFIELD • WALLINGTON • WAYNE

www.cliftonsavings.com INSURED

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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American Legion Post 347

Some of the members of American Legion Post 347, from left, first row: Treasurer M. Louis Poles, Historian Dominic Chiappone and past Commander Anton Taschler. Second row: Commander Michael G. Gimon, members Angelo Guerra and Joseph Constantine. Top, from left: First Vice Commander Frank Smith, Joe Stern, Adjunct Emil Krak and Walter Marut.

I

f the walls of this Botany Village veterans post could talk, they would share stories of war, love and marriage, and tales of great baseball games, big picnics and the inevitable issue of death.

Since 1950, American Legion Post 347, shown at right and located on Lake Ave., has served Clifton.

It has been a community center, a dance hall and a place for a wedding reception or fundraiser. It was also a place to sit and talk politics, tell war stories and lift a glass in a toast to the dearly departed.

But the end of the line has come for the old home of Post 347. In a deal worked out with the city, the remaining members of the post have 64

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

sold the building to the city which has some type of urban redevelopment plan to knock the structure down and replace it with new housing. The soon to be displaced mem-

bers will meet in the Rec building on Main Ave. or some other yet to be determined location. “We will still be around,” said Commander Mike Gimon, “and we will be active.”

Clifton Veterans Parade Sunday, November 5 at 2 pm

The dedication of Post 347 on Lake Ave. on May 28, Memorial Day, 1950.

Post 347 was established at the end of WWII by a group of vets from Botany. Over the years, generations of members have created a legacy of community involvement which continues today.

For instance, the group’s annual beefsteak for their 18 and under baseball team is on Nov. 25 at the Clifton Elks Lodge. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the ticket cost is $35.

Members will host a Christmas party on Dec. 12 at Johnny’s Tavern at the corner of Dayton and Ackerman Ave’s. The event begins at noon and ticket price has not been established yet.

For info, call 973-546-9876.

Grand Marshall Helene Lenkowec, a WWII Coast Guard veteran, pictured here back in the day, will kick off the Annual Veterans Parade on Nov. 5 at 2 pm.

Stepping off from Main and Sylvan Ave’s., the parade will work its way down Main Ave. to Main Memorial Park, where a ceremony will be held.

Those who will be marching include Clifton Police and Fire Departments, local politicians, the Marching Mustang Band, military transport trucks, the Passaic County Sheriffs Department, Little Ferry VFW Band and the Allwood VFW 6487.

Also: Albion VFW 7165, Merchant Marines, District 1 Commander VFW, Tin Can Sailors, Passaic County Tech Band, Passaic County ROTC, DAV 2, MORPH 366, Salaam Motor Cars, 82nd Airborne, 10th Special Forces, and various Brownies, Cub Scouts, as well as Girl and Boy Scout troops.

Also, Clifton Moose 657, Clifton Elks 1569, Emerald Grenadiers Girl Drum and Bugle Corps, American Legion Post 8, American Legion Post 347 and the Athenia Vets.

Come out to line the parade route to show support for Clifton veteans.

Call Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264 or John Biegel at 973-471-8828 for details.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

65

TCBY celebrity scoopers from St. Andrew’s School, including Principal Sister Margaret Murphy, and Presentation Sisters Mary Charles and Carol, served up yogurt to the hundred plus parishioners and school families who came out to Clifton’s TCBY in Richfield Plaza to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. Parent Rosemary Trinkle-Baran who helped organize the event, said that “TCBY is a great community partner not only by helping us out but by the number of Clifton kids which they employ.” A percentage of yogurt sales were donated to the Presentation Sisters working in New Orleans with victims of Katrina.

