Diving for Pennies

When it comes to the Fourth of July, Livingston knows how to put on a celebration. The township certainly has had plenty of practice: It’s been throwing the nation’s birthday party for the past 75 years.

The first ribbon I ever won was diving for pennies at Memorial Pool. Tomorrow I’ll be watching my nephew dip his face into the shallow end to see if he can scoop up some coins. Find the guide to all the events @

The three-day weekend is a welcome relief from the busy week. For all the fans of fireworks, NJ Spotlight reported on the pyrotechnics in Trenton:

Gov. Chris Christie signed the contentious pension and health benefits package -- with protestors in the streets and Democratic Senate President Stephen Sweeney at his side. : Public employees to pay more as sweeping legislation becomes law).

That left the budget to battle over. Sweeney and fellow Democrats delivered a $30.6 billion spending plan that fully funded every school district in the state and restored $100 million to healthcare. It also set up a showdown with Christie. 

The governor didn't disappoint, using his never-run-dry veto pen to nix nearly a billion dollars in line items. (: Senate president characterizes Republican budget as "cruel and mean-spirited," vows to fight back).

We looked at how the action in Trenton affected our town:

: Democrats' budget adds more aid, but Livingston Superintendent says actually getting additional funds is unlikely.

: The state's fiscal mess is mostly not their fault.

We hope you are clicking onto Patch daily for news of Livingston and receiving our daily or weekly newsletter. We run half a dozen stories a day of interest to Livingston residents, covering our town and people who live and work here. We launched Local Voices, blog posts written by Patch readers, to continue the conversations we are having in our homes with a broader audience.

In case you missed it, here is a review of some of the week's top stories:

With escort on first lap from special needs cyclists, three rabbis begin their ride across America.

Read about the rabbis' trip on their blog.

Schools

: Panel reportedly rejects charges that public funds were used in filing ethics complaint.

: Bronawyn O’Leary, NJ Marathon winner, and other top school hires prepare for their new positions.

Charter Schools

: NJ Spotlight: Even if bills pass Assembly, Senate has made it clear it will take a much slower approach

: If approved by Senate and Governor, bills would require voter approval and more accountability.

 Summer Reading

 : Stories have the power to take you on extraordinary adventures ... even if you never leave home!

: Theme of water ties together stories read aloud at Livingston Library.

: Readers create a community quilt for summer library program.

Police

Town Government

: Locations are being explored as town examines deer management.

Local Business

: Livingston Farmer’s Market opens Thursday at The Village.

Sports

: LHS standout finishes career with North-South All-Star appearance.

: Lancers squad selected to cheer at Football Classic.

: The star runner reflects on past four years and looks ahead to college.

: Fresh off perfect season with LHS boys tennis, Elliot Lovi will leave Millburn to coach LHS girls.

: Amanda Cardona reflects on her 'eye-opening' experience.

b: Fans turn out at Livingston Mall for shot as jock on WFAN Sports Radio.

Baseball's newest rivalry: Essex County's New Jersey Jackals and Newark Bears.

Graduations

. In less than 5 minutes, relive the ceremony for the Class of 2011.

: 8th graders celebrate the completion of middle school.

. Livingston schools hand out diplomas to the littlest learners on up

. Regina Vaccaro creates a quilt to encourage students as a gift to school.

You can find all the news on top of the Livingston Patch site by clicking on the tab for News. You can browse by Arts, Government, Business, Police and Fire, School News, Sports, Announcements and now -- Local Voices. If you're interested in blogging, email marilyn.lehren@patch.com.

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