Clifton Merchant Magazine - February 2021 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

From the Editor Tom Hawrylko

I had the honor of presenting my daughter Casey to her husband Edward Bivaletz on their wedding day. While no one is “giving away” a strong person like Casey, the generations-old tradition still tugs at a dad’s heart. Snow and rain made the path from their Landing home to the pavilion by the lake rocky and slippery on Nov. 11, but Casey held on tight and we talked and laughed. Before Eddie took his bride, he and I shared a word, a sniffle and a hug. From there, Tom Hawrylko jr. was the celebrant and he conducted a memorable ceremony. Then the normally quiet and reserved groom professed his vows with the most beautiful ad-lib speech I’ve ever witnessed. Eddie and Casey now have a baby Bivaletz on the way, are renovating their home and getting ready for the next chapter of life. Read on for more heartwarming Love Stories from folks you may know, or may just meet, from across our hometown. 16,000 Magazines

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

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo Business Mgr. Irene Kulyk

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

FAMILY

First All Love Stories by Ariana Puzzo

When it comes to love, Tom DeVita’s advice is simple: find the right person and take it as it comes. Tom and his wife, Donna (Casapulla) DeVita, followed that advice and it saw them celebrating 50 years of marriage on June 27, 2020. Their connection goes back even further, though. “We’ve known each other since we were babies,” said Donna, 73. “Our mothers both went to Central High School in Paterson and they were good friends. There were many family picnics as we grew up through the years.” It was during these years that their friendship strengthened. Tom, 74, graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson in January of 1964. He then went on to study political science at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. Meanwhile, Donna grew up in Clifton and attended School 12, School 16, once it was built, Woodrow Wilson, and then later graduated CHS with the Class of 1964. She went on to earn a degree in education at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. During those years, the two of them constantly stayed in touch. “We were friends and used to write to each other in college, and were both going out with people,” said Tom. “There were times when I’d bring a friend home from college and Donna would fix me up with one of her girl friends.” Then things changed when Tom was studying in Boston during his first year of law school. It wasn’t that there was a single moment when things changed, but all of a sudden it made sense for them to take that next step.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“She said that I asked her out and she broke another date, but I don’t know if I believe that,” said Tom, teasingly. “I did, I did,” insisted Donna. Tom credits their solid friendship prior to becoming a couple as what helped their relationship. Once he finished law school, the couple moved to Clifton, where he opened up a law office, and they first lived in the Richfield Apartments and then Clifton houses ever since. Today, they have two sons, Thomas (CHS 1991) and Michael (CHS 1995), as well as four granddaughters. Their youngest granddaughter and miracle baby, Sloan Rose, 3, was featured on our February 2018 “Love” issue with her parents, Michael and Amanda. Donna believes their sense of family is what keeps them bonded. Tom agreed and added that seeing their

Joy, Madison, Tom, Sloan, Hannah, Donna, Michael, Hailey, Tom.

children grow up and their granddaughters continue to grow into themselves is what excites him most about their future. “We’re close with our sons and they were close with our parents, [Olga and Romeo DeVita and Elizabeth and Donald Casapulla], as they grew up,” said Donna. “I don’t think that we ever missed a baseball or lacrosse game, and it’s the same with our grandchildren. Also, on Sunday afternoons, we all eat together.” “Like on ‘Blue Bloods,’” quipped Tom.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

HE GETS THE

Badge for Charm Dwayne Williams and Yanitza Acevedo find that openness and communication are key in their relationship. In fact, it’s one of the first things that attracted them to each other when they were simply friends who spoke regularly on the phone. But before that, it started with a different type of phone call. It was Nov. 22, 2015. Dwayne was assigned a case following an incident that Yanitza called in to the Union City Police. The call was regarding a car break-in that Yanitza waited a couple of weeks before reporting and Dwayne was the detective assigned to follow-up on any leads. When he went to speak with her, the first thing he saw was her unpacking her car and rushing to get into the house. “I just purchased a flat screen TV and didn’t want him to see it, so I was rushing,” said Yanitza, 40, with a laugh. The conversation that followed on the porch lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes. Although it was simply about the case, Dwayne said that there was definitely an early interest that led to them staying in contact. “In the back of my mind, I knew there was nothing I could do about [the break-in] because it was [reported weeks later],” said Dwayne, 44. “But we kept in touch after. We became friends and spoke via text messages and the phone for a while.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Facing page, Ixiana, who attends CCMS, and Marley with Dwayne and Yanitza.

Then, about a year later, the two of them went out on a date to Blackjack Mulligan’s Bar & Restaurant in Secaucus. What got them to that point was talking daily on the phone while driving to work in the morning. From there, they got closer and Yanitza said that it was so natural that she didn’t even realize at first that she was falling for Dwayne. “We had good conversations about topics that were interesting,” said Yanitza. “It felt like we really got to know each other before things pursued into something more.” Dwayne, who has served as a detective with the Union City Police since 2011, was born in Jamaica. He

grew up in East Orange once his family moved to the U.S. when he was 6-years-old. Yanitza, whose family moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico when she was 1.5, grew up in Union City and works as a nurse practitioner at Holy Name Medical Center. The couple moved to Clifton a few years ago and bought a corner property near St. Paul’s Church. Between the couple, they have six daughters: Dwayne’s daughters are Brianna, 22, Ilana, 14, Mckenzie, 12, Kadence, 8. Yanitza’s daughter Ixiana, 11, is a sixth grader at CCMS, and the couple are both parents to Marley, who is 1. “When they’re all hanging out together, it’s a crazy house,” said Yanitza. “He’s the king of the house.” “I wish I could make my own bathroom somewhere in the house,” Dwayne quipped. When the couple considers their favorite qualities in their partner, Dwayne talks about the subtleties. “Many times, you know when she’s genuinely laughing because she starts to snort,” he said. When asked for her thoughts, Yanitza lets out a laugh and considers her response.

“For me, I felt he was at my level and we could have a conversation about pretty much anything,” she said. “He’s a good partner, we help each other out.” “Anything that comes up, I can talk to him about it,” she continued. “He’s also funny. He makes me laugh a lot and that’s a plus.” “Winning charm, right there,” Dwayne added, with a laugh.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

NEW-AGED

Arranged Marriage When Joey and Kayla George talk about how they ended up together, they often refer to themselves as a “new-aged arranged marriage.” And honestly, it’s not an exaggeration. However, it’s actually pretty similar to the Clifton love stories that we enjoy hearing, and it started with their parents walking the halls of CHS. “Our parents went to high school in Clifton together,” said Joey, 35. “My parents are high school sweethearts, and Kayla’s mom went to school with them and her father was a few years ahead of them.” Like most parents, Jane and John George (CHS 1976) and Elaine (Montgomery) Devlin (CHS 1976) and Dennis Devlin (CHS 1972) wanted their children to meet someone nice. But first, they needed to do some convincing. “I think both of us thought it was kind of weird,” laughed Kayla (CHS 2005). Joey agreed. “I think it was more the fact that being set up by your parents was not exactly the ‘in thing’ to do at the time,” he said. “For about two months, they bothered both of us to speak to each other.” Eventually, they did. For their first date, they went to Shannon Rose. Joey said it was essentially “sealing the deal” since they already knew what the other looked like and knew each other’s personalities from prior conversations. As for the in-person meeting, conversation flowed naturally and Kayla said that once they started talking, they never stopped.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Kayla and Joey George with Colten and Jaxen. The family is expecting another member to the team on May 3.

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“We hit it off like we’d known each other for a long time,” said Kayla, 33. “We were both athletes growing up and personality traits come from that and being involved with team sports.” “We both also have a sense of humor, though he’s a bit more funny than I am,” she continued, making Joey laugh. “We also both come from close knit families and did regular dinners with our families that we still do to this day.” The couple were married on Nov. 1, 2014. Today, they live in East Hanover with their sons, Jaxen, 4, Colten, 2, and they are expecting their third son on May 3. Both agree that when it comes to making a marriage work, supporting each other and seeing things as a team effort are crucial elements. Given Joey’s frequent traveling prior to the pandemic, the teamwork was perhaps even more necessary. A look back to 2004 when we met these CHS seniors ready to take the fall field, from left front, Kim Habrahamshon, tennis; Jonathan Borrajo, soccer; Marta Leja, cross country. Second row Nina Natoli, gymnastics; Honan Ng, cross country; Maggie Bialek, volleyball. Standing: Patrick Egan, band; Allison Murray, cheerleading; Emmanuel Ihim, football and soccer player Kayla Devlin, now known as Kayla George.

