Clifton Merchant Magazine - March 2021 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

Covid Learning

Kids, Parents & Teachers on From the Editor, Tom Hawrylko I did not go to Clifton Schools but I am a Mustang at heart. That’s why when it comes to investing in the next generation of Clifton kids, let’s get on The Road Forward. On April 20, I encourage Clifton voters to say yes to allow the Board of Education to sell bonds and raise funds for a variety of school improvements. If we vote yes, the BOE will borrow $168 million to make renovations at all 19 public schools. That’s a big number but together as a community we can do it. Plus there is help from the state to lower our burden. If we Clifton voters approve the April 20 referendum, new state aid would reduce Clifton’s share by $55 million. The remainder would be paid off over 25 years through Clifton property taxes, starting in 2022. After state aid is subtracted from the total, the impact on homeowners is estimated to be about $17 per month on a property assessed at Clifton’s average. While my wife and I are now empty nesters, my four kids went through Clifton Schools. But not having kids in Clifton Schools does not mean I will stop supporting public education. As the owner of a three bedroom home with two-and-a-half baths in Downtown Clifton, that means paying another $155 per year in taxes. That’s paying $3,875 over 25 years—it’s worth it.

Having a K-12 school system with improved facilities will help keep Clifton a solid middle class community, one where young couples with kids will want to move to. Then when the time comes to sell my home and our schools offer modern, clean and safe classrooms staffed by great teachers, and school fields and auditoriums are new and well maintained, I know that the $155 per year I add to my taxes will result in a better sale price. And remember this: while we enjoy Clifton history often on these pages, many schools, classrooms and auditoriums are 100 years or older. Antiquated systems providing heat and ventilation require frequent and costly repairs. Same for outdated and inaccessible bathrooms. Many school entrances are on the project list for renovation as most don’t meet standards for admitting those with physical disabilities or screening visitors. The BOE proposed this referendum in 2020 but the pandemic delayed the vote. So now, if our community approves the April 20 bond referendum, work would begin in 2022 and be complete by the end of 2024. Go to clifton.k12.nj.us/vote for info. There you’ll find more details, plus a link to check your home’s value and a chart to estimate your annual cost. Let’s keep Clifton Schools—and our community—on The Road Forward. 16,000 Magazines

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko

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Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

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All stories in this section by Ariana Puzzo

Remote Hybrid Over the past 12 months, the way that we do everything has changed, and that is especially true in our schools.

Although Clifton will return once again to a hybrid schedule starting on March 8, all public and private schools did adapt to the new ways academics are taught, sports are played, and performing arts are shared. As far as Superintendent Danny Robertozzi is concerned, the district’s adaptability comes down to the dedication of teachers, staff members and students. For the performing arts in particular, Robertozzi acknowledged that the district’s capabilities have only improved in the past year as they adjusted to a new world. “As with everything, we have gotten better with it over time,” said Robertozzi. “We have great teachers and amazingly talented students. They all adjust and adapt, and I expect [the spring CHS production] to be a great performance.” Like all areas of education, Visual & Performing Arts was a key focus for the district. Robertozzi said that during the Summer of 2020, Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Jason Leshowitz, along with several K-12 music and arts teachers, served on the New Jersey task force for the September Ready Fall 2020 Guidance for Arts Education. The task force was organized to help develop a statewide strategy for arts education prior to the 2020-21 academic year. For Clifton, Robertozzi emphasized the benefits of having a seat at the table in these planning discussions. “Thanks to our own staff being a part of it,” he said, “Clifton was at the forefront of what arts education was going to look like during the pandemic. [It also helped in] keeping the health, safety, and well being of students, faculty and staff in mind.”

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

That safety has come in the form of different guidelines and PPE resources. For the performing arts, like in the case of the Mustang Marching Band, the group was able to perform at the home games. However, the routines were made socially distanced and the band wore musical PPE. In other musical areas, there was an emphasis on music appreciation and music theory. “In terms of what needed to change versus what needed to stay for the performing arts, it was the ‘how’ that needed to change. Not the ‘what,’” said Robertozzi. “[For instance], there is still going to be a musical theatre show, but it will be more of a review, talent show that’s streamed versus a full-on live production.” “There are still opportunities,” he continued. “Just how they’re doing it is obviously much different than how it was done in the past.” Through it all, there were undeniable challenges, but there were also shining moments. All involved on every level, from the teachers to the administrators to the Board of Education, wanted to “follow all the curriculum standards and provide good experiences for students.” Doing so in a safe and virtual way was the main hurdle. Robertozzi credited the teaching staff for their innovative ideas, including the Clifton Jams Project. The project started last March in an effort to keep music alive outside the schools. Students would step outside at 2:30 pm each afternoon and practice a favorite song for 15 minutes and then submit it for posting on the district’s social media, @CliftonSchools. Another proud moment, Robertozzi said, was in the midst of the pandemic when the National Association of Music Merchants

recognized Clifton Public Schools as one of the 754 school districts considered among the Best Communities in the nation for music education. Through it all, it was the knowledge that arts education is an integral part of any student’s education that pushed Clifton forward. “There is a ton of research that shows how students who are involved in arts education not only do well in those subject areas, but also do better in academic subject areas,” said Robertozzi. “I’m proud to say that in Clifton, unlike in other places, when there’s a need to cut things out of budgets - a lot of other places, arts and music are the first to go.” “That’s not going to happen in Clifton. This town and community appreciate music and the arts, and recognize the value of it for our children.”

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The Junior Perspective While prior school years were in part defined by the student energy brought to homecoming, pep rallies and sports games, it seems it is high school juniors who have striven to maintain a sense of collective morale during the pandemic. Angelina Pacosa and Andrew Sieradzki are among those Mustangs. Both are involved with the Marching Mustangs, with Pacosa, 16, as the band manager and Sieradzki, 17, as the tuba and baritone section leader. However, speaking separately, both discussed the ways that the pandemic has shaped their broader high school experience. For Pacosa, switching gears from “the school we used to know” to remote learning was a strange situation. She was used to a routine of going to classes and participating in her extracurricular activities, and suddenly that was put on hold. Even so, the challenges were accompanied by new skill sets as well. “[Learning] over a computer screen is a completely different experience, especially because technology can limit what teachers do, such as labs for science class,” she said. “I feel that I have picked up technological skills, though.” Along with acting as the band manager for the Marching Band, Pacosa is also in the Concert Band, orchestra and wind ensemble. She also participates in Mad Caps, and she acts as the historian of Tri-M Music Honors Society. Despite a condensed season with the band, Pacosa was encouraged by the school community and its response to the pandemic protocols and regulations.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“I think everybody for the most part really obeyed the restrictions we had, especially in person doing Marching Band,” she said. “It’s not the season that we wanted, but with everything that’s happening with the world and the state … I think that we did a really good job.” When Sieradzki considers the state of the world - and how the students, teachers and administration expected the shutdown to end in a few weeks - he credits the teachers. “Last year especially, but even this year, many teachers have really renovated everything they’ve done,” said Sieradzki. “It’s really obvious that they’ve done it to teach in this new environment, especially since it’s so foreign to them.”

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“[Learning] over a computer screen is a completely different experience, especially because technology can limit what teachers do, such as labs for science class,” Angelina Pacosa said. “I feel that I have picked up technological skills, though.” “It’s a big undertaking for them, I recognize,” he added, “and many of them have done it very well.” Like Pacosa, Sieradzki found the transition to Distance Learning a bit of a learning curve in itself. For the junior, Sieradzki’s primary obstacles were not unlike those of other students around the country - motivation and time management. “I think that holding myself accountable and time management were the biggest [challenges], especial-

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

ly last school year when I was expecting to go back at some point,” he said. “There would be work assigned on Sunday night and then due the next Sunday night, [so I had to] balance it through the week to not feel overwhelmed by the weekend.” Both juniors agreed that there is definitely a loss in terms of the social element. Pacosa went on to add that

although it was difficult not seeing the friends who you only interact with in school, it was at least possible to maintain some form of virtual communication. “I think we’ve all found ways to stay in touch with friends and family,” she said. Looking ahead to their senior year, Pacosa and Sieradzki are hopeful for some semblance of normalcy. As far as Sieradzki is concerned, he is optimistic that by the end of senior year it’ll pretty much be normal, if not close to that. He added that as it gets warmer, he is also hopeful that things they missed out on will start to come back. Similarly, Pacosa’s hopes for her senior year are a good Marching Band season, even with the restrictions, and that she will be able to stay on top of her academics and apply for college. As far as words of encouragement, the juniors both emphasized perseverance. “Just keep trying,” said Pacosa. “It gets really hard at times, especially being away from people, friends and family, but as long as you keep going, it will get better.” Sieradzki also encouraged others to stay connected with their loved ones as much as possible. “Keep in contact with your friends and people that you know because they can and will help you,” said Sieradzki.

Covid Lane Change If Kerry Archer is known for anything, it is not for being short-sighted. The CHS senior recognizes that plans may need to change and she is willing to put in the extra work to make sure that she makes the most of her education and future endeavors. Such is true for the senior because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although Archer originally planned to attend a trade school next year for automotive repair, she is considering waiting rather than possibly learning in a remote setting. “My plans for the future have definitely changed,” said Archer, 17. “I don’t know if I want to pay for college to be online.” Still, Archer is not completely against online learning. In fact, she found that although she strives in a group work setting, remote learning has helped her learn how to work on her own more. A concern, though, is her area of interest. When Clifton returned for a few weeks of hybrid learning in October, Archer returned because she was taking an automotive class. At home, she said, it was much more challenging given that there was

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Swim team manager Kerry Archer with coach Brittany Yanetti, Nicholas Abraham and Keely Lopez. At right, School 2 students Sebastian and Gabriel helped show their kindness by conducting a food drive.

not a lot they could work on without having the cars in front of them. If anything, the pandemic has opened her mind to the different possibilities that await her once she leaves the halls of Colfax Avenue. “I was kind of set on just one [plan] … but then I realized that maybe this isn’t the industry that I really want to go into when I don’t know what I’ll have access to actually learning,” said Archer. “So, I got more of an idea of all the different options because at this time, you really have to search everything because you don’t know what’ll happen next year.” Archer’s focus and discipline does not go unnoticed by those around her. Brittany Yanetti, a gym teacher and the CHS swim coach, admires Archer’s commitment on all levels. “I love how reliable she is [as student manager],” said Yanetti. “She’s always willing to help and come to practice every day or a meet with a positive attitude.” Yanetti also approves of Archer weighing her future options. She said that she and Archer have spoken about college because Archer is contemplating community college as an option. Yanetti similarly said that she attended a county college before later transferring to a four-year school. “I really appreciate that she’s thinking about her options, especially moving forward and paying for col-

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

lege,” said Yanetti. “It might all be virtual and she understands that … and I appreciate that she looks at the bigger picture and doesn’t just jump into situations.” Above all else, Archer offers some simple advice to her peers. “Find what motivates you,” she said, “and try to connect that to everything you have to get done.”

