When we heard earlier this year that the Livingston Police Department was swapping its annual National Night Out with a new event, the Community Block Party, we thought it was a great idea. Now, instead of competing for resources with other National Night Out events on a Tuesday evening in August, a vast amount of additional resources would be available on a Sunday afternoon in September.
Of course, until we saw it in action, that was simply the hope. Well, now that the first Community Block Party is in the books, we can confidently say that it was a success. Coinciding with the end of Youth Prevention Week and the Fire Department’s Open House, there was so much for families to enjoy at the Oval this past weekend. It was a bit soggy – one can never predict the weather – but the dreary afternoon did not dampen the fun.
It was great to see the community engaging with its first responders, particularly the children, who enjoyed touring the vehicles. The tethered balloon rides were another favorite, offering a one-of-a-kind view of Livingston.
We hope the Block Party becomes an annual tradition in town, like so many of our other wonderful community events. With such a strong turnout, we can only imagine what future events would look like with better weather!
Pick Up Your Trash
Last month, we received several photos of trash strewn along Madonna Drive near Livingston High School. We have seen excessive litter in that area many times, from the Oval to Kimball Avenue. It would be unfair to solely blame students for the issue, as the area is home to countless sporting events between the Oval, Madonna Field, and the fields behind the high school. But it is certainly a problem that should be addressed.
Of course, the best way to do so is to take responsibility for your own trash: Be courteous of others and pick up after yourself!
We will host countless games and events in the fields around the high school this fall season. Let us make sure visiting players and fans leave thinking about how clean and well-maintained our fields are (as they hopefully drive home after a loss to our Lancers).
Join a Committee
The Township Council will make appointments to Livingston’s many advisory committees at the annual organizational meeting on New Year’s Day, and now is the time to apply. The Council hopes to attract new residents – and those who have not previously been active in the community – to serve on any of its many committees.
Livingston’s volunteerism is a large part of what makes this community so special. This is your town; we strongly encourage all residents to take pride in it and become an active, involved member of the township.
Those interested in joining a committee must email a completed application to [email protected], no later than Wednesday, November 27. A bipartisan committee (which residents may also apply to join!) will then review the applications and make recommendations to the Council. That committee will begin meeting in early December to review submissions.
Specific information about each committee, as well as a listing of dates and times of committee meetings, is available at www.livingstonnj.org/Committees. Those interested may also contact the township clerk’s office at 973-992-5000, option 1, for more information.
So, please, take a look at the list of committees. The selection is long and varied; find something that interests you and throw your hat in the ring. The time commitment is minimal and the rewards, for yourself and your community, can be immeasurable.
In January, appointments will be made to theAdvisory Committee on Transportation; Arts Council of Livingston; Committee for Diversity and Inclusion; Committee for Social Justice; Committee on Utilization of the Licari and Strahman Tracts; Consumer Affairs Committee; and Livingston Animal Shelter Committee.
A number of township committees fall within similar topic areas, with each having a different focus. Individuals interested in working with youth and/or seniors may be interested in the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee (LMAC); Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD); Vision 20/20 Committee (a committee which is looking at the future of the community); and Senior Advisory Committee.
Those with environmental and recreational concerns may want to be a part of the Livingston Green Team Committee; Recycling and Reclamation Committee; and Trails and Greenways Committee.
Residents with knowledge and interest in information technology may wish to participate in the Technology Committee, or the Livingston Public Broadcasting Committee (LTV).
Those who enjoy planning and being a part of special events and celebrations may wish to be a part of the Fourth of July Celebration Committee; Memorial Day Parade Committee; Golf Tournament Committee; and Camuso Collection Preservation Committee.
When vacancies exist, appointments are also made by the Township Council to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Livingston Environmental Commission, Open Space Committee, Local Assistance Board, and the Library Board of Trustees.
There are plenty of ways to volunteer in Livingston, and we suggest everyone find a cause or group they find meaningful and dedicate some time, even if it’s just a small amount, to do some good in town.
