Clifton Merchant Magazine - May 2021 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Meet Me In The Middle:

From the Editor, Tom Hawrylko I channel surfed my way to the Academy Awards show a few Sundays ago. It was when Tyler Perry was giving his acceptance for his humanitarian work. It is a message I want to share with you. Here is what he said: “My mother taught me to refuse hate. She taught me to refuse blanket judgment. And in this time and with all of the internet and social media and algorithms and everything that wants us to think a certain way—the 24hour news cycle—it is my hope that all of us will teach our kids—and not only to remember—just refuse hate. Don’t hate anybody.” “Refuse hate,” he told the movie stars and millions across the globe. “I refuse to hate someone because they are Mexican or because they are Black or white or LBGTQ. I refuse to hate someone because they are a police officer. I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian.” An actor, playwright, screenwriter and director, you may recognize Tyler Perry for his portrayal of the movie character Mabel (Madea) Simmons. She is the matriarch of the family and an outspoken grandmother—who combines humor, religious wisdom and personal triumph to keep her family strong. Tyler Perry’s story is one of overcoming the odds, having survived homelessness and childhood abuse to become an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

“I want to take this Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and dedicate it to anyone who wants to stand in the middle, no matter what’s around the walls, stand in the middle because that’s where healing happens. That’s where conversation happens. That’s where change happens. It happens in the middle. So anyone who wants to meet me in the middle, to refuse hate, to refuse blanket judgment and to help lift someone’s feet off the ground, this one is for you, too. God bless you and thank you...” Refuse hate. Meet me in the middle. Let’s put it into practice—here in Clifton and across America. 16,000 Magazines

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

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

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Memorial Day Events Sunday, May 30

• 7 pm - Volunteers decorate around War Monument in Main Memorial Park with American Flags

Monday, May 31

• 6 am - Avenue of Flags Set-up, City Hall • 8:15 am - Fire Dept. Service, Brighton Rd. • 9 am - Memorial Day Parade, Corner Clifton Ave. & Allwood Rd. to Chelsea Park • 9:30 am - Allwood Memorial, Chelsea Park • 11 am - City Memorial Service, Main Memorial Park • Noon - Military Order of Purple Hearts, Clifton Library • 12:30 pm - Post 347, Clifton Rec Center • 2 pm - Athenia Veterans, Huron Ave. • 6 pm - Avenue of Flags Take Down Questions? Call Mayor Anzaldi: 973-470-5757 -or- Keith Oakley: 201-774-6666

Clifton is a city that salutes its veterans, and on Memorial Day, especially those killed in service to our nation. From the impressive post-World War I monument that anchors Memorial Park, to the iconic Avenue of Flags numbering more than 2,167 surrounding City Hall on holidays, and finally to the parades, Clifton remembers. Clifton Merchant Magazine, throughout its history, has reflected the city’s spirit in its many stories of veterans. Every May, we publish a roll call of some 300 Cliftonites KIA—Killed In Action— and their names are listed on the following pages. Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Starting below and organized by the war in which they served, we have again published the name of every Clifton man who died while in service to our nation. May their memory be eternal.

God Bless America

World War I Louis Ablezer Andrew Blahut Timothy Condon John Crozier Orrie De Groot Olivo De Luca Italo De Mattia August De Rose Jurgen Dykstra Seraphin Fiori Ralph Gallasso Otto Geipel Mayo Giustina Peter Horoschak Emilio Lazzerin Joseph Liechty Jacob Morf, Jr. William Morf Edwin C. Peterson Robert H. Roat Alfred Sifferlen James R. Stone Carmelo Uricchio Angelo Varetoni Michael Vernarec Cornelius Visbeck Ignatius Wusching Bertie Zanetti Otto B. Zanetti

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Athenia Veterans Post circa 2008.

Rededication of Main Ave. Monument, May 31, 1993.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

World War II Joseph Sperling Charles Peterson Thomas Donnellan Jerry Toth Frank Lennon Joseph Carboy Julius Weisfeld Edward Ladwik Israel Rabkin Peter Pagnillo Harold Weeks William Weeks Salvatore Favata Herman Adams Edward Kostecki Charles Hooyman, Jr. Salvatore Michelli Richard Novak James Potter Adam Liptak John Van Kirk

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Carlyle Malmstrom Francis Gormley Charles Stanchak Joseph Ladwik Karl Germelmann Robert Stevens Albert Tau William Scott Benjamin Puzio James Van Ness Gregory Jahn Nicholas Stanchak Frank Smith, Jr Carl Bredahl Donald Yahn Joseph Belli Edwin Kalinka Stanley Swift Charles Lotz Joseph Prebol Walter Nazar Benedict Vital

Thaddeus Bukowski Leo Grossman Michael Kashey Stephen Messineo John Janek John Yanick Herbert Gibb William Nalesnik Joseph Sowma Bronislaus Pitak Harry Tamboer John Olear John Koropchak Joseph Nugent Steven Gombocs Thomas Gula Raymond Curley Harry Earnshaw James Henry John Layton Charles Messineo Joseph Petruska

Bogert Terpstra John Kotulick Peter Vroeginday Michael Sobol Donald Sang Andew Sanko George Zeim, Jr. Robert Van Liere Vernon Broseman Harold O’Keefe Edward Palffy Dennis Szabaday Lewis Cosmano Stanley Scott, Jr. Charles Hulyo, Jr. Arnold Hutton Frank Barth John Kanyo Bryce Leighty Joseph Bertneskie Samuel Bychek Louis Netto David Ward Edward Rembisz Lawrence Zanetti Alfred Jones Stephen Blondek John Bulyn Gerhard Kaden William Lawrence Robert Doherty Samuel Guglielmo Robert Parker Joseph Molson Stephen Kucha James De Biase Dominick Gianni Manuel Marcos Nicholas Palko William Slyboom Herman Teubner Thomas Commiciotto Stephen Surgent Albert Bertneskie

Charles Gash Peter Jacklin Peter Shraga,Jr. John Aspesi Micheal Ladyczka Edward Marchese Robert Stephan Roelof Holster, Jr. Alex Hossack Siber Speer Frank Klimock

Salvatore Procopio Harry Breen Gordon Tomea, Jr. Douglas Gleeson Fred Hazekamp Harold Roy Andrew Servas, Jr. Francis Alesso Walter Bobzin Vincent Lazzaro John Op’t Hof

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

World War II Joseph Sondey John Zier Peter Hellrigel Steve Luka Arthur Vanden Bree Harold Baker Hans Fester Patrick Conklin John Thompson Thomas Dutton, Jr. Harold Ferris, Jr. Donald Freda Joseph Guerra Edward Hornbeck William Hromniak Stephen Petrilak Wayne Wells Vincent Montalbano James Miles

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Louis Kloss Andrew Kacmarcik John Hallam Anthony Leanza William Sieper Sylvester Cancellieri George Worschak Frank Urrichio Andrew Marchincak Carl Anderson George Holmes Edward Stadtmauer Kermit Goss George Huemmer Alexander Yewko Emil Chaplin John Hushler Edgar Coury Robert Hubinger Wilbur Lee

Vito Venezia Joseph Russin Ernest Yedlick Charles Cannizzo Michael Barbero Joseph Palagano William Hadrys Joseph Hoffer, Jr. Joseph Piccolo John Robinson Frank Torkos Arthur Mayer Edward Jaskot George Russell Frank Groseibl Richard Van Vliet Benjamin Boyko Harry Carline Paul Domino John Fusiak

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

World War II Louis Ritz William Niader Alfred Aiple Mario Taverna Sebastian De Lotto Matthew Bartnowski John Bogert Joseph Collura Matthew Daniels James Doland, Jr. Walter Dolginko Peter Konapaka Alfred Masseroni

Charles Merlo Stephen Miskevich John Ptasienski Leo Schmidt Robert Teichman Louis Vuoncino Richard Vecellio Robert Hegmann Ernest Triemer John Peterson Richard Vander Laan, Jr. Stephan Kucha ‘Gigito’ Netto

Local newspapers reported in their morning and evening editions of “local boys” as they served overseas during WWII. At left The Herald-News screamed of bad news in the Pacific on Jan. 12, 1943. While the news took weeks to be reported, the story was personal and devastating for three Clifton families.

Cliftonites William (left) and Harold Weeks were killed aboard the USS Juneau on Nov. 13, 1942, as was Israel Rabkin (right) of Madeline Ave., and Peter Pagnillo whose photo we do not have.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

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May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Korean War Donald Frost Ernest Haussler William Kuller Joseph Amato Herbert Demarest George Fornelius Edward Luisser Reynold Campbell Louis Le Ster Our November 2000 magazine celebrated Korean War veterans. Pictured on that cover from left are, John Biegel Jr., Andrew Den Bleyker, Tom Miller, Ken Supko and in front, John Ryan. They are superimposed over a campaign map of Korea.

Dennis Dyt Raymond Halendwany John Crawbuck Ernest Hagbery William Gould Edward Flanagan William Snyder Allen Hiller Arthur Grundman Donald Brannon

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Among the 36 Cliftonites who died during the Vietnam War, from top left, Richard Corcoran, Keith Perelli, Donald Cambell, Guy Tulp, Bruce McFayden, Howard Van Vilet, John France, Richard Cyran, Leonard Bird, Bohdan Kowal, George McClelland, Donald Scott, Thomas Dando, Stephan Stefaniak. The list below includes those who were killed in a plane crash en route to boot camp on Nov. 8, 1961. Vietnam War Alfred Pino Thomas Dando William Sipos Bohdan Kowal Robert Kruger, Jr. Bruce McFadyen Carrol Wilke

Keith Perrelli William Zalewski Louis Grove Clifford Jones, Jr. George McClelland Richard Corcoran John Bilenski Donald Campbell

US Army/Special Forces Captain Michael Tarlavsky was killed in Najaf, Iraq on Aug. 12, 2004 and buried with honors in Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 24. Tarlavsky, CHS Class of ‘92, was captain of the Swim Team and enlisted in the Army in 1996. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is survived by his wife Tricia, son Joseph, his parents Yury and Rimma and a sister, Elina. The Veterans Alliance engraved his name on the Downton Clifton Main Avenue War Memorial in 2004— the first name added in 34 years.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

James Strangeway, Jr. Donald Scott Howard Van Vliet Frank Moorman Robert Prete Guyler Tulp Nicholas Cerrato Edward Deitman Richard Cyran Leszek Kulaczkowski William Malcolm Leonard Bird John France Stephen Stefaniak Jr. Nov. 8, 1961 Plane Crash Robert De Vogel Vernon Griggs Robert Marositz Robert Rinaldi Raymond Shamberger Harold Skoglund Willis Van Ess, Jr. Gulf War Michael Tarlavsky

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

One Brother’s Legacy By Ariana Puzzo

Like all those who have served in the military, Pvt. William V. Niader had a story. It was a story that was just beginning when he joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Prior to his service, Niader was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Niader of 142 Orono St. He worked for the Trowbridge Conveyor Co. and the Barney Sheet Metal Works, both in Athenia. He was also the older brother of Frank, who continues to honor his brother’s life and memory by sharing his story. William was killed on June 12, 1945 in Okinawa, during the Battle of Kunishi Ridge. He served with the 1st Div 7th Regt H&S Co. At the time, Frank was only 13-years-old. “We got the Killed-In-Action telegram two weeks before they dropped the A-bomb,” said Frank. William was in the Marines for a year and overseas since March of 1945. During his service, William collected souvenirs that would later peak Frank’s interest. “When my mother died in 1992, I found some things that the Marines sent to her after Bill was killed,” said Frank, who lives in Wayne. “One was a postcard written in Japanese.” In 2002, Frank read an article in the New York Times. The article was about a letter sent from a woman who was a school teacher in Okinawa during the World War II battle. The story resonated with Frank since the teacher wrote about how her students, who were 16- or 17-years-old, were killed and they would never have their own families. Naturally, he emailed the reporter. He asked for her address and explained that his brother William was 18 when he was killed. Frank sent a copy of the postcard and explained that like many other boys, William would also not have his own family. Frank heard from the reporter a month later. “She found the Japanese [person] who wrote it. He wrote the card in 1942 while he was stationed in China,” said Frank. “He sent it to his family in Okinawa.” “My brother picked it up somewhere in battle,” he continued. “The Japanese soldier came back to Okina-

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Frank Niader today, his parents and his brother William.

wa after the war. She showed him the letter and copy of the postcard.” The man was Hislin Yagi. Frank later sent him the original postcard and received a note of thanks in response and condolences about William’s death. The postcard was not the only connection Frank had to his brother’s service. During the Battle of Kunishi Ridge, William was on stretcher duty along with another man, Harry Switzer. The two men had just brought in a wounded Marine and were returning to get another when a Japanese shell exploded near them. Although William was killed in the blast, Switzer was wounded and survived. After his mother’s passing, Frank found Switzer’s letter to his parents and started searching for him. After speaking with thirteen other Harry Switzers, the fourteenth and final one on his list was the one who served with William. “I found him in California. We had a good talk,” said Frank. “He sent me his Ka-Bar knife that he brought home and had for 52 years. I have it on my wall.”

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By Tom Szieber To be an All-American is special. To embody the term is extraordinary and even historic. So when Amer Lukovic (left) and Eryk Dymora suit up for the East Team in the 2020 High School All-American Game in St. Louis on May 29, it won’t just be a fancy exhibition. Rather, it will be an affirmation that through their success on the field and in the classroom, they are living the American dream. “It is such a noteworthy thing because, for one, in order to be selected for such an honor, you have to be a very good player and also help your team be successful,” said Clifton head boys soccer coach Stan Lembryk. “These guys re-established Clifton as one of the elite programs in the state. And the other thing is that they are two kids that always put the team first. They pushed themselves and everyone else to be better.” Both also represent the American ideal that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Both Dymora’s and Lukovic’s parents came to the United States from other countries looking for better lives for their children. None went to college themselves, but all preached the importance of education to their kids. Dymora, a senior goalkeeper whose parents hail from

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Poland, earned his spot in the game by pitching 22 shutouts over the past two seasons (and 26 total in his three years as the Mustangs’ starter). He recorded ten of those as a senior, posting a 0.23 goals against average. His excellence has earned him a chance to further his education at Monmouth University, a school with a men’s soccer program that has produced two professional goalkeepers in recent years (Brian Meredith and Eric Klenofsky). Even with all his accomplishments, he has maintained a level head and never forgotten the steps taken by his mother and father to give him a chance to succeed. “My parents put so much effort into coming here to give me and my siblings a better life, better opportunities and a better career,” Dymora said. “They were apart for five years when my father first got here and my mother was still [in Poland]. I am grateful that they came here.” Lukovic, a senior midfielder, has a similar story, with parents who emigrated from Montenegro seeking a better life in the United States. “When they were in Montenegro, they lived in the mountains,” he said. “They had to walk miles to go to school. They always pushed education, saying education

before soccer.” Lukovic became a success in both, earning a scholarship to Rutgers after a Clifton career that saw him tally 30 goals and 21 assists and become a threetime first team all-league and all-county honoree. He had 14 and four, respectively, as a senior in 2020. Lembryk, a 1987 CHS graduate himself, will join them in the game as a coach for the East. Lembryk played midfielder for the legendary Fernando Rossi from 1983 to 1986. He served as CHS’ girls soccer coach from 2001 to 2005 and 2009 to 2013, going 140-42-12 and reaching the Group IV final in his first year.