Kindness & Respect Learning to make the best out of an unusual situation is something that CHS seniors are incredibly experienced with doing by now. For Nicholas Abraham and Keely Lopez, finding the positives is what keeps them motivated in a less-than-typical senior year of high school. For the soon-to-be graduating Mustangs, the key is looking ahead and not to the past. “These times are unfortunate, but we just have to make [do] with what we have and keep on moving forward,” said Abraham, 17. “We can’t keep on thinking about what could’ve been - forget about [that] and look at what is now and move forward from that.” Speaking separately, Lopez echoed that sentiment. She also stressed the importance of reaching out to others and spreading kindness as much as possible. “Any moment you can, be kind to others,” said Lopez, 17, “because you never know what someone is going through.”

This year’s group of seniors are certainly experiencing their final year in a way that is even more unique from those who graduated in 2020. As Lopez acknowledged, last year’s seniors did get a chance to experience the early memories of senior year, like their last high school homecoming, before heading into lockdown. Today, with uncertainty surrounding events such as prom, looking beyond high school is the best course of action for the seniors. For Abraham, the future sees him attending the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. There, he will major in jazz performance with a minor in film scoring. Meanwhile, Lopez still needs to make a decision - she will either attend Seton Hall University or Hofstra University. However, like Abraham, she knows exactly what she plans to study. “I’m going into nursing,” she said. “Even before the pandemic, I always wanted to go into the medical field, but I was undecided on what I wanted to do.” “Now with the pandemic, it’s very seen that nurses are very important,” she continued. “So that definitely had a major impact.”

Recently there was a situation in the stock market where a number of stocks saw their value change dramatically in a rather short period of time. These wide swings in value apparently were a result of investors who get at least some of their advice from an online source. Although online investment advice may seem new, people have been subscribing to newsletters on investing for a long time. The problem was some people may have lost a lot of money (and some people doubtlessly made a lot of money) by these volatile price changes. I think the problem is not getting investment advice from a newsletter or an online source. I think the problem is how people are approaching investing in the stock market. Too many seem to treat investing like a sports competition of some sort, or worse, like a game of chance. They want to “win”. They are looking for the short term, timing the market result. People look for the next stock that is going to shoot up in value, so they can then sell it at just the right time and make a windfall. I believe you shouldn’t do this. Investing successfully in the stock market is usually a slow game. It means finding companies that are well run, have low and manageable debt, make a profit, provide a service or product that is used by a wide range of the population and perhaps pay a dividend. Finding these companies and investing in them for the long term is usually a better formula for success in the stock market. Stocks can be a good long-term part of your investment portfolio. I believe you shouldn’t look for the quick win. It can just as easily be a quick loss, and maybe a big one!

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Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

New City, New School Changing schools toward the end of your high school career is never easy. Arianna Dubas knows that, but said moving from Lodi to Clifton in her junior year was made easier by the city she now calls home. “When junior year happened, Clifton was a great community for me,” said Dubas, 18. “There are so many different types of people I met here and it was so easy for me to make friends.” Then the coronavirus pandemic happened. While it helped having the groundwork from her first several months at CHS, it became difficult to make any new friends. Making friends when you’re in online classes, she said, is not as easy or natural as doing so in-person. Remote learning comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, asking a teacher a question in person is more comfortable face-to-face. Moreover, shortened class periods, she said, is something a lot of people had to get used to this last year. “Being in class is very tough now,” she said. “You need a lot of motivation and it’s really hard to become motivated, especially if you’re comfortable in your own home. I learn better in school, personally.” What motivates her is working during the afternoons at Colonial Pharmacy. Dubas starts at 2 pm and takes calls and informs the pharmacist if anyone needs to speak to them. Along with keeping her active, it is a job that aligns with her future pursuits. “I want to go into nursing, so being occupied is what I like doing,” she explained. “Doing homework and studying is what I like to do. Not just relaxing at home.” At CHS, she is involved in the pre-med club, which she said helped encourage her. During the past year, the club has met on Google Meet and were joined by people who work in hospitals, talking about their professional experiences. For Dubas, the current state of the world does not discourage her from pursuing a career as a nurse. She said that she thought it out and determined that she really enjoys helping people. Although COVID-19 is here for the foreseeable future, she said that any job will come with its set of challenges. The important thing, she added, is persevering. “Don’t give up, even if it’s hard,” said Dubas. “This is only one obstacle, and we will make it through together.”

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

The Social Paladin Social interaction is a part of all our lives, but a year of lockdowns and remote learning have made us all get creative in how we interact. For Paramus Catholic senior Gabriel Bulacan, it was seeing his friends that encouraged him to stay hybrid for the first half of the school year. At Paramus Catholic, he said, students were given two options: go hybrid where you learn half the week in school and half at home, or opt to go fully virtual. Bulacan found the decision in the beginning was an easy one. “I wanted to see everyone,” said Bulacan, 17. “But as time went on, it seemed that more people opted to go virtual. I saw no point in going into an empty school,” he added, “so I opted to go fully virtual as well and it was when COVID cases were going up in December and January, so that was another factor as well.” Despite missing the in-person daily interactions, Bulacan has found that he can more easily concentrate while learning from home. Additionally, becoming more independent in his learning has given him a preview of how to manage his time well and set a schedule once he is in college. The senior has not yet decided where he will attend, but he hopes to study either engineering or applied math. As for staying in contact with his friends, he has found that applications like Discord or FaceTime are highly beneficial for voice and video chatting. “I’ve been pretty lucky compared to other people,” said Bulacan. “I think a lot of other people who

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Effie Kelso, at left, and Megan Graziano have adapted to teaching complicated lessons online.

are more introverted or don’t feel comfortable taking the initiative [to start a video call] - they must feel a lot more isolated.” For that reason, Bulacan encouraged helping others, especially because you never know when you may also need help from a friend. “Your friends are a lot more willing to help you than you might think,” he said. “You just have to ask for help, and I’m sure there are plenty of people who are willing to give it out.”

Support & Teamwork While students spent the last year adjusting to learning from home, many teachers dealt with the reality that they would meet many of their students for the first time through a screen. It was an undeniably surreal and, at times, difficult teaching environment. Still, it was also an environment that CHS teachers Megan Graziano and Effie Kelso said allowed for innovative teaching. Graziano teaches ninth grade Honors Biology and said that a significant challenge was how connecting with students took more time. Unlike in years past, teachers and students were unable to chat in the hallway before classes. “It’s not that there’s no connection, but … we had to approach it differently,” said Graziano, 36. “It was challenging, but there are also really cool new things that I’ve

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

learned and implemented that I wouldn’t have if not for virtual instruction.” For instance, Graziano, who is also the STEM Academy advisor, was able to incorporate more guest speakers into her lessons. The students have virtually met a physician’s assistant, a surgeon, a nursing student, a mechanical engineer, and even a vertebrate paleontologist. Graziano said that these virtual guest speaking sessions are optional, but they receive a great turnout of sometimes 40 to 50 students. What makes them easier now than ever before is that some of the speakers are from different states around the country. “It’s something that they find intriguing and they learn a lot,” said Graziano. “They come and ask great questions.” “I get great responses from them thanking me and saying, ‘I learned so much’, ‘I didn’t know this job existed’, ‘This is making me think more of the future,’” she continued. Kelso, who teaches Algebra and Algebra II Honors, is also choosing to focus on the positives. While she recognizes the reality that student engagement is a challenge and it is preferable to be in front of the students to see their work progress, there are also work-related benefits. One of these benefits is the emphasis on technology and the different programs that students can now use for lessons like graphing. DeltaMath is one of the programs that Kelso likes and she said the technology will be useful in the future.

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

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“My son is in eighth grade and speaking as a mother, these kids are learning some new skills they wouldn’t learn otherwise, like how to communicate,” said CCMS teacher Donna Minervini, who does not believe that the future for students is as dire as some present it. “It’s good going forward having all of these resources … and not so much paper and pencil,” said Kelso, 30. “I think the technological aspect is more engaging for students and prepares them for online classes in college.” Overall, both teachers are encouraged for the future in their respective subject areas. As far as schools re-opening, they both agreed separately that the academics and catching students up are not as much a concern as providing the essential social and emotional support. From Kelso’s perspective, the year lost in terms of socialization is incredibly important to address, particularly in younger students. “These kids learn from socializing with other younger kids and teachers,” said Kelso. “The main focus should be maybe creating events that students can do to get together with friends.” As for Graziano, she suggested perhaps refreshment training for teachers on knowing the signs when a student is suffering from anxiety or depression. She also emphasized that it is important to reach out to families so they can also keep an eye out for any warning signs. “I feel that education should be viewed as teamwork,” said Graziano. “If families are concerned, I hope that they understand the school has resources that they’re able to reach out to as well.” Donna Minervini acknowledges that Distance Learning has its pros and cons, but at the end of the day, it’s not the same as in-person instruction. Minervini primarily teaches art to the seventh graders at CCMS, but she also teaches across all three grade levels. “The biggest thing is supplies. Some kids can’t get them and we can’t provide everything,” said Minervini. “I can’t work as big a scale as we like to do. When teach-

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

CCMS teacher Donna Minervini and her son, Anthony Paul.

