Beyond The Green

Send us Fan MailStep back in time with us at Historic Speedwell as Beyond The Green – Parks and Paths returns to the birthplace of the American telegraph.In this episode, we sit down with Karl Wietzel, Sr. Historical Program Specialist for the Morris County Park Commission, to explore the groundbreaking partnership between Alfred Vail and Samuel Morse — and how their work at Speedwell changed communication forever.From local history to global impact, this conversation highlights how Morristown played a pivotal role in connecting the world long before the internet.If you’re passionate about American history, New Jersey heritage, innovation, or the stories behind America’s 250th, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Watch now and discover how a quiet corner of Morris County helped change the world.Subscribe to Beyond The Green for more stories about the people, places, and pathways that shape our community.For more information on all the parks under the Morris County Park Commission go to: www.morrisparks.netIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this second installment, we head to Historic Speedwell—birthplace of the telegraph and one of Morris County’s most treasured landmarks—to uncover the stories, people, and innovations that helped fuel America’s Industrial Revolution.Filmed inside the beautifully preserved Vail House, we sit down with Melanie Bump, Curator of Collections and Exhibits for the Morris County Park Commission. Melanie takes us behind the scenes of this extraordinary site—spotlighting Stephen Vail’s legacy, the breakthroughs born right here in Morristown, and why Speedwell still matters today.If you’re into local history, great storytelling, and exploring the places that helped shape our nation, you’re exactly where you should be.Subscribe and come along as we travel through all 39 parks of the Morris County Park Commission.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail In this special interview, Michael reflects on what the honor truly represents: family, heritage, service, and a lifelong commitment to Morris County. From deep Irish roots to decades of community involvement, Michael shares the stories, people, and moments that shaped his journey—and why this recognition means so much to him and those closest to him.We talk legacy, tradition, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with being selected as Grand Marshal—along with a few personal stories that make this honor feel earned, not bestowed.The parade will take place on March 14, 2026 beginning at 12pm in Morristown, NJ.For all of the events leading up to the parade, check out www.paradeday.com____________________________________________________________Recorded On Location at St Elizabeth University - Morristown, NJSr Production Engineer: Brandon HutchinsonProduction Engineer: Josh GonzalezFebruary 2026Hosted By Peter Barbounis©2026 Sleeping Bear Productions If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this premiere installment, we travel to Historic Speedwell—the birthplace of the telegraph and one of Morris County’s most cherished landmarks—to explore its rich history and lasting impact on America’s Industrial Revolution.Filmed inside the beautifully preserved Vail House, we sit down with Melanie Bump, Curator of Collections and Exhibits for the Morris County Park Commission. Melanie gives us an inside look at the stories and innovations that shaped this remarkable site. From the legacy of Stephen Vail to the technological breakthroughs that started right here in Morristown, this episode brings the past to life in a fresh, engaging way.If you love local history, storytelling, and exploring the places that shaped our nation, you’re in the right place.Subscribe to follow our journey through the 39 parks of the Morris County Park Commission.©2025 Sleeping Bear Productions_______________________________________Special Thanks to the Morris County Park Commission & Executive Director David HelmerYMD2SLXTPQNGTT4KIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail We’re sitting down with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD-25) for a conversation that’s all about people, community, and making a difference. From her journey into public service to her passion for helping families here in New Jersey, Aura shares stories, insights, and a little bit of the heart behind her work. Beyond The Green isn’t about politics—it’s about the people and places that make Morristown and Morris County special. Don’t miss this inspiring interview! Listen now and get to know Assemblywoman Dunn in a whole new way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------Recorded at Saint Elizabeth University, Convent Station, NJHosted By Peter BarbounisSr. Production Engineer -  BRANDON HUTCHINSONProduction Engineer -  JOSH GONZALEZAssitant Production Engineer -  NIC DiSCIASCIOIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Beyond The Green, we sit down with David Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission, to explore the vital role the Commission plays in preserving New Jersey’s largest county park system. Helmer shares insights into the Commission’s mission of stewardship, recreation, and education, while highlighting the diverse parks, historic sites, and natural spaces under its care. From maintaining nearly 20,000 acres of open space to ensuring access for future generations, Helmer discusses both the challenges and opportunities in balancing conservation with community engagement. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Morris County Park Commission connects residents and visitors alike to the natural beauty and heritage of the region.For more information on the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) go to:https://www.morrisparks.net/MCPC is steward to over 20,611 acres of parkland across the county. Morris County Park CommissionIt administers 39 facilities, including parks, trails, historic buildings, arboreta, outdoor education centers, and more. The agency supports recreational, environmental, educational, and cultural uses, serving the needs of county residents and visitors. Morris CountyIts functions span land acquisition and conservation, maintenance of trails and open space, programming (nature education, horticulture, recreation), historic preservation, permitting of events and facilities, and partnerships with local municipalities and volunteers. MCPC holds regular public meetings (for example, the 2025 schedule notes monthly meetings on the fourth Monday, with workshops quarterly) as part of its governance. Because Morris County is fairly developed, the Park Commission plays a critical role in preserving green space, connecting trails, balancing recreation with conservation, and maintaining historic landscapes and structures.Hosted By Peter BarbounisRecorded at St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station, NJSr. Production Engineer -  BRANDON HUTCHINSONProduction Engineer -  JOSH GONZALEZAssitant Production Engineer -  NIC DiSCIASCIO--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MZM2JCFFPCLEXBRG If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe Dandelion Project is holding its first New Jersey event on Saturday, October 11th. We’ll begin at 11:15 AM at the Townsquare Diner on Route 15 in Rockaway to recognize the awareness billboard that sheds light on the impact of drug overdoses.From 12:00–4:00 PM, the gathering continues at The Knotty Pine Pub in Wharton, NJ, bringing the community together for reflection, awareness, and support.=========================================================For more information on the Dandelion Project: https://dandelionproject.net/Lisa Bolton is the visionary founder of The Dandelion Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing grief support, education, and healing resources to individuals and families affected by loss, trauma, and substance use disorder. Born in Livingston, New Jersey, and later residing in Randolph, NJ, Lisa’s early years were shaped by the strong communities and values of northern New Jersey. (If you would like to add more about her childhood or family in NJ, I’m happy to help integrate that.)Her personal journey through grief and loss deeply informs her work:She lost her first-born son, “DJ,” in 1989 (a miscarriage), an experience that marked the beginning of her grief journey. Years later, she lost her stepdaughter, Quinn, in 2015 to Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. In 2019, she lost her daughter Kerri to a heroin overdose laced with fentanyl and carfentanil. These profound losses inspired her to channel her grief into purpose. She founded The Dandelion Project to honor her children and to help others who are navigating the deepest valleys of sorrow. Professionally, Lisa is a grief support specialist and counselor, and she also holds roles in curriculum direction and grief counseling at Morrison Preschool. She is credentialed in several therapeutic and grief-support disciplines (e.g. GC-C, GCCA-C, CTRS-EC, BCMHC) per her LinkedIn profile. LinkedInUnder her leadership, The Dandelion Project is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offering grief services to bereaved parents, siblings, children, grandparents raising grandchildren, veterans, those affected by mental health challenges, and communities struggling with trauma and loss. Lisa is also co-founder of M.U.T.E. (Mothers United to Educate), a collaborative initiative aimed at raising awareness of substance use disorder and supporting families impacted by addiction. orlandovoyager.comHer commitment to remembrance and advocacy is visible in community practices she’s nurtured—writing names on rocks, holding “Black Balloon Day” remembrances, and gathering community rides and events to raise awareness. Lisa now resides in Florida, where she continues to expand The Dandelion Project’s reach and impact.***************************************************Beyond The Green is a Sleeping Bear Productions © 2025Hosted by Peter BarbounisIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe recently sat down with Jon Prachthauser, a former Deputy Fire Chief of the Morristown Fire Department, to hear his story of growing up in the community. A proud member of the Morristown High School Class of 1986, Jon was honored in 2025 as an inductee into the MHS Wall of Fame. Recorded on the campus of St Elizabeth University in Convent Station NJ. Hosted By Peter BarbounisTechnical Staff:Brandon Hutchinson - Sr Production EngineerJosh Gonzalez - Production EngineerNic DiSciascio - Assistant Production Engineer.