Clifton Merchant Magazine - September 2005 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

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Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2, 2005

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September 2005 Letters, Opinions, Observations . . . . . . . . . . .6 December School Referendum

. . . . . . . . . . .14

Athenia Steel Rising? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Business Notes, Clifton Commerce . . . . . . . . .28 9/11 Remembered & Observed . . . . . . . . . . . .32 CHS Fall Sports Preview & Photos . . . . . . . . . .40 Mustang Coach Bill Vander Closter . . . . . . . .56 A Festival of Hungarian Culture . . . . . . . . . . .70 Birthdays & Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Before it was Hovnanian Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Maroon & Gray Pride: When the Fighting Mustangs take the field for their first home gridiron battle on Sept. 23 vs. Barringer, they will not be alone. Rallying the hometown crowd will be the Mustang Cheerleaders. Pictured front are senior captains LeeAnn Iapicca and Karly Maliniak. Also, seniors Lauren Buglione, Shannon VanBeveren, Megan Maletich, Sasha Codero and Marivic Cubero. The 20 girl squad wishes all CHS athletes success. See more on CHS sports on page 40.

Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton â&#x20AC;˘ 973-253-4400

Stop the Insanity Opinion by Tom Hawrylko Clifton politics will get messy in the coming weeks after the low blow the City inflicted upon the Board of Education. Here’s why: Clifton City Planner Dennis Kirwan sent a letter on Aug. 29 to the state Board of Education asking it to stop all action on the application for the proposed 500 student school on 290 Brighton Rd. He says it has ‘several basic design flaws’ and ‘is not consistent with our Master Plan.’ This is the school voters approved in December by about a 2 to 1 margin. The planner’s job is to ensure that development is consistent with our Master Plan. So I am not questioning his right to challenge any application. But the referendum was passed in Dec., 2004, and for months before that, it was discussed in the community. So why did Kirwan wait until now to take this position? It is interesting to note that Kirwan did not send a courtesy copy of the letter to any Clifton Board of Education official. What is even more interesting is that he chose to send a courtesy copy to attorney Frank Carlet. He represents Van Ness Plastics, the adjacent property at the center of a larger storm (see page 14). Why would Carlet be privy to letters between Clifton’s Planner and the NJ DOE when he is not involved in 290 Brighton Rd? Who do you think is really behind this latest roadblock and the continuing resistance to build another school in our community? Over the coming days, watch as politicians from both the Board and the Council do their best to explain this insanity. 10th Anniversary: Clifton Merchant Magazine in October will mark a decade of serving our town. In addition to our regular coverage, next month’s edition will take a look back at the last 10 years of our reporting on Clifton and its people. We hope to make it our largest publication to date. Look for it Oct. 7. 16,000 MAGAZINES are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month. SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE 6 $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town CALL 973-253-4400 entire contents copyright 2005 © tomahawk promotions

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Since July 29 when a car knocked over this concrete barrier on Market St., it has laid on this sidewalk. Other than being unsightly, it’s also dangerous. Ironically, some City Council members have coffee every day a few doors down the street. Perhaps they do not notice it. I’m not sure who is responsible for dealing with this, but six weeks later, it’s still in front of the theatre. Six weeks!

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Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the

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

Editor

Nickel Burgers: Your Recent Clifton History series and specifically the story about the two White Castles in the July edition motivated my wife (the former Claire Van Der Vliet who grew up on the facing corner of Piaget and Main Aves.) and I to dig out this photo from 1940 which your readers may enjoy. Pictured is William White, James Garner and Woodrow Garner as they took a break from serving up those burgers, which as you may note by the sign, were then just a nickel each. Thanks and keep up the great work on reporting on the history and politics of our old hometown. Walter N. Pruiksma, Brick

That’s Vladimir Surgent, commander of VFW Post 347 in Oct., 1972, at the dedication of historic Botany Village. He was unidentified when the photo ran in our July edition. His sister Ann McCann called in the clarification.

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Enough is Enough! What is happening to Clifton is very disturbing. We are loaded down with townhouses, condos, housing units and retail stores. The negotiating tactics of officials in Clifton are irresponsible and thoughtless. They claim this is done in the interest of ratables, however, the city hasn’t delivered on their promise of lower taxes. I live on Allwood Rd., adjacent to the former Brogan property, which was sold to Togar developers. The developers devised a somewhat attractive plan that was pictured in the Jan. 2004 edition of Clifton Merchant Magazine and was also shown at a Council meeting, leading us to believe this was the final plan. Well, lo and behold! The construction is much different, going up to the Passaic Ave. sidewalk. When I called City Hall, the answer was the picture was of a model the developers build, not the one for this property, as we were led to believe. I now watch in horror. We do have a City Planner, don’t we? Where is he in making sure what a developer promises is what they deliver? Irene Houlis Hard to imagine that the Clifton Board of Education could do a worse job than the NJ School Construction Corp. staff, but spending funds on land for a school on Brighton Rd. would signify just that. Why not site a school on land the district already owns? Besides cost, the second Brighton Rd. school site What’s at the tip of your pen? From addressing topics facing our schools and the politicians at city hall to commenting on the stories you see within our pages, share your opinions with us. Be sure to include your phone number when corresponding.

Motivated to Move Yes, another Cliftonite is moving. I have been reading your magazine for years and would like to continue to receive it, but for now on, I will be reading it in Wayne. I will always be a Cliftonite in my heart, but it hurts to see what has become of this town. My family and I have tried to change things but we are done and are moving on. My sons Mike and Matt Morgenfruh were in your magazine a few years back when as high school students they were working to try and beautify Curie Park. But what happened? The bird bath, the bench, archway and landscaping that my kids and their friends helped build and pay for were stomped on. It disheartened the kids so much that they just gave up and walked away from it. I grew up in Lakeview and returned here 19 years ago to raise my family but it saddens me to see the neighborhood today. Many newcomers show a disrespect of property. There is garbage all over the place and there is a parking problem as as result of too many cars because of overcrowded apartments. These problems weren’t present when we moved back here but they have grow considerably over the past few years. I do not know who is responsible for trying to tame this mess but all I have to say is Goodbye Clifton. Maryann Morgenfruh, Wayne

falls short of qualifications for a school building in many ways. Tractor-trailer traffic poses safety threats to children of all ages. Residents working on Brighton Rd. would lose their jobs and the city would lose tax ratables with the condemnation of Van Ness Plastics. Clifton residents should not settle for a bad proposal or we will pay dearly in the upcoming years. I have been a resident of this city for 40 years and have two children attending Clifton schools. Our children deserve only the best and it is our responsibility as residents to ensure they get the very best. The Board of Education should abandon the Brighton Rd. scheme, do some more research and find a site that is best for the students and cost effective for the taxpayers. Glenn J. Nibbling The writer is a city resident and an employee of Van Ness Plastics

Thanks for the feature article about me in last month’s Clifton Merchant Magazine. However, the main purpose for this letter is to let you know that they are at it again: the land that was cleared along Route 3 opposite Hoffman-La Roche is being pursued as another shopping center with two more restaurants! Don’t you think Clifton business owners ought to object? Why are our political leaders renewing Downtown Clifton and then putting more competition in the way? Once again, the so called Planning Board is way off track. Route 3 already has too many shopping centers on or near Allwood Rd. What are the plans for the increased traffic? How many new accidents will we see at the ill-fated, nonsense called the Allwood Circle? Unfortunately, thinking is not a requirement to be a Clifton politician! Bob Eiserle Clifton Merchant • September 2005

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The Greatest Show in Town Early TV Used Three-Camera Studios. Does That Make Clifton Council Two-Thirds of a Sitcom?

By John Bendel

he Clifton Council is really a television show. The first thing you notice is two cameras on rolling tripods, one at each end of the long conference table. They dominate the room, taking up much of the available floor space. The second thing you notice is impeccable grooming—snappy clothes, blow-dried hair, precisely sculpted comb-overs. It’s like a middle-aged, sit-down fashion show. The third thing you notice is that Gloria Kolodziej is sitting on two cushions, presumably to lift her profile to the same height as the guys around the table. Can’t Clifton afford an adjustable chair? I only recognize two people: Kolodziej sits at one end of the table, Mayor Jim Anzaldi at the other. The mayor is a little heavier and much grayer these days, but then so am I. It’s a little after 7 pm on Tuesday, Aug. 16, and this is the working session that precedes the formal meeting in Council Chambers, at 900 Clifton Ave.

Illustrations by Ray Mauro, from left, Jim Anzaldi, Eddie Welsh and Don Kowal.

Later I figure out Steve Hatala, Frank Gaccione and Don Kowal, all Councilmen, were sitting with their backs to me. Councilman Stefan Tatarenko did not attend the meeting. Across the table are City Manager Al Greco, a serious-looking guy, and Councilman Ed Welsh, who seems to enjoy himself more than the others. He grins a lot and occasionally licks a finger, as though preparing to leaf through a book, browse a card file or deal a hand of poker. There are lots of plaques, maps, pictures and documents on the walls, most in need of re-alignment, and there’s a TV monitor.

Where I live now, there are no cameras in the Council room. Council members conduct business in shorts and t-shirts. Only the most loquacious talks for more than two minutes at a time, and we’ll be rid of him if the voters make the right choice next May. Oh yes, and around here, 77 is The Comedy Channel.

Sometimes I can see myself in the background though I have to wiggle my head to be sure it’s me. At the end of the session, spectators are herded out into the lobby. The broadcast stops and the monitors read “Clifton City Council Meeting. We’ll be back.” The Council is in executive session, at least that’s what they tell us. I think they’re actually touching up their makeup for the formal session in the main meeting hall. That’s where the show really gets going, when the stars get their dramatic opportunities, their closeups and soliloquies. The small audience is sprinkled around the cavernous room on benches that look like pews. There is a sense of reverence about it all. On the wall, above the mayor’s head is Clifton’s logo, the translucent portrait of a native American Indian lit from behind and glowing over the proceedings. The Council sits on the raised dais looking down on the few citizens present as they prepare to conduct their business. Clifton Merchant • September 2005 9

☛

Under the glowing Indian head, the Council members look like they’re about to judge us one at a time, declare each of us guilty and send us to a terrible punishment. Citizens approach the microphone and appear on the TV monitor. One woman denounces New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and a bill in the U.S. Congress that meets 230.38 miles south of here. She isn’t the only one who speaks of problems far beyond the jurisdiction of this council, yet the council listens patiently until the bell ends each speech. The warmup acts are over. It’s time for the star turns.

Steve Hatala

Frank Gaccione

Now we see the reason for all that grooming. One at a time moving from left to right, the Council members speak to the camera. Gaccione goes first. There he is lighted, miked and on camera for all Clifton to see. Gaccione actually

Gloria Kolodziej

starts with a report on recreation activities, but before long, he’s talking about, well, I don’t remember. The bell rings, but Gaccione goes on, finally ending with a warning about prostate cancer. “Get tested,” he demands.

Clifton Looks Good a lot of people, more than a few in Clifton. Storefronts are occupied, homes sport If you are one of them, believe me, it wasnew siding and spiffy paint. Clifton looks n’t personal. But to be totally honest, I good. There are SUVs in the driveways. never had more fun in my life. The movie theater where my pretty young Anyhow, in 1995 we sold our little wife and I saw A Thousand Clowns in house in Bogota and moved to a centrally 1968 is gone, but I hear the Walgreen’s air conditioned place on top of an Ocean there now is a busy place. Times are good. County sand dune known as Island I’ve missed Clifton even though I never Heights. I continued writing Herald News lived here. When I was a kid in Belleville, editorials from there as a freelancer. Then Clifton was the sprawling town full of in 1997 I was offered a job I couldn’t brand new houses with lots of space John Bendel refuse. No more weekly editorial board between them. My family lived in a meetings. No more parking in Clifton. cramped 2-bedroom garden apartment. Mom always Sure, I’ve driven Route 21 just to convince wanted a house in Clifton, but it wasn’t to be. myself it’s still actually finished and I’ve been Over the years, I spent lots of time in Clifton. I through town on 46 a few times. But this week, I installed washing machines here working for Sears. drove Main Ave. and browsed the neighborhoods for I delivered freight to factories, warehouses and the first time in eight years. stores as a truck driver for A-P-A Transport Corp. I came to visit my friend Tom Hawrylko, editor Later, I parked my car in Clifton for a few years. and publisher of this extraordinary publication. Hard I worked at the Herald News at the time. Then it to believe such commitment, energy and passion was called the North Jersey Herald & News. Their finds its way into print every month. So when Tom building was so close to the Passaic city line that the suggested I write something, I agreed. parking lot was actually in Clifton. Hey, even if it’s just this once, it’s fun to be back I started as an entertainment writer and left as ediin Clifton. torial page editor. Some of my editorials cheesed off 10

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Hatala is next. He complains about a proposed state mileage tax, wondering aloud why, with such outrages being proposed, people complain about property taxes. He talks well beyond the bell, then gets up and leaves as Kolodziej takes center stage. I make a note: Hatala must be a smoker. Kolodziej smiles into the camera and talks right through the bell, informing us among other things that she is allergic to aspirin. Only Kowal keeps his remarks within the allotted time. If I lived here, I think he’d have my vote for that alone. Hatala is back when Welsh comes on screen Now here’s a TV star. Welsh takes to television like Ron Popeil. He’s unhappy with graffiti on Hazel St., the NAACP and Commerce Bank. “Bull!,” he says, summing up his careful analysis of one issue or another. Welsh comes across on TV and judging from his occasional half-

The Council sits on the raised dais looking down on the few citizens present. Under the glowing Indian head, the Council members look like they’re about to judge us one at a time, declare each of us guilty and send us to a terrible punishment. smile, he knows it. He stays on camera well beyond the bell. Last to ignore the time limit is Anzaldi, who says jobs are a good thing and that NAFTA is not. That’s not all he says, of course, but this isn’t a verbatim report on the meeting. To be fair, the council voted on a number of measures and dealt with many more. They appeared to know what they were talking about even if I didn’t. I’ll assume they’re doing their homework and taking their council positions seriously. Nevertheless as I said at the outset, this Clifton Council event was

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really a television show -- at least as much a television show as a Council meeting. Sure, it’s good that a Clifton voter can turn on the TV, punch 77 into the remote and watch the Council at work, though I doubt many actually do. But it’s not what I’m used to. Where I live now, there are no cameras in the council room. Council members conduct business in shorts and t-shirts. Only the most loquacious talks for more than two minutes at a time, and we’ll be rid of him if the voters make the right choice next May. Oh yes, and around here, 77 is The Comedy Channel.

