Community Corner
2025's Most Heartwarming Stories In Essex County (Best Of The Year)
GOOD NEWS: Acts of valor were performed. A world record was smashed. Quintuplets were born. Long-lost pets were found.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There was no shortage of empowering and heartwarming stories that took place in Essex County this year.
Emergency responders performed acts of bravery and valor. A world record was set. Quintuplets were born. Long-lost pets were found. Volunteers made their neighborhoods better places to live. Sports stars notched new milestones. Restaurants innovated. Hometown pride was everywhere. Educators imparted valuable life lessons – and their students impressed us all.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of 2025’s most heartwarming stories in Essex County (click headlines below to read the article).
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A gargantuan game of "catch" smashed a world record in North Jersey – and Yogi would have been proud, organizers say.
‘Natural Quadruplets’ Born At Hospital In Essex County, Family Is Overjoyed
It was a one-in-a-million situation – literally.
Beloved ‘Fairy Trail’ In New Jersey Still Sparking Wonder, Whimsy
A village of handcrafted "fairy houses" in New Jersey has been nourishing the imaginations of thousands of kids – and their parents, too.
Lost Cat Reunited With Her Family 10 Years Later In Essex County
A family adopted two kittens from a shelter. One disappeared – but its heartbroken owners never stopped wondering where she was.
Lost Dog Has Big Adventure In Essex County, Reunited With Owner
Firefighters and a local animal shelter helped to rescue a freezing and frightened doggo. Here's what happened.
Here's Why Hundreds Of Dogs Were At NJ Airport Last Weekend
The nation's oldest guide dog school brought an eager parade of puppies through a busy New Jersey airport.
Senior Community In Essex County Throws ‘Sinkhole Party’ Amid I-80 Chaos
"The soirée may have poked fun at the chaos, but it also served as a reminder of the resilience and humor that thrive in our community."
FIRST RESPONDERS
Valor In Essex County Town: Firefighters Save Man's Life
These first responders showed some serious guts, the Two Hundred Club of Essex County says.
NJ Cop Helps Save Child’s Life, Shows ‘Calm Under Pressure’
A young child collapsed after playing soccer at a local park. Luckily, Susan Asali was at the scene – here's what happened next.
Heartwarming Reunion For Cops Who Saved Man's Life At NJ Airport
"If you have to die, it has to be in the right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people."
Police Officers Save Woman's Life, Earn Awards
These first responders earned awards for a gutsy response to an emergency.
'Girls on Fire' In Essex County: Camp Empowers Youth With Firefighter Training
A 12-year-old girl who previously attended the camp took swift, life-saving action during a fast-moving house fire in Essex County.
Teddy Bears During First Aid Calls: Cadet Launches ‘Comfort Program’
"Brave Buddies" focuses on providing stuffed comfort items to children during stressful medical calls.
VOLUNTEERS
NJ Town Honors Essex County Group That Protects Foster Kids
CASA of Essex County promotes the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Volunteers At ‘LifeTown’ Impact Thousands Of Lives
"Everyone always asks, 'What's the secret to the magic at LifeTown?' The truth is, it's not magic at all. It's the heart."
NJ Sisters Add To Their 5-Year Campaign Of Kindness With School Supply Drive
Selena and Sabrina Kossup of Essex County have been carrying out a community service project that they've dubbed the "Wave of Positivity."
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Northeast Earth Coalition Fights Hunger
The Northeast Earth Coalition has expanded its mission to confront one of the most pervasive challenges facing our communities: the lack of access to nutritious food.
Board At Greenwood Gardens In Earns NJ Volunteerism Award
The historic 28-acre public garden welcomed nearly 12,000 visitors last year – a record since it opened in 2013.
‘Best Buddies’: Essex County Teen Recognized For Boosting Disabled Community
The teen and her fellow "Best Buddies" nominees will be celebrated at the New Jersey Best Buddies annual dinner.
