West Essex Tribune

The Livingston Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year at its April 30 meeting. The budget included a total tax increase of 5.75 percent, or $6,728,883. This total increase comes from a two percent base tax increase, 0.72 percent in enrollment adjustments, and 3.04 percent of banked capital. This does not exceed the state imposed tax cap. Thomas Lambe, the Board’s business administrator, saidthatthiswould be a tax increase of $558 for the average township home priced at $721,238.

Other highlights for the finalized budget include that all programs currently in place will remain so for the upcoming school year. This budget included $830,064 in enrollment waivers and 3.04 percent of banked capital, or $3,541,737. The district switching health benefits, effective as of May 1, allowed for over $900,000 in additional savings. 154 other appropriation lines were also reduced, accounting for an additional $4.3 million.

During its meeting on Tuesday, April 30, the Livingston Township Council passed several resolutions, introduced one ordinance, and tabled three others.

At the start of the regular meeting, Mayor A1 Anthony recognized April 23 through 26 as Municipal Clerk’s Week, specifically honoring Livingston clerk Carolyn Mazzucco. The Council also recognized May 5 through 11 as Public Service Recognition week.

Resolutions

Mihir Shah was appointed as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, filling an unexpired term of two years, ending December 31,2025.

A 24-month contract extension was reached with Faircut Services, LLC, to furnish, deliver, and install trees in town.

At last month’s “Five on Five” meeting between the Township Council and the Board of Education, several parents shared safety concerns about themselves and their children walking outside of Harrison School, specifically during drop-off and dismissal.

The worries stem from a change in policy at the school that started in September, when a new pick-up policy was implemented at Harrison. Instead of students waiting in the parking lot for their rides to pick them up, parents now must meet their child at the door. This is how Livingston’s other elementary schools have operated, but the narrow, busy roads and limited parking surrounding Harrison, specifically along North Livingston Avenue, has raised concerns.

Frances Rose Bilotti, 86, of Livingston, died on April 20.

Ms. Bilotti was born in Jersey City, along with her twin sister, Louise. She is survived by Louise; her younger brother, Michael; her daughter, Gina; son, Jimmy; and grandson. She is predeceased by her older brother, Salvatore.

Visitation was held at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home and Mass was held at St. Raphael’s Church.

Anthony J. Cupo, 94, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, died on Friday, April 26. Born in Newark, he resided in Livingston before moving to Coatesville in 2022.

Mr. Cupo is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Angela (Finelli); his two sons, Michael and Thomas Cupo; by his daughter, Angela Lott and her husband, Frank; his brother, Richard; his sister, Mary Cruz; his nine grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. He is predeceased by three brothers, Fred, Pat and John Cupo.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday at Hancliffe Home for Funerals in East Hanover, with a mass at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Marvin Pinkowitz, 87, died on April 20, after a long illness. He was born and raised in Newark and then moved to Livingston. He worked the New England area for a children’s clothing company before retiring to Florida.

Mr. Pinkowitz is survived by his two sons, Scott, Mark, and his wife Annmarie; two sisters, Rochelle Sherman, and Dianne Pinkowitz; and his longtime companion, Helen Marshall. He was predeceased by his son, Brett; and his two wives, Barbara Latour and Francine Elson.

BOYS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM BEATS CHARGERS: The Lancers defeated the Chargers of Science Park, 2-0, in first round action in the Essex County Tournament. The victory was achieved on Friday, April 26, in the Fitness and Wellness Center. Shown here, Lancer Tyler Ferreira gets up to score on a shot against Science Park.

Sanskriti of NJ had its 2024 cricket season kick-off for Cricket on Sunday April 21, at the Sanskriti Cricket Field in Livingston. Mayor Al Anthony; Deputy Mayor Ed Meinhardt; Township Council members Shawn Klein, Ketan Bhuptani, and Michael Vieira; Board of Education members president Pam Chirls, Parul Khemka, and Fang Gong; and Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz attended the event.

Livingston Township has declared April 22 to be “Cricket Day” since 2018, and Sanskriti has commemorated the day for the past six years. During the kick-off Nilesh Mhatre, president of the Sanskriti of NJ, thanked the town for its support.

He mentioned that for the 2024 season, there are 150 members registered for Leather Ball Cricket, 73 for Mens Tennis Ball Cricket, and 39 for Womens Tennis Ball Cricket. He added that cricket has also been introduced by the Board of Education in the school system.

This past week, the Livingston High School girls’ varsity softball team beat three teams ranked in the top 20 by the Star-Ledger, including two in the top ten.

On Wednesday, April 24, the Lancers beat Cedar Grove 8-1. Pitcher Sophia Mount was dominant, scattering four hits while striking out 11 in the SEC American Division contest. Offensively for the Lancers with multiple hits, Allie Nankivell was 3-4, with an RBI, four stolen bases and two runs scored. Val DiIanni was 2-4, with two runs scored and a stolen base. Maddie Rothfeld launched a three-run home run, which put the Lancers ahead for good; she finished the game with four RBIs.

LHS GOLF COACH JOHN WADDON CELEBRATES 300TH WIN: The LHS golf team defeated Montclair last Wednesday, April 24, with a final score of 163-180. The Lancers were led by Aalok Dhurandhar and Jordan Harris, who shot a 37 and 38 respectively. The win marked coach John Waddon’s 300th career victory. “This is more of a player achievement than a coaching one,” Waddon stated. “I have been very fortunate to have numerous talented teams with great individuals throughout the years.” This year’s team now has a record of 7-1, and is on course to qualify for the state tournament. The Lancers next defeated Glen Ridge on the road, 162-169, on Thursday, April 25. The Lancer record stands at 7-1