In seven seasons as the boys coach, the Mustangs have gone 97-27-8, going 21-0-1 and winning the Group IV title in 2019. They went 12-1-1 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Four previous Clifton boys soccer players have been named All-Americans: midfielder Chris Halupka (1995), forward Chris Karcz (2001), defender Umut Angus (2002) and midfielder Danny Szetela (who earned the honor as a freshman in 2001, but transferred to Bradenton Academy in Florida). The All-American Game, which began in 2011, is sponsored by Bimbo’s Bakeries.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Researched by Jovo Bjelcevic From left, Bobby Boettcher, Nicole Krzysik Phillips, Allen Yuhas, George Telesh and Telesh again on facing page with Fighting Mustang Coaches Bill Vander Closter and Joe Grecco.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Amer Lukovic and Eryk Dymora join an elite squad of Mustangs who have been named All-Americans. Over the 26 years this magazine has been published, we have written about many of these “kids” and their athletic accomplishments as Mustangs and beyond. Among my favorites is that of the late Dr. George Telesh, whose story began before his days at CHS. Pictured at left and below with coaches Grecco and Vander Closter, Telesh’s life journey is like a made-for-TV story. Born in Belarus, he was a DP (displaced person) and fled to Germany in 1944 to escape Stalin’s communism. He settled in Clifton in 1949 and became an athletic and scholastic legend in his adopted hometown. The following pages tell more about Telesh and other Mustangs who have earned the title All-American. —Tom Hawrylko

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Frank Pecci, Ray Malavasi and Bobby Boettcher circa 1980.

Robert Boettcher, CHS 1948, Football To many, Boettcher was the greatest ever to play for the Fighting Mustangs and a unanimous choice for the All-Century team by the voters. In his senior year, the running back earned every high school honor, including berths on the All-Metro, All-State, and All-American squads and selected New Jersey’s “Best High School Athlete” by the Newark Athletic Club. “Bobby Boettcher,” described one voter, “was a versatile, elusive runner, who could do it all on the field. He was a peerless defender as well as an outstanding kicker and punter—he once punted a ball 70 yards during a game. That was in addition to averaging nearly 10 yards a carry and leading the state in scoring his senior year.” Boettcher led Clifton to an undefeated season in 1946, earning a trip to the Oyster Bowl Classic, where they lost an exhibition game to Granby High School of Norfolk, Virginia, on a disputed call. With legs strong from hauling and delivering ice during the summer, the swivel-hipped Boettcher scored 57 career touchdowns. The Newton resident was later named as one of the top 10 players from the 1940s by The Star-Ledger at the turn of the century in 1999. After high school, Boettcher went on to play a short time for a Brooklyn-based professional team. It was more than 20 years before the AFL and NFL merged to become what the National Football League is today.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Robert Boettcher Ray Malavasi Ray Malavasi, CHS 1948, Football While national sports fans knew Malavasi as the coach of the 1980 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl team, Cliftonites recall him as the lineman whom coach Joe Grecco trusted to call offensive and defensive signals. When Grecco held tryouts in 1945, Malavasi forged his mother’s signature on a permission slip. Friend Rocco “Rock” Zanet told Ray he looked like he was “digging a ditch.” The nickname, “Ditch,” stuck. Ditch excelled on the gridiron, helping the Mustangs to a 22-3-1 record during his three varsity seasons. As a sophomore, he was part of the ‘technically’ undefeated 1946 Clifton squad that won the state championship, then losing on a controversial call in the epic contest with Granby High, 6-0, in the Oyster Bowl in Norfolk, Va., The next season, Malavasi was a unanimous selection at tackle on the All-State and All-Metropolitan teams. As a senior, he repeated those honors and was chosen as a Wigwam All-American. After graduating CHS in January 1949, Malavasi went to West Point to play for Army, then one of the nation’s football powerhouses. He was an All-State and All-American and played in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, and also coached the Denver Broncos for a season.

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All Americans William ‘Billy’ DeGraaf, CHS 1952, Football When asked who the leader was on the 1950 Mustang Baseball squad, Armand Buongiorno, a senior that year and an All-PVC first team selection, doesn’t hesitate. “We all looked up to Billy,” he says. Despite being a 14-yearold sophomore, DeGraaf was the team’s catalyst— armed with a loud bat and a competitive fire behind the plate. Usually batting cleanup, DeGraaf hit .429, getting 24 hits in 56 at bats, and knocking in 21 runs. He hit five doubles, a triple, and three home Billy DeGraaf runs—including a 450’ blast against Nutley. “He has a whip-like arm that will develop accuracy,” wrote Herald-News sportswriter Rudy Goffredo. “In two years, he will be an outstanding prospect for organized baseball.” After the 1950 season, DeGraaf was named first team All-PVC and first team All-State. DeGraaf was made for stardom—electrifying Clifton as a 13-year-old freshman football player by kicking a field goal against Montclair and taking over at quarterback for the injured Jim Haraka. He excelled on the basketball court and was a solid performer on the 1949 baseball team. He lost both his parents within six months of each other and broke his collarbone during his junior football season. Frank Pecci took over as quarterback and became an All-American. DeGraaf returned and also became an All-American during his senior year, He rushed, passed, and caught for 1,223 yards of total offense. He was described as an accurate passer who was “particularly effective in the toughest situations.” After CHS, DeGraaf went to Cornell University, where he starred in football and baseball. As a pitcher during his senior season, DeGraaf went 9-1 year with a 1.46 ERA and hit .316, earning a spot on the NCAA’s All-Eastern team. He played two seasons in the minors—one in Georgia and another in Billings, Mont. When his wife became pregnant with his first child, he gave up baseball and returned to Clifton. 30 May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Frank Pecci, CHS 1952, Football Pecci was selected to the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame for his standout performances in football, baseball and basketball during the 50’s. A first team all-state selection in football and baseball, an all-conference basketball player, he has the unique distinction of being the first high school football player to be selected to the All-American squad as a junior. Pecci became Clifton’s second football player in four years to be acclaimed Frank Pecci by the Wisemen, Bobby Boetcher having attained the honor in 1947. An end, quarterback and halfback for Clifton, he received his All-American letter and was invited to WWA’s annual All-American scholastic football game. But because Pecci was a junior he was ineligible to play. Named to Newark News All-State as a quarterback, he also played defensive halfback and offensive end. Sports writer Joe Lovas in a column proclaimed “an outstanding athlete who ranks with the best and is still in high school is Frank Pecci. He has been tops in football, basketball and baseball. Pecci is a ‘One Man Gang’. Pecci has been named to all-state baseball and football teams in each of the last three seasons. He has one more year of football and unless he’s hit by an injury, cannot miss another all-state berth,” Lovas continued: “The Clifton athlete never stops giving his best. It goes back to his grammar school days when he “fired up” his teammates when they were trailing in a basketball game. Never give up is Frank’s motto.” Junior year, when DeGraaf was injured, Pecci stepped in and took over the job of carrying the ball and calling the signals. He gained an average of six yards per carry, completed eight of 11 passes, and averaged 39 yards with his punts against Montclair, the state power last fall. As a baseball player, Lovas noted, “Pecci batted well over 400 the past campaign. He hasn’t committed an error in two seasons playing the outfield. He also starred in basketball, although he never gained all-state rating.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Moose Bosson Moose Bosson, Coach Grecco, Dick Moran, Roger Fardin, Passaic’s Dr. Manlio “Bo” Boverini and Bill Kennedy.

David ‘Moose’ Bosson, CHS 1957, Football Bosson lived an athlete’s life in Montclair before his family made a fateful move to Clifton in 1954. “Did I want to go to Clifton?” Bosson laughed in a 2002 interview.” I was not only about to enter and become a sports star for Montclair High School, but a member of the undefeated Montclair YMCA Jr. Swim team, and a powerhouse basketball squad at Central Presbyterian Church.” Moose was obviously not crazy about the move and his initial days at CHS were difficult. “I was lucky. Vandy (Fighting Mustang coach Bill Vander Closter) took me under his wing,” Bosson said. “I might have been a screwed up kid in ninth and 10th grade, but Vandy saw something in me.” That something would become an All-State player his senior year who was described as a “bulwark on the line.” The 205-pound tackle “controlled his side of the line and excelled on short trap plays.” Commenting on the offensive tackle play that earned him his All-State selection, the New York Daily News described Bosson as “virtually immovable.” In addition to Mustang football, he played basketball and baseball. “Roger Fardin (Mustangs All-State quarterback on the ‘56 team) and I were recruited by 76 colleges, so we had a lot of choices,” said Bosson,. “He picked Notre Dame, and I knew I wanted to go to Duke when I visited there. I fell in love with the Gothic architectural beauty of the campus.” At Duke, Bosson not only excelled at football, but played baseball for four years. He was a member of the Duke (8-3) 1961 Cotton bowl championship team, arguably the greatest football team in Duke history.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Roger ‘Roge’ Fardin, CHS 1957, Football Remembered as a “deft ball handler with a strong arm and excellent leadership skills” Fardin was a Mustangs All-State quarterback who led the ‘56 team and then won a football scholarship to Notre Dame. “Roger Fardin is my choice,” said Ray Skoglund when asked in 1999 to help name the All Century team. “He was a gifted, young athlete, I think he just turned 17 when he graduated, but he was so mature. He could

Roger Fardin

throw the ball 55 yards in the air and was an accurate George Telesh, CHS 1958, Football passer. Roger was also a tremendous ball handler. He With a personal story that began behind the Iron Curcould hide the ball so well, that sometimes you didn’t tain to his youth in Botany, Telesh was many Mustangs’ know if he’d handed it to Telesh or fans choice for greatest player ever not.” and a unanimous selection for the At the end of his freshman year All-Century team by the voters. at CHS, Grecco got a hold of him. Along with being named All-State When he found out that Fardin was during his senior year, Telesh was a taking general courses, he would not Scholastic, Sporting News, and Teen accept it. Magazine All-American selection. “‘You can’t do that,’” Fardin During his junior and senior years, bellowed his best impersonation of the running back, who was also Grecco. Had he not listened when the Mustangs’ place kicker, gained Grecco insisted that he take college 4,727 yards on 272 carries. prep courses, Fardin asserted that he In 1957, Telesh would mark one would have remained on the same of the greatest season ever by a high path, namely to join the Army. “He school runner. The All–American set me straight and I always praised would score 129 points and rush for him on that every time I saw him,” an incredible 2,747 yards. added Fardin. “George Telesh,” said one voter, George Telesh “I didn’t think anything of col“was revered and respected by evlege,” he added. “If I didn’t have a eryone. A remarkably agile and deterscholarship, I would’ve gone to the Army.” mined runner, Clifton would run him six, seven plays in a From there, he went to Notre Dame at the age of 17. row just to intimidate the opposing team.” Telesh gradDespite blowing out his shoulder at the end of November uated from Cornell University, joined the U.S. Navy, and his freshman year, the school honored his scholarship. become a doctor specializing in trauma cases.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Wayne Demikoff

Robert Papa Robert ‘Bob’ Papa, CHS 1960, Football All-State player Papa was a near-unanimous choice by the voters for the All-Century team. “Bob had great hands,” described one voter, “great speed, and was heavily recruited by the colleges.” The tall and muscular kid also played basketball for the Mustangs. But he is best recalled for his play making and leadership on the gridiron. “Dad played every minute of every game,” said his son RC Papa, an attorney here in Clifton. “He was on the kick off, kick return, extra point, offense, defense, punt return and punt teams. He returned punts and kick offs. He was the only player to do that. Clifton was rated the number one team in the country,” RC continued. “Since he was the captain of the team that had to help. He had 12 tackles in the Passaic game as a defense back. He had five touchdowns in the East Rutherford game only to have a kick-off and a punt return called back.” Papa was 1st Team Metropolitan, 1st Team All State, 1st team All-Conference, Scholastic AP All-American by Wigwam Wiseman Wayne Demikofff, CHS 1960, Football He was the Mustangs quarterback—a 6’3”, 185– pound leader. His coach, Joe Grecco, expected him

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

to direct the offense. In 1958, the Herald News wrote the Fighting Mustangs would replace the graduating George Telesh with “Depth, Deception, and Demikoff.” The junior quarterback started off fast, leading Clifton to a 5–0 record before the Mustangs suffered defeats to East Rutherford and Nutley. Demikoff and Clifton regrouped to win their last two games, including another victory over Montclair, 25–20, to finish the season at 7–2. For his performance that included over 1,000 passing yards, Demikoff was named to the Second Team All– Passaic Valley Conference squad. The 1959 football campaign ranks as one of the greatest in Clifton’s history. The Fighting Mustangs would go 9–0 and win the New Jersey State Championship crown with Demikoff and Bob Papa earning All– American honors. For the season, Demikoff passed for 16 touchdowns, ran for five more, and threw again for over 1,000 yards– with over 300 of those yards coming in one game. Besides earning Group IV All–State honors with Papa, Dom Grilli, and teammate Doug Wieczorkowski, Demikoff was selected for many other All–State teams, —by the Associated Press, New York Daily News, Newark News, and Star–Ledger. Both Demikoff and Papa also earned honors as Wigwam All–Americans. After attracting the attention of many major colleges, including Iowa, Clemson, Wisconsin, and Syracuse, Demikoff settled on a four–year scholarship from Colgate University.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Robert Gojick Robert Gogick, CHS 1963, Football The linebacker and tackle was a quiet leader on the 9-0 undefeated 1962 State Championship Team. In his senior year, Gojick earned All-League, All-State, and All-American honors. Going back to our Team of the Century edition in 1999, the voters loved his offensive line play, but they were even more impressed with his line-backing talents. “Simply put,” said one

Allen Yuhas voter, “Bob Gojick, (pictured above left with Coach Grecco and inset) was a spirited, positive individual with a lot of football ability.” Gojick went on to the University of Massachusetts after graduating. Allen Yuhas, CHS 1966, Basketball Clifton’s first 1,000-point scorer, Yuhas was one of the Mustangs’ greatest hoop talents, earning All-County honors three times and making the All-State squad as a senior. “Al Yuhas could run like a deer,” said one voter. “He was a tremendous scorer and good leaper — one of those tall, lean types who dominated his sport.” Another remembered, “Al was always big for his age — he was well over six-foot tall in eighth grade — but never uncoordinated. He was a graceful, left-handed player who had excellent skills for his size.” After his senior year, Yuhas sifted through over 200 scholarship offers before settling on Georgia. College scouts had good reason to be impressed. In 1966, Yuhas averaged 21.4 points a game for the Mustangs, totaling 1,143 for his career. “Al was a deadly shot from within 15 feet,” recalled a voter. “He was a tough rebounder and reminded me a bit of Hal Corizzi — both of them had hands like Velcro.” Yuhas was named to The Record’s All-Century Basketball Team, the only Clifton player selected.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Larry Kondra

Larry Kondra, CHS 1969, Basketball Thousand-point scorer Larry Kondra was remembered as an “excellent shooter” during his days with the 1968 and 1969 Mustangs. Shooting the ball was a skill learned during many hours with his dad on his backyard court and later on the asphalt playground of Clifton’s Oak Ridge Park. As a boy, Kondra immersed himself in the game. “Growing up,” says Kondra, “I followed Bill Bradley’s career with Princeton and with the Knicks. I also remember going to watch Nick Workman at Seton Hall with my father. Two of my dad’s friends, Coaches Dick Tarrant and John Bach, were very important in my basketball career. I remember following their exercise programs as a 10-year-old and attending their basketball camps in the summer.”