Essex County Teen With Hearing Loss Creates Mentor Program, Inspires Other Youth
The free mentorship program – "Hear for Each Other" – connects younger kids to older teens who have walked a mile in their shoes.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
‘24 Hours Of Peace’ Returns To NJ’s Largest City With Music, Unity, Love
The annual event uses the power of music to inspire peace. It includes performances from national and local headliners.
Theater In Essex County Screens Its First Movie In Nearly A Decade
The theater screened a beloved classic as part of a popular film festival.
NJ Town Was David Cassidy’s ‘Happy Place’ – Town Honors Beloved Singer, Actor
The 1970s pop icon's children traveled to Essex County to represent their father and celebrate his life.
Famous Doo-Wop Singer From Essex County Discusses Career, Life (VIDEO)
Tommy Petillo, the lead singer of the legendary Doo-Wop group the "Duprees," was recently featured on a local podcast series.
Meet NJ City’s First ‘Poet Laureate’; New Program Launches
New Jersey’s largest city has named its first-ever poet laureate: Margie "Mia X" Johnson.
Rocking For Inclusion: NJ Concert Gives Neurodiverse Musicians A Chance To Shine
"Music has always been my way of meeting people and being accepted into the neurotypical world, and I wanted to share that with others."
37 Seniors Earn Awards At Annual Art Show In Essex County
The annual contest is open to all professional and non-professional artists ages 60 and older.
Teen Author Embarks On Mission To Give 1,000 Books To Girls In Essex County
"Books on the Ground isn't just about reading – it's about being seen, being inspired, and realizing that your story is not finished."
Essex County Artist Paints Official NJ Portrait Of Kim Guadagno
Guadagno served as the state's lieutenant governor and was the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2017.
Teen Flute Prodigy From Essex County Inspired By Teachers, Encouraged By ‘Faith’
A 14-year-old musician credits her teachers and church community with uplifting her – and she's been returning their faith in kind.
Lights, Camera, Action: Filming Boom Continues In NJ's Largest City
Here are some of the movies and television shows that have been capturing footage in this New Jersey city lately.
SPORTS
Super Bowl Champ Earns ‘Key To City’ In East Orange (WATCH)
Jahan Dotson earned a standing ovation when he returned to East Orange. It was an "exceptional moment," the city's mayor said.
Essex County Teen Was Told He'd Never Walk—Now He Plays High School Football
A high school football player from North Jersey was nominated for a prestigious "Heart of a Giant Award."
Essex County Teen Football Star 'Plays Every Down' In Late Father's Memory
"Football has become not just a game, but a way for me to keep his memory alive," this Heart of a Giant Award nominee says.
Season-Ending Injury For NJ Teen Football Standout Doesn't Dampen His Team Spirit
Nate Chou, a high school football player in Essex County, has been nominated for a prestigious award.
A local high school football player has been named as the 2025 Diane Greco Sajle Scholarship award recipient.
NJ Marathoner, 79, Honors Late Son’s Legacy With ‘Stamina And Spirit’
A retired educator and marathon runner has channeled the grief of losing his son into a mission of healing, advocacy and healthy living.
Softball Star In Essex County Nominated For ‘NCAA Woman of the Year’
Ashleigh Tavaska graduated this year as one of this university’s most decorated student-athletes.
Young Essex County Anglers Capture Prizes In County Fishing Derbies
They reeled 'em in – and nailed down some local bragging rights.
Olympic Gold Medalist Returns To Essex County To Inspire Scholarship Students
Cullen Jones, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer, shared some wisdom and life lessons during an Alumni Night event in Essex County.
‘True Sports Trailblazer’ From Essex County Shares Her Story (VIDEO)
Women's basketball legend Carol Blazejowski was featured on a local podcast that spotlights inspiring local icons.
Essex County Town Launches Basketball Program For Kids With Special Needs
The program was established by former professional basketball player Mike Simmel.
EDUCATION
Essex County Educator, Coach Earns NJ ‘Teacher Of The Year’ Award
"Humility and selflessness" are at the heart of everything he does – and it inspires the same in his peers, school administrators say.