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Beyond The Green, we reconnect with Morristown High School Class of 1990 alumnus Barry Richards. Barry takes us back to his days growing up in Morristown, New Jersey, sharing memories that shaped his journey before life led him south to Atlanta, Georgia. We talk about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a new city after graduation and how those experiences influenced both his perspective and his creativity.Today, Barry is making waves as the author of a bold new graphic novel titled "Born Pariah". In our conversation, he opens up about the inspiration behind the story, the creative process of developing a graphic novel, and what readers can expect from this powerful new work. Born Pariah can be purchased at www.BRichBooks.com If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with Mike Bruchac — longtime Morristown High School Gym Teacher, Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, and Vice Principal. With a career spanning over 40 years — 34 of them at MHS — Mike shares stories from the sidelines to the school office. From landing his first teaching job, coaching soccer teams, and assisting future Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis, to stepping into school leadership, this episode is filled with insight, humor, and heart.Whether you're a Morristown alum or considering a career in education, this is an hour you won’t want to miss.Beyond The Green is Hosted By Peter and Sotiri "Terry" Barbounis. This episode was recorded on the campus of St Elizabeth University in Convent Station, NJ.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailBeyond the Green welcomes Morristown High School alum Kate Lynch McCabe (Class of 1989), a former history teacher whose passion for local history has led her deep into the untold story of how Headquarters Plaza came to be. In this compelling conversation, Katy shares her research into the political infighting, public resistance, and even the influence of New York crime families that surrounded the controversial development of HQ Plaza in the 1970s and 80s. This episode if the first of many to be filmed at St Elizabeth University in Convent Station, NJ. Special thanks to the staff at the university for collaborating with us .Sr Production Engineer - Brandon HutchinsonProduction Engineer - Josh GonzalezJr Production Engineer - Nic DiSciascio    If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Raizzi Stein is a lifelong Morristown resident with a passion for plant-based eating, environmental sustainability, community building, and supporting small businesses. With a background in communication and marketing, she works to create meaningful connections between people, food, and the local businesses that shape her community. She is dedicated to making plant-based choices more accessible and driving positive change through her advocacy. If you are interested in getting involved with Eat For Impact in your town, check out:https://www.eatforimpact.org/Check out Eat For Impact on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KTBPC295F/?mibextid=wwXIfrCheck out Eat For Impact on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatforimpact?igsh=MWl0eHA1NzE3d2RjcA==Interested in knowing how communities lower their environmental impact thru food system changes? Check Out https://www.plantedsociety.org/For a list of restaurants involved with Eat For Impact, Morristown, NJ check out this site:https://www.eatforimpact.org/morristown If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail For our 1 year anniversary show we sat down with lifelong Morris Plains resident Jim Myers as we discussed everything from the Boro to Morristown and everything in between. Jim runs his own travel agency and if you are interested in having him plan your next trip, email Jim at [email protected]. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailLegacy Of The Beyond is an in depth look at the Morristown Fire Department and its members past and present.In this episode we sat down with former Assistant Chief Victor France. We discussed growing up in a Morristown where his father was Fire Chief. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn September 2024, we sat down with senior MHS Football players Trey Friday, Chase Bright, Greydon Carcich, Dimitrios Mihalakakos, Lucas Reza, Ryan Myers, Jeremiah Moreau, Ny'aire Lyle & Reed Donegan. We spoke about football, their academic life and food. At the end of this you will get a better appreciation for who they are not only as football players but also as individuals who will be life long friends. Thanks to Coach Casey Flynn, his entire MHS coaching staff and the MHS Athletic Department for giving us the access to put this together.This project was done in collaboration with Morristown Colonial NationFilmed on location at Morristown High School - Morristown, NJProduced by Sleeping Bear Productions, LLC ©2024If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with the head coach of the Morristown High School Football Team to discuss growing up in Morristown and explore his journey not only as a football coach but also as an educator. Great episode for those living in Morristown, NJ and for any fan of HS sports.The 2024 Football season starts on August 