Welcome readers to the 125th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway

For nearly two decades, the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake has invited keynote speakers from near and far to deliver its Memorial Day message, but this year was different.

On May 25, powerful words came from one of Mt. Olive's own—retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and Special Forces Green Beret Timothy J. Hopkins, a highly decorated combat veteran who now calls the township home.

A resident of Mt. Olive since 2022, Hopkins moved to Budd Lake with his wife Danielle and their four children after he retired from the army.

“My wife and I grew up in Morris County, and we were moving back here to be close to family,” says Hopkins. “We looked at houses in Mt. Olive and really liked the area. We were impressed with Turkey Brook, the school systems and the high school facilities.” 

Hopkins and Danielle both attended Morris Catholic High School in Denville. Shortly after 9/11, Hopkins enlisted into the military where he would go on to become a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, serving in 10th Special Forces Group Airborne, for the final 16 years of his 20 years of active-duty military service.

“I was very angry after 9/11 and I wanted to serve,” explains Hopkins, the first in his family to join the military. 

During his military career he was stationed and traveled across the world to countries including Germany, Greece, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Israel, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and states such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Colorado and others.

Overall, he served in seven combat deployments which included: Iraq- 2003-2004: Iraq – 2010: Afghanistan – 2011: Africa – 2012: Afghanistan - 2012-2013: Afghanistan - 2017-2018: Afghanistan – 2019.

Hopkins has been awarded the Silver Star Medal, 2x Bronze Star Medals with Valor, 4x Bronze Star Medals for Service, 2x Purple Hearts, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, amongst many others. He retired in 2022 as a First Sergeant, returning to his home state of New Jersey after being away for 20 years.

Now settled in Mt. Olive, Hopkins works for a security consulting firm in New York City and volunteers in the community as a coach year-round.

Hopkins coaches football and serves on the Mt. Olive Junior Marauders Football Board.

“I coach my youngest at flag football and my 2x older boys at the Pee Wee level for football,” says Hopkins.

Also a lacrosse coach, Hopkins serves on the Mt. Olive Junior Lacrosse Club Board.

“I coached the Mt. Olive coed Pre-K - Kindergarten lacrosse team, as well as the 5th and 6th grade lacrosse team,” he says.

In the winter, Hopkins is a coach for Mt. Olive recreation basketball. 

A father of four, Crew is 6; Adriana is 9; Tre and Chase are 10; and they have four dogs.

He was honored to speak at the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at the AVM in May.

The AVM, “It was one of the first places I visited when we were looking for a place to live and we visited Mt. Olive,” says Hopkins. “I think it's the nicest memorial in Morris County, and the nicest I have seen in New Jersey. It's very impressive.”

As a veteran who volunteers to protect America’s safety and freedom, Hopkins shares why people should stop to commemorate the day.

“Take time and be thankful for the men and women who gave their lives so that we can live ours,” says Hopkins.

He also offers some advice to men and women who serve or plan to enlist. 

“Enjoy your time with the friends that you make along the way in your military career,” says Hopkins. “You will never experience anything quite like it again. Be prepared for really long and hard days where you want to quit. And enjoy the feeling afterwards because you didn't. That will make the challenges that you face in life easier the older you get.”

TJ Hopkins with wife Danielle.

By Cheryl Conway 

Mt. Olive High School in Flanders is now equipped with bike racks and benches thanks to a local Boy Scout who observed the need and found a way!

Recent MOHS graduate Oliver Huynh of Flanders chose this project to earn his Eagle Scout Award for Boy Scout Troop 249 under the direction of Scout Master Craig Reiner and Senior Patrol Leader Michael Seifert. He has been a member for the past nine years.

For his Eagle Scout project, Huynh wanted to leave a lasting impact on the school community. His bike racks and benches not only provide practical solutions for students who ride their bikes to school and for those who wait for bus, but they support those students who do not drive to and from school.

“North American suburbs, in my opinion, are painfully car centric,” explains Huynh. “Cars are the way that 99% of people get around town, and my project aims to make biking/taking the bus slightly more appealing, albeit by a very small amount.”

But for those who do ride their bikes to school, there was not a good place to park.

“Previously, students had to use trees (damaged bikes), chain link fences (easily cut), or stair railings on grass (inconvenient location),” says Huynh. “But now, they have a secure, camera monitored, dedicated, convenient location to lock their bikes and scooters.”

