Clifton Merchant • December 2015 3
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant4
Celebrate the SeasonThe Diversity of Our Hometown
Traditions and MemoriesNeighbors Share the Holidays
2015 Optimist CupMustangs & Indians on Turkey Day
Sharing and CaringVolunteer, Donate and Help Out
Mustang Winter SportsPhotos & Preview of the Season
History and The ArtsReady for Clifton’s Centennial?
18
26
40
53
62
80
108
Gondolier Mike NovackHe Also Founded the Santa Tour
94Veterans Parade
Along Van Houten Ave.
Editor & PublisherTom Hawrylko
© 2015 Tomahawk Promotions
Visit cliftonmagazine.comfor current & past issues
973-253-4400 • [email protected]
Art DirectorKen Peterson
Graphic DesignerAly Ibrahim
Business ManagerGabriella Marriello
Editorial InternsAriana Puzzo Madison Molner
1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton, NJ 07011
Douglas John Bowen,Jack De Vries, Joe Hawrylko
Irene Jarosewich, April Lewandowski
Contributing Writers
16,000 Magazinesare distributed to hundreds of
Clifton Merchants on the first
Friday of every month.
Subscriptions by Mail
$27 / year / $45 for 2
Call 973-253-4400
What’s Inside?
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 5
Paid for Berdnik for Sheriff
My family and I want to thank you for your support and we wish you all a Happy Holiday and a safe and healthy New Year.
Thank you and God Bless!
Monica and Richard BerdnikRyan, Kevin, Ashley and Alyssa
SHERIFF RICHARD H. BERDNIK
Happy Holidays!Happy Holidays!
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant6
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Clifton Merchant • December 2015 7
Due to the holidays we'vemoved the publication dateof our January 2016 edi-tion. Rather than the usualfirst Friday of the month, forthis month only, look for uson January 8.
2015 was our 20th year of publication. Thanks to your readership and
advertising support, Clifton Merchant Magazine is firmly planted in our
hometown. We continue to grow and evolve with Clifton and try our best to
publish a magazine that reflects our community.
As it has been a tradition for nearly two decades, the kids—now adults—
are pictured. Here is an update on where they are: Nick, 20, is studying
theater production and design at Montclair State, specializing in sound and
lighting. Casey, 25, is enjoying teaching first grade at the Brookdale School
in Bloomfield after her return from living in Australia. Tom Jr., now 28,
runs Tomahawk Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning and it too has turned into a
household name. Joe, 30, works in the advertising department of the JewishNews of Greater Metro West and still often writes wonderful stories for us.
Support from the community has allowed us to remain an independent
and successful small business. Thank you for your trust, and God bless.
—Tom Hawrylko
The Hawrylko kids: Nick, Casey, Tom Jr. and Joe.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant8
Don’t fall for the Hallmark Channel’s various
explanations of where Santa Claus lives and works.
He can be found right here in Acquackanonk
Gardens – at least when he’s not making his globe-
trotting journey on Christmas Eve which begins with
the 45th Annual Tour De Clifton on Dec. 24.
And much like Superman has an everyday cover
identity as Clark Kent, the real Santa, most days, poses
as lifelong, hard working and jolly Cliftonite Patrick M.
Doremus, a 48-year-old veteran employee of the city’s
Department of Public Works.
Santa, aka Patrick to unsuspecting neighbors, col-
leagues, and townfolk, calls Acquackanonk Gardens
home along with his wife, Lee Ann, and their two sons,
Patrick Jr., CHS Class of 2017, and David, who is i nthe
fifth grade at School 2.
Lee Ann was born in Acquackanonk Gardens, nes-
tled near the sloping hills of Valley Rd., just off of Van
Houten Ave., and has lived virtually her whole life
there, save for a few brief months. Her mother, Arlene
Bross, lives immediately next door.
Lee Ann’s husband, by contrast, spent his early life
in Delawanna, or “the wrong side of the tracks,” more
than one family member asserted with a smile.
In short, it’s a convincing cover story, complete with
official records and not a single verbal slip from any of
the Doremus family. And to be sure, on a recent visit
to Van Wagoner Ave., Santa’s sleigh and reindeer were
hidden from sight amidst several functioning sheds and
tool houses. Meanwhile, somethng akin to a thinly dis-
guised runway in Acquackanonk Park blended
By Douglas John Bowen
Think you feel the powerof the holiday spirit whenyou’re in your home town?One source might be closerto you than you think.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus with two of their favorite elves,CHS Junior Patrick Doremus and his School 2 fifth
grade brother David.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 9
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant10
into autumn invisibility amidst the adjacent baseball
field, basketball court, and toddlers playground. The
ruse was nearly perfect.
Caught in dress rehearsalBut Publisher Tom Hawrylko, with amazingly quick
camera reflexes, captured Santa/Patrick and some
helpers running through an early dress rehearsal in
November – undoubtedly part of Santa’s annual prepa-
ration schedule.
Caught on camera, Santa disappeared in the leg-
endary blink of an eye. He shortly reappeared as
Patrick Doremus in civilian clothes, and modestly – but
merrily – consented to a living room interview. A
steady, almost magically consistent fire in the real fire-
place, fueled by ash wood, lent a holiday atmosphere to
the discussion.
Even before Santa was asked his first question, he
fired off one of his own, inquiring if Hawrylko had
brought his Christmas wish list. Then, with a laugh, he
warned that the publisher had better behave.
“I’ll be watching you,” he said as Hawrylko departed.
Canvassing Clifton“So when did you know you were Santa Claus?” the
visitor inquired, getting the interview under way.
“I was walking through [Clifton] City Hall last
November,” Santa recalled, referring to 2014. “Mayor
James Anzaldi walked out of his office. He looked me
up and down and said, ‘You would fit.’”
“‘Fit for what?’ I asked,” Santa said.
“‘We’re looking for Santa,’ the mayor replied.”
“‘There already is a Santa,’ I protested,” Santa
recounted to his guest. But he also told the mayor, “’If
you’re in a jam, I’ll take the job.’ The mayor told me to
call home and ask my wife.”
Mrs. Claus (Lee Ann) was enthusiastic. “I was all for
it, 100%. It was perfect for my husband,” she said. Mrs.
Claus also provided a transitional bridge; I went to
school with Tom Insinga’s daughter, Karen,” she noted,
allowing Cliftonites to connect the dots involving 44
years (now 45) of city holiday tradition, founded by
Insinga and Mike Novack in 1971.
But if the offer was “perfect,” it was also short
notice, giving Santa only one month to prepare for the
45th annual Christmas Eve tour. Still, Santa was ready
in time, fitting his Clifton appearance into his global
schedule, ready to carry on Clifton tradition.
Each year Santa appears on his float, provided by
Bond Parade Floats & Displays Co. A police car leads
the procession, generally followed by a fire truck
sounding its siren and a well-amplified, trademark
Santa “Ho, ho, ho” coming from the float’s sound sys-
tem, alerting all to Santa’s approach.
Last year, “I suited up around 3 pm, and we got start-
ed at roughly 4. That got me back to the house at about
11 o’clock,” he said. “I just covered the whole town.
We first covered the lower side of the city, then stopped
at City Hall to drop off anyone who needed to leave,
and then continued on.”
“In a nutshell, they put me on the float, told me to
hold on, and I had to say ‘Merry Christmas.’ I can do
that,” he said.
Son Patrick Jr. accompanied his dad for the entire
trip, training for the future. “I had a blast,” Patrick Jr.
said. Added his dad, “He waved to everyone for the
entire trip, just as I did. But he wasn’t ready to bellow
‘Merry Christmas’ just yet.”
For the most part, Mrs. Claus kept the home fires
burning with son David. “I did follow the float for a lit-
tle while because Patrick Jr.’s girlfriend wanted to hop
on the float,” Lee Ann said. “ I was there at the
Santa in Acquackanonk Gardens last Christmas Eve.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 11
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant12
City garage, making sure all was
well, but once the float left I
came home,” tending to other
critical Christmas Eve family
agenda items.
Given Santa’s grueling
schedule, many have asked if
even Santa gets to take a break.
The answer: Bathroom breaks
are scheduled. “But they don’t
feed Santa,” Santa said, patting
his stomach gently. His visitor
expressed sincere annoyance at
this slight; Santa just smiled.
“You do get a little tired,”
Santa resumed. “But the wear
on your voice is the main con-
cern. Still, I made it all the way
through the city and the evening
saying my signature line, ‘Merry Christmas to all and
to all a good night,’” acknowledging one of Santa’s
early speechwriters, Clement Clark Moore.
Strong family tiesSanta also acknowledged his support staff, especially
his wife. “There aren’t too many people who would let
him do this – except Mrs. Claus,” he says, beaming.
“It’s an honor to be asked, since my father was
Santa, so it really is a family tradition, pretty much,”
Santa said humbly.
Mrs. Claus, aka Lee Ann Doremus, affirmed with
pride that the spirit of Santa has been an important
touchstone through family generations, on both a large
level and, even more significantly, in more intimate
family terms.
“Patrick’s dad, Eugene, was an extremely impor-
tant person in his life,” Mrs. Claus said emphatically.
“He lost his dad in October, 2014. Mayor Anzaldi
approached Patrick about being Santa in November,
2014. It was only six weeks after Eugene died.
“For the last three or four months of his dad’s life,
Patrick took care of him,” she continued. “He pretty
much moved back home during those months, slept
there most nights, helped with doctors, feeding,
bathing, taking him outside, out for drives. Everything
and anything that his dad needed, Patrick was there.
“One story I will never forget,”
she recalled. “Patrick’s father’s
license was set to expire. Even
though we all knew he would never
drive again, he insisted on getting
his license renewed. Patrick
planned the whole trip all the way
down to calling DMV [Department
of Motor Vehicles] in Wallington so
he can get his dad in quickly for his
picture. That happened exactly one
week before he died.
“Patrick is a rare breed. I’m not
sure how he was able to be Santa so
soon after all of that, but I have to
say, they couldn’t have picked a
more perfect person,” Mrs. Claus
said. Indeed.
Coping with an injurySanta Claus may not be a mere mortal, but even he is
not immune from accidents or injury.
“Years ago – I can’t remember exactly, but at least a
decade ago – a bunch of platform tables fell on me,
roughly 500 pounds of weight,” Santa recalled. The
incident, occurring at the Clifton Rec Center, seriously
injured his left leg, resulting in a trip to the hospital,
extensive physical therapy, and “five-and-a-half
months out of work,” he said. “I had to learn to reuse
my leg. I wasn’t able to move. I was worried that I
wouldn’t walk.”
The injury still lingers, though Santa made it a point
to stay on his feet while visiting every Clifton neigh-
borhood. “Every once in a while I have a shooting
pain,” he observed, and the leg “will buckle on occa-
sion. It gets tired. Just fatigue, that’s all. You have to
overcome.” Santa spurns any pharmaceutical assistance
to deal with the injury, but, with a laugh, he allowed,
“Milk and cookies go a long way.”
Perennial fan favoriteMilk and cookies are part of the formula for Santa’s
ongoing appearances and rock star status, even as his
Clifton audience changes over the decades. Last year
families poured out of their homes despite persistent
rainy weather that would have dampened the
Eugene Doremus, Patrick’s father.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 13
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant14
spirits of most on any other day.
Santa has a knack for bringing out
the best part of anyone, even when
the weather doesn’t cooperate.
“The response was great, really
good,” Santa reported. “People in
every neighborhood, people from
many different walks of life, they
all were laughing, smiling, bring-
ing their children along, holding
them up for a better view, just hav-
ing a good time.”
Both Santa and son Patrick Jr.
note the upbeat response included
those who might not celebrate
Christmas within their homes. “There were no bad
vibes,” Santa said. “The Christmas spirit is something
anyone can understand, regardless of a personal con-
viction.”
Different neighborhoods posed different challenges
As one example: Down in Botany Village, amidst nar-
row streets and tight corners, at one point “we got
stuck. So we got off the float while people worked to
get us back on the road, and we started talking to all the
children and people there, meeting as many people as
we could. Everyone had a great time,” Santa said.
“They hit every neighborhood, even if they can’t hit
every street,” added Mrs. Claus, who as Lee Ann
Doremus works as a medical biller for a urology group
in nearby Bloomfield. Son Patrick Jr. chimed in, “We
didn’t miss much.”
Ready for action againA month after landing the job, and only two months
after his father died, what was the end result of a hard
evening’s work?
“The mayor was pleased,” Santa said. “After we
were done, he said thank you, and he said I had the job
for the next 40 years, if I wanted it. I was exhausted,”
Santa added, almost as an afterthought. “But I’m ready
for this year.”
Santa, of course, had a whole globe to travel before
a very well-deserved nap. “My son David tried to wake
us up at 6 am Christmas morning,” he said, and both
Santa and son Patrick Jr. slowly sprung into action.
Said Mrs. Claus, laughing, “He’s gotta get up. That’s
the payback for staying up late all night. His own kids
have to get their own presents.”
Mrs. Claus said Santa can handle the schedule. “He’s
got a very high energy level. He’s like that every day.”
If that energy level ever flags, Patrick Jr. is ready to
carry on the family tradition for future generations of
Santa seekers. Jr. When not attending CHS, Patrick Jr.
spends time with the Woodland Park Fire Department,
ostensibly training to become a firefighter. He also
plans to study to qualify as an Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT). Either or both would provide a con-
venient cover story, beyond gainful employment, to
obscure one’s true identity if one’s future includes
piloting a sleigh around the world.
Asked about the possibility of a future succession of
Santas, Patrick Jr. answers politely, if a bit evasively,
“I’ll do the job in the future, if I’m asked.”
For now, though, Santa – again, under the moniker
Patrick M. Doremus – has the situation well in hand,
aided by family and by the hardworking crew of elves
from City Hall, Clifton Fire Department, and Bond
Parade Float Co., among other contributors.
But he did express concern about Santa’s meaning
and standing, as sometimes shaped by forces beyond
even his control. “I just read in the paper it will cost $50
at Macy’s just to sit with Santa,” he said, shaking his
head at the concept, unhappy about how it might reflect
on the spirit of the holiday.
What advice might he have for “other” Santas, the
stand-ins, positioned on a street corner or on their own
floats in cities and towns across America?
“Just be jolly,” Santa said. And to all, a good night.
Lee Ann and Patrick Doremus and family at their wedding on May 19, 1990.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 15
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant16
It’s an event. It’s an institution. It’s an outpouring ofcommunity spirit. And mostly it’s lots and lots of old-
fashioned fun. We’re talking about this year’s 45th
Annual Tour De Clifton on Dec. 24, which is Christmas
Eve. If you are new to town get ready, because you’ll
first hear it off in the distance...