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Flag Flap

Cliftonites wants Commerce Bank to fly Old Glory Proudly.

Why won’t Commerce Bank put up a pole for an American Flag at its two Clifton locations? Lakeview resident Teddy Harsaghy and others have spoken frequently at Council meetings about the topic. “Clifton Savings Bank is the only one in town that has a flag,” said Harsaghy. “I can’t understand why other banks don’t fly our nations colors. New banks in town should be required to fly the American flag,” added Harsaghy. At the Aug. 16 City Council meeting, Luddington Ave. resident Alvin Kipnis spoke and said that the second Commerce Bank, which will replace the old Starr Tire store at Clifton and Getty Aves., will not have a flag pole for Old Glory. “They claim they don’t want to offend any of Clifton’s diverse population,” Kipnis reported on the Commerce policy. “C’mon. Are they kidding me? What country are we living in?”

Alvin Kipnis, with suspenders, and other members of the Clifton Advisory Crew think Commerce Bank show fly Old Glory.

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton’s Avenue of Flags on the grounds of the municipal campus features 875 flags and will be displayed Sept. 5. After Labor Day, it’s up again on Veterans’ Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. Set up and break down is done by volunteers at dawn and dusk. This photo was taken Veterans’ Day, 2004. Each American flag is sponsored in memory of a veteran. Flags are three by five feet and stand on a 10-foot pole with a brass name plate. To help set up or to sponsor a flag, which cost $100, visit Clifton Recreation, call John Biegel Jr. at 973-471-8828 or Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264.

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December School Vote By Joseph R. Torelli

lifton voters will be asked to pass a special referendum in December authorizing the Board of Education to spend between $40 and 50 million to construct a new middle school on Brighton Rd. If they say, ‘no,’ it could mean several more years before Clifton students get relief from the chronic overcrowding that has plagued the city’s high school and two middle schools for more than a decade. The situation has grown dire, according to one Board of Education member. Commissioner John Traier said, “I’m not sure we’ll ever get a school,” if the December referendum fails. He has good reason to be concerned. After years of haggling over where the much-needed school should be located, the Board decided at its May 25 meeting to build it on three adjacent properties on Brighton Rd. It already owns one of the properties, at Board of Education representatives were caught off guard at the Aug.17 meeting of the Zoning Board, when commissioners abruptly stopped a hearing on its request for a use variance. The BOE was seeking permission to convert the former Mayer Textiles building at 290 Brighton Rd, into a 500-student high school annex, but the Zoning Board refused, saying it needed a formal traffic study to be conducted before it could rule. BOE President Joseph Kolodziej said the board’s request was “not relevant” to the decision. “Clearly, a public school generates far less traffic than a commercial concern,” said Kolodziej, noting that some businesses on Brighton Rd. operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Despite objecting, the BOE authorized $12,000 for the traffic study. In the interim, it has asked for permits to allow it to begin work on the site “at its own risk,” a fairly common practice. An obviously perplexed Kolodziej said on Aug. 29 that City Planner Dennis Kirwan ruled that no permits would be issued until the variance hearing is complete, essentially stopping progress. “I don’t understand that,” said Kolodziej, pointing out that developers of other recent projects, such as Cambridge Crossings, were issued at-risk permits before they secured necessary variances.

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

290 Brighton Rd., thanks to Clifton voters who, in a special referendum last December, approved the $15 million price tag to purchase and convert the site for use as a 500-student high school annex. Now the Board wants to scrap its plans for the annex in favor of purchasing the adjoining properties at 310 and 330 Brighton Rd. to construct a larger facility for use as a third middle school. The new school, along with the two existing middle schools, would then accommodate students in grades 69, while grades 10-12 would attend CHS. “It really is a good plan,” said Traier, “because it relieves overcrowding immediately at the high school, Woodrow Wilson, and Christopher Columbus. At the same time, it provides the Allwood and Athenia sections with a neighborhood middle school.”

Opposition to the Plan Not everyone agrees with Traier’s assessment. The Board’s plan is meeting resistance from Clifton’s business community, from taxpayers, and from neighbors in the Brighton Rd. area. According to the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, the city has already lost approximately 100 jobs and $90,000 in ratables as a result of its purchase of

290 Brighton Rd. from the Mayer Textile Corporation last year. Now, Van Ness Plastics, located at 400 Brighton Rd., has threatened to move its manufacturing operations out of Clifton if the Board acquires the vacant property at 330 Brighton Rd., which Van Ness also owns, through an eminent domain lawsuit. That could cost the city another 250 jobs and millions in future property taxes Chamber President Gloria Martini, reaffirmed her organization’s opposition to a school on Brighton Rd. which it expressed in a letter to city officials last year. “Placing a school…on Brighton Road is not in the best interest of our students or the business community, who contribute so much to the prosperity and quality of life in Clifton,” she said. Taxpayers and property owners have expressed opposition as well. In letters to newspapers and at meetings of the City Council and Board of Education, they have protested the additional expense involved in acquiring the Brighton Rd. sites while the Board owns more than seven acres of land on Latteri Park, which

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they claim is suitable for a new school. The Board rejected Latteri Park as a solution last year amid loud protests from area residents and a vote of non-support from the Clifton City Council. Clifton resident Frederick Rembis, who frequently questions Board and Council actions during public meetings, said the expense issue goes beyond the current referendum. He is troubled by the Board’s refusal to reveal the ongoing incremental costs (teachers, administrators, supplies, utilities, etc.) for new schools, and is dismayed that alternative solutions may not have been fully considered. Rembis believes the problem of overcrowding is cyclical. He pointed out that, historically, student populations rise and fall. “We are being asked to invest big bucks on a long-term solution to a short-term problem,” he contended, adding that he would rather the school district lease space to relieve the current overcrowding. “But, if we must build,” he added, “we should at least design the buildings so they can be converted for commercial use later on to reduce the overall economic impact.”

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Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice disagrees. “Organizations that put together a Plan B rarely succeed with selling and implementing Plan A,” he contended. Rice believes it is correct to focus all efforts on winning support for the Brighton Rd. solution. “There is a tremendous battle going on in town over whether or not we can resolve the space issue,” he said, noting the issue represents the future of the city and extends far beyond property taxes. “This is a 50-year decision that must be made by people with that kind of an investment in Clifton,” said Rice. Noting that “it’s a long way between now and December,” he added, “Voters are intelligent, and I believe they will keep an open mind.”

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The school district clearly has a lot riding on the December referendum. If voters fail to support it, Traier’s fear about Clifton never getting a new school could become reality. In the coming weeks, the Board and administration will begin a campaign to win public support for the Plan through newsletters, Board meetings, and public information sessions. If they don’t succeed, the process of coming up with a solution to the overcrowding problem may have to start all over again. “There is no Plan B,” said Traier, whose comment was echoed by Kolodziej. Fellow commissioner Norman Tahan put it more bluntly. “Plan B is that we hope Plan A works,” said Tahan, who abstained from voting when the Board approved the Brighton Road site. Saying that he doesn’t think his colleagues have done enough to win over the public, the often-controversial Tahan added, “We need to know what we’re going to do if it (the referendum) fails, and we don’t know that.”

➪

Adding fuel to taxpayer concerns is the recent admission by the state Department of Education that a $8.6 billion fund set aside to help pay for local school construction has dried up. Prior to the announcement, the Board anticipated that as much as 40% of the costs for building the new middle school would be offset by money from the fund. Board President Joseph Kolodziej remained optimistic, however, listing three alternative funding sources. “We will apply for debt service from the state,” he said, a process whereby, “instead of getting 40% up front, the state would make funds available to us each year to help offset the annual costs.” Kolodziej said also that the Board could apply the additional $3.3 million it now receives from the state as an Abbott-rim district, to construction costs. And, finally, he said the Board would consider selling Latteri Park to the city, which could pay for the purchase through grants and Green Acres funding.

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Athenia Steel

Plenty of ideas but no plan on how vehicles will get in and out. by Tom Hawrylko

Is Their Plan to Buy the Car Wash on Paulison and Build a Railroad Grade Crossing There? From recent news reports, it sounds imminent: Athenia Steel, that landlocked 35 acre former factory on Clifton Ave., will soon become the city’s largest park. “Athenia property may soon be a park” the front page of the Dateline crowed on Aug. 19. And one week earlier in the Herald News, also on the front page: “Park plan closer to reality. Plan would require demolishing car wash.” Since 1999, when the city purchased the still-contaminated parcel of land, plans have been discussed for using it to house a 1,800 student school, an indoor ice hockey arena, open space and plenty of ballfields. But each of those projects stalled because the city can’t seem to motivate the former property owner, the Davis Wire Company of California, to pay for the remediation of the site.

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The city has tried cajoling, threatening and working with Davis Wire to do the preliminary remediation investigation, to no avail. But now, city officials report they expect to receive a $600,000 grant from the state to conduct sampling of soil throughout the property to determined the specific pollutants and extent of contamination.

That bit of research is expected to take six months to complete, said City Manager Al Greco. Once that is done in early 2006, the city may specifically know the extend of contamination. From there, it is just a matter of getting the site remediated and then going in and building the ball fields. So when can residents expect to use the property?

“I can’t give you a date when we are going to break ground,” warned Greco. He noted once the pollutants are identified, then another plan must be approved by the NJDEP for the actual property clean-up.

☛

Will the city purchase this business at the intersection of Paulison and Washington Aves. to create an entrance to the former Athenia Steel property? At right: at Fornelius and Svea Aves., this dead end offers a direct link into the middle of the 35 acre tract., and the City owns it. The Council said it reviewed using this access but determined it not to be feasible for ingress/egress.

Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. is proud to fight for American Manufacturing Companies in Clifton and across the country. Our offices are located at: Main District Office: Robert A. Roe Building, 200 Federal Plaza Suite 500 Paterson, New Jersey 07505 Phone (973) 523-5152 Passaic Office: 165 Prospect Street Passaic, New Jersey 07055 Phone (973) 472-4510 Bloomfield Office: Bloomfield Municipal Plaza, Room 200A Town Hall Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003 Phone (973) 680-1361 Washington, D.C. Office: 2464 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone (202) 225-5751 Paid for by Pascrell for Congress, Inc. C. Pagano, Treasurer 1096

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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So the truth is Clifton may be a bit closer to having Athenia Steel cleaned, but not much. Nor do officials have answers on who will pay for the clean-up or how much it will cost. But one thing is certain: city officials are putting a better spin on what’s going on there. That may be because a May, 2006 City Council election is on the horizon and Mayor Anzaldi and his six colleagues are anxious to show that they did not purchase an Athenia Albatross. So at the Sept. 6 City Council meeting, a traffic consultant who has been studying the project will present findings and offer solutions to provide ingress and egress to the property. Right now, access to Athenia Steel, on which a senior citizens complex has already been built, remains limited to one narrow entrance/exit off Clifton Ave. In the past, the City has said that at least two more access roads are needed to accommodate the various plans for the property.

On one side of this rail line is Athenia Steel, on the other is the car wash at Paulison and Washington Aves. The Council wants to create a crossing from the former steel mill to Paulison Ave. and add a traffic light at the intersection of Paulison and Washington. What will these plans cost? Will the property owner sell? And is it safe for kids and vehicles to cross a busy passenger rail line?

Opening the dead-ended Svea Ave. seems like a logical means of creating access; however, that idea has been rejected by the City Council. All they have said in past correspondence is that the street is not feasible for ingress/egress.

Over the past year, some City Council members have unofficially floated the idea of purchasing a Paulison Ave. car wash to raze it and have vehicles and pedestrians cross the passenger rail line and exit on Paulison Ave.

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Clifton Merchant • September 2005

The proposed exit, which would incorporate a traffic light at the corner of Washington and Paulison Aves., would have cars and kids crossing a main passenger rail line and that’s where the proposal may run into problems. Such crossings, called rail grade crossings, pose big safety issues. In fact, it is the policy of both the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NJ DOT to discourage the creation of new grade crossings. A memo from Ron Ries of the US DOT stated, “…new crossings, especially on main lines, should not be considered unless there is no other viable alternative and then, consideration should be given to closing one or more existing crossings.” In the past, we also spoke with Todd Hirt, Project Engineer with the NJ DOT. “Our policy is the same as the Federal one,” Hirt said. “We’d like to see no new grade crossings, but if there is going to be one, we’d like to see a one-to-one exchange. A new grade crossing increases the liability for the railroad, so if one is also closed, then there’s zero increase. It’s also NJ Transit policy that one has to be closed in order to create a new one.” We mentioned that the City of Clifton was considering creating a grade rail line to allow access to the planned development at Athenia Steel. “That’s dangerous,” Hirt said. “In New Jersey, there are pedestrian accidents every year at grade crossings.”

Some History The City Council agreed to purchase the 35 acre Athenia Steel in July 1999 for $5.5 million from the previous owners, the National Standard Company of Michigan. But that company and its assets were sold and purchased by the Davis Wire Company of California. The only payment made by Clifton was $1.72 million in May, 2002 when the front six acres were certified clean by the DEP, and the City Council, working with a developer, built 125 units of senior citizens housing. The rest of the purchase price is being held until final clean-up is done as it can be used to pay for clean-up. Since that date, various proposals have been considered by the city—a school, ballfields, parkland, even a ice hockey arena—but nothing has progressed because of Davis Wire’s lack of action. While no fines have been levied, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has threatened Davis Wire for its failure to act and has moved the case to the NJDEP’s Office of Accountability. City Manager Al Greco said that Davis Wire is ultimately responsible for the remediation. But judging on the minimal past actions of the firm, the City Council is looking towards Trenton to help solve this mess.