ing in-person, I worked very large - 18x24, 24x36 - and now it’s 8x10 or 9x12, which is tough.” Still, she continued, the students are getting it and she thinks that they are enjoying the lessons. Perhaps more than anything, the pandemic has required Minervini to reevaluate the way that art can successfully be taught. During the past year, she said that she needed to learn what she described as “a lifetime’s worth of technology information in a short amount of time.” But, over time, she said that she has come to see the undeniable advantages despite the tactile shortfalls. “I’m a purist, and most artists are and we’re adverse to the computer,” she said. “But there is a new appreciation for it on my end because I never thought that you could teach art in this way, yet it’s pretty successful for what it is.” Despite the loss of hands-on experience, as well as large scale and multimedia experience, Minervini does not believe that the future for students is as dire as some present it. “My son is in eighth grade and speaking as a mother, these kids are learning some new skills they wouldn’t learn otherwise, like how to communicate,” said Minervini. “[The kids] are losing things, don’t get me wrong,” she continued. “There are kids suffering and mental health is a large issue, but for the most part … kids are so resilient.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Juggling Work & Home Working from home and making sure that your children are on track is a reality many educators have faced throughout the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to striking that balance, Laura Zagorski perhaps said it best. “The struggle of the juggle is real,” she laughed. Zagorski, School 17’s principal, is like many parents in that the last year is not what she ever expected for her three children. For her daughter, Josephine, a seventh grader at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and her sons, Matthew and Nicholas, respectively in fifth and second grade at School 5, they have all missed out on opportunities that only come around School 11 teacher Sandra Martinique with her daughters, from left, Stella, Elizabeth, and Kassandra. Below, School 17 prinonce. cipal Laura Zagorski with her kids. For Josephine, the majority of her middle school experience thus far was from behind a screen. Separately, Matthew was selected for Safety Patrol and Nicholas “should be with his classmates and running around the schoolyard.” Despite the departure from the norm, what helps is seeing the ways that her children have grown and developed new skills during the past year. Zagorski gives credit to all the Clifton teachers and staff. “I think a really commendable piece for students and staff is that we have become so advanced in technology, unlike how I ever could’ve imagined we would be,” said Zagorski, 42. “Before this past year, my youngest wouldn’t have been able to navigate a Chromebook.” “Was it baptism by fire? Perhaps,” continued Zagorski, “but they’re doing it and they’re doing it well. ty adjusting to sitting there for long periods of time. I wish more people would see those positives that Even so, Martinique sees the development of the skills came out of it because they are trying their best.” that her children gained over the last nearly 12 months. Zagorski is not the only parent or Clifton educator “I feel that they’re much more capable of doing onwho recognizes that progress. School 11 Reading Interline things than they had been last year at this time,” vention BSI Teacher Sandra Martinique is a mother to said Martinique, 40. “I’m amazed at how much even a three daughters in the school district. first grader can navigate websites, and my daughter was Martinique said that the biggest challenge of the panputting pictures on a chat, which amazed me because I demic was making sure all of her students were on track, couldn’t even do that a year ago and she’s doing it in first as well as her daughters. For her eldest, Elizabeth, who grade.” is in the seventh grade, Martinique said that it was easier “It’s going to help them in the future because they are because she is self-sufficient, and it was largely the same already very comfortable with things like typing on the for her daughter Stella in the fifth grade. However, her keyboard.” daughter Kassandra in the first grade had greater difficul-

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

The Show Will Go On

Drama and the performing arts may thrive best when done in person, but CHS Mustangs are up to any creative challenge. When speaking to Lisa Poggi and David Arts over a Google Meet, the respective CHS spring musical director and November non-musical play director are encouraged by the resiliency of student performers. The last year was not straightforward either. Last March, the curtain was set to rise on the spring musical “9 to 5” when they found out that weekend that it would be canceled. While students were able to perform that Friday night for teachers and the show was recorded for CHS’ archives, it was essentially the start of needing to re-evaluate how they can perform. “It’s going pretty well keeping drama going with the Google Meet format,” said Poggi, 41. “We’re doing the same things that we would’ve been doing in school.” Poggi went on to add that while human contact is preferable, there are some benefits to remote learning. For instance, there are beginning students who are more eager to participate behind a smaller screen. These are often the ones who were quiet or a little shy in the classroom.

Looking ahead, both Poggi and Arts were recently given the green light to proceed with their respective shows. While they cannot do the shows in the traditional onstage format, there are plans to build an outdoor structure for the spring musical. Meanwhile, the previously delayed November play, “Twelve Angry Jurors” will be filmed in a Google Meet format, edited and then uploaded to YouTube. “The opening credits will be like ‘The Brady Bunch,’” quipped Arts, 62. “It’ll be more like ‘Twelve Angry Faces.’” The saving grace, he said, is the fact that although the play is physically confrontational in nature, there are also limited wide shots as the story reaches the climax. “It lends itself to this kind of venue,” explained Arts. “The film had close ups as the arguments got more heated. It generally shows the face of the person barking. In that sense, we have that going for us.” While some students may be reluctant to pursue the performing arts for the first time given the uncertainty of the pandemic, both teachers offer advice for anyone on the fence. “When you get a mic in your hand or you’re lucky enough to be

The cast of “Twelve Angry Jurors.” From bottom left and working clockwise, Catherine Farrell, Sarah Siano, Nevaly Placencia, Mauricio Tuiran, Angelina Reyes, Aidan Robinson, Briana Vinci, Olivia Coronel. See bottom of next page for more cast photos.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Back To The Classroom As a parent, Carl Rossi is not alone in his belief that children belong in classrooms. As a father of four, Rossi sees firsthand how a remote education can change the performance of a previously high-performing student. The change can be gradual or occur rapidly, but in either circumstance requires a hands-on approach. “It’s tough. The issue they’re having is they don’t have that connection with the teachers,” said Rossi. “I’m not slamming the teachers because I think they’re doing a great job with what they have, but the in-classroom connection is very important.” Rossi also noticed that during Clifton Public Schools Distance Learning, it is more difficult for children to ask questions. Adding onto that, he said the attention spans suffer and there is an overall loss of student focus. “It’s difficult for kids to ask questions because they feel awkward doing that over a Google Classroom meeting,” said Rossi. For many families, what it comes down to is setting aside time to directly address the issues. Rossi has found that includes sitting with your child and making sure he or she is organized. Another part of it is reassuring a child that there is no need to feel bad about asking for help.

Carl Rossi at center with his sons Giuseppe and Michael.

Ultimately, the main solution comes from finding a way to get children back in school. By doing so, Rossi said, the important social aspect of school also returns and children are also able to ask their peers for help. Despite the months of remote learning, Rossi emphasized that the guidance counselors and teachers were invaluable resources. “The teachers are very responsive. They’re in a hard position as well as the kids,” said Rossi. “Everyone is trying to do the best that they can.” “The teachers are there to help,” he continued. “They want to see students succeed.”

More Cast of “Twelve Angry Jurors.” Ian Kearney, Michael Da Silva, Amelia Wysoczanski, Rayven Hidalgo, Gavin Cornejo.

on stage or in this streaming [setting], you get to say cool lines or sing and dance,” said Arts. “The form may not be perfect right now, but you’re … still entertaining America.” Poggi agreed, emphasizing the bonds that form when you meet other students who have different paths, but

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

are coming together with a common interest. “Ask any student in the play or musical,” said Poggi, “and they’ll say that it was the most fun experience and that they made friends who will last for a long time, if not a lifetime.” No doubt their artistic endeavors in these Covid times will be talked about at many reunions.

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Orchestrated Learning

The Marching Mustangs may be stepping to a different beat these days, but Bryan Stepneski is grateful for the performance season the Showband of the Northeast was able to have in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. The CHS Band Director said that the last year was largely experimental. The band needed to find what worked for them in terms of doing virtual rehearsals. Despite a modified band season where they only played home games, he said the students still brought their dedication, as well as their talent. “I will say, I was very nervous about our first rehearsal in August,” said Stepneski (CHS 2009). “It was the first time that we made music together as a group in about six months, which is a much longer break than anyone should take.” “My expectations were very low, [but] we hit it from the first note and it sounded like the kids had not taken a day off,” Stepneski continued. “It was the most incredible thing.” Of course challenges surfaced. The group, like anyone else, faced their share of difficulties. As far as the rehearsal process, Stepneski, 30, admitted that it was tough not hearing the group performing at once. Due to that, it took some extra time to identify what needs work and to pinpoint the strengths. Now in his fifth school year at CHS, Stepneski said that it required “substantial extra planning” because students needed to record their music, submit it, and then he needed to play it back before sending them feedback.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

While he is not worried about the band losing much since the students are hard workers, the other noted difficulty is recruitment. Added onto that is the increased challenge educators are facing teaching a child to play an instrument for the first time through a screen. Even so, he expressed hope for the future. “The biggest effect was on the number of incoming ninth graders. There were fewer new band members than there usually would be, but we’re retaining close to 100%,” said Stepneski. “I’m optimistic for the coming year. I think kids and parents will be eager to get involved in something.” Stepneski also emphasized the band’s gratitude for the continued support of the community and the Mustang Band parent organization. The community, he said, were eager to show the band their support on social media by leaving positive comments on last year’s videos. Similarly, the band did better than expected in terms of fundraising. Likewise, Stepneski acknowledged how the parents got involved immediately when he mentioned a need for musician masks. “So many asked, ‘How can I help?’” he said. “We actually had a team of parent volunteers come together to make uniform performance masks, all free and donated, and it was done in a record amount of time in under two weeks. It was such a generous use of their time to help the band look its best and to be as safe as possible.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

The Hybrid Arts

The coronavirus pandemic may have changed how we interact with each other and see the world, but it has also influenced the way we experience the arts. Although different mediums experienced different changes and challenges, the arts also grew in more innovative ways that were previously unimaginable. If you’re still skeptical, all you need to do is ask the ones engaging with musicians and artists on a daily basis. Jason Leshowitz (top of page left) is one of those people. The Clifton Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts supervisor sees the changes as a great opportunity to explore untapped student potential. “From a music technology standpoint, kids are more invested in the process of putting concerts together,” said Leshowitz, 47. “By using the Easy Virtual Choir app, kids are the ones who are doing submissions.” “They are more of a stakeholder in the process,” he added, “and they get to enjoy the finished product even more.” Leshowitz, who became the VPA supervisor in August of 2013, is a former elementary strings teacher and then later was a CCMS strings teacher. The changes to how children learn are something that he thinks will “prepare them for the new world that we’ll find ourselves a part of.” For instance, a room which previously served solely as an environment for singing now may also focus on music theory and appreciation. “We found that there are kids who are great composers, and that may not have come out in the past because we were more focused on the performance aspect,” said Leshowitz. Gary Sabak, Paramus Catholic’s Fine Arts department coordinator, also witnessed the way the past year 30 March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

of remote and hybrid learning changed the way the arts are expressed. Although the undeniable reality is that the arts thrive through in-person instruction, Sabak, seen above next to Paramus Catholic orchestra students, noted the ways that the Paladins strove to maintain their performance skills, as well as optimism for a post-COVID musical world. “Our many sections of music classes engaged in a project called, ‘What inspired you?’ which featured presentations by each student, discussing the music or instrument that inspired them to continue their musical education,” said Sabak, 64. Throughout the past year, and prior to the pandemic, maintaining the wellness of students took top priority at Paramus Catholic. The high school’s Student Wellness Program was launched four years ago as part of the school’s overarching philosophy. “[The program] emphasizes a holistic approach toward our students and faculty,” stated Dr. Stephanie Macaluso, Paramus Catholic’s principal. “We believe that an individual’s maximum potential is achieved through the combination of a healthy mind, body and spirit,” she offered. Certainly, the potential of the Paladins were tended to in the past year by finding alternative ways to perform. For some, it perhaps was the fact that the Marching Paladins, pictured above, were at least able to enjoy a shortened season and could entertain fans at the school’s home games. The Paladins also produced a Christmas Concert, featuring “many of our finest instrumentalists and singers.” The virtual program included seasonal drawings, paintings, and photos from PC’s Fine Arts classes.