Huynh started planning his project in April 2025, got final approval and started working on it in August 2025. He finished it in November 2025 after spending roughly 120 hours of working time including paperwork, meetings, shopping and manual labor, he details.

The first part of his project—bike racks—"involved doing research to choose bike racks along with placement, which I took from Portland and NYC DOTs website,” he shares. “I found that inverse U-shaped racks were the most secure, stable, durable and bike friendly; other types can often bend wheels/frames.” He also determined that each rack needed at least 36 inches to the side from each other and to the edges of sidewalk.

Benches were the second part of his project.

“Students used to sit on the patio ledge while waiting for the late run buses,” Huynh observes. “It worked, but it wasn't the most comfortable solution as it was high off the ground and sloped downwards slightly. The benches offer a comfortable area for students to wait, relax, and socialize rather than a patio ledge that has been taken over by bushes and bugs.”

Smart idea but involved much more labor than bike racks.

“The benches were much more difficult, as they involved making custom molds out of plywood, finding a good mix of concrete, pouring, removing molds, cutting wood to size, staining it, moving it to the school, then finally assembling,” he details. “The labor of the benches themselves took over 70 hours.”

Thank goodness he has his troop to stand behind with support. Seven scouts participated, ranging from ages 14-18. Various donors, volunteers, leaders and his advisor were also there for any help he needed.

To help fund his project, Huynh raised $1,200 via Crowdfunding. The remaining $200 he spent out of pocket “mostly for tools and snacks/dinner for volunteers,” he details.

As a senior at MOHS this past school year, Huynh got to witness how his project has made an impact.

“I think it turned out pretty well,” he says. “The benches and bike racks held their way remarkably through the harsh winter and look almost new nine months later.”

Even when he is gone, his projects will make a difference to those students who do travel by bike and bus, letting them travel with dignity and importance to and from school.
“Another point of my project was also to help that 1% of people who don't drive feel seen and heard,” says Huynh. “There are many things that are needed to make my project have more impact, for example, protected bike lanes, better bus service, etc, because there's only so much some decent bike racks and bus stop benches can do to make people drive less.

“But besides that, I think the project itself is a good conversation starter, and that while it obviously isn't a solution to car centrism, it serves the community while raising awareness,” he concludes.

Huynh plans to attend Rutgers Business School for finance in the fall and perhaps his innovative ideas can make all the difference as he ventures off into his new chapter.  

By Cheryl Conway

Thanks to this local Eagle Scout, native plants can thrive and continue to protect the environment and benefit the watershed.  

Cole W. Vogt of Budd Lake spent 72 hours on his project which involved deer fencing at Fairview Farms Wildlife Preserve in Far Hills. A seven-year member of Boy Scout Troop 249, Vogt just graduated Mt. Olive High School.

As part of earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Vogt chose a project that reflects his passion for environmental conservation.

“Supporting our environmental resources is important to me, this was a good opportunity to make a difference,” says Vogt.

His efforts will leave a lasting legacy at Fairview Farms Wildlife Preserve by protecting native plants, enhancing the local ecosystem and creating opportunities for future environmental education.

“The objective of the project was to create a space for native plants and trees to grow without being eaten by deer and other local wildlife,” explains Vogt. “The project included clearing a 30’x30’ plot of land of all brush and invasive plant species, erecting a deer fencing that was 8’ tall.”

Planning for his project began around May 2025 and the project concluded in August 2025.

No additional scouts participated in this project, but he did have the support of family and friends who helped him clear the land and erect the fencing.  

“The fencing will protect native plants from deer,” he explains. “These plants will benefit the watershed at the preserve and provide an educational opportunity for the staff to teach others about native plants and the environmental benefit of them.”

Putting up a such as large fence to keep deer out comes with a price.  

The project cost $1,500, details Vogt. Funds were raised, thankfully, through the support of friends and family.  

Vogt is pleased with his project’s outcome.

“Although physically challenging this project was extremely fulfilling and something I’m very proud of,” he says.

Troop 249 Scout Master Craig Reiner of Budd Lake is also proud of Vogt, and all the other Eagle Scouts he supports, for their projects.

“I like that it teaches them to think about managing and leadership skills,” says Reiner, who has been leader of the troop organized out of St. Jude’s Church in Budd Lake for the past 12 years.

“I was involved when I was a child and enjoyed it a lot and wanted my son to experience all that it offers,” he says.

