West Essex Tribune

Anthony “Dick” Battista, 78, of Livingston passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at Paul Ippolito- Dancy Memorial, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell, New Jersey on Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Philomena’s Church, Livingston, New Jersey on Friday, May 4, 2018, at 10 a.m., followed by the burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey. For directions or to send the family condolences, please visit www.ippolitofuneralhomes.com. Born in Orange, New Jersey, Mr. Battista was a resident of Livingston for most of his life. He also enjoyed spending time in his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home during the winter, and his Goshen, New York, home during the summer. He was employed by the Regional Automotive Warehouse in Newark for 40 years before retiring as president several years ago. Mr.

ISRAEL AT 70: Hundreds of people descended on the Livingston Oval on Thursday afternoon, April 19, to celebrate Israel at 70. A subcommittee of the Livingston Diversity and Inclusion Committee, chaired by Sheri Goldberg, had organized scores of activities for children, teens and adults to celebrate Israel and diversity in Israel and in Livingston, as well as within Judaism. The cold windy weather dampened some activities but did not affect the crowd’s spirits.

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DOUBLE WIN FOR BASEBALL TEAM: The Livingston High School varsity baseball team recorded two wins at home in recent action, defeating Rutherford, 5-4, on Wednesday, April 18, and Montclair, 2-1, on Friday, April 20. Shown above, Lancer shortstop Brett Mendez avoids the pick-off by diving back into first base against the Rutherford Bulldogs. Don Schwartz Photo

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Sunday, April 22, was opening day for the Livingston Cricket Association. Members of the newly-formed group have been working together with the mayor and Township Council members to bring this sports program for adults – both men and women – to the community.

The Council connected Nilesh Mhatre, executive board member of Sanskriti of New Jersey, with Jennifer Walker, director of the Livingston Senior, Youth and Leisure Services (SYLS). The two, along with Ron Barbella of SYLS, were able to secure fields at Riker Hill School through October and had an official kick-off to the season. On Sunday, their “field of dreams” became a reality when mayor Ed Meinhardt presented a proclamation declaring April 22 as Cricket Day, and officially dubbed the enthusiastic cricket group the Livingston Cricket Association.

LEMONADE FOR LITERACY: A year ago, Ben Epstein watched a video and learned of an organization that builds schools and libraries to promote literacy in rural areas in Central America. “What struck me was the effort these kids need to put in just so they can go to school each day,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to have access to a great school, Morristown-Beard, and all the supplies I need to learn.”

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BOYS’ LACROSSE TEAM WINS TWO: In recent action, the Livingston High School boys’ varsity lacrosse team defeated Verona, 13-0, at home, and Cranford, 12-8, on the road. Shown above, Lancer senior attacker Eddie O’Donnell, #45, circles the Verona defense to set up a Lancer score.

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A public hearing on the 2018 municipal budget was held at Monday’s Township Council meeting, allowing residents to share their thoughts on its contents. The budget was introduced at the March 19 Council meeting, and it was published in the April 12 edition of the Tribune.

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Despite the rain, wind, and mud, last Thursday’s Israel at 70 was a big success, with hundreds of people in attendance despite the less-than-ideal weather. Spearheaded by the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and the Jewish Federation of MetroWest NJ, the event was supported by many synagogues, Jewish schools, and other local organizations.

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A public hearing on the 2018 municipal budget was held at Monday’s regular meeting, following a presentation by township manager Barry Lewis.

The tax rate will increase by 1.3 percent under the new budget, which would mean a $37.53 increase in taxes for the average Livingston home, valued at $617,444.73.

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The Livingston Board of Education took a number of business actions at its April 23 meeting.

Replace LHS Turf Field

The Board approved a contract to remove and replace the synthetic turf field at Livingston High School.

The contract is with FieldTurf USA, through Keystone Purchasing Network, for a total of $456,688 . The quote had specified a cost of $503,779 with a deduction of $47,091 to reuse the existing infill material.

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