Beginning at 3 pm and lasting for six to eight hours —
after which children should be safely tucked in their beds
anyway—Santa does his annual circuit of the city,
escorted by the wailing sirens of police and fire vehicles.
Santa will be easy to spot, since he’ll either be atop a
fire engine or riding his own personal float all around
town, courtesy of Bond Parade Floats & Displays
Company of Clifton.
The Santa Tour is preceded by a raft of tree lightings
in most every neighborhood which happen early in the
month, each of them packed with more holiday wattage
than Rudolph has on his nose, and by additional Santa
sightings. Thus, you’ll have plenty of other opportuni-
ties to share in the holiday spirit at numerous gatherings.
Turn to page 75 for a list of tree lightings, accurate
as of press time, follows, thanks to a friendly rein-
deer—no names, but his first initial is ‘R’— who tells
us that Santa and his team of reindeer always looks for-
ward to visiting Clifton since he, the elves, and the
team of reindeer can’t get their beloved Hot Texas
Wieners up at the North Pole. For additional info, call
Mayor Jim Anzaldi at 973-470-5757.
Traditions & Memories
45th Annual Tour de CliftonGet Ready for Wailing Sirens & a Mini Parade
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 17
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant18
DiwaliCalled the Festival of Light, Diwali
is celebrated by both Hindus and
Sikhs. The festival is held during
the new moon in late October or
early November (this year it began
on Nov. 11) when darkness is
pierced by the light from small
lamps or candles. Since Diwali is,
for some Hindus, a New Year’s fes-
tival, many celebrate with rituals to
honor Lakshmi, goddess of pros-
perity. A central part of the Diwali
celebration for Hindus is the
retelling of the Ramayana. This
story celebrates the return of Rama
and Sita to the village of Ayodhya. The Lights of Diwali
represent the candles that were lit to guide Rama and
Sita safely home.
RamadanThe season began this year on June
17, and it commemorates the day
when the Koran, the holy book of
Islam, was given to the prophet
Muhammad by the archangel
Gabriel. After receiving the vision,
Muhammad preached in the city of
Mecca that there was only one
God. Many did not like his idea
and he and his followers fled to
Medina. They formed an army and
in A.D. 630, they marched back to
Mecca to spread the religion of
Islam. During the entire month, no
one eats any food or drinks any
water from sunrise to sunset. People fast to teach them-
selves self-discipline and to defeat Satan. During
Ramadan, followers read the entire Koran.
It’s something to be proud of and to learn from.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the many cultural and ethnic
celebrations that some Clifton families observe to Celebrate The Season.
Clifton is a mosaic of cultures
Varieties• Potatoes & Cheese• Potato • Sauerkraut• Pot Cheese• Mushroom• Pot Cheese & Potato• Broccoli• Spinach• Pizza • Apple• Prune • Cabbage• Apricot & Cheese• Broccoli & Spinach
HOMEMADEPIROGI
Come to The Famous & Original (from Lexington Ave)...
Call forHours
1295 Main Ave • Downtown Clifton 973.340.0340
WWW.HOMEMADEPIROGI.COM
Across from DeLuxe Cleaners
NEW! Great for Parties... Hot, Homemade Empanadas!
Don’t Wait Until Friday to Eat Pirogies !!!
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 19
• Pork, Beef &Meat Products
• Home Styled Smoked Sausage
• Salami & All Kinds of Cold Cuts
• Holiday Hams &Traditional Foods
• Hungarian Delicacies• Spices & European& Hungarian Sweets
We’ll Mail Your Order!
Since 1988, my family and I have runour meat market at 189 Parker Ave.Using traditional recipes, we prepare pork,beef and meat products, home-stylehickory smoked ham, sausage, salami andall kinds of cold cuts. We also sell groundpoppy seeds and ground walnuts and manytraditional Hungarian food ingredients.All our products are prepared with know-how and tender love and care. In mystore, or via UPS delivery, you will receivethe best— foods which praises the tastesand inspires the soul.
The Rozsa Family Marika & Andrew
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant20
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 21
HanukkahA time when Jews celebrate their victory for religious
freedom with the eight day Festival of Lights, which
begins on Dec. 6. Thousands of years ago, Israel was ruled
by Syrians, who worshiped many gods, while the Jews
worshiped only one. A Syrian ruler decreed that Jews must
worship Greek gods, then destroyed Jewish temples and
demanded the Jews break their dietary laws. One family,
the Maccabees, refused and led an uprising before fleeing
to the hills, where many other Jews followed. They built
up a great army and returned to the city where they fought
four major battles against the Syrians. They lost the first
three but won the last. After the battle, Judah Maccabee
led his followers to Jerusalem where they tore down the
statues of the Greek gods and rededicated the Temple to
God. Their celebration is considered the first Hanukkah.
Today, the menorah, which has branches for nine candles,
is the most important symbol of Hanukkah. Eight of the
candles represents the days of Hanukkah. The ninth can-
dle is the shammes, or servant. It is responsible for
Jersey Girls ‘Go-To’SILVER STORE!
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant22
lighting all the others. Most peo-
ple set aside one day for
exchanging gifts, which are
wrapped in blue and white paper.
At the party, people sing songs,
give small gifts of money called
gelt and play dreidel, a tradition-
al game.
ChristmasObserved annually on Dec. 25
by Christians, it celebrates the
birth of Jesus Christ, the
Messiah. As the Light of the
World, Jesus is represented by
the lights of Christmas. Before
Jesus was born, his parents,
Mary and Joseph, traveled to Bethlehem to pay taxes and
to be counted in the census. On the night that Mary knew
she was going to give birth, they searched for shelter. All
the inns were full. Finally an innkeeper allowed the cou-
ple to stay in his barn. Jesus was born that night among
farm animals. Angels told shepherds of his birth and they
immediately visited the infant Jesus. A star appeared
above the stable, leading Three Wise Men to the place.
They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Orthodox ChristmasOn Jan. 7 because it is observed
by following the Julian calender.
On Christmas Eve, Jan. 6,
Ukrainians, Russians and others
of the Orthodox faith celebrate
with a traditional holy supper of
12 courses, including varieties
of fish, as well as non-dairy and
meatless dishes. Upon comple-
tion of the holy supper, depend-
ing upon the tradition of the
local parish, evening church
vespers are held.
KwanzaaA holiday which intertwines
African traditions with American customs, celebrated
Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It is based on six criteria of a peo-
ple—history, mythology, creativity, social structure,
political organization, and economics. The core princi-
ples of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles),
which are expressed in Swahili, a language of East
Africa, are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determina-
tion), Ujima (collective work and responsibility),
Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose),
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 23
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant24
Kuumba (creativity), and
Imani (faith). The seven sym-
bols associated with Kwanzaa,
also expressed in Swahili, are
mazao (fruits, vegetables, and
nuts), mkeka (place mat),
kinara (candleholder), vibunzi
(ear of corn), zawadi (gifts),
kikombe cha umoja (commu-
nal cup of unity), and mishum-
baa saba (seven candles).
The Baha’i FaithCelebrates Nov. 12, the Birth
of Baha’ u’ llah, the Founder of
the Faith. Baha’ u’ llah was
born in Tihran, Persia (Tehran,
Iran) in 1917. His father, a
nobleman, held a high position at the king’s court and
was loved and trusted by the people. As a child, Baha’
u’ llah was different from other children. Though untu-
tored, He surprised all with His wisdom and understand-
ing. It was not only His physical beauty that attracted
people, but His deep love and concern for people. He
soon became known as the “Father of the Poor.” He was
imprisoned and exiled during the last 40 years of His
Ministry and passed away in the
prison-city of Akka in Israel.
Baha’ u’ llah has over 100 vol-
umes of revelation in which He
has introduced a prescription for
world peace. Among His teach-
ings are: the unity of God’s
Prophets, the oneness of the
human race, the search after
truth, elimination of prejudice,
harmony of science and religion,
and equality of women and men.
New Year’s DayThe only secular holiday that the
entire world observes regardless
of race or religious beliefs, it is
based on the solar calendar
established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and adopted
by most countries. However, the Orthodox Eastern
churches use the earlier Julian calendar with the New
Year falling on Jan. 14. Some, including Jews, Chinese,
Hindus and Muslims, use a lunar or some combination
of a lunar and solar calendar. The date of the Chinese
New Year may fall between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19. Jewish
New Year begins on the first day of Tishri.
Tel: 973-778-1604Fax: 973-778-0334
Happy Holidays!
POGORELECLAW OFFICES
Concentrating in the areas of...Medicaid/Elder Law, Real Estate, Wills,
Probate & Landlord/Tenant
John D. Pogorelec, Sr.John D. Pogorelec, Jr.
840 Van Houten Ave., Clifton
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 25
IF IT’S NOT THE FEDERLE FAMILY, IT’S NOT
26
While Ernest Scheidemann hasfond memories of being theGrand Marshal of the 2001Downtown Clifton ChristmasParade, he reminds readers tocherish family most of all.Also pictured at top right areRafael Vilorio (his commentsare on page 34) and some ofthe angelic ballerinas whorecently performed at theNorth Jersey ElksDevelopmental DisabilitiesAgency on Main Ave.
How do you mark the holidays, the holy days, the passing of seasons?
We asked Cliftonites to share some of their memories and traditions as
December and the holidays greet us...
Neighborhood to NeighborhoodT raditions & Memories
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 27
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant28
As an interfaith family, Ricky and Rosy Bagolieblend cultures that comes together in a unique and
harmonious way during the holidays. “She’s
Dominican and we are both Jewish,” explained
Bagolie, who was raised as a Jew of Italian heritage.
He is also a former President of the Clifton-Passaic
UNICO, and Italian-American service organization.
“Rosy’s family is Catholic, so we celebrate
Hanukkah at home and participate in Christmas with
her family,” said Bagolie, who is an attorney with
offices in Clifton, Jersey City, New York, and
Florida.
“Rosy’s really an American success story,” he
continued, proudly. “She came here from the
Dominican Republic at age 10 with her family who
had nothing and did not speak English. They settled
in Elizabeth where she eventually became class
president. She finished her college degree at Seton
Hall in three years, her masters in one, and then
obtained her doctorate in educational leadership, all
while teaching public school back in her hometown.
She is an expert in autism and is now the Director of
Special Services in Bogota,” he concluded, then
added with a laugh: “Oh, and she married me.”
When it comes to raising their three sons, Frank,
Aaron, and Jacob, the Bagolies bring them up in the
Jewish faith but integrate aspects from Rosy’s
Dominican background.
“The oldest one is nine, and I already have papers
to schedule his Bar Mitzvah when he is 13,” he
explained. “All of the boys are on track to have their
Bar Mitzvah.”
“At the holidays, we have a Mensch on a Bench,
a Hanukkah Bush, The Festival of Lights, there’s
gifts being wrapped and all that,” Bagolie continued.
“For the Festival of Lights we fry potato pancakes
called latkes. We also make a Dominican dish using
cassava. It’s a root vegetable that’s a little bit sweet-
er than a potato. Recently, we’ve been experiment-
ing with making latkes with the cassava.”
Rosy and Ricky Bagolie with Frank, age 9, at left,and 7-year-old twins Aaron and Jacob.
T raditions & Memories
Attorney
Ricky Bagolie
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 29
“They’re my family here, my kids,” saidAnne Foster, referring to the developmen-
tally disabled students served in three facil-
ities NJEDDA manages in Clifton. They
include the grade school/headquarters on
Main Ave. with about 120 kids, the high
school on Union and Main Ave. with
another 100 or so and the Adult Training
and Medical Day Care Program on Route
46 at Hazel St. which services another 40
adults, all grads of the Center and other
specialized schools.
Founded here in Clifton in 1947 at the
height of the post-WWII baby boom,
NJEDDA (the former CP Center) has done
much to help special needs students and
their families. While financial support
comes from sending school districts, con-
siderable aid is provided by members of
five Passaic County Elks Lodges which place a
special emphasis on cerebral palsy and the develop-
mentally disabled. The lodges pinpoint their activ-
ities towards charitable support of the CP Center.
While the Elks members focus on the fundrais-
ing, it is Foster and her colleagues who concern
themselves with fun raising activities:
“One of my favorite things involves the
Thanksgiving celebration we have for both the ele-
mentary school,” Foster said. “We have a turkey din-
ner for staff and students. At our high school we also
hold a football game, generating two teams, that’s an
annual event. Some of the girls are cheerleaders and
we also have a pep squad.
“We also are fortunate that Holiday Express, a
nonprofit group that entertains, a musical group, vis-
its each year. The kids just love them. The group gets
the kids involved, and it brings gifts for the kids, too.
“It’s a very happy time,” Foster said.
“For the holidays, we also have a sing-along with
a woman volunteer who plays guitar. We have a hol-
iday boutique that our occupational therapist runs.
We have enough items ‘for sale’ so that all the kids
can shop and buy something for their families. Kids
try to think of something their family members
might like, to think of others,” Foster said.
“As well, UPS generously buys gifts for the stu-
dents every year, so we give UPS a list of the stu-
dents, with teachers making recommendations on
what gifts might be nice for them. UPS comes with
Santa, and they distribute a gift per student. And the
student gets a picture with Santa, too,” Foster said.
For readers looking to support a local charity,
NJEDDA certainly meets that bill. To find out
more, talk about ways to support the programs
here, call Executive Director William Weiss at 973-
772-2600 or write him at [email protected].
Coordinator of Therapies,North Jersey Elks DevelopmentalDisabilities Agency (NJEDDA)
Anne Foster
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant30
T raditions & Memories
Joseph M. Shook, Sr., Founder1924 - 2008
Nancy Shook Garretson,President
NJ Lic. No. 3657
Roy B. Garretson, ManagerNJ Lic. No. 3550
Thomas J. Garretson, DirectorNJ Lic. No. 4988
Kevin V. White, DirectorNJ Lic. No. 4964
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 31
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant32
Since 1983, Biegel’s clan has met every Thanksgiving
morning, at about 9 am to break bread. “We would meet
for breakfast at Calico Kitchen, “ he said. “For 21 years
we met there. It closed down, so we had to find a new
place – first the Lexington Diner, then the Tick Tock
Diner. The last four years it has been the Allwood Diner.
We started with seven people. We now have 13 adults and
four great-grandchildren, including last names of Biegel,
Fieldhouse and Romadon. This Thanksgiving, pictured
above, we just celebrated 27 years of doing this, and we
hope to keep going. I recently moved, so that’s changed,
but our tradition hasn’t—Thanksgiving for our family
begins together, talking, laughing and having fun.”
