Upload
clifton-merchant-magazine
View
227
Download
3
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 3
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant4
16,000 Magazines
are distributed tohundreds of Clifton
Merchants on the firstFriday of every month.
Subscribe Page 70
$27 per year $45 for 2 years
Call 973-253-4400
Editor & PublisherTom Hawrylko
Business ManagerGabriella Marriello
Graphic DesignerKen Peterson
Contributing WritersDomenick RedaCarol Leonard Jack DeVries
Irene Jarosewich
1288 Main AvenueDowntown Clifton, NJ 07011
© 2014 Tomahawk Promotions
Table of Contents
The Special in EducationA Teacher Inspires By Actions
The Armstrong FamilyClifton Mustangs to the Core
Students Send Shout-OutsSometimes It’s the Little Things
Substitute Suheyla TuncerWorking Her Way To Full-Time
Ginny and John KostisinAl Yuhas Honors A Great Team
Mrs. Gaccione’s LegacyMariel Vazquez Saw Strength
What’s Inside?
Teachers About TeachersThey Recall How They Launched
6
8
16
22
30
36
40
Join us as we growClifton Merchant Magazine andTomahawk Promotions has part time
job openings. Send your resume andexplain how you would contribute to
our team:
Writer / EditorHelp us tell Clifton’s story
Librarian / HistorianOrganize our archives
Send resume and a letter:[email protected]
62
March 14 PartyBlackened Blues Band
Feedback on FacebookMany Names, Faces & Comments
Henry Hooks BrowerMentor & Founder with a Fedora
Papa John Filippone He Teaches by Simply Doing
Sister Mary ConceptaAt St. Brendan’s for 40 Years
From Custodian to TeacherTaras Petryshyn Grows in Clifton
44
48
50
52
54
They praised us, punished us andtested us. They�plastered�our�home-work� with� gold� stars� or� frowny
faces.�They�taught�us�to�read,�write,
count.�They�wanted�us� to�be�decent
human�beings.�
Young,�old,�funny,�strict,�dedicat-
ed,� caring,� sometimes� not,� teachers
helped� form� our� childhood� memo-
ries�and�adult�lives.�
We� asked� readers� to� recall� those
teachers�who�most�influenced�them,
those� whom� they� remember� to� this
day.� The� response� was� impressive
and�varied.��Enjoy�the�stories,�mem-
ories,�comments�and�photos.��
From The Editor
Liberty Tax Service at Richfield Shopping Center is�doing�dou-ble�duty�for�the�Boys�&�Girls�Club�and�Clifton�residents.��Now
through� April� 10,� franchise� owner
Mary�Ann�Hatala�Bowen�will�make�a
donation�of�$25�to�the�club�and�give
you� $25� off� your� tax� preparation
when�you�file�your�2013�tax�returns
through�her�office.
Liberty Tax-Allwood
1344 Clifton Ave. Richfield Center
(Next to Boston Market)
Clifton NJ 07012 • 973-778-0700
Liberty�Tax-Allwood�wants�you�tosplit�$50�with�the�Boys�&�Girls�Club
Like�us�on�Facebook�Liberty�Tax-Allwood
Valid through April 10, 2014
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 5
CelebratingTeachers
Visit cliftonmerchant.comfor current & past issues
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant6
The teacher I want to give recognition and thanks tois someone who was not even my own teacher. Mysenior�year�of�high�school�I�broke�my�foot.�I�was�wait-
ing�to�be�picked�up�on�a�Spring�day�outside�of�Clifton
High� School� when� I� noticed� an� amazing� interaction
between�staff�and�students.�
As�their�bus�pulled�up,�I�watched�each�student�from
Mr.�Armstrong’s�class�get�on�the�bus�with�huge�smiles
as� they� waved,� high� fived,� and� hugged� their� teacher
goodbye.� � They� received� the� same� genuine� heartfelt
goodbyes�in�return,�leaving�the�students�and�the�teacher
a�reason�to�look�forward�to�returning�back�to�school.
I�always�dreamt�of�being�a�teacher�but�it�wasn't�until
that� day� that� I� found� my� true� calling.� � This� brief
encounter� I� experienced�was� enough� to� inspire�me� to
work�with�students�with�special�needs.
The�bona�fide�connection�and�appreciation�that�this
class�and�their�teacher�had�for�each�other�shone�through
without� any�words� needing� to� be� said.� � I� have� never
experienced�such�a�connection�with�a�teacher—despite
having� many� wonderful� teachers—as� these� students
had.��I�decided�that�I�wanted�to�learn�more�and�see�how
I�would�do�working�with�people�with�special�needs.
Being�a�senior�with�a�broken�foot�I�found�a�lot�of�free
time�at�school.��I�was�unable�to�attend�gym�class�and�was
able�to�leave�early.��To�my�surprise,�no�one�I�approached
at�school�could�help�set�up�the�type�of�experience�I�was
looking�for.��I�took�matters�into�my�own�hands�and�visit-
ed�Mr.�Armstrong�to�explain�my�situation.
Immediately� I� was� greeted� with� enthusiasm� and
encouragement� to� visit� the� classroom� at� anytime.� � I
took� advantage� of� this� opportunity� and� shortly� after
went�to�his�classroom�to�spend�some�time�observing�his
teaching�strategies�and�got�to�interact�with�these�lovely
students�I�always�have�only�seen�from�afar.��I�was�greet-
ed�by�curious�smiling�faces�from�students�and�support
from Mr.�Armstrong�and�the�aides�in�the�classroom.
I�enjoyed�my�time�in� the�classroom�so�much�that�I
found�myself�frequently�visiting�and�forming�relation-
ships�with�the�students.��My�time�in�this�classroom�was
the�most�valuable�work�experience�I�could�have�done.��
As�my�last�days�at�CHS�approached�I�found�myself
realizing� that� I�would�no� longer�be� able� to� spend�my
time�in�this�classroom�as�easily�as�I�did.��Mr.�Armstrong
encouraged� me� to� come� back� to� visit� whenever� by
arranging�it� through�the�office.� �He�offered�advice�for
my�future�education�and�support�to�find�other�opportu-
nities�to�gain�experience.
The� most� precious� lesson� I� gained� from� Mr.
Armstrong�and�his�class�was�simply�through�observing
a�teacher�being�so�passionate�for�what�they�do.��
Experiencing� the� mutual� joy� and� appreciation
between�teacher�and�students�was�enough�to�inspire�me
to�be�the�teacher�that�I�have�become.
Mr.�Armstrong�showed�me�that�there�is�much�more�to
education�than�the�mainstream�idea�of�school.��Despite
the�differences�and�difficulties�these�students�are�faced
with�we�have�the�power�to�bring�a�smile�to�their�faces
and�educate�them�in�ways�that�are�outside�of�the�box.��
When�people� ask�me�how� I� got� into�working�with
special�needs�my�mind�always�goes�right�back�to�that
Spring�day�outside�of�Clifton�High�School.��
Inspirationfor a Career
By Casey Hawrylko
Clifton Teacher
Casey Hawrylko graduated CHS in 2008 and earned aBachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education fromMontclair State University in 2012. She now attends theMelbourne Graduate School of Education and will completeher studies in December with a Masters in Special Education.She currently works in a specialist school in Melbourne.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 7
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant8
Bryan Armstrong (CHS, 1998) and Allison Russo(CHS, 1999) both�had�decided� to�attend�colleges�awayfrom� home.� They� knew� each� other� at� Clifton� High
School,�ran�in�the�same�circle,�but�never�really�had�a�long
talk�until�after�Bryan’s�sophomore�and�Allison’s�freshman
year.�That�summer,�back�in�Clifton,�out�with�friends,�they
started�to�chat.�
Bryan,�who�played�varsity�lacrosse�at�CHS,�had�cho-
sen�to�go�to�Goucher�College,�a�liberal�arts�school�with�an
enrollment� of� 1,500,� half� the� number� of� students� at
Clifton�High.�Goucher,�located�near�the�semi-rural�horse
country�of�central�Maryland,�was�a�different�kind�of�expe-
rience�for�Bryan.
In� Maryland,� lacrosse� is� the� king� of� sports.� Many
schools� have� a� national� reputation� for� excellence� in
lacrosse� –� the� US� Naval� Academy� in� Annapolis,
University�of�Maryland�in�College�Park,�Johns�Hopkins
in�Baltimore�and�Goucher�College,�just�north�of�the�city
of�Towson,�where�Bryan�played�on�the�Men’s�Lacrosse
team.
Allison� also� chose� to� head� south� to� Maryland,� to
Towson�University,�another�fine�liberal�arts�college�in�the
mid-Atlantic�region,�but�with�a�slightly�larger�enrollment
of� 20,000.� Her� father� had� attended� school� in� central
Maryland,�where�he�played�college�football.�He�liked�the
area�and�suggested�that�his�daughter�might�like�it�there,�as
well.�With�a�lovely�campus,�the�university�is�located�on
the�southern�outskirts�of�the�city�of�Towson.
Back�in�Clifton,�Bryan�and�Allison�were�talking.�
Bryan�said�he�was�attending�Goucher�College.�Allison
did�not�know�where�it�was.�
“Towson,�Maryland,”�he�replied.
She�was�stunned.�
Wait�a�minute,� she�said.� I�go� to�school� in�Towson�–
Towson�University.�
His turn to be surprised.
All ThatSeparated ThemWas a Parking Lot
Clifton Teachers
By Irene Jarosewich
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 9
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant10
No� way.� The� two� campuses
were�just�a�mile�apart.�
He�asked�her�where�she�lived
in�Towson.�She�named�the�apart-
ment�complex.�
And�he?�Same�complex!�She
offered�up�her�building�number.
He�offered�up�his.�
The� two� had� grown� up� less
than� a� mile� apart� in� Clifton,
chose� universities� 200� miles
away,�but�even�there,�only�a�mile
apart.� Now� they� lived� on� either
side�of�the�same�parking�lot,�only
yards�apart.
Call�it�fate,�call�it�coincidence,
but�Bryan�and�Allison�saw�it�as�a
good� sign.� They� returned� to
school�in�the�fall,�began�to�date,�and�have�been�together
ever�since.�
They�married� in�2007,�and� in�2009,�daughter�Alexis
joined� the� family,� followed� by� son� Sean� in� 2012.� The
family� lives� in� the� family-centric� neighborhood� of
Richfield�with�their�boxer�Mason.
Back at CHSBryan�vividly�recalls�the�first�time�he�walked�past�the
very�classroom�where�he�now�teaches.�A�special�educa-
tion�instructor,�Bryan�works�in�a�self-contained�classroom
at�Clifton�High�School�with�students�who�are�cognitively
impaired.�
At A&P Printing, you can be sure your job will be delivered ontime and on budget. We can help you create a product you willbe proud of—and at an affordable price. When you are readyto talk about your next printing project, call me and I will behappy to show you how we can save you time and money.
Clifton Teachers
Allison Armstrong with some of her students at School 1.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 11
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant12
“I�remember�walking�by�the
classroom�when� I�was� still� in
high�school,�past�what� is�now
my�room,”�he�said.�
“I� remember� clearly� seeing
the� kids� in� there.� I� remember
stopping� to� look.� I� remember
thinking� that� teaching� them
was� important.� I� think� I� sur-
prised�a�lot�of�people,�because
I� don’t� think� I’m� the� kind� of
person� who� people� looked� at
when�I�was�in�high�school�and
said� ‘oh� yeah,� for� sure,� he’s
teacher�material,’�but�I� think�I
always�knew�I�wanted�to�be�a
teacher.�My�mom�was�a�nurse,
my� dad� worked� for� the� city.
Community�service,�that’s�the�way�I�was�raised,�that’s
what�I�was�brought�up�with.”
Bryan�was�so�sure�of�what�he�wanted�that�during�the
first�semester�of�his�freshman�year,�he�signed�up�for�the
special�ed�teaching�major�and�never�looked�back.�
“I� love�what�I�do,”�said�Bryan,�“I�believe�I�have�the
best� job� around.� I’m� serious� when� I� say� that.�When� I
come�home�at� the�end�of� the�day,�I� truly�feel� like�I�did
something�good.”
Anthony� Orlando,� CHS� principal,� coached� CHS
lacrosse� in� the� late� 1990s� and� remembers� Bryan� well.
“Bryan� was� my� athlete,”� said� Orlando,� “he� was� hard-
working,�passionate.�Now�he�brings�his�skills�and�those
same�attributes�to�teaching.�He�does�an�outstanding�job
every�day.”
Bryan�has�been�teaching�at�CHS�since�2005,�and�is�in
his� ninth� year� on� the� staff� in� the� Special� Education
Department.�He�was�also�the�head�Boy’s�Lacrosse�Coach
from�2005-2008.�He�has� coached� lacrosse�at�Montclair
State� University,� Kinnelon� High� School� and� Fairleigh
Dickinson�University.�
“I� have� a� strong� tie� and� sense� of� pride� in� Clifton
Athletics,”� said� Bryan,� “being� a� former� Clifton� athlete
myself�and�as�someone�who�believes�in�the�sense�of�com-
munity�that�athletics�create.”
From Playing Teacher to Being One“When�I� think�back�now,”�said�Allison,�“about�what
inspired�me,� I� think� I� always�wanted� to�be� a� teacher.� I
used�to�play�teacher�all�the�time,�always�setting�up�my�lit-
tle�chalkboard�and�desk.�“
Ready to file your taxes? Call CPA Mary Acoury Today
Gabrial Accounting& Tax Service, LLC
Certified Public Accountant88 Nellis Dr., Wayne, NJ 07470973-809-6105 • [email protected]
973-809-6105A trusted neighborhood firm in yourcorner with 21+ years of experienceserving Passaic County and beyond.
