Clifton Merchant Magazine - April 2021 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Please Vote Yes April 20

Kids, Parents & Teachers on From the Editor, Tom Hawrylko We Cliftonites have a chance to invest in our shared future as an ever-evolving and forward-thinking community on Election Day, April 20. By voting “yes” to approve the Board of Education budget, we will be doing good for students, teachers and families. But by voting “yes,” the benefits go much further. A strong school system is at the foundation of an evolving and vibrant city. Good schools build strong communities, maintain property values, enhance local business and promote opportunity. These opportunities send Clifton High grads to top Ivy League schools, thousands to local universities and community colleges and others to the military, the trades and the local workforce. So what does voting “yes” cost? It would allow the BOE to borrow $168 million to make renovations at all 19 public schools. That’s a big number but together as a community we can do it.

Plus there is help from the state to lower our burden. If we say yes, state aid would reduce Clifton’s share by $55 million. The remainder would be paid off over 25 years through Clifton property taxes, starting in 2022. While my wife and I are now empty nesters, my four kids went through Clifton Schools. But not having kids in Clifton Schools does not mean I will stop supporting public education. For my three bedroom home with two-and-a-half baths in Downtown Clifton, that means I’ll be paying another $155 per year in taxes. That’s paying $3,875 over 25 years— Clifton Schools are worth it. Find more on the budget at clifton.k12.nj.us/vote. There you’ll find specific details, plus a link to check your home’s value and a chart to estimate your annual cost. Let’s keep Clifton Schools— and our entire community— on The Road Forward. 16,000 Magazines

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Contributing Writers

Ariana Puzzo, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele, Jack DeVries, Patricia Alex

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo Business Mgr. Irene Kulyk Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Had it not been for Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, three days later, there would be no Christianity. His death and resurrection are the bedrock for this religion. Thus, Easter and the week prior to it are the highest holy days of the Catholic Church. Traditionally, Catholics read from the Gospel of St. John on Good Friday. The story is of the condemnation of Christ and His death on the cross. It is another tradition to re-create this dramatic story through Lent by presenting the Stations of the Cross, the story of Jesus’ agony, struggle and fears during His last hours. Many churches hold a 3 pm service because that is the time Jesus died. At right is a photo from 2000 when St. Paul Church Youth Ministry presents the 14 Stations on Good Friday. They performed the story in the church, showing how Jesus is condemned to die by Pilot, carries His cross through the streets of Calvary and how He suffered and died on the cross.

Good Friday 4

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Do Unto Others...

By Tom Hawrylko & Ariana Puzzo Religion offers us insight into the mysteries of life and death. Having faith gives us a purpose of being and provides a sense of belonging. Belief in a Higher Being can bring strength, comfort and hope. On the following pages, we offer a glimpse into some of the religions of Clifton. We hope it illustrates that there is a common thread through all religions — the importance of family, compassion, love, giving and respect for one another. Religions are rich in traditions, many of which have been handed down thousands of years. The rites and rituals are deeply symbolic and often influenced by our ethnicity and country of origin.

For me, religion has been a bridge to my Ukrainian heritage. As a Byzantine Catholic, our rituals follow old but beautiful traditions, such as doing many things three times. For Ukrainians, this ritual is symbolic of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. When we make the sign of the cross, we put three fingers together and two we fold under. The three symbolize the Trinity while the two under remind us that Jesus was both God and man. We bow three times, we sing three times and at Easter we chant Christos voskrese or Christ is Risen three times. Another Ukrainian tradition is on Palm Sunday. After Mass, we receive pussy willows rather than palms. Tradition has it that in Ukraine, pussy willows are the first plant of the season to bloom. Many people know of the Ukrainian culture because of Pysanky, a simple egg transformed into something extraordinary, symbolic of new life. This year, Easter will be celebrated on April 4 by the Byzantine and Roman Catholic faith, but Orthodox believers will wait almost an additional month to celebrate on May 2. Here’s why: When the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582, it was not universally accepted. Many, but not all, Orthodox Churches still follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian method of calculating Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon that comes on or after the vernal equinox. If that is confusing just know that we Christians come in many stripes... A Growing Community The arrival of St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, brought Christianity to India in AD 52. In the millenniums following his arrival, many Indian Christians migrated to Christian countries in Europe and America. The migrations led to the Kerala Christian community settling in the United States. Although not around for as long, St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church was established in September of 1976. The late Rev. John Mathews established the parish originally in West Orange. Later, the parish was

located in Newark and eventually moved to its present location at 1231 Van Houten Ave. H. G. Mathews Mar Barnabas consecrated the church building on May 24, 2008. The parish’s Vicar is Rev. Fr. Shinoj Thomas, who assumed the role in December of 2011. Rev. Thomas is the sixth Vicar in the parish’s history. As the church grew over the years, more and more families took to the Van Houten Avenue parish to worship. The church’s worship consists of praise, thanksgiving, confession, petition, reading of the Scriptures, and dedication. Each Sunday, morning prayer is 9 am and Holy Qurbana is from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The Holy Qurbana refers to the Holy Eucharist, and all who are faithful are encouraged to take part in it.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Do Unto Others...

Iman Shaykh Osamah Salhia and his wife Noor Salem holding the now 7-month old Dania; right, the Pershing Rd. mosque.

Different But Familiar Practices 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., is one of several local orthodox churches that celebrate its Christianity differently. Other local parishes include St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Knanaya Church, at 186 3rd St. and St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, at 818 Valley Rd. Additional longstanding parishes are Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral, at 635 Broad St., and St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church, at 81 Washington Ave. 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. Orthodoxy is the third-largest branch of Christianity. As of 2017, Pew Research Center found there are about 260 million Orthodox Christians around the world. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many local churches have ended shared services between parishes. However, Lenten weekday services were, in many cases, open to everyone and live-streams remain available on their websites.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Spiritual Journey of Ramadan The local Muslim community will begin fasting on April 12 for the month of Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims around the world. During the month, those observing Ramadan participate in specific rituals. These rituals include abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. Islamic Center of Passaic County Clifton’s Imam Shaykh Osamah Salhia said that Ramadan marks “the onset of the Qur’an’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad.” “Ramadan symbolizes many things,” said Imam Osamah, “but at its core, it is a spiritual journey of self-discovery, self-assessment, transformative change, and reaffirming commitments to God.” Ramadan also brings the family and community close together. It does so through its core values, namely giving to those who are in need and supporting good causes. Imam Osamah added that Islam teaches that true faith cannot be experienced “without being in the service of others and bringing positive change to society.” “The Qur’an teaches, ‘Cooperate in goodness and righteousness’ (5: 2),” said Imam Osamah. “It also teaches, ‘And be good ‘to others’ as God has been good to you.’ (28: 77)” It’s a familiar lesson that those of any faith are familiar with learning from an early age. Keeping that practice in mind, ICPC will distribute food boxes to those

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Do Unto Others...

Steve, Susan and Jessica Goldberg. At Seder, brother-in-law Allan, Steve, Steve’s son Aaron, nephew Cory, and daughter Jessica.

in need. They will also strive to offer financial relief in the wake of the pandemic for multiple charitable causes. Don’t Pass Over Passover Besides the difference in Christian calendars, there is the belief that Easter must always follow the Jewish Passover and never precede or coincide with it. Passover is a religious and cultural event to many Jewish people

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

in that it has historical significance. The eight day observance commemorates the release of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. This year’s first Passover Seder was held on March 27. Although Passover ends on April 4, it is important to remember that the Seder is a unique ceremony for Jewish people around the world. Unlike other religious events, the seder does not take place in a synagogue or temple. Rather, it takes place around the dining room table. “We tell the story of our redemption,” said Steve Goldberg, “but not necessarily only the one that happened in Egypt. [Also] our own personal quests for freedom.” Goldberg reflected how over the years during the Seder, he heard stories from his father and in-laws about surviving the Holocaust. In later years, Goldberg told stories about his own life. “The Seder is the venue when the older generations open up to the younger ones and impart their own experiences and lessons that they have learned,” said Goldberg. During the Seder, people of the Jewish faith understand that there are many ways people can be enslaved by others or themselves. Goldberg elaborated by giving examples like being a slave to jobs, electronics, or even politics. Seder is an opportunity to connect and reconnect not only with family members, but also strangers and the world. Prior to COVID-19, Goldberg said that he often invited strangers to his Seder. “Wishing everyone a Happy Passover,” said Goldberg. “May we break free from the chains that enslave us and create ties that bind us and find everlasting freedom and fulfillment in our lives.”

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Do Unto Others...

Chaitanyamurti Swami offered blessings at the temple on Bloomfield Ave. Photos by Michael Gabriele.

Simple Living, High Thinking While those who follow the Hindu faith belong to various sects and thus worship different deities – Krishna is the name most familiar to us in the West – there are certain religious beliefs that all Hindus adhere to. Among them: the highest duty for parents is to take care of their children. When the children are grown, it is their highest duty to take care of their parents in old age. Another tenet is to be “broad-hearted” and to help the poor, whether it’s assisting with tilling land, sharing food or other similar acts. Sound familiar? When we perform these types of services in the West, we sometimes refer to them as Christian acts of kindness. Ultimately, all places of worship strive to impart and share the ancient religious teachings with younger generations, and Mandirs are no exception. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, at 854 Bloomfield Avenue, is open for “darshan”, or viewing and praying to the sacred images. Presently, the temple is only open for two hours on Saturdays due to the pandemic. However, the temple’s activities and the Murti Darshan are now available online at https://www.baps. org/Global-Network/North-America/Clifton.aspx. Sanjay Shah and his wife, Dimple Shah, are among the temple’s administrative coordinators. Sanjay Shah spoke about how the community lives by the philosophy of “Simple Living, High Thinking.” “We really only need simple things, not very fancy things,” he said. “There are a lot of people who need the

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

money, [so we strive] not to be greedy and not to keep [wealth] for oneself.” Another Hindu belief that receives a good deal of attention here is the concept of reincarnation. One way to describe it is “a recycling of souls.” The process continues until pureness is reached. Another way to think of it is climbing a ladder to heaven. Whatever you do in this life affects your next life, is the idea. If you have bad karma now, you will pay for it in your next life. But, if you follow a pious lifestyle and remain true to your commitment of helping other people, you may not be reborn. You’ll go to heaven instead. “We believe if you do good things in your life, it will come back to you,” said Sanjay Shah. This year, the ancient Hindu festival Holi - known to many as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love” - was from March 28 to 29. The festival represents the celebration of triumph of good over evil and marks the arrival of spring. During normal hours of operation, the temple holds Arti at 7 am and 6:30 pm. The religious ritual of worship is part of puja, during which light is offered to the deities. We hope the stories presented here explain a little more about our neighbor’s faiths. Holy periods of time, Easter and Passover, for instance, bring a heightened sense of spirituality to us all. Perhaps we can all use this season to be more loving, understanding and accepting.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

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Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