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Avenue of Flags Chair
John Biegel, Jr. “My wife Mary died in 1981. I had my two sons, John III and Jeffrey, liv-
ing with me then, but my daughter Kathleen was married and on her own
with her husband, Tom. After two years had gone by, I came up with the
idea to go for Thanksgiving Breakfast.”
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 33
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant34
“Since our parents have passed, ourfamily now consists of first, second,
and third generation Americans.
Honoring our cultural roots is more
than a date on a calendar; it is what
makes us who we are and whom we
represent in this vast melting pot.
“Our entire family continues all of
the culinary, religious and yes, the associated pagan
traditions of celebrating Christmas with all of
Ukraine in January: Christmas Eve January 6th,
Christmas Day January 7th, following the
Ukrainian Byzantine Christian Calendar which has
no spiritual exclusion but rather spiritual inclusion.
“Our family usually decorates our
Christmas tree around the feast of St.
Nicholas on Dec. 19, which is pretty dif-
ferent from most Americans.! Our fami-
ly tree is especially themed. It is adorned
with ornaments that were all either cher-
ished heirlooms brought to the USA by
our parents and grand-parents after
World War II liberation, sent from
Ukraine by our relatives, made in
Ukraine, or keepsakes by our family
members and friends through the generations.
“The tree is finished with a traditional brightly lit
eight-pointed Star of Bethlehem, customary in
Ukrainian folklore. (By the way, that eight-pointed
pattern is repeated on Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter
eggs. But that’s another tradition.”)
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“We usually go to 5:30 pm mass on Christmas Eve, and then usual-
ly have a Christmas Eve dinner, which is always different and not a set
standard. We’re more involved on Christmas Day. But the kids are mar-
ried now, with families of their own, so it’s difficult to plan in advance
or to do the same routine each year. We adjust for the situation every
year. The new tradition is no tradition, at least in terms of rote.”
“My favorite holiday tradition is on Valentine’s Day, the birthday of
my grandmother Lola Canario. For decades my family would rent a
hall here in Passaic or back in New York City for a humongous celebra-
tion. We were 42 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren on the last
one we did before she died at the age of 92 in June of 2012.”
“On Thanksgiving I’m going to sleep on the couch and let otherscook. That’s luxury! We lost our son eight years ago when our son was
a senior in high school. It changes things. Most of the things we do are
traditional; it’s just we always have Jimmy on our minds. It’s not that
we’re not happy; it’s just that we have bittersweet overtones. It’s just
knowing of the somebody who is not there that affects things.”
On our first Christmas togeth-er, my wife Kathleen, whopassed away five years ago...both of us had forgotten tobuy a tree and we wound upwith the original CharlieBrown tree. There were othertrees throughout our mar-riage, both real and artificial,but that one, of course, hasthe most significance of all.
Lillianna Chuddolij
Clifton Post Office
Fred Seidler Eileen Keating
ADT Security Consultant
Rafael Vilorio
Jeff Hoey
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 35
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant36
The generational Rowan clan as seen last year, from left: Mike Rowan with Shawn and Felicia, Kerry and JamesBaker with Aoife, Jimmy, and Liam, Father Eamonn O’Brien, Joyce and Bob Rowan.
Liturgy in the living room: Not every family or
congregant can expect a priest to make a liturgical
“house call” at Christmas. But the Rowan family
can, at least now and again.
It’s what retired Clifton Police Department
Detective Captain Robert Rowan calls “an interest-
ing wrinkle” amidst a holiday schedule that, in
many respects, “is pretty similar to that enjoyed by
so many others.”
The family’s edge? It has a priest as a member of
the family. “I have a cousin, Eamonn O’Brien,
who’s a missionary priest from Ireland,” Rowan
said. “He’s stationed in China now, traveling
around, meeting with different groups throughout
the country. That’s significant in itself, since at one
time priests weren’t allowed into China, let alone
travel anywhere within it,
“Eamonn travels back and forth between China,
Ireland, and England. If he’s en route, especially on or
around the holidays, he usually stops off here in
America – not every Christmas, of course. Last year
we welcomed him as he stayed with us for a few days.
“On Christmas Day, he said mass in the living
room. We have three children and seven grandchil-
dren; they all came over for Christmas Day.”
Eamonn’s Christmas Day work followed plenty
of warmup activities the previous evening, Rowan
added. “Generally what we’ve done for years on
Christmas Eve is go visit friends. We often visit the
owners of Wheels and Troops Subs, on Van Houten
Ave.,” he said, referring to Laurie Mocek, owner of
Wheels, a jewelry store, and her brother Bill who
owns Troops Subs right next door. “Laurie usually
has a little gathering at the shop, so last year we
brought Eamonn with us to see them.”
“Later on we went to the Grabowskis and of
course we told them Eamonn was a priest. Ray
Grabowski asked for a blessing of his brother Matt,
who was very ill at the time. Eamonn in fact did that,
and I think Ray felt rather comforted with that. That
made it interesting—and very moving.” Clifton
Councilman Matt Grabowski a Realtor and lifelong
resident of Athenia, passed away on Feb. 25, 2015, at
the age of 53.
“On Christmas Day, Eamonn wore a jacket he
had brought from China, a kind of red silk. He said
it was the only thing he had that was red that would
fit into Christmas,” Rowan recalled.
For the family, the fit was a perfect one.
Retired Clifton Police Captain
Robert Rowan
T raditions & Memories
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 37
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant38
These Mustangs get together monthly in South Jersey. All are invited to the next event on Dec. 15. Front row:Marlene Vandenberg, Diane Vernarec, Belle DiFalco, Barbara Szijas, Linda Fillipone, Pam Polyak. Middle row:Hank Vandenberg, Joe Vernarec, George DiFalco, Allen Seijas, Rich Fillipone, Carole Brierley, Jeff Polyak. Backrow: Emil Koenig, Rich Belli, Matt Bajek, George Kulik, Holly Kulik, Rich Brierley, Jim Brierley.
George Kulik and classmates from 1960 hold a
lunch every six weeks at the Lamppost Inn, Route.
9, Pine Beach. They’ve been doing so for the past six
years. The schedule includes a Christmas party, to be
held this year on Dec. 15.
It’s open to all CHS grads, not just the Class of
1960, Kulik said. “One or two do show up from
other classes, like Jimmy Brierley’s brother, who
was a couple of years after us. We don’t care too
much about that.”
The core group consists of Toms River and
Ocean County residents, numbering about 20 and
mostly CHS grads from 1960, “except for some of
the wives,” Kulik said. Attendance fluctuates meet-
ing to meeting, depending on the time of year and
other variables. “It’s funny; we get people that’ll
come for a month or two, then they’ll have some-
thing to do, such as during the summer. We’ll get
only 10. Then suddenly we’ll get 20 or more,
including people from up north,” Kulik said.
“It’s a continuous thing. We talk about, or lie
about, the old times. We talk about people’s lives, or
people who have died, sadly. Some of us see each
other regularly; the rest show when they want to.”
The friendships have been nearly lifelong. As
one example, Kulik cites the Vernarecs. “I’ve
known Joe Vernarec and his wife Diane since high
school, in fact I’ve known Diane since junior high,”
Kulik said. “All are welcome to join in the fun.”
That includes former CHS teachers overseeing
the Class of 1960, Kulik pointed out. “George and
Belle DiFalco were our teachers; they’re in their
80s and they show up during the summer and fall;
they winter in Florida,” he said. “George DiFalco
was the favorite teacher of almost anybody. Any
time you had a problem you’d go to George or
Belle. I don’t know how many other teachers from
our era are still around.”
At Christmastime, “We embarrass ourselves by
dressing up as elves or reindeer; we just blame that
on senility. Matt Bajek is a one-man band with the
accordion; he performs for us, and we just have a
good time.” Call George Kulik at 848-333-8761 or
email [email protected] to attend.
CHS Class of 1960
George Kulik
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Clifton Merchant • December 2015 39
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant40
“I started the Christmas Santafloat parade more than 40 yearsago,” Novack stated. “Tom Insigna
[who was Santa Claus] was my
neighbor and we put it together. I
went to different store owners, at
least 20 merchants, and I told them,
“Contribute some money and I’ll
give everyone flyers on Santa’s
route. We’ll get a crowd.”
How much money? “It was
$250... or $500... that’s what they
would give. It was a lot of money,
but we did a lot with that money. We’d
give out sandwiches, we bought toys for the kids; we
had designated stops. It was a very big deal,” he said.
The pre-mall Clifton of the 1970s was different.
Main Ave. was full of well-known locally owned
stores, as were Botany, Athenia, and Valley Road.
Santa’s float, crafted in the 1970s, was put togeth-
er with Department of Public Works equipment in a
body shop owned by Joe Podolak and Tom Insigna,
who had a personal interest in making sure the lay-
out was comfortable and conducive to Santa’s needs.
“We also used to get and give donations from toy
companies,” Novack said. We’d put a sign up in a
merchant window with all the stops listed. Each
merchant would get a flyer. Everyone would get
advertising, with all the merchants on it. That’s how
it really grew into a Clifton tradition.”
Novack said the Santa float started with the back-
ing of the Athenia Business Association, Ploch’s, Al
Sabah, Joe Podolak, Frank Mileto, Chuck Ranges,
and Jerry Zecker, among others. Tom Insigna stayed
with the tradition and held down Santa’s reins for 43
years, relinquishing his duties after 2013.
When not focusing on Clifton, Novack also
enjoyed holiday traditions on the family level. “We
used to go to the Marble Collegiate Church on Fifth
Ave. and 29th Street in New York. Dr. Norman
Vincent Peale used to be the pastor there. It’s a great
tradition for Christmas Eve. They always have a big
choir there; it’s really something to see,” he said.
For the last few years, Novack’s other occupation
is as a gondolier on the canals of Ft. Lauderdale and
in the waters of the Hackensack River. Seriously.
See more at lasolasgondola.com.
Mike Novack and Crew, Circa 1971
T raditions & Memories
Founder, Santa Tour de Clifton
Mike Novack
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 41
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant42
T raditions & Memories
“Parades,” Bobby DeVito says simply. “We do
parades up until two days before Christmas. It really
picks up around the holidays,” as Bond Parade Float
Co. goes into high gear to serve its business clients.
Since DeVito’s wife, Marge, and two sons,
Robbie and William, are involved in the business, the
family “tradition” is pretty much a working one.
“My two sons have taken over, but I’m still pretty
active,” DeVito said. Make that 41 years of “pretty
active,” since DeVito began work with the company
in 1974 and never looked back.
“I don’t do anything on Christmas Day itself; I
refuse to. We do a little Christmas Eve work – one
float, that’s all,” DeVito said. “The rest of December
is pretty much dead, but then in January we gear up
again to get ready for Chinese New Year,” with the
exact date varying year by year.
In 2016 Chinese New Year, also known as the
Lunar New Year, begins on Feb. 8.
Robert DeVito and his crew of craftsmen make
moveable, magical art out of wood, styrofoam, tinsel
and other trimmings. You’ve seen his work along
parade routes here in town and all over the Northeast.
While DeVito is now 64, he and his staff have
been dressing parades for decades. This Clifton
Boulevard firm has been in the business of making
floats since 1942. It was then that company founder
Gilbert Bond began selling War Bonds at the celebri-
ty filled rallies in Times Square. In the early ’60s,
employee Rudy Ehrlich took the helm of the firm.
Current owner and Mt. Prospect Ave. resident
Robert DeVito, pictured above with his wife Marge,
purchased the company in 1984 but has worked there
since 1973. Over the years, the company has ‘Made
in Clifton’ some memorable pieces of work which
have been in some major parades.
Among DeVito’s all time favorites: a massive
two story float with the Lion of St. Mark’s Square in
Venice atop of it, which was created for Perugina
Chocolates. Here in Clifton, DeVito annually
donates the float which carts Santa throughout the
city on Christmas Eve. He has also donated his serv-
ices to a number of other causes.
So what is the secret to his moveable art?
“That’s a good name for it,” responded DeVito, a
’73 grad of William Paterson. “Because by the time
you can notice our mistakes, our floats are down the
road. But seriously? It’s creating a good contrast of
colors and graphics because the art is viewed best
from afar.”
Owner, Bond Parade Float Co.
Bobby DeVito
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 43
AC Moore (973) 470-8885
Antonio’s Hair Stylist (973) 472-1011
Avant Garde Salon (973) 778-0557
Bertelli’s Liquors (973) 779-0199
C2 Education Center 973-778-7300
Chiropractic Center at Styertowne (973) 777-6995
Cleaners 2000 (973) 614-1400
Dayton Homemade Chocolates (973) 574-0444
F.Y.E. (973) 778-8759
Corbo Jewelers (973) 777-1635
CVS Pharmacy (973) 778-7630
Dollar Tree (973) 249-7530
Dress Barn (973) 249-0233
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins (973) 473-9631
Footnotes Bookstore (973) 779-6122
GNC (973) 779-1500
Kim’s Nail Salon (973) 471-8118
Largo House Nail & Spa (973) 777-9784
Lucille Roberts (973) 249-2966
Modells (973) 779-5253
Morillo Eye Care (973) 594-0020
Muscle Maker Grill (862) 899-7111
Radio Shack (973) 777-7931
Sherwin-Williams (973) 773-1738
Styertowne Bakery (973) 777-6193
Subway (973) 685-9992
Taste of Tuscany (973) 916-0700
The Season’s Fine Chinese Cuisine (973) 777-8073
US Post Office (973) 473-4946
Valley National Bank (973) 777-6283
Great stores & servicesat the Allwood Circle
Corbo JewelersGold • Silver • Precious Metals & Gems
Largo House Nail & SpaManicure, Pedicure, Facial Care, Waxing, Body Treatment
Cleaners 2000Cleaning • Laundering • Alterations
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant44
Anna Mariano wanted to see if she could handle
the experience, even if it was temporary. “You
always see homeless people on the streets, but you
never really know what they are going through,”
she said. Her 24 hours in the program’s Tent City,
she said, at least allowed her to be in “a similar sit-
uation for a short period of time.”
And, she noted, at least she had a shelter of some
sort, no matter how primitive. “It can be below
freezing and the homeless may not get a place to
stay,” she said. “It can be so hard to live your life if
you don’t have a home.”
Though some might think food or cleanliness
were primary issues, for Mariano the chief enemy
was the cold. “My head and feet were freezing. I
couldn’t imagine living like this for more than 24
hours, but there are thousands of people who do it
every single day.”
Being exposed to the cold also registered with
Henrique Schulz. “I didn’t think it would be that
bad,” he recalled, “but at times I thought about the
homeless people who go through this every day. I’m
fortunate to have a home to go to and only have this
be a 24-hour experience.”
