Clifton Merchant Magazine - September 2003

Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 9 • issue 9 • September 5, 2003

COmpLImENTARy ImpLANT CONSULTATIONS We Offer Special Attention For Our Senior Citizen Friends

SECOND OpINIONS WELCOmE

“Sleep Sedation For Any Procedure” • Brand New Facility • Tooth Whitening & Bleaching

• Implants & Crowns • Dentures & Repairs

• Oral Surgery & periodontics • Root Canals

Emergencies Seen Same Day

$ $

70 OFF

Exam • Full Mouth X-Ray • Cleaning First Time Patients Only • Regular $235 Mention This Offer When Setting Appt.

Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer.

Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

200 OFF LumaArch Whitening

In As Little As 30 Minutes in Our Office.

Now Just $399 • Reg. $599 Mention This Offer When Setting Appt.

Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer.

Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

BRACES ADULTS • CHILDREN • $99 p/mo.

Retainers & Clear Braces Additional.

Mention This Offer When Setting Appt.

Not To Be Used With Any Other Offer.

Cash, Check & Credit Card Only.

HOURS: MON-FRI 9AM-8PM • SAT 9AM-3PM

mOST INSURANCE ACCEpTED

973.777.7364 629 Clifton Ave • Clifton

Dr. Christopher Kutney, DMD Director Dr. Richard Poller, DMD Dr. Vivian Chiu, DDS Dr. Cory Wanatick, Spec #3888 Periodontist Michael Ayoub, Spec #5147 Orthodontist Andrew Maron, Spec #3814 Oral Surgeon

Town Meeting: Clifton Merchant Magazine will host a meeting on Oct. 8 at 7 pm at the Moose Lodge on Main Ave. We want to discuss Clifton Tomorrow. Attend so that you can participate and discuss issues facing our city. To get an idea of some of the topics we’ll be talking about, turn to page 69 and complete our survey. Or, save the postage and respond at CliftonOnline.com.

We’ll report the results in our October edition.

What Do You Think? If you’ve been reading my column over the last few months, you know that I’m adamant in my position that Clifton needs a full time planner. Why? Look at the Master Plan, a document that should plot our city’s future. The current draft, prepared by consultant Jill Hartmann, appears to be a historical document, and one that offers few strategies for growth. It is lacking a clear picture of what we want the city to be a few years down the road. Perhaps this is because Hartmann did not seek public input before preparing the draft. For a perfect example of how public input is used in the planning process, look to the Office of Economic Development.

While I may not agree with every project that Director Harry Swanson proposes, I certainly admire the way he reaches out to the community and seeks input from those that will be affected prior to advancing a project. Once he gets that input, he processes the information and presents it back to the elected officials and people that he met with.

In contrast, Hartmann, did not hold public meetings prior to preparing her draft. Yes, public meetings are now being held to react to what she has written, the most recent was before the regular Planning Board meeting on Aug. 28.

Among the topics discussed were Acquackanonk Gardens, the area near Valley Rd. and Van Houten Ave. That section of town was not even mentioned in the Master Plan. We did a story on the neighborhood last month and questioned what strategy is being presented for the redevelopment there. Her updated plan, she asserted, now “recognizes the uniqueness of Acquackanonk Gardens.”

What does that mean? Like most of the Master Plan, it provides history but no specific steps to the future. Does the Master Plan give Acquackanonk Gardens residents guidelines on how to deal with their long, thin lots as they seek approvals to rebuild their homes built during World War II? No, nothing specific. I’ve called Hartmann repeatedly to get additional information and she has not returned my calls. The Planning Board will again discuss the Master Plan at 6:30 on Sept. 25. Hartmann’s next report will include studies on traffic, open space, residential development and developers’ impact fees. This meeting is open for public input. Please attend.

Opinion Editor and Publisher Tom Hawrylko

Value for the Money? What do you think a full time planner would be paid annually? For her work on the Master Plan, Hartmann was paid $40,000 and an additional fee of $325 per meeting. How many more consultants has this Council hired? Robert Ringleheim, the former Planning Officer for Clifton, was hired last year to prepare a report on the feasibility on revitalizing Botany Village. I don’t know what he was paid, but I think we can afford to hire a full-time planner, an individual who will provide the planning expertise, coordination and leadership this department sorely needs.

Searching for Leadership: For the record, we currently have an interim City Manager, acting Health Officer, Human Services Director and DPW Director. The Council, however, is close to hiring a new City Manager.

While many thought the position would go to interim City Manager Al Greco, it looks like the offer will be made to an individual running a similar sized town in Middlesex County. The position pays about $130,000 annually and comes with a one year contract.

Four Votes For Job Security: The way city government is suppose to operate is that the seven elected officials set policy and the City Manager, like the president of a firm, handles the day to day operation. The fact is, however, this form of government no longer works the way it was intended because the City Manager does not have tenure.

That person needs the support of at least four Council members for job security. Then there are the Council members who spend too much time involved in the daily operations of our city. Is this present political system what’s best for the future of our city? Please let me know what you think. See page 69.

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

5

…on our cover

SEPTEMBER

2003

inside…

Letters, Comments, Observations . . . . . . . .4-7 Generations of Marching Mustangs . . . . . . .24

At 89 years of age, CHS Football Coach Joe Grecco undoubtedly qualifies as a Mustang Legend.

His years of service as a coach, educator, community leader and father-figure to scores of Cliftonites is recalled in an essay

by Jack De Vries. The story begins on page 8.

CHS Fall Sports Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Paul VI High School Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Superintendent Michael Rice . . . . . . . . . . . .54

24

Flexing Their Muscles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Municipal Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Clifton Merchant Magazine Survey . . . . . . .69 Athenia’s Fall Fest & Church Picnics . . . . . . .74 Bloomfield Ave. Merchants . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Word of Mouth Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Business Briefs & Social News . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Commemorating 9/11/01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Birthdays and Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

At 7 pm on Sept. 24, the Board of Education will hear a presentation from members of the Community Advisory Council. Among the topics: using Latteri Park as the site for a new middle school. See page 60 for a list of September’s municipal meetings.

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

Clifton Merchant Magazine

Letters to the Speak Up...Get Involved! After reading your August edition, and the call for people to take a more active role in our city, I felt compelled to respond to some issues that were published.

Matthew J. Ward’s suggestion for a town meeting to deal with concerns of the citizens is right on target.

Many people would like to take part in one.

Some of my neighbors have been discussing the concerns of over-development around the city. They also have legitimate concerns of the increased traffic, additional students and the overall burden on city services that new housing and commercial development bring.

On the issues of the Clifton Master Plan, and the need for a full time Planning Officer, you are certainly right on track. While we fund the position of Economic Development Director which has produced great results for our city, why do we continue to hire outside consultants every time some new project is considered?

With the amount of money that has been spent on planners, lawyers and arbitration hearings over the last several years, we should be able to employ a professional to chart our future. Let’s consider bringing back the old campaign slogan, ‘Keep Clifton on Track’.

And on your opinion page, you brought up an interesting point about City Council wards, and at-large Council seats to consider for our city’s future.

While I salute those elected officials who have served our city in the past, as well as those who are currently serving, for all they have accomplished, maybe a change would make a difference for the city as a whole.

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

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town See page 6 to subscribe entire contents copyright 2003 © tomahawk promotions

4

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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

Editor

Having each neighborhood equally represented on the Council through a ward system would put the public closer to their elected officials. On the other hand, it would keep our elected officials more accountable to those in the neighborhoods which they represent.

Any issue that would affect residents within a ward would certainly affect that ward’s elected official. And that would mean action. Direct, accountable action. I would certainly like to read about other cities that have this type of local government and hear what the residents of those communities have to say.

Thank you for being involved in Clifton and inspiring residents through your publication.

Thomas V. Lyons, Jr. 48 Hour Rule Not in Effect: Your article last month stated that cars parked on the road for more than 48 hours will be ticketed is incorrect. There has been a car on Clinton Ave. for five days which has not moved. I called the police and they said as long as the car is legally parked, it does not have to move.

Beatrice Duda We Enjoy Every Edition. Keep up the good work! We learn more about our city with each publication.

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Marotta Scribe to Scribe: As a Cliftonite at heart and a frequent contributor to editorial pages, I am happy to see you expressing your well thought-out opinions.

Continued success and keep up the Braveheart.

Joseph Menegus, Upper Saddle River

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011 973-253-4400 • tahwk@aol.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Hawrylko BUSINESS MANAGER Cheryl Hawrylko ART DIRECTOR Fabian M. Calvo WRITERS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Daniel Wolfe, Christopher Sadowski, Devon McKnight, Paula Zecca

Great story on Lou Poles and thanks for including the 1985 CHS Girls Cross Country Team.

The girls in the photo—Janice Sutter, Jackie Paz, Mamta Tailor, Cathy Paz, Diana Garrison, Krissy Klimek, Mercedes Zak, and Nancy Podolak—that year made not only CHS history but also Passaic County history. They are the only Cross Country team, boys or girls, from our county to win league, county, state sectional and State Group championship.

They also won the Essex Catholic Invitational, the Passaic County Coaches Invitational and the Manhattan College Invitational.

They where ranked 18th in the nation and undefeated in dual meets.

In The Sporting Life of Lou Poles, on page 56 of our Aug. edition, we published the wrong photo. Above is the correct 1994 CHS Baseball Team. Back row: Doug Sieminski, Anthony DeStefano, Scott Orlovsky, Jason Fitz, Lou Magliarditt.

Center: Craig Valenz, Bob Capo, Anthony Galizio, Mike Valles, Tom Bisignano.

Front: Chuck Kling, Kevin Dobko, Greg Takvorian, Dave Jiminian, Bob Luczun.

My wife is sick and tired of hearing about this phantom, Lou Poles.

For the last 40 years, every time we headed towards Clifton from Montclair, I asked, “I wonder if Lou Poles is still around.” For the past six years, we’ve lived in Clifton; three years at Richfield Village, and now going on four at The Country Club Towers. We shop in Clifton, we eat out in Clifton and we walk about in Clifton. Never have I seen anybody that looks like the Lou Poles that I knew so well at Montclair State in the early ‘50s. What a nice thing it was to see the Aug. article in your great publication. Now that I know what to look for—the older version— maybe I’ll spot him some time. He was a great college buddy and would have been a surefire starter on the football team if the U.S. Air Force hadn’t taken him away. Why, you might ask, did we get along so well? Not because he was a talker and I was a listener; he was also a true Clifton Mustang, and I was a Montclair Mountie, thus, a bond of mutual respect.

Good going, Lou. I’m glad all is well.

Ken Miscia

Four of the girls, Jackie Paz, Krissy Klimek, Mercedes Zak and Diana Garrison, never lost a dual meet the four years of their careers, going 44 and 0 in dual meets.

(Softball still has the longest winning streak in CHS history, 73 straight.)

This was accomplished through their hard work and loyalty. Lou Fraulo was my assistant and a very big part of what we accomplished.

Thanks again for the great memories, and for including our group with so many truly fantastic teams. I often talk about this group to motivate the current group of outstanding runners.

Coach John Pontes

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

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

6

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

to the

Joan Lauterback, the voice behind last month’s To be Heard, Write or Call segment in which we listed contact information for elected officials, has continued her mission. In a response to a letter she addressed to Governor McGreevey, concerning Smart Growth in Clifton, she was directed to contact Neil Muller, Director of Planning for Passaic County, at 973-8814490, to offer comments. In addition, the letter advised her to follow the same advice we’ve been pushing: attend local Planning Board meetings, and obtain a copy of the Master Plan (or, in the Clifton case, the draft Master Plan).

Editor

Our Aug. edition featured Alvin Kipnis on the cover and encouraged readers to speak up and get involved in our city.

Reading your magazine over the last few years, I would have to say it has grown and found its niche. It provides a good snapshot of the city and keeps us up to date on everything, from development issues to good stories about our community. However, I was confused by the public meeting dates you published this past month. Can you clarify that? Tony O’Connor Thank you for your support. The Clifton City Council Economic Development sub-committee met in August to discuss the K. Hovnanian project at Delawanna. This is a working subcommittee of the Council and public access is limited. This is not unusual as both the Council and Board of Education have subcommittees which meet in private. Public access is limited and often by invitation only. See page 60 to get a list of September’s municipal meetings.

Editor

Dr. George C. Dixon’s Specialty is Internal Medicine…

1123

Letters

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

…but he and the other medical professionals at Immedicenter want you to know that whether it’s an annual flu inoculation or an emergency, they are ready to provide the continuity of care that is so vital to maintain good health for every member of your family.

George C. Dixon, MD • Open Everyday 8 am - 10 pm Including Sat, Sun & Holidays • Weekday Appointments • Walk in Medical Care 1355 Broad St • Clifton • 973.778.5566

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

7

The

Original

Fighting Mustang

By Jack De Vries

hen we start talking about basketball, I understand why coaching football meant so much to Joe Grecco.

W

It’s late summer, less than 30 days before the football season will start—the season when he turned boys into men and a collection of neighborhoods into a city. Inside his Oakridge, N.J., home, his thick, brown cane lies at his feet, like a sleeping dog wanting to be near his master.

We’ve talked for over an hour. During that time, he battles against the stroke that steals some of his words and weighs heavy on his once broad shoulders. His wife Teresa wants him to stop talking, saying he’s tired, but he refuses—grinding through the interview and telling his life story.

It’s when I start to talk about my own life that I see his soul.

8

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

tell him about coaching my 11-year-old daughter’s basketball team last year. I describe trying to teach the girls to play a 2-12 zone defense… and the five losses that followed. I tell him how I questioned myself as a coach, thinking maybe the encouragement and support I gave to the girls wasn’t enough.

The 89-year-old coach smiles. It doesn’t matter that I’m talking about girls basketball played nearly 40 years since he retired, inside a gym he’s never seen. He knows what’s coming next, understands that having a plan and caring for your players is all that matters.

“And then, Coach,” I tell him, “it was like a light went off in their heads. They understood the zone, and no team could score against them. They couldn’t believe the change—I couldn’t believe the change. The parents thought they were watching a different team.”

I

“In business,” says Don Grilli, an All-State lineman in 1959 and former president of Johnson & Johnson’s Orthopedic and Neurological Division, “there are many good managers, but not many true leaders. I learned about true leadership from Coach Joe Grecco—outside of my father, probably the most inspirational person in my life.”

He nods and his smile widens— the famous gap-tooth grin, his eyes dark and dancing.

“We went 8-2 after that,” I say to him. “It was the greatest season I ever had as a coach—watching them learn the zone and become a team.”

Coach Grecco continues to smile, knowing more than I why my story is special. I imagine him seeing his own boys in his mind’s eyes—Ray Malavasi in his wide stance, George Telesh breaking through the line, and Kenny Lenert

or Frank Pecci running back a kickoff on a trick play they’d practiced seemingly a million times.

“That’s what made it special for me,” he says after my story. “It was the kids—I loved those kids.”

I leave his home in the darkness after an interview that was supposed to take one hour, but took twice that time. We’re nearly an hour away from Clifton and decades past his glory years.

☛

Coldwell Banker’s Clifton Office, Welcomes Three New Agents!

Paula Fahey

Dave Vasilenko

Dismary Tejada

We’re Growing With Clifton Call Dave for a confidential interview at: 973-778-4500 or private line 973-594-4301

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

789 CLIFTON AVE

973.778.4500

©2003 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation, Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark of Coldwell Banker Corporation.

An Equal Opportunity Company.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Independently Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

1128

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

9

“Coach Grecco was my mentor,” says All-American running back Dr. George Telesh, standing second from right. “His football players will tell you he set the tone for our lives. We respected him, he was nononsense, and he was fair. (But) I hated the practices—Coach would run us till we dropped. The games were a snap.”

The coach switches on the Giants preseason game, the cane still by his side.

I drive away with a tape recorder full of words, spoken by one of the greatest men I’ve ever known.

Learning the Game

1176

Joseph Salvatore Grecco was born in the Bronx on May 20, 1914, and lived in Manhattan before moving to New Jersey when he was five. When Grecco was 14, his family bought a house on Van Cleve Ave. in the Botany section.

Entering Clifton High School, football was not on his mind—music was.

Since age seven, Grecco had been a musician— starting as a member of the Mount Virgin Church chil-

dren’s band in Lodi. He was now an accomplished trombone player, forming a trio with friends Howard Foccarelli and David La Manna that played small affairs and parties.

When football season began, the two told Grecco they were quitting music until Thanksgiving to play for the Maroon and Gray. He recalls, “I asked them, ‘What’s that? What’s football?’”

An uncertain Grecco followed his friends and joined the team. He was not an instant success.

“That first year,” Grecco says, “I didn’t get into one game. As a sophomore, I saw a bit of action. By my jun-

We Sell More Because We Do More

791 PASSAIC AVE. CLIFTON • 973-779-1900

For the Month of JULY, 2003: TOP LISTER

TOP PRODUCER

Irena Kapitula

Carolyn Clavell

Call Irena or Carolyn for all your Real Estate needs. 973-779-1900. Ask about our Gold Services!

Real Estate Sales: Sales positions available in extremely active Clifton Office.

Great location, great training. Our sales associates are among the most successful in the industry.

Call Dan Norton, Manager of the Clifton Office, for an interview. 973-779-1900 10

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

ior year, I started playing center. Jim Fleming, an alumnus of the University of Alabama, taught me the position.

As a senior, I started at center and became proficient.”

“Joe was a good player and an all-around good fellow,” says Al Lichtenberger, 88, a teammate and member of the Clifton High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

“He was ahead of me in school. I don’t remember Joe being that vocal on the field—we weren’t aloud to talk in the huddle.”

Though Grecco continued to play music throughout college, football became his priority. His lineman skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Michigan after he graduated in 1932. But his career as a Wolverine was not to be.

“I was there a couple of weeks,” he remembers.

“Then my father got pneumonia.”

Being the oldest, Grecco came home to work and support his family, which included two younger sisters and a brother. He got a job in a Paterson soap factory, earning $13.50 a week while his father began a long

recovery. Three years later, his life changed.

“In 1935, (former Clifton teammate) Ralph Thulin came to see me,” Grecco says. “He was attending Upsala College in East Orange, and Upsala was offering football scholarships. With my father and sisters working, my parents Joe Grecco, CHS Feb. ‘32. said I could go.”

Grecco, now a rock-solid 6’1”, 195 lbs., became the Vikings’ starting center as a sophomore. He went from starter to star during the next two years, earning honors as a “Little All-American.” Decades later, Grecco was selected “Most Outstanding Lineman” in Upsala’s history.

But his growth in the classroom was even more impressive. Grecco majored in Romance Languages and earned a 3.5 G.P.A., voted the Alpha Sigma Upsilon Award as

☛

Dorian Howard Realtor-Associate® *Certified Marketing Specialist Weichert Million Dollar Sales Club 2002 Weichert Million Dollar Marketed Club 2002 Notary Public of NJ

Direct: 973.981.7612 Office: 973.779.1900 ext. 119

1511

The 1932-33 Clifton Football team. Coach Grecco is the fifth player in from the left, wearing #1 on his football jersey.

GIANT PEST CONTROL

1219

737 Broad St • Clifton

973.546.8410 giantpest@aol.com

791 Passaic Ave., Clifton

Giant Will Blitz Your Bugs!

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

11

U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Richard “Dutch” Hoogstraten, a quarterback on the 1952 and 1953 teams, remembers walking into Clifton School Stadium the first time and meeting his future coach. Grecco looked at Hoogstraten and his friends and said, “Good morning, men.”

“That was the first time I was called a man in my life,” Hoogstraten says. “Here I was, 13 years old, and this big gap tooth guy was calling me a man. Joe Grecco was one of the greatest men I have ever met.

He’s been my mentor over the years. One of the things I took from Joe,” the Silver Star winner says, “was to remain cool under pressure.”

Outstanding Scholar-Athlete in 193839—a big contrast from his high school academic career.

“I was a mediocre high school student,” Grecco says, “because I didn’t think my diploma would do anything for me. I thought I’d graduate and get a job.”

Through football, Grecco realized the importance of gaining a college education. At Upsala, he credits his French and Spanish teacher, Dr. Reyna, for igniting his passion for learning. He also began to fully understand the potential value of a college degree to a young person’s future.

“In those days,” he says, “people in industry would come to the college to recruit you. They’d tell you about all the jobs you could do after

graduation. I knew then that I had better prepare.”