Individual & Small Business Income Tax Preparation
Clifton Teachers
Bryan Armstrong and his team of professionals with some of their CHS students.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 13
January 2014 • Clifton Merchant14
Yet�somehow,�those�childhood�dreams�slipped�into�the
background.� When� Allison� first� went� to� college,� she
signed�up�as�a�communications�major.�
“And�then,”�she�continued,�“it�came�back�to�me�and�I
realized�one�day�that�what�I�really�loved�doing�was�work-
ing�with�children.”�
She� switched�majors� and� after� getting� her� degree� in
Elementary�Education�from�Towson�University,�Allison
completed�a�master’s�degree�in�Educational�Technology
at�Ramapo�College.�She�has�been�in�Clifton�Schools�since
2005.�Right�now�Allison�is�in�her�ninth�year�of�teaching
fifth� grade� at� School� 1,� where� she� also� heads� up� the
School�1�School�Student�Spirit�Committee,�which�helps
organize�student�activities�and�monthly�charitable�events.�
“I�have�only�the�warmest�memories�about�my�teach-
ers,”� said� Allison,� “my� elementary� school� teachers,� I
remember�them�all.�Very�nurturing.�And�middle�school.�I
think� what� also� influenced�me� is� that� I� worked� in� the
office�at�Clifton�High�School.�I�got�to�see�another�side�of
teachers.�I�could�see�more�fully�a�teacher’s�life.”
Allison� can� sometimes� have� up� to� 30� children� in� a
classroom,�and�30�fifth�graders�is�quite�a�challenge.�“But
I�love�it,”�she�said,�“I�love�working�with�the�kids.�You’re
with�them�seven�hours�a�day,�five�days�per�week,�for�most
of�the�year.�It’s�really�important.�Sometimes�with�some�of
the�children,�you’re�with� them�more� than� their�parents.
You�see�them�grow�and�change�and�you�know�that�you’re
an�important�part�of�that�change.”�
Clifton to the CoreAllison�and�Bryan�are�both�Clifton�natives,�she�attend-
ed� School� 2� and�Woodrow�Wilson�Middle� School,� he
went� to�School�9�and�Christopher�Columbus.�Not�only
are� they�natives,� the�Armstrong’s� two� children,� �Alexis
and�Sean,�are�the�fourth�generation�to�be�Clifton�natives,
which�makes�both�Allison�and�Bryan�very�proud.
Allison’s� paternal� grandmother,� Filomena,� lived� in
Clifton�her�entire�life,�most�of�it�with�husband�Nicholas
Russo� at� their� home� in�Rosemawr,� across� from�Latteri
Park.�Filomena�attended�School�9,�the�same�school�Bryan
attended�decades�later�and�the�same�school�where�one�of
Allison’s�three�older�sisters,�Kelley,�now�teaches.�
Allison’s�maternal�grandparents,�Emil�and�Cassandra
Sek,�moved� to�Clifton� during� the� 1940s,� and�Allison’s
mother�Patricia�graduated�CHS�in�1967,�the�same�year�as
Allison’s�father�Gary.
Clifton Teachers
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 15
For�Allison,�snowy�days�such�as�we�have�been�see-
ing�of�late,�bring�back�good�memories�of�her�childhood,
sledding�down�Clifton�hills.�“When�I�see�parents�doing
the�same�thing�with�their�kids�these�days,�I�remember
how� much� fun� we� had� on� those� winters.”� She� and
Bryan� love� to�hear� the�shouts�and�squeals�of�children
playing,�the�happy�sounds�of�happy�kids.
Bryan’s� Clifton� roots� also� run� deep.� His� maternal
grandfather�Harold�Kull,�a�Newark�City�police�officer,
brought�his� family� to�Clifton� in� the�1950s.�For�years,
Bryan’s�grandmother,�Dorothy�Kull,�was�employed�at
City� Hall� in� the� Clerk’s� office� and� for� the� Police
Department.� Bryan’s� mother� Barbara,� who� graduated
CHS� in� 1966,� has� been� an� operating� room� nurse� for
more� than�30�years�at�St.�Mary’s�Hospital.�His� father
Harry,�raised�in�Nutley,�worked�for�the�city�as�the�direc-
tor�of�maintenance�for�Clifton�Public�Libraries.�
Bryan�is�the�youngest�of�three�and�has�fond�memo-
ries� of� growing� up� in� Allwood,� playing� football� in
Chelsea�Park.��“My�parents�instilled�in�us�a�strong�sense
of�community�and�were�very�active�in�all� town�recre-
ation�events�when�we�were�growing�up,”� said�Bryan,
“including�baseball�and�football.�Clifton�is�a�place�that
my�parents�always�were�proud�of�and�we’ll�do�the�same
for�our�children.�We�love�our�Richfield�neighborhood.
There�are�great�families�and�people�that�care�about�the
neighborhood.�We’ve�always�appreciated�the�diversity
that�Clifton�offers�and�embrace�the�opportunity�of�our
kids�experiencing�a�childhood�here.”�
As�Bryan� sees� it,� he�and�Allison�are�Clifton� to� the
core.�“We’ve�discussed�it,”�he�said,�“and�I�don’t�think
we�could�live�anywhere�else�and�feel�this�at�home.�This
is�where�we�fit�in.”
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant16
Marie Van Der Horn (CHS� 1997)� grew� up� on� VanBreeman�Drive�in�Athenia�with�parents�Keith�and�Ella
and�younger�brother�Brian.�A�teacher�for�13�years,�she
now�teaches�kindergarten�at�The�Learning�Community
Charter�School�in�Jersey�City.�
“During� my� senior� year� at� Clifton� High� School,� I
was�fortunate�to�have�Cassie�Craig�as�a�teacher�in�her
Speednotes� and� College� Keyboarding� class.� The� les-
sons�Ms.�Craig� taught,� however,�went� far�beyond� the
walls�of�her�classroom.
She�was�encouraging,�genuinely�cared,� treated� stu-
dents�with�respect.�She�served�as�an�assistant�director�in
the�Mustang�Marching�Band,�where� I� played� clarinet
for�all�four�years.�At�a�time�in�life�when�teenagers�were
desperately� trying� to� discover� themselves,� she� taught
her� students� to� be� confident,� compassionate.� She
inspired�people�by�simply�believing�in�them.
Her�dedication�to�her�students�did�not�wane�when�the
bell� rang�or�when� the�school�year�ended� in�June.�The
joy�she�had�for�teaching�could�be�heard�in�her�laughter,
her�love�for�her�students�radiated�from�her�smile.�
Cassie�Craig�made� such� a� profound� impact� on�my
life�that�I�became�a�teacher,�hoping�one�day�to�influence
the�lives�of�children�the�way�she�touched�mine.”
Anthony Orlando,�a�Clifton�native,�a�1976�graduate�ofCHS,� received� his� degree� from� what� was� then
Montclair�State�College�before�beginning�his�career�in
the�Clifton�Public�School�System�as�a�phys�ed�instruc-
tor.� � He’s� been� with� his� alma� mater� now� for
Marie�Van�D
er�Horn
Gloria�Kolodziej
Anthony�Orlando
By Irene Jarosewich
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 17
There are about12,000 podiatrists inthe United States,according to theDepartment ofLabor, and Clifton
podiatrist Thomas Graziano is one ofonly six who hold both a Doctor ofPodiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and aDoctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
As a foot and ankle specialist, mymain goal for all my patients is tofind caring solutions that last a life-time. I won't just treat the symptom;I'll strive to correct the problem...Permanently.
When you combine effective treat-ments with my genuine concern foryour well-being, that's a powerfulcombination.
-Thomas A. Graziano, MD, DPM,FACFAS
3 Issues Resolved in 1 Convenient SurgeryDr. Thomas Graziano recently
explained how three painful issues
were addressed in one operation.
“This patient presented with a
bunion, crossover toe and hammer-
toes. These conditions were
repaired with one operation and the
patient was able to walk the same
day of the surgery.”Before After
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant18
almost�35�years,�currently�as�prin-
cipal� of� Clifton� High� School,� and
prior�to�that,�as�principal�of�School
17.�Besides� teaching�and�being�an
administrator,�he�has�a� full�history
of� coaching� lacrosse,� football� and
basketball.�
“I� chose� education� because� of
Bob� Roberts.� He� was� the� former
Athletic� Director� at� Clifton� High
School� and� my� teacher� at
Christopher�Columbus�Junior�High
School,�my�basketball�and�lacrosse
coach.�He�had�a�big�impact�on�me.
It�was�his�encouragement�which
led�me�to�pursue�a�career�in�teach-
ing.� In� 7th� grade,� he� once�made� a
comment� that� I� overheard,� that� he
thought�that�I�would�do�well�going
into� physical� education.� It� was� a
casual� comment,� but� made� a� big
impression�on�me,�especially�since
I� was� shocked� that� he� even� knew
who�I�was.
I� took� his� words� seriously.� I
spoke� with� my� parents,� and� from
that� point� forward� I� knew� what� I
was�going�to�do.�When�he�was�the
Athletic� Director,� he� hired� me� in
September� 1980,� and� I� had� the
honor� to� coach� freshman� football
with�him�in�the�early�1990's�for�one
season.�We�coached�together.�It�was
a� great� experience.� The� freshman
team�did�great�that�year:��8-0-1.”
Gloria Kolodziej,� (CHS,� 1957),was� Clifton’s� mayor� from� 1982-
1990,�is�an�accomplished�business-
woman,� is� a� former� English
teacher,� and� remains� an� active
mother� and� grandmother.� When
asked� to� name� a� teacher� that� had
the�most�impact�on�her�life,�she�was
quick�to�reply.
“Elizabeth� Maguire.� My� senior
year�in�high�school.�I�already�knew
I�wanted�to�be�a�teacher,�but�I�was
debating�whether�I�wanted�to�focus
on�English�or�music.�She�was�phe-
nomenal.�Because�of�her,� I�choose
English.�Her�gift�was�that�she�made
learning�so�much�fun.
Not� everyone� is� suited� to� teach
literature.�She�did�an�amazing�job.
With�her,�we�did�plays,� acting�out
Shakespeare.� I� had� great� teachers
before,� but� I� never� experienced
anything�like�her.�I�did�do�a�double
major� at� Montclair� State,� both
music�and�English,�but�because�of
her,�I�chose�my�life�career.
My� first� teaching� job� was� at
South�Junior�High�in�Bloomfield.�I
taught� 7th,� 8th� and� 9th� grades.� I
loved�it.�It�was�there�that�I�first�used
many� of� the� ideas� that� I� learned
from�her.”
Teachers About Teachers
PAIN HOLDING YOU BACK?
Advanced Rehab and Wellness CenterDr. Fano Can Help!We Treat• Fatigue • Stress• Headaches • Sciatica• Low Back & Neck Pain• Degeneration • Scoliosis• Sleep Disorders• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• Poor Physical Performance• Pain ReductionWithout Drugs
• And Other Ailments
Pain is not normal!Dr. Fano and his team
can help you find relief.
ChiropracticPhysical TherapyMassage Therapy
Acupuncture
TOP-NOTCH SERVICES
973-928-3575 1135 Clifton Ave. Suite 208, Cliftonwww.advancedrehabwellnesscenter.com
We are fluent in English & Spanish
Stress. Fatigue. Part of our everydayexistence? Untreated, they can lead toserious health problems and a chainreaction to higher levels of stress andfatigue, insomnia and chronic illness.Our team will address the whole cycleand treat the cause not the symptom.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 19
Dr. Michael DelGiodice is an author on ocular disease and
Vice President of the NJ Chapter of the American Academy ofOptometry. His specialities includes laser eye surgery, dry
eye syndrome, contact lenses and neurologic eye disease.
He is also a consultant for Bausch + Lomb pharmaceuticals.
Welcome toour Practice
Attefa Sultani, O.D., focuses on compre-hensive eye care, from diagnosis and man-agement of eye disease to contact lenses
and post-operative care and can performexams in Spanish, Hindi and Farsi.
Ceaser Pitta, M.D., specializes indiseases of the retina including MacularDegeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy,Macular Holes, Macular Pucker aswell as Detachment surgery.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant20
Kim (Carline) Dreher was� born� into� a� family� ofteachers:�her�mom�and�dad,�aunt�and�two�uncles�all
practiced� the� art.� “It’s� no�wonder� that� I� have�been
teaching—and�loving�it—for�almost�22�years,”�she
wrote�in�response�to�us�asking�for�comments.��A�6th
grade� math� teacher� at� CCMS,� she� was� selected
CTA’s�Educator�of�the�Year�in�2013.�
“I� have� wonderful� memories� visiting� my� mom
(Ann�Carline)�in�her�2nd�grade�classroom�at�School
4.� � I’ll� never� forget� her� students� requesting� her� to
sing�her�N-e-s-t-l-e chocolate�song.��They�were�cap-tivated.��Years�later,�I’d�pop�into�WWMS�to�visit�her
English� classes� too.� I� remember� also�visiting�CHS
(and� later� at� the�Boy’s�Club�Rebound�Program)� to
visit�my�father�(Al�Carline).��The�students�were�curi-
ous�and�engaged� in�his�History� lessons.� I�was� inspired
and�wanted�to�make�a�positive�impact�as�well.
Special�thanks�to�other�amazing�educators...�
Dorothy�Fleet�(5th�grade�teacher�in�Fairfield),�David
Montgomery�(West�Essex�Regional�High�School),�Amy
White�(my�cooperating�teacher�in�Keezletown,�Virginia),
and�Ron�Haynes�(team�teacher�in�Butzbach,�Germany).
Three� years� ago,� I� met� an� amazing� high� school
English�teacher�who�magically�transforms�Shakespeare
for�his�students.��Darryl�Mouzon�makes�learning�excit-
ing�at�Yonkers�International�Baccalaureate�World�High
School.�I�appreciate�their�dedication�to�all�of�their�stu-
dents�and�for�guiding�me� to� the�best�profession� in� the
world—teachers make a difference!
