Clifton Merchant Magazine - December 2020 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

My daughter Casey Hawrylko and Edward Bivaletz were married on a rainy Wednesday, Nov., 11, in a boathouse on beautiful Lake Rogerene, in Landing, where they live. They selected that day because Nov. 11, 2005 was when they officially became high school sweethearts. It is another chapter in their lives, and as the father of the bride, I am humbled to have blessed their marriage, asking God’s grace on them, and all of us who have helped, and will continue to guide them, along life’s path.

In a year that has been filled with far too many maladies, milestones and memories like a family union are what keep us going. While times may be troubling, we must celebrate the good things we can share while we do the best we can during our time on this earth. God bless us this Christmas season and happy holidays to all. The journey of 2021 will begin soon and I am certain more good days are to come for us all. Stay positive, and thank you for your support. 16,000 Magazines

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

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

What are your traditions and memories for the holiday season? That is the question we posted to our readers and friends via email and on social media. In response, they provided us plenty of stories and photos to fill the next 57 pages. At right, that’s a photo from 2019 when Santa and a team of volunteers from UPS made their annual visit to NJEDDA on Main Ave. in Downtown Clifton. Like many non-profits, this group still needs your support. Details on how you can contribute to NJEDDA are found on page 46. As far as that frequent flyer Santa, we have plenty of photos on his visits here. Below he is seen with Tom and Joe Hawrylko at School 5 in 1995 and outside Johnny’s Tavern in Botany Village in 2013. For the latest update on Santa’s 50th Annual Tour of Clifton, which begins in Acquackanonk Gardens at 3 pm, turn the page and read about his plans...

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Don’t fall for the Hallmark Channel’s various explanations of where Santa Claus lives and works. He can be found right here in Acquackanonk Gardens – at least when he’s not making his globetrotting journey on Christmas Eve which begins with the 50th Annual Tour De Clifton on Dec. 24. From 3 to 9 pm, Santa does his tour, escorted by the wailing sirens of firetrucks and patrol cars which can change by neighborhood. But you can’t miss Santa: he’ll be perched on a parade float, tossing candies, waving to the kids and visiting every street in our fair community. And much like Superman has an everyday cover identity as Clark Kent, the real Santa, most days, poses as lifelong, hard working and jolly Cliftonite Patrick M. Doremus, a 53-year-old veteran employee of the Department of Public Works. Santa, aka Patrick to unsuspecting neighbors, colleagues, and townfolk, calls Acquackanonk Gardens home along with his wife, Lee Ann, and sons, Patrick Jr., CHS Class of 2017, and David, who is now a sophomore at CHS.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Lee Ann was born in Acquackanonk Gardens, nestled near the sloping hills of Valley Rd., just off of Van Houten Ave., and has lived virtually her whole life there, save for a few brief months. Her mother, Arlene Bross, lives immediately next door. Lee Ann’s husband, by contrast, spent his early life in Delawanna, or “the wrong side of the tracks,” more than one family member asserted with a smile. In short, it’s a convincing cover story, complete with official Clifton records and not a single verbal slip from any of the Doremus family. And to be sure, on a recent visit to Van Wagoner Ave., Santa’s sleigh and reindeer and a few more elves were hidden from sight amidst several functioning sheds and tool houses. Meanwhile, something akin to a thinly disguised runway in Acquackanonk Park blended into autumn invisibility amidst the adjacent baseball field, basketball court, and toddlers playground. The ruse was nearly perfect.

The Santa tour began thanks to Tom Insinga and Mike Novack, pictured with Paul Graupe and Chuck Ranges.

Caught in dress rehearsal But Publisher Tom Hawrylko, with amazingly quick camera reflexes, captured Santa/Patrick and some helpers running through an early dress rehearsal in November – undoubtedly part of Santa’s annual preparation schedule. Caught on camera, Santa disappeared in the legendary blink of an eye. He shortly reappeared as Patrick Doremus in civilian clothes, and modestly – but merrily – consented to a living room interview. A steady, almost magically consistent fire in the real fireplace, fueled by ash wood, lent a holiday atmosphere to the discussion. Even before Santa was asked his first question, he fired off one of his own, inquiring if Hawrylko had brought his Christmas wish list. Then, with a laugh, he warned that the publisher had better behave. “I’ll be watching you,” he said as Hawrylko departed. Canvassing Clifton “So when did you know you were Santa Claus?” the visitor inquired, getting the interview under way. “I was walking through Clifton City Hall in November, 2014,” Santa recalled. “Mayor James Anzaldi walked out of his office. He looked me up and down and said, ‘You would fit.’”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Santa is a frequent flyer on our December covers: in 2015 with navigator David Doremus and with Bob Jaworski in 2013.

“‘Fit for what?’ I asked,” Santa said. “‘We’re looking for Santa,’ the mayor replied. There already is a Santa,’ I protested,” Santa recounted to his guest. But he also told the mayor, “’If you’re in a jam, I’ll take the job.’ The mayor told me to call home and ask my wife.” Mrs. Claus (Lee Ann) was enthusiastic. “I was all for it, 100%. It was perfect for my husband,” she said. Mrs. Claus also provided a transitional bridge; I went to school with Tom Insinga’s daughter, Karen,” she noted, allowing Cliftonites to connect the dots involving 50 years of city holiday tradition, founded by Insinga and Mike Novack in 1971. But if the offer was “perfect,” it was also short notice, giving Santa only one month to prepare for the 45th annual Christmas Eve tour. Still, Santa was ready in time, fitting his Clifton appearance into his global schedule, ready to carry on Clifton tradition. Each year Santa appears on his float, provided by Bond Parade Floats & Displays Co. A police car leads the procession, generally followed by a fire truck sounding its siren and a well-amplified, trademark Santa “Ho, ho, ho” coming from the float’s sound system, alerting all to Santa’s approach.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

In 2014, his rookie tour, “I suited up around 3 pm, and we got started at roughly 4. That got me back to the house at about 11 o’clock,” he said. “I just covered the whole town. We first covered the lower side of the city, then stopped at City Hall to drop off anyone who needed to leave, and then continued on.” “In a nutshell, they put me on the float, told me to hold on, and I had to say ‘Merry Christmas.’ I can do that,” he said. Son Patrick Jr. accompanied his dad for the entire trip, training for the future. “I had a blast,” Patrick Jr. said. Added his dad, “He waved to everyone for the entire trip, just as I did. But he wasn’t ready to bellow ‘Merry Christmas’ just yet.” For the most part, Mrs. Claus kept the home fires burning with son David. “I did follow the float for a little while because Patrick Jr.’s girlfriend wanted to hop on the float,” Lee Ann said. “ I was there at the City garage, making sure all was well, but once the float left I came home,” tending to other critical Christmas Eve family agenda items. Given Santa’s grueling schedule, many have asked if even Santa gets to take a break.

The answer: Bathroom breaks are scheduled. “But they don’t feed Santa,” Santa said, patting his generous belly gently. His visitor expressed sincere annoyance at this slight; Santa just smiled. “You do get a little tired,” Santa resumed. “But the wear on your voice is the main concern. Still, I made it all the way through the city and the evening saying my signature line, ‘Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night,’” acknowledging one of Santa’s early speechwriters, Clement Clark Moore. Strong family ties Santa also acknowledged his support staff, especially his wife. “There aren’t too many people who would let him do this – except Mrs. Claus,” he says, beaming. “It’s an honor to be asked, since my father was Santa, so it really is a family tradition, pretty much,” Santa said humbly. Mrs. Claus, aka Lee Ann Doremus, affirmed with pride that the spirit of Santa has been an important touchstone through family generations, on both a large level and, even more significantly, in more intimate family terms.

In 2007, we found Santa on Valley Rd. thanks to Ralph Eodice of Alexander’s Barber Shop in Albion.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

In December 1998, the original high flying Santa was Tom Insinga. An unidentified Santa at Styertowne in 1996.

“Patrick’s dad, Eugene, was an extremely important person in his life,” Mrs. Claus said emphatically. “He lost his dad in October, 2014. Mayor Anzaldi approached Patrick about being Santa in November, 2014. It was only six weeks after Eugene died. “For the last three or four months of his dad’s life, Patrick took care of him,” she continued. “He pretty much moved back home during those months, slept there most nights, helped with doctors, feeding, bathing, taking him outside, out for drives. Everything and anything that his dad needed, Patrick was there. “One story I will never forget,” she recalled. “Patrick’s father’s license was set to expire. Even though we all knew he would never drive again, he insisted on getting his license renewed. Patrick planned the whole trip all the way down to calling DMV in Wallington so he can get his dad in quickly for his picture. That happened exactly one week before he died. “Patrick is a rare breed. I’m not sure how he was able to be Santa so soon after all of that, but I have to say, they couldn’t have picked a more perfect person,” Mrs. Claus said. Indeed.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Coping with an injury Santa Claus is a hard working fellow both on December 24th and during the other 364 days of a given year. While he may not be a mere mortal, even he is not immune from accidents or injury. “Years ago – I can’t remember exactly, but at least a decade ago – a bunch of platform tables fell on me, roughly 500 pounds of weight,” Santa recalled. The incident, occurring at the Clifton Rec Center, seriously injured his left leg, resulting in a trip to the hospital, extensive physical therapy, and “five-and-ahalf months out of work,” he said. “I had to learn to reuse my leg. I wasn’t able to move. I was worried that I wouldn’t walk.” The injury still lingers, though Santa made it a point to stay on his feet while visiting every Clifton neighborhood. “Every once in a while I have a shooting pain,” he observed, and the leg “will buckle on occasion. It gets tired. Just fatigue, that’s all. You have to overcome.” Santa spurns any pharmaceutical assistance to deal with the injury, but, with a laugh, he allowed, “Milk and cookies go a long way.”

Perennial fan favorite Milk and cookies are part of the formula for Santa’s ongoing appearances and rock star status, even as his Clifton audience changes over the decades. Last year families poured out of their homes despite persistent rainy weather that would have dampened the spirits of most on any other day. Santa has a knack for bringing out the best part of anyone, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. “The response was great, really good,” Santa reported. “People in every neighborhood, people from many different walks of life, they all were laughing, smiling, bringing their children along, holding them up for a better view, just having a good time.” Both Santa and son Patrick Jr. note the upbeat response included those who might not celebrate Christmas within their homes. “There were no bad vibes,” Santa said. “The Christmas spirit is something anyone can understand, regardless of a personal conviction.” Different neighborhoods posed different challenges As one example: Down in Botany Village, amidst narrow streets and tight corners, at one point “we

In 2005, Santa got a little political, endorsing a school referendum said Mark Cafora of Botany’s Arthur Ave.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

got stuck. So we got off the float while people worked to get us back on the road, and we started talking to all the children and people there, meeting as many people as we could. Everyone had a great time,” Santa said. “They hit every neighborhood, even if they can’t hit every street,” added Mrs. Claus, who as Lee Ann Doremus works as a medical biller for a urology group in nearby Bloomfield. Son Patrick Jr. chimed in, “We didn’t miss much.” Ready for action again A month after landing the job, and only two months after his father died, what was the end result of a hard evening’s work? “The mayor was pleased,” Santa said. “After we were done, he said thank you, and he said I had the job for the next 40 years, if I wanted it. I was exhausted,” Santa added, almost as an afterthought. “But I’m ready again for this year.” Santa, of course, had a whole globe to travel before a very well-deserved nap. “My son David tried to wake us up at 6 am Christmas morning,” he said, and both Santa and son Patrick Jr. slowly sprung into action.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Santa in Acquackanonk Gardens Christmas Eve 2014.