It was a lesson he would pass on to many others.

Sales Experience After college, Grecco tried becoming a teacher and coach. In 1939, he did his practice teaching at Clifton High and helped football coach Vic Dragon with the linemen. “But I couldn’t afford it,” he says about his new career. “The salary for a teacher was $1,200; coaching got you an extra $200. On $1,400, I just couldn’t make it. So I went into sales.”

After working for John Hancock Insurance, he took a job selling Wear Ever cookware. “After my first day,” he remembers about the

job he loved, “I told my bride-to-be Teresa to set our wedding date because I had found my career.”

However, World War II changed Grecco’s plans as aluminum became scarce for pots and pans.

He took a job with Curtiss-Wright as a dispatcher, and then tried enlisting in the service.

“They rejected me because they said I had no ear drum,” he says.

“This was funny because I heard everything they whispered. They also found a spot on my lung. There I was—big, strong, tough, in great shape, and they didn’t want me.”

Grecco’s fortunes would change a few years later.

In 1945, Emil Gacy, chairman of Clifton High School’s Athletic Committee asked Grecco to become the school’s football coach to replace Dragon, whom the board choose not to retain. Remembering a teacher and coach’s pay, Grecco wanted no part of the offer—he wanted to go back to selling aluminum cookware when the war ended.

Instead, Gacy prevailed on Grecco’s wife Teresa to persuade her husband to take the job.

“He hit all the right buttons,” Grecco laughs. “He told her how Clifton needed a coach and that a teacher was a respected position.

As a salesman, he said I was never home—which was true. So my 1040

2003 KIA Sedona Gotta see it to believe it!

Junction of Routes 3 & 46, Clifton

1-866-46-FETTE www.fetterford.com 12

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

about 20-21, just out of the service, and had the skills I needed. I said, ‘I can’t pay any of you,’ but that was okay with them; they wanted to help.

“I was so demanding—it’s a wonder they came to work. I made them show up on time, work with a lesson plan, do exactly what I said. And they did. Another thing I had them do was go to Upsala College and take courses until one o’clock, then come back to Clifton and help me.

We went 6-2-1 that first year.”

Grecco’s influence benefited all three of his unpaid assistants. Porter and Lennon enjoyed successful business careers, while Scannella became an assistant coach with the Oakland Raiders under John Madden.

But finding players was more difficult. Despite the season’s winning record and the area’s appetite for sports, Clifton was a town

wife convinced me to take the job.

My teacher’s salary was $1,500 and I got $750 to coach—we could just about manage.”

Building a Team In Jan. ‘46, Grecco, 31, became Clifton’s football coach, a title he would hold for the next 19 seasons.

He also taught French and Spanish at the school. Like the many Clifton coaches who would follow him, Grecco’s appointment caused a political stir, with Dragon complaining loudly to the newspapers that he had been unjustly let go.

To Grecco, the politics mattered little. He started that first season with no coaching staff and only 17 players. To be successful, he needed help “Three Clifton High alumni,” Grecco says, “Floyd “Juk” Porter, Bill Lennon, and Joe Scannella, offered to help with the team. They were all

☛

JK

NDWICH

ANY LUNCH SHAA SODA WIT BINED COM CANNOT BE

$

5.99

WICH

ANY SUB SANDSODA WITH A BINED COM CANNOT BE

D B9 ACliftGonEAveL, S ABRO591-A0661 Hall 973 Across From City

85

% OFF

20

4 FREE

270 Colfax Ave. • Clifton JKRealty.com • RikkiDiMaria.com

Call Rikki & Trina to help you get your house SOLD in today’s

Full Service and Discount Brokerage Offered

SELLER’S MARKET!

1317

4.99

d / H.S. ID Car nk Items w Food & Dri

973-472-7000

(when listing your property)

$

ts Receive CHS Studen

R EALTY

Call Today for your Complimentary Market Analysis!

1239

rikkirealtor@aol.com • trinab@lycos.com Over 25 years of combined experience

HOT GRILL

Since 1961

W

EE R F

W/P REAM CHEESE 1/2 LB SPECIALTY C

2 FREE

669 LEXINGTON AVE.

973-772-6000

WWW.THEHOTGRILL.COM

BUCYANNOT BE COMBINED

BAGF EALNSY 6 FURRECHEASE O

e’ve been dedicated to serving the community for 42 years and will continue improving our service, atmosphere & food.

We appreciate your patronage and pledge to make Hot Grill a truly enjoyable dining experience!

9 AM—1 AM/FRI & SAT TILL 2

ELS BA1G 2, GET 4 MORE

Dominick & Carmen

S L E G BA M B 6, G 2 UY

ET

ORE

COMBINED CANNOT BE

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

13

“Joe Grecco,” says George Pasterchick, a successful Texas high school football coach and a player (number 75) for Clifton in 1948, “is the ultimate football coach. In Texas, I’ve had occasion to meet many great coaches, like Bear Bryant and Woody Hayes. Joe Grecco ranks right up there with them. As a coach, he was a taskmaster, and I learned the value of discipline, hard-work, and preparation.”

Team without a Stadium The 1946 Mustangs, led by their snake-hipped AllAmerican running back Bobby Boettcher, started the season beating Paterson Central, 19-0. More wins followed, including a comeback effort against Nutley where, legend has it, the players broke down the door after Grecco’s fiery halftime speech.

After beating Garfield, 37-0, in the season’s final game (the first time the Mustangs had beaten the Boilermakers in the school’s history), undefeated Clifton was asked to play in the Oyster Bowl against Granby High School in Norfolk, Va. The 1946 Mustangs (who will be inducted into the Clifton High School Athletic Hall of Fame next month) lost to Granby, 6-0—hurt by a disputed call when a Boettcher touchdown was waved off.

“I think that bad call did more for us being remembered than anything else,” Grecco says.

But what motivated Clifton to fully support its team was not only its heroic effort, but a remark by the Oyster Bowl hosts. When the team arrived, the Mustangs were welcomed with a banquet in their honor. Dressed in jacket and tie, Grecco and his players were introduced by their hosts as “the champions from Clifton without a home field.”

Senior Health Partners B OARD C ERTIFIED Michael P. Lewko, MD

Cheng-An Mao, MD

Geriatrics-Rheumatology

Geriatrics-Family Medicine Acupuncture

716 Broad St., 1st Fl., Clifton • 973.754.4152 Geriatric Assessment • Aging Wellness • Home Care Specializing in Arthritis, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders

14

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

☛ 1527

in name only. Only the downtown residents living near the intersection of Main and Clifton Avenues considered themselves true “Cliftonites.”

The rest of Clifton was made up by people who saw themselves as citizens of Delawanna, Athenia, Botany, or other neighborhoods. They also did not encourage their sons to tryout for the high school football team. Through they had gone 11-7-2 in three seasons under Dragon, the Mustangs were seen as perennial losers without a home field, having just one winning season from 1924 to 1941.

“Kids did not want to come to the high school,” says Grecco. “They preferred to go to Pope Pius, St. Mary’s, or St. Benedict’s—schools that were winners.”

With his team films and a projector in hand, Grecco attended every men’s, church, service, or political club he could find to talk about Mustang football. He told parents if their sons played on the team, he would insist on an academic commitment and would check their report cards.

“The fact that I was a teacher and had experience in sales to deliver the message helped me,” Grecco says. “I spoke about the discipline and lessons their sons would learn from football. The following year, I had 33 kids come out.”

In 1946, those players and their coach would change Clifton forever.

In Remembrance

9/11/01

A CV Real Estate Associates, Inc. 931 Clifton Ave., Clifton • 973-365-2122

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

15

“I played at Arizona State and Memphis State,” says Ron Wyka, kneeling left, with other members of Grecco’s last state championship team in 1962, “and spent training camp with the New York Jets before injuring my shoulder. Our coaches at Clifton, not only Joe Grecco, but Vander Closter, Chaky, and the rest were the equal of any I ever saw. In college, I saw players who didn’t know half of the fundamentals we did, and our practices were as tough as any in college—all Clifton players will tell you that.”

“I don’t remember much else about that night,” says Boettcher, “but I remember that remark. The team didn’t like it, and there were groans from many of the kids when it was said.”

Also at the banquet were many Clifton school board members and other supporters. Grecco remembers the introduction embarrassing the group.

“After the banquet,” Boettcher remembers, “(school commissioner) Emil Gacy came over to the team and said, ‘We’re going to build you boys that stadium.”

They did. In 1950, the $600,000 Clifton School Stadium opened for the start of the football season.

Arguably the finest high school facility in the New York

metro area, the stadium was designed by local architect Arthur Rigolo and sat on the grounds of the old Clifton Racetrack—a fitting home for the “Fighting Mustangs.”

Recalling that he and his team knew “a first game should be won,” Grecco led his Mustangs to a stadium–opening 19-6 win over Dickinson before over 10,000 fans.

Building a City After World War II, Clifton transformed itself.

Developers, like Steve Dudiak, began filling old farms with housing, and returning veterans were eager to start families in homes on clean, new streets, leaving the congestion of Paterson and Passaic behind.

featuring A New Pasta Menu... ...Cavatelli w/ Broccoli, Ziti w/Vodka Sauce, Fetuccine Alfredo, Ziti w/ Broccoli Rabe, Linguini w/ Clam Sauce, Mussels and More. Mon- Sat, 7 to 11 pm

605 Clifton Ave Clifton • 365-9745 • Catch All The NFL Action Sundays Via Satellite TV The Kitchen will be Open

• Monday Night FootbalV 10¢ Wings $1 Domestic Drafts

• Lunch Specials Daily • 10 Beers On–Tap Guinness • Bud • Coors Light • Pete’s • Bass Sierra Nevada • Genny & Seasonal Specialls

•Hockey • Baseball • Basketball 16

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

LUNCH, DINNER & SNACKS

KITCHEN OPEN 7am-11pm

Tiki & Skip are in the Clif’s new kitchen!

While people retained their neighborhood identity, pride in Clifton was rising, fueled in part by their magnificent, new stadium and successful football team.

“During fall Saturday afternoons, the city would nearly shutdown,” says Grecco, remembering the packed stadium. “We gave Clifton a sense of ‘community’—people came together to watch the games, and the games became an event.”

Another change was the image of Clifton football players. Along with checking report cards, Grecco endeavored to show that his players could be emulated

and respected—on and off the field. “When I came to Clifton,” he says, “people looked down on them. Once, Frank Pecci came to me and said, “Coach, a teacher asked me, ‘Why don’t you walk on all fours like all football animals?’ I told him to ignore the remark—we were going to change that image.”

Knowing teachers were now attending the football games, Grecco enlisted them to tutor his players after school—including the teacher who made the animal remark. He reviewed his players’ future goals, encouraging them to prepare for college.

☛

Coach with his ‘57 Fighting Mustangs (and others) the first team to beat the Montclair Mounties and win the State Championship.

DeMattia–O’Brien, Inc. R E A L E S TAT E S I N C E 1 9 2 2

List with ce…

Experien

List with Confide nce!

500 Clifton Ave • Clifton 973-546-3366 • www.dobinc.com

Clifton prestigious free-standing two story retail/office.

1250 sq. ft. each floor. 326 Clifton Avenue. Currently 2nd floor for lease at $1350 per month. Features security gated entrance, central vacuum and central air, sprinkler system, gas heat, 2 baths.

Option to buy also available.

Act fast. This will not last. Call 973-546-3366.

1328

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

17

And Grecco preached preparation, comparing their work in the classroom to the football field.

“Making mistakes on the field can cost you a game,” he says.

“Scoring 70 out of 100 in the classroom is a passing grade, but not what I wanted them to aim for.”

However, Grecco understood that, like athletes, all students did not have the same ability. “I would never remove a player for grades if he was trying,” he says. “The only

CHAIRS RECOVERED 1570

SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM

EST. 1972

973

772 -1603

WE SERVICE BEAUTY SALONS • RESTAURANTS DENTAL CHAIRS • OFFICE FURNITURE

423 LAKEVIEW AVE • CLIFTON

“I got to spend time with the Mustangs and made many friends,” says 1962 team manager Ron Maxwell, director of Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. “Joe Grecco was one of the fantastic role models growing up—a guy who commanded your respect. The players loved him.”

time I would kick a player off the team was if he did something wrong—not showing up on time or ignoring curfew.”

Despite his reputation as a tough coach, Grecco treated players differently based on the individual’s personality—a technique often attributed to today’s coaches and not old-school leaders.

“If I hollered at Bobby Boettcher, he’d probably break down,” Grecco says. “I had to talk to him. With others, I was more assertive. But as a group, I was always firm.”

Especially on game day, when Grecco’s halftime speeches became the stuff of legend—his baritone voice describing “the field of battle” and a Mustangs victory

“when the smoke clears and the dust settles.”

While of those terms might seem like clichés to the modern ear, the sentiment applies in any era.

“The way I spoke came from the heart,” he says. “I was competitive and wanted to pass on my feelings to my players.”

It worked. Despite a 4-4-1 mark in 1950, Clifton was on the rise.

Behind All-Americans Billy DeGraaf and Pecci, the Mustangs went 8-1 in both 1951 and 1952, and then went 7-1-1 in 1953—helped by an offense Grecco instituted after talking with the great Oklahoma Sooner coach Bud Wilkerson.

☛

You’ll get your best deal at Scott Tire

6

% OFF in stock items only

Scott T

I

R

®

E

COMPLETE UNDERCAR CARE

Cryin’ Brian 18

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Rte. 46E • Clifton

973-772-3626

Smilin’ Brian 1354

Andersen Windows & Doors We Buy Them By The Truckload!

We’re a small company that thinks big.

Price: At K&S, we buy Andersen windows and doors by the truckload. That means you get great prices from a locally owned supplier. But unlike the big chains, we’ll give you more…

Service: At K&S, we make our living on service. So when you deal with us, you’ll talk to the same knowledgeable sales person day after day.

“As good as an Andersen?”

There’s no such thing.

LONG LIVE THE HOME ™

&

BUILDING SUPPLY INC.

236 COLFAX AVE • CLIFTON

973.473.3118 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

19

Predictably, Grecco received many offers to move into the college ranks. But it was one visit from an unnamed college coach who helped him decide never to leave Clifton.

While Grecco was working in the field house, the coach dropped in to talk about joining his staff. The two talked football for three hours. As the sun faded, Grecco told the coach he would call his wife to Teresa to set an extra place for dinner.

“He said, ‘My wife’s waiting outside in the car— we’re going to New York for dinner,’” Grecco says.

“She’d been out there the whole time. This seemed normal for him… and her. When you move to the college level, the time you spend on football increases. I could never make that commitment—I was happy in Clifton, and my time with family was too important.”

After two mediocre seasons, Grecco’s Mustangs rebounded to go 8-1 in 1956, ringing up 348 points while surrendering only 51. Their lone loss was to Montclair, who they would finally beat in 1957— avenging many years of frustration. In 1959, Clifton again beat Montclair, 39-7, a game the coach considers the greatest win of his career.

Grecco’s record includes four undefeated seasons in 1946, 1957, 1959, and 1962; 12 state sectional championships; three Newark News unofficial state titles, and a lifetime 137-38-3 record. He was selected as the New

The Coach and his wife, Tessie.

York News All-Star Coach in 1956, 1957, and 1962, and twice chosen as the UNICO “All-Star High School High School Football Coach in the Nation.”

In 1988, Grecco was elected to the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was chosen as The Record’s “All-Century Coach” from Passaic County.

☛

INTRODUCING THE 2 0 0 4 M E R C U RY G R A N D M A R Q U I S

Low Price Guarantee!

Ranked #1 in Sales

by Lincoln Mercury!

20

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Federal Mortgage Offers Senior Citizens A Reverse Mortgage 1319

F

or some 30 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 c redit 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 2003

21

Thanksgiving Day, 1955 Clifton 34, Garfield 0.

Best Dinner Prices • Warm Atmosphere Wednesdays are Red, White & Blue Night Police, Fire, EMT & Nurses – $1 OFF Specials Friday 4–7 pm: Happy Hour, Free Buffet, $100 Beer & $200 Shots It’s All about the Atmosphere!

Shamrock Inn

Restaurant & Sports Bar

414 Main Ave • Clifton • 973.458.9990 www.TheShamrockInn.com Less than a minute from Clifton Commons

HOURS: MON-THUR – 3PM-3AM, FRI-SUN 11AM-3AM

BEST PRICES • GREAT FOOD POOL LEAGUES NOW FORMING 1572

DA RT S Start your own Team & join a League

Food Served from 4 pm–1 am Buy Two Appetizers & get a Free Bar Pie 25¢ Beers–Thur. 10 pm–1 am $2 Mug Night–Tues.

Dollar Drafts–$2 Bottle Domestic Every Day Till 7 PM 22

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Life Rewards After the 1963 season, Grecco was stung by politics and dismissed by the board of education because he was serving as principal of School No. 6. A state official had recommended no administrator should also work as a coach.

Grecco, then a Clifton councilman, was not politically aligned with the board, and it cost him his coaching job.

He was replaced by his assistant, Bill Vander Closter, who built on Grecco’s success throughout the sixties and seventies.

Grecco served on Clifton’s city council from 196266. He was elected to the NJ State Assembly in 1966 and later became a Passaic Valley Water commissioner.

In 1978, he won election to the Clifton council and was reelected in 1982 and 1986. He also served as principal at School No. 13 before retiring.

In 1998, the coach moved from Clifton to be near his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While he misses his old town, he is happy with his new home.

Despite battling health problems over the last decade, his mind remains clear and his will strong.

He continues to take great joy in his players and students’ accomplishments—never admitting, but knowing he helped shape their lives. He’s even more proud of adults they have become—something more important than any championship.

His players have never forgotten him. Boettcher is a frequent visitor and others call often. Just this year, Grecco was toasted at a gathering of his 1950s players, and a plaque from that night sits on top of his TV. “Skippy Del Favero from 1946 called me from South Carolina the other day,” he says, smiling.

“Moose Bosson calls me, too. Bob Van Der Linda calls from Las Vegas, and Ronnie Wyka called me a few weeks ago. It means so much to get those calls.”

Over 50 years ago, Joe Grecco built a team and helped build a city. And he helped build men. The coach will tell you he’s been richly rewarded.

By Murray Blumenfeld First of all, I have to apologize to my readers for not being out on the sidewalk for the sidewalk sale. I kept the table with all the goodies inside the store because I didn’t have the heart to send my help outside in the hot and humid weather.

Now for what is going on in the jewelry business.

Princess cut diamonds or other rectangular cuts are hot. Three stone designs continue to be strong.

High color in diamonds is a bigger drawing point than high clarity.

As for lady’s watches, there has been an increase in the use of diamonds or “The Diamond Look” (Austrian crystals or cubic zirconia). Size is another important factor in these watch designs.

Watches are getting bigger both for men and women, especially for the gentleman.

Sterling silver jewelry has become very popular so if you are looking to buy some silver - wise move. Today silver is the choice of trend setters and buyers who put an emphasis on wearing up to the minute styles. Because of the lower price, silver is often the metal of choice for the more progressive designers. Believe it or not sterling silver jewelry is now being set with real diamonds. This is a very new trend and I’m interested in seeing what my suppliers have to offer. If I like what I see I’ll have it in time for the holiday season.

The table of 1⁄2 price merchandise for the sidewalk sale is still up and running inside the store, so come in and take advantage of some good buys.

Have a good month of September and I’ll talk to you again in the next issue. www.morrelyons.com

JEWELERS

Ernest T.

CHEIDEMANN

R E A L E S TAT E & I N S U R A N C E

1297 MAIN AVENUE • CLIFTON 973.478.5967 • 800.43.HOUSE

1188

RICHFIELD SHOPPING CENTER 1354 CLIFTON AVE • CLIFTON • 973.777.4329 1295

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

23

Passing the Baton a story by Daniel Wolfe

arbara Ossi joined Clifton’s famous Marching Mustangs because of an unspoken promise to family. “When I was little, my father and I stood by the fence and we watched the band practice,” she recalled. “He goes to me and says, one day, I want you to do that. Meaning, Drum Majorette. He died only a month after that. It stuck in my head.”

Barbara tried out for the Marching Mustangs in 1973, three years after her father Louis died, and in 1974 she became Drum Majorette, a marching band position so esteemed that with the honor comes a distinctly different uniform. In her role, she leads the entire band, a group that last year numbered 129 members, all performing with college-level expertise.