St. Peter’s Haven seeks food donations for their Thanksgiving baskets for needy families, which will be distributed on Nov. 20 from 10 am to noon and 6 to 7 pm in the Parish Hall. Now in its 20th year, the Haven is well-known for their many charitable programs for needy families. Just about anything that would be found on a dinner table for the holiday will be accepted, as well as gift certificates to local food stores. Non-perishable food can be dropped off from Nov. 6 through Nov. 9, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Complete turkey baskets, including perishable foods, can be dropped off on Nov. 19 from 1 to 3 pm. Volunteers are also needed for sorting food on Nov. 15, from 10 am to noon and 6 to 8 pm.

Call Ann before you drop off food. 973-546-3406.

Ten year-old Teresa Korsen, a 5th grade student at St. Andrew’s, was named the 2006 State Handwriting Champion.

Photo courtesy the Beacon, newspaper of the Paterson Diocese.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Four year olds in a Pre-K class at Tiniest Footprints Early Childhood Center on Lexington Ave., raised $397.50 on Sept. 15 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a charity group for children with neuro-blastama, a cancer. The group was the idea of Alexandra Scott, who at the age of one was diagnosed with this disease and wanted to help pay for medical costs and future research through a lemonade stand.

Since her passing, the foundation grew and stands continue to up. Visit www.alexslemonadestand.com.

Don’t let your Turkey be the Centerpiece

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

The Salute to Veterans concert featuring the Silver Starlite Orchestra on Nov. 29 at 7 pm at the CHS auditorium is always well attended. To make the event run as smoothly as always, volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. For an assignment, call Clifton Rec Dept. at 973-470-5956. Admission is a can of food or non-perishable food item or store gift certificate which will be given to St. Peter’s Haven.

Clifton Firefighters and Clifton’s IHOP will hold the 11th free Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Nov. 23. The dinner is for residents who cannot afford their meal or might be spending the holiday alone. It has been held at the Senior Citizen Center behind city hall. Each year, IHOP donates the food which the firefighters will prepare and serve with the help of their family and friends. The dinner is at 11:30 am.

Limited to 150 people, reservations required. Call Ann Marie Czaplicki at Fire Headquarters: 973-470-5802.

Vetta Pizza Restaurant on Oak St. in Delawanna is hosting a children’s craft day on Nov. 18, from noon to 7 pm. There will be carnival activities, games and other fun. A portion of food sales that day will benefit St. Peter's Haven. The pizzeria will also be collecting food and toys for St. Peter’s. Call Frankie Sgotto at 973-773-2000 for info.

MusicFest 2006: The St. Peter’s Haven Blues concert series continues on Nov. 4 with Chaz Depaolo, Nasty Ned and Michael Krizon.

The Dec. 2 event features the Bennett Harris Trio. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for teens.

Concerts are held within the church Proceeds benefit The Haven, 380 Clifton Ave., and its food pantry and outreach program for families in need. Call 973-546-3406.

Clifton’s Youth Basketball program is open to boys and girls grades 1-8. Register by Nov. 9; fee is $25. Register at the Rec Dept. on the second floor of city hall.

Health Walk: Join Clifton Rec on Nov. 19 at 9 am at the Lester Herrschaft Center for a Health Walk. Local chiropractors, health organizations and fitness centers will be there to offer tips on how to live a healthy. Refreshments will be served after. Registration $10; cost is $15 after Nov. 13. For more details call 973-470-5956.

The Annual Sports Nuts Beefsteak is on Nov. 15 at 6:30 pm at the VFW Post on Valley Rd. The dinner is organized by the Passaic County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, which awards scholarships annually to county scholar athletes.

The $40 donation will get you a beefsteak dinner, hot appetizers, beer and soda. Karl Nelson of the 1986 Giants Super Bowl team is guest speaker. There will also be trivia and auctions. For tickets, call President Bill Farkas 973-694-1453.

Advertisers: reserve space for the 2006 Shop Clifton First! edition, distributed Dec. 1.

Call 973-253-4400 to place your ad.