There are currently 17 Boy Scouts aged 11 to 18, from middle to high school involved in Troop 249.

Earning the Eagle Scout Badge is the highest badge offered in scouting. With that, Reiner lets the Scouts choose their own project, providing guidance along the way.

“My involvement for each project was to make sure that the Scouts pick a project that is a meaningful and achievable outcome,” says Reiner.

No matter which project they choose, the Boy Scouts learn so many life lessons that they carry with them into adulthood.  

“They learn to work on their own in small teams and large groups,” says Reiner. “To think on their feet and outside the box.” 

One of the greatest lessons of an Eagle Scout project is learning that efforts can make a lasting difference. Like an eagle soaring high above the landscape, the impact often extends far beyond what is seen, benefiting people and communities for years to come.

The Eagle Scout rank reflects the eagle itself—strength, vision and leadership—qualities expected to guide Scouts long after their projects are finished.

By Cheryl Conway

As he worked toward earning Scouting's highest rank, Matthew Reiner, 18, of Budd Lake chose a project that reflected the spirit of the Eagle Scout—service, leadership and lasting impact.

The recent graduate of Mt. Olive High School designed and completed a memorial patio and flagpole at the Chester Township Department of Public Works garage to honor the life and service of a longtime employee who left a lasting impact on those who knew him. A member of Troop 249 since the first grade, Reiner had personal reasons for choosing this as his Eagle Scout project.

"This is a memorial patio with flagpole for a special friend and worker of the Chester Twp. Department of Public Works that passed away,” says Reiner. “He was a special guy and deserves recognition.

"The man I dedicated my project too was Andy Olver, who passed away while on the job 12/4/19,” says Reiner. “He was a lifelong employee of the Chester Township Public Works Department with my dad. He was also a family friend.

“I think he would be proud to know that there is a dedication to him there at the garage where he spent most all of his life working and his time making relationships,” explains Reiner.

He started the project in September 2025 and completed it this past February.

Multiple volunteers of the Chester Twp. DPW helped Reiner along the way, along with support from his dad Craig Reiner who leads Troop 249.

His response to how many days and hours it took him to complete was “too many to remember,” he says.

Worth the effort, he is pleased with the completed project.

“I am happy with the way it came out,” he says.  The flagpole and memorial patio will forever stand as a “memorial to a dedicated lifelong employee,” says Reiner.

As far as the cost, Reiner says “There is no personal expense; the job of the council requires us to have items needed for the project to be donated or we get donations for the expense to be covered.”

As a recent graduate of MOHS, and Eagle Scout, Reiner reflects of the time he has spent with his fellow Scouts and looks forward to his next chapter.

“Scouts was a great group of kids to grow up with and I’m proud it finished with Cole and Oliver whom I started scouts with,” says Reiner. “I learned a lot over the years being in the troop.” 

Reiner currently works at Lakeside construction as an apprentice for Diesel Mechanic, a work study he has had with them since October 2025. He became a full-time employee at the end of June.

Then on Aug. 24, he is scheduled to start his studies at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), in Bloomfield, for diesel mechanic certification. It is a 42-week program, he adds.

His parents are pleased by their son’s hard work.

“It is such an honor to achieve the Eagle Scout rank, and I am so happy to see them all be recognized,” says his mom Deborah Reiner. “These boys all started together from first grade and have continued on to completion!  So much dedication!”

Reiner was recognized earlier this year when he was first to notice and on the scene at One Step Closer Animal Rescue in Andover (O.S.C.A.R.) when it caught fire in February. Reiner was noted as saving most of the animals in the shelter.“

He’s quite the rockstar kid,” says his mom. “He has truly blown my expectations away!”  

One Hour Fitness in Flanders is trying a different morning schedule this week. We had a low impact class this morning at 10 a.m. On Wednesday we had a "Learn to Step" class at 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10:30 Pilates class.

On Friday at 10 a.m. we have the Low and Loaded class. Our evening schedule remains the same. Any questions please let me know. Remember if you haven't attended a class before you can come and take your first class for free. Hope to see you soon. The schedule is on our website: https://www.onehourfitness.net/

By Cheryl Conway

As leaders on the field, talent developed over the years and grit, these three players from the Mt. Olive 8th Grade Boys Lacrosse team were selected to play on the West 1 All Star Team to end its season.