Among the art venues changing what they do this year is the Passaic County Film Festival. Several Clifton people are among the contributors, including PCTI’s Samantha Olsen and CHS senior Max Rubin with his mom Jacquelyn, brother Gabriel and dad Josh. The family often plays a part in the acting and production of films by Max. See page 34 for more details.

For Sabak, seeing the way the pandemic has altered the arts programs was extremely painful, especially given that he built the school’s program. However, he remains steadfast that the arts are a crucial and enduring element of any child’s education. “It’s a known fact, and I’ve seen it in our own school, that kids involved in performing arts have always been students that excel in all areas of education,” he said. “Performing arts students tend to be high achievers scholastically across the board.”

“It’s the engagement of the student both in their personal play and team effort that’s required to put a band, musical or choral presentation together,” added Sabak. “It’s a type of camaraderie and teamwork that is unparalleled in any other discipline in a school setting.” Leshowitz echoed Sabak’s sentiment, saying technology developments and teaching practices should endure even in the years to come. “We’re seeing how musicians and artists are more well-rounded, and I see that continuing even after the pandemic ends,” said Leshowitz.

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Among the many events adapting to the pandemic is the 17th Annual Passaic County Film Festival. The annual film festival will showcase winning films in a drive-in on April 24 at 7 pm at Passaic County Preakness Valley Golf Course, 209 Totowa Rd. in Wayne. To attend register at: passaiccountynj.org/filmfestival. Among the festival applicants are several who reside in Clifton. Although the judges are still reviewing all entries and the films written about here are not selected as winners or as films that will be screened, here is a preview of what some Cliftonites created this past year.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Max Rubin, various Short Films CHS senior Max Rubin turned the camera on himself in his new films. He highlights his strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and future. Rubin is a proud member of the CHS CAST Program. From a young age, Rubin knew he wanted to one day make films. Rubin spent three years at CHS studying film in CAST. The senior also participated in a summer filmmaking class at Montclair Film and plans to major in film in college.

Among the Cliftonites who contributed films to the festival, from left: Jozmarie Irizarry, Asia Brown, Max Rubin and Pat Ceasar.

Rubin entered four films into the PC Film Festival. “I’m Angry” tells the story of a teenage boy named Manny Mason. While working on an English assignment, Manny experiences a sudden intense feeling of rage and feels like he’s losing control of his mind. “Brother” is a silent film about two brothers with a profound feeling of love for one another. The two siblings are inseparable and the thought of losing the other would hurt too much. Rubin’s brother Gabriel stars alongside him, and the film is inspired by their relationship. “The 10 Step Program” introduces 17-year-old Steven after a near death experience who develops a severe case of PTSD. The film looks at the way Steven’s mental illness affects not only himself, but his entire family. “Mind of a Worrier” is a silent film that tells an abstract story about a boy in blue, a boy in red, and a woman in green. Samantha Olson, “Stutterboy” Samantha Olson’s film tells the story of an introverted boy with a severe stutter. As the story progresses, the boy forms a friendship with the town delinquent, who changes his life forever. Olson, a PCTI student, produced and directed the film. The film also includes Clifton resident Jake Chuako. Olson acknowledged that like all teenagers, the film’s protagonist is introverted and has feelings of not belonging.“I wanted this coming-of-age film to capture the reality of teenage insecurities and self-love struggles,” said Olson. “Especially in this day and age, it’s hard for someone growing into a young adult to feel confident and proud of who they are, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality. I wanted teenagers not only to sympathize with the characters, but to relate.”

Olson hopes to pursue a career on stage or in film. Her plan is to major in film during college and hopes that she can study abroad to learn more about other cultures. “Film is a beautiful way of storytelling and makes people think, feel, and perceive in different ways, which is why it inspires me everyday,” said Olson. Jozmarie Irizarry, “Stress Reliever” Jozmarie Irizarry hopes that her short film informs and explains the modern day emotions of some teenagers. The PCTI student said that with quarantine and sickness consuming the world’s focus, she wants to bring attention to other issues. “Many people experience mental health issues and very few seek professional attention for it,” said Irizarry. “I wanted to encourage others to seek help if they needed it.” Irizarry added that she has a history with mental health. After receiving help, she decided to use her knowledge to create art that could reach others. She said that “Stress Reliever” shows the emotions people Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

keep hidden and how some people look for distractions. For instance, the protagonist shows how she was able to “relieve her stress” through art. “At the end of my film,” said Irizarry. “I make it known that if someone did feel a slight connection to this character that they would seek help if they could or at least find something to make themselves feel better.” Asia Brown, “1980’s Horror Film” PCTI student Asia Brown filmed a music video to the song, “1980s Horror Film II” by Wallows. The video follows teenagers Braedon and Jamie. Braedon has feelings for Jamie and thinks something will happen between them when Jamie invites him to her house when her parents are not home. However, Braedon discovers he was invited to watch a 1980s Horror Film. “Throughout the movie, Braedon daydreams about what a relationship with Jamie would be like and he works up the nerve to make a move on her,” said Brown. “Once he gets the courage to make a move on her, Jamie interrupts and reveals some news to Braedon that was not expected.” Brown is waiting for application status updates to determine college plans. Even so, Brown plans to major in film at any college. “I have always wanted to work in the film industry since the fifth grade when I read a book about George Lucas, and this passion of mine has stuck with me ever since,” said Brown. “Since going to Passaic County Technical Institute and choosing Video Production as my shop course, my interest in film has grown even more.” “With everything I have learned and all of the projects I have been able to create, the urge to go to film school has just grown stronger.” Pat Ceasar, various PSAs Independent filmmaker Pat Ceasar rounds out the Clifton residents who submitted projects to the festival. Ceasar’s submission “COVID-ROULETTE” is an “edgy, impactful message” on wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of the film is to shock and speak directly to those who are not wearing masks. The PSA touches on how not wearing a mask affects those around you and not just you, the person not wearing one.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Samantha Olson, inset and at right, again with camera on location on Washington and Fifth aves. shooting Stutter Boy.

“LIFE SAVER” is a “fun, impactful PSA” about why it is important to wear a mask during the pandemic. Ceasar’s second project is meant to be “light and uplifting while speaking to those who are currently not wearing masks.” “I have created these PSAs to build awareness on lifesaving mask wearing,” said Ceasar. “I intend to submit them to film festivals, put them on social media and purchase some ad time on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.” “I wish I could have run them [during] the Super Bowl, but I was short the $5 million.” Ceasar is an artist and storyteller who attended the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley College. She started her Boston career in advertising as an art director in political advertising. Later, she transferred to consumer advertising in NYC. Ceasar’s acting credits include “Orange is the New Black”, “Louie”, and “Law & Order SVU”, among others. Her full résumé is available at www.patceasar.com. Her recent projects are political shorts and PSAs, and she credits her vast experience in making these projects possible. “If you have a story to tell,” said Ceasar, “you will find a way.” This program is made possible, in part, by a grant administered by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. To register for the Drive-In or for details on the Passaic County Film Festival, call 973-569-4720 write to film@ passaiccountynj.org or on the web: passaiccountynj.org. On April 24, see the final films on YouTube by searching Passaic County Film Commission.

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Clifton Health

The Early Days & Front Lines of Public Health: The story of Stu Palfreyman By Ariana Puzzo

Stu Palfreyman in Vietnam where he was a US Army Capt. and one of 12 environmental sanitarians in the embattled nation. At right, his wife JoAnne Conserva who was an RN for five decades.

During the age of COVID-19, technology shapes the way that we do everything, and the Clifton Health Department is no exception. Whether the health department facilitates Swift911 reverse calls or strives to get residents registered for vaccinations through an online portal, it all comes down to Stu Palfreyman’s original vision. The vision of Clifton’s first health officer included the understanding that computerizing the way they did their work would only be to the community’s benefit. “A lot of the things that he did are still in place,” said his wife, JoAnne (Conserva) Palfreyman. “But computerizing the Health Department took a lot of extra work. He became one of the first to computerize dog licensing and other functions of the health department.” As Clifton’s first health officer, Palfreyman served in the role from 1971 to 1995. The CHS 1962 graduate was tapped for the role by then City Manager William Holster. At the time, Palfreyman recently graduated with a master’s degree in Environmental Health, and he and JoAnne moved back to Clifton, where they remain today.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Holster, who JoAnne said was searching for a health officer and knew about her husband’s credentials, hired him for the role. “[Stu] had worked for Clifton since he was a teenager. He started at the DPW in high school, then the dog pound, and then became the health officer,” said JoAnne. “That’s how Mr. Holster knew him, because he had worked for the town and kept tabs on him,” she continued. “When he realized [Stu would] be useful as a member of the government, he reached out to him.” The Road Back Home For the two 1962 graduates, the journey back home to Clifton was much storied and not without intrigue. But before that, they were a couple of kids who considered “split sessions” a way of life while attending school as the last graduating class from the “old high school.” Palfreyman, 76, who grew up in the Lakeview section, attended School 11 and School 7, which no longer exists. Meanwhile, JoAnne, 76, lived on the corner of Harding

Both Stu Palfreyman and JoAnne Conserva graduated CHS ‘62. They were married in 1966.