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September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Paul Oliver swings a mean bat. The adopted Cliftonite was a key part of the West Orange Embers softball team, which won the gold in the 75+ age division at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh by defeating the Ohio Quads, 8-7. Oliver, who is the father of Clifton Rec Department Director Debbie Oliver, led the Embers with an amazing .823 batting average. After four silver finishes in past national tournaments, Oliver’s team finally captured gold this year by dominating opponents, losing only one game in pool play in the North Park Athletic Complex, Pittsburgh.

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Optimum® digital cable and Optimum Online® high-speed Internet service with 50,000 new and used car listings for visitors to browse, research and request additional information directly from local dealers from the convenience of their television or computer. For info: www.OptimumAutos.com That’s exactly 5,000 Bucks: Danielle Dvorak, a 2005 CHS grad, was named recipient of this year’s John L. Soldoveri Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship was created in 1998 in honor of John L. Soldoveri, the founder of Greater Community Bancorp, the parent company of Greater Community Bank which has two branches here in Clifton. Dvorak played Mustang Softball and was a member of the Student Leadership Council, Italian Club, National Honor Society and Honor Guard. She now attends William Paterson University and hopes one Ted Weissman won 1,000 gallons of gas. day to open up a business of her own. That’s about 2,500 Bucks: Clifton’s Ted Weissman was the winner of the Optimum Autos 1,000 Gallons of Gasoline sweepstakes. Optimum Autos is an interactive car shopping service available through Cablevision’s iO: Interactive

Scholarship recipient Danielle Dvorak.

Clifton Merchant Magazine publishes info on community events and happenings at no charge. Send your info/photos before the 15th of the month prior. Write to us at 1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 or tom.hawrylko@verizon.net

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Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Lou Capuano, a 1987 CHS grad, opened a TCBY sit down frozen yogurt parlor at 1376 Clifton Ave., in the Richfield Shopping Center. With indoor and outdoor seating, its the perfect spot to indulge. The menu includes cakes, smoothies and fresh baked waffle cones. Capuano, who also owns a TCBY in Fair Lawn, is pleased to be back home. His family has a long history in Clifton; his father and uncle were both firefighters, his mother teaches at School 3 and his grandfather was the trainer for the Fighting Mustangs in the 70’s and 80’s. Stop and welcome this Cliftonite home. At the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, 1033 Rt. 46 East, Suite A103, Clifton, on Sept. 23 at 8:30 am, BC Consulting Services sponsors Networking Over Breakfast, a free opportunity to meet other business owners in the Chamber boardroom. Register by Sept. 16. On Oct. 17, the Boys & Girls Club will hold a Meet and Greet Mixer at 5 pm. Registration is $15 for members, otherwise $25. The Chamber’s Holiday Gala is on Dec. 1 at the Westmount Country Club. It opens with a cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner and dancing to a first rate orchestra. Tickets are $115, $225 for couples and tables of 10 are $1,000. Call 973-470-9300.

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

TCBY owner Lou Capuano with employees Holly Sieradzki and Craig Bleaken at the new TCBY yogurt parlor in Richfield Plaza.

State law requires all home improvement contractors to register with the state and pay a $90 fee. Contractors will not be able to pull permits without being registered. Those who do business without registering face up to a $10,000 fine for the first offense. The New Jersey Contractor’s Registration Act covers individuals or companies that spe-

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cialize in home remodeling, altering, painting, repairing, renovating, restoring or modernizing. Landscapers who plant flowers, shrubs or trees or lay sod are also affected. Contractors who fail to register cannot conduct business and can face criminal and civil liabilities. Municipalities will be prohibited from issuing construction permits to unregistered contractors. Registrants must fill out an application that includes a disclosure statement and show proof of minimum liability insurance coverage of $500,000 per incident that provides notice to the Department of Consumer Affairs prior to cancellation. The fee of $90 is valid through Feb., 2006 with yearly renewals. Contractors should call 1-888-656-6225 or go to www.njconsumeraffairs.com/contractor.html for more info.

The Third PCCC Foundation Golf Classic is on Sept. 26 at the Great Gorge Country Club in McAfee. The price to golf is $150 and includes lunch and admission to the awards dinner at The Brownstone later that evening. Tee off is at 11 am. Tickets for just the awards dinner is $50 and it begins at 6:30 pm. All proceeds will go towards scholarship support for economically disadvantaged students who attend Passaic County Community College. The school has two campuses, one in Paterson and another in Wanaque. Sponsors are also needed for the event. For more info, call M.A. Rocks at 973-684-5919 or email her at mrocks@pccc.edu. St. Mary’s Hospital will mark two milestones in the coming months. On Dec. 10, the Passaic hospital celebrates 110 years of service with an Anniversary Gala, Through the Years, at the Valley Regency. In 1895, Father John A. Sheppard, then Pastor of the Church of St. Nicholas, Passaic, brought to the public’s attention the need for a hospital. Beginning with four physicians, Drs. F.C. Demarest, G.T. Welch, J.J. Sullivan and W.H. Carroll and the diocesan Community of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, the group converted a parish clubhouse at 123 Jefferson St. into the first hospital. By 1898, the group raised enough funds to build a facility at its current location on Pennington Ave. Also, the St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae will host a reunion luncheon on Sept. 10 at the Brownstone Restaurant, 361 West Broadway, Paterson, at noon. Tickets are $50 and include a program. For more on the programs, call Lance Abramowitz, 973-470-3486.

The Passaic County 200 Club Golf Outing is on Oct. 10 at the the High Mountain Golf Club in Franklin Lakes. The 200 Club is an organization of concerned citizens and business people who have pledged to honor and support law enforcement officers, fire-fighters and emergency service personnel who live or work in Passaic County. The annual dues and other fund raising efforts help provide resources to do that.

Registration for the day of golf begins at 10:30 am with a luncheon. The Shotgun start begins promptly at noon and will be followed with a social hour at the bar at 5 pm. Dinner and awards ceremony is at 6 pm. The $150 ticket includes green fees and lunch and dinner. There will be contests for longest drive, closest to the pin and the first hole in one will receive a car. Call for golf or more info: 973-754-6445.

Doctor, explain...

Nosebleeds • Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are generally mere nuisances. However, some can be dangerous, even potentially fatal. They are classified into two groups, Anterior, which comes from the lower front of the nose, or Posterior, which is situated high in the nose. • Many nosebleeds occur because of dry weather, which causes nasal membranes to dehydrate and crack and bleed. This can be prevented by placing a small amount of lubricating cream inside the nose. • To stop an anterior nosebleed, pinch the soft parts of the nose together. Gently press towards the face, against the bones. Hold this position for five minutes while keeping your head at a higher level then your heart and afterwards apply ice. • If bleeding cannot be stopped, you feel weak or if blood goes down the back of the throat rather than out the front through the nose, you should see a doctor immediately.

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973.253.0570 Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ September 2005

by Stephanie Pekarsky

n the days and the weeks following the slow collapse of the twin towers, we followed every siren that wailed and wondered at the destination of each plane that passed. After a while, however, days and weeks turned to months and years and, after a time, we no longer noticed the sirens we stopped living with that directionless fear. As resilient Americans, we’ve since developed better ways to remember. Still, we sometimes find ourselves at a loss. It is four years since the attacks which shook our country to its core, and there is confusion regarding how to suitably memorialize and honor those who lose their lives on September 11, 2001. Disagreements multiply around the Ground Zero site, and the visions many hold for it. And with Americans divided over the war, things have become even more complicated. There is a constant struggle between those who want to use the site as a center for learning and questioning, and those who are adamant that an appropriate memorial is not a place for political debate.

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Habib Hosseini, Riel Bilto, Mehdi Eliefifi, Sandra Grazioso, Rev. Carlisle Dickson of the First Presbyterian Church and Assemblyman Peter Eagler invite all to participate in the Interfaith Candlelight Service on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 6:30 to 8 pm at Lambert Castle. For more information, call 973-893-9151.

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Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage

or some 32 years now, Anthony A. Accavallo, shown here, has been helping make the American Dream become a reality, right here in Clifton. As President of Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. at 1111 Clifton Ave., Clifton, he and his firm have written millions of dollars worth of mortgages which have allowed people to purchase homes. And while that work has been fulfilling, Accavallo said he is getting his greatest satisfaction these days by helping senior citizens with reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is a special kind of mortgage loan for seniors. “It is a safe, easy way to turn your home equity into tax-free cash,” he continued.

“Unlike a home equity loan, you do not have to make monthly payments. Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you. More importantly, you do not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in the house. It’s a great way to keep your home and get money from it at the same time.” The name “reverse mortgage” describes exactly what the mortgage is — it is the exact opposite of a conventional mortgage. That is, with a conventional mortgage the borrower pays the lender but with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower. In the past, a senior citizen in need of money would have to take out a loan against their house and immediately start making monthly payments again or sell their home.

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.

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

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

Federal Mortgage & Investment Corp. Not a Government Agency Mortgage Bankers Licensed by NJ Department of Banking & Insurance Licensed by NY & CT Department of Banking 1111 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013

1-800-788-1184 www.federalmtg.com Clifton Merchant • September 2005

John Grazioso, Francis Joseph Trombino, Zuhtu Ibis, John P. Skala, Timothy Grazioso, and Edgar H. Emery. In addition to sadness after 9/11, there was anger, and an all-pervading paranoia. Certain religions, skin colors, and Middle Eastern names roused fear and hatred in those who did not know where to direct their anger, and unwarranted aggressions were made against Muslim innocents.

Those here in Clifton struggle as well. After all, on the day of the attacks, we lost nine of our own. Immediately following the attacks, Cliftonites banded together, giving blood, donating supplies, and praying for those who had died and those who were still missing. When the dust settled, the losses became more of a certainty. We still strive to honor them today—Edward C. Murphy, Kyung “Kaccy” Cho, Ehtesham U. Raja,

A HOUSE OF HOPE NJOG and Habitat for Humanity to work in Egypt To promote healing & hope, people are urged to commit Patriotic and Random Acts of Kindness. They can be as simple as reaching out to someone you would normally not have contact with, or as time and labor intensive as volunteering at a charity organization. In keeping with this, the New Jersey Outreach Group (NJOG, at www.njog.org), led by Mehdi Eliefifi, pushes people to step outside their comfort zone in the process of making a difference. One example is a trip to Egypt planned for February. NJOG is gathering a team of people from varying ethnic and religious backgrounds for this 10-day trip. While there, the group will pair up with Habitat for Humanity—a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization that uses volunteers to build homes. See www.habitat.org for info. In addition to kind intentions and multicultural enlightenment, Eliefifi hopes to send a message to people in countries all over the world. “We want to make a statement that we, as Americans, think about people everywhere,” he says. “There is more to us than what they see in the media. There is a lot of kindness and care. We care about humanity…not only about Americans.”

Reverend Carlisle Dickson, of the First Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave., calls these attacks a sort of “personal terrorism,” referencing the terrorists’ obvious desire to cause fear and dissent among Americans. He reflects on the many people who raised their flags in solidarity following the attacks, while still lashing out against those who were blameless. “I really hate to see it [the flag] desecrated…” he says, “desecrated by how we act.” In an attempt to bridge these gaps between people, to bring the community together in the spirit of mutual tribute and prayer, Dickson organized an interfaith healing service on the first anniversary of the attacks, back in 2002.

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Sandy Grazioso knows the horrors of war too well. Her brother, George Fornelius, lost his life while serving with the Marines during the Korean War. But nothing could prepare her for the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when she lost her two sons in the World Trade Center. Sandy tried reaching her sons on their cell phones upon hearing of the attack, but, like other survivors, was unable to get through. Both were in Tower One when the first plane struck at 8:48 am. Tim, who would have turned 43 on Oct. 4, 2001, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and was the chief operating officer for over-the-counter trading, and chief Nasdaq trader for Cantor Fitzgerald Securities. He worked on the 104th floor. John, 41, worked on the 105th floor as a salesman for the Cantor Fitzgerald subsidiary, eSpeed. The brothers grew up on Lisbon St. with their sister, Carolee and all attended Clifton High School. Tim was Class of 1976; John graduated in 1978. Both played varsity football before college, getting married and settling down with their new families out of town. Though John moved to Middletown and Tim to Gulfstream, Fla. (Tim commuted via plane to Florida every weekend), their lives were had deep Clifton roots. Their great grandfather, Gustave Fornelius, who emigrated from Sweden around 1900, was one of the founders of Athenia Steel and later became a City Councilman. When he died in 1935, he was the superintendent of the steel company. As Tim and John’s day on the job turned into tragedy, Clifton resident and Port Authority Police Officer John Skala was called to do what he did best, help others.

THREE NEIGHBORS by Rich DeLotto written in November, 2001

Tim Grazioso

John Grazioso

Normally stationed at the Lincoln Tunnel, Skala was ordered to report to the Twin Towers shortly after the first jet hit the north tower. As he was known to do, Skala ran to the

danger where lives were in danger. The 31-year-old officer had the chance to escape harm but entered the World Trade Center in an attempt to help the wounded. One of his co-workers reported that Skala emerged from the Trade Center, grabbed a first aid kit and re-entered the burning towers. He was the only one of his unit not to escape the wreckage. His friends and family say Skala’s life ended the way he lived: taking care of other people. In fact, when he wasn’t on duty as a policeman, Skala was a Paramedic with the Passaic/Clifton Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Spending time with family and friends was his other passion. Whether skiing, playing golf and softball, participating in events with the Ukrainian American Youth Association-Passaic, or the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, Skala was known as a guy who embraced life and did all he could for his family and friends.