OF CLIFTON

When Clifton turned 100 in 2017, we at this magazine promised to continue telling more about the great people who make up our hometown. Over the last three decades, Clifton has evolved from what many considered to be a ‘white’ community to become among the most diverse in New Jersey. Over that time, we have documented the changes with stories and photo essays. Once again, we are proud to do that on the following pages of our magazine. Clifton is made up of many faces … individuals of various ethnicities, races and religious beliefs. It is often easy to notice the differences among us, but let us also remember to make time to emClockwise from left, as seen in October 2016: Petro Chudolij, Michelle Galvis, Bahaa Housni, Ruth Dippe, Brian Grace, Mustafa Angun, Arianna Dubas and Odelia Handy. Below, Elise Bourne-Busby. They were all part of a photo shoot at the Clifton Main Library to promote the 2016 International Cultural and Food Festival.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton’s diversity as seen in previous editions, from 1998, 2011, 2014.

brace our common bonds. While each of us is unique, we are all living in America. And here, in our town, we are part of the family, the Clifton community. So, how can we make it a better place to live, work and raise our families? Let’s continue by being respectful and recognize that we need the resources of people from every neighborhood to help Clifton grow. We may not always understand each other, but we have to remember, we’re in this together. Some time ago, the State of New Jersey started a campaign with the theme Many Faces—One Family. The goal is to celebrate ethnicity and promote respect among all cultures. Neighbors were encouraged to get to know one another and leaders in towns across the state were urged to foster communication among its residents. That is the theme we picked up here. It is an especially important issue in Clifton as our senior population moves on and new folks move in. While for decades Clifton was known as a “white” city, we have seen an influx of Arabic, Turkish and Latinx families. Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

OF CLIFTON The effect of these “new” cultures on the “old” Clifton community can challenge established ways and institutions. Cultures can clash. What is appropriate in one can be offensive to another. How do we resolve differences? How do we meld into a community, yet retain our unique identities? And are there common goals we all can share? All of us, no matter where we have come from, want prosperity and all the opportunity that the United States offers. We want to have nice homes, to send our kids to good schools and we want to be safe. We want to be free to worship and to express our views without fear of retribution or harassment. Top photo from left: Brian Grace, Ruth Dippe, Michelle Galvis, Havva Angun, Mustafa Angun, Serra Balki.

A Ukrainian American dance group dressed in regional garb. From left kneeling: Adrian Baran, Petro Chudolij, Vitaliy Habura. Standing from left: Orest Figol, Tatyanna Zurawski, Yana Habura, Roman Zurawski, Zakhar Figol, Julianna Loukachouk, Kalyna Figol, Gabriel Maksymiw, Lexie Peltyszyn, Arianna Dubas and Jurij P. Dubas.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

From left: Lauren Zulu, Elise Bourne-Busby, Kim Oeffler, Odelia Handy, Angela Handy, Rany Jacob, Benaiah Thomas, Soin Alexander, Isaiah Handy, Zhanara Handy. Below: Graciela Mustafa and Eman Hamdeh.

OF CLIFTON Therefore, our common ground can be found in the everyday aspects of our lives. We meet people from all cultures at work, across a backyard fence or at a field watching our children play. It is then, if we are receptive enough to look beyond language difference, skin tones and cultural nuances, that we will realize that all cultures share the same goals. As Clifton evolves, we see new faces in our schools, government and community. Dutch Hill, Botany, Albion and Athenia became neighborhoods in transition, with a variety of people settling there. These new families are really not that different than the last ones that lived there. They work on improving their properties, just as the old timers did. They send their kids to the same schools and they worship God, but perhaps in a different way. Whether it is by simply saying hello to a new neighbor or offering to break down barriers of prejudice, hate and indifference – invest your time in the changing Clifton. Get to know fellow members of your community, whether it is during your daily neighborhood walk or by learning about their stories each month in our magazine. Those featured here do not serve as spokespersons or do they offer their views on behalf of any organization. They are just average Cliftonites, celebrating their backgrounds and cultures. We hope it shines a light on the Many Faces of Clifton and leads to more understanding.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

OF CLIFTON It happened in 1988. Here were my Ukrainian brothers and sisters in the midst of a Millennium Celebration. One thousand years prior, Prince Vladimir threw the heathens out of Kyiv and converted the people of my ancestral homeland to Christianity. And in 1988, I was caught up in this celebration of All Things Ukrainian. I became a born-again Ukrainian.

“Learn what others have to offer, but do not forsake your own.”

When I graduated from Ukrainian Assumption School in Perth Amboy in 1971 (that’s me fifth from right with glasses), I turned my back on my heritage. It was not until many years later – upon the birth of my first son, Joseph, in 1985 – that I started getting back into our community. Ukraine, for those already saying “oh, that’s in Russia” is a large country right next to Russia. It just so happens that the Soviet empire and other neighboring countries trampled over Ukraine for centuries. The most terrible atrocity occurred from August, 1933 to Spring, 1934, when seven million Ukrainians were starved to death in a man-made famine created by the Soviets to further their oppression. Ukraine took control of its own destiny on Aug. 24, 1991, when this country of 52 million declared its independence. While I know a bit about my country’s history and culture, the epiphany that I experienced in 1988 really directed me into being a Ukrainian American advocate. I documented the history of the church veterans who served in WWII. I attended liturgy regularly in our Byzantine rite church. And while I don’t speak Ukrainian, I know the Lit-

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Above Tom Hawrylko jr. as an altar boy with his dad Tom in 1989.

urgy in Ukrainian verbatim from my “Uki” school days. So I joined the choir and I sang in Ukrainian. During the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to not only explore my religious heritage, but also to have had the opportunity to work in the Ukrainian business community, too. I’ve consulted for the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, an international organization dedicated to relieving the health problems caused by the nuclear disaster in 1986. My firm serves as a consultant to the Ukrainian National Association, a fraternal benefit society that provides insurance to 60,000 members, publishes two newspapers – one in Ukrainian, the other in English – and does a variety of projects to preserve our heritage. I’m proud there are many visible signs of my culture’s contributions locally – our churches and schools in Clifton and Passaic, NOVA Federal Credit Union on Allwood Rd., as examples – filled with people, who, like me, take pride in the statement by the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko: “Study, my brothers. Think, read. Learn what others have to offer, but do not forsake your own.” By Tom Hawrylko

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Mustangs

Wrestling

They don’t always do so, but the The Mustangs finished second in NJSIAA came through in a big way District VI last year, sending 10 wreswith respect to wrestling during the Apr 1 JFK 6pm tlers to regions. They went 22-5 in COVID-19 pandemic. dual matches, losing to Passaic Coun9am ty Tech in North I, Group V finals. The Garden State’s governing Apr 3 @Morris Hills 6pm body for high school sports managed Apr 6 River Dell They will be led by senior to scrape together a season that looks Apr 8 PCTI 145-pounder Chris Stathopoulos, 5pm quasi-normal, as New Jersey grapplers who returns a year after winning disApr 10 @N Bergen 10am will have a regular season followed trict and county titles and qualifying Apr 14 @Kearny 6pm by “Super Regional” tournament (in for the state individual tournament. place of the traditional District then Apr 15 Bloomfield 6pm Stathopoulos has improved tremenRegion setup), with the treasured state Apr 20 W Milford 5pm dously in his three seasons suiting up individual tourney to wrap up the for the Mustangs and can wrestle from 2021 campaign. any position. He can shoot and throw It isn’t perfect, but it is a chance for wrestlers like the and has the ability to place in the state tournament. Mustangs to pursue their dream of a state title. “He is a leader in the room,” said Geleta. “Chris is a “It shows the NJSIAA is committed to wrestling and great kid, great student and he loves the sport.” they want to bring us back to some kind of normalcy,” said Sophomore Joe Abill has bumped up to 220 with a Dan Geleta, who enters this season with a 225-83 record higher level of confidence and mat savvy than he posover 15 years as Clifton’s head coach. “I give them a lot sessed a year ago. Tough and physical, Abill is poised for of props for sticking with it and actually running a state a breakout season. His training partner, junior 285-poundtournament.” er Ahmad Ramadan, is a high-pace, athletic, returning dis-

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

trict champ who should be even better than before. Jacob Maldonado, a junior 182-pounder, has gotten better on top and bottom and is a more aggressive wrestler than in previous years. Senior 195-pounder Enrique Montero was a reserve last season, but was competitive when he saw time and is adept at picking up bonus points. Senior Antonio Spina, now wrestling at 138, didn’t join the starting lineup until late last season, but still took fourth in the 132-pound bracket of the District VI tournament. Senior 152-pounder Nick Stathopoulos is back after missing last season due to injury and seeks a return to form after finishing in third in districts in 2019. Clifton has a young core at the light weights, including sophomores Ahmad Ali (106) and Deven Desai (120) and freshman Najadi Salim (113). “Ahmad and Deven learned a lot from last year’s graduating class at those lower weights,” Geleta said. “Just watching Omar [Ali] and Abdul [Alsaidi] gave them a taste where they should be as sophomores. Najadi has club experience and should help us.” The hardworking duo of junior Carlos Sierra and sophomore Adam Kitapci will occupy the 126 and 132 spots, respectively, while juniors Laith Ahmad (160) and Daniel Goodson (170) will see their first varsity action. They are a deep, experienced and talented group and are hoping accomplish as much as they can under the circumstances. Despite the fact that they won’t be able to compete in the state playoffs for the thirteenth time in 15 years, they are simply taking things one match at a time and looking to carry on the proud tradition their program has established. “Obviously we can’t win counties or districts as a team,” Geleta said. “But you step on the mat and do your best. We are thankful for the matches we can wrestle.” All sports by Tom Szieber

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

Mustangs

Tennis

Mustangs

GYMNASTICS Baseball Mustangs

Mustangs

Cross Country

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Mindy Rivas, Angelina Lapczynski, Amelia Proszowski, Hilary Amoh.

Football

Mustangs

Golf

COVID-19 impacted every Clifton sport over the last Mustangs year, but perhaps no group was hit harder than the Mustang gymnasts. After seeing its season shifted from fall to spring, the program had to find ways to retain athletes in spite of the constant threat of further changing circumstances. That Mustangs task proved tall, as the Mustangs find themselves a team of just four this year.

Still, head coach Brittany Gaccione is fond of her quartet, which consists of dedicated, hard-working girls ready to represent Clifton during the most unique season in history. “It makes showing up to practice in a pandemic and all we have overcome worth it,” Gaccione said. “These girls want to be here and working hard to improve and produce for Clifton High School.” To keep things together, Gaccione leaned heavily on Clifton strength and conditioning coach Fernando Barros, who she credits with to helping the gymnasts maintain their focus and training regimen. Freshman Angelina Lapczynski has had no difficulty in that department and impressed Gaccione with her enthusiasm from the moment she entered high school. An all-around athlete who trains at Meadowlands Gymnastics Academy, she will likely make the most noise in bars and vault. Sophomore Amelia Proszowski is a smart, strong athlete, who entered last season with gymnastics experience and will compete in vault, bars and floor. Junior Hilary Amoh has conditioned hard this offseason and will represent the Mustangs in vault, floor and beam. Junior Mindy Rivas won’t compete, but has turned into an unofficial assistant coach, of sorts, practicing with the squad and assisting Gaccione with choreography. With all underclassmen on the team, there is potential for growth. Gaccione believes there is plenty the team can accomplish in 2021, including positioning itself for a successful return to fall next scholastic year.