Inspiring Essex County Teen Accepted To Nearly Every Ivy League University
A New Jersey teen has achieved a rare academic milestone: acceptance to seven of the nation's eight Ivy League universities.
NJ Teen Scores Kudos After Nailing Down Perfect SAT
"How can we make this the first of many?" Sahli Negassi questioned.
College Saving Accounts Gifted To Thousands Of Kindergarten Students In NJ
It's never too early to plan for a college education. A new grant program will give thousands of students a running start.
NJ Prison Launches Fashion Design Training For Women, Youth Coaching Program
It's "sew far, sew good" at a new job training program for incarcerated women at a state prison in New Jersey.
Dozens Of 'Freedom Libraries' Built At 2 State Prisons In New Jersey
The libraries include poetry, novels and essays, alongside classic works such as Homer's "The Odyssey" and Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man."
Incarcerated Youth Graduate High School In Essex County: ‘Power Of Second Chances’
"Being here isn't what I pictured for myself, but I learned that growth can happen anywhere – even behind these walls."
Retired NJ Firefighter Earns College Degree 50 Years After Starting
"I don't like to leave things unfinished," says Ralph Castellano, who just earned a well-deserved degree from Montclair State University.
Chance Encounter On Shuttle Bus Drove This Army Veteran Back To The Classroom
"I want to put myself in a position where I'm able to give back to the community and my family."
High School Alum Donates $100K To Boost Music Education At His Former School
Robert Longo recalls his high school days with fondness. But his most important and rewarding role is that of a father.
After finding success in the pharmaceutical industry, a New Jersey public school alum returned to honor one of his most influential teachers.
NJ Town’s $24M Library Represents A ‘New Chapter,’ Supporters Say
"At a time when many public libraries are facing book bans, budget cuts and ideological scrutiny, [this town] has made a bold statement."
NJ School Staff Member Wins ‘Custodian Of Year’ Contest
A popular staff member at Deerfield Elementary School won a national "Custodian of the Year" contest – and the vote was a landslide.
Students Invent Mechanized Gate, School Uses Their Project To Boost Safety
Students captured drone footage of the area, tracked traffic patterns and built prototypes of their mechanical crossing guard.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Mega-Snowmen Return To NJ Town For The Holidays (With A Heartwarming Twist)
A weird-but-wonderful holiday tradition is back in this North Jersey town: a block full of giant, inflatable snowmen.
Volunteers Spend Holiday Raking Leaves For Seniors, Disabled Homeowners
There's a lot of love in those leaves.
Hundreds Of NJ Kids Treated To Shopping Spree With Local ‘Heroes’ (PHOTOS)
"This event is about more than a shopping trip. It's a day of joy, mentorship and positive connection."
RELIGION
200 Married Couples Renew Their Vows Together In New Jersey
Some were celebrating their fifth year of marriage. Others were embarking on their 50th anniversary – or more.
Inspiring Worship Service Unites Church, Synagogue In Essex County (PHOTOS)
"In a time marked by division and distrust, this service was a sacred reminder: faith can still bring us together."
Volunteers Deliver Passover Packages To Homebound NJ Residents
Older adults and Holocaust survivors throughout Essex, Morris and northern Union counties got a friendly holiday visit ahead of Passover.
High-Achieving Essex County Residents Honored For Muslim Heritage Month
The Essex County Board of County Commissioners honored three local community members for Muslim Heritage Month.
Sensory Room At Essex County Church Offers ‘Refuge’ For NJ Family
A New Jersey family is going to church together again for the first time in years. Here's how it happened.
RESTAURANTS
Essex County Bakery Named To List Of 'Best In Each State'
A local spot in North Jersey recently landed on a list of the "Absolute Best Bakeries In Each State."
Local Foodie Hotspot Makes List Of 'Best Neighborhoods To Eat Well On A Budget'
A district in New Jersey's largest city landed on a list of the "110 Best Neighborhoods to Eat Well on a Budget in America."