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“We both have hands-on jobs, two kids, and prior to COVID, Joey traveled for a living and was gone sometimes three to four days a week,” said Kayla. “For the days that he was here, he was definitely pitching in and doing all he could to give me a break.” “There needs to be a mutual understanding between the couple,” said Joey. “When we first got together, we made sure to talk about things that bother us and made an agreement to give each other a moment to get away and then come back and talk about it.” “It’s about having a mutual understanding of what each other wants and needs and then working as a team,” he added. “As long as you put family first, you’ll be able to succeed.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

From left, two sets of twins—Nicholas and Stephanie and Natalie and Steven—plus Nicole and Steve Turi.

LOVE at First Laugh

Despite meeting under unusual circumstances, Nicole (Dobko) Turi recalled going home the night she met Steve Turi and telling her mother that he was the one. So, where did they meet? “At a funeral home,” said Nicole, 47, making them both laugh. “My cousin was marrying Steven’s brother that same week, so they introduced us.” “Afterwards, we went for a drink at The Grande Saloon to talk about how weird the situation was,” she continued, “and it just stuck from there.” It was three years to the day after they met on Dec. 2, 1997 that the couple married. Nicole, a CHS 1991 graduate and Clifton School’s Supervisor of Physical Education (K-12), said one of her favorite things about Steve is how he makes her laugh every day. “He’s a wonderful husband and father,” she said. “A fantastic partner to have through life.” Steve, who grew up in Wood-Ridge and has served as a Clifton firefighter for 15 years, noted that how they met was more laid back than the traditional “courting” process. “We were put together by family, and I thought she was very pretty,” said Steve, 50, with a smile. “From there, it developed into a relationship.” “You’re my boss, basically,” he added, laughing as he glanced at her. “She has a very strong personality, very determined. There’s nothing I don’t like.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The couple have two sets of twins: Stephanie and Nicholas, 17, and Natalie and Steven, 13. Nicole considers the special moments to be the random daily ones. These moments can include a look at each other from across the room or a joke. “There’s too many to count over the last 23 years together,” she said. The two of them also enjoy spending time at their kids’ sports games over the weekends, which are most commonly soccer games. “It gives you pride as a parent [seeing] your kids’ passion for doing what they love and seeing them do it well,” said Steve. Nicole added that any time spent together between the six of them is invaluable. Whether it is at sports games or eating dinner together, taking the time to talk to each other candidly and without electronics is crucial. “Every night is ‘I love you’ and ‘Stay safe’, especially now with two drivers in the house,” said Nicole. “It’s important to let people know how you feel.” As for making their marriage work, Nicole’s advice is straightforward. “Never go to bed angry,” she said. “What she said,” Steve agreed, making Nicole laugh. “See? He makes me laugh all the time,” she said, with a smile.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

LOVE WILL

Keep Them Together There are few things worse than not taking a chance and wondering what might have come of a relationship. Thankfully for Jamie Zarrett and Jennifer King, they don’t live with that regret. It was 2002 and like many couples before them, they met in a bar. Specifically, they were introduced in a New York City bar. Jamie said at that first meeting, the two of them knew that they needed to see each other again. “At that time, we were young and going back and forth from guys to girls,” said Jamie. “She gave me a napkin with her number on it and we planned to meet up the next day.” “[But] the next day didn’t happen - we were both playing games and confused,” she continued. “That napkin stayed in a drawer in my room for a very long time.” Still, clearly something was right because the two would keep coming back to each other. They moved to Clifton 12 years ago and Jamie proposed to Jennifer in 2009. The couple wed on Sept. 4, 2010. “It was the most amazing day of our lives, besides the birth of our daughter,” said Jamie. Working as a team and discussing any issues together when they arise is how Jamie describes their love. Despite any ups and downs, she said that they are always working on solutions as a couple and that they always work together in regards to parenting. Jamie was candid as well about how marriage is not

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

easy for any couple. More so, the pandemic adds its share of challenges. The key is maintaining communication, support and love. “I feel like we have it all,” said Jamie. “We have both been down in the dumps at times, but we help each other come out of the dark days. Thank goodness we aren’t in the dark days at the same time.” During the pandemic, the two of them have spent a great deal of time together and with their daughter, Samantha, 9, who attends School 5. Together, they have game nights, bake and watch movies. “If our love can get through the pandemic,” said Jamie, “our love can get through anything.”

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NAVIGATING

Compass Set & Steady When Mandi Bevando considers the early relationship advice she and her husband, Kelly, received, she still considers it solid for young couples. “Being that our parents had [each] divorced, … the advice was to look around and find older couples in successful relationships and figure out what it is that we admire about those relationships, and what seems to have worked for them,” said Mandi. It was advice that she and Kelly took seriously as a young couple. During those days, she said they spoke often about their hopes for the future. One of those talks included learning what the other wanted in a future family. Both of their experiences watching as their parents dealt with divorce and “other relationship hardships” are what Mandi believes gave them similar perspectives on a healthy dynamic. “We have always avoided mind games and challenges. We respect each other,” she said. Mandi and Kelly have been together for 24 years and are married for 21 years. When Mandi graduated high school, she met Kelly at a party through mutual friends. Despite the five-year age gap, she said there was something special from the start. “We knew we had something special when we saw each other every day for seven months straight and never got in a fight,” she said. “Three years later, we were married, and shortly after, welcomed 2 children into the world.” It was in 2009 when they decided to relocate from California to New Jersey. Mandi explained that what truly made that move possible was the closeness that they share with each other.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“We make a point to spend time with one another,” explained Mandi. “There are so many distractions and expectations that life throws our way, and it would be easy to get caught up in all of it, but we make time for each other.” “We call most outings that we do together dates, even if it’s something as simple as a run to Home Depot,” she continued, “framing our minds around the fact that all the time we have together is a blessing, and why not enjoy ourselves?” The two of them also recognize the importance of compromise - “There is no point in trying to prove whose idea is ‘right.’” - and that you should always try to make your partner feel heard. As for the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Mandi believes the schedule changes are “for the better.” Now, without their commutes, they can eat all their meals together. However, they still recognize when to give each other space so they can return to a conversation later without placing needless blame. “We usually find that after giving ourselves some time to digest things that we can more easily see things from the other person’s perspective,” explained Mandi. Mandi also said it is helpful that they share a number of similar interests. Their shared interests include making and doing projects, as well as family game nights that their now-older children join. They also enjoy hiking, cooking and eating great food. “We are best friends and equals,” said Mandi. “Laughter makes every day brighter.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

WHAT WORKS:

Danny & Rosa Rogers

If the walls could talk at Clifton High School, they would surely have many stories to tell about the love stories that began there. Danny and Rosa Rogers are one of those who choose to share their story. The former Mustangs, together for 32 years, will be married for 23 years on Feb. 15. “We met in 1989 in the CHS cafeteria during breakfast when I was a freshman and he was a senior [and then] dated for nine years,” said Rosa (CHS 1992). The couple are parents to two children, daughter Alexa, 18, and son Kyle, 15. Alexa graduated CHS with the

Class of 2020, and she is now attending William Paterson University. Kyle (CHS ’23) is currently a sophomore. Rosa finds that there are two key elements when it comes to maintaining a strong, healthy relationship. “We make our relationship work through compromise and communication,” she said. “One thing that we have found to keep our relationship strong is ‘date night.’” “Once a month, we try to plan one,” she continued. “That [could] involve dinner or some other activity that we can [do to] reconnect.” Rosa suggested that finding what works for your own relationship is important. There is no one-size-fits-all approach or method to maintaining a relationship. “Through the past year with COVID, we learned how to cook our favorite meals and we have played plenty of board games with our family,” she said. “There is no magic formula or golden rule to make a relationship last as long as ours, but we figured out what works for us.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Knapp Legacy of Service On February 27, 1960, the day my mom and dad married, they opened R.F. Knapp Roofing. It was a bold move for Dorothy and Richard. But six decades later, I’m proud to celebrate the 61st anniversary of our family business. While my brother and I worked together until his death in 2014, I proudly continue our family business. On this page I wanted to share a few photos...and let you know how much the Knapp Family has appreciated your support and trust over these six decades. At right, in 1990 that’s my family just before my dad died... at the bottom is Richie, a great Skipper and Fisherman...and at right, that’s mom and me in 2007, supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton....