Through the Mustangs, Barbara met Ralph Davella, who stood out because he was both a football player and a trumpet player. “I was the only person in history who went to marching band practice with a football uniform on,” Ralph mused.

“The band trips are something that you never forget,” he said, and it was the band trip to Bermuda that proved most memorable. There, the two grew close.

They eventually married and started a family.

Back in 1974, when she was Drum Majorette, Barbara Ossi (now Barbara Davella) never expected that she’d give birth to tradition. But indeed she has. Her daughter, Lauryn Davella, was selected just this June for the same prestigious position. At age 17, she is 30 years younger than her mother, and is assuming the role of Drum Majorette 30 years after Barbara wore the title as her own.

The Marching Mustangs—the showband of the northeast—have performed since 1938, their fame growing with each passing year. Over the decades, the Mustangs have become so skilled that they rarely bother to compete against other marching bands. According to Lauryn, who takes the lead of the Mustangs in their 65th year, there would be no point.

Even with the overwhelmingly rich marching band history flowing through her veins, the pressure from family wasn’t as great for Lauryn as it was for her mother. Far from trying to fulfill a dying wish, Lauryn said her mother was conspicuously absent from her decision.

B

Even at an early age, Barbara (Ossi) Davella was getting in step to lead the Marching Mustangs.

24

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

“We do a pre-game, half-time, and post-game show; whereas most schools do just the half-time show,” —Lauryn Davella

1023

“I didn’t push this at all!”

Barbara insisted.

“She was happy when I told her,” Lauryn clarified, “but until then she was just like, uh, okay, go ahead.”

“I didn’t want to get too excited,” Barbara admitted, “but I was nervous when she was trying out. I couldn’t go to the tryouts, actually, so I went to ShopRite and I was so nervous that I knocked over a whole rack of iced tea containers. I couldn’t help it; I was waiting for her to call.”

As Drum Majorette, Lauryn’s role will be much different than it was for her mother, Barbara. A lot has changed over 30 years, and many of these changes stemmed from the band’s director, Bob Morgan. Barbara joined the band just as Bob Morgan signed on.

Morgan, a 1966 Clifton High School graduate, accepted an offer to become the Marching Mustang’s director in 1972.

Morgan directed the band for close to half its life, drawing upon the work of his predecessors and influencing the band in his own distinct ways. He is the man behind the signature ‘Script CHS’ formation the band uses at every game. Looking back at his career, these are just some of Morgan’s many contributions.

Ralph said part of the wonder of the Marching Mustangs is that Morgan has remained such a solid influence over the years. “It’s unbelievable to go to a game and see old Clifton,” Ralph said. “Mr. Morgan’s maintained that.

It’s not a usual thing this day and age; he did a great job.”

Lauryn agreed. “Clifton’s marching band is totally different from anyone else’s around here,” she said. Not only does she see the Mustang Marching Band as more skilled than most high school marching bands, but also her band is much more visible.

“We do a pre-game, half-time, and post-game show; whereas most schools do just the half-time show,” she said. The pre-game show is where you see Morgan’s Script CHS, and it’s also where you see the Drum Majorette first take control.

☛

dr. barry raphael p.a.

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

The first rank seargent of the International Band Festival Champion 1970 Mustang Band salutes all of you who carry on the proud tradition.

Hail to “Our Director”, Bob Morgan!

Love, Dr. Barry Clifton Merchant • September 2003

25

“I didn’t want to get too excited, but I was nervous when she was trying out. I couldn’t go to the tryouts, actually, so I went to ShopRite and I was so nervous that I knocked over a whole rack of iced tea containers. I couldn’t help it; I was waiting for her to call.”

—Barbara Davella

“The Drum Major starts, and she writes the C and the H,” Lauryn said. Her role as leader isn’t just during performances; between games, she will lead training and rehearsal sessions. In March, under Morgan’s direction, she will train her potential successors.

“It’s weird that we have the same director after 30 years,” Barbara said. “He always remembers me because once he told me to give a rolloff, which is swinging a baton like this, to start a song” she said, demonstrating with her arm, “I swung it and I hit him right in the head.”

Barbara forgot all about the incident until Morgan reminded her. Morgan hasn’t mentioned it yet to Lauryn, but Lauryn thinks it’s only a matter of time.

“Eventually,” Lauryn predicted, “he’ll be standing next to me and I’ll say, if you stand there, you’re going to get hit. He’ll say something.”

Far from being overshadowed in her Mustang days

by Morgan, Barbara started traditions of her own that have lasted all these years.

☛

Barbara (Ossi) Davella leading the Marching Mustangs..

Laser Dentistry: as easy as

1-2-3

No Shots! No Drills!

Dr Fields

Dr Wolfson

Laser Fillings, Laser Gum Treatments

New Patients & Emergencies Always Welcome 1108

Dr Fuentes

Free Bleaching with Cleaning, Exam & X-Rays $75 Value New Patients Only. Expires September 30, 2003

26

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

All Your Dental Needs, Personalized Care, 6 Days A Week

ALLWOOD FAMILY DENTISTRY 46 Market St • 973.365.2265

An Enhanced Entryway will add value to your home Studies show that a Therma-Tru entry door system will add as much as $24,000 to your home’s perceived value. To find out more about an enhanced entryway, visit the K&S showroom.

At K&S Building Supply, we offer the finest American Made products in the industry.

CUSTOM MILLWORK CUSTOM DOORS SIDING

CUSTOM WINDOWS ROOFING HARDWARE

“The Most Preferred Brand In The Business”

&

BUILDING SUPPLY INC.

236 COLFAX AVE • CLIFTON

973.473.3118 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

27

“Drum Majorettes always used to just march and one day I’m just standing there kind of bored – and I used to love to twirl – and I said to Mr. Morgan, can I just twirl this thing?

And he said, yeah, do what you want.”

—Barbara (Ossi) Davella

“Back then it was just a show position,” Barbara said, almost dismissively describing herself as a figurehead.

Fearing her mother would just leave it at that, Lauryn jumped in to say, “You introduced the twirling.”

“Oh yeah, that’s true!” Barbara said. “Drum Majorettes always used to just march and one day I’m just standing there kind of bored—and I used to love to twirl—and I said to Mr. Morgan, can I just twirl this thing? And he said, yeah, do what you want.”

The ‘thing’ was her baton. Along with a larger, heavier mace, it is one of the two wands the majorettes use to visually set themselves apart from the instrumentplaying members of the band.

In her mother’s time, only majorettes could become Drum Majorette, but that too has changed. Lauryn was a clarinet player before she was selected to take the lead role from among three applicants.

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

~ Everything Home Made ~ FREE SUNDAE Buy One Ice Cream or Yogurt Sundae, Get Another

FREE With This Coupon Coupons May Not Be Combined.

Offer Expires 9/30/03

$2.00OFF Any Size Ice Cream Cakes Coupons May Not Be Combined.

Offer Expires 9/30/03

194 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell • 973-403-9968

2 Union Ave., Paterson • 973-595-1647

Cecere & Rubino Internal Medicine Associates, LLC

Evenings & Saturday Appointments

1135 Broad St • Suite 2, 3rd Floor • Clifton

Most Managed Care Plans Accepted

9 73 . 4 71 . 4 0 0 4 28

Although Barbara could not influence her daughter’s decision, she is still active with the Mustangs as an alumnus. There are enough active Marching Mustang alumni that they can perform entire routines just among themselves. They will likely do so again this year, the 65th anniversary season.

Lauryn knows her mother was influential in transforming the Drum Majorette into a baton-twirler.

Unintentionally following that tradition, the younger Davella is already taking on a more influential role than most Drum Majorettes have.

Though she is not the first, Lauryn is one of the rare few to simultaneously serve as Drum Majorette and band manager, the female counterpart of the quartermaster among the band’s student directors.

Last year, Lauryn was the band’s librarian. The year before that, band staff. Majorette is one of the only roles she hadn’t yet experienced. Last year, she tried out to be a regular majorette, but she didn’t make it.

Now that she’s far overshot last year’s ambition of becoming a majorette, Lauryn will assume a role that she describes as a showpiece—not to be confused with what her mother meant by ‘show position.’ Lauryn is no figurehead.

“Majorettes are like showpieces, it’s really a nice thing to watch,” she said. Still unintentionally identifying with the instrument players, she said, “it’s boring if we’re just standing still and playing. It’s nice to hear, but (majorettes) are what you watch.”

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Antoinette M. Cecere, M.D. Gennaro Rubino, M.D. Board Certified

1619

Visit our new location: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997

We Don’t Sell Parts… …We Sell Service Barbara (Ossi) Davella in 1974.

Even the other band members have to watch the majorettes; they can’t read the music from sheets because the Mustangs are such an advanced group. The music has to be memorized because all band members need to focus on the formations. Adding to the pressure, the Mustangs play different music at every home game’s half-time show.

“We march like the top ten college bands,” Lauryn said.

Pride isn’t the only benefit of leading the group. As congratulations, Lauryn’s friends bought her dinner and even a tiny showpiece of her own: on a shelf next to her bed, Lauryn keeps her new Coca-Cola Barbie Majorette, still in the box.

The doll’s uniform is a close match to Lauryn’s own, which hangs across the room on her door.

These decorations suit Lauryn’s lifestyle well. The marching band is a part of who she is.

“She practices more than I ever did,” Barbara said.

“That’s just the way I am,” Lauryn said. “I have to practice and be totally ready for something before I do it.”

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

Two Stores In Clifton 973-473-1997

802 Van Houten Ave • Clifton We’ve Moved

973-473-4999

1103 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton New Location

Our Other Locations: 201.843.8040 201-845-8353

136 Essex St • Rochelle Park Open Sundays

201.391.3333 5 Hawthorne Ave • Park Ridge New Location

201. 261.0411

59A E. Ridgewood Ave • Paramus New Location

973.338.9292

1278 Broad St • Bloomfield New Location

101 Route 46 West • Saddle Brook Open Sundays

973-857-2600

614 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove New Location

973-694-2228

1168 Hamburg Turnpike • Wayne New Location

973-423-1700

93 Goffle Rd • Hawthorne New Location

1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999

☛ Clifton Merchant • September 2003

29

1274

Though her mother has kept her distance from Lauryn’s decision, her friends have offered a lot of advice, and Lauryn has chosen to ignore it. The CHS senior prefers to approach the year ahead with an open mind. “I don’t know how I’m going to be,” she said. “It’s a total new experience.”

The Maroon and Gray tradition doesn’t stop at Lauryn. Her sister Jamie, 15, a CHS sophomore, plays saxophone for the Marching Mustangs and the CHS concert band.

Sarge Painting

BobSandri 973-773-0280

%

10OFF Any Paint-Work

•Decks •Powerwashing Cleaned/Sealed •Spackling •Gutter Cleaning •Fully Insured •Exterior/Interior

The Davella’s: Matt, Barbara, Lauryn, Ralph, Jamie.

She’s also a first basemen with the CHS Softball team.

Their brother, Matt, 13, is a running back and linebacker for the Junior Mustangs. He attends 8th grade at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. “It’s his dream to be a professional player,” said his father Ralph, who is also Matt’s football coach. “But it’s his immediate dream to play football for Coach Parlavecchio at CHS.” For fans, band members, parents and alumni, info on the Mustang Marching Band can be found online at http://www.angelfire.com/nj2/mustangband/

WANTED All Clifton Mustang Band Alumni & Friends

65

th

Anniversary Dinner Dance & Reunion NOVEMBER 29, 2003

featuring: Cocktail Hour, Formal Dinner • 15 Piece Orchestra Celebration At: The Bethwood in Totowa, NJ

Semi Formal Affair

Advance Ticket Sales Only: $75 pp

HOW TO CONTACT US: Email: MustangBandAlum@optonline.net Website: www.MustangBandAlumni.org MAIL TO: CMBAA, PO BOX 4133, CLIFTON, NJ 07012 • 973-777-1781

30

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Did You Vote For This?

The Mayor and Council continue wasting your tax dollars fighting the PBA over a modern work schedule proposal that will benefit everyone and costs nothing to implement.

Four Months of Legal Fees: $95,083 The Mayor and Council paid the law firm of Genova, Burns & Vernoia $95,083 between Feb. 7 and June 20. That figure is on top of the hundreds of thousands of dollars they had already wasted fighting our proposal. Is this how you want your tax dollars spent? Is this good government?

We Need More Police On The Street Clifton PBA Local 36 has proposed an improved police work schedule that is modern, safe and efficient. It puts more cops on the streets in peak hours and two cops in a car when trends show there is an increase in crime and police calls.

Our plan cost nothing to implement as it uses our current manpower and equipment and this schedule is currently used in police departments across America.

The PBA, City & Citizens All Benefit Our proposal results in 4,000 fewer shift changes a year. It adds no new personnel nor vehicles. The PBA has never denied there are benefits to our members under our proposal. But our plan benefits everyone—the PBA members, the city government and Clifton citizens—fairly and equally.

$100,000 in Court Overtime Savings There are better ways to do things: With the shift change we propose, Clifton Cops will attend court while on-duty. Currently, officers attend court while on overtime. The PBA projects upwards of a 45% reduction in court overtime—well over $100,000 per year.

Ask The Mayor & Council...

If there is a solution to Clifton police work to make it safer and more cost efficient, does it not deserve a second look? That is all we are asking for: that the Mayor & Council honestly consider the PBA proposal so that we can help make the best police department in the state even better. To this point—some 3 years into the so-called negotiations—they have not. Ask the Mayor & Council to stop wasting tax dollars and settle this negotiation.

PBA Local 36 asks the Mayor & Council to give our proposal for modern manpower deployment a one year trial.

Give Us One Year Paid for by Clifton PBA Local 36 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

31

soccer tennis football volleyball gymnastics cross country cheerleading marching band

FALL S P O RT S PR EVI EW

Watch these Mustangs: Nikki Kryzik, Paul Kornaszewski and Matt Sleece.

enior Paul Kornaszewski is an All-American track star who returns to Clifton Schools Stadium this fall as a two time first team All-County cross country, AllCounty indoor track and also All-County outdoor track runner. He is Clifton’s record holder in cross country and is the defending County champ.

In two seasons with the Lady Mustangs, junior Nicole Krzysik has 40 goals and 22 assists. Last year she was named a NSCAA High School All-American and joined the US National Under-16 team. She’s a powerhouse to have as the Mustangs aim for a third county championship.

S

32

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

For the boys soccer team, senior Matt Sleece is one of the premiere defenders in the state. Tactically he reads the game well, technically he is solid and with his physical size, Sleece will be heavily recruited. The question is can Sleece get the Mustangs past Kearny?

Clifton senior Luis ‘Kiko’ Mangual is the kid to watch on the gridiron. An ‘02 transfer from Don Bosco Prep where he played linebacker and running back, Mangual brought the Mustangs back to life last season. But this year, Coach Parlavecchio has moved Mangual to quarterback where he’ll be making plays on the run.

SEPT 5 SEPT 13 SEPT 20 SEPT 25 OCT 4 OCT 10 OCT 17 OCT 25 NOV 8 NOV 27

or Mustang football this year, that long-awaited winning season is here. Coach Chet Parlavecchio, a former NFL player, may have suffered some losses over his four-year tenure (his overall record is 11-29) but he never lowered his expectations of his team.

And this year, Parlavecchio’s fifth as coach, he has a new weapon.

With varsity senior Luis ‘Kiko’ Mangual making the transition to quarterback, his presence in the slot may help the Mustangs move above a .500 season.

Over the summer, Mangual’s very role with the team changed when Parlavecchio tried him out as quarterback, a position the player had no experience with but was more than eager to learn.

“At this level especially, if you don’t have a quarterback, you find your best athlete and make him one,” Parlavecchio said of his decision in an interview recently published in the Herald & News.

F

IRVINGTON (SCRIMMAGE) HACKENSACK AT TEANECK NUTLEY AT PARAMUS CATHOLIC BLOOMFIELD EASTISIDE PATERSON AT KENNEDY AT ST. JOSEPH PASSAIC

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 10:30 AM

Mangual became a Mustang last year after transferring from Don Bosco Prep. Due to NJSIAA regulations, he had to sit out five games (all Clifton losses) before he became eligible. But when he started as a Mustang linebacker and a running back, things began to change; his presence helped the Mustangs win their three victories of the season.

The football team’s theme this year is ‘There Is No Tomorrow.’ In a sense, there doesn’t need to be. The players and skills are in place today and they have the potential to carry the team to the Mustang’s first winning season since 1997. Joining Mangual are varsity seniors Abby Abualhuda, Andy Bucceri, Roja Ebanks, Egebert Emile, Bob Fego, John Gonzalez, Bob Jeffers, Max Koziol, Ted Kwolek, Rory McDonald, Tomislov Petrovic, Ray Ramirez, Fernando Rodriquez, Albert Tirado, Matt Vinnal, Sam Walker; and jv players Randy Cabral, Joe Hathaway, and Emmanuel Ihim.

Your Downtown Dentist!

Fredrick J. Paternoster D.D.S. 296 Clifton Avenue • Downtown Clifton corner of Clifton & Getty Avenues

973-365-1267 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

33

Girl’s

SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT

he Lady Mustangs bring back 15 players from last year’s NNJIL League, Passaic County Champions, and State Sectional Finalist to this soccer season.

With 10 of his 11 starters returning from last year’s 15-4-0 team, coach Stan Lembryk, who is entering his third season as girls soccer coach, knows what his players are capable of. “The majority of these players have experienced many pressure game situations, and we feel this will benefit us in the long run,” Lembryk said.

Lembryk noted the experience and dedication of his team members, singling out many of his players for their excellence. This year, all four defenders return, led by Senior Captain Amanda Fabiano (First team All-League, First team All Country, H.M. all-state) and senior Jillian Fueshko (first team all-league, second team county) and

T

P U B

&

G R O G

615 Van Houten Ave • Clifton

6 9 12 16 18 20 23 25 29 1 3 9 14 16 22 24

TOMS RIVER N. (SCRIM.) 10:00 AM CHATHAM (SCRIMMAGE) 4:00 PM AT TEANECK 7:00 PM NUTLEY 4:00 PM HACKENSACK 4:00 PM BAYONNE 10:00 AM AT IHA 4:00 PM BLOOMFIELD 4:00 PM RIDGEWOOD 4:00 PM AT HOLY ANGELS 4:00 PM AT BLOOMFIELD 4:00 PM BELLEVILLE 4:00 PM AT PARAMUS CATHOLIC 4:00 PM PARAMUS 4:00 PM AT MONTCLAIR 4:00 PM AT HACKENSACK 4:00 PM AT

juniors Nikki Biseo and Remata Koziol (both second team all-league). Adding to their ranks are senior goalkeepers Jen Canoia and Chiara Christantiello, making this a solid defensive unit.

The midfield sees the return of junior All-American and U.S. National team captain Nikki Krzysik, along with Senior Captain Danielle Karcz (first team allleague, county) and high-scoring senior Kristin Mikolajczyk and junior Kayla Devlin (both first team all-league, second team all-county).

“Up front,” Lembryk said, “the intelligent ploy of senior Alli Kuefler (10 goals, second team all-league, H.M. all-county), and speedy junior Nikki Jafan (second team all-league) make these two combine for a lethal one-two scoring punch.”

Come Have A Ball!

973-471-7767 Open Till 3AM 7 Days A Week!

Kitchen Open Noon-11PM Sun-Thu, Open until 2AM on Fri & Sat 34

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1162

Boy’s

SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT

oys Soccer is picking up where they left off, Coach Joe Vespignani said. “We have to defend our titles.” With a 18-4-1 season, the Mustangs were the Passaic County Champs and the regional NNJIL title holder, but they were knocked out of the running for the state championship by Kearny. This year, however, Vespignani hopes to leave no crown unclaimed.

“That’s really the main focus,” he said of winning all three. “That’s where it’s at.” Leading the team will be senior Captain Matt Sleece, an individual who performs highly in all areas of the pitch. At 6’1”, Sleece is a noticeable presence on the field.

“He’s a big guy, which helps in soccer,” Vespignani said. “And he’s a great leader.” Helping him is Marcelo Carpio, who scored 22 goals last year.