Said Mrs. Claus, laughing, “He’s Patrick M. Doremus – has the situgotta get up. That’s the payback for ation well in hand, aided by famistaying up late all night. His own ly and by the hardworking crew of kids have to get their own presents.” elves from City Hall, Clifton Fire Mrs. Claus said Santa can handle Department, and Bond Parade Float the schedule. “He’s got a very high Co., among other contributors. energy level. He’s like that every But he did express concern about day.” Santa’s meaning and standing, as If that energy level ever flags, Patsometimes shaped by forces beyond rick Jr. is ready to carry on the famieven his control. “I just read in the ly tradition for future generations of paper it will cost $50 at Macy’s just Santa seekers. Patrick Jr. a few years to sit with Santa,” he said, shaking back was a volunteer with the Woodhis head at the concept, unhappy Eugene Doremus, Patrick’s father. land Park Fire Department, ostensiabout how it might reflect on the bly training to become a firefighter. spirit of the holiday. He also plans to study to qualify as an Emergency MedWhat advice might he have for “other” Santas, the ical Technician (EMT). Either or both would provide stand-ins, positioned on a street corner or on their own a convenient cover story, beyond gainful employment, floats in cities and towns across America? to obscure one’s true identity if one’s future includes “Just be jolly,” Santa said. And to all, a good night. piloting a sleigh around the world. Despite the pandemic, Mayor Anzaldi confirmed that the Asked about the possibility of a future succession of North Pole has so far scheduled Santa for his tour of ClifSantas, Patrick Jr. answers politely, if a bit evasively, ton. The crew will practice social distancing and PPE will be “I’ll do the job in the future, if I’m asked.” used to ensure that the only thing spread is holiday cheer. For For now, though, Santa – again, under the moniker more info, call Mayor Anzaldi at 973-470-5757.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

By Ariana Puzzo When Kim Nouhan-Puzzo reflects on her favorite holiday memories, the retired School 14 Teacher of the Deaf immediately thinks of Bob Obser and a special group of Clifton senior citizens who brightened the holidays for her deaf and hard of hearing students. She met the group when she taught American Sign Language at Clifton’s Senior Citizen Adult Education Program in the early and mid-1990s.

Obser had a slight hearing loss, and he and his wife, Jo, thought knowing a little ASL “might be helpful in the future,” said Puzzo, who taught in Clifton for 35 years. “Josephine Marhoffer had two deaf granddaughters,” continued Puzzo, “and she wanted to learn to communicate with them, so she took the class with her sister and brother, Mary and Charlie Aiosa, and Charlie’s wife, Denise. Bill just thought learning to sign was a fun idea.”

Santa visits at School 14 in 1993. From left, Joey Bongiorno, Ashley Perez, Karlerys Nina, Bob Obser, Alvaro Garcia, Ivette Simone, Barbara Briones. Above, Bob and Jo Obser and next to them, senior volunteers at School 14 in that same year, from left: Bill Shagawat, unidentified woman, Santa, Denise Aiosa, Jo Marhoffer.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“We all became very close, like a little social family,” said Puzzo. “They kept signing up for the class because we had so much fun.” As the senior citizens grew more proficient in sign language, they became volunteers at School 14 for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. Puzzo recalled that they played games, read and interacted with the students. The Obsers and Shagawat became especially involved with the class. But Obser assumed a special role after a year or two of the group being together. When he and Jo’s son Bruce died suddenly, he decided to pay homage to him in a special way. “His son used to dress up as Santa Claus around Christmas,” said Puzzo. “[Bob took] the Santa suit that his son had and he [decided to] use it to spread some Christmas joy around the city.” Then, Puzzo had an idea. “I said to him, ‘Since you know some sign language, would you come in and be a signing Santa for my class?’” she recalled. “He jumped at the chance and was very excited because he loved coming in to see the kids, and they loved him and the other seniors.” For about 10 years, until the program for the deaf closed, Obser dressed as Santa, Josephine dressed as Mrs. Claus, and the other seniors assumed the roles of Santa’s elves. The group signed holiday songs with the students and, naturally, everyone got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. “It was a big thrill for my students and me because Santa could converse with them in their language and there was nothing like that - at least in this area - for deaf kids,” said Puzzo. “Bob had a very gener-

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions ous spirit,” Puzzo continued, “and he always made a special trip to my class to engage with the kids. His wife Jo was always by his side. They enjoyed playing Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reaction of the kids year after year was just heart-warming.” Obser truly transformed into Santa. He took the role seriously and took great pride and joy in the fact that he was “opening a whole new avenue of communication” for the deaf students. “People don’t always realize how important it is for the deaf to understand and feel understood, independent of an interpreter,” said Puzzo. “Bob provided this for them at a young age, and I know it had a very positive impact on their lives.” Obser spread cheer throughout the school. During School 14’s annual holiday program, he led the singalong, dancing with former principals Betty Gochman and Evelyn Sherman to the delight of students and staff. “They would dance and the kids would go crazy. It was very joyful and remains a very sweet memory.” Puzzo also recalled that Shagawat was a showman – he had a deep voice and loved coming to her class every week to read to the students, which Puzzo interpreted in sign. Every class would put on a play and Puzzo and her assistant, Mary Lasky, often tried to do the holiday show.

Memories “Mary was an amazing artist and made incredible scenery. Our absolute favorite was an adaptation of the children’s storybook, ‘The Legend of the Ragged Boy’. It was a beautiful story and perfectly suited for Bill’s deep voice,” said Puzzo. “He took his role as our narrator very seriously.” For Shagawat, it meant showing up for the performance in a red smoking jacket, like something out of Masterpiece Theater. “He was just such a kind soul,” said Puzzo. “He had several children and grandchildren of his own. Kids just gravitated toward him.” Puzzo recalled that they closed the show that year with Shagawat and the kids signing ‘Silent Night’, which was a favorite of the seniors, not only for the beauty of the lyrics and signs, but it was a pace that made them comfortable. “That year, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

My favorite holiday memory when Alvaro Garcia I was a little boy was how my teachSchool 14 Alum er, Mrs. Puzzo, always gave a lot of Christmas presents to me and my classI am working as a full time performer and have been mates in elementary school. She altraveling the world. Also, when I was a little boy, I saw ways made Christmas a little more special for me, and Santa Claus come into my classroom and saw him using I will always cherish those memories. I would say that sign language. It felt like I could finally tell Santa Claus performing on stage is also my very special memory what I wanted for Christmas without being too shy or from School 14. having any communication barriers because I am deaf. I was the main character for “The Legend of the I always knew that there are some kids who need that Ragged Boy”, and it was one of my favorite plays. I kind of experience where they can finally communicate was so nervous, but that’s when I knew I loved perwith Santa Claus by using sign language. It will bring forming on stage. If it was not for Mrs. Puzzo, who more joy out of their life when they see Santa Claus introduced me to performing on stage, I would be not knows some basic sign language. where I am now.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

George and Marlena Cowan with sons, Jack, 6; George, 9; Joseph, 7; and baby Noah.

Virginia Kostisin and her late husband, John.

Marlena Cowan

Virginia Garvey Kostisin

Clifton Resident for 14 Years

Middle Village Section for 56 Years

My husband, George (CHS 2000), runs a tree lot for a gentleman who owns a Christmas tree lot in Bergenfield. The man had a blow-up Santa and he said, ‘Listen, it’s yours and you can do whatever you want to do with it.’ It’s 30 feet tall and we started to put it up on our lawn a few days before Christmas and leave it up for a couple of days after Christmas. We started to do it for fun when our kids were toddlers because my husband got a kick out of it. We always have people stopping at the house and taking a picture from their car or getting out of their car. St. Andrew’s Church is across the street and after Midnight Mass, everyone stops at the end of the driveway to look at it lit up with Christmas lights. Now, our boys are in school and the first year or two in elementary school, our sons would meet new friends and they would be like, ‘You’re the house with the giant Santa?’ After a while, everyone knew where we lived. One of our traditions is every Christmas Eve, we stand outside with it. Through the years, we have taken pictures with it. Our neighbors even compliment it and say they enjoy that we put it up every year and they appreciate it. They will bring grandkids and have relatives who come to see it. Additionally, every year one of our big things is we go to Bergenfield and pick out a tree. We enjoy doing it as a family and this year is a little bit different. We have another little guy, Noah, who will celebrate his first Christmas at about 4-months-old.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

John Kostisin, who grew up in Botany, went to Epsteins every December 24th. The reason why John shopped on December 24th is because there was no school. He was a science teacher at Woodrow Wilson. The sales-ladies (and they were all ladies) would help him pick out Christmas gifts and then they would wrap them for him. They were amazing. I always liked what they recommended, especially when Mrs. Epstein was the person helping him.

Paul Epstein and his mother Lake at their store on Main Ave. in 1985 when the neighborhood was known as Main Mall.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions Christine Colligan CHS 1998, School 14 Teacher

William and Brayden Colligan with parents Bill and Christine wearing matching shirts last year as they got aboard for the Polar Express.

My favorite childhood holiday memory was going to see Santa and getting a picture taken with him. I remember going to the mall and waiting in a long line and the anticipation of waiting. We went to the Christmas Ice Caverns up in Fairfield that are closed now. We would walk through to see the animated dolls and it looked like snow everywhere. It is probably my favorite memory from when I was young. When I had my son William, 8, I said to my husband, Bill (CHS 1999), his pictures have to be taken there. It was also the same Santa until he recently passed away. He was the nicest guy … and I’m happy that my son, Brayden, 5, got to be with that Santa for his first Christmas. For our traditions now, every Christmas Eve we go to my mother-in-law’s for dinner and we do Elf on the Shelf. The boys each get a new pair of pajamas to wake up wearing on Christmas morning, a book that we will read together as a family before they go to sleep, and stuff to leave out for the reindeers. Another tradition that started from my mother-in-law that she did when she was pregnant with Bill is we go to the same Christmas tree farm in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania. We stop at the same diner that they have eaten at for decades and she’s always like, ‘It looks the same!’ After everything that went on this year, the holiday season is really important. It’s just a time to reflect on how important it is to be healthy and safe and spend time with family. This Christmas and holiday season out of them all is important to close out the year and is extra special to reflect on how important family is and the memories that you make with them.

Lesli Rowe Galluzzo

Karen Wright Huysers

Clifton Resident for 20 Years

Former Clifton Resident for 26 Years

Santa coming down the street on Christmas Eve was always our favorite. We’d have shoes and coats waiting by the door and, even though it was cold outside, I would leave a window open so I could hear the sirens coming. We would rush the kids into coats and shoes and go wait on the sidewalk. We’d wave and get plenty of honks. I loved seeing the kids so excited. Even now that they are older, we do the same thing.