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YIN & YANG

Opposites Attract

If you’re looking for an adventurous couple, check out Ryan White and Heather Ranges. For the former Clifton Mustangs, traveling the world and trying new foods are part of what they love to do most. However, their next big adventure is happening later this year. Ryan (CHS 2012) and Heather (CHS 2013) are getting married on Nov. 26. They plan to get married at the Rock Island Lake Club in Sparta.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Even when they recall their engagement, it could be considered an adventure. It also happens to be Ryan’s favorite “couple” memory. “It was the perfect day, not a cloud in the sky,” said Ryan, 26. “What happened was … I had gotten the ring five months before I actually proposed. Then for the actual day - July 13, 2019 - I hired a photographer.” “I told Heather that we were going to brunch because we had talked about getting engaged and were looking at different venues, so I said that I planned a brunch at some place I made up,” he continued. While she did her makeup, Ryan went to the beach where the photographer was set up and got her to meet him there. Once she saw the photographer, Ryan said she knew what was happening. Then, seeing as it was a week before her birthday, he asked her if she wanted her birthday present early. “She ugly cried,” he teased. “I got all Kim Kardashian,” agreed Heather, 25. The couple, who currently live in Lincoln Park, plan to return to Clifton. The reason, Heather said, is because Ryan will be on call for work often for the City of Clifton in the Department of Public Works. However, their ties in the city go back. Part of these ties include Ryan’s father, Kevin White, being a funeral director at Shook Funeral Home on Van Houten Ave.

However, CHS is where the two of them met through mutual friends. During those four years, Ryan played for the Fighting Mustangs both on the offensive and defensive lines. Meanwhile, Heather was on the softball team. “My best friend was really good friends with Ryan … and we became cordial,” said Heather. “Then, in college, I got into a really bad car accident and he came to visit me.” “Afterwards, we kept in touch and then once I was able to go to concerts again, we became really good friends,” she said. “Our first concert together was seeing Luke Bryan.” When it came to early impressions, Heather remarked how unique Ryan was to most guys their age. She explained that even bringing him over as a friend, her parents loved him and how he would shake your hand and be so personal. What makes their relationship work, Heather continued, is despite their shared love for travel and adventure, they are also complete opposites. “Ryan works for the DPW and loves the outdoors with hobbies like fishing and hunting,” she said. “I love the more glamorous side of life with hair and makeup, and I work in the wedding industry.” “This is what keeps the spark between us so interesting,” Heather added. “We feel the secret to a great partnership and future marriage is to keep things interesting and by always bringing the best out in each other through our differences.” Ryan agreed, echoing her sentiment. “I think we just fit in each other’s worlds a little better right off the bat,” he said.

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“Our parents never dreamed they’d be planning our wedding,” said Julie-Anne Cupoli. “Both of our funerals were planned, but never this day.”

FROM RELAPSE & RECOVERY TO

Health & Happiness By Ariana Puzzo

When Julie-Anne Cupoli realized she needed to seek help for her heroin addiction, she recalled it was at a time when loving herself felt impossible. Through Cupoli’s recovery, and now more than four years sober, she has not only experienced the beauty of loving oneself, but also loving the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. Julie-Anne Cupoli and Michael Sanchez wed on Dec. 28, 2020 at Saint Philip the Apostle Parish. The couple’s original wedding date was June 27, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, they needed to postpone the special event. But it would be worth the wait. After all, it was a moment in time that she fought with everything she had to get to. It was also a special moment for her family who she said, at one time, did not think they would see that day happen for her. “Our parents never dreamed they’d be planning our wedding,” said Cupoli, 28, in a phone interview last month. “Both of our funerals were planned, but never this day.” Cupoli’s statement might be a jarring one, but it is also strikingly candid. During our in-depth discussion, Cupoli and Sanchez spoke separately and together about the experiences they faced while recovering from their substance abuse histories. The couple, who met at the beginning of 2017 during their recovery journeys, spoke of how they go through the ups and downs of life together, while still maintaining the necessary boundaries and respect for each other’s individual experiences. “Michael and I have never been to a meeting together,” said Cupoli. “That’s how private and personal our recoveries are … because even though we’re going through it together, we’re not.” That, Sanchez added, is what largely keeps their relationship strong and healthy. February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

“It’s about being present in a relationship and communicating,” said Sanchez, 33. “We are on a journey together, regardless of our separate paths.” Learning to Follow the Rules One of the first things that Cupoli noted about her experience with substance abuse was how she was “kind of a late bloomer.” The CHS Class of 2010 graduate said it wasn’t until she was 17-years-old that she tried her first drink or drug. The reason, she said, was the fear of getting sick from it. That changed when she went to a party at her then-boyfriend’s house. He was a few years older and she said that she just wanted to fit in with the crowd. “Smoking weed and drinking beer made me feel like I could fit in and like I was on the inside since I felt that I couldn’t relate to anyone,” said Cupoli. “I felt in my head that I was different,

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“The rules were too much of an inconvenience for me. I was smarter, I knew better. I left sober living, stopped attending AA and NA, and I hung out with everyone I wasn’t supposed to hang out with. I was drunk within three weeks, which led me back to my drug of choice, heroin.” and I think that was the depression.” It was also the way to get the attention she thought she needed. It was not until college that she started experimenting with opioids, and then it was a steady progression. “It went on for a couple of years until one day I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m a drug addict,’” she said. “I didn’t look like how you’d think one looks - the people on the street with shopping carts next to them who are homeless and dirty.” “It was hard for me to realize that I had more in common with those types of people than I thought.”

It wasn’t long, she said, until she was in a similar position. She had reached a crossroads with her parents, Joe and Jacqueline Cupoli, who told her that she needed to make a decision: to get clean or to leave the house. “I was homeless by choice,” she said. “I said, ‘Well, I can’t be clean, so I’m gonna leave.’” At that point, she still lived in New Jersey, where she would later go into a couple of outpatient programs. She acknowledged it wasn’t enough, though. That’s when she sought help at an in-patient program in Florida. Cupoli readily admitted that she experienced setbacks on her journey to recovery. One was in between her treatments in 2016 and she said what she did was the exact opposite of what everyone recommended. “I went into sober living after my first treatment and there are rules there for a reason,” said Cupoli. “If you follow them, you will be successful.” “The rules were too much of an inconvenience for me. I was smarter, I knew better,” she continued. “I left sober living, stopped attending AA and NA, and I hung out with everyone I wasn’t supposed to hang out with. I was drunk within three weeks, which led me back to my drug of choice, heroin.”

Cupoli began her second in-patient treatment in June 2016 and has remained sober ever since that treatment. What got her motivated to seek the help that she needed were a couple of things. The first was realizing that she could not stop alone, but it went beyond that. It was realizing what her addiction was doing to her family that shifted her perspective. Part of it was recognizing how she said the “meanest, nastiest things” while in her addiction and how she ignored phone calls and messages from her parents telling her that they were there for her. “I found out that they started planning for my funeral and my mom had picked out my favorite dress and shoes and kept it available, kind of just waiting for me to die,” she said. “I was considered dead before I was because that was the path everyone saw me going.” “Then, one day, I was just like, ‘Maybe it will be for myself eventually, but right now I have to [get clean] for my family. Even if I don’t love myself, they do,’” she said. “As much as I didn’t want to live most days, if I were to die … they’d be the ones having to live with the pain and deal with the aftermath, and that wasn’t acceptable to me.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

Starting to Rebuild Like Cupoli expected, it did eventually become about her. She began rebuilding her life and part of that meant finishing college. Previously, she studied for four years at Pace University in Manhattan, but she was six credits short. Once she was sober, she finished, earning a degree in management with a minor in finance. The other part of rebuilding was finding work. She was about six months sober and working at a coffee shop in Florida when she met Sanchez. Sanchez grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, outside

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

of Fort Lauderdale. Contrary to Cupoli, he started using at an earlier age. He began using when he was around 14- or 15-years-old and said it really boiled down to self-esteem issues. “At the end of the day, I wasn’t comfortable with myself,” said Sanchez. “I put the wrong people around me and between social pressures, anxiety, and trying to navigate through life, it was my escape.” Things started spiraling for him once he was kicked out of his Catholic high school in the middle of 10th grade. Then, by his senior year, he was living in the midst of the pill epidemic in southern Florida. At the same time, he got in with the “wrong crowd” and the situation continued to escalate. “My life started to spiral out of control from there. I was in and out of treatment, in and out of jail, in and out of my parents’ house,” said Sanchez. When it comes to working toward his recovery, he also gives credit to his parents, Raymond and Loraine. “Luckily, I come from a good home with parents who were always behind me, but it got to the point that they almost weren’t,” he said. “There were multiple treatment stays, DUIs, and bad decisions.” Sanchez has been sober for the past 4.5 years, only two weeks behind Cupoli. Although that reality would eventually lead to them bonding, their meeting was somewhat different. “I first found Michael to be loud and obnoxious,” she laughed. “We’re opposites. I’m very quiet and I don’t like to be noticed or a burden, and he comes in like, ‘Excuse me, everyone, I’m here and you need to see me!’” And Michael’s first impression? “She was drop dead gorgeous,” said Sanchez, without any hesitation. “I still looked a mess and was living at my parents’ house. No car, no nothing. I thought to myself, ‘Hey, you can dream.’”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