“Larry was a great scorer,” said one voter in our Team of the Century edition in 2000, “much like Dennis Cesar — a good ball handler with tremendous court awareness.” Another voter described the 6’2” Kondra as having “terrific instincts. He was an unselfish player and an exceptional passer.” Kondra averaged over 20 points a game in both his junior and senior years and earned All-County, All-Metropolitan, and All-State honors and was an Honorable Mention All-American selection. He averaged over 20 points a game in both his junior and senior years, his only varsity seasons. “We had a very good team in 1969,” says Kondra. “In the regular season, we beat Hackensack, the team that later made it to the state finals. But in the state tournament, we lost to Cliffside Park and were eliminated. My teammates were great — Richie Tate was a tough defender, and Rich Serrano and Bob Curley were both outstanding.” Kondra graduated from Brown University and the Newark College of Medicine and Dentistry, becoming a Vitreo-Retinal surgeon. He practices medicine in Pasadena, California, and resides in Pacific Palisades.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

John Monaco

Karl Monaco

John Monaco, CHS 1982, Wrestling The Monaco brothers—Ernie, John, Robert and Karl—are a Clifton wrestling dynasty. While John and Karl both became competitive wrestlers thanks to their older brothers, John became the family’s first State Champ in 1982 as a Mustang at 171 pounds. This is from his induction in the Montclair State Athletic Hall of Fame: “It was a lucky day for Montclair State when John Monaco decided to transfer from Syracuse University because in three years, he rewrote the wrestling record book. Monaco was undefeated in all of his dual meets, was an All-American and won the national championship in Division III in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Due to Monaco and his teammates’ performances at the 1986 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, the Indians won the team title for the second time in school history. Monaco also competed in the EastWest All-Divisions All-Star match in Oklahoma City after qualifying as one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the country.” Karl Monaco, CHS 1985, Wrestling Little brother Karl won the state tournament as a junior in the 135 1b. weight class after coming in second the year before. “During the final match, I was down 5-0 but came back to win. At no time did I feel I was going to lose. Even when I was down,” he recalled for his 2001 CHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction. “I was thinking: I have to figure a way to win this thing.” Monaco (110-8 career) didn’t allow a single takedown as a senior, an extraordinary feat that helped him win his second and fourth regional title. He also led the Mustangs to a three-peat at the Passaic County tournament.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

John Viola

John Viola, CHS 1984, Wrestling In a 2003 story, this is how Viola recalled his memorable Mustang moment: “As a 10-year-old, I went to Jadwin Gym at Princeton University and saw Herb Calvert become the first CHS wrestler ever to win a championship. A few years later, I was lucky enough to duplicate that feat in the same gym. And winning a wrestle-off with teammate Karl Monaco, another state champ, stands out as one of the toughest matches I ever had.” Wrestling was a family affair for the Violas. Older brothers Joe and Vin were Mustang wrestlers. “My four sisters were all wrestling managers at CHS and as gungho about wrestling as anybody. My sister Nancy, who was also a wrestling manager at Rutgers, would come home and show me moves she saw the college guys using.” He also credited his parents and rec coach LePage, who also coached at CHS, as mentors. A County, Regional and District champ for three years, he took the state title in 1984 at 130 lbs. “Wrestling at Clifton was like being part of a second family,” he recalled. “The families of former wrestlers stayed close to the sport and provided so much encouragement. Most of all, CHS athletics showed me that success wasn’t just about money.” After CHS, he wrestled at the University of Virginia and was team captain his junior and senior years. Richard Ceynowa, CHS 1986, Wrestling The Clifton Rec wrestling program under Coach Jack Whiting proved to be the foundation for Ceynowa. At CHS, “my peers David Szott and Brian Smith pushed me to always improve. Coach Steven LePage always brought out the best in people. No matter what

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

David Szott

Richard Ceynowa

Janeen Leeshock

the odds were, he always made us feel like we could win,” he said for his 2007 CHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction. “It is great to be part of Clifton history.” Named as Passaic County All Decade wrestler for the 80’s; Ceynowa was was ranked third in the nation in the 189 lb. weight class; number two in New Jersey in 1986 and was a twotime regional champion. He was also a Fighting Mustang as a center and All Star linebacker. David Szott, CHS 1986, Football Szott was a two-time All-State player for the Mustangs and an All-American selection his senior year. Big and agile, he was a natural on the gridiron All-American Janeen Leeshock was a key member of the Lady Mustangs 1982 and a terrific high school wrestler. Swim Team, which posted an 11-0 record. Back row, from left: Susan SchulHe lettered in both sports for the theis, Lauren Tomsky, Cathleen Leeshock, Janeen Leeshock, Lisa Sorensen, Mustangs, playing the line for coach Adele Lazorchak, Pam Iracki. Second row: Asst. Coach Pat Forster, Ellen WilJack Jones and reaching the semifison, Diane Candela, Gail Meneghin, Leslie, Donna O’Leary, Jane McGuire, Coach Lou Fraulo. Front: Annie Albar, Pat Kistinger, Vaska Krystonovski, nals of the 1986 USA Wrestling Junior Janine Pataky, Donna Farnon. Freestyle Tournament. He competed as a heavyweight; he stood 6’4” and was well north of 250 Catherine Paz, CHS 1987, Cross Country pounds by the time he was recruited as an offensive The 1985-86 CHS Girls Cross country team captured lineman by Penn State. Group 4 championships, sectional titles, All Passaic There he played for Joe Paterno and was a member County Nominations and All-Decade Passaic County of the 1986 National Championship team. He then honors. They also participated in state Meets of Champlayed 14 seasons in the NFL (11 for the Kansas City pions, and set records almost every inch of the way reChiefs, one for the Washington Redskins, and two for called Coach John Pontes. And it was Cathy Paz, Passaic the New York Jets). He was a first team All-Pro for the County’s best female cross-country runner, who led the Chiefs in 1997. Mustang charge during her high school career. 42 May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Catherine Paz

Jacqueline Paz

As a freshman, she garnered a second team All-Passaic County spot, and over the next three years, never looked back. Cathy also maintained a 4.08 grade-point average in honors classes. She led the team to a Group 4 Cross Country Title in Homdel, a first CHS Championship. This achievement was also the first time a Passaic County girls team won a championship title. Cathy Paz left her mark on the trail by being the 10th-fastest high school girl to run Garret Mountain’s 5000 meter course. Paz was named to the All Decade Passaic County Cross Country teams in 2000. Jacqueline Paz, CHS 1988, Cross-Country Jacqueline started running with sister Cathy from whom she learned the basics. “My dad was also really supportive, attending every meet and almost every practice that I had, no matter how bad the weather,” she said in 2003. “I also owe a lot to Coaches Pontes and Fraulo.” For four years, her Mustang teams went undefeated, racking up many miles and credits. “Just running with such talented teammates was awesome and the real highlight of my track career,” she said. From a personal standpoint, Jacqueline was the first girl in CHS to qualify for the state finals in track, and also finished among the top ten cross-country runners at the state Meet of Champions. She also never lost a dual meet the four years of her Mustang career, going 44 and 0. Jacqueline graduated Bucknell University and the Life University School of Chiropractic. Along with her husband and brother, they own the Chiropractic Center at Styertowne Shopping Center.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Suzanne Piekarz

Offering perspective on her life as an athlete and returning to her hometown to help athletes: “After being away at college for a number of years, I really saw the dedication that Clifton people have for high school sports. I’m constantly amazed at how caring they are, because they always seem to remember and treat me like I never left.” Suzanne Piekarz, CHS 1987, Track & Field Mustangs Track Coach Lou Fraulo saw a skill set in Piekarz as a freshman and helped her develop techniques of throws while at CHS. The Mustang participated in indoor and outdoor track & field from 1985 to 1987. She was named First Team All-League, County and State in the discus and earned All-American honors for overall performance. At CHS, she still holds the school record in throws (shot 42’ and discus at 145’ 7”). In the throwing circle at Trenton State College from 1987 to 1991, Piekarz competed indoors and outdoors. Her named is still etched in TCNJ record books during the outdoor season in the discus (163’) and the shot put (43’3/4”), in addition to still boasting the top performance in the shot put (43’3”) during the indoor season. She won four NJ Athletic Conference titles and was a six-time All-American. Her top performance at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship came in 1991 when she placed second in the discus with a 163’ throw. She also finished second at the 1988 championships with a solid distance of 147’-7’. During the indoor season, she had a runner-up finish in 1989 with a throw of an even 42 feet. That spring she came in seventh in the discus for her second All-American citation in the matter of a few months.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Wojtek Krakowiak

Krzysztof Halupka

Wojtek Krakowiak, CHS 1995, Soccer Named one of New Jersey’s top five players in 1995, Krakowiak was on the 23-0-1 Mustangs squad in the fall of 1994, which won the Group 4 State Title over favored Kearny by a score of 3-0. Immigrating to America from Poland in 1993 at 16, Krakowiak had made the transition on the pitch with the Mustangs under legendary coach Fernando Rossi. The large presence of Polish athletes on the team also helped build chemistry and earn that trophy. His short, stellar career at Clifton was impressive—he led the state in scoring with 49 goals in 1994 and was named to the CHS All-Decade Team and was inducted to the Mustang Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. After CHS, Krakowiak went on scholarship to St. John’s University. After redshirting his freshman year due to an ACL tear, Krakowiak returned to the pitch and claimed Rookie of the Year honors, as the Red Storm won the Division I NCAA Championship with his brother Paul. In 1997, Krakowiak decided to transfer to Clemson University. While in South Carolina, Krakowiak’s team made it to the Elite Eight in his final year. However, as a junior, he would receive college soccer’s version of the Heisman: the Hermann award. His performances against tough opponents—31 goals and eight assists for 70 points in 24 games—was proof of his skill and the NCAA coaches selected Krakowiak as the recipient of the Hermann.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Krzysztof Halupka, CHS 1995, Soccer Halupka, pictured with the 1994 team above, played from 1991 to 1994. In his senior season, he was named All-American after recording a 30 goal, 27 tally. When talking about Clifton sports in 1995, there was no greater team than Mustang soccer. Under head coach Fernando Rossi, Clifton was a rising soccer program that finally broke through in the 1994-95 campaign. Led on the field by Halupka and Krakowiak, Clifton marched through the state tournament and defeated longtime rival Kearny by a score of 3-0. That capped off one of the most dominant seasons in New Jersey soccer history. Among the accolades received by Mustangs were All-League, All-Passaic County, All-Area, All-State (Coaches Association), All-State Top 51 Players, All-East, All-America, All-State (Star Ledger) and Player of the Year (NJ). Although the program had been building for several years, the state title win was the culmination of years of hard work by Rossi, Krakowiak, Halupka and the rest of the Mustangs. Decades later, the impact of that victory is still felt by soccer players young and old. It is arguably the point that Clifton transformed into an annual high school soccer powerhouse. The win cemented the legacy of Rossi, named coach of the year, while Halupka went to Princeton University, then to a career in soccer, playing professionally in Poland after graduating.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans Cara Boseski, CHS 1997, Softball Stacy Veech, CHS 1997, Softball Boseski and Veech are certainly the only Mustangs—and among the small group of people nationally—who have won a state title as softball players and then as softball coaches at the same school. Veech was the starting varsity shortstop all four years at Clifton and was Stacy Veech Cara Boseski Passaic County’s best hitter with a .580 batting average. The two-time CHS Gold Glove recipient, CHS offensive MVP, All-State, was named to the All-American team and selected in 1997 for Who’s Who in High School Sports. After high school she went to Wagner College on a full athletic scholarship where she received a B.A. in Political Science while starring as shortstop in softball and a forward in soccer. Boseski was the starting varsity 3rd baseman all four years at Clifton. Before leaving high school she led her team to a Group 4 crown in 1997 with a record of 31-0. Boseski earned her teaching degree in 2002 from Fairleigh Dickinson UniverUmut Angis sity in Madison, where she also played softball. All-American Umut Angis is pictured second from top After graduating from college, Bosesright and inset. Nine starters, two which were All-Amerki returned to Clifton to begin her teachicans, graduated after the previous season. But behind ing career and take a job as the assistant its All-State performers—Anthony Tuesta, Neil Wilson, coach to CHS ’89 grad Juliann MagliarUmut Angis and Danny Szetela—this squad went 20-2. diti, who had just taken over for Rick LaDuke. Umut Angis, CHS 2002, Soccer In 2006, Magliarditi was replaced by Boseski, who MVP Umut Angis was awarded 2001 All-Ameribrought Veech along as her assistant. LaDuke said can honors and was recognized as the “Passaic County it made sense that they would take over the program Player of the Year.” Furthermore, he and Neil Wilson because they were the best leaders for their four years were selected All State Top 51, first and second team, while on the team. respectively. Fifteen Mustangs were given All-League In Boseski’s first year at the helm, the Lady Mushonors, 10 awarded All-County, and eight All-State. tangs went 18-6 and won their league, but 2007 was her The team also won the NNJIL Division A title with real breakout coaching season. an undefeated record, 14 of these victories by shutout. That’s when CHS finished 30-3, capturing league, Overall, these Mustangs scored 107 goals, while only section and Group 4 championships. allowing eight.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans

Chris Karcz

Laura Tynio

Keiko Tokuda, CHS 1998, Tennis Tokuda had an unprecedented four straight NJSIAA singles titles, an undefeated 86-0 record and a long-lasting imprint on Mustang athletics. Ranked 10th in the USA for girls U-18, 650th in the world, and played thejunior circuit U.S. Open, French Open and Wimbledon. With a scholarship to Stanford University, Tokuda played four years of tennis. She was a two-year captain, leading the team to three championships and earning All-American distinction. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, focusing on political science and economics, and minored in psychology. Tokuda went on to play a year in the Pro Tour, reaching as high as the 400s in singles and 300s in doubles. Laura Tynio, CHS 1998, Softball As a 5-foot-6, 135-pound senior, Tynio was the pitcher who led the Mustangs to three straight league championships with a windmill delivery which was clocked at 64 -miles-an-hour. In 1998, Clifton won its 12th straight league title under Coach Richard LaDuke, the winningest softball coach in NJ high school history. On the day LaDuke clocked his 400th game in 17 seasons with the Mustangs, Tynio tied a state record of 51 straight wins. Two days later, she set a new record with her 52nd, making her season record 27-0. Tynio would finish her high school career with a 77-1 record, an earned run average of .026, and 624 strikeouts against 85 walks and 111 hits allowed. When asked of her career highlights, she said: “Probably winning the states (in 1997). We went undefeated, and we were

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Keiko Tokuda

ranked No. 1 in the state and 17th in the country. And probably pitching a no-hitter in the state sectionals. Our team played great, and we just hit the ball. I just had a real good game, I just threw real well. The defense was there.” After CHS, Tynio graduated Drexel University in 2002 with a B.S. in Business Administration, where she pitched and played second-base for the Dragons. Chris Karcz, CHS 2001, Soccer Karcz scored 118 goals in his four-year Mustang career, tallying a school and county record 54 scores in his senior year. Inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, his favorite moments were the goals that tied him for the record and ultimately gave him sole possession of the mark, in a victory over arch rival Kearny in the state quarter finals in his senior year. He was a NSCAA All-American, All-East Coast (1999 and 2000), NSCAA NJ Player of the Year, with various other honors. He also ran track and scored the most points in 2001 as the team MVP. “Ever since I was little, I went to the high school games to watch my cousins play on national championship caliber teams,” said Karcz, explaining why he chose to play at CHS despite being recruited by private and Catholic high schools. Soccer is in his family’s blood; he learned the game from his father, John, a member of the U.S. Olympic teams in the 1980s. Karcz went to Rutgers and played for the Scarlet Knights, before being named to the U-20 National Team as a sophomore. After college, Karcz was drafted by the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

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

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

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

All Americans Danny Szetela left the Mustangs after the 2001-02 season to play for the Under-17 US National Team, Szetela then relocated to the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, FL where he attended high school in the morning and practiced soccer in the evenings. He joined the team Danny Szetela from Clifton High where, as a freshmen, he helped the Mustangs to a 20-2 record. After the season, he was named to Parade Magazine’s All-American team. Even before he joined a pro team, there was talk among American soccer fans of a teenage sensation out of Clifton. The second-youngest player on the U.S. team, 16-year-old Danny Szetela, scored twice in four games at the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Finland. Paul Kornaszewski, CHS 2004, Track Kornaszewski burst onto the track and field scene as a freshman, earning first team All-NNJIL divisional and first team All-Passaic County honors during cross country season. He finished his CHS career a first team All-Passaic County honoree 10 times, and qualified for the State Meet of Champions in seven separate seasons. A USATF All-American once in indoor track and once during the spring, and was named the Passaic County Student-Athlete of the Year in 2004 by the Passaic County Coaches Association. He owns at least 18 cross country, indoor track and spring track records. During his senior year, he was named the Passaic County Student-Athlete of the year by the Passaic County Coaches association. Personal bests included a time of 8:46.92 in the 3000m at the 2003 outdoor Penn Relays and 16:15 in the 5000m during cross country. At the 2002 USATF Junior Olympics, he ran a 16:01.92 in the 5000m. Post CHS, he ran for Seton Hall, acquiring a BA in criminal justice and a Master’s in public administration. His Clifton track and field career almost didn’t happen. “I expected to play hockey when I got to high school, but it was too expensive,” he said. “I never thought about being a runner at all. Then, in middle school, a couple friends and I just joined for fun. Coach [John] Pontes saw me and asked if I had any intention of running in high school. I came out that summer, started training with the team and was the number one runner in my first season.”

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nicole Krzysik Paul Kornaszewski Nicole ‘Nikki’ Krzysik, CHS 2005, Soccer Heavily recruited, the Cliftonite shunned soccer powerhouse IHA for Mustang Maroon, and became a star midfielder/defender at CHS. At age 13 she was accepted into the U.S. Olympic Development Program, a process that requires a series of tryouts and selection for participation on regional teams and training camps. Krzysik was chosen to attend the under-14 National Development Camp in California, her first exposure to youth soccer at its highest level. As a Lady Mustang, Krzysik helped lead her team to league and county titles as well as the state tournament final game in her freshman year. In addition to CHS, Krzysik played summers with the under-16 and later the under-19 U.S. national teams. The summer before her senior year at CHS, she traveled with the under-19 national team to play in China. Later that fall, she went with the team to Thailand for the under-19 World Championship games, where the U.S. advanced to the semifinals before losing to Germany. As a four-year honor student at CHS, Krzysik was also a member of the CHS spring track team on which she excelled in the 800 meter event. Picked as a Parade magazine High School All-American, Krzysik went on to shine on the soccer field for the University of Virginia on a full athletic scholarship. She was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s First Team All-American and was selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Herman Trophy, an award considered to be the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer.

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

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

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

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

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Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

BASEBALL

Mustangs

Baseball Spring Sports by Tom Szieber

May 1

@Paramus Cath

Mustangs

TBD

Front from left: Juan Peralta, Kyle Rogers, Dane Mocera, Josh Miller, Justin Rivera, Kyle Vellis, Conner Reed. Standing : Steven Rhinesmith, Nick Plaskon, Manny Gonzalez, Vinny Civitella , Joe Dubois, Jayden Severino, Kevin O’Shea, BoJacob Thomas. Missing were Chris Stathopoulos and Nick Stathopoulos.

PCTI 4pm After his team’s (and all of New May 3 Jersey’s) entire 2020 season was May 5 @PCTI 4pm wiped out due to the COVID-19 May 7 Passaic Valley 4pm pandemic, twelfth-year head coach Mustangs 4:30pm Joe Rivera was eager to get back to May 10 @Passaic May 12 Passaic 4:30pm business. He has known for a while that May 14 @Ridgewood is battle-hardened and looking to 4:15pm this year’s Mustang baseball squad make up for lost time. May 17 JFK 4:15pm Mustangs had the potential to be special, and Senior lefty Manny Gonzalez, 4:15pm he is more than ready for the rest May 19 @JFK who recently locked up a scholar4pm of the world to see what he what May 21 Montclair ship from Bloomfield College, is it can do. back, providing the Mustangs with May 24 @Eastside 4:15pm “It is very exciting to be back,” a No. 1 hurler who can do it all. May 26 Eastside 4:15pm Mustangs Rivera said. “Not playing for an While not a power pitcher, Gonza4pm entire year, that hurt. Everybody May 28 @Lakeland lez can throw strikes, keep batters misses [high school baseball]. It is on their toes with his changeup and very exciting to be on the field again.” handle tight games. He will be joined at the top of the roMustangs The Mustangs are hoping the momentum of their tation by sophomore left-hander Kyle Rogers, who also 2019 division championship season carries over despite plays back-up first baseman. the layoff. This preseason, they won all four of their Senior Pace-bound left-hander/third baseman Vincent scrimmages by a combined score of 31-1 and bounced Civitella (who struck out nine in a preseason scrimmage back from an opening day loss to Wayne Valley by crushagainst Nutley) provides depth in the rotation and bats Mustangs ing Fair Lawn, 6-0, on April 23. With six players who fifth, while junior Kyle Vellis and senior Justin Rivera have been starters since their freshman seasons and a will be closers. Seniors Nick and Chris Stathopoulos— number of others with quality varsity experience, Clifton fresh off successful wrestling season—will pitch, as well.

Softball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Gymnastics

Lacrosse

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Mustangs

Boys Soccer

Rivera, a second team all-league honoree last year, is Clifton’s best overall player and will start at third when he is not pitching. The Mustangs’ clean-up hitter, he has started since his freshman year and, like Gonzalez, will play for Bloomfield College. Rivera hits for power to all fields, rarely strikes out and batted in the high-.500s in preseason. Seniors Joe Dubois and Kevin O’Shea will both come out of the bullpen. Catcher Nick Plaskon, a senior, is smart behind the plate and excels at bunting, while senior shortstop Dane Mocera is the Mustangs’ best defensive infielder. Senior second baseman Jayden Severino is a strong bottom-of-the-order hitter. “Nick is an ultimate catcher,” Coach Rivera said. “He receives the ball, blocks it and throws it well. Dane can make all the routine and difficult plays and Jayden is a real offensive strength.” Senior center fielder Josh Miller, Clifton’s No. 3 hitter, returns after earning first team all-league honors in 2019. Vellis, the five-hitter, and junior Connor Reed, complete the starting outfield. The stacked lineup will look to make a deeper run than the similarly composed 2017 squad did. That year, the Mustangs went 17-7 and were the top seed in the Passaic County Tournament, but were ousted from both counties and the state tournament earlier than expected. “I do believe the town is expecting big things from this team,” Rivera said. “We expect to win something, if not everything. I feel we have talent and experience going into the season. If everyone is healthy and improves from what they did two years ago, then we have a good chance.”

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

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

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

SOFTBALL

Mustangs

Baseball

Kneeling from left: Brielle Rodriguez, Chassidy Rodriguez, Rebekah Villanueva, Sheilyn Serranno, Kiara Coy. Rear: Kerry Archer, Amanda Bruno, Samantha Persutto, Isabella Ortiz, Angie Gonzales, Nikki Zlotkowski, Morgan Lesler, Kate Louer.

After losing the 2020 season to the coronavirus pandemic, leadership is more important than ever for the Clifton softball program. Last spring, they had good pitching, all-around talent and high hopes. Then, of course, the season was canceled. The Mustangs’ experience graduated, leaving a smaller set of seniors and a lot of ground to make up. While there is plenty of work to do, head coach Ish Falcon is happy with the tone his current seniors have set in 2021, and optimistic that they can improve on their 10-10 finish two seasons ago. “Obviously, because they have been with the program for a while, I need their leadership,” Falcon said. “They will show my newer players what to expect from us. So far, I am liking what I see. I definitely see, not only in the seniors, but in all the players, [that they are even hungrier] because of what happened last year.” The senior contingent is led by center fielder Brielle Rodriguez, a threeyear starter (which would have been four but for last season’s cancelation) who has great speed and catches everything. A knee injury prompted the move of right fielder Sheilyn Serrano from catcher to right field, where she can continue to utilize her strong arm. Catcher Chassidy Rodriguez has made the reverse move, moving behind the plate from the outfield. Second baseman/pitcher Rebekah Villanueva returns after seeing limited time in the circle two years ago.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Mustangs

Softball May 1

@Ridgewood

May 5

Cross Country @ Lakeland 4:15pm

May 3 May 7

May 10 May 12 May 14 May 17 May 19 May 21 May 24 May 26 May 27 May 28

Mustangs

@ Passaic Valley Fair Lawn

Mustangs @Wayne Hills

TBD

4pm

4:15pm 4pm

4pm Football

Wayne Valley

@Bergen Tech

4:30pm

Mustangs

4pm

Passaic

Columbia

Golf

@PCTI JFK

@Eastside Mustangs North Bergen

4:30pm 4pm

4:15pm 4:15pm

4:30pm Gymnastics

West Milford

Mustangs

4:15pm

Lacrosse

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS Kerry Archer, a fourth outfielder, rounds out the senior presence on the team. From there, Clifton expects that its junior pitching duo of Morgan Lesler and Amanda Bruno will shut down opposing batters on a regular basis. Both can hurl it, but can also give themselves support at the plate. After three games, Lesler has a .333 average and five RBIs, while Bruno—a starting first baseman as a freshman in 2019— is batting a ridiculous .888 while driving in nine. Whomever does not pitch on a given day is the team’s starting shortstop. “Morgan and Amanda are both great

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

SOFTBALL pitchers with similar speed,” Falcon said. “They just have two different styles. I don’t mind using them in the same game because other teams have to adjust. One is primarily north-south, while the other throws east-west.” The rest of the infield consists of junior first baseman Kate Louer, a first team all-league player two years ago, who hits with power and is a defensive magnet, and freshman third baseman Kiara Coy, who is hitting .600 through four games. Junior Isabella Ortiz can fill in at second or short. Sophomore left fielder Angie Gonzalez is speedy with good bunting skills. Juniors Samantha Persutto and Nikki Zlotkowski will contribute as utility players. It is an impressive group, which got off to a 3-1 start in April and bounced back from a 13-7 loss to DePaul (in which it committed seven errors) to snag a huge 9-8 victory over Passaic County Tech. The win over the Bulldogs was a tremendous high for the Mustangs, a reminder of exactly what they missed in 2020. “Both the coaches and players are enjoying this,” Falcon said. “There are some that like practice, some that don’t. But I think after COVID-19, they all just appreciate being out there more than ever.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Mustangs