Teachers About TeachersKim�Dreher
Dr. Michael Basista, Medical Director of Immedicenter
Immedicenter1355 Broad St. • Clifton • 973-778-5566www.immedicenter.com
When March comes in like a LionWe’re here for Chills , Spills & Ills
Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm • Sat & Sun 8am to 5pmWalk-in Medical Care • Weekday Appointments Available
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 21
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant22
Tell Us About YourFavorite Teacher
Darrell Fusaro, CHS class of 1980, lives in Culver
City, California. An artist, he is also author of the newly
released book, What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug? and
a radio as co-host of Funniest Thing! with Darrell andEd on Unity Online Radio.
In 2003, with wife Lori, he per-
formed The Basement, a two person
play he wrote about how his grandfa-
ther’s unsolved murder at a union
office in Passaic on New Year’s Day
in 1970 affected his close-knit Clifton
family. He misses his friends back
east, but not the snow.
“I’d have to say Cassie Craig, for-
merly Mrs. Pieczonka. She was the
rapid writing, aka shorthand, and typing teacher at
Clifton High when I was there from 1977-1980. High
school was a wonderful break from my home life.
Tension was high at home. I looked forward to the
daily vacation I got from it while at school. Cassie Craig
was firm about our class work, as well as was very kind,
loving and supportive. Cassie Craig didn’t have to go out
of her way to let you know she cared, you could just tell.
One day during my senior year, she stopped me in the
hallway to offer her support after she discovered that my
father was near death due to cancer. I
had no idea how she found out since I
kept that a secret, but it sure meant a
lot to me. I never forgot it.
My dad died the following year. On
my own with no parents, my life soon
spiraled out of control. It was after
facing charges in the United States
military, that I began to reach out,
thank, and make an effort to continue
to show my gratitude to all those in
my life that were kind to me. Cassie Craig was on the
top on my list. I was stationed in Hawaii and continued
to keep in touch through regular letters.
In 2003, due to my friendship with Cassie, I was able
to perform a benefit at CHS that brought in over $2,000
for the student council. This was a modest way to
We asked our readers to recall those teachers whomost influenced them, those whom they rememberto this day. Two in particular were mentionedmany times... Bob Morgan, (at left) music instruc-tor and director of the Mustang Marching Band.Another inspiring one was Vocational Ed teacherCassie Craig, now retired, who, among her variedroles at CHS, was also an assistant band director.On this and many pages to follow, you’ll find com-ments and stories celebrating Clifton teachers.
Community Comments
Darrell Fusaro and Cassie Craig.
By Irene Jarosewich
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 23
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant24
give back to the institution that provided me with so
much peace and love during the toughest time of my life.
My relationship with Cassie continues to this day.
After I completed the first draft of What If Godzilla JustWanted a Hug? I contacted Cassie to read it and give
me notes. I knew she wouldn’t be afraid to point out
every mistake; she’s a true friend. The book came out
November 2013 and has received a five-star rating on
Amazon.
There are many Clifton teachers and employees, that
make me smile with appreciation as their memories run
through my mind from time to time. Growing up without
parental supervision, these adults, without realizing it,
gave me the guidance I lacked at home. I could write
something positive about all of them, but if I narrow it
down, Cassie Craig, aka Mrs. Pieczonka, has continued
to make a positive difference in my life.”
In his 24th year and sixth termas mayor, Clifton native James
Anzaldi continues to live in the
house in which he grew up. There
is no doubt that Mayor Anzaldi
loves Clifton, and loves his job,
calling it his vocation, avocation,
and vacation. He has fond memo-
ries of attending School 1, then
Christopher Columbus Junior High and later CHS.
From each of these schools, there was one teacher that
stood out and whom he remembers most.
“When I was growing up, grammar school was a
great world for kids. My third grade teacher, Elizabeth
McBride was something special. She had a talent with
children. She knew our strengths, our weaknesses, knew
how to bring out the best in us. She praised and encour-
aged us.
These were the days when almost every classroom in
elementary school had a piano and almost every teacher
knew how to play. Every day we would start the morning
with the Pledge of Allegiance, then as she played the
piano we would sing “My country ‘tis of thee” and then
she would finish off with “Oh what a beautiful morning!”
To this day, whenever I hear that song, I think of her.
And there’s been many a morning when I just hum it in
my head. At Christopher Columbus Junior High School,
Florence Trinkle had the most powerful influence on me.
Many years later, she and her husband George
became my good friends. Florence was “old school” in
her expectations, but very modern in nature. It was in
her classroom that we heard that President Kennedy had
been shot. I’ll never forget her strength, how she kept
everyone calm, when we heard that terrible news.
I remember how when I came in at the beginning of
the first marking period for her class, she had written
“Strive for excellence” on top of the bulletin board. I
think for many of us, those words stayed with us our
entire life. She gave us constant encouragement, taught
us to work for success.
After I finished college, I began to work on Youth
Week in Clifton, something Florence was very involved
in, and I remember the first time she called me Jimmy –
in school I was always James, but those close to me
called me Jimmy. Once she called me Jimmy, I knew we
were friends. In high school, I had a lot of good
Community Comments
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 25
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant26
teachers, very good, and I think that most teachers in
Clifton are exemplary, we’re fortunate that way.
But during my high school years the one teacher that
impressed me the most was my English teacher during
my senior year, Patricia Zalesny. She was young, just
out of college. Her husband was away, in the armed
services, I believe serving in Vietnam.
This was the time of the Vietnam War. Guys were
struggling to get into college (to obtain a draft deferral)
colleges were full, she understood this and was helpful
in many ways. I think she was an exemplary teacher. We
were able to listen to her, and she understood us.
For me, math was my strong point, so I would often
need her help in English. Then I would offer to stay after
school to help her, for example, run copies on the
mimeograph machine. She made a big impression on
me. She cared very much about being a good teacher.”
Joe Ogulin, CHS class of 1985, is a systems engineer
for Comcast in Sterling, VA, stays
connected to Clifton, where his
mother and one brothers still
reside. “I was part of that amazing
organization, the Mustang
Marching Band,” writes Joe, “I
played the saxophone. Uncle Bob
(band director Robert Morgan)
demanded enormous discipline,
but he made sure we had fun along the way. Two trips,
England and Washington DC, made for special memo-
ries. Because of him, music remains very much a part
of my life and a major hobby.”
Other teachers Joe remembers:
“Miss Marjorie Drahos in 3rd grade, School 9. She
was my teacher during the American Bicentennial. She
took the time to teach us a lot about the founding of our
nation that culminated in our class play centered on the
Bicentennial. I have some very fond memories of her
class and just how much she really cared about teaching.
She explained individuals and events that were so
important to our history, spoke about the significance of
Washington and Lincoln before their birthdays so it
wasn’t just another day off. She spoke of the Boston
Massacre, events that led up to the American Revolution
and why Colonies broke away. This stuck with me my
entire life.
She taught us about Crispus Attucks. Years later
when I mentioned him, I had a co-worker who had
never heard of him, I then understood how well she
taught us. I remember her overall dedication.”
In 9th grade at CC, Mrs. Barbara Krebs, biology.
“Although I now do not work in the field of my
undergraduate degree, she was the influence behind
why I majored in biology in college. I was always a sci-
ence and math person, but I think she was the one who
really helped me cement my decision about biology, as
well as encouraging me to join science-based academ-
ic competitions to represent CHS. It was fun.
We went around all New Jersey and competed with
other schools. I had a knack for it. She took that, nur-
tured it, and brought it to the front. I connected well with
the way she taught. She made you do your work – made
you learn. She nudged me towards achievement tests in
high school, which are good for college boards.
Community Comments
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!
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Friday to Eat Pirogies !!!
Easter is April 20. We’ll Mail Your Easter Order!
Holiday Hams & otherTraditional Easter Foods
Pork, Beef, Cheese& Meat Products
Home Style Smoked Bacon& Smoked Sausages
We make our own Salami& offer many fine Imports
Our cases are filled with fresh Poppy Seed, Lekvar,Apricot and other Hungarian Spices!
We’ll Help You Make it a
Hungarian Holiday!
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 27
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant28
Every year I took one or two. She told me it was a
good thing to do and yes, it was good. It showed a cer-
tain level of knowledge when I applied for college. With
her encouragement, I did my undergraduate at Johns
Hopkins and graduate at Stevens.”
He also recalled Mrs. Frances Laskey, CHS English
teacher and school paper advisor.
“Every time I go into an Internet forum and see the
bad grammar and usage mistakes, the only thing I can
hear is her voice in the back of my head. She was the
one who taught me how to write a proper term paper.
She went over vocabulary, grammar, proper usage,
and everything else necessary so that we had the proper
understanding to write well and at least try to sound
coherent.
If anyone had her as a teacher, I would be shocked if
they were making all these awful mistakes. She gave us
the skills and ability to write well. She retired in 1999
and moved to Virginia Beach. I found her just to thank
her. People don’t know how to write. The semester-long
English courses on writing are no longer offered. Yet it
is so necessary for college.”
Community Comments
Albert Greco, retired as Clifton’scity manager in 2011, after serving
in that position
for eight years. A
resident of the
city since 1959,
Greco began his
career in munici-
pal government
in 1970 in
Teaneck.
In 1978, he formed a regional
public health commission and was
health officer and director of the
commission, which encompassed
12 Bergen County towns. In 1996,
he came to Clifton as the health
officer and director of human serv-
ices and became city manager in
November 2004.
“I remember my 7th grade
English teacher at Woodrow
Wilson Junior High School, June
Dyke, who helped me transition
from Brooklyn to Clifton. For me,
coming here from Brooklyn was
like taking ESL (English as a sec-
ond language).
She was encouraging, patient,
kind and extremely interested in
my success. I thank her and am
grateful for her concern and inter-
est in me and helping me make a
tough transition.”
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 29
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant30
Suheyla Tuncer
Suheyla Tuncer is now a substitute teacher ather alma mater but it was during her sophomore
and junior years as a Mustang when the seed of
her future career was first planted in her mind.
As a teenager, the self professed “kookie,
hyper, energetic, dorky, loud, smiley girl” roam-
ing the hallways of Clifton High, already had a
flair for the dramatic, but it was a drama teacher
who helped bring clarity to her future goal.
“My goal is to become the drama teacher at
Clifton High School, where I learned to perform
and fell in love with the art of acting,” said
Tuncer, 28, citing her mentor at CHS, whom she
is pictured with in 2003. “She was something
else.” Loraine Mayewski, Tuncer’s Drama II and
III teacher at CHS, was the “she” who inspired
the young lady to pursue teaching.
“She was real, funny, intelligent, and she made me fall
in love with acting and performing even more than I
already had,” Tuncer recalled. “She is the one who
popped in my mind when I was attending PCCC. I told
myself, ‘you can be another Mrs. May.’”
Up until that point Tuncer’s background, and focus,
was as a performer, not a teacher. Starting at the age of
3, Tuncer gravitated towards the spotlight.
“I loved to audition,” Tuncer said. “When I was
younger, I always wanted to perform.”
Born in Newark, the first generation Turkish-
American lived in Kearny until she was 5 when her par-
ents moved to Clifton.
“I grew up here and I have the best memories,” she
said. “While I attended School 3, Columbus Middle
School and Clifton High School, I always participated in
chorus, the musicals, the plays and local and school tal-
ent shows. I studied Drama I, II and III at CHS, as well
as creative writing classes.”
Tuncer also sang and was a candidate for Miss Teen
New Jersey 2003 and 2004 where she won Miss
Congeniality two years in a row.
Student Performer to Substitute TeacherTuncer graduated CHS in June 2004. But those form-
ative years at CHS also taught her how her outgoing per-
sonality, and love of public speaking, could help her pass
on her knowledge. And what she learned during those
years opened up her eyes to teaching.
And where better to hone her skills and pursue her
dream than the school that helped her visualize her
future? That is why she said she feels blessed and hon-
ored to be a substitute teacher at CHS.
The Path from SubstituteBy Domenick Reda
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 31
January 2014 • Clifton Merchant32
“I am hoping I will get noticed as a substitute teacher
and when I complete my studies, that this opportunity
may turn into a full-time position,” Tuncer said. “I
strongly believe I can bring out the best in students and
bring out their full potential.”
Who Says You Can’t Go Home?Tuncer graduated PCCC in May of last year and
started Montclair State University in September. At the
same time, she began working as a substitute teacher for
CHS, sometimes as often as three days a week.
“My time at PCCC was a crazy journey,” she said. “I
had a love/hate relationship with PCCC but I got
through it and learned a lot and it got me to MSU, which
I now have a love/hate relationship with.”
Now instead of just focusing on drama, Tuncer, who
pays for her own education, is making sure she gives
herself many options as possible, a decision that at first
was not really her own.
“Unfortunately I could not just major in theatre at
MSU, which made me so upset and angry at first.
However, this negative later became a positive. I had to
major in a subject to become a high school drama
teacher, so what better subject than English, since liter-
ature and theatre go hand in hand so perfectly? I have
been working since I was 14 years old. I do not want to
wake up everyday hating my job. I want to wake up
feeling as if its my favorite hobby, which acting and
performing are. So I believe if I teach acting, I will
never feel like work to me because it’s my passion.”
Tuncer said she is settling for nothing less than As
and Bs and is taking a 5-course work load. “The theatre
industry is hard,” Tuncer said. “Don’t get me wrong, I
still try to audition and model here and there but now my
main focus is wanting to be a drama teacher and teach
what I love to motivated students who want to perform.”
