Livingston New Jersey news

With apologies to “Miss Rachel” and “Paw Patrol,” two of the few children’s shows I find somewhat tolerable, as well as “Sesame Street,” which my kids sadly don’t really care for, there is one program my three-year-old boys watch that stands head and shoulders above the rest. In a world of mind-numbing drivel (watch “Blippi” or “Cocomelon” at your own risk), “Bluey” is a beacon of light in the dark sea of children’s entertainment.

Anyone who has watched a few episodes of “Bluey” likely understands. For those who haven’t, I’ll try to explain: The seven-minute episodes follow a family of anthropomorphic heeler dogs living in Brisbane, Australia - Mom, Chilli; Dad, Bandit; and children, fouryear- old Bingo and six-year-old Bluey - through playtime, errands, housework, school, and vacations. The episodes are typically scored to classical music, including some of the most famous works in history and original compositions made for the show.

In recent months, and particularly during the past few weeks, Livingston has seen several vigils and protests that can very broadly be described as pro-Israel (asking for the safe return of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7,2023, praying for the Israeli Defense Forces, etc.) and pro-Palestine (calling for a cease fire, praying for thousands of victims in Gaza that have been caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas war, etc.).

In covering these events, the Tribune has received some criticism from multiple perspectives of this complex situation. We have been accused of being sympathetic to one side of this issue, and then the other. Readers have said we have covered things both too much and too little. Any story we report, photos we share, or events we publicize is met with some level of controversy.

JV GIRLS’ LANCERS VS PAYNE TECH: Livingston’s junior varsity girls’ basketball team defeated Payne Tech, 33-8, on Thursday, February 8, in the Fitness and Wellness Center. Shown here, Lancer forward Samantha Stecklow scores against the Payne Tech defender.

Sherill Silver (née Ezersky) died on February 8, at the age of 73. Born and raised in Newark, she had resided in Livingston since 1977.

Mrs. Silver graduated from Montclair State College (now Montclair State University) in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and earned a master’s degree in art education from Indiana University in 1973. She worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a revenue agent for almost 40 years.

Upon retirement, Mrs. Silver pursued her art and exhibited her work at venues including the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, the VisualArts Center of New Jersey in Summit, and the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. Her paintings also hung in private collections.

She was a member of the same book club for over 35 years. She was a supporter of the Livingston Public Library and other charitable causes.

Mrs. Silver is survived by her husband of 47 years, Cary; her son, Jeff; and two grandchildren.

Leo G. Donohue, 73, of Livingston died on February 8. Bom in Paterson and raised in Hawthorne, he had resided in Livingston since 1978.

Mr. Donohue was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s College (now University), Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1972 and completed his MBA studies at Rutgers University in 1979. He held various positions in the customer operations area of PSE&G during a 36 year career. Upon retirement in 2010, he joined Huntington Learning Center as an exam prep teacher until 2023. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1975.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Virginia, and their three children, Maureen, Matthew (Lara) and Michael (Lauren), as well as five grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Mary (George) Forshay, Joseph (Punnie), Anne (Fred) Folco and Ellen (Wayne) Cramer, plus several nieces and nephews.

Beverley Jane Shlala, 82, died on February 7 at the Country Home in Morris Plains. She was bom on November 2, 1941, in Shelter Island, New York.

Mrs. Shlala graduated from Elizabeth General Nursing School and was a registered nurse for over 50 years, primarily working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Orange until its closure. Mrs. Shlala continued her nursing career with the Visiting Nurse Association until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Raphael’s Parish in Livingston, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a volunteer at several food banks and often cooked meals through the Loaves and Fishes Ministry.

She is survived by her husband, Teophile Shlala; her three children, four grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

http://www.tuttlefh

Ronald Stephen Kasper, 83, of Livingston died on Sunday, February 11. A visitation will be held Friday, February 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home in Livingston.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church in Livingston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ronald’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

During the Monday, February 5, meeting of the Township Council, the members passed a resolution naming Ketan Bhuptani to the Council. His appointment made history, as he became the first Asian American and Indian American person to ever be named to Livingston’s Council.

Bhuptani’s name was submitted by the Livingston Democratic County Committee – along with Laurence Bergmann and James McIlvaine – to replace Rosy Bagolie, who left the Council after one year to join the state Assembly.

Deputy Mayor Ed Meinhardt nominated Bhuptani, with Mayor Al Anthony seconding the nomination. The resolution was unanimously passed by the four Council members, who all spoke fondly of Bhuptani prior to the vote.

“Ketan, tonight you will make history in Livingston by being the first Council member of Asian American descent,” Council member Michael Vieira said.

At its Tuesday, February 6, meeting, the Livingston Public Schools Board of Education previewed the school district’s upcoming budget and were presented an addendum on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) audit.

At the start of the meeting, the Board outlined its budget goals. These included undertaking a districtwide security audit and expanding access to high quality programs, services, and resources; the college application process was mentioned as a specific focus. The 2024-25 district budget will include necessary updates to technology and mandated curriculum changes.

Equity Audit

Shelley Zion professor of educational leadership, administration, and research at Rowan University, presented the Board with an addendum on the previously presented DEI audit.

Three long-serving Livingston Police Department officers – Captain John Drumm, Sergeant Michael Herbert, and Officer Ralph Kolbusz – all retired from the department last month.

“All three officers were vital contributors to the operations and success of the department,” Chief of Police Gary Marshuetz said. “I wish Captain Drumm, Sgt. Herbert, and Officer Kolbusz happy, healthy and rewarding retirements.”

Captain Drumm retired on January 31, after serving as a Livingston Police officer for more than 34 years. Drumm was captain of the Patrol Division where, among many of his duties, he supervised four patrol squads covering the township on a 24/7 schedule.