Gymnastics

Lacrosse

Mustangs

Boys Soccer Mustangs

Girls Soccer Mustangs

Tennis Mustangs

Track Mustangs

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Volleyball

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Gymnast MUSTANG SPORTS

Mustangs

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Lacrosse Mustangs

Boys Soc Mustangs

Girls Socc Mustangs

Tennis Mustangs

Track Mustangs

Mustangs Just three days after becoming the head coach of the Clifton boys volleyball team, Jorge Rodriguez saw his first offseason rocked by the coronavirus pandemic. He was then hired as the Mustangs’ girls coach, and although their season was not wiped out like that of the boys, it was delayed until March. Their offseason, too, was unusual, but they are excited to be back on the floor and ready to compete. “It has been challenging, not just for me but for the girls as well,” Rodriguez said of the task of navigating the virus. “We started workouts and then had to work out outside. Finally, we got to the next step, which was to

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Clifton Public Schools Bond Vote: April 20

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ProPosEd rEnoVAtions

Our school district benefits from its strong community; our community benefits from the strength of its schools. Major renovations touch all 19 schools:

● Improved Heating, Ventilation, and A/C make up half the proposal ● Two-stage Entrances and other Security Tools ● Modernized bathrooms: Most don’t meet ADA standards ● Auditorium and Athletic upgrades for school & community use

Referendum Date: April 20 mail-in ballots available

● $168 million of improvements, with new state aid to cover nearly $55 million of the cost ● $17/month for a home assessed at Clifton’s average Learn more at www.clifton.k12.nj.us/VOTE VOTE by April 20 – Polls open 1:30 to 8 p.m. at School 5, School 9, School 12, Christopher Columbus, Woodrow Wilson, and Clifton High. Use the same location that was your designated poll for November’s presidential election. OR: Watch your mailbox in early April for a Vote By Mail ballot, or request one right away! Those ballots must be postmarked or submitted in person by Tuesday, April 20. Application forms are on our website. We are #OneClifton!

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

As a father of five and a grandfather of eight, I can tell you from experience that time goes by much faster than you think! Before you know it, kids are graduating high school. For some that means it’s time for college. Then it’s time to start paying college tuitions. To help with that, many people open 529 Plans. These plans can be a big help, as the money that is invested in these plans can come out tax free when it’s time to pay those tuitions. But there are rules to follow, and not all plans are the same. In fact, many states have their own 529 plans, and you don’t have to use the NJ Plan if you don’t want to. But if you do, your child or grandchild can qualify for an automatic scholarship! If they attend a NJ school, freshman year they can receive a scholarship up to $1,500. That’s a great reason to start saving. The savings can help you with the tuitions and the scholarship makes your savings to farther. This can be a wonderful way for grandparents to make a valuable gift to their grandchildren as well as parents. If you think this sounds like a good idea, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you get started with understanding and choosing a plan that works well for you. Time flies!!! Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as, financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s 529 college savings plan.

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

move inside and the girls couldn’t even share balls.” The Mustangs persevered and prepared, and are now hopeful that they can make Rodriguez’s first year at the helm a successful one. To do so, they will need junior Kate Louer to be her dominant self. A top outside hitter in New Jersey last fall, she has kept herself immersed in club ball and is positive and coachable. Strong in every facet of the game, she can pass, serve and hit with effectiveness. Junior outside hitter Tamara Vasquez is a similar talent whose ball placement, service and movement on the court has been impressive this preseason. Setter Desiree Fortuna, another junior, enters her first year as a starter and brings strong passing and serving to the floor. Junior Morgan Lesler, a transfer from DePaul who will need to sit out seven games, will be the Mustangs’ other starting setter in Rodriguez’s 6-2 offense. Junior Jenna Joyce and senior Jayslin Jaquez will share libero duties, while sophomore Mary Davey and junior Jessica Pawlik are Clifton’s middle hitters. Senior Arlyn Cosme will be Clifton’s opposite. A four-year member of the Clifton program, Cosme has taken on a leadership role and brings great energy to the locker room. The unit has plenty of young talent, and Rodriguez is aiming to begin the process of returning the Mustangs to the perennial winning ways they established under former head coach and current Clifton High School principal Mike Doktor. “Obviously the goal is to win as many matches as possible,” Rodriguez said. “We want to win the league and win states. I want to build upon the legacy [Doktor] built. I definitely want to fill those shoes.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Carlito Perez, Luke Santiago, Gabriel Membrano, Aiden Farrell.

April has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students, one from each grade, who have worked in the classrooms as well as on Zoom. Carlito Perez, Senior Carlito Perez is still considering whether he will attend college, but he has big ambitions after high school. The senior said he hopes to become an entrepreneur, creating his own business and working for himself. In the meantime, he does not lack inspiration. “My brother inspires me the most because he is a hard-working guy and puts all his time and effort into what he needs to get done, and … he is successful in what he does,” said Perez (CHS ’21). Perez’s extracurricular activities include playing basketball and football outside of school in the park with his friends and family. He also works with his brother. As for his favorite subject, Perez chose philosophy. “My favorite subject is philosophy because I can express my thoughts and feelings and share them with my classmates and teacher,” he said. A major hurdle that Perez overcame at CHS was staying motivated. He elaborated that although you do well with motivation, you can fall hard if you lose it and it can become challenging to regain it. But the one teacher who made a difference was Mrs. Bria. “She taught me patience, how to be more disciplined, and how things in life get better when you do what you have to do,” said Perez.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Luke Santiago, Junior Luke Santiago has no intention of letting anyone’s skepticism stop him from pursuing his passion. The CHS junior wants to become a champion in the world of boxing. Santiago acknowledged that being a champion in any sport or activity is special. But he has another reason besides liking boxing or wanting the glory. “An ulterior motive is for the financial security of my family,” said Santiago (CHS ’22). “My family is fine, but like most American households, you worry about the next bill or how much you’re spending.” Santiago is open to the idea of pursuing higher education as an alternative plan. He thinks he would major in Information Technology. The junior is used to balancing out-of-school sports and school work, which he said was his biggest hurdle at CHS. “During my second year … I had all AP and honors classes … and balancing that with Taekwondo, which I attended four times a week, was taking its toll on my mental health,” said Santiago. “I was starting to get discouraged and started to lose motivation in everything that I was doing,” he continued, “but eventually, I got my bearings and just worked extra hard and devoted more of my time to working hard on both Taekwondo and academics.”

Clifton PUBLIC SCHOOLS Kindergarten Registration Parents of Clifton Residents who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2021 can register as of February 22, 2021

Pre-School Registration Parents of Clifton Residents who will be 4 years old by October 1, 2021 can register as of February 22, 2021 Limited Space Available, requirements can be found at https://www.clifton.k12.nj.us/domain/928

Limited Income Eligible 3-year-old Pre-School Program please call 973-472-8880

Go Online To Register Registration forms for both programs, required documents, and details can be found at:

www.clifton.k12.nj.us/domain/109

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Gabriel Membrano, Sophomore Gabriel Membrano may only be in his sophomore year at CHS, but he has big plans for the future. Membrano (CHS ’23) anticipates that he will take advantage of different CHS academic programs. He hopes to obtain an associate’s degree as early as possible. As for his transition to CHS, his extracurriculars have helped make the big change seamless. “It may be a bit scary at first, but there is no better way to adapt to high school than by trying your best, even in stuff outside of the classroom that you truly care about,” said Membrano. “Also, by having extracurricular activities,” continued Membrano, “you have less time for homework, which may seem bad, but really helps with time management, another important factor to success in high school.” Membrano’s extracurriculars include Mustang Marching Band, pit band, and orchestra. He hopes in the future to join more STEM-related activities, like the pre-med club. As for his greatest inspiration, Membrano acknowledged his mother and her constant support of him. “She can speak four different languages, was a professor at an Ivy League school, is an amazing cook, [and] is an amazing teacher, all while being an immigrant from Palestine,” said Membrano. “I am truly proud to call her my mother.”

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Aiden Farrell, Freshman Aiden Farrell knows that he has the potential to do great things. The freshman said that his transition to high school was a smooth one because of the high expectations that he set for himself. He also credits following the rules and working hard as the reasons for his success. Farrell said that his greatest inspiration is his father. “[My father] has overcome so much adversity and is teaching me the importance of hard work,” said Farrell (CHS ’24). “He almost lost his life and had what could have been a career-ending injury, but instead he came back even stronger than ever.” Farrell is a CHS Student Ambassador and plays baseball. He hopes to join the swim team and possibly become a lifeguard. Farrell also volunteers for the group, “Northern N.J. COVID Vaccine Angels.” CHS teacher and Farrell’s mother, Jessica Farrell, formed the group to assist those who have difficulty scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Given that Farrell’s favorite subject at school is history because he enjoys learning about how the past helps shape the future, his role in helping this last year is perhaps even more noteworthy. “I am happy to be a part of something that is making a difference in our community.”

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

Times and Locations*: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Christopher Columbus Middle School - 10:00 -11:30 am 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 School 17 - 1:30-2:30 pm 361 Lexington Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011

New Location!

Woodrow Wilson Middle School - 1:30-2:30 pm 1400 VanHouten Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 *Times and locations subject to change

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

This Was No Hoop Dream That’s Babe Ruth with the Powers Five, one of the leading basketball teams of the barnstorming era. Among the teams members, which called Passaic home, were Bennie Borgmann (see following page), Bobby Reynics, a Passaic Police Office and Art Powers, who later coached many Clifton athletes on the baseball diamond. Also on the team were Jack, Ralph and Charlie Powers.

Long before Michael Jordan’s ill-fated journey through minor league baseball, which ended in March, 1995, Babe Ruth also crossed sports—and fans—by attempting to play basketball. If he had fleeting thoughts of a two-sport career, the Bambino quickly regained his senses. Going zip-for-24 in your hoop debut will do that. Story by Jack DeVries. “Air” Babe happened Jan. 2, 1921. Ruth had just returned from a disastrous trip to Cuba where he barnstormed with a team led by New York Giants manager John McGraw. Playing on large, mostly open fields, he mustered just two home runs. Away from the diamond, things were worse. His trip pay, estimated between $10,000 and $20,000, remained on the island. Near the tour’s end, Ruth was swindled in a racetrack scam by men posing as rich American play-

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

boys. They allowed Babe to win $30,000 on a fixed race, and then convinced him to bet his winnings—plus the exhibition game loot and an estimated $100,000—on more “sure things.” Ruth lost everything. With angry bookmakers on his heels, he escaped by hiding in a cramped train toilet on a ride from Santiago to Havana. He was so broke, that he used money his wife Helen had squirreled away to pay their fare back to New York City.

