Clifton Merchant Magazine - July 2023

From the Editor Tom Hawrylko

I swear: Sister Yosephata’s feet do not touch the ground. Now 88, Sister Yosephata is still five feet of pure energy and sounds like the 27-year-old novice teacher I met as a first grader in September 1963, back in Ukrainian Assumption School in my hometown of Perth Amboy.

Her feet not touching the ground has nothing to do with being a seven decade-member of the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God, headquartered in Philadelphia. No, not at all. I and generations of kids that followed learned of Sister’s special skills to see a Uki school kid doing something dumb and then experience Sister’s quick response to bring order before chaos.

Here’s an example: The Beatles landed in America in 1964. That February, I brought to school some trading cards with photos of Paul, John, Ringo and George. Seated in the front of our new classroom, I flipped open my desk and was touting my new cards to the kids behind me. They were impressed. I felt pretty cool.

Sister Yosephata special skills zoned in: “Thomas: what are you doing?” I shut the desk. “Nothing.” But before it closed Sister caught it and wrenched the desk open. “What are these?” Stunned silence from me. “What are these?” She repeated as she grabbed the cards and tore them up. “The only reason you want those cards...” I shouted, “is... because YOU are in LOVE WITH THE BEATLES!”

Whoosh! I was out of the chair and down the hall where the taste of soap washed away the chaos. A lesson for a lifetime—don’t mess with Sister Yosephata!

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko with lifetime friends Annie (Stepash) Dougherty and Glenys (Romanko) Biloholowski and Sister Yosephata Litvinczuk, MSMG.

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Contributing Writers

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

Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr.

Ariana Puzzo

Business Mgr.

Irene Kulyk

I was one of 23 kids who comprised the first and second grades of UAS in September, 1963. While we did not realize it, my classmates, our parents and the parishioners of our parish were pilgrims. We were the inaugural classes of a school that is still serving our community today.

That was thanks to Sister Yosephata Litvinczuk and the late Sister Josepha Mary Kruchinsky, MSMG, the two pioneers who led us on a journey to establish a school.

For decades, Sister and a few of us stay connected. She recalls how in the summer of 1963, our pastor handed over the keys to the new building and gave them a brief tour.

From there it was up to them to make it work. Each day began with Liturgy. In class, we were taught how to comprehend the world and learn our place in it. Many of us found a path which we and our families still follow. UAS grew a grade every year and it still thrives and serves today.

Sister Josepha went on to her heavenly reward in 2007. Sister Yosephata is now living in Philadelphia, one of the five remaining sisters in the MSMG order. “God has given me an awful lot,” she told me last week, “so I must be very careful to give back and to walk tall until I fall forever.”

Thanks Sister Yosephata, for being so large in my life.

The first and second grades of Ukrainian Assumption Church in 1963. Tom Hawrylko is third from left front, Glenys Romanko is center front, Annie Stepash is second from left, second row. Sister Yosephata (aka Little Nun) and Sister Josepha are at left.

Above from left, Nick Hawrylko at commencement, the Mustang mascot in June 2013 who was unveiled as today’s Tricia Montague. At right, that’s Greg Gwyn with a fiddle and then below with his twin Matthew. Below them, twins Antoinette and Annette Santos, and center above, David and Joshua Kantrowitz.

As “Thrift Shop” and “Harlem Shake” topped the music charts, the 2013 Mustang Mascot was unveiled in June as Tricia Montague who rallied the crowds senior year.

Montague still loves animals. She studied Biology at Rutgers – Newark and earned her Master’s in Conservation Medicine at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Today she resides in North Carolina and is a Hospital Training Manager at Veterinary Emergency Group. Speaking on the evolution of the pet care industry, Montague, now 28, said, “It’s wonderful to see the connections we can make with pet owners.”

The 2013 Senior Class President Aisha Alzubi, on our cover, also expressed an interest in the sciences. Her path has found her as a non-traditional senior biology major and pre-medicine student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Her goal is to be an anesthesiologist.

Montague hails from a family of Mustangs — with parents Patrick (CHS 1972) and Angela (CHS 1977), and brother Travis (CHS 2008).

“Don’t take your plan too seriously,” Montague advised others. “Nothing will go according to plan, but it’s all going to be fun and exciting.”

All Stories by Ariana Puzzo

Class Inseparables

Jaclyn and Janine Giordano are not only sisters but the definition of

The Class of 2013 agreed. Their classmates voted the sisters as Class Inseparables a decade ago. Janine said that sort of connection between twins is oftentimes ineffable.

“Believe me, when we were growing up and trying to figure out … who we were, we had some falling outs,” said Janine. “But since we’re older, our relationship has just been flourishing.”

“Attached at the hip. I think that’s the perfect saying about us,” she added.

Born to Anthony and Linda Giordano, the 28-year-olds grew up with their older brothers Anthony (CHS 2007) and Nicholas (CHS 2010). Both men coach Clifton football.

The sisters both had positive high school experiences. Janine played softball and basketball for the Mustangs — in return making some of her best friends and gaining time management skills. She took some Honors classes and credited her balancing act to surrounding herself “with good people.” She remains close with Jessica D’Alessio, Heather Ranges, Amanda Marakovitz, John Cuco, and Patricia Nejmeh.

Jaclyn’s positive experience is tied to loving that she went to a diverse school. She also played softball and looks back fondly on the relationships that she formed with her teammates, many of whom she remains close with today.

The best part for the sisters was navigating those four years with a reliable partner.

“Doing high school with your twin sister is probably the best,” said Janine. “Having an automatic best friend for life really set the tone for us growing up.”

Jaclyn is a Registered Dietician and works mostly remote for Absolute Nutrition Counseling, out of Bridgewater. Speaking in early June, she said that the business teamed recently with Clifton Public Schools for a Clifton Wellness Challenge.

The experience of connecting with familiar faces was great and she believed over 150 teachers signed up for the four-week wellness challenge.

Jaclyn attended Rowan University for one year before transferring to MSU. She decided to then pursue her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and earned her master’s degree from the University of Alabama in the same field.

“I always paid attention to [nutrition] while playing sports, and my dad was very sick at one point in my

Jaclyn and Janine Giordano in 2013 and Jaclyn with Timothy Brown today.

life and a lot of it was because of his nutrition,” explained Jaclyn. “I took a class at Rowan and said, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

“My mom’s a nurse,” she added, “and that brought me closer to working in healthcare as well.”

Jaclyn isn’t too far from Clifton, living in Passaic with her boyfriend, Timothy Brown (CHS 2012). The couple were friends in high school and started dating soon after she graduated.

“He DM’d me on Twitter,” laughed Jaclyn, “and it kind of went from there.”

In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys cooking and reading. Running is a newer hobby and she recently ran a half marathon. That focus and tenacity were first nurtured in Clifton.

“I would say a lot of strength and grit,” said Jaclyn about what defines a Mustang. “The town is so proud of all that it does for its residents and the school system.”

Before they joined the Mustangs in the main high school, Jaclyn and Janine also attended St. Philip’s and the former Annex for their freshman year.

Janine also attended Rowan University and went in with a Pre-Athletic Trainer major. But she knew in the back of her mind that she wanted to be a nurse.

She transferred, like Jaclyn, and went to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

She’s spent the last five years working as a nurse and is in Cardiac Surgery ICU at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Growing up with [my mom], I would just hear the stories about how she was helping people [as] an

operating room nurse,” said Janine. “She’d have to take calls all the time and go in at 1 or 2 am for an emerging case.”

“I wanted to be like my mom and help people,” she continued. “Even so simple as to make other people smile.”

Janine lives in Elmwood Park and enjoys working out in her free time. She joined Orangetheory Fitness a little over a year ago and also loves traveling. She especially appreciates how her job enables her to make a lot of days without taking vacation time and travels to islands and, more recently, Europe.

“What I really love is that I’m kind of a team leader for the American Heart Association Northern NJ Heart Walk,” said Janine. “I’m in charge of raising money … [and] I invite the units from the hospital.”

Janine believes embodying a Mustang means that you need to “have a lot of heart, have to love your town, and have to love your people.” Each of her loved ones is a priority, but her twin is in a category of her own.

“I’m always going to prioritize Jaclyn first and then anyone else in my life. That’s just who we are together,” said Janine. “We’re alike in a lot of ways, but different. It’s easy to go through life with someone sharing your similar values and interests.”

Embracing life’s changes

Jaclyn Scotto had a lot of fun in high school, but she was also prepared. “A lot of people describe Clifton High as very diverse, and it’s one of the biggest take-

Janine Giordano today, Michelle Shackil with Jaclyn Scotto in 2013, and Jaclyn and her brother Joey (CHS 2009) today.

aways from growing up in Clifton and going to the high school for me,” said Scotto (CHS 2013). “I got to meet a lot of people and have exposure to many cultures.”

“In college,” she continued, “you find out that a lot of people don’t get that advantage.”

The Wallington resident grew up in Albion with parents Joe and Sue. She went to School 5 and WWMS, and she is the younger sister of brothers Kris (CHS 2004) and Joey (CHS 2009). Their mother, Sue, has worked as a paraprofessional at CHS for over 20 years.

After playing four years of softball left field, Scotto went on to Bergen Community College for two years. She later transferred to MSU to focus on teaching. After graduating, she subbed at the high school for three years before realizing that it wasn’t what she wanted to do.

“So, I got into real estate,” said Scotto, 28.

Scotto does title insurance and credited her career change to her brother Joey, who’s a Realtor.

“He was one of the people that I was expressing a change-of-heart to about teaching and how I didn’t know the next step,” said Scotto.

Joey knew an office that was hiring and although she didn’t know about title insurance when she applied, Scotto said that the office “taught me everything that I needed to know.” Scotto is now almost four years into her new

career and for nearly a year has worked for Nexus Title Agency LLC in Totowa.

“When someone buys or refinances a house, we do the background searches on the property,” she said. “It’s a lot of background work, which is fun. You get to learn a lot.”

Scotto enjoys staying active in her free time. She additionally spends time with her three nieces and one nephew and keeps in touch with CHS classmates Jackie Bergen, Jennie Hornstra, and Delana Pasquale.

Stand-out teachers included coaches Steven Cavello and Sal Anzaldi, who Scotto said not only taught their players about sports but also life. There was also English teacher Renee Holland. “She talked with you about your goals and your aspirations,” said Scotto, “and she stayed on top of you to make sure that you knew she cared about you as a person as well.”

Beautifying his city

Like Mustangs before him and since, Victor Campolattaro III remembers his graduation with fondness.

The CHS 2013 Mustang grew up in Allwood with his parents, Victor Jr. and Karen, and younger brother, Michael (CHS 2016). During high school, he participated

in ROTC for a year and tried out for the basketball team.

Campolattaro started work right out of high school and has worked for Clifton’s Department of Public Works full time for almost eight years. He is a Heavy Truck Driver and works in the parks and small city properties. He and his team are responsible for laying mulch in the playgrounds, cleaning up leaves in autumn, and salting and plowing the roads when it snows.

“It’s pretty much a versatile department,” said Campolattaro, 28.

The outdoors always held great appeal for Campolattaro. He likes landscaping and working with his hands. He began to shovel people’s houses around his neighborhood at the age of 12 and cut the grass while living with his parents.

Nowadays, he additionally lays mulch, cuts bushes, and does soil jobs for his DPW supervisor John Marturano’s landscaping company. “I always saw myself outside,” said Campolattaro. “I like being outdoors.”

Victor Campolattaro III in 2013 as he graduated CHS. Victor and his wife-to-be Lauren Scarfo today, and Lauren as the cover girl from our August 2020 edition.

Campolattaro still lives on the Allwood side of the city and is engaged to CHS 2012 grad Lauren Scarfo, who also lives in the city. You may recognize her voice from the city’s Reverse 911 calls.

The Mustang couple didn’t know each other in high school, but ended up meeting through work. Campolattaro recalled that she was doing a rabies clinic one night and he was working overtime for Maintenance to put out tables, cones, and chairs. The couple got engaged on Jan. 7 and are tentatively looking toward next summer for their wedding.

When he is not watching or attending sporting events, or adventuring and meeting new people, Campolattaro implements the skills and lessons that his city instilled in him.

“[The main lessons are] keeping it moving and working hard,” he said. “It’s a mentality of just getting it done as fast as possible but in an organized way and the right way.”

Inspired by guidance

Nicole (Berthold) Lincoln remembers how relationship dynamics were a big part of high school.

“I had a lot of friends and we had a really good time,” said Lincoln (CHS 2013). “I think it was a different time for CHS at that point. There were a lot of people who were skipping classes and spending more time outside together.”

Going outside between wings helped the classmates build a camaraderie. One classmate that she’s still in contact with is Shay Rodriguez, who she became friends with in ninth grade.

“We were not just there for school, but for building relationships with one another.”

Lincoln grew up in Allwood with brother Ryan and their parents, Ernie and Joanne. Ernie was a CHS 1985 grad and Joanne worked in Clifton Public Schools for 12 years — first at School 9 as a paraprofessional and then at School 1 as a secretary.

Lincoln attended School 9 and CCMS, where she did cheerleading, softball, and theater. During her high school years, she said she mostly worked with the adjustment counselor, Joel Baker.

She helped him with different projects over her four years. She further absorbed his influence as he assisted students with behavioral concerns or in need of additional support.

“Working alongside Joel Baker for so long inspired me to want to help those who are struggling — whether it’s with mental health or substance use issues,” said Lincoln, 28. “It motivated me to become the person that I needed growing up.”

Lincoln didn’t shy away from saying she was “kind of rough around the edges” in high school. A second teacher that she said inspired her was John Lesler, who she had for history during ninth grade.

“He taught us a lot of material, but also provided us with a lot of life skills,” said Lincoln. “I find myself quite often referencing things that he said or the way that he conducted himself. I owe a lot of who I am today to Mr. Lesler and Mr. Baker.”

Nicole Berthold in 2013 and today as Nicole Lincoln with her husband, Kyle.

Lincoln earned her Bachelor of Social Work at Bridgewater State University and went on to earn her Master of Social Work from Fordham University. During her undergraduate years, she was accepted to the Disney College Program and spent a year working in Magic Kingdom.

That’s where she met her now husband, Kyle Lincoln. The couple recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary on June 4.

Lincoln works today as a Licensed Certified Social Worker, employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She and Kyle live in Cape Cod, and she manages an involuntary detox unit for substance-dependent women in a state hospital.

“I think being in Clifton High really… provided me with strong time management skills [and it] exposed me to diversity throughout the student body,” said Lincoln. “It’s very important in my field to be culturally sensitive and … understand we all come from different backgrounds and walks of life. I got to experience so much of that growing up in Clifton.”

An eye toward healing

Peter Chudolij last walked the winding halls of Colfax Avenue 10 years ago, and he noted how high school often gets a bad rap. For him, it was an overall good experience.

“What made it special was being on the Varsity Tennis team pretty much for all four years,” said Chudolij (CHS 2013). “I always looked forward to the spring and when that was coming around.”

