The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Arts Council of Livingston honored Mayor Stephen Santola and Former Mayor, Eleonore Cohen for their active participation in the arts community of Livingston at the 8th Annual Celebration of the Arts Gala on Thursday night.

The reception was held at the Cedar Hill Country Club and the evening began with a silent art auction where art, sculpture, jewelry, and gift certificates were available for bid.

All art pieces were created by the 35 members of the Arts Council.

Before the honorees of the hour received presents and numerous awards, door prizes such as tickets to the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and tickets to see the Livingston Community Players perform, were raffled.

Assemblyman John McKeon and Deputy Mayor Rudy Fernandez made remarks regarding Santola and Cohen’s accomplishments regarding the affects they played on the arts community in Livingston. They then awarded them with certificates of recognition.

“We are honoring two champions of the arts who have contributed to the arts council and our expansion,” President of the Arts Council, Martha Ackerman said. “Arts are alive and well in Livingston because of Santola and Cohen.”

Ackerman said that Santola has been a “driving force” to preserve open space, youth sports, nature trails and the Camuso holiday decorations display.

In recognizing Cohen’s impact on the art community, Ackerman explained that Cohen “helped to institute the opportunity for Livingston artists to be able to display their works on the walls of the Town Hall and the Community Center.” Cohen also helped establish Art at the Oval and as a counsel to the Livingston Symphony Orchestra.

In their acceptance speeches, both honorees were very humble and appreciative for their recognitions.

Santola’s humorous speech ended on a more serious note regarding the importance of the arts in Livingston.

“It’s important for all of us to step in and help fund the arts in town-not just to be a town, but to be a community,” Santola said. “Livingston bare of the arts, would be a Livingston none of us want to live in.”

Cohen told the crowd that she was raised on the arts and her passion has trickled down to her children and grandchildren.

“The arts bring joy and balance to life and need to be encouraged in Livingston,” Cohen said.

Cohen concluded her speech by bringing the crowd together to sing her own version of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” with lyrics about Livingston’s art community.

To continue in the arts theme, Bravo Alliance of Performing Artists, Brian Ernstes and David Maiullo performed several cabaret pieces for the audience.

Maiullo played the piano while Ernstes serenaded him and the crowd with his tenor voice.

The silent auction items were awarded to their designated winners at the end of the night.