On June 13, 1948 Babe Ruth’s number 3 was retired at Yankee Stadium in a David Blumenthal photo from Life Magazine. At right, Robert Thom’s painting depicting Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot,” courtesy the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Babe Signs With Passaic’s Powers Five When Babe got back, he got an offer to play basketball for $1,000 a game from Joe Murray, a small-time New Jersey promoter and baseball umpire. Murray arranged for Ruth to play two games with the Passaic (N.J.) AllStars—the first in New York City at the 71st Regiment Armory, the second in New Haven, Conn. Ruth’s team was actually the “Powers Five,” a squad of Clifton-born basketball-playing brothers and a 5’8” dynamo, future Basketball Hall of Famer Bennie Borgmann, also from Clifton. Their opponent would be the self-proclaimed basketball world champions, the Original Celtics. Known as “cagers,” basketball players of that era performed in chicken wire or rope netting-enclosed courts

because promoters feared diving athletes might hurt the fans. Courts were set up in places like church basements (with support poles in play) and smoky dance halls, where fans danced to a live orchestra at halftime and after the game. Music was needed to soothe the savage crowds. Spectators sometimes hurled ten-penny nails or wads of tobacco at players, while rooters in the Spike Lee seats poked hatpins or lit cigarettes at the cagers’ flesh when it pressed against the mesh barrier. The court was a hacker’s delight with no disqualification rule to limit fouling. Other rules differed. A center jump was mandated after every basket, and double dribbling was legal and necessary—the ball was somewhat out-of-round and laced with leather

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Clifton’s Bennie Borgmann lived in the Clifton School 15 neighborhood and while he never played for the Mustangs, he turned pro in 1921 and scored over 25,000 career points. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961. Babe Ruth with original Celtics player John Beckman, considered the “Babe Ruth of Basketball” in his day.

stitches. There was also no 24-second clock or three-second rule to keep the era’s smaller wide-bodies from the basket. And the court was under the watchful eye of a single referee—hired by the home team. While the local press devoted space to basketball, the big papers treated it like professional wrestling. “There was a bias against pro basketball and football by the sports editors of the time,” says NBA historian Bill Himmelman. “They reported on college games in both sports, but the pro game was seen as violent and primitive. Local papers did a much better job on coverage.” However, Ruth’s upcoming basketball debut was big news. Through the Manhattan Rubber Company (where Borgmann worked for $18.50 a week), two thousand tickets were reserved for Passaic fans. The Passaic Daily Herald billed the Bambino as “an experienced basketeer” and a former “star guard on the St. Mary School quintet.” The Paterson Morning Call wrote, “Ruth is a first class basketball player, but does not play much on account of the danger of injury.”

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Ironically, Ruth tasted victory with his first professional baseball team on the basketball court. After arriving in Fayetteville, N.C., for spring training in 1914, he joined his fellow Baltimore Orioles in a game against the high school basketball team after rains had made the baseball field unplayable. Babe and the Birds won, 8-6. In his pro debut, Ruth would face a team light years beyond Fayetteville High. Playing The Original Celtics The Original Celtics began not in Boston, but in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen. The 1921 squad included six-foot center Joe Trippe, veteran forward Mike Smolick, and team captain Ernie Reich. Others included Basketball Hall of Famers Dutch Dehnert (whose ballooning weight led to his invention of the back-to-the-basket pivot play) and Johnny Beckman, under contract for a reported $1,000 a month, whom sportswriters dubbed the “Babe Ruth of Basketball.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

On game night, over 10,000 people packed the armory at the corner of Park Ave. and 34th St.—the biggest crowd ever to see a basketball game until 11,000 saw the Celtics play the New York Whirlwinds that spring. Most were there only to see Ruth and an air of celebration buzzed through the armory. When referee Artie Conlan blew his whistle to start play, the Sultan of Swat stepped inside the rope-caged court to “thunderous applause.” Packed into his uniform, Ruth looked Shaq-esque. At 6’2”, he was one of the tallest men on the court and Babe Ruth spent some time in Clifton. He played ball at Doherty Field, which by far the heaviest. After the Cuban was on Main Ave. near today’s Corrados. He often stayed at the stable house trip, Ruth weighed 240 pounds—25 next to the Doherty home, which was on Washington and Third Aves. Babe took to grooming around Clifton as well. He is pictured above left, having a hair cut over his playing weight. by Raymond Conserva, at Conserva’s Barber Shop on Dayton Ave., in Botany. Babe told the reporters who chided The shop was owned by Ray’s father, Sebastian, pictured right. him about his girth, “You all thought me big as a house when I reported in Ruth turned, fired . . . and hit nothing but air, missing Jacksonville, Fla., last spring. Well, I was heavier then the rim by ten feet. than I am now.” He also announced, “Sixty home runs “As a basketball player,” The Passaic Daily Herald reor more will be my slogan for 1921.” ported, “Ruth proved himself a fine piano mover.” While the game was only a paycheck for Ruth, seeThe Babe was in over his head, and the Celtics had ing 10,000 people in the stands fired up the Celtics and no sympathy. Dehnert and Reich pestered Ruth each the Passaic All-Stars. time he had the ball, forcing him into turnovers or wild After the opening tip, Art Powers whipped a pass to shots. Not that the Babe needed encouragement to shoot. the Babe—who ducked to avoid getting hit in the face George Herman Ruth did an excellent imitation of World with the ball. On their next trip down, Borgmann and B. Free, firing 24 shots in the first half. But the imitation the Powers brothers worked the ball around, setting the ended there as none of his shots dropped. Babe up for a shot.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cy Yannarelli, CFP®, CLU® Financial Advisor

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Goliath Goes To The Showers Seeing what an awful player he was, fans began “razzing” the Babe and yelling for a replacement. But Ruth lived up to his $1,000 contract and labored through the first half. When it ended, the Celtics held a commanding 25-16 lead. When the Babe took the floor for the second half, the booing got worse. After five minutes, he was mercifully lifted for 5’4” Bobby Reynics of Passaic. “There goes Goliath to the showers,” the Paterson Press Guardian quotes one fan yelling, “and here comes David in his place.” Without their sideshow, Passaic went after the Celtics at full strength. With Reynics’ fresh legs sparking them, the All-Stars reeled off six straight points, four on field goals by Borgmann and two on a tipin by Art Powers. If there was a player on the floor good enough to play two major pro sports, it was Borgmann. The greatest scorer of his era, Borgmann would total over 25,000 points during his basketball career. Speed and endurance were his greatest assets. “I could run all day and night,” he said after his playing days ended. He was also an ex-

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cellent shortstop, playing for the Doherty Silk Sox, a Clifton, semi-pro team that often beat major league teams—including Ruth’s Yankees. Bennie Borgmann Lived In Clifton The year Yankee Stadium opened in 1923, Borgmann was given a tryout on the new field and signed by the visiting Boston Red Sox. The following season, he drew the wrath of Baseball Commissioner Judge Landis, who placed him on the ineligible list after he arrived late to finish the hoop season. With a yearly income estimated at $10,000 from playing semi-pro basketball and baseball, Borgmann didn’t need the major leagues. In 1929, he was reinstated and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Four years later, he hit .340 for the Columbus Little World Series champions and was ticketed to play for the

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

1934 Gashouse Gang. Pneumonia ruined his chance. Borgmann played and managed in the minors until he was 44, later becoming a major league scout. But, on that night, nothing could stop him or his teammates. With the momentum with Passaic, the huge crowd got behind the underdogs. Borgmann hit a one-hander,

and Art and Ralph Powers “after some wonderful pass work” each scored to pull the game even, 31-31. Smolick’s basket gave the Celtics a 33-31 lead with less than a minute to play. After the center jump, Passaic got the ball and Borgmann was fouled. The crowd was “raving.” With 40 seconds remaining, Borgmann hoisted the foul shot up—and missed. After a wild scramble, Passaic regained possession deep in their backcourt. The Celtics spread themselves across mid-court, determined to keep Passaic from advancing. “The noise was so great,” wrote The Passaic Daily Herald, “that the whistle of the referee could not be heard.” Trapped in the backcourt with five seconds left, Art Powers drew the ball toward his chest and let fly with a long two-handed “hawker.” That hit nothing but net. The fans surged onto the court, forgetting Ruth and nearly carrying the All-Stars off the floor—the 33-33 tie all but an official victory.

On a winter evening when a summer hero was the attraction, Borgmann, Reynics, and the Powers brothers had showed New York City how great their game was. Ruth might have wanted to retire from basketball, but the Cuban sting forced him back on the court. In New Haven, without Borgmann and only two of the Powers brothers in the lineup, the Celtics crushed Passaic, 52-34. But “Air” Babe fared better. He surprised both himself and the 2,000 fans in attendance by hitting two of his 12 shots, both from the side. After the January 15 game, Ruth was a guest of the New Haven Elks where he donated a portion of his purse to the city’s Community Chest and signed three basketballs. One ball was sold, and the other two went to the boys of the St. Francis Orphan Asylum. A month later, Babe reported to spring training and worked off his belly. During the 1921 season, he hit one less than his goal of 60 home runs, knocked in 171, and batted .378—probably the greatest year of his career. Babe Ruth, one of the lousiest basketball players in New York City, could sure hit a baseball.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

THE

By Ariana Puzzo

Spirit Lives On Although perhaps a distant memory for the Passaic neighborhood, Pope Pius XII High School remains fresh in the minds of alumni. Once located at the corner of Jefferson and 1st Streets, the school stood impressive with its sprawling yellow bricks. Along with many other since-departed Catholic schools in Passaic County, Pope Pius strove to provide a Roman Catholic based education to thousands of stu-

dents living in Clifton, Passaic, and other surrounding towns. From the time it opened its doors in 1939 until its closure almost 45 years later in 1983, the likes of teachers, nurses and actresses graduated from Pope Pius. Despite their different paths, what brings the former students together still is their appreciation for Pope Pius and the spirit that continues to live on almost four decades after its closing.

Al Pogorelec set the school record of four no-hitters; he also sang a few tunes with perhaps the most famous Pope Pius grad, Loretta Swit.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Singing the same tune Times may have changed, but if you ask Albert Pogorelec, Sr. to At left, Al Pogorelec and his late wife Betty. Above, five out of seven Wolfers went to recall his Pope Pius days, the 1957 Pope Pius. From left: Chip, Donna, Curt, Kamille, Chris, Erik, Paul. Mom Helena graduate may just break into a renmet her late husband Rudolph, the first two “Wolfers” to attend Pope Pius. dition of “I’ve Told Every Little Star.” The alumnus still rememSwit, later known for her two-time Emmy Award winbers the operettas they performed in high school. ning role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on Perhaps his most memorable performance was during M*A*S*H, graduated from Pope Pius in 1955. Despite his first year at the school. only briefly attending the Jefferson Street school, Swit’s “I was a freshman at that time and Pope Pius used to publicist Harlan Boll confirmed that she remains good do operettas,” said Pogorelec, 81. “So, I rented a tux and friends with Marla, Ann, Grace, Regina and Doris, who my partner was Loretta Swit.” are among the school’s alumnae.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

Carol Resch (1968), Jody (Walsh) Pihokker (1970), Stephen Heron (1970), Pat (Hayes) Wotruba (1957).

