The 2026 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest recognized the literary talents of local seniors, including two from Bloomfield, New Jersey, who received honorable mentions. The contest encourages participants to write about influential people and events in their lives. Notable winners included Linda Russell from Montclair, whose essay “Living My Dreams” reflects on her journey and mentorship from her landlord, and Ottilie Brechner Bello from Short Hills, who penned “A Love Story for the Age(d),” detailing her late-life romance. Other winners included Judyann Affronti and Nanette LaCapra Rotonda, who shared personal narratives about their formative years and family legacies. Honorable mentions went to Bloomfield residents Alisa A. Piacenza and Jack Pignatello, who explored themes of loss and identity in their writings. The awards ceremony was held at the Bilal Beasley Community Center, with Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo Jr. highlighting the emotional depth and historical perspectives offered by the seniors' stories. The contest, sponsored by the Essex County Division of Senior Services, has been a platform for seniors to express their creativity since 1996.