Flip through the pages of the last few editions of the Tribune, particularly the March 2 issue that was delivered to everyone in town, and you will see countless examples of residents taking up a cause. Volunteerism can take many forms, several of which have been on display this past month in Livingston.
Our township committees are full of hardworking volunteers who give their time to make this community better. The Vision 20/20 Pool Committee comes to mind, as some of its members recently spoke at a Township Council meeting and are currently working to develop recommendations on how to improve the town’s pools. They are still looking for volunteers to join, for anyone interested in shaping the future of our pools.
Of course, our town has its share of “superstar” volunteers, as well. These are some of the people you have likely read about in this paper several times over many years, and for good reason! Next month, to name one example, the Livingston chapter of UNICO will honor Stacey Rubinstein as its 2023 “Citizen of the Year.” Rubinstein is a lifelong volunteer and as the president of Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (in addition to belonging to countless other organizations), she manages a food pantry and helps local families that are struggling financially.
Another of our “superstar” volunteers is featured in almost every issue of the Tribune. Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) founder Jeff Friedman also recently spoke to the Township Council about the good his organization is doing. Once known as the “Coat Guy,” he collects a whole lot more these days. Year-round, he continues to distribute items to the homeless, and he is currently asking for other local groups to partner with LPI to create volunteer collections and drives. People may reach him at [email protected] if they would like to partner on an initiative.
We are not just talking strictly about fundraisers when we discuss this town’s volunteerism, either. Take a look at the feature that ran on March 9, about Heidi Blum, Livingston’s “Food Czar.” For several years, Blum has been shining her spotlight on local restaurants, drumming up excitement for our local businesses. Now, she has a podcast that continues the same mission. There are many ways to make a difference in town, and the Livingston community continually proves that to be true.
Doing good can even be as simple as making a new furry friend. In recent weeks, we have heard of several people in town who have adopted pets in our “Rescue Me” series. We also learned about several pets that are available for adoption, like Iris, a partially blind cat who was found on Rainbow Ridge Drive in town and is looking for a home. Anyone interested in adopting Iris can contact Marcia Sandford Fishkind at [email protected] or 201-602-3174.
When people say that Livingston has a great history of volunteerism, to us, it means many different things. There is so much good that happens in this town. Most of it we are lucky to hear about. From massive events that raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes and our countless township committees, to those who take in animals and draw attention to a new local business with a funny video, the examples are seemingly endless. It is nice to take a moment and appreciate that now and then.
We love to highlight these people and initiatives, shining a light on residents who are going the extra mile to do some good. In doing so, we get to spread the word, and do a little good ourselves!
So, if anyone is starting a collection, drive, project, initiative, or anything at all, do not hesitate to reach out to the Tribune at [email protected] or 973-992-1771. We want to help, and we love sharing your stories; it is one big part of what a community paper does!
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, however little one can spare, to take part in something that benefits others. There’s no better time than now to start spreading goodwill.
