Good News In Essex County: Home For Artists + Lego Vending Machine

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

Converted Building Gives Newark Artists A Place To Live, Work

Besides providing affordable living space for artists, the Gant-Gilbert Arts Collective will include a café and performance space.

11-Year-Old North Caldwell Boy Creates Vending Machine From Legos

Nicholas' classmates in North Caldwell have enjoyed putting quarters in the working vending machine he created from Legos.

Montclair Jazz Icon Christian McBride Wins 8th Grammy Award

During his multi-decade career, McBride has appeared in hundreds of recordings and played alongside some of jazz's biggest names.

'Art Alchemist' Helps West Orange Teens Create Mural At High School

"I've been teaching for over 20 years and I have never seen a class so excited and motivated about a project," a West Orange educator said.

Essex County Commissioners Celebrate Women's History Month

Video: Watch the board pay tribute to Garnet R. Hall, Carolyn Thompson-Wallace, Natasha Pared and Linda C. Harrison.

Belleville Hospital Workers Earn 'Crisis Response' Award

The Clara Maass Medical Center Emergency Department team has always been known for "thinking outside of the box," RWJBarnabas Health said.

28 Millburn High School Students Are National Merit Scholar Finalists

Most other New Jersey high schools with more than 10 finalists were magnet or private schools.