Essex County Celebrates Inspiring Milestones and Community Leaders

From sea turtle rescues to honoring pioneering women, these feel-good stories showcase the best of New Jersey's Essex County.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Essex County, New Jersey is filled with uplifting stories of community pride, historic preservation, and honoring local luminaries. Recent highlights include the sea turtle rehabilitation program at Turtle Back Zoo, awards for the state's new lieutenant governor and a Rutgers-Newark chancellor, the return of a beloved St. Patrick's Day parade, the restoration of a century-old public garden fountain, and special recognitions for an acclaimed Jeopardy contestant and the oldest priest in the archdiocese.

Why it matters

These diverse feel-good stories from Essex County showcase the region's vibrant community spirit, commitment to its history and environment, and efforts to uplift inspiring local leaders and pioneers. They provide a refreshing counterpoint to the often stressful news cycle, highlighting the humor, kindness, and local pride that make New Jersey's Essex County a special place to live.

The details

The Turtle Back Zoo's sea turtle rehabilitation program has returned scores of injured animals to the ocean, marking a major milestone in its mission to protect marine wildlife. Meanwhile, New Jersey's new lieutenant governor Dale Caldwell and Rutgers-Newark chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson were honored at a gala celebrating African American history and leadership. The iconic St. Patrick's Day parade will return to Newark in 2026, celebrating the city's Irish heritage. In Greenwood Gardens, a historic public fountain has been restored, preserving a piece of the county's past. And local towns have recognized inspiring figures like Jeopardy contestant Harvey Silikovitz and 104-year-old priest James Turro.

  • The Turtle Back Zoo's sea turtle rehabilitation program has been operating for several years.
  • The African American history gala took place in 2026.
  • The St. Patrick's Day parade will return to Newark in 2026.
  • The Greenwood Gardens fountain restoration was completed recently.
  • The local awards for Harvey Silikovitz and James Turro were given in 2026.

The players

Turtle Back Zoo

A zoo in Essex County, New Jersey that operates a sea turtle rehabilitation program.

Dale Caldwell

The new lieutenant governor of New Jersey.

Tonya Smith-Jackson

The chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark.

Greenwood Gardens

A public garden in Essex County, New Jersey that recently restored a historic fountain.

Harvey Silikovitz

An acclaimed Jeopardy contestant from an Essex County town.

James Turro

A 104-year-old priest who is the oldest in the New Jersey archdiocese.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Essex County's feel-good stories showcase the region's vibrant community spirit, commitment to its history and environment, and efforts to uplift inspiring local leaders and pioneers. These uplifting narratives provide a refreshing counterpoint to the often stressful news cycle, highlighting the humor, kindness, and local pride that make this part of New Jersey a special place to live.