Golf

MUSTANG SPORTS

BOYS TRACK

Mustangs

Gymnastics Mustangs

Lacrosse Mustangs

Boys Soccer Mustangs

Girls Soccer Mustangs

Tennis

Nick Ross, Jaysen Jaquez, Omar Alshujaieh, Mohammad Abedrabo, Yousef Abufasha, Alan Sambrano, Carlos Rodriguez. Facing page, Angelica Peralta, Jessica Rubio, Nikki Wyszynski, Gabriella Bermudez, Malak Saleh, Leyla Boy, Mia Dubac

One would think that a sport like Jessica Rubio, who competes as a Mustangs track and field might not feel the hurdler, jumper and sprinter. One effect of the canceled 2020 spring of the best 400-meter runners and season. intermediate hurdlers in North JerAfter all, track is a year-round sey, she is coming off an indoor May 4 PCTI 4pm sport in one form or another (cross season in which she was a first team country, indoor or outdoor). But May 11 JFKMustangs 4pm All-Passaic County selection. Clifton has certainly be impact- May 18 Multiple Schools Senior Nikki Wyszynski is an4pm ed, as COVID-19 cost them what other returning mainstay who will 3:30pm was a first team all-league honoree would likely have been a big spring May 26 TBA TBD during the winter season. last year and all the momentum that May 29 TBA Mustangs comes with such a campaign. Junior sprinter/hurdler/jumper Mustangs It also caused turnout to be lighter than usual, resultKatie Kakascik continues the legacy of Clifton’s exceping in a somewhat different strategic approach in 2021. tional multi-event athletes. Kakascik’s best event is the “Our team goals remain the same as years past,” long jump, but she is a standout in sprints, as well. said Clifton girls coach Mike Rogers. “The challenge Junior Nahioly Almonte competes in the same events this year will be filling in gaps, since we have less than as Kakascik and will look to build on a successful 2019. half of our usual numbers. While the team is smaller Junior thrower Taniya Giles and sophomore distance than just about any year, we have top tier talent in every runner Remy Dubac are key pieces off the roster, as well. event group.” On the boys side, junior Jacob Heredia returns and Senior distance runner Mia Dubac is perhaps the will again star in distance events. Heredia has been a clearest example of such, having re-written the record sectional champion in cross country and has the ability boards in all three seasons. Dubac, already the greatto attain that accolade in outdoor track. est girls track athlete in Clifton history, will look to not “Jacob has great competitive instincts in a race,” said only reach the state Meet of Champions, but also medal. boys head coach John Pontes. “He knows when to go, She will be joined by another program great, senior when to pace himself. He is just an outstanding athlete.”

Track

Volleyball

Tennis

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cross Coun

MUSTANG SPORTS

GIRLS TRACK

Seniors Omar Alshujieh and Mohammad Abedrabo are both outstanding throwers, excelling in the shot, disc and javelin. Both are consistent point-getters and have strong technique combined with great strength. Clifton is exceptionally deep in sprinting events. The group includes senior Yousef Abufasha, juniors Luke Chambers, Donovan Swasey, Christian Grant and Chance Blount, and sophomore Ben Nelken. Junior Kevin Arroyo is the Mustangs’ top pole vaulter who also hurdles and runs the 400-meter. In overcoming their rare lack off numbers, the Mustangs will look to keep pace with perennial rival Passaic County Tech and rising Passaic Valley in both the division and county. They will also host key competitions, including the Mustang Relays (a substitute for the canceled Passaic County Relays), Big North Liberty and Independence Divisional Championship, Passaic County Championship, and Group I and IV State Sectional Championship. Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Baseball Mustangs

MUSTANG SPORTS

Softball

BOYS LACROSSE Mustangs

Cross Country Mustangs

Football Mustangs

Golf

Mustangs

Gymnastics Mustangs

Lacrosse Like every Clifton sports program, the Mustangs boys lacrosse team has been through a lot in the last two years. They expected to build on a 9-9 playoff campaign, but saw their 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19. With the loss of the season, they lost the likes of attackman Jack Louer and midfielder Eddie Maldonado to graduation.

May 3

@DePaul

May 8

Pequannock

May 5 May 11

May 13 May 21 May 25 May 27 May 29

TBD

@ Mustangs Bergen Tech

4:15pm

No. Val-Old Tap

4:15pm

10am Boys Soccer

@Lakeland Mustangs

@Wayne Valley

TBD

TBD Girls Soccer Wayne Hills 4pm Nutley

Mustangs @West Milford

Tennis

6:30pm TBD

They finally returned for the 2021 preseason, only to be shut down again after just two practices due to a player being exposed to an infected individual. The deck was stacked against the Mustangs, but they rose above it, installing an offense in just six practices and beating Fair Lawn in overtime, 9-8, in their first game since 2019. “For us, it’s been especially

Mustangs

Track Mustangs

Volleyball

Mustangs May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tennis

Mustangs

Cross Count

With the entire team behind them, varsity players kneeling from left, Milton Zarzuela, Jacob Hader, Christian Gallegos, Julian Szetela, Lucas Urbanowycz. Standing: Pablo Puertas, Nick Martinez, Alan Gonzalez, Joey Quispe, Alexander Noriega, Carlos Rodriguez.

Jacob Maldonado, a smart, fit, aggressive player who got varsity experience as a freshman. Junior Rohan Desai, who scored three times against Fair Lawn, has improved his dodging ability and is a threat that demands the respect of opposing defenses. Juniors Sal Mannina and Anthony Scalo will split time in the third attack spot. Senior Lucas Urbanowicz will lead the defense, playing long stick middie and dropping back once possession is won. He will be joined by junior Marcello Mannina, a player with strong stick skills who often prefers to play the body. Senior Pablo Tuertas rounds out the position group. Senior Nick Martinez will play in the cage, backed up by classmate Alan Gonzalez.

tough,” said head coach George Cowan. “Then, we were down 6-1 against Fair Lawn, but we found a way to come out with a win.” A big part of the way was six goals by midfielder Luke Ceneri. The junior, who has a 90-plus win percentage on face-offs, showed the offensive threat he will be in 2021 by converting six goals in an April 28 win over Passaic County Tech and helping lead the rally against the Cutters. He will be joined in the midfield by his brother, talented freshman Nate Ceneri. “Nate sees the field so well, reads it so well,” said Cowan. “Teams won’t only have to watch out for him this year, but in future years.” Senior Julian Szetela is a workhorse who contributes at both ends of the field. Sophomore Gavin Quinones is a big, physical player who will provide depth in the midfield. The attack will be led by junior

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Saturday, June 5 (Rain Date: June 6)

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Clifton Masonic Temple Parking Lot 1496 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013

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Clifton, NJ 07012 Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Mustangs

Softball

MUSTANG SPORTS

GIRLS LACROSSE Mustangs Cross Country Mustangs

Football Mustangs

Golf

Mustangs

Gymnastics Mustangs

Lacrosse

Kneeling from left: Emily Orantes,

The canceled 2020 season was Yamilett Guiterrez, Gianna Delparticularly harsh on Clifton girls gado, Carly Stoepker, Haley Mc May 3 DePaul 4pm lacrosse. Farlane Angelina Lapczynski, Mustangs @Westwood TBD Joslyn Ayala, Marla Valido, Mia The Mustangs had hoped that May 5 Rodriguez, Casey Wellins, Amelia last spring would provide them a May 7 @Pompton Lakes TBD Proszowski. Second row: Melissa chance to develop a largely young May 10 @Paramus Cath 6:30pm Sanchez, Zayda Murphy, Valerie group and act as a springboard to Sroka, Amra Lukovic, AnastasiMay 13 @Caldwell TBD Mustangs a playoff season in 2021. ya Stasyshyn, Kate Arcem Kaylee 5pm But COVID-19 changed those May 21 Hoboken Miller, Arianna Frias, Ottilia Kedl. plans, and head coach Amanda May 25 @PCTI 4pm Gryszkin now finds herself with Juniors Amra Lukovic, Arianna May 27 @Bergen Tech 4:15pm an even more youthful group and Frias and Anastasiya Stasyshin, Mustangs May 29 @Passaic Valley TBD and freshmen Carly Stoepker and a lot more to teach. Still, she is happy with her Gianna Delgado will also be key team’s effort during camp and the early part of this seaparts of the Mustang’s offensive strategy. son, and hopes it is the start of big things for a squad Defensively, freshman Kate Arce is a physical playstocked with freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Mustangs er who can recover from mistakes and hustles to the “It’s tough, because last year was a learning year for ball. She is part of a talented ninth-grade contingent them,” Gryszkin said. “Not having a season hurt us. It that also includes Casey Wellins and Zayda Murphy. prevented them from getting the experience. They are Seniors Melanie Mejia and Valerie Sroka will prolearning on the fly.” vide leadership on the back end, with juniors Marla VaThey do, however, have talent and versatility. Mustangs lido, Jessica Pawlik, Katarina Durkosova, Amelie NaziTheir attack and midfield are largely interchangebegovic and Alyse Turk contributing, as well. able, with most players seeing time in either position. Junior Haley McFarlane will start in the cage. Sophomore Kaylee Miller is the top offensive op“This group is starting to understand the game better,” tion, having played at the rec level and possessing a solGryszkin said. “It is obviously the first year they’ve all Mustangs id understanding of the game. A basketball player, as worked together. They are starting to pick up on each Mustangs well, she knows how to handle the pace of varsity play. other’s tendencies, especially on offense.”

Boys Soccer Girls Soccer

Tennis Track

Volleyball

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tennis

Cross Count

Mustangs

Golf MUSTANG SPORTS

TENNIS

Mustangs

Gymnastics Mustangs

Lacrosse Mustangs

Boys Soccer Mustangs

Girls Soccer Mustangs

Tennis

Varsity players from left: Edgard

Shirah Wittwer came out of her Peralta, Mariano Esposito, Aladeen Eewshah, Sebastian Hernanfirst season as head coach of the May 4 @W Milford 4pm dez, Kevin Chavez, Joey Velasquez, Clifton boys tennis team feeling pret- May 6 @Paramus Mustangs Cath 4:15pm Patrick Dubois, Justin Martinez. ty good. With a 6-6 record and solid 4:15pm core around whom to build, the Mus- May 10 @Fair Lawn 4:15pm his ability to keep opponents off baltangs looked to be a team on the rise. May 12 Eastside COVID-19 cost them a year of May 14 @Passaic 4:30pm ance, the athletic Hernandez figures Mustangs competition, but Wittwer says she has to provide some valuable victories May 18 @PCTI 4pm a talented squad that can make signiffor the Mustangs. 4:15pm icant strides from the one she coached May 20 JFK Senior Mariano Esposito is a in her debut campaign. May 24 @Bergen Tech 4:30pm calm, cool, presence that keeps balls “For me, I would like to see us do May 26 @Passaic Valley 4pm alive. He will play third singles. Mustangs better in our league,” Wittwer said. Seniors Kevin Chavez and Joey Mustangs “I want to have a winning record and Velasquez, also both soccer players, compete in the counties. Sometimes when you are a sewill play first doubles after teaming up at second doubles nior with a do-or-die attitude, it carries you a little further. in 2019. And I am hoping for us to do that.” They complement one another well, with Velasquez Clifton is senior heavy, though junior Justin Martinez strong near the net and Chavez at his best near the basewill play first singles. Martinez was a first doubles player line. Both have impressed Wittwer with how they have in 2019 and is the brother of former Clifton second sinlearned to hit the ball both hard and under control. gles player Jonathan Martinez. Seniors Edgard Peralta and Aladeen Eewshah will be His progression to the singles game has gone smooththe second doubles duo. The former is fast and aggresly, and he proved his ability to win a big match by propelsive near the net, while the latter is learning the game on ling the Mustangs to a 3-2 win over McNair Academic the fly and, like Chavez, is strong on the back end. with a three-set triumph. At second singles, Martinez’s The Mustangs won two of their first three matches of former doubles teammate, senior Sebastian Hernandez the season, breezing by Passaic, 5-0, and downing Mcwill look to utilize some of the skills he has displayed on Nair. They lost to Passaic County Tech, 4-1, in their the soccer field to help Clifton on the clay. Relying on third outing.

Track

Volleyball

Tennis

Cross Coun

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Golf Mustangs

MUSTANG SPORTS

Gymnastics

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Mustangs

Lacrosse Mustangs

Boys Soccer Mustangs

Girls Soccer Mustangs

Tennis Mustangs

Track Mustangs

Volleyball

May 3

@Eastside

4pm

Nathaniel After a lost season and the hiring May 5 Wayne Hills 4pm Kneeling from left: Mustangs Mustangs Maksymiw, Shubh Trivedi, John Sendy of a new coach, one would under- May 10 Fair Lawn 4:15pm Turqueza, Istvan Tamas, Adrian Bastand if Clifton boys volleyball May 12 @PCTI 4pm ran. Standing: Lukas Ferrada, Volostruggled in 2021. dymyr Voroshchuk, Jacob Zybura, 4:15pm Robert Lemanski, Gabriel Maksymiw, But after six games, the Mus- May 14 Lakeland tangs are a respectable 4-3. May 17 @Passaic 4:30pm Antony Meneses. But if you think hyper-competMay 19 JFK 4:15pm itive first-year coach Jorge RodriThey took care of business against May 21 @Bergen Tech 4:15pm guez is happy with his team’s curKennedy and Bergen Tech on April rent status, think again. May 24 Dwight Morrow 4:15pm 26 and 28, but in between lost a “We should be 5-1 or 6-0,” Ro- May 26 Eastside 4:30pm three-set heartbreaker to Wayne Valdriguez said frankly. “We let a couley, 18-25, 25-22, 26-24. May 27 @Kearny 4pm ple games get away. We just need The Mustangs won their most remore chemistry, to continue playing cent match this past Monday, against and getting acquainted with each other and understand Eastside, on May 3, 25-16, 25-12. the game and how it flows.” As they look to get on a run down the stretch, they The Mustangs started the year with an always importwill look to senior middle hitter Antony Meneses to carant win over Passaic County Tech, only to be swept in ry them to success. A strong hitter and blocker, the 6’3” back-to-back contests with Don Bosco Prep and Passaic. Meneses is a leader on the floor.

