State kicks off distracted-driving awareness campaign and crackdown

State kicks off distracted-driving awareness campaign and crackdown

TRENTON, NJ — Kicking off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety recently announced the results of a 2021 study, which found that, at any given time, one in five drivers on selected high-crash corridors in New Jersey were driving while distracted. […]

Habitat for Humanity Restore holds grand opening in Fairfield

Habitat for Humanity Restore holds grand opening in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, NJ — Habitat for Humanity Restore hosted its grand opening to the general public on Saturday, March 26, at its Route 46 West location in Fairfield. Fairfield Councilman Michael McGlynn, center, initiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside Habitat for Humanity Greater Newark CEO Jeff Farrell and Deputy Director of Fund Development at Habitat for Humanity […]

Some Essex County towns drawn into new legislative districts

Some Essex County towns drawn into new legislative districts

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey Apportionment Commission approved new state legislative maps on Feb. 18, drawing new lines for senate and assembly districts that will go into effect in 2023, after the 2022 election. Delayed because of the pandemic, the newly redrawn districts are the result of the 2020 census results. The commission […]

State awards nearly $16.2 million to reduce waste and promote recycling

State awards nearly $16.2 million to reduce waste and promote recycling

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Murphy administration is awarding nearly $16.2 million in grants to communities across the state to help them enhance waste reduction and recycling programs, a slight increase over the previous year’s total, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced Feb. 24. In Essex County, Belleville will receive $46,277.76; Bloomfield […]

Law enforcement professionals speak at town hall event related to safety in the Jewish community

Law enforcement professionals speak at town hall event related to safety in the Jewish community

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office held a virtual town hall event on Feb. 9 to address safety concerns in the Jewish faith-based community; acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and other ECPO employees discussed threat and risk assessments for Jewish houses of worship and took questions from audience members. […]

Essex County seeks entries for Legacies Writing Contest

Essex County seeks entries for Legacies Writing Contest

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Division of Senior Services invites Essex seniors ages 60 and older to submit an original story focusing on a special person, life-changing experience or significant period of their life to the 2022 Essex County Legacies Writing Contest.  “Our senior citizens have led interesting lives and I am always […]

Rachel Coalition seeks volunteers for its Court Advocate Program

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Rachel Coalition, a division of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ, providing services and support programs for victims of domestic violence in Essex and Morris counties, is seeking volunteers for its Court Advocate Program. This 40-hour, hands-on training program educates participants to assist domestic violence victims with emotional and administrative support […]

Take the Essex County Community Health Assessment Survey

Take the Essex County Community Health Assessment Survey

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. invites Essex County residents to participate in an Essex County Community Health Assessment Survey. The results of the survey will help the Essex County Public Health Office identify health issues affecting the Essex County community and create a public health plan to raise awareness […]

Omicron variant fears heighten blood shortage nationwide

Omicron variant fears heighten blood shortage nationwide

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey Blood Services has announced a blood emergency due in large part to fears of the omicron variant and the holiday season. Currently, the region’s blood supply stands at a one- to two-day level, well below the ideal inventory of five to seven days. Blood centers across the country are and […]

Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour returns

Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour returns

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — After a hiatus last year because of the pandemic, this year’s Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour includes 10 Essex County historic sites, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for a weekend tour. The tour includes Essex County Kip’s Castle and the Walther House at […]