Community Corner

Good News In Essex County: Famous People + Helpful Scouts + Marriage Vows

New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County can be a stressful place to live. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Let’s focus on that second part. Take a look at some recent good news stories in Essex County below (click the headlines to read).

Meet NJ’s Newest Hall Of Fame Members: 13 Inspiring Garden State Icons

This year's honorees include a Grammy-winning musician, a football legend and New Jersey's first woman governor.

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

200 Married Couples Renew Their Vows Together In North Jersey [WATCH]

"Our faith keeps us together," said one couple, who have been married for nearly seven decades.

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

These Essex County Residents Inspired Pride In 2026; County Honors LGBTQ Leaders

The celebration is part of a yearlong series that also highlights women's history and Italian, Jewish, Latino, African American heritage.

Essex County Synagogue Bids Fond Farewell To Retiring Cantor

Joel Caplan has earned his reputation as a music expert and community leader at Congregation Agudath Israel.

NJ Teen Earns Transportation Scholarship, Shows ‘Resilience And Perseverance’

A high school senior was named the inaugural recipient of a new scholarship.

NJ City Will Open Fire Hydrants, Kids Invited To Splash Around

Here's where and when the hydrants will flow.

North Jersey Scouts Earn Prestigious Eagle Rank With Community Projects

Four members of the Essex County-based troop earned the rank of Eagle Scout: the highest honor in Scouting America.

Troop 5 Maplewood recently announced that four of its scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Above, a view of each scout’s community project, a mandatory component of earning the rank. (Photos courtesy of Troop 5 Maplewood)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.