latest news from Livingston

Halli Pankin Lunin, 74, of West Orange, passed away on March 7, 2024.

Halli was born on August 30, 1949, and grew up in Roslyn, New York.After graduating high school, she first went to Endicott College, and then to Ohio University to study art history.

Halli met her husband in New York City and they were married onAugust 27, 1977. They had three children and settled in Livingston.

After Halli retired from being a florist, she spent her time reading, attending book clubs, playing canasta and mahjong, spending time at the beach, and spending as much time as she could with her family.

Halli was predeceased by Jerome and Beatrice Pankin. She is survived by her husband, Scott; her three children, Russell, Eric and Sloane; seven grandchildren, Richard, Alexander, Nathaniel, Jordana, Colden, Gemma, and River; and her brother, David Pankin.

Beloved father of Andrew Bodner (Debbie), Eric Bodner (Barbara), Felice Weiner, and Hilary Bodner (David).

Grandfather of Samantha DiLemme (Phil), Julia Bodner Cohen (Brett), Robby Bodner (Nikki), Ross Weiner (Jamie), Lindsey Marder (Brad), Max Bodner, Michael Bodner, and Samuel Brenner.

Great-grandfather of Sienne Rose DiLemme and Remi Tess Marder.

There will be a private service in his memory for the family.

If you would like to make a donation, please send it to Garden Terrace, Marty’s residence for the last three years. This is an amazing group that truly makes a difference: Garden Terrace, in memory of Marty Bodner, 361 Main Street, Chatham, NJ, 07928.

Alternatively, you may donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. If it’s not about Livingston, it’s not in the

The Livingston Public Library is adapting to changing user needs and societal shifts while maintaining core services, noted Amy Babcock, its director, as she shared insights on intellectual freedom, literacy and community engagement last weekduring a Zoom presentation with the Livingston League of Women Voters (LWV).

The discussion focused on the library’s new Strategic Plan for 2024-28 and its mission, the “Core values of community, compassion, connection and creativity.”

The plan outlines the Livingston library’s vision, mission and values as it aims to provide equal access and intellectual freedom for all, while fostering growth and a creative environment. The Strategic Plan, created by staff and tru stees, was a y ear in the making, using data gathered through surveys, focus groups, andmeetings with the community.

On February 29, Police Officer Joe Wnek retired from the Livingston Police Department after 27 years of service.

Officer Wnek served on the Auto Theft task force, was a 9-11 responder at the World Trade Center, was a recipient of the SPOT award for saving a resident from drowning, and regularly served as an instructor for National Night Out and the Jr. Police Academy.

Officer Wnek was assigned to the Traffic Division for most of his time with the Department. There, he conducted traffic studies for the township and assisted in all aspects of traffic safety with special attention to the student population.

Chief Gary Marshuetz said, “Officer Wnek’s file is filled with thank you letters from stranded motorists who he had stopped to help. More than a few of these letters were from motorists who Joe assisted while he was off-duty and traveling on his way home. That is the type of caring officer Joe has been for the last 27 years.

This week marks the opening night of the Livingston High School Theater spring musical, “Cinderella.” Tickets are still on sale at lhstheater.com and performances will be held at 7 p.m. on March 7, 8, and 9, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee on March 9.

Behind the Scenes

To make a production of this scale come to life, there is a tremendous effort behind the scenes spanning many months and involving scores of people. The LHS Theater production team and crew, made up of teachers and students, are, quite literally, the nuts and bolts of the show. Teacher and technical director Brian Megaro has been working with many skilled students. There are endless opportunities for students who may not crave being in the spotlight on stage, but who are invaluable behind the scenes. And many of these students take on essential leadership roles.

During the past week, Livingston Police officers responded to multiple reports of vehicles that had been burglarized.

Burglary to Vehicles

This past Sunday at 6:26 a.m., a Stonewall Drive resident appeared at police headquarters to report that his 2023 BMW had been burglarized that morning. His surveillance camera captured two people running up to his vehicle and getting in. They were captured on camera stealing a briefcase and laptop from inside the vehicle before fleeing.

The Livingston Detective Bureau is investigating the matter.

Another Livingston resident reported a burglarized vehicle that Sunday. A Tilden Court resident contacted Police Headquarters to report his 2020Audi had been broken into. The resident’s security cameras captured a suspect approaching the unlocked Audi, stealing a pair of sunglasses from inside it, andfleeing the scene.

The Livingston Detective Bureau is also investigating this instance of burglary.

At the latest Township Council meeting on February 26, members discussed A-4, a state Assembly bill that recently passed and could affect Livingston’s future affordable housing plans.

Specifically, A-4 is a planned overhaul of the current affordable housing system. It would abolish the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and give its regulatory power to state-run agencies. If towns follow the guidance of the state, they would be immune to the builder’s remedy lawsuits that have threatened towns - including Livingston- during previous affordable housing rounds. Governor Phil Murphy has previously stated his approval of the bill, which will now move to the Senate, under bill S50 Sca(lR).

The Lancer bowling team finished in second place with an 11-5 record in the Colonial Conference of the Super Essex Conference (SEC). Seton Hall Prep won the conference going undefeated at 16-0.

Rishabh Sinha and Aidan Reyes won First Team Honors with Gabriel Shulman, Parker Shulman and Victoria Cheng capturing Second Team Honors in the division. Maxwell Miller was awarded Honorable Mention for the team.

The team qualified for the NJSIAA State Sectional semi-finals. On the way, the team defeated Montclair with an impressive 1039-1019 win.

The Lancers were defeated by Fair Lawn, 2-1, in the semi-final round. LHS finished fifth in the Essex County Tournament but Victoria Cheng was able to repeat as the Girls’ Individual Champion. The team earned coach Griff Hughes his 300th win in December.

CHEERLEADERS WIN FOUR COMPETITIONS: The cheerleading team provided Lancer spirit at Livingston High School junior varsity and varsity girls and boys basketball games throughout the winter season. The varsity cheerleading team also competed in four competitions all around the state, taking home first place in each one. Shown above is the varsity cheerleading squad; below, the squad performs the “Green and White” cheer. Don Schwartz Photos

On Sunday, March 10, clocks “spring forward” to start Daylight Savings time. This change should also prompt the change of batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and the inspection of fire extinguishers.

“The biannual tradition of Daylight Savings is the ideal time to remind residents to change the batteries whenever we change the clocks,” explained Livingston Fire Chief Christopher Mullin. “When smoke alarms or detectors fail to operate, it’s usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead.”

Chief Mullin advises homeowners who may have purchased newer “Ten-Year Sealed Battery” detectors that once detectors are activated upon initial installation, there is no need to replace the batteries. Tenyear sealed battery detectors are designed to operate using a “sealed” battery, so attempting to open or change the battery will render the detector useless, and it will have to be discarded.

Smoke Detectors