Tennis

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cross Count

He and senior outside hitter Gabriel Maksymiw will be key to Clifton’s ability to score points. Junior Jacob Zybura can play anywhere, but will make his biggest impact as a middle and opposite. Other key offensive contributors include sophomore outside hitter Lukas Ferrada— an up-and-comer that has shown the potential to be a program cornerstone—and senior opposite Robert Lemanski. Senior setter Adrian Baran will be the team’s quarterback, combining strong serving and control of the offense. Senior John Turqueza will be the team’s libero. “They need some time to get into the rhythm of volleyball,” said Rodriguez. “They need to get back into the swing of things. Most of them are soccer players and swimmers so they have to transition. They had basically a whole year off without practice.” After seven outings, Meneses is the Mustangs’ leader in kills, with 57, and blocks, with ten. Baran has been Clifton’s set-up man, totaling 106 assists. He also has a team-high 18 aces and 57 service points. Turqueza is tops in digs, with 24.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

RECAP

It took a few months longer than the Mustangs would have liked but the Clifton girls volleyball team put together a special season, going 14-3 and reaching the North I, Group IV semifinals under the leadership of first-year head coach Jorge Rodriguez. Junior outside hitter Kate Louer’s 119 kills and 57 digs were both the most on the team. The Mustangs rolled past Passaic in the first round of the playoffs and then beat Morristown in three-set quarterfinal before falling to Ridgewood in the semis, 25-9, 23-25, 25-23. Clifton sophomore 285-pounder Joe Abill put together an unexpected run in the NJSIAA/ Clifton’s Kate Louer (#9) goes for the kill to defeat Morristown in the State Semifinals at Clifton on April 14. Below, Mustang sophomore Joe Rothman Orthopaedic State Championships, as Abill took down Colts Neck junior Matthew Jannucci in the NJSIAA the #11 seed in the bracket, Abill scored a sec285-pound state quarterfinal at Phillipsburg High School on April 25. ond round pin over Watchung Hills sophomore Hunter Seubert before earning a 2-1 decision ing a season-opening loss to Wayne Valley, beating Fair over Colts Neck junior Matthew Jannucci. Lawn, 6-0, and then winning back-to-back matchups He was pinned in the semifinals by second-seeded against Bergen Tech, 11-1 and 13-0, respectively. eventual champion David Szuba, a senior from Brick They were in a 0-0 tie with St. Joseph (Montvale) Memorial, but wrestled back to a fourth-place finish. through five innings, before spiraling to an 8-0 loss. Abill finished the season 13-4, while the Mustangs finOther than the miserable 1 1/3 inning against the Green ished 5-4 in team competition. Knights, the Mustangs have cumulatively outscored opMustang baseball came into the season with high exponents, 32-5, over the course of five games and 5 2/3 pectations, but sit at 3-2 after five games. That record is innings. a bit deceptive, though, as Clifton was dominant follow“I’m still positive,” said head coach Joe Rivera. “We are learning from mistakes. I am still confident that we are going to score runs and our pitching and defense have been solid.” Senior shortstop Dean Mocera leads the Mustangs in hitting among players with multiple at-bats, batting 11for-14 (.727) with eight hits and four RBIs. In eleven innings pitched, sophomore lefty Kyle Rogers (2-0) has struck out 17 while giving up just three hits. The Mustangs have been hot on the softball field, closing out April with three consecutive victories to climb to a 5-1 record. The Mustangs have also shown that they can bounce back from defeat, rebounding from an April 23 loss to DePaul to earn a huge 9-8 victory over Passaic County Tech and then steamroll Wayne Valley and Eastside by a combined score of 30-0. Junior Amanda Bruno has been absolutely on fire at the plate, going 11for-14 (.727) with 13 RBIs and five doubles.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Vincent R. Cianicullo, Jenna Joyce, Makhi Laws, Isabel Cohn.

May has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students, one from each grade, who are again back in the classrooms, as well as working on Zoom. Vincent R. Cianicullo, Senior Vincent R. Cianicullo has exhibited great growth during his four years at CHS. Although Cianicullo said that he struggled socially, especially during his freshman year when he sought others’ approval, he has gone on to become the “Student Voice of the Mustangs.” The senior does sports commentary at CHS and said that the title is a “dream come true.” It also ties into who he said is his most inspirational teacher. “Easily Mr. Mecca because he gave me the first opportunity to become a commentator,” said Cianicullo (CHS ’21). Cianicullo plans to major in communications at Montclair State University. His long-term dream is to one day become a sports commentator for the NFL. He has plenty of inspirational figures as well. In terms of a well-known figure, he admires former sportscaster and commentator Michael “Doc” Emrick. “He is just such a phenomenal sportscaster and he also loves to help up-and-coming broadcasters so they can one day get to his level, which is just so cool,” said Cianicullo. Closer to home, Cianicullo admires his father and considers him one of his inspirations. “He works very hard every day to provide for me, my mom, and his family, and he is always there for me when I need him.”

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Jenna Joyce, Junior Jenna Joyce loves to help people and is willing to do anything to make someone feel better. Along with being a three-year member of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team, she also gives back to her fellow Mustangs. The junior is in the Heros and Cool Kids program, where CHS students visit the middle schools and give advice to the sixth graders. Her call to help others also informs her future career path. “In the future, I would love to go into the medical field and become a nurse practitioner,” said Joyce (CHS ’22). Like many of her peers, Joyce has found that learning during the pandemic is a challenge. She credited the teachers for their constant guidance, but the shift from normalcy was still jarring. “It has prohibited us from a normal lifestyle and the things that we used to take for granted,” she said. “It is so unmotivating when you are stuck in your house to complete assignments instead of being in school where you can be focused and have that environment.” Nonetheless, Joyce credits her mother’s “high-spirited personality” as a mood lightener and said her mother is her inspiration. “She is the backbone of our family,” said Joyce, “and without her, everything would fall apart.”

Makhi Laws, Sophomore Makhi Laws knows the importance of keeping a promise. The CHS sophomore said he learned that lesson from his father. “My dad inspires me the most because I hear him use a phrase I really like,” said Laws (CHS ’23). “That phrase is: ‘A Man Doesn’t Hold Grudges.’ If I make a promise, I must keep it.” Laws has participated in the boy’s bowling team at CHS. He also considers math as his favorite subject. The reason, he said, is because he finds he is good with numbers and calculations. He went on to add that his most inspirational teacher is Ms. Pellegrini. “She always provides these extra help sessions whenever we need help with any work,” said Laws. “Almost every time, I have a question or two for one of the assignments, [so] I will [go] to extra help for that.” Laws can see himself possibly participating in CHS programs such as the Bergen program, PCCC program, Academies, or the MSU program. In the meantime, he plans to continue working hard. “Whenever work is due on a specific due date, I will try to hand it in before the due date [so that] I’m not rushing,” said Laws. “Never wait until the last minute to do it.”

Isabel Cohn, Freshman Isabel Cohn may be new to CHS, but the freshman is off to the races. Cohn credits her smooth high school transition to her involvement in middle school clubs and activities while taking accelerated classes. At CHS, she participates in the Marching Band and hopes to join the debate team and pre-med club next year. Her favorite subject is science. “I feel like science is so relevant today and it just keeps expanding,” said Cohn (CHS ’24). “I want to become a surgeon and the science today just keeps evolving and it brings me so much joy.” Cohn also acknowledged the influential role of her teacher Mrs. Graziano. “She has been able to push through this pandemic and keep science as fun and exciting as it normally would be,” said Cohn. “She continues to teach me to try my hardest and give everything my all.” Cohn’s other source of inspiration is her mother. Her mother’s tenacity is part of what inspires Cohn. “She has taught me since I was young to always be my best as she continued to be her best,” said Cohn. “My mom continues to inspire me today through the pandemic with her positive thoughts and attitude even when no one else is positive.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

MUSICAL MINISTER MEDIUM/PSYCHIC ICE SKATER AERIAL TROMBONIST

Most of us do it every day—work! But these days how we do it and where we work has evolved. Here are a few stories on some occupations of Cliftonites, which is part of our ongoing series, Working. As we continue to navigate these unusual times, we would love to hear from you about your unique nine-to-five. Write to cliftonmerchant1288@gmail.com to tell us about your job.

WORKING Back to the Ice Not unlike lemonade on a warm summer’s day, Deana Sroka belongs on ice. The Athenia resident has spent over four decades ice Deana Sroka skating. During those years, Pro Ice Skater the pro ice skater has competed locally while in school and later, around the country. Her love for skating started at age 8 and in the way that most interests do for children. “There was a pond in East Hanover and my parents took us skating,” said Sroka, 49. “I remember that Dad could skate backwards and I couldn’t, so I was frustrated and Mom signed me up for lessons.” Sroka said that she immediately took to skating. Her instructor then recommended to Sroka’s mother that Sroka continue with the classes, but also consider private lessons. That, Sroka said, led to training for competitions. At the time, it was more of an individualized sport, but she said everyone in school knew that she skated. “By the time I was about nine, I was fully involved in the local competition circuit around here,” she said. “In about nine months, I started competing.” By the time she finished high school, she was still competing. Still, she wanted to pursue a college education. Sroka attended Penn State, which had a skating rink on campus. While she was there, she studied exercise and

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

All stories by Ariana Puzzo sports science, and she began her coaching career. “I didn’t fully intend on doing this as a career,” said Sroka. “Over the years, I kind of just fell into it. If I was between jobs, I always coached skating on the side.” But skating competitively was never far from her mind. Despite having retired from competitive skating about 26 years prior, she decided in 2017 that she wanted to start competing again. She trained for five weeks and qualified in 2017 for the US Figure Skating Adult National Championships in Michigan. The following year, she won the regional championships held in Wayne. “I look back now at all of the things that I did in skating and it was probably one of the best things I ever did,” said Sroka. “I was just truly pleased with myself.” What made it even more special, she added, was that her parents, Robert and Janet Crisso were in attendance. Still, her skating career was not without challenges to overcome. Back in 2014, Sroka had gastric surgery. The decision came since the interlude between being a competitive athlete and returning to that life saw her gain “a lot of weight.” “I think [what] I missed most was my ability to be able to skate and knew that I couldn’t do that unless I took my health seriously and took drastic measures,” said Sroka. “The one thing that kept me going and the weight

off for the last six years is that I still skate. That is the one thing that was always constant.” Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. Prior to the pandemic, Sroka was training for 2020, but the championships were canceled. She is now training for 2021 with an event scheduled for June in Minnesota. “Hopefully we’ll be able to skate live,” she said. “If not, it will be virtual where we submit a video. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing.” Now as the skating director at Montclair State University, Sroka is simply glad to be back on the ice. When Montclair State University Ice Arena closed from March to July 2020, it became the longest period of time that she went without being on ice. “Even when I was nine months pregnant, I was still skating and coaching.” Sroka, who grew up in West

Julie Krygsman Aerial Trombonist

Caldwell, is married to Krzysztof Sroka (CHS 1989). The couple have been married for 24 years and he is a fireman in Newark. Their daughter, Valerie, 17, will graduate with the CHS Class of 2021. “She’s also an amazing ice skater,” said Sroka. “She’s a national level ice dancer and went to the US Figure Skating Championships two years in a row.” “I put her on ice at 18-monthsold. She didn’t love it at first, and I was absolutely devastated,” continued Sroka. “Then, at 5.5-years-old, she started to enjoy and appreciate it more.” As for who can skate, Sroka’s credo is straightforward. “It’s never too late to learn to skate,” she said. “One thing that’s good about the rink here is we teach all levels of skating to all ages. You could be fresh out like my daughter or well into your senior years.” “There’s something for everyone.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

WORKING Reaching New Heights It’s a bird, it’s a plane … actually, it’s Julie Krygsman with her trombone. When we last spoke with the aerial trombonist featured on our February 2014 cover, Krygsman hoped to make the unique path a full-time job. Unsurprisingly, Krygsman made it happen with a combination of tenacity and timing. “I went through a program at Circus Warehouse,” said Krygsman (CHS 2001). “They have a professional track program for people interested in circus arts as a career.” Although aerial silks was her concentrated study, Krygsman, 37, also took classes that included high wire, ballet, and trampoline. The program required a certain number of hours dedicated to training each week. Essentially, she said, you need to work out like it is a full-time job in order to gain the muscle since there are no harnesses. “You need air awareness and the muscle to do all that you need to do and to be able to safely execute it,” she explained. Krygsman has found the entire experience to be surreal. Over the years, she has done freelance work around the tri-state area and even appeared on the same bill as Maroon 5. More recently, she was like countless artists who were sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic. Early in March of 2020 was the last time she was in Circus Warehouse.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Due to the safety precautions, she has been unable to do aerial gigs since the closures. “The grand salvation is participating in ballet because the owner of Circus Warehouse … is a professional ballerina and was kind enough to start Zoom classes almost immediately after Circus Warehouse shut down,” said Krygsman. “It’s a way to focus energy on what your craft is and not worry about the horrors on TV and the news for at least 45 minutes every day.” Krygsman remains in the Dutch Hill section with her husband Wesley Krygsman (pictured), an elementary music teacher in Clifton. Whether it’s playing her instrument for a crowd, performing on silks, or a combination of the two, Krygsman is ready to get back to that life. The past year, she said, is the longest she has gone without performing for an audience and the “applause malnutrition” is a real challenge. “As an aerialist, what I really like is doing drops and making the audience gasp and then clap afterwards,” said Krygsman. “A lot of times the audience is afraid to react, so I try to make it so they feel like they can react and pull it out of them.” One of the most rewarding parts for Krygsman is knowing that all the practice paid off and the end result is a memorable performance for the audience. “The rewarding part is … to dream of doing something and then actually be able to do it,” she said. “Crossing the finish line and getting to live that life.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

WORKING

Thomas Kelly and William Mullins Passaic County Central Labor Council Prior to COVID, now-Passaic County Central Labor Council President Thomas Kelly at left with William Mullins in glasses, speaking at an Apprentice Scholarship event at the American Labor Museum with recipients at right.