As for Pogorelec, the former Garfield resident played baseball and basketball. While in high school, he was on the varsity basketball team for all four years and averaged 16 points per game. Although he has not seen many of his former classmates or teammates since he graduated, he attended 10 of their reunions over the years, including his 50th reunion. After high school, Pogorelec had a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field and went on to attend the Paterson campus of Seton Hall University on a basketball scholarship. There, he became the first player in the school’s history to score 1,000 points. After earning a business degree and enlisting in the National Guard, Pogorelec spent 20 years as a casualty claims adjuster with Allstate Insurance. Then, he worked as an environmental specialist at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. Pogorelec and his late wife, Betty, who married in 1964, lived in Clifton. Betty was the Clifton Police Chief’s secretary for more than 20 years, and the couple had two sons, Albert, Jr. and Michael. As for Pogorelec and his four brothers, who all attended Pope Pius, there was no denying the importance of their Catholic education. Did it influence the decision for Pogorelec’s children to attend Paul VI? “That was our upbringing,” said Pogorelec, “so yes.” For multiple families, Pope Pius transcended decades, or sometimes even generations, of Catholic education.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Bringing family together Such was the case for Chris Wolfer’s family. One of the five Wolfer siblings, Wolfer graduated Pope Pius in 1983, making him a member of the final graduating class. Even still, his Pope Pius legacy is a bit more unique. “My claim to fame is that I’m actually the last graduate,” said Wolfer, 56. All of Wolfer’s siblings attended Catholic school. The Pope Pius graduates included Donna (Class of 1975), Curt (Class of 1980), and Kamille (Class of 1981). Wolfer’s brother Erik attended Paul VI. The closure of Pope Pius marked something bigger for Wolfer, as well as for perhaps many other former students in the area who attended local Catholic schools. “At the moment [while graduating], sadness comes to mind,” said Wolfer. “Knowing that the establishment was going to be no longer.” “It was one of those things where you see the numbers dwindling and can see the writing on the wall that maybe it’s just a matter of time,” he continued. “Like many Catholic private schools [as they] slowly fade out.” Today, Wolfer lives in Newfoundland in West Milford with his wife of 30 years, Michele. Together, they have two daughters, Alexis, 28, and Alison, 25. Looking back, Wolfer places a high value on his education at Pope Pius. “We were a very diverse school even though we were small,” said Wolfer. “There is something to be

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

From the Class of 1965, from left, Alan Francis Savitt, Janice Marianne Orson, Gerald Steven Waller, Joseph Albert Puskas, Linda Mary Reo, Mike Anthony Eulo, Patricia Ellen Wendell, Raymond J. Braun, Stephen Pogorelec.

said for growing up with the morals and ethics of being involved in a church community.” Steve Sokolewicz can also attest to the benefit of growing up in a church community. While Wolfer is unique in his own family as the last member to attend Pope Pius, Sokolewicz has unique circumstances as well. His family’s legacy at Pope Pius stretched throughout the generations. His father, Wally, graduated in 1949 and began working as an English teacher at the school in 1969. Wally eventually moved into guidance and was the school’s athletic director from 1976 to 1983. Meanwhile, Sokolewicz’s mother, Estelle, graduated in 1954 and was the high school’s secretary until it closed. As for his siblings, in attendance was his oldest brother, Joe (Class of 1977), his second older brother, Wally, Jr. (Class of 1978), and his sister, Cathy. “There was no doubt that I was going to go there,” said Sokolewicz, 51. “My sister, Cathy, made it to freshman year before they shut it down in 1983. I was in seventh grade when it closed.” Now on a different path than his parents and siblings, Sokolewicz started high school at Paul VI and later graduated from CHS in 1988. Despite the abrupt change in plans, Sokolewicz readily acknowledged the benefits of attending CHS. One of those benefits was that since he lived in Clifton, he was able to spend more time with the friends that he made through the Boys & Girls Club and other places. Clifton also offered him a host of opportunities. “I remember computers as being something that kind of enticed me to Clifton,” said Sokolewicz. “I was also a cross country runner and it was a pretty good team back then.” Sokolewicz, who lives in Wayne, went on to become a history teacher. He taught in Rutherford Public Schools,

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Richard Torregrossa, ’65, married Margo Bowerfind,’64. The couple will celebrate their 53rd anniversary on July 13.

and he taught for five years at CHS. Still, although Pope Pius is now a memory from the past, the community it offered remains vivid. “What the Catholic Church is missing out on is that,” said Sokolewicz. “That sense of community and extended family that you come to count on and you rely upon was like one long story; it did not necessarily have a beginning or ending.” Sokolewicz added that it was the memories of Sunday Bingos, basketball games, and school plays that helped establish who they all became as individuals.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

At left, the Valley Rally 1969, Jody Pihokker today and in 1970, Rosemary (Schweighardt) Van Laere.

“Pope Pius was a special time, I think, in all of our lives. My family grew up there,” said Sokolewicz. “It played so many different roles for us in our lives.” “It wasn’t a simple, ‘This is where I work,’” Sokolewicz continued. “This was kind of our home.” School spirit for the ages If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane, Jody (Walsh) Pihokker has a piece of advice. “Just say ‘Valley Rally’ to anyone in my class, and they’ll know exactly what you’re referring to,” said Pihokker, Class of 1970. The Pope Pius alumna remembers May of her junior year like it was yesterday. The seniors organized their Senior Cut Day. That day, they were instructed by the principal to leave and remove their cars from the municipal parking lot. The thing was, they didn’t return for the rest of the day. That set a precedent for Pihokker’s class the following September. A graduating class that she described as already having a reputation as “rowdy rule breakers”, she said the administration was on high alert. “The scene has been set,” said Pihokker. “Now for the action.” Each year before school on the Friday ahead of the season’s first football game, the students held a pep rally. The rally would always begin at The Hot Grill. The cars were decorated, the cheerleaders wore their uniforms and everyone was excited despite the common knowledge that their football team was never anything to brag about.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

To that point, the team only won a single game out of 27 games since Pihokker’s freshman year. After cheering and getting energized, the students were meant to park their cars and go into the school to start the day. But that Friday in September of 1969 looked different. “How exciting to be driving around the school in my trusty blue Ford Fairlane,” said Pihokker, “which was beautifully decorated with posters and blue and gold crepe paper. There were 10 kids piled inside the car—still don’t know how everyone fit.” “Then, suddenly, our class president called out to everyone, ‘We’re going to Valley!’” Nobody asked any questions. That Sunday, they were set to play Our Lady of the Valley in Orange, NJ, which was almost 30 minutes away. Pihokker recalled a few passengers exited from her car—and off they went. Unprecedented, there were 28 cars, among which were 215 students, traveling down the Garden State Parkway. Although it was mostly seniors, there were also juniors and a few sophomores among them. From there, they cruised down Main Street, then South Orange Avenue and straight to the high school. “What a sight,” said Pihokker. “All of those students and the nuns from Valley, hanging out the window, probably cursing us as we rode around the school, honking those ever-lovin’ horns and yelling back.” After one or two trips around the block, the students returned to Pope Pius and were met with an irate vice principal who ordered them to the gymnasium. “It dawned on us like the proverbial ton of bricks [that] the administration was responsible for us during school hours and if anything awful had happened, they would be in serious trouble,” said Pihokker. “Luckily, nothing did happen to us, and we were the ones in serious trouble.” The punishment, as she recalled, included staying after school in silence, three days of in-school suspension, and receiving zeroes on any tests given during the three days.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

Janet (Looney) Kolano (1962), Carol Resch in (1968), Sandra (Shusda) Bell (1962), Rosemary (Schweighardt) Van Laere (1972), Angela Giunta Williamson (1969).

Pihokker readily admits the actions of the day were wrong and it was a potential disaster waiting to happen. Still, she said the Valley Rally gave her fantastic memories that remained with her. There was one other added benefit of the day. “Oh, by the way, we won the game 20-10!” The supportive teachers The spirit of Pope Pius is strong in its former students, but the students are steadfast in acknowledging the teachers who helped them succeed beyond Jefferson Street. One of those students who credited their teachers was Sandra (Shusda) Bell. Bell graduated in 1962 and entered the STEM field prior to its creation in the early 2000s. Pope Pius influenced the way that she viewed women and her understanding of the careers they could pursue. “By far the biggest influence on me personally was having women—nuns—teaching biology, chemistry, physics, and math,” said Bell. “The public schools had primarily men teaching science and math.” Bell came in first in physics during her junior year at the Pope Pius Science Fair. What made it even more remarkable? It was a year before she took the school’s physics course. Bell later majored in chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University and earned a PhD in organic an-

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

alytical chemistry from George Washington University and Georgetown University. Perhaps it was only inevitable that she would become part of a well-known administration. Bell, who has since retired to the Chesapeake Bay, worked as a research chemist and Branch Chief for 40 years at the US Food and Drug Administration in DC, across from the Capitol. Those early influences at Pope Pius undeniably made all the difference. “I always thought that [the sciences and math] were girls’ subjects and I could excel at all of them just like my smart young nuns,” said Bell. Pat (Hayes) Wotruba and Rosemary (Schweighardt) Van Laere both separately echoed the belief that their Pope Pius teachers made a big difference for them. For Wotruba, she only spent her senior year at the high school. She moved from Brooklyn, New York to Clifton. What she remembers is the warm reception she received as a senior. “My memories are wonderful, mostly of how welcoming my classmates were,” said Wotruba (Class of 1957). “I have lost contact, but frequently think of Rose Marie Farina and Mary Ann Covich.” She acknowledged the nuns who taught at Pope Pius. In particular, Wotruba enjoyed Glee Club with Sr. Jeanne D’Arc. Wotruba added that Sr. Leo Vincent was compassionate and supportive. After graduating from Pope Pius, Wotruba attended St. Joseph’s Hospital for the nursing program. “All the Dominicans taught us to be avid Christians and educated us to meet the challenges of the world ahead of us,” said Wotruba. “I am proud to be a graduate.” Fifteen years later, Van Laere (Class of 1972) went on to pursue a similar path after high school. During her four years at Pope Pius, she knew she wanted to be a nurse like her aunt and sister. First she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for four years. Then, she returned to school full-time to become a Registered Nurse.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History

At a 2010 Class of ‘65 reunion, some of the kids you’ll find in this story, from left: Joe Puskus, Mike Eulo, Rich Torregrossa, Kathy Whalen, Pat Wendell, Ray Braum, Janice Orson and Linda Reo.

