Good News In Essex: Stimulus Check|Flag Football|Groundhog Day

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 a funny photo that’s just too good not to share? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com

NJ Man Uses Stimulus Check To Go Back To College

A cybersecurity buff from New Jersey is using his COVID stimulus check to return to school after a quarter-century out of the classroom.

NJ Girls Flag Football League Includes 3 Schools In Essex County

The NY Jets and Nike are sponsoring the new league, which will include high school players from Newark, East Orange and Irvington.

No Shadow For ‘Essex Ed’ On Groundhog Day 2021: VIDEO

An annual Groundhog Day tradition in Essex County produced a bit of good news on a dreary winter day.

Program Gave 50K Meals To Isolated Seniors In Millburn, Elsewhere

Half of people served by the organization live alone, and 65 percent of those rarely see anyone but the volunteers.

Integrity House Rolls Out Mobile ‘Recovery Van’ In Essex County

Services include MAT consultations and Narcan distribution. Stops include the Caldwells, Bloomfield, Montclair, Irvington and the Oranges.

Nutley Seeks Students To Help Seniors With Snow Shoveling

Students are assigned to a senior in their area and are called to shovel when it snows. Seniors pay the teens directly.

Free Tax Assistance For Newark Families Returns For 4th Year

“Last year was an especially challenging financial year for many families, which will make filing taxes this year particularly tricky.”