Pass It AlongAlong the path of her education, Tuncer said she has
many positive mentors and teachers, at PCCC, Montclair
State and back in her hometown, those who inspired her to
pass along her knowledge. Beyond Mrs. May, she cited
Renee Valente, John Notari and Cassie Craig. “Before
you can understand anything you have to be on the other
end,” she said. “Almost all my teachers, the ones I loved
and enjoyed, got me to where I am today.”
Clifton Teachers
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 33
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant34
In Tuncer’s words’ here are some
comments on a few CHS mentors
who made a difference in her life:
“Renee Valente now known as
Mrs. Holland was my freshman
English Teacher who made me
enjoy writing in journals. She is
hands down one of the reasons I
majored in English at MSU and the
reason I did not give up and get so
upset at the fact that I could not just
major in Theatre. It made sense on
why I chose English.
Growing up I always enjoyed
writing and always got A’'s and B's
on my reading and writing assign-
ments. Math, not so much.”
“John Notari taught drama fresh-
man year and later I had him for cre-
ative writing senior year. He always
told us to think outside the box, be
honest, be creative, be original. I
think that’s why my writing is so
different and real—and why my
professors at PCCC and MSU
always noticed my writing. They
would always say that I am very
honest, outspoken, blunt and that I
write from the heart... thanks to Mr.
Notari teaching me that.”
“Say Cassie Craig and the words
firecracker come to my mind.
She is a blast! She was never my
teacher but we connected because I
was this talkative, smiley girl who
walked the hallways and apparently
we had that in common.
Anytime I had a problem she was
there for me. We especially hit it off
when Clifton High School was
selected to go to MTV’S TRL to
kick of School Sprit Week in 2003.
Ms. Craig always made me feel
good about myself and always told
me to be proud of who I am and my
personality. I appreciated that and it
meant the world to me. When I’m
feeling down, I read the inspiring
letter that she gave me which she
took the time to write in Turkish.”
A Mustang For LifeSo on days when she stands in
front of a classroom of Mustangs
some 10 years younger than she,
Tuncer knows that it is her time to be
a leader, to be a strong role model.
“Kids sense that,” she said of
being friendly and positive but being
strong and in charge. “They have
such a good sense about everything.
They know when you are a phony.”
Tuncer believes that the job of a
teacher does not end when the
school bell rings. “When you go to
one of their plays and watch them
perform, they light up. They say,
‘thank you so much Miss T.’ They
feel like, wow, a teacher came to
see me. That’s how I felt when I
was in school and a teacher would
come to see me perform.”
As she meets with students, she
can’t help telling her students about
her own great experiences growing
up in the city she still loves as
much as when she was a kid. That
love for Clifton is what she wants
to pass along. “When I came back
here to sub, I felt like I was home,”
she said. “I feel like I didn’t gradu-
ate in ‘04. My students call me
‘Lady Mustang,’ a true Clifton girl,
a Mustang for Life.”
Clifton Teachers
The M
ontessori M
ethod
“Whoever touches the life of the
child touches the most sensitive
point of a whole, w
hich has roots in
the most distant past and climbs
toward the infin
ite future.”
-Dr. Maria M
ontessori
22 V
are
ttoni Pl.,
Clif
ton •
973-7
72-2
330
1293 B
road S
t.,
Blo
om
field
• 9
73-3
38-8
300
rainbowmon
tessori.com
Owners Jackie Licata-Alectoridis
and Jane M
affucci
Infants •Pre-School •
Kindergarten
•Full D
ay &
Half Day
Now
taking registration
for summer & fall 2014
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 35
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant36
For Al Yuhas,it’s Ginny andJohn Kostisin
One of my first encounters with my new 8thgrade science teacher, John Kostisin, was not a
positive experience. After talking back to him and
not knowing when to quit, he threw me out of his
class and sent me to the principal’s office, but prob-
ably not before noticing that I was 6’4”! I didn’t
know it at the time, but he was also the new fresh-
men basketball coach at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High.
I was never a very good student and I certainly
had no interest in science. I was clearly on the
wrong path at a pretty early age, always in trouble
at school and at home.
However, I was a pretty good athlete having
started playing organized sports at the age of 5 in
the Clifton Midget League.
Somehow, John Kostisin and his wife Ginny
(also a teacher), saw potential in me that no one else
did. Obviously I was tall and John was a young bas-
ketball coach. From the 8th grade on, John and
Ginny all but adopted me. My parents never wor-
ried about where I was or what I was doing because
they knew that I was always at “the Kostisin’s”.
He put me on the freshman team while I was still
in the 8th grade and let me play in the last game of
the season—a thrill that I will never forget. In those
days, you could smell Clifton athletics in the air and
I wanted to be a Mustang from that day on.
John pushed me beyond what I thought my lim-
its were in basketball and Ginny tutored me in alge-
bra, a subject I never could quite grasp. They spent
almost as much time with me as they did with their
own growing family.
Beginning in the summer after 8th grade and
every summer through my senior year, John
By Al Yuhas
Clifton Teachers
John Kostisin taught science at WWJunior High and his wife Ginny was amath teacher in Haledon. Al Yuhasgraduated CHS in 1966. His bas-ketball skills earned him a schol-arship to the University ofGeorgia. After a career inthe technology industry, hestill has a consulting com-pany and lives in SanJose, California, andWaikoloa, Hawaii.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 37
Burgers to Pirogies & more!50¢ Wings $1 Domestic Drafts and More!
NBA, NHL and College Basketball Satellite TV 60 Inch HD TV plus 8 more Tubes!
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant38
would take me to the parks in
Clifton and we would play endless
games of 1 on 1 in the heat and
humidity. He was tough and unre-
lenting on the court, pushed a lot,
stole the ball and blocked my shots.
Many times I wanted to quit, but he
just kept pushing me to excel.
He put me through endless drills,
always telling me that there was
someone out there practicing that I
had to be prepared to compete
against one day.
As a result of John’s support and
commitment, I became a pretty
good basketball player and earned
an athletic scholarship to the
University of Georgia.
I became the first person in my
family to graduate from college and
went on to enjoy a very successful
career in the technology industry. I
have three grown children and a
grandson, who is the light of my
life. If it weren’t for John and
Ginny Kostisin, I’m sure that my
life would have taken quite a differ-
ent path.
There is not a day goes by that I
don’t remember and appreciate the
tremendously positive impact that
they had on my life.
Clifton Teachers
Coach Kostisin commenting on Al Yuhas“Al Yuhas was an outstanding freshman basketball player who could
‘do it all’ ... run, jump, shoot, and defend. Coach Bednarcik was very
reluctant to play sophomores so I was constantly advising him about
the abilities of Allen and how well he would fit with his veteran team.
This particular team had a lot of talent but no height. Al was just the
player they needed to give them a winning season.
Al was so determined to improve that he worked after school in the
Shop Rite to earn the money to go to Clair Bee’s basketball camp after
his sophomore year. He returned to Clifton a polished, confident play-
er. Allen was Clifton’s first 1000 point scorer and made first team all-
state in his senior year. He was scouted by more colleges than I can
count and finally chose a full scholarship to the University of Georgia
where he competed against some of the best players in the country,
including the great Pistol Pete Maravich.
His success story does not end with graduation. He carried the atti-
tude, drive, and confidence he gained from playing basketball to
achieve a successful business career.”
80
95
95
3
21
46
46
Wayne
WestOrange
Montclair
Clifton
Rutherford
Hackensack
Englewood
FortLee
NewYorkCity
ElmwoodPark
777 Passaic Avenue Clifton, New Jersey www.777PASSAIC.com
Available Now
• • On-site security &
ailable NovA
wailable No
46
Cl
ailable NovA
if
Ruth
4
80
ackensack
wailable No
herford
46
assaic A777 P
enuevassaic A Clifton, Ne
yseerw JClifton, Ne www
• • On-site security &
95
.www ASSAIC777P .com
• On-site security &
95
95
.com
Contact Bill Martini at 973-643-3333 Available Suites: 1,250 SF, 2,500 SF, 5,000 SF, and 10,000 SF
Joseph M. Shook, Sr., Founder1924 - 2008
Nancy Shook Garretson, PresidentNJ 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 • March 2014 39
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant40
Clifton Teachers
Mrs. Gaccione’sLasting Lesson
A piece of Clifton history has been uncovered with the
unfortunate passing of Anne Marie Gaccione, one of
Clifton High School’s finest history teachers.
She has left behind a legacy so extensive that it
begins with the foundation of CHS itself. Her father,
Joseph Calise, was an original member of the commit-
tee responsible for planning the construction of the
building in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Anne Marie and her husband Peter are both alumni of
CHS, he 1966, she 1972. She began teaching there in
the late 1970’s after graduating then Montclair State
College and William Paterson with a teaching degree.
But the ties of the Gaccione family with CHS contin-
ues to weave the halls. Anne Marie’s sister in-law Flo
Calise started as a physical education teacher, and is
now the supervisor of counseling services.
Even Mrs. Gaccione’s children have followed in their
mother’s footsteps as Mustangs. Her son Joseph was a
substitute teacher, her daughter Victoria is an English
teacher, and her niece Brittany has recently begun a
career in teaching English as well.
To top off this amazing lineage, Victoria Gaccione
married Michael Rogers, a history teacher and track
coach for the high school, in 2009. They now have two
beautiful children, Amelia, aged two and a half, and
Jackson, one year. It is gratifying to know that Mrs.
Gaccione was able to meet her grandchildren before her
long battle with breast cancer ended in November, 2013.
But Mrs. Gaccione is not the type of woman to be
mourning—she is one to celebrate.
Her life was spent spreading knowledge and laughter
to not only every person she taught at CHS but to every
person she came in contact with; to know Mrs.
Gaccione was to learn.
Victoria Rogers affirms: “The most bizarre part of
having a teacher for a mom was that everything was a
lesson… Every vacation we went on turned into a histo-
ry lesson…” Victoria goes on to comment that her
mother would often lead impromptu tours when they
visited historic sites, attracting a crowd with the amount
of information she had to share.
Mrs. Gaccione was a role model because she lived
for the sake of teaching. I myself had the pleasure of
being Mrs. Gaccione’s pupil during my freshman year at
CHS in 2009.
But rather than walking away with a simple history
lesson, my classmates and were taught something much
more valuable: to never give up.
Watching Mrs. Gaccione slowly lose her hair as a
result of going to chemotherapy treatments every Friday
taught us more about the power of attitude and charac-
ter than many of us could have imagined. What made
Mrs. Gaccione a phenomenal teacher was the example
she set for her students.
Writer Mariel Vazquez isa 2013 CHS graduate,now attending HofstraUniversity. She wrote thisessay in honor of herfavorite teacher at CHS,the late Anne MarieGaccione, pictured at rightwith her husband Peter onOctober 14, 2011.
By Mariel Vazquez
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 41
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant42
No matter how exhausted or uncomfortable she was, her
passion for history, sense of humor, and determination to
live combined to create a profound inspiration for us stu-
dents. Not only was she a teacher of history, Mrs. Gaccione
was a teacher of life.
Asked what one thing was that she had learned from her
mother, Mrs. Rogers responded with, “She was the epitome
of strength, and I know that she would want that strength to
travel on through me, my brother, and her grandchildren.”
It appears Mrs. Gaccione saved her best lesson for last.
From left, CHS English teacher Brittany Gaccione, aniece of Anne Marie. Mrs. Gaccione a few yearsback. Daughter Vikki and her husband MichaelRogers with their children Amelia and Jackson.
Clifton Teachers
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 43
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant44
Clifton Teachers
When Taras Petryshyn immigrated to the UnitedStates from Ukraine with his parents and younger sis-
ter, the then 16 year-old didn’t speak a word of English.
Today, the 32 year-old fifth grade teacher at School 8 is
living the American dream.
A month after his family settled in Clifton in August
1997, Petryshyn entered Clifton High School as a soph-
omore and was placed in ESL classes (English as a
Second Language).
“The first year was very hard,” he said. “I didn’t
know English and I had no friends, so I just focused on
studying.”
By his senior year, Petryshyn had learned English
well enough to test out of ESL and was placed in regu-
lar education classes. He also worked part time in Shop
Rite and later in a restaurant. “I made enough money
that year to buy my first car,” he proudly stated.
After graduating in 2000, Petryshyn enrolled at
Bergen Community College, where he majored in
English, hoping that would help him continue to master
the language. To pay for his tuition and expenses he
took a job in the food court at Costco. Petryshyn’s father
had been working as a custodian for the Clifton Public
Schools and when another job opened up, the younger
Petryshyn decided to apply for the position.
He arranged his school schedule to take all morning
classes, so that he could work the 2-11 p.m. shift with
the school district. His first assignment was at the high
school, where he cleaned the Central Wing.
He was later transferred to the district’s administra-
tion building at the former School 6 on Clifton Ave. It
was there that Petryshyn not only cleaned offices, but
also received the kind words and advice that encouraged
him to pursue his goal of becoming a teacher. Among
those with whom he enjoyed talking was former
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Rice, now
superintendent of the Kalamazoo, Michigan, public
school district.
“We always had very good conversations,”
Petryshyn said of Dr. Rice. “He always had something
interesting to say and I enjoyed listening to him.” One
floor up from the superintendent’s office, Petryshyn
would pick the brain of Janina Kusielewicz, the dis-
trict’s curriculum director, who at the time was supervi-
sor of basic skills and bilingual education.
“As he was going about his cleaning duties, we
would chat about his studies and his plans for the
future,” Kusielewicz said. “He became well-known in
the building for his work ethic. It was very impressive.
He was working full time and going to school full time.
It’s the kind of commitment that we look for when hir-
ing teachers.”
After completing two years at Bergen Community,
Petryshyn transferred to William Paterson University,
where he enrolled in the teacher education program.
He originally thought that he might want to teach
English in middle school or high school. But, after stu-
dent teaching for a semester in a fifth grade class in
Passaic, he decided that he really liked being in elemen-
tary school.