Chudolij remains close with several classmates today. He and his fiancée, Adelia Shwec, plan to attend Victoria Rodeo and Ankit Desai’s wedding in a few months. The couple both graduated in 2013 with Chudolij. The former Mustang also

occasionally runs into his former classmate, Mihai Solotchi, who he was a co-captain with on the Tennis team.

Chudolij entered the Clifton Public Schools in seventh grade at WWMS. Prior to that, he went to St. John’s Catholic School in Newark and the Pioneer Academy. He went on to earn his BA in Biology and minor in Chemistry at Rutgers – Newark.

More recently, he graduated from Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2022 and is completing his residency as an Optometric Physician. His residency is in ocular diseases at Omni Eye Services in Manhattan.

“It was when I was playing tennis in high school that I realized I’d probably like sharper vision,” said Chudolij, 28. “I did get contact lenses and a new pair of glasses, and they made a world of difference. I then asked my optometrist for recommendations to shadow others, and I did that for a few summers and after school.”

Chudolij also did his own research. He always knew that he wanted to enter the healthcare field, but he knew that the amount of options could feel overwhelming. What he came to witness was how much people in the optometry field enjoyed what they did and how it serves eye health as a whole.

“What is most rewarding is to be able to be at a junction for somebody … that is looking for help and to be that point-person able to steer them in the right direction,” said Chudolij. “It’s not only providing medical aid for specific issues, but letting people know that they’re going to be in good hands.”

Peter Chudolij in 2013 and today with fiancée Adelia Shwec.

Chudolij still lives in the hometown where he was raised by parents Alexander and Lillianna. He spends his free time driving up and down I-87 to visit Adelia, who is from and lives in Montreal. Another favorite pastime is playing golf, which he picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He’s also involved with the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM) – Passaic and attends Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral, at 635 Broad St. Looking at the next decade of his life, he’s focused on specific goals.

“I would love to be working in a private practice when it comes to my job, and I’d love to have a family with multiple kids,” said Chudolij. “I’d also like to … hopefully grow the Ukrainian Youth Association that I was a part of when I was younger.”

Marching to his own beat

The four D’s that Andrew Roennau embraced as a Marching Mustang hold true for him today.

For the last decade, the CHS 2013 graduate has remembered retired Clifton Band Director Robert Morgan’s emphasis on “Dedication, Desire, Discipline, Drive.” He still recalls another saying as well.

“[He] had this saying, ‘Mediocrity breeds decay,’” said Roennau, 28. “If you do something, try to do it well.”

Roennau grew up with parents Eric and Patricia (Lewis) Roennau in Allwood. He attended School 14 and WWMS. His high school years included band-related activities, such as the Marching Band, Pit Band, Concert Band, and the Clifton Community Band, which he remains active in today.

He attended Seton Hall University, where he majored in Computer Science and minored in Music. While in college, he joined the pep band as a trumpet player — an instrument that he picked up in the fourth grade.

Today, he works remotely as a software engineer for the California-based company Extend. Previously, he worked for Clifton’s ClassLink, Inc., located at 45 E Madison Ave.

Clifton remains home for Roennau. He lives in an apartment not far from where he grew up and said that while he’s open to moving in the future, Clifton remains a comfortable home.

He’s spent the last couple of years learning the piano. He also picked up running in college and participates in the Clifton Stampede. Along with talking to former band peers and remaining close to classmate Greg Schwartz, there are other important people in his life.

“My parents let me go the direction that I wanted in life,” said Roennau. “Because of that, I don’t feel like I’m influenced by anyone. Just the fact that they allowed me to do what I wanted [means a lot].”

Life was ever-changing following the turn of the century. By 2003, the country was just two years removed from the events of Sept. 11, 2001, technology kept evolving, and the kind face of Fred Rogers said, “Bye-bye” to this life.

There was also a way of life in Clifton that remains nostalgia-inducing for those Mustang grads.

“You could put $5 in your car and be OK for gas,” reminisced Billy Boseski. “You would still write handwritten notes … and go to Blockbuster to get a video.”

By March 20, 2003, the US-led Iraq War began, and with it signaled another cultural shift. There still remained an effort at home for kids to be kids. And that meant doing the activities that many of them enjoyed each week.

“Playing football Friday night under the lights,” was his stand-out memory, said Darren Coyle.

The CHS 2003 reunion is in the works for this October. Join “Clifton High Class Of 2003” on Facebook for updates.

David Baron, Kristin Fedorchak, Kimberly Sokolik, Joe Hawrylko, Jess Carlin, Chris Siddayao, Lauren Schefchik, Rebecca Spring. At left Brian Kennedy and Jesse Hasting.

Reading across Clifton

Kimberly Green loved her experience in the Clifton Public Schools. So much so that she chose to stay and provide that same experience for others.

Green (CHS 2003) is a Media Specialist, who currently works out of Schools 12, 3, and 9. She got her first position in Clifton in 2008 and loves the work that she gets to do with Clifton kids.

“One of my favorite things to do is to inspire my students to read,” said Green, 38. “I try to find creative ways to motivate them to read, such as running Accelerated Reading competitions and suggesting great titles.”

She especially enjoys that she gets to work with children on all grade levels in the K-5 setting.

“Being able to be a librarian and to work strictly with books with [the students] was a no-brainer,” said Green. “Helping them pick out books that interest them and that are on their reading level is fun. It’s such a rewarding job.”

Born to parents Kevin and Laura Green, she grew up in Athenia with her siblings Kevin Jr. (CHS 2004) and Megan Dolaghan (CHS 2001). Green attended School 13 and WWMS, and the trio were all in high school together at one point.

At CHS, Green got involved with the Student Council, Cheerleading, and she was the Baseball Manager. She additionally played softball for her first two years.

“I tried to meet so many people,” she explained. “Clifton is so big that it was very easy to do.”

She’s still connected with people. Along with being in charge of the reunion, which will be held in October, she is still in contact with her former classmates and sees other people that still work in the district.

Before returning to Clifton, herself, Green studied Family and Child Studies at MSU. After she graduated from college, she immediately got a job in Clifton as a seventh grade Language Arts teacher from 2008 through 2011. She taught fourth grade at School 12 from 2012 through 2014 and switched in the school to fifth grade in 2015.

Green transitioned to her Media Specialist role in 2022 and acknowledged that Clifton’s a “good town.” She recalled always going with her friends to The Hot Grill — even for their homecoming photos! — and going to Burger King after the football games.

Green lives in Wayne with her boyfriend, Tom Hunziker, and their son, Dylan, 2. Despite living in a different community, she understands why she and others stay connected to their hometown.

“I feel like a lot of people stay here,” she said. “I love being a Mustang. … It’s just a great place to be.”

From bike rides to family ties

Running in the same friend group is not always a guarantee of a “happily ever after”, but Darren and Lauren (Nichols) Coyle in many ways still played the long game.

The CHS 2003 grads are lifelong residents who both went through the Clifton Public Schools. After moving here with his parents, Thomas and Diane, from Northern Ireland in 1989, Darren attended School 3 with his siblings, (Ryan CHS 2004) and Briana (CHS 2006). Born to parents Mike and Janice Nichols, Lauren attended School 1.

The couple met in sixth grade when they started attending CCMS.

Kimberly Green with boyfriend, Tom Hunziker, and their son, Dylan, 2.

“We would ride our bicycles around Columbus and see each other at parties,” said Darren, 38. “From riding bikes to starting a family.”

He explained that they were “really good friends who talked all the time”, and Lauren added that they sort of went their own ways in high school before reconnecting through mutual friends at a party around the age of 20.

The two former Mustangs grew close and got engaged in 2019. They wed on April 17, 2020 in their house with COVID-19 precautions in place instead of their planned 200-person wedding.

“Our friend got ordained and was able to marry us,” said Lauren, 38. “We wanted a celebration later, but I ended up getting pregnant and we started a family instead.”

The couple live in the Robin Hood section with their 18-month-old son, Conor, and are expecting a baby girl who’s due in October.

About her husband, Lauren said that she loves his kindness and his humor. She appreciates the way that he “always makes me laugh” even in the times that she doesn’t want to laugh.

Darren reciprocated in his response, and he called Lauren his best friend.

“We have the same humor, which is important when you’re together,” he said. “Once everything passes, you have each other. We can literally sit down and just talk about anything.”

Creating a life together

Becoming Mustang student-athletes kept Darren and Lauren busy.

Darren was a Fighting Mustang for four years and became a captain of the football team during his senior year. He played

Above, Darren and Lauren (Nichols) Coyle with son Conor and below in 2003.

center on the offensive line. Meanwhile, Lauren ran for the winter and spring track teams and ran cross country. She ran for three years and remains proud of making Varsity as a freshman and being First Team All-County.

They spent their free time with friends and hanging out at the newly opened Clifton Commons.

“I really had a blast. High school was a fun time,” said Lauren. “We were always driving around.”

Darren got into union building trades and worked in construction after high school. He no longer works with his hands, now a General Superintendent for Structure Tone in Woodbridge. It’s a job that he followed his father into and they worked together for a period of time.

Lauren attended college for one year before starting work. She did clerical work in the finance sector and remains in that industry. Lauren is now a Purchasing Supervisor for the real estate company, JLL.

Today, their free time is spent as a family and enjoying what Clifton has to offer. “As a family, we go on walks around the neighborhood and parks,” said Darren. “We have a pool and last summer had Conor in it, floating. I love everything about Clifton,” added Lauren. “It’s a wonderful town with great activities for kids and families.”

Enjoying the moment

There are many stand-out high school memories for Billy Boseski, but some will understandably invoke a stronger sense of nostalgia than others.

“Gas being 99 cents,” said Boseski (CHS 2003). “Being able to put $5 in your car and being OK for gas.”

Times were simpler, but much of life was also in a period of transition. People still sent loved ones handwritten notes, but cell phones were on the rise. Everyone seemed more willing to get along, but Sept. 11, 2001 would leave its mark. Then, of course, there were the things that later generations would view today as relics — namely, driving to Blockbuster to get a video.

“Hanging out was different,” said Boseski, 38. “There was no social media.”

But social media has had its benefits over the years. Some of the names of classmates that he’s still in touch with are Steve Riccardi, John Resciniti, Ashley Olivia, Vicki Urbanowycz, and Gary Garcia. There are others who he’ll grab dinner with or keep in touch with about milestones.

Boseski attended Allwood Play & Learn, School 9, and CCMS. He grew up near the Tick-Tock Diner and lived with parents Bill and Cathy, as well as sisters Cara (CHS

1997) and Samantha. Cara was a senior on the famed 1997 CHS Softball team that went a perfect 31-0, capturing the Group 4 crown. She later became head coach and guided the 2007 team to a Group 4 state title, later earning her induction into the 2017 Clifton Athletic Hall of Fame.

Like his older sister, Boseski got involved with sports. He played baseball as a catcher in his freshman and senior years. He also played football as a ninth grade QB and 10th grade corner.

Boseski was candid about some of his regrets, which included stopping his involvement with the football team and not keeping his grades up to play baseball for all four years.

“I had great times while playing baseball. I probably would have started all four years,” he said. “I played Little League at the Southern Division in Clifton … and they were some of my greatest memories.”

After graduating from CHS, Boseski worked with his uncle for about 10 years in construction and driving trucks. He decided at the age of 26 or 27 that he needed to “do something to make a career” and returned to school. That led him toward a radiography program so that he could administer X-rays for patients.

Boseski graduated from a two-year program at Christ Hospital School of Radiography in 2014. It led to his role as an X-ray Tech and working as a lead technician for the Orthopedic Department at Summit Health.

Billy and Marissa Boseski.

ting his license and certificate for MRIs.“That’s my end game,” he said. “It is the highest that you can go in radiology, and that’s what my goal and plan is.”

Boseski clarified that he wasn’t unhappy with where he was in his life, but he realized he wanted to help others. At that point in time, he said that he “still didn’t have it figured out” and wanted a “career-worthy option.”

“It was hard going back to school at 26 or 27 … and I did it on my own,” he said. “I paid the loan back, and now here I am almost 10 years later.”

Boseski lives today in Paterson, on top of Garret Mountain, and is married to Marissa (Berke) Boseski. The couple wed on Oct. 23, 2021, and the Mustang grad credits his wife as being “very supportive of me.”

He is hopeful that the day will come for them to start their own family. In the meantime, Boseski encourages others to always be kind

“Always apply yourself and appreciate every single day, because life is very short,” he added. “Enjoy the moment.”

Catcher Billy Boseski (at left standing) in 2003 with his senior Mustang Baseball teammates.

Taking the leadership wheel

Jeunelle Sanabria believes in lessons, not failures. The CHS 2003 grad encourages others that no matter what they go through in life to reflect back on it.

“Trust the process. You’re going to come out on the other side of it,” said Sanabria, 37. “I think that it’s really important that we learn from our experiences.”

Sanabria lives today in the “Boogie Down” Bronx, but she’s still connected to her hometown. Her mother, Lisa Mancini, and grandmother, Patricia Liebau, still live in Clifton. Born to Marine Corps veteran Victor Sanabria and mother Lisa, Sanabria grew up with her brother, Sean, and started at School 15 in the fourth grade.

She recently returned for their centennial celebration and recalled going to Washington, D.C. as a Safety Patrol in fifth grade. She later attended WWMS and went on to have an “excellent high school experience.”

Her activities included four years on the Varsity Bowling team, singing with the choir, and joining her peers for the CAST program’s collaboration with MTV’s “Total Request Live”.

Sanabria earned a bachelor’s for Communications & Media Studies and her master’s for Teaching (M.S.T) at Pace University in New York City. It was in that environment that her desire to help students took shape.

“From the guidance of mentors and life experiences, I have dedicated my career to creating positive and im-

pactful change in the world by developing others through civic engagement.”

She has served others in higher education for the past 12 years and is presently the Director of Student Life at New York Tech. Sanabria emphasizes the need for growth and the inevitability of change. Ultimately, she endeavors to improve her community by one student at a time.

Last month, Sanabria got engaged to her fiancé, Trevor Hoffman. The couple marked their 10th anniversary the day after their engagement and are parents to Jaxson Hoffman, 4.

Jeunelle Sanabria back then and today.

Aside from mentoring others, one of the mentors in her own life — who’s now a good friend — is Monisha Moore. Moore was her supervisor when Sanabria was a student at Pace, and Sanabria said that Moore is someone who “helped me realize the type of person that I wanted to be.”

“I really value everything that she has contributed to my career and personal life,” said Sanabria. “She is a phenomenal woman, mother, mentor, and friend.”

Sanabria also credited the effect that her parents have had on her life. Her father pushed her to become independent and focused on her goals.

“I remember being in high school and saying in my sophomore year, ‘I need to figure out what college I’m going to.’ That was a goal of mine,” she said. “Having parents who really supported me and my independence allowed me to take the wheel and provided me with leadership skills.”

Let’s Chat

If you went to CHS in the early 2000s, you may recall the TV call-in show, “Let’s Chat with Nicki and Vicki”. Vicki (Urbanowycz) Ferraro sure does and fondly looks back on those memories.

“I loved [high school]. I thought it was wonderful,” said Ferraro (CHS 2003). “I loved being with my friends and loved all my teachers. Looking back at it now, it was some of the best memories of my schooling years.”

