Livingston news

There were multiple residential burglaries, as well as several additional attempted burglaries to homes, in the last week of 2023, according to Livingston Police.

Residential Burglaries

At 1:23 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, officers responded to a Village Drive home on a report of a burglary to the residence. Officers arrived and were met by the homeowner, who showed them forced entry to a rear window and an open slider. Several items were disturbed and the homeowner is determining if anything was stolen.

At 10:26 p.m. Monday, January 1, officers responded to a Chestnut Street residence on a report of a burglary. Officers arrived and were met by the homeowners, who said that after being away for a few days, they returned to find the home burglarized. A window to the home was forced open and the bedrooms of the residence ransacked. The homeowner is compiling a list of stolen items and jewelry.

The West Essex Tribune is celebrating more than six decades of showering the first baby of the new year with an assortment of gifts generously donated by our advertisers. The first baby of 2024 born to Livingstonparents will be named the winner of the Tribune’s 66th annual First Baby Contest.

The rules to determine the winner are the same each year: The first baby of2024 must be born in a nearby hospital to parents who currently reside in Livingston. The exact time of the birth must be certified in writing by the attending physician.

If no new arrival is reported by that date, the contest will be extended until the first baby is bom. Parents who believe that they may be the winners of the contest should call the Tribune at 973-992-1771 or send an e-mail to WETribune@gmail.com. In the event of a tie, gifts will be awarded at the discretion of the Tribune staff.

The Livingston Township Council held its annual reorganization meeting on New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1. During the meeting, A1 Anthony was sworn in as mayor, his third time in the lead role, and Ed Meinhardt was named deputy mayor.

Longtime Planning Board chairman Peter Klein, who retired from the board at the end of 2023, was also recognized for his years of service. Klein, who spent 27 years on the Planning Board, including 22 as chairman, was given the key to the town.

New Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Anthony was tapped as mayor for the year following a unanimous vote.

Now the longest tenured Council member at the start of his 12th year, he was previously the mayor in 2016 and 2019.

“Livingston will be very fortunate to have A1 Anthony as mayor in 2024,” Meinhardt said in nominating him, calling him a great family man.

In its first challenge of the indoor season, the Livingston High School boys’ indoor track and field team won the Super Essex Conference, American Division Championship, at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York, on December 22. The squad bested ten other teams vying for the trophy and came away with three individual champions, meet records and two school records.

Starting off for the Lancers were Raalu Madubuko and Nick Siao in the 55 meter high hurdles. Madubuko ran a clean race and placed second overall with a competitive time of 7.96. Siao was fifth with a time of 8.24. Siao later placed third in the pole vault, clearing the bar at 10’6”.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL COMPETES IN TOURNAMENT: The Livingston High School junior varsity boys’ basketball team placed fourth in its Whitey Dukiet Tournament on Wednesday, December 27, and Friday, December 29. The Lancers were defeated by Morris Knolls, 36-32, during the consolation game. Above, Lancer sophomore guard Alex Chang, #3, gets off the shot against the Morris Knolls defender

Earlier this week, on New Year’s Day, residents, elected officials, friends, and family members gathered in person for the reorganizational meeting of Livingston’s Township Council. We were heartened to see another packed event, with hundreds of residents filling the Livingston Senior/Community Center to witness the township’s government and committees be set for the year.

It cannot be overstated how wonderful it is to see that so many residents have volunteered to help make this town great. The dozens of committees included the Arts Council, the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, various parade and event planning groups, and so much more. It’s that willingness to contribute to this community that makes Livingston so special, and that was evident this past Monday.

SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF OLD GUARD: Barry Schram was congratulated by township manager Barry Lewis after recently being sworn in as the new president of the Livingston Old Guard. Looking on is secretary of the Old Guard, Angelo DeGirolamo, and Council member and Old Guard member Michael Vieira

ICE HOCKEY TEAM FALLS TO WESTFIELD: On Friday, December 29, the Livingston High School boys’ ice hockey team lost to the Westfield Blue Devils, 6-2. Shown above, Lancer winger Zach Silva, #11, sends the puck to the point during a power play. Below, Lancer winger Egor Tarasyuk sets to pass across the ice to set up a goal. At bottom, Livingston offensive winger Daniel Furman, #7, awaits the possible rebound against the Westfield goalie.

Suzanne Waltman Newmann of Livingston and West Orange died on Saturday, December 30, at the age of 89.

Mrs. Newmann was a teacher at Temple B’nai Jeshurun, and earned her bachelor of arts degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, and is survived by her daughter, Katherine; her son, William; and one grandchild.

The family will receive guests for Mrs. Newmann today, Thursday, January 4, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. at the Bemheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston. Entombment will follow at 2:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery in Hillside.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that contributions be made to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ, 07036.

Award WinningHome

Dedicated and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, 89, Dr. Edward Weiss of Morristown, formerly of Livingston, NJ, died peacefully at home on December 25, 2023.

Edward was born in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated with the 197th class at Central High School. He was an Eagle Scout, a varsity track athlete and an avid Phillies fan.

Upon graduating from SUNY Downstate Medical School, he opened an ophthalmology practice in West Orange, NJ, where he practiced for nearly 50 years. He served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. He loved being a physician and caring for his patients.