Perhaps as important, Schulz realized that treating
the homeless with kindness and caring – and as real
people – was an beneficial intangible for him and the
homeless alike. “Helping doesn’t only involve giving
food and donating time. I can also strike up conversa-
tion when doing community service at a soup kitchen
with the homeless. They are people who are going
through rough times, so to just talk to them really
seemed to put a smile on their faces.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” he
added. “It really made me more aware of what thou-
sands of people are going through in our country. I’m
glad Paramus Catholic gave me this opportunity.”
T raditions & Memories
Paramus Catholic HS Senior
Anna Mariano
As part of their studies, Paramus CatholicHigh School students recently lived for 24hours as the homeless do. Here is what two Clifton seniors had to say about theirout-of the-classroom learning experience:
Paramus Catholic HS Senior
Henrique Schulz
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 45
T raditions & Memories
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant46
For Bohdan Gojnycz, last Christmas was especial-ly sweet. Along with fellow parishioners at St.
Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in
Tucson, Ariz., he unveiled a new ikonostas –
a ornate and traditional icon wall – highlight-
ing the congregation’s rehabilitated home.
Common among Eastern Orthodox denom-
inations, an ikonostas is also a key element in
Ukrainian Catholic churches. Gojnycz was
determined parishioners would have one, with
ornately carved wood a key element in its making.
Gojnycz, CHS ’57, grew up in Dutch Hill and
attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.
CHS grads may recall Gojnycz’s 25-year stint teach-
ing Business Education. “I taught a lot of accounting,
law, consumer education, typing, economic geogra-
phy, business math, anything in that area,” he said,
adding that he was at CCMS for five years, too.
That knowledge came in handy after he retired in
1993 and, with his wife Maria, moved to Arizona in
2004. St. Michael’s welcomed him and his skills,
naming him Facilities Manager overseeing volunteers
to furnish and upgrade a new ‘home.’ “We celebrated
our first Christmas in 2008,”Gojnycz recalled. “We
were a small group – we’re still a relatively small
group – but we needed the space.”
Bohdan Gojnycz in 1988 (at left) andwith wife, Maria, and icon wall in 2014.
Former CHS Teacher
Bohdan Gojnycz
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T raditions & Memories
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant48
Raising sufficient funding proved a challenge, but
dedicated parishioners began work in March 2014, with
Gojnycz focusing on the ikonostas first to get it ready for
the following Easter. It was ready by last Christmas.
“We finished the icon wall in three months,” he noted,
“but the rest of work took a year or more. Some of it, in
fact, is still ongoing.” Funding remains an issue.
“Most of the other volunteers were far less experi-
enced; one might think some of them had never picked
up a hammer. But everyone worked hard, and had fun,
while we worked toward a common goal,” Gojnycz said.
An ikonostas, or icon wall, consists of a wall of icons
and religious paintings, separating the nave from the
sanctuary in a church. It usually does not sit directly on
the edge of the sanctuary, but is usually set a few feet
back from the edge of the top step. This forms a walk-
way in front of the iconostasis for the clergy.
The new church is handling a growing congregation,
Gojnycz said, capably led by Father Andriy Chirovsky, a
native of Newark. “He’s a Jersey boy, too,” Gojnycz
quipped. Some people strive to be icons. Others, like
Bohdan Gojnycz, strive to give icons the proper home.
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December 2015 • Clifton Merchant50
This Belgrade Ave. residentand CHS 2002 grad offered
her thoughts concerning the
holiday season. Below are a
few of her comments...
ThanksgivingWhen the annual Passaic-
Clifton Thanksgiving Football
game is at home, my Aunt
Naomi (Huck) Horsky (CHS
’63) will drive down and go to
the game with me before
heading over to her daughter’s
house for dinner. My cousin
Amanda (Rice) Randle (CHS
’04) will sometimes join in.
Christmas EveWhen I was little, my sister
Jilian and I, as well as our
friends Kristy and Nick Link (pictured) who lived
up the block from us, would run after Santa when
he went by on the float, waving and shouting
“Merry Christmas” from Fenner Ave. to Dumont
Ave. along Maplewood Ave. After Santa, my moth-
er, sister, and I would head off to 10 pm service at
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to sing. Following the
service, my friend Lauren (Read) Koslow and I
would wait for the clock to get as close to midnight
as possible and we would shout “Merry Christmas
Everyone!” at the top of our lungs while standing
out on the front steps of our church on Clifton Ave.
Christmas DayNo matter how old we get, my sister Jilian and I, as
well as Dana Cannizzaro (CHS ’03) who is like a
sister as well), will spend Christmas morning in my
parent’s living room in our pajamas opening pres-
ents. It’s only after presents are unwrapped that we
go and get dressed and help get everything ready
for family to come over for Christmas dinner.
Broadway or bustEvery year we have everyone put in their top choic-
es for Broadway shows and availability, and then
Mom chooses the date and the show.
T raditions & Memories
History Professor, WPU
Tara M. Fuesko
Nick and Kristy Link with Tara and Jilian Fuesko as kids and in high school.Nick graduated CHS in ’02, his sister in ’98 and Jilian in 2004. Below, that’sTara Fuesko with her Aunt Naomi at this year’s Thanksgiving game.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 51
Seifullah Ali Shabazz said he regularly attends the
Clifton Passaic Thanksgiving game since it’s a
great way to keep in touch with the people in his
community. “I’m not a sport person, but I go
because I see my friends at the game. I was disap-
pointed there weren’t more people there this year.”
The Lakeview resident and concert promoter said it
is a way to stay connected in a busy world. “You
go because you see people come to the game that
you otherwise wouldn’t see too often.”
Afterwards, Shabazz’s tradition is to cook the
bird. “Thanksgiving... I don’t really celebrate per
se, but I recognize it and appreciate and respect
people who do celebrate it. I just like the spirit of
the holidays. I feel bad for all the people who have
to work. They should be enjoying the holiday. I’ll
cook a turkey because I get it for free and I give
some to my brother. I also baked a few pies too.”
Shabazz organizes his own tradition later on this
winter. With his Shabazz Productions, he will pres-
ent the 21st Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Festival
and Dinner on Jan. 16. The concert is at the Church
of the Assumption, 35 Orange Ave., Clifton, from 6
pm to midnight. Performers include Jazzy Bear
and Friends, Mark Turner and Jasphere, Mista B
and The Boys, Choice, Madame Pat Tandy and
Jazz Ensemble, and Sieedah Songbird and Trio.
Tickets are $40 in advance; $45 at the door. Call
Shabazz at 973-478-4124.
T raditions & Memories
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant52
“We have friends in Philadelphiaand we celebrate ThanksgivingDay at their home. On Christmas,
everybody comes to our house.
Originally just four people were
involved; now it’s up to 24. It was the
adults; now we have children and
grandchildren included. No matter
where the kids are, they always seem
to come home, whether from Boston
or Maryland or Colorado.”
Operations Director,Clifton Boys & Girls Club
Joe & Roberta Holmes
Rachel, Joe, and Roberta and Joe Holmes.
Owner, Shabazz Productions
Seifullah Ali Shabazz
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 53
Coach Ralph Cinque and his wife Lindsey with their children Dominick and Emmalyn. Clifton MVPs Joe Santillo andOtto DeLeon with Passaic MVPs Yonathan Martinez and Tyshawn Bunting.
On Thanksgiving Day, Mustang faithful gathered atJoe Grecco Field to watch the Clifton Mustangs defeat
the Passaic Indians by a score of 35-12. Led by a
steady rushing attack, Clifton controlled the pace of the
game throughout.
But despite the score, both teams showed good
sportsmanship after, as they gathered at the 50-yard line
for the presenting of the Optimist Trophy by Clifton
Optimist Club President Mike Gimon. Speakers from
both teams reminded the players to honor the lengthy
tradition of the Clifton-Passaic game by battling hard
and respecting their opponents, who they met the week
before at the annual Optimist Clubs Hot Dog Night.
While fans gathered before the game, we asked our
readers what Thanksgiving traditions and memories
they would be participating in this year:
T raditions & Memories
Josh Texidor (left) with fellow alumni Mustangs.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant54
CHS 2007
Josh Texidor
A former Marching Mustang Drum Major, KellyWilliams attends the games to participate in the
Alumni Band performance after the game. When
Clifton is home, the Marching Mustangs are always
complemented by more than 100 alumni, and the
joint bands perform some of the staples.
“The Clifton Band Alumni has a huge presence
at that game and year-round. It’s really unique,
even in the United States,” she bragged. “We have
a lot of people come out. It’s larger than some col-
legiate homecomings.”
The night before the game, Williams organizes a
band reunion at The Clif Tavern, where she has bar-
tended for many years. For more than five decades,
these pre-feast festivities have drawn in hundreds
of band alumni is the early part of the evening.
“The Clif Tavern has been proud to support the
Clifton Mustang Band & Alumni Association since
1964,” said Skip Kazer, owner of The Clif. “We
are happy to host our friends here for the
Thanksgiving game, Thanksgiving Eve, and all
throughout the year!”
1984 CHS Drum Major
Kelly Williams
Two former MarchingMustang Drum Majors,Kelly Williams and JulieKrygsman, and, at right, theGuru of Brew, Skip Kazer,owner of the Clif Tavern.
The annual Thanksgiving Day game has been atradition before the turkey for Texidor since he was
in high school. A graduate of the Class of 2007, he
was a star running back and linebacker for the
Mustangs when they won the State Championship in
2006. Now he returns to the games as a fan to catch
up with other former Mustangs. “I come here every
year with family,” he said. “There’s a lot of people
from the Class of 2007 that I saw here too. It’s nice
seeing everyone at these games since you don’t nec-
essarily see everyone else during the year.”
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 55
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant56
Keeping it generational: Miriam Eisenmenger with Nathan,Luke, and Jack Eisenmenger, Jonathan Eisenmenger.
We too begin the ‘odd’ years with Clifton football and Alumni Band home-
coming (for all intents and purposes!). An alum from my class marched with
his adult son, and one of my sons brought his three sons to watch their aunt
march with the ‘big kids.’ It’s awesome having 40+ years of band gather, espe-
cially when the team is doing so well! We then gather as many relatives as
available, host it in Clifton, and share a traditional meal... my father’s stuffing
and gravy, grandma’s corn souffle and apple pie, my chocolate pecan pie,
pumpkin pie, and green bean casserole with recipes off the cans! Everybody
contributes and we give thanks to God for family and His many blessings!
Elizabeth Riley Eisenmenger
T raditions & Memories
Lisa M. Caruso
The family was together, except forone younger brother who was away.We make the family gather all in the din-
ner room, and we eat turkey, stuffing,
mash potatoes, green beans salad, and a
glass of wine. All of us are blessed.
Every year my Christmaspresent to my nieces is afamily day in New York
City, creating and adding to
memories and life experi-
ences. It’s something no
“Made in China” toy under-
neath the Christmas tree can
do.
We usually take the ferry over and get a view of
New York City on their way, We’ll take a walk
through Times Square, and see a Christmas-
themed Broadway show.
Then we head over to Rockefeller Center to see
the tree there that’s all lit up and enjoy the
Christmas ambience. And all along the way the
talented acts and creativity of musicians and artists
displaying their talents.
Overall it teaches the kids what Christmas is all
about – the birth of Christ, and the value of fami-
ly and being together, and not the commercialized
holiday it has turned into.
But the tradition also helps bring life experi-
ences to the kids, everyday things such as learning
to purchase ferry tickets, buy subway MetroCards.
Or learning how to read the route maps on where
to go and what time things run.
Norm Tahan
Spent another great day with the family atSt Anne’s hall in Woodland Park. This year 92
guests. Glad Uncle Albie could make it after
having a pacemaker installed on Tuesday. Big
year coming up, so next year will be monu-
mental. Happy to have the family that I have.
Anthony Latona
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 57
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant58
Lakeview Residents
Maritza & José Morales
On Thanksgiving, Jose Morales watches as afan, but many of the Mustangs on the field coach-
ing and playing still know him as Coach.
Morales was a long time youth football coach
for the Clifton Mustangs, retiring 6 years ago. He
started coaching more than 20 years ago when his
own boys, Jose Jr. and Josh, were coming through
the program, and continued after they left.
“I started in Paterson, and then we came here,”
he explained while watching with family in the
stands. “We won a lot of championships along the
way and the kids had fun. Just today, I must have
seen at least 8 kids I coached at the junior level. A
lot of them are in college or out in the world now.
It’s nice to see everyone doing well.”
After the game, Morales and his wife, Maritza,
head back to their home in Lakeview for dinner
with the rest of the family. “Every year, we’ve
been having it at our house for 16 years now,” said
Morales.
T raditions & Memories
Since 1997, the Annual Turkey Bowl has taken place at Mt. Prospect Park after the turkey hangover has worn offon Friday morning. The group is all Clifton locals, with most from the CHS classes of 1999 and 2000. “We allcelebrate Thanksgiving with our families the day before the game,” explained Freddie Nouri, a 2004 grad. “Afterthe game, we pick a dinner spot to eat.” From left is Fred Nouri Sr., Hany Hamman, Daniel Neyra, Chris Turano,Anthony Khiami, Christian Guglielmini, Mike Edreos, George Noury, Andrew Jaeger. Bottom Row: Dan Poupart,Freddie Nouri, and Gianna Neyra. Not pictured is Bill Colligan, who also teaches at CHS.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 59
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December 2015 • Clifton Merchant60
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T raditions & Memories
Rich Meade
Class of 2003 alumni Rich Meadestopped by the game with his brothers,Matt (2006) and Kevin (2010), to meet
up with some old friends. The Meades
are all former Clifton football players,
so it was an extra bonus to see Clifton
secure another win to cap off a success-
ful season. “It’s nice coming here and
seeing everyone before turkey,” he said.
“I’m usually here at the games every
year with my brothers. After, we go to
my mother’s in Delawanna.”
Nina Sennert Klett
The perfect day. Get up early. Get to the Mustang Band alumni practice. March
with all the band kids, past and present. Sit in the stands, watching football, singing
and cheering with the band and the cheerleaders. Clifton winning! Saying goodbye
for two years, till the next home game. Be safe everyone. Now it’s turkey time! Yum.
Family and friends, the best day ever.
Jeff Laux, Tim Laux, John Glass, Nick Surgent, Mark Surgentand Michelle Shackil. “It’s really a blessing in disguise to beable to come back every other year to play, reminisce, and catchup with old friends,” said Shackil, a 2013 graduate. “This bandreally is one giant family.”
Michelle Shackil
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 61
December 2015• Clifton Merchant62
If you are spent withthe commercialism ofthe holidays, then look
around to see ways in
which you can assist a neighbor, friend or those in need.
A gift does not have to be a present or a monetary thing.
