Livingston Tribune

LOYALTY DAY: Livingston’s veteran organizations hosted a Loyalty Day celebration on the Oval on Wednesday, May 1. Brian Boyle led the celebration, inviting different speakers and veterans to the podium to make remarks. Among those participating in the celebration were Martin Halo, Dr. Hyman Fisher, and Charlie Quinn. “Tell your kids about today,” Boyle urged from the podium. In addition to the township’s veterans, representatives of the Livingston Police and Fire Departments, and residents attended the ceremony. Shown here, veteran Charlie Quinn leads the crowd in a rendition of “God Bless America.” ROC Photo

This past weekend, May 4 and 5, was National Fallen Firefighters Weekend. Tribute was paid to the 226 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 at a ceremony in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

In Livingston, the Fire Department participated in a Light the Night initiative as a tribute to those fallen firefighters. Fire Chief Chris Mullin asked the community to swap out regular light bulbs for red ones as a symbol of support and comfort to the families nationwide who were honored and remembered last weekend. One World Trade Center in New York City, the Reunion Tower in Dallas, and the LAX Pylons in Los Angeles were some of the notable buildings that participated in Light the Night this year. The lighting began on Wednesday, May 1, and extended through Sunday, May 5, the night of the memorial service in Emmitsburg.

The Memorial Day Parade is right around the corner on Monday, May 27.

First known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor allAmericans who have died in all of our nation’s wars. Volunteers would place American flags on the graves of veterans, hence the name Decoration Day.

In recent decades, however, Memorial Day has become known more as the official start of the summer season. It’s a long holiday weekend that is often dedicated to fun gatherings of family and friends. It has also, like so many other holidays, been hijacked by commercial interests to tout retail sales promotions.

LHS SOFTBALL TEAM WIN THREE OF FOUR GAMES: The Lancers defeated Immaculate Heart Academy, 3-2, on Monday, April 29, on the Oval. They next travelled to Montclair on Tuesday, April 30, and defeated the Mounties, 7-3. Livingston was defeated by Mount Saint Dominic, 3-2, on the Oval on Thursday, May 2. The Lancers defeated Montclair Kimberley Academy, 15-0, on Saturday, May 4, on the Oval in ECT first round action. Shown here, Lancer pitcher Sophia Mount delivers a fast ball for another victory by defeating Immaculate Heart Academy. Don Schwartz Photo

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, this May the Livingston Public Library features the display “Colors of India,” which offers an immersive journey through the vibrant world of Indian art.

It has been put together by Sanskriti Indian School, the educational arm of Sanskriti of NJ, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for children and young adults. Their mission is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures, heritage, and values of India.

This display allows visitors to experience the rich tapestry of India’s artistic heritage, from ancient traditions to modern interpretations. One can glimpse and explore the diverse artistic traditions across India’s vast landscape. From the intricate patterns of Madhubani art to the serene landscapes of miniature paintings, each region offers a unique perspective.

Joseph J. Bross, Sr., 82, of Livingston, formerly of Orange, died on Thursday, April 25.

Mr. Bross was born in Orange in February, 1942 to Louis and Catherine (McKay) Bross.

Mr. Bross is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnn (Sciarrillo) Bross; his children, Joseph Bross, Jr., and Stephanie Ferraro; and his two grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Thursday, May 2 at Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell. AMass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church in Livingston on Friday, May 3. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The town of Roseland was formed in 1908 when the Centerville section of Livingston became independent.

Joan Rowley passed away peacefully at dawn on April 26, at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Rowley; children, Melinda Abbott, Cynthia Murray, and Lincoln Rowley; their spouses; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A native of Teaneck, Joan attended Montclair State University where she studied English, met John, and later earned a Master’s in Special Education. She taught in Montclair and Livingston, where she spent the majority of her career, and published a book on the history of the town.

While we are on the topic of pedestrian safety, and now that spring has finally sprung, it is time for many residents to address what has become a growing issue in town over the past few years – sidewalks.

Cracked, uneven, overgrown and otherwise damaged sidewalks are unsafe. Depending on the level of damage, individuals might be likely to trip and fall due to the unevenness of the surface. We at the Tribune can attest to this, with staff members having had their fair share of tumbles. In some parts of town, we even choose to walk and run in the street over what could be considered a “sidewalk” in name only, and is actually closer to a pile of rubble. Students walking to school on these same roads are forced to do the same, making this a dangerous and pressing situation for our youth.

Livingston’s annual “Pick It Up! ” community clean-up day will be held this weekend, on Sunday, May 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.

“Pick It Up Livingston is a great way to show your love for our town,” said Council member Shawn Klein who first launched the event in the community. “There will be hundreds of your neighbors coming together to keep Livingston beautiful. Come join us with your family, neighbors, and friends.”

“Pick It Up!” will offer a safe, fun way for residents to help keep Livingston beautiful by clearing litter from designated outdoor spaces. Volunteers can also earn community service hours for their participation.

Participants must sign up online, either as individuals or with a group, to volunteer to pick up and sort trash and recyclables at one of 11 specific clean-up areas. Location team leaders will advise volunteers on additional details and provide clean-up supplies.

The Livingston Zoning Board, at its April 25 meeting, revisited Rodney Brown’s application for a five foot chain link fence at 201 North Livingston Avenue, approving the request. The Board then heard four more cases across the night, ultimately approving all four of them.

201 North Livingston Avenue At the prior meeting, Rodney and Simone Brown had asked the Board for a one-foot variance to help set up the aforementioned chain link fence. As he explained, the fence company hired to replace their damaged fence never obtained a permit to fix it, leading to a door tag warning and the Browns requesting the Board’s assistance after the Town Hall denied their compromise permit application. The Board also noted that, because the fence encroached onto a right-ofway, they couldn’t officially approve the variance and asked the Browns to do research on steps to take next.