Montclair Resident Among Winners of Essex County Senior Writing Contest
Montclair Author Wins Award In County Senior Writing Contest
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The 2026 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest awarded winners and honorable mentions to eight authors, including Montclair's Linda Russell. The contest encourages seniors to share impactful life stories, with an awards ceremony held at the Bilal Beasley Community Center in Irvington Park.
- 01Linda Russell from Montclair won for her essay 'Living My Dreams,' which reflects on her life and influences.
- 02Other winners include Ottilie Brechner Bello from Short Hills and Judyann Affronti from Glen Ridge.
- 03The contest is sponsored by the Essex County Division of Senior Services and has been ongoing since 1996.
- 04Entries are judged based on emotional impact, humor, and descriptive quality.
- 05Honorable mentions were awarded to authors from Essex Fells, Bloomfield, and Short Hills.
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The 2026 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest recognized eight authors for their compelling essays reflecting on life experiences. Among the winners is Linda Russell from Montclair, whose piece, 'Living My Dreams,' details her journey of establishing a life in Montclair and the significant influence of her landlord, Missy. Other winners include Ottilie Brechner Bello from Short Hills, who shared a love story that blossomed later in life, and Judyann Affronti from Glen Ridge, who reminisced about the transformative years from the 1950s to the 1960s. The awards ceremony took place at the Bilal Beasley Community Center in Irvington Park, attended by Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo Jr., who emphasized the importance of seniors sharing their stories. The contest, which began in 1996, aims to engage seniors in writing, allowing them to express their unique perspectives and experiences. Winning entries are evaluated by a panel of judges based on their ability to resonate emotionally and engage readers.
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The contest provides a platform for seniors to express their life stories, fostering community engagement and appreciation for their experiences.
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