B

R.F. K NAPP R OOFING S IDING • G UTTERS • L EADERS

973- 777-1699 • 14 Pilgrim Dr.• Clifton

6 9 12 14 16 22 24 26 30 2 7 9 13 15 17 21 23 28 30

SCOTCH PLAINS (SCRIM.) 10:00 AM HARRISON (SCRIMMAGE) TBA AT BLOOMFIELD 4:00 PM MORRIS CATHOLIC 2:00 PM AT BERGEN CATHOLIC 4:00 PM AT DON BOSCO PREP 7:00 PM MONTCLAIR 4:00 PM AT TEANECK 4:00 PM AT HACKENSACK 4:00 PM EASTSIDE PATERSON 7:00 PM RIDGEWOOD 4:00 PM BELLEVILLE 4:00 PM AT PARAMUS CATHOLIC 4:00 PM ST. JOSEPH 4:00 PM AT BARRINGER 4:00 PM AT PARAMUS 4:00 PM PASSAIC 4:00 PM KENNEDY 4:00 PM NUTLEY 4:00 PM AT AT

John Perehinec will be in the net, a goalie in his second varsity year. “He’s the only guy that I had on since junior varsity,” said Vespignani, who coached junior varsity soccer in his first year before becoming head soccer coach last year.

Vespignani also mentioned Mithra Maneyapanda, a senior with three years of varsity experience, whom Vespignani described as simply, “a crafty player.”

There is also second-year varsity player Jon Borrajo, a junior, described by Vespignani as “one of the best defenders I’ve seen.”

Will these Mustangs meld, beat Kearny and make it to the state finals? Vespignani expects so.

“We’re setting our goals and our standards high,” the young coach concluded.

JC

OVERHEAD DOOR CO.

• • • •

Installations Service Repairs Fully Insured

1426

Residential Garage Doors & Electric Openers

Call John E. Cinek Today!

FREE E STIMATES • E ST. 40

YEARS

• F ULLY I NSURED

56 Bergen Ave • Clifton • 973.546.3312 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

35

C A M B R I D G E PAV I N G S T O N E S

exÇt|áátÇvx VÉÄÄxvà|ÉÇ

At Athenia Mason, our Renaissance Collection of interlocking concrete pavingstones and segmental retaining walls can dramatically enhance your Clifton home with traditional, historic, natural or contemporary landscapes designs.

36

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

From your pool’s terrace to the drive and stairs leading to the front of your Clifton home, Athenia Mason proudly offers Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec, a surface that will look like new even

Imagine Your Clifton Home after years of wear.

A

T H EN I A

M A S O N S U P P LY

973.473.2758

Imagine... ...your Clifton Home with beautiful interlocking pavingstones in gardens, on driveways and walkways, pool decks, patios...

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

37

SEPT 16 SEPT 18 SEPT 23 SEPT 27 SEPT 30 OCT 3 OCT 7 OCT 10 OCT 11 OCT 14 OCT 24 OCT 28 NOV 11 NOV 15 NOV 22

hances are you’ve seen these kids training all summer long. Running around Main Memorial Park, along Route 46 or up on Garret Mountain, hard training both as a team and individually brings Clifton Cross Country into the 2003 season in great shape.

“We have a core group of kids that have dedicated hundreds of hours of time in the off season to building their endurance and speed,” said coach John Pontes,

C

FREE TOKEN Buy One Token Get a 2nd FREE Limit 4 Tokens

MONTCLAIR & D. BOSCO 4:00 PM SUMMIT 4:00 PM EASTSIDE & PASSAIC 4:00 PM PCCA INV. 9:00 AM AT BERGEN CATH. & KENNEDY 4:00 PM MAROON INV. 3:45 PM BLOOM/HACK/ST. JOES/IHA 4:00 PM WPU INV./AWAY 4:00 PM AT MANHATTAN COLLEGE INV 9:00 AM AT NNJIL CHAMPIONSHIPS 4:00 PM PCCA CHAMPIONSHIP 3:30 PM HAW/MANCH/DEPAUL/W.M. 4:00 PM NJSIAA SECTIONALS 9:00 AM AT STATE GROUP MEET 9:00 AM AT MEET OF CHAMPIONS 10:00 AM AT

now entering his 25th season. “Most of the team has been running together over the summer at least twice a week. That says a lot about our kids.”

Starting the season with more than 30 boys and 18 girls, this year’s team is a mix of veterans and newcomers. Some of the standout senior boys include AllAmerican Paul Kornaszewski, Brian Schaab, Justin Swisher, Steven Klett and Danny Gomez.

NOW OPEN!

Cannot be combined with other offers. Valid with coupon. Exp 11/30/03

$

10 00 OFF

Any Package of 3 (or more)

Private Lessons Cannot be combined with other offers. Valid with coupon. Exp 11/30/03

$

25 00 OFF Any Party of 10 Children (or more) Valid with coupon.

Exp 11/30/03

38

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Batting Cages • Camps Private & Group Lessons Party Packages • Pro Shop 1645

973-777-BATS 840 Bloomfield Avenue • Clifton www.leftyssportsacademy.com

Girls to watch are Christina Gagliardi, Megan White, Ariana Hryckowian, Olga Razumov and Marta Leja.

Pontes, who ran at Clifton and later for William Paterson in the mid 1970’s, said the Mustang’s home turf, Garret Mountain, is one of the toughest courses in the state.

While other teams disdain the 5,000-meter course which features a steep hill over the final 800 meters, Clifton runners know to break early than conserve energy for the climb.

Living with

Pain?

The boys are focused on winning their fourth straight league title and the girls will be looking to improve on last year’s third place in the league.

Important meets to look for big team performances will be the Passaic County Championships on Oct. 24, at Garret Mountain, and the State Sectional, also at Garret Mountain, on Nov. 8.

The team opens the season away, at Brookdale Park, on Sept. 16, against Montclair, Don Bosco, Eastside, Bloomfield, Barringer and Nutley.

Say Goodbye To It! Dr. Qureshi & his associates treat all kinds of pain including: Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Cancer Pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Migraines, TMJ, Oral/ Facial Pain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

1637

Treatments Include: Comprehensive Pain Management, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Aquatic Therapy (Pool Therapy), Non-Surgical Procedures, Facet Joint Injections, Pro Lo Therapy, EMG Studies, Botox Injections for Muscle Spasms, Biofeedback, Specializing In Pain Stress Management, Hypnosis, X-ray on Premise, Chiropractic Care.

From Auto Accidents

Pain Center of North Jersey Spine Orthopedic & Sports Rehab Center

973-470-9800 • 1088 Main Ave • Clifton 201-441-9009 • 26 S. State St • Hackensack 24 Hour Service • Walk-In’s Welcomed

Shams Qureshi, M.D. Diplomate Academy of Pain Management

Michael Seidenstein, M.D. Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery

U. A. Miguelino, M.D. Anesthesiologist

Vipul Shah, M.D. Diplomate of American Board of Phys. Medicine & Rehab

Bruce Becker, MSW, LCSW Psychotherapist

Most Insurance Plans Welcome Including Automobile & Workmen’s Compensation, Medicare, Health Plans, Union Plans Accepted

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

39

fter winning the NNJIL B division last year in what coach Chad Cole called a ‘better than average season’ this will be a rebuilding year. Cole said while many returning players show a lot of promise, his team needs to rebuild—six out of seven starters graduated—and that may take a little time.

“We have two returning girls who earned their varsity letters,” Cole said. According to Cole, Alexandra Papademetriou, a senior, has more varsity playing experience, but Kimberly Habrahamshon, a junior, spent the summer honing her skills at tennis camp. He expects great things from both.

He also mentioned Calla Adriano, a senior, from whom he expects similarly impressive performance.

“We normally have 24 on junior varsity and varsity (altogether), and I’m expecting about the same,” Cole said. As the summer drew to an end, 12 players were already coming to the school tennis courts for practice, while the rest were finishing up at summer camp.

SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT

A

12 16 18 19 22 24 25 29 1 3 7 8 10 13 15 17 20 22 24 27

BLOOMFIELD KENNEDY AT PASSAIC EASTSIDE PATERSON AT HOLY ANGELS TEANECK PARAMUS HACKENSACK AT BELLEVILLE AT IHA BLOOMFIELD AT KENNEDY PASSAIC AT EASTSIDE PATERSON PARAMUS CATHOLIC MONTCLAIR AT NUTLEY BARRINGER AT RIDGEWOOD AT HACKENSACK AT

4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

As the summer of ‘03 drew to an end, 12 players were already coming to the school tennis courts for practice while the rest were finishing up at summer camps.

“One girl, Danielle Solomon, who played junior varsity last year, is at ice hockey camp,” Cole said. “She plays on the boys hockey team.”

Even with the smaller group, Cole can see his players taking form as a team. “I’ve been pretty happy with the way practices have been going,” he said.

Joining the top players already mentioned, Cole has senior Amanda Gergowitz, juniors (and twins) Siddhi and Riddhi Shah, junior Mayuri Patel, sophomore Payal Patel, and senior Maria Najen. Najen, Cole said, has never played tennis before, but he thinks she’ll make the cut.

1040

F i rs t C a r ?

Junction of Routes 3 & 46, Clifton

1-866-46-FETTE www.fetterford.com

V i s i t F e t t e F o rd !

40

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

ith returning starters, Katie Bakarich, Maggie Bialek, Marta Dziubek, and Kate Rusin, the Clifton girl’s volleyball team will have depth to go with their talent.

First year players Shannon Lancaster and Deanna Giordano along with underclassmen Laura Peskosky, Amanda DiAngelo, and Natalia Pierog will provide a spark to this talent heavy team.

In addition, seniors Caitlin White, Kate Murhpy, Jeanne Wilson, and Ameena Saleh will bring some much needed guidance to the group of newcomers to the lineup.

The Mustangs begin their season with a difficult stretch of matches including league games

W

against Kennedy, Bloomfield, and Passaic. Also, the girls are entered in the Eastern Tournament, Clifton Tournament, and have three independent matches added to their schedule.

In addition to a difficult schedule, the volleyball team also has to contend with the rule changes going into effect this season.

Matches will be longer and fatigue will be a factor during many matches. Therefore, the Mustangs have been working tirelessly during the off-season to prepare for the rigorous season ahead.

“This season is full of tests and obstacles for this team,” said Coach Mike Doktor, “but with hard work and dedication, the sky is the limit for this talented group of girls.”

SEPT 2

AT

LIVINGSTON (SCRIMMAGE)

4:00

PM

SEPT 4

AT

OLD TAPPAN (SCRIMMAGE)

4:00

PM

SEPT 5

AT

CALDWELL (SCRIMMAGE)

4:00

PM

SEPT 9

AT

DEMAREST (SCRIMMAGE)

4:00

PM

SEPT 13 EASTERN TOURN./AWAY

9:00

AM

SEPT 16

AT

WESTFIELD

4:00

PM

SEPT 18

AT

BLOOMFIELD

4:00

PM

SEPT 19 KENNEDY

4:00

PM

SEPT 20 CLIFTON TOURNAMENT

4:00

PM

SEPT 22

4:00

PM

SEPT 24 EASTSIDE PATERSON

4:00

PM

SEPT 25

AT

HOLY ANGELS

4:00

PM

SEPT 26

AT

BOGOTA

AT

PASSAIC

5:30

PM

SEPT 29 TEANECK

4:00

PM

SEPT 30

AT

4:00

PM

OCT 1

PARAMUS

4:00

PM

OCT 3

HACKENSACK

4:00

PM

OCT 7

AT

BELLEVILLE

4:00

PM

OCT 8

AT

IHA

WESTWOOD

4:00

PM

OCT 10 BLOOMFIELD

4:00

PM

OCT 13

4:00

PM

OCT 15 PASSAIC

4:00

PM

OCT 17

4:00

PM

OCT 20 PARAMUS CATHOLIC

4:00

PM

OCT 22 MONTCLAIR

4:00

PM

OCT 24

NUTLEY

4:00

PM

OCT 27 BARRINGER

4:00

PM

OCT 28

4:00

PM

OCT 29 PCCA TOURNAMENT/AWAY

4:00

PM

OCT 30

AT

4:00

PM

NOV 1

PCCA CHAMPIONSHIP

AT

AT

AT

AT

KENNEDY EASTSIDE PATERSON

RIDGEWOOD HACKENSACK

TBA

1303

RECYCLED PAPERBOARD INC. of Clifton One Ackerman Ave • Clifton

Vincent M. Ponte President

Tel: 973-546-0030 • Fax: 973-546-1349

Victor Terranova

Service & Supplies ……………………

Copiers, Printers & Fax Machines For All Your Printing/Copying Needs Business Cards • Envelopes • Letterheads • Typesetting & More

973.478.6180 1642

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

41

he CHS Cheerleading Squads has 21 girls on Varsity, 14 on JV and 16 on Freshman. Seven seniors are on Varsity for the Football season and

T

Gambling Problem? call 1-800-Gambler or visit www.800gambler.org

they include: Co-captains Erika Lo Proto and Erin Prendergast are joined by Meghan Quinn, Cara Bonadies, Elisha Wilson, Christie Bernard and Jennifer Noto.

Getting tuned up for the season, the squads have been practicing every Tuesday and Thursday for the month of August and have also attended camps.

Head Coach Michele Rodriguez has support from JV Coach Stacy Smith and new Freshman Coach Blanca Vales. The three coaches teach within the district: Coach Smith is at CCMS and Coach Rodriguez and Coach Vales are at School #12.

This is Coach Rodriguez and Coach Smith’s second year with CHS Cheerleading.

! s g n a t s u M o G ers ‘00 CHS Cheerlead Greetings from the

Blasko Auto Leasing fton Cli 500 Lexington Ave •

973.478.7171

We Rent Them All! Wherever you & your family are driving to, we’ll rent you the wheels to to get you there.

• Cars • 4x4’s • Convertibles • Luxury Mini-Vans • 8 Passenger Vans •15 Passenger Vans • Hummers & more!

Mention Ad

10% OFF 42

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

or the past 32 years, the Marching Mustangs have undergone a rigorous camp that gets them in shape with exercises and the fundamentals of marching and making music. Both dreaded and enjoyed by its 100 or so members, band camp is an invention of director Bob Morgan, who has led the Mustangs since 1972. Camp is a 10 day ordeal and lasts from 8 am to 9 pm, with a break for lunch and dinner in between. Senior Lauryn Davella is the Drum Majorette who leads the musicians, majorettes and colorguard on the football field and on parade routes in this 65th season. Pictured here are this year’s seniors. The Showband of the Northeast will play the Mustang Fight song, some oldies and patriotic tunes and by season’s end, Morgan will have them doing four or five different shows on the field.

F

Premiere Family Dental Care, LLC Antonella Maietta, DMD • Crowns • Dentures • Root Canal Therapy

Marnie Sperling, DMD

• Teeth Whitening • Gum Treatment • Nitrous Oxide

• Veneers • Invisalign® • Extractions

Weekends & Eve. Appointments Avail., Emergencies Welcome

1636

Call Now for an appointment!

973.773.0001 • 1000 Clifton Avenue • Clifton

Antonella Maietta & Marnie Sperling.

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

43

SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT

artwheeling across the floor at a recent practice, members of the Mustangs Gymnastics team were already able to demonstrate the flexibility and energy that will propel them through another season.

These Clifton girls are honing their skills in four events: balance beam, floor exercise, uneven parallel bars, and vault.

Although the girls themselves steal the show at every competition, it is the expertise of their coaches that will launch them to excellence.

Former team captain Kimberly Tucker has signed on as the new assistant coach, joining volunteer coach Susan Palm, another former captain.

Head varsity coach Judy D’Argenio said of the two, “It is an honor to see former athletes coach with you ...

It’s great that these girls are trying to instill their passion for the sport and give back to the community.”

Bringing further skill and expertise to the team is senior captain Eda Jayme, a returning letter winner with the highest average on the balance beam this past season.

C

Come in & try the Best Traditional Mexican Food in Clifton

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

WAYNE VALLEY MILLBURN BUTLER FAIR LAWN AT INDIAN HILLS MONTCLAIR AT PASSAIC VALLEY RAMAPO AT RIDGEWOOD WAYNE HILLS AT WEST MILFORD

4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

D’Argenio predicts that Jayme’s dancing talents will help her score well in floor exercise.

Senior co-captains Lee Verderosa and Shonel Symister are also returning letter-winners. Verderosa had the highest average on bars in 2002, whereas Symister excels on balance beam and floor exercises.

Two other letter-winners, Nina Natioli and Alyssa Dunn, also return this year. Natoli, a junior, was injured last year mid-season, but promises to be a leading scorer for the team this year, D’Argenio said. Dunn, a sophomore, qualified last year for state sectionals in floor exercises.

Joining the team is powerhoused freshman Lindsay Vargo, described by D’Argenio as “an all-around competitor, experienced and dynamic with superior skills.

She will definitely be a state qualifier.”

Senior Jaclyn LoPresti, another new talent, has shown strong skills at floor exercise and balance beam, D’Argenio said.

The rest of the team are: Dominic Mateo, Kayleigh Minutella, Carin J. Diaz, Jenna Dunn, and Rossi Mora.

bring this ad in and receive

10 % Off YoursitBill down only

973.546.2348 • 1293 MAIN AVE • CLIFTON 44

12 16 18 22 29 3 9 14 17 21 23

Wednesday, September 24th 8–11 AM, 3:30–7 PM Saturday, September 27th 10–11 AM

T HE

Health Day at C HIROPRACTIC C ENTER at Styertowne

Have your Child Checked for Scoliosis avoid Devastating Effects Now! Misalignments of the spine can cause serious health problems!

• Free Exam, X-Ray & Consultation (adults too!)

• Prepare your Kids for School Sports

FOOD—FUN—GAMES—PRIZES Please call ahead as we have a limited number of free appointments for each day.

Dr. Jackie Paz Dr. Lou Schimmel Dr. Joe Paz

973-777-6995 1444

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

45

PA U L V I C O M M U N I T Y:

B Y F RAN F LEISCHER H OPKINS , PAUL VI R EGIONAL H IGH S CHOOL C LASS OF ‘74

t’s funny what happens to our high school memories.

Over time, recollections intertwine, weaving a sturdy fabric of nostalgia. But when that nostalgia is tinged with heartbreak, the fabric becomes indestructible, a cherished keepsake existing only in the hearts of those whose lives chanced to intersect at those events.

Such are the bittersweet memories of the several thousand people who were blessed to have attended Paul VI Regional High School on Valley Rd. And a blessing it truly was, judging by the single-minded determination of the alumni involved in the task of organizing a single reunion of everyone who was

ever part of the Paul VI community; not just former students, but administrators, faculty and staff too.

On Nov. 9, this event will begin with a 9:45 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Church, located next to the former school. Some 20 priests who served as teachers or administrators at Paul VI have been invited to concelebrate the Mass.

Afterwards, there will be a brief ceremony, including the placement of a permanent memorial, to rededicate the athletic field behind the school to Father Thomas Suchon, the school’s beloved first director. A reception will then follow from noon to 5 pm at The Venetian in Garfield.

Best Wishes to all my fellow Grads of Paul VI Look forward to seeing you on November 29 th!

1011

48

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Peter C. Eagler ’72 Passaic County Freeholder New Jersey Assemblyman

To truly understand the Paul VI reunion story, though, it’s necessary to recall two cataclysmic events in the school’s history that helped create the extraordinary bond among its graduates; to know the sorrow that led to the determination to honor the school’s short life (19671990) in a significant way. These events were the tragic early death of Father Suchon in 1976 and the school’s closing in 1990.

Jeff Pompeo ’75, reunion chairman, was profoundly affected by both losses. In a column dated April 26, 2001 in the Paterson Diocesan newspaper, The Beacon, Pompeo movingly summarized their impact: During my senior year in 1975, when Father Suchon resigned for health reasons, the Paul VI community searched for answers. Why was someone who we loved so much— our friend and school director— being taken from us? Those same questions filled our minds in 1976 when he died at 38. For many years, we continued to search for

answers, but there were none that satisfied us. Ironically, 14 years later in 1990, when a decision was made to close the school that Father Suchon had directed, the Paul VI community—wrought with pain—again searched for answers.

Why was something we loved so much being taken from us? We searched for answers, but there were none that satisfied us.

In that same column, which marked the 25th anniversary of Suchon’s death, Pompeo proposed a Paul VI reunion and asked those interested in his idea to contact him. “I’d been to a soccer game at Suchon Field and noticed that the sign with Father Suchon’s name on it had been removed,” Pompeo said.