Memories

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

I don’t live in Clifton anymore, but my memories of Santa Claus coming down the street on the float when my kids were little are so precious. When I think about it now that my kids are grown, it still brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

Emil Rascher Lifelong Clifton Resident I remember as a kid, we always went and waited for pictures with Santa at the Fountains of Wayne. The night before Christmas, my brother and I would go to bed early and could not wait for Christmas morning. My brother and I would put out cookies and milk, which were always gone in the morning. I remember waking up early and peeking by the Christmas tree to see the presents under the tree. Today, with my family, we had our tradition of going to the Ice Caverns to get pictures with Santa and looking at all of the displays to search for the penguin, until it recently closed. We always bake a variety of cookies as a family. Every year, we go into Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree and meet up with my aunt and uncle. Then, we always go see a show, such as the ChristEmil with wife, Jennifer, also a lifelong resident, and their chilmas Spectacular, Big Top Circus, and the Cirque du dren, Trevor and Abby. Soleil: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. We also go to Church on Christmas Eve and then visit with famChristmas morning is always spent sitting around ily and good friends, the Gulardos, on Christmas Eve. the Christmas tree with Christmas music playing and Before the kids, Trevor, 12, and Abby, 10, go to sleep, opening presents. Then, we have all our family over and they sprinkle reindeer food outside on the front lawn, and spend time together and play a variety of games, includplace cookies and milk out for Santa. ing Pie Face, Karaoke, and Just Dance.

Patty Belfondo School 9 Teacher When my son, Nick (CHS 2016), was younger, I was a Cub Scout leader and went into the Boy Scouts with him. My husband, James (CHS 1981), was a lifelong resident before he passed away, but my son and I did all the parades and all of the tree lightings. The tree lighting sticks in my mind because on Van Houten Avenue, there was a tree over by Huron Avenue in a park and the school used to come and sing and the band would come. School 13 was nearby and my son was in the chorus, so the kids would come to sing and Santa Claus would come. It was every year and it was really nice.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Even when it was cold, they would have hot chocolate. It united the community because it wasn’t just segregated to School 13 kids. Everybody who was in the area would come. I feel like Christmas time, everyone is so nice to one another. It would be wonderful if people treated every day like a holiday. I want to make it a thankful one this year—to just be thankful that we have our health and the family and friends that we have. I think that is what makes life worth living.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Phyllis (Pecci) Nouhan

Memories

Image above courtesy of Clifton’s Arthur J. De Rose who created all the art and images of the Rowe-Manse Emporiu m.

CHS 1952, Richfield Section One of my memories is ice skating on Racy’s Pond. When the pond froze over, we were there almost every night skating. It was a lot of fun back then. It doesn’t freeze anymore because I think they put chemicals in it now. I was a teenager at the time, maybe 15- or 16-yearsold. I still went there even as I got older. I lived on DeMott Avenue and went skating with my neighbor who lived behind us, Marge Viviano Morelli. She lived on Clinton Avenue and was later my maid of honor. We would skate until 11 pm and there were a whole bunch of people, both kids and grown ups. It was a nice time back then. Once I had my own family, another tradition was we would go to my mother and father’s house for dinner on Christmas. Another memory was also shopping at Rowe-Manse. RoweManse was one of the nicest stores to shop in back in my day. They had a greeting card section, another section with all kinds of candy and a wall of jelly beans. Big plastic containers of jelly beans. They also used to sell Hummels downstairs - figurines that I still have in my dining room. A lot of those figurines were from Rowe-Manse. People used to buy them for me as a gift until I told everybody to stop because it was getting to be too much.

Brian Miller Rosemawr Section for 20 Years One holiday memory was shopping at Rowe-Manse Emporium. What a great store. They decorated so nicely for Christmas. Also, I can’t remember what streets now, but my parents would take us every year to see three or four houses that were right next to each other. They were all decorated from top to bottom with lights, and you could see them from blocks away.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Diane Barabas One of my Christmas memories is Styertowne Shopping, specifically Rowe-Manse when it was a card store. The store offered the most beautiful sentiments and gifts, many years ago. I had family living in Clifton that lived in the Athenia section, as well as my very first boyfriend. They bought me beautiful cards and gifts there. The cousins still reside on Van Houten Avenue. I shopped there for most years over their expansion.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Aldo & the

Unfolding A Lifelong Passion

Origami Tree

By Ariana Puzzo For some people, decorating their Christmas tree is a joyous pastime. For others, sharing their art with those around them is an act of self-expression. For Aldo Putignano, he gets to do both and he does it yearly with the Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History. But Putignano always had an affinity for art and a desire to share it. The CHS 1968 graduate taught Elementary K-6 and then later K-5 in Clifton Schools for 39 years as an art teacher. However, the retired teacher admitted that while growing up, he did not like school. Part of the reason was that he has always considered himself a visual learner. “As a kid, I was always talented and I always drew,” said Putignano, 71. “I went to a parochial school and we didn’t have art, so my first real art course was at CHS.” “One teacher said that I ought to do something with my talent, but I didn’t really like school,” he continued with a laugh. “It’s not geared for people with talents, [but instead] geared to memorize [things]. She guided me through it and I tried to bring grades up.” Putignano earned his bachelor’s degree at Montclair State and went on to teach. But, at the time, he said that he wanted to teach high school. His interests were in teaching students to draw and paint.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

It was only a matter of time before the young students captured his affection. “I fell in love with the little ones. They’re real artists,” said Putignano. “Kindergarten was my favorite. They have no boundaries, and I love it.” “I enjoyed all the grades, but 3rd and 4th graders have the preconceived mentality of ‘I can’t do things,’” he added. “Kindergarteners are going to do it right or wrong, and it’s gorgeous. They don’t have that notion of ‘I can’t do it’ yet.”

“It’s kind of amazing since I couldn’t pass geometry,” he said. “If they taught geometry with a piece of paper, I’d probably be a genius. Everybody’s brains are different.” Putignano enjoyed teaching his students geometrics and how to make three-dimensional shapes. The class would start by putting two pieces together, and then he said they would progress to three pieces, then six pieces, and then 12 pieces to create different modular geometric forms. One of the things that he would do is try to relate his origami lessons to the The Art of Origami Aldo Putignano’s “Easter basket” curriculum. One of the things that Putignano featured in Rick Beech’s Origami: “We would fold paper penguins shared with his students is his passion The Complete Guide to the Art of into 3D little scenes using found obfor origami. Paperfolding. jects and things from outside like The Japanese art is something that pine cones. We’d make little winter Putignano came to later in his life. At scenes,” said Putignano. “Whatever inspired me at the the time, Putignano was “unemployed and bored out of moment.” my mind.” He said that he visited the library and saw that Another type of project was making ornaments during there was an origami book by an English author. the holidays. It was a great way to get children to help After he brought it home, he immediately took to the each other. Putignano said that if a student was having art form. His ability to pick it up, he said, connects back a difficult time with a project, he would sit them to the fact that he is a visual learner.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

ORIGAMI BY ALDO T

raditions

next to another student who got it and encourage a collaboration. “I’d get a standing ovation from the kids when I said that we would do origami.”

A Tradition Through the Decades Putignano’s art has made the rounds over the years, getting featured in multiple books. His knowledge and understanding of different origami techniques are also featured in the books. One of these books is New Ideas for Paperfolding Origami by Gay Merrill Gross. Putignano’s “Heart Photo Frame” technique is featured with detailed instructions on how to replicate the design. “I only knew one author and that was … [Gay Merrill Gross],” he said. “She said, ‘I’m doing a book and I’d love to include some of your stuff.’” Other times, he was sent letter requests or asked through references. Putignano explained that these opportunities came about from the fact that his name was out there as a teacher, creator and volunteer. Putignano’s volunteer work has involved joining the non-profit organization Origami USA. The organization’s headquarters is in the American Museum of Natural History. Putignano took his son, Michael (CHS 1996), in 1984 to see the museum’s tree in New York. For many years in the 1990s and early 2000s, Putignano got involved making the tree a reality each year. During that time, he was among those in charge of creating different themes for the tree. Now, the museum coordinates a theme to an exhibit and he offers his origami talents. He said that his current role is a lot less pressure

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Memories Aldo Putignano’s “Vase” featured in Origami: 2005 Calendar. Putignano designed and folded the model using one sheet of paper.

because it is a lot of work and when he did it, he had a full-time job and was raising his children, Nicole (CHS 1993) and Michael. “The tree is gorgeous, [but] no one understands the amount of work that is put into it,” he said. “We solicit work from people to make for the tree … [and] I make stuff. Then, each thing has to be wired with hot glue; we don’t just put it on a hook.” Putignano added that the tree display is up for almost two months and has to endure children leaning on its base. They would also set up a table near the tree in past years to teach simple ornament origami models. Putignano said that it gave them an opportunity to see the reactions of children, but the coronavirus pandemic has made that impossible this year. “We’re open now 25%, but we have very little contact with people,” said Putignano in early November. “There will be a virtual tree lighting this year, so that will be weird.” Still, Putignano recalls the memories of past years and what origami has meant to him and his family. He said for his childrens’ birthdays, he made origami birthday cards and party favors. They also had an origami tree in their own house. “It was part of our life. They loved it,” said Putignano. “Neither one of them is an artist, but it doesn’t matter. That’s not why you do it. They loved talking about ‘Daddy’s origami tree.’” “Those were the most important [moments].”

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Traditions

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Lizz Gagnon Mount Prospect Ave. Resident My family used to make cloved oranges and lemons. Christmas in my house is not complete without a bowl full of these to smell when you get into the room. Together, with my annual Christmas bouquet of pine sprigs, white and red carnations, and baby’s-breath, it makes me happy. The oranges were made by my mom, who also told me that her mom did it as well. She told me that money was always tight with 10 kids and three step-children, so ornaments for the tree were few. Her mom made clove oranges in Oswego, New York (by Lake Ontario). She used to place the sharp cloves into the oranges by pushing them in. The ends of her fingers always hurt the next day. My daughter and I devised the use of a wooden toothpick to save the fingers. Nothing compares to the smell. It is amazing when they start absorbing the cloves. That says Christmas at the Bumbera/Gagnon house!