It can be as simple as a visit to a homebound relative or
neighbor. You can also pitch in and help out the
community by being a volunteer at one or more of the
Clifton organizations which provide an array of services
for youth, seniors, cultural, or religious groups and other
service organizations.
But if sending a check is what you want to do, there
are many organizations worthy of your support. Thus,
when creating your holiday shopping list this year, con-
sider adding a small donation to a local non-profit
organization, such as
the Boys & Girls Club
of Clifton—that’s their
pre-school students
pictured above in a file photo at the Avenue of Flags on
Veterans Day. The Club provides a variety of services
for Clifton kids from every neighborhood and is still a
great place for social events, athletic programs, and
after school activities.
There are plenty of other ways to assist the needy.
Several groups conduct toy and food drives during the
first few weeks of December so that unfortunate families
are able to celebrate, no matter their financial situation.
Other charities are year-round programs, constantly in
need of support. On the following pages, we’ll tell you
about more ways you can give funds or volunteer.
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December 2015• Clifton Merchant64
The 37th Annual Weichert Realtors ofClifton Toy Drive will continue through mid-
month. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at their
offices at 791 Passaic Ave. at the Allwood Rd.
intersection. Pictured at right are Tony
Sanchez, Maureen Setteducato, and Frank
Gorga. Toys and gifts will go to agencies serv-
ing underprivileged children in Clifton and the
surrounding area. For info, call 973-779-1900.
Deadline is Dec. 15 at 8 pm, so don’t delay.
Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver andAssemblyman Thomas P. Giblin have coordi-
nated their 6th annual holiday toy and book
drive. Last year, children ages 3 to 15 were
given more than 300 toys and books.
Donations are being accepted through Dec. 15.
Gifts should be unwrapped and will go to kids
in programs at St. Peter’s Haven, the Clifton
Boys & Girls Club and other facilities. Drop-
off hours at Giblin’s office, 1333 Broad St., are
8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
For info, call 973-779-3125.
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The Clifton Martial Arts Academy raised more than$2,400 last month for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital with
its 2015 Kick-a-thon in Chelsea Park, with some late
donations reportedly still coming in as December began.
Every year, CMAA students do 500 kicks in an hour
for the annual kick-a-thon. Participants get pledges by
collecting 1, 2, or 5 cents per kick and all of the funds go
to St. Jude’s for children’s cancer research and treatments.
The Nov. 7 event was the fifth year CMAA has spon-
sored, with donations increasing more and more each
year despite the sluggish economic recovery that’s coin-
cided with the annual event.
“When I was a kid, I participated in events like this and
it made an impression on me,” said Jim Meghdir, owner
and chief instructor of CMAA on Bloomfield Ave.
“These kids will remember days like today and pay it for-
ward in the future as well. We are martial artists on and
off the mat and this is our way of giving back to the com-
munity. I’m very proud of all the kickers, their families,
and those that helped out but couldn’t be at the event.”
Clifton Firefighters FMBA 21 Annual Coat Drive has concluded, and hundreds of coats were collected then launderedby Deluxe Cleaners on Main Ave. and Saveway Cleaners on Allwood Rd. Once delivered to St. Peter’s Haven, the out-erwear is finding a new use warming local men, woman and children. For those interested in helping further, the mem-bers of FMBA 21 and PBA 36 are now conducting their annual toy drive. Drop new, unwrapped toys at any firehouse.
500 Kicks for St. Jude’s
December 2015• Clifton Merchant66
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Clifton Merchant • December 2015 67
Kim Castellano believes that things canstart with the Power of One. Over the
last few years she has inspired many other
Cliftonites to share that mantra and get
involved.
Through her Back2School Outreach
and the Minds in Motion after school pro-
grams at School 12 on Clifton Ave., she is
now running a food drive.
Together, the two programs will provide a
school pantry to help meet the basic needs for chil-
dren in grades K to 5, so they can come to school
after a healthy breakfast and be ready to learn.
“Help by donating non-perishable food items,
organize a food drive, or host a drop- off location,”
said Castellano, who is also a Certified Life
Coach.
Donations of non-perishable food items and
supplies run the range: hot or cold cereal, soup,
canned fruit, healthy snacks, mac and cheese,
meals in a can, juice boxes, toiletries, even school
supplies.
Donations can be dropped off during school
hours at the pantry at School 12, 165 Clifton Ave.,
near Lexington Ave. Another drop off site is City
Hall.
To date, the Power of One outreach has spon-
sored more than 500 children in Clifton schools
with back packs filled with supplies. This
Thanksgiving, thanks to sponsors A-1 Affordable
Construction and Amerigroup Real Solutions, the
Back2School Outreach provided 20 families with a
complete Thanksgiving dinner.
“With your support this year,” said Castellano, “we
will be able to create a ‘School Pantry’ and reach more
children in need.” Power of One CCOM, Inc. is a
501(c) 3 non-profit organization.
If your business or organization would like to help,
contact Kim Castellano at 201-328-2326, or email her
at [email protected]. A supply list with
instructions are at powerofoneccom.org.
December 2015• Clifton Merchant68
Girl Scout Jr. Troop 95322 organized and prepared thedonated food items for the Thanksgiving Outreach. Picturedis Casey Wellins from School 14, Maria Calvi from St. PhilipsPrep, Sofia Carroll from School 13, and Kristy Wellins, TroopLeader. In the second photo, that’s Kim Castellano fromPower of One with Councilwoman Lauren Murphy.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 69
Attend, sponsor, or volunteer for the Clifton SuperBowl Family Day, which is Feb. 7, 2016.
Now in its 19th year, the event is an alcohol, tobacco
and gambling-free event held at the Boys & Girls Club.
Prior to the game, there are parent/child games, an open
gym, swimming and two really large tv screens to view
the Super Bowl. And while you watch the champions
from the AFC and NFC duke it out for the Lombardi
Trophy, enjoy pizza, hot dogs, chips, soda and more.
Admission is a bargain: to get in, bring a donation of
canned goods, which will go to the St. Peter’s Haven
food pantry. Volunteers are needed to set up and coordi-
nate the event. To make all this happen, close to $4,000
needs to be raised and thus sponsors are needed.
Since it began over a decade ago, Clifton Against
Substance Abuse or CASA has been a donor, as have the
PBA, FMBA, and the Optimist Club, as well as families,
individuals, groups and businesses. In total, we need to
raise an additional $2,100 and we do that by asking 21
groups and individuals to donate $100.
Make checks to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, note:
Super Bowl Party. To become a sponsor, call Tom
Hawrylko at 973-253-4400. Mail or drop of your check at
1288 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ, 07011.
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Rev. Peter DeFranco with staff at St. Peter’s Haven.
St. Peter’s Haven, at 380 Clifton Ave., has been serving
the community since 1986, when it was founded by
members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The Haven
provides a number of services, including shelter for 6 to
12 families annually. St. Peter’s also serves as Clifton’s
food bank, providing hundreds of families with food
staples. Food drives, charity events and donations make
sure that the shelves are always fully stocked. The next
time you go to the supermarket, make a bag or two of
items such as peanut butter, tuna fish, pasta and sauce
and other items which can provide those in need a
sustaining meal. The folks at St. Peter’s also do a great
job of purchasing items in bulk, so a financial
contribution also goes far. Volunteers are needed to help
unload a truck of dry goods, which comes in monthly.
Call 973-546-3406 or go to www.stpetershaven.org.
December 2015• Clifton Merchant70
Maria Sokolina, DDS of Harmony Dental Arts on Clifton Ave.,pictured left with Lina Arias, collected 323 pounds of candy aspart of Operation Gratitude. Like Clifton Cares, the group annu-ally sends more than 150,000 care packages filled with snacks,entertainment, hygiene, and hand-made items, plus personal let-ters of appreciation, to US service members deployed overseas.
Close to 8,000 boxes of everything from can-dies to toiletries have been shipped by Clifton
Cares to our troops overseas during the organi-
zation’s five years of existence. The latest
drive, which ended on Dec. 1 (see photo
below), collected plenty of treats to be deliv-
ered just in time for the Christmas holiday.
Thanks to the generosity of Cliftonites, the
troops are appreciative, said Lizz Gagnon.
“They go crazy for everything from Pringles to
Wet Wipes and lip balm,” she noted.
Clifton Cares has begun collecting for its
Valentine’s Day delivery. The collection box is
at City Hall.
While chocolates and candy are appropriate
donations for Valentine’s Day, financial contri-
butions covering the costs of delivery are
equally valuable.
Mailing a package costs $15.90, so consid-
er making an end-of-year postage donation,
made to cash or to Lizz Gagnon. Mail dona-
tions to her at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton
Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013.
If you have questions, or would like to help
in some other way, email [email protected]
or call Lizz Gagnon at 973-818-8141.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 71
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The Clifton EducationFoundation seeks donations
to benefit several programs
in the public schools. The
Marie L. Hakim Scholarship
for Future Educators, named
after the late Board of
Education commissioner and
former educator (inset), is
given to a CHS student who
plans to pursue a career in
teaching. The Foundation also awards grants to staff,
student groups and HSAs. To make a contribution,
apply for a grant or get involved, call 973-470-2260.
St. John’s Lutheran Church congregation memberspresented toiletries, personal care products and snacks
to Clifton Cares to be packaged and sent to American
military personnel serving in Afghanistan. The congre-
gation made its presentation after the Nov. 1 worship
service in the church’s Fellowship Hall, at 810 Broad
St. The St. John’s congregation also donated money to
defray the cost of shipping the varied items overseas.Twins Natalie and Angely Quirino shown here beforethey got haircuts in the 10th Clifton Locks of Love.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 73
The 11th Annual Clifton Locks of Love Cut-A-Thonis on May 23 at Christopher Columbus Middle School.
The event will be held in the CCMS Media Center from
8:30 am to 3 pm and is open to the public. Organized
by CCMS teacher Kim Dreher, Locks of Love is a pub-
lic non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to
those under age 21 suffering from long-term medical
hair loss from any diagnosis. Want to shed your locks?
Get involved: call Kim Dreher at 973-769-0500 or
email [email protected] to save a seat.
The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton has opened its doors
to thousands of local youth since it beginnings in Botany
Village over six decades ago. Today’s programs at the
Clifton Ave. Club still include plenty of pool time, sports
and social activities while a whole new educational
aspect has been added. To continue their programs, the
Club relies heavily on generous donations. The Annual
Giving Campaign allows individuals to gift money to
the Club, and also features an option for a company to
match your donation. Call Development Director John
DeGraaf at 973-773-2697 x111, write to him at
[email protected], or go to www.bgcclifton.org.
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December 2015• Clifton Merchant74
They Perform A Capella in a Beautiful Voice
Thanks Neighbors& Clients, from
the Genardi family!
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 75
CHS’s very own Madrigal Singers are set to addmagic to this year’s holiday festivities throughout
Clifton, performing in the style and spirit of the
Renaissance period.
These talented students learn and perform selections
of music from the Renaissance and into other classical
eras. Founded in the 1970s by Pearl Anderson, the
Madrigals—notably under the direction of Barbara
Novak for over two decades and now led by CHS
Choral Director Christina Paulin— perform a capella.
What makes their ‘voice’ so unique is that they do
not perform in sections. Rather, they stand as a mixed
group to create a blend of sounds and harmonies. Their
Renaissance sensibility is carried through in their
gowns, belts and hairpieces and you can see or hear
them at tree lightings and concerts.
On Dec. 4, the Madrigals have a hectic schedule of
tree lightings with Santa: Lakeview at 5 pm, Botany
Village at 6 and Downtown Clifton at 7. And then, pret-
ty much without even a restorative mug of hot chocolate,
it’s over to the Hamilton House at 8 pm with St. Nicholas
for tours by period-appropriate candlelight.
On Dec. 6 at 5 pm, the help set the sound track for
the official lighting of the city tree in front of the
municipal building. It is a large and loud affair as Santa
arrives on a fire truck and it goes on whatever the
weather. Come Dec. 10 at 7:30 pm, the Mads have
their Holiday Choral Concert in the CHS auditorium.
Tickets are $2. Call 973-470-2311 for details.
They go back on the road on Dec. 17 and 18 as the
group will perform at various elementary schools and
the two middle schools – potential future Madrigal
members, no doubt.
Some of these events listed here are outdoors, adding
some winter stress on one’s voice. Since we think the
Madrigals, pictured at left, are deserving of praise, we
list them here, in alphabetical order: Mehmet Eroglu,
Angelica Espinosa, Lillian Figueroa, Anthony
Gonzalez, Maura Huelbig, Connor Mancini, Krystal
Munesar, Marc Pannullo, Crista Pena, Steffanie Peralta.
Madison Potash, Nerissa Rios-Garcia, Stephanie Rojas,
Renuka Rupee, Roberto Sanchez and Mercedez Zea.
To all the Madrigals, including the newest performers,
our profound thanks.
December 2015• Clifton Merchant76
Dance is as much of the holiday season assong is. At CHS, there is plenty of both.
Clifton High School’s Dance 3 Advanced
Intermediate class and Dance 4 (both are
pictured here) will tour the Clifton
Elementary and Middle schools Dec. 17 and
18. Choreography is by CHS Dance Teacher
Lois Manzella-Marchitto. Students are led
by senior Dance 4 students Heather Pastor
and Dhiti Kapadia, among others. The per-
formances give students the opportunity to
give back to the community and give them
experience with various audiences.
The Mustang dance program consists of
68 young women and five young men. The
dance program is made up of students of
varying ethnic backgrounds. It includes
beginner students, who have never stepped
foot in a dance class, and professional level
students who perform all over the world.
The Dance Club focuses on student cho-
reography, where students create their own
pieces and then set them on their peers. The
Dance Recital Club focuses on behind-the-
scenes work of the Dance Concert including
lighting design, costumes, music, props,
advertising and fundraising.
A dance concert featuring a Broadway
theme is scheduled for May 25, 2016.
Good Neighbors, Great Rates
Thomas Tobin
973-779-4248Bill G. Eljouzi,
973-478-9500
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 77
Aided by the AnnexKhadicha Atamuratova’s adjustment to American
norms has had its ups and downs, but she credits
Clifton High School Annex for making things easier.
“The best thing about it is the teachers. They are really
nice and fun and give off good energy,” said
Atamuratova, a freshman at the Annex.
Raised in Uzbekistan, Atamuratova arrived in
America at age nine, where she entered School #13 as
a fifth grader, speaking virtually no English. “But mid-
dle school was great. I went to Christopher Columbus
Middle School and passed sixth grade with somewhat
good grades,” she said. Her English improved in tan-
dem with her grades as she completed Middle School
and headed for CHS.