Those years saw her as a member of the CAST program, where she did a question of the week. The separate call-in show was hosted between her and Nicole Zarek. Ferraro’s other activities included playing as the setter for three and a half years on the Volleyball team and she was part of the National Juniors Honor Society.

Her parents were Mustangs, too. Carla (Agnello) and the late Steve Urbanowycz (CHS 1970) met at CHS. Siblings Steve (CHS 1996) and Jessica Mueller (CHS 1999) also graduated CHS. Carla taught for 29 years in Clifton Public Schools and Jessica is a BSI Teacher at School 9.

Ferraro attended School 9, sixth grade at CCMS, and then switched to WWMS for seventh and eighth grades. After CHS, she went to study at Fairleigh Dickinson and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a minor in Children’s Studies. She went to MSU in 2010 for her Special Education certification “once I realized I wanted

to continue my passion for teaching and pursue a field to help special needs students.”

“I was always passionate about working with kids,” said Ferraro, 38. “It was really a no-brainer.” She has worked at Bloomfield Middle School as a seventh grade English Special Education teacher for the last 12 years.

“The most rewarding part is seeing their growth, both socially and academically,” said Ferraro. “A lot has changed after COVID, especially with the motivation of the children, and it does make it very difficult. But they are entertaining and they bring some fun as well.”

Today, Ferraro lives in Cedar Grove with her husband, Maurice, and their daughters, Alessia, 5, and Siena, 4. The couple wed on Jan. 8, 2016, and she said that most of her free time is spent with her family and children.

“People are always like, ‘You’re always together’ … because my husband also comes from a close-knit Italian family,” laughed Ferraro. “As silly as it sounds, I’m for the most part usually with my family.” When she’s not, she enjoys spending time with her friends. Ferraro is still close with a group of classmates from CHS, some of whom are featured on these pages.

Back in 2003, CHS cable show hosts Nicole Zarek (top) and Vicki Urbanowycz. At right, that’s Vicki (now Ferraro) with her husband, Maurice, and daughters, Alessia, 5, and Siena, 4.

“I try to explain to my students that middle and high school should be the best times of your life. It’s when you make lasting friendships,” said Ferraro. “I’ve known some of my best friends for 20 years.”

On the right path

The birth of his daughter and getting married are the most important things to happen in Matt Kida’s life since he graduated from high school.

Kida married CHS ’04 grad Melissa (Coco) on Nov. 14, 2016. The couple met in the library and started dating shortly after high school. Kida knew Melissa’s father, John, and approached her to ask if she was his daughter.

“She said yes, and I guess that’s that,” laughed Kida (CHS 2003)

The two of them are now parents to Mackenzie, 3.

“She’s my little baby,” said Kida. “I love her to death.”

Kida, 38, grew up near St. Paul Roman Catholic Church with parents Ken and Gail and his older sister, Jamie (CHS 1993). He went to School 3 and CCMS before joining the masses on Colfax Avenue.

“I had a blast [in high school],” said Kida. “I looked forward to school just for the social aspect of it … and I bounced around groups.”

Kida was a member of the Spring Track team for all four years as a sprinter and jumper. He then went to Johnson College in Scranton, a two-year trade school for carpentry and cabinet making. Afterwards, he entered the carpenter’s union and sought out a four-year apprenticeship.

Before completing that apprenticeship, Kida founded his own company. Today, he is a general contractor and the owner of Matt Kida Construction and Remodeling, LLC since Oct. 28, 2009. “I was always a hands-on kid. More than others, I would say,” said Kida. “I kind of figured that I’d be doing something blue collar out of school.”

Kida continued, saying that he took all of the shop classes that CHS offered students. Although he already knew quite a bit since his father, Ken, was also a carpenter by trade. That meant that Matt was “always around construction.”

While he enjoys running his own business, he acknowledged that starting out and even working as an established business today has its stresses.

“I gathered up as many tools as I could before I went into business … so that wasn’t too big of a concern,” said Kida. “But you don’t know what you’re in for, and taxes, insurance, and overhead costs kind of suck. At the same time, you’re your own boss.”

Kida works with a crew and still lives in the same Clifton neighborhood. When he considers the biggest changes in the last 20 years, he cited the progression from logging onto the internet on a computer to doing it on a phone using your fingertips.

Kida thought about what advice he’d give his 18-year-old self but doesn’t have any regrets. “I kind of stuck to my dreams and did everything that I wanted to,” he said. “I would just say, ‘Do what I say I’m going to do.’ I’m on the right path so far, and I hope it continues.”

Understanding community needs

Starting the day in one wing and ending it in another was part of the charm of high school for Fahim Abedrabbo.

Abedrabbo (CHS 2003) floated between friend groups and added that he would do high school again. The Park Slope native still lives in his hometown, now in Montclair Heights with his wife, Hannah, and children, Lubna, 8, Zakaria, 6, and Yaseen, 2.

“I grew up here,” responded Abedrabbo, 38, about why he chose to buy a home in Clifton. “I want my kids to be raised where I was raised.”

Matt Kida and Melissa Coco in 2003, and today with daughter Mackenzie, 3.

Abedrabbo’s immediate family growing up included his parents, Kanaan and Inam, and younger siblings Majd and Wassim. Growing up on Park Slope in Downtoiwn Clifton, he attended School 1, CCMS, and CHS, where he played football for two years and did Mock Trial. He joined the Arab Student Organization and Muslim Student Association.

He went on to earn his bachelor’s in Political Science and Law from MSU and master’s in Public Administration at Seton Hall. Today, he’s working toward a doctorate in Education Administration from Seton Hall. He works as the Assistant Business Administrator for Prospect Park Schools, teaches Political Science at MSU, and is the Borough Clerk for Prospect Park.

This November, he’ll seek re-election for a third term on the Clifton Board of Education. With three kids, a few jobs and pursuing a doctorate, Abedrabbo enjoys life in the fast lane.

“Don’t take no for an answer, and network yourself with a lot of people,” is the advice Abedrabbo would give himself at age 18. “Take opportunities, even when they’re not given.”

Working for Congressman Bill Pascrell for over five years post-college as a field representative “really got me to spread my wings,” said Abedrabbo. “It got me to understand what life and giving back to the community is all about. Understanding where the deficiencies are in all communities and what’s needed.”

It is for those reasons Abedrabbo stays active and connected in the political and civic life of his hometown.

Learning from others

If Frank Kasper can encourage just one thing, it would be to never stop learning.

Attending high school during the turn of the century when so much of life was changing made it especially possible for Kasper (CHS 2003).

“The new technology that was coming out really helped me to learn a lot,” said Kasper, 38.

He learned in other ways as well. His parents, Frank and Jane, raised him and his older brother, Mark (CHS 1999), in Athenia. Kasper attended School 13 and WWMS, before his father passed away in 1999.

One of the things that he learned in his earlier years was how to adjust. He volunteered at CHS, worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, and joined the German Club.

“Mr. Greg Fruhman was one of my favorite teachers,” said Kasper. “He made me enjoy being in school.”

Kasper earned his bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Penn State and master’s in Special Education from MSU. He’s currently studying at Felician University to be a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant. He has run for public office and stays active in the community, volunteering in various capacities. The Oakridge section resident served one term on the Board of Ed in 2017, and he is on the Recreation Department Board and Alumni Association for the BGCC.

He is presently a preschool teacher at Clifton Early Learner Academy on Brighton Road, another of the ways that he gives back to his hometown. “I’ve always been inspired by the great teachers that I had,” said Kasper. “Their techniques and how they taught really drove me to become a teacher, myself.”

Fahim and Hannah Abedrabbo with Zakaria, Lubna and Yaseen. Below, Frank Kasper.

Matthew Gioia might’ve become the future U.S. president. That’s how Nicole (Putignano) Albert remembers him.

Last month marked 30 years since the Class President took his life. The event caused ripples in the senior class just two weeks before their graduation.

“I was friends with him. It was really horrible,” recalled Albert. “Some people didn’t get over it.”

Others agreed it was awful to experience so young. Even more so at a time when conversations surrounding mental health were not the norm.

Amy Holzli remembered him this past June 5 anniversary.

“I was at the Stoplight on Allwood Road, next to kids from school,” she said. “That’s how I found out.”

Christina (Andruch) Kedl said Gioia was “absolutely hysterical” and “very cute”; just easily liked. The compassion and unity are still vivid to Eric Wolff.

“Understanding [mental illness] … puts a lot of different things in perspective and helps you ask the right questions.” For support, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Joe Rivera, Denise McEnerney, William Madden, Joseph O’Callaghan, Ihor Andruch (who snuck in and graduated CHS 1994).

Mustang booster Ralph Cinque in 1993.

Inspiring Future Generations

Joleen (Sieruk) Dickson can attest that life in the 80’s was a freeing era for Clifton kids.

“We were all over the streets and always playing in the middle of the road,” said Dickson (CHS 1993). “Riding our bikes all over the Athenia area and by the stadium.”

Other popular hang-outs — if they were not at somebody’s house — were Main Memorial Park, the old and new library, and the Tick-Tock Diner.

“We were always at the diners,” Dickson emphasized.

Born to Peter and Ana Sieruk, she grew up in Athenia with her sisters Elaine Carroll (CHS 1991) and Rose Smyth (CHS 1997). Peter has since passed away, but Ana still remains in Clifton.

Dickson went to School 1 and CCMS before attending CHS. She ran track during high school, under the guidance of coaches Louis Fraolo and John Pontes. She also enjoyed her teachers, among her favorites being her freshman and senior year math teacher Ms. Kathleen Barch and her sociology teacher, Walter Voitlander.

“I’m not a math person, but she made me want to learn it [and now] I’m a math teacher,” said Dickson, 48. “As for Mr. V’s class, it was just a fun class and we got to have great discussions.”

Although she’s still in contact with at least 10 people from those years, Dickson said that she is extremely close with three in particular. The three former Mustangs are CHS 1993 grads Jen Agnoli and Erica Bustamante, as well as Erica Sokol (CHS 1992).

Dickson attended Bloomfield College for one year, where she met her future husband. She then decided she wanted to major in education and transferred to Caldwell College, now Caldwell University. She graduated from college in 1998 and has taught in Fairfield for 25 years. Despite teaching all subjects at some point, she has spent

the last 15 years teaching math and science to fifth graders.

“I love when I see the light bulbs go off in the students’ eyes and knowing that I touched them in some way,” said Dickson. “I love when I get little notes from my kids with something that I might have said but didn’t know that it meant anything.”

Dickson married her husband, Andrew Dickson, on Oct. 9, 1999. Andrew is from Belfast, Ireland and the couple are parents to 19-year-old twins Owen and Aidan. Owen is presently enrolled in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point and Aidan attends the University of Delaware as a Bioscience major.

Joleen (Sieruk) Dickson (at left in 1993) and today with son Aidan, son Owen in his Merchant Marine uniform, and husband Andrew.

This past November, the Dicksons also became part-owners of Danaher’s Pub in Fairfield. The couple live in West Caldwell, only a mile away from the pub.

“We knew the former owners and they asked if we wanted to go in on it with two others that were also asked if they wanted to purchase it as well,” said Dickson. “It’s great.”

A Self-Made Mustang

Senior year of high school was Nicole (Putignano) Albert’s favorite time, upon reflection.

“I was friends with everybody. I don’t remember any bad experiences,” said Albert (CHS 1993). “Maybe a couple of broken hearts from stupid boys,” she added with a laugh.

What made senior year stand out was it being the year of homecoming, prom, and graduation. Albert, 47, still keeps in touch with her high school friends, including Jill Mattiello, Megan Rieder, Denise McEnerney, and Amy Holzli. The other great experience that she had was the summer before their senior year.

Many of the students, as she recalled, went on a class trip to Europe with the French teacher, Madame Rachel Rossnagel.

“I almost feel like 95% of the class went on this trip,” said Albert. “It was two weeks of going through France, Switzerland, and Belgium. It was a great start to entering my senior year.”

Born to parents Aldo Putignano (CHS 1968) and Margaret Pavone, Albert was raised in Athenia with her younger brother, Michael (CHS 1996). Their father, Aldo, taught Elementary K-6 and then later K-5 in Clifton Public Schools for 39 years as an art teacher.

Albert attended School 13 and WWMS. After high school, she went on to Bergen Community College for a year before stopping so that she could figure out what she wanted to do next. She worked in New York instead from the age of 20 to 27.

“I was in the Garment District for those seven years until I met my future husband, Noel, and then I went into the insurance business,” said Albert. “I didn’t go to college or do the college experience. I just worked. I made a success out of myself.”

Today, the Alberts have their own agency, Daman Associates, Inc., which operates out of Franklin Lakes. Albert recently marked her 20-year anniversary at the agency that has existed for about 50 years. Noel became a partner with the insurance agency around the time that she met him and then she began working with them shortly thereafter.

“It was really an opportunity to get out of New York. After 9/11, I was not comfortable being in New York,” said Albert. “My [former] job also had me traveling a lot and I didn’t like being on an airplane.”

Working in the insurance arena was meant to be temporary until she found something else that was outside of the city. But she realized the industry was a perfect fit and “took the ball and ran with it.” Now, she works as a Manager and Account Executive. She also started a second career two years ago when she received her real estate license.

The couple live in Vernon, and they enjoy spending time with family and rescuing animals. They have two dogs and two cats, and they volunteer with organizations like Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. in Oakland and Hounds in Pounds in Wayne.

“My heart is closest to rescuing animals,” said Albert.

Embracing Excellence

Eric Wolff built his core group of friends in Clifton, and he’s held onto them for the last 30 years.

High school was a good experience for the CHS Class of 1993 grad. Wolff, 47, said that the size of CHS made it an interesting experience and he enjoyed playing on the basketball team. Wolff alternated between playing forward and center during his four years on the team.

Nicole (Putignano) Albert.

But the friendships truly stand out to him.

“Three of my close friends in high school were Jeff Muddell, Jeff Bischak, and Will Madden,” said Wolff. “We made up a small group that was tight, and we continue to be so.”

Wolff was raised by parents Bill and June. June, who was a member of the Class of 1964, went with the Mustang Marching Band to perform in Holland and won. Wolff attended the former Grove Hill Nursery School, located between Van Houten Avenue and Grove Street, which was where he met Bischak. He went on to attend School 16 and WWMS.

His grandparents Tony and Mary Runger were city residents as well. Wolff recalled biking on a regular basis to his grandparents’ house and how his grandfather owned Runger Auto Parts on Main Avenue.

Wolff earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Stevens Tech in Hoboken. His bachelor degree was in Industrial Engineering and master’s was in Technology Management. In June of 1998, he went to work for L’Oreal USA. Wolff spent over 18 years with them and left as VP of Manufacturing in October of 2016.

Since then, he has worked at L’Oréal and Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. For nearly five years, he has worked at Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. He rose this May to the title of Vice President of FSQEHS (Food Safety, Quality & Environmental, Health & Safety).