Melisa Sternberger Lifelong Clifton Resident

As a lifelong Clifton resident, one of my favorite memories is being a part of the lighting of the big outdoor menorah at City Hall with other students from the Clifton Jewish Center. We would sing songs and count down the lighting of the first candle; it was always a wonderful way to kick-off the holiday. As I continue to pass City Hall today, I am always so excited to see the holiday decorations. It brings joy to the whole community and is a sure sign that the holidays are near. December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Traditions

Memories

Sheryll Thompson Lakeview Section For the last six or seven years, I have taken my grandchildren over the holidays to food kitchens to help feed the homeless. My grandchildren are Sebek, 16, CHS (’23); Rselah, 14, WWMS; and Jechiliah, 10, School 11. I see how taking them has impacted their lives in a positive way. We’re so fortunate to give and receive gifts. Sheryll Thompson with her husband, Ronald, and their grandchilSo, when you give to people less fortunate, dren from left, Ronald, Rselah, Imani, Sheryll, Jechiliah, Sebek. how much more of a blessing is that? This year, we are also working at Christ Church in Rockaway handing out 500 boxes for Thanksmy grandchildren are embracing it. I look at them and giving. It’s the first year doing it in my church, but it’s look at the world today - if they can just show the world something that we do every year for Thanksgiving and how they show kindness, and have it impact those who Christmas. have never extended themselves, what a difference it Giving back is something that has been important to will make. me for all of my life, since I was a little girl. I was raised The love and unity, I pray, will continue in their lives. in that [giving] environment. It makes me proud that As they mature, they will take it into their adult lives.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Penelope Surgent Salvation Army Advisory Board The saying goes, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” That seems only right around the holiday season as the Salvation Army prepares to bring out their bells and red kettles. Penelope Surgent can attest that after the year everyone experienced, the need is especially great. Surgent has been a member of the Salvation Army’s area advisory board since 1986. “Any support you can give is appreciated,” said Surgent. “Due to this darn COVID, our advisory board is depleting. Only two people come to our meetings and there is such a need because the community of Passaic needs so much support.” “We not only cover Clifton and Passaic, but also Garfield and Wallington,” she continued. “There is such a need, especially with children and families.” The Salvation Army was established in 1865 and today serves in 130 countries around the world. The charity has over 1.5 million members, including officers, soldiers, and adherents. The organization supports approximately 23 million Americans each year.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Traditions

Memories

The Salvation Army Passaic Corps felt that support reciprocated last month. Passaic’s Mayor Hector Lora honored the charity on Nov. 20 in front of the Passaic Municipal Hall. Lt. Guilbaldo De La Cruz, who along with Lt. Yesenia Sierra Hernandez became the charity’s officers in June, said all support is greatly appreciated. “[Mayor Lora] is supporting us all the time,” he said. “Because of the pandemic, people are suffering. We encourage those who can help us in any way, whether that is by volunteering, donating or giving [items]. Any donations will be good for us.” To volunteer or donate to the Salvation Army, visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/new-jersey/.

St. Joseph’s Health Foundation St. Joseph’s Health Foundation sees firsthand the difference a donation can make in a family or individual’s life, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. St. Joseph’s COVID-19 Response Fund strives to ensure safety and preparedness for patients and staff, respectively. The fund accepts monetary donations, Personal Protective Equipment and Medical Supplies donations, and meal and snack donations for St. Joseph’s staff. St. Joseph’s Health Foundation’s Vice President & Chief Development Officer Robert B. Budelman, III acknowledged the Clifton community’s financial support of the fund, which assisted front-line staff and essential healthcare workers. “St. Joseph’s Health Foundation is incredibly grateful to our neighbors and the surrounding communities for their support of our COVID-19 Response Fund,” said Budelman. “Your desire to assist us in caring for those affected by this pandemic is a marvelous testament, to the spirit of goodwill, compassion, and generosity which spring forth from the people of Clifton in times like these.” The rise of COVID-19 numbers means renewed financial support is continuously appreciated. For more info on how you can help, visit https://givetostjosephs.org/covid19/ or call St. Joseph’s Health Foundation’s office at 973-754-4483.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Clifton firefighters are determined to help put a smile on the faces of Clifton children, despite the pandemic and any financial obstacles. And to do so they are asking for the community to pitch in. Clifton Firefighters Local 21’s Toys for Tots Toy Drive will look a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lt. William Espinoza and firefighter Ryan Laurice are heading up the drive, and one of the biggest changes is how they’re collecting gifts. Those who wish to donate gifts for all ages can do so until Dec. 13 by either scanning a QR code or dropping On Dec. 17, 2019, Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (center) concluded his annual toy drive. Assisting him are (next to Giblin) East Orange Mayor Ted Green, Giblin staff members and members of the Montclair State University community.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Memories

Firefighters Scott Hoitsma and John Bradley with Lt. William Espinoza at center to launch their 2020 Toy Drive. At left is the QR code to help readers donate.

off the gifts at any of the city’s six fire stations. Every toy that is donated online will be matched by Donate A Toy. “It’s a good thing nowadays because of the pandemic,” said Espinoza, who took over the drive two years ago. “It gives people the option to do a virtual donation.” Clifton FMBA Local 21’s toy drive strives to support local charities the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton and the Power of One. Although they cannot hold their usual holiday parties, they’re planning a drive-by so children can pick up their toys. To make a donation or learn more, call Lt. Espinoza at 201-988-4195 or visit donateAtoy.org.

Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake have launched their 2020 Holiday Toy and Book Drive. This year marks the 11th Giblin has organized, and it is the third year that Timberlake is involved. Over 300 items were collected last year, thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses and organizations. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 10 and must be new, unwrapped, and suitable for kids ages 3 to 15. The Boys & Girls Club and St. Peter’s Haven will help distribute gifts. Drop off items at Giblin’s office, at 855 Valley Rd., Suite 104, from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. For more info, call Lolita Cruz at 973-779-3125.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions Pauline Ng Clifton Resident for 34 Years One memory that I have is every year when our family gets together for the holidays, my nieces and nephews will always take a selfie. When they take the selfie, they always stand in the same position from year to year. Every year when you look at it, you can see the changes and it’s nice. I have always liked that. Then, one of my nieces took each year’s picture and put it on a Christmas ornament for me. One for every year. Every year the ‘time for a selfie’ kind of became a tradition. Everybody knew that we had to do that before the night was over.

Memories Another holiday tradition when we all get together is that we don’t cook; we always wing it. We ask, ‘What do you feel like eating’? Sometimes it’s McDonald’s, or pizza, but it’s not a formal dinner. It is whatever everyone feels like. We ordered Popeyes chicken one year. No one is a slave to the kitchen. When we decided to do this, everyone was able to participate when we were playing charades instead of missing the whole night. We started doing it maybe four or five years ago. This year, though, everybody is staying in their own house. What we’ve been doing every week is a Zoom with all of the family, so at least grandparents can still see grandkids. We set up a specific time every week whenever everyone’s available.

Thomas Campbell Former Clifton Police Officer & Resident

Joe Bondonna Lifelong Clifton Resident Many years ago, I’m thinking around 1965 or so, Santa Claus came by helicopter to Clifton Plaza Shopping Center to Grants. It was a big deal. I grew up in the Maple Valley section, and I was about 5-years-old at the time.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The tree lighting at old City Hall-Main & Harding with Santa on stage across the street in the bank parking lot. I resided in Clifton for 26 years in Clifton Center. This was in the 1970s when life was simpler and families would look forward to coming together to celebrate the annual tree lighting. In addition to the arrival of Santa Claus, carolers would be singing from the stage set up in the bank parking lot. This was during my grammar school years, when I attended St. Paul’s School on Main Avenue.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

COVID-19 may require us to take a step back and distance ourselves, but members of the CHS Key Club continues to lend a helping hand city wide.

Since the pandemic began they continued their community service. Key Clubbers applied their academic skills by remotely tutoring 45 elementary school children. Over the summer, members called Clifton senior citizens and spoke with those who live alone to provide a friendly voice. Volunteers also took their community work outdoors. Fifteen students wore masks and socially distanced while cleaning up Dundee Island Preserve early last month. Key Clubbers arranged food collections in October and November standing outside United Reformed Church on Clifton Avenue and collected food donations for the Power of One. Jacqueline Turk and her daughter, Alyse (CHS ’22), who is the editor of the Key Club, also delivered donations to Clifton Cares, who sends packages to soldiers serving overseas. To connect with the CHS Key Club, or make a contribution, write to jturk@cliftonschools.net.

Volunteers at Clifton’s Avenue of Flags appreciate the community’s ongoing financial support. While the Avenue of Flags began 18 years ago with 230 flags, there are now nearly 2,300 flags displayed five times a year on the grounds and roads surrounding city hall. Each 3 x 5 flag, along with its accompanying 10-foot pole, is marked with the name and rank of a veteran.

Thanks to the volunteers who put up flags at dawn and take them down at dusk, the Avenue of Flags is an impressive and patriotic display. To sponsor a flag, which costs $110, go to cliftonnj. org. To contribute, make checks to “Clifton Avenue of Flags” and mail to 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013. For more info, call Keith Oakley at 201-774-6666.

Clifton Kiwanis and Clifton Key Club held a food collection to support Power of One in feeding families. From left: Alyse Turk, Patrisia Baroud, Aimi Davila, Barbara Rios Perez.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Traditions

Memories

This Elf Needs A Year Off. When Mark Carfora thinks about his favorite holiday memories, they are about the Christmas decorations and the man who encouraged his lifelong interest in them. “My father got me started with this when I was a little boy. He’d take me around with mom to look at all of the different displays,” said Carfora (CHS 1997). “Even at 8-years-old, I’d ask for decorations as birthday and Christmas gifts.” “Other kids were asking for skateboards, and I was asking for an animated Santa to put in the window,” continued Carfora. “Little by little, he would help me decorate outside until the point where I could do it on my own.” Carfora’s father, Jim, was a horn player who often played Taps at veterans events. He passed away this past August. However, the years of decorating together are as vivid in Carfora’s mind as the light display they put up each year. Although Carfora has stopped decorating the Botany Village house to the nines, at one point the decorations included over 100 animated figures and over 100,000 lights. What kept him going was that everyone wanted to see something new. Naturally, Carfora took that as a personal challenge. “It was like Christmas blew up on my house,” he said. “Over the years, we would see the same faces and the same kids who grew up and took pictures with Santa outside.” “It was a tradition for so many people in Clifton,” Carfora added. “You couldn’t even get down our block on Christmas Eve. It was something nice that we did and there was no charge for anything. We went through millions of candy canes.” His passion for Christmas decorations did not stop there. Carfora was the creative designer behind the Christmas Ice Caverns at Fairfield Garden Center. After more than 50 years, the store was sold by its owners in 2019.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Glen, Jim and Mark Carfora in 2005

Carfora said he was looking for a new spot for the walkthrough display, prior to the coronavirus pandemic. He even hoped that they could pull it together this year, but the pandemic prevented that reality, and it also takes months to build the display. His hope is for a return in 2021. “I’m still on the hunt [for a new location],” said Carfora. “We still get messages every day on our Facebook page because some people didn’t even realize we closed recently.” “It was such a tradition and also started my obsession with Christmas because my father took me there over and over because I was fascinated with the walkthrough display,” he added. “I just have Christmas in me.” “Everyone asks me if I’m ever tired of it and I say, ‘No, I listen to Christmas carols all year long.’” Carfora also said the displays are joyous and would be extremely welcome after the past year. “There’s no high-tech light shows. It’s good, old-fashioned decorations,” he said. “It’s an easier time when you’re looking at Christmas displays, even just for a few minutes.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

Growing AND Achieving Every Day

For 73 years, the desire to help children and adults grow and lead successful lives is at the forefront of NJEDDA’s mission. The North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency which is at 1481 Main Ave., celebrated the opening of a new therapy room in September. Despite its latest addition, the agency has a long history that runs deep within our community. Established in Clifton in 1947, NJEDDA is a private non-profit organization. Its goal, with the longtime support of Elks Lodges in the area, is to address unmet needs for children and adults through medical care, education, and therapy. Executive Director Dr. William Weiss said he is proud to be a part of both NJEDDA and the Elks for the last 43 years. “The growth and success of our children makes me the most proud,” said Weiss, noting NJEDDA offers services from children at 18 months of age to adults. “We train them in language skills, academic skills, and vocational skills. We bring them to their highest potential … and focus on their ability to do things, not their disabilities.” The new room, funded by the Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee, provides space for physical and occupational therapy activities. These include

