MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, October 13, Family Promise of Morris County is hosting its fourth annual Steven Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk.

Family Promise of Morris County’s Homebound Hustle is back for its fourth year, bringing all ages together for a day of fun, fitness, and making an impact. The event is more than just a race. It’s a community effort to spread awareness and raise funds to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Morris County.

“It is truly incredible to witness our community come together year after year for the Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K,” said Family Promise CEO Joann Bjornson, LSW.

She continues, “This event not only showcases the strength and unity of our community but also highlights the profound impact of the work we do at Family Promise of Morris County. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of families and individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with the support and resources they need to achieve lasting stability and independence.”

Family Promise of Morris County has supported our community for over three decades through Shelter, Housing, and Outreach Programs designed to ensure long-term housing stability and positive health, wellness, and economic outcomes for those served.

Participants can register to run or walk Central Park of Morris County’s scenic cross-country trail or join the race virtually. A new option this year, participants can also register as a team. On race day, check-in and on-site registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The 5K Run will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the 1 Mile Walk will begin at 10:15 a.m., to be followed by an awards ceremony with light refreshments. There is a $35.00 registration fee; the agency is offering an early-bird rate of $30.00 until September 21.

To register or for more details click here.

Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to show their support by donating to Family Promise by clicking here.

Presented by Greenberg Traurig LLP
This year marks the 19th consecutive year of multinational law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP’s support of the human services agency and the fourth as a naming event sponsor.
“Family Promise is my passion and incredibly near and dear to my heart,” noted Barry Schindler, Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Patents and Innovation Strategies Group. “I am very grateful to GT for supporting this wonderful cause for 19 years and together we WILL end the homelessness and housing insecurity crisis in Morris County.”

In Honor of Steven Hammond
The Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk honors the legacy of Stephen W. Hammond, Morris County’s longtime Director of Public Works and County Engineer and later Board of Trustees President for Family Promise of Morris County. The event serves as a reminder of his leadership and positive impact on our community.

Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity faced by Morris County families and individuals by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations, and community volunteers to provide shelter, affordable housing, case management, and mentoring services leading to independence. Areas of service include Shelter, Housing, and Outreach through programs such as Our Promise Drop-In Resource Center, Landlord Support Program, Promising Solutions Women’s Housing Campus, and the Navigating Hope Mobile Outreach Unit. For more information click here or follow @familypromisemorris on social media.

About Greenberg Traurig:
Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 48 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono.

DENVILLE — A Denville woman was arrested on Saturday, September 14, following a motor vehicle crash, according to local authorities.

Denville Police responded to a reported crash in the area of Righter Avenue, where they identified Maureen S. Beekman, 60, as one of the drivers involved. During the investigation, officers determined that Beekman appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After conducting field sobriety tests, which Beekman allegedly failed, she was taken into custody.

Upon further investigation, Beekman was found in possession of prescription pills without a proper prescription.

Beekman faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, careless driving, careless driving causing property damage, and consuming an alcoholic beverage inside a motor vehicle. She was released into the custody of a friend, pending a court appearance, according to police records.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

MORRIS COUNTY — Assaults on New Jersey law enforcement officers have surged in recent years, prompting Assemblyman Alex Sauickie to push for harsher penalties to deter potential offenders, many of whom are already incarcerated.

On Thursday, September 12, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee advanced his bill (A2378), which seeks to increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers. Click here for more information.

The proposed legislation would classify assaulting an officer as a second-degree crime, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. The bill would also prohibit plea deals to reduce charges.

Currently, assaults causing bodily harm to officers are treated as third-degree crimes, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of $15,000. Assaults without bodily harm are classified as fourth-degree crimes, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone using bodily fluids to attack an officer must undergo testing for infectious diseases, with the results made available to the assault victim.

“Not only have attacks on law enforcement officers been rising, but offenders have also resorted to spitting, biting, and other despicable acts that expose officers to disease,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “These perpetrators need to understand that such actions will not be tolerated.”

Representatives from the State Troopers Fraternal Association and New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105, which represent state troopers and corrections officers respectively, reported a sharp increase in assaults over recent years.

In 2022, the Department of Corrections reported 424 attacks on personnel, more than doubling the 200 incidents from the previous year. Nearly half involved the use of bodily fluids, and over 10% of the department’s 4,500-member workforce took leave due to injuries sustained from assaults.

The bill extends protections to law enforcement officers, correctional and probation staff, paid and volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

“Law enforcement and emergency workers face unimaginable risks just by doing their jobs,” Sauickie said. “They are often targets for disgusting attacks because of their profession. It’s crucial they know that justice will be served when they are assaulted in the line of duty.”