As they grew closer, it was about three months into knowing each other that they realized they were both in recovery. While they both expressed apprehension for their own personal reasons about getting involved with someone who was also in recovery, they have found how beneficial that commonality is in their relationship. “Looking back at it … I can’t imagine being with someone who can’t relate to me in that aspect,” said Cupoli. Today, the couple live in Stamford, Connecticut and both work in Greenwich. Cupoli is a case manager at the Connecticut Center for Recovery, while Sanchez works as the center’s director of admissions and is one of the owners.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

As far as offering advice to people in the midst of their own recovery process or struggling during the pandemic, Cupoli encouraged reaching out for help and to avoid putting off asking for help “until tomorrow or next week.” Sanchez agreed, saying to give yourself a chance and take it 24 hours at a time. As for building or maintaining a relationship while in recovery, they were both emphatic about focusing on yourself first. “You can’t love anybody until you love yourself. So wait a year. Get to know yourself first,” said Sanchez. “Just because you went into treatment for 30 days, it doesn’t mean you’re cured. There’s a lot of work to be done.” And for the newlyweds, they are more than willing to put in the work. “One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot that’s amazing is how Michael and I have never seen each other under the influence,” said Cupoli. “That’s kind of crazy and really cool.” “God willing, our [future] children will never see us under the influence either.” Do you have an addiction? Do you know someone who has problems and needs help? If so, here are some phone numbers which offer resources: • REACH NJ Addiction Services 844-732-2465 • NJ Connect for Recovery 855-652-3737 • NJ Hope Line (Suicide Prevention) 855-654-6735 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 • NJ Mental Health Cares 866-202-4357 • Veterans Peer Support Hotline 866-838-7654

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

These folks CERTainly Love to Volunteer By Ariana Puzzo

By Ariana Puzzo The resources Clifton, as well as Passaic County and the state, has put behind COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are immense. But that’s the first step. As inoculations began, the number of individuals coming out to volunteer and help the paid staff is remarkable. If you are lucky enough to have received a COVID-19 vaccination to date, chances are good that you’ve seen dozens of people and you would never believe so many of them are volunteers.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Those who are volunteers with Clifton’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are among those kind faces. Whether they are helping direct traffic at Clifton High School or checking registration paperwork, there’s no mistaking their contribution on the frontline. The Clifton Office of Emergency Management, along with the Clifton Health Department, organized in 2014 the formation of a Community Emergency Response Team in the city. The team is designed so that

On Jan. 6, 13 and 27, CERT volunteers and staff from the Clifton Health and Fire Departments were on hand at Clifton High School to help things run smoothly at the drive-through vaccination clinics.

in the event of an emergency or large disaster, there are individuals who are ready to take the lead and spring into action. Most recently during the coronavirus pandemic, these members are often seen directing traffic and making sure checkpoints run smoothly during the vaccine distribution at CHS. However, it is likely that you have also seen CERT members around the city at annual events. While CERT operates on a neighborhood level - which can include light urban search and rescue, checking on neighbors, suppressing small fires, and providing Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2021â&#x20AC;&#x192;

CERT Volunteers

Receiving COVID vaccines were front line workers and others who qualified under the appointment schedule.

emergency medical aid and psychological comfort - they also lend a helping hand at any number of city sponsored events. “They are all volunteers and are very dedicated,” said Michael Onder, the CERT program manager. “There are several events throughout the year that they help out with and some of these events would be a lot more difficult to even have without them.” Onder, who is also a fire marshal and the Deputy Office of Emergency Management Coordinator for the Clifton Fire Department, said that these events can include the Memorial Day Parade and the city picnic. CERT team members are also constantly striving to sign more people up for Swift911 - the reverse 911 call system for the city. They have succeeded in signing up residents outside of the Stop & Shop on Broad Street, but still would like to add more people. “They are constantly out there helping the community out, and they help me out big time because we’re very limited in staff,” said Onder. “They’re out there a lot.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Clifton’s Unsung Heroes Despite their active role in the community, it is not uncommon for these individuals to keep a low profile. In some aspects, it is what makes them so adept at their roles. Still, Onder is the first to acknowledge how deserving the volunteers are of recognition for their commitment and hard work. There are currently over 100 city residents who are part of the CERT team that went through the Clifton class, run in conjunction with the Passaic County Office of Emergency Management. Most recently, these volunteers have sprung into action during the coronavirus pandemic. The Clifton team has partnered with Little Falls, who sent some of their CERT members to assist with the vaccine roll-out and organizing the vaccination points of distribution. “They’ve done a tremendous job handling traffic control for the PODs,” said Onder. “I can’t see a better time than now as far as helping the community out.” Onder is not the only one who feels that way.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

CERT Volunteers

The Habal family along with Joanna Huster are on our cover as perhaps the longest serving volunteers. From left, Sidra and Joanna with Sidra’s brother Danny, mom Anne, and dad Ahmad Habal.

The desire to help the community and the acknowledgment of how important that is during these difficult times were expressed by several CERT members. One family in particular continues to show their love for Clifton through their volunteer work. The Habal family of Clifton, who we featured previously in our September 2007 issue, are all CERT members. But their community involvement extends even further. “For as long as I can remember, my parents were always involved in something for the community, whether it was chaperoning a field trip or running a book fair,” said Sidra Habal (CHS 2016). “In 2007, they became members of Clifton Residents on Call—aka CROCS— and received much training through that organization.” “CROCs were used for many events in Clifton, from vaccination POD drills to going door-to-door after a power outage,” she continued. “When I turned 16, I became a member as well, eager to participate in helping the people of Clifton.” When a CERT team was formed in Clifton seven years ago, Habal’s parents, Ahmad and Anne, both joined the team. They went through the training together and would volunteer at numerous events when they were available. Other events CERT is known for helping out during are the Fourth of July fireworks, CHS graduation, and Candyland. Habal and her brother, Danny, also became heavily involved in the community. Habal volunteered at the Clifton Health Department when she was at CHS for a few

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

hours a week. Similarly, Danny, who graduated PCTI in 2019, would help direct traffic during Ramadan outside of the Islamic Center of Passaic County’s Clifton location. Danny also became involved with OEM and obtained his HAM radio license. It was then in 2019 that the two of them and their neighbor, Joanna Huster (CHS 2017), would take the CERT training course. “It is exciting, in a way, to finally use our skills for the COVID-19 Vaccine POD, helping wherever we are needed,” said Habal. “While a global pandemic is in no way a situation that should be taken lightly, it feels good to be doing something productive to help out.” “Aiding in the distribution of the vaccine is the most important thing right now and the most direct way to help the people of Clifton,” she added. Habal noted how empowering it feels knowing that you can take care of yourself and others in your vicinity in the event of an emergency. It is the ability to render basic first aid and “plan for the worst” that gives her peace of mind that anyone working together can get through a bad situation. The lessons taught in the CERT course are also ones that she said are immensely useful in your daily life. “Knowing your limits and when to leave the situation to the professionals is equally as important and is one of the reasons why I find CERT so valuable,” said Habal. “The main goal is to do the greatest good for the greatest number, which is what the entire team tries to do every day.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

CERT Volunteers

Living Through History That team also includes Joanna Huster (CHS 2017). Huster is a Communications and Media major at Montclair State University, and she is also Habal’s neighbor. Huster credits the Habal family for her own involvement with CERT. “Definitely seeing Sidra doing it and her family doing it was inspiring,” said Huster. “I didn’t think that I’d be able to do it on my own, so it’s good to have a buddy with me, especially because I grew up with her.” Huster has participated in the traffic control for vaccine distributions at CHS and said the CERT program was highly beneficial in preparing her for the pandemic. One of the things she said that she would like to see is more people becoming aware of the team so they can volunteer as well. Part of that means telling your friends so they can look into taking the course. “I wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for Sidra and her family being involved in it,” said Huster. Lifelong Cliftonite Michael Molner echoed Huster’s sentiment. The Delawanna resident joined CERT in 2016 because he was looking for ways to help his city. And he grew up with Onder and “figured I’d give it a shot.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