Academics remain her priority. “I decided to join
only one club for my freshman year and I selected Key
Club,” she said. “I have also been playing tennis for the
past seven years and decided not to join the team this
year. “I knew that I would have a lot of schoolwork and
no time for tennis, so I didn’t even try. I have a lot of
work for my classes and I find them challenging. My
favorite class is History.
“My future aspirations are to graduate high school,
go to a good college and become a veterinarian. I know
there will be challenges for me on my way to becoming
a vet, but I am ready to take them on,” she said.
Adding a dose of optimism, she added, “In the end I
think the good times will outweigh the bad ones.”
The sporting lifeShannon Leishman makes no effort to hide her enthu-
siasm for sports. “The best thing about Clifton High
School for me would have to be the sports,” she said.
“If I could talk to younger students, I would encourage
them to play any sport and get involved around the
school.”
So far, Leishman, a CHS East freshman, has fol-
lowed suit. “My best experience in school was playing
on the soccer team. It has opened up so many opportu-
nities, given me so many new friends, and taught me
discipline.”
Logically enough, during the academic school day
itself, “My favorite subject is Phys. Ed. It is my favorite
part of the day and it always has been,” she said. It has
taught me many different skills I use outside of
school.”
And when not in school? “I dance and I love to
babysit,” Leishman said. “I don’t know what I want to
become when I grow up, but I know that I definitely
would like to do something with kids.”
Leading the wayCHS Central senior Pooja Patel asserted, “I have been
in the marching band since freshman year. Band is a big
part of my life. As majorette sergeant, I have built
Khadicha Atamuratova
Shannon Leishman
Each month Vice Principals from each wing of
Clifton High nominate select students to receive
recognition as a Student of the Month. Profiles for
this month are featured below.
December 2015• Clifton Merchant78
leadership skills and challenged myself
physically and emotionally. The band is
really my second family, and it’s bitter-
sweet knowing this is my last year in it.
“I am also in Girls Learn
International. We advocate education
and rights for girls in developing coun-
tries around the world. This club is what
inspired me to pursue a career in human
rights law,” she said.
“I would like to attend a four year uni-
versity and then law school to become a
human rights lawyer and fight for
women’s rights and educational rights in
third world countries,” she said.
“Outside of school, I am in an organi-
zation called Uplift Humanity India.
Through Uplift, I joined 30 teenagers in
a volunteer program in India. We taught
character building/life skills to children
at orphanages and juvenile detention
centers. “The diversity among the stu-
dent population is the best thing about
CHS. We accept the differences and
coexist among each other. It’s really
unique; I love that about Clifton High,”
she said.
Major and minor aspirations“I aspire toward completing a college
education, majoring in Molecular
Biology, then working my way toward a
career in the field of medicine, either as
a pharmacist or a doctor,” said Rama
Moulayes.
“I also hope to minor in either
Journalism or Women and Gender
Studies,” said Moulayes, a senior at
CHS North.
“English class has helped me to grow
as an individual during high school
because I was able to develop analytical
skills and broaden my perspective
through reading and writing,” she said.
Moulayes added, “I feel passionate
toward science as well because I grewRama Moulayes
Pooja Patel
Students of the Month
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 79
to appreciate the positive outcomes it’s
had on society, and medicine.”
“I enjoy volunteering outside of
school at Compassionate Care Hospice,
where I help with tasks where I’m need-
ed. I help out in the intake Department,
medical billing and coding, as well as
Bereavement, where we offer condo-
lences and grief counseling to families
of deceased patients of the hospice,
through our Bereavement Support Group,” said
Moulayes.
Broadway bound?The bright lights beckon to Maura Huelbig.
“My future aspirations begin with me attending a
four year college/ university, to major in Theatre/
Musical Theatre. I plan on graduating in the allotted
time and then going to work on the stage. Eventually I
hope to make it on to a Broadway stage and be in a
show,” she said.
“To date, my best experience in Clifton High School
occurred in the spring of my freshman year, when I was
the only freshman accepted into the
musical. My success in this endeavor has
caused me to participate in all of the
shows to follow during my time here at
Clifton High School, says Huelbig. a
senior at CHS South.
Besides Drama Club, Huelbig also
belongs to Dance Club and the Dance
Recital Club, adding, “I am also the
manager of the CHS Swim Team.”
In class, Huelbig enjoys History, crediting her fami-
ly’s journeys to numerous historic sites over several
years, including trips to Philadelphia and Washington,
D.C., for spurring her interest.
She noted, parenthetically, “Another factor that has
contributed is the influence of certain media. The
media’s influence extremely contributed to the love I
hold for my favorite period in history, the
Revolutionary War.
“History holds such a place in my heart because of
my desire to look into the past and learn how I may bet-
ter my future and to compare whether or not we are
moving forward or backwards as a society,” she said.
Maura Huelbig
Lauren MurphyCouncilwoman
paid for by Lauren Murphy for Clifton Council
Merry Christmas&Happy Holidays
Thank you for your support!
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant80
Clifton wrestling wasn’t able torepeat as North I, Group 4 state sec-
tional champions last year, but it
came very, very close. With a youth-
ful roster comprised of exactly zero
seniors, the Mustangs finished 18-5
and advanced all the way to the sec-
tional final before falling to North
Bergen.
Nearly all of last year’s sectional
runners-up are back for Clifton this
winter, pictured above, with a strong
belief that the team has a shot at
recapturing the sectional crown it
won just two seasons ago.
“I think we are definitely all in,”
said Clifton head coach Dan Geleta.
“We are going to go and try to win it
all again.
“At the end of the day, I don’t
think any of the kids are going to
have any regrets,” Geleta added.
They have the same common goal.”
As was the case a year ago, the
strength of the Clifton lineup will
come in the middle, anchored by
senior 145-pounder Moe Farhan,
who went 43-2 in 2014-15. Farhan
figures to be a legitimate state title
contender after finished fourth in
New Jersey last year. He comes into
the season a defending county,
region, and district champ.
Similarly, senior 160-pounder
CHS
WrestlingDec 19 Invitational Tournament 10amDec 21 @ Bergen Catholic 7pmDec 23 @ Union City 5pmDec 30 @ Bloomfield Xmas Tourn TBDJan 6 @ River Dell 7pmJan 8 @ Passaic Valley 7pmJan 9 @ Ridgefield Park 10amJan 13 @ PCTI 6pmJan 15 Becton 5pmJan 16 @ West Orange 10amJan 23 @ West Milford TBDJan 27 JFK 6pmJan 29 @ Lakeland 7pmJan 30 @ Kearny 9amFeb 3 Passaic 6pmFeb 5 @ Bloomfield 7pmFeb 6 @ Watchung Hills 9am
Wrestling • Basketball • Hockey • Track • Bowling • Swimming
MUSTANG SPORTS
Mustang Sports by Tom Szieber
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 81
MUSTANG SPORTS Wrestling
Patrick DePasque and junior 132-pounder James
Murdoch come into the season with real ambitions of
medaling in Atlantic City, as both put forth spirited
efforts there last season.
DePasque finished second in the county, district, and
region last year, while Murdoch took second in Passaic
County and District XV, and third in Region IV.
“I hope we can have several guys medal this year,”
Geleta said. “But before we get to that point, they are all
aiming to reach the team goals first.
“This year’s captains want to be the leaders in the
room and capture a team championship first, and once
they do that, then yes, it is all about reaching those indi-
vidual goals,” the head coach said.
Several other Mustangs, including junior A.J. Tudda,
will look to make bigger impacts this season, as well.
The 126-pounder took second-place honors in District
XV and Passaic County last year. Tudda is expected to be
one factor bolstering the Clifton lineup at a heavier class.
The same can be said for senior 170-pounder Tibi
Rizea, and also for junior 285-pounder Jacob Abill, who
are now seasoned veterans.
For the Mustangs to stay competitive at a high level,
they’ll need more production at the light weights.
To that end, they are hopeful freshman Cole Ceneri
and sophomore Matthew Perez can achieve that at 106.
Sophomore Matthew DePasque, senior Chris Zaccone,
and freshman Ricky Moultrie will fill in the 113- and
120-pound slots.
Clifton also needs production from the heavier class-
es, as well, from the likes of 182-pound sophomore
Hunter Flores, junior 195-pounder Anaes Allan, and sen-
ior 220-pounder Dan Parra.
Last year’s season paled only by comparison to the
stellar 2013-2014 season, when the Mustangs went 19-3,
won the North I, Group 4 championship, and sent seven
grapplers to the NJSIAA individual state tournament in
Atlantic City.
Despite the disappointment of coming three points
shy of a second straight title sectional title last season,
Clifton has a myriad of weapons returning to the mat
who are battle-hardened and hungry.
With so much experience from so many talented ath-
letes, it is no surprise that Geleta and crew believe there’s
a good chance they’ll be raising hardware once again
come season’s end.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant82
Clifton girls basketball may have lost its biggest star in recent program
history to graduation, but head coach Craig Alfano and the Mustangs have
laid the groundwork during the last three years for continued success. Kelly
Douglass and her record 1,375 points have made their way to the University
of Hartford, but a rising sophomore and a crop of talented seniors hope to
fill the void and make another trip to the North 1, Group 4 playoffs.
“Realistically, athletically, we will hang with everybody,” said Alfano.
“We may struggle a bit putting the ball in the basket, and in our league, you
have to score. I think opening night against Bergen Tech will be one of the
most important games, so we can see where we are. But the program is in
good shape.”
Much of Alfano’s optimism comes from the presence of 5’10” sophomore
Jordan Rivera. A left-handed point guard, she is pegged to be Clifton’s go-
to threat with Douglass gone. Rivera was an Honorable Mention All-Passaic
player a year ago, and a 2nd-Team All-Big North Liberty honoree.
Dec 18 Bergen Tech 4:30pmDec 22 @ Passaic 4:30 pmDec 28 @ PV Tourn 2:30pmDec 29 Lakeland Tourn 11 amDec 31 @ Wayne Val @ PVHS 11 amJan 5 PCTI 4:30pmJan 7 @ JFK 7pmJan 9 @ Fair Lawn 1pmJan 12 Eastside Paterson 4:30pmJan 14 @ Wayne Valley 7pmJan 16 @ Dickinson 1pmJan 19 @ Holy Angels 7pmJan 21 Wayne Hills 4:30pmJan 23 @ Kearney 2pmJan 26 West Milford 4:30pmJan 28 @ West Essex 7pmFeb 1 @ Bergen Tech 7pmFeb 4 Passaic 4:30pmFeb 9 @ PCTI 4pmFeb 11 JFK 4:30pmFeb 16 @ Eastside 7pmFeb 18 DePaul 4:30pmFeb 23 West NY Memorial 6pm
MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball
CHS Girls
BasketballFrom left front: Arianna Riley, Angelina Tejeda, Brittany Morales and Cat Jordan. Fromrear left: Ariella Morrison, Yehsehn Henry, Emily Ulczak, Jordan Rivera, Hannah Hirstand Stephanie Arroyo.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 83
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant84
MUSTANG SPORTS Girls Basketball
“I think she is ready to take the
next step,” said Alfano. “If she con-
tinues to improve, she will score
1,000 points in her career. She has
a knack for getting to the basket.
She has to improve her outside shot
and some other aspects of her
shooting, but she knows that and
she is already working hard.”
Senior Brittany Morales pro-
vides depth and leadership, as she
can play the point as well as the
two. At 5’7” with three years of
experience, she is a major asset and
is in great shape. Morales is an All-
Passaic soccer player, as well.
Playing the inside will be senior
Emily Ulczak, now a three-year
varsity starter. Capable of playing
center and forward, Ulczak is a
presence on the court at six feet
tall, but has the athleticism of a
much smaller player. “Emily has
developed a nice outside shot,” said
Alfano. “She needed to work on
physicality and post play, as well as
scoring on post, and she’s done
that. She has a nose for the ball and
rebounds well.”
Clifton also has a superb athlete
in senior Catherine Jordan, who
transferred from Immaculate Heart
Academy as a sophomore. At 5’9,”
she is one of the fastest players and
off-the-ball defenders on the
Mustangs’ roster.
Clifton thus seems poised to
build on last season, when it went
15-14 (its most wins since 1991-
92). and qualified for the North 1,
Group 4 tournament before bowing
out against Morris Knolls.
“I think the program is in good
shape,” Alfano said. “Because with
a player like Jordan, if we can put
some good players around her, I
think we [can do some good
things].”
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 85
Come and see why so manyClifton students are making PC
their high school of choice!
• 140 Courses, Including 20 AP Classes
• STEM Program with over 40 courses
• New Music Conservatory for the
Marching Band and 80-Member Orchestra
• Vibrant Campus Ministry, Retreat,
and Community Service Programs
• Numerous educational trips across
the nation and around the globe
• Cost Effective Tuition
• Bus Service provided
Clifton students from these classes earned over $6.5 million in scholarships!
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant86
MUSTANG SPORTS Boys Basketball
In his third year at the helm of the Clifton boys basketball team, head
coach Mike Rivera finds himself with a young but talented squad that he
hopes can improve on a rough 2014-15. The Mustangs have seemingly been
in a rebuild for quite a while, but Rivera feels the team’s attitude has
changed enough that it may be able to will its way to several additional wins
this winter.
“The competition that we have in our practices, with these guys pushing
each other, shows me how intense they can play,” Rivera said. “Ultimately,
size and talent wins, but if you can match the intensity and work on your
skills, you can hang with people.”
Leading the effort on the floor will be junior small forward Sean Lyons.
Clifton’s best shooter, he has expanded his repertoire from a year ago.
Previously a player who was heavily reliant on spot-up attempts, the 6’3”
Lyons has worked at driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line.
“From a style and growth standpoint, Sean reminds me a lot of [current
Los Angeles Clippers and former Duke University guard] J.J. Redick in col-
lege,” Rivera said. “I see his game in Sean. Instead of just settling for threes,
From left: Tyler White, Delano Dixon, Chris Bonaparte, Luis Rodriguez,Brandon Sanchez. Second row: Danny Santana, Sean Lyons, Harton
Stephenson, Muhammad Mustafa.
CHS Boys
BasketballDec 18 @ Bergen Tech 7pmDec 22 Passaic 4pmJan 5 @ PCTI 4pmJan 7 JFK 4:15pm Jan 9 Fair Lawn 1pmJan 12 @ Eastside 7pmJan 14 Bergen Catholic 4pmJan 16 Dickinson 2pmJan 19 West Milford 4:15pmJan 21 @ Wayne Hills 7pmJan 23 Kearny 2pmJan 26 @ Wayne Valley TBDJan 28 West Essex 4:15 pmFeb 1 Bergen Tech 4:30pmFeb 4 @ Passaic 4pmFeb 9 PCTI 4pmFeb 11 @ JFK 7pmFeb 12 Ferris 4:30 pmFeb 16 Eastside 4:30pmFeb 18 @ DePaul 7pmFeb 20 Nutley 1pmFeb 25 Paramus 6pm
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 87
he has moves to the basket, countermoves, and
a lot more now.”