John ‘Yash’ Skala

Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Dickson contacted religious leaders around Clifton, from the Trinity United Methodist Church; the Baha'i Faith Center; St. Paul’s Church; The Islamic Center of Passaic County; the First Evangelical Lutheran Church; the Beth Sholom Reform Temple; the Clifton Jewish Center; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. These delegates of differing faiths, who had always prayed among their own, came together for a night of communal healing. “9/11 shocked the world, and made people think about what they need,” says Habib Hosseini, a Clifton Baha'i who is on the planning committee for this year’s service. “They need spirituality.” That very first anniversary service opened with video excerpts from the CNN tribute, America Remembers. After the Reverend welcomed his expanded congregation, everyone stood to sing “God Bless America,” and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Over the course of the morning, there were a number of readings and musical performances. A moment of silence was honored, and a candle of unity was lit in memory of both those who had lost their lives and those who had survived September 11. The church bell was rung four times, to mark

the times when Flights 11 and 175 crashed into the towers, and when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon and, finally, when Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA. For everyone, the emotions surrounding this anniversary are so intricate and difficult to unravel. “We wanted to provide some sort of community healing,” says the Reverend. After its first year, Reverend Dickson moved the service to Lambert Castle, a site that allows attendees to look out over New York City. He continues to seek out new ways to expand and improve upon each preceding service. This year, Dickson and his committee have developed the idea of

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PRAK—Patriotic and Random Acts of Kindness. “We have to combat fear and prejudice with random acts of kindness,” says Mehdi Eliefifi, another member of the planning committee, and a representative of the Muslim faith. “Our religious doctrine calls us to act better than we are able to act,” adds the Reverend. He believes that PRAK is a positive manifestation of this call to do better. In 2002, he asked attendees of his service to contribute to the Salvation Army’s WTC New Jersey Victim’s Families Fund. Now, in 2005, he aims to expand the circles and targets of human kindness. In the flyer he is circulating for this year’s event, he suggests donations of non-perishable food to local food banks and pantries; courteous driving; blood donations; personal care packages to our troops through www.usocares.com. The site www.actsofkindness.org also has a number of suggestions. Members of the planning committee have already been practicing PRAK in their everyday lives. Eliefifi is President of the New Jersey Outreach Group, an actionoriented group that develops programs designed to bring together people of different backgrounds as a means of conquering this enduring fear of the unknown.

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Sandy Grazioso, a parishioner at St. John Kanty, is an amazingly generous woman for someone who has lost so much. Her two sons—John and Timothy Grazioso— were in Tower One when the first plane struck. “We need to remember their lives as opposed to their deaths,” she says. “We need to celebrate their lives.” Her fond memories of her sons have compelled her to reach out to others, something she has done for the past few years. Grazioso is now active through her church, cantoring services and working with children. On past 9/11 anniversaries, she has done the Pledge of Allegiance at a number of 9/11-related services, and she read names at Ground Zero just last year. Despite the volume of responsibility she takes on (and she admits to an inability to say no to those who come to her in need), she laments that she does not have the time to do more. She earnestly advocates “getting involved through the community, and being there for people affected by 9/11.” The lives lost are by no means forgotten in these multitudinous attempts to pay it forward. Hosseini and other local Baha'is hold prayer meetings and emotional gatherings. Grazioso has a support group, with which she has lunch at least once a month. Throughout America, freedom towers are planned and memorials are built. People all over the world seek out different ways of honoring those who were once a very real part of their lives. And in Clifton, Reverend Dickson and his crew lead their community in prayer. In the tradition of developing a program around one positive theme, this year’s Interfaith candlelight Service is called Healing & Hope—Building Bridges of Peace. The public is invited to participate or attend the Sunday, September 11 service, from 6:30 to 8 pm, at Lambert Castle. For more details, call 973-893-9151.

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

e attended the jewelry show at the Javitts Center, NYC and had the best time buying for the holiday season! Hard to believe it's that time of year when the temperatures have been in the 90's for so long! The show was spectacular and we love everything we bought. Here's a peek at one of the up-coming additions to our store: William Schraft - a new and exciting silver designer - will now be a member of our Morre Lyons family. His eye for color and detail, along with his artistic flare, will certainly capture your attention. He will be a wonderful addition to Lori Bonn, Lois Hill and Judith Jack collections. Color is big, bold and ever present in all facets of fashion jewelry. Layering of multiple necklaces - from 16" to 36" is another fashion statement. Combinations of chains, stones, pearls and all shades of gold were ever present at the show. We also bought Honora's pearl and ribbon necklaces and bracelets. They are very pretty and well priced…a perfect gift. The diamond and gemstones merchandise will surely take your breath away…we are going to be seeing several new designers in store - so we won't be announcing any new family members, until we make our final decision. Every year, we like to add to our designer collections, so our jewelry continues to be unique and memorable. All in all, the holiday season promises to be lots of fun. The birthstone for September is sapphire, a member of the corundum family, all colors of corundum are considered to be sapphire unless they are red (Ruby). Transparent to translucent, sapphires range in color from very pale blue to deep indigo (medium-deep cornflower blue is the most valuable), colorless, gray, yellow, pale pink, green, violet and brown. This gem was believed to attract divine favor to its owner. Sapphire is known as the stone of prosperity. Have a SENSATIONAL SEPTEMBER and we'll talk to you again next month.

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They’ll Walk for a Cure Janet Mozolewski is doing it again. And this time, she’ll bring a few friends to help out. Mozolewski had breast cancer in 2002 at the age of 42, was treated and now has a clean bill of health. To celebrate that milestone, last year she trekked the 26.3 mile Avon Walk for Breat Cancer course and raised $15,680 towards a cure. On Oct 1., she’ll walk the course again to perpetuate the memory of fellow Cliftonite Lisa Trombino, who on Jan. 28, 2004, died from stage IV breast cancer, a disease she had since 1997. It is one of the many bonds Mozolewski shared with Trombino, a familiar Clifton name. “Not only am I walking in memory of Lisa Ann Trombino, my friend who lost her battle to breast cancer,” recalled Mozolewski. “But I am also walking for all the other women and men who have been affected by this horrible disease.” This year, Mozolewski formed a team, Newconn United, with friends Eva Taormina, Leslie and Ann Marie Kelly, Dave Womack and Lynn France. Mozolewski hopes to surpass the amount she raised last Cliftonites Lynn France (left) and Janet Mozolewski seek to year and together with her team aims to reach $25,000, but raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Funds donated are managed and disbursed by the Avon she needs sponsors to help meet that goal. Checks can be made payable to the Avon Walk for Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity. To Breast Cancer and mailed to Mrs. Janet Mozolewski, 78 join the team or to make a donation, call Janet Mozolewski at 973-773-5744 or go to Scoles Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07012.

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On Dec 8, 2004, Hannah Anolik, 7, of Clifton was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. She displayed two classic symptoms of Diabetes; extreme thirst and urination, which led her mother to Hannah’s pediatrician and to the shocking diagnosis. They were informed that a Coxsackie virus had most likely attacked her pancreas since there is no history of Diabetes in her family. Hannah is a delightful girl who enjoys singing and acting, roller blading Hannah Anolik with Oodle. and bike riding. But most of all, she enjoys spending time with her older brother, Alex. She has to endure between 4 and 5 insulin injections each day, and adhere to a very strict, low carb diet. For such a little girl, she has shown remarkable courage and dignity. She demonstrates remarkable empathy for everyone because of what she has been through, and she is more determined than ever to beat this disease in her lifetime. That’s why on Oct. 2 at Berkeley College Hannah, her family and friends will participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk for the Cure. Funds raised will support JDRF’s new global campaign, “From Research to Reality: The Campaign to Accelerate the Cure for Diabetes,” is intended to step up the transformation of research into treatments and interventions that can soon benefit people with type 1 diabetes. To learn more about this illness or to join Hannah and her team, Hannah’s Banana’s, in her Walk for the Cure, visit JDRF.org and search for Hannah Anolik or call Gary and Ellen Anolik at 973-779-2875.

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Fall Spo r ts ’05 Football • Soccer • Volleyball • Cross Country • Gymnastics Tennis • Cheerleading Marching Band

CHS

FOOTBALL

All stories by Joe Hawrylko oach Ron Anello isn’t the new guy in town anymore. After coming in last summer to replace Chet Parlavecchio, Anello immediately went to work, teaching his boys the new playbook and his philosophies. Anello has also been working closely with the youth football programs, grooming the players of tomorrow. He was rewarded with a 5-5 record, a very respectable record for a team that just brought in a new coach. Now, with a full year under their belt, the Mustangs are a year older and more experienced. The kids know the playbook inside and out. One reason for this is the leadership provided by the captains.

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

They are selected the year before at the last team dinner. “This allows them to grow into their leadership position,” said Anello. “The team gradually forms around them at meetings, in the weight room and in practices.” This fall, the Fighting Mustangs will be led on the gridiron by seniors Marko Cvetic and Mike Feliciano, both linemen, and running backs Vinnie Periano and Freddie Olave. This overall balanced team will be led by a large, senior filled line will be anchored by Cvetic, Feliciano, Matt Meade and Nick Karmarcik, with TE Chris Kopitar and junior TE Nick Cvetic. Who they will be protecting remains in

Sept 10

at Blair

11:00 am

Sept 17

at Paramus

1:00 pm

Sept 23

Barringer

7:00 pm

Oct 01

at Kennedy

1:00 pm

Oct 07

Eastside Paterson

7:00 pm

Oct 14

Montclair

7:00 pm

Oct 22

at Bergen Catholic

1:00 pm

Oct 29

at Don Bosco Prep

1:00 pm

Nov 04

Ridgewood

7:00 pm

Nov 12

NJSIAA

TBA

Nov 19

NJSIAA

TBA

Nov 24

Passaic

10:30 am

the air, as senior Jon Baez and junior Rob Johnson battle it out at quarterback. St. Mary transfer Anthony Giordino, a junior, will also be in the mix, but he must sit out a NJSIAA mandated 30 day transfer period.

The stable of running backs includes seniors Oliver Diaz, Peraino and Olave, along with juniors Luis Feliciano and Derrick Stroble. Sophomore Matt Davella will also see time out of the backfield. Catching passes this year will be juniors Moses Rivera, Joe Figueroa, David Fahy and sophomore Lamar Rodriguez. Anello noted that these four will also see plenty of time on defense at DB. On the defensive side, senior Kenny Dye will line up at DE, alongside the OL, who all play both ways. Anello said that junior defensive specialist Paul Andrikanich will see significant time at LB. He will be joined by two-way players Diaz, Peraino, Olave, Feliciano and Stroble.

“Our guys have worked hard all offseason,” said Anello, as his boys finished up their morning practice. “That’s our outlook, take care of the little things and the little things will take care of the big things.”

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September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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or most teams, a 12-6 record and a trip to the State Playoffs would be considered an excellent year. However, for the Lady Mustangs, who have transformed into a perennial powerhouse under coach Stan Lembryk, it may be considered an off season when compared to recent ones. The Mustangs saw their four year title reign of Passaic County end last year. Blame it on injuries 1274

Sarge Painting

and a few tough breaks but the Lady Mustangs were sent back to Clifton in the State Playoff quarterfinals, their earliest exit in recent years. But last year is in the record books and on a recent August afternoon on the WWMS field they call home, Lembryk, who has gone 6115-2 since taking over the program in 2000, said he is not worried. In fact, he is quite optimistic

when he looks at his team this year. “We have a very good mix of returning players who have battled hard in league and states,” coach stated. “We also have a very deep and talented freshman team; probably the best I’ve seen in years. This is a team for now.” That’s good news for the 2005 Lady Mustangs, who need to replace a slew of productive players from last year’s team.

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SOCCER Sept 9

at Holy Angels

4:00 pm

Sept 12

Bloomfield

4:00 pm

Sept 14

Bayonne

4:00 pm

Sept 16

Ridgewood

4:00 pm

Sept 20

at IHA

4:00 pm

Sept 22

Paramus Catholic

4:00 pm

Sept 26

Kennedy

4:00 pm

Sept 28

Teaneck

4:00 pm

Sept 30

Paramus

4:00 pm

Oct 01

Passaic Cty Tourn

Oct 03

at Montclair

4:00 pm

Oct 07

at Belleville

4:00 pm

Oct 08

Passaic Cty Tourn

Oct 10

Montclair

4:00 pm

Oct 12

Hackensack

4:00 pm

Oct 15

Passaic Cty Tourn

Oct 17

at Kennedy

Oct 22

Passaic County Champs

Oct 24

at Nutley

TBA

TBA 4:00 pm TBA 4:00 pm

Ten freshmen have been added to the 13 returning upperclassmen from last year’s team.

They’ll follow the lead of senior captain Jess Oliva, who will anchor the defense as sweeper. She will be joined by junior Fanny Vaquero and freshman Alyssa Robinson. If opposing strikers do manage to squeeze through the backfield, they will be greeted by junior GK Arielle Saltzman or frosh Leianne Maldenado, who will battle for time Holly Sieradzki, Lembryk’s ‘Super Soph,’ started all of last year on Varsity and will be a great contributor during her CHS years.