“When going through chemo [in 2016], I had a blood clot that almost killed me,” said Wolff. “It was a close call that led me to reflect on how to be a better father, husband, friend, and I also [thought], ‘I should challenge myself to work for more than one company in my life.’”

It’s a large part of what led him to where he is today. So was his time studying at Stevens Tech.

“Getting an engineering degree and going to Stevens was a pivotal part of my life,” said Wolff. “They were the school with the best financial package and with what looked like the highest potential in terms of trajectories as far as future jobs.”

Wolff also had the opportunity to continue playing basketball. Although he initially considered a future in business, Stevens was highly convincing for him.

“I became really fascinated with how operations and manufacturing worked,” he said. “As well as the process, technology, and culture required to sustain the positive change that you’re working on.”

Wolff lives in Frisco, Texas with wife Kristen, of nearly 21 years, and daughter Makenzie, 16. He is an avid sports fan and supporter of the NY Giants, NY Yankees, and Boston Celtics. He also enjoys hobbies that include gardening, attending concerts, and cooking.

Despite any of life’s trials, Wolff holds onto his core values of trust, respect, integrity, courage, excellence, and humility. One of the things that he would tell his 18-yearold self is what he tells his daughter now — to think bigger.

“Ask more questions, no matter what, and just be as curious as possible,” he said. “Get to know more people at a deeper level, build more relationships, and don’t feel shy doing it.”

Generational Mustangs

Mothers know best, and Amy Holzli acknowledged that was the case for her as a child.

“I had an amazing experience in high school,” said Holzli (CHS 1993), “and I remember my mom saying at the time, ‘These are the best years of your life. You’ll see.’ She was right.”

Holzli, 48, is a second-generation Mustang. She lived in Albion with her parents, Joseph (CHS 1960) and Marlene (CHS 1967), and her sister, Kristy (CHS 1994).

Despite a somewhat intimidating transition, she made “amazing friends freshman year.” She remains close with Vincent Malba, Stacey Lanteri, Julie Kovar, Jill Rinzler, Jenny Collins, Amy Baker, and Denise McEnerney, who is her daughter’s godmother.

When she wasn’t in the classroom, you might have found Holzli at the base during CHS’ Cheer team

Eric Wolff in 1993 and today.

practice. She was co-captain in senior year with her friend, Pam Feliciano, and she joined DECA and CAST as well.

One particularly memorable experience was traveling to Italy in senior year with the Italian Club in April of 1993. Lanteri went with her as well and Holzli said the group visited Rome, Florence, and Venice. They even spent Easter Sunday at Vatican City.

“It was the first time that I went to Europe. It was incredible,” said Holzli. “We had a great time and appreciated it when we were there, but as an adult I’m sure it would have been a different experience.”

After graduating CHS, Holzli attended Berdan Institute in Totowa, now Fortis Institute in Wayne. She spent over 20 years in the dental field and worked in dental pediatrics and orthodontics.

In more recent years, she started working in education so that she could work on a schedule more like her children’s. Holzli worked as a special education paraprofessional for three years at School 14. Today, she’s a general education paraprofessional at Charles H. Bullock in Montclair.

Although living locally wasn’t the plan for the Maple Valley resident, it worked out for her family. Her children, Kyle and Nikki Zlotkowski, attended School 5 and WWMS. Kyle graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2020 and Nikki is a CHS 2022 grad.

“I could not have made a better decision than to … raise them here,” she said. “My family all live within a mile of each other. It was really important for me to raise my children with their family.”

It also meant that she got to relive her cherished high school years through Nikki’s experiences. Some of it was attending football and basketball games or dropping Nikki off before she drove. Other times, it was simply remembering the people who were an important part of her life before and after leaving Colfax Avenue.

One of these individuals was Nick Hendricks (CHS 1994), who moved to Clifton from Tennessee in Holzli’s senior year. The pair dated for another year before he moved back to Tennessee and she said they stayed in contact until his passing in 2016.

“They were very special years, and part of it was because of meeting and dating him,” she said.

Adjusting to New Roles

Vincent Malba has always felt bonded to Clifton. Paying it forward by opening a business in town was a no-brainer.

“I just felt the Clifton community gave me so much that I wanted to give back to that specific community,” said Malba (CHS 1993). “It wasn’t a very hard decision to come back to Clifton.”

He and brother, Michael (CHS 1990), and parents Michael and Nancy lived in Acquackanonk. He attended School 5, School 2 in fifth grade after the city was redistricted, and then WWMS. Among the friends that he has stayed close to over the years are Amy Holzli, Joe Rivera, Joe O’Callaghan, Damon Affinito, and Ihor Andruch.

Malba described high school as being a “great experience” and said that he valued the “mix of different types of people.”

“Not only ethnicity-wise, but everyone was into something different,” said Malba, 48. “People played their sports and were involved in different kinds of things, but

Amy (Holzli) Zlotkowski with Kyle and Nikki.

everybody got along. It was a great class and a lot of fun.”

For Malba, those years saw him playing as shortstop for the baseball team, point guard for the basketball team, and running long distance for the cross country team. He played CHS baseball for all four years and in college, ran cross country two two years, and played basketball for three years.

“We had some rocking teams,” he recalled.

The Class of ’93 was also a unified student body. It was a distinct feeling that Malba and his former peers noticed throughout their four years, but even more profoundly after the unexpected and tragic passing of their Class President Matthew Gioia.

“Everyone just got closer. It was such a sad thing to witness,” said Malba. “But I think it made us unite even more and brought us closer together and made us realize how precious life really is.”

Malba went on to study at Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey. He loved the experience and studied psychology while playing baseball for the school. Afterwards, he earned his next degree at New York Chiropractic College, now Northeast College of Health Sciences.

The Mustang-turned-chiropractor said he had it in the back of his head for a while that he might pursue that field someday. From the age of 10, Malba was adjusted by Dr. Roger Lope, whose office was on Clifton Avenue.

“He inspired me and influenced me in so many ways,” said Malba.

His love of psychology and the major, itself, also gave him leeway to take other science classes. Malba worked in a few offices before opening his own space in 2003. Abundant Life Chiropractic Center, LLC is located at 248 Edison St. Malba works there with Chiropractic Assistant Connie Potor, who started out as a patient.

“We just celebrated 20 years and it’s been an amazing journey,” he said. “It’s really been a lot of fun and has helped a lot of people in the community. I still love going into the office every day.”

The most rewarding part for him is working with children, especially since younger patients often respond “so

quickly to things.” Along with the joy of getting to watch his patients heal, Malba has the added benefit of watching many of them grow.

“I have some fourth-generation families,” he said. “Being invited to their high school graduation parties and weddings … has made it become like a big family, and I love that aspect of it.”

The Wayne resident’s hopes for the future include doing what he does today. He is active and enjoys hobbies like mountain biking, meditating, yoga, and hiking. He’d also like to keep serving his community in multiple capacities.

Malba is the vice president of the Passaic-Clifton Lions Club and was the vice president of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s Alumni Association for about 10 years. He also currently sponsors a team for the Clifton Junior Athletic League.

“I go to one or two games per year at Albion Park and find it awesome to go back to the same field that I played on as a kid,” said Malba.

A Six Star Success

Making and achieving new goals is an important part of life for Six Star Finisher Jeff Muddell.

It is something that he encourages others to do as well. When asked about what his next major goal is, he said that he’s still looking but has one possibility.

“I may do a spring triathlon to help another guy hit his goal,” said Muddell (CHS 1993).

What can feel insurmountable or intimidating to others is a matter of perseverance and putting in the work for Muddell. It’s how he joined an elite group of runners on March 5 when he crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon. The former Mustang is now one of 10,000 people globally and among 2,000 Americans who have competed in and finished all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Earning a coveted sixth star, Muddell completed the 2023 Tokyo Marathon with a time of 4:51:25. Muddell, 47, placed 4,671 out of 6,536 in his 45-49 age category and placed 23,258 out of 37,500 total Marathon runners.

“I cried. I’m not ashamed,” laughed Muddell when asked about his reaction to crossing the finish line.

Vincent Malba.

“It was a special moment. No matter if you train for years or for months, any one of these races is tough on you physically.”

And the entire experience was seven years in the making for Muddell. What started as a way to keep him looking ahead after his 2016 testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment became a way to raise awareness about the disease and show that there’s hope in even the most trying times.

“In my lifetime, in the last 40 years, testicular cancer has gone from being a death sentence to now being over 90% curable,” said Muddell. “This is one type of cancer and it’s not every type, but there’s hope for all of this stuff down the road.”

Born to parents Clifford and Nancy (Maurer) Muddell (CHS 1966), he grew up off Valley Road with his younger sister, Jessica Kunath (CHS 1995). He attended School 5 and WWMS and he said that CHS was a “really good time” in his life.

He played on the golf team under the instruction of future Athletic Director Dan Goodell and had the chance to play King Arthur in Camelot during his senior year. He especially cherishes all the friendships that he’s maintained, including those with Jeff Bischak, Eric Wolff, and Will Madden.

Muddell studied Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami and then worked as a TV news producer after college. From 2000-2007, he worked at The Golf Channel as the lead producer. He then spent seven years as the Foundation Vice President for Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation within Orlando Health and worked in the fundraising sector until 2019.

Today, he’s President of Wealth Services for Sanibel Captiva Trust Company in Sanibel, Florida.

“The communication skills that I learned throughout high school, I took with me to college and even though I’m in a finance career now, communication and interpersonal skills have helped me all throughout my career,”

said Muddell. “[They] certainly help me every day when dealing with families and wealth management. They’re the bedrock of everything.”

Despite temporarily relocating to Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian, Muddell lives on Sanibel Island with his wife, Stephanie, and their children Caroline, 15, Charles, 14, Grant, 11.

As a now eight-year survivor of testicular cancer, Muddell isn’t taking any moments for granted. He is particularly grateful for the doctors who took care of him and his family for supporting him throughout his seven-year marathon journey. He also expressed his gratitude for God.

“For having the faith that I was strong enough to be able to do it,” he explained. “It was a very moving moment for me.”

Testicular cancer still claims more than 400 young lives per year in the United States. Learn about early detection and treatment, visit cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer.

Multilayered Mustang

Songs and smells hold powerful memories for Christina (Andruch) Kedl. Acknowledging that she is sensitive to scents has meant that she can smell a perfume and get transported back to those early years spent in Clifton.

“When I was coming of age, Bath & Body Works was really [popular] in the malls,” said Kedl, 48. “Country Apple [reminds me] of the carefree times when I was a teenager and in my 20’s.”

The CHS 1993 grad feels a similar wave of nostalgia when she listens to certain Pop songs and Classic Rock. She especially likes Jon Bon Jovi’s albums, Slippery When Wet and New Jersey

Aside from those core memories, Kedl remembers how her adolescent and teenage years were divided in many ways as two lives. First, there was her life while at school.

Kedl grew up in Botany with her younger brother, Ihor Andruch (CHS 1994). She was the first in her fam-

Jeff and Stephanie Muddell at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon.

ily to graduate from American high school and participated in the Madrigals and Concert Choir during her senior year.

But, at home, she was also deeply connected to her cultural backgrounds.

“Growing up, my mom, Irene, spoke with us in Polish and my dad, Stefan, spoke in Ukrainian,” said Kedl. “My brother and I are fluent in both languages.”

Kedl went to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic before entering CHS. That was a big transition and something that she recalled feeling overwhelming at age 14. Although she did have some close friends at CHS, the vast majority of her extracurricular activities were through the local chapter of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (CYM).

She did Ukrainian dancing, Ukrainian singing, played volleyball with the organization, and went to summer camps in Ellenville, New York. Kedl also went on a big trip with her Ukrainian peers in the association to Australia in December of 1992. She still enjoys volunteering at CYM today and has spent two years on the Board of Directors.

“My kids are now members of the association that I grew up in,” said Kedl proudly.

A desire to help

Kedl graduated in June of 1993, but she was still unclear on what was next for her.

She attended Bergen Community College and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at MSU in August of 1999. At NYU, she received her Master of Social Work in May of 2003 and went on to have a career as a social worker in multiple capacities. She did hospital social work, agency work, worked with children, and worked with adults living with developmental disabilities.

Kedl lives in Albion with her husband, Peter (CHS 1988), who is a special education teacher at WWMS. They are parents to Ottilia, 16, and Alex, 14.

After being a stay-at-home mom for seven years after Alex was born, Kedl returned to social work until she felt the burnout.

“I always wanted to help people,” said Kedl. “I wanted to learn more about disenfranchised populations, like people on the lower economic part of the ladder or with a language barrier. I liked the fact that social work is coupled with psychology.”

But you can only support others so much if you are running on empty. Kedl decided to make a change, and it was Ihor who recommended that she see if there was an open position at Nova UA Federal Credit Union. There was — Kedl came on as a teller on March 1, 2020.

Then the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“I didn’t work for six months because I was laid off at the end of March,” she said. “But they did call me back, and I went back in October of 2020. I’ve been there ever since.”

Kedl is a Consumer Loans Specialist, working closely with those who need car loans, as well as people navigating Visa and Debit Card applications. It’s a job that means a lot to her and makes her feel more connected with those of a similar background.

“I love it. I love that I’m helping people from my culture,” she said. “I feel like I’m giving back in a way.”

Christine (Andruch) with Ottilia at left, Alex, and husband Peter Kedl.

Friends that are family

Most friends can only imagine what it would be like to “run” their hometown together, even for just one night. John Biegel III and Tom Egan don’t have to use their imagination.

A few years ago, Biegel and Egan needed to preside at a City Council meeting as Health Officer and Assistant Municipal Attorney for Clifton, respectively.

Egan recalled that for some reason, the city manager and municipal attorney could not make that meeting. That meant Biegel, as the acting city manager, and Egan were involved that night.

“My mom passed away a few years ago, but she couldn’t believe the two of us were working for the city in some capacity,” laughed Egan. “That night she was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. You guys are running the town?’”

Even though they were on the same side that night, so-to-speak, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the CHS 1983 grads met in grade school and were basketball “Midget League” opponents.

“John was the best player on his team, but our team always beat them,” said Egan. “There was a little bit of a rivalry going on. He went to Woodrow, I went to Christopher Columbus. Our paths next crossed in tenth grade on the football team.”

Egan was offensive line and defensive end for all three years. He received a Varsity Letter in his junior and senior years. As for Biegel’s positions?

“Bench,” laughed Biegel. He was actually the offensive guard and defensive tackle, but recurring dislocations in his shoulder junior year kept him from playing.

At that time, he was interested in pursuing a career as an athletic trainer. He ended up sticking around and turned a negative into a positive. He also gained another support system in the form of his teammates and friendship with Egan.

“My mom passed away suddenly in May of my sophomore year,” explained Biegel. “It was pretty devastating and is still devastating. Something that you live with but never get over. I got through it with family, faith, and friends like Tom,” he continued.

John Biegel with his late dad John and Tom Egan.

Jacqui Ference, Mike Salerno, Kathy Verostek, Joseph Latiano, Kim Konikowski, John Biegel, Linda Chiappone, Tom Egan.