All For One, One For All Labor households and unions resonate deeply with William Mullins and Thomas Kelly. The two men are dedicated to channeling that passion by working alongside the Passaic County Central Labor Council. Mullins, a Montclair Heights resident, grew up in a labor household and has always felt a connection to the cause.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“I’m 65 and retired, and I love being involved in the labor council,” said Mullins, the executive vice-president. “I think the whole crux of the situation is that we give back to the community. This is a non-profit. We dedicate our time to this.” “It’s not a 9-to-5 job,” continued Mullins. “It can be six in the morning to 11 at night. My stand-in answer about when I’ll be home to my wife is, ‘When the garage door goes up, you’ll know I’m home.’” As stated on the council’s website, one of the council’s primary endeavors is to “vanquish oppression and make our communities better for all people.” Kelly, who is a Bergen County resident, has always been drawn to the work and purpose of labor councils and unions. Kelly, the newly-elected president of the Passaic County Central Labor Council, mentioned part of the recent work done was helping a local union create a women’s committee “that was long overdue.” “To me … unions are great equalizers for everyone,” said Kelly, 56. “If more of society was unionized, it would remove a lot of the social ills … [and there] wouldn’t be the ability to pay women or minorities less.” Among the council, one of the elements that excites both men is the diversity of age. They are among individuals who are in their 30’s up to people who are dedicating their time in their 70’s. Mullins and Kelly both agreed that one of the most rewarding parts is seeing how their efforts affect individual people, including children. Sometimes these

gratifying moments occur when The Sound of Faith Santa visits the local children and Robert Harsághy is aware that a young girl excitedly tells her for many people, holding down a mother, “Hey, Mom - I got a pink full-time job and part-time job may toothbrush!” seem daunting. The Allwood naOther times it is when they see tive has worked as a paralegal at the reaction of families when a Celentano, Stadtmauer & Walentochild receives a scholarship. wicz, LLP, on Route 46 in Clifton, “The first time we did it … I and will be starting a new position gave a speech, and these were not at Cole Schotz P.C. in Hackensack. huge scholarships,” said Kelly. Meanwhile, he also serves as the “The mothers in the audience had music minister at Sacred Heart R.C. tears running down their cheeks Church in Clifton. because their sons were getting an Despite the time commitments, opportunity to get apprenticeships Harsághy (CHS 2008) maintains a in a union that was not just benehealthy outlook. fiting themselves, but the whole “It may seem like a busy work Music minister and paralegal Robert family.” life,” said Harsághy, 30, “but to have Harsághy and fiancée Adriana Piltz. That sense of shared community a foot in both … the sacred and real and support is the foundation of the world, it’s comforting to know one’s council and what drives its efforts. Even more so during passions can still make a difference.” the past year, supporting their union brothers and sisHarsághy received his bachelor’s degree in histoters in different industry sectors was crucial amidst the ry with a minor in music at Rutgers University - New coronavirus pandemic. Brunswick in 2013. The Clifton resident said that he was “When you join a union, you join a family,” said always interested in the legal field. At first, his interest Mullins. “An injury to one is an injury to all of us.” was in becoming an attorney.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

WORKING After he graduated, he worked at the Passaic Valley Water Commission in the legal department. It was there that he learned about becoming a paralegal and decided to earn his certificate at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Over time, his interest in the technical side of things like doing research, drafting documents, and building personal connections with clients reaffirmed his passion for being a paralegal. “As a paralegal, I felt that there was an ability … to get closer to clients, [especially since] many seem to be afraid to talk to attorneys,” said Harsághy. “You’re handling most of the intake and I always felt that I am a personable person, so it was the main reason that I stuck around.” Meanwhile, his spiritual roots trace back further. He is coming up on a decade working with Sacred Heart R.C. Church. But his passion for music dates back to a much younger age. The piano was Harsághy’s first instrument and when he was about 6- or 7-years-old, he would try to create music on his keyboard. Once his parents got him a piano, the rest was inevitable. The former Mustang went on to become a drum major under the legendary Bob Morgan. Even prior to being selected as a drum major in his senior year, he was always involved in music during elementary and middle school. “Marching Band is definitely the greatest treasure that Clifton has,” said Harsághy. “To be part of the Marching Band is an honor and you’re a part of the history of Clifton. My senior year under Bob Morgan was really a special time.” After he left the halls of Colfax Avenue, Harsághy said that he began playing the organ at his family’s church, St. Stephen’s R.C. Magyar Church in Passaic. It was in that environment that he “fell in love” with liturgical music and grew within his faith. But Harsághy does credit another person for influencing where he is today. “I like to say my grandfather [Theodore “Teddy” Harsághy] really pushed me to enter the world of sacred

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Robert Harsághy Paralegal / Music Minister Sacred Heart Church in Clifton

music,” said Harsághy. “He passed away this past November, but I always say that he was my first agent.” Teddy helped get Harsághy different jobs playing for Teddy’s friends’ weddings. He was also connected with the funeral homes in and around Clifton and attended Mass at Sacred Heart. “He was very friendly with the parishioners and the priest,” said Harsághy. “Then he mentioned that he had a grandson who knew how to play. I got a call to sub there one day and they fell in love.” Today, Harsághy remains in the Allwood section. He is engaged to Adriana Piltz, who is from Bloomfield. When Harsághy considered what he enjoys the most about the church’s community, he acknowledged how his work has allowed him to meet many types of people. “Without [my grandfather], I probably wouldn’t be as involved in my faith and it wouldn’t be as important as it is,” said Harsághy. “It opened a lot of doors for me, including meeting other musicians in the area. It’s a very special kind of music,” added Harsághy, “and is one not really heard in the world, but mostly in church.” A Spiritual Awakening Gia Qamar knows better than most that awakenings can arise at any stage of one’s life. For the Clifton psychic and medium, her awakening to her spiritual path occurred over two decades ago. “Around the age of 30, I realized I wanted something different,” said Qamar. “I wanted more than what life was giving to me, and I didn’t recognize at that point that the spiritual experiences I was having as an adult were mimicking things that happened to me in my childhood.” “The voices in my head were speaking to me and I just thought it was my wacky self and didn’t realize that it was spiritual energy,” she continued. Prior to the realization, Qamar studied at

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

However, the in-person readings are still on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. She hopes to return to in-person appointments closer to the end of May Rutgers and earned a theater and writor in June. Nonetheless, Qamar had a ing degree. She wrote for local papers, seamless transition to remote readings. worked with local and national maga“It’s been an enormous affirmation of zines, as well as some television work my ability to work with energy remotein the early days of cable TV. She was ly,” she said. “I’m blessed to be trained also a professional belly dancer. by wonderful teachers and to have So, when she realized her new and learned remote reading.” untapped ability, she wanted to explore “Clients who want the energy feeling it. don’t love the idea of doing that remote“This is sacred work to me, so I wantly,” she added. “They love to be in the ed to go to a place to figure out how to studio with my energy, but for me as a control and best utilize this awakening and serve the souls here on the earth and Gia Qamar practitioner, it’s not a problem.” More about Qamar’s work can be souls on the other side of the veil,” said Psychic and Medium found on her main website: njtarot.com. Qamar. For those who remain skeptical or unQamar lives in the Rosemawr section sure what it is like to have a reading, with her husband, Bobby Nelson, and their two dogs. She Qamar’s advice is straightforward. works from her home office as a Medium, Psychic, Rei“I recommend going to a trusted person. I love seeing ki Master and Energy Healer. Those interested in energy happy new clients who are elated from their experience,” healing, Qamar explained, explore the practice through she said. “I always ask them to do the research, see what different modalities. One of these modalities is reiki, other people are saying about these people, or get a refwhich is Japanese-based and highly common. erence. What we want is a happy experience, more than Qamar finds the most gratifying part of her work is anything.” when people come to her feeling burdened and leave feeling lifted. “I feel sometimes like a vase or magnifyCommitted to Service ing glass,” said Qamar. “I’m often not telling them someTony Wizner may find himself in extreme demand, thing they don’t already know … but they need someone but that is how the former Mustang prefers it. The CHS to bring it into focus for them.” 1972 graduate and Navy veteran exemplifies what it Still, Qamar is used to skeptics or people who expect means to have a strong work ethic, as well as a desire to a cartoon version of a fortune teller with neon signs or serve others. black cats. The actual process, she said, is always exWizner is the manager of Milano’s Restaurant & Bar, plained to a client prior to an appointment so there are no at 561 Van Houten Ave., and the owner of JB Construcfalse expectations once they are sitting across the table tion Services for nearly five decades. Now that from her.

WORKING

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

WORKING

Tony Wizner Restaurant Manager From left, views of Milano’s garden last sunmer and above, Tony Wizner with Mohammed Othman prepping this past winter.

Wizner is on the tail end of his construction career, he said it gives him some more time to do some garden work. “It’s like having three full-time jobs. I’m supposed to be retired,” laughed Wizner. “But I’m not the type to retire and sit around and do nothing.” Wizner has proved that over the past two years. The Van Houten Avenue restaurant has been in its location since 1989. Today, it is owned by twins Mario and Edina Bonassin, whose parents originally bought it. Although Wizner said he knew the family for a couple of decades, it was in March 2019 that he stepped into his current role. At the time, Wizner said, he overheard a discussion about the restaurant possibly closing for a couple of weeks while family members were undergoing medical procedures. Then, the idea struck him. He could step in while he was in-between jobs and keep an eye on the business. “I thought I’d be like a substitute teacher for a couple weeks,” said Wizner, “and now I’m here for over two years.” The challenges over the past few years are undeniable. But it is the obstacles that encourage Wizner to continue helping push the business forward. “I just like to see things thrive,” he said. “When I touch things, I want to make sure it’ll be better … when I finish with it.” “Next thing I knew, we were advertising and making

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

changes to the restaurant and creating an atmosphere that people would enjoy coming to again. It is one of the toughest challenges that I’ve taken on.” One of the main challenges was navigating the coronavirus pandemic. Business had picked up for the restaurant in autumn of 2019 and then one of their better days was Valentine’s Day 2020. The restaurant even provided live entertainment on weekends. Then, March 2020 hit and everything was shut down with no clear end in sight. The restaurant was closed for about five months. During that time, Wizner said that they needed to regroup and bring in new ideas. “We never had a café license outside and didn’t have a takeout business. We’re more white tablecloth,” he explained. “But we brought in Grubhub and UberEats and built up our takeout.” The restaurant reopened for outdoor dining on Aug. 19, 2020 with a large garden that Wizner said people enjoyed. When Wizner considers proud moments over the past two years, it involves the work that got them to where they are today. He noted that the place was once “a little rundown in terms of the people it attracted.” By Valentine’s Day 2020, they sold out all four seatings for the entire day. The big part was making sure the restaurant met three goals. “The whole challenge was to create an [ideal] atmosphere, which includes the environment, good food and good service,” said Wizner. “[You need to] focus on those three things first.”

Wizner went on to say that he did a large portion of the restaurant’s remodeling work. That work involved building pods, bubbles and chalets. The work, he said, was a big hit and went a long way to attract new customers. Another element is the staff. Wizner credited all of the restaurant’s staff, highlighting those who work in the kitchen and describing the food as “off the charts.” “The hardest thing to do is get someone to walk in these doors for the first time,” he said. “We won’t let anyone leave without being happy.” Wizner lives in Downtown Clifton with his wife of 17 years, Joanne, and their daughter, Annaiah, 7. After high school, he entered the US Navy in 1973 and served for two years. Today, part of his job as Milano’s manager involves jumping in to help where he is needed in a given moment. “People ask if I’m the owner or ‘Mr. Milano,’” he laughed. “I manage and do whatever needs to be done. I’ll bus tables, I’ll wash dishes, I’ll run to the supermarket. I try to greet every single person in the restaurant and go to every table before they leave. We’re not perfect,” continued Wizner, “but if there’s anything you see that you’re not happy with or have a suggestion for a more enjoyable experience, share it with me because that’s how we make things better.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

An advocate and voice for individuals with disabilities Clifton’s Advisory Committee for Individuals with Disabilities was established in 1980 and the goal of the group is to be an advocate and voice for individuals with disabilities. The primary task is to gather and present facts, information and data that may help and assist the mayor and council make policies pertaining to matters affecting individuals with disabilities in the community.

COVID-19 Drive-Through COVID-19 Drive-Through COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Clinics

Vaccination Clinics COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Clinics Wednesdays by APPOINTMENT ONLY* Vaccination Clinics Clifton School ONLY* Wednesdays byHigh APPOINTMENT Wednesdays by APPOINTMENT ONLY*

Ranging from assessing needs in the parks and playgrounds to being an extra set of eyes on the road for those FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS CliftonINDIVIDUALS High SchoolONLY FOR ELIGIBLE ONLY who park in spaces reserved for those Appointments can333 be Colfax made using the Solv Health Appointment Portal, with handicaps, members see their Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 Appointments can be made using the Solv Health Appointment Portal, which will open every Friday atusing ofopen open depends on role as one which is evolving, stated Appointments canevery be made theNumber Solv Health Appointment Portal, FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS which will open Friday at3pm. 3pm. Number ofONLY slotsslots depends on which will open every Friday at 3pm. Number of open slots depends on number of doses fromthethe State. Chair Colleen Murray, pictured. number of dosesreceived received from State. Appointments can beofmade the Solv Health Portal, number dosesusing received from theAppointment State. The Committee’s work includes which will open every Friday at 3pm.Portal Number ofwillopen slots depends on The Solv Health Appointment link be posted on: making recommendations regarding The Solv Health Appointment Portal linkthe will be posted on: number of doses received The Solv Health Appointment Portalfrom link will State. be posted on: programs, legislation, policies and Visit the City of Clifton’s webpage: Visit the City of Clifton’s webpage: https://www.cliftonnj.org/ enforcement of local, state and federVisit the City of Clifton’s webpage: The Solv Health Appointment Portal link will be posted on: https://www.cliftonnj.org/ Follow the Clifton Health Department on Facebook: https://www.cliftonnj.org/ al codes and laws. www.facebook.com/cliftonhealth Visit theClifton City of Clifton’s webpage: Follow the Health Department on Facebook: Issues addressed cover every stage Follow the Clifton Health Department on Facebook: https://www.cliftonnj.org/ Follow the Clifton Health Department on Instagram: www.facebook.com/cliftonhealth www.facebook.com/cliftonhealth of life: from childhood programs and @cliftonhealth Follow the Clifton Health Department on Facebook: Follow the DepartmentononInstagram: Instagram: special education to the needs of diswww.facebook.com/cliftonhealth Follow theClifton CliftonHealth Health Department @cliftonhealth @cliftonhealth abled seniors. Follow the Clifton Health Department on Instagram: *Dates and times are subject to change based on doses received @cliftonhealth and weather conditions. Appointed for four-year terms, the *Dates and times are subject to change based on doses received committee is comprised of residents, *Dates and times are subject tointernet change based on dosesfor received Clifton residents without access to the to can call 973-470-2039 assistance. *Dates and times are subject change based on doses received and weather conditions. including people with disabilities, andsystem weather This is an automated and aconditions. Health Department employee and weather conditions. will return your call as soon as possible. parents, professionals, a City Council Clifton residents without access to the internet can call 973-470-2039 for assistance. Clifton residents without access to the internet can call 973-470-2039 for assistance. Clifton residents without access to the internet can call 973-470-2039 for assistance. liaison, a Health Department liaison, This is an automated system a Health Department employee To find other sites, please visit and passaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax and the New Jersey Thisautomated is an automated system andaa Health Health Department employee This isvaccination an system and Department employee and a secretary. will returnSystem your call as soon as possible. Vaccine Scheduling (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov will return yourcall callas as soon soon asaspossible. will return your possible. The committee is now meeting via Please continue tosites, besites, patient due topassaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax the overwhelming and unprecedented To find vaccination please visit and the New Jersey Zoom at 6:30 pm on the third MonToother find other vaccination please visit passaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax and thedemand New Jersey this vaccine. To find other vaccination sites, please visitforpassaiccountynj.org/COVIDvax and the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov Vaccine Scheduling System (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov day of each month. When things reVaccine Scheduling System (NJVSS) website: covidvaccine.nj.gov turn to ‘normal’ they’ll meet in the Please continue to be patient duetotothe theoverwhelming overwhelming and demand Please continue to be patient due andunprecedented unprecedented demand thisvaccine. vaccine. this Please continue to be patient due toforfor the overwhelming and unprecedented demand Health Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave. Have The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency for this vaccine. serving the Township of Little Falls. an issue which needs attention? To ask questions, make suggestions, or The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency for more details, contact the commitThe Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency serving the Township of Little Falls. serving the Township of Little Falls. tee via email: jbiegel@cliftonnj.org.