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton has an outstanding recycling program but there is more we can do. The WasteWise program, is a free resource which encourages its members to design programs that reduce municipal solid waste, which is waste many would normally dispose of in a dumpster. For example: plastic bottles, electronics and corrugated packaging. WasteWise is an advocate for waste prevention, recycling collection and buying or manufacturing recycled-content products.

For more info, call Clifton’s Municipal Recycling Coordinator Al Dubois at 973-470-2234 or go to www.epa.gov/wastewise.

Joe Hanrahan ascribes to the old adage that a bad day fishing beats a good day at work. So on Oct. 30 he closed his Market St. hair salon (OK... he’s closed every Monday) and headed to Sandy Hook where he hauled in this 20 pound, 38 inch stripped bass in the surf.

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Did You Pass Through The Club?

V

olunteer.

Contributor.

Member. Coach. Parent.

Player. Mentor. Friend.

Chances are, we’ve all passed through the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton in one of these roles. This is the place where generations of good have come together. A place that is forever a Clifton jewel.

The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton facility of today has come a long way from its beginnings in 1947 when it was established on one floor in Botany’s School 7.

Now located at 820 Clifton Ave., the Club’s home since 1958, things have changed and so have the faces.

Now the organization is asking for all members—past and present—to rekindle their bond at the Clifton landmark by joining their Come on Home campaign.

Clifton’s Public Schools are also working with the Club to reach out to CHS grads who are “Club Alum.”

“We are trying to build our database while trying to get alumni involved in the club again. Many have not seen it since the construction,” explained Bob Foster, Executive Director. “We’re inviting them to our open house to see old friends, look around, bring your family and see the club in action.”

The open house will be held on Nov. 24, from 1 to 4 pm and visitors can tour the “new” facilities, including the Martini Aquatics Center, the game room, the expansive gym and the library.

A look back at generations of youth who passed through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club. The photo best illustrates the changes of our city. It was used on the cover of the September, 1999 edition of Clifton Merchant.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Alumni Reunion Nov. 24 Foster said he is hoping past and present members—as well anyone from the community—will visit the Clifton Ave. Club on Nov. 24 and see what has changed over the six decades of service.

He also wants to collect old photos (like the one in the ad at right), memorabilia and memories from the days of the past. He expects that late in 2007, the Club will hold a more formal dinner, reception or event to officially celebrate.

“We want the older guys but we are hoping the younger generations that have been members will get involved once again,” said Foster.

“We need to pass the torch and get more people involved.”

Those who join “Club Alum” can participate in social events to reconnect with the Club and other alumni, as well as raise funds. For more info, call the Club at 973-773-0966 or go to www.bgcclifton.org/ or email rfoster@bgcclifton.org.

Even at an early age Coldwell Banker Realtors like Associate William Brady (pictured below at the Clifton Boys Club back in the day) were trained to be on the cutting edge of providing great service and savings!

While the classic photo below is a hoot, William Brady has a specific business philosophy he practices daily: To market properties utilizing sound planning, professional ethics, persuasive skills, and a strong company support system.

A Licensed Realtor since 1985, this life-long Clifton resident is a consistent multi-million dollar producer and is a full time professional.

With two decades of service in the Passaic, Bergen and Essex market, William is knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate—residential, commercial and investment properties.

William Brady Sales Associate Call Direct: 973-778-3322 wbrady@coldwellbanker.com

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 789 Clifton Ave. Clifton 1749

973-778-4500 November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Tampa’s Teacher of the Year from Clifton

S

usan Mikolajczyk, 54, is the latest Clifton native who has made a name for herself outside of our borders. Mikolajczyk was named Hillsborough County, Florida, Teacher of the Year.

If that name doesn’t ring a bell, surely you’ll recognize her maiden name, Susan Shook. The oldest of five children, the 1971 CHS grad was the only one who did not follow her parents into the funeral business, which has been serving Clifton for the past 51 years.