30th.TranscriptIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailTallying over three decades of performances onstage, hundreds of recording sessions, and countless hours behind the studio console, John Ginty is among the most trusted professionals in today’s music industry. As a bandleader, musical director, keyboard player, and producer, Ginty’s multifaceted career is defined by collaborations with some of the more successful artists ever- Santana, the (Dixie) Chicks, and Robert Randolph, to name a few- as well as by his integral collaborations with niche artists such as Citizen Cope, Whiskeytown, Duane Betts, and Neal Casal. A Grammy-winner, the New Jersey native-now Florida transplant- has also helmed his own John Ginty Band, supporting a slate of acclaimed releases.Ginty started as a drummer in school bands, then learned vibraphone and piano. In 1991, he brought home his first Hammond B-3 organ, embracing a lineage tracing back to his grandmother; herself, a professional organist. A founding member of Robert Randolph’s Family Band- during which he garnereda pair of Grammy nominations, while backing The Blind Boys of Alabama’s Grammy-winning effort, Higher Ground- Ginty rode a quick rise to stardom.Since then, he’s fostered an ongoing creative relationship for nearly 30 years with Citizen Cope, playing on a slew of Cope albums and leading Cope’s touring ensemble as his musical director; on occasion, Cope’s utilized Ginty’s formal training in arrangement- with Ginty crafting string parts for the celebrated solo artist. Ginty, as well, has served as an ace session player with Ryan Adams’ Whiskeytown, and as a touring keyboardist with Jewel, running the gamut of appearances on the daytime and late-night TV show circuit, including a spot on SNL. In 2016-17, he toured the world with the Dixie Chicks.Dozens of credits dot Ginty’s ever-lengthy discography. As a mixing engineer and producer, Ginty’s efforts behind the boards have been informed by years of invaluable tutelage from award-winning producers, Jim Scott and Ben Elliot, among others. Most recently, Ginty produced a posthumous tribute to Neal Casal (Ryan Adams), as well as Duane Betts’ solo LP debut. In addition to his work with Citizen Cope, he’s served as the musical director for the annual Allman Family Revival tour; a cross-country trek featuring over two dozen artists performing different sets from a changing and diverse repertoire eachshow.As a solo artist leading the John Ginty Band, he has released four albums over the group’s tenure, including Bad News Travels- with guests Warren Haynes and Neal Casal- and 2016’s Rockers, which earned a Top 10 spot on Billboard’s Blues chart. Balancing his expertise as a musical tactician with his wildly creative playing, Ginty has been a welcomed guest onstage, as well, with a few of improvisational rock’s royalty, including the Grateful Dead’s Bobby Weir, and The Allman Brothers Band.Though he’s accumulated so much praise and so many rewards as a touring musician, Ginty’s focus now has shifted to his work as a producer and mixing engineer. “I just want to continue to make hit records,” Ginty says. “I feel like it’s my time.”If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with Lisa & Jami from Morristown Meals-On-Wheels to discuss what they do and their impact within the community. We also talked about the upcoming fund raiser that will be held in Morristown, NJ at 1776, from 6-8pm on July 22,2024.Tickets can be bought at: https://1776connects.com/event/Donations can be made directly to Morristown Meals On Wheels:https://morristownmeals-on-wheels.org/donate/If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe recently sat down with Ted France at Burnham Park in Morristown, NJ to discuss his family history in Morristown and recalling his time around town as well as coaching baseball.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Bob takes us to some of his favorite places around Morristown, NJ as he recollects his childhood memories in a town he loves.Bob Guinter is a 1970 graduate of Morristown High School and long time resident of Morristown, NJ. He was employed for many years by AT&T. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe sat down with Debbie and Jian to discuss  their experiences growing up in Morristown and attending Morristown HS. As part of the discussion we  learned about the role that Morristown Colonial Nation and the Morris Educational Foundation plays in the lives of not only current students of MHS but its intricate role in plays in bringing alumni together. https://morristowncolonial.nationbuilder.com/https://www.morrisedfoundation.org/If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailKelly is a long time resident of Morristown, NJ. She is the proprietor of The Rock Box. Tune in and learn about Kelly's life growing up, her business and sharing 7 children with her husband. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailEric Philips was born and raised in Morristown, NJ. He attended Alfred Vail Elementary School, Sussex Avenue Middle School, Frelinghuysen Jr High and Morristown High School.He is a graduate of Hampton University where he earned a BA in Mass Media Arts with an emphasis in Broadcasting. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Brothers of 1-5-1, Inc., a music fraternity where Eric showcases his vocal talents.Eric joined the anchor team at WRIC ABC 8News in August 2021. He brings more than two decades of journalism experience and a passion for fair and accurate reporting to the newsroom.Prior to joining the team at 8News, Eric was a National Security Correspondent and White House Correspondent for the Christian Broadcasting Network in Washington, D.C. He previously worked for CNN and broadcast stations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Norfolk and Salisbury, Maryland.Television viewers in Central Virginia will remember Eric from his time at WWBT Channel 12 where he was an anchor and reporter.While anchoring at WWBT Channel 12, Eric won an Emmy for the best morning show. He’s also been honored with an Associated Press award for breaking news coverage, a National Association of Black Journalists award for feature reporting and a commendation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for “Fugitive Files,” a series that aided in the capture of wanted criminals.Eric lives in Henrico County with his wife and two children. In addition to singing, he likes to bowl, read, listen to podcasts and spend time with family and friends.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail The Dimogerodakis Family has been a staple in the Morristown community for over 50 years. Learn about Kristi's family and their commitment to community as they are the stewards to one of Morristown's oldest establishments, Verrilli's Bakery. Kristi is a 1988 graduate of Morristown High School located in Morristown, NJ. Her father Tony immigrated to the US from Crete in the late 60'sIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIf you are interested in joining us on this program - please email us at [email protected]++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Bobby G is Back! Bob Guinters fills in the gaps from his previous interview. Robert (Bob) Guinter, aka Bobby G is a nearly, but not quite, life-long Morristown resident. After spending his first 5-years in the Madison-Chatham, NJ area, he moved with his parents to their new home in Morristown in July 1958 when he was 6-years old. Following his first Summer in town, he entered the Morris School District where he attended Alexander Hamilton School, 1st-grade to 6th; Lafayette Junior High School, 7th & 8th grades; and finally attending Morristown High School (MHS) 9th to 12th grades, graduating with the MHS Class of 1970.Following High School Bobby attended County College of Morris (CCM) in nearby Randolph, NJ; and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark, New Jersey – with mostly all of his credits being earned part-time while working locally and commuting back-and-forth from his home in Morristown. This to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering Science, 1984 & 1986 respectively.During those years Bobby was present in Morristown to see some major changes and town progress. He witnessed the build-out of Interstate-287 as it worked its way through vintage neighborhoods that had not seen any significant demolition or construction in over a century. He saw the construction of nearby roadways I-80, I-280, and NJ Route-24; some even rather close-up, day-by-day, through the windows, as he commuted from Morristown to NJIT on the old Erie-Lackawanna commuter trains.Bobby was married in 1984 where he and his wife lived outside of Morristown in, Dover Madison & Somerville for 18-years. But all that, while remaining true to his Morristown roots by working for AT&T Bell Labs in nearby Murray-Hill &Whippany; and commuting through Morristown virtually each and every work-day.Finally, following a divorce he returned to live in the family home in Morristown in 2002 when his father passed; and continues to live there to the present day.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJill Abramovitz is a performer and writer originally from Morristown, NJ. On Broadway, she’s been in Beetlejuice, Fiddler on The Roof, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, 9 to 5 and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, and appeared as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof at the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn and matriarch Lillian Kantrowitz in A Walk on the Moon at the George Street Playhouse. On television she’s had recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Chicago Med and has appeared in FBI: Most Wanted, The Blacklist, Bluebloods, The Last OG and others. Also an award-winning writer, Jill contributed lyrics to Broadway’s It Shoulda Been You, and she has multiple projects in development. She is a passionate teacher, and she spends as much time as she can coaching students and leading group classes. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (@upenn.edu) Morristown High School, Jill currently lives in New York City with her husband, composer Brad Alexander, and her son, 8th grader Leo.