While helping with the traffic control at CHS, he also realized that many people are unaware of CERT and the team’s existence in the community. “People do pull up and ask, ‘What is CERT?’ and I try to explain it’s a Community Emergency Response Team [designed] to help when it’s needed,” said Molner, 63. “I think one of the best things you can do is give back to your community,” added Molner, who is also a member of the Board of Adjustment and the Rent Leveling Board. “There are lots of opportunities on the Clifton website. [Just] give up a little bit of your time - it’s rewarding and you learn about the town.” Huster holds a similar belief and said that despite these devastating times, what our community is living through now and how we respond to it is part of history. “I feel like we’re making history, especially with the vaccines more specifically,” said Huster. “I can see myself in the future talking about it with people who were not [here] to experience it.” For more information about volunteering, join or follow the Facebook pages: Clifton New Jersey CERT, Clifton New Jersey EMCT, or City of Clifton NJ OEM. Additional information is available at cliftonnjemct.org and cliftonnjcert.org.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MADE TO BE A

MUSTANG The CHS Athletic Director got his start in Jersey City. Those inner city roots have helped him ride herd over Mustang sports. By Tom Szieber Tom Mullahey was a raw 29-year old when he was hired as the athletic director at Snyder High School in his native Jersey City in 2008. A lifelong resident of the state’s second-most populous city and a 1996 graduate of McNair Academic (where he served as head boys soccer coach for eight years starting in 2000), he knew the lay of the land. But that didn’t prevent the job from being a baptism by fire. “You deal with a variety of issues, like keeping kids from drugs, gangs and violence,” Mullahey said. “And it was a small athletic program. I did everything—the buses, the schedules, the officials, the assigners. I was even the equipment manager.” Challenging and stressful, Mullahey’s do-it-all role at Snyder served as an opportunity to learn all aspects of running an athletic program firsthand. It turned out to be extremely valuable in Mullahey’s professional development, molding him into an adept leader under whom Clifton athletics has flourished since his hiring in 2013. With Mullahey at the helm, the Mustangs have seen increased participation in sports, major facilities upgrades, success on the field (or court, or ice) and, most recently, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with great success. “He demands that you do your job,” said Clifton head football coach Ralph Cinque. “He holds the standard high—he expects kids in the program and wants wins in the win column. He knows that Clifton is its own animal. For a guy to come in from out of town and do the job he has done, it means he has his finger on the pulse as to what is going on not just in the league and county, but throughout the state.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Cougar Bred in Jersey City Mullahey grew up playing baseball, basketball and soccer, seeing the most success in the latter. At McNair, he became an all-city and all-county defender and later played at Caldwell College. There, he earned a B.A. in psychology before pursuing a career as a teacher. He later matriculated at St. Peter’s University, graduating with an M.A. in Administration & Supervision. Upon becoming the Cougars’ boys soccer coach, Mullahey took a simple approach in leading the team, emphasizing the need to outwork the opposition. He immersed himself in the local soccer scene, and after becoming Snyder’s A.D., began overseeing the sport at the county level, helping to establish the Hudson County Soccer Tournament. Eventually, though, Mullahey outgrew the post, wanting new professional challenges and desiring new surroundings for his young family. Around that same time, the Clifton job opened up. “It was time to go,” he said. “At 34, when I left, I had a baby and a baby on the way. My needs changed and my family’s needs changed. Clifton was closer to my home and a bigger program, and I wanted my kids to have the ability to go to my games.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG MULLAHEY

Tom and Maria Mullahey with Angelica, 10, and Lauren, 8.

Starting at Clifton in the late summer of 2013, Mullahey had several objectives. Noting the lack of assistant coaches throughout the Mustangs’ various athletic programs, he immediately took action and facilitated the hiring of one per team. He pushed coaches to have greater involvement with Clifton youth sports programs, and got approval to get across-the-board apparel purchases for all athletes and coaches. He made it a priority to treat lower-profile programs with the same respect as the more prominent ones, and made it his business to be highly-visible at games. Mullahey also knew that in Clifton, winning has always been important, which is why he strove to maintain and upgrade the Mustangs’ impressive roster of coaches. “When I hire a coach, I want to figure out if this is somebody who I would want to coach my own kids,” Mullahey said. “Is it someone who will work hard and represent us well? And of course, it is always about winning and losing.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Making Good Hires & Sharing Vision On that count, he has had the courage to make changes in struggling programs, as well as take gambles on less-obvious choices. Case-in-point was his hiring of Mike Cadmus as Clifton’s head boys basketball coach in 2016. Cadmus was a young, first-time head coach taking over a struggling program in a competitive county, and Mullahey could have gone a different route. But Cadmus had the qualities of a successful coach. “I was looking for a good coach,” Mullahey said. “Mike is a bright guy. He has the right demeanor, but he doesn’t act like a maniac. He has definitely exceeded my expectations. Clifton wasn’t known as a basketball school, but he turned it around, and even when we weren’t having winning seasons, we were in every game.” Mullahey was also steering the ship when Cinque was hired, and is quick to laud those who were already guiding Clifton’s programs when he took over. His stewardship has paid off, as the Mustangs have won a Group IV title in boys soccer (in 2019), five sectional championships (North I, Group IV wrestling in 2014, North I, Group V wrestling in 2016 and North, 1B boys bowling in 2016 and 2019) and 16 Passaic County crowns under his watch. Clifton has made great strides in improving its facilities during Mullahey’s tenure, as well. Among them are the conversion of Joseph Grecco Field and Fernando Rossi Field to artificial turf, the refurbishing of the softball fields in front of Christopher Columbus Middle School, the installation of an eight-lane track at Clifton School Stadium and the purchase of new wrestling mats, an upgraded sound system and lighting in the CHS gym.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG MULLAHEY

“

But perhaps Mullahey’s Maria, and daughters Angelmost impressive accomplishica, 10, and Lauren, 8—sucment is his effective mancessfully running for borough “He knows that Clifton is its own agement of Clifton Athletics council as a Democrat in through the COVID-19 pan- animal,” said football coach Ralph 2016. demic. He was selected as counCinque. “He holds the standard After a state-mandated cil president in 2020. He has shutdown of spring sports in high—he expects kids in the program also served a number of roles the early months of the outwith the state and league’s break, Mullahey was deter- and wants wins in the win column.” athletic governing bodies. mined to make the fall season For the NJSIAA, he was happen for the sake of the stuFirst Vice President of its Exdent body. And despite a two-week October hiatus for ecutive Committee, Chairman of its Eligibility Appeals the football program due to a case within the program, Committee and a member of its Personnel Committee. fall 2020 went off with few major bumps in the road. He also served on the executive committees of the Super “We had one shutdown,” Mullahey said. “I would Football Conference and Big North Conference. never put my tail between my legs [and just shut down “I love being involved,” he said. “It makes me a better the program]. I was on the NJSIAA task force for coroleader and it puts Clifton in a position where we are alnavirus so I knew how high-quality the state restart was. ways in the conversation. We are involved in a lot of the I knew the medical professionals they consulted and the big decisions. I think that is important.” protocol they put in. Our coaches are top notch took their In a large city with a large school district and sports COVID training seriously. And [athletic trainers] Tom program, Mullahey surely has responsibilities to multiple [Cutalo] and Nicole [Buttel] put great protocols in place. constituents—athletes, their families, alumni and adminWhen you have people like that, it makes the decisions istration. much easier.” Since day one, he has taken them in stride, looking to Of perhaps greatest importance, participation numbers deliver for all of them, partially because he sees it as his have also increased overall throughout Clifton sports duty, and partially because he feels he has become one of with Mullahey running the show. them, a true “Clifton guy.” “I want to provide safe and meaningful athletic experiences for [our kids],” he said. “I have to represent the Civic Engagement & Politics district and be present. Clifton is a tough town athleticalAt his core, Mullahey just wants to make a difference. ly—people are demanding and want to win. But I like That desire led him to take his leadership skills into other that. I have developed some great relationships here in forums and in his new hometown. He entered the politClifton. I feel like I was made to be here.” ical world in Rutherford—where he lives with his wife,

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL

Winter Sports by Tom Szieber From left rear: Ismael Espinal, Ryan Lauritano, Aidan Seyka, Shawn Blackman, Dareon Giles, Aidin Sefargic. In front from left: Paul Dupree, Kyle Vellis, Jonathan Ramos, Kevin Arroyo, Jahiem Bunting.