Van Laere, 68, retired last September after working for 47 years at St. Mary’s General Hospital. She lived in the same house in Clifton for her entire life until last December when she moved to Chester, New York. A mother to two daughters and grandmother to six grandchildren, Van Laere appreciated the support Pope Pius offered its students. “Our high school was very encouraging and helped us in any way that they could,” said Van Laere. “The resources were more limited then than they are now, but I remember going to the guidance counselor and whatever they could do, they would help you.” Ties that bind The closeness of Pope Pius’ alumni should not be underestimated and Richard Torregrossa will be the first to say so. The 1965 grad lives in Wayne today with his Class of ’64 wife, Margo (Bowerfind) Torregrossa. He is a father of two daughters, Diana Tate, 52, and Tina Oesterle, 49, as well as a grandfather of four. Torregrossa also has two younger brothers, John and Joseph. John attended Pope Pius for one year, but both brothers graduated at CHS. Like many after high school, Torregrossa remained close to some classmates and lost touch with others. However, social media helped bridge the gap. “As a class, we have stuck together,” said Torregrossa, 73. “Of course, Facebook and the internet made communication a lot easier.” Torregrossa was class vice president and ran the high school reunions, from the 10th to the 50th. While at Pope Pius, Torregrossa was a top mile

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

runner, mere seconds from setting the school record that was held by Ken Perry, Class of 1964. Perry’s record was 4:23, whereas Torregrossa’s best time was 4:27. Today, what keeps the class youthful and close is making time to reunite with classmates whenever possible. Prior to COVID-19, there were four events they held during the year. These were known as “The Fall Ball”, a Christmas party, and then a “Spring Fling” and “Summer Splash.” “It’s almost like reliving high school,” said Torregrossa, “but obviously you can’t live in the past.” As for the past memories, the Class of 1965 graduates were not alone in some great ones. Class of 1969 graduate Angela (Giunta) Williamson also recalled fun times spent along with classmates on the way to school. “I have very fond memories of my high school years, of caring teachers and friends that I still socialize with today,” said Williamson. “The ride to school on the Richfield bus provided much entertainment and laughs; it was our social time.” Williamson’s bus stop was by the Fire House in Richfield, and from there the route took them down Van Houten Avenue to Clifton Avenue, Lexington Avenue, and then Hoover Avenue in Passaic. The sites they passed included The Quarantine Station, complete with camels, giraffes, horses and sheep, The Black Prince Distillery sheep, and The Clif. “At each bus stop, new personalities boarded, adding to the merriment,” said Williamson. “There were no seat belts and we flew all over the bus when the driver applied the brakes, [but] it was all part of the fun.”

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Pope Pius High School • Nostalgia & History Williamson and her classmates frequented local spots like Mario’s, Hot Grill, and the White Castle; and they still do today. After graduating high school, Williamson attended Upsala College and majored in Fine Arts, Art Education and Elementary Education. Before moving, she taught Kindergarten in Clifton for five years. For the last six years, she has lived locally and worked for Jackson Education in Denville as their Director of Client Services.

Joe (Class of 1977); Wally (Class of 1978), Steve and Cathy Sokolewicz.

Exposure to new people There is a consensus among Pope Pius alumni that beyond academics and extracurriculars, the school also offered them the chance to meet people of different backgrounds. In some cases, it was the first time students were meeting people of different ethnicities and from different towns. Such was the case for Class of 1968 grad Carol (Resch) Leach. Leach, a former teacher and language arts supervisor in Clifton, went to St. Andrew’s before attending Pope Pius, so she was used to knowing essentially those who lived in her neighborhood. “At Pope Pius … there were students coming in from all different Catholic schools, and it was exciting to meet new people,” said Leach, 70. “They also weren’t too far away sometimes, so you could see them outside of school.” Leach is a mother of three and lives with her husband, Bob, in Bayville. The chance to meet all types of people, she said, was a crucial to their development.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“You kind of found out who you were and what made you be drawn to different kinds of people,” said Leach. “I think it was important.” Stephen Heron offered a similar perspective. The 1970 grad lives with his wife, Jeri (Hamond) Heron, in Chula Vista, California and is father to his step-children, Todd and Leslie, and his and Jeri’s daughter, Sara. Heron acknowledged the closure of so many Catholic schools, especially in this area, and the fact that he attended parochial schools for 12 years. “I attribute the person that I am today primarily to my parents, but also to the Catholic schools and the people in the Catholic schools that I attended,” said Heron, 69. “I got to meet people from Garfield, Passaic, Paterson, Rutherford.” During high school, Heron was known to his classmates as “Homer Heron” after he helped the football team break a three-year losing streak. The nickname stuck for the rest of high school once the Herald News wrote about how he made “a leaping, Homer Jones type catch” in an unprecedented win over East Rutherford in 1968. Heron, who is amazed by the people he is in contact with again through Facebook, credited the school for giving him these long-lasting relationships over 50 years ago. “For a kid from Clifton at the time, it was my only and first exposure to that kind of diversity,” said Heron. “It really did expose me to people from a much broader community.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

2021 Boys & Girls Club of Clifton YOUTH OF THE YEAR By Ariana Puzzo

Rawan Awadalla may have only joined the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton two years ago, but the CHS junior is the embodiment of dedication, perseverance and commitment to education and wellness. Those are among the reasons why she is deserving of the BGCC’s Youth of the Year Award. Awadalla was among the students who were recognized by the BGCC on March 22 at the Club. The Youth of the Year premier recognition program has celebrated Club members’ exemplary achievements since 1947. The award is open to members ages 16-18 and provides the recipient with $3,000. Each year, the BGCC selects one exceptional member as the Youth of the Year. The process of becoming the National Youth of the Year starts in Clifton and then continues to the New Jersey, New England regional, and then national level. At any level, the Youth of the Year recipient is an individual who embodies leadership and service values, as well as academic excellence and a healthy lifestyle. To that end, supporting the BGCC children both emotionally and academically has always been Awadalla’s main priority. “The feeling of knowing students are looking up to me is indescribable and it inspired me to take action and become the role model that I want them to learn from and look up to,” said Awadalla (CHS ’22). “I wanted them to know that nothing is out of reach; you can accomplish anything you put your mind [to] - you just have to have passion.” It was that passion that brought Awadalla, 17, to the Club when she entered CHS. However, she was drawn to the Club at an even earlier age. April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Rawan Awadalla is the 2021 Youth of the Year. The scholarship is presented by Corradino & Papa LLC, Personal Injury Lawyers. From left, C&P’s RC Papa, Raffaella Selvaggio, Barbara Sedorenko with Rawan’s parents Hassnian and Manar.

When Awadalla was in first grade, it was the first time that she was in a classroom with students who only spoke English. The experience trying to understand her first grade teacher, as well as her ESL teacher, exacerbated an already stressful adjustment period. It was during a Back-to-School Night that she heard about the BGCC. The promise of meeting students from different backgrounds excited her, but Awadalla’s mother’s work schedule wasn’t conducive for pick-ups and drop-offs. “I remember how devastated I was, going back to school and seeing all of the students who participated and were members of the Club,” said Awadalla. “They always seemed to be the brightest, socially active, and most creative students. They stuck out from the rest.” “The Club was able to provide them with so much, enabling them to reach their full potential.”

Once she entered high school, she made it her goal to “chase my childhood dream” and get involved with the BGCC. The experience, she said, was even better than Awadalla imagined that it could be when she was 7-years-old. Awadalla began volunteering as a counselor’s aid and would help students with their homework assignments. More than that, she strove to be more than a mentor - she became their friend. It was a chance for students to ask her about high school and how she started playing volleyball, and it was an experience that Awadalla eagerly embraced. Throughout high school, Awadalla has proven her commitment to ensuring a more inclusive and respected community. A major part of that took place during her sophomore year when she and her friends pitched starting a Diversity and Inclusion Coalition.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

2021 B&G Club Youth of the Year The goal was to implement it into the Board of Education to help diversify faculty and give a platform for people to discuss racial equality and social issues that affect Clifton students. “I, myself, had struggled with the lack of diverse representation in our public school system,” said Awadalla. “We gained support from [Superintendent Danny Robertozzi] to establish it … hoping to spread awareness on cultural sensitivity.” “When we start getting a wide perspective of students from greater backgrounds,” Awadalla continued, “it helps everyone gain more fully in educational experiences, whether it is as a student or a teacher.” When Awadalla considers the BGCC, she recognizes that the organization provides a great deal on the “giving and receiving ends.” By that assessment, members and staff get to see children grow into future leaders while students can grow in an environment that not only encourages diversity, but also celebrates it. “The Boys & Girls Club will forever hold a special and important place in my heart,” said Awadalla. “No matter where I end up in life, I know that I will always give back to the organization that shaped me into becoming the leader that I am today.”

Garv Goswami, center, was the recipient of the John & Margaret Kungl Technology Award. From left is his brother Soham, father Bhavesh and mom Naha. At right is Club Operations Director John DeGraaf. Below, the Club’s Alumni Award winner is Giselle Cruz. From left: her dad and mom Francisco and Adelaida with Alumni members Barbara Dobol and Tim Kennedy.

A Home-Run Kid Amanda Bruno may still be considering her future ambitions, but it’s safe to say that she’ll knock whatever she does “out of the park.” Bruno (CHS ’22) has spent most of her life as a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. She began swimming lessons at age 4 and later participated in the After School Program at School 17. Last month, Bruno was presented with the BGCC’s Board Scholarship Award.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The $1,000 award is from the Club’s Scholarship Account and is open to members ages 16-18 with plans to pursue a post-secondary degree. “[The Club] has taught me how to work hard to achieve my dreams and to never give up,” said Bruno, 16. Bruno has played softball since age 5. The BGCC assisted her in applying for the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Scholarship Award, which has helped her continue playing as she got older. The scholarship will also help her pursue softball in college. “I would not be the person that I am today without the Club,” said Bruno. “They have helped me with

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

2021 B&G Club Youth of the Year my softball career, leadership skills, involving myself with the community, and [have made] it easier to take on so much responsibility with handling sports [and] my education.” Being Enough... to Grow Finding our own light and feeling secure in our identities can be a lifelong challenge. Luckily for Giselle Cruz, the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton offered her the support to build that confidence in herself. Cruz, 16, was the recipient of the BGCC’s Alumni Award. The award is a $2,000 award from BGCC alumni for an individual who plans to pursue a post-secondary degree. Cruz is a junior at Passaic County Technical Institute, and she hopes to study finance and/or business at Columbia University. The BGCC has been a part of Cruz’s life since she started swimming there at age 10. “I was always judged by my appearance; not being ‘Hispanic’ enough for some people or not being ‘American’ enough for others,” said Cruz. “These constant harmless jokes that passed people’s minds in 10 minutes stay with me to this day.”

