Articles

STATE SECTIONALS

Phyllis Nevins Johnstone died on January 31 at the age of 73.

Earlier this month, during its February 7 meeting, the Livingston Public Schools (LPS) Board of Education was presented with research from students and parents on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in the schools. Lisa Steiger, the district’s assistant superintendent for equity, noted that district officials are working to build equity and inclusion through four main components: community and culture; curriculum; professional development; and student engagement. Steiger added that concerns raised by Livingston High School’s Black Student Union – that some students did not feel like they had a voice in the school – had shaped some of the changes that were presented to the Board.

Joy Rimelis of Livingston, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Patricia M. D’Agostini (nee Donahue) of Livingston died on Sunday, January 29, at the age of 65. Visitation was held on Friday, February 3, at the Ron Mowad Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Union. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Saturday, February 4, in Holy Spirit Church, Union, followed by interment at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth.

Blanche P. Klosowski, 91, of Livingston, New Jersey, passed away on February 1 in Livingston. Born in Newark, she was a graduate of Westside High School and worked in the accounting department at the Prudential Insurance Company following graduation.

Last week, Livingston Township employees participated in National Wear Red Day. The annual event at Town Hall, done on the first Friday in February (American Heart Month), was part of the Go Red for Women initiative, a nationwide campaign that encourages women to make at least one change that will lower the risk of heart disease. While some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, there are several changes you can make to help lower your risk, such as getting the recommended amount of physical activity each week; choosing to eat more nutritious foods (easier said than done on the weekend of the Super Bowl!); and quitting smoking.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

The Four Chaplains Service, which honors four heroic chaplains and World War II veterans, was held at the Livingston Senior/Community Center on Sunday, February 5, at 2 p.m.

JV SPLITS HOME GAMES: Livingston High School’s junior varsity girls’ basketball team was defeated by West Essex, 33-27, on Tuesday, January 31. They next defeated Newark Academy, 38-14, on Thursday, February 2. Above, left, Lancer guard Samantha Stecklow, #5, hits the corner jump shot against the Knights of West Essex. Above, right, Lancer forward Alexa Kay, #12, drives the lane to score against West Essex. Don Schwartz Photos

It is officially the Year of the Rabbit, and after a few years of muted public celebrations due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to see people out in full force celebrating. Over the past decade or so, Lunar New Year has become ingrained in our community. From township events, to programs at the public library, to children sharing fun information about holiday traditions in school, we have continued to expand our calendar to include this unique cultural celebration. During the last weekend in January, Livingston’s annual Chinese Cultural Day celebration was held at Livingston High School, and a Year of the Rabbit celebration was held at Heritage Middle School. The events featured family-friendly activities, Chinese fare, and a spectacular, colorful performance of dance, song and more.