Last season was a difficult one for Senior guard Paul Dupree will be Clifton boys basketball. For the Clifton’s top weapon. He improved first time in seemingly forever, ex- Mustangs Boys steadily throughout his junior year, pectations were high. The Mustangs and turned the corner as a playmakwere coming off a 20-8 campaign in er in a 17-point performance against Wayne Hills 4pm Passaic County Tech. He has devel2018-19 and were hoping to prove Feb 4 that they were ready to be consistent Feb 6 Mahwah 11:30am oped into a complete point guard, winners. capable of scoring, distributing and Feb 9 @ Eastside 7:30pm Instead, they struggled early on taking his team on his back. 4pm en route to an 8-18 finish, leaving Feb 11 PCTI Junior shooting guard Kyle Vellis Feb 13 Bloomfield 11:30am is the Mustangs’ most dangerous pure them disappointed and unsatisfied. “We were very, very young,” re- Feb 16 @ Bergen Tech 7pm scorer, lauded by Cadmus as perhaps called head coach Mike Cadmus, the best shooter he has ever coached. Feb 18 JFK 4:15pm now entering his fifth season. “We Vellis averaged 13.1 points per Feb 20 Passaic 4:30pm only returned one major contribugame as a sophomore, hitting the tor (Eddie Perez) from the previ- Feb 23 @ Passaic 4:30pm 20-point mark four times and dropous team. We always play a tough Feb 25 Eastside 4:30pm ping 26 against an always-talented schedule and the league was very Kennedy squad. His most impressive Mar 2 @ PCTI 4pm good.” strides, though, came on the other end @ DePaul 7pm of the court. This winter figures to be a total- Mar 4 ly different story, at least in terms “Last year, I was very happy with of the Mustangs’ level of experience. With its entire Kyle’s growth on the defensive end,” Cadmus said. starting five back and greater balance throughout its “Sometimes I think young players don’t value that as roster, Clifton is hopeful that 2020-21 will be a year of much, but to see him progress, I could tell him to go redemption. guard their best player and knew he could do it.”

Basketball

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

This season could be one in which Jahiem Bunting becomes a factor in the local hoops community. The senior guard tore his ACL as a sophomore, causing him to miss that entire year. It forced him to spend the early part of his junior season on junior varsity while he regained his confidence on the court. Bunting quickly proved too skilled for that level, and became a shutdown defensive player upon returning to the varsity floor. Clifton’s biggest wild card is forward Matt Okorie, whose potential is “limitless” according to Cadmus. In and out of the starting lineup last year, the 6’6” senior is a fantastic perimeter defender who can also handle the ball. Okorie struggled a bit last year with finishing on the inside, but Cadmus expects him to be much improved in that area. Rounding out the Mustangs’ starting five will be senior forward Ryan Lauritano. A smart, physical player, Lauritano is an exceptional passer from the fivespot. He is a vocal leader who has struggled with injuries over his fouryear career, but has been a valuable contributor when healthy. The guard trio of senior Jon Ramos, junior Kevin Arroyo and sophomore Aidin Sefargic will provide a valuable boost off the bench. Senior 6’3” center Dareon Giles will see significant minutes, as well. Rounding out the roster will be the likes of senior guard Shawn Blackman, junior guard/forward Ish Espinal and sophomore guards Luis Vega and Antonio Bordamonte. “I think we all took it personal going 8-18,” Cadmus said of the 2020 season tally. “Everyone has to go through a challenge. It is about how we respond. It is about putting the work in and, even in spite of COVID-19, they have.” Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

Angelo Intile knows this season is going to be challenging. The veteran Clifton girls basketball coach saw COVID-19 and virtual learning do a number on his roster or, more specifically, his turnout. With a drastically smaller group, he will rely on effort and coaching to try and improve on a disappointing 4-22 finish last year. Realistically, that will be difficult, and the development of his players is his primary priority as he navigates a most unusual winter. “This season isn’t about winning games, it is about letting the girls play,” Intile said. “We started practice on Dec. 14 virtually, and the majority of these girls did it,” he said, adding: “They were dedicated, but being virtual is nothing like the real thing.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mustangs Girls

Basketball Feb 2

@Passaic

Feb 6

@ Mahwah

Feb 4 Feb 9

Feb 11

Feb 16 Feb 18 Feb 23 Feb 25 Feb 27 Mar 2 Mar 4

@ PV

4:30pm TBD

12pm

Eastside

4:30pm

Bergen Tech

4:30pm

Passaic

4:30pm

@ PCTI @JFK

@ Eastside

Pompton Lks PCTI

DePaul

4pm

TBD

6pm

11:30am

6pm 4pm

From left: Capt. and senior Brielle Rodriguez with juniors Anissa Fraser, Tamara Mohammad, Nikki Zlotkoski, sophomore Natali Leach, junior Alyse Turk and sophomore Kaylee Miller. Missing are Capt. and senior Lea Hallak, senior Jackeline Carona and junior Amaya Black-Weaver.

Leading the way for Clifton will be guard/forward Brielle Rodriguez, a strong rebounder who can convert put-backs. The 5’6” senior was a second team All-Big North Liberty and honorable mention All-Passaic County selection last year, and will be expected to provide leadership on a largely inexperienced team. That may sound like a big leap but Intile says she is up for it.

“She plays like she is 6’2” and doesn’t take no sugar,” said Intile. “She is a hustler, knows how to box out and can anticipate what’s coming. If she can average in double figures in rebounds and points it will help us a lot.” Senior point guard Lea Hallak will be another returning contributor who will need to be a leader on the floor. A court general who can set an reset the lineup, she has three-point scoring ability and should improve on her scoring average from a year ago. Sophomore guard Kaylee Miller broke out at the end of last year and was recognized with an honorable mention on the All-Passaic County team. She will play the point when Hallak is off the floor, and the two when they are playing together. Another returning guard, junior Alyse Turk, is a tenacious player and streak shooter who should provide valuable points. After missing much of last season with an ankle injury sustained early in the year, junior forward Nikki Zlotkowski is healthy and expected to add some scoring with her reliable jumper. Sophomore center Natalie Leach, in her first year on the roster, will be looked upon for rebounding, while senior guard Jacklyn Carmona, junior forward Tamara Mohammad, junior guard Anissa Fraser and freshman guard Gianna Delgado will see action, as well.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

BOWLING

Rebecca Vitale, Anthony Du Bois, Juli-Anne Gamo, Capt. Kaylie Ateniese, Michael Jaquez, Capt. Tyler De Benedetto.

As it has for every sport in one way The same can be said of senior or another, COVID-19 has changed Mustangs captain Kaylie Ateniese, a fourththe landscape of high school bowlyear bowler who averaged a 140 a ing for 2020-21. year ago. This season, there will be no holSenior Rebecca Vitale figures to iday, Passaic County, sectional or Feb 3 Passaic 3:45pm be Clifton’s No. 3 a year after averstate tournaments, leaving the Big Feb 5 Eastside 3:45pm aging a 110. North Liberty Division title as the New to the girls’ lineup will be Feb 9 Indian Hills 3:45pm freshmen Onix Herrera and Yamilet biggest prize for the Mustangs. 3:45pm Gutierrez and being in a new level of Not having that “prize” as the goal Feb 12 @Demarest is certainly a different circumstance, Feb 16 JFK 3:45pm competition will test them. but it does not necessarily require a The boys will be led by senior Feb 19 @Eastside Pat. 3:45pm different approach for Clifton. captain Tyler DeBenedetto, a Pas3:45pm saic County honorable mention in “It doesn’t really,” said veteran Feb 23 PCTI 3:45pm 2019-20. Mustangs head coach Brian Small. Feb 25 Passaic “You still have to bowl. It’s still Mar 1 “Tyler has come a long way,” said Ridgewood 3:45pm a bowling match. Knock ten pins Small. “He used to bowl two-handMar 2 Old Tappan 3:45pm down and you’re in good shape.” ed, and it just wasn’t working. His The Clifton girls have a reliable offseason going into his junior No. 1 bowler in senior Juli-Anne Gamo. year, he went back into the one-handed style and it has A veteran with a strong pedigree in the sport, Gamo worked much better.” averaged a 150 last season en route to earning first team Sophomore Makhi Laws had a solid freshman seaAll-Passaic County honors. “Juli-Anne has improved a son, and figures to elevate his game further in his seclot over the years,” said Small. “She finds her spot and ond high school campaign. 90% of the time she is around the head pin. She picks up Seniors Ronak Lade and Anthony DuBois and junior some good spares, as well.” Mike Jaquez will round out the boys roster.