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Amanda Bruno, center, was the recipient of the Board of Trustees scholarship. She is pictured with Executive Director Bob Foster and her mom Loralee.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

2021 B&G Club Youth of the Year “The Club allowed me confidence in my ability and boosted my self-image.” Cruz has volunteered with food and coat drives, as well as the summer camp and other Club events. These opportunities have meant everything to her and she believes have made her a better person. “The Club showed me how to find peace in myself by doing selfless deeds for others.” The Club Kid to Watch Reign Samuel De Leon knows dreams can change, but Reign Samuel De Leon was awarded the President’s Scholarship. Pictured above is his his passion for swimming redad, Raul, mom Rosa with Beverly and Richard Mariso, who is the Board President. mains steadfast thanks to the Below, Arianna Frias received the Early Childhood Award from presentor MaryJo FosBoys & Girls Club of Clifton. ter, with dad Arcadio, brother Nicholas, mom Tina and co-presentor Patty Lavender. De Leon, a senior at Saddle Brook High School, was 4-years-old when he began swimming at the Club. He received the President’s Scholarship, a $1,500 award from the Scholarship Fund for members currently in their senior year with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Giving back to his community by becoming a lifeguard and a swim instructor was a no-brainer. “My relationship with my instructors was heavily rooted in trust, which made it easy to quickly learn.” said De Leon, 17. “My coaches believed in me more than I ever could After reaching Level 3 at and pushed me to extraordinary achievements,” said De age 5, De Leon joined the Clifton Seahawks, becoming Leon. the “swimmer to watch.” He continued improving and by age 10, he qualified for the New Jersey All Star Zone A Pair of Helping Hands team. When Arianna Frias considers her 14 years at the De Leon was second at the Boys & Girls Club NaBoys & Girls Club, she not only feels a sense of familtionals - breaking the Nationals’ meet record - and was iarity. The Club offers Frias resilient hope, along with the junior olympic champion in four events while rea path to a brighter future for each person who walks ceiving the New Jersey high point award. He will attend through its doors. the Ramapo College of New Jersey as a nursing major.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The BGCC recognized Frias’ achievements with the MaryJo Anzaldi-Foster and Patricia Lavender Scholarship. The award provides $1,500 from alumni and is open to members pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. For Frias, 16, the BGCC encouraged her to work hard to improve and maintain her grades. It was also an environment where she wanted to help other children do the same. “As I helped those that needed it for the past three years, I have realized that everyone needs a push in the right direction,” said Frias (CHS ’22), “and learning how to get there only needs a spark ignited from hope.” Frias expressed gratitude for the BGCC and Mrs. Debra, both of whom gave her the opportunity to help others in the same way that she was once helped. “The Club’s infamous logo … fits its purpose perfectly,” said Frias. “The hands are not dainty and frail, but rather calloused and rough from working hard to help others.” A Lifelong Enthusiasm Even after a decade, Garv Goswami remembers the day he joined the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton and how

he felt that day. Goswami recalled the laughter of children and how it encouraged him to embrace the unfamiliar environment. “Their laughter was reassuring,” said Goswami, 16. “Surely a place worthy of such joy was nothing to dread.” The Nutley High School junior was honored with the John & Margaret Kungl Technology Scholarship. The $1,500 scholarship is open to members ages 16-18 who have plans of pursuing a degree in STEM/Tech Ed or a related technology field of study. Goswami’s early years at the Club saw him excel and advance through the swimming levels. Eventually, he tried out for the Clifton Seahawks Swim Team and he made the competitive club after his second tryout. Pure determination and a love for swimming encouraged him at that time. “The tight-knit community between my coaches and fellow swimmers is one that will stay with me forever,” said Goswami. “If 6-year-old me knew what was waiting for him beyond the doors of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton,” he continued, “I’m sure he would have had the same enthusiasm as those kids he saw laughing on his first day.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Covid Angels

By Ariana Puzzo

Cutting Through Red Tape And Getting Folks Vaccinated Although COVID-19 vaccines can be hard to come by during these times, it helps to have a guardian angel. Or, rather, a “COVID Vaccine Angel.” Led by Cliftonite Jessica Farrell, along with her friend Kristin Triolo Garibell, the two women are behind the Facebook group, “Northern N.J. COVID Vaccine Angels.” The group has nearly 2,000 members, with 20 volunteers who schedule vaccine appointments as they are made available to those eligible. Farrell said that the supportive feedback they receive is tremendous. “Everyone is extremely grateful, especially the senior citizen population that really has difficulty with technology and navigating through the process,” said Farrell, 42. “It’s also not just senior citizens who are having trouble — the rollout has not been that smooth. We needed to help the general public.” That help is also highly rewarding. The emotional moments of appreciation stick with the two women, Some of the Covid Angels from left: Melissa Morales, Laurie Zampella, Laura Gemignani, Dan Marino, Kristin Garibell, Danielle Quinlan, Tejal Desai, Jessica Farrell, Sherry Avella, Laurie Jaeger, Tammy Castro

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

who became friends at age 10 when they met in sixth grade at CCMS. The two then graduated from CHS in 1997 and attended Seton Hall University together. Their friendship is one built on a deep trust for one another. “I always say with Jessica - if I needed a friend, she’s the girl that I’d call at 3 am and she’d be there,” said Garibell, 41. “That’s who we are, and we don’t like seeing people struggle.” “We found something we’re good at doing and are able to give our efforts to other people and that makes you feel good,” Garibell continued. “We’re not looking for anything in return. The happiness (of the people they schedule) makes us happy.” Right Click, Right Time Today, both women are teachers. Farrell, who lives in Clifton, is a special education teacher at CHS. Garibell lives in Verona and she teaches the third grade at Hilldale Elementary School in Montville. When they originally were scheduling appointments, it was for family and friends who were struggling with the portals. Eventually, Farrell decided to put all of the information that she possessed into a Facebook page so she could direct people to one spot.

COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Clinics Wednesdays by APPOINTMENT ONLY* Clifton High School 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS ONLY

Appointments can be made using the Solv Health Appointment Portal, which will open every Friday at 3:00 pm. Number of open slots depends on number of doses received from the State. The Solv Health Appointment Portal link will be posted on: Visit the City of Clifton’s webpage: https://www.cliftonnj.org/ Follow the Clifton Health Department on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cliftonhealth Follow the Clifton Health Department on Instagram: @cliftonhealth

*Dates and times are subject to change based on doses received and weather conditions.

Clifton residents ages 65 and older can call 973-470-2039 for assistance. This is an automated system and a Health Department employee will return your call as soon as possible. To find other vaccination sites, please visit passaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax and the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov Please continue to be patient due to the overwhelming and unprecedented demand for this vaccine.

The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency serving the Township of Little Falls. Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Covid Angels What came next was creating a Google Form and soon several hundred people were asking for their help. To date, they have scheduled appointments for over 1,200 people. The stories of fear and loss are also what motivate them to continue pushing forward and helping others. “A close neighbor and friend of mine who’s like family now lost both of his parents within days of each other in April,” said Farrell. “I watched his struggle and fear and what the family has been through, and it makes you realize how scary the virus is and how it can change a family.” Then, in January, another good friend of Farrell’s lost her mother to the virus. “Every appointment that I make,” said Farrell, “I do to honor those [who passed], and I hope no one else has to go through that.” Among their helpers are each of their children, Aiden Farrell, 14, and Taylor Garibell, 12. “They’re ready to roll and are so good with it,” said Garibell. “It’s showing them how to give to others and how to do things selflessly that has nothing to do with you other than making someone feel good.” Find the “Vaccine Angels” on Facebook by searching: Northern N.J. COVID Vaccine Angels.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

In the process of arranging a photo for this story, Editor Tom Hawrylko not only set up the photo on the previous page but Jessica Farrell scheduled the senior citizen for a vaccine shot. He is seen receiving the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Clara Maass Medical Center from pharmacist Lakhini Vyas on March 16.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Executive Chef Beverly Lacsina Reignites... Friday, April 16 marks the reopening of Corso 98 under the ownership and culinary direction of Clifton’s Beverly Lacsina. Corso 98 was a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant for 22 years but closed last September. The attached bakery, Cucina 98, remained and continues to offer intriguing confections and classic Italian goods. Now with Executive Chef Beverly Lacsina at the helm, she has reignited the quaint dining spot near the NJ Transit Walnut St. station. “I will be taking full reigns of both the bakery and restaurant, while my partners, Elio and Lisa Marie Suriano, will continue to focus on their own passion project - La Serra Garden Center, located in Totowa,” said Lacsina. “I am giving them breathing room to pursue their dreams while they are giving me a platform to pursue my own,” she added. “It is a wonderful partnership which connects and continues the Corso 98 legacy.”

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Don’t miss the Saturday Morning Homemade Ravioli with Elio Suriano and “Mama” Lucia.

Those who know

Beverly Lacsina will agree that April 16 was inevitable. The CHS ‘08 grad and rising culinary star is now Executive Chef-Partner of Corso 98, located at 98 Walnut St. in Montclair.

From left...

Anthony Gretina Head Pastry Chef Bailee Boyko Lead Baker & Food Stylist Esmeralda Ospina Baker

Lacsina’s team includes, Lisa Marie and Elio Suriano, Anthony Gretina, Head Pastry Chef; Bailee Boyko, Lead Baker and Food Stylist; Esmeralda Ospina, Baker; and Luis Jimenez, Line Cook. While this venture puts her as Corso 98’s top chef, it is a role she knows well. Lacsina has spent the 11 years in the hospitality industry. Her career began in New Brunswick at Stage Left Steak & Catherine Lombardi Restaurants, working under Mark Pascal and Francis Schott. “They single-handedly inspired my passions of this industry, of all different types of food, fine wines and spirits, and the dining experience overall,” said Lacsina. While working for them in 2016, she attended Vinitaly in Verona, Italy. The trip reaffirmed her love for all things Italian.

In 2018, Lacsina was named Service Director and Assistant General Manager at Felina Restaurant and Events in Ridgewood under Chef Anthony Bucco. “He showed me the ins and outs of ownership both metaphorically and physically,” said Lacsina. “Anyone who has worked with me knows I am a very hands-on manager and always willing to step in where I can with the understanding that dining is an experience, almost like putting on a show.” Now her hospitality and culinary skills will rise in Montclair at 98 Walnut St. “Making this happen every day is what gives me the feeling of authentic Italian that you only taste in Italy or your Italian friend’s grandma’s house,” said Lacsina, who is Filipino-American. “But I’m proud to offer authentic Italian back again at Corso 98.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

One of the greatest sources of revenue for the Boys & Girls Club is the six weekly Bingo games. After the Covid shutdown, the games are now back and live in the Bingo Hall at 181 Colfax Ave. Prize awards are approximately $2,000 per night and even more with progressive Bingo games. Games start at 7:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon on Saturday. For more info, call John DeGraaf at 973-773-0966 x111.

Bingo is back at The Club: left front, Kathy Illescas, Tracy Cirasuolo, Linda Scancarello, Chris Rizzuto. In rear, John DeGraaf, Joe Holmes, Linda Declet, Patty Jewell.

Clifton Community Police Officers David Pereda, Kevin Collucci and Randy Colondres met with parents and kids from Clifton PRAISE, a community based parent support group for special needs children and adults. The idea is to foster communication and build a relationship with police officers for the benefit of our children and adults with disabilities. For more information about PRAISE, email cliftonpraise@gmail.com.