John Judge sets the tone in 1983

Clifton boys

Biegel went to School 5 and grew up in Albion with his parents, John Jr. and Mary, and siblings, Kathy (CHS 1976) and Jeff (CHS 1978). Self-described as “not the best student”, he turned that around for himself in his senior year.

After attending Bergen Community College, he transferred to Montclair State. Proving there’s no such thing as too late of a bloomer, he graduated with a degree in Health Education in 1989. In the same year, he took his license exam to become a Health Inspector and assumed that role in January of 1990.

Biegel was a Registered Environmental Health Specialist until 1995 and then became a senior specialist until 2004. From 2004 to present, he is the Health Officer and Director of Health and Human Services for the City of Clifton’s Health Department. He’s also taught an Environmental Health course for the last 12 years at MSU.

What makes it all that much better is knowing that his friend is nearby to bounce off ideas.

“It’s always good to talk to Tom,” said Biegel. “It’s been some tough times in the past few years with the pandemic, but Tom knows how to get me through things.”

There’s also a sense of comfort in the familiarity of his general surroundings.

“From my office, I can see the high school,” Biegel added. “Like, ‘Wow. I really didn’t go too far.’”

Egan’s childhood was spent in Dutch Hill with his parents, Peter and Kathleen, and older sisters Cathy (CHS 1978) and Maureen (CHS 1981). He started at School 3 and later went to William Paterson for one year before transferring to Rutgers for his bachelor’s degree.

Egan graduated in May of 1992 from Seton Hall Law and became an attorney, which he stuck to ever since. The former Mustang has his own office and practice, but he became the Assistant Municipal Attorney in 2006 and just started his 17th year with the city.

“My office is right up the block at 1000 Clifton Ave.,” said Egan. “I do litigation work for the city, so I need to be

available to bounce back and forth.” Working for his hometown means a lot to Egan. He continues that it’s great to feel that they are giving back to the city that laid “the foundation to get us where we have gotten in life.” Both men agreed that the people they’ve met along the way who guided them are also much appreciated.

“I lost my dad before I started working for the city, and my parents were both off the boat from Ireland,” said Egan. “It would have meant a lot for him to see his son as an attorney for his adoptive hometown. I know that John feels the same for his mom.”

“We work here, get paid well, and at heart, we both consider ourselves Clifton boys,” said Egan.

A kid from Woodrow and Columbus

As luck would have it, Biegel and Egan were born in the right era.

“I’m the older and wiser one,” said Egan, 58. “If we were enrolled in school now, John would’ve been a year below me and we wouldn’t have this wonderful relationship.”

Egan lives in Lincoln Park with his wife, Jennifer (CHS 1988). They are parents to Cameron and Kaleigh. Biegel, 57, lives in Totowa with his wife, Maryann.

As we conducted their June 9 phone interview, the two men were in Pittsburgh to watch the NY Mets lose to the Pirates. They do activities like that together — they’ve traveled to Kansas City, have Rutgers season tickets, and see as many Bruce Springsteen shows as possible.

Shared bloodlines are arbitrary — they’re family. Egan said it’s how their own families view the other.

“My wife calls him my other wife,” chuckled Egan. “We’ve been through a lot of good and bad things that life has to throw at you.”

Egan appreciates Biegel’s compassion. Biegel echoed that sentiment, saying Egan is his “go-to guy.”

“We’ll always be there for each other. We talk pretty much every day,” said Biegel. “A kid from Woodrow and a kid from Columbus, being best friends for life.”

An education in life

The neighborhood was where Michael Salerno met some of his closest, lifelong Clifton friends.

Born to Superior Court Judge Joseph Salerno and Concetta, who worked as a nurse at the old St. Mary’s Hospital, Salerno grew up in the Montclair Heights section. He is the fourth out of five children, including Joe (CHS 1973), Anne (CHS 1975), Jim (CHS 1980), and Maria (CHS 1985).

Salerno (CHS 1983) attended School 16 and WWJH, and he said he was rather shy at CHS.

“I didn’t open up until I got to college and got involved in clubs,” said Salerno, 58. “I had a core group of three to four good friends from my neighborhood. We kept in touch afterwards.”

Some of the close relationships included one with Todd Schneider, who he hears from every so often. Schneider had some brothers who went to school with Salerno’s siblings. There was also Stephanie Krehel, who graduated with him and their families were close. Sound familiar? They are the family behind Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc., located at 955 Paulison Ave.

Salerno earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and received his MBA from Montclair State College. The former Mustang has a long career in telecommunications, working after college at Links Technology. He marketed their database of network pricing information to large carriers.

“Telecom was going through a transition at the time,” said Salerno. “Internationally, there were bigger partnerships between companies and they were transitioning from analog to digital.”

“That job gave me an education in geography because I was contacting countries all over the world that I’d never heard of and talking to people from different cultures,” he added. “I did some traveling with that job, going to Egypt for a trade show and seeing the Pyramids and Sphinx.”

The Wayne resident is still in Marketing and focuses on equipment financing for a company that is a subsidiary of Valley National Bank. On the medical side, it means doing equipment financing for dentist offices or medical facilities like labs that use imaging and X-ray technologies.

This past April, Salerno marked his 30th anniversary with wife Jacqueline (Festa) Salerno. She’s a long-time guidance counselor, who currently works at CHS. Their children, Jill and Ray, are in their 20’s and attending graduate school.

Fishing is a big hobby in Salerno’s life that he and his siblings inherited from their father. He also has an interest in historic military aviation. He enjoys visiting aviation museums or the air shows with World War II planes, as well as open houses at military bases to see fire jets and acrobatic teams.

Otherwise, he is more recently kept busy with plans for the CHS 1983 reunion. The 40th reunion was an

Michael and Jacqueline (Festa) Salerno. At right, Mike Salerno, CHS ’83, Paul Neczepir, CHS ’77, Joe Salerno, CHS ’73, Dan Neczepir, CHS ’72.

informal-type event planned for Nov. 18 at the Grande Saloon. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Grande Saloon’s reopening, the organizers are in talks to find a new location. For the latest info, visit the public FB group “Class of ’83, CHS Reunion –November 18, 2023”.

There’s a lot for these Mustangs to reminisce on later this year.

“We had a great neighborhood with a lot of kids around our age and all the time in the world to go outside and play,” said Salerno. “We would build forts and treehouses. We all got along and grew up together. We were very lucky.”

A family of neighbors

Linda Chiappone spent quite a bit of time in her neighborhood during her adolescence.

It helped that there was plenty to do. Bowlero was just down the street from her house. Another popular hangout was The Hearth on Route 46, now the Maple Valley Diner. And when they were not at these locations, they could bike to different places like Surgent Park, Brookdale Park, and the still-remaining, nearby Applegate’s.

“Clifton was just a great place growing up. We had a hundred mothers,” said Chiappone, 58. “I was down the street and knew when to be home, but I knew Mrs. Soand-So would watch us — and you were comfortable with that.”

The CHS 1983 grad lives in her same Robin Hood section neighborhood, buying her parents’ house years ago. Her parents are Domenic and Sallyann (CHS 1952) — and she noted that her mother loved Clifton and was a “devout Cliftonite for all of her life.”

Along with brothers Richard (1978) and Paul (CHS 1976), she went to School 2 and WW. At CHS, she was an alto and then a tenor in the Choir for three years, joined the CAST program, and acted as the Baseball Manager when she was in junior high.

Her post-high school years saw her attend William Paterson College for a bachelor’s degree in Television and Film Communications. She later went to graduate school at USC for a brief time and took two courses before entering the workforce.

Chiappone’s first job was at Pathmark Supermarkets,

starting as a cashier and staying for 23 years. She moved up in the company and eventually became a Loss Prevention Video Analyst. Then, she moved to Bed, Bath & Beyond and became the Senior Manager of Investigations.

At the age of 42, she went back to school for her MBA at Centenary University in Hackettstown. She additionally became a Certified Financial Crime Investigator in 2021. Today, she works for The Zellman Group, LLC as the director of Loss Prevention Analytics. The Long Island company analyzes data and exceptions within a company’s register data to identify theft, fraud, and any opportunities.

Returning to Clifton and deciding to settle locally just made sense to Chiappone.

“I came back for my family but decided to stay here, for one, because of the location,” she said. “I’m comfortable with the city. I grew up here. I know where everything is. There is so much in Clifton that you don’t have to go out of town.”

Chiappone remains close with her father and she has an almost six-year-old Chihuahua-Terrier named Frasier who’s a rescue. In her free time, she enjoys taking road trips, reading, and hiking up on Garret Mountain.

She remains close with many classmates and looks forward to reconnecting with others during her next reunion. When they all get together, she said it’s as though they’re back in high school.

“Thinking that we’d change the world when we got older,” she chuckled. “I remember the Friday and Saturday nights, hanging out with friends and being at houses. … You didn’t know who was going to show up for dinner.”

Comfort in community

It doesn’t feel as though four decades have passed since Kathy (Verostek) Capobianco donned her gown and mortarboard while taking her first steps into adulthood.

“In my head, I don’t feel 40 years older. Though my body tends to tell me differently some days,” said Capobianco good-naturedly. “I’ve been very blessed in all the years.” Capobianco looks forward to reconnecting with the classmates that she lost touch with or hasn’t

Linda Chiappone.

seen in a while at the CHS 1983 reunion later this year. She attested that she enjoyed her time at CHS, participating in the Concert Choir as a soprano and attending the football games every weekend. She also got involved in the Talent Shows by singing or dancing.

Born to parents Martin and Katherine Verostek, she grew up in Botany. Capobianco has two brothers, Henry and John Wojcinski, and went to the former St. Cyril & Methodius until attending ninth grade at Pope John Paul on Valley Road. At CHS, she found lifelong friends in classmates Linda Chiappone, Lisa (Filipovsky) DiCostanzo, Joe Kryzsik, and Bob Markowski.

After high school, she attended William Paterson for one year before she entered the workforce full time. She started out in retail and then transitioned to working for National Community Bank, now Chase in Clifton.

When she got pregnant with her children, Frank and Alexis, she stayed at home for a while but in between pregnancies worked at Office Max.

When she returned to work full time, she got a job at St. Brendan’s School and worked there for 18 years until the school closed almost four years ago. She also spent 18 years at Dance World Academy. Today, she works at the rectory for the parish of St. Brendan and St. George.

“[I loved] working at the school. It was fulfilling in a different way,” said Capobianco, 58. “My kids went to school there, so I watched all the kids grow and became very good friends with many families that I’m still friends with today.”

Capobianco lives with her husband, Frank, in the Lakeview section. Their children are grown — with Frank, 31, married to daughter-in-law Nadia and a gradu-

ate of Saint Joseph’s Regional and Alexis, 26, a graduate of Paramus Catholic.

Capobianco is happy to have a lifelong community — finding comfort in her home, church, and local work.

“It’s just my home. Everything is here,” she explained. “I have no desire to move from here.”

Brought together

Sometimes when one of “The Weasel Boys” marries one of the “The Party Dolls”, it just clicks.

Such was the case for Joe and Kim (Konikowski) Latiano. Despite graduating together with the Class of 1983, the Mustangs didn’t connect until Kim moved back to the city years later. But that first encounter wasn’t actually the first time that Joe noticed her.

“I was at The Cottage back when it was on Hazel Street, and Joe was in there,” said Kim, 57. “I walked past him and he recognized me from high school. I didn’t recognize who he was, but that’s how it all started.”

Once the two of them started talking and she realized who he was, something shifted. Joe said it was a Friday night and he went out to drink with their mutual friend, John Eustice (CHS 1983).

Joe later gave Kim a ride home to Nutley and went to Weasel Brook Park. There he saw John, who had left earlier in the night.

“He asked how the night went and I told him that everything was great,” recalled Joe, 58. “I said ‘John, don’t be surprised if I wind up marrying that girl.’”

Which is exactly what happened on Nov. 9, 2003. Joe proposed to Kim on Sept. 11, 2002 — the one-year anniversary of 9/11.

Kathy (Verostek) Capobianco and Kim (Konikowski) Latiano today. Joe and Kim Latiano with daughter Elena.

“It’s such a tragic day in American history, but I wanted it to be remembered as a beautiful day in our lives,” said Joe. “We wound up getting married on 11/9.”

There was more to that first night when they met. It was the one-year anniversary of when Joe’s father, Joseph Sr., passed away, and Kim’s parents were also deceased.

“We were talking and I think somewhere in the conversation that night or after that, Kim was always saying, ‘It feels like all four of our parents got together and brought us together.’”

A genuine era

Growing up, Joe was the baby of his family. His sisters were Karen, who passed away, Joann (CHS 1979), and Barbara (CHS 1981). Joe attended School 15 and CCJH before entering CHS, where he played a lot of sports. He played baseball as a pitcher and basketball as a point guard for all three years.

For baseball, he was a member of the team that won the Passaic County Championship in 1983 at Larry Doby Field in Paterson against Paterson Eastside, 1-0. Separately for basketball, Joe received an honorable mention for Passaic County in 1983.

“Everybody that was in [CHS] in those years seemed to be very genuine,” said Joe. “Whenever there were parties, everyone had a good time. It was an important part of my life and something that I’ll never forget.”

Kim hailed from Botany Village with her older sister, Joanne (CHS 1968). She attended St. Cyril & Methodius School on Ackerman Avenue until eighth grade. She went to CC for ninth grade and at CHS became involved in the Dance Club and Choir.

Joe’s post-high school plans related to his Letter of Intent to play basketball at Wesley College in Delaware. It was a severe case of peritonitis — making him miss his graduation ceremony — that led to him entering the workforce and foregoing college. Today, he’s a maintenance worker and has worked for the Tenafly Board of Education for the past 22 years.

“The people that I deal with, they’re just nice genuine people. A lot of people do appreciate you,” he said. “It’s also nice because I’m around a lot of people, and I’m kind of a social guy.”

Kim went to work briefly as a secretary before she auditioned for the band, The Party Dolls. She was with them and performed up until her 40’s, doing gigs all over the Tri-State Area. The group worked with the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Connie Frances, and they performed at the George W. Bush Inauguration.

But her singing journey began earlier at St. Cyril & Methodius Church. She led weekend masses and spent time with her friend and fellow ’83 grad Kathy (Verostek) Capobianco, who played the Organ. It was Kim’s mom that wanted her to pursue a secretarial career so she did

and worked at American Cyanamid in Wayne for about six months.

“I then started to date one of the guys in the mailroom who was a drummer,” said Kim. “He was taking drum lessons from the drummer in The Party Dolls and they were looking for another girl for this project. By meeting him, I found out about auditioning for them.”

After getting into the band, she kept both jobs for a while and worked five to six nights per week.

“Finally, one day, I quit my day job, and that was it,” said Kim. “The rest was history.”

Enjoying life

Kim sings today with the Clifton-based band Swingman and the Misfit-Mutts — but she has also worked for years at Music Together, a “mommy-and-me” music and movement program. It was a decision that came after her and Joe’s daughter Elena, 18, was born. In 2015, Kim took it a

step further and bought the Bergen County business. Now,

“As I was getting older … and thinking about starting a family, I was looking for something else to transition into,” said Kim. “I love music, and I know children love music. It’s inspiring for me to be able to bring music to children.”