Senior Jenna Pizzimenti will play at Sieradzki’s side, a veteran mentor in the middle. Senior captain Brianna Coyle will drive the offense. Her ball handling skills will help set the tempo for the offense. Senior Charade Moreno and juniors Brittany Haraka and Erika Cardillo will join her. Lembryk is pleased on how the squads are meshing and has a vision where his Lady Mustangs will be later this fall: “Looking to take our title back. 1317

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his is the year that head coach Joe Vespignani is finally out of Fernando Rossi’s shadow. All of the legendary coach’s wins, titles and players are history. The current roster is made up entirely of boys who were coached by Vespignani. This is Coach V’s team now. “These guys all understand our philosophy and gameplan,” said Vespignani. “This is a nice group of young men who work hard.” The team has been preparing for the upcoming sea-

son since June, when they began playing in a league at Montclair State University. Although it is still early, the results of the league may foreshadow what is to come in the Vespignani Era: the Mustangs won the championship. Last season, the Mustangs went 19-2-1 and won the Passaic County Crown for the eighth consecutive year before bowing out in the third round of states to arch-nemesis Kearny on penalty kicks. With a core of the starters from that team returning, the latest edition

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SOCCER Sept 9

at Bergen Catholic

4:00 pm

Sept 10

Ferris HS

2:00 pm

Sept 14

at Don Bosco Prep

4:00 pm

Sept 16

Montclair

4:00 pm

Sept 20

at Teaneck

4:00 pm

Sept 22

at Hackensack

Sept 24

Ridgewood

4:00 pm

Sept 27

Eastside Paterson

4:00 pm

Oct 03

Belleville

4:00 pm

Oct 06

at Paramus Catholic

4:00 pm

Oct 10

St. Joseph

4:00 pm

Oct 12

at Barringer

4:00 pm

Oct 18

Passaic

4:00 pm

Oct 20

Kennedy

4:00 pm

Oct 25

Nutley

4:00 pm

Oct 27

at Bloomfield

4:00 pm

Oct 28

at Paramus

4:00 pm

10:00 am

of the Mustang soccer team looks to win their ninth straight county crown and seek revenge for their heartbreaking loss.

able to him, he believes that this team is primed to make another deep run in the State Tournament. “Our JV squad went undefeated last year and the frosh also had a good year. We are stronger than last year,” he said. “We just have to take one game at a time.” 1337

CHS BOYS

Senior goalkeeper Majdi Zaineh, entering his third year on Varsity, will wear one of the captain’s band this year. Defender Tom Bodyziak will be the other captain and will anchor Clifton’s stingy defense. He will be joined in the backfield by versatile sweeper/midfielder Terry Alas. Seniors David Marin and Chris Lima will once again return to their center midfield position, where they proved to be quite productive last year. Joining them will be outside midfielder Matt Paluch, entering his second year of Varsity. Up front, speedy striker Frank Vogas will lead the Mustang’s vaunted attack. Junior David Abukhater, who saw time on Varsity last year, will try to crack the line up full time this year. Vespignani added that there is open competition for many of the remaining spots on the roster. With the wealth of talent avail-

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CHS

VOLLEYBALL lowly but surely, head coach Mike Doktor is transforming the Lady Mustangs volleyball team into a perennial powerhouse, just like he has done with the highly regarded boys’ team. Since taking over the squad in 2001 that had gone 13-11 the year before, the ‘Stangs have improved with each season. Last season, the girls went 20-6, enroute to a NNJIL

Division Championship, along with a second place finish in the Passaic County Tournament and a trip to the third round of states to boot. The 20 win season was the first by the Mustangs in recent years, something that only five other CHS girl squads have ever achieved. These are the new Lady Mustangs, and with hard work and dedication, they are only getting better.

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Dominick & Carmen

Sept 9

Barringer

4:00 pm

Sept 10

Eastern Tournament

8:30 am

Sept 12

at Eastside Paterson

4:00 pm

Sept 14

at Kennedy

4:00 pm

Sept 16

at Passaic

4:00 pm

Sept 17

Clifton Tournament

9:00 am

Sept 19

Montclair

4:00 pm

Sept 21

Holy Angels

4:00 pm

Sept 23

at IHA

7:00 pm

Sept 26

at Hackensack

4:00 pm

Sept 28

Nutley

4:00 pm

Sept 29

at Wayne Valley

4:00 pm

Sept 30

Paramus Catholic

4:00 pm

Oct 03

at Paramus

4:00 pm

Oct 06

Belleville

4:00 pm

Oct 07

at Teaneck

4:00 pm

Oct 10

at Bloomfield

4:00 pm

Oct 12

Ridgewood

4:00 pm

Oct 17

at Barringer

4:00 pm

Oct 19

Eastside Paterson

4:00 pm

Oct 21

Kennedy

4:00 pm

Oct 24

Passaic

4:00 pm

Oct 26

Passaic Cty Tourn

Oct 26

at Montclair

4:00 pm

Oct 28

at Ramapo

4:00 pm

Oct 29

Passaic County Champs 7:00 pm

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They will see intense competition in the county from rivals Passaic, Wayne Valley and DePaul, whom the Mustangs will seek revenge against for their defeat in the County Tournament last year. Look for the Lady Mustangs to make a deep run in the State Playoffs.

“This will be the best season in recent history,” said Doktor. “We will be great this year, but with our talent and depth, we also know that we will be great for seasons to come.” The defending NNJIL Division champions graduated several starters from last year’s team, but that will not slow them down at all. All-County players Deanna Giordano, a junior, and senior Lisa Hojnacki bring leadership and power to a tall and potent lineup. They will captain this year’s squad. Sophomore standout Allison DiAngelo, senior Maggie Krol, and junior Danielle Woolverton all bring varsity experience, a great work ethic, and the skills necessary for Clifton to remain a top team in the area. Varsity newcomers, Jamie Ersalesi and Amanda Jaskot, two seniors, and juniors Shannon McCracken, Dana Riley, Rachel Prehodka-Spindel, Cheryl Porter, Jessica Munoz and Monica Stroz, all have talent and exceptional drive. The speed that these players improve their skills and learn to play at a high level of competition will determine how far the Mustangs will go this season.

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CROSS COUNTRY ast year, head coach John Pontes and the Clifton Cross Country team wrapped up yet another impressive season, with both teams earning their fifth consecutive League Championships and the boys adding a County Championship. But this is a new year. With a core of last year’s group returning, expectations are high once again and Pontes, who enters his 22nd season, is sure his team

can deliver. “We have a lot of kids coming back for both squads,” said Pontes. “We look to at least repeat as champions once again.” This team certainly has the talent to do so. The boys are led by seniors Carlo Santelli and Steven Klett, two experienced 1st team allcounty athletes who helped lead the squad to their 23-2 record. Pontes said he expects Santelli and Klett to take command of this squad of 26 athletes.

Sept 13

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Sept 20

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Sept 24

PCC Invitational

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Sept 27

Regional Meet

4:00 pm

Sept 30

Maroon Invitational

3:30 pm

Oct 05

Regional Meet

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Oct 06

at William Paterson Inv. 4:00 pm

Oct 11

NNJIL Champs

Oct 21

Passaic County Champs 3:30 pm

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Regional Meet

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State Sectional

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They will be supported by junior Alex Anolik, who had an outstanding year last year and was selected to 1st team All-County. Fellow juniors Chris Bienkiewicz, Mike Tanayan and Brian Dunphy all had good seasons and their coach looks for them to step it up again this year. Sophomore Larry Crowley has looked excellent and Pontes expects him to be a force as he gains experience. Leading the girls, who finished with a 16-5 record last season, will be seniors Diane Scaflarski, Marissa Ross and Rebecca Weiss. This team of 22 girls will also be counting heavily on junior Jessica Torres, who had an outstanding campaign last year. Pontes also expects sophomores Susan

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Martinez and Alyssa Philhower to be contributing factors in this year’s championship run. If both teams remain healthy, look for the Mustangs to running for a State Championship come November.

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CHS ith only two seniors returning, the Mustangs seems to be short on experience. However, Gymnastics head coach Judy D’Argenio said what this team lacks in age it makes up with work ethic and pure athleticism. “This is the largest turn out we have ever had,” the coach added. “We have a lot of new comers and everyone is training hard during preseason.” The team is led by senior captains Stephanie Colangelo and Jane Martinez, two seasoned all around performers. They will be supported by sophomore Brooke Mullen

and junior Jasmine Adams. The junior class features the most depth, with Amy Wong in floor exercises and Tara Danny and Dalia Vargas on the balance beam. Sophomore Soin Alexander has been impressive in preseason and will see action as a vaulter. Overall, the squads strength is on the floor, where D’Argenio expects to see Colangelo and Mullen qualify for state individuals. “We are in a rebuilding year,” said D’Argenio. “But we have a bunch of girls with dance background, so we will be competitive this season.”

GYMNASTICS Sept 20

Fair Lawn

4:30 pm

Sept 23

at Indian Hills

4:30 pm

Sept 26

Montclair

4:30 pm

Sept 29

Ramapo

4:30 pm

Oct 03

Wayne Valley

3:00 pm

Oct 06

at Ridgewood

4:30 pm

Oct 11

Wayne Hills

4:30 pm

Oct 14

at Passaic Valley

4:30 pm

Oct 18

at Butler

4:30 pm

Oct 20

West Milford

4:30 pm

Oct 22

at North Jersey Invitnal 4:30 pm

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CHS

MARCHING MUSTANGS

and camp is a two week training program where the 2005 Marching Mustangs perfect the routines that have made them an elite high school showband. Drum Major Jenny Sichel will lead over 100 Marching Mustangs onto the grid iron and along parade routes as these Clifton musicians, majorettes and color guard enter their 66th season to uphold their title as the Showband of the Northeast.

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Fanfare for Morgan tines and intricate drills which have earned the Mustangs the Showband of the Northeast moniker. Under his direction for the past 34 years, the band initiated both the “Script CHS” formation, the now famous centerpiece for every football pre-game show, and the “Floating Block-M” formation in which the band exits the field. Over the years, the Mustang Marching Band has perfected the

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Mustang Marching Band Director Bob Morgan will be honored by the Clifton Education Foundation with a luncheon on Nov. 13 at the Valley Regency. The directors of the CEF report that the honor is given to former Clifton High School students who have achieved great things since graduating. Morgan has been the CHS Band Director since 1972 and is responsible for many of the impressive rou-

rigorous 8-to-5 marching tempo that legendary former Band Director Saul Kay had introduced years ago. Those formations and that marching style are so intricate that few high school bands beyond Clifton have ever attempted to implement them. Morgan, a 1966 CHS grad, has been involved with music for decades. During his junior year as a Marching Mustang, Morgan got his first taste of leadership when he was appointed Master Sergeant of the band by Kay. From there, he would go on to refine his love for music and the showband at William Paterson University and later at the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a Degree in Music in 1971. Morgan resides in Clifton Center with his wife Michele and their sons Matt and Dan, both of whom performed with the Marching Mustangs. The Nov. 13 event will run from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $45. An ad journal will also be published. Proceeds will go towards the CEF Grant Program. For tickets or ad journal info, call Loretta Ahmad at 973-778-7704.

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September 2005 â&#x20AC;˘ Clifton Merchant

Mustang Coach

by Jack DeVries

Bill Vander Closter

here were two events in Bill Vander Closter’s life that predicted his future as coach of Clifton’s Fighting Mustangs football team. The first happened during his boyhood in Wallington, the second as he entered adulthood. Each time, fate played a hand. Growing up, the 12-year-old, “Vandy” loved sports but didn’t have any way to compete. “Every two blocks,” he says, “kids had teams. The ones from my street, the Wallington Jinks, would compete against teams from other parts of town in football, punch ball, stickball, basketball—any sport. “The problem was the kids who lived around me were 15-16 years old; I was only 12—a tall, skinny Hollander. They said, ‘You can’t play so you be the coach.’” Though Vandy knew nothing about coaching, he stepped into the role by substituting players and hatching sandlot strategies. “I really didn’t know much about it, but (coaching) was what they wanted me to do.”

From 1964 to 1979, during his 16-year run as Clifton head coach, Bill Vander Closter led the Mustangs to five state championships and a 108-28-7 record.

Fast forward past his high school days (where he finally got to play) when he joined the U.S. Navy. When asked what his interests and strengths were, he listed coaching and physical education—again having no knowledge about either outside of his playing experience at East Rutherford High. “Fortunately, I got into the Gene Tunney Program (named after the heavyweight boxing champion of twenties),” Vandy says, “and became a phys ed instructor, called a P.I.” Vander Closter was assigned to P.I. school in Bainbridge, Md., where he shared a barracks with pro baseball players Cookie Lavegetto and Johnny Mize. A week after he arrived, the 18year-old Vander Closter was notified that he was too young to be a P.I. Asking for a chance to prove himself, Vandy was told if he passed a marching test (drilling a company of new recruits), he could stay. “I don’t know how I did it, put we passed,” he says. “I was the first 18 year-old allowed in the Gene Tunney Program.”

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That was his start in physical education which later opened the door to coaching. In the future, instead of guiding soldiers, Vander Closter would be guiding teenagers and on his way to becoming one of the most successful New Jersey high school football coaches. Humble Beginnings The Dutch have lived in this area since 1624, but Vander Closter’s ancestors were late arrivals. Bill’s grandfather was the first to make the journey from the town of Hook, settling in Clifton. “Many of my family were harbor masters in Holland,” he says. “They were responsible for towing the big ferries in from Ireland and Scotland.

