Caldwell Writer’s Story About 'Love In A Jar' Wins Award

CALDWELL, NJ — A Caldwell resident with a flair for the written word captured an award in the 2020 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest.

Caldwell resident Eva M. Ogens, who wrote “Love in a Jar,” was one of four winners selected during this year’s contest, which included entries from across the county.

According to Essex County officials:

"In rich detail, Ms. Ogens wrote about the homemade jelly and pies her mother made – how her father grew the fruit in their backyard and how the family, under the guidance of her mother, would cook the fruit and jar it. These delicacies were enjoyed by the family and shared with neighbors and friends as gifts."

“I am continuing the legacy of making homemade pies, cakes, cookies, jam and jellies to grace the tables of family and friends,” Ogens wrote. “I am perpetuating and sharing the love that was so sweetly packaged in that jar of jelly and reinforcing the value of homegrown goodness and love.”

Other winners included South Orange resident Lorraine Kerry Barnett, who wrote “The Fatality of Dreams,” Montclair resident Rikke Beal, who wrote “Kikke Kissing Louis Armstrong,” and South Orange resident Janyce Wolf, who wrote “The Day the World Changes.”

Normally announced in May during Older Americans Month, the awards were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Listening to our senior citizens read their stories during the awards ceremony is one of my most favorite events,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. “The writers’ vivid recollections stir up great memories and share lessons they have learned during their lifetime.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Caldwells Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.