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

crawling and walking, adaptive play, and orthopedic clinics. Another feature of the room is that it is equipped with internet access for tele-therapy and computerized instruction, which is crucial in the era of COVID-19. “The ideal [scenario] is direct service, person-to-person. We’ve got about half coming in and the other 40 are at home, remotely,” said Weiss. “But in some ways, it has helped parents understand what goes on during a normal school day … and parents can still participate and communicate with teachers and therapists.” For more info about NJEDDA and its services, or to contribute, call 973-772-2600 or visit njedda.org.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

A Tale of Two St. Nicholases

For Dutch and Ukrainian Cliftonites alike, the original 4th century St. Nicholas is a venerated patron saint. Hailing from what is now the town of Demre in modern Turkey, St. Nicholas’ proper feast day is on Dec. 6 for most Christians (or Dec. 19 for the Orthodox and any other Christians who follow the older Julian calendar). However, he is not commonly the subject of even 1% as many Tin Pan Alley “classics” — most of which, incidentally, were actually written by Jewish songsmiths —as there are songs about Santa Claus. But this is Clifton, where we were always ahead of the curve. So, naturally, we are proud to have had two St. Nicholases over the years (as well as Catholics who honor him in a namesake area parish in Passaic). These St. Nicholases once shared a suit and its generous spirit, although in both cases said “suit” was akin to what the actual St. Nicholas wore as his ecclesiastical career progressed, the garb of a bishop, right down to the alb, stole, mitre and crozier. One, for some 40 years, greeted both the young and young at heart at the annual candlelight tours at the Hamilton House Museum. Perhaps better recognized by his “day name” —it was longtime City Councilman, who has also served as Assemblyman and Passaic County Freeholder Peter Eagler. “It feels great to do it,” said Eagler, who is taking the season off from his four-decade role. “To see the smiles on people’s faces, that makes everything worthwhile.” The Hamilton House’s version of St. Nick owed at least as much to this area’s Dutch roots as the authentic St. Nicholas’s Middle East origins and legions of eastern European devotees. “As long as you believe, good things can happen,” the ever positive Eagler stated. St. Nicholas is as much the traditional Dutch figure of “Sinter Klaas” (you leave your shoes out for him filled with straw and carrots for his animals and you get gifts back the next morning) or the St. Nicholas of Clement Clark Moore’s well-known poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas.” As the Byzantine Bishop in the Ukrainian faith, he is “a model of faith and an example of virtue.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

St. Nicholas at his most bishop-like, with Julia Evanina Refinski, at the Hamilton House Museum in 2009.

Passing the Stole, Mitre and Crozier While Eagler still holds the Hamilton House close to his heart, the same can be said for Alex Karlicki with St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. St. Nicholas inspires daily at both the church and its parish school in Passaic, which is attended by many Cliftonites. Meanwhile, the “St. Nicholas” who once visited the children in the school appeared in the notably robust form of Karlicki, a Clifton resident for 27 years and a lifelong parishioner. “The biggest reason I played St. Nicholas is because I was 6’4” and like 360 pounds so I fit the suit. No stuffing,” said Karlicki, who weighs in now at about 228.

“St. Nick” at namesake St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School and a young student reciting a poem in his honor.

But there were other reasons. He was born on President St. across from St. Nicholas Church in the Ukrainian neighborhood which goes down on Hope Ave. He and his wife had two children in the school and he headed up the school’s PTA, essentially the chief fundraiser and advocate. “December 6 is a special day because St. Nicholas is, after all, our parish’s patron saint,” said Karlicki. The saint’s feast day is celebrated with liturgy and a visit to every classrooms. In the spirit of charity which reflects the persona of St. Nicholas, modest gifts are distributed and Karlicki said kids just seemed to stare in awe, wonder and respect.

“I loved doing it,” said Karlicki. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s tradition, our heritage. I felt a little taller when I’m dressed up as St. Nicholas.” Since Karlicki’s “retirement” as the patron saint, he passed the duties onto another member of the parish. Today, Karlicki’s shoes are filled by Michael Perebzak. Looking back on his long running “job” he said the role is an important one to those who wear the vestments. “We’re not portraying Santa Claus, after all,” said Karlicki, “but someone older, more spiritual. We’re going back to when before there was a Santa Claus. To making the saint and our religion matter to people again. And that matters to me,” he said. “It matters a lot.”

HappyHolidays from our family to yours. LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN 2021.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Clifton is a mosaic of cultures

It’s something to be proud of and to learn from. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the many cultural and ethnic celebrations that some Clifton families observe to Celebrate The Season. Diwali Called the Festival of Light, Diwali is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs. The festival is held during the new moon in late October or early November (this year it began on Nov. 14) when darkness is pierced by the light from small lamps or candles. Since Diwali is, for some Hindus, a New Year’s festival, many celebrate with rituals to honor Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. A central part of the Diwali celebration for Hindus is the retelling of the Ramayana, which celebrates the return of Rama and Sita to the village of Ayodhya. The Lights of Diwali represent the candles that were lit to guide Rama and Sita safely home.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Hanukkah A time when Jewish people celebrate their victory for religious freedom with the eight day Festival of Lights, which begins on Dec. 10. Thousands of years ago, Israel was ruled by Syrians, who worshiped many gods, while the Jewish people worshiped only one.

Ramadan The season began this year on April 23, and it commemorates the day when the Koran, the holy book of Islam, was given to the prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. After receiving the vision, Muhammad preached in the city of Mecca that there was only one God. Many did not like his idea and he and his followers fled to Medina. They formed an army and in A.D. 630, they marched back to Mecca to spread the religion of Islam. During the entire month, no one eats any food or drinks any water from sunrise to sunset. People fast to teach themselves self-discipline and to defeat Satan. During Ramadan, followers read the entire Koran.

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December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

A Syrian ruler decreed that Jewish people must worship Greek gods, then destroyed Jewish temples and demanded the Jewish people break their dietary laws. One family, the Maccabees, refused and led an uprising before fleeing to the hills, where many other Jewish people followed. They built up a great army and returned to the city where The Ukrainian National Association, in conjunction with Tomahawk Promotions, they fought four major battles prints a series of Christmas cards annually. Two of the 2020 images are shown above. against the Syrians. Go to UNAinc.org to find out more about this fraternal life insurance company. They lost the first three, but won the last. After the battle, Orthodox Christmas Judah Maccabee led his followers to Jerusalem where On Jan. 7 because it is observed by following the they tore down the statues of the Greek gods and rededJulian calendar. On Christmas Eve, Jan. 6, Ukrainians, icated the Temple to God. Their celebration is considRussians and others of the Orthodox faith celebrate with ered the first Hanukkah. a traditional holy supper of 12 courses, including variToday, the menorah, which has branches for nine eties of fish, as well as non-dairy and meatless dishes. candles, is the most important symbol of Hanukkah. Upon completion of the holy supper, depending upon Eight of the candles represent the days of Hanukkah. the tradition of the local parish, evening church vespers The ninth candle is the shammes, or servant. are held. That candle is responsible for lighting all of the others. Most people set aside one day for exchanging gifts, Kwanzaa which are wrapped in blue and white paper. A holiday which intertwines African traditions with At the party, people sing songs, give small gifts of American customs, celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. money called gelt, and play dreidel, a traditional game. It is based on six criteria of a people—history,

Peace, Hope & Joy this Holiday Season 54

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Councilman Bill Gibson, Robin & Family

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

mythology, creativity, social structure, political organization, and economics. The core principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles), which are expressed in Swahili, a language of East Africa, are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). The seven symbols associated with Kwanzaa, also expressed in Swahili, are mazao (fruits, vegetables, and nuts), mkeka (place mat), kinara (candleholder), vibunzi (ear of corn), zawadi (gifts), kikombe cha umoja (communal cup of unity), and mishumaa saba (seven candles). The Baha’i Faith Celebrated in 2020 on Oct. 18, the Birth of Baháʼu’lláh, the Founder of the Faith, who was born in Tehran, Persia (Tehran, Iran) in 1917. His father held a high position at the king’s court and was loved and trusted by the people. As a child, Bahá’u’lláh was different from other children. Though untutored, He surprised all with His wisdom and understanding. He soon became known as the “Father of the Poor.” He was imprisoned and exiled during the last 40 years of His Ministry and passed away in the prison of Akka in Israel. Bahá’u’lláh has over 100 volumes of revelation in which He has introduced a prescription for world peace. His teachings are: the unity of God’s Prophets, the oneness of the human race, the search after truth, elimination of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, and equality of women and men.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

New Year’s Day The only secular holiday that the entire world observes regardless of race or religious beliefs, it is based on the solar calendar established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and adopted by most countries. However, the Orthodox Eastern churches use the earlier Julian calendar with the New Year falling on Jan. 14. Some, including the Jewish, Chinese, Hindus and Muslims, use a lunar or some combination of a lunar and solar calendar. The date of the Chinese New Year may fall between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19. Chinese New Year celebrations were created based on fear and myth. Legend spoke of the wild beast Nian (the word for “year”) that appeared at the end of each year. The beast was said to attack and kill villagers, and it was scared away by loud noises and bright lights. The Jewish New Year (this year beginning on Sept. 18) began on the first two days of Tishrei.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

During his time at Notre Dame, Angelo Bertelli was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the USMC through the V-12 program. As fate would have it, at the end of WWII which was formally signed on September 2, 1945, his First Sergeant was another sport legend Pee Wee Reese, a shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958, as well as a ten-time All Star. They are pictured after the war, above right, with two unidentified Marines and scores of pin-up girls in their barracks, then on the mainland of Japan.

Bertelli imagined the dejected look on his teammates’ faces and the sorrow in Coach Frank Leahy’s heart. He was so far away, unable to throw his long arm around Johnny Lujack’s shoulders, the kid who replaced him, and tell the sophomore quarterback to keep his chin up. The loss also reminded Angelo that he might never play football again. After finishing his Marine boot camp, Bertelli was going overseas to fight an opponent who was a hell of lot more dangerous than Michigan, Illinois, or all the schools combined.