Avenue and 7th Street and attended School 3 and the former School 10. It was during CHS psychology class when the couple’s nearly 60-year story began. “Mr. Kellner decided to change some seats in class,” said JoAnne. “This tall, handsome ‘jock’ was assigned the seat behind me. After much persuasion, I agreed to a first date to attend a basketball game. That was Dec. 7, 1961.” JoAnne described their relationship and feelings for one another as committed from the start. “I went to his track meets to watch him throw the discus, and he drove me to work in the ’56 Chevy,” she said. “It had a column shift and he taught me how to drive that challenging car. I have always been grateful for that skill.” After the couple graduated, JoAnne said that Palfreyman thought that his future was with the military. However, first he would attend East Tennessee State College while she studied at a local nursing school. Although it meant the couple was separated for the first time, he would drive 13 hours to come home when there was a five-day break. Additionally, he worked as a “dog catcher” for Clifton during the summers.

It was around Valentine’s Day in 1966 that the couple got engaged, and they planned to wed on Sept. 11, 1966. However, the bubble of newlywed bliss popped when they left for Palfreyman’s graduation in Tennessee and he received his draft notice. “We had a wonderful wedding and a honeymoon in Cape Cod, then we came home to face the awful reality that he would be going into the Army and probably to Vietnam,” said JoAnne. However, the Army ended up delaying Palfreyman’s deployment for nine months, expressing an interest in his college degree in Environmental Health.

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Clifton Health While waiting, he worked as a sanitarian in East Orange. Then, he received the word that he would be given a direct commission of 2nd Lieutenant and was to report to Fort Sam Houston in Texas for basic training. While in Texas for six weeks, the couple waited for orders, which she described as “scary times for a 23-year-old just starting out.” Ultimately, those orders would take them to an Army Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. “Neither one of us had been At Stu’s retirement dinner from Clifton Health in 1995. From rear left: Janice Hoogmoed, Bob Boyle, Dr. E. Unay, Mike Ahmadi, Jane Scarfo, Fran DeVos, Anita Wodziak, out of the U.S., so this was an Dr. Kenith Nevard, Ceil Schweighardt, Vicky Kaufman, Nancy Bonica, Dot DeLiberto, adventure,” said JoAnne. “Our Stu Palfreyman, Dr. S. Ghanem, John Biegel, Sandra Imperato, Tina Zanni. accommodations were ‘on the economy’, which means you sanitary issues on the base and outposts. It meant flying live in housing that is owned by German landlords and in helicopters, living with Agent Orange, and encounternot on base, so we got the full experience of being among ing burn pits, red mud or dust and intense heat. the people of our host country.” Once they returned to the U.S., the next assignment When JoAnne thinks about those early years together, was Fort Sam Houston, and since they were familiar with she reflects that their time abroad and apart from their San Antonio, JoAnne said they were glad to return. From families ultimately worked in their favor. That time, in that point, the couple “put our lives on restart … and got many ways, served their relationship by making the coupregnant.” However, the Army also wanted him to reenple stronger. list and offered to promote him to Major. “I’ve often said that we were very young, but it was “As it turned out, he was the first of 12 recruits that almost a blessing that we were separated from family for had his job title, and he was an asset. We had hard decia while so that we could get to know each other and had sions to make, ultimately opting for a return to Tennessee to deal with some difficult times, and I think that made to get a Masters in Environmental Health,” said JoAnne. our marriage a lot stronger,” she said. “[He was] also the first to receive that degree, from East “It was scary at first being so young and being placed Tennessee University.” in a situation where we didn’t speak the language and Palfreyman was honorably discharged with a Bronze having to make our own way,” she continued. “It made Star and a Purple Heart in 1970. The couple had their us rely on each other so much more.” first born, Scott (CHS 1988), in Johnson City, Tennessee. Eventually, the mentality changed, but so did their Then, once they moved back to Clifton to be near famisituation. Eventually, Palfreyman became a Captain and ly, they had their daughter, LeighAnn Kwiecinski (CHS they were awaiting new orders, only to find out that he 1992) was deployed to Vietnam. As JoAnne described it, “Fear Re-establishing their roots in Clifton was a no-brainer set in that day and stayed until Jan. 10, 1970 when he for the couple. returned.” “My family and his family … all lived in Clifton,” For the large part of it, he was in Pleiku, where he was said JoAnne. “We love our community.” in charge of environmental concerns like Malaria and

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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

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

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

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

Clifton Health

Palfreyman kids and grandkids: Scott, Ava, Lori, and Grace. At right, LeighAnn, George, Allison, Joseph, Emily.

Establishing a Modern Health Department After buying a house and settling in Clifton with their children, JoAnne described the Clifton Health Department as beginning to take shape. It did so through the introduction of multiple programs and services. “The Comprehensive Employment & Training Act Program allowed for hires in many areas to develop needed services,” said JoAnne. “Aside from dealing with health issues, like Swine flu, SARS, and rabies, there were clinics added, new training, and needed employment.” Palfreyman also took EMT training and became Emergency Management Director, Hazmat Team coordinator,

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

and worked with departments on projects throughout the city. His other contributions to the city that Palfreyman remains proud of included starting the Community Garden and opening the City Well to the public. When it came to computerizing dog licensing and other health department functions, JoAnne said that Palfreyman founded a computer company that allowed other health departments in New Jersey to have the same capabilities. “He also co-chaired the regional Health Fair at Hoffmann-La Roche and supervised preschool study, managed animal control, investigated chemical spills, air quality incidences all over the city, and upgraded

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

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Clifton Health

“I learned so much from both of them,” Biegel continued, speaking of Stu Palfreyman and Albert Greco. “I feel like when people are true leaders, you do pick up points here and there from them, and that’s what they were—true leaders.” the siren system, expanding his role and responsibilities to make Clifton safe.” Palfreyman’s many contributions to the city were not solely acknowledged by JoAnne. After leaving his role in Clifton, he became the Health Director for four towns, which were Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, and Springfield. Palfreyman officially retired in 2005. Still, former health officer Albert Greco and current health officer John Biegel noted Palfreyman’s influence in the years that followed. “I knew [Stu] professionally, and he was always known professionally as being innovative and very computer literate,” said Greco, who held the health officer role from 1996 to 2004. Biegel, who became health officer in 2004, echoed the sentiment that Palfreyman truly transformed the way they work in the department. Biegel’s involvement started with an internship in the Spring of 1988. Then, he did a full internship in the Spring of 1989. Eventually, Palfreyman hired him as a code enforcement person and when Biegel received his license in 1990, Palfreyman hired him as a registered environmental health specialist. It was in those years that Biegel witnessed the transformation of the health department. “When I first started, computers weren’t really in vogue and Stu had a computer and he felt it was very important that we start to computerize our department to work more efficiently,” said Biegel. “That sounds funny now,” he continued, “but then it was a big thing because he realized the importance of computers and how they could help us.”

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Biegel is quick to give credit both to Palfreyman and Greco for the profound effect watching them lead had on his own leadership abilities. From Palfreyman, he observed someone who was intelligent and technical and said that he “learned a lot of environmental information from him.” By watching Greco, he recognized the importance of getting out into the community and meeting individuals. “Stu was the first one to give me an opportunity to get into the public health field and that always stuck with me,” said Biegel. “I always try to give someone an opportunity and allow people to do internships here.” “I learned so much from both of them,” Biegel continued. “I feel like when people are true leaders, you do pick up points here and there from them, and that’s what they were - true leaders.” Today, the Palfreymans remain in Clifton. JoAnne describes their lives as “full with children and five grandchildren”, among many other close family and friends. Through all of life’s challenges, their strength as a couple is what made it possible. “We have been a united force with a strong bond that started nearly 60 years ago in a classroom at Clifton High School.” As far as their community involvement - whether his public health contributions or her active role in school activities such as chairing fundraisers and heading up school government committees - JoAnne said that none of it was over-thought. “I wouldn’t think we would do anything different had we been in any other community,” she said. “It seemed like a natural thing to do.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

THAT LIFE CHANGING DAY

FOR GARY GIARDINA How a near fatal accident led former Police Chief Gary Giardina to become an advocate for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. By Joseph Hawrylko On March 10, 1984, just past 3 am, Police Officer Gary Giardina responded to a call about an altercation involving occupants from two vehicles. He stopped both cars on Route 3 East near what was then the new Clifton Commons. Officer Carl Zoecklein arrived as backup. Routine stop. Standard procedure. But as any officer knows, even the seemingly normal scenes can quickly turn deadly. “Do you remember the Batman series on TV, when the lights spin when someone got hit?” laughed Giardina. “That’s all I remember from getting hit, just lights spinning around. The next thing I know, I’m lying on the ground, looking up.” Giardina, who was at the driverside door of the vehicle he pulled over, turned around to the lights of a speeding sports bearing down on him. He was clipped in the right leg, thrown violently into his partner’s cruiser before smashing into the pavement.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Paul Ogden, patrolling nearby on Passaic Ave., was the first to respond after hearing Zoecklein’s frantic officer down call blast over the radio. “I knew I was going into shock. I felt my body slowing down. Then (Ogden) covered me with a blanket and stayed with me there,” recalled Giardina. “I remember lying on the highway and I knew something was wrong with my arm. It was lying there like this across my chest and it was comfortable... except when I look down at my hand it was palm up.” The driver, who never stopped, hit Giardina with such force that he spun around and smashed his arm on fellow officer Carl Zoecklein’s cruiser, shattering his right elbow. Giardina’s right leg, which took the brunt of the collision in the thigh, did not suffer any breaks, but deep internal bleeding caused it to swell to more than twice the normal size.

Once admitted to St. Joe’s, doctors were immediately concerned with the injury to the leg. To reduce pressure, it was popped with an incision, spraying blood everywhere just moments before Giardina’s wife, Cindy, rushed into the ER. “I had just gotten married. Just under a year married and the phone rings at 3 am,” he recalled. “To tell you the truth, I don’t really remember any specific thoughts because the pain was so intense every time they moved me. I don’t think I had any thought that I was Incidents like what happened to Gary Giardina and other public safedying. I was alert, I was young. When you’re ty officers is what prompted the New Jersey Move Over Law. young like that, mortality doesn’t come into play.” he recalled. On his buttock was a large red mark that a With the swelling subsiding, Giardina was prepped doctor mistakenly diagnosed as a staph infection. for reconstructive surgery on his elbow, which took place “The pain was so intense there it brought me to tears,” later that morning. Surgeons inserted a large screw to said Giardina. It became worse after discharge so he allow the bone to heal, and placed him in a cast for six to went to his wife’s physician and learned that it was actueight weeks. Giardina spent the next week under obserally a third degree burn. At the accident, Giardina had a vation in the hospital to make sure there were no further can of mace on his belt, which exploded when he hit the injuries or complications. A few days into recovery, anground. The remnants of the mace and can shards created other serious wound was discovered. a third degree chemical burn that was made worse by the “They were giving me a sponge bath and my wife is cream prescribed by the hospital physicians. in the room and just yells, ‘Oh my God, what is that?’”

