MORRIS COUNTY — Recently, Assemblyman Brian Bergen organized a fundraiser in support of his re-election to the Assembly. The event highlighted his widespread appeal and popularity, as every time Brian Bergen hosts such an occasion, there’s always an impressive turnout.

Dignitaries from various levels of government were present in the audience, showing their support for Bergen.

Brian Bergen has been a member of the Assembly since January 2020.

A combat veteran, Brian Bergen served with distinction for eight years in the U.S. Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his military service, he was an officer, company commander, and Apache helicopter pilot – assignments that earned him a Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge for his actions in Iraq.

In business, Bergen rapidly progressed through a variety of positions in multiple industries, including finance, operations management, process improvement, general management, executive management at the vice president level, and entrepreneurship. He is the owner of Bergen Botanicals, an interior landscape company, and is in the process of purchasing a second business.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from West Point, an MBA from Rutgers Business School, and a master’s degree in administration of justice and security from the University of Phoenix. He also earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate in business operations improvement from Villanova University.

Previously he was a Denville Township councilman from 2017 to 2019 and as vice chairman of the zoning board.

He and his wife, Kristin, and their two children, Samantha and Justin reside in Denville.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) and the Morris School District announce the Morristown College Promise (MCP) Program, a partnership committed to helping motivated, income-qualified middle and high school students and their families by offering free services, such as tutoring and mentoring, while preparing students to go to college.  A press conference to officially launch the partnership was held on Tuesday, October 3 at 11:30 a.m. at Morristown High School, joined by state, county, and local officials and administrators.  

“As the community’s college, CCM’s college promise programs are designed to ensure all students have access to a great education,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM. “CCM, the Morris School District, and the community are committed to ensuring more students are college ready, have access, and can affordably achieve their educational and career goals.”  

Senator Anthony Bucco, Legislative District 25, was extremely pleased admitting, “The partnerships like these that CCM has formed, put Morris County on the map and sets the stage for the rest of the state to follow. Setting these young minds on a path while still in high school alleviates the stress and fears of college and encourages them to go further with their education.” 

“The Morris School District serves a student body that is 35% first generation and the Morristown College Promise Program takes direct aim at removing barriers through practical support systems that help guide students to a successful college experience and future career,” added Dr. Anne Mucci, Superintendent of Schools, Morris School District. 

“The partnership between CCM and Morris School District is a significant milestone in our commitment to education and the future of our youth. I am excited to see the transformational efforts of this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless students,” said Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D., Acting Commissioner, Department of Education enthusiastically. 

CCM has been recognized as #1 for Best Associate Degrees in the state and Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey by Intelligent, and many of its programs have gained national recognition. 

“This program is an example of walking the talk in Morris County. It encourages students to not give up and helps them get beyond their obstacles,” stated Honorable John Krickus, County Commissioner Director. 

CCM began the Promise Programs in 2020 during the pandemic and looks to continue expanding and partnering with other high schools in Morris County. 

“CCM is thrilled to expand into Morristown,” comments Iacono proudly, “and MCP would not be possible without community partnerships.”  

“We talk about how we are in many ways reformatting post-secondary education to adapt to student’s needs, but there’s no question it remains the best investment we can make by helping students attend college,” commented Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Legislative District 25. 

Special thanks to the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation as the inaugural funder of the program’s expansion into Morristown and to the Morris School District for welcoming CCM to the high school. 

“County College of Morris is a leader in connecting members of the community with available resources so they may thrive in all areas of life. The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation is very proud to partner with the CCM Foundation in support of the expansion of
The College Promise Program into Morristown, helping students and their families realize the potential their future may hold,” commented Sarah Ahart, President of Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation. 

MORRIS COUNTY — Exciting news for all those commuting through Parsippany! As of yesterday, our billboard advertising has been launched on Route 287. Keep an eye out for it during your travels, and let us know when you spot it. Safe travels and happy viewing!

If you believe in the mantra #SHOPLOCAL, there’s an app for that! Morris Now, a dedicated non-profit initiative, has made its mission to uplift local businesses in Morris County, especially in these challenging times when many have shifted to online shopping amidst the pandemic.