Last month, Elena graduated from Paramus Catholic. As the Weasel Boy and Party Doll prepare for the future as empty nesters, they have pastimes that they both enjoy.

“I like to walk up to [Holy Face Monastery],” said Kim. “It’s only a few blocks from here, and it’s my weekly routine.”

Joe likes doing yard and garden work. He’s a past recipient of the City of Clifton’s Beautification Award and finds a sort of therapy in coming home “to a house that looks the way ours does. If you don’t get to enjoy it, then what’s the point?” said Joe. “Kim always says that we have to start enjoying what we have.”

A worthwhile chase

Michelle Friedman knew from the start that Bob Mar kowski was someone worth chasing. And, thankfully, she was patient. “Bob was voted ‘Million Dollar Smile’,” recalled Michelle (CHS 1983). “All the girls were chasing him.” Despite the more-than-flattering yearbook superlative, Bob wasn’t interested in a girlfriend at the time. High school was a fun time in his life and he often skipped his classes.

“Back then, you got away with it. That was kind of cool,” said Bob, causing Michelle to laugh.

He also had an after-school job at Liberty Provisions, a meat manufacturing plant located at 200 Piaget Ave. There, he spent time with five or six CHS friends during the after-school hours.

Meanwhile, Michelle similarly had a positive high school experience. She joined the Gymnastics team in her senior year and enjoyed attending the Fighting Mustangs games. There were a few teachers and principals who also still stand out for her.

When it comes to lifelong friendships, the couple remain in touch with Kim (Konikowski) Latiano, Kathy (Verostek) Capobianco and Joe Kryzsik — who is still Bob’s best friend to date. “We had a lot of fun as kids,” said Bob.

35 years later

Born to Polish immigrants Frank and Janina Markowski, Bob attended St. Cyril & Methodius and CCJH while growing up in the Lakeview section. He has two brothers, Mark (CHS 1980) and Bill (CHS 1986).

Michelle attended School 2 and WWJH. Her brother, Larry, was the Class of 1965 and parents were Dr. Max Friedman, who passed away when she was aged 6, and the late Councilwoman Louise Friedman (CHS 1942). The councilwoman served the city in the 1970s and 1980s.

“Bob was running around, but I couldn’t get away with anything,” laughed Michelle, 57. “Mom grew up on Clifton Avenue and did the school system for her whole life. From 1960 to 1965, she was on the Board of Education. I think that got her political career kicking.”

Michelle went to School 2 and WWJH. She found lasting friendships with Lisa Hart, who she’s known since birth, and Debbie Desimone, who she met in third grade and still sees weekly.

It was the first day of school in sophomore year that she

met Bob in Psychology class. Michelle “thought he was adorable” and when asked his first impression, Bob stated candidly that he “ran like hell.”

“He did,” confirmed Michelle.

Only, as established, it wasn’t personal. And the people closest to Bob knew that it wouldn’t last. “Michelle used to chase me around, and friends would say, ‘You’re gonna marry that girl,’” said Bob, 57. “Here I am, 35 years later.”

A lifetime of memories

Bob and Michelle stayed friendly. After graduation, he reached out and they reconnected. A little over five years later, they wed on Sept. 17, 1988.

Bob went right to work as a plumbing apprentice — incidentally with Michelle’s cousin — and is now a plumber. Michelle went to Berkeley College in West Paterson, now Woodland Park, and studied Marketing Management.

She worked for eight years at Prime Motor Inns in Fairfield. After raising children, she revisited her love of gymnastics. For 30 years, she’s worked at Elite Gymnastics. She’s also the coach of Ramapo High School’s Gymnastics team and received her Realtor’s license in 2021 to serve Wayne and Clifton.

The Wayne residents have four children: Bobby, Samantha, Cassidy, and Allison. They wouldn’t change a thing about their lives. “If I changed it, I wouldn’t have my kids and all these special memories,” said Michelle.

Bob agreed, with just one exception. “I guess I would buy Apple and BitCoin,” he conceded.

Bob and Michelle in 1973 and today.

Bring

J.K. Realty - 270 Colfax Ave

Provident Bank-562 Lexington Ave

M& T Bank 887 Allwood Rd

Kearny Bank- 1055 Clifton Ave

Caring People- 1169 Main Ave

Lunar E-Clips Salon- 62 Market St

Instep Fitness- 918 Van Houten Ave

Clifton REC Dept- 900 Clifton Ave

locations July 10-August 18

George's Coffee Shop- 227 Parker Ave

Infatuation Hair Salon- 832 Clifton Ave

Main Library- 292 Piaget Ave

Allwood Library- 44 Lyall Rd

Fire Station 2- 7 Dumont Ave

Fire Station 4- 144 Main Ave

Fire Station 5- 51 Brighton Rd

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Pete Garnevicus, Carol Thorpe, Doris Pohle, Frank Heck, Lori Struck DeSilva, and Vito Marino. The group is also pictured below in the same order from their yearbook. Also shown is committee member Diane Natonick.

As the United States dollar was devalued by 10% in 1973, the country entered a new era when Roe v. Wade overturned state bans on abortion and the last U.S. soldier left Vietnam.

Elsewhere, the Sears Tower in Chicago was finished — the world’s tallest building until 1998 — and the NY Knicks defeated the LA Lakers, 102–93 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, our city continued to develop while the latest group of Mustang seniors watched and discussed.

“There wasn’t a lot of arguing,” noted Lori (Struck) DeSilva. “You just gave your opinion and took it as that.”

As a kid who lived in a Cape Cod on Harrington Road, Philip Read, Sr. knew what was expected of him. One, get home by dusk. Two, spend the rest of your time outdoors with friends.

“Where else could you get a dozen kids to pose for a photo when it’s not a birthday party?” said Read.

Class wallflower to reunion organizer

Lori (Struck) DeSilva’s shyness could’ve prevented her from ever knowing her classmates. Now, she knows all of them. The CHS 1973 reunion organizer tapped into her skill set — knowing how to throw a party. After 30 years managing wedding receptions at the Bethwood until 2017, it’s safe to assume that she knows a thing or two.

“I went to the reunions that the committee used to do and after the second one, I was like, ‘My God, I could do better,’” said DeSilva, 67. And evidently, she did. Over 150 classmates attended their reunion.

Along with Vito Marino, Carol Thorpe, Doris Pohle, Frank Heck, Pete Garnevicus, and Diane (Natonick) Goode as committee co-members, they planned their 50th at The Barnyard and Carriage House in Totowa, on Oct. 14 from 6-11 pm. Tickets are $85 and must be purchased by Sept. 14. Make checks to: CHS Class of 1973 c/o Lori Struck DeSilva PO Box 355, Clifton NJ 07015. Include first and last name, maiden name, as well as spouse or guest name.

“We enjoy getting together now and we’re all on Facebook enjoying when we see each other’s pictures,” said DeSilva. “It’s fun keeping track of everybody.”

Born to parents Leonard and Gloria (Tramontin) Struck, DeSilva and younger brother, Glenn, grew up in the city.

DeSilva attended School 5 and WWJH. Her children Cheryl (CHS 1994), Gary (CHS 2006), and Kathy (CHS 2008) also grew here. Her mother, who turns 98 this month, graduated from CHS in 1942 and is an avid motorcycle rider that we’ve profiled in the past and still does talks around the country.

DeSilva worked in credit and collections for her entire career and retired a few months ago. She lives in Albion section, a couple of blocks away from her childhood home where Gloria still lives. In her free time over the years, DeSilva enjoyed traveling the country on their motorcycles. She also would take cross country trips with her children and late husband, Gary.

The 50th reunion has — like for some of her former classmates — crept up on her. “It’s unbelievable and I cannot get over it. I was thinking last night, ‘Has it been 50 years?’” she said. “It doesn’t sound like it’s possible. It goes by in the blink of an eye.”

The last few years were challenging for DeSilva, but she’s now cancer free and hoping that all of her classmates will join them for the big milestone.

“We’re not getting any younger,” laughed DeSilva. “Everyone who has ever gone has always raved about it …

Familiar faces, new stories

Joe Salerno remembers the places to be while growing up during the 60’s and 70’s.

One of the popular hang-out spots was Rosemary’s Donuts, of Broad and Allwood Road, that existed as part of a small strip mall across from the old Grand Union. Another that’s still part of our city is Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria.

“We used to spend a lot of time there,” said Salerno (CHS 1973). “The Town Pub in Bloomfield is another

Salerno, 68, grew up in Montclair Heights with parents

Dr Lindsay J Scoggins, D

Dr Christopher T Marsh, D

Dr Glenn N Gorab,

Joe Salerno in 1973 and having a good day fishing with family.

Superior Court and Concetta was a nurse for years at the old St. Mary’s in Passaic. Salerno’s younger siblings are Anne (CHS 1975), Jim (CHS 1980), Michael (CHS 1983), and Maria (CHS 1985).

He attended School 16 — whose reunion he is currently part of organizing — and then St. Philip’s from first to sixth grade before heading to Woodrow Wilson Junior High. CHS, with over 1,000 kids in his class, was a good experience for him.

“Changing periods was always an experience,” he said. “There were three wings at the time and everyone would congregate at intersections of the wings. You had to muscle your way through to get to classes on time.”

Salerno ran Cross Country in his freshman year. He joined the Bowling Club and Debating Club. Among the friends that he keeps in contact with are Billy Villano, April DeLorenzo, Bob McCabe, Brian Lucas, Carol Thorpe, Chris Cotiro, Debbie Gallucci, Bob Zasowski, and Jay Skiba.

He went on to study Political Science and History at William Paterson College, now WPU. Some potential career considerations were becoming a teacher or becoming a lawyer like his father. It turned out that his experience in retail from working at Garden State Farms through high school and college led him to his early career path.

Salerno started as a manager for King Size in Totowa on Route 46. The company later sent him to work in a couple Illinois stores before he returned to manage the store in Brooklyn near Kings Plaza. In 1982, Salerno married Bernadette Abato, who passed away in 2012, and they had a daughter, Danielle, two years later.

What led to Salerno leaving retail and becoming an offset printer was the desire to be present in his daughter’s life instead of leaving for work and returning while she was

asleep. He became the lead Pressman at Eastern Envelope in Flanders and retired in 2012.

Other involvement in those years included becoming an officer with the Hopatcong Jaycees, President of Roxbury Swim Team Parents Association, Marching Band Logistics Team, Choir Logistics, and the Vice President of Roxbury Summer Swim Team Parents Association.

In November of 2021, he and Danielle both relocated to Fort Myers, Florida.

“I’m an avid fisherman and enjoy the beach. It’s one of the reasons why I came down here,” said Salerno. “I have a pool at my complex and enjoy just being in the warmth.”

What he’s still trying to wrap his head around is where the 50 years went. But he’s glad that he’s still in contact with many people from his graduating class. Even those that he reconnected with at reunions that were part of different groups or cliques in high school.

“As people age and go through life, you’re just happy to be around others,” he said. “It’s nice to see that.”

Finding her happy place

Entering CHS was full of adventure in 1969, but it was also a paradigm shift for Elizabeth (Riley) Eisenmenger. Not just because of the amount of students either.

“We could wear jeans and hot pants,” laughed Eisenmenger (CHS 1973). “It was very freeing.”

Gone were the days of wearing skirts and pantyhose at WWJH. Yet Eisenmenger confirmed that the dress code liberation didn’t go to her or her friend group’s heads.

“I did avoid all the drugs and drinking,” said Eisenmenger. “I’m sure some of it was happening, but my friends and I were not part of that crowd. We studied hard, played hard, got fairly good grades, and we all went to college.”

Eisenmenger, 67, was raised with siblings Ju-

Elizabeth (Riley) Eisenmenger’s family, from left, Nathan, son Jonathan, Esther, Timothy, Zoe, Danielle, son Seth, Ellie, Elizabeth, husband Karl, daughter Miriam, Luke, Jack.

and William Riley in Albion by their parents, John and Ellen. She started her education at School 5 and while at CHS joined the Drama Department. She joined the senior year production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Life was also interesting beyond Colfax Avenue, and oftentimes it reached the students. Title IX of the Civil Rights Act was a big one. Signed into effect by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972, Eisenmenger noted how girls didn’t have Varsity sports during her time at CHS.

The overwhelming topic of discussion was the Vietnam War, but another major moment was the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade that came in January of senior year.

“Lots more kids went to church in those days,” she said. “Even if you went to a not-so-engaged church, they were still talking about it.”

Eisenmenger attended Concordia Teachers College, now Concordia University Chicago. She majored in Theater and minored in English. Opting to take off her senior year, she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Iran. The children that she taught there spoke English and some were American.

“[Mohammad Reza Shah] was still there, so it was fairly pro-Western,” she said. “It really informed the rest of my life because I got to live in an Islamic culture and learn how politics and faith run countries.”

Eisenmenger returned home and finished her degree. A month later, she wed Karl Eisenmenger (CHS 1965) on June 24, 1978. The couple celebrated 45 years of marriage last month and have three children — Jonathan (CHS 1996), Seth (CHS 1999), and Miriam (CHS 2002). They have six grandchildren.

For about 15 years, Eisenmenger was a substitute in Clifton as well. It was a job that suited her well because she got to go to different places and meet new people. Eventually, CHS English Department supervisor Chris DeVink wanted her on his faculty and she was hired in 2001 after earning her English certification. But ultimately, she returned to her other roots until she retired in 2016.

“I ended up teaching Theater and directing the Musicals.

menger. “I loved doing that.”

Two years ago, she and Karl moved to St. Johns in Florida. While they regarded themselves as “townies” — and she got involved as a Board member for the Theater League of Clifton and with her community at Grace Church, at 45 Hazel St. — Eisenmenger emphasized the importance of experiencing many parts of life.

“Just because you like to stay home, it doesn’t mean it’s all you should know,” she said. “Check off the bucket list, see the thing. You don’t quite know how long that bucket’s going to be there.”

Finding her voice in Clifton

It’s a new world today, but Lizz (Bumbera) Gagnon still sees the same city.

Ahead of her interview, she was watching the latest City Council meeting like she has done for a number of years. It’s about staying involved and in-the-know, but it’s also because she loves her city as much today as when she was raised in it.

Raised by parents Raymond Sr. and Bridget (Wallace) Bumbera, Gagnon attended School 14 and WWJH before graduating with the CHS Class of 1973. Her sisters Patricia Bumbera and Diane Bumbera graduated from CHS in 1971. Diane, like Gagnon, remained in Clifton.

“It was a fun time. We didn’t realize what we had then until we started dealing with grown-up work,” said Gagnon, 69, about her high school years. “I always tell my grandkids now, these are the best years of your life.”

Gagnon recalled spending time with the girls of her neighborhood and how kids could ride their bikes safely in that era. She added that school was great and there was discipline, including the parents who “kept after you to do better.”

Her mother, Bridget, was a stay-at-home mom, which Gagnon said made life easier for her. Yet it didn’t mean that Bridget wasn’t tough.

