Good News In Essex County: Awesome Teacher|Peace Week|Powerball

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The world can be a scary place. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and beauty. 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).

Got a local news tip about something that will make your neighbors smile? Have an awesome photo you’d like to share? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com

East Orange Educator Honored As 'Teacher Of Year' In Essex County

For the first time since the 1990s, the Essex County "teacher of the year" hails from East Orange.

Free Center In Newark Will Address Local 'Hunger' For Tutoring

The Newark Unites Tutoring Center is taking applications from 9th and 10th graders who go to any Newark public school.

Music, Food To Be Featured At Maplewood/South Orange Funk Fest

The Maplewood-South Orange event will celebrate local businesses, the arts, and wellness.

2 Stores In The Oranges Sell Winning Powerball Tickets For Same Drawing

Stores in Orange and West Orange sold winning lottery tickets for a recent Powerball drawing. Each is worth a cool $50,000.

This NJ City Seeks To Unite Residents With First-Ever 'Peace Week'

Events will include a resource fair, a day of remembrance and "24 Hours of Peace" at Broad and Market Streets.

Bloomfield Auto Repair School Gives Free Lessons To Teens

Students from Newark, the Caldwells, Montclair and other NJ towns got a chance to get their hands dirty – and learn some auto repair basics.

Studio Montclair, WAE Center Team Up For Portrait Project

The project used portrait drawing as an artistic tool for adults with developmental disabilities.

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