Instead, she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher and moved to Florida to attend the University of Tampa, where she graduated in 1974. It was there that she met her husband, former New York Giant Ron “Big Mik” Mikolajczyk and settled down in Florida to begin a family and a career.

Now in her 17th year of teaching, Mikolajczyk has taught kindergarten at Westchase Elementary since its opening in 1998. In fact, she is known as “Mrs. Mik the Queen of Kindergarten” in suburban Tampa, a result of her innovation in every facet of the program.

From simple things like dressing as a costumed character to drive home a lesson or launching a Suzuki Method violin program in which kindergartners listen to classical music while they do certain academic work, Mrs Mik is all about innovation. She believes that kindergarten is the beginning of a formal education rather than a socializing foundation.

This approach to the classroom allowed Mikolajczyk to stand out from the other 211 educators who were nominated for the top honor.

Susan L. Mikolajczyk

She received a cruise, a ring, watch, cash and a year’s lease on a Lexus. Despite ultimately not winning the title of Florida Teacher of the Year, Mikolajczyk has still made Clifton proud.

Our neighborhood series continues in January...

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Do you live, shop or work in Downtown Clifton? Then complete the...

Downtown Clifton Survey Clip & mail in or print a copy from the web:

www.freewebs.com/cliftonmerchant

In January, Clifton Merchant Magazine will write about Downtown Clifton, from Main Ave. to the residential streets. Help us with this project by filling out this simple survey. Return it to us ASAP and please include your name and contact info, as we may want to call and ask additional questions.

Mail us at Tomahawk Promotions, 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011. You can also send your answers via email to chawk6072@optonline.net. Call Joe Hawrylko at 973-253-4400 with any questions.

Name:___________________________________________________________________Age:______ Address: ____________________________________________________Phone_________________ 1. How long have you lived or worked in Downtown Clifton?

2. How long in Clifton? (if different then above) 3. What was your reason for moving to Clifton? Where did you live previously?

4. What makes your street or neighborhood special or unique?

5. What is your favorite store or place to do business in your neighborhood and why?

6. What is your favorite store or place to do business in other sections of Clifton and why?

7. What do you do for a living; where do you work?

8. Do you attend worship services and where?

9. What is the primary language spoken in your home? Other languages?

10. Are you a part of any sports, civic or school groups or anything similar?

11. Is there something you’d like the City Council to address in your neighborhood?

12. Is there something you’d like the City Council to address in Clifton in general?

13. Do you have school-age children? If so, what ages and where do they go to school?

14. Any other comments?

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

73

Cliftonite Michael Rossi will hold a demonstration of how to use computers to create art at the next regular meeting of the Clifton Association of Artists on Nov. 6.

The meeting will be held at the Senior Citizens community Building on the City Hall campus at 7 pm and refreshments will be

Self portrait by Michael Rossi.

served. The CAA meets on the first Monday of each month from Oct. through May, concluding with their art show and sale at Jubilee Park in June. Call 973-742-2712.

The 9th Annual Stampede Through Clifton is on Nov. 19, starting at 9 am at the Lester Herrschaft Center on the City Hall campus. The stampede is open to health walkers, as well as runners who will compete for trophies.

Registration is at 7:30 am for runners and 8 am for walkers.

Runners will be divided into agespecific groups and awards will be given to the top three males and females in each, as well as an award for the top male and female overall. This year, there will also be awards for top firefighter, cop and doctor. The registration fee for runners is $15 before Nov. 13 and $20 after; for walkers, $10 before Nov. 13 and $15 after.

Runners from last year can get up to $15 off by registering with three

friends at $5 a friend. In addition, youth get $5 off with id. A raffle will take place after the race. To register, call 973-470-5956.

Monte Carlo Night: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School on President St., Passaic, will host a Monte Carlo Night on Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. The $25 ticket includes hors d’oeures and 25 playing chips. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as only 175 will be sold. Call the school office at 973-779-0249 or Daria Temnycky at 973-471-1701.

