Livingston Tribune

Helene Purcell passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018 in Livingston. Mrs. Purcell was a Business Teacher at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair for many years. She was a member of the Catholic Teacher’s Association; the past President of the Essex Dove No. 251, the Benevolent Order of Does; Membership Vice-President of the Livingston Chapter of the American Association of University Women; President of the Livingston Ladies Bowling Team; and Vice-President and Treasurer of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in Livingston. She was also Program Chairperson for the Livingston Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Helene was married to the late William Purcell, Jr., and they lived in Livingston for 51 years. She is survived by several nieces and nephews: Charles J. Barbaz, Jr., and his wife, Clara, Jean Kulpa, Carol Binkowski, William Barbaz, Charles Barbaz, and Richard Purcell.

Bennington Road residents’ concerns about flooding around the Saint Barnabas Medical Center on Madonna Drive Community Field were acknowledged by the township last week.

The Township Council held a meeting with homeowners to address the issue on Thursday, February 15. Township officials heard complaints from the residents, who said flooding in the area has increased in the months since the field was built, but the engineer in charge of the project insisted the field posed no major flood issues. In fact, they said the field conditions have exceeded expectations.

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A fast-moving snowstorm dropped over five inches of the white stuff on Livingston on Saturday night, February 17. By Tuesday, however, most of the snow was a memory, thanks to subsequent rain and warm temperatures.

The forecast was for three to six inches of snow, and the storm dropped five-plus, according to Mike Anello, supervisor of the Livingston Public Works Department (DPW).

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The Livingston Lancer wrestling team sent four wrestlers to the District 12 Finals this past Saturday, February 17, with three becoming district champions.

Michael Petrillo (113 pounds), Anthony Petrillo (126), and Ryan Valese (195) all took home district titles. For Anthony Petrillo, this was his second consecutive district win.

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An Orange resident was issued a motor vehicle summons following a Friday night crash, according to the Livingston Police Department.

In other news, a car was stolen while it was left running to warm up, and a man is facing drug charges in this week’s police blotter.

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SUNRISE ROTARY DISCUSSES PROM: The Livingston Sunrise Rotary hosted guest speakers, Liliana Branquinho and Bunnie Ratner at this week’s meeting. They discussed the 2018 Intergenerational Prom, which will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at Livingston High School.

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At last week’s annual fire inspection, each member of the Township Council thanked the Livingston Fire Department for another year of dedicated service to the community.

The West Essex Tribune would like to join the Council in thanking the 65 members of the volunteer fire department for all they have done for our township in the past year.

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Last week’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida is another in a long line of horrific tragedies that has rightfully sparked debate, particularly on gun control.

Setting aside that very important issue, parents in Livingston are likely dealing with a flurry of emotions. Undoubtedly, one of the thoughts that may creep into their minds is, “not my school,” the belief that something so terrible could never happen in a township like Livingston. It’s a natural, even instinctual thought to have, even if it’s swatted away in an instant by the realization that Livingston is no more immune than Parkland or Newtown, Connecticut before it.

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The next Board of Education meeting will focus on school safety within the district, a result of the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 14 students and three faculty members dead.

“At the March 5 Board of Education meeting, we will be discussing school safety in light of the recent tragedy in Florida and as it impacts our 2018-19 budget planning,” Livingston public schools superintendent Chris Steffner said. “The Board will also be updated, during its executive session, on progress that has been made based on the recommendations from the most recent school safety audit.”

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Former Livingston resident Doris Burch died Friday, February 2, at Arden Courts, Allentown, Pennsylvania, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 88 years old. A graveside service was held at Memory Gardens, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, February 7. Mrs. Burch was born in West Orange on February 8, 1929. After graduating from high school, she worked at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark. She lived in Livingston for many years before moving to Ephrata in 1986. Mrs. Burch was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Ken. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Harlan (Timothy) of Citra, Florida, and Janice Trocino (Gary) of Livingston; and one grandchild. The family has suggested the memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 617 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18055 or to the Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County, 181 Gilbert Drive, Morrisville, PA 19067.