Livingston community

During the period prior to the November 3 election, the West Essex Tribune will make space available to each of the Board of Education candidates, at no cost, in order for them to present their views to the public. It is our hope that this will allow the voters to make a direct comparison which will assist them in making an informed voting decision. The Tribune will not, however, accept “Letters to the Editor” from the candidates during that portion of the campaign. Nor will the Tribune publish letters of endorsement or opposition for any candidate, though we may choose to publish, in the issue before the election, excerpts from letters of endorsement received during the campaign.

Candidates are not obligated to answer the questions, or even to present any statement at all. A maximum of 300 words is allocated to each candidate each week.

SOCCER SCRIMMAGE WIN: The Lancer girls’ varsity soccer team defeated Columbia, 8-0, in a scrimmage on the Livingston Community Field turf on Friday, September 25. Shown above, left, Lancer wing Bella Dilanni (in dark uniform) works the ball downfield against the Cougars. Above, right, Lancer defender Christine Belcuore clears the ball. Don Schwartz Photos

As of Wednesday morning, September 30, the Livingston Health Department has reported that a total of 548 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was recorded in mid-March. Seventy-two of those residents have died as a result of the virus. Compared to the same time last week, there are 12 new cases, with no additional deaths.

The spike coincides with the return of Livingston students to school as the district moves into a hybrid model of learning. Pre-K through second grade students began returning to classrooms September 21.

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Ava Reinfeld and Steve Delman of Livingston were recognized at the George H.S. Bush Point of Light Awards Celebration on Saturday, September 26.

They were among approximately one dozen individuals from around the world named to the Point of Light’s Inspiration Honor Roll, which was created this year to recognize the efforts of everyday citizens who are working to effect positive change.

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On September 24, the Livingston public school district provided a timeline for bringing additional students to school on the hybrid schedule.

“The decision to move forward in the transition to the hybrid model was based on the success of our pre-K-2 opening, as well as our belief that over the course of time, we can work out our staffing issues,” said Dr. Matthew Block, superintendent of schools.

Livingston Public Schools has been operating under full remote learning since the beginning of the school year. It began moving to the hybrid model on September 21 for the youngest students (pre-K through grade two) and self-contained classes.

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Joseph W. Calabrese, 88, a Livingston resident for 55 years, died on Friday, September 25.

Born in Newark, Mr. Calabrese was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served during the Korean War.

For many years, he worked as a purchasing director and also owned a liquor store.

Mr. Calabrese was predeceased by his son, Christopher, and his sister, Florence Petruzelli. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Annette; his daughter, Lisa Dodgen (Charles); and two grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was offered at St. Philomena’s Church on Tuesday, September 29, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations in Mr. Calabrese’s name be made to the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Development Department, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, NJ 07052 (https://www.rwjbh.org/ saint-barnabas-medical-center/ giving).

ONE LAST SWIM FOR THE SEASON: Livingston’s community pools closed for the season on Sunday, September 27. Shown here, with the leaves starting to turn, the sun came out and the temperatures rose to the high 70s in the late afternoon, enabling members to get in one last swim at the Haines Memorial Pool. Jerry Siskind Photo

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FRESHMAN FOOTBALL TIES: The Livingston High School freshman football team tied the Montville Mustangs in a Saturday morning, September 26 scrimmage on the LHS turf. Shown above, the Lancer defense – Owen Gordon, Massimo DePaola, Antonio Rivera, and Max Miller – sets to charge against Montville. At left, Lancer holder Chris Santos anchors the ball enabling a good PAT (point after touchdown) kick by Jonathan Shevah. Below, Lancer back Chris Santos “runs to daylight” against Montville. The opening was created by the blocking of Owen Gordon; Alex Holland and Massimo DePaola.

Don Schwartz Photos

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Next week, the Livingston Township Council will continue a public hearing about a proposed ordinance to amend chapter 170 of the township code, establishing a new inclusionary development zone, designated “MU-2 Mixed-Use Overlay District.” The ordinance does not change the zoning, but rather provides a zoning overlay, an option, if the court approves it and it passes, that can be used to build both townhouses and a mixed-use building containing retail stores and apartments. It would also permit the township to settle an affordable housing obligation.

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In this edition of the West Essex Tribune, you will find our fall high school sports section. Each year around this time, we highlight our student athletes and get excited for the upcoming season.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not sure we would have a sports season at all, let alone a section in the paper devoted to it. So, we are beyond thrilled to see it, a few weeks later than usual and slightly different (photos had to be taken socially distant, so there will not be the large team shots we typically feature). In the coming weeks, we look forward to embracing our Lancer pride and covering live games for the first time since February.

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