Joe Cupoli: the Million Dollar Man of Operation Hope. The former Clifton Councilman has set a 10 week goal of raising $1 million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancers. He did a campaign in 2019 (he’s on the cover at right) and raised $179,000 for the New Jersey chapter. As a result, he was named 2019 Man of the Year. For 2021, he is running for a national title—LLS All Star—and is working with Garden State candidates to raise $1 million before the campaign concludes in mid-June. He has plenty of fundraising ideas. Go to operationhopells.com for more details.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

By Tom Szieber

L VE i

CHS

There was serious hype about the Clifton football team heading into their 2018 season opener against Northern Highlands. The Mustangs were legit title contenders with a host of stars, including running back David Martinez and quarterback Armani Brinson. Clifton fans wanted to see them kick off the year against the Highlanders. The only problem was that the game was taking place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. And while they were proud that Clifton had the honor of playing on such hallowed ground, the members of Mustang Nation who could not travel for the game were upset that they would likely miss the action. Then Mark Mecca came to the rescue. The history teacher and then-Clifton assistant coach MacGyvered an Apple MacBook into a makeshift

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

A screen shot of a recent broadcast, on air host Vincent Cianicullo and director Nevaly Placencia.

camera, focusing it on one of the in-stadium monitors, and streamed it to his personal Facebook page. CHS staff projected the stream onto a screen in the school auditorium, and just like that, a chunk of the Clifton student body was glued to their team’s 28-14 Friday afternoon victory. The response left no doubt in Mecca’s mind that the broadcast was the start of something big. “It just exploded,” Mecca recalled. “Just seeing the number of people who were watching, I was amazed. I knew we had to start livestreaming games regularly. Tom [Mullahey] was always supportive of it, and Ralph [Cinque] was, too. We fundraised for it and it just evolved into what it is today.” That would be a multi-game-per-week operation that broadcasts nearly every Clifton sport, providing coverage in 1080p on YouTube and BoxCast and 720p

on Facebook (Facebook account: Clifton Live Sports) and Twitter (@mark.mecca5). The product obtained increased utility when the COVID-19 pandemic put limitations on the number of spectators that were allowed to attend scholastic sporting events. The ability to stream gave families and fans the ability to be part of the games without being at the venues, and even gave access to people in other states and countries. And it is all for free—a big advantage over unaffiliated media services that charge a fee for a similar broadcast. “I prided myself on this being free,” said Mecca. “We had the option to charge if we wanted to. But it isn’t for the money, it is for our kids.” Football games have averaged around 2,200 views, with the 2020 season opener against Colonia drawing over 4,000. A recent swim meet had over 1,000 views in five countries. The program has been a true team effort, starting at the top. The Clifton Board of Education and su-

perintendent Dr. Danny Robertozzi deserve credit for recognizing the importance of providing exposure for the district’s athletes, as well as the need to stay modern—something past boards and administrations often failed to do. CHS Principal Mike Doktor’s support has been important, as has that of Mullahey, the school’s athletic director. “It is something we have been talking about for about two years now, but it was very complicated at first because we couldn’t use the school’s wi-fi due to BoxCast needing to get behind the district’s firewall,” Mullahey said. “Basically, we had to get our own line and ethernet. It was well worth it.” The productions got assistance from Technology Department Director Eric Mountain and Network Coordinator Jeff Horn, who facilitated the expansion of the livestreams from both CHS gyms and purchased two LiveU Solos (encoders that essentially provide the capability to stream to anywhere).

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Clifton, NJ 07012 Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

CHS L VE

Also integral were Communications Director Samantha DeRose, who helped promote the broadcasts and create the Clifton Live Sports page, CHS phys ed teacher Michelle Shackil, who has provided a faculty presence on camera duty and CHS CAST teacher Mike McCunney, whose students are the heart and soul of the productions. The outstanding crew includes senior director Nevaly Placencia, senior camerawoman Briana Vinci and junior cameraman Max Rubin, who have collectively given the broadcasts a very professional look. And of course, there is senior commentator Vincent Cianicullo, who has become known as the “Voice of the Mustangs.” With a deep passion for sports journalism, Cianicullo hopes to make a career of his current avocation. He seems to be on the right track, having developed some great habits at a young age. He has been disciplined enough to set aside prep time—an essential for a broadcaster—to make sure he is familiar with both teams, as well as their histories and tendencies. He shows up early and is familiar with the production equipment, and also studies the pros on television, YouTube and other media, analyzing their styles and methods. It has resulted in a product that is—to put it simply—excellent.

CHS History teacher Mark Mecca, CHS AD Tom Mullahey and Clifton Schools Network Coordinator Jeff Horn.

“I always watch professionals do it and write specific terms that I like and use them in my commentary,” Ciancullo said. “And I always think of certain scenarios and what I would say [as they occur during the broadcast]. This is my passion, and I am really thankful to have such a great crew. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to do this. They all do an excellent job and I am so grateful to have them come in and do what they do.” And the best part is that the broadcasts will only get better as the program develops.

American Flag Retirement Ceremony

Troop 23 Eagle Scout candidate Lukas Kulesa organized an American Flag Retirement Ceremony at VFW Post 7165 on Valley Rd. on March 27. “The flags are burned to retire them. You separate the stripes from the stars, burn them separately, and bury the ashes,” explained Kulesa, a 16-year-old junior at CHS. Members of Troop 23 and the VFW helped to retire over 3,000 American flags in a “proper, dignified way of destroying United States flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation.”

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

MUSTANG SPORTS Notwithstanding a few hiccups, the Clifton girls volleyball team is looking like a team heading in the right direction. Led by new head coach Jorge Rodriguez, the Mustangs have won five of their first seven games, including one over rival Passaic County Tech that saw them rally from a first set loss. The Mustangs started the year with sweeps of Kennedy and North Bergen, before downing the Bulldogs, 20-25, 25-15, 25-15. Then, after a two-set victory over Passaic, they fell into a two-match skid, losing to Bergen Tech and Wayne Valley. They rebounded with a 26-24, 25-12 win over Cresskill on March 27. “They picked it up really well against Cresskill,” said Rodriguez. “It was the best they have played all-around as a team and it was the most exciting win in a sense. Our team showed that when they play the way they should be playing, they will be a hard team to stop.” Junior Kate Louer leads the team in kills, with 41, and digs, with 26. The Mustang wrestlers were off to a good start, as well, until they were forced into COVID-related shutdown. After losing their opener against West Essex on March 17, they rebounded to defeat Wayne Valley, 5721, despite trailing 12-0 early on. They crushed Eastside, 78-3, before being informed that they would need

RECAP

to take the two-week hiatus. The senior Stathopoulos brothers have been outstanding thus far. Chris, a 145-pounder, earned a 5-3 win over West Essex star Carson Barry and pinned Wayne Valley’s Adam Tsay in the third period, while Nick scored an 11-1 major decision over the Knights’ Mike Maglione and a third period fall against the Indians’ Tambi Samkough at 152. The wrestlers (2-1) return to action on April 6 against River Dell. Clifton’s boys and girls indoor track teams (who competed outdoor this winter due to the pandemic) both went undefeated in dual meets and also performed well in several invitational meets that took the place of this year’s Passaic County competition. The girls dominated in the Valley Polar Bear Championship hosted by Wayne Valley, scoring 133 points— way ahead of second-place Wayne Hills’ 59. Junior Katie Kakascik stood out, winning the 55-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump. The boys took second, finishing with 78 points—just shy of Passaic Valley’s 79. Junior Jacob Heredia won the 1600-meter run and the 3200-meter run. In their own Mustang Last Chance Invitational, both the boys and girls took first, with Kakascik again shining and seniors Mohammad Abedrabo and Omar Alshujaieh taking top two places, respectively, in the shot put.

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Birthdays & Celebrations - April 2021

Happy Birthday to.... Send dates & names .... tomhawrylkosr@gmail.com

The Hawrylko brothers; Joe turns 36 on April 27 and Tom Jr. is 34 on April 16. Damian Robert Calvo will be 15 on April 13. Mark Peterson is 68 on April 5. Pete Fierro turns 81 on April 18. Karen Goldey..................... Timothy Hayes.................... Stephanie L. Magaster......... Hetal Patel......................... Karen Schwartz.................. Raymond DeDios................ Carl DiGisi......................... Eric Homsany..................... JoEllen Kenney-Illenye.......... Kevin John Lord.................. Greg Alexander.................. Joey Scotto......................... Bo Franko.......................... Sabrina Greco.................... Wafa Othman.................... Mark Peterson.................... Bob Tanis........................... Joe Franek.......................... Sharon J. Koribanics............ Carmela Meglio.................. Jessica Mondelli.................. Emma Rozewski.................. Luke Kulesa........................ Donna Mangone................. George Sadiv..................... Patricia Colman.................. Sheryll Franko.................... Jackie Henderson................ Jeff Murcko........................

4/1 4/1 4/1 4/1 4/1 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/4 4/4 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/6 4/7 4/7 4/7 4/8 4/8 4/8 4/8

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Catherine Mastroberte turned 100 on March 29 and celebrated with four generations of her family as she was awarded a city proclamation marking the milestone. Signed by the seven council members, it was presented by Mayor Jimmy Anzaldi. Emma Gretina.................... 4/9 Kathy Krisinski.................... 4/9 Brian Firstmeyer................ 4/11 Leila Gasior...................... 4/11 Felipe Rivera.................... 4/11 Erin Smith........................ 4/11 Debbie Tucker.................. 4/11 Alice Shanley Babinski...... 4/12 Josh Ontell....................... 4/13

William Parks III................ 4/13 Alexander John Mosciszko. 4/14 Lisa Kulesa....................... 4/15 Adam Pienciak................. 4/15 Kurt Irizarry...................... 4/16 Robert Monzo.................. 4/16 Linda Humphrey................ 4/17 Joseph P. Koribanics.......... 4/17 Peter Fierro....................... 4/18

Alyse Turk turns 17on April 2. Maura Coleman............... Jason Dubnoff................... Jennifer O’Sullivan............ Bryan Rodriguez............... John Anderson.................. Jeff Camp........................ Greg Nysk....................... Alicia Rose Aste................ Lori Hart.......................... Alyssa Tucker.................... Bobby Ventimiglia............. Danny Gorun................... John Pogorelec, Jr............. Marc Scancarella.............. Katie Michelotti................. Brianna A. Pastore............ Klondike Tresca................ Buddy Czyzewski............. Stephanie Magaster.......... Jillian Mangone................ Annie Pogorelec............... Elise Termyna.................... Mike Grimaldi.................. Michael Press................... Peter Chudolij................... April Graham................... Stephen Camp, Jr.............. Paul Colman..................... Heather Halasz................. Christine Klein..................

4/19 4/19 4/19 4/19 4/20 4/20 4/21 4/22 4/22 4/22 4/22 4/23 4/23 4/23 4/25 4/25 4/25 4/26 4/26 4/26 4/26 4/26 4/27 4/27 4/28 4/28 4/29 4/29 4/29 4/29

Cliftonmagazine.com • April 2021

Birthdays & Celebrations - April 2021

On April 28, happy 42nd anniversary to big brother John & Donna Hawrylko. Frank and Lee Robinson will be celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary on April 12.

Casey and Eddie Bivaletz welcomed their first child Lyla Marie on March 21 at 8:15am.

April 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Hope is Here!

In these extraordinary times, hope may be the one thing we all need. To have hope is to want an outcome that makes our lives better. It can help make a tough situation more bearable, and improve our lives by helping us to envision a better future. At St. Joseph’s Health, we believe that hope lies within each and every one of us. From our dedicated caregivers and support staff to our community leaders and partners, hope is here. The desire to push on. The will to fight back. And, the understanding that we are all in this together.

We’ve come too far… to only come this far. Let’s finish this, New Jersey!

PATERSON | WAYNE | CEDAR GROVE

www.StJosephsHealth.org

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