Bowling

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

Times and Locations*: Mondays and Fridays Christopher Columbus Middle School - 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 - 10:00 -11:30 School 17 - 361 Lexington Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 1:30-2:30 Clifton High School - 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 - 1:30-2:30

Wednesdays Christopher Columbus Middle School - 10:00 -11:30 School 17 - 1:30-2:30 Clifton High School - Closed *Times and Locations are subject to change

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

HOCKEY

The 2020-21 season did not start Top: Emil Rascher, Attila Tamas, Mustangs James Troller, Joseph Wiebe, Vlastiout the way head coach Mike Sanmil Ciberej, Sean Sandberg, Patrick tosuosso and the Clifton ice hockey Biernat, Nicholas Plaskon, Michael team would have liked, but the MusFeb 5 Paramus Cath. 3pm Santosuosso. Bottom: Nate Ceneri, tangs’ progress was already evident Feb 6 @West Milford 2pm David Doremus, Jurij Dubas, Faith after just three games. Poplawski, Selena Fruit. @Fairlawn 7:40pm After lopsided losses to Paramus Feb 8 Catholic and Passaic County Tech, Feb 12 Kearny 3pm can play the ice end-to-end and forms they were far more competitive a solid one-two punch with junior Feb 15 PV/CG 2:15pm against Passaic Valley-Cedar Grove Vlatsimil Ciberej, who tallied seven 3pm goals and seven assists last year. Both and, despite falling, 4-2, showed that Feb 19 River Dell they are moving in the right direction. Feb 26 West Milford 3pm scored goals in the matchup against “PC and PCTI were both improved Mar 5 PCTI 3pm Passaic Valley-Cedar Grove. Comprograms,” Santosuosso said. “And pleting the first line is sophomore our roster size is down a bit because Faith Poplawski, a talented distributor of COVID, but our guys are getting used to the minutes who plays with a defensive-minded approach. now” Senior Nick Plaskon will see time with the first and Clifton will rely heavily on junior goaltender Jurij second lines, rejoining the team after a one-season abDubas, who split duties with now-graduated Jaden Forsence. He is very in sync with fellow senior Sean Sandtuna last season. A student of the position who devotes berg, a smart player with a high hockey I.Q. a great deal of time to his own development, he has an Senior Selena Fruit, sophomore Atilla Tamas and exceptional glove and always seems to be square with freshman Nate Ceneri will all see time on the ice, as well. the puck. Despite going 0-3 out of the gate, Santosuosso is hapJunior Patrick Biernat is one of the team’s better py with the Mustangs’ effort and believes it is a matter skaters and will lead the defense. He will start alongof time until they start stacking some wins. For now, he side classmate Joseph Wiebe, with sophomore David feels fortunate that his players are out on the ice at all, Doremus acting as the first reserve. given the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the sport. “Patrick is fast and rushes the play,” Santosuosso said. “Our team has done a phenomenal job with [navigat“He is a nice complement to Wiebe, who is big, has a reing the outbreak],” he said. “I think we are all thankful ally good shot, and clears the traffic in front of our goalie. to be doing this again. The kids are aware that they are With David back there, it is a good group.” lucky to be doing this and there is a feeling of appreciaOffensively, sophomore James Troller returns bigger, tion. My goal for us is just to get better and I think we stronger and faster, and will occupy the center role. Troller are already starting to do that.”

Hockey

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

Deborah Rhinesmith, Joseph Wiebe, Arnold Flores, Isabella Andruch.

February 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. Deborah Rhinesmith, Senior When Deborah Rhinesmith sets her mind to achieving something, it’s clear that she will not let any obstacles stand in her way. One such obstacle presented itself during her freshman at CHS, and she used that experience to grow. “Suffering [from] a concussion freshman year was a huge hurdle for me,” said Rhinesmith (CHS ’21), who is the granddaughter of Barbara and the late Alvin Kipnis. “The recovery was tedious and greatly affected me both outside of school and academically.” “However, that injury, as hard as it was in those moments,” she continued, “I truly believe pushed me to challenge myself and live up to my full potential.” Rhinesmith plans to pursue her associate’s degree locally and once she earns it, she intends to earn her MBA in Florida. “I aspire to be a leader within the business world and use my resources to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.” She’s well on her way. At CHS, Rhinesmith’s leadership shines through her involvement with the Heroes and Cool kids program. The program lets her reach out to sixth graders and offer them advice and life lessons based on personal experiences. “I am very passionate about helping kids and I feel so lucky to be able to guide them in the right direction,” said Rhinesmith.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Joseph Wiebe, Junior Like many of his classmates at CHS, Joseph Wiebe has a clear vision for the future. Now more than halfway through his high school experience and approaching his senior year, the CHS junior plans to go on to college and earn a degree in criminal justice. From there, Wiebe (CHS ’22) wants to eventually become a New Jersey State Trooper. Although he said that his biggest high school hurdle was likely raising his grades and doing well in school, he noted the support that he has at home. “The person who inspires me the most would have to be my mom because she is so supportive and always has my back,” said Wiebe. Wiebe’s primary extracurricular activity during his time at CHS is ice hockey. He also points to science as his favorite academic area in school. “I think that my favorite subject would probably be physics because I find it very interesting and I have a good teacher,” he said. His favorite teacher that he acknowledged, though, was Mr. McCunney, who is the CAST director and is his TV Production teacher. “Mr. McCunney … is the most influential teacher to me because he is so enthusiastic and he is very kind and always willing to help out,” said Wiebe.

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

Arnold Flores, Sophomore Arnold Flores is steadfast in his acknowledgment that nobody is perfect, but he’s determined to work hard and turn any negative into a positive. When it comes to his successful transition to high school, he credits both himself and his family. “My actions, life, and family have inspired me the most,” said Flores (CHS ’23). “The unconditional support from my family has inspired me to do better.” The sophomore has held the longtime dream of one day becoming a famous soccer player and said his favorite class is science. Specifically, he likes how you can “find science everywhere and in everything” and enjoys physics. Flores is open to taking advantage of the academic programs offered by CHS, among which include the Bergen program and PCCC program. When discussing his favorite teacher, Flores could not single out one teacher as more influential than the others. “I can honestly say that all of my teachers have impacted me in a huge way,” he said. “When I didn’t believe in myself, not only my family but all of my teachers knew I was capable of achieving any goal.” “They have been there for me every step of the way,” continued Flores. “My teachers have pushed me to become a better me.”

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Isabella Andruch, Freshman Isabella Andruch may be at the start of her high school experience, but she’s off to the races. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the CHS Class of 2024 student said that her schedule was always full. Among her extracurriculars were volleyball, softball, and Ukrainian dancing. She also participates in Heroes and Cool Kids and Mustang Academy Lunch Bunch. “I am definitely a person who likes to be non-stop busy,” said Andruch. History teacher, Mrs. Dennison, is among her favorites due to her teaching strategies. “She makes the subject interesting and she is kind and patient,” concluded Andruch. Despite starting high school in a whole new way due to the pandemic, Andruch said she has managed to be successful by keeping on top of her work. She also said that her time at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic helped prepare her for CHS. As for who inspires her, she has fond things to say about each of her grandparents. She recounts memories of shopping with her “Mom-Mom”, going to Panera with her other grandmother, “Babcia”, and long talks with her “Pa” about history and financial stocks. “He inspires me to help others because I am always helping him, and it feels good to help someone.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

TLC IN 2021

Performers at the September 2020 Showtune musical revue under the stars at Weasel Brook. Below: TLC’s president Mark Peterson.

Last year Covid-19 canceled the Theater League of Clifton’s plans to celebrate its 15th anniversary as a community cultural organization. Oh well, that’s show biz. In spite of the disruptions caused by Covid-19, TLC, founded in 2005, has gathered its creative energies to remain active and provide the city with a much-needed cultural outlet. Covid-19 has had an impact on city schools and community groups, the Clifton Public Library, the Clifton Arts Center, various businesses, and has curtailed the operations of diners and restaurants. The coronavirus upended TLC’s performance schedule for 2020 season and continues to affect its plans in 2021. However, confronted by the many logistical challenges and safety concerns, the theatrical group has risen to the occasion and managed to provide entertainment to the local audience. Given the concerns regarding Covid-19 in 2021, TLC board members are focused on finding ways to present live theater to patrons in a safe and secure manner.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“With the many challenges we faced in 2005 in starting a new theater company in our community, the creative minds that have participated to form our company have always had a plan to offer Clifton the best in live entertainment,” Mark Peterson, TLC president, said. “The halt the pandemic has taken in the entertainment industry has not deferred our determination to continue with our plans to stage live productions as an outlet during these troubling times. We will take every safety precaution necessary to continue to establish the arts in our community. As TLC has done for the past 15 years, we are looking towards a bright future for Clifton.” Most recently, TLC, through a cooperative alliance with Grace Church, staged a Christmas Spectacular 2020 production of “Waiting for Christmas,” during the first weekend of December in the sanctuary of the Hazel Street house of worship. Church pews were rearranged, the interior furniture was sanitized, an enhanced ventilation system was designed, and patrons were required to wear masks and have their temperatures taken at the front door. The pro-

duction followed the health and safety protocols and 140 people attended the two performances. Written by Kirk Woodward and Mona Hennessy, Waiting for Christmas is a family storybook musical about the holiday season. Last September, TLC presented a musical revue titled “Showtune,” at Weasel Brook Park, which featured songs written by Broadway legend Jerry Herman. Over 200 patrons brought lawn chairs and blankets, conformed with mask wearing guidelines and social distancing restrictions, and enjoyed a night of live music under the stars. Clifton resident Jalmari Vanamo directed and conducted the ensemble, while Peterson and Traier once again produced the show.

