latest news from Livingston

On July 9, 2021, Lisa Chaiken Schwarz of Livingston, beloved wife and mother, passed away at age 68.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lisa studied pharmacy. On July 27, 1975, Lisa married Mark Schwarz. They moved to Livingston, New Jersey, in 1977, where they raised their cherished children, Alex and Naomi.

Lisa loved to cook, read, crochet, and knit. Most of all, she loved her family. Her quick wit punctuated every conversation, keeping it spirited and welcoming. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

Donations to ALS in her memory to help find a cure for this devastating disease would be most appreciated, www.als.org/donate.

The Schwarz family would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support during this difficult time.

GIANTS BASEBALL TEAM NOTCHES WIN: The Livingston U-17 Giants baseball team defeated the Ramsey Eagles, 6-1, at home at Livingston’s Brendan Tevlin Field. Shown above, Giant Aidan Cochran, #5, singles to left field against Ramsey pitcher Ryan Paul. Eagles catcher Tom Gander and Home plate umpire David Liguori follow the ball’s progress. At right, Livingston pitcher Alphonso Lombardi delivers a curve ball against the Eagles. Don Schwartz Photos

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Last week, a concerned resident brought a piece of an old, rusted gas pipe into the Tribune office. The man said that pipe, which was full of holes, had been pulled from the ground outside of his home after he reported smelling an odor of gas on his street. The pipe, he said, was “repaired” by PSE&G officials by inserting a rubber cylinder inside the existing rusted pipe. It was a solution that offered a temporary fix without addressing the additional piping issues of his neighbors, nor a long-term solution to the overarching problem.

This type of infrastructure issue has become all too common. It is definitely not a problem unique to Livingston; we are dealing with this on a county, state, and national level, as well. But it is certainly affecting this town.

By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: This week, Livingston Philanthropies director and founder Jeff Friedman recounts, in his own words, his Livingston-based charity’s work with procuring frozen chickens for a Newark agency.
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Purchasing frozen whole chickens was a learning-moment for Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) founder and director, long-time Livingston resident Jeff Friedman. “Chickens are nothing like coats,” he commented. LPI collected some 2,100 warm coats each year prior to the pandemic, providing warmth for homeless and hopelessly poor communities. Quickly re-inventing as needs expanded in communities living below the poverty line due to the pandemic, LPI moved into food, stocking Newark food pantries and family food giveaway events, all purchased with Livingston’s kind contributions.

Livingston’s Fourth of July celebration returned to the Oval this past Sunday, beginning with a patriotic service at the Haines pool, above. The day was filled with events, including the annual “Swim Karnival,” car show, live music, miniature golf, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and much more. There were also crafts and activities for children, food trucks, and a beer garden and musical entertainment in the afternoon. Additional photos may be seen on page B-6.

Don Schwartz and MI Photos

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An unlocked, running, unattended vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a North Cedar Parkway home at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. The owner told Livingston Police officers that he pulled into the driveway and left his 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio unattended as he ran into the house to drop something off. He said that he was in and out of the house in about a minute.

When he exited the house, he saw a person in the driver’s seat of his car. He described the person as a black male with a dark hooded sweatshirt pulled tight around his face. The victim estimated the suspect’s age as being 15 to 17 years old.

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Frank Schwindel, a 29-year-old 2010 graduate of Livingston High School, was called up to the Oakland A’s Major League Baseball team on his birthday last Tuesday, June 29.

He had been playing for the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators when he was told to pack his bags for the big leagues. His wife and infant son flew from their New Jersey home to see him play this past week, according to reports.

In his first at bat with the team, on Wednesday, June 30, Schwindel hit a home run. As of press time, Schwindel has recorded three hits in 11 at bats, with an OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) of .909, which is well above the league average.

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At its July 6 meeting, the Livingston Planning Board discussed two township ordinances and a return to in-person meetings, and approved an application for a drive-through pharmacy at Livingston Center. Ordinances Prior to the hearing, the Board discussed a referral from the Township Council of an ordinance regarding another overlay district, and another regarding cannabis business licenses. Ordinance No. 19-2021 concerns the creation of an overlay district redevelopment plan for 630 Route 10, near the East Hanover border. The plan was developed by Beacon Planning and Consulting Services and was approved on first reading by the Council on June 21. The ordinance is expected to be read a second time at the Council’s next meeting on July 12. The Board agreed in a majority vote that the ordinance is consistent with the Master Plan. Dissenting was Martin Kalishman.

Joseph J. McArdle, Jr., a longtime Livingston resident, died on Thursday, July 1. He was 79 years old.

Born in Newark and raised in Orange, Mr. McArdle retired as claims manager for the Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Co. in Fairfield, and was an active member of the Sons of Italy Padre Pio Lodge in East Hanover.

Mr. McArdle was married to Diane (née Vaccarella) McArdle for 41 years, and was the father of Joseph P. McArdle (Korena), Courtney M. McArdle, and the late Michelle A. McArdle. He had one grandchild.

He was the brother of John McArdle, “Jeanie” Eugenia Hoesly, “Ebby” Mary Monahan, “Bobby” Robert McArdle, Kevin McArdle, Gary McArdle and the late Eileen McArdle, and Todd McArdle, and cherished grandfather of Michelle M. McArdle.

CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON: The Livingston High School softball team, which won the state Group IV championship, completed the season with a 23-5 record, a #1 ranking in Group IV, and a final state ranking of #2. Senior captain Nathalia DiIanni was selected All-State, second team; and first team, All Group IV. All Group IV second team honors were awarded to senior outfielder Deja Robinson; sophomore infielder Caitlin Mullen; and freshman pitcher Sophia Mount. Jason Daily was selected Coach of the Year in the Super Essex Conference, and the Lancers were named Team of the Year. Shown here in recent action, clockwise from top left: freshman pitcher Sophia Mount brings it to the plate; the team gets ready to win; Nathalia DiIanni scores for the Lancers; senior outfielder Deja Robinson throws out a runner; sophomore infielder Caitlin Mullen celebrates after driving in two runs; and coach Jason Daily selects a “Player of the Game.”