The Clifton backcourt will feature sopho-
more point guard Tyler White. He headlines a
trio of skilled players at that position, including
junior Luis Rodriguez and freshman Dallas
Strickland.
White is a player Rivera lauds for his coach-
ability and leadership, and has been impressed
with his “student of the game” mentality.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, is one of the Mustangs’
most skilled and athletic players, and
Strickland is one of best raw talents to step on
the Clifton hardwood in some time.
The frontcourt is small, but junior power for-
ward/center Harten Stephenson is a long, phys-
ical player that can jump for rebounds. He will
be Clifton’s go-to guy on the inside, but the
Mustangs are hoping a duo of senior football
players—Maurice Greene and Chris
Boneparte—can provide some depth and mus-
cle down low.
Speaking of football players, junior wide
receiver Delano Dixon will play both point
guard and shooting guard for CHS basketball
once he has fully transitioned over from his fall
playoff season. Dixon and junior forward
Danny Santana figure to be wild cards for a
team looking for as many weapons as possible.
Realistically, Rivera knows that wins will
come as a result of hustle and smart shooting,
as Clifton lacks the brute force in the paint to
compensate for bad shooting. Still, he believes
he has seen enough promise in his young group
to believe that progress will be obvious in his
third campaign.
“Having had these guys for a year already, I
don’t have to teach from step one,” Rivera said.
“Now, these kids already know it. It’s about
teaching them details. It is tough without a true
big guy, but I am hopeful that they can mini-
mize turnovers, realize they can’t miss a box-
out, dive for balls. We have guys who can shoot
the ball, so if we can do that, we can surprise
some teams.”
There is a lot of youth on the Cliftonice hockey team, and although there
will surely be some growing pains, the
Mustangs should be a fun team to
watch. Competing in a difficult Big
North Patriot Division with the likes
of Ridgewood, Paramus Catholic,
River Dell, Fair Lawn, and Passaic
Valley, Clifton will have its work cut
out for it, but a 3-3 tie against an expe-
rienced Millburn squad on opening
day shows that they are ready to com-
pete.
“We are rebuilding a bit,” said
head coach Tom Danko. “We mostly
have a freshman and sophomore
group. We are a fairly young team,
but we have something we can work
with and develop it into something.”
Junior Tyler Gibson, who is com-
ing off a fairly strong year last year, enters his third year
as Clifton’s starting goalie. Always solid, Gibson was a
second team All-Passaic County player last year.
Providing him with support will be defensemen
Shawn Meneghin, a junior, and Brett
Finan, a senior. Meneghin was a sec-
ond team All-Passaic player last win-
ter, and Finan was a forward last year
but will move back to defense this
year. The two are what Danko calls
“the backbone of [Clifton’s] defense.”
Sophomore right wing Nick
Petriella (who scored a hat trick in the
opening day tie against Millburn) will
provide scoring for the Mustangs, and
has shown a knack for getting the puck
to the net. He will be buoyed by a duo
of talented freshmen in center James
Fusaro and left wing Jason Finan.
“Nick last year got better as the sea-
son went along and finished strong,”
Danko said. “We are looking for him to
continue that trend. James and Jason
look good early on and look like they
are going to contribute. They are all dangerous players
around the net. Depth might hurt us a little bit, but the
guys are working hard and I think we will be able to
manage just fine.”
CHS
HockeyNov 28 Millburn 5:30pmDec 4 River Dell 7:10pmDec 5 @ Ridgewood 9:15pmDec 9 @ Jefferson 8:15pmDec 11 Bayonne 5:30pmDec 18 @ Passaic Valley 5:30pmDec 19 West Orange 7:10pmDec 21 @ Fair Lawn 7:50pmDec 23 Lenape Valley 12:30pmDec 29 Wayne Valley 2:50pmJan 2 Ridgewood 7:10pmJan 8 Paramus Catholic 5:30pmJan 11 @ Bayonne 3pmJan 22 Fair Lawn 4:20pmJan 23 @ Millburn@Cody 6pmJan 29 Vernon 7:10pmJan 31 @ Paramus Catholic 7:15pmFeb 5 @ River Dell TBDFeb 6 Passaic Valley 7:10pmFeb 12 @ Hillsborough 7:20 pm
MUSTANG SPORTS Hockey
From left, Brett Finan, Jason Finan, Tyler Gibson, James Fusaro, Nick Petriella, Shawn Meneghin.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant88
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 89
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant90
It is another year, another set ofhigh expectations for head coachMike Rogers and the Clifton indoor
track teams. The Mustangs girls and
boys took second and seventh place
in Passaic County last season, and
come into this winter hoping to
maintain the standard of excellence
they have held for so many years.
As far as the Mustang girls go,
the foundation for another run at the
county crown is certainly there.
Junior Meghan Jozefczyk will be
Clifton’s top athlete despite never
before competing during the indoor
season. As a sophomore last year,
she was the girls individual cross
country Passaic County champion,
but suffered an injury near the end
of the fall that prevented her from
competing in the winter. Now
healthy, she will be a fixture in the
800-meter and 1600-meter heats.
“I’m pretty interested to see what
she can do,” Rogers said. “When we
saw her in the spring as a freshman
we realized what she could do, and
it’ll be exciting to watch.”
Senior Monika Dlugosz will
throw the shot put for Clifton, and
has great success in that event out-
doors. She should be able to com-
pete for league, county, and state
titles. In addition, seniors Kristen
and Samantha Wong—both stand-
out gymnasts—will be key mem-
bers of the squad, competing in pole
vault, hurdles, and jumping events.
Senior Allison Proszowski is a
pole vaulter and distance runner,
while senior Chelsea Robinson will
compete in the 55-, 200-, and 400-
meter. Senior Megan Davey will run
distance events, and her classmate,
Kamila Ivashka, will jump.
Sophomores Hadeel Alshujaieh and
Alenys Morales will both be part of
the lineup, as well.
“We expect the girls to be in a
similar spot as last year,” Rogers
said. “I think they definitely have a
strong senior class, a very strong
sophomore class. We have a lot of
depth in a lot of events.”
On the boys side, seniors Ken
Herrera and Alex Zapata will spear-
head the effort in distance events.
Junior Carlos Polanco will run dis-
tance, as well, while sophomore
Kevin Heredia will represent the
Mustangs in the 400, 800, and 1600.
Sophomore Sunny Ruiz will throw
shot, and Adrian Echeverria will
high jump and long jump.
“We want to finish in the top
three in the league and the top three
in the county,” said Rogers of the
Mustangs’ goals. “It’s hard to deter-
mine on paper, but we should be
right in it.”
MUSTANG SPORTS Track
CHS
TrackDec 20 @ Rothman Center 9amDec 22 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmDec 30 @ 168th St. Armory 10amJan 5 @ Rothman Center 4pmJan 8 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmJan 9 @ Garfield High School 10amJan 12 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmJan 13 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmJan 18 @ Garfield High 6pmJan 20 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmJan 22 @ Rockland Cty CC 4:30pmJan 24 @ 168th St. Armory 5pmFeb 1 @ 168th St. Armory 6pmFeb 4 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmFeb 9 @ Rothman Center 4:30pmFeb 14 @ Bennett Center 9am
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 91
Facing page from left front: Vanessa Acevedo,Deena Khandakar, Joanna Szewczyk, ChelseaRobinson, Emily Ibarra. Back row from left: ChinueThompson, Kamila Ivashka, Monika Dlugosz,Megan Davey, Hannah Anolik, Aarian Weekes.
On this page from left front: Samantha Wong,Kristen Wong, Allison Proszowski, Nee-YahCorbin, Kenneth Herrera. Second row from left:Michael Louie, Suraj Patel, Ryan Murphy, JoseSoso, Julio Moreno.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant92
Last season, the Clifton girls bowl-ing team surprised observers with
a 12-2 record, a second-place finish
in the Passaic County Tournament,
and a berth in the North, Group 4
state tournament.
This year, with a solid core return-
ing, the Mustangs won’t be sneaking
up on anybody. “We should be com-
petitive again,” said veteran head
coach Brian Small. “If everybody
bowls what they bowled last year,
then we should be just fine.”
The Mustang girls will be led by
junior Gabby Pangaro, a first-team
All-Passaic County bowler last year.
She finished second individually in
the Passaic County Tournament, and
bowled a 575 series in the North,
Group 4 tourney.
The latter earned Pangaro a spot
in the individual state tournament.
She’ll be flanked by senior Veronica
Viera, senior Glorimer Obando, and
junior Natalie Valdez—who Small
praises as a terrific leader.
Meanwhile, the boys will look to
follow the girls’ lead, with several
veterans returning in a quest to
improve on a ninth-place finish in
the county.
Among them is senior Nick
Vilardi, who bowled a respectable
540 series in the county tournament
a year ago. Vilardi will be joined in
the lineup by another senior, Bryan
Cammerino.
Two freshmen will round out the
Clifton boys lineup—Johann Gamo
and Joe Taolillo. Small is high on
these two newcomers, who aver-
aged a 198 and 206, respectively,
this preseason.
“If things continue, we should be
up there,” Small said of the
Mustangs’ ability to compete for a
division title.
“And for them (Gamo and
Taolillo) to come out in their first
year and do that, along with several
other freshmen, is great for us and
our future,” Small said.
MUSTANG SPORTS Bowling
CHS
BowlingDec 9 Bergen County Tech 4pmDec 10 Passaic 4pmDec 16 John F. Kennedy 4pmDec 17 PCTI 4pmDec 21 DePaul 4pmJan 4 Wayne Hills 4pmJan 7 Fair Lawn 4pmJan 11 West Milford 4pmJan 15 Eastside Paterson 4pmJan 19 Bergen County Tech 4pmJan 21 John F. Kennedy 3pmJan 22 Passaic 4pmJan 28 Eastside Paterson 4pmFeb 1 PCTI 4pm
In front, Nicholas Vilardi and Bryan Cammerino. Standing from left, EmaniJohnson, Joseph Paolillo, Johann Gamo, Glorimer Obando, Marvin DeGuzman,Natalie Valdez, Veronica Viera and Gabby Pangaro.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 93
Both Clifton swimming squadslast season were in the middle of the
pack in both Passaic County and the
Big North Liberty Division. Head
coach Craig Casperino is hopeful
that a bigger roster and some strong
swimmers in the underclass will pro-
pel the Mustangs into contention this
year.
“As a whole, our team is a lot
stronger,” said Casperino, who took
over the team a year ago from his
former high school coach at CHS,
Andrea Bobby. “We have about six
more swimmers. We have depth, and
the sophomore and junior classes are
much bigger. I think we definitely
can turn some heads this year.”
The girls, who took third place in
both the league and county a year
ago, will follow the lead of
Stephanie Bienkewitz, who usually
swims the 200-yard individual med-
ley. Bienkewitz earned Honorable
Mention All-Passaic County honors
last season, and figures to improve in
her senior campaign. Fellow senior
Janice Costa will be another key
Mustang in the pool, her specialty
being the 100-yard butterfly.
Among the other senior girls
standouts will be seniors Dana
Wehman—primarily a 100-yard
backstroker—and Nicole Toxtli.
“Dana is an asset because she is
easy to coach and always in good
spirits,” Casperino said. “And
Nicole has improved by a ton over
the last several years. She is coach-
able and never misses practice.”
On the boys end, several All-
Passaic swimmers return. Among
them is junior David Herrera, who
competes in the 100-freestyle 100-
butterfly, 400-freestyle relay and
200-freestyle relay. Herrera was an
Honorable Mention All-Passaic hon-
oree in 2014-15.
“David has always been a strong
swimmer,” said Casperino. “We are
hoping he will break the CHS record
for the 100-yard butterfly (:58.61).”
Herrera will be joined by junior
Daniel Loukachouk, a fellow
Honorable Mention recipient, who
competes in the 100-backstroke and
100-butterfly. Senior Brian
Kommer, an A-lane swimmer who
ended up on the All-Passaic second
team last year, will be back, as will
sophomore Antonios Stolopous.
MUSTANG SPORTS Swimming
Dec 1 @ PCTI 3:30pmDec 3 Mahwah 3:30pmDec 7 @ PCTI 3pmDec 10 @ West Essex 7:30pmDec 15 Passaic 3:30pmDec 17 Montville 3:30pmDec 18 @ DePaul@PCTI 6pmDec 29 @ Union City 10amJan 6 @ Fair Lawn 3:45pmJan 7 @ Hackensack 4pmJan 14 Wayne Hills 3:30pmJan 19 Wayne Valley 3:30pmJan 22 @ Kearny 3:45pmJan 26 Ridgewood 3:30pmJan 27 Big North Tourn TBAFeb 2 @ Paramus Catholic 4pm
CHS
SwimmingFrom left front: Nicole Toxtli, Steph Bienkewicz, Dana Wehmann. Rear left:Oliver Quizon, Dean Manomat, Brian Kommer, Patrick Kowalczyk, Bryan Ferro.
SUPPORTTROOPSTHE
HONORVETERANS
OUR
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant94
Honoring veterans is a legacy inClifton as the Nov. 8 parade along Van
Houten Ave. illustrated. Hundreds of
marchers, including Grand Marshal
Mario, at left, were honored, as festivi-
ties concluded with a march into the
Avenue of Flags. Enjoy the photos!
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 95
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant96
Nov8
Veterans Parade
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 97
CelebrateClifton!Our community’s diversity is truly our strength.Celebrate Clifton. Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays.Councilman Steve Hatala
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant98
Veterans ParadeNov8
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 99
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant100
Veterans ParadeNov8
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 101
As 2015 comes to an end and the holiday season is uponus, I want to express my gratitude for your support.
Being elected to the City Council has been an honor andI look forward to serving with my six colleagues.
My family has been blessed to be involved in Clifton inmany ways and it is a tradition I am proud to continue.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!Ray Grabowski
Clifton City Councilman
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant102
Nov8
Veterans Parade
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 103
Merry Christmas & Season’s Greetingsfrom The Gibson Family
City Councilman Bill Gibson & his wifeRobin with 2015 CHS grad Billy Jr.who is in Air Force Boot Camp,
& Tyler, a CHS Junior.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant104
Shown here are Christmas Cards highlighting the strikingwintertime beauty of Soyuzivka, nestled in theShawangunk Mountains in Kerhonkson, NY, evocative ofUkraine’s Carpathian Mountains. The UkrainianNational Foundation (UNF), working with TomahawkPromotions of Clifton, produced packets of 12 cards andenvelopes, and distributed them to UNA membersthroughout the US. Recipients are asked to send a dona-tion of $25, to fund ongoing work maintaining andupgrading the facility for future generations. To purchasecards, call 800-253-9862, ext. 3071.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 105
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant106
Ukrainian Famine
A deep trauma in Ukrainian history, one that theworld knows very little about, is the politically moti-
vated famine of 1932-33, the Holodomor. Millions of
Ukrainians were brutally starved to death, dying at the
rate of 28,000 per day.
