West Orange Photographers Dominate Essex County Contest

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Several West Orange photographers were among the expert shutterbugs who took home awards in the 2017 Essex County Parks Photography Contest.

County officials recognized several area residents for their photography skills last month during the annual Fall Family Festival at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Winners hailed from West Orange, Verona, Union, Belleville and West Caldwell.

West Orange had four out of eight winners for 2017, a dominating showing that illustrates the love that many locals have for outdoor photography.

All winning photographs will be on display at the Essex County Environmental Center until the end of October. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The artists, and the awards they received, are as follows:

Adult Category

• Mark Hillringhouse from Verona received first place in the Adult Category for "Verona Park."
• Tom Walsh from West Orange received second place in the Adult Category for "South Mountain Reservation, Orange Reservoir."
• Suzanne Kuziola from Union received third place in the Adult Category for "Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock 9/11 Memorial."
• Robert Rice from Belleville received an honorable mention in the Adult Category for "Branch Brook Park.

Youth Category

• Maria Pepper from West Caldwell received first place in the Youth Category for "Grover Cleveland Park, Falling Leaves."
• Massimo McCormick from West Orange received second place in the Youth Category for "Branch Brook Park."
• Niccolo McCormick from West Orange received third place in the Youth Category for "Branch Brook Park."
• Ava DeBarrios from West Orange received an honorable mention in the Youth Category for "South Mountain Reservation.

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Photos: Glen Frieson