Junior Mustang Beefsteak: The annual Junior Mustang beefsteak is on Nov. 4 at the Athenia Veterans Post, 174 Huron Ave., from 7 to 11 pm. Now larger then ever after the merger of the Clifton Colts and Junior Mustangs, these future CHS football stars need community support. Tickets are $40 and include beefsteak, beer and soda.

For info, call Melinda De Chellis at 973-684-5488.

Join us on our Journey!

Who hasn't taken the journey with Judy Garland as Dorothy as she makes her way down the yellow brick road in "The Wizard of Oz?" Or the trek with Moses to the top of Mount Sinai in Cecil B. DeMille's "The 10 Commandments." The Christian seasons are all about journeys -- not unlike those of Dorothy and Moses. What you might not know is that actress Judy Garland and director Cecil B. DeMille were also Episcopalians. They were in good company: So too were George Washington; Betsy Ross, the famed flag maker; Natalie Cole, daughter of vocalist Nat "King" Cole; Buzz Aldrin, who stepped on the Moon right after Neil Armstrong in 1969, and Clifton's first mayor, Clarence Finkle.

Come join St. Peter's Episcopal Church -- Clifton's only Episcopal parish -- as its marks the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

380 Clifton Ave. Sunday services at 8 and 10:15 a.m.; Sunday School at 9 a.m. 973-546-5020

www.stpeters-clifton.dioceseofnewark.org 74

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Celebrating Our 3rd Anniversary!

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Lakeview Christmas Reminder: Thanksgiving is just three weeks away and that means that Santa and Christmas isn’t too far behind.

Come celebrate the season in Lakeview on Dec. 5 at the Lakeview Civic Association tree lighting at the Menconi Music Studio & Community Police parking lot at the corner of Merselis and Lakeview Aves. Hot chocolate will be served. Call 973-470-5720.

Santa comes to Downtown Clifton on Dec. 2, from 11 am to 3 pm, when he visits the Clifton Recreation Center, 1232 Main Ave., for a children’s party with friends.

After you say ‘hi’ to Santa, head across the street to Pioneer Academy of Science, where there will be a crafts and gift fair from 11 am to 3 pm. Also, the Downtown tree lighting will take place on Dec. 1 at 7 pm, at a place to be determined. For specific details, call Angela Montague at 973-253-1455.

Some children at last year’s Downtown Clifton holiday event

National Hospice Month: CHS teacher Susan Stein-Bull and her students are just some of the many people involved in National Hospice Month, which was created to promote awareness about care for those who are dying. SteinBull’s class has made craft items several times for sick patients.

Additionally, many CHS teachers are getting involved, with a dress down day on Nov. 3. Teachers who are participating will donate $5, which will go to benefit Hospice families in need. To learn more about the event and hospice, call Terry Hudak of Compassionate Care Hospice at 973-916-1496.

Help us build a Macaroni Mountain for St. Peter’s Haven Now through Nov. 15, donate 3 or more boxes of macaroni & cheese—which we will provide to St. Peter’s Haven, Clifton’s Food Pantry— and we’ll provide the following services FREE. •A Nervous System Scan — FREE •All New Patient X-Rays (up to 2, if needed) — FREE •A report of Findings — FREE Help us help St. Peter’s Haven

Clifton Chiropractic & Physical Therapy 973-742-3400

www.cliftonchiros.com We care for your health,

Naturally!

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

248 Edison St., corner of Valley Rd., Bobbink Center Siblings Dr. Suzi Schulman & Dr. Jeffrey Schulman

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Adickes Farm

Our Farmers Grow & Sell These Crops and More

Bader Farm Borinski Farm Breezy Valley Farm Dagelle Farm Farms View Healthway Farm Hurley Farm Paul Donoho Farms Ricky’s Produce Rolling T’s Schultheis Farm Sekulovski Farm Selle Farm Sleepy Hills Orchard Windy Maples Farm

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

Windy Maples Farm Middletown, NY

Rolling T’s of New Hampton, NY 1713

Selle Farm Wrightstown, NJ

Sekulovski Farm West Caldwell, NJ

Healthway Farm of Milton, NY November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

77

&

Halloween Parade

along Lakeview Ave. and in Nash Park on Oct. 22, 2006

HarvestFest

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Proud to represent Clifton...

Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin State of New Jersey 1333 Broad St., Clifton, NJ 07013 office: 973-779-3125

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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Now is the Time to Invest in Your Home...

Replacement Windows & Vinyl Siding

K &S Building Supply for Homeowners & Contractors BUILDING &

SUPPLY, INC. Knowledge & Service

236 COLFAX AVE • CLIFTON

973.473.3118 At K&S, we are all about Service and Knowledge. Our staff has been with us for years and are knowledgeable about every one of our quality products. Our goal is to provide quality customer service and to help you through every step of any home improvement project.

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

&

Halloween Parade

HarvestFest

Wishing You a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving -from Jack Corradino & Staff Personal Injury • Auto Accidents • Free Consultation Se Habla Espanol • My Mowimy Po Polsku

Corradino Law Offices • Casey Building 935 Allwood Road • Suite 240 • Clifton 973-574-1200 • www.corradinolaw.com November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

1684

81

&

Halloween Parade

HarvestFest

R.E.N. REMODELING INC. 1097

Clifton’s Add-A-Level Specialist •Dormers •Additions•Alterations •Kitchens•Bathrooms•Decks•Window • Guaranteed • Fully Insured • Local References

C. Genardi Contracting Inc.Clifton

772-8451

A DDITIONS & A LTERATIONS

82

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

1097

973-773-1978 N.J. Contractors License #: 13VH00088700

1751

Call Bob Noll at:

973R OOFING • S IDING S EAMLESS G UTTERS

1023

dr. barry raphael p.a.

1425 broad street, clifton, new jersey 07013 (973) 778-4222, alignmine.com N.J. Specialty # 3684

We’re challenging ALL DENTAL OFFICES to collect items to help with our FOOD DRIVE to benefit local food pantries.

The dental office with the most donated food will receive LUNCH ON US! We need your items by Dec. 16. Please call Traci for info and a flyer or e-mail traci@alignmine.com

Hey Doc, how about a little FRIENDLY COMPETITION for a good cause?

Holiday Food Drive!

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

83

&

Halloween Parade

HarvestFest

ALLWOOD PLAY AND LEARN LLC

1074

Open 9am to 3pm Sept. - June

Where learning begins and the fun never ends

Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds

Registration Now in Progress!

94 Chelsea Road • 973-779-4844 84

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

1102 Main Ave • Clifton • 973-779-5885

1275

TEXAS C I T e 1961 Sinc ILL R G HOT

•

OV

1037

D

AUTHEN

IENER W

•G

F

’ T AP PRO VE

ederal researchers from The Library of Congress American Memory Project cited the Hot Grill as the most authentic of the region’s Hot Texas Wiener restaurants. Enjoy Two-all-the-way-Two! and tell us what you think...

HOT G RILL 669 L A .

EXINGTON

VE

973-772-6000

9 AM—1 AM/FRI & SAT TILL 2 WWW.THEHOTGRILL.COM

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

85

the

New Bairn School Small Classes State Certified 33 Years of Childcare Service •

Formerly in Passaic Park

We relocated!!!

199 Scoles Ave.

Border of Passaic Park Take Broadway to Scoles Ave.

Fall Registration Rosemawr/Clifton We are located in the Tuition you can’t resist!

The Best in Private Education Offers Programs for…

1451

86

INFANTS through K’GARTEN: (which excels in reading & math) Extended hours 7:00am - 6:00pm

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

973-473-4912 building on the left at the end of the cul-de-sac

&

Halloween Parade HarvestFest

FREE With This Coupon Coupons May Not Be Combined.