From Custodian toClassroom Teacher
By Carol Leonard
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 45
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant46
Petryshyn graduated from William Paterson in
January 2006 and continued with his custodian job as
he waited for a teaching position to open up, either in
Clifton or another school district.
Late in the summer of 2006, while cutting the grass on
the front lawn at School 6, Petryshyn was approached by
Kusielewicz who informed him of a last minute tempo-
rary position to fill in for a third grade teacher at School
13 who needed to go on medical leave.
“He was one of the first people I thought of,”
Kusielewicz said. “I urged him to apply for the open-
ing.” A week later, Petryshyn was in the classroom
ready to go to work for the start of the school year.
“My desk was never clean,” he said of his first
assignment. “As a new teacher you’re always trying to
do everything you can to do a good job, so I had piles
of papers on the desk all the time to review and go
over.”
When the regular teacher returned from leave of
absence in January 2007, Petryshyn was asked to fill in
for a month in a first grade class at School 17. “That
was very interesting, too,” he said. “With little kids,
you can’t drift away from the plan. It was a different
kind of experience.”
Then in February, he moved on to School 5, once
again to replace a third grade teacher on leave, a posi-
tion that lasted until the end of the school year.
While someone else may have been frustrated mov-
ing among three different teaching assignments in the
same school year, Petryshyn viewed it as a great learn-
ing experience that gave him exposure to three schools
and classes of children at different grade levels. “You
get to see where your strengths are as a teacher,” he said.
The following fall, when a large fifth grade enroll-
ment at School 1 opened up an additional class,
Petryshyn was hired to take on the permanent assign-
ment. It was that year he decided that he was most
comfortable with this age of students. “Kids really grow
up a lot in fifth grade,” he said. “Sometimes, when stu-
dent are doing poorly or acting out and you show an
interest and work with them, you really have the ability
to help them make a positive transformation. When that
happens, you know you did something right and it
makes you feel good.”
Clifton Teachers
BOTANY BRANCH:237 Dayton Ave., Clifton
973-772-0620
AllwoodRoad
BotanyVillage
PRINCIPAL OFFICE:851 Allwood Rd., Clifton
973-471-0700
www.bankuke.com
Join Your Local Credit Union and experience its advantages...SELF RELIANCE (NJ) FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Federally insured up to $250,000
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 47
In September 2008,
when a third fifth grade
class was no longer need-
ed at School 1, Petryshyn
was rehired to fill another
fifth grade opening at School 8.
“He’s a principal’s delight,” School 8 Principal
Nancy Latzoni said. “He has a wonderful classroom
management style and an even demeanor, which is
especially important in fifth grade. And, he loves to try
new strategies for increasing student performance.”
Petryshyn said that, as a teacher, he has come
to love some of the same subjects that he hated as
a young student while in school in Ukraine, par-
ticularly math. “The teachers I had never took the
time to explain and work with students who did-
n’t understand the subject,” he said. “Now I know
as a teacher how important this is.”
Now in his third year at the Delawanna neighbor-
hood school and his seventh as a teacher, the soft-spo-
ken and mild-mannered Petryshyn, has embarked on a
new journey in his career. Since August, he has been in
a Fast Track program to
earn his Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership
at Montclair State. The
36-credit degree program
will earn his principal and supervisor certification and
he will complete the 14 month program in August.
“Every year is something new,” he said of his role in
the classroom and as a student at MSU. “You deal with
different types of learners and different personalities.
But no matter what you may be dealing with outside of
school, when you come here, the kids always make you
feel happy. My wife says that I’m probably the only
guy she knows who loves his job as much as I do.”
Pleased to hear of Petryshyn’s evolving teaching
career, Dr. Rice commented, “He’s a real Clifton
success story and I’m very proud of him. What he
has done is proof that, if you work hard and study
hard, you can learn a lot and make a contribution to
the community. He’s a wonderful role model for
his students and other immigrant and non-immi-
grant children throughout the district.”
Assemblywoman
Sheila Y. Oliver
I Join You in Celebrating Teachers
Proudly Serving Assembly District 34...
Clifton, Orange, East Orange & Montclair
15-33 Halsted St., Suite 202 East Orange, NJ 07018973-395-1166 • [email protected]
paid for by Committee to Elect Sheila Oliver
I am a firm believer that public education should never be a for-profit industry pumping out students with degrees like a factory.Profit motives should have no place in public education and thatis why I oppose school vouchers or any other effort to redirectfunding away from public schools and toward private enterprises.There is certainly a place for private education in our system, butthe need for support and funding in our public schools is simplytoo great to allow taxpayer money to be pulled away.
Since August, Petrysyn has beenin a Fast Track program to earn his
Master of Arts with the goal ofbecoming a Principal or Supervisor.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant48
Community Comments
Tell Us About YourFavorite Teacher
Kim Sandy WardMr. Gerry Waller—yes, he is my cousin—but he was
also our typing teacher at Columbus Jr High—and
everyone loved, loved, loved him! He was very cool
with all of the students!!! Also, Mr. Masino, our sci-
ence teacher at Columbus, made science fun! My
Italian teacher at Columbus,
Angelo Izzo, was a very down-to-
earth guy and patient with teach-
ing us. And School 11 grammar
school, Mrs. Kuntz in 4th grade,
one of my favorite teachers ever! I
learned a lot from her!
Kathy Gerardi WaltsakMr. Campo, CHS, 1967 or 68!
George Goldey.... the elegant, crisp, piercingly present Mrs. Ina Minor
from CHS. Remarkable dedication with a gift of con-
veying the nuances of literature and the ability to teach
one how to write an organized thought. Wherever she
may be, bless her.
Christina ImprotaFifth grade, School 11, Mr. Freck. I had separation anx-
iety from my mother. I was going to counseling every
week for this problem so it was serious. When she
would drop me off at school every morning I had to be
torn from her arms, unless Mr Freck was there. He
always made me feel like every-
thing was going to be OK. He
made me feel safe from my wor-
ries, and I’ll never forget him.
Kim Muia WestMiss Cappello now Mrs. Arlene
Agresti .... best math teacher ever!!
I hated math, but she was so good
that she changed that!!
Cathy Heitz SandfortSchool 5 Mrs. Bender, the best!
Norm TahanProfessor Bassano at William Paterson University and
Mr. Keleher at Paul VI.
On Facebook and at CliftonMerchant.com,readers exchanged memories of teacher andmentors. We followed up through emails andby telephone, through personal contacts andsocial media. Some comments are from formerresidents now living out of town while othersare from local Cliftonites. Thanks to all whotook the time to respond. Here are some of theshout-outs to those teachers who changed theirstudents’ lives. And pictured at left is the fre-quently mentioned Gerry Waller on the coverof our January 1998 edition with CHS seniorDanielle Loiancono.
Robert Campo and Arlene Agresti.
Jane Putkowski RotellaCassie Craig taught business. She was a big influence
on me back when I graduated CHS in 1973 which led
to my career as an administrative assistant.
Cheri Spoerry GaitaGerry Waller, my typing teacher in 9th grade and 12th
grade computer teacher! Also my steno teacher,
Dorothy Walsh ... tough lady, but great teacher!
Terry Braun KronzMr. Murphy. I believe it was 1972 and Mr. Murphy was
assigned to watch over the kids that were suspended
and had to go the school in an annex on Clifton Ave
(just a little past Colfax Ave.). He was a fabulous per-
son. The kids came first in his book. Not sure who he
angered or why such a wonderful person ended up there
but it was definitely a plus for the kids. Many a good
time had there!!!
Cassie Craig to Jane Rotella. “Our Good Grooming Day! Geez, skirts were so short in 1973—what a great bunch!”
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 49
1301
Brothers Don and Rich Knapp
We now doGutter Cleaning• Roofing • Siding • Gutters & Leaders • Windows
We are the sons of the founder of
R.F. Knapp Construction, a family
owned business founded in Clifton
nearly 50 years ago. We are a preferred
contractor of Alcoa Mastic Siding and a
GAF Factory Certified Installer of GAF
Products Cert. # CE19509.
We specialize in roofing, siding, gutters,
leaders and windows. Give us a call and
we will gladly set-up an appointment to
discuss your job needs and go over a
complete written estimate.
NJ License 13VH00726700
January 2014 • Clifton Merchant50
Henry Hooks Brower was not a teacherbut his spirit lives in the hearts of a gener-
ation of Clifton kids who considered
him an advocate, friend and a mentor.
The founder of the Clifton Midget
League, Hooks was a bit of a vision-
ary. His work and his coaching
touched so many lives in Clifton
that a year before his death the city
honored him by naming a playing
field and field house in Albion Park.
On Sept. 27, 1997, some 100 peo-
ple turned out to recognize the then-84-
year old legend for his many years of
good work. At the time, Mayor Jim
Anzaldi said “it seems as though he has
always been a part of the city’s recreation
scene and we hope he always will be.”
That park on Maplewood Ave. was also the scene of
many of his greatest moments as an unpaid volunteer
organizer of the Clifton Midget League and other
events over a 40-year period.
And in another Clifton first... when Hooks launched
the Clifton Midget League in 1953 it had the distinction
of being the only organization in the nation that spon-
sored baseball, basketball and football.
Today, kids who grew up in the CML still remem-
ber Hooks as a man that taught them about not only
sportsmanship, but something even more
important than that. “Every kid in Clifton
knew Hooks,” commented Stephen
Bykowsky. “He taught us about life.”
With a trademark fedora, Hooks
was known for his iron-clad memo-
ry, often recalling details of a parade
and award dinner, right down to the
uniforms and outfits the kids and
their parents wore.
Born in Newark, Brower moved
to the Beantown section of Clifton
with his wife and three children and
worked as a mailman for 35 years.
Donald Virgilito noted on Facebook
that the name Hooks came about because
“he was a pitcher and had the best curve ball
in Newark.”
“He was 100 percent for the kids,” commented Terry
Braun Kronz.
“Hooks Brower loved the Clifton Midget League,”
wrote Russell Triolo.
Born April 8, 1913, Hooks died Nov. 9, 1998.
Today, a whole new generation of Clifton kids can
see the playing field and field house while their parents
tell them about the legend of Hooks Brower.
“He didn’t teach,” Bykowsky remembered.
“But Hooks Brower... he was Clifton.”
Clifton Mentor
Hooks BrowerClifton Midget League
Clifton Residents Try Our...After Hours Pick-Up & Delivery
$10 OFFYour 1st Pick-Up
3 piece minimum • No tips accepted!Incoming orders only. First time customers only.
Not valid with other discounts.
FREE PICK-UP AND DELIVERY973-546-1105
Get details and more info at
www.deluxecleaners.com
DeLuxe Cleaners offers FREE eveningpick-up & delivery service to CliftonResidents on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays between 6 and 8:30 pm.
1280 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton
nick Reda
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 51
Sara MalgieriMr. David Radler at CHS taught me
that writing was something that I could
do freely, without the restriction of
guidelines (length, format, and so
forth). He allowed me to dig deep, truly
analyze novels, and write from my heart as opposed to
just making up things to meet a length requirement!
Thanks to him, I became an English major at Montclair
State! An amazing man, teacher, and friend!
Donald VirgilitoMr. Lore relates to students and is a great dresser.
Patty Lewis RoennauMrs. Dudlo, School 14. Has a way of making all the
kids in her class feel special and knows how to teach to
each child.
Jim DoremusWrestling Coach Joe Ivers.
Marianne Bray-MeneghinSome amazing art teachers: Debra Makoujy, Donna
DeLiberto-Vogt, Frank Slokoff, just to name a few.
Nina Surich Bigg Mr. Voightlander.
Lori Struck DeSilva Mrs. Belle Lewis, English. She played the song from
Janis Joplin’s album Me and Bobby McGee and had us
listen to the lyrics. I thought it was pretty cool since she
was ... let’s say ‘way older’... and got me started on a
being a fan of Kris Kristofferson, who wrote the song.
She had a great way of getting you interested in what
she was teaching.
Community Comments
Lakeview Bakery 308 Lakeview Ave. Clifton • 973-772-3837 • Se Habla Español
Lakeviewbakeryonline.com
Custom Made Wedding Cakes & Engagement Cakes,Birthday Cakes, Sweet 16 Cakes, Baby Shower Cakes
David Radler, Bill Cannici, Marjorie Surgent and Patricia Zalesny
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant52
For as long as I can remember, my grandfather John
Filippone, affectionately known as Papa, instilled in my
sister and I the necessity to serve others.
He affirmed again and again how fortunate we were,
and taught us that with such good fortune came the
responsibility to give of ourselves. There was never the
concept of “should” in Papa’s endeavor to help others
but rather an underlying obligation that enlivened the
rest of our family to follow in line.
Since 1996, Papa has chaired the St. Philips Knights
of Columbus Council 11671 Drive for Persons with
Intellectual Disabilities along with Co-Chair Ross
Alfieri. Every year the Knights gather donations from
local businesses, tag throughout Clifton, and collect
money via school dress-down days.
Proceeds from the drive are dispersed among the
Department for People with Disabilities, the Clifton
Adult Opportunity Center, and Passaic County Training
Center. The Knights hope to surpass the 2013 figure of
just over $13,000 raised to benefit persons with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Having been raised with a tradition of service above
self, my sister Regina and I have done our utmost to
live as Papa taught us to, helping others.
During my four years at Georgetown University, I
found a home with the Best Buddies International com-
munity, an organization that facilitates one-to-one
friendships and empowerment in the workplace for
people with special needs.
Among other activities, Regina and I biked 50 miles
throughout Washington, DC in support of the Eunice
Kennedy Shriver Foundation, the Special Olympics,
and Best Buddies. On Feb. 22, we took the plunge into
32 degree water in Seaside Heights to benefit Special
Olympics New Jersey. Recently, I began volunteering
with the Murray House in Clifton, one of the DPD’s
homes for adults with special needs.
