community news from Livingston

It’s that time of year again: Fourth of July is just a few short days away, and the celebrating has already commenced for some, with plenty of grilling and chilling, and more than a few fireworks to celebrate our nation’s independence.

With most fireworks shows cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that many fireworks may now be purchased right down the street at area retailers, we are sure to see plenty of backyard displays during the evening hours in the coming days.

Non-aerial fireworks, including sparklers, poppers, and snappers (nothing that “explodes”), may now be legally sold in New Jersey, and it is a safe bet that some more heavy duty options will mysteriously find their way into a few backyards as well.

By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: This week, Jeff Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., reflects on how life for the homeless of Essex County has changed for the worse since before the coronavirus pandemic.
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The “bad-good old days” ended for the homeless and profoundly poor after mid-March. Prior to the abrupt, life-changing pandemic, conditions were beyond awful for these communities, living with rampant food insecurity in extreme poverty. Those were the good old days.
It has been a heartbreaking transition for these thousands right here in northern New Jersey as COVID-19 grinds into July. The “good old days” quickly shifted into the “much worse, with even less food availability and deeper disenfranchisement new days.”
Was it just a few months ago when the “bad-good times” rolled?

The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment heard five residential applications and reviewed the jurisdictional standing of a 2019 application at its virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 23.

One application was denied, one was adjourned, and three were approved.

Jurisdictional Discussion

The Board discussed whether it could hear an application by TRI Owners Realty LLC for variances to construct a new single family home at 35 Sycamore Avenue.

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As of Wednesday morning, June 24, the Essex County health department has reported that a total of 491 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19. 68 of those residents have died as a result of the virus.

On Monday, June 22, limits for outdoor gatherings increased from 100 to 250 people. There remains no limit for outdoor religious or political activities. Indoor gatherings are now limited to 25 percent of capacity, but cannot exceed 100 people.

Shopping malls will be allowed to open on Monday, June 29. Starting next Thursday, July 2, indoor dining will be allowed at 25 percent capacity.

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Planning for the 2020-21 school year and enrollment projections were the main topics at the June 22 Board of Education meeting, which also saw the installation of Aditya Desai, a rising senior, as the student representative to the Board.

Planning During COVID-19

In the absence of guidance from the state about requirements and expectations for the fall, the district has devised a process to create a plan for the fall, said superintendent of schools Matthew Block,

“I don’t think it will work for every district to do something different, coordination is needed,” he commented.

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Livingston officials this week announced that sports field are now open, with certain restrictions in place due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis.

Livingston Township sports fields opened to the public on Monday, June 22, for non-contact sports. The following restrictions are in place:

1. In accordance with the governor’s executive order, only noncontact practices may be played, provided that they do not involve person-to-person contact or routinely entail individuals interacting within six feet of one another. This includes football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball.

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Monday morning marked the start of the three day “My Graduation Moment” experience for Livingston High School’s Class of 2020! Students signed up for 15 minute time slots throughout the day. When they arrived at the turf, their names were announced as they picked up their diplomas and yearbooks, and took advantage of memorable photo ops all while social distancing. Above, left, Quanxin Li celebrates with her family; above, center, Danny Hubert shares a fun moment with LHS principal Mark Stern; at right, graduating senior Mikaila Anderson tosses her cap high in the air. Additional photos can be seen on page B-4. MCA and LPS Photos

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Robert George MacKenzie, a long-standing resident of Livingston, New Jersey, died unexpectedly on June 9, 2020.

Robert is survived by his sons, Douglas and his wife, Margaret; and David.

Robert was born on October 3, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey. He initially worked as a tool-and-die maker, served in the Army in Korea, and graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in finance. He then married and moved to Livingston.

Robert worked in the insurance industry, initially for Liberty Mutual, subsequently for American International Group. Robert, his wife, Barbara, and their dog, Dallas, remained in Livingston during their retirement.

Robert was an avid golfer and world-traveler, and was active with the Federated Church.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, at the Federated Church of Livingston, at the corner of Route 10 and Livingston Avenue.

Kathryn Finn (nee Cornish), 94, died Wednesday, June 17, at her home [in Livingston].

Mrs. Finn was a member of the Cadet Nursing Corps and attended the school of Orange Memorial Hospital from 1943 to 1946. She later worked at the hospital, achieving the title of head nurse, before becoming a homemaker.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alan J. Finn. She is survived by her children, Karen Finn, Susan Kraft (John), Carol Sinnott (Rev. Paul), Alan Finn, Jr., Janet Germinario (Philip), and Michael Finn; and three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

A private family viewing was held, and the funeral liturgy took place at St. Philomena’s Church, Livingston, on Tuesday, June 23. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. A memorial will be held at a later date after the pandemic.

Donations may be made in Mrs. Finn’s memory to the St. Philomena Sharing Office, 973-992-1382.

Returning to Society

It’s been a wild week.

Last Friday, for the first time since early March, I did my own grocery shopping. Later that day I went inperson to get coffee, and after that, ordered lunch and sat outside the restaurant to eat. On Father’s Day, my dad, brother and I went golfing. And on Monday, mercifully, I got a haircut for the first time in five months. Boy, did I need that haircut; I was not meant to have long hair, especially in the summer.