Midfielder Jonny Galdieri and Defensemen Cooper Dahms and Jason Hills played in the North Jersey Junior Lacrosse League (NJJLL) All Star Game at Camp Dawson in Montville, on Sunday, May 31. The West 1 All-Star team played against the East 1 All-Stars.

What a match it was with the game ending in a 7-7 tie and Galdieri recorded as having an assist, shares Head Coach Steven Toto of the Mt.  Olive 8th Grade Boys Lacrosse team.  

The team is part of the Mt. Olive Junior Lacrosse Club (MOJLC), with more than 200 boys and girls who play on teams organized from kindergarten through eighth grade.

On Toto’s team this past season were 21 boys in seventh and eighth grade at Mt. Olive Middle School. The season began March 1 and ran through May 31.

As part of the NJJLL, Toto’s team is in the A Division and played against some competitive teams including Hackettstown, Del Val, Branchburg and Warren Hills and other various opponents throughout the year, says Toto, who has lived in Mt. Olive since 2009.  

Looking at its overall record, winning was the team’s forte this past season ending with 12 wins, nine losses and one tie.

“In our division, we went unbeaten with a record of 3-0-1 and earned a wild card spot in the playoffs,” says Toto.  “In the quarterfinals, we beat the #2 seed, Pequannock, by a score of 11-9.  We lost in the semifinals to Hackettstown, 12-4.

“At the end of the season, we were able to nominate 8th grade players to play in the NJJLL All-Star Game,” he adds. The coaching staff selected Dahms, Hills and Galdieri for all of their hard work and talent they brought to the team this past season. 

Playing since elementary school, the three all-stars play travel lacrosse too.

“They were chosen for their on-field leadership, skill and tenacity throughout the season,” says Toto. “We wouldn't have progressed as far as we did in the playoffs without them.”

While this season did not surpass previous year’s success, the coaching staff is pleased with their team’s overall progress and performance.

“My coaching staff and I are very proud of what we accomplished this season,” says Toto.  “We lost a lot of very good players from the previous year, where we won the "A" Division Championship.  We thought we were going to have a bit of a down year in 2026.

“Our boys stepped up and exceeded our expectations,” says Toto.  “We didn't have any one superstar.  Our formula for success was our teamwork and willingness to use what we learned in practice.  We changed our entire offense three weeks into the season and the boys all bought into what we taught. 

“Every player on our first line offense had at least 23 points (goals and assists),” he adds.  “We made the playoffs for the third straight season.  This season was a resounding success.”

Being led by a coach who understands and played the sport certainly helps.

“I have a long resume of being involved in lacrosse,” says Toto, who began playing in 7th grade and played varsity all four years at Calhoun High School in Long Island. 

He then went on to play at the collegiate level, playing four years at Muhlenberg College;  and played one year of semi-pro when he moved to N.J.

Toto has coached at Centenary University, Jersey Thunder (club team), Hackettstown High School and has been the 8th grade Mt. Olive coach for the past five years.

Soccer balls were scoring all day on Sunday July 20, at Turkey Brook Park for the incredible FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party! The Mount Olive Recreation kicked off the celebration at 1p.m. on the event field, with the big match starting at 3 p.m.

About 1,500 excited visitors joined in for a fantastic afternoon filled with soccer, food, and fun.

Guests enjoyed watching the game on our giant 16’ x 9’ LED screen, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Food vendors like Mi Sabor, NFC Sweet Treats, and Marty’s Ice Cream kept everyone energized, while Jersey Girl Brewing served up cold beers (21+ with valid ID). Kids had a blast with games designed just for them. 

"It was truly a wonderful event," stated Mayor Joe Nicastro.

By Cheryl Conway

As America marks its 250th birthday this month, Mt. Olive residents could not wait and came together in a big way to celebrate the nation's history, freedoms and community spirit during the All-American 250th Parade & Celebration at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.

Held Saturday, May 30 at 9:15 a.m., the parade attracted thousands of residents who lined the streets with the red, white and blue on full display to celebrate the nation’s milestone anniversary. This was the second back-to-back year that Mt. Olive has planned this community parade.

The celebration proved to be more than just a parade! It was a showcase of community pride and togetherness. With ideal weather and American flags waving throughout the festivities, families and friends enjoyed a day of entertainment, music and camaraderie.