$

2 00 OFF

Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined.

Gelotti HOME MADE ICE CREAM

ITALIAN ICES • SOFT ICE CREAM SHERBERT • YOGURT • CAKE • GELATO

1380

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

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

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

87

Birthdays & Celebrations! send us your upcoming family birthdays & celebrations...tomhawrylko@optonline.net 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 James Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . .11/7 Nicole Mokray. . . . . . . . . .11/7 Francine Anderson. . . . . .11/8

George Ohannessian celebrates his 29th birthday on 11/22

Sergio Ohannessian celebrates his 32nd birthday on 11/22

Barbara Mieckowski celebrated her 60th birthday on 11/22

Ray Konopinski. . . . . . . . .11/8 Marie Sanzo. . . . . . . . . . . .11/8 Brandy Stiles. . . . . . . . . . .11/10 Tom Szieber. . . . . . . . . . . 11/10 Joseph Franek III. . . . . . . 11/11 Happy 21st Birthday to Laura Gasior on 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 Joseph Guerra. . . . . . . . .11/20 Congratulations to Arlene and John Bross who on 11/29 celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary.

Congratulations to Jerry and Pat Franek who on 11/3 celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary.

Happy 7th Anniversary to Joe and Susan Angello who celebrate on 11/14

Frank Lacki turned 79 on 11/2

Styertowne Exchange Florist Styertowne Shopping Center Coupon-less Savings!

Lower Level

next to Dunkin’ Donuts

973.594.0700

1850

88

November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Store Hours: Mon–Sat, 9 am to 7 pm Sun, 10 am to 5 pm

Mention this ad to receive: seven days a week

10% off through 12/11/06 Mondays Only 30% off onthrough 12/11/06 Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Walk-in customers only.

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

We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Happy 6th Birthday on 11/7 to Nicole Mokray!

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

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

Two Stores In Clifton

Arriving

November 16, 2006

973-473-1997

973-473-4999

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

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

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040

201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

201.391.3333

973-857-2600

5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

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

973.338.9292

Bea ujol ais-N ouve au

B

1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

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

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

ERTELLI’S FINE WINE

BEER & LIQUOR

www.bertelli.com winemaster@bertelli.com

1215

Styertowne Shopping Center 1045 Bloomfield Ave. • Clifton 973 779-0199 Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

89

Dracula: The Vampire Play T

he stage at CHS is transformed into London at the turn of the 20th century where Count Dracula stalks the streets in search of fresh opportunities.

Director Dave Arts and producer Barbara Novak have given this production some interesting variations.

This is in many ways a feminist version of the 1927 adaptation of the Bram Stoker story, reported Arts.

Key characters are portrayed by female actors. The reason is that during auditions, the students who displayed the best acting along with the best dialects (all characters are European) were cast in the show, regardless of gender.

Performance are on the stage of the CHS auditorium. Dates and times are Nov. 16 at 4 pm, Nov. 17 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 18 at 3 and 7:30 pm. The show closes on Nov. 19 with a matinee at 3 pm.

Dracula: The Vampire Play, will be performed at CHS. The cast includes, from left Cara Ruggiero as Miss Wells, Allison Zutterman as Butterworth, Kristen Obolsky as Abigail Van Helsing, Karla Yeamans as R. M. Renfield and Cassandra Trujillo as Lucy Seward. In the rear Michael DiVirgilio is Jonathan Harker, Chris Robertson is Count Dracula and Christina Filewicz is Dr. Seward.

... & Dr. Moore Chiropractic 850 Clifton Ave. • Clifton • 973-253-7005 Sgt. Willie Owens of the Paterson Police Department is our patient of the month. With regular visits to Dr. Moore Chiropractic, Willie maintains his health with Chiropratic Care!