Regina serves as an Oncology Counselor at
Mountainside Hospital and leads support groups for
people affected by Cancer diagnoses with Gilda’s Club.
Papa is our guide in being mindful of the abundant
needs that exist outside of our own.
There is a misconception that volunteerism is a serv-
ice offered to other people, less fortunate than oneself.
That the volunteer works to better the lives of other
people by offering skills, time, and/or money. While
this is true on the surface, in my opinion the volunteer
is the recipient of the service.
Never have I walked away from any of these experi-
ences without my life becoming richer, my spirit a bit
more whole. It is our moral obligation as people to help
one another and Papa makes sure we never forget that.
If you’d like to help John Filippone and the St.
Philip’s Knights of Columbus, come to Anthony’s Coal
Fired Pizza on March 18 and simply break bread. They
have teamed up for a fundraiser to benefit those with
intellectual disabilities. Just mention the K of C, and
20% of the check value excluding tax and tips will be
donated to the cause. The event is from noon to 9:30
pm at the pizzeria inside the Promenade Shops.
Clifton Mentor
Volunteerism aFamily Affair
Francesca Hemsey (at right) and sister Regina withtheir grandfather John Filippone after their dip in theAtlantic to raise funds for Special Olympics.
By Francesca Hemsey
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 53
Community Comments
Sharon Ofsowitz Kozinn Walter Voightlander, Sociology. He was
awesome.
Michael Termyna Mr. Voightlander and Mrs. Shuster in
Accounting.
David Santosuosso I had three favorites: Marge Surgent,
Rosemarie Baran, Barbara Zoppo. I
was a troubled kid and all three were
kind, understanding, inspiring and
patient. I perceived them as real people
and not just teachers. They were all at
CHS from 1971-1973.
Rich DeLotto Terry Cagna during my sophomore year.
Her dad was a janitor at CHS and she
was a history teacher. She said to me
something like... ‘I think you have a thing for
history...why don't you stay with
it?’ (Rich today is a Clifton histori-
an with a special interest in our
hometown veterans and their lives).
Mary Lou Meyer, junior year,
advanced math, she was just such
a great teacher and Mrs. Margaret
Sichel, sophomore year math, she
had no patience for kids that did
not work hard. She always had
high expectations.
Then there was Bill Cannici during my senior year,
psychology, 1971, the year I graduat-
ed. We were talking about Vietnam
and I had read or heard about how
the VA was treating this one guy, a
vet from Jersey. Mr. Cannici encour-
aged me to write a paper on the vet
and how he was treated stateside. I
got an ‘A’ and perhaps this was a pre-
cursor to my work and research on
veteran affairs. Bill later went on to
be CHS principal.
Philip ReadMr. William Davidovich, my 6th grade teacher at School No. 9 in
1966-67 (the class is pictured above). I did a poster map for geogra-
phy, and he recognized how important it was to me and let me con-
tinue to produce them for extra credit! That really motivated me. I
just loved the drawing and sensing the world at my fingers. He
signed by autograph book that year: It was a pleasure having you inmy class. Best wishes and good luck to a fine boy. I still have it!
Margaret Sichel, MaryLou Meyer.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant54
Clifton Teacher
Sister Mary ConceptaSister of Charity at St. Brendan’s
By Jack DeVries
The first time I saw Sister Mary Concepta, she was
holding an eighth grader by an ear lobe as they walked
to the principal’s office. The kid was 6’2”; Sister stood
4’11”. You don’t forget images like that.
While she would have never done that today,
when I attended St. Brendan’s School on
Lakeview Ave. in the sixties, this was
acceptable discipline. Get out of line and
face the nuns’ wrath, and there was no
tougher nun than Sister Mary Concepta.
Imagine Granny from the old BeverlyHillbillies show in a habit and that was
her. She weighed 100 pounds after a
good meal and had long bony fingers that
could stretch across a classroom. She had
a non-nonsence voice, a Clint Eastwood
glare, and superhuman sight and hearing,
able to catch any kid who dared upset her or the
sweet soul of Jesus.
Her classroom had all the frivolity of military school
– graveyard quiet, except for her piercing voice running
through the lessons and kids answering, “Yes, Sister.”
On her blackboard was the weekly Mission Money
total, divided by girls and boys. Hit $5 for the week
and there was no weekend homework. Finish a penny
under and you weren’t watching Walt Disney'sWonderful World of Color Sunday night; your nose was
in a textbook.
Whatever grade Sister Mary Concepta taught – be it
first, third or seventh – that class led the school in dona-
tions. When you were in her class, money didn’t only
burn a hole in your pocket, it burned through to her col-
lection basket for starving children – whose existence
gave us no right to complain about anything, according
to Sister.
I learned of her loan shark collection style firsthand
when I found $10 on the stairs of St. Brendan’s. I ran
home with it – dreaming of buying countless packs of
baseball cards at Sanitary Supermarket on Crooks Ave.
To my horror, my mom made me bring it back to school.
Sister told me to bring the 10-spot to the principal’s
office and, if no one claimed it in a month, it was
mine. After 30 days, no one did.
“Sister, no one claimed the money!” I said.
“It’s mine.”
“That’s good, John,” she said, always
calling me by my baptismal name. “Now,
you’re going to donate it to the Missions.”
Damn. There went my chance of own-
ing every Yankees card Topps made.
After lunch, she made me stand in
front of the class and tell about my dona-
tion. The kids thought I was nuts. Then
we realized with $10 in the Mission’s kitty,
we had a free weekend. I was now a hero!
But it wasn’t to be. Because my $10 was
dumb luck and both the girls’ and boys’ totals
lagged in the $3 range that Friday, we got homework
anyway, even me.
Back then, Sister Mary Concepta hated long hair and
the Beatles; detested the heathen communists (who cel-
ebrated their infernal May Day during the month of the
Blessed Virgin Mary); and waged war against skirts
above the knee.
As a kid who was an easy mark for bullies – and we
had quite a few at St. Brendan’s – Sister Mary Concepta
was also my secret avenging angel, one who could make
tough guy whimper with her bird-of-prey glare. She got
even for all misfit kids who those morons tormented.
The best thing I remember about Sister Mary
Concepta was that I learned—she was a great teacher.
After a summer of dread—which every kid in her
class suffered through knowing who their teacher was
that September—my academic world changed forever.
Listening in class became critical, times tables were
absorbed, and homework was never ignored.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 55
During my fifth grade
year, Sister Mary
Concepta crammed as
much knowledge into my
young head as it would
hold. Memorization, capitalization, punctuation, I
swam in that stuff, along with her lessons about Jesus.
Math and Spelling were important, but to her, catechism
was a knife fight. Sister was battling for our souls.
And, when all that knowledge started to take hold,
hot damn, it felt good. Raising my hand, hearing her
call on me, responding with the answer and hearing her
say, “100 percent!” made me feel on top of the world.
By the end of the fifth grade, I felt smarter, wiser and
ready for seventh grade.
On the last day of school, I remember helping her
clean the classroom. She was quieter, even nice. I
stayed behind because I didn’t want to leave her—
something I’d have never imagined before that year.
I was also changed in ways I realize today. I can
focus like a monk because of her influence. I under-
stand that discipline can be a good thing, helping you
accomplish tasks—like staying up to 3 am to finish an
article or project.
In Sister Mary Concepta
I also saw a devotion to
faith and others that is rare.
Sister believed she had to
be tough to prepare us for
the world ahead. Others have their stories about Sister
Mary Concepta, maybe not as fond. She could be rigid
and had a long memory for past transgressions.
Her discipline was more intimidating than physical,
but she could be verbally sharp and cutting to trouble-
makers. Trust me, her words hurt less than the pounding
these knuckleheads routinely doled out to other kids.
That doesn’t make her discipline right, but it was of
another time and it’s not coming back.
During her long career, Sister Mary Concepta taught
at St. Brendan’s from the late forties into the eighties,
living through several death scares (the Grim Reaper
was afraid of her), Vietnam, and the impending fall of
her despised Soviet communists.
Forty-some years later, I can still see her in my mind’s
eye, sitting ramrod straight behind her desk – starched
habit taut across her forehead and stern eyes fixed on me,
waiting for a correct answer.
Thanks to you, Sister, I’m always ready.
WEE CARE CHILD CARE CENTER
1170
OFF10%
SIBLINGDISCOUNT
RegistrationNow Ongoing!
Give Us A Call Today!
Jennifer Henkel, Director • First Presbyterian Church 303 Maplewood Avenue, Clifton • 973.523.7704
Accepting Children from Birth to Age 12• Open 7 am to 6 pm• Weekly Chapel• 16 Teachers & Aides —
Many here over 20 years!
• After-School Pick-Up at School 5
• When public schools are closed, we’re open!
The best thing I remember aboutSister Mary Concepta was that Ilearned—she was a great teacher.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant56
Community Events
First Class Free mention Clifton Merchant
Our PBA 36 bicycling team leaves Clifton on May 9 in the PoliceUnity Tour for Washington D.C. Before the 300 mile bicycle trek
to Washington D.C., to honor the memory of the late John Samra, our
Clifton group of 26 must also raise more than $45,500 which helps to
fund a monument and museum in the nation’s Capitol.
The Police Unity Tour is
an annual bike ride to
Washington D.C. in memory
of fallen officers. Over
19,000 cops have given their
lives in the line of duty, and
their names are etched on the
National Law Enforcement
Officers Monument and
Memorial in Washington.
Each name represents a
sad story of an officer from
across the U.S. killed in the
line of duty, including
Clifton Police Officer John
Samra, who died in the line
of duty on Nov. 21, 2003.
Will you please consider
helping me in reaching my
personal goal of $1,750?
If you’d like to help out, call me at 973-253-4400. Contributions are
made to Clifton PBA 36 and note PUT / Tom Hawrylko.
In advance, thanks for your consideration.
POLICE UNITY TOURWe Ride For Those Who Have Died.
Nature has seen fit to provide human mouths with a
natural assortment of bacteria types that vary from indi-
vidual to individual. Many of these bacteria types are
harmless, but several types that many of us have pro-
duce acids as a byproduct of their metabolism.
They also produce a sticky matrix (plaque) on which
they accumulate quickly. If not mechanically removed
in twenty-four hours, they are numerous enough to pro-
duce acid concentrated enough to eat through tooth
enamel. Once the tooth structure is softened by the
acid the bacteria then invade the tooth and begin to
consume it, reproduce, produce more acid, etc.
Subsequent decay progression can result in the bac-
teria invading the blood vessel/nerve complex inside the
tooth with the possible result of a severe toothache, a
chronic draining infection, or an infection that can
spread throughout the body. Once you can “see” a hole
in the tooth or feel sensitivity to cold or sweet from a cav-
ity the tooth is already severely damaged.
Bacterial accumulation of a different type, those that
do not love acid or oxygen-rich environments, can
cause inflammation of the periodontal (gum) support of
the teeth. This eventually causes bone loss on the
tooth sockets as the accumulation continues on the
tooth root surfaces, with real loosening of the teeth and
loss of both tooth and bone a potentiality.
All these tooth woes are caused by bacterial
accumulation in the presence of the chemicals
in the foods we eat and drink. The simple rem-
edy is to physically disrupt their accumulation
very regularly and methodically.
It is necessary to brush each
tooth surface; inside biting, and
outside very thoroughly with out
missing any.
Flossing is necessary to dis-
rupt bacteria where the teeth
touch each other and on the
between surfaces below the
tooth contacts.
The last tooth cleaning of the
day is very important as bacteria
multiply fastest when we sleep due
to less saliva dilution and self clean-
ing oral movements.
The average person should also
have a professional dental cleaning
and exam with selected limited x-rays
to detect new cavities every 6 months.
Some need more frequent maintenance depending
on severity of bacterial activity naturally present or on
the ability of the patient to control it.
This regular maintenance is not expensive, even in a
non-insured private practice situation. What is always
costly, both in terms of health results and monetary
involvement, is the repair of damage.
Dr. Fredrick Paternoster, also known as Dr. Rick,graduated from Georgetown University in Washington,
DC, in 1973, with a Bachelors of Science in Biology.
He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from
Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1978, and
completed his postgraduate residency at St. Joseph's
Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, in July 1979.
His residency fell under their General Dentistry pro-
gram, with an emphasis in surgical training.
He joined his father, Dr. Angelo Paternoster, as an
associate in his long-standing general practice in
1980. He benefited from this association greatly and
rapidly accumulated experience with the variety of
treatments that the practice provided. In 1996, Dr. Rick
purchased the practice from Dr. Angelo and his asso-
ciate, Dr. Edward Kuller, and has since maintained a
solo dentist office. He resides in Clifton with his wife,
Mary, and two children, Maura and Paul.
Fredrick J.
Paternoster D.D.SA Trusted Name in FamilyDentistry for 60 Years
General DentistryPeriodontal Care
DenturesImplantsCrowns
973-365-1267www.rickpaternosterddc.com
296 Clifton Ave., Downtown Clifton
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 57
The mission of Hayden’s Heart is to not only raise aware-
ness of HLHS or Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and to
help keep Hayden’s memory alive, but to also help families
with their medical bills and travel expenses.
Hayden was born March 12, 2012 with a rare heart
defect called HLHS or Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
which occurs in 1 out of every 10,000 births. Scheduled to
undergo three open heart surgeries, he died in his fifth
month soon after the third procedure.
The DeMayo Family is seeking contribution through
their Villa Roma Restaurant in memory of Hayden. Funds
raised will help a fellow heart family whose child is beat-
ing the odds against CHD but whose family could also ben-
efit from financial help towards outstanding medical bills,
travel expenses and just every day living.