Suddenly, a jeep roared up and a corporal hopped out with a telegram. Opening it, Bertelli learned he had just won the Heisman Trophy, selected as the nation’s best college football player— the first time the award was ever won by a player from Notre Dame. What followed was much different than what happens today. When a modern college player wins the Heisman, we see his happy reaction broadcast by ESPN. If a football star turned U.S. serviceman won the award, it would be a recruiter’s dream come true. The military would love seeing an Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

At left, Angelo Bertelli was known as the Springfield Rifle as he is seen in a publicity still at Notre Dame. At right, with coach Frank Leahy in what looks like a scene from a movie from that era.

athlete accept the legendary award in his dress uniform on national TV. But it was a far different time in 1943. Bertelli wasn’t going to the award ceremony in New York City. America had a war to win and every soldier was needed. When the Downtown Athletic Club called, the Marines sent the following response on Bertelli’s behalf: “Regret to inform you impractical to grant request for presence of Pvt. Angelo Bertelli at Downtown Athletic Club. Bertelli now undergoing training at Parris Island… any absence for even a limited time materially affects his chance for selection (into officer candidates school)… in view of which is necessary to disapprove request.” The Heisman would have to wait. Pvt. Angelo Bertelli, USMC had appointments in Guam, Iwo Jima, and ultimately Japan.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Springfield Rifle Angelo Bertelli grew up in Springfield, Mass., the son of immigrants who came to America in 1915. As writer Gene Schoor describes in A Treasury of Notre Dame Football, his parents returned to Italy in 1926 with their children to sell their farm, located near Venice. After finishing their business, the Bertellis’ set sail for their new home in the U.S., “disregarding the strident protest of (5 year-old) Angelo who wanted to become a gondolier.” In America, Bertelli discovered a new passion: sports. He began playing baseball and football with his sandlot friends called the “Deadliners,” as in “cross this line and you’re dead.” “He was one of those absolute naturals, always ahead of the other kids,” friend Sam Pompei

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

“

“I’ve always said it, thank God for Cathedral High School, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and (football coach) Billy Wise,” Bertelli told the Springfield Union News four months before his death in June 1999. “They were the perfect combination for someone like me.” told the Springfield Union News in a story published in 1999. “When he was 16, he was catching for the Exposition AA, a neighborhood team of players in their twenties.” However, Bertelli loved hockey best, becoming a “rink rat” and working at the Eastern States Coliseum, the home ice of Hockey Hall of Famer Eddie Shore’s Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League. Bertelli assisted the janitor by sharpening skates, cleaning uniforms, and sweeping up after the crowds left—and learning the game from the Springfield players. Shore, a former Boston Bruins star, would later describe Bertelli as the greatest prep player he had ever seen. However, he advised Angelo to go to college, saying “education was No. 1” and a hockey career would wait. Courted by baseball’s Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds for his prowess as a catcher, Bertelli’s greatest success was on the gridiron. As a junior running back for the Cathedral High football team, Angelo was tall, thin, and not particularly fast, and soon dropped to fourth-string… until his coach saw him fire a forward pass in practice. It was a pass that changed his life. “I’ve always said it, thank God for Cathedral High School, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and (football coach) Billy Wise,” Bertelli told the Springfield Union News four months before his death in June 1999. “They were the perfect combination for someone like me.” Bertelli was the perfect combination for Cathedral. As a starter in 1938, he led the Purple Panthers (2-4 the year before) to the Western Mass. championship. In 1939, Bertelli was better, throwing 10 touch-

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

down passes and running for six more, along with handling the team’s kicking duties, as his undefeated squad won the Western Mass. championship again. After the season, Bertelli was named Outstanding Player in Western Mass., an award now named in his honor. “There were some of us,” remembered Pompei, “who figured football was Bert’s third-best sport. That’s how good he was at everything.” Though gifted as an athlete, Bertelli almost never played in college. When he was 16, his father Bortolo was killed in a hit and run accident while riding his bicycle back from his coal shoveling job. Bertelli wanted to quit school and get a job to help support the family, but his mother and sisters wouldn’t hear it. Instead, his mother took a job as a hostess at a neighborhood Italian restaurant to feed the family. “His two sisters and my grandmother thought he was special,” says son Michael Bertelli. “Besides athletics, he was good at everything he did—an honor student, class president… why he was even the Western Mass. marbles champion. They wanted him to go to college.” With graduation approaching, Bertelli received many scholarship offers from schools like Cornell, Holy Cross, Boston University and Boston College. But Notre Dame’s interest meant the most to him. Cathedral alum Milt Piepul, a fullback and captain of the 1940 Fighting Irish, was instrumental in steering Bertelli to the university—but not without a fight from Boston College and coach Frank Leahy. Ironically after Bertelli’s freshman year, Leahy was hired as the Fighting Irish’s new head coach.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Accurate Angelo As Bertelli and Leahy met up at Notre Dame, football was entering a new era, about to embrace the forward pass as a dominant offensive weapon. The 1940 Chicago Bears won the NFL title with the passing “T formation”, placing the quarterback behind the center with running backs on either side. In the college ranks, Stanford employed the T and went from a 1-7-1 team that scored just 54 points in a season to 196-point scoring powerhouse that beat Nebraska in the Rose Bowl. Leahy took notice. As he had started his Cathedral High career, the wiry 6’1”, 168-pound Bertelli was a fourth

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

string running back. At the college level, he was considered slow and easy to tackle. In fact, Schoor writes that Leahy once told Bertelli, “You are also about the slowest running tailback I have seen…” But with his arm, the Springfield Rifle’s time had come Still employing Knute Rockne’s box offense—but using the pass more often— sophomore Bertelli enjoyed a storybook 1941 season, completing 70 out of 123 passes for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns. Notre Dame finished 8-0-1. “Accurate Angelo,” as the writers nicknamed him, earned All-American honors and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting—a feat

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

accomplished by only two other sophomores, Army’s Glenn Davis and Georgia’s Hershel Walker. However, Leahy believed the Irish and Bertelli could be better. On a snowy February day in 1941, the coach summoned Bertelli to tell his plans to institute the T formation at Notre Dame. Scrapping Rockne’s offense would be considered sacrilegious at the school, and the weight of Leahy’s decision rested on Angelo’s right arm and work ethic. Through the spring and summer, Bertelli practiced, as he described, “millions” of snaps and throws. As Leahy said, “No player ever worked harder to improve than Angelo Bertelli.” But when the season began, the T-formation offense was a disaster. In its first game, Notre Dame tied Wisconsin, 7-7, and then lost, 136, to Georgia Tech. Bertelli passed for just 150 yards in those two games and Leahy ended up in the hospital, probably overcome by stress and second-guessers. To help his young quarterback, Leahy shifted the play-calling responsibilities to Sparta’s Harry Wright, who had moved from quarterback to guard to accommodate Bertelli. In the next game, the young quarterback responded by throwing four touchdowns against Stanford for a 27-0 win. The Irish went 7-2-2 for the season with Bertelli finishing sixth in the Heisman race. In 1943, Leahy’s T-formation experiment came to fruition as Notre Dame went 9-1, their only loss coming to Great Lakes, a Navy all-star team stocked with

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“

“Don’t make me out to be a hero,” he said in a newspaper interview of his time in the battle of Iwo Jima. “I was just there doing what needed to be done.”

college talent. Though they ended the season with a loss, Notre Dame was crowned college football’s national champions, based on quality wins against tough opponents, including a 35-12 road victory over No. 2 Michigan. In the Heisman race, Bertelli easily outdistanced his competition with 648 votes. Pennsylvania’s Bob O’Dell finished second with 177 and the great Otto Graham third with 140. In typical fashion, Bertelli played down his accomplishment, saying the Heisman was more a “career thing—you don’t win it for six games.” His numbers dispute his statement. In his six games, Notre Dame outscored the opposition 221-31 with Accurate Angelo notching 10 TD passes.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

At left, in a family photo from back in the 1970s at their home on Springdale Court, that’s son-in-law Bill Wry, Robert, Angelo, Mike, Judy, Gilda and Laurie. Steve Dudiak and Angelo Bertelli in 1972, at his dinner induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

During his career at Notre Dame, the Irish went 21-2-3, with Bertelli throwing for 2,578 yards and 28 TD passes. He also kicked 41 extra points. But the best measure of his talent was his No. 1 selection in the 1943 NFL draft. The Boston Yanks selected Bertelli ahead of future NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Otto Graham and Bob Waterfield, and the great halfback Steve Van Buren.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

At the Battle of Iwo Jima While at Notre Dame, Bertelli enlisted in the U.S. Marines, which placed him in their V-12 program, a college course for prospective officers. After completing boot camp, he served at Guam, which was already secured, as a recreation officer. Bertelli saw combat at the battle of Iwo Jima, where 77,000 Marines fought against 22,000 Japanese, entrenched in tunnels, pillboxes, and caves.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

In 1994 with some of his Clifton pals, from front left seated: Tom Cupo, Gordon Hahn, Bill Holster, Angelo Bertelli. Standing from left: Frank Carlet, two unidentified men and Al Greene. Bottom, Angelo Bertelli at his namesake liquor store on the first level of Styertowne Shopping Center, now called Smart Buy Wine and Liquor.

In an interview with the Sunday Republican of Massachusetts, he talked about his experiences, but emphasized, “Don’t make me out to be a hero. I was just there doing what needed to be done.” Before his eventual landing on Day 3 of the battle, he witnessed the Navy bombardment of the island. “It made you wonder how anybody could be left alive,” Bertelli said. “It was the most awesome fireworks show I’ve ever seen.” As a platoon leader helping secure the island’s airfield, Lieutenant Bertelli escaped death twice, once when a mortar exploded nearby, killing a corpsman attending to a fallen comrade. The second was when Bertelli threw a grenade into a foxhole. To his shock, the grenade came flying back out at him. “You never saw Bertelli move so fast,” he said. To take out the foxhole, he and his men “threw five grenades at once.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

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

Throughout his life, he said the “the smell of sulphur and death” remained with him. After Iwo Jima, Bertelli was part of the occupying force that landed on Japan. While there, he helped organize one of the strangest touch football games ever played—the “Atom Bowl”—in the decimated city of Nagasaki. “We thought (the game) would be totally appropriate and symbolic of a celebration,” retired Colonel Gerald Sanders told the New York Times in 2005. “It was certainly not to look like there was a joyful glee in what had happened there. It had an emotional effect on us. We were there, yet we had many buddies that didn’t make it through the war.” After the war, Bertelli returned to the states, earned his degree, rejected the NFL, and played with the Los Angles Dons and later with the Chicago Rockets. A knee injury ruined his brief pro career. “We used to kid him,” says Clifton’s Jim White, a friend for more than 30 years. “In 1943, he got a $5,000 bonus for signing. We’d tell him, ‘Bert you had bad timing. A Heisman Trophy winner today gets $10 million.’ He’d just laugh.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“

“He loved his business, loved his friends here,” says his son Michael. “Clifton meant a lot to my father. He was a people person and treated everyone the same regardless of their station in life.” A New Hometown After football, Bertelli went back to Springfield to manage a sporting goods store. Now married to his childhood sweetheart Gilda, they began a family that would eventually include daughters Judith and Lauren, and sons Michael and Robert. In 1949, Bertelli got a call from his an old Chicago Rockets teammate Augie Lio, who asked him to come to New Jersey and coach a semi-pro football team, the Paterson Panthers. Though the Panthers folded soon after he arrived, once living in Clifton, Bertelli made

friends with developer Steve Dudiak. It was another moment that changed his life as Dudiak later became his silent partner, helping Bertelli open a liquor store in the Styertowne Shopping Center. “They opened at least 10 different liquor stores and held interests in others,” says Michael Bertelli, who ran the Styertowne store until its sale in 2010. “My dad lost his father at a young age and looked up to Mr. Dudiak, who was a hard worker himself and accomplished a lot without much formal education. It was a great partnership.” Angelo and his wife Gilda moved to Clifton in 1950 and bought a home on Springdale Ct. where they raised their four children. While Angelo died in 1999, Gilda lived there until her death in 2020. Unlike some ex-athletes, Bertelli left the field with no regrets. He played volleyball and golfed but never took either seriously. Bertelli also was a football radio color commentator for Princeton University from 1956 to 1967. Though Bertelli remained close to Springfield, son Michael notes Clifton soon became his home. “He loved his business, loved his friends here,” says his

son Michael. “Clifton meant a lot to my father. He was a people person and treated everyone the same regardless of their station in life.” His friends recalled Angelo Bertelli as a humble guy, who never made too much of his celebrity status. “Once, he invited a bunch of us to go to Notre Dame with him,” recalled White. “You should’ve seen the way people treated him there—like a god. Just before halftime, he told us he’d be right back. Then we saw him on the field being honored—he never told us that was going to happen. That was Bert.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

