Beyond The Green Podcast Show

 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. 

 In 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.
 

 Welcome to Morristown Hockey’s 50th Anniversary Season, a tradition built on grit, brotherhood, and pride. From the early days to today’s squad, one thing has never changed. Morristown doesn’t just play hockey. We represent a legacy.  The 2025 Colonials are carrying the torch for every player who wore this jersey before them, and they’re doing it with speed, toughness, and heart. This season is bigger than wins and losses. It’s about honoring 50 years of Morristown Hockey and writing the next chapter.  

Leading the charge are our 2026 senior class Artie, Wesley, Jacke, Conrad, Lucas, Charlie, Trajan, Noel, Scott, and Peter. These are the leaders, the grinders, the tone setters, and the heartbeat of this team.  Strap in. The legacy continues. Morristown Hockey, 50 Years Strong. 🏒⚔️ 

 Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Morristown High School Hockey—a story that’s about way more than wins and losses. From the early days of the program to the players, coaches, families, and fans who built it into what it is today, this is a tribute to the memories, the milestones, and the brotherhood that only hockey can create. 

Step inside history with Beyond The Green: Parks & Paths as we kick off our journey at Historic Speedwell, the “Birthplace of the Telegraph,” in beautiful Morristown, New Jersey. In Part 1, we explore the remarkable Vail House with Morris County Park Commission’s Curator of Collections & Exhibits, Melanie Bump, who brings the stories of Stephen Vail, the invention of the telegraph, and everyday 19th-century life vividly to life.

Join us as we uncover artifacts, architecture, and the people who shaped innovation in America — all right here in Morris County. This is history the way it should be told… up close, engaging, and full of surprises.

📍 Filmed on location at Historic Speedwell

 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! 

 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. 

 We 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.  

 We reconnect with Morristown High School Class of 1990 alumnus Barry Richards. 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. 

 With a career spanning over 40 years — 34 of them at MHS — Mike shares stories from the sidelines to the school office.

 In this compelling conversation, Kate McCabe 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.  

We walk with fellow alumni thru the halls and document their return to where they spent so much time. This is done in collaboration with the MHS Heritage Club