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They also served on rescue boats to help ships that were in trouble. Two of them died while attempting a rescue, and there’s a monument in Holland with their name on it.” Vander Closter’s grandfather William owned a two-family house set on an acre of property in Clifton’s Dutch Hill section. William earned a steady income from the eggs and chickens he sold, housing more than 300 chickens on his Hammond Ave. property. Bill’s father Walter married a Wallington girl, Margaret Kline, and the two moved to the nearby Bergen County town. Bill was born in 1924, followed by his sister Eleanor two years later. Vander Closter remembers the Depression being tough on the family. His father lost his mechanic’s job at Sprague Motors in Passaic, later going to work for the WPA. During hard times, the family got by on his grandfather’s egg money. Unlike some parents, Walter, a soccer player, encouraged his son to play sports and used money from collecting scrap metal to pay for his son’s YMCA dues, where young Bill learned to play his favorite sport, basketball. Young Wildcat Entering East Rutherford High, Vandy started in three sports by his sophomore year. Describing him-

self as “an average athlete with good hands,” he played forward on the basketball team, third base for the Wildcat baseball squad, and end and wingback on the football team. Being from Wallington, he wore No. 2.“That was tradition,” he says. “Though we weren’t looked down on, the Wallington kids were poorer, brown-bagging it to school each day. It was sort of like the Botany and Athenia kids were in Clifton when I was coaching.” While at East Rutherford, he admired the encouraging style of assistant coach Lou Fittipaldi, rather than the hard-driving ways of head coach Jim Mahon. “Coach Fittipaldi was never negative, always gave me a pat on the back,” he says. “I never forgot that. Even when I was coaching at Clifton, he would write me a congratulatory note after a big win or championship.” Though East Rutherford won no championships while Vander Closter played, he had a few brief moments of glory. He blocked two punts by Eastside’s Larry Doby in one game—who Vandy describes as far and away the most talented football player he played against and the best basketball player. “When I blocked those punts,” Vandy says of the Hall of Fame baseball player, “he wanted to know where I came from—asking his team-

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Vandy in 1964 with team captains, from left, Stan Kurley, Rich Schmazel, Ken Hastic, Larry Kyle, Al Benko and Dan Blackowski.

mates was it this side or that side. His (understanding of the game) was way ahead of everybody else.” Vander Closter also got to play against Clifton High. “Al Lesko, who was also from Wallington, was their head coach. Clifton was not a well-organized team, but had a lot of good players, like Eddie Sanicki.” Vandy says his best athletic moment came in his last football game when he blocked a punt against Lyndhurst. “I blocked it with my right hand and it fell in my left hand, and I went in for a touchdown—it was luck,” he says. Stateside Duty Events during his high school years would change Vander Closter’s life. The first was the bombing of Pearl Harbor. “The entire East Rutherford football team went to Hinchcliffe Stadium to watch the Paterson Panthers play,” says Vander Closter, a sophomore at the time. (Doby was working as an usher in the crowd that day.) “I remember the sirens blowing—I didn’t know where Pearl Harbor was.” Vander Closter remembers being afraid of what might happen after high school. “The next year, a couple of my friends were killed while serving,” he says. “After that, my grades went from an A to a C average. I started partying more and didn’t miss many Polish

weddings. I saw my buddies getting killed and knew I was going in. I thought I may as well enjoy myself.” He joined the Navy but was allowed to finish high school. Sixteen days after graduating in 1943, he was in the service. “I was fortunate,” he says. “I served nearly my entire tour in the states at Cape May or Wildwood.” His darkest time during the war came when his best friend, East Rutherford running back Bill Markowsky died of testicular cancer at age 21. “He had married his high school sweetheart and had two boys,” Vandy says. Another life-changing event happened in 1942 when he met his future wife, Gilda Belli—love at first sight. “I met her at Calvary Baptist Church on the corner of Lexington and Clifton Avenues,” he says. “I said ‘That’s the girl for me.’ (Meeting her) made me make a decision. Was I going to be a ditch digger or make something of my life? I decided to go to college.” Discharged in 1946, Vander Closter wanted to attend Panzer College in East Orange, but his grades weren’t good enough. Instead, he entered Bergen Junior College, earned high marks, and was later admitted to Panzer, graduating with a physical education degree. The college is now Montclair State University. While at Panzer, Vander Closter coached the East Rutherford freshman basketball and football teams.

☛

Clifton Merchant • September 2005

He married Gilda in 1946, and the couple moved in to her mother’s home in Clifton’s Lakeview section. The couple barely got by on the money Bill made from coaching, refereeing, and driving a cab, and Gilda’s small legal secretary salary. After graduating from Panzer, Vander Closter expected to be hired at East Rutherford. But when the school had no openings, his friend Juk Porter referred him to Clifton High where Vander Closter met Mustangs Coach Joe Grecco. After gaining the recommendations of Grecco, and school administrators and board members, Vander Closter thought he had the job— until one influential administrator unexpectedly withdrew his support. “My father’s cousin Neil Kuypers,” he says, “was on the school board. He said he never wanted favors, but had a family member who wanted a position teaching physical education. That’s how I got my job.”

Now a Mustang Vandy’s new job was to teach physical education at several Clifton elementary schools. He also became Clifton High’s freshman

football coach and later JV basketball coach, where he posted a 22424 lifetime record. “I always thought I’d eventually become head basketball coach,” he says.

What a call it was, Vandy said of that day in 1965, when Clifton beat Passaic 15-13. 1767

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Welcome to camp, Sept. 1, 1970. And in 1971, Vandy with co-captains Richard Waller (left) and Doug Kleber.

After a great freshman football season in 1950, Grecco promoted Vander Closter to his varsity staff. “Joe was a very intelligent coach, way ahead of everybody I’d known,” Vander Closter says. “As far as a teacher and a head coach, he taught me a lot. About 60 to 70 percent of how I learned to evaluate players came from him. But Joe Grecco was also a one-man coach; it was his way and that was it.” Vander Closter also benefited from meeting the coach’s friends. One winter day in 1951, Vince Lombardi stopped at Clifton High. “He was probably trying to recruit Billy DeGraaf or (Frank) Pecci—that group,” Vandy remembers. “I was in the teachers’ room at lunchtime when Joe asked if I would like to meet him. Coach Lombardi (a West Point assistant at the time) was meticulous—shoes shined, crease down his pants, shirt and tie.” On the muddy field at Clifton School Stadium, Lombardi showed Grecco and Vander Closter how to run the University of Oklahoma defense. “That was exciting. When I was head coach, other famous coaches came to Clifton to recruit, like Penn State’s Joe Paterno and Ohio State’s Woody Hayes.”

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Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Pictured here is one of Vandy’s early coaching staffs, from the 1960’s. From left: Bob Roberts, who called many of the offensive plays; Emil Chaky, who Vander Closter described as an offensive technician; John Lischack, who would succeed Vandy as head coach in 1980 and was one of the most well-liked mentors on the staff. Next to Vandy is Walt Semon, a member of the CHS Hall of Fame and Bill Farkas, a knowledgeable coach who provided an early foundation for the Fighting Mustangs.

Vandy loved being part of Grecco’s teams of the fifties and sixties. He especially remembers beating Montclair on Nov. 16, 1957, when Mustangs All-American running back George Telesh scored 14 of Clifton’s points in a 26-0 win. “George came off the field,” Vandy recalls, “and said, ‘God was with us today.’” As an assistant, Vander Closter had opportunities to become head coach at East Paterson and Morristown. Heeding the advice of others, he remained at Clifton, happy and hoping to get the varsity basketball job. However, in 1964, Vander Closter became part of the political storm that has been the

downfall of many Clifton football coaches and a source of embarrassment to the city. Grecco, a Democratic city councilman, was fired after a disappointing 1963 season when the Mustangs went 6-3. The team was supposed to dominate with most of the 1962 state champion underclassmen returning. After the sub-par season, Grecco’s political opponents struck. Because he was a Clifton elementary school principal, the school board (controlled by Republicans) leaned on a state recommendation— not a law—which said administrators should not be coaches. “I had no idea that I was going to get the job,” Vander Closter says. “It

was a political thing, and I was neither Republican nor Democrat. The Clifton Journal’s George Kroll called and told me I was the new coach. “Joe never said anything about my getting the job. I’d see him at the games, but he never came into the locker room, never told me what to do—which I appreciated. But I wish he would’ve come in.” Kroll stirred rumors of a feud when he wrote in his March 26, 1964, “As I See It…” column: “Someone did a good job of cleaning out the Mustang locker room. Everything was gone, including the scouting reports of the opposition that could be very useful to Coach Bill Vander Closter and his team.”

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“Very untrue,” Vandy says. “Everything was there—Joe was an honest individual and would never do anything like that.” Until much later in Grecco’s life, the two men maintained a distant but cordial relationship. Under Pressure The new job was not what Vandy expected. The Mustangs finished a mediocre 5-4. After being routed by Passaic, 27-0, the Paterson Morning Call asked, “End of an Era?” In 1965, things got worse. Clifton fell to 2-5-2, the Mustangs’ first losing season since 1954. The numbers told the story: they were outscored by opponents 126 to 69. During Vander Closter’s first two seasons, the Mustangs’ locker room was full of dissension due to a rift between upperclassmen loyal to Grecco and underclassmen who supported the new coach—something Vandy says he learned about years later.

Vandy with Clifton lineman and captain Joel D’Orio in the 1972 unbeaten season.

On Clifton streets, everyone had an opinion and was only too happy to share it with the new coach. “When I’d see our fans while shopping on Main Ave. with my

wife,” he says, “I’d turn my face around and hide. It was embarrassing. I knew we had to make changes because I didn’t do things the way Joe did.”

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Vander Closter let a few assistant coaches go and abandoned Grecco’s offense and defense, instituting a simplified version of the Notre Dame “44 Defense” learned from Clifton’s former All-State end Bob Papa. “Bob helped us immeasurably,” Vandy says. “He also brought back pass patterns from Notre Dame. Wayne Demikoff (a former All-State Mustangs quarterback) was also was a big help. “Angelo Bertelli (a Clifton resident and Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame) said, ‘You’ll never be able to use that 44 Defense—it’s too complicated!’ Well, we spent a lot of Friday nights simplifying the 44 and became one of the leading defenses for years after.” The 1965 losing season was Vandy’s last. In 1966, the Mustangs rebounded with a fine 7-1-1 mark, winning the coach his first state championship behind cocaptains Bob Csuka and Larry Ferraro. The Mustangs scored 215 points while surrendering just 64. Besides Papa and Demikoff, Vander Closter attributes much of the team’s success to his assistant coaches. “Emil Chaky was a technician of offensive plays, a knowledgeable football man,” Vandy says. “Joe Greene was a dedicated individual, who the kids loved. They also loved John Lischak, who took over for John Pelack and did an outstanding job. “Bob Roberts called many of our plays and had an intelligent mind for the game. And trainer Lou Capuano was a big part of our team. He was always learning to do his job better, taking courses and observing pro trainers, which Ray Malavasi (former Clifton star and NFL coach) and I arranged when Ray’s teams came into town.”

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Comments on the Coach “Whatever a head football coach should be, that was Bill Vander Closter” —Assistant Coach John Lischak “He ran his team well, allowing his assistants to coach, but having a good handle on the entire squad. As quarterback, I was proud to work with him on a one-on-one basis and proud to play for him.” —Ron Haraka “Football is like life. Coach Vander Closter made us do things the right way, and that lesson carried into our lives.” —Dennis Mikula “I would describe the years before the 1966 season like a divorce in the family. It was as if the kids were living with their stepfather. A lot of players gave Vandy a hard time because he wasn’t Joe Grecco.” —Bob Csuka “There were never any negative comments, only positive reinforcement—no yelling or screaming in your face. Vandy and the other coaches talked to you as an adult.” —Charlie DiGiacomo “Vandy created the environment, the expectation to win.” —Doug Kleber “What struck me about Vandy was the way he handled his coaching staff—Emil Chaky, John Lischak, Joe Greene, and Bob Roberts. They were strong individuals, head coach material. But he was able to delegate and work with them, and they complimented each other.” —Dale Oostdyk “When we stepped on that field, Vandy made us believe nobody could beat us.” —Joe DeLiberto

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Despite falling to 5-2-2 the next year, Vandy’s Mustangs were nearly unstoppable after that, going 8-1 and winning the state championship in 1968, and finishing 7-2 in 1969 and 1970. After finishing 6-2 in 1971, Vander Closter would lead arguably the greatest team in Clifton’s history. Mustang Success Booted out of the Passaic Valley Conference because of high enrollment, the Mustangs joined the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League in 1972. Newspapers said Clifton would finally “get what’s coming to them” against bigger schools like Bergenfield, Paramus, and Fair Lawn. They were wrong. “What separated the 1972 and 1973 players,” Vander Closter says, “besides their ability, was they believed no team could beat them.” Finishing a combined 18-0, the 1972-73 Mustangs scored an incredible 708 points while surrendering only 70 and were crowned state champion both years.

Some of the stars of Vandy’s last team, the 1979 squad, from left, Dave Kaptein, Bob Daly, Randy Calligaro and Glen Macejka.

Vander Closter was named “National Football Coach of the Year” by Who’s Who in National High School Athletics. But Clifton’s success came with a price. Some opposing coaches disliked Vander Closter, accusing him of running up the score. Wayne Valley Coach Ken Sinofsky refused to shake his hand after a game, as did Garfield Coach Frank Dawson.

Clifton critics accused Vander Closter of having “pet players” or favorites. However, some criticism is due to his football program’s sheer size. “We were playing sometimes 60 to 70 players a game,” Vander Closter says. “You couldn’t tell second team players to ease up— they wanted an opportunity to shine, too.”

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Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Coach and his wife Gilda with three generations of Vander Closters.

The amount of athletes probably played a part in not every player having a personal relationship with the head coach. In his first year leading the Mustangs, 132 athletes came out for the team, and Clifton often dressed enough players to spread across the length of the field. “It wasn’t until my senior year that I got to know him,” said 1973 team captain Joe McGonigle in 2002. “As a sophomore and junior, he seemed kind of aloof—maybe that was his way of maintaining discipline. But as a senior, we talked, and I’d express my opinion if I felt something wasn’t right.” “We never cut anybody,” Vandy says. “As long as they could run two miles that first practice, they

made the team. If they couldn’t, we let them come back and try. Most eventually did.” More victories followed, including another undefeated regular season in 1976. Vandy motivated his teams with fiery pre-game and halftime speeches (he says were patterned after Grecco) earning the nickname “Knute” in tribute to Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne. And, after successful big games, he was often thrown in the showers fully clothed by happy players. During his final season, Vandy’s Mustangs went 9-2, losing their last game, 13-7, to Passaic Valley at Giants Stadium. “When I retired from coaching after 30 years,” he says, “I had had

enough. I’d see people with their cars loaded, going to the lakes or golfing (Vander Closter has lived in Sussex County since 1956), and I’d be going the other way. It was time.” After his 16 years as Mustangs head coach, Vander Closter left with a 108-28-7 record and seven state championships. Biggest Battle In 1986, Vander Closter settled into a routine that often included a daily 18 holes of golf. He had more time for his wife and daughters— Susan, professor of English Literature at Rhode Island School of Design; Jill, a former VP for Airborne Express living in Seattle; and Ellen, a dental hygienist.