The

$50,000

Gift

GIVING in

Gratitude

Last month we started a wave of giving when the November cover told the story of a campaign to raise $200,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. From there, it kicked off with a two day dining promotion from our friends at the Grande Saloon which resulted in a $600 donation. Within days of publication, B&G Club Development Director John DeGraaf said donations from a few dollars to a $1,000 check began to appear. Then DeGraaf got a call from B&G Club Board member John Fette who explained how he and his wife Kristin wanted to offer a one-time $50,000 gift. DeGraaf said The Club is using the gift as a challenge grant, essentially making their $50,000 into $100,000. “Every dollar contributed during December will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Kristin and John,” said DeGraaf. “Kristin and John said the gift was given in gratitude for all that The Club has done for Clifton.” “I’m on the finance committee and I see what an impact Covid-19 has had on The Club’s income and resources,” said Fette. “We are stepping up this year because we can—and we hope others will give whatever they can.” December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Double Your Giving To The Club

Together, We’ll Make It $100,000 From left: John and Kristin, Larry and Nancy, founders Henry and Lee. Left of page, the always ready to promote HF riding a bull at the showroom entrance.

Standing on the

Shoulders of Giants By Tom Hawrylko

Ask John Fette how his company got to this place, some 68 years after its founding, and he is quick to share the success with family, friends and community. “Really, it’s about my dad and HF,” said Fette, president of Fette Ford, Kia & Infiniti. “Henry and Larry did it. They got me to this point. I’m growing it. Continuing it. I’m honored to be here. But it’s not about me. There’s my wife Kristin. Chris Ciresi, General Manager of Ford and Kia, and Vince Grace who manages Infiniti. I am standing on the shoulders of many giants. I mean that.” HF refers to grandfather and patriarch Henry Fette. A showman extraordinaire, HF was the guy who in 1952

founded Henry Fette & Co and essentially put the Fette Ford nameplate on thousands of vehicles since. During Clifton’s post-war growth years, HF beat the band to do what was right for Clifton. HF was on the board of the Boys & Girls Club—the same board his grandson John is on today—and was the grand marshal of Clifton’s 50th Anniversary Parade. In the early 1950’s, Fette was lead fundraiser for the Clifton Memorial Library, which opened on Jan. 31, 1953. In 1990, when the Piaget Ave. facility was being rebuilt, Fette gave a personal donation to establish the Clifton history room, which was named in his honor. Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

The

$50,000 Gift

Henry Fette died at the age of 96 on August 7, 2001. “I worked with him since I was in high school,” said the late Larry Fette upon his father’s passing. “He was a good father and a good friend.” Larry, CHS 1954, joined the firm after graduating Rutgers in 1959. He learned much about the business from his dad, HF. “Like my father always said, customers come first, then employees, and last, the owners. We pride ourselves on good customer service.” On May 9, 2008, Larry Fette passed away at the age of 71. He succeeded his father and ultimately passed the business along to his son, John, keeping the business in the family for a third generation. Started in 1952, first as an auto part supplier than as a dealer on Main and Madison Aves., the name Fette became synonymous with the Ford brand. With a growing reputation and banking on America’s love affair with motoring, Fette in 1954 moved the dealership to Allwood Ave., near the Allwood Circle. As the business grew, Fette knew that he would need more space for an ever-expanding line of cars. While the shop at the Allwood Circle served them well, Fette knew they need a location with higher visibility. In the mid 1970’s, HF contacted the owners of the landmark, stateof-the-art bowling lanes, Bowlero, to see if they could make a deal. The owners were based out of state, and yes, they were interested in selling the property at the intersection of Routes 3 and 46. Soon, the Fette family was designing their dream dealership, all the while still maintaining the current business.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Let’s Make It Construction began in June of 1976 and was completed in July, 1977. Taking apart a landmark bowling center resulted in numerous stories. Bar equipment was donated to the old Knights of Columbus Hall in Downtown Clifton. A man came in to rip up the 50 lanes and used the lumber to build a restaurant. Bowling balls, shoes and equipment mysteriously disappeared. Fette Ford, a landmark at the intersection of Routes 3 and 46, has become a business that in many ways has put Clifton on the map. Under Larry’s leadership, the franchise mix expanded with Isuzu, Subaru, and Kia. Since 2008 with John at the helm, the line up includes Ford, Kia and Infiniti. John joined the business full time after college in 1986, learning the business from service to management. John married Kristin Marie (Hart) of Michigan

$100,000

and this year they celebrated their 33rd anniversary. Their two sons, Dan and Hart, also work at Fette, the fourth generation. Beyond the B&G Club, John’s affiliations include being on the boards of Ford’s Tri-State Advertising Association, NADA’s Dealer Election Action Committee, Kia’s Dealer Council, and NJ CAR, the state advocacy group for car dealers. In 2012, John oversaw the construction of the Infiniti showroom and service center, the second construction project he has overseen. In 2005, John managed a renovation and expansion of their main building—the one his dad and grandfather designed in 1976. “That’s what I mean about standing on shoulders,” said John. “My family, my employees, they keep this place focused on our customers.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Let’s Make It

$100,000

Ed Lazor saw that sweet little gal in the polka dot dress at right “...sipping Hoffman through a straw...” in last month’s magazine and knew it was his bride of 43 years... so we asked the couple to recreate the moment—and they did!

Who’s that “Mystery Girl” at a Boys Club circa-1960s soda pop social in last month’s magazine? Why, it’s Michele (Gula) Lazor! For our November issue, we featured many past and present photos to accompany the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s $200,000 Ask. One of those is on page 31 and shows two young children sipping a drink at a 1962 Boys Club event. For Michele Lazor, it was a blast from the past. “Michele almost jumped out of her chair when she saw her picture,” said Ed Lazor, Michele’s husband. At the time of the photo, Michele was 8-years-old. Her father, the late Lt. Mike Gula of the Clifton Police Department, often brought his daughters, Michele and Marcia, to numerous events at the Club. Ed was also active at the Club at that time, and later into his teen years, but the two did not know each other. He recalled popular events such as a Hot Dog Night, The Penny Carnival, and movie nights. “It was a major part of my youth days and a safe place to hang out with friends,” he said. “Back then, it was the Boys Club, so girls were not regular visitors, except for special events.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“But apparently Michele attended most of those special events - like the ‘social’ in the picture.” When Michele saw the photo, she vaguely remembered the event, but she instantly recognized the dress. Her mother, Sophie, would often dress both of her daughters in pretty dresses and the girls both wore their hair with bangs. Despite their paths not crossing at the socials, Ed and Michele met at Clifton High School in 1972 when they were seniors. Incidentally, they met in CHS’ Spanish III class, which Michele would later teach. The pair went on to attend Montclair State University, and they married in 1977. Today, they are married for 42 years and live in Mahwah. Michele is a retired ESL and Spanish teacher in the Clifton School District and Ed is a retired CPA. They have two children, Meghan and Michael. Do you recognize anyone else from the Boys Club social photo? Reach out to us on our Instagram or Twitter pages, @cliftonmagazine. Please give to The Club in 2020: the need today is as urgent as it was in your youth!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM EVERYONE AT ALMA BANK.

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

July 2001

Let’s Make It

$100,000

The Boys & Girls Club mourns the passing of Thomas A. Cupo on Nov. 12 at the age of 82. A longtime member, friend and patron of The Club, we celebrate his life and the many contributions Tom and the Cupo family have made to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.

At left, Cupo Companies founder, Anthony, his son Tom and his son Jeff. In July 2001, now in its third generation, the Cupo family included son Jeff and his dad Tom, daughter Allyson Hughes, Tom’s wife Linda and daughter Susan Amato. The firm was founded in 1941 in the back of Anthony and Janet Cupo’s stationary store in Botany Village.

Best pals in CHS ‘56, Tom Cupo and Murray Kashtan as seen in our 2016 reunion magazine. Terry La Corte, Al Mardirossian, Jr., Frankie Randall and Tom Cupo in 2007 at one of their reunions. December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

VETERANS DAY

A new granite monument etched with the names of 283 Cliftonites Killed in Action (KIA) during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq was unveiled on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 across from the barn which serves as the ‘headquarters’ for the Avenue of Flags. Provided as a non-political gift by the Clifton Republican Unit, it is another tribute on the grounds of the municipal complex to the living and deceased veterans of our community. Call Keith Oakley at 201-774-6666 with questions.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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CLIFTON Story by Tom Szieber

SPORTS

After a red-hot October, the Clifton fall sports programs cooled off significantly in November. The Mustangs boys soccer team still finished its season with a 12-1-1 record and a Big North Liberty Division title, but the fact that it lost at all was shocking. Clifton had its 33-game unbeaten streak snapped on Nov. 7 with a 1-0 loss to Ramsey, and then fell in the North, West D, Group IV semifinals against Kennedy in penalty kicks 12 days later. During the regular season, the Mustangs had beaten the Knights by a combined score of 11-0 in sweeping their two-game series. The stats for the 2020 team are certainly noteworthy. Senior midfielder Amer Lukovic led Clifton in scoring with 14 goals and four assists, while senior forward Danny Tobon contributed 10 and five. In their Nov. 12 edition, Star Ledger writers picked 11 clutch players who were Senior goalkeeper Eryk Dymora “expected to deliver” during the state tournament. We love what they had to gave up just three goals in 14 games, say about two Mustangs in that list so we clipped it for your reading. finishing with a 0.214 goals against average, 40 saves and 11 shutouts. we are at a point in our program that we could have done “We are so blessed that we had a season,” said coach more. It is great to be in a position that even with our Stan Lembryk. “Yet even with all the success, we feel great season, our expectations were a little higher.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

On page 84 and here, the last home game of 2020 was against Irvington on Nov. 27. The photos above and on the previous page are from that night with the exception of Drum Major Keely Lopez. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, she led the Marching Mustangs on to the field that afternoon instead. Find their season finale on YouTube—it’s a great one.