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009138/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_jill%2520abramIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailLuke Darnell - Born in New York City, and raised in Morristown from the age of three, Luke is an actor, musician, and stuntman who has performed on four continents in venues ranging from dive bars to theatres to arenas (including Madison Square Garden). His family’s Morristown history goes back to the early 1950s when his grandparents moved into a house on South Street near Woodland Avenue and continues today, though his parents retired (moving from their house on Western Ave) to Florida in 2013. With a 60 year family business in town and three generations of family attending MHS, the Morristown roots will always run deep.Luke's  uncle Pete Worth (MHS class of 1964) was a country, district, and state champ wrestler for MHS and served in the US Navy during Viet Nam. His aunt Penny Worth (MHS class of 65) was a cheerleader and Miss Morris County 1966, 1st runner up for Miss New Jersey that same year and she did several Broadway shows. His aunt, Wendy Worth, went to MHS and performed on Broadway and taught at my parent's studio.Luke's brother Matt (Anderson) served in the United States Army as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant on an Operational Detachment "A" team during Operation Desert Storm, where he served as a sniper. Matt has worked as a stuntman, stunt coordinator and 2nd unit director. Matt is also an actor. To find out more about Luke's career go to his website www.lukedarnell.com or to his IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201522/Thanks Luke for sitting down with us. Good Luck with all your future endeavors!If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail*** OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOSTS OF "BEYOND THE GREEN" AND/OR ANY CONTENT OF SLEEPING BEAR PRODUCTIONSTHE CONTENT PROVIDED IS BASED ON PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE AND LISTENERS SHOULD EXCERSICE THEIR OWN JUDGEMENT WHEN INTERPRETING OPINIONS SHARED BY CONTRIBUTORS AFFILIATED WITH THESE ENTITIES. ***++++++++++++++++++++++MHS Class of 1984 - 40th ReunionSign up at www.reuniondb.com++++++++++++++++++++++Michael Briggs is 1987 Morristown HS graduate. Before arriving to MHS he attended Alexander Hamilton and Frelinghuysen. While at MHS he played DB for the Colonials during his freshman thru junior years. In this episode Michael opens up  about his early years, those who affected him the most  and where he ended up post graduation and the history of Morristown he hopes more people will learn. If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailRobert (Bob) Guinter, aka Bobby G is a nearly, but not quite, life-long Morristown resident. After spending his first 5-years in the Madison-Chatham, NJ area, he moved with his parents to their new home in Morristown in July 1958 when he was 6-years old. Following his first Summer in town, he entered the Morris School District where he attended Alexander Hamilton School, 1st-grade to 6th; Lafayette Junior High School, 7th & 8th grades; and finally attending Morristown High School (MHS) 9th to 12th grades, graduating with the MHS Class of 1970.Following High School Bobby attended County College of Morris (CCM) in nearby Randolph, NJ; and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark, New Jersey – with mostly all of his credits being earned part-time while working locally and commuting back-and-forth from his home in Morristown. This to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering Science, 1984 & 1986 respectively.During those years Bobby was present in Morristown to see some major changes and town progress. He witnessed the build-out of Interstate-287 as it worked its way through vintage neighborhoods that had not seen any significant demolition or construction in over a century. He saw the construction of nearby roadways I-80, I-280, and NJ Route-24; some even rather close-up, day-by-day, through the windows, as he commuted from Morristown to NJIT on the old Erie-Lackawanna commuter trains.Bobby was married in 1984 where he and his wife lived outside of Morristown in, Dover Madison & Somerville for 18-years. But all that, while remaining true to his Morristown roots by working for AT&T Bell Labs in nearby Murray-Hill &Whippany; and commuting through Morristown virtually each and every work-day.Finally, following a divorce he returned to live in the family home in Morristown in 2002 when his father passed; and continues to live there to the present day.If you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn our premier episode we sit down with fellow Morristown HS Alumnus Jim Berkman (Class of 1987).Beyond being a native son of the Garden State, Jim has been in marketing for over 30 years. His unique background includes stints at both early and late-stage startups, Fortune 100 companies, VC firms, and brand agencies, and has held executive positions, including Startup Founder, VP of Marketing, and CMO.Jim has been based in Silicon Valley, in Northern California since the turn of the century - which is also how long he has been looking for a decent slice of pizza, or hard roll with Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. Outside of work and podcasts, he is happily married to his amazing wife Michelle, a native "California Girl," and is constantly wrangling his four cats, Buddy, Garrison, Charlie, and Millie. He can be reached at [email protected], and on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, and ThreadsIf you are interested in telling your Morris County story,  contact us at [email protected]