 “It was a day to remember—a true celebration of community, patriotism and the enduring spirit of America,” says Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro. “We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”

Organized by the Mt. Olive Recreation Department with support from several township departments, the event combined patriotic pride with hometown spirit. More than 2,200 attendees watched a parade featuring local officials, community organizations, marching bands, scout groups, first responders and classic cars before enjoying a day of family-friendly activities, food vendors, children's entrepreneurs and entertainment.

The parade began at Chester M. Stephens Elementary School in Budd Lake, traveling down Sunset Drive onto Flanders Road and into Turkey Brook Park along the Loop Road. It featured a lineup of bands, classic cars, floats, baton twirlers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, community organizations, fire and EMS personnel, and many more participants, all showcasing community spirit and patriotic pride with 100 participants in cars or marching.

Aligning the streets were the attendees, who “brought their chairs, donned their red, white, and blue attire, and joined in celebrating America’s rich history and heritage,” Lisa Brett, mayor’s assistant describes in a press release. “Many also participated in the fun by wearing period-appropriate costumes or military uniforms to honor service and sacrifice.”

The celebration continued at Turkey Brook Park, where attendees enjoyed complimentary inflatables and bouncing, face painting, free tinsel for hair, local vendors, food  and the Children Entrepreneurs Market under the pavilion.

The Kids Market, a nonprofit movement that gives children aged 5–17 the opportunity to run their own small businesses, sell real products, and earn real money at local events, shares Jenna Murphy, Mt. Olive Recreation project coordinator.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, vendors and volunteers.

“Special thanks were extended to our first responders—our dedicated firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers—whose efforts helped ensure the day was safe and perfect for everyone,” adds Brett.

Nicastro expresses “his  sincere appreciation to  Sheriff [James] Gannon, Chief Michael Cordeoline, Commissioner Christine Myers, Council President Alex Roman, Council Vice President Chuck Aaron, Councilwoman Mary Lalama and Councilman Raffaele Ruggiero for their leadership and support.”

Mt. Olive Recreation organized the event with the assistance of Mt. Olive DPW, Public Buildings, & Grounds, and the Mt. Olive Police Department, details Murphy.   Sponsors included Johnson Automotive, Party Room Rental, DAM Event Rentals, Eastern Auto Trading, Veolia North America, Matrix Development Group, Tilcon, N.Y.

“EAMO had giveaways for the children who attended,” says Murphy. “Mt. Olive Recreation handed out 1,200 handheld American flags to parade goers!”

“The parade was more popular this year due to the 250th anniversary,” says Murphy, “to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and the pride of our community in Mt. Olive.

“Very excited that so many residents came out to celebrate and support the parade,” she concludes.

For more information about upcoming events, visit the township website or contact the Mt. Olive Recreation Department.

JROTC at 250th Parade

Scouts on parade  

The band played on at parade!   

By Cheryl Conway

Walking, running, stretching and even dancing was all part of the fun at the second annual Mayor's Wellness Walk & Fun Run held this spring at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.

Organized by the Mayor's Wellness Committee, the event was held Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. MOMAC, Veolia North America and Catherine Parillo- Coolibar brand sun protection hats sponsored this year’s walk/run.

Despite the imperfect weather, about 100 people came out for exercise, music and fun.

“The event was lively and purposeful, and it was clear that residents appreciated having an event focused on health, connection and community spirit,” says Jenna Murphy, Mt. Olive Recreation Project coordinator.

“We were only disappointed the weather wasn’t cooperating” she adds. “The attendees enjoyed the activities, new connections and camaraderie with the vendors.”

Held back-to-back years, the Mayor’s Wellness Walk & Fun Run encourages residents to get moving while learning about the many health and wellness resources available throughout Mt. Olive. From a one mile walk and two-mile fun run to fitness demonstrations, health screenings and informational booths, the event combined exercise, education and community spirit in one lively morning dedicated to well-being.

“The purpose of the Mayor’s Wellness Walk is to use a simple, accessible activity — walking — to strengthen community health, connection and awareness,” says Murphy.

“The walk/fun run was held on our paved pathways marked by kiosks offering exercise suggestions along the way as well as mental health tips,” says Murphy. Jumping jacks, squats, stretches, lunges and other movements were incorporated at the markers during the fun walk.

The Event Field had many vendors that are community partners offering exercise, nutrition and preventative health information.