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He also reconciled with his mentor, Joe Grecco. “After Joe had the stroke,” Vander Closter says, “my wife and I went to see him. We hugged and he started to cry, the way I do today sometimes when I reminisce about my life.” The two coaches talked every two weeks during the last years of Grecco’s life, and Vander Closter attended the 2003 Thanksgiving Day ceremony naming the field at Clifton School Stadium in Grecco’s honor, a month before his death. In the fall of 2004, just after his 80th birthday, Vander Closter began having trouble breathing. Doctors found lung cancer. Vander Closter, a non-smoker his entire life, started undergoing extensive chemotherapy treatments in 2005. He has his good and bad days, supported by his wife, daughters, and their families. He also receives frequent calls from former players, which mean much to him. “Bob Vander Linda called last week,” he says. “I hear from Jim Lancaster, Ron Wyka, the Papa brothers (Bob and Tom), and Larry Ferraro, among others. Bob Nightengale calls every week, and I’ve heard from Bob Knight, Dave “Moose” Bosson and Louis Poles. When asked if athletic discipline is helping him battle the disease, Vandy says, “I hope so. That and a lot of prayers.” Memories help him remain strong until he’s able to return to the golf course. He closes his eyes and sees Richie Tate racing down the field, Ken Ritoch smothering opponents, and Dale Oostdyk and Bob Holly launching spirals downfield. He has this advice for those continuing his legacy: “If you’re a player, love what you do and give 100 percent. If you’re a coach, always give a kid a second and third chance. Never give up on them.”

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Call for our Fall Catalog 973.470.2438 In person registration at Clifton High School Thursday, Sept. 8th & Thursday, Sept. 12th – 6 - 9 PM English as a Second Language – 6 - 9 PM Senior Citizen registration 3:30 - 5 PM Classes Begin Thursday, Sept. 15th & Monday, Sept. 26th

www.clifton.k12.nj.us Clifton Merchant • September 2005

ungarian culture has been a part of Passaic County since the mid-1800’s when immigrants began settling in the growing industrial town of Passaic. Like many other groups from Eastern European countries, the Hungarians, often called Magyars, settled in neighborhoods in and around Third St. They were employed in the nearby textile mills, including Botany Worsted, Forstmann Mills, an old rubber factory and also a handkerchief factory. Hours back then were from 7 am to 6 pm, six days a week. Their hard work nurtured families and their community as these new Americans contributed to their culture. The Hungarian immigrants built two churches in Passaic, which to this day still exists: the Hungarian Reformed Church and St. Stevens Catholic Church. And decades later, in an effort to preserve their heritage, they established the AmericanHungarian Museum. Officially created in 1981, the museum’s goal is to preserve, exhibit and cultivate Hungarian culture. Located on the second floor of the Reid Memorial Public Library, on Third St., in the old Passaic neighborhood, the Museum’s permanent displays include examples of Hungarian and Hungarian-American folk art, historical artifacts and photographs. They also offer special programming, such as lectures, performances, video presentations and educational workshops. To celebrate the years of Hungarian heritage in not only Passaic County but also through New Jersey, the American-Hungarian Museum, in collaboration with the Passaic County Historical Society, presents the New Jersey Festival of Hungarian Culture. From history, food and culture to jazz concerts and folk music bands to films of comedy and tragedy, the festival is all-encompassing. It all begins on Sept. 9 at the Lambert Castle Museum, 3 Valley Rd., Paterson, with an opening reception at 7 pm. Events will be offered at this and other locations throughout the month. The opening reception will feature the presentation Hungarians in Passaic by Judith Magyar.

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September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

The Hungarians S

ince the 1800’s when Hungarians began settling in America, there have been waves of immigrants who have periodically entered the country and kept the diaspora growing. Between the First and Second World Wars, Hungarians, typically from the educated layer of Magyar society, many involved in the film industry, emigrated to the United States. There was also an influx of scientists, researchers and other educated Hungarians as well as many Jewish families, all of who had been forced to flee their homeland. Communists took control of Hungary after WWII. They nationalized private enterprise and working class people and shop keepers fled their homeland with very few personal property. They were sent to DP (Displaced Persons) Camps throughout Western Europe until they could emigrate to other nations. Destinations included Australia, South Africa, Canada and the United States. This influx had a tremendous rejuvenating effect— both culturally and socially—on those who came in the first wave of American-Hungarian immigration.

The Crown of St. Stephen, dating to the year 1000, was returned to Hungary in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter.

But on November 4, 1956, the Hungarian Revolution, also known as the Hungarian Uprising, was violently suppressed by Soviet troops. Anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 Hungarian freedom fighters and 7,000 Soviet troops were killed. Thousands more were wounded in the melee and nearly a quarter of a million left the country as refugees. Following the 1956 Revolution, some 200,000 Hungarians escaped abroad. In the 1960’s, many of those Hungarians who fled were reunited with their families when the United States and Hungary reached an agreement that allowed all escapee’s immediate families to leave Hungary and gain legal U.S. Citizenship. In March, 1990, the Hungarian Socialist Party was voted out of power, a new constitution was written and a multiparty democratic government takes shape. And in 2004, Hungary joined the European Union. Today, those who chose to immigrate to America or any other nation from Hungary do not so to escape oppression but for a variety of reason.

The Bizub Family is proud to sponsor the New Jersey Festival of Hungarian Culture on exhibit at Lambert Castle through Oct. 15

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A selected listing of upcoming events at the NEW JERSEY FESTIVAL OF HUNGARIAN CULTURE Sept. 10 1 pm, Movie: Conquest 2:30 pm, Lecture: The Origins of the Hungarian Horse Burials Sept. 11 1 pm, Movie: I Love Budapest 2:30 pm, Jazz and Hungary concert featuring Laszlo Gardony 6 pm, Jazz concert at Trumpets in Montclair: Laszlo Gardony and Stan Strickland Duo Sept. 16 1 and 2:30 pm, Movie: The Witness Jazz Pianist Laszlo Gardony will perform at Lambert Castle at 2:30 pm on Sept. 11 and then that evening at 6 at Trumpets, the jazz club in Montclair.

Magyar’s talk will give an overview of the evolution of Hungarians here in Passaic County. Visitors will also get to see an exhibition which showcases Hungarian folklore, folk and fine art, modern art, paintings, pottery, costumes and sculpture. It features a visual guide to the important historical events which shaped the fate of the nation of Hungary as well as that of Hungarians living in Passaic and throughout America. This exhibition is the largest undertaking of its kind in New Jersey and offers a comprehensive

Sept 17 1 pm, Movie: Glamour 2:30 pm, Lecture: Modern Hungarian History 7 pm, Hungarian Folk Dance Festival at the Hungarian Reformed Church, Passaic Sept. 18 1 pm, Movie: Gypsy Spirit 2:30 pm, Concert: Eletfa Hungarian Folk Music Band overview of the Hungarian people. Culturally, it will introduce many to the diverse aesthetics of the landlocked nation, with performances by jazz pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony who will perform at 2:30 pm on Sept. 11 and then at a second show that evening at 6 at

Sept. 23 1 and 2:30 pm, Movie: Control Sept. 24 1 pm, Movie: Be Good Till Death 2:30 pm, Literature reading: Hungarian Literature in Translation Sept. 25 1 pm, Movie: Cinibaba 2:30 pm, World music performance: Mystery of Hungarian Folk Ballads Sept. 30 2 pm, Movie: The Merry Widow Oct. 1 1 pm, Movie: Hukkle 2:30 pm, Lecture: Hungarian Classical Music Oct. 2 1 pm, Movie: Szamba 2:30 pm, Performance: Popular Hungarian Music by Gypsy Joe Call Judith Magyar @ 201-836-4869 for a complete list of events Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair. Some events are free others require a fee. The exhibition at Lambert Castle is open 1 to 4 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, and will be displayed through Oct. 16. For more info, call Lambert Castle 973-247-0085, ext 200.

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Audition for Oliver! The Y-PAC Theatre, 199 Scoles Ave., is producing Charles Dickens’ Oliver! in December. Many roles are open for youth and adults. For info, contact bmalaky@hotmail.com. TLC—the Theater League of Clifton —held a successful fundraiser and announced during November and December, the stage at School 3 on Washington Ave. will showcase A TLC Holiday Event, directed by Barbara Novak and Kathleen Kellaigh. In March, Arsenic & Old Lace will be staged and directed by Mac McCormick. In May, Gypsy, directed by Joseph Schreck, will be staged. Watch for casting calls and more info or call 973-472-9445. Some board members of the newly formed Theater League of Clifton, above from left, Kathleen Kellaigh, Barbara Novak and Cheryl Hawrylko. At rear: James Leeshock, John Traier, Vice President Mark Peterson, Brian James Grace and President Joseph Schreck, Jr.

New Jersey Music and Arts presents Fall Fest on Oct. 30 at 5 pm at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Auditorium on Van Houten Ave. in Clifton. Pre-performance lecture ‘The Arts and the XXI Century’ is at 4 pm. Performers include Mr. Sparkle band, the One Heart Dancers, dancer HyoJeong Williams, The New Hope Players, renown jazz vocalist Deborah Latz and quartet, Coro D’ Italia and Tarantella Ensemble (above) from the the Italian folk performing group D’Italia. Art Exhibit by Stephen Sprague. Tickets $10. Call 973-272-3255. 74

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

The Downtown Clifton Post Office recently hosted a drawing contest. Winners included Reuben Danto, Lawrence Buscar, Mavish Khan, Jamie Sharpe, Bianca Aguila, Angela Scafidi, Mariele Buscar and Fiona Guzman. Start off the school year at Main Memorial Library on Piaget Ave. with an hour of funny stories about the first day of school on Sept. 12 at 7 pm. This program is geared to kids ages 3 to 9 and their families. Also, children storytime registration for the fall is on Sept. 19 at 10 am at either the Main Memorial Library or the Allwood Library, on Chelsea Rd. Groups range from toddlers to third graders. Registration should be done in person and proof of residency and of child’s age is required. For info on any of these events, call 973-772-5500 or 973-471-0555.

United Jersey Blues Network, a non-profit organization focusing on advancement, education and promotion of Blues music in New Jersey, is seeking bands for a follow-up compilation CD to their successful Red Hot Blues, released on Silk City in 2003. This CD was professionally produced, received airplay both nationally and internationally and was reviewed favorably by Blues Revue and Blues Wax magazines. To be considered for the second CD, a demo tape must be received with the $150 fee for non-members or $125 for UJBN members. The complete fee will be returned to bands not selected. The funds will be used for production and distribution of 500 copies of the CD, which UJBN will forward to those who make decisions on booking, reviews and radio airplay in the Blues marketplace. For info, contact Son Lewis at 973-599-0237 or sonlewis1@aol.com.

Travel Via Photography and Sculpture, an exhibit and sale of artwork by Swiss photographer Peter Sand and Massachusetts sculptor Michael Alfano, is at the Clifton Arts Center Gallery on Sept. 21 through Oct. 29. A reception is Sept. 24, 1 to 4 pm. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 pm. Call 973-472-5499. Clifton Merchant â&#x20AC;˘ September 2005

Clifton Fire Safety Sponsors Needed Clifton Firefighter Henry Cholewczynski is shown with a few friends at a fire engine at the Downtown Clifton Street Fair in June. The youngsters were thrilled to get a chance to sit in the fire truck and ring the bell, while learning fire safety tips, which will come in handy during the month of October, which is national Fire Safety Month. The Clifton FMBA Local #21, working with Clifton Merchant Magazine, Tomahawk Promotions and various advertisers, will once again publish and distribute 10,000 fire safety activity books during Fire Safety Week, Oct. 9 to 15, to Clifton school kids, grades 3 and below. It will feature illustrations and safety basics for families on how to stay safe and prevent fires in their home. Become a Clifton Fire Safety Activity Book sponsor. Call Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400. For info on fire safety, call the Clifton Fire Prevention Office: 973-470-5801.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CLIFTON FALL 2005 REGISTRATIONS

‘S EAHAWKS ’ T EAM T R YOUTS

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SWIM TEAM

N EW S WIMMERS :

Wed, Sept 14th . . .Ages 9 & under . . . .5:30–7:00 pm Thur, Sept 15th . . . .Ages 10 & over . . . .5:30–7:00 pm

R ETURNING S WIM T EAM R EGISTRATION : Mon, Sept 12th . . . . . . . .6–8 pm in non-smoking bingo hall Complete Program includes: Dual & USS Swim Meets, Daily Practices (Mon–Fri), New Jersey Swimming Membership & Much, Much More…Season from Sept 19th -– March 26th

For more information contact the Aquatics Department @ 973.773.2697 x31 • Youth Swim Lessons • Adult Swim Lessons • Adult Lap Swims • Complete Aquatic Program Guide Available •

C LUB –P OOL R ENTALS /B IR THDAY PAR TIES Have your Child's Birthday Party at The Boys & Girls Club–Swimming Pool The club pool will be available to outside community groups for rentals, birthday parties, community groups must have certificates of insurance. All party groups must sign a contract with Hold Harmless Agreements. Children (6 & under) must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Children under 4 years old not permitted in the pool. • • • • •

2-Hour Rentals ‘Birthday Parties’ – 1-Hour in pool, 1-Hour in the Party Room Days: Saturdays & Sundays Time: Saturdays 4-6 pm, Sunday NOON-2 PM, 3-5 PM & 4-6 PM Fee: $200 (Maximum of 25 children, each additional child $10) Contact: Front Desk (No reservations made over the phone-must sign contract)

All groups subject to pool rules & regulations

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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FALL 2005 S WIM P ROGRAMS To Register for any of these programs please come to the Boys & Girls Club at 181 Colfax Ave. For further info call

973.773.2697

Your Future Begins @

PCTI PASSAIC COUNTY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

Adult Education 45 REINHARDT ROAD • WAYNE

Adult High School:

Adult students are able to complete their High School education and receive a High School Diploma. This program is fully approved by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Passaic County Technical Institute Board of Education. FREE to all interested adults. Call (973) 389–4101.