“I thought that the 25th anniversary of his death might be a good time to honor him with a rededication ceremony and to bring the Paul VI community back together.”

Among the fellow alumni who read and responded to Pompeo’s call were Bill Grau ’74, Kathleen

Father Suchon with his ever-present cigar

Gallagher Mariboe ’75, Lynne Shul Sherlock ’75, and Mary Bondonna Knopsnyder ’76.

Bill Grau’s parents, still Clifton residents, saw Pompeo’s column and sent it to Grau.

☛

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

49

From left to right, Jeff Pompeo ’75, Bill Grau ’74, Lynne Shul Sherlock ’75 and Mary Bondonna Knopsnyder ’76.

Saint Paul School Academic Excellence in a Christian Atmosphere 1255 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton

“I wrote Jeff a letter complimenting him on the article and volunteering to assist,” Grau said. His chief role in the effort has been to organize the concelebrated reunion-day Mass, during which alumni, staff and family members will serve as lectors, alter servers and Eucharistic Ministers.

“After I read Jeff’s column in The Beacon, I wrote to him and offered to be part of a reunion event,” said Kathleen Gallagher Mariboe ’75.

Mariboe assumed responsibility for contacting all former Paul VI faculty and staff. “The response has been incredibly positive,” she said.

Lynne Shul Sherlock ’75 related a similar story. “Kathleen Gallagher Mariboe sent me the column

☛

Pre-K through Grade 8 Full & Half Day Pre-Kindergarten Full Day Kindergarten Departmental Junior High School Morning Care and After School Care Programs Maximum Ratio of 25 students to 1 teacher

1451

973-546-2161 www.stpaulschoolclifton.catholicweb.com • stpaulschool@aol.com

the

New Bairn School The Best in Private Education Offers Programs for…

Infants through Kindergarten: (which excels in reading & math)

Academic Courses offered in: Language Arts • Literature • Mathematics • Science • Religion Social Studies • Art • Music • Physical Education • Technology Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball (Girls & Boys) • Cheerleading • Drama • Instrumental Music Journalism • John Hopkins University Gifted & Talented Continental Math League

State Certified COMPUTERS TOO!

Extended hours 7:30 - 5:30 Limited Class Size

181 Lafayette Ave • Passaic Park

973-473-4912 50

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

…Discover Why Paramus Catholic High School has become the choice for more and more Clifton families • Proud to serve over 70 Clifton students • Talented and diverse student body expanded by 70% in six years • Small class size (average of about 25); no class more than 30 • Active retreat and community service programs • 350-networked Pentium II and III level computers including language lab and wireless laptop access in all rooms.

• New weight training/conditioning field house, track, and stadium.

• New courses including Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Arabic, International Relations, HTML, Java Script, Dance, and Anthropology.

• 22 instructional rooms added in recent years.

• 105 courses including 10 AP and 25 Honors level.

• Class of 2003 earned over $15,000,000 in scholarships/grants.

Join us at our

Open House

Sunday, September 28, 2003 1-4 PM For More Information Call 201-445-4466 x104 Paramus Catholic High School • 425 Paramus Road • Paramus, NJ 07652 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

51

From left to right, Nancy Henn Eadiw ’71, Joe (Guiseppe) Miragliotta ’82, Rich Loftus ’72 and Bob Gorman ’74.

and I contacted Jeff and said ‘I would really like to help you.’” Sherlock has been compiling the class and faculty lists into a master list in preparation for the mailing of reunion invitations this month.

From there, the old Paul VI contacts and relationships connected and a reunion committee was formed.

Through another network, Mary Bondonna Knopsnyder ’76 contacted Pompeo and was named as a class captain.

Most of the 20 Paul VI graduating classes, in fact, have a designated captain who’s responsible for tracking down classmates and creating a class list.

Others took on extra responsibilities as well.

Selection of The Venetian in Garfield as the site for the reunion reception was largely the result of the efforts of class captain Nancy Henn Eadie ’71. “The Venetian is local and large enough to accommodate all our requirements,” Eadie said.

Captain for the Class of ’82 is Joe (Giuseppe) Miragliotta, former co-owner of Carmela’s Bakery & Delicatessen on Van Houten Ave. Miragliotta is helping to arrange the assembly of a Paul VI memorabilia display for the reunion.

Another captain is Rich Loftus ’72, a lifelong Clifton resident.

“Jeff asked me if I’d be interested in coordinating for my class and I said sure,” Loftus said. Loftus will help Pompeo review the responses to the reunion invitations and tally a count for the reception.

Bob Gorman ’74, captain for his class, is a neighbor of Grau’s and a lifelong friend. He was one of the first to participate in discussions of a possible reunion.

Another captain, Lisa Bisio Judge ’86, monitors a special e-mail account created just for the reunion: paulvireunion@hotmail.com.

Class captain Jim Benson ’78 is organizing the sound system for the rededication ceremony and also arranged for a DJ and photographer for the reception.

Brian Shannon ’73 is his class’s captain and is also coordinating the reunion Mass music. He recently penned a touching essay about his affection for Father Suchon and his discovery of the paths his classmates have taken since attending Paul VI. Shannon observed: “…wherever the Paul VI family walks, its first steps in art and literature and science were taken here, under the watchful gaze and the big smile of the big man with the big cigar and the big, big heart.”

Additional contributors to the Paul VI reunion effort include Diane Maciula Dobkin ’71; Michelle Meany

S ACRED H EART S CHOOL 43 Clifton Ave. Clifton • 973-546-4695 An Outstanding Catholic Education at an Affordable Price

Pre-School to 8th Grade • Middle States Accredited • Hot Lunch Program • Modern Air Conditioned Facilities • State of the Art Computer Labs • Summer Camp

www.sacredheartclifton.com 52

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1154

• State Certified Child Care (all year round, 6:30 am- 6 pm) • Full Day Kindergarten • Full Day Pre Kindergarten – Pre-School

From left to right, Lisa Bisio Judge ’86, Jim Benson ’78, Brian Shannon ’73 and Fran Fleischer Hopkins ’74.

endary man who inspired us all; a man who admonished us never to forget the past, while encouraging us to anticipate the future with joy. In many ways, the Paul VI reunion is a celebration of Father Suchon’s life and the impact it had on our extended family.

For more information about the reunion and rededication, contact the Paul VI Alumni Association, c/o Jeffrey Pompeo, Esq., 1410 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011, telephone number 973-458-9174; or e-mail paulvireunion@hotmail.com.

Donations in support of the Suchon Memorial are welcome and may be mailed to the above address.

Kathryn Collins Dance Studio 238 Colfax Avenue • Clifton 973-473-3343 • Tap • Ballet • Jazz • Modern • Hip Hop • For ages 4 to adult 1334

Register Now Classes Begin Sept. 8

‘Can’t wait to see all of my Paul VI friends together again on November 29th!’

1526

Fitzpatrick ’76; Kathy Gorman ’77; Dick Quinn ’79; EJ Shaara ’80; Ellen Gorman ’81; Jim Smith ’82; Lori Golia ’83; Carolyn Risko ’83; Rich Coppa ’84; Gina Galante ’85; Jean McNerney Duemmer ’87; and Dave Ricucci ’89. This writer, a ’74 graduate, has coordinated reunion publicity.

On the face of it, why are we Paul VI graduates even bothering? After all, our school has been nonexistent for 13 years, and many feel that its very spirit was extinguished with Father Suchon’s death 27 years ago.

The answer to this question may be found in another part of Jeff Pompeo’s column: In the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews, I found what I was looking for—the definition of faith. ‘Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for and conviction about things we do not see.’... In other words, belief in God in the face of events that we do not understand—events that we might never understand.

Moving forward with our lives, despite the absence of answers. Continuing to believe.

In this writer’s 1974 yearbook, Father Suchon’s inscription included these simple words: “I hope your memories of the past will always include Paul VI.” The Paul VI reunion will happen because its graduates continue to believe in the greatness of one leg-

—City of Clifton Councilman Steve Hatala, Class of 1971

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

53

Superintendent Rice Michael Rice has been at the helm of the Clifton Public Schools for about a year. He is the first out-of-district superintendent in the system’s history and has initiated many changes during his yet-so-brief tenure.

This exchange published below was conducted via the internet in the early part of August.

Clifton Merchant: What’s new this year?

Michael Rice: Several things. A new science curriculum, for which we are providing teachers with professional development. We will be providing additional staff development in math. We will also be piloting a volunteer reading program at five elementary schools, with retired and senior citizens helping students out on a one-on-one basis.

unhealthy, these spaces are clearly not desirable learning areas either. With better communitywide planning, we should never have been in this situation. In our current strategic planning process, we will reassess our goals and our progress toward accomplishing these goals each year. We will also add a year each year, so that we are always looking out five years.

CM: If someone wants to volunteer what should they do?

CM: It seems that all branches and levels of government would benefit from planning, don’t you think?

MR: Call Dorothy Muhaw at 973-575-0880, ext 342.

She is coordinating the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Passaic County, run by the American Red Cross. Ask to be a volunteer. We would welcome your involvement.

MR: No question. What citizens receive at any given time as services from their federal, state, and local governments and agencies, including school districts, is a function of the work, the planning, that has taken place in the past. Failure to plan has its own consequences.

CM: Isn’t this a big planning year?

CM: What’s happening with the curriculum management audit?

MR: You bet. We are in the midst of strategic planning for the first time in six years. Our five-year strategic plan will be presented to the Board of Education in the fall. In late March, the Strategic Planning Committee identified four goal areas—academics, facilities, communication and partnerships, and citizenship. An action plan committee of community members and staff is working on each of the areas this summer.

CM: Give an example of the importance of planning.

MR: Easily the most obvious one is crowding at the high school and middle school levels. Last year, we had 3,250 high school students, 1,260 students at Columbus, and 1,240 students at Woodrow. By the 2007-2008 school year, estimates show that we will have 3,883 high school students and just under 1,400 at each of the middle schools. We currently have classes in these schools in cafeterias and auditoriums, as well as in a number of spaces that the state deems to be socalled substandard spaces. Though neither unsafe nor 54

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

MR: As you may remember, I recommended to the Board of Education, and the Board approved, a curriculum management audit on Jan. 8, four months after I started in the district. The purpose of the curriculum audit is not to praise the district, but rather to indicate ways within each of the five audit areas that the district can improve teaching and learning for kids. It’s that simple. It’s not for the faint of heart.

CM: What do you expect the audit results to reveal?

MR: Well, the results aren’t due back until the end of the summer or early fall, but some things are obvious.

For years, we have had neither a curriculum director nor a personnel director. As such, our teaching and learning have suffered, and we have not been as aggressive in our efforts to recruit the very best staff possible.

We have worked hard the last decade, but we had two gaping holes in our operation. Now, through a staff reorganization, we will be hiring a curriculum director

at no additional cost to the taxpayer. In addition, we will be hiring a personnel director that was included in the 2003-2004 budget. There are a number of other themes I expect. We can do better in teaching the written curriculum, so that learning improves and differences across schools are reduced. We can better use data to improve students’ weak areas. We can increasingly make ourselves a learning organization.

CM: What’s a learning organization?

MR: An organization in which all individuals, from Board and superintendent to students, recognize that they have areas in which they need to improve their knowledge and skill bases. If the superintendent acknowledges that he is working to improve himself in a given area, it frees other people—principals, teachers, and others—to work on their own areas in need of improvement.

CM: So what are the biggest challenges this year?

MR: First, to build on the strong achievement base we have. We can improve the education we provide Clifton students. Second, to address the high school and middle school crowding situation. If we are unable to reduce the size of our high school and middle schools, the community could suffer, as middle class families either move out or choose not to move to Clifton. In either case, Clifton risks becoming less

‘What citizens receive...is a function of...the planning that has taken place in the past.

Failure to plan has its own consequences.’ desirable to many families if the crowding situation is not quickly addressed.

CM: What else is noteworthy?

MR: We are much more clearly focused on kids rather than adults. I am happy that we were able to address certain fairness issues in the last year. In September, the student-teacher ratios at Columbus, much higher than at Woodrow last year, will be approximately the same in each subject area. For the first time, world language will be offered at every elementary school, and a fulltime nurse will work at each elementary school. Class sizes in a few areas at the high school should decline.

All of these are positives. In addition, we have encouraged community involvement in the schools, and it is good to see more parents and seniors getting involved in our meetings and events. Partnerships and collaboration take time, but they generate better decisions for students and the community at large.

Thanks to Senator Gill & Assemblyman Eagler The total amount of Clifton City School District Aid for the 2003-2004 School Year is:

17,034,647

$

Core Curriculum Standard Aid Transportation Aid Special Education Aid Instructional Supplemental Aid Extraordinary Special Education Aid

Nia Gill

13 Million in Municipal Aid

$

Peter Eagler

B EST W ISHES TO THE T EACHERS , S TUDENTS & A DMINISTRATION S TAFF FOR A S UCCESSFUL A CADEMIC & S CHOLASTIC S CHOOL Y EAR !

Paid For By Eagler For Assembly, Virginia Eagler, Treasurer

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

55

Dream dance paint think sew exercise sail learn design compute graduate

Clifton Adult Evening School Call for our Fall Catalog 973.470.2438 In person registration September 4th & 8th – 6 - 9 PM Senior Citizen registration 3:30 - 5 PM Classes Begin September 15th & 18th

Clifton High School www.clifton.k12.nj.us

56

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Computer technician by day, John Mollica transforms into ‘Johnny T’ the Elvis tribute artist on nights and weekends.

Performing since the age of 5, John has won many talent shows during his career. An entertainer at heart, John is also known for his talent for playing the drums.

John has performed with the Drifters, The Crests and The Marvelettes in various Oldie Shows across the states.

John not only appears at private parties and Benefits, he has entertained as Johnny T the Elvis tribute artist at the Marriott Hotel in Parsippany, Nicola’s Restaurant of Hawthorne, The Clifton Blues Festival, The Elks Association in Lyndhurst and The Botany Village Festival in the Park and Johnny’s Hall.

Pictured below with ‘Elvis’ is the show’s newest attraction, Christine Fudali as ‘Elvisa’, Johnny T’s 10 year old niece.

John's upcoming event, ‘Elvis the Man and his Music,’ is sponsored by the Clifton Evening School on Thur., October 9, from 7-10 pm at the Clifton High School Auditorium.

This program will include a study of Elvis the man, his life, and how his music influenced the decade followed by a tribute concert. You must be 18 to attend.

Registration for this event is $25 and can be made in advance by contacting the Clifton Evening School at 973-470-2360.

Tickets will be sold at the door starting at 6 pm.

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

57

L

ike most CHS seniors who drive, James DiMaria has one of the estimated 600 issued student parking permits. But with just 164 spaces available to students, he might as well leave his car at home.

Parking is, and long has been, at a premium at the Colfax Ave. school. But this year, things will likely be worst than last.

“Overcrowding’s going to be a problem again,” DiMaria said, “even if people carpool.”

The realignment of Colfax Ave. to accommodate the development of Cambridge Crossings took about 20 spaces off the street, right across from the high school.

Last year, students were allowed to park on a former campus basketball court but with additional staff, that’s also gone.

And as it has been for the past few years, the residential streets surrounding the high school have signs clearly prohibiting parking from 8 to 11 am on school days.

Of the aforementioned 164 spots, there are 47 parking spaces assigned to specific students near the Arts Center and municipal well at the adjacent city hall complex.

These spots must be vacated by 12:30, so only seniors who end their school day early—either by starting it early through the Zero Period program, or by taking part in new pro-

He works, bought a car with his own money, gets good grades and has a goal to become a fireman, but odds are CHS Senior James DiMaria won’t get the bonus most seniors crave: a place to park his car if he drives to Clifton High School.

grams such as local internships and Montclair State University college classes—are eligible to park there.

But for the unlucky hundreds who will not have their own reserved municipal parking spot, there are only 117 spots left to share.

“In an educational community, seniors should be looked up to. I consider the right to drive a car to school and then have a place to park a senior privilege for deserving students,” CHS Principal William Cannici said.

DiMaria is a Zero Period student, which means that his first class begins at 7 am and his school day ends at 12:07. Odds are, even this early bird isn’t guaranteed the worm, as all parking spots are usually filled by 6:45 am. For students who don’t arrive over an hour before the school day officially begins, it means taking a chance on an illegal spot and risking a $65 fine. The CHS parking situation is to be discussed at a future City Council/Board of Ed meeting.

1477

Cambridge Crossings & Riverwalk Sales & Rentals Janet De Palma,

Broker/Owner

Call for a Complimentary Market Analysis of the Present Value of Your Home!

1378 Broad Street, Clifton 07013 • 973-777-7877 of Clifton

58

or visit our other location at:

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

527 Franklin Avenue • Nutley

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

59

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS

September

Decisions regarding our city and its residents are made by numerous boards which meet monthly.

However, there is no one phone number or web site that lists them all. To remedy that lack of info, Clifton Merchant Magazine will list meetings monthly. We have attempted to make this calendar as accurate as possible. In general, the City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; the Board of Education, the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the Board of Adjustment on the first and third Wednesday of the month and the Planning Board meets the fourth Thursday of the month.

2nd

City Council: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5824

3rd

Zoning Board of Adjustments: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5809

3rd

Environmental Protection Commission: 7:30 PM @ Health Dept Conference Rm, City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave —973- 470-5754

4th

Historical Commission: 7:30 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — contact D. Lotz (work) 973-393-3535

9th

Advisory Board of Health: 7:30 PM @ Health Dept, City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5770

10th

Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control: 7:30 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5818

10th

Board of Education: 7 PM @ Admin Bldg, 745 Clifton Ave — 973-470-2288

13th

Cable-TV Committee: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-742-8885

16th

City Council: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5824

16th

Clifton Eco. Dev. Assist. Commission: 8:30 AM @ Chamber of Commerce, 1033 Rte 46 E. (open to chamber members or by invitation — call Gloria Martini 973-470-9300)

17th

Zoning Board of Adjustment: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5809

17th

Hazardous Materials Control Board: 3:30 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5776

18th

Traffic Safety Council: 7:30 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-470-5854

24th

Board of Education: 7 PM @ Admin Bldg, 745 Clifton Ave — 973-470-2288

24th

Senior Citizens Advisory Committee: 7 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave — 973-777-6200

25th

Planning Board: 8 PM @ City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave —973-470-5809

1416

Real Estate Closings Carl G. Zoecklein Attorney at Law

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS ★ ★ House Prices Continue to Climb in 2003 ★ ★ ★ FREE HOUSE EVALUATION! LET’S TALK COMMISSION! ★ ★ Riverside Realty Clifton ★ ★ Covering all towns in North Jersey ★ ★ Ask for Agent Angelo DeSanguine 973-340-9191 cell 973-420-8799 ★ ★ www.freennjhomeinfo.com ★ ★ # is 1 in NJ! ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

737 Broad St. Clifton 60

Tel: 973.777.3111 Fax: 973.777.0509

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1174

(Ext. 27) •

Flexing their Muscles ––––– Story by Joe Torelli –––––

A

fter several months of relative peace between the Clifton Municipal Council and the unions that represent the city’s firefighters and police officers, tensions are mounting once again.

The firefighters are upset over the council’s recent decision to have exercise equipment removed from the city’s six fire stations, while police officers are disappointed by the city’s continuing refusal to consider revising police work schedules.

Tim Flynn, left, and Marc Mezzina are Clifton Firefighters who are both personal fitness trainers.

Flexing Their Muscles In defending the ban on exercise equipment, interim City Manager Al Greco cited the city’s potential liability for injuries sustained by firefighters while working out onduty as the reason for the edict. But the 140 rank-and-file members of the local union aren’t buying that argument.

FMBA Union President Nick Marchisello pointed out that weight-lifting gear has been a fixture in city fire stations for at least the past 40 years. “As far as the union is aware, there has never been a workmen’s compensation claim filed because a firefighter got hurt working out,” he said. “It’s a fallacy to believe that the potential for liability cases is somehow greater now.”

But what bothers Marchisello and his colleagues most is that the decision to remove the equipment was

“Physical fitness is as important as any piece of equipment we have,” said Nick Marchisello, FMBA Union President.

made in the face of mounting evidence indicating that physical conditioning is crucial to the life-saving work performed by firefighters. He said the union presented this evidence to council members and city administrators on several occasions.