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

GARY GIARDINA’S LIFE CHANGING DAY

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But as intense as the pain returning to the job. But the was from the burn and the accident also left him with surgery, the most agonizing “If anybody reads this and recognizes wounds that were not of the experience was the rehab that physical variety. themselves in this story then they need took place following the re“Years later, I was diagmoval of Giardina’s cast two nosed with Post Traumatic to get the help they need and deserve,” months later. Stress Disorder (PTSD),” Giardina said of the effects of PTSD Giardina recalled. The for“I was living in an apartment at the time and I did a lot on police officers and others in public mer chief estimates that of rehabbing on my own,” he he was diagnosed between recalled. “For one exercise, safety. “They need to not be afraid.” three to five years after the I’m lying on the floor in the accident. “Many times, peoliving room and my wife, she actually had to sit on my ple don’t realize they have it. The way I was diagnosed chest to hold me down for this. I had a can of soup or was because my wife had it. At the time, I understood peas or something, and I’m on my back trying to curl it she was going through something, but I didn’t underand the pain was so intense that I kept trying to cheat and stand what.” pull my body up.” “People don’t realize that traumatic injuries not only When we spoke with Giardina for this story, originally affect the injured person, but the immediate family as published in 2012, the only visible remnants of the injury well. Thirty years ago, no one spoke of PTSD. It was is a circular scar on his thigh, a linear scar stretching a really an untalked about issue,” he continued. couple inches on the elbow, and a slight bend in the arm “I was talking to the psychiatrist that my wife was which creates a very minor loss in the range of motion. seeing, and she was asking me questions about the acIn total, the surgery and the painful rehab exercises cident... she’d ask me, what are your feelings about this, that Giardina did from home kept him out of work for are you having any nightmares? I remember in the besix months, and the pain lingered for a couple years after ginning, I had a few, but really nothing other than

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

GARY GIARDINA’S LIFE CHANGING DAY that. In other words, I was in denial. Years later, the doctor said to me my answers to these questions, not having any stress about it, these were all red flags indicating to her that I was indeed suffering from PTSD.” In retrospect, Giardina said the symptoms are now obvious: angry outbursts, decreased patience level and other sudden changes. “Someone on the outside can recognize something faster than the person going through it,” he said. “It’s mood swings, anger issues... things would stress me out that would not normally do so. Professionally and at home. This whole job is nothing but control. You have to control emotions when you’re responding to a scene. If you’re emotions get out of whack, that’s an indicator of PTSD.” Gary Giardina was sworn in as Clifton’s 9th Police Chief on March Initially reluctant, Giardina began attending 26, 2010. He is pictured with the two chiefs who preceeded him. From sessions with the same psychiatrist, and began left, Frank Lo Gioco, who served March 1, 1990 to May 31, 2002 and seeing results. Robert Ferreri who served from June 1, 2002 to March 1, 2010. “It’s very difficult (speaking with a psychiatrist). We hide a lot of ourselves behind doors,” emotions associated with the trauma. We try to protect he said. “When trying to deal with this, in your mind ourselves, but we actually hurt ourselves.” it’s difficult to open these doors to get in touch with your “Back then, I didn’t tell anybody about it. I didn’t tell the department and I paid for all the treatments by myself,” the Chief continued. “Back then, you didn’t talk about that. So really, I went through it with my family alone. Back then, you didn’t want to risk losing your job.” Privately, some of his colleagues knew of his battle, but Giardina mostly kept to himself. He became a vocal advocate for awareness about PTSD after watching a fellow cop struggle with it later in his career. Some 15 years ago, an officer in Clifton was involved in a shooting, recalled Giardina. “I recognized he was having difficulty processing. PTSD can sometimes take years to manifest. It’s like a pot with water, and it keeps boiling until it boils over.” At that point, Giardina was already in adminstration, and due to increased awareness about PTSD on a national level and ability to influence change, he set out to install programs to address the issue in the CPD. “In the beginning, I think I was looked at skeptically by some people when I first started to bring this up,” recalled Giardina. “Having the military recognize it helps. Congressman Bill Pascrell calls it the closed

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

GARY GIARDINA’S LIFE CHANGING DAY wound or the invisible wound. He talks about it all the time.” “I was very hesitant going in,” he continued. “It was painful, I’ll tell you that having gone through it, but it was definitely well worth it. I used to tell people who were hesitant that no one goes in and comes out worse. You go in and come out better. It’s a long, slow process, especially for police officers who by nature are skeptical. You have to create a trust with the person you’re dealing with to touch on these issues.” The former chief said that strides in awareness, both locally and on a larger scale, have brought attention to a

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

very real problem for cops. “A normal person is going to be so enraged, so disgusted with some of the things we see, but a police officer has to contain that while they’re dealing with it,” explained Giardina. “What happens is that contained emotion over time is the problem. That part, everyone has to be cognizant of.” “Life or death situations, super traumatic scenes like the death of a child... anything like that can set it off,” he said. “I was very instrumental in trying to bring it to the forefront in our department. But a problem has developed—and this is in my opinion—that some people are using this now to take advantage of pensions.” “I’m a firm believer, being that it happened to me, that it is treatable if you want to be treated and cured. And it is very real,” he said. “There are cases where someone is so traumatized that they cannot return to the service. That goes for military, firemen, EMT, police. People are so traumatized by certain circumstances and it’s real, they will never be able to return to the service and I understand that. It’s a known fact. What I am saying is that there is another small percentage that are using it as a golden parachute.” He gave examples of egregious claims from across the state: an officer who filed after accidentally stapling his finger at a firing range, a cop falling out of a chair and a fireman falling out of bed at a firehouse. “You no longer need a traumatic event,” said Giardina, explaining that a ruling a few years ago changed the pension process. Giardina said his goals are to create awareness, see that proper channels and resources are available to those suffering from PTSD, and to push for legislation to restore balance to the pension plan laws and punish those who take advantage of the system. “If anybody reads this and recognizes themselves in this story, then they need to get the help they need and de-

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

CLIFTON ARTS

Wednesday Evening with the Walsh’s If you’re asking yourself, “Where’d all the good people go?” just “change the channel” and head over to Karen Walsh’s Facebook to watch “Wednesday Evening with the Walsh’s.” For nearly a year, the Walsh family of Clifton has brought music into the homes of friends and family at 7:30 pm each week. In fact, it’s one of the things that you can genuinely thank last year’s lockdown for creating. Initially, it came from the reality that the family would miss seeing Bowen, her son, play each weekend with the band Alternate Groove. As St. Patrick’s Day neared and gigs were getting canceled, it meant her sons Bowen and Sage (CHS 2006) would not be able to open for the band. Prior St. Patrick’s Days saw the duo singing traditional Irish folk music at Egan & Sons, located in Montclair. That was when inspiration struck Karen.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“Since it was clear that no one would be going anywhere anytime soon, I suggested that they put a set together and we could livestream it to Facebook for family and friends,” said Karen (CHS 1981). “Maybe they could provide some relief for people to take their minds off of the seemingly never-ending stream of bad news about the grim reality of a global pandemic.” It was also an opportunity, Karen continued, to recognize and thank first responders, as well as front line and essential workers. After receiving a great response from those who watched, the originally titled “Wednesday Evening with the Walsh Brothers” became a weekly event. Instead of just Irish tunes, the brothers began performing a variety of music. Many songs were those they used to play during backyard parties or when they

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

CLIFTON ARTS went down the shore. Not long after, their father, Frank, joined the mix. “Within a week or so, Frank began to join them to give some color and depth to the music by not only adding another guitar, but also his ability to easily play lead lines as well,” said Karen. “The challenge they set for themselves was to each come up with eight songs apiece that they hadn’t already played.” That, in turn, translates to now having played more than 850 songs. Between the three men’s In November 2005, Marching Mustangs Bowen (at left) and Sage Walsh prior lists, and their willingness to learn with their dad Frank and their uncle Joe Walsh of the Eagles holding the new songs each week, they would come Takamine guitar to be raffled off. Signed by all the members of the Eagles, together to brainstorm ideas, as well as the raffle was to benefit the Marching Mustangs. draw inspiration from viewer requests. For Sage, his favorite performances “I hope it’s healing and helping people,” said Frank, are when he sings the blues. His favorite songs have in61. “If we’re doing some good, then that’s great.” cluded Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” and Ray The receptiveness to live music during these times Charles’ “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” Alternatively, Bowdoes not surprise the family. Neither does music’s ability en enjoys taking a pop song and getting to “flip it on its to bring people together. head and turn it acoustic.” “I think it’s an emotional release in a time when noth“Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ was a lot of fun,” said Bowing is normal,” said Sage. “It reminds me of when things en. “Ed Sheeran, too. I love singing his stuff.” were normal.” When Frank considers the life that the livestreams Bowen echoed his brother’s sentiment. “It’s a good took on nearly a year ago, one of the things that he enway to communicate and express yourself even when joys is seeing people commenting during the streams. you can’t be together. Singing the songs that people Additionally, seeing people either realize they know each know and like … gives them something to look forward other or striking up new friendships in the “virtual living to each week. We can’t have you over for dinner,” Bowroom” is gratifying. en continued, “but we can sing to you.”

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

CLIFTON ARTS

Paige Sciarrino and Elena Barone.

When we caught up with Paige Sciarrino in October 2018, the filmmaker’s sophomore film, “the blue light stays on” was nine months into pre-production. After submitting the film to select festivals, it was accepted into the Big Apple Film Festival and the Newark Short Film Festival. The big news is that the film premieres at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, which is March 23 to 28. Tickets are available for purchase at gsff.org. “[Getting accepted] feels very validating as a creator,” said Sciarrino, CHS 2011. “You don’t want to only create to get into festivals, but it feels very good to be validated that the project that is so close to your heart speaks to other people.” Perhaps what makes the new project even more exciting is its potential reach. The film was picked up for distribution with Mattioli Productions and after the Garden State Film Festival, it will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video. See it free with Prime membership or rent or purchase it. The film, starring Sciarrino and Elena Barone, is shot completely in Clifton.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

It takes place at East Ridgelawn Cemetery and in the caretaker’s home in which she was raised, pictured below. Sciarrino works in the office there for her father, Gary, who manages the 135 acre cemetery, which was established in 1905 on Delawanna Ave. “The cemetery is so beautifully maintained,” she continued, adding that it offers views of the NYC cityscape, as seen at the top of this page. “There are some really gorgeous drone shots in the film showcasing how beautiful it is.” As for what the future looks like for the filmmaker, she is currently working on a feature length film based off a similar concept that will be filmed in the same location. She is also writing a separate short film that will be her first foray into the science-fiction genre. All of these projects, she said, have also benefited her by keeping her busy during the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m trying to write as much as I can and I’m taking a lot of virtual acting classes,” said Sciarrino. “You’ve got to keep ready for when the phone rings, whenever that is.” Go to paigesciarrino.com for more details.