Apprenticeship Program: Carpentry, Electrical, Machine Shop, Plumbing and Heating are available. For information call (973) 389–4101.

New Courses this Fall... • Real Estate Salesperson Licensing • Nutritional cooking • Aerobics

Adult Learning Center: We offer Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Civics Education, and courses to earn a GED. For information call (973) 684–0106.

GED Testing Center: Take the State GED Tests at Passaic County Technical Institute. For information call (973) 389-4388.

Licensed Practical Nurse Program: Passaic County Technical Institute also sponsors a year long full–time days Practical Nursing Diploma Program which prepares the student to sit for the New Jersey Board of Nursing Licensed Practical Nursing Exam. Call for brochure... (973) 389-2020. 1228

Evening Career & Continuing Education Courses: • ACCA Refrigerant Handlers Certification • Accounting I & Automated Accounting/ Excel • Administrative Medical Assistant • Adobe Photoshop • Advertising Art and Design • Auto Body I & II • Automotive I & II • Bass Fishing • Blueprint Reading I & II • Cabinet Making • CNC Lathe, Basic & Advanced • Computer Aided Drafting Basic & Advanced • Computer Keyboarding • Computer Repair • Computer Survival Toolkit • Culinary Arts-Pasta,Pasta,Pasta • Dietary Manager • Engineering Drawing • Electricity I & II • Electronics I & II • Excel • Firemen’s Licenses: Black Seals, Blue Seal & Red Seal

• Food Service • Graphic Design • Heating • Home Remodeling & Improv. • House Framing I & II • Housewiring • Industrial Wiring I & II • Intro to the Internet & E-Mail • Intro to Computer Programming • Intro to the Web Page Design • Machine Shop I, II, & III • Manicuring • National Electric Code • Nurse Aid • Personal Computer • Plumbing I & II • Plumber’s License Prep • Power Point • Preparation for a Career Position in Graphic Design • Refrigeration I,II & III • Small Engine Repair • Sign Language • Skin Care • Welding Basic or Advanced • Word 2000 / XP

In-Person Registration Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30 - 9 pm September 13, 14 & 15

For Info, Call (973)

389-4101

CLASSES BEGIN SEPT. 26TH Clifton Merchant • September 2005

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The Fifth Annual Festival in the Park at Randolph Park in Botany Village is underway. The four day event is sponsored by the Botany Village Merchants Association and features food, kiddie rides, carnival rides, free raffles and entertainment. On Sept. 2, the festival runs from 610 pm and on Sept 3-5, from 3-10 pm. For info, call 973-546-87870 or visit www.botanyvillage.com. St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 216 President St., Passaic, hosts its annual parish picnic on Sept. 11, from noon to 8 pm.

D3 Dancenter

“Home of the Award Winning D3 Junior Dance Troupe”

Pre-School thru Adult Classes Ballet • Tap • Jazz• Hip Hop • Acrobatics Modern • Cheer Dance• Belly Dancing • Yoga

Fall Registration: September 7 & 8 4 pm – 8 pm September 10 10 am – 3 pm • Discount on multiple classes • Fun-filled birthday parties

Classes begin Sept. 12.

605 Van Houten Ave • 973-773-9997 MEMBER ELITE DANCE FORUM & PROFESSIONAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOC. 78

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

The HSA of School 3 on Washington Ave. hosts a fundraiser beefsteak at the Athenia Veterans Hall on Oct. 7 at 6 pm. Tickets are $38. For tickets and info, call Rosa Lorenzo at 862-668-8966.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church parish picnic is on Sept. 18 at the Broad St. church. St. John Kanty’s Picnic is on Sept. 25, from 1 to 7 pm. It’s all at the church grounds on Speer Ave., followed by a dance from 7 to 10 pm. Clifton’s longest ice cream sundae will be created at the First Presbyterian Church Carnival and Rally Day on Sept. 18, at 303 Maplewood Ave. Rosie the clown will begin the festivities at noon, which will feature carnival games, plenty of food and local scout troops who will face paint and help supervise the games. Registration will be available for Sunday morning Christian Life study, which is open to all ages. For information about the carnival, call 973-523-1272. The Van Houten Ave. Street Fair should not be missed on Sept. 18. From 11 am to 5 pm, Van Houten Ave. will be filled with entertainment, vendors, rides for children, a petting zoo and pony rides. Rain date is Sept. 25. For info or become a vendor, call 973-473-0986 or 973-773-0802.

The Clifton Basketball Booster Club hosts a beefsteak on Sept. 15 at the Brownstone from 7-11 pm. The night will feature a cash bar, tricky tray and plenty of entertainment. There will also be 2006 entertainment books and kid stuff books on sale for $25. Tickets for the event are $35 for adults and $18 for children ages 4-10. Kids under 4 are free. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund. Call Teri Pelle at 973-779-1151 for tickets. The CHS Football Booster Club’s dinner dance is on 7 pm, Sept. 24 at the Russian Hall in Little Falls. Tickets are $35. Make checks to CHS Football Booster Club, and mail to 353 Harding Ave., Clifton 07011. Call Nancy Myers 973-546-5580. A Columbus & Pulaski Day Festival, presented by the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group, is on Oct. 8 from 10 am to 5 pm, along Main Ave. There will be over 150 vendors featuring merchandise, as well as plenty of foods, kiddy rides,

a petting zoo and pony rides. Sponsors and vendors are being solicited. Co-chairs of the event are Jennifer Rodano of Savory

Solutions (973-458-9004) and Margaret Pipala of Teddy’s Catering (973-473-4077). There is no rain date. For info, call 973-253-1455.

The Clifton Northern International Girls Softball Team defeated Eastern 11-10 in this summer’s Championship Game. Pictured here are the winners, front row from left: Elizabeth Barattini, Veronica Vargara, Ashley Cox, Tricia Montague, Catherine Mulick, Sandy Sawalhi. Second row from left: April DiAngelo, Nadia Sawalhi, Krista Lewis, Leah O’Beirne, Rebekah Valazquez, Caitlin Duffy. Back row from left: Head Coach Tracy Lewis, Asst. Coach Stephen O’Beirne, Asst. Coach John DiAngelo. Missing from the photo is Milissa Rivera.

1170

10% OF F

Sibling Discount

WEE CARE

CHILD CARE CENTER Melissa Jaycox, Director First Presbyterian Church 303 Maplewood Ave. Clifton • 973.523.7704 Clifton Merchant • September 2005

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

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

Michael Capwell ................ 9/1 Allison Di Angelo ................ 9/2 Bill Federowic ...................... 9/3 Dave Gabel ........................ 9/3 Sharon Holster .................... 9/4 Joseph Shackil .................... 9/4 Eric Wahad .......................... 9/4 Christy Gordon.................... 9/5 Mohammed Othman ........ 9/5 Ana Stojanovski .................. 9/6 Darren Kester ...................... 9/7 Anita Barcia ........................ 9/7 Shannon Carroll ................. 9/8

Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997

973-473-4999

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

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

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040

201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

201.391.3333

973-857-2600

5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

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

973.338.9292 1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

Carly & mom Cheryl Hawrylko share a birthday on 9/12.

hair nails color

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

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

Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997 80

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

1385

1036

Call Keri at 973.365.0220 to make an appointment. 88 Market Street, Clifton

Cliftonites celebrating their anniversary from left, Ron & Doreen Williams whose 6th wedding anniversary is on 9/21, Arwa & Jamal Alazizi who celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary on 9/28. Belated anniversary greeting to Florence & Herbert Klutsarits who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on 7/22. Congratulations to Mike and Karen Hrina who will be married 25 years on 9/20.

Geoff Goodell.................... 9/9 Annamarie Priolo .............. 9/9 George Andrikanich........ 9/10 Nicole Moore.................... 9/10 Timarra Brown .................. 9/11 Ronnie Courtney .............. 9/11 Andrew Orr ...................... 9/11 Maureen Scali .................. 9/11 Andrew Shackil ................ 9/11 Lee Ann Doremus ............ 9/12 Sarah Bielen...................... 9/14 Anthony Dorski ................ 9/14 Manny Monzo .................. 9/15 Brittany Parisi .................... 9/15

Stacey Corbo .................. Nancy Ann Eadie ............ Joe Genchi ...................... Jaclyn Scotto.................... Ed Goodsier ......................

9/16 9/16 9/16 9/16 9/18

Happy Birthday Dorothy Knapp who celebrates on 9/12.

85 Birthday Wishes to Wanda Jakubczyk who turns 85 on 9/12.

Kathleen Gorman ............ Punam Patel .................... Dawn Smolt ...................... Daniel Smith...................... Gloria Turba ...................... Mickey Garrigan .............. James Graham ................ Sara Gretina .................... Lynne Lonison .................. Annamaria Menconi ...... Peter Skoutelakis .............. Valerie Carestia................ Beverly Duffy .................... Timothy St. Clair................

Gelotti HOME MADE ICE CREAM

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

9/18 9/18 9/18 9/18 9/18 9/19 9/19 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/22 9/22 9/22

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

FREE With This Coupon Coupons May Not Be Combined.

Keith Myers........................ Brian Salonga .................. Brian Engel ........................ Rin Hartman ...................... Pam Bielen ........................ Deanna Cristantiello........ Donato Murolo ................ Corey Genardi ................ Siobhan Campbell .......... Barbara Mascola ............ Thomas E. Moore ............ Mary Perzely .................... Lauren Hrina .................... Ryan Lill..............................

9/23 9/23 9/23 9/24 9/25 9/25 9/25 9/26 9/28 9/29 9/29 9/29 9/30 9/30

Happy Birthday Amanda Meneghin who turns 10 on 9/18. Love Mom, Dad, Angela & Eric

2 00 OFF

Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined.

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

Clifton Merchant • September 2005

Before Hovnanian Hill, it was Garret Mountain... Walt Van Leeuwen provided this photo of Valley Rd. at the Notch, circa 1950. Pictured below is Cliftonite Neil Hammonton of Kochman’s Helldrivers, who

would race at demolition derbies in Paterson’s Hinchcliffe Stadium. The large house in the foreground that sits on what would become Gensinger Motors was Mrs.

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor

Anderson’s home, the former owner of the Great Notch Inn. Further up the hill is the site where St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church would be built. Not much is left of what was once Garret Mountain at the Notch as 810 units of housing are now being built there by developer K. Hovnanian.

www.fitspine.net

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

Sports Injuries • Car Accidents Family Practice 82

September 2005 • Clifton Merchant

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Let your road to health begin with us. Our Friendly staff is waiting to help you Get “BACK” into ACTION!! Pictured here are Allison Jonkman (left), Dr. Moore (center), and Rania Abughanieh.

THE APPREHENSIVE PATIENT

POLLER DENTAL GROUP

DENTAL CARE FOR COWARDS

DENTISTRY WHILE YOU SLEEP

years of r ice to Ou Community Serv

629 Clifton Ave • Clifton

470 Clifton Ave • Clifton

973-777-7364

973-546-6977

459 Chestnut St • Union

Est. 1905

Most Insurance Accepted

COMPLIMENTARY IMPLANT CONSULTATIONS We Offer Special Attention For Our Senior Citizen Friends

SECOND OPINIONS WELCOME

• mausoleum • garden graves

monumental graves • no obligation pre-need counseling financing available one-year at no interest on easy monthly plans

East Ridgelawn Cemetery 255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07014 for more information with no obligation call:

973.777.1920

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID CLIFTON, NJ

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011

PERMIT NO. 1185

NICK TSELEPIS Broker/Owner

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

CALL TOLL FREE

877-833-2365

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

Most Homes Sold In Clifton! *

*Nick had most listings sold in Clifton, more than any other Agent. (Source - IMS Incorporated/GSMLS)

Free Report #1

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

1-866-831-4517 and enter ID# 1741 You can call 24/7

Clifton

$649,000

Clifton

$319,900

Clifton

$529,900

WELL KEPT COLONIAL Features Living Room, formal Dining Room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms plus 1 large bedroom in attic. 11/2 baths. Full partially finished basement with laundry area.

BEAUTIFUL MOTHER & DAUGHTER One Family home in a great area. 3 large bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room, Eat-In-Kitchen, 2 and 1/2 baths, 2 car garage.

Call 877-833-2365

Free Report #2

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

Clifton

$319,900

Clifton

$369,900

Clifton

$389,456

ONE FAMILY HOME Features LR, DR, Kitchen, 3 bedrooms and an extra room that can be used as a den or bedroom. Full unfinished bsmnt w/laundry area off street parking.

MOVE IN CONDITION New kitchen, new furnace, new windows and much more, finished Bsmnt. with bath. Near NY trans. 3 bdrms, 1 full bath and 2 half baths. Ask for Maria Carrera.

WELL KEPT HOME Features 3 bedrooms, full bath, Dining Room, Eat-In Kitchen. Living Room, Powder Room. Ask for Tom/Peggy Lubanski.

Call 877-833-2365

Free Report #3

Selling? 27 Quick & Easy Fix-Ups to Sell your Home FAST & FOR TOP DOLLAR! To hear a brief recorded message call 1-866-831-4517 and enter ID# 1723 You can call 24/7

Visit us online at:

Clifton

$324,900

Clifton

$355,000

Clifton

$475,000

GREAT STARTER NYC Skyline view, fantastic location, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, fin. Bsmnt features a 3rd bdrm, bath, central air. Ask for Tom/Peggy Lubanski.

CHARMING COLONIAL Shiny wood floors, new windows, updated country kit, spacious deck leading to lovely yard, large extra rm in attic w/recessed lighting. Can be a legal 2 family. Ask for Carol.

SPACIOUS 2 FAMILY HOME Unit 2 is perfect for a large family, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, LR, DR, EIK and large deck. Ask for Wendell Maki.

Call 877-833-2365

www.NoOneSellsMore.com

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2, 2005