Columns/Opinions

Thu
06
Jun
News Staff's picture

Graduation Time

College graduation announcements are starting to come in and the Tribune staff has received inquiries from parents about how they can share their good news with their neighbors.

While we believe it is our job to educate our readers as to official happenings in the municipality, the Tribune is also here to publicize family milestones such as births, deaths, weddings, religious celebrations and other important personal achievements. As a result, we are happy to publish the news of a graduation in your family – at no charge. Information should be submitted in writing by mail at P.O. Box 65, Livingston, NJ 07039; by fax at 973-992-7015; or by e-mail at WestEssexTribune@gmail.com.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/West%20Essex%20TribuneID480/

 

Thu
06
Jun
News Staff's picture

A Fond Farewell

This past week, Livingston lost a valuable community member who served as a role model for generations of township residents. Grace Russo died Monday, May 28, at the age of 87. She was known to many in town for her warm, loving attitude toward all. One friend of hers told us, “Even if you had just met her, each time she saw you, she would greet you like an old friend.” She was genuinely interested in her community and the people in it.

The many people who attended Grace’s funeral at St. Philomena Parish on Monday showed clearly how beloved Grace was here in Livingston. Driving along South Livingston Avenue just prior to the service was challenging. Drivers waited patiently to turn their cars into the church driveway, while many Town Hall employees could be seen walking to the church.

 

 

Thu
30
May
News Staff's picture

Free to Stream

At the Monday, May 20, Board of Education meeting, resident Brian Bradley stated that he and fellow resident Mike Ramer were well within their rights to record the meeting. Ramer had been questioned about filming a student at the previous meeting. Business administrator Steven Robinson agreed that, yes, everyone is legally permitted to record a public meeting. We would have liked him to stop there, but he continued, adding that recording is, however, discouraged by the administration.

But make no mistake: at a public meeting, recording is very much allowed. These laws exist for a reason – open government is good government.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/West%20Essex%20TribuneID480/

 

Thu
30
May
News Staff's picture

Whose Responsibility Is It?

At the Township Council conference meeting, held on Wednesday, May 22, there were two extended discussions about perceived improvements needed in the community. In one, the Council agreed to discuss with the Board of Education how to provide theater space for the performers in our town and in the other, they avoided the question of how to deal with plastic bags.

Retired art teacher Hugh Mahon made a valid point when he said that the town provides ample space for the many young (and not-so-young) athletes, but not one inch of space is offered to the many performers and artists. Fewer athletes from Livingston have been recognized nationally for their abilities than performers, he said, pointing out the accomplishments of Jay Greenspan (AKA Jason Alexander), Nikki James, Stephen Oremus, and others.

 

 

Thu
16
May
News Staff's picture

A Sad Display

An abomination. Shameful. A ghetto.

These aren’t words one typically hears thrown around offi cial meetings regarding a building in Livingston, but over several recent meetings of the Township Council and Planning Board, we have heard just that about a proposed Pulte Homes affordable housing project to be built on the property of the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy. The main point of contention, though there are others, is that there is no elevator for residents living on the upper fl oors of the four-story structure.

Thu
16
May
News Staff's picture

The Search is Over

After a nearly year-long search, the Livingston Board of Education announced at Monday’s meeting that it has selected a new superintendent of schools for the upcoming academic year. Matthew Block will replace interim superintendent Jim O’Neill, who has successfully held down the fort, offering a steady hand during this lengthy process.

It’s no secret there has been a revolving door at the position in recent years. Including those operating in acting and interim capacities, O’Neill was the eighth person filling the superintendent position in about 11 years, and the sixth since just 2014. Block will become the seventh in the past half-decade, and hopefully the one who will put Livingston Public Schools back on the path of stability.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/West%20Essex%20TribuneID480/

 

Thu
09
May
News Staff's picture

Opening the Conversation

At the April 29 Board of Education meeting, interim superintendent of schools Jim O’Neill discussed the increased exposure children now have to coarse language, hate and violence.

“We frequently hear educators, sociologists and others say that young people today are exposed to information and issues they previously did not receive until they were much older,” he said. “This reality is now evident in every community in the United States.” O’Neill added that the most alarming thing students are now confronted with is the “increasingly commonplace” violence in schools. He ran through a flurry of recent headlines focused on school shootings, gun laws, and active shooter drills.

O’Neill said the district plans to do its part to help its students navigate through these experiences, by increasing awareness and discussing any issues that may occur. But it is not simply mass shootings that pose a threat; there are incidents that are far more common and more insidious.

Thu
09
May
News Staff's picture

A Listening Council

At the Monday, May 6, regular meeting of the Township Council, an ordinance was passed to allow a conditional use of block 6300 in the Coventry section of town, which will permit an assisted living facility to be built on the property if it is approved by the Planning Board.

The hearing had been left open on the agenda for five consecutive meetings, several months’ time, as residents living in the area have expressed concern about adding vehicles to an area with existing traffic problems, among other issues. The Council, citing obligations to fulfill affordable housing requirements and provide options for a growing aging population, were always likely to move forward with this ordinance. But they did not rush this decision through, and we applaud them for it.

 

 

Thu
02
May
News Staff's picture

Support the Parade

Somehow, it’s already May, and the Memorial Day Parade is right around the corner on Monday, May 27. Over the next few weeks the township will be collecting money to fund the upcoming parade, and we encourage our residents to offer their support.

Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all of our nation’s wars. Volunteers would place American flags on the graves of veterans, hence the name Decoration Day.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/West%20Essex%20TribuneID480/

 

Thu
02
May
News Staff's picture

Out on the River

This past Monday, a member of the Tribune staff joined Richard Cornell, chairman of Livingston’s Trails and Greenways committee, on a two-hour canoe ride up and down the township’s section of the Passaic River. It was a crisp, sunshiny morning and the leisurely paddle offered a unique snapshot of town.

We passed under the Route 10 and Mt. Pleasant Avenue bridges, past rows of houses and offices, and even glided right by the Cedar Hill Country Club golf course during the annual PBA golf outing. We started our journey behind the Brandon Tevlin Fields off Okner Parkway, made our way to the canoe launch a few miles down the river on South Orange Avenue, and paddled our way back. We saw trees in bloom, deer at play, and heard plenty of birds chirping.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/West%20Essex%20TribuneID480/

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Columns/Opinions