Clifton High SchoolNJ 07013 333 Colfax Ave., Clifton, Clifton High School 333Colfax ColfaxAve., Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS Wednesdays by APPOINTMENT ONLY* 333 Clifton, NJONLY 07013

The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency serving the Township of Little Falls. 88 May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Joe Cupoli was named the New Jersey Man of the Year in 2019 for his efforts to raise over $300,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). This year, Joe is running in the National All Star Competition in an effort to help raise for this worthy cause again. In an effort to help his lofty fundraising goals, a barrel of bourbon from Kentucky was

bottled under his fundraising team name: OPERATION HOPE BOURBAN. For a minimum donation of $150, you will receive one of these very limited-edition bottles. To reserve a bottle of the Hope Bourban, or to make a donation of any amount to the 2021 campaign, go to operationhopells.com or email Joe Cupoli directly at joecupoli@gmail.com.

Frank Burke can run marathons but on June 19 he’ll be running a Cornament—a Cornhole Tournament—to benefit VFW 7165 at 491 Valley Rd. Pictured above left, he is hoping to attract at least 10 or more cornhole teams/players. If squads do not register in advance, teams will be selected at random. Competition will start at noon but players should register in advance and be on deck by 11 am to get the party started. Donation is $20 per person. Food and drinks will be available for players and spectators. To get in the competition, call Frank at 201-983-2354. Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Covid Milestone

Jacqueline Lipari, Catalina Dubon-Gutierrez, Norkielys Pimentel, John Tauber, Lauren Scarfo, Amanda Bilek, Isaiah Hill.

On April 21, the Clifton Health Department inoculated another 600 people at CHS as part of their COVID-19 drive thru vaccine clinics. In a FB post the next day, they noted that “The Clifton Heath Department gave its 10,000th COVID-19 vaccine! Thank you to everyone who has made this historic event possible, especially the Clifton Public School Nurses! So many incredible people have been involved in this enormous effort; it has truly been a team effort across the City.” COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. It typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity against COVID-19. People are considered fully protected two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not yet been inoculated, and want to take advantage of the free services, follow the details at right or find out more at cliftonnj.org.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Laura Meltz has published “A Time to Fly” (by LifeRich Publishing; an imprint of Reader’s Digest). The children’s story features Willie, a caterpillar struggling with the changes he knows he must begin in order to become a butterfly. Willie knows his life will be short lived and soon it would be time to prepare his cocoon. Along with his favorite sister Wilma, they begin a voyage of discovery to find out what is next. “In this story, I address the fears that children (and all of us) experience, when faced with the uncertainty of change and the certainty of loss,” Meltz noted. “I don’t believe there is anything exactly like it as it addresses both change and loss in terms children can relate to and parents will appreciate.” Meltz wrote. “Willie’s story will show children that life is short, but also eternal as the soul lives on.”

On April 15, Nova UA Federal Credit Union on Allwood Rd. awarded another $50,000 in grants to eight more organizations.

Nova UA Federal Credit Union continues its mission to help “communities succeed and grow” as it disbursed $50,000 in grants to eight local non profits on April 15. Recognizing the negative economic impact Covid-19 had in its service area, Nova UA FCU requested and received a third grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of NY which it dispersed to eight additional non-profits in the region. The $50,000 grant is on top of two previous grants of $100,000 shared by food banks, youth and veteran’s

organizations, as well as churches, schools and cultural centers. The Nova grants have helped 32 organizations restore operating funds lost during the pandemic. “We are much more than just a credit union that offers competitive financial services and great member support,” Val Bogattchouk, Nova’s CEO, said. “We also take initiative to help our communities succeed and grow. Our focus is on taking care of our members and the community we serve. We are happy to help.” To join and find out more go to: novafcu.com.

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

CLIFTON ARTS CENTER Virtual it may be but the Clifton Arts Center is back in business. As it has since its opening in January, 2000, the CAC is offering varied programs, from traditional arts to how-to programs to discussions and seminars utilizing technology. Called Artist Talk & Demo Virtually, these free programs connect the community and artists over Zoom. Visit cliftonartscenter.org/programs. On May 24, at 4 pm, fiber artist Mariel Vazquez explores acrylic yarn to detail how to crochet colorful blankets, which are both beautiful and meaningful. “From baby blankets to prayer blankets, handmade items are special gifts with a lot of meaning behind them, and they should always be crafted with love and lots of color,” she explained. On June 7 at 7 pm, George Scarfo, pictured at right, presents Rocketry Model Garden as the hobbyist takes participants to explore space and understand techniques of rocketry and space modeling in detail. On June 14, at 7 pm, Robin Hoffman and Jodi Stiffelman are historians who will share personal stories and letters about Norman Rockwell. They will also discuss the history of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech.

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

It is this speech and the concept behind it in which Roosevelt described his vision for a post-war world based on freedom of speech and expression, freedom of every person to worship God in his or her own way, freedom from want and freedom from fear. That discussion will prelude Clifton’s Freedom Collection competition. Artists are invited to illustrate their own ideas of Freedom, using a series of four 1943 oil paintings by the American artist Norman Rockwell— Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear—as a fulcrum. Interpretive drawings or paintings may be emailed by June 30 to: rcammilleri@cliftonnj.org. If selected, the entries will be made into a video and displayed at cliftonartscenter.org as a collective creation. On June 24 at 6 pm, author and visual artist Gary Erbe explores the concept of the art of trompe l’oeil, a technique that uses realistic imagery to create the illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. To have specific questions answered, send emails to rcammilleri@cliftonnj.org. Clifton Arts Center Gallery first opened to the public in January of 2000. See more at cliftonartscenter.org, Facebook and Instagram.

MUSTANG FANS Making use of existing resources, Clifton BOE maintenance crew were building the foundation for bleachers at the Mustangs Softball field near CCMS. From left Mo Capaci, Mike Klingler, George Balkjy, Lenny Romano and Stefano Alberga.

Arbor Day was April 30 and members of the Clifton Beautification Committee returned to Jubilee Park as they have for many years now to show their support for keeping our community clean and green. With the expertise of the DPW Tree Crew, and thanks to the resources of Richfield Farms, another Northern Crape Myrtle was planted to celebrate the spirit of Arbor Day and to expand our city’s tree canopy.

ARBOR DAY 2021

Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Pope Pius XII High School • Nostalgia & History

THE

By Ariana Puzzo

Spirit Lives On The Life and Legacy of Captain William G. Sipos The spirit truly does live on thanks to Rich DeLotto’s historical recollection of one Pope Pius alumnus. You may recall our story about the former Jefferson Street high school in our April 2021 issue. Another name that stands out amongst the many notable students is Captain William G. Sipos. It’s a name Clifton residents might recognize from its inclusion on the Clifton War Monument. The Pope Pius 1959 graduate was born and raised in Garfield. He attended Pope Pius, becoming a standout-athlete for not one or two, but three different sports. “[Bill was] religious, reserved [and] athletic, but most of all, respected by his classmates,” said DeLotto. “One of Bill’s classmates described him as a guy who could never tell an off-color joke, but would just smile

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

if someone else did.” Sipos was one of the greats in football and baseball, and he shined in basketball. He was an All-State athlete in all three sports. According to DeLotto, high school coach Dan Daniels was noted as once saying Sipos was not the greatest athlete he encountered, but there was more to what made him great. “He was the greatest leader,” said DeLotto. “Always the first on the field, always the last one off.” Sipos is remembered for playing defensive back in his junior year, when he intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter. Sipos returned it, resulting in the team’s victory against the school’s biggest rival, St. Mary’s. For his senior year, he was elected as captain. Then, in January of 1959, he accepted his appointment to West

Point. Sipos started as defensive back for three years. It culminated in 1962 during an Army-Navy game where he played opposite Navy’s quarterback, Roger Staubach. After graduating in 1963, Sipos joined the US Air Force, where he flew cargo planes. He went on to marry Nanette Gamache of Clifton, and the couple had a daughter, Michelle. Sipos was ordered to Vietnam for his remaining 18 months of duty. He served with the 20th tactical squadron, flying as a forward air controller for an O-2 Bird Dog aircraft. He arrived in January 1967 and was promoted to captain in February. Tragically, Sipos’ plane was hit by ground fire on April 6, 1967. The plane crashed, taking his life as he supported a marine infantry company conducting a search and destroy mission. He was granted his final wish of interment at West Point, which was done with full military honors. Nanette passed away years later and Michelle went on to be a remarkable athlete like her father. She earned a scholarship to Franklin and Marshall College, becoming a psychiatrist and settling into married life in New Jersey. “If a man’s legacy can be measured by the memories of his peers,” said DeLotto, “Captain Bill Sipos’ legacy could only be recorded in a very large book.” “He was the epitome of what any parent dreams for their child, what a person remembers forever about a friend, why a veteran salutes another veteran, [why] someone who never met Bill ... will remember him for life,” continued DeLotto. “Bill Sipos was a very special man.” Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

Birthdays & Celebrations - May 2021

Happy Birthday to....

Send dates & names .... tomhawrylkosr@gmail.com

Kristy and Ihor Andruch celebrate 19 years of marriage on May 4; their son, Stefan Andruch turned 17 on May 3. Jurij P. Dubas turned 17 on May 3. Gia Camille Genardi turned 21 on May 2. Richard Hango................... Mike Szwec....................... Samantha Cruz................... Lou DeStefano.................... Jessica Perez...................... Jordan Lynn Bykowsky......... Maria DeGraaf................... Julia Komarczyk.................. Irene Kuruc......................... Margie Maloney................. Thomas Zangara................. John Anderson Jr................. Spencer Flynn..................... Russell Courtney.................. Dolores Hatala................... Jordan Kulesa..................... Vanessa Laine Montesano.... Mary Domyon.................... Margie Hatala.................... Dorothy Alburo................... Terry Capilli....................... Jim Findlay......................... Alexandra Homsany............ Rory Houston...................... Ashley Kulesa.....................

5/1 5/1 5/2 5/2 5/2 5/3 5/3 5/3 5/3 5/3 5/3 5/4 5/4 5/6 5/6 5/6 5/6 5/7 5/7 5/8 5/8 5/8 5/8 5/8 5/8

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Theresa Bivaletz turns 39 on May 15. She is pictured with her daughter Bexley and little niece Lyla. David Peter Mosciszko......... 5/8 Matthew Nagy................... 5/8 Christine Siluk..................... 5/8

Thomas Steranko................ 5/8 Petey Pathos....................... 5/9 Amelia Smith...................... 5/9 Ray Zang........................... 5/9 Joe Gore.......................... 5/10 Rebecca DeChellis............ 5/11 Brandon Gorny................. 5/11 Jessica Camp................... 5/12 Joe De Liberto................... 5/12 Michael Lonison................ 5/12 Donna De Liberto.............. 5/13 Jeff Reilly.......................... 5/13 Michael Zawicki............... 5/13 Yassin Aburomi................. 5/14 Chloe Landrith ................. 5/14 Chuck Amucka................. 5/14 Alice De Liberto................ 5/14 Dorothy Brown.................. 5/15 Earl Grosser Jr.................. 5/15 Victoria Leja..................... 5/15 Fred Gurtman................... 5/16 Mark McGuire.................. 5/16 Rosemary Canavan........... 5/17 John Hawrylko.................. 5/17 Vick Ascencio................... 5/18

Mia Medina turns 7 on May 22 and her sister Heaven celebrated her 19th birthday on May 2.

Michael and Rosemary Baran celebrate their 28th anniversary on May 7. Cliftonmagazine.com • May 2021

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

Emma Gretina and Dan Misdea were engaged on April 9 while celebrating Emma’s 31st birthday. Layla Swede-Hernandez celebrates her first birthday May 7. Jamie Antal...................... Michele D’Amico.............. Walter Hryckowian........... Mariana Pineda................ Becky Kuter...................... Jennifer Mulick.................. Julianna Smith.................. William J. Portocarrero III... Ken Bender......................

5/18 5/18 5/18 5/18 5/19 5/20 5/20 5/21 5/21

May 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Joe Murolo....................... Matthew Palladino............ Kage Lord........................ Danica O’Brien................. Danah Alburo................... Jessica Bielen................... MaryEllen Krattinger.......... Michele Perez................... Donald Lopuzzo................

5/21 5/21 5/22 5/22 5/23 5/23 5/23 5/23 5/24

Michael Santosuosso......... Andrea Schweid............... Brittney Abell.................... Olivia Hryckowian............ Connie Paladino............... Derek Bykowsky................ Alyssa Dalbo.................... Danuta Dymora................ Kaylee Pinter.................... Jonathan Rideg................. Fred Antes........................ Kyle J. Magaster .............. Steve Bielen...................... David J. Ricca................... Anthony Alcalde............... Valerie Gancarz............... Anthony DeSomma........... Rachel Gergats................. Christopher Ramirez.......... Zachary Sjosward............. Christopher Smith.............. Logan Thompson...............

5/24 5/25 5/25 5/25 5/25 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/26 5/27 5/27 5/27 5/28 5/29 5/29 5/30 5/31 5/31 5/31 5/31 5/31

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