Essex County Neighborhood Among ‘Best Outdoor Dining’ In The USA, New List Says
This local hotspot in Essex County "blends suburban calm with serious city taste," a new list of the "Best Outdoor Dining" in America says.
Cheers For Beers: NJ Town Boosts Local Brewery With Proclamation
"Grab a friend, support local small businesses and explore the flavors brewed right in your own backyard."
Essex County Taverns Named Among The ‘Best Sports Bars’ In US
Researchers ranked bars based on their Google review scores and the price of a burger and beer.
HOMETOWN PRIDE
NJ Hall Of Fame Inducts New Class Of ‘Garden State Heroes’ For 2025
Nick Jonas: "If you can survive the Turnpike traffic and the shore on Labor Day weekend, you can survive anything."
This Essex County City Is Among 'Best Places To Live' In NJ, New List Says
This city is one of the "best places to live" in the Garden State, according to a new list from U.S. News & World Report.
Essex County Woman Now Works At Same Bank As Her Mom, Grandpa
For nearly 60 years, the McClane-Treshocks have had someone working at Kearny Bank. Their legacy of family employment continues.
New Walking Path Honors NJ Man’s Lifetime Of Hard Work
A lifelong city resident saw his beloved park start to decline, and took it into his own hands to make a difference.
MOOLAH
CEO Donates 10,000 Shares Of Stock To Essex County Nonprofit
The founder of a NJ company is donating thousands of shares to a nonprofit in Essex County that supports people with brain injuries.
$1M Powerball Lottery Ticket Sold In Essex County: See The Lucky Numbers
The ticket matched all five white balls, missing only the Power Ball.
Unexpected Detour Led New Jersey Driver To $600K Lottery Win
An attempt to avoid road rage in Essex County ended with an unexpected reward for a New Jersey resident.
EQUALITY
Essex County Sheriff’s Office Swears In 1st African American, Female Chief
Several newly promoted officers took the oath this week, including Zipporah Thomas Jenkins – the office's trailblazing new chief.
Italian Heritage Month In Essex County: Leaders, Groups Honored For Community Service
An elected official, a deli and bakery, a police officer and two local organizations are making their communities a better place to live.
Latino Heritage Celebration Honors School Board Member, Professor In Essex County
"When we come together, we shine brighter."
2 Honored With Irish Heritage Awards In Essex County
"This honor means a lot to me because it made me think of my mother who made the transition to America and helped me have a wonderful life."
LGBTQ Pride Month: Essex County Names Awardees For 2025
Officials honored a well-respected top cop, a hospital DEI director and a local LGBTQ Community Center with "Pride of Essex County Awards."
Diwali Lights Up North Jersey High School: ‘Better And Better Every Year’
WATCH: Check out video footage from this year's celebration.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
‘Influential Leaders’ Honored In Essex County: Women’s History Month
The Essex County commissioner board honored women from Bloomfield, East Orange, Montclair and Newark.
‘Traveling Diary’ From Essex County Unites Women Around The World
Want to see magic in action? Listen to someone read their "deepest truth" aloud in front of a room full of strangers, Kyra Peralte says.
Love Blooms In NJ: Newlyweds Donate $15K In Flowers To Local Hospital
The donation was also a bittersweet moment for the newlyweds, who both lost a grandparent earlier this year.
Girl Scouts In The Oranges Earn Prestigious ‘Gold Awards’
It's the highest award that can be earned by a Girl Scout – and two troop members from Essex County have risen to the challenge.
NJ Legal Whiz Earns Award For Helping Vulnerable Clients
An Essex County resident has earned a "Lifetime Achievement Award" for her work helping in-need legal clients in North Jersey.
NJ College Student Finds Joy In Landscaping, Launches Own Business
A Rutgers student says he has "never used gas-powered equipment" at his business.
Essex County Barber Is A Game-Changer For Kids With Special Needs
Your Kind of Cuts has been a godsend for many grateful children and their parents. To the shop's owner, he's just "being Billy."
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