West Essex Tribune

This past week, two cases involving shoplifting were heard in Livingston Municipal Court.

Latoya Davis, 38, a resident of Newark, was charged with one count of shoplifting from Old Navy on March 19. She was found to be in possession of stolen articles of clothing totalling $381.76.

The Essex County prosecutor downgraded this to a disorderly persons grade charge, to which Davis pled guilty. She was fined $500 and ordered to pay $33 in court costs; $75 for the Safe Neighborhoods Fund; and $50 for the Victims of Crimes Compensation Organization (VCCO).

Aaliyak King, 22, ofNewark, was also charged with shoplifting. On April 6, King was apprehended for shoplifting a pair of Fendi sunglasses valued at $164.97 from Nordstrom Rack.

King pled guilty to one disorderly persons grade charge of shoplifting and was fined $500. She was ordered to pay $33 in court costs; $75 for the Safe Neighborhoods Fund; and $50 for the VCCO.

One hundred students attended the first annual Social Justice Read-In and Coffeehouse, abbreviated SJRI, on April 12, sponsored by the Livingston High School chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS).

The event highlighted literature from the many cultures that make up Livingston’s cultural tapestry, said Romeela Anand, who founded and coordinated the event.

“It promoted the recognition of diverse voices, especially when some of these works are being banned around the country,” she said.

SJRI featured booths from high school cultural organizations including the AAPI Youth Alliance, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Italian Club, Eastern European Club, Christian Club, LHS NOW, and Women in Entrepreneurship and Stem. In addition to exploring booths to learn about marginalized authors, cultural literary movements and diverse books, students performed original written works in an Open Mic.

Three Livingston students were recently named merit scholars. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) released the names of the first group of winners in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Livingston High School’s Rebecca Liu was awarded the National Merit ADP Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship. LHS senior Nathan Zhang also found himself listed. He was awarded the National Merit S&P Global Scholarship.

NewarkAcademy student Meghan W. Lai also received a sholarship. She was named the recipient of the National Merit Marsh McLennan Scholarship.

All are invited to Livingston’s Veterans Organizations for a brief Loyalty Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at War Memorial Park on the Oval in Livingston.

Loyalty Day is a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American freedom.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Livingston Public Library.

Join Maestro Anthony LaGruth and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for “Atmospheres,” the fourth concert of the 2023-2024 season, on Saturday, April 27. The program honors LSO “forever cellist,” Tammy Tobitsch. Highlights include works by Claude Debussy and Joaquin Turina, a lyrical piece guided by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra clarinetist Andrew Lamy, and a world premiere written by 18-year-old Kush Tailor.

Tobitsch has been a member of the Livingston Symphony Orchestra since her graduation from Grove City College in the early 2000s.

LHS BOY’S VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM WINS: The Lancers defeated Columbia, 11-5, on the Turf on Thursday, April 18. Shown above, Livingston Junior attack player Noah Azalone, #13, carries toward the goal against the Columbia Cougars. At right, Livingston Junior midfielder Sam Goldstein, #16, sets to cut down the lane to score against the Cougars. Below, Lancer senior defenseman Evan Lastella, #34, advances the ball against Columbia. Don Schwartz Photos

Harold Chaiklin, 88, a resident of Livingston, died on Wednesday, April 17. He had been born in Newark.

Family and friends gathered prior to the service on Friday, April 19, at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, in Livingston. Interment at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, in Iselin, followed the funeral service.

The Tribune. Written with Livingston in mind.

The Livingston High School golf team came in second in the Mountain Ridge Tournament last Tuesday,April 16, in Caldwell. The team missed winning the tournament to Newark Academy by just one stroke however, they managed to beat such elite teams as Morristown, Millburn, and Pingry.

Leading the way for the Lancers were Ridhit Beri and Jordan Harris, who each shot a one over par 37. Aalok Dhurandhar finished with a 38, while Rhys Bernstein carded a 42. Ryan Friedman rounded out the scoring with a 43.

On Wednesday, April 17, the Lancers shot their lowest round of the season so far as they beat Bloomfield 152-222. Beri and Dhurandhar both shot an even-par 36, while Harris and newcomer A.J. Sonnenberg finished with a 40.

The team’s record now stands at 3-1. Their next match will be against Glen Ridge this Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Glen Ridge Country Club.

Earlier this month, the federal government introduced new rules to require public systems to measure and reduce PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The move established the first-ever nationally enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS.

PFAS is a synthetic chemical found in everyday household products such as nonstick cookware, as well as in things like firefighting foam. It is used to make products stain, grease, heat and water resistant, and its sturdy structure means it takes much longer to break down in comparison to organic chemicals. More specifically, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, which falls under a broader category of PFAS) are used for its emulsifier and surfactant properties, or as fluoropolymers (such as Teflon), firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films.