Soviet dictator Josef Stalin executed a strategy of
mass and forced starvation to destroy Ukrainians, in
particular peasants, who were fiercely resisting the
Communist Party takeover of their land. Then for
decades, the Soviet regime attempted to cover up this
genocidal famine.
Now a memorial to the victims of the Holodomor
stands in Washington, D.C. More than 50 members of
the Ukrainian community of Clifton-Passaic traveled
there on Nov. 7 to join thousands of other guests at the
memorial dedication ceremony.
Congressman Bill Pascrell was one of the key sup-
porters of the legislation that authorized the construc-
tion of this memorial on Federal land, built as a
reminder that starvation must never be used as a politi-
cal weapon.
Speaking at the dedication, memorial architect
Larysa Kurylas said: “My hope is that people will
pause to reflect on the Holodomor, a famine of sinister
proportions, a famine deliberately executed and cyni-
cally denied, a famine in which millions of innocent
victims perished ... a deliberate famine, one intended to
cripple an entire people.”
After the dedication, the visitors from Clifton-
Passaic (above) met with Air Force Attaché Colonel
Serhij Panchenko, from the Embassy of Ukraine, and
with several Ukrainian soldiers currently undergoing
rehabilitation treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center in Bethesda, Md. These soldiers were injured in
eastern Ukraine, casualties of the current conflict
between Russia and Ukraine that began in 2014.
At a fundraiser organized by the group New
Ukrainian Wave-Passaic in October, held at the church
center of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, sev-
eral thousands of dollars were raised to donate to the
soldiers and their families. The donations were given to
the soldiers on Nov. 7.
The Holodomor
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 107
The Chopin Singing Society (in a file photo) will perform in Passaic on Dec. 6 in memory of past Society presidents JohnA. Budzinski and Stanley A. Kobylarz. The choir was founded in 1910 in honor of Fryderyk Chopin’s 100th birthday.
The Chopin Singing Society will
hold its annual Christmas Concert
on Dec. 6 at 3 pm in the Polish
Peoples’ Home, 1-3 Monroe St.,
Passaic. The concert is in memory
of past presidents John A. Budzinski
and Stanley A. Kobylarz.
Tickets are $30 and include a hot
buffet. For tickets or information,
call 973-546-3568.
The chorus, currently under the
direction of Anthony Tabish, was
founded on March 10, 1910 to
honor the 100th anniversary of
Fryderyk Chopin’s birth. The
group’s first performance was a
commemorative for Polish veterans
of the 1830 revolt against Russian
occupation.
Some of the Society’s highlights
include achieving the highest score
at the international choral competi-
tions of the Polish Singers’ Alliance
of America. That earned the group
the traveling Cardinal Hlond
Trophy, making them the choir to
win the award three times, twice in
succession. In 1997 and 1998, the
Society was featured in the Jimmy
Stuff Christmas show tour, which
culminated in a performance at the
Taj-Mahal in Atlantic City.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant108
History & Arts
The Theater League of Clifton (TLC) and theClifton Arts Center present Waiting forChristmas on Dec. 5 and 6, at the Clifton Arts
Center, 900 Clifton Ave., on the City Hall cam-
pus, and sponsored by Clifton Savings Bank.
Tickets at www.theaterleagueofclifton.com, or
by phone at 973-928-7668. Tickets to the Dec. 5
show at 7 pm are $55, and guests will also enjoy
wine, beer, and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. The
Dec. 6 matinee at 3:30 pm is scheduled to end
prior to the Clifton Christmas Tree Lighting cer-
emony at City Hall. Tickets Dec. 6 are $10, with
children under 12 free.
The Theater League of Clifton will hold audi-tions Dec. 15 and 16 for its annual murder-mystery
dinner theater. Tryouts are 7:30 pm to 9 pm each
evening at the Clifton Arts Center in the City Hall
Complex. The Multiple Mystery Murder, by Kirk
Woodward, features a cast of seven. Adults of any
age or gender can try out for any of the roles. Show
dates are Feb. 26, 27, and 28, and March 4, 5, and
6, 2016. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 pm;
Sunday shows commence at 4 pm. Mario’s
Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave., will be the stage
setting for all shows. Call 973-928-7668.
The second annual Gingerbread HouseCompetition features homemade gingerbread
house submitted by contestants age 6 to 16. Entries
can be brought to Lambert Castle, Tuesday Dec. 8
through Friday Dec. 11, between the hours of 9 am
and 3 pm. Call 973-247-0085, ext. 207 to arrange a
delivery time. All houses entered will be on display
in Lambert Castle (home of the Passaic County
Historical Society) at 3 Valley Rd., Paterson, from
Dec. 16 to Jan. 3. All houses will be accepted.
Children aged 10 and under and their familiesare welcome to Lambert Castle for Story-tellingand Sing-a-long with Santa and Mrs. Claus on
Dec. 13 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Join the two as they
read holiday stories and sing holiday songs.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is $15
for one child and one adult. Additional children
and adults are $5 each. Call 973-247-0085.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 109
Clifton City Historian Don Lotz visited School 9 onNov. 12, giving third graders advance notice of Clifton’s
centennial in 2017 and teaching them some of the city’s
vibrant and significant history during the past 100 years.
For those adults seeking to keep up with their chil-
dren, Clifton’s Walk through History Part III features
historical photos and memorabilia and remains on dis-
play at the Clifton Arts Center Gallery through Dec. 5.
Curated by Lotz, the exhibit conveys Clifton’s story
from the end of World War II to the celebration of our
Nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. Photographs and arti-
facts provide a visual story and a glance from 1945
through the bicentennial year.
Visitors are encouraged to share their stories of this
era with Clifton Historical Commission members. The
Gallery is open 1 to 4 pm, Wed. to Sat. Admission is $3
for non-members.
Plans for the city’s centennial celebration already are
under way, arriving sooner than many might think.
Clifton Centennial’s first event will be on April 17,
2016. While our hometown actually turns 100 in 2017,
efforts are already under way to raise funds.
Chairs Vivian Lalumia and Elaine Yaccarino are
organizing a kickoff family dinner and beefsteak at the
Boys & Girls Club.
A sampling of events from April 2016 to November
2017 include a cultural picnic, trips to Ellis Island, con-
certs and, of course, a fantastic parade. Fundraisers
being planned include a calendar, remembrance sun
catchers, plates, and an ad journal.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant110
Events & Briefs
Valley National Bank’s homeownership seminar on Nov. 17
was held at it branch in Styertowne
Shopping Center. Territory Sales
Manager Sonia Amorim and
Realtor Sham Mazejy presented
steps to the home buying process,
from what first-timers can expect
during the application process, to
advantages of home ownership as
well as fees and mortgage products.
Other free seminars are planned.
Visit valleynationalbank.com or
call 800-522-4100.
Save A Life: Prevent a Heroin/Opioid Overdose is a free training
and education class at St. Joseph’s
Regional Medical Center, 703 Main
St., Paterson on Dec. 16 at 7 pm.
If you or a loved one is struggling
with opioid use, the class may help
save someone’s life. On average, 46
Americans die each day from pre-
scription opioid overdoses, accord-
ing to the American Society of
Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Through this training for people
of any age, one can the learn signs
and symptoms of an overdose, the
importance of calling 911 immedi-
ately, how to perform rescue breath-
ing, and also how to administer
NARCAN (Naloxone), the over-
dose reversal medication. In addi-
tion, attendees will receive a free
Overdose Prevention Kit, including
NARCAN. Class size is limited. To
attend, call 973-754-3000.
On Nov. 17, Valley National Bank held a seminar for first time home buyersat its Styertowne Shopping Center brnach. From left, Candice Surace andSonia Amorim of Valley with Coldwell Banker Realtor Sham Mazejy andValley’s Lina Martinez.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 111
Known for its involvement with special needs chil-dren, the Clifton Elks are one of the foremost charita-
ble organizations in Passaic County. Now the Elks are
looking to bolster membership through a youth organi-
zation, the Clifton Antlers.
On Dec. 11, the Clifton Elks will hold an open house
at 775 Clifton Ave., from 7 to 9 pm. The only stipula-
tion is that members be young men between 12 and 20.
Jim Smith, 51, past exalted ruler (1992) and current
treasurer, hopes that by recruiting during the holidays,
young people who don’t normally volunteer during the
rest of the year might be interested.
“It’s the holiday season, it’s a time of helping and
giving. Also at this time, we’re going to get a lot of
kids who are in college that aren’t 21 yet who will be at
home,” he said. “There’s no stipulations; they can be
as active as they want to be if they have school or other
commitments. However, it would be great if someone
saw what how great this is and became more active, or
their parents became active.
“This program started at least 30 years ago, and then
went through a lull. A lot of lodges either dissolved
their programs or they weren’t active,” said Smith.
“Over the last five years there has been a big push to
start these up and we will be the 29th in the state.”
The main Clifton Elks organization currently has
more than 145 members. Smith, a Phys. Ed. and tech-
nology teacher at St. Andrews for more than 17 years,
said the best way to get new members is to get young
people interested in charity early on. “My brother, Pete
Smith, was involved and asked me to get involved as
well,” he said. “Twenty-nine years later I am still here.
“Special needs children and veterans are our two main
areas, and we’d like to restart things like our Christmas
party. But at the same time the Antlers will be able to
make their own traditions, and there will be fun activities
and trips for the group as well,” he said. “I started out real
young, coaching Little League and all aspects of recre-
ation sports in town, so I felt this was a good fit for me,
especially with how active the Elks were in youth sports.”
“One of the members is a former student of mine,
Matt Wangrycht, who is from Clifton and currently
attending Seton Hall University,” Smith said. “Matt
has been involved with us the last six or seven years,
and he’s brought friends to help out, and many have
joined us now.”
For more information, contact Jim Smith at 973-
473-9752 or [email protected].
On Nov. 18, the Clifton and Passaic Optimist Clubs sponsored a hot dog night as a prelude to the Thanksgiving Game.Football players, cheerleaders and band members from both schools attended the event, held at the Athenia Vets Hall. Fromleft are Passaic Coach Doug Dudek and Indian captains Quamir Williams, Genaro Delgado, Royce Fransisco, YonathonMartinez and Tyshawn Bunting. Mustangs are Otto DeLeon, Maurice Greene and Adam Miranda with Coach Ralph Cinque.
Elks Growing Antlers on Clifton AvenueBy Joe Hawrylko
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant112
Birthdays & Celebrations - December 2015
Christina Kedl celebrates on Dec. 13. That Athenia gem Greg Lacki is 59 on Dec. 5. Anthony ‘Tony’O’Connor is 71 on Dec. 4 and his granddaughter Vivian Margaret Taras will celebrate her 3rd birthday onDec. 16. Noelani Coronel turns 16 on Dec. 9th.
Marc Fazio ......................12/1Ann W. Kissel...................12/1Corinne Miskowsky ...........12/1Mannan Amin ..................12/2Mike Gerardi ...................12/2Lauren Lawler ...................12/2Bryan Nolasco .................12/2Allison Ahdieh ..................12/3Patrick Lotorto...................12/3Bridget Rice......................12/3Sharon Tichacek ...............12/3Phyllis Galambos ..............12/4Timothy Gumann...............12/4Michael Kester..................12/4Dave Sternbach ................12/4Michael Vinciguerra ..........12/4Rosemary Kuruc................12/5Gregory Lacki...................12/5Laura Mikolajczyk.............12/5Michael Ressetar...............12/5Pat Collucci ......................12/6Debbie Gorny ..................12/6Marilyn Gossinger ............12/6Noel Coronel ...................12/7Margaret Kungl ................12/7Mark Mecca.....................12/7Robert Raichel ..................12/8
Chris Sadowski.................12/8Jamie Osmak....................12/9Daniel Fonesca Ramos.......12/9Mark Surgent ...................12/9Andrew Tichacek ..............12/9Tyler Roger Vandenberghe....12/9Michael McEnerney ........12/10Bob Snelson ...................12/10Joey Cofone ...................12/11Kathleen M. Marshall ......12/11Diane Meyer ..................12/11Joseph Rutigliano ............12/11Richard Peterson .............12/12Andy Kent ......................12/13Danny La Gala ...............12/13Ray Capilli .....................12/14Mary Kate Kuruc.............12/14Michael Murolo ..............12/14Basil Worhach ................12/14Steven Crawford .............12/15Marie Visicaro................12/15David Brock ...................12/16Michael Hrina ................12/16Hannah Grace Kulesa .....12/17Jacqueline Gencarrelli .....12/18Anne Gerardi .................12/18Samantha Bassford .........12/19
Nick Link ...................... 12/19Jayen Montague .............12/19Jessie Ducos ...................12/20Amy Marino...................12/21Michelle McEnerney ........12/22Suman Pinto ...................12/22Joey Cristantiello.............12/24Soumya Gunapathy ........12/24
Birthdays & CelebrationsSend dates & [email protected]
Zora Molnar is celebrating her90th birthday on Dec. 14 inColumbia, Mo., with daughterVera, granddaughter RamonaWeidel Huckstep, her husbandScott, and their daughtersLogan and Savanna.
Clifton Merchant • December 2015 113
Vincent and Mary Colavitticelebrated their 50th weddinganniversary on Nov. 6 with theirthree sons and four grandchildren.
Caroline Jane Hanlon ......12/24Luba Rembis ...................12/24Ryan John Hariton ...........12/25Eric Soltis .......................12/25Thomas Montague...........12/26Venessa Collucci .............12/27Melissa Cordes ...............12/27James Mazza .................12/29Steven Bivaletz................12/30Hunter Conklin................12/30Courtney Pinter ...............12/31
Sarah Lombardo, who many willremember as the welcomingvoice of Clifton City Hall, turns 88 on Dec. 9.
December 2015 • Clifton Merchant114
Mustang Arts
Senior Michael Tejada and Sophomore Amanda Stetz were putting the finishing touches on the Mustang Soccer muralnear the upper gym at CHS on Dec. 1. Mural Club advisors Lauren Fox and Barbara Mack said the project was creat-ed to coincide with the Alumni Soccer Game in honor of the late Coach Fernando Rossi. The design took a behind-the-bench perspective and the returning players will be asked to sign the mural as a tribute to their late coach.
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Clifton, NJ 07011
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