Some of the services we offer at chiropractic services all new state of the art equipment on-site x-ray facility licensed physical therapist state of the art rehabilitation gym ample parking personal training

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November 2006 • Clifton Merchant

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On Track Rehabilitation • • • • • • •

Meet the Federle Family Ron, John, Jim & Sal

72 St. James Place • Clifton • 973.473.4830

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID CLIFTON, NJ

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011

PERMIT NO. 1185

NICK TSELEPIS Broker/Owner

TOP 1% OF NJ REALTORS Direct Line: 973-340-1107 SELLING? CALL NICK AND START PACKING!

CALL TODAY!

973-859-2270

Call to use this Moving Truck!

NICHOLAS REAL ESTATE SELLS HOMES

Selling?

Call Nick The Only Clifton Realtor to achieve the Highest award from the Passaic County Board of Realtors Circle of Excellence Only 7 agents out of 2,910 members achieved Platinum Level by having sold over $25,000,000 in Real Estate in one year.

CLIFTON

$279,000

4 UNIT CONDO COMPLEX

With basement storage and laundry area. 2 assigned parking spaces in private lot. Beautiful 2 bdrms condo convenient to highway, bus and train. Close to NYC, Rt 3, Rt 21, Ask for Maria Carrera.

CLIFTON

$639,900

AMENITY BLESSED

LG 4 Bdrms with 3.5 Bths, everything needed for Comfortable Living! LG LR, formal DR, Modern EIK with Dining Area, Family Room with fireplace, Central Vac, Intercom system, underground sprinklers. Fin bsmnt, lots of storage and cozy backyard with deck.

CLIFTON

$295,000

LOVELY COLONIAL JUST REDUCED!

In Lakeview Section. Features 3 bedrooms, cozy LR/DR, beautiful hardwood floors, bar in basement.

Low taxes. All appliances included.

Ask for Nancy Rodriguez.

CLIFTON

$399,000

CLIFTON

$339,900

PERFECT FOR YOUR FAMILY

WELL KEPT 1 FAMILY HOME

This lovely spacious colonial home features 4 Bdrms, LR, dining room, modern EIK w/ pantry, & 2 baths.

Full fin. basement with additional room, laundry area, & bath. Extra room in attic. 2 car garage. Call Today!! Won't last!!

Features Living Room, EIK, 4 bdrms, 1 full bath, Central air, 1 car attached garage, gas heat. Don’t miss out! Call today, ask for Luis Yzaguirre.

CLIFTON

$324,900

CLIFTON

$399,000

FABULOUS COLONIAL

WONDERFUL MOTHER & DAUGHTER

Renovated five years ago. Albion Section, with wood deck, sliders doors, central vacuum. LR, FDR, EIK, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths.

Walking distance to schools. Close to NY buses, & highways. First time buyer. Ask for Ahmed Bashjawish.

Located in great neighborhood.

Hardwood floors, C/A, Summer Kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, Close to Train Station and NY Transportation. Rt.3 and Rt.21.

House is vacant. Ask for Maria Carrera.

Call for this FREE REPORT! HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME AT THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE CLIFTON

$409,900

CLIFTON

$419,900

CLIFTON

$450,000

DESIRABLE RANCH

CAMBRIDGE CROSSINGS

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP

Great Mother & Daughter. This 1 family home features Living Room, Kitchen Dining area, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, very modern, hardwood floors, ceramic tile, ground level has 1bdrm & 1bath. Sliding doors to the back yard. Ask for Walter Porto.

Beautiful 2 year old “Thornberry” tri-level town home at a private gated community. Features clubhouse with fitness center and outdoor pool. Ask for Wendell Maki.

Immaculate 3 bedrooms, 2 bath colonial located on corner property. Features hardwood floors, fireplace in LR & bright sunny open porch. Full finished basement with summer kitchen. Ask for Nancy Rodriguez.

To hear a brief recorded message Call

1 800-613-4059 and enter

ID #2043 You can call 24/7

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!