“She wanted [us] to get an education and go on to get a good job,” said Gagnon. “I remember coming home and my mother would be making bread. … I’d come home to

Lizz (Bumbera) Gagnon in 1973 and today.

that smell and, right away, I had to sit down and do my homework and chores.”

Gagnon went to work after high school at Broadway Photo at Four Corners in Nutley. She began as a purchaser and later relocated to West Caldwell. Another job saw her at Worthington Pump, working as purchaser and later as an expeditor for about six years. Then she went on to work at Conrac Corp., which had contracts with the military and worked on the Harrier Jump Jet.

“The best day of my life was when the Space Shuttle went up for the first time,” she said. “They had an open broadcast with NASA and Conrac.”

Later, Gagnon and her husband William “Bill” Gagnon started a family. They are parents to Mark Gagnon (CHS 2003) and Ashley Farrington (CHS 2007). Mark and his fiancée Cynthia Sharpe will wed in October 2024 and he will have a step-daughter Nicole, 13. Ashley is married to Kyle Farrington, with whom she has three kids: Anthony, 12, Mason, 11, and Dominic Jake “DJ”, 4.

Once Gagnon’s children went to school, she started her next act. From 1992-1997, she was an Executive Board Member of the Southern Division Little League. During those years, Gagnon joined School 14’s HSA and progressed from secretary to president. She gained a prominent voice in speaking against the high-rated electromagnetic fields at the power station “next door.”

“I didn’t know a schematic from a map,” she laughed, “but I learned.”

“After that, they asked me to run for the Board of Education,” added Gagnon. “I spent 12.5 years on the Board as a commissioner, from 1996 to 2002 and 2003 to 2009.”

On June 1, the Allwood resident retired as the city’s assistant tax assessor after nearly 24 years. But she said her family, and especially her grandsons, keep her busy.

“I’m still into crafts and do a yearly Christmas craft with the boys,” she said. “We do oranges with cloves, which my mom started because her mom did. [We] still carry on some traditions.”

A child of the 60’s

Philip Read, Sr. reflected in amusement that he and his CHS classmates were all children of the 60’s, which rolled into the 70’s.

He remembers the anti-war protests and how a few months before he turned 18, he got a notice to report in front of the draft board in Paterson for his physical. They told him that he was 1-A, but President Richard Nixon would ultimately end the draft lottery before he turned 18.

“That was good news,” laughed Read (CHS 1973).

Pop culture and politics influenced Read’s generation on all sides. From the headlines of The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and witnessing The Rolling Stones reach the

height of their fame to the assassi nations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, junior high was a defining era.

“When you’re young and impressionable, [these events] have a big impact on you,” said Read.

Born to parents William Marsden Read III and Glory (Meehan) Read, Read and his late brother, William Marsden Read IV (CHS 1973), grew up in the Allwood and Montclair Heights sections. He attended School 9 and WWJH and wrote at CHS for The Hub newspaper.

He knew from an early age that it was a path that interested him. A phone interview that he did at the time was with famed concert promoter John Scher. But in terms of his high school career, he admitted that he was quiet and not the most engaged aside from in creative writing and art.

In those days, he said everyone went to the former Capitol Theatre in Passaic to see concerts.

“I think my first concert was for Alice Cooper, who’s

A great upbringing

still performing, in 1971 or 1972,” said Read. “‘I’m Eighteen’ was a big song back then.”

Although he doesn’t recall going to a Mustang football game, he experienced that part of Clifton later when his children, Lauren (CHS 1999) and Philip Jr. (2001), joined the Marching Band.

“I went to every game, drinking as much hot chocolate as I could,” he said. “I guess that was my penance.”

In the fall of 1973, Read attended Boston University and joined The Daily Free Press. Between working on the school newspaper and getting an “A” in the News Writing and Reporting course that he took, Read figured “I earned stripes in journalism.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Language & Literature and went on to attend Penn State’s Graduate School of Journalism, leaving with only six credits

Phil Read in 1973 and today.

remaining after he “met the girl.” The girl turned out to be Nancy Rees, whom he married in 1979 and will mark 44 years of marriage with this year.

Read went on to have a long, varied career in the journalism industry. He started as News Editor of The Paterson News from 1979-1984.

Other positions included Editor of The Daily Journal, where he supervised 29 newsroom employees for New Jersey’s oldest daily newspaper, as well as Bureau Chief of The Daily Record (19861987), Business Editor of The Record (1987-1997), and later worked for The Star-Ledger from 1997 until November of 2010.

Although many of his positions were as editor, he did get his moments to write.

“When 9/11 hit, it was the first economic shock for newspapers at the time,” said Read. “I started writing and really enjoyed it.”

For about nine years, he largely covered Montclair and couldn’t “believe they’re paying me to do this.” He had the added benefit of switching to reporting without taking a pay cut.

“I got to cover good stories there and some very tragic ones,” said Read. “That made it all have meaning.”

Newspaper buyouts toward the late 2010s changed things for Read. Today, he is the Editor and Publisher of 27587 Magazine, a glossy quarterly that he founded in 2014 and is based in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

He’s also an author of nine books available for purchase on Amazon, including “Clifton: The Boomtown Years” and “Memories From The Meadowbrook”.

When he thinks back on his hometown, there are some obvious changes today from his youth in the height of the Baby Boom.

“Clifton got fully developed,” he laughed. “[As kids] we would go out and we had to be home by dusk. Parents never knew where you were; you just ran around with the neighborhood kids.”

“Now traffic lights are at every corner. It’s just congested and it [wasn’t] always that way,” added Read. “I wouldn’t trade my upbringing in Clifton for the world.” Go to 27587magazine.com to see Phil’s magazine.

Martin Link in 1973 and today.

Writing for a kinder world

Teaching tolerance, family values, and care for the environment are Martin Link’s top priorities. So he wrote a children’s book advocating it. Link (CHS 1973) is the author of The Leaf People, a book that encourages children and adults to respect the environment and each other, while also accepting differences in culture and appearances.

The heart of the story is one of anti-bullying. A struggle for children across generations that Link was all-too familiar with in his own youth.

“High school was rough,” said Link, 68. “I was 6’3” and 150 lbs. I was pushed into lockers and beaten up because of the way that I looked. On the first day of school, I would run to a class to get a chair and desk near the door to get out quickly and run to the next class to not get knocked over.”

Link recalled that life changed for him in his senior year. As a child, he was hit by a baseball bat, which knocked his nose out of place. Once the Albion native got a nose job, he experienced the way that appearances affect your life.

“I had my nose fixed and all of a sudden, my life changed,” he said. “Girls started coming after me. The pimples went away.”

But what really made all the difference was gaining his first friend, Arthur Marzigliano. He and Link have connected since graduation and Link hopes to see him at the 50th reunion, as well as other classmates.

“It’s unbelievable how we’ve all changed,” said Link.

From TV to Toys

Link grew up with brothers, Gary (CHS 1974) and the late Frank (CHS 1967). He went to School 5 and WW and was in the National Thespian Society senior year.

After high school, he briefly attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. But at age 17, and despite learning a lot, he said the hustle was a bit much.

Link transferred to Montclair State and graduated with a degree in Business Management and Sales. No sooner than when he graduated did he fall into the world of selling stuffed animals.

“I fell in love with it and got a job at Russ Berrie,” said Link. “They were famous for the Troll dolls. My reputation in the toy and gift industry around the U.S. was outstanding. I loved selling the toys and was on the road for two years, where I won rookie of the year.” Link relocated to Los Angeles after doing a gift show for Russ and “falling in love with the beauty of the palm trees.”

He worked for a small toy company, Christhomas, and pursued other work opportunities while living in Huntington Beach, California for 20 years.

Today, Link lives in Neptune and noted that he sort of became an author by accident. He wanted to figure out how he could make a collectible without the risk of someone stealing the intellectual property or name. Years prior, a lawyer for Russ said the best way to do it is to write a book with the same name.

Then, Link learned that his niece was learning the names of leaves in school. “A dream happened where children would get the state leaf … [and] they would learn the leaf of every state,” said Link. “I knew there were collectibles out there that taught children nothing, like the Smurf.”

His vision

The Leaf People would allow children to collect the leaves of all 50 states, as well as know the state, where it is on the map, the state tree, and three facts about each leaf.

“I found a biodegradable rubber company in China that can make it, but that’s where I’m stuck,” said Link. “The book was only supposed to be 13 pages and it turned out to be 245.”

Link is committed to his vision — so much so that he refinanced his car to sell the book. Each of the book’s characters was designed with permission in the image of someone famous, including James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard.

The author’s goals for the future are lofty and hopeful.

“I would love for the word ‘hate’ to be eliminated. It’s a simple word that shouldn’t be part of the English language. It’s just an ugly word,” said Link.

He encourages current Mustang graduates to “never give up” and to pursue their dreams. “If mine to see The Leaf People as a Broadway show comes true when I am in a wheelchair and about to die,” said Link, “I’ll be happy.”

The Leaf People by Martin Link and Phil Read’s 27587.

growing up in the 50’s and 60’s meant a lot to Jim and Lauren (Santin) Janish. It also gave them the ability to raise their own kids in a world that is now a mere memory.

“I think we had a better life. We respected people, cared for life, and treasured life,” said Lauren, 78. “Today, with all these shootings, it’s just a different world. I am always so glad that I raised my children when I raised them, with respect.”

The Janishes’ lives overlapped at an early age. Jim was originally from Dutch Hill, but eventually switched from School 15 to School 12. That was where Lauren, a Botany Village native, went to school before they both progressed to the old School 7, what is now CCMS, and then CHS. The couple were in the first graduating class at the Colfax Avenue high school in 1963.

Their families were connected to Clifton. Jim grew up with siblings Joe (CHS 1959) and Judith, who passed away in her graduation year in 1967. Lauren’s late sister Robin was the CHS Class of 1972, and her family owned the Italian-American Cooperative on Parker Avenue for 40 years.

Jim was in the College Program, while playing football and baseball and working after school.

“I worked part time at Maisley Brothers, a grocery store on Center Street in Botany Village,” said Jim, 77.

Lauren was in the Business Program and loved her high school years. Afterwards, she went on to Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. Yet she recalls some of the core high school memories.

“Being that we were dating, [Jim] would meet me at my locker and put his hand out,” she said. “I’d give him $2 to fill his 1960 Chevy Impala convertible.”

They met in sixth grade and even though they didn’t immediately date, Lauren said he was “the only one for

me.” They wed Nov. 6, 1965 and will celebrate their 58th anniversary later this year.

“My husband is a good listener,” said Lauren. “You have to give and take in a marriage. My mother always said, ‘Never go to bed without saying: I love you.’ I guess it worked.”

“Yep,” agreed Jim easily.

Jim entered the National Guard instead of heading off

Top left, most congenial Doris Schumann and Richie Smith, Jim and Lauren (Santin) Janish in 1963 and today.

to Vietnam and later retired after 42 years with Becton Dickinson. Lauren pursued her secretarial goals and retired in 2010 from the Fair Lawn Board of Education as a principal’s secretary.

The Garfield residents have two children, Jill Sproviero and Jayne Tanis, and four grandchildren: Amy and Allison Sproviero and John and Karyn Tanis. Their youngest, Allison, just graduated 60 years after her grandparents with the CHS Class of 2023.

“Time does fly,” said Jim, and Lauren agreed, adding, “You have to enjoy every moment of it. It is fortunate that we’re still here together and can reminisce.”

Laying the groundwork

New beginnings are always fraught with nerves, especially when you are in the first graduating class of a new school like MaryEllen (Williams) Collucci.

Collucci (CHS 1963) said it was an adjustment to go from split sessions to straight days at CHS, but there was a camaraderie amongst her peers. Ultimately, high school was full of great times, including prom, basketball games, and football games.

“The trouble was that you would have one class in one building and the next class two buildings over,” laughed Collucci, 78. “You would run to the next class, and then the next would be in the first building.”

“There was lots of confusion in the beginning,” she continued. “I feel kind of glad that I was able to initiate that system and work it out for the new kids coming into the school.”

Before CHS, Collucci went to School 15, St. Paul’s Catholic School, and then the old School 10 for ninth grade. The Dutch Hill native’s parents were Harold and Margaret (McKenna) Williams, and she was one of nine children. Margaret attended School 11 in Lakeview and lived in Clifton for her entire life.

Collucci has done the same. She and Delawanna native

husband Vito Sr. (CHS 1960) live in Lakeview. They have four sons: Vito Jr, Clifton Firefighter Kenny (CHS 1989), Clifton Policeman Kevin (CHS 1991), and Glenn (CHS 1992). Vito Sr. was a Clifton Police Officer for 27.5 years.

“People are willing to help one another [in Clifton],” said Collucci. “In the neighborhood, we talk to each other. If someone goes away on vacation, we take their mail in and watch their house.”

Collucci has lifelong friendships as well. She’s friends with Linda (Kredatus) Fillippone, whose uncle was Chief of Police Edward Kredatus, from May 1979 to March 1990. Another friend Ilona (Ullman) Collucci became her sister-in-law.

Collucci worked in a bank in Passaic and, after raising her children, worked at Clifton Rec as a preschool aide for 19 years. Now she enjoys activities like needle-work and flower arranging, as well as spending time with family.

“We have four amazing sons, four wonderful daughterin-laws, and eight grandchildren that we love from the bottom of our hearts.”

Vito Sr. and MaryEllen (Williams) Collucci today.

A free-spirited friendship

Clifton boasts many lifelong friendships for lifelong residents — and Helen (Latawiec) Kubik and Ellen Grexa can do the same.

The CHS 1963 grads love their hometown not only for what it has offered them, but also for how it was a simple place to grow up in the 50’s.

Henry and Caroline Latawiec raised Kubik and her sisters, Dolores and Caroline, in the Athenia section. She went to School 13 until ninth grade and the former CHS building, now CCMS, until the Colfax Avenue building was completed.

“I had a few really close friends and loved to dance. I still do. I do line dancing at my age,” laughed Kubik, 78.

It’s an activity that Grexa, 77, enjoys nowadays as well and one that she views as quite social. “I met a lot of friends through Clifton’s senior clubs and line dancing,” said Grexa. “It’s just a nice town, and it’s growing.”

Grexa grew up as an only child to parents John and Anna Grexa. She resides in her childhood Dutch Hill home and is also friends with classmate Maryann Gross. Though her old schools are mostly gone — School 6 is now the BOE building and School 10 is now a parking lot — she still admires the “new” high school.

“I’ve gone to the Mustang car washes and [said to students], ‘This building is over 60 years old. I’m serious guys,’” laughed Grexa. “They couldn’t believe it.”

Kubik has lived in Albion for 55 years and had worked in different secretarial keypunch positions before working in Finance for the City of Clifton. Her children are the late Scott (CHS 1987), Christopher (CHS 1989), and Christina Celeste (CHS 1989), who works in Housing for Clifton.

Grexa went to the Sherwood School of Business in Paterson. She worked at General Electric for 16 years, and then worked at companies like Shulton, American Cyanamid, and American Home Products. She loves to walk and bowls in a Women’s League on Tuesday mornings.

She and Kubik also enjoy the city’s concert series in the summer months.