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CLIFTON ARTS Arts in the pandemic may look different, but Roxanne Cammilleri finds that the most rewarding part about virtual exhibits and programs is how it connects so many more people. Cammilleri has served as the director of the Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park since 2003. Although the way that they do things is different now since the center closed its doors to the public in the past year due to the pandemic, Cammilleri said that the sense of community still exists. “What’s really rewarding about this whole thing in some ways is that it is great to connect with people not just locally, but also all over the world,” said Cammilleri. “Additionally, eliminating traffic and preparations before are in some ways an advantage. We’re putting it together in a different way.” The important reality Cammilleri said the community should know is that while the building is closed, there are virtual exhibits available online at cliftonartscenter.org. Despite the changes related to presentation format, the virtual programs strive to offer diversity and let people see things in a different way. “I know that it doesn’t replace in person since that is always the best way to experience art,” she said, “but we are trying to engage people more on a virtual level.” The center was even able to make available a virtual walk through the Sculpture Park. The virtual walkthrough ended up being especially beneficial with the snow this winter, but in warmer months during the pandemic, Cammilleri added that the park grew in popularity. “It was actually an advantage to people because they got to see the actual presentation of the Sculpture Park digitally before they would come visit,” she said. “All these tools in a way were guides before going to the actual place.” “Around the summertime months, people were walking their dogs and appreciating it,” continued Cam-

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

milleri. “The experience with nature is really great, too. People can meditate and appreciate the environment a lot more now.” Upcoming arts center virtual programs include Sandra Giordano “A Walk-Through Clifton” on Monday, April 26 and Herrat Sommerhoff “Recycled into Art” on Monday, May 3. “I know it’s been a difficult time for all of us and everyone has been impacted one way or another … [but] I think that it will help us to work better, think better, live better, and not just through art.” “Art is one aspect of it all, and it helps us to be better people.” Fun. Whimsical. Lighthearted. These are the feelings evoked by Alev Necile Dinc’s artwork. However, her art also represents the process of healing and strength. A longtime Clifton resident and noted surrealist painter and designer for home fashions, Dinc was born in Turkey. Dinc studied painting and design in Ankara. After immigrating to the United States, Dinc continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Dinc comes from an artistic family and said her husband, Ahmet, was supportive of her artwork. “Four years ago when a doctor told us that my husband had cancer, our world shattered,” said Dinc. “While I was taking care of him ... I was [also] working on my art book. It was helping my heart to heal,” she continued. “I told myself, I have to feel strong for him. So I can help him.” Dinc and Ahmet were married for almost 45 years before his passing on March 20, 2019. Today, with her son Matt’s help, she was able to publish her long-awaited art book. “I’ve been dreaming for a long time to write my own art book, and my dream came true with completing [it],” said Dinc. “If I didn’t do it, who was going to do it?” Contact Alev Dinc: neciledinc@yahoo.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Tetyana R. Stasyshyn, Sara Habrahamshon, Jose Sarmiento, Ottilia Kedl.

March has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.

The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students, one from each grade, who have gotten a virtual head start on the latest activities via Zoom. Tetyana R. Stasyshyn, Senior Tetyana R. Stasyshyn always strives to be the best version of herself and credits her parents for that motivation. The CHS senior moved with her family from Ukraine to the U.S. in 2010. Although the language barrier was a challenge, it didn’t discourage them. “Even though my parents knew no English, they always attempted to help me and my sister with school work,” said Stasyshyn (CHS ’21). “My parents never gave up, which made me become the dedicated student I am today.” At CHS, she played girls soccer and is currently the senior class’s recording secretary for the Student Council. She was also involved with Key Club, Athletic Trainer’s Club, Heroes and Cool Kids Club, Pre-Med Club, and Yearbook. Stasyshyn plans to attend college in the Fall of 2021 and will study biology before going on to dental school to become a dentist and earn her D.M.D degree. Although Distance Learning was a challenge, Stasyshyn tackled it like any other obstacle. “As time went on … I adjusted my time management skills to fit my new school schedule,” said Stasyshyn. “Developing a new study technique that will work while being at home was a crucial part of adjusting to this new ‘normal.’”

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Sara Habrahamshon, Junior Sara Habrahamshon’s passion for math runs in the family and it’s something that makes the CHS junior proud. The CHS Class of 2022 Mustang hopes to attend Duke University and would like to major in mathematics. “I’ve loved logic puzzles and Sudoku puzzles ever since my mom showed me them when I was little and have always loved figuring them out and completing them,” she said. As for her future career interests, her options are open, but she thinks she might want to be an engineer. Her interests relate to the person she considers her greatest inspiration. “My grandfather inspired me the most. His life and how he lived it still inspires me to this day,” she said. “He loved math just like I do and built his own engineering firm.” “He lived a great life and made smart decisions for the future that turned out to be the best decisions,” continued Habrahamshon. “He was the goofiest and funniest and best grandpa ever.” Habrahamshon plays soccer for CHS and for a travel team, Cedar Stars. She is in the BCC Early College Program and was previously in the JROTC program. She also said she greatly improved with time management this year thanks to her heavy course load.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Clifton Public Schools

New Location Starting March 8, 2021 Times and Locations*: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Christopher Columbus Middle School - 10:00 -11:30 am 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 School 17 - 1:30-2:30 pm 361 Lexington Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 New Woodrow Wilson Middle School - 1:30-2:30 pm Location! 1400 VanHouten Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 Times and Locations until March 5, 2021

Mondays & Fridays: CCMS - 10:00 - 11:30 am CHS & School 17 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Wednesdays: CCMS -10:00 - 11:30 am School 17 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm

*Times and locations subject to change

#OneClifton Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Jose Sarmiento, Sophomore Now into the high school groove in his sophomore year, Jose Sarmiento is eager to look into all of the programs that CHS has to offer. The CHS Class of 2023 student wants to see what suits him and prepares him best for college and the future. Sarmiento’s favorite school subject is history because he enjoys learning about U.S. history, and he said that Mr. Matthew Stuart is his favorite teacher. “He knows that not everything is easy and you have to put in as much effort as possible to be successful and get what you want,” said Sarmiento. Although his freshman year is now behind him, Sarmiento said that he was able to have a successful transition. What helped him transition from middle school, he explained, was learning the ways that he could be a more responsible and mature person. Sarmiento recognizes his father as his greatest inspiration. “My father … always supports us and does what he can for us,” said Sarmiento. “He wants us to get a good education and I admire him.” Sarmiento’s extracurricular interests include football because of the academic and personal benefits. “It gives you benefits like being more healthy [and] gives you opportunities in terms of college,” he said.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Ottilia Kedl, Freshman Ottilia Kedl may just be starting her high school career, but she is working hard and is ready to make the most of her opportunities. The freshman previously attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic for 10 years and said her experiences prepared her for high school. “I managed to be successful during the transition from middle school to high school by trying to keep my grades up like I always do. This transition wasn’t really hard for me,” said Kedl (CHS ’24). “The only thing that has been hard for me is making new friends because of the pandemic.” Kedl is involved in multiple clubs and activities, including volleyball, drama club, pre-med club, Mustang Academy Lunch Bunch, and Heroes and Cool Kids. Outside of school, she is also a member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association and practices traditional Ukrainian dance. “If you are a student in CHS,” she said, “I definitely recommend being part of a club or activity, especially to keep yourself busy during these unprecedented times.” Kedl considers her parents as her greatest inspirations. “My parents always give me the best advice and always put me first,” said Kedl. “I am so happy that I can always count on them.”

Clifton Public Schools Bond Vote: April 20

n HVAC/ElECtriCAl n boilErs n bAtHrooms n Auditoriums n sECurity tECH,

EntrAnCEs/ElEVAtors n AtHlEtiC fiElds n EnVironmEntAl

ProPosEd rEnoVAtions

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

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

Referendum Date: April 20 mail-in ballots available

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

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Golf Mustangs

MUSTANG SPORTS

TRACK Gymnastics Mustangs

Lacrosse Mustangs

Boys Soccer Mustangs

Girls Soccer Mustangs

Tennis Mustangs

Track

Mustangs

Track

With all the unusual happenings in “He is so eager to get out there,” Eastside 4pm said Rogers. “I haven’t had many the high school sports world brought Mar 2 on by COVID-19, is it any wonder that Mar 6 athletes who will text Coach [John] @Wayne Hills TBD Mustangs indoor track is now—you guessed it— Pontes and I asking how he can get Mar 9 Belleville 4pm outdoors? better. He has the talent obviously, 4:30pm but what makes him special is the With no formal postseason and a Mar 16 Passaic regular season shortened to March 27, Mar 20 West Milford 9am communication and always wanting Clifton will operate on a “polar bear” to do more.” schedule this year, competing in all Heredia will be the team’s proven dual meets and looking to prove its eliteness in a different star in distance events, but sophomore Harrison Schimpf manner than in the past. is another name to look out for. He will compete in the “We just want to get out there and compete,” said Mus800m, 1600m and 3200m, and will look to make up for tangs head coach Mike Rogers. “The good thing about time he lost last spring during the COVID-induced shuttrack is that we have the individual component. So even down. without the normal team component, if we can [perform The same can be said of sophomore Ben Nelken, who well] there, maybe our kids can earn postseason honors excels in the 400m. Nelkin had grown into one of New and get the attention of some big-time college programs.” Jersey’s best sprinters last year, peaking toward the end if Some, like Jacob Heredia, already are. One of the allthe indoor season. He, too, was robbed of a spring season time greats in the boys program, Heredia is a student of that likely would have made him a household name. the sport who has impressed the Clifton coaching staff Shot putters Omar Alshujaieh and Barry Mahmoud with his commitment to being the best. He will look to are two strong, athletic seniors who should both get some elevate his already impressive legacy in the 1600m and All-Passaic County consideration for their work in the cir3200m. cle.