Here’s why every resident and business owner in Morris County should consider Morris Now:

1. Support for Local Economy: Local businesses form the backbone of our community. They pay local taxes, employ our neighbors, and support various community initiatives. By supporting them, we’re directly investing in our community’s growth and sustainability.
2. All-in-One App: Available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store, Morris Now isn’t just about shopping. It offers local news, weather updates, event listings, and even free classifieds. It’s essentially your digital gateway to everything in Morris County.
3. For Businesses: If you’re a local business owner, don’t miss out! Claim your free business listing at www.morrisnow.com and make your establishment more visible to the community.
4. Stay Informed: Apart from promoting local shopping, the app serves as a hub of information, ensuring residents are always in the loop about what’s happening in the county.

For more details or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000. Make the shift today, download the app, and let’s champion the cause of supporting our local businesses!

MORRIS COUNTY — When a man casts as imposing a shadow as retired New Jersey State Police Lt. Kevin Joseph Hanrahan, 61, his sudden and unexpected loss is felt as deeply as it is widely.

Shock mixed with profound sadness as word spread that a heart attack cut down a man who was known to be as kind as he was powerful.

Born in Paterson, Kevin had been a lifelong resident of Hawthorne. He served with distinction for 32 years in the New Jersey State Police, retiring as a Lieutenant assigned to Command of the Marine Services Bureau. Prior to that, Kevin also served for two years in the Passaic County Park Police in the Mounted Unit.

Hanrahan was headed to his son’s house in his 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 when he was stricken on Route 287 in Morris County around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27.

The dashcam shows the vehicle slowing to a stop as it rolled off the pavement before coming to rest at a metal guardrail.

Emergency responders furiously tried to revive the beloved veteran lawman all the way to Morristown Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Hanrahan was enjoying retirement, living part-time in Jupiter, FL, his son, Kevin, said. He regularly lifted weights and ran miles.

It just made his sudden death that much more shocking.

The pain was felt not just in Hanrahan’s Hawthorne hometown, which he never left. It also spread through the ranks of current and retired officers of both the state and Passaic County Park police departments and among those across the region.

Kevin enjoyed retirement by living part-time in beautiful Jupiter, FL, and was a lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins. Kevin was survived by his beloved Paulette, son Kevin John Hanrahan and his fiancée Diana of Totowa, and daughter Nichole Hanrahan of Vernon. Kevin was the brother of John, Kelli, and Patricia. He is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews and countless friends. The funeral procession will depart at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, from the Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, for an 11:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, 276 Diamond Bridge Avenue, Hawthorne. Cremation will take place privately. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Troopers United Foundation, at troopersunited.org please mention “Lt. Kevin Hanrahan”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Great Swamp Watershed Association’s 2023 Gala & Silent Auction is live.

Close to 200 items ranging from home décor to fine wine to sporting events are available for bid.

Participants may log in early and browse and bid by clicking here. The silent auction takes place online now through 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, the night of the gala at Brookdale Country Club, Florham Park.

“We have a stunning array of items and experiences up for bid this year,” Sally Rubin, Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) executive director, said.  “Whether you are looking for a family adventure, in the mood for a new dining experience, want the right accent piece for your home, or are interested in tasting some fine wines, our silent auction is the place to go. With so many fun and unique things available, there is something for everyone.”

The silent auction includes a variety of artwork, travel opportunities, local dining, entertainment, fine wine, sporting events, home and garden decor, golf outings, beauty and fashion, health and fitness, and things to do.

Tickets are still available for the GSWA Gala Celebration and Silent Auction at GreatSwamp.org where participants can mix and mingle with fellow environmental-minded people and view the silent auction live and in person.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, D-11, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker sharing her efforts surrounding New Jersey’s environmental issues.

The event will also pay special tribute to John J. DeLaney, Jr., an avid supporter and former board member of the environmental, non-profit organization. As the mayor of Morristown for eight years, Jay DeLaney left a lasting impact on the community, Rubin said.

Additionally, Simon Mandal, a nationally touring professional magician, comedian, and mentalist, will perform up-close magic and captivating illusions throughout the evening.

GSWA’s Gala is its largest fundraising event of the year with a lively cocktail hour, fine dining featuring a vegan meal option, and an exciting silent auction. VIP ticket holders are granted exclusive access to a private reception of cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres at 5:00 p.m., preceding the main event.

Purchase tickets at GreatSwamp.org or call (973) 538-3500.