“Physical fitness is as important as any piece of equipment we have,” said Marchisello. Quoting several studies that list heart attacks as the leading cause of onduty firefighter fatalities, he added, “Physical fitness is essential not only for protecting the lives of firefighters, but the lives of the public we serve.”

Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi acknowledged the importance of physical conditioning but disagreed with the union’s assessment of the city’s liability concerns.

“Unsupervised workouts always raise the potential for injury and compensation claims,” he argued. He added that the city did offer to include an on-duty fitness program as part of the firefighters’ training regimen, but that the offer was turned down by the union.

Marchisello said the turndown was justified because the city wanted the union to write the physical training policy. “That’s unheard of,” he contended. “It’s not the place of a union to write policy for the city.” He pointed out that a number of highly respected organizations,

☛

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

61

While the issue of on-duty fitness training has grown contentious, Anzaldi insisted that he and the city council remain open to continued discussions with the firefighters. “Right now, the city provides a gym for the exclusive use of off-duty firefighters who can use it for a nominal fee,” he said. “But if there’s a legitimate and reasonable way to do things better, I’d certainly listen.”

Three Years and Counting

such as the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, state clearly that the responsibility for training and fitness programs belongs to municipal fire departments, and not with the firefighters themselves.

Andalaft & Associates Municipal Court Workers’ Compensation Personal Injury Bankruptcy Real Estate

1544

Michael J. Andalaft, Esq.

62

1121 Main Ave. Downtown Clifton 973 .594.8822

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ SPECIALIZING IN: Citizens ★ ★ Senior interested in selling their home ★ ★ First Time Buyers ★ FREE list of homes in North Jersey ★ ★ ★ Riverside Realty Clifton all towns in North Jersey ★ ★ Covering Ask for Agent Angelo DeSanguine cell 973-420-8799 ★ ★ 973-340-9191 www.freennjhomeinfo.com ★ ★ # is 1 in NJ! ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ (Ext. 27) •

1174

FMBA Local 21 President, Nick Marchisello, with discarded exercise equipment behind a city firehouse.

While the dispute over the presence of physical training equipment in city firehouses is a fairly recent one, the issue concerning police work schedules dates back at least to December 2000. That’s when the city and the police officers’ union reached agreement on the terms of a new three-year contract, with the exception of a union proposal to change the shift cycles worked by its members.

Under the plan proposed by the union, the current scheme of three static 8-hour shifts per day would be replaced by a cycle of several 10-hour shifts that would overlap each other. Union officials claim that, if adopted, the new schedule would provide a more modern, safe, and efficient way for the department to deploy its manpower and resources.

“The current schedule is more than 50 years old and it is simply inefficient,” said police officer and PBA delegate, Mike MacDermott. “Our proposal would put more police officers on duty at the times they’re needed most, making the city’s streets safer for Clifton’s citizens.”

MacDermott and the union also contend that the new schedule would reduce the amount of overtime the city has to pay for officers while they testify in court proceedings. The union has estimated that more than $100,000 in overtime costs could be saved each year.

Pointing to the fact that the similar scheduling systems are now being used successfully in more than 100

New Jersey police departments, MacDermott said he is perplexed by the city’s continued refusal to consider the plan, even on a trial basis. “Even before the last contract negotiations, they dismissed our scheduling proposal out of hand,” he said. “They claim that work schedules are the sole responsibility of management, and as a result, we don’t believe they ever considered the merits of our plan.”

Clifton police spokesman, Detective Captain Robert Rowan, disagreed, saying the department did review the union’s proposal and concluded that it was not suitable for the city. “We’ve stated our views several times before an arbitrator,” said Rowan, “and we believe that arbitration is the best place for both sides to present their arguments.”

Alluding to advertisements paid for by the union in which they chastised the city for refusing to negotiate a new schedule, (another is on page 31) Rowan said that he thought it was inappropriate to argue such issues in the press. “We’ve been advised by our attorneys not to discuss our views until the arbitrator presents his ruling,” said the Captain. “The issue is being given a full and fair hearing and I think both sides should wait for the results.”

One important area that was not a point of contention between the city and the police officers during the Dec. 2000 contract negotiations was the issue of

“The current schedule is more than 50 years old and is simply inefficient,” said police officer and PBA delegate Mike MacDermott. salaries. The two sides were able to agree on a series of pay raises to be distributed over the life of the agreement. However, since neither party signed the contract due to the scheduling issue, the negotiated raises were never paid out.

Now, according to Mayor Anzaldi, the City Council has agreed to start paying the officers at the increased salary level on a going-forward basis. And, while the retroactive portions of the raises will continue to be withheld until the contract is finally settled, Anzaldi said he believed the council’s decision represented “a show of good faith on our part.”

That decision notwithstanding, MacDermott said the union remains adamant about the need to change scheduling practices. “This really boils down to an issue of control,” said the officer. “They see this as nothing more than a struggle over management prerogatives. In the meantime, the city is being deprived of a better and safer way to deploy its police force.”

RELIABLE • DEPENDABLE

DUNDEE

3 SALE ENDS 9/ 15 /0 BE COMBINED THIS SALE CANNOT ERS WITH ANY OTHER OFF

FLOOR COVERING Mon - Fri 9am to 8pm Sat 9am to 5pm Sun 10am to 4pm

421 Broad St. • Clifton

973-546-0616 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

63

Clifton Code Enforcement –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Fire Official David Meisberger believes in the code.

“It’s proven,” he said, “that these laws were implemented just to keep the people, the public, and, in an emergency situation, the firefighters safe.”

Meisberger oversees Clifton’s fire code enforcement. These codes, along with building and zoning codes for both residences and businesses, are what endeavor to make the city a safe place to live.

But today, they serve a greater purpose in keeping the city’s population in check.

It started in the early 1980s with state-mandated smoke detector laws. Primarily, residences are inspected when they are about to accept new tenants—either a new buyer for a house, or a new renter for an apartment. It’s usually a simple walk-through, checking for things like smoke detectors that need new batteries. As of April 1 this year, inspectors also check carbon monoxide detectors.

Sometimes, they find more.

The former Firestone building at 1300 Main Ave. has looked like this for a decade.

An Honest Mistake?

“We found a lot of multipledwelling houses that really shouldn’t have been,” Meisberger said. This, of course, isn’t directly a fire problem (different fire codes apply to multiple-family homes, and these codes are no more difficult to meet); it’s a zoning problem. And it’s enough of a problem that Meisberger’s department got concerned.

Planning to sell your home this year?

Wouldn’t it be nice to know how much it’s worth?

1328

64

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

By sharing his inspection reports with other city departments, fire code enforcement has become a gateway to addressing other code violations, from potentially hazardous construction violations to deliberate illegal dwellings.

“Anything that looks out of the ordinary is recorded and sent to the other departments for review,” Meisberger said.

Find Out FREE At:

HOUSEVALUES

.COM

Your Home’s Market Value Online

www.housevalues.com

Meisberger’s inspectors evaluate over 30 buildings in Clifton per week, on average. The city’s housing, zoning, and construction officials then compare Meisberger’s findings to their own records, thereby confirming if a unit is in violation.

“There’s a (housing or zoning) issue with at least 25 percent of the homes that we visit,” he said.

Violations vary in their severity. Illegal dwellings are frequently found, but often the violation is as simple as an open permit—a city-approved project that was never given a final inspection, and is non-compliant for that reason alone.

Even with multiple city departments working together, identifying and correcting violations is a dizzying task. Beyond the Fire Inspectors, there are at least three departments, with various inspectors and office staff, which handle code enforcement in the city: Housing, Zoning and Building.

Though manpower is key to finding and resolving these violations, it is not a resource Meisberger has to spare. When he lost one inspector temporarily last year, his department could not perform 10 to 20 percent of its scheduled business inspections. This year, he lost two inspectors to other municipalities.

Even if his department were at full staff, Meisberger could not do it alone. A lot of the responsibility falls upon Clifton residents to make sure they adhere to construction codes when doing home projects.

“Problems start because homeowners have good intentions but there’s nobody to check their work,” Meisberger said.

Even city council member Stefan Tatarenko,who now serves on Clifton’s six-member Code Enforcement Committee, fell into the open-permit trap.

“Before I was on the council, I had my bathroom done,” Tatarenko said. “I assumed that once you hire a reputable contractor, it becomes his responsibility. But

Code Enforcement Questions?

City Engineer 973-470-5793 Zoning Officer 973-470-5263 Construction Official 973-470-5815 Housing Codes 973-470-5849 Fire Prevention 974-470-5801

it’s the homeowner’s responsibility. Like most homeowners, I didn’t realize that.”

In the end, Tatarenko’s bathroom passed its final inspection, but this example serves to show how important awareness is. Despite this tendency for homeowner confusion, and the city’s stringency with catching violations, an honest citizen who makes an honest mistake shouldn’t fear a penalty. “You can penalize people,” Meisberger said, “but the building department works more towards compliance.”

Of Bathrooms, Basements and Attics Besides, Meisberger said, the ones who violate codes on purpose are usually quite obvious about it. “We have some cases in court now of people who failed to get the dwelling inspection,” he added. “We’re figuring one of the reasons is they have an illegal apartment and they didn’t want to tip the city off, so they just neglected to get it inspected. We prosecute those people.”

Another way these instances are discovered is when tenants come in to express a concern about their apartment or their landlord.

When the file on that address is checked, the city discovers that the tenants shouldn’t be there at all.

Sometimes it’s even more obvious: “We’ve already had instances where too many people are listed

☛

U NITED S TATES I MMIGRATION L AW Joseph G. Cella AT T O R N E Y AT L AW

Contracting Inc • Clifton

973-

772-8451

R OOFING • S IDING S EAMLESS G UTTERS A DDITIONS & A LTERATIONS

1646

C.Genardi

Cella & Associates, LLC. 1109 Main Ave – Clifton www.cella–associates.com

973.473.6889

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

65

Clifton Home Owners: If you need Roofing, Siding or Insulated Windows, just ask any of these previous customers about Affordable Home Services • Begyn–148 Orchard St Siding & Roofing • Bell–299 Madison Ave–Siding • Brancato–15 Holly St–Roofing • Coglitore–64 Gorley Ave Siding & Windows • Faller–88 Dawson Ave–Siding • Feleciano–9 Short St Siding & Windows • Holody–43 Lockwood Pl Siding • Lotfi–48 Cresthill Ave–Roofing • Korbanics–9 Lynn Dr Siding & Windows • Krupinski–59 Lorraine Dr–Siding • Nemeth–115 Mt Prospect Ave Siding • Mongelli–190 Normandy Ave Roofing • Nyland–82 Sherwood Ave Siding • Mastriano–850 Broad St Cedar Discovery Siding

Begyn Family, 148 Orchard St. • Miller–61 Bart Pl–Siding • Mass–118 Segar Ave–Siding • Pater–174 DeMott Ave–Siding • Pastino–21 Carlton Dr–Siding • Cataldi: Veterinary Health Care Center 10 Samuel Ave–Siding • Oritz–75 Sherwood St–Siding

• Tuit–57 Luddington Ave Windows • Tom•A•Hawk 242 Washington Ave Windows • Silvestri–72 Ardmore Ave Roofing • Young–190 Lincoln Ave–Siding • Rocha–115 Hemlock St Siding & Roofing • Wispelwey–15 Knox Pl Siding & Roofing • Zawada–20 Lorraine Dr–Siding

Call Affordable Now... ...Affordable For Life!

A ffordable HOME SERVICES

72 ST. JAMES PLACE • CLIFTON Sal, John & Jim

973.473.4830

• V I N Y L S I D I N G • R O O F I N G • I N S U L AT E D W I N D O W S • 66

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

(as new occupants about to move in), tion as an independent apartment. This and that number of people couldn’t fit isn’t overkill, since in such cases, it is legally in an apartment,” he said. likely that the bathrooms and other If it’s discovered that a building’s amenities were installed in violation of owner is housing illegal tenants, the building codes anyway. homeowner can appeal for a zoning An Eye On Commerce variance (despite the laws in place, there For commercial units, the inspections is a reluctance towards penalizing a tenare more frequent, because more peoant who may not have known that a code ples’ safety depends on it. Business ownwas being violated, Meisberger said). ers are responsible for the safety of According to Tatarenko, however, the Councilmember themselves, employees and customers. solution is not so simple. “The zoning Stefan Tatarenko “We go in as educators,” Meisberger board would deny it,” he asserted. Further, said. “For commercial buildings, it’s a maintenance he said that the illegal tenant should bear some responsiissue. We check emergency lighting and exit signs, and bility, because it’s easy to tell whether a dwelling is illethat’s often a simple thing like replacing a light bulb or gal. “If you’re living in a basement, it’s illegal. If you’re a battery.” living in an attic, it’s illegal,” he said.

For enforcement, Meisberger favors a three-strike So even though a homeowner has the option of warning system. When that doesn’t work, a penalty applying for a variance, it is still very likely that the must be imposed, and a business-owner can incur a illegal tenant will be moving out. “From that point on, maximum fine of $5,000 per violation, per day. A it’s a watched unit,” Meisberger said. The reasoning, he business with as few as five unresolved violations said, is to make sure the homeowner doesn’t try to take could pay up to $25,000 per day until inspectors are on new tenants once the city’s back is turned. satisfied.

The procedure also calls for the rented portion of the “Obviously, that doesn’t happen,” Meisberger said. home to be altered so that an independent tenant can no “I’ve been fire official since 1996, and I’ve never punlonger live there. If bathrooms or other components are ished someone the maximum amount.” removed from that portion of the dwelling, it can’t func-

☛

Marty Nee… Ready To Serve Your Realty Needs!

BUYERS

SELLERS

TENANTS

EXPERIENCE • PROFESSIONALISM • INTEGRITY

• NJAR Circle of Excellence Award Home: 201-391-3402 • Full Time Professional Pager: 201-587-4151 • GRI - Broker Level E-mail: mhnee@aol.com • CCIM - Credentials • Graduate Accountant – B.S. • Proven Experience & Expertise • Specializing in Residential & Commercial Sales

Dedicated to Customer Satisfaction Buying or Selling?

Call me at 973-594-4319 Direct

Martin Nee, GRI

Clifton Office 789 Clifton Ave • 973-778-4500 Ext. 223 Independently Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Clifton Merchant • September 2003

67

“We also have the ability to close the place for up to 60 days,” he said of another punitive option he has. But his power is not limitless. “There are checks and balances. The building owner has the right to be heard by an appeals board.”

The appeals process starts at the Construction Board of Appeals, whose ruling is considered legally binding to all parties, but it is not necessarily the final word.

There is always a higher court.

Illegal Apartments = Illegal Students?

Meisberger interprets the one-in-four discovery rate for code violations as a good sign.

“It’s obviously working,” he said of the system: the more violations that are discovered and fixed, the safer Clifton becomes. This one-in-four statistic refers to housing and building code violations; it isn’t the dead smoke detector batteries that are raising eyebrows across Clifton.

Fire codes may focus on safety, but housing and zoning regulations have implications that stretch into other areas of life. Residents of illegal dwellings add to the burden on city services, from traffic woes to overcrowding in schools. However, the Clifton Public Schools registration process serves as a checkpoint.

In order to enroll, a Clifton student has to show a proof of residency. In the past, the schools asked for a dwelling certificate. Obtaining a dwelling certificate was an involved process that required a fire safety inspection, which triggered the cascading code enforcement system that begins at David Meisberger.

However, according to Superintendent Michael Rice, “The law changed about a year and a half ago and as a result we stopped asking for (dwelling certificates).

It’s a housing document, not a residency document.”

While the school cannot legally ask for dwelling certificates anymore, they do ask for strong evidence of residence, such as a mortgage document, a loan docu-

Defector Inspectors: As Fire Official Meisberger pointed out, last year, after one of his staff went temporarily absent, his department was unable to perform between 10 and 20 percent of their scheduled inspections. In a city where the personnel are already stretched thin, what is Clifton doing to retain its inspectors? According to outgoing fire specialist Richard Musicant, nothing. In a letter published in The Record on April 14, Musicant said that Clifton fire inspectors are expected to perform more work for less money than they would in other municipalities. Also, he noted, they work in a city where the mayor has discouraged even the presence of local-level inspectors. Could this be why two of Meisberger’s inspectors left this year for other municipalities, a situation that could once again jeopardize the department’s inspection rate even after those inspectors are replaced?

ment, or a bill that has a solid connection to the house (a gas bill, for example, would be proof of residency, but a magazine subscription would not).

Because the registration process is still quite strict, it’s fairly difficult to live in an illegal residence and attend Clifton Public Schools. It wouldn’t be impossible, but it wouldn’t be easy. “People have figured out ways of getting away with it,” Tatarenko said, “until they get caught.

And if you’re living illegally, you will get caught.”

The Code Enforcement Committee is awaiting reports from the city’s fire, housing, and zoning departments on what additional actions need to be taken to satisfy each agency.

The group, a long-standing committee that had its first recent meeting on Aug 20, consists of council members Stefan Tatarenko, Steven Hatala and Gloria Kolodziej; the city manager and representatives from the building department and the fire department. Its next meeting has not yet been scheduled.

DeMattia–O’Brien, Inc. R E A L E S TAT E S I N C E 1 9 2 2

List with ce…

Experien

List with Confide nce!

500 Clifton Ave • Clifton 973-546-3366 • www.dobinc.com 1328

68

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Clifton $379,000 Two-Family beauty in Athenia. Two BR’s in each unit Finished Basement. Two-Car Garage. Separate Utilities. Act Fast!

Clifton Tomorrow

Mail-in or repond on-line:

CliftonOnline.com

What does Clifton’s future hold for you?

As the City Council, through its Planning Board, plots a new Master Plan, and the Board of Education Commissioners consider how to meet the needs of a growing school system, we want to get a pulse of what our readers think of some of the issues facing our city.

We’ve compiled the following questions which we hope you will answer. Some require a simple yes or no. Others may take a a little more consideration and a longer response. We’re leaving that up to you. What we are asking is that you return your surveys to us by Sept. 15 so that we can tabulate your responses and publish the results in the Oct. edition of Clifton Merchant.

Deliver or mail your surveys to Clifton Merchant Magazine, 1288 Main Ave., Clifton NJ 07011.

We encourage you to use a separate piece of paper to further explain your responses.

1. List three of Clifton’s greatest strengths.

2. Do you have any suggestions on how Clifton can build on these strengths?

3. List three of Clifton’s weaknesses.

4. Do you have any suggestions on how Clifton can address some of these weaknesses?

5. From the list below, which is the most important issue to you and your family here in Clifton? a. Property Taxes c. Development e. Local government f. Other b. Crime d. Education spending 6. Do you feel that Clifton’s schools suffer from overcrowding? If so, how would you like to see this addressed?

7. Would you be willing to pay additional taxes in order to remedy schools overcrowding?

8. How much of an impact do you think residential development has on the enrollment numbers of Clifton’s school system? a. significant impact b. modest impact c. no impact 9. When you call or go to City Hall with a problem, is it addressed promptly and professionally? ____Yes ____No 10. Do you feel that the concerns and needs of Clifton's citizens are being addressed by the Mayor and City Council? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 11. How effective has the Mayor and City Council has been on the issue of creating a balance between the quality of life in our city and the issues of planning and economic development? a. Very effective b. Somewhat effective c. Not effective 12. On Nov. 4, voters will be asked to approve the creation of a Clifton Trust Fund for Open Space.

Homeowners will be taxed between $8 to $17 per year and those funds will go to purchase tracts of Clifton land to preserve it for green space and parks. Will you support this? ____Yes ____No ____Need More Information

☛

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

69

Clifton Tomorrow Under the current form of government, all seven members of the City Council run at once in an election which is held every four years. Residents do not vote for the Mayor as he or she is selected by the seven newly elected Council members. The next election is in May, 2006.

13. Do you think that the voters of this city should directly elect the Mayor? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 14. Do you think that a City Council with staggered terms would be beneficial for Clifton? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 15. Do you believe there should be term limits for any person appointed to such boards as the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 16. Clifton’s PBA has proposed scheduling changes that the Municipal Council is currently opposing. Tax dollars are being spent on legal fees in order to fight these changes. Do you believe Clifton’s police should be given a one year trial of their proposed changes to see if they are beneficial and cost effective? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 17. Do you feel that Clifton’s firefighters should be allowed to have and use weight lifting equipment in the fire stations? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 18. Do you plan to be in Clifton five years from now? ____Yes ____No ____Unsure 19. If you plan to stay, what do you envision our community to be like five years from now?