Unfortunately health insurance companies do not
always cover all medical procedures, hospital stays, or
medicines and equipment that need to be available for
home care. In addition to those expenses, several families
must travel far distances to ensure their child is receiving
care from the absolute best hospitals, giving their warrior
the best fighting chance.
Because of their good fortune, Rich and Stefania
DeMayo have decided to make it their mission to support
these families both financially and emotionally.
Help the DeMayo Family of Villa Romaraise funds for Hayden’s Heart Fund
On August 16, 2012, Hayden JeterDorsett lost his battle with heart dis-ease and joined countless other babieswho also lost their fight to CHD. Afoundation in his name helps to raisefunds to help families with their medicalbill and travel expenses.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant58
With the healthy birth of son (at left) Luciano Vincent on Feb. 8,Rich and Stefania DeMayo have doubled their efforts to raise funds for
the Hayden’s Heart Foundation.
Since Luciano joins four year-old twin sisters and an older sister (see
facing page), the DeMayo family hasn’t forgotten what it was like to
face difficult times, and are more than happy to help out others in need.
His wife of nine years, Stefania, had a heart transplant at age 28,
after spending most of the first five years of their marriage in the hos-
pital. “She got sick on our honeymoon and it took almost two years
before she was finally diagnosed with a rare cardiomyopathy,” he said.
The DeMayos will never forget how important it was to have all the
support they received, so he wants to pay it back.
www.haydensheart.org
About Hayden’s Heart...
+ tax1 Lg. Cheese Pizza, 1 SmallCaesar Salad & 6 Zeppoles
With Coupon. Cannot be combined w/
other coupons or offers. Exp. 4/15/14.
Customer Appreciation
$7.95+ tax
1 Lg. Pizza w/1 Reg. Topping
With Coupon. Cannot be combined w/
other coupons or offers. Exp. 4/15/14.
$10 SPECIALEveryday Price!
2 LARGE PIES
ONLY $13.99 + tax
Pick-Up Only
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 59
Clifton Milestone
When people ask Margaret Pacciorettiabout her longevity she recalls a devotion to
family and friends and proudly adds, “I was
born the year World War I started.” Folks usu-
ally don’t realize that she is 100 years old and
has lived every one of those years in Clifton.
Born Margaret Pivirotto,
March 3, 1914 in a house on
Highland Ave., her family
moved to Lincoln Pl. in Botany
Village where she attended
Schools 7 and 12 before gradu-
ating CHS in 1931.
At Clifton High she pre-
pared herself for life after
school by taking commercial business courses.
She worked for an attorney in Passaic, preparing
divorce papers; as a mender for a seamstress in Garfield,
and as an accounting clerk for 33 years at Hoffman La
Roche before retiring. A skilled typist, she was able to
type 150 words per minute.
Paccioretti also enjoyed bowling and bingo, as well as
dancing at the Cooperative Hall on
Parker Ave. and other venues.
She married at the age of 27 and
moved to East Clifton Ave., was
divorced after 11 years, but kept her
husband's name. Despite never
having any children of her own, she
remained close to family and
friends, which included six sib-
lings; four sisters and two brothers,
all now deceased.
One of those brothers was the father of
Lenore Donetz, who affectionately refers to
Paccioretti as Aunt Marge.
“They all shared a happy bond,” Donetz
fondly recalled. “She is a devoted, loving per-
son.” Donetz said the sisters were also “devot-
ed Catholics” who could be
found sitting every Sunday
in either the second or third
pew at Sacred Heart
Church at the corner of
Clifton and Randolph
Avenues in Botany, where
they also volunteered.
Part of Paccioretti’s
secret to a long, happy life—accepting things as they are
and treating others with kindness and respect.
“She always says, ‘God’s will be done,’” Donetz said.
“She would give someone the shirt off her back.”
Today, Paccioretti lives at the Daughters of Miriam
Center on Hazel St., which provides housing for senior
citizens., with the support of her family, pictured below.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant60
LIFETIME OF
DEVOTIONBy Domenick Reda
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 61
As events in Ukraine continue toevolve with the Russian invasion ofCrimea, Ukrainians worldwide areworking to keep issues facing the EasternEuropean nation in the daily news.
For the last three months, thousandshave staged protests on the Maidan inthe capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. It beganwhen Ukraine’s president declined tosign a trade pact with the EuropeanUnion, instead accepting an economicaid package from Russia. Critics viewedhis actions as an embrace of Russia,Ukraine’s ruler until 1991.
Protesters took to the Maidan in ral-lies against Russian influence, corrup-tion, abuses of democratic rights and thecountry’s ailing economy. The resultwas some 100 deaths.
On March 1 on the steps of St.Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church onPresident St., a memorial entitledRequiem for Heaven’s Hundred wasorganized by the New Ukrainian Wave,Passaic. As we go to press on March 4,Ukrainians will stage a rally inWashington D.C. to bring attention totheir efforts to create a solution to thisthreat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Requiem for
Heaven’sHundred
photos by Maryana Hordeychuk
To Ray Grabowski, the Blackened Blues Bandis a musical revival of sorts. BBB is, after all, an
homage to an American music tradition and a
soulful sound that includes R&B staples like the
Temptations and Four Tops.
The idea for the group came about a year ago.
At the time Grabowski was playing drums for an
11-piece band called Swingman and the Misfit
Mutts, which he started.
Mutts performed at local venues for about four years
before Ray and his brother Matt formed BBB.
Mutts featured contemporary and swing music, but
like the new band, it had lots of horns and Blues over-
tones, so it was a natural transition.
The brothers—both born in Clifton and current resi-
dents—figured, why not take their act to one of the city’s
most popular hangouts? They contacted Grande Saloon
General Manger George Manousos about having BBB
perform there. Over the course of several months the
band became a regular act at the Van Houten Ave. estab-
lishment, generally performing one Friday each month.
Now the landmark neighborhood saloon and restau-
rant will host the band on March 14 to kick off St.
Patrick’s Day weekend starting around 8 pm.
“We tried it and it worked really well,” said Ray
Grabowski. “It gets so crowded. A lot of people from
Clifton come out. It gives them an opportunity to hear
live music. People love it. It brings them all together.”
Part BBB’s success can be attributed to the original
popularity of Misfits. When the new band was started,
they rounded up former “Misfit” Leny Nigro, aka
“Hoochie Coochie Man,” who plays saxophone, harp and
flute. “He does vocals as well,” Ray Grabowski said. “He
is a good all around musician.”
Rounding out BBB are Kim Radion, guitar; Mike
Madden, aka “Mike from Secaucus,” bass, and a doll of
a lead singer–Kim Latiano.
A former vocalist for the Party Dolls, Latiano–known
at the time by her maiden name, Kim Konikowski–was
the blonde member of the female trio that also featured a
brunette and a redhead.
“We spoke to Kim about getting a band together,” Ray
Grabowksi said. “She is a phenomenal singer. This is a
take off on the Party Dolls. I said to her, ‘why don’t we
get a band together? We can do some bluesy stuff.’ She
liked the idea.”
Like the two brothers, Latiano was born and Clifton
and is a current resident.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant62
Night Out
BlackenedBlues Band
Story by Dom Reda • Photo by Jasmine D. Currie
March 14 at theGrande Saloon
Matt Grabowski, Kim Latiano and Ray Grabowski.
Clifton Merchant • March 2014 63
“I had been in the Party Dolls for over 20 years and
was an original member of the band back in the 80s,”
Latiano recalled. “I traveled all over the country with the
Party Dolls.” She jumped at the opportunity to sing again.
“I heard Ray Grabowski was looking for a possible
sub for Swingman so I contacted him, and we got togeth-
er to rehearse a few songs and decided we would put
another small group together,” she said.
“What's great about this project is that we are able to
perform locally and are having a great time being out
among friends,” she said. “The more we perform the bet-
ter we sound and we are really excited for this project to
take off. Most importantly we are all doing what we love.
I am really happy to be able to continue performing, espe-
cially in my own backyard. Clifton still rocks.”
But really when you get down to it, it is as simple as
having fun, and this latest collaboration is all about that.
“We do a lot of stuff you would hear from many of the
great black artists including the Temptations and the Four
Tops,” said Ray Grabowski. “We do a little bit of every-
thing. We perform everything from Motown, to Blues to
50s Rock & Roll. We love it and so does the audience.
Everyone has a great time.”
Good Neighbors,Great Rates
Thomas Tobin973-779-4248
Bill G. Eljouzi973-478-9500
973-772-8451R o o f in g • S id in gS eamless G u t te rs
Additions • Alterations
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant64
Arts & Culture
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant
The Clifton Arts Center presents In The Style of… an
art exhibit and sale by members of the Clifton
Association of Artists (CAA) through March 31. The
theme has members choosing a famous artist and creat-
ing their own composition in the style of that artist. For
example, a still life in the style of Cezanne or land-
scapes in the style of Van Gogh are some possible
paintings on exhibit. The Clifton Arts Center is at Van
Houten and Clifton Aves. Hours are Wed. through Sat.,
1 to 4 pm. Admission is $3. Info at cliftonnj.org.
The Garden State Opera, now in its 12th season, will
present Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona and Mozart’s
Bastien and Bastienne at a noon concert in Passaic at
the Adas Israel Synagogue Auditorium, 565 Broadway
in Passaic on March 20. Tickets are $7. On April 5 at
8 pm, GSO will present the opera in a staged perform-
ance accompanied with chamber orchestra at San
Giuseppe Santa Croce Camerina Society, 131 Wagaraw
Rd., Hawthorne. Tickets are $25. For info, call 973-
685-9972 or go to www.gardenstateopera.org.
The 10th Passaic County Film Festival on April 26 is
a juried exhibition of students’ and independent film-
makers’ work which showcases projects created by
filmmakers who live, attend school, or work in Passaic
County. All 10-minute entries must be the sole effort
of those submitting the work. There is free admission
to the festival and screenings, which will take place at
the Fabian 8 Theater in historic downtown Paterson.
Call 973-569-4720 or [email protected].
Dr. Jack Houston and Rich DeLotto present a series of
talks on American Military and Naval battles as well the
political implications before and after World War I. The
free discussions will take place at the Hamilton House
Museum, 744 Valley Rd., from 7 to 9 pm on March 27,
April 24 and May 22. The Ladies of the Hamilton House
will serve refreshments after the presentation. Houston
is an associate dean of Undergraduate Studies at
Fordham University. DeLotto, a retired Clifton
Firefighter, is an aficionado of military history and a
writer focused on military history as it relates to Clifton.
To attend, call 973-478-0522 or 973-472-5326.
The Friends of the Clifton Public Library is a 501(c)3
non-profit volunteer group which essentially wants to
add some extras and stretch tax dollar for services
offered at the Main Library on Piaget Ave. and its
Allwood branch on Lyall Rd. The next meeting, open
to all, is on March 12 at 7 pm at the Main Library. A
representative of City Green will present a program on
their efforts at Schultheis Farm. Call 973-772-5500.
To mark the 350th Anniversary of New Jersey, the
American Labor Museum/Botto House National
Landmark invites students to choose a contemporary
New Jersey worker and compare his/her workplace
experiences to the same type of worker of the past.
Projects in the form of original essays or poems with
pictures, must be no more than two 8.5 x11 inch, letter-
size pages in length. Selected projects will appear in a
book entitled, New Jersey Workers Then & Now.Deadline is April 1. Call 973-595-7953 or go to
www.labormuseum.net for more info.
Singers Jozef Ivaska and Heather Fetrow are in the rolesof Bastien and Bastienne on March 20 in Passaic
In The Style of... an exhibit by members of the CliftonAssociation of Artists at the Clifton Arts Center.
Clifton Merchant •March 2014 65
0003079473-0
1
Day & Evening Classes Available!
The Feast Day of St. Joseph—the spouse of the
Blessed Virgin Mary—is on March 19. In Sicily,
where St. Joseph is a Patron, and here in many
Italian-American communities, thanks are
given on that day to St. Joseph—SanGiuseppe—for preventing a famine in Sicily
during the Middle Ages. Keeping that tradi-
tion alive, the 84th Geraci Citizens League
St. Joseph’s Dinner Dance is on March 15 at
The Brownstone at 6:30 pm. Coordinated by
Nina Corradino, enjoy traditional pasta dishes, finocchi
and zeppoli, dancing and music. For tickets, $90, call
Corradino at 973-278-0356 or 973-470-8982.
Clifton’s ATC Studios’ 2014 Young PlaywrightsProject is open to middle and high school students and
is accepting 10 minutes or under one-act scripts that
reflect the concept Believe! This may include realistic
points of view, and those from the student’s imagina-
tion. Scripts should reflect the writer’s direct experi-
ence or creative exploration. Send submissions to atc-
[email protected]. The deadline is March 15. More
details at atcstudios.org.
The Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards, honoring Allen
Ginsberg’s contributions to American Literature, are
given annually to poets, both established and emerging
by the Poetry Center at PCCC. First prize, $1,000; sec-
ond prize, $200, and third prize, $100. Winning poems
and honorable mentions are published in the following
year’s issue of the Paterson Literary Review. The
deadline for 2014 entries is April 1. For rules and
guidelines, visit www.pccc.edu/poetry.
It’s Murd –ARRRR! Pirates of the Salty Dog, a murder /mystery dinner and show by the Theater League ofClifton. Six show dates in March at Mario’s and the priceis $40. Call 973-928-7668, hurry, shows sell out quickly.For more info, go to theaterleagueofclifton.com.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant66
Meet our CHS Students of the Month,selected by the VP’s of each wing.
The Thinking StudentNorth Wing student Valeria Montoya, a
senior, calls her senior psychology class
instructed by Janice DeLorenzo her favorite
class. Why? “The subject itself is really
interesting, but also having class discussions
and realizing how and why people do what
they do is really amazing,” she said.
