News

Christopher Mullin, Livingston Fire Chief and township fire official and emergency management coordinator, this week issued a reminder to residents that mulch fires are common during the summer, more so when the weather is hot and dry, as it has been.

He explained that the primary causes of mulch fires are cigarette butts, at commercial sites; and landscape lights, at residential sites.

With seven weeks left until September 1, when teachers are expected to begin the school year, Livingston Public Schools superintendent Matthew Block and the Livingston Board of Education, on Wednesday, July 15, continued to outline the planning process and the three overall options for school reopening in the fall. No specific plan was disclosed, however.

The meeting was held virtually via Zoom and live-streamed on the district’s Facebook page.

“Tonight, we will not present any specific plans for the fall,” said Block, explaining that new information comes out daily and that “the virus will be with us for an extended time; there are continuing outbreaks.”

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The Planning Board met on Tuesday evening, July 21, for a virtual conference and special meeting. The Board unanimously approved an application, Mango Tree Real Estate Holdings (NJ), LLC - Application No.2020-6-MSUBV and Eugene Taylo, Jr., - Application No. 2020-10-MSUBV. An application for JMZ Enterprises, at the Corner of East McClellan Avenue and Scott Terrace and Green Terrace Homes, was adjourned until Thursday, August 6, at 7:30 p.m.

South Livingston Ave. Property

Returning to the Planning board was an application for the property at 90 South Livingston Avenue. The applicant CP Management Group II, was represented by CherylLynn Walters of Nehmad, Perillo Davis and Goldstein.

The Livingston Police Department recently held its inaugural Junior Police Academy. The one week event was almost cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but, noted Police Chief Gary Marshuetz, “I am pleased to report a successful week. It was nice to have an in-person interactive camp, which exposed our youth to public service. Special thanks to our Community Policing Unit and the officers here who assisted with teaching and sharing their specialties. Also a thank you to the Livingston Fire Department and other participating law enforcement agencies.”

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KEEPING COOL: With temperatures in the 90s and high humidity resulting in “real feel” temperatures around 100°, this family jumps into Haines Memorial Pool on Sunday afternoon, July 19. Jerry Siskind Photo

As of Tuesday afternoon, July 7, the Essex County health department has reported that a total of 502 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19. 68 of those residents have died as a result of the virus.

Compared to the same time last week, that is an eight case increase, with one additional death.

Town Hall and other municipal buildings are expected to open next Monday, July 20. Protective measures, including hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas windows, and guidelines on where to stand, will be in place. The buildings will be open for the public to conduct business; other activities, like public meetings, will still be held online for the foreseeable future.

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Jamison Scala, a 2001 graduate of Livingston High School, has been hunkering down in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. He moved there shortly after graduating from Temple University with a degree in communications.

Scala loves the California sunshine and lifestyle, even during the pandemic, yet remains very fond of his home town , which he sometimes describes as “Exit 145.”

Scala’s first professional job in LA was on the pilot season of “Deal or No Deal,” after which he spent two years at E! as a producer for “Live from the Red Carpet” and “The Daily 10.” He then decided to segue from TV production to acting.

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BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Livingston High School students celebrated their graduation in-person and as a class on Wednesday, July 8. The in-person ceremony had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before a celebration with no family present was permitted. In this week’s issue of the Tribune, we have published a standalone section with photos from the in-person ceremony. These pages are designed to be saved and added to the July 2 keepsake graduation section. Arlene Brown Photo

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RECREATIONAL RENEWAL: With the township’s recreational facilities re-opened, Livingston residents made the most of the summery weather and headed outdoors. At top left, Emma and Elyse Pomerance have fun in the water at the Mervyn V.T. Haines Pool. Above, Adam Froimowitz pushes his son, Jake, on the “take a spin” equipment. At bottom left, Will McNichol shoots on the Memorial Park basketball courts, while his brother Luke looks on. Below, Pitcher Jason Grebin brings it to the plate during the TSTI practice on the Oval. Don Schwartz Photos

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FIFTH GRADERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE: Unable to hold the traditional in-person “Moving Up” ceremonies for fifth graders this year, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School and the other district elementary schools instead celebrated the milestone with virtual gatherings and car parades. Mt. Pleasant Elementary School celebrated the end of the school year and the Moving Up of its 100 fifth graders with socially distanced ice c ream parties; a virtual Moving Up ceremony; a car parade; and professional photographs funded by th e PTA Fifth Grade Committee, which lifted the spirits of students, families and staff. Shown here, Alan Yaari waves during the MPE car parade. His mom, Carla Yaari, is taking a photo, and his Dad,Isaac Yaari, has the wheel. Additional photos may be seen on page B-4. Jodi Rothfeld Photography