What plans would you like to see accomplished?

20. If you plan on leaving, please let us know why. And where will you be moving to?

21. What a. b. c. d.

is your age?

Under 18 18-30 31-50 51+

22. Do you have school aged children? ____Yes ____No ____How many?

23. How long have you been a Clifton resident?

This is optional. We ask that you provide us with your name, address and phone number.

This information will not be published if you do not want it, but will allow us to contact some of you to discuss your responses in further detail for possible publication.

Your Name:

Phone Number:

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________ mail-in or respond on-line at

70

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

CliftonOnline.com

Clifton: the Next Generation.

If your kids are 18 or over, tell them to register to vote by going to RockTheVote.com.

By voting and getting involved, they can make their voices heard in the community and help shape Clifton Tommorrow.

The deadline to register to vote in this November’s election is Oct 6.

On Nov. 4, Clifton voters get to decide the open space fund question, and vote for three of the seven county freeholders, one state senator and two state assembly members.

Make sure you and your kids vote on Nov. 4.

a community service by

Clifton Merchant Magazine Clifton Merchant • September 2003

71

18 Clifton, 76 Passaic: No, it’s not a football score but the number of condos developer K. Hovnanian and city officials propose for a new housing community along the Passaic River in Delawanna. With 18 in Clifton and 76 in Passaic, this development will add 94 new homes to old River Rd. Business owners who would be displaced by the project, along with Delawanna residents, came to a June 25 information session held by Economic Development Director Harry Swanson to learn more about the project. The results of that meeting were discussed at a Council subcommittee meeting in Aug., consisting of Mayor James Anzaldi, Gloria Kolodziej and Steven Hatala. It was decided by the subcommittee to host a second community meeting, which will include all seven Council members, at the Allwood branch library on Sept 10 at 7 pm. Details: call Swanson at 973-470-5200.

NJ Transit Trouble: NJ Transit’s plans for a 313,000square-foot bus maintenance facility at 99 Kuller Rd. is still on the drawing board. The proposed service facility will put about 250 more buses on Clifton roads every day.

Residents were concerned not only about the substantial increase in traffic (a safety issue), but also about hazardous vehicle emissions (a health issue). The City Council passed a resolution opposing the new facility, which could cost the city tax revenue and, if the adjacent Rempac Foam Corporation factory is forced to move, jobs as well. In August, Hilda Zdanewicz and her son Jeffrey, residents living nearby the project, presented the council with a 500signature petition. Mayor Anzaldi said the city is concentrating its efforts on getting an executive order from Governor McGreevey to stop the project. A fact sheet was mailed with tax bills to keep citizens aware of this issue.

Seeking Variance: With condos on one side and single family homes on the other, developer Joe Coan purchased the property at 272 Grove St., razed the single-family house and planned to build a six-family structure.

Problem is 272 Grove St. is zoned for singlefamily use. Coan was scheduled to present his request for a use variance to the Zoning Board of Adjustment at its Sept 3 meeting. The Board’s decision has the potential to change the very face of this residenJeff and Hilda Zdanewicz. tial section.

72

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Lisa, Kiara and Bill Fisbeck live next door to 272 Grove St., a 100-by-179-foot property where developer Joe Coan wants to put six townhomes. He’ll need a variance to do so.

The Original Grove St.: At the August Planning Board meeting, C&L Developers solved its disputes with residents near 76 Grove St., where C&L will build eight single-family homes. It was decided some adjacent homeowners will receive and maintain property along their land while most existing residents want the strips of land to be maintained by an association composed of those moving into the new C&L homes. Once final approvals are received from Passaic County to build the road on the south side of the property, (Grove St. is a county road) construction will begin.

The Walk Of Life: When Dvora Malachi, 51, was struck by a car along Dwasline Rd. on Aug. 2, it impacted the entire community of Rosemawr. Malachi’s death raised awareness about a segment of Clifton where, in the absence of sidewalks, many have argued that an accident was inevitable. That’s due, primarily, to the foot traffic generated by Orthodox Jews who use Dwasline Rd. to walk to services on the Sabbath (even though in Malachi’s case, she was walking her dog). This rationale has added a religious element to the controversy of whether sidewalks are a necessary safety measure or an unnecessary expense. Dwasline Rd. residents would be expected to pay for the sidewalks’ construction and upkeep, and it would add a distinct change to the road’s appearance. People on both sides of the debate can argue their stance as a quality of life issue. The City Council said it will decide what action to take after hearing reports from the Clifton Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, which would address not only the safety issue of the road itself, but also the culpability of the driver in question.

S T Y E RTOW N E S H O P P I N G

C E N T E R

Use This Directory of Stores When Shopping...

GNC 973-779-1500 Marty’s Shoes 973-471-4140 AC Moore 973-470-8885 Atlanta Bread Company 973-777-2211 Pet Stuff 973-778-1617

Odd Job 973-594-0900 The New Brava For Women 973-777-1385 CVS Pharmacy 973-778-7630 The Shoe Gallery 973-777-4700 US Post Office 973-473-4946 Valley National Bank 973-777-6283 Corbo Jewelers 973-777-1635 Salon De Charles 973-473-6105 The Season’s Fine Chinese Cuisine 973-777-8073

The Men’s Gallery 973-777-4700 Cleaners 2000 973-614-1400

The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne 973-777-6995 The Artisan’s Touch 973-471-0001 Bertelli’s Liquors 973-779-0199

Footnotes Annex 973-779-6770 Footnotes Bookstore & Learning Center 973-779-6122 Shereeds 973-773-1673 Taste of Tuscany 973-916-0700 The Shoe Doctor 973-777-4700 Styertowne Bakery 973-777-6193

Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins 973-473-9631 Coconuts 973-778-8759 CVS Pharmacy 973-778-7630 Antonio’s Hair Stylist 973-472-1011

Kim’s Nail Salon 973-471-8118

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

73

Ukrainians in Clifton marked the 12th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence on Aug. 25 (the actual date is Aug. 24) by raising the blue and gold flag of Ukraine at City Hall. Both American and Ukrainian patriotic songs were sung and over 100 people attended, including the adults and children pictured above.

Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 216 President St., Passaic, is holding its parish picnic on Sept. 7, from noon to 8 pm. Homemade foods and sweets will be served along with draft beer and soda. Children’s games will be offered all day long. Live entertainment will be performed by a

Ukrainian orchestra. A 50/50 raffle will be offered–with big cash prizes. Admission is $2.50 and children under 16 are free. For info, call 973-777-0230.

Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church, on Broad St. in Clifton holds its annual parish picnic on Sept. 14. All are welcomed.

Call 973-471-8131for details.

St. John Kanty R.C. Church parish picnic, held on church grounds on Speer Ave. will fill Athenia with the smell of Polish and American foods and the sound of polka music on Sept 14, from 1 to 7 pm. The picnic will be followed by a DJ dance from 7 to 10 pm. All are welcome.

1484

The power to amaze yourself

Teddy’s Catering Authentic Polish Food

601 Van Houten Ave • Clifton

1094 Main Ave • Clifton

For All Your Special Affairs Professional Staff, Wonderful Menu & Fine Food

973.777.3771

973.470.8585

Serving Your Neighborhood

Now Open at 6AM

Call your Host Margaret Pipala 973-473-4077 • 108 3rd St • Passaic or cell 201.259.9802 1582

Two Locations in Clifton

One Free Workout (with this ad) 74

St. Brendan’s R.C. Church big family-style carnival at the corner of Lakeview and Crooks Aves. opens Sept. 25 from 6 to 10 pm and parties on through the weekend until Sunday night, Sept. 28. DJ Dennis will get things rockin’ on Fri., Sat. and Sun. evenings. The 50/50 offers $2,500 in prizes. And off course there will be plenty of rides, food and good people.

St. Paul Parish Picnic is Sept. 28 at Holy Face Monastery, which overlooks Clifton from Rt. 3. In 2004, the church, in Downtown Clifton on the corner of Second and Union Aves., is celebrating its 90th anniversary. For info on the church or the picnic, call 973-340-1300.

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Athenia’s Festival Van Houten Ave. will be closed to vehicular traffic from Huron Ave. to the Passaic border on Sept. 21 (raindate is Sept. 28) due to the Athenia Business Association’s Street Fair. This is the second event for the year-old ABA (the first was a dinner dance in the Spring) and the plan is to turn Van Houten Ave. into a pedestrian marketplace.

Family fun is the theme as there will be a petting zoo with pony rides and other animals. Street vendors will be selling food and merchandise. Arrangements are being made to create a midway of rides and amusements for the kids. Businesses along the Avenue will also be selling their merchandise outdoors. Interested vendors can call 973-473-0986 or 973-773-0802.

The Athenia Business Association is an organization charged with improving the Van Houten-area commercial district. Over 100 businesses can be found in the Athenia Business District—and the area is to many the Heart of Clifton. Late last year, the long dormant Athenia Business Association was revitalized and its directors have since focused on maintaining and improving the commercial district.

Led by President Matt Grabowski, Vice President Gina Yarrish of the LaCorte Agency and Treasurer Greg Lacki of Lacki’s Jewelers, other Directors of the Athenia Business Association include Fred Barnes of Dingo’s

Den, George Shevchuk of the Window Mill, Keith Oakley of the Window Depot, Krystyna Bladek of Krystyna Travel Tours, Alberta Lacki of Lacki’s Jewelers and Donna Buron of Bergen Passaic Respiratory Care.

1216

BLESING’S HARDWOOD FLOORING The Fine Art Of Wood Flooring

973

471-7171

www.blesingsflooring.com Visit Our Showroom 13 Sebago St. Clifton

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Old Floors Refinished • New Floors Installed Sanding • Staining • Finishing Bleaching • White Stain FREE ESTIMATES Over 20 Years Experience • References Available

President, John Blesing & VP, Evandro Carvalho

I’LL BE THE LANDLORD! Do You Have A Building With Two or More Tenants?

If so, give Gina Yarrish a call. She is an expert at managing residential properties and can handle all aspects of building management to make your property profitable and hassle free.

Services include: rent collection, prompt payment, eviction proceedings, enforcing late fees, hiring handymen or licensed professionals.

Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year MEMBER OF GARDEN STATE MLS

Gina Yarrish PRESIDENT/BROKER Member of Million Dollar Sales Club

cell: 973.951.1537

LA CORTE AGENCY REAL ESTATE • MANAGEMENT • APPRAISALS

604 Van Houten Avenue • Clifton • 973.773.0802 1459

Serving Clifton for over 28 years in the same location • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INVESTMENT

• APPRAISALS • RENTALS • ESTATE SALES

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

75

Here’s a look at two of Athenia’s churches: From the onion-shaped cupola and unique crosses on its doors, to the icons, vestments and the powerful smell of incense wafting through the church, the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church on Orange Ave., near Huron Ave., celebrates its Christianity differently.

The Orthodox faith embraces traditions and practices dating back many centuries. It is the product of Middle Eastern, Hellenic and Slavic history and culture. Another example of the difference is some followers of the faith celebrate holy days specified on the old Julian calendar.

Founded in 1930, this Athenia parish has about 200 members and is part of the Orthodox Church of America located in Syosset, Long Island. Until 1935, parishioners held their liturgy in the basement of School 13 while their new church building was being completed. In 1965, the congregation renovated the church, adding a hall.

The parish rector is Very Reverend Dimitri Oselinsky, who is the parish’s third priest since its inception.

Assisting him is choir director Victor Gorodenchuk, who will be ordained Deacon by Archbishop Peter of the NY/NJ OCA diocese on Sept. 7 at the 8:30 am liturgy.

The Assumption of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church conducts one Sunday liturgy at 8:30 am in English with church school and coffee hour for the congregation and its youth afterwards.

On Saturday evenings at 5, vespers are conducted.

Shook Funeral Home, Inc. Over 48 Years of Service, Still Proudly Family Owned & Operated , and Roy elp in h r Dear Nancy ou y ll a r ery much fo al and 639 Van Houten Ave • Clifton Thank you v ’s wake, funer er h ot m y m ly of th 973-471-9620 re oo ca sm g t so takin erything wen n Roy B. Garretson Ev ke ta e. s ic a rv w se l ss buria the stre Manager, NJ Lic.#3550 of ll a t, n ta ta or sp and most im of the matter s, since most er ds. ld n 486 Pompton Ave • Cedar Grove a ou h sh d r ie lif of f ou ery qua v r ou y in ft 973-239-1489 le d e n er a w ll Bi d han rs ago, ea y y Joseph Shook, Jr. irt th d ie dd was Manager, NJ Lic.#3612 When my da etails. Since I d e th ll a d le and an incredible my mother h Joseph M. Shook, Sr. Wendy Shook DiGerolamo time, I gained is th ed v ol v President, NJ Lic.#2134 Director, NJ Lic.#3593 very in for others o d ou y t a h Nancy Shook Garretson Rocco DiGerolamo w in of k n or tio w a ci appre nario”. To Director, NJ Lic.#3657 Director, NJ Lic.#3592 ce “s st or w s e’ ate lif e compassion experiencing ou have to b y truly s” e es er n w si u h ot “b your d you b n a , ls a u id iv d I thank and caring in om my heart Fr . ith w k or w wonderful to thing. y er thank you ev r fo you ll and Katie, Bi lf, se y m from ences.

Once again ncere condol si r ou y r fo d an for all you did Fondly, Liz Murray 1269

76

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

While located on Speer Ave., Saint John Kanty Church, at right, had its roots in Passaic. Following World War I, many Poles moved from Passaic, where they attended Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, to Athenia.

After several attempts to start a Clifton parish, church founders in 1928 got their wish. Father Theodore Kaczmarek was named pastor and led the parish (253 people, according to the first census) in worship in temporary buildings: School No. 13, a rented house at 137 Speer Ave. and a hall at the corner of Van Houten Ave. and Wesley St. Ground was broken for the present church on April 26, 1936 and the solemn blessing took place on April 25, 1937. Since that time, the congregation has built a convent and a rectory as well as an elementary school which is staffed and administered by the Felician sisters. In addition to kindergarten to eighth grade classes, St. John Kanty school offers pre- and after-school care programs.

Registration for all grades is open to the community.

In recognition of their Polish heritage, parishioners have installed two shrines in front of the church: one which honors Our Lady of Czestochowa and Pope John Paul II and a second commemorating St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Father Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, a Franciscan, is the pastor and he is assisted by Father Roger and Father Andre.

Liturgies are held daily at 7 am in English and 8 am in Polish. Sunday mass is offered at 7:30 am, 9 am, noon and 5:30 pm in English and at 10:30 am and 7 pm in Polish.

Clifton’s Hardware Store & every home improvement product you’ll need will be found in Athenia at...

1232

Old-fashioned service

Able Hardware 745 Van Houten Ave.

973.773.4997

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

77

Visitors to Bloomfield Ave. will find most anything, including the kitchen sink being held by Rob Hillgardner of Palermo Supply Company. Other Clifton merchants from Bloomfield Ave., include, Joe Lo Carro and his son Matt of Lefty’s. Standing from left: Howard Nadel of Shoppers Vineyard, Stewart Pruzansky of Re-Bath, Rich Dinzes of Palermo Supply, Sid Pruzansky and his brother Bernie.

Bloomfield Ave. Merchants –––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe ––––––––––––––––––––––––

C

lifton has never had one main business district.

Instead, it has a number of downtowns, each with their own niche. Another that has recently emerged is Bloomfield Avenue, just past Home Depot, going towards Athenia. There’s more Clifton commerce going on here than you think.

“It’s funny how many people say they’ve never gone past the traffic circle by Home Depot,” said Joe Lo Carro, owner of Lefty’s Sports Academy at 840 Bloomfield Ave. The launches and impacts of active batting cages are still impressively loud even through his closed office door this rainy August afternoon. A month ago, no one used the batting cages; they weren’t here.

78

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

For the past 30 years, 840 Bloomfield Ave was a warehouse. After heavy renovation, it is now a baseball and softball training facility that is open to the public.

“I had the feeling that there was a need in the area,” Lo Carro said of his reasons for transforming the business. “Baseball and softball are very big in Clifton as well as Montclair, Paterson and Passaic.”

Business pours in from all those areas. “So far it’s been a month, and it’s been pretty nice,” Lo Carro said.

Children and adults can come to Lefty’s for individual and group lessons, birthday parties, and the pro shop. “There’s a lot more retail coming in up and down Bloomfield Avenue right now,” Lo Carro said.

The avenue is definitely getting a makeover: by some

coincidence, many of the businesses here have just finished renovating, moving, or (as in the case of Lefty’s) changing careers entirely.

Lefty’s has its fans even among other retail owners. “It’s a great idea,” said Howard Nadel, who owns Shoppers Vineyard across the street. “It really helped the area.”

When Nadel saw the other businesses moving and reshaping, he decided to be a part of it, even though his liquor store has been on Bloomfield Ave since 1991, when Nadel came out of retirement.

“This is becoming an affordable place for retail,” Nadel said. “And the street is really improving.”

Nadel’s two-year renovation project absorbed the adjacent property to create parking spaces and room to expand the building. The store did not shut down during the renovation, and though he said customers found it disruptive, their discomfort seems to have passed.

“Some people weren’t happy because of the dust and the noise,” Nadel said. “But they seem to be coming back now and they seem to be impressed, and they seem to be telling their friends.”

When Nadel made the decision to renovate, he could have also decided to move to a different part of Clifton, but he said Bloomfield Ave still has a lot of opportunity for retail.

“When we decided to do the renovation, we decided to do the renovation here,” he said. And though his project added some noise to the shopping experience, another business came here to get away from all the noise of its old address.

“It’s a very nice street,” said Stacie Kelly, showroom manager for Palermo Supply Co., of her new location.

Howard Nadel on Lefty’s Sports Academy:

“It’s a great idea, it really helped the area.”

For Palermo, Bloomfield Ave, though a busy and growing street for retail in Clifton, was a breath of fresh air. Their previous location at 400 Allwood Rd, which is still in use as a warehouse, did not show a customer-friendly face. It was a warehouse even before the move. “It’s so much better here,” Kelly said. “We actually have cur-

rent products on display. There’s always something new.”

Having a kitchen and bathroom fixture store separate from its warehouse is more than just a facelift. The whole atmosphere is different, primarily because the building itself is free from the heavy traffic and noise of warehouse delivery trucks.

☛

Come visit our Clifton locations for all your banking needs!

261 Clifton Avenue, Clifton 535 Getty Avenue, Clifton

(973) 942-1111 Other convenient locations: 55 Union Boulevard, Totowa, NJ/Main Office 31 Beaver Brook Road, Lincoln Park 150 Clove Road, Little Falls 115 Main Street, Little Falls 126 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls (Singac) 100 Furler Street, Totowa www.greatercommunitybank.com

Member FDIC

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

79

Across the street from Palermo, and a bit closer to the railroad tracks is Re-Bath, a franchise store owned by Stewart Pruzansky of Pruzansky Plumbing.

Like the other stores, Re-Bath came to Bloomfield Ave only within the past few months. “It’s a visible area,” Pruzansky said. “I saw everything on its way and I looked at the traffic patterns—I used to be a research analyst—and saw the way people drive.” Pruzansky saw Bloomfield Ave retail as more than a trend: it was an opportunity. His business started in 1910 in Passaic.

“We come from a long line of plumbers,” he said.

18 The Plaza Styertowne Shopping Center Clifton, NJ 07012 (973) 471-0001 TheArtisansTouch@aol.com

Exhibition Gallery of Original Art Services By and For Artists Framing Signs Graphic Design Quality Printmaking Portraits Murals Sculpture Art Restoration 1215

Joseph Grillo of Everest Marble on Bloomfield Avenue:

“This is the crossroads of New Jersey here.”

What is a Re-Bath franchise?

“We put new tubs over old tubs,” Pruzansky said. Customers wanting to replace an old bathtub with a newer, more presentable model can come to Re-Bath and have a new tub installed snugly over their old model.

Pruzansky said Re-Bath can also serve those who need a more accessible tub or shower due to physical handicaps or limitations.

“The number of people walking through has been increasing every day,” he said of Bloomfield Ave..

For Pruzansky, being a part of the Bloomfield Ave retail makeover is about attitude. “What gets you ahead in business is never ever quitting,” he said.