Volleyball

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

“I think when we left last March, there was a buzz,” Rogers said of the boys squad. “It seemed like we were on the verge of something big. With this core group we have back, they are going to make some noise going forward in North Jersey.” Like the boys, the girls are led by an active legend in senior Mia Dubac. The Temple-bound Dubac will again compete in the 1600m and 3200m, already having cemented herself as the greatest distance runner in Clifton girls track history. The Mustangs have another standout in senior Jessica Rubio. Cut from the same mold as Dubac and a member of a talented track family that includes former Mustangs, her sisters, Brianna and Cassidy, she will be a top athlete in the area this winter. She will compete in the 400m, 800m and hurdles in her last year before heading to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Junior shot putter Taniya Giles in an under-the-radar athlete with great potential, while versatile senior Nikki Wyszynski figures to contribute in events ranging from the 400m and 800m to hurdles and jumping events. Junior Katie Kakascik is a hurdler, jumper and sprinter who is poised for a great year. “Our expectations on the girls side are high, like every year,” said Rogers. “We are always looking for that league and county championship. This year, we can’t do those things, but we are looking to break some school records. We don’t have the numbers on the girls side that we normally have, but what I like is that we have at least two athletes in every event group that can compete.” Story by Tom Szieber

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

SWIMMING

Mustangs

Swimming

Despite a shortened offseason and A tall, experienced and commitreduced roster size, the Clifton boys ted swimmer, he looks ready for a swim team looked impressive in its breakout season. Coste is versatile, Feb 18 Pascack Hills 2pm season opener against Wayne Valley. as well, which was on display when Feb 23 Wayne Valley 2pm Enthusiastic and excited to be back he helped the 200-yard free relay Passaic 2pm quartet to a win over Wayne Valley. in the pool, the Mustangs showed that Mar 2 they are ready to compete in 2021, Mar 9 That relay group, also consistRiver Dell 2pm downing the Indians, 84-67, on Feb. 23 ing of veteran swimmer and senior Mar 17 @ PCTI 3:30pm and setting the tone for what they hope Adrian Baran (who also competes Mar 23 Rutherford 2pm in the 100-yard backstroke) and juwill be a successful winter. “They are excited and happy to be niors Saif Elithy and Adrian Flores back in the pool,” said third-year head coach Brittany Yanclocked a time of 1:47.87. netti. She said there is no use in lamenting on lost pool Senior Lucas Urbanowycz will have a big role over time or competition. “They are happy to have a season the coming weeks, competing in the 100-yard backstroke even though it’s a shorter one.” and 500-yard freestyle, while junior Nour Jomaa (who Sophomore Frank Coste had a big day, taking first in had a first-place finish against Valley) will race in the the 100-yard fly (with a time of 1:01.65). 100-yard breaststroke.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Other contributing seniors include Matthew Arias, Anthony Meneses and Matthew Betancur, the latter pair of whom are first year swimmers. The Clifton girls lost, 118-34, in the opener, but are hoping to rebound. They will be led by senior Shakira Rivera, the only twelfth-grader on the girls roster. Rivera will compete in the 100-yard freestyle, having finished with a time of 1:13.52 in the loss to the Indians. Sophomore Abigail Chaky will compete in the 100-yard fly, an event in which she took first against Wayne Valley with a time of 1:07.38. Junior Emily Seelogy will take the pool in the 100-yard backstroke Juniors Julia Bill and Isabella Bermudez will be key contributors in the 100-yard breaststroke and will also join Chaky and Seelogy in the 200-yard medley relay. Story by Tom Szieber

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

MUSTANG SPORTS

FEBRUARY RECAP

When a COVID-19 contact tracing situation forced the Clifton boys basketball team to shut down for two weeks, the wheels could have fallen off. But the Mustangs came back from the layoff playing better than they had before, sitting at 4-4 at February’s end and giving them an opportunity to close the season strong. “I think before we had the two-week stoppage [from Feb. 7 to Feb. 21], we were still trying to get into the flow of the season,” said head coach Mike Cadmus. “We have hit our stride now. We have everybody healthy and this was the first week we have had a full team. Young guys have Mustang junior goalie Jurij Dubas has demonstrated that he has really stepped up, and Kyle [Vellis] has really what it takes to be a top-flight player. Achieving an 88% save pergotten it going. When he does that, he is one of centage despite facing at least double the shots most other goalies the best scorers in the county.” have. Dubas has made 457 saves on 522 shots. In the month of February, the Mustangs picked up wins over Paramus, Passaic and Bergen Tech, The Mustangs have largely struggled due to inexpewith the latter two coming in the final week of the month. rience and lack of depth, though sophomore forward Vellis, a junior guard, scored 15 against the Indians and James Troller and shown flashes of developing into a 23 against the Knights, and is currently averaging 15.2 star-caliber player. points per game for the year. The Mustangs boys swim team scored a big seaSenior forward Ryan Lauritano has contributed to the son-opening victory on Feb. 23, riding a big day from team’s scoring, as well, averaging 14.7 points over the sophomore Frank Coste (who earned first-place finishes past three games. Sophomore point guard Aidin Sefarin both the 100-yard fly and 200-yard free relay) to an gic has emerged as of late, starting his first game against 84-67 triumph over Wayne Valley. Bergen Tech and tallying six assists. The Mustang bowlers have had their ups and downs, Despite the Clifton ice hockey team being winless, but have picked up their fare share of victories. The girls junior goalie Jurij Dubas has demonstrated that he has stood at 7-8 as of Feb. 28 behind leading scorer Juli-Anne what it takes to be a top-flight player. Dubas has done Gamo, while the boys are 4-8 with several big outings everything in his power to keep the young Mustangs in from Tyler DeBenedetto. Both Gamo and DeBenedetgames, achieving an 88% save percentage despite facing to are seniors. They close out the season with matches at least double the shots most other goalies have. Monday against Ridgewood and Tuesday against Old Dubas has made 457 saves on 522 shots. Tappan. Story by Tom Szieber

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

THE PANDEMIC DIDN’T STOP PRAISE Clifton PRAISE, a community based parent support group for special needs children and adults, continued to provide support and work together through the pandemic. Although this past year was a year of immense instability, one of the main constants was the reliability of the group to be there for each other when needed. While just about everything was on pause, PRAISE volunteers were able Pre-pandemic, PRAISE met at Ethan and the Bean on Sunday mornings once to accomplish some big things in little a month. The Little Falls coffee shop employs individuals with disabilities and ways and hope to continue the work in PRAISE reports, have awesome coffee and baked goods. One of their favorite the new year. servers, Thomas, is pictured with some of the moms. So far, during the pandemic, they were ment and other topics, all via Zoom. Some upcoming able to start two social skills groups by reaching out to events are a cookie decorating fundraiser for Disabilities therapists so that kids could stay connected and practice Awareness Month (March) to benefit the members’ faskills. They have a great group of parents that began in vorite coffee shop, Ethan and The Bean in Little Falls. March 2020 that continues to meet every Saturday night A presentation is planned for April about guardianship for support, connection, and good conversation. and estate planning presented by Passaic County ComPRAISE members advocated and met with school missioner Bartlett, Surrogate Justice Toledo and Naomi special education leadership and the superintendent to Collier, Esq. address concerns about remote learning. PRAISE also Email cliftonpraise@gmail.com for information. had presentations on Basic Rights, Safety and Employ-

Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Birthdays & Celebrations - March 2021

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

Lynn Grosser’s 19th birthday is March 21 and is pictured with Mercedes, her mom. Casey Bivaletz turned 31 on March 3. Ruth Basta, daughter of Medhat and Melba Basta will celebrate her 20th Birthday on March 27 with family and friends. More photos and birthday on page 74!

Congratulations to Corey & Michelle Genardi, celebrating their anniversary on March 28. Their daughter Bianca Eda had her 15th birthday on March 2. Alex Fadil turns legal when he hits his 21st on March 12. Happy 50th to Lillian Davide on March 2. Dana Aref is 16 on March 10. Julie Generalli Dominick........ 3/1 Kathleen Pocoek.................. 3/1 Meaghan Franko................. 3/1 Kenzie Lord......................... 3/3 Amelia Lara......................... 3/3 Amanda Perez..................... 3/3 Amelia Ipenza..................... 3/3 Valerie Godowsky................ 3/5

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Alice Paxton........................ 3/5 Patricia Vigh........................ 3/5 Carol Crudele...................... 3/6 Ted Grzybowski................... 3/6 Pat Smith............................. 3/8 William Thomson................. 3/8 Victoria Crudele................... 3/9 Dana Aref......................... 3/10

Pamela Culque.................. 3/10 Tiffany Sabo...................... 3/10 John Gorny....................... 3/11 Eddie Gasior, Jr................. 3/12 Mike Pesaro...................... 3/12 Victor Berdecia.................. 3/13 Joann Szepietowski............ 3/13 Diego Hernandez.............. 3/15

Grandson Billy Thomson seen above with Sam celebrates his 9th birthday on March 8. Tyler Hughes..................... 3/15 Laura Lee.......................... 3/15 Samira Abdelhady............. 3/16 Joanne Szepietowski..........3/13 Suzanne Ciok.................... 3/19 Janette Hughes.................. 3/19 Caitlin Lotorto.................... 3/19 Colleen Murray.................. 3/20 Holly Sorenson.................. 3/20 Nenad Vuckovic................ 3/20 Monica Ahmed.................. 3/21 George Andrikanich........... 3/22 Elisabel Reyes.................... 3/24 Carmen Rivera................... 3/24 Kyle Hooyman................... 3/24 Suzanne Wachtler.............. 3/26 Michele Andrikanich.......... 3/27 Jennifer Mondelli................ 3/27 Nicholas Surgent............... 3/27 Aidan Tedesco................... 3/27 Muriel Curtin..................... 3/28 Francis Salonga................. 3/31 Paul McVeigh.................... 3/31 Chris Kolodziej.................. 3/31 Cliftonmagazine.com • March 2021

Dennis Suto just turned 68 but on Feb. 28 he was sliding down Albion Park hill with his grandson Jaxson.

Elaine Sassine will be 73 on March 15, the Ides of March. Colleen Murray turns 81 on March 20. Stephany Naomi Bernales is 27 on March 19. Rosemary Trinkle Baran turns 60 on March 30.

March 2021 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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