latest news from Livingston

While mentioning things to do in town this holiday season, we would be remiss not to highlight the Camuso Display, currently lit up for the season each night at the Oval. This past weekend, there was an incredible turnout for opening night, followed by a menorah lighting the next day. There is no fee to enter the display.

For those who are not familiar with the Camuso Holiday Display (and if you have spent a December in Livingston – or read a recent edition of the Tribune – how could you not be?), the spectacular figures were created by the late Ernest Camuso, a toymaker and machinist by trade, and displayed annually on the front lawn of his Burnet Hill Road home. The display grew larger and more elaborate every year, and served (and still does) as a fundraiser for the Saint Barnabas Burn Unit.

With the holiday season in full swing, we have loved seeing so many pictures of people gathering with loved ones through Thanksgiving and Chanukah. For many, it has been two years since they have experienced gatherings such as these, since COVID vaccines were not available at this time last year during the pandemic.

We are far from in the clear with COVID, of course. Delta is still raging and Omicron, the newest “variant of concern,” appears to be spreading just in time to threaten end of year festivities. We should continue to be mindful of the spaces we choose to inhabit, mask up in crowded indoor spaces, practice good hygiene, and stay home when we are sick. Anyone who has not already, should get a booster shot, as well.

Below are excerpts from the statement given by Ronnie Ferber Konner at the December 9 Board of Education meeting and shared with the West Essex Tribune.

Tonight as I sit at my last public meeting as an elected member of the Livingston Board of Education for more than 16 years, I want to share some of my reflections as well as some advice.

I started out as a Board watcher more than 40 years ago, when Squiertown School, my oldest daughter Zanna’s school, was slated to be closed in the early 1980s. After attending meetings every Monday night, I decided to run for the Board when it was proposed to close both Harrison and Burnet Hill Schools because of a drop in enrollments. I was elected from 1983-1992 for three terms, serving twice as Board president and once as vice president.

The Livingston Township Council introduced its final new ordinance of the year and passed several others at its Monday, December 6, meeting. The meeting was held virtually and may be viewed on the Livingston Township, NJ Facebook page.

At the start of the meeting, the Council noted that residents should expect to receive another notice about PFAS levels in the township water. Though nothing has changed, the township is required to send out a notice every quarter until it is remedied. Later in the meeting, township manager Barry Lewis said he expected remediation to cost as much as $10 million or more, some of which may be recouped through legal action and government funding.

The Council also said that a cannabis subcommittee of the Planning Board is expected to be introduced at the start of the New Year.

CDBG Hearing

ALL-STAR VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: On Saturday, December 4th, the Livingston High School girls’ varsity volleyball team hosted an All Star Tournament featuring 52 senior “all-star” players from throughout New Jersey. Four teams competed, including Team Alpha, coached by Livingston’s Dan Kim; Team Bravo, coached by Anthony McMichael of Roxbury; Team Charlie coached by Nancy Saggio of Union Catholic; and Team Delta, coached by Ryan Brown of Verona. The All-Stars introduced themselves prior to the tournament’s opening serves on two courts. The winning team, Team Charlie, was presented tournament championship medals. Shown here are tournament director and Livingston head coach Dan Kim congratulating Lancer All-Star Norah Shaji. Don Schwartz Photo

BOYS’ SWIM TEAM WINS: The Livingston High School boys’ varsity swim team defeated Columbia, 73-21, at the West Essex YMCA pool on Thursday, December 2. Shown here, Lancer Ting Lee propels through the water in lane two against the Cougars. Don Schwartz Photos

Anish Shriram of Livingston Boy Scout Troop 12 became an Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor on Saturday, November 27. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest honor attainable in Boy Scouting, equivalent to the Girl Scouts’ Gold Award.

Shriram began his Scouting career in fifth grade, following in the footsteps of his brother, Nilay, who registered for Cub Scout Pack 16. Shriram ended up joining Troop 12. His first camp-out was an arduous seven mile hike up mountains and alongside cliffs. During that memorable hike, the Scouts ended up getting so lost that a cohort of vehicles was designated to pick them up.

Shriram continued under the leadership of his first patrol leader, Nishay Bhatnager. Even today, Shriram notes that he looks back fondly to his experiences “camping surrounded by drifts of snow, flooded sleeping areas, large insects, and most importantly, the ever-vibrant Scouting community that made up Troop 12.”

THE CAMUSO DISPLAY IS OPEN! This aerial view of the Camuso Holiday Display was shot on Monday evening. The display, open every night now through January 2, will host a visit from Santa this Saturday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m., and two visits next Saturday, December 18. The first visit will be as part of a program for special needs individuals and their families from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., Santa will visit with the general public. More photos from opening night and the menorah lighting at the display may be found on page B-1. Sheryl Starr/Starr and Sky Photos

TRAFFIC CIRCLE ACCIDENT: A motor vehicle accident that included a rollover took place on Thursday, December 2, at 7:04 p.m. According to Livingston police, a Mazda CX5 operated by Ann Phillips, age 59, of East Orange, was traveling east on Route 10, at the same time a Ford Escape operated by Gokul Krishan Vendoothanpalle, age 53, was traveling northbound on Eisenhower Parkway. Phillips failed to stop her vehicle for a red light and struck the driver’s side of the Escape. The impact caused the Escape to roll over. Vendoothanpalle, two juvenile passengers in his car, and Phillips were all transported to a Saint Barnabas Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. A follow-up investigation is being conducted before any summonses are potentially issued, police said. CJM Photo

The Livingston High School ice hockey team defeated Verona-Glen Ridge, 4-1, on Saturday evening, November 27, at the Codey Arena in West Orange.

Lancer goal scorers included Andrew Qian, who netted the puck just 1:27 into the first period, assisted by Danny Grossbard and Dillon Schultz. Also scoring were Danny Grossbard, assisted by Austin Vecchio; and Zach Silva, assisted by Dillon Schultz and Jace Dockx, in the second period; and Austin Vecchio, assisted by Jace Dockx and Danny Grossbard, in the third period.

The Lancers had 42 shots on goal against Verona-Glen Ridge goalie Eli Gottlieb, while Lancer goalie Zachary Turbin stopped 12 of 13 shots.