TLC is weighing its options for another outdoor performance in May, but those plans will be steered by the Clifton’s progress containing the coronavirus and the rollout of vaccines. Members of the Theater League of Clifton’s executive board include Mark Peterson, president; Jalmari Vanamo, vice president; Stephanie Peterson-Yoda, vice president; John Traier, treasurer; Elizabeth Eisenmenger, secretary; Clifton Councilwoman Rosemary Pino; Barbara Novak; Raymond Robertello; Christine Potash; Beth Kearney; Diane Morrell; Liana Grasso; and Michael Gabriele. Go to theaterleagueofclifton.com for more details and info on TLC.

BIG THANKS TO

The Map of Clifton Advertisers

Find the 2021 Map of Clifton inside this magazine or at these advertisers: • Affordable Home Services • Assemblyman Tom Giblin • Clifton DPW Recycling • C. Genardi Contracting • Corradino & Papa, LLC • Councilman Ray Grabowski • Councilwoman Lauren Murphy • Councilwoman Rosemary Pino • Fette Ford Infiniti Kia • JK Management/ Styertowne Shopping Center • Law Office of Franklin S. Montero • Mr. Cupcake • Neglia Engineering Associates • NOVA UA FCU • Preferred Environmental Services • Pina Nazario - Coldwell Banker • Paramus Catholic High School • Precision Electric • Shook Funeral Home • Smith-Sondy Paving Contractor • State Farm Agent Bill Eljouzi • State Farm Agent Tom Tobin • Theater League of Clifton • YNC Tax, Yamilky Crisostomo Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

A LOOK BACK

Here’s a look back to 1984, when a Boys Town of Italy luncheon was held at the Robin Hood Inn on Valley Rd. From left: Paterson Mayor and State Senator Frank X. Graves, State Senator Joseph Hirkala of Passaic, former Passaic Mayor Nicholas Martini, Garfield Mayor Thomas Duch, Passaic County Freeholder Greg Komeshok, former Garfield Mayor and State Assemblyman Richard Visotcky and Passaic Mayor Joseph Lipari.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • February 2021

LAKEVIEW LUCKY

Owner Mukesh Patel of Quick Mart at 115 Lakeview Ave. sold the winning ticket in New Jersey on Sat. Jan 23, to a customer who matched all six numbers in that night’s Powerball drawing. The yet unknown winner can take 0 payments totaling $23.2 million spread out over 29 years, or a single up-front payment of $17.3 million. NJ Lottery bigwigs, TV crews and other media visited the store on Jan. 25. Patel received a check for $30,000 fro mthe NJ Lottery as a bonus for selling the winning ticket. The five winning white ball numbers were 05, 08, 17, 27, 28, plus Powerball 14, with a 3X Power Play multiplier.

Ronald Squeeze a tenant at the Miriam Apartments, at Daughters of Miriam Center on Hazel St., receives his first vaccination against the Covid-19 virus from CVS pharmacist Todd Eihel on Jan. 5. Due to health and safety measures, the Center has had restricted visitation for 10 months with residents unable to see their loved ones faceto-face, to hug or even to hold their hands. These restrictions have taken a tremendous emotional toll on all and, it is hoped, that as residents are vaccinated, these restrictions will be eased and families can once again be united.

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Barbara Appel enjoyed a 40 year career with the Board of Education as a bus driver. She especially enjoyed driving the hockey team. When the Mustangs would board the bus, she would give a speech, praising their victory or giving a pep talk after a loss. Former Coach Tom Danko had her as guest at the Hockey Booster luncheon the year she retired and awarded her a commemorative plaque. When she died last year, her grandkids donated the money they would have spent on her Christmas gifts to the Hockey Booster Club in a tribute to Barbara’s memory.

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

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

Information will also be going out via a Swift911 telephone message. *Dates and times are subject to change based on doses received and weather conditions. Clifton residents without access to the internet can call 973-470-2039 for assistance. This is an automated system and a Health Department employee will return your call as soon as possible. To find other vaccination sites, please visit passaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax and the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov Please continue to be patient due to the overwhelming and unprecedented demand for this vaccine.

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

Birthdays & Celebrations - February 2021

Happy Birthday to.... Send dates & names .... tomhawrylko@optonline.net

Sister Donna Hawrylko celebrates Feb. 25. Ernie Rodrigues turned 45 on Jan. 14. Ashley Rose Montague is 15 on Feb. 6. Maxine Presto turns 33 on Feb. 29—but leaps forward to celebrate on Feb. 28! The Lux siblings—Eric turns 25 on Feb. 3 and Renee will be 19—on Feb. 14. Orest Luzniak will be 66 on Feb.14. Alison Degen....................... 2/1 Robyn Feldman................... 2/1 Jack Houston...................... 2/1 Kristin Reilly........................ 2/1 Mary Jane Varga................ 2/1 Emil Soltis, Jr...................... 2/2 Joseph Fierro...................... 2/3 Bob Naletko....................... 2/3 Catherine Grace Burns........ 2/4 Diane Di Pietro................... 2/4 John Nittolo........................ 2/5 Richie Szepietowski............. 2/5 Courtney Carlson................ 2/6 Don Knapp........................ 2/6 Joseph DeSomma................ 2/6 Ashley Rose Montague........ 2/6 Robert D’Alessio................. 2/7 Nicole Tahan...................... 2/7 Tara Fueshko...................... 2/8 Natalie Pych...................... 2/8 Jamie Carr......................... 2/9 Craig Grieco...................... 2/9 Steven Becker................... 2/10 Bryan Kelly...................... 2/10 Matthew Seitz.................. 2/10

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Jayke Williams will be 13 on Feb. 26. Valentine Le Ster............... Sarah Mikolajczyk............ Nick Zecchino.................. Joseph Hilla......................

2/11 2/11 2/11 2/12

Anthony Musleh................ Dolores Rando.................. John Hodorovych.............. Amin Zamlout................... Mark Gallo...................... Jeanette Ann Saia............. Orest Luzniak................... Christine Canavan............ Chickie Curtis................... Ashley Brandecker............ David Fazio..................... Leann Perez...................... Lorraine Rothe.................. Sam Citero....................... Michael Del Re................. Richie Bandurski............... Stephanie (Peterson)Yoda... Michael Papa................... Robert Mosciszko.............. Taylor Jesch...................... Diana Murphy.................. John T. Saccoman............. Robert Adamo.................. Eileen Feldman................. Kimberly Mistretta.............

2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14 2/15 2/15 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/19 2/20 2/21 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/24 2/24 2/24

Ari Federle jumps to 10 on Feb. 15. Robert Krupinski................ Kimberly Gasior................ Jayke Williams................. Joseph J. Schmidt.............. Brittany Helwig................. Joyce Penaranda.............. Brittany Pinter................... Lauren Ricca..................... Charlie Galluzzo.............. Mark Zecchino.................

2/25 2/26 2/26 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/28 2/28

Brinda Chauhan celebrates a birthday on Feb. 20. Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2021â&#x20AC;&#x192;

HALL OF FAMER

Back in 2006 after the Thanksgiving game: Derrick Stroble, Anthony Giordano, Nick Cvetic and Tim “Boomer” Jacobus.

Former Fighting Mustangs coach Ron Anello was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association (NJSCA) Hall of Fame on Jan. 10. The current Ramapo athletic director had a successful ten-year run at West Essex before taking over the Mustangs in 2004. At Clifton, he took over a program that was starved to end a championship drought dating back to 1973. In 2006, just his third year on the job, the Mustangs went 9-3 and won their first-ever sectional title on

February 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

the field (their previous 15 had been awarded during the pre-playoff era), defeating Eastside, 26-0, in the North I, Group IV final at the old Giants Stadium. The Mustangs went 39-33 during his seven seasons, returning to the playoffs in 2008. They went 7-3 in 2010, his final season at the helm, missing a postseason berth on a tiebreaker with Union City. He is third on the Fighting Mustang’s all-time wins list, behind only Joe Grecco and Bill Vander Closter.

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