But while for the new faces, this part of Clifton may be about ambition, there are plenty of established businesses that have also found themselves swept up in the change.

Joseph Grillo, an owner and sales manager for Everest Marble at 850 Bloomfield Ave, has lived through the change.

Everest came here six years ago, on property adjacent to the warehouse that became Lefty’s.

“It wasn’t meant to accommodate retail,” Grillo said of both the avenue and his own business. “It just kind of happened that way.”

Indeed, Everest Marble is still a wholesaler and a warehouse. They sell to businesses such as New York Stone Works, another Bloomfield Ave business, which transforms stone slabs into consumer products.

Grillo said the location appeals to wholesalers and retailers for the same reasons: “This is the crossroads of New Jersey here. It’s a perfect location for any business.”

However, as the street takes on more retail stores, wholesalers like Everest find themselves transformed in the process.

At the front of their building is a makeshift showroom, with tile samples delicately displayed, but no obvious sales staff until you round the corner and find Grillo at his desk behind another door.

However, people do come in, wanting to look at stone samples despite the fact that Everest targets very towards retail customers.

“Even a place like ours gets a lot of retail customers,” on Bloomfield Ave, he said with a shrug.

A BETTER CAR WASH FOR YOU NEW EQUIPMENT

We’ve been Remodeling…floor to ceiling, door to door, wall to wall!

Re-Opening mid-September Clifton Car Wash, 1294

80

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

630 Lexington Ave (next to Nash Park)

Ron Olszowy, founder and president of Nationwide Bail Bonds, was elected Grand Marshall of the Pulaski Day Parade’s Passaic, Clifton & vicinity contingent. A

reception in his honor is on Sept 28 at the Polish American Cultural Center, Monroe St., Passaic. The parade is on Oct. 5 in Manhattan along 5th Avenue. Olszowy served

Grand Marshall Ron Olszowy Old, young and in-between joined Murray (Moe) Abill on Aug. 16 to celebrate his many successes and friendships over the years. Over 75 family and guests enjoyed the ‘old-fashioned’ picnic, lavished on the home-cooked food, wine and desserts and listened to the mellow tones of Jason Nazzaro, singing favorite Sinatra tunes. Moe’s reason for the picnic was ‘just because’ and a great turnout it was. Moe is a 72 year resident of Clifton, responsible for the building of Notch View Office Park, Clifton's Lanza Estates and former owner/operator of All Weather Insulation. Pictured from left, Vito DeRobertis, Martin ‘Lucky’ Bock, Moe Abill and Carolyn DeRobertis.

680 Rt. 3 West • Clifton, NJ www.ihop.com

in the United States Army from 1968-1970 as a Military Policeman.

He was decorated for heroism on Sept 20, 1968 for saving the life of another soldier. Olszowy is on the Board of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce and Trustee for the Passaic County 200 Club.

For tickets and info: 973-779-0077.

973-471-7717 1286

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

81

Word of Mouth Starting a business can be like pulling teeth.

Dr. Richard Poller recalled that to make starting his dental practice easier, he had to make tooth-pulling easier. “Most patients say that they don’t like coming to the dentist,” he said. “I’m the same way; I only go to the dentist when I have a problem.

It’s a problem-focused business.”

When he first started in 1984, Poller wanted a different image, and he sought it through the risky endeavor of heavy advertising.

“Everywhere someone turned, they would see one of our ads,” he said. This was an effective strategy, he added, but it drew hostility from other dentists. Back then, most dentists thrived on word of mouth, and shunned aggressive advertising.

“I had a lot of hate mail,” Poller said. Dentists were even telling their patients that Poller was making a mockery of the practice.

Poller’s philosophy was indeed different and very upfront: “We seek out the nervous patient.”

Poller Dental Group’s allure to nervous patients was in more than his advertising; he promised them sedatives and ‘sweet air’ (nitrous oxide) to prepare them for their visits.

“We can give patients medication an hour before they come, just to relax them,” Poller said. “It gets them through the door.”

Back in 1985, Poller opened his first office in Eatontown. He started there because it was cheaper and supposedly more receptive than his hometown of Clifton.

“It turned out to be a big mistake,” he said. “Clifton was still a very viable community.” In 1986, Poller opened his practice in Clifton.

82

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

by Daniel Wolfe

Things went well, so good in fact that Poller brought in partners to help run the practice. Eventually, to settle internal disputes, Poller sold the business name and all, to the Texas-based Monarch Dental Corporation. Part of the agreement mandated that he’d not open a competing practice in the area for several years, so Poller went into retirement and waited.

When Poller’s contractually obligated retirement was over in 2002, he opened The Apprehensive Patient, just up Clifton Ave. from his old office. Not long after, in February, 2003, Monarch Dental was acquired

by Bright Now! Dental. In the aftermath of the acquisition, Poller found opportunity.

“They put the practices back up for sale,” Poller said, and he wasted no time. He bought back his name and his original Clifton location in June of this year and he now operates two competing practices on the same street. Poller cleaned house and brought on a whole new staff, but he never renamed the practice.

Since the corporation had kept the name Poller Dental Group, and since Poller didn’t want to change it once he bought it back (it’s his own name, after all), Poller feared that he’d be operating under a tainted banner.

“I thought they had given me a really bad reputation,” he said, but soon he found that the difference was obvious even to disillusioned and apprehensive patients. “Patients were coming here. They were satisfied, and they were recommending us,” he said with a smile.

Liberty Lincoln-Mercury broke ground for its new facility on Aug 6. This new building, next to the current Liberty location on Route 3 and along Allwood Rd., will be a three-story structure with a twostory rounded glass facade facing the highway. Customers will enter

at the second-floor Grand Salon Showroom and shop indoors. The third level will be another showroom. In total, 115 cars will be displayed in the building. A total of service bays will increase to 30.

The family-owned franchise will be ready for business in Feb. 2004.

At Liberty Lincoln-Mercury, from left, owners Bob and Elaine Robertazzi and Renee and John Chirico.

Ricky E. Bagolie of Clifton was elected to the Board of the Workplace Injury Litigation Group (WILG) during the annual conference of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America in San Francisco. WILG members represent more than 6 million workers each year for occupational injury and disease. Bagolie is a founding partner of BagolieFriedman in Jersey City, Clifton and Hollywood, Florida, President of the Passaic Clifton Chapter of UNICO National and New Jersey coordinator for the Firefighter and EMT Hearing Loss Litigation project.

FREE PROMOTIONAL KEY CHAIN

1623

General Manager Mario De Chellis has been serving the Clifton Area for the last 15 years.

Present this Coupon at Wine Country for a FREE Promotional Key Chain No Purchase Necessary.

No Cash Value. One Per Customer.

Expires Oct. 4, 2003.

51 9 ROUTE 46 EAST (PIAGET AVENUE), CLIFTON • 973.340.1 686 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

83

CHS

Athletiocf Fame Hall

20 0 3 The CHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will induct nine new members and two teams at a luncheon at 1 pm on Oct. 12 at the Brownstone in Paterson Inductees include athletic contributor Robert Roberts (class of ‘58); Gerry Manning (‘59), basketball, football and baseball; Paul Fego (‘76), football and track; Scott Oostdyk (‘78), football, basketball and baseball.

Other inductees include Stan Koziol (‘83), soccer; Gail Meneghin (‘84), swimming; John Viola (‘84), wrestling and football; Jackie Paz (‘88), cross country and track; Betty Ann Franko (‘92), softball, basketball and volleyball.

The ‘46 Fighting Mustangs, which went undefeated and was New Jersey’s last high school football bowl team, will be inducted. This is the legendary team which went to the Oyster Bowl in Norfolk, Va. The ‘82 girls swim team, which won 50 straight dual meets over three years, and went undefeated in ‘82, will also enter the Mustang Hall of Fame.

For tickets, to take an ad in the journal or for other info, call CHS Athletic Director Rich LaDuke: 973-470-2282.

84

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

John Santulli has been named as the new head boys varsity basketball coach at Clifton High School, replacing Pete Vasil, who resigned last season. Santulli comes to Clifton from Teaneck High School, where he was the assistant varsity basketball coach and taught English

for the past five years. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Caldwell College.

Coach Santulli resides in Westwood with his wife, Kim, and their two young sons. In addition to coaching basketball, he will teach senior English at CHS.

CHS Basketball Coach Santulli.

Bob Potts, the long time Clifton Rec employee who handled a myriad of sporting programs, has retired. At his Aug. 28 dinner, from left, Les Herrschaft, MVP Bob Potts, ‘Sarge’ Padula and the always optimistic George Hayek.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CLIFTON FALL 2003 REGISTRATIONS

‘S EA H AWKS ’ T EAM T R YOUTS

FOR

SWIM TEAM

N EW S WIMMERS :

Wed, Sept 10th . . .Ages 9 & under . . . .5:30–7:30 pm Thur, Sept 11th . . . .Ages 10& over . . . . .5:30–7:30 pm

R ETURNING S WIM T EAM R EGISTRATION : Tue, Sept 9th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–8 pm Complete Program includes: Dual & USS Swim Meets, Daily Practices (Mon–Fri), New Jersey Swimming Membership & Much, Much More…Season from Sept 16th -– March 28th

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 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

1264

FALL 2003 S WIM P ROGRAMS To Register for any of these programs please come to the Boys & Girls Club at 181 Colfax Ave.

PM

For further info call

973.773.2697 Clifton Merchant • September 2003

85

Your Future Begins @

PCTI PASSAIC COUNTY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

Adult Division, Adult High School & Trade Extension Programs 45 REINHARDT ROAD • WAYNE Prepare to take the Certified Cisco Associate Exam.

Our two semester course costs $695 per semester. and provides 96 hours of training.

Programs: 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.

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

Become a PC Techie with our Computer Repair Course. This 48 hour course will prepare you for the A+ Certification Exam No previous PC Experience required!

Tuition is only $695 • Enroll Now!

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 Trade 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 • Blueprint Reading I & II • Cabinet Making • Cisco Academy-CCNA Certification • CNC Lathe, Basic & Advanced • Computer Aided Drafting Basic & Advanced • Computer Keyboarding • Culinary Arts Pasta, Pasta, Pasta • Dietary Managers • Engineering Drawing • Electricity I & II • Electronics I & II

86

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

• Firemen’s Licenses: Black Seals, Blue Seal & Red Seal • Food Service • Heating • Home Remodeling & Improv.

• House Framing I & II • Housewiring • Industrial Wiring I & II • Intro to the Internet & E-Mail • Intro to Computer Programming • Machine Shop I, II, & III • Manicuring • National Electric Code • Nurse Aid • Personal Computer • Plumbing I & II • Plumber’s License Prep • Refrigeration I,II & III • Small Engine Repair • Sign Language • Skin Care • Welding Basic or Advanced • Word 2000

In-Person

Registration Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 6:30 - 9 pm

September 9, 10 & 11

For Info, Call (973) 389-4101

Classes Begin

Sep. 22

nd

Rev. Carlisle Dickson of First Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave. is determined to not let 9/11 become some kind of commercialized holiday. As he did last year, Rev. Dickson is coordinating leaders of different faith communities, municipal, county and state officials as well as police, fire and veterans groups to organize a fitting remembrance of the events of 9/11/01.

While details are still being worked out, Rev. Dickson is planning an inter-faith memorial for the victims of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks at Lambert Castle, located on Valley Rd. at the Clifton/Paterson border.

Events will begin in the courtyard at 7 pm on Thursday, Sept. 11. The candle-lighting memorial will feature slightly different services every half hour, and residents are invited to come for part or all of the memorial. In case of rain, the service will be moved to the First Presbyterian Church.

In a flyer he distributed seeking volunteers, participants and spectators, he asked people to ‘come and remember—leave renewed and hopeful.’

“We will pray for liberty and justice, equality and hope, for all Americans in these fearful times,” he added. Representatives of the Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Unitarian and Baha’i faith communities will participate. Anyone interested in getting involved can call Rev. Dickson at 973-523-1272.

As times passes, historians will note the date as infamously as Dec. 7, 1941. Life changed forever and for all on Sept. 11, 2001. As we witnessed the Twin Towers crumble and the Pentagon burn on that warm summer morning, we began another yet-to-be-defined chapter of American history. Nearly 2,800 people—including nine from Clifton—died at the Twin Towers. They are: John Grazioso, Timothy Grazioso Edgar Emery, Zuhtu Ibis, Kyung ‘Kacey’ Cho Edward C. Murphy, John ‘Yosh’ Skala Francis Joseph Trombino, Ehtesham U. Raja

Bells will toll throughout New Jersey to mark the second anniversary of the Sept.

11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Flags will be flown at half mast but it is likely this year’s observations will be conducted with less intensity than those that marked the first anniversary.

It is likely a variety of events are being planned here in Clifton, including a program at city hall; for details, call Mayor James Anzaldi at 973-470-5757.

LAKEVIEW & CROOKS AVENUES IN CLIFTON

rance Special Appea oo B by

by Scoo -4 & 5-6 Sat. & Sun. 3

Thursday, Sept 25th Friday, Sept 26th . .

Saturday, Sept 27th Sunday, Sept 28th .

RIDES FOOD ORIENTAL BAR B Q

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

.6pm - 10pm .6pm - 10pm .1pm - 10pm .1pm - 10pm ZEPPOLIES

X GAMES

Music by DJ Dennis Fri. Sat. & Sun. Nights Cash 50/50 • 3 Winners Up to $2,500 to be Won Drawing Sun. Sept. 28th at 9pm Winners Not Needed To Be Present

FAMILY FUN! Clifton Merchant • September 2003

87

Happy Birthday To...

Allison Di Angelo Michelle Spages Bill Federowic . .

Dave Gabel . . .

Sharon Holster . .

Joseph Shackil . .

Nicholas Silvestri Eric Wahad . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

.9/2 .9/2 .9/3 .9/3 .9/4 .9/4 .9/4 .9/4

Cheryl & Carly Hawrylko share a Birthday on 9/12.

Christy Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . .9/5 Ana Stojanovski . . . . . . . . . . . .9/6 Darren Kester . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/7 Shannon Carroll . . . . . . . . . . .9/8 Geoff Goodell . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/9 Annamarie Priolo . . . . . . . . . .9/9 Christopher Lopez . . . . . . . . . .9/9 George Andrikanich . . . . . . .9/10 Nicole Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/10 Ronnie Courtney . . . . . . . . . .9/11 Andrew Orr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/11 Maureen Scali . . . . . . . . . . . .9/11 Andrew Shackil . . . . . . . . . . .9/11 Carly Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . . .9/12 Cheryl Hawrylko . . . . . . . . . .9/12 Dorothy Knapp . . . . . . . . . . .9/12 Sarah Bielen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/14 Anthony Dorski . . . . . . . . . . .9/14 Manny Monzo . . . . . . . . . . . .9/15 Brittany Parisi . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/15 Stacey Corbo . . . . . . . . . . . .9/16 Nancy Ann Eadie . . . . . . . . .9/16 Jaclyn Scotto . . . . . . . . . . . .9/16 Kathleen Gorman . . . . . . . . .9/18 Punam Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . .9/18

Open your heart and your home.

Happy Birthday to Jaclyn Scotto (left) who turns 9 on 9/16.

Happy Birthday to Amanda LaForgia (right) who turns 16 on 9/30.

Special Greetings to Dorothy Knapp who celebrates a Birthday on 9/12.

Dawn Smolt . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Daniel Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gloria Turba . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mickey Garrigan . . . . . . . . . .

James Graham . . . . . . . . . . .

Peter Skoutelakis . . . . . . . . . .

Sara Gretina . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Michael Perzely (in heaven) Valerie Carestia . . . . . . . . . .

Beverly Duffy . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brian Salonga . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brian Engel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pam Bielen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deanna Cristantiello . . . . . . .

Donato Murolo . . . . . . . . . . .

Siobhan Campbell . . . . . . . .

Barbara Mascola . . . . . . . . .

Thomas E. Moore . . . . . . . . .

Mary Perzely . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lauren Hrina . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kevin Kuebler . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ryan Lill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amanda LaForgia . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

Financial Assistance & Free Training Available

Call toll-free: 1-800-837-9102 N E W

J E R S E Y

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

www.fostercare.com 88

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

1284

Jamal Alazizi & Arwa Esmael will be married on 9/28.

.9/18 .9/18 .9/18 .9/19 .9/19 .9/21 .9/21 .9/21 .9/22 .9/22 .9/23 .9/23 .9/25 .9/25 .9/25 .9/28 .9/29 .9/29 .9/29 .9/30 .9/30 .9/30 .9/30

Annamarie Menconi, holding a mandolin, and her dad, Steven.

1074

LWOOD AL AY AND LEARN PL

It’s an understatement to say that Jessica Sauer is busy.

She’s one of the top skiers in New Jersey, was a four-year varsity swimmer at CHS, played piccolo for the Marching Mustangs, dances competitively and attends Montclair State University.

Now the CHS ‘02 grad hopes to be Miss New Jersey USA. The competition is Nov. 7-9 at the Hyatt in Jersey City.

The Clifton Library reported over 1,000 kids read for over 9,010 hours in the reading clubs at the Clifton Memorial Library and the Allwood Branch Library this summer. Children earned points for each week of reading they completed and traded these points for gifts from the library. Each day of reading completed earned kids a raffle ticket for a drawing in which they won movie passes, food and books signed by the author. Also, family tree contest winners were awarded to Christina Giordano at Main Memorial and to Katherine Kaminski at Allwood.

Children’s Coordinator Patricia Vasilik noted registration for fall storytimes begins on Sept. 22. Programs are designed for children in kindergarten through third grade, ages 3 to 5 and for toddlers. Programs are free but registration is required. Call 973-772-5500 for details.

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

Sunday 9 am – 12 noon • www.tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. Maury Buchalter

Dr. Nancy Mallon

Dr. Robert Jawetz

Dr. David Wisotsky

1143

The Menconi Music Studio is open at 309 Lakeview Ave. Under the direction of Annamaria T. Menconi, the space features a grand piano room, as well as private spaces for composition, drums and two teaching rooms with university upright pianos. Lessons will be offered in piano, guitar, mandolin, drums, flute, recorder, clarinet, oboe, trumpet and voice. The goal of the Menconi Music Studio is to enhance the musical educational experience of young people, as well as foster a renewed interest in music making amongst adults, said Menconi, a Clifton resident.

Registration Now Underway!

• Nursery School • Extended Hours • Pre-K Programs • Classes for 2 1/2, 3 & 4 year olds Open 7:30am to 6pm

94 Chelsea Rd. • 973 779-4844 Marcia Hartkopp, Director

We welcome new patients in Clifton and our other locations!

Tenafly 32 Franklin St 201-569-2400

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

Paramus 26 Park Place 201-262-1140

Oakland 3 Post Road 201-651-0404

Clifton Merchant • September 2003

89

GET OUT! STAY OUT! That is this year’s Fire Safety Message.

Clifton Merchant Magazine is proud to work with FMBA #21 on this October’s fire safety coloring book.

As we’ve done over the past three years, 10,000 copies will be distributed through public and private elementary schools in Clifton.

Since we are providing this important service at no cost to the public, we are seeking sponsors.

2000

2001

2002

Please Call Tom Hawrylko 973.253.4400

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor 1576

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

www.fitspine.net www.fitspine.net

90

September 2003 • Clifton Merchant

The change in seasons may require an ‘Adjustment,’ don’t forget to give your body the ‘Tune–Up’ it needs!

Pictured, from left, Rania Abughanieh, Elisa Moore, Natalie Kasak and Dr. Moore in the front.

Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main Avenue Clifton, nJ 07011

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

ATTENTION CLIFTON RESIDENTS. The Passaic County Democrat Freeholders are spending your hard-earned money as fast as they can take it from you!

Here are some facts: 1. The Democrat Freeholders have raised the County Taxes $40 million in 4 years!

2. Clifton pays the County over $35 million dollars a year in taxes.

You are NOT getting your money's worth!

3. There are 21 counties in New Jersey. Passaic County is NUMBER ONE in debt!

4. Governor McGreevy and the Democrats took away the Senior Citizen Property Tax Reimbursement Program.

HAD ENOUGH OF DEMOCRAT LEADERSHIP?

IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE IN PASSAIC COUNTY and that change is

TRAIER, SANDRI AND GEORGE Paid for by Passaic County Republican Organization