Clifton football slumped hard after a two-week COVID-19-induced layoff in the early part of the month. After a 4-0 start to their year, the Mustangs lost all three of their games in November to finish the season 4-3. Junior quarterback Kyle Vellis finished the year 72-for-142 for 823 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions, while senior wide receiver Caleb Boneparte caught 11 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 116 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries. The Mustang girls soccer team suffered a similar fate, enduring perhaps the toughest November of any Clifton squad. It went 0-5-1 for the month to finish its season 8-5-2, struggling against a stark upgrade in competition and spiraling after its undefeated season was ended with a 5-1 loss to Paramus on Nov. 3. Still, a number of Mustangs shined and laid a foundation for 2021. Sophomore forward Layla Nurid-Din Flores finished the year with 17 goals and 12 assists and midfielder Gianna Delgado ended her freshman campaign with 10 and five, respectively. Senior Kiara Fisbeck and her sister, freshman Sierra Fisbeck, both had solid seasons on the defensive end.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton’s cross country squads managed to avoid a skid of their own, putting together another solid month on the legs of their two biggest stars. In the NJSIAA North I, Group IV state sectional meet on Nov. 14, junior Jacob Heredia picked up another win (with a time of 16:19), with the boys team taking third as a group. On the girls side, senior Mia Dubac also won a sectional crown (the first-ever Clifton girl to do so), while the girls team finished fourth. Heredia and Dubac each took second place in the Lou Fraulo Passaic County Invitational (effectively a 2020 substitute for the Passaic County Championship meet), with the Clifton boys winning as a team (the girls did not compete as a group). Both performed well in Nov. 25’s Holmdel Invitational, with Dubac finishing eighth in 18:52 and Heredia finishing 25th in 16:41. “I think they performed incredible,” said Clifton cross country coach John Pontes. “They are a good example of kids who stayed beyond focused. With all of the rules there were to be able to run in the meets, to stay isolated outside of school and to follow protocols at meets, to put up the marks they put up is absolutely incredible.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Barry Mahmoud, Tomas Ortega, Lillyann Martins, Tyler Fengya.

December 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 gotten a virtual head start on the latest activities via Zoom. Barry Mahmoud, Senior Community is everything to Barry Mahmoud, and the CHS senior plans to carry his civic values with him wherever he goes. Mahmoud plans to attend a four-year university. There, he’ll major in business and strive to help those in need. “All my life, I have hoped to have the ability to change the world for the better and I intend on doing everything in my power to do so,” said Mahmoud (CHS ’21). Mahmoud is involved in many extracurriculars. He is a Fighting Mustang, a thrower for the CHS Track & Field team, and a regular volunteer at the Palestinian American Community Center. He draws inspiration from his older brother, Ghalib (CHS ’08). Mahmoud said his brother pushes him to be his best and always supports him. “He’s always held me in high regard and … it has always meant the world to me,” said Mahmoud. “Without my brother, I would not have the confidence or drive to be the same high achiever that I am today.” As for the future? A big part of it is entering politics and working his way up the ladder with one specific title in mind. “I’ve already gotten used to being called ‘President Barry’, and I like the sound of it.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tomas Ortega, Junior Tomas Ortega plans to live around the world one day, but not before he serves his country. When the CHS junior considers who inspires him, his thoughts go to the members of the United States Armed Forces who make daily sacrifices to protect their country. “[They’re] the best people this country has to offer, for sure,” said Ortega (CHS ’22). Ortega’s future plans include becoming either a US Navy SEAL or an Army Ranger after graduating high school. Then, he would like to go to college and earn a degree in finance and economics so that he can work as an investment banker for a company like Goldman Sachs or J.P Morgan. In the meantime, he is trying to adapt to remote learning like his peers. While he cannot play soccer due to the pandemic, his other extracurriculars are Italian Club, Model U.N., Heroes & Cool Kids, E-sports, and he is the president of Future Business Leaders of America. As for navigating this year’s changes, he said that it’s all about pacing. “This year has certainly not been one with a shortage of complex issues,” said Ortega. “Pacing is everything in academics. Once you find your rhythm, [that’s when] studying, comprehending, and completing assignments becomes automatic.”

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Times Timesand andLocations: Locations: CCMS CCMS--10:00 10:00am am--11:30 11:30am am Clifton CliftonHigh HighSchool School-1:30 -1:30pm pm--2:30 2:30pm pm School School17 17 --1:30 1:30pm pm--2:30 2:30pm pm (Please Note: Meal sites will be and closed (Meal distributions sitesdistributions will be closed 12/25/20 1/1/21. 12/25/20 and 1/1/21. Extra meals will be distributed on the Extra meals will be distributed on the Wednesdays before those dates.)Wednesdays before those dates.)

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Lillyann Martins, Sophomore Although her peers may have one favorite class, Lillyann Martins sees potential in all her courses. Whether she’s learning about historical figures, discussing a scientific theory, or expressing her emotions through literature, she is always intrigued. She extends some of the credit to her eighth grade teacher, Mr. Oxenbridge. “He introduced me to politics and made me care about our country more than I did before,” said Martins (CHS ’23). “He showed me that my generation is the one that would make a difference, and if I did not stand up and make a change, then who would?” Martins is on the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, and participates in MadCaps, SideKicks and the History Club. Her plans include participating in the Spring Musical and she would like to try out for Girls Volleyball. She also sees herself joining academic programs at CHS in the coming years. Martins’ greatest influence is her mother, who she admires for her enthusiasm and adaptability. “I am extremely grateful for being her child, and I cannot thank her enough for everything,” said Martins. “Maybe, by following her example in both my personal and professional life, I can pay back what she did for me. At least that’s what I aspire to be.”

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tyler Fengya, Freshman Tyler Fengya may be new to CHS, but he has the world at his fingertips. The freshman is eager to learn and absorb as much knowledge as possible from his teachers. “If I had to pick one teacher so far that’s been the most influential, it’s Ms. Graziano,” said Fengya (CHS ’24). “Her biology class has motivated me to want to learn more about the amazing advancements being made in the molecular biology field.” It was a significant adjustment transitioning to high school and taking four honors level courses. However, Fengya credits the disciplinary skills he developed while learning a musical instrument. As for his inspiration, he credits his piano teacher. “His level of mastery inspires me to want to be the best that I can at whatever I pursue,” said Fengya. “Because of him, becoming a professional musician is something that I would strongly consider.” Fengya’s interests include songwriting, studying music, and mathematics. He’s a member of the Lehigh Valley Team in the American Regions Math League and recently joined CHS’ Math League team. “I greatly enjoy competing in national math competitions, as I find the atmosphere exciting and it’s great meeting many of the top math students in New Jersey and elsewhere.”

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Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Birthdays & Celebrations - December 2020

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

Nick Zang celebrates his 33rd birthday on Dec. 10. Noelani Coronel turns 21 on Dec. 9. Jamie Osmack celebrates on Dec. 9. Sarah Lombardo, whom many will remember as the welcoming voice of Clifton City Hall, turns 93 on Dec. 9. That Athenia gem of a jeweler Greg Lacki is 63 on Dec. 5. Marc Fazio....................... 12/1 Ann W. Kissel.................... 12/1 Corinne Miskowsky............ 12/1 Mannan Amin................... 12/2 Mike Gerardi.................... 12/2 Lauren Lawler.................... 12/2 Bryan Nolasco.................. 12/2 Allison Ahdieh................... 12/3 Patrick Lotorto.................... 12/3 Bridget Rice....................... 12/3 Sharon Tichacek................ 12/3 Phyllis Galambos............... 12/4 Timothy Gumann................ 12/4 Michael Kester................... 12/4 Dave Sternbach................. 12/4 Michael Vinciguerra........... 12/4 Rosemary Kuruc................. 12/5 Laura Mikolajczyk.............. 12/5 Michael Ressetar................ 12/5 Tommy Coleman................ 12/6 Pat Collucci....................... 12/6 Debbie Gorny................... 12/6 Marilyn Gossinger............. 12/6

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December 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Cliftonmagazine.com

Noel Coronel.................... 12/7 Margaret Kungl................. 12/7 Mark Mecca...................... 12/7 Chris Sadowski.................. 12/8 Bob Kester........................ 12/9 Jamie Osmak..................... 12/9

Arianna Dubas celebrates her18th birthday on Dec. 11.

Daniel Fonesca Ramos........ 12/9 Mark Surgent.................... 12/9 Andrew Tichacek............... 12/9 Tyler Roger Vandenberghe....12/9 Michael McEnerney......... 12/10 Bob Snelson.................... 12/10 Joey Cofone.................... 12/11 Kathleen M. Marshall....... 12/11 Diane Meyer................... 12/11 Joseph Rutigliano............. 12/11 Richard Peterson.............. 12/12 Andy Kent....................... 12/13 Danny La Gala................ 12/13 Ray Capilli...................... 12/14 Mary Kate Kuruc.............. 12/14 Michael Murolo............... 12/14 Basil Worhach................. 12/14 Steven Crawford.............. 12/15 Marie Visicaro................. 12/15 David Brock.................... 12/16 Michael Hrina................. 12/16 Hannah Grace Kulesa...... 12/17 Jacqueline Gencarrelli...... 12/18

The Cake Boss of Lakeview Bakery Carlos and Dayana mark Dayana’s birthday on Dec. 7, their 12th anniversary on Dec. 8 and Carlos’s birthday on Dec. 21. Anne Gerardi.................. 12/18 Samantha Bassford.......... 12/19 Stephanie Guzowski......... 12/19 Nick Link........................ 12/19 Jayen Montague.............. 12/19 Jessie Ducos.................... 12/20 Amy Marino.................... 12/21 Michelle McEnerney......... 12/22 Suman Pinto.................... 12/22 Joey Cristantiello.............. 12/24 Elizabeth Fazio................ 12/24 Soumya Gunapathy......... 12/24 Caroline Jane Hanlon....... 12/24 Luba Rembis.................... 12/24 Ryan John Hariton............ 12/25 Eric Soltis........................ 12/25 Thomas Montague........... 12/26 Venessa Collucci.............. 12/27 Melissa Cordes................ 12/27 James Mazza.................. 12/29 Steven Bivaletz................ 12/30 Hunter Conklin................. 12/30 Courtney Pinter................ 12/31 Cliftonmagazine.com • December 2020

Traditions

Memories

The Tree at Fifth and Washington

For 39 years, the Bakarich family transform Fifth and Washington Aves. into the centerpiece of Clifton when they light their 70 foot Christmas tree at dusk on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6. Right after Thanksgiving dinner, the family brings out ladders and use gerry-rigged extension poles to drape new lights, building upon With Pete and Kathy at the right, the Bakarich family elves include years of past installations. Patriarch Pete said Mary, Michael, John, Liz, JP, PJ, Katie, Ellen and Milo the dog. he is considering hiring a cherry picker in 2021 to reach the top unadorned 20 feet—but that is Nonetheless, Clifton Rec’s Holiday Door Decorating only a consideration— he added. Drive by before the Contest allows residents to make their homes and doors Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6 to see their splendor a magical sight to see. Judging begins Dec. 7 so hurry up which includes a nativity creche under the tree. and register. An email will advise when your judging will This holiday season will look and feel different from take place. After that date, finalists will be notified and a past years. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people, second visit will take place to announce the top 10. meaning annual tree and menorah lightings in LakevParticipants receive a gift for entering. Register online iew, Botany, Main, Athenia and at City Hall may be at cliftonrec.com or call 973-470-5956. canceled or offer limited participants and spectators.

December 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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