As a senior, Montoya sees the daily chal-
lenges at CHS as opportunities and seeks to
turn them around: “Although my work may
be stressful at times, I do enjoy school.”
Montoya added that what she likes most
about coming to CHS every day is “meeting
new people” who might “change your life”
beyond high school. “Those people that you
meet in school can be such great friends or
even an inspirational teacher,” she said.
Her four best friends are Octavio
Sanchez, Jeremy Castro and “my sister and
my mom.” Montoya said she can always
count on them because they are “always
there for me when I need them” pushing her through
future endeavors and obstacles. “Those are the kind of
people I want in my life.”
Montoya kept physically active too, running on the
school’s cross country team and on the indoor and out-
door track team.
She hopes to one day become a pediatrician and “open
my own clinic.”
As far as being one of the Students of the Month, she
credits her own hard work but also guidance counselor
Michael Smagula, who saw her potential, with helping
her attain the honor. “I am a hardworking person and I
strive for what I want no matter how bing or how little.”
Working Hard, Having FunBrian Counterman, a senior in
the South Wing, enjoys life but
also has his priorities straight. “Im
the kind of person who likes to
have fun,” he said. “I am the only
Special Education student who
signed on to be a model in our
prom fashion show.”
Counterman points to family
members as his greatest allies. “I
have worked hard to improve on
my education and social skills,” he
said. “I thank my parents for guid-
ing me in the right direction.”
Counterman also thanks his best friend for always
being there for him. “Hana Boelsche and I have been
friends since kindergarten at School 14,” he recalled. “We
were always in the same classrooms until we got to high
school.” But Counterman said he still sees his long time
friend at CHS. “We also see each other on Fridays for
Buddy Canteen and Saturdays when we bowl for Special
Olympics.” Besides bowling for the Recreation Strikers,
Counterman also competes in basketball as well as track
and field for the Special Olympics.
His favorite teacher is Bill “Mr. Bill” Colligan who he
says “is helping us prepare our future once we leave CHS.
I enjoy going to his class each day.”
Vanessa Cruz-Mascuch Brian Counterman
Valeria Montoya
By Domenick Reda
C2 Education’s tutoring center in Styertowne ShoppingCenter is the group’s 25th in New Jersey. Tutors offer avariety of academic programs: SAT prep, ACT prep, K-12 subject tutoring, college admission counseling,preparation for NJASK testing, and preparation for highschool admission tests.
Director Ashley Haimson leads a team of Cliftontutors who have graduated from some of the top schoolsin the nation, including Rutgers University, FordhamUniversity, and Columbia University. Several tutorseither currently hold or are working toward graduatedegrees and all have prior teaching experience.
Ashley, who holds teaching certificates in New Yorkand New Jersey, said she joined C2 Education so thatshe could help students achieve their short and long termambitions. She said she is proud to lead a team of tutorswho are genuinely invested in their students’ success.
One student commented that C2 tutors “really cutthrough the confusion of college applications and SATstrategies. With C2s help, I was able to stay ahead ofthe college admissions game. My C2 teachers wereknowledgeable and genuinely invested in my success.”
Students begin at C2 with an Academic Assessment,the fee of which will be waived when simply mentioningthis article. Ashley uses the results of these assessmentsto identify each student’s academic needs.
She then meets with students and parents to discussthe results and establish each student’s academic goals.Ashley and her teachers are then able to create a fullycustomized program to build on strengths and addressweaknesses, maximizing student results and boostingstudent confidence. To get started, call Ashley Haimsonat 973-778-7300 at the Clifton C2 Center or email herat [email protected].
�������� ����� �������� ��� �������� �� ����� ������ ������������������������� ���������������������������������������������
C2 EducationTutoring Center Opens in Styertowne Center
����� �!�������������� �%�"���� � �"�� ��� �!����� ����"��� ��� ��"�����
�"� ���"���!���&� �����!�������� �� ���� ��"� �������"#"� ������"� ��!����"���������$�������"&� "�%��������������"� �
����� ����������������������������������������������������
Clifton Merchant •March 2014 67
Being Nice To EveryoneCentral Wing senior Hana Boelsche
appreciates the good people she met at
CHS and repays their kindness in turn.
“I think I was chosen for Students of
the Month because I work hard, help
people and try to be nice to every-
body,” she said.
Boelsche sees the good in her teach-
ers as well as other students.
“My favorite teacher is Bill
Colligan,” she said. “I have known Mr.
Bill for 4 years. He makes me want to
do my very best.”
Boelsche says CHS paraprofessional Doreen
Arlington is her best friend because “she helps me a lot.”
Boelsche enjoys seeing all her friends at CHS and
specifically “learning sign language in Mrs. Lesler’s
class.”
For recreation she enjoys “competing in the Special
Olympics with the Clifton Recreation Strikers bowling
team.”
Boelsche hopes to attend Cape May Community
College in the fall to study computers.
Moving Forward, Always LearningAs a freshman in the East Wing,
Vanessa Cruz-Mascuch is like a
sponge—welcoming new challenges
awaiting her over the next few years
and beyond. “I enjoy learning new
things everyday, especially if I am
interested in the subject,” she said.
Cruz-Mascuch says her classes are
enjoyable and her teachers are “very
interesting and make learning actually
fun.”
But her favorite class is biology.
“My teacher is Mr. Achmed Hamdeh,” she said. “He has
made the class even better. Biology is something I am
very interested in and I want to study more of it when I
graduate and go to college.”
Her best friend is fellow CHS student and stepsister
Desiree Tobon.
“Desiree and I have been best friends since we were
in the 4th grade,” Cruz-Mascuch recalled. We've been
through everything together and she knows everything
about me.”
Cruz-Mascuch also keeps busy by singing with
Kayla Vance
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant68
Clifton Merchant •March 2014 69
The Low Income Home Energy AssistanceProgram (LIHEAP & USF) offers financial
assistance to those having difficultypaying your electric, gas and deliver-
able fuel bills.
You can also inquire about ourFREE Weatherization
Assistance Program, whichhelps eligible families by
reducing yourheating/cooling costs with
FREE energy upgrades toyour home.
Is Your Homeor Apartment
Energy Efficient?
FREESERVICESINCLUDE...but not limited to:
Applicantsmust be a resident of
Passaic County andmeet income guide-lines. You may quali-
fy whether youown or rent, live in
a single�familyhome, multifamilyhousing complex
or in a mobilehome.
Passaic CountyDivision of Weatherization & Home Energy
930 Riverview Drive, Suite 250 | Totowa | 973.569.4032200 Memorial Drive | Paterson | 973.569.4032
www.passaiccountnj.org
• Sealing cracks & draftsto reduce heat loss
• Insulation of attics/walls• Heating system
repairs/replacement
• Efficient lighting upgrades
• Refrigerator replacements
• Window and/or doorrepair/replacements
• Other energy saving upgrades
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant70
Students of the Month
the choir as part of the CHS
Madrigals.
But with not forgetting her studies,
Cruz-Mascuch says she has really
stepped up her efforts so she can
always become a better student.
“I have been working very hard this
school year,” she said. “I didn’t know
how I was doing so I thought I would
put all my efforts into my school work
this year to better myself.”
Cruz-Mascuch believes her recent
improvement as a student has helped
her to be named as one of the Students
of the Month.
After graduation she plans on
studying psychology. “I would like to open my own
practice,” she said.
Taking On A New ChallengeAnnex freshman Kayla Vance didn’t know what to
expect when she started high school. She wondered how
challenging it would be.
After just a couple months at CHS, she started to find
her niche. “I have learned so much, not only in my
classes but about myself as well,” she said.
Vance said the teachers at CHS made transition easi-
er. “My favorite class and teacher would be English
with Mr. David Radler,” she said. “He not only has a
great sense of humor but his teaching style makes his
class different than the rest. He makes reading and writ-
ing something I really enjoy.”
But Vance says her friends also make school fun.
“Ryan Reyes is definitely my best
friend,” she said. “He knows how to
make me laugh, lighten up when I
take things too seriously and is some-
one I can go to with anything.”
And speaking of friends, Vance
also enjoys the bonds formed in team
sports.
Now that it’s March, Vance can’t
wait to start playing softball for CHS.
Vance has been asked to attend the
team’s spring training trip in Disney
World. “I have played softball for
numerous years and I am so grateful
to be given this opportunity,” she said.
“I am looking forward to being with
my teammates everyday and winning a lot of games.”
Vance knows there is life beyond softball and the
freshman is taking on that challenge as well.
She is still unsure about what she wants to do after
CHS, which is still three years away, but has a plan.
“In the future, I hope to further my education in col-
lege while keeping good grades and playing softball,”
she said. “I have had thoughts of being an athletic train-
er but I am ultimately undecided and interested to see
where my path leads me.”
And it’s those “good grades” that helped her become
one of the Students of the Month, she believes.
“I do all of my work and have really good atten-
dance,” she said. “I am very grateful for being acknowl-
edged and will always look back on my education given
to me here at CHS and trust that my hard work and ded-
ication in both school and softball will never change.”
Hana Boelsche
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________State:____________________________________
Zip:______________________Phone:_____________________________________________
Email:________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS TO TOMAHAWK PROMOTIONS, 1288 MAIN AVE., CLIFTON, NJ 07011
Have Clifton Merchant Mailed.$27/YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Mailed via first class to your home.
Clifton Merchant •March 2014 71
CHS Senior Rachel Egyed, pictured at
center with family and school staff, also
signed a National Letter of Intent to play
soccer with the University of Maryland.
In four years Egyed established herself
as one of the top goaltenders in the state.
She helped lead the Mustangs to a 17-4-1
record last season, including a league
championship and Passaic County final
appearance. During her four years with
the team, the Mustangs appeared in four
county finals, winning two of them.
As a senior, Egyed made 113 saves,
including 15 shutouts, while allowing
0.63 goals per game. As a junior, she
recorded 14 shutouts and allowed 7 goals
all season, leading Clifton to a 16-2
record and the Passaic County title.
Egyed chose Maryland over several
other high-profile Division I schools,
including South Carolina, Delaware,
Syracuse and Boston University.
Beyond High School
Paramus Catholic High School host-ed a signing ceremony on Feb. 6 formembers of its national powerhousefootball team.. The Paladins, win-ners of back to back state champi-onships the last two years, were ledby 12 student athletes who signed,including All-American standout andperennial Player of the Year Awardwinner Jabrill Peppers; teammatesAlex Beards, Juwann Bushell-Beatty,Alec Bowman, Nick Flores, TerranceHarris, Billy Ray Mitchell, MarcusPantoja, Steve Shanley, TyroneThompson, Tyshawn Thompson andKeyon Washington.
Christopher Columbus Middle School HSA hosts a
Tricky Tray on March 28 at 6:30 pm at the Boys &
Girls Club. Tickets are $15; bring your own food and
beverages. Reserve a table (10 tickets) and pay only
$12 per ticket. No one under the age of 18 will be
admitted. For tickets and info, call 973-818-6045 or
email [email protected].
On March 13 School 5 Home and School Association(HASA) hosts a Tricky Tray fundraiser. To support the
cause with a donation or gift for a giveaway, or to pur-
chase tickets, call Tina Robinson at 973-207-5849.
Send your news to [email protected] with
details including dates, times and location.
March 2014 • Clifton Merchant72
Julie Generalli Dominick .......3/1Kathleen Pocoek ..................3/1Meaghan Franko .................3/1Kenzie Lord .........................3/3Valerie Godowsky................3/5Alice Paxton ........................3/5Patricia Vigh........................3/5Carol Crudele......................3/6Ted Grzybowski...................3/6Pat Smith.............................3/8Victoria Crudele...................3/9
Pamela Culque ..................3/10Tiffany Sabo ......................3/10John Gorny .......................3/11Teddy Harsaghy.................3/11Eddie Gasior, Jr. ................3/12Mike Pesaro ......................3/12Victor Berdecia ..................3/13Diego Hernandez ..............3/15Tyler Hughes......................3/15Elaine Sassine....................3/15Laura Lee ..........................3/15
Melisa Calvo .....................3/16Suzanne Ciok....................3/19Janette Hughes ..................3/19Caitlin Lotorto ....................3/19Colleen Murray..................3/20Holly Sorenson ..................3/20Nenad Vuckovic ................3/20Monica Ahmed..................3/21George Andrikanich ..........3/22Pat Hiller ...........................3/22Elisabel Reyes....................3/24Carmen Rivera...................3/24Kyle Hooyman...................3/24Suzanne Wachtler..............3/26Michele Andrikanich ..........3/27
Casey Hawrylko is 24 on March 2. Happy Belated birthday to Jayke Williams who turned 6 on Feb.26. Beware the Ides of March! Elaine Sassine... Happy 64th birthday! Congratulations to Corey &Michelle Genardi, celebrating their anniversary on March 28...their daughter Bianca Eda is all smilesfor her 8th birthday on March 2. William Thomson will celebrate his second birthday on March 8.
Happy Birthday to...Send dates & [email protected]
Birthdays & Celebrations - March 2014
Ryan Lettow celebrates onMarch 23 and KJ Lettow
on March 11.
Clifton Merchant •March 2014 73
Jennifer Mondelli ...............3/27Nic holas Surgent...............3/27Aidan Tedesco ..................3/27Muriel Curtin.....................3/28Francis Salonga ................3/31Paul McVeigh....................3/31Chris Kolodziej..................3/31
Joe & Pat Torelli celebratetheir 43rd on March 6.
Nina & Frank Corradinocelebrate 41 years March 25.
Happy 18th birthday toKenneth Bucsko on March 19.
Jenny Sichel celebrates her26th birthday on March 9.
Shirley Lawler celebrates herbirthday on March 24.
January 2014 • Clifton Merchant74
Tomahawk Promotions
1288 main avenue
Clifton, NJ 07011
PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PAIDPhila Pa 191PeRmiT No. 7510