Livingston news

Jane Buchbinder of Livingston, died on Monday, December 18, at the age of 72. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Buchbinder, of Washington, D.C.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, December 20, at the Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Woodbridge.

Vincent Russo, 82, of Livingston, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born November 26, 1941, and raised in Montclair, he was the oldest child ofAngelo and Mildred (nee DiGeronimo) Russo.

A Dispensing Optician, Vincent was co-owner for many years of DiGeronimo Opticians in Clifton, as well as Gleek and Howard Opticians in Elizabeth from 1974-2003, when he sold the business and subsequently retired.

HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATS VERONA-GLEN RIDGE: On Wednesday, December 13, the Livingston High School Lancer hockey team defeated Verona-Glen Ridge, 3-2, at the Codey Arena. The Lancers were led by two goals from Egor Tarasyuk, #6, and 15 saves made by goalie Andrew Downey. Above, Lancer Dylan Gibbs, #16, wins the opening face-off against Verona-Glen Ridge. At right, Lancer Matthew Zocks, #10, follows a shot for a possible rebound, against Verona-Glen Ridge goalie Jackson Soshnick. Don Schwartz Photos

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and as we continue through this holiday season, we wanted to reflect on some matters that are regularly brought up around this time.

It is well worth a reminder to drive safely this holiday season. As a deterrent to dissuade drunk driving, police departments statewide are expected to add extra enforcement on the roads through New Year’s Day, as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This holiday season, make smart choices, and make sure those around you are doing the same. Sometimes we have to make others’ choices for them, which may cause some friction, but is well worth it in the end.

HOCKEY TEAM WINS OPENER: On Friday, December 8, the Livingston High School varsity hockey team defeated West Essex- Caldwell, 4-1, at the Codey Arena. The Lancer victory was highlighted by a “hat trick,” three goals scored by senior Zach Silva. The first goal of the season was scored by Dylan Gibbs. Lancer goalie Brody Teitelbaum made 16 saves during the game. Above, Lancer Matthew Zocks, #10, hits a slapshot against West Essex-Caldwell. Below, the Lancers celebrate and congratulate Dylan Gibbs on scoring the first goal of the season. Don Schwartz Photos

The Livingston Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident, a report of wires arcing, a power problem at Temple B’nai Abraham, and a washing machine issue. Fire officials also investigated several reports of gas and odors, all of which turned out to be unfounded.

Car Accident

On Thursday, December 7, firefighters went to the Container Store at 372 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue, at the Route 10 traffic circle, on a report of a car hitting a building.

Upon arrival, they found a vehicle had gone into a plate glass window there. Although the window sustained significant damage, there was no damage to the building, as determined by members of the Livingston Building Department. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

HEROES AND HEROINES: On Tuesday, December 12, JCC MetroWest held two events that allowed the public to hear real testimonies from survivors of the October 7 attack on Israel. Speakers included Ofir and Rony Kisin, Hila Fakliro, and Shani Teshuva, who each shared their stories from that date. Shown above are Rabbi Moshe Rudin of Congregation Adath Shalom, who moderated the afternoon session, along with Teshuva, Fakliro, and Ofir and Rony Kisin. The related story can be seen on page B- 4. Jerry Siskind Photo

At its conference meeting on Monday, December 11, the Livingston Township Council discussed potential cannabis business in town and provided an update on construction of the long-dormant new Department of Public Works building.

Cannabis

A report on potential cannabis retail in town is expected to be finalized soon. A draft of the plan currently exists and has been shared with the Council, but it is awaiting comments from Peter Klein, a cannabis committee member, to be completed. It was expected to be ready in time for Monday’s meeting. Instead, the Council just discussed the report in general terms.

The report recommends areas in town where retail cannabis would make sense, should the Council choose to approve it. Details were not shared during Monday’s meeting, but the locations would be areas of town that are already zoned for retail, while not being close to certain locations like schools and houses of worship.

CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Rabbi Simeon Cohen of Temple Beth Shalom of Livingston and Rabbi David Vaisberg of Temple B’nai Abraham of Livingston sing Hanukkah songs during the menorah lighting, held Tuesday night, December 12, at the Camuso Holiday Display at the gazebo at the Oval. It was the sixth night of the eight-day holiday. Jerry Siskind Photo