“Me, Ellen Grexa, Beverly DenBore Werner, and Vera (Swiderski) Blair … all kind of get together when Clifton has concerts and dance freestyle,” said Kubik. “It’s a clique of us.”

Life’s unexpected turns

Evelyn (Kortvellessy) Rosky’s advice to her 18-yearold self is to be happy for what she is doing and to do things in life that won’t leave you with regrets.

Rosky (CHS 1963) is the mother of three children: Brian, who passed away; Bruce, and Sharon. All three attended St. Andrew’s and were CHS graduates. Rosky has seven grandchildren. She lives in Mahwah, but spent much of her life in Clifton.

“Growing up, I was with my sister [Roseann Weitner (CHS 1961)] a lot,” said Rosky, 78. “We used to take walks and bike rides together.” Roseann still lives in Clifton and is the mother of two sons and four grandchildren.

During their youth, Rosky attended School 12 and the old School 7. In sophomore year, she met her first husband, the late Larry Rusconi (CHS 1961). The couple went to their proms together.

After CHS, Rosky worked at a telephone company in Glen Ridge and Rusconi worked at Deluxe Check Printers in Clifton. Rosky only went back to work once her daughter was in school and she finished out at LCS Industries on Brighton Road after 17 years.

Rusconi, on the other hand, went into the National Guard during the Vietnam War. That’s where he met his

On May 15, 1965, Larry Rusconi (CHS 1961) and Evelyn Kortvellessy (CHS 1963) and Evelyn at left today.

best friend William Rosky, who was an usher at Rusconi’s wedding in May of 1965.

There was never any thought from Rosky that someday she’d marry her husband’s best friend. She and Rusconi were married for 34 years until he passed away, and William’s wife passed three years prior.

“We kept in touch for 10 years, because he and I were by ourselves,” said Rosky. “We decided to get married in 2009 and we’ll be married for 14 years in September.”

Through the years, Rosky has spent time babysitting her grandchildren and doing crafts, such as wreaths and hanging baskets and hearts. It’s hard for her to believe where all the years went. “It doesn’t feel that long ago,” she laughed. “I didn’t realize that it was 60 years already.”

Taking life’s opportunities

Like many of us, Aileen (Zahlava) Solt may not remember what she had for breakfast but does hold onto her high school memories.

“Mr. Ernest Scheidemann was the science teacher. Mrs. Mae Schlessinger had the girls take their girdles off before putting on their gym suits,” said Solt (CHS 1963). “We had to jump over a pommel horse and we ran through the showers because no one wanted to take a shower every single day.” Friends that she kept through the years were Lauren Santin and her husband Jim Janish, who is Solt’s cousin; Janice Piccolo, Joanne Vrecenak, John Kovaleski, David Marsh, and Jack Mine.

“A lot of my friends were neighborhood kids in Allwood,” said Solt, 77. “A lot of us hung out at Styertowne, Rizzuto-Berra Bowling, Bowlero, and Bond’s Ice Cream.”

Solt went to Kent State University for a bachelor’s in Speech and Language Therapy. She went back after getting married for her master’s degree in Special Education. It was during undergrad that she met her eventual husband Keith. They wed on June 17, 1967.

“Back in those days, you went to college, got pinned, then got engaged,” she laughed. “It was love at first sight.”

Solt taught elementary special education and literacy

We rounded up this herd of ‘63 Mustangs on June 26. Front from left: Vera Swiberski, Bev Costanza, Joan Bertoli, Helen Latawiec, Nancy Michel, Phyllis Nowacki, Erica Muenster. Second row: Ellen Grexa, Kathy Militello, Maryann Gross, Michael Zwier, Joe Torko, Robert Gurney, Bob Carpenter, John Peto, Bob Bracken and Bill Wolf.

Aileen (Zahlava) Solt. Ingrid (Johansson) Dolberry wants to congratulate her classmates on their 60th anniversary. “Unfortunately, I am housebound in a wheelchair and not able to attend the reunion. I hope you all have a great time celebrating.”

for 25 years in Colorado before she retired in June of 2002. She and Keith have four children: Kristi, Kent, Kathi, and Kori. They’ve lived for 45 years in Longmont, Colorado and are loving grandparents.

“We traveled a lot. Probably the best experiences were China and Thailand,” said Solt. “I do lots of semiprofessional photography, crafting, baking, and I am in two book clubs.” She also gets a kick out of Facebook and enjoys seeing all of the opportunities now afforded to young women, like her granddaughters. Her advice is

simple. “Just go for it. I just wish there were more opportunities for women in those days,” said Solt. “We could be a nurse, teacher, or secretary.” But, she adds: “Take advantage of the opportunities ahead of you.”

The Class of 1963 Reunion is on the evening of Oct. 7 at Mario’s Restaurant. The team of organizers is asking for reservations and payment by Sept. 7. The $50 cost includes a buffet dinner, pitchers of soda on the tables and a cash bar. For details, call John Peto at 973-214-9083.

Vera Swiberski, John Peto, Joan Bertoli, Michael Zwier, Maryann Gross, Robert Gurney.

Aileen Zahlava, William Wolf, Ellen Grexa, Robert Carpenter, Evelyn Kortvellessy, Helen Latawiec.

Mustang Memory Lane

with Mike Finegan

Clifton teens have embraced their futures for decades, but that hasn’t meant closing the door on their childhoods. One of the best things about looking ahead was planning reunions to see all of their lifetime friends.

The Class of 1938 did it back in the day — the Mustangs held a 55-year reunion at the former Mountainside Inn. There were plenty of classmates to invite. Not to mention plenty of topics to reminisce on years later.

For the Class of 1963, three of their grads were recipients of Dr. Elinor E. Hanna Scholarships. The Parent-Teacher-Student Association presented the scholarships, valued at $200 apiece, to the students at Senior Class Day.

Mrs. Silverman presented the scholarships to Barbara Litwin, John McBurney, and Martin Luria. Litwin attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, McBurney entered Newark College of Engineering, and Luria planned to become a pre-medical student at Rutgers – New Brunswick.

A much-discussed topic for the CHS Class of 1973 was sure-

ly when the CHS diploma supplier needed to provide correct covers for all 968 leatherette diploma covers.

“When the boxes were opened just before the program began Wednesday night, it was found that all had Clifton spelled ‘Cliffton’,” then CHS Principal Aaron Halpern told The Herald News in June of 1973. “Some had the city emblem upside down and others opened from top to bottom.”

It was a mistake no one anticipated — the original product, shipped weeks prior, was approved without issue. The vendor was local company Kilborne and Donahue of Bloomfield, who worked with a manufacturer in Washington State to fix the covers.

Fast forward several decades, and the number of graduates was notably lower. The Class of 2003 left Colfax Avenue with 697 students, all donned in maroon caps and gowns. Possess-

Returning this month with more Clifton Nostalgia & History is Mike Finegan who publishes daily on FB with his “Clifton New Jersey: The Golden Years”.

ing a little bit of luck and good weather fortune, the graduation ceremony was not entirely rained out.

Shemeca Williams, Class President and Mistress of Ceremonies, told The Herald News in June of 2003 that she was excited and had “been going over my speeches” ahead of the ceremony.

But that didn’t dispel concerns for everyone — that June was already the wettest on record. The CHS 2003 Mustangs, thankfully, were not moved indoors from Clifton Stadium. Instead, they got a final chance to just be kids by doing the “wave” and throwing up several colorful beach balls.

The rambunctious festivities didn’t deter former superintendent Dr. Michael Rice, who delivered his first commencement address in his new role. Meanwhile, the ceremony also marked the end of an era for CHS North Wing Vice Principal John Meyer, who retired after 30 years.

2013 1963

The Class Class of 2013’s Commencement was characterized by bright skies, and even brighter smiles. Graduating seniors rocked sunglasses and carried inflatable birds as they walked on the Clifton Stadium track like many before them.

Senior Class President Aisha Alzubi was excited to take on new adventures but felt nostalgia for the past. She named her mother as her biggest influence and support.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT & TLC!

America’s Polka King, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, will return for the 20th consecutive year to our area—for two performances. The first is on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7 pm for a free concert in Third Ward Park, at the corner of Passaic and Van Houten Aves.

Promoter Greg Komeshok said this year Sturr and his orchestra will also headline the St. John Kanty Church picnic, 49 Speer Avenue, Clifton, on Sept. 10 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.

The Hawthorne Caballeros return with nine other drum and bugle corps to Clifton Stadium on July 8. Doors open at 5:30 for the 56th Grand Prix with high stepping performances beginning at 6:30 pm. The night of moveable music honors the memory of Clifton’s favorite Cab, the late George Hayek (inset). Band lineup and more info: hawthornecaballeros.org.

CHS 2023 grad Aidan Robinson received the Theater League of Clifton’s annual Joanne Mazzarisi Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000 award will help when Robinson attends Montclair State this fall. TLC will also present ‘The Prom’ at the CHS auditorium, July 14 through 23. Cast members pictured include, seated, from left, Bethany Duffy, Sandy Cocoyutla, Kendal Walls, Aaron Noriega. Standing, from left, T-Bone Rube, Dave Toussas, Stephen Burke, Sam Szentmik, Jennifer Berta, and Danielle Nelken

Anna Uzzalino, 9, and Josephine Uzzalino, 8, are undefeated in shot put for the 2023 season. On June 4, the sisters, who attend St. Phillips School, both took first place in in their age groups in the AAU NJ District qualifier.

They both also went on to win first place in shot put at the USA Track and Field (USATF) NJ Junior Olympic Championships on June 11 in Plainfield. There were 11 athletes in Anna’s age group and she won with a 21’ 25” throw. Seven competed in Josephine’s age group and she bested them with a 16’ 1” throw. They are currently both the number one ranked shot put throwers in the state of NJ.

The sisters are members of the Bergen County Xpress Track & Field of Teaneck. Last year, the girls qualified and competed in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greens-

Their next stop in 2023 is the AAU Regional Qualifiers in Clifton Park, NY on June 29 and then at the USATF Regional Championship in Cortland, NY on July 8. The goal is to advance to the AAU Junior Olympics games, which is the first week of August in Des Moines, Iowa.

boro, NC.

Sarah Counterman, pictured center, was the Clifton torch bearer on June 9 for the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run. Sarah carried the torch to the Clifton Rec Center on Main Ave. as it wound its way across the Garden State and on to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, which took place on The College of New Jersey campus June 9-11.

Josephine Uzzalino, 8, and her sister Anna, who is 9.

CELEBRATING CULTURES

On June 12, the Clifton Filipino community celebrated the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898. This event was hosted again by Bible Church International of Clifton. The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance by Aria Cho followed with musical interludes, which included the Star Spangled Banner followed by the Philippine National anthem sang by the BCIchoir. Other musical selections ranged from religious to Philippine folk songs, as well as speeches and prayers.

Clifton Senior Advisory Committee and the Clifton Senior Center offer an AARP Smart Driver Course on July 22 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Senior Center, behind city hall. Fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non members. United Healthcare Medicare members can receive a discount on auto insurance. Make checks payable to AARP. Limited seating so call 973-470-2234 to register. Bring lunch, your driver’s license and AARP membership card.

Clifton Garden Club meets July 11 at 7 pm at the Allwood Library, 44 Lyall Road. Speaker Aja Humphries, a full spectrum doula and herbalist, will discuss growing and drying organic teas. Guests are welcome. The Club is a notfor-profit volunteer group who try to keep Clifton cleaner and greener. Call Donna Fantacone 973-473-0577.

Enjoy books, art, and fresh food in Downtown Clifton at the Library & Arts Center at the Farmers Market on July 12 from 1-2:30 pm. The booth, located at the corner of Clifton and 1st Street, will provide insight into the Clifton Public Library and Clifton Arts Center’s services. Participate in arts and crafts with artist Marisol Rodriguez. Visit CAC at cliftonartscenter.org for more info. The rain date is July 13 at the Main Library.

Swingman and the Misfit Mutts will open the 2023 Obser Concerts on July 9 at 7:30 pm at Main Memorial Park. They are followed by the Clifton Community Band on July 16, Parrot Beach on July 23 and Emerald Experience on July 30. Concerts are cancelled in case of rain. The series continues in August. The 2023 Peruvian Parade crosses through our city on July 30. The parade is from 10 am to 2:30 pm, starting in Passaic and following Main Avenue through Clifton and into Paterson. Recognize the man on the far right? That’s Guillermo Garcia, the General Manager of the Paulison Avenue ShopRite and past 2021 Parade Grand Marshal.

On June 24, a moving vehicle struck Aqel Khalifeh. The 13-year-old CCMS student and Clifton resident was riding his bicycle on Fifth Avenue, approaching the intersection of W 2nd Street. The driver stopped to immediately render aid and the police and fire department responded shortly thereafter. As our magazine went to press at the end of the month, Aqel was in a coma at St. Joseph Hospital in Paterson and had already undergone multiple surgeries. Yet doctors and family were hopeful as Aqel began responding to external stimuli. A GoFundMe was set up and raised over $80,000 of its $100,000 goal in three days, with over 1,300 donations. To support Aqel’s family in his medical expenses, visit https://gofund.me/5e72fcee.

The Ukrainian Festival at St. Nicholas Church on 217 President St. in Passaic is Sept. 17 at noon. Visitors will enjoy Ukrainian delicacies, craft vendors, music, games and arts for kids. Admission is $5. Call 973-471-9727 or visit stnicholasucc.org for info.

The B&G Club’s 10th Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show is Sept. 10 at 9 am at 1255 Broad St., Clifton. All years, vintages and styles of vehicles are invited. Vehicle registration is $20. Admission is free for browsers. For more info, email Maureen Cameron at mcameron@bgcclifton.org or call 973-773-0966 x 144.

The Athenia Business Association’s Street Fair is along Van Houten Avenue on Sept. 17, from 11 am to 5 pm. In its 21st year, clubs and organizations be a part of the event. To vend, call Chris at 201-410-1686 or Laurie at 973-202-8578.

The Avenue of Flags offers 2,265 displays of patriotism on the grounds of City Hall. The cost for a flag and pole is $120. The next display is Patriot Day, Sept. 11, then Veterans Day, Nov. 11. To volunteer or for info, call 973-365-2630 or chair Joe Tuzzolino at 973-632-9225.

Birthdays & Celebrations - July 2023

Mary (Brugnoni) Kennedy will be 94 on July 18. Ernie Scheidemann is 88 on July 17. Rafael Hasting will be 78 on July 25! Ottila Kedl is 17 July 23. Anthony Michael Meade turns one on July 8. His parents are Kevin and Lauren (Hrina) Meade. Samuel Yoda turns 3 on July 11.

Nicolas Marcel Calvo turns 14 on July 11. Isabella Andruch is 17 on July 1. Jesse Hasting turns 38 on July 10. Angello hits another milestone on July 3. Robert Marriello celebrates on July 9. Phyllis Bivaletz

Kenneth & Donna Chipura on July 11 celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Olga and Efren Zamora celebrate Olga’s birthday and their 46th anniversary July 3.

Maria (Sadiv) and Frederick C. Koval will be married 54 years on July 26.

Joan and Gene Murphy’s 59th anniversary is July 25

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