“In addition to the walk/fun run itself, the event brings together local vendors offering healthy resources, along with area gyms and exercise businesses showcasing popular forms of movement, giving residents hands‑on exposure to wellness opportunities available right in their community,” adds Murphy.

Names of organizations and businesses that participated included Navigating Hope Catherine Parillo, Crunch of Stanhope, The Water Store Plus, One Hour Fitness, New York Life Insurance/Craig Fisher, Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, Atlantic Health, Mt. Olive Health Dept., Bentley Commons, Revive Studios, Live Pure, New York Life Insurance/Tony, 10 20 30 Pilates and Health Village Retirement Community.

“Vendors had samples of their products and wellness organizations shared healthy living information,” says Murphy.

“DJ Nicole from Night to Remember Entertainment kept the energy high under the pavilion as our local gyms and exercise businesses took turns demonstrating a variety of fitness styles, including Zumba, Pilates, meditation, chair yoga and dance fitness,” details Murphy. “These mini exercises were so popular and enticing that even the vendors joined in the fun and wellness!”

When asked for ideas on how to improve the event moving forward, Murphy jokes, “Can anyone control the weather?”

Perhaps not, but some adjustments can be made to get even more residents to come out and enjoy this fun community day.

“We plan to hold this event again next year, but we’ll likely move it to later in May in hopes of better weather,” suggests Murphy. “Each year we add something new; therefore, we are excited to continue spreading wellness in Mt. Olive! We will have an event focused on family fitness Sunday, Sept. 13, in Flanders Park called, “United We Move.” Be on the lookout for details soon!”

In June, the Mt. Olive Twp. Council passed a proclamation naming the month of June 2026 as Great Outdoors Month.

“Mt. Olive Township is home to exceptional natural resources, including parks, trails, ponds and lake areas, open spaces and recreational facilities that contribute to the health, happiness and quality of life of all residents,” states Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro in the proclamation.

“Mt. Olive Township has been honored with a Silver Designation from the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and recognized by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute as a “Healthy Town to Watch,” reflecting the township’s strong commitment to community health, active living and wellness initiatives.”

In 2025, Mt. Olive was recognized for its multi-use recreational area and commitment to high quality outdoor spaces from the NJRPA which chose Flanders Park for the 2025 Excellence in Design Award, spotlighting the park for its permanent outdoor exercise equipment available for public use, supporting year-round opportunities for movement and wellness; and spending time outdoors has been shown to improve physical health, reduce stress, strengthen community connections and support overall well-being.”

The proclamation further states, “regular movement—whether walking, biking, hiking, stretching, or playing—helps prevent chronic disease, boosts energy and enhances mental wellness for individuals of all ages; and June offers longer days, warmer weather and abundant opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

“Mt. Olive Township encourages individuals, families and small groups to explore local parks, participate in outdoor recreation and incorporate daily movement into their routines.”

Happy Great Outdoors Month Mt. Olive!

The Morris County 4-H Fair will return to High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Road in Mount Olive, from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, offering three days of exhibits, demonstrations and family-friendly activities celebrating the accomplishments of local 4-H youth.

The fair is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, who were invited to the fair by Morris County 4-H members during a June work session, will participate in the opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Friday, July 24. The ceremony begins with the Parade of 4-H Clubs and concludes with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County, this year's fair features the theme, "Color the World with 4-H," encouraging everyone to wear their brightest colors to help create the most colorful fair yet.

Visitors can explore exhibits featuring projects in art, photography, animal science, STEM and other disciplines while meeting 4-H animals and farm animals throughout the weekend. Additional attractions include food trucks, artisan vendors, hayrides, monster truck rides, animal demonstrations, live entertainment and a Sunday morning car show hosted by Dog Pound Cruisers.

More than 240 Morris County youth participated in 25 local 4-H clubs during the 2025-26 program year, developing leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning experiences.

For more information about the Morris County 4-H Fair and a complete schedule of events, visit morris4h.org/4-h-fair and follow “Morris County 4-H Fair” on Facebook.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the 25th Anniversary Morris County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morris County 9/11 Memorial, 460 W. Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills.

The keynote remarks will be delivered by Dennis Letts, a retired United States Secret Service executive and Tunnel to Towers Foundation ambassador, who was at the World Trade Center in New York City when jihadist terrorists carried out the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. This year marks a quarter century since nearly 3,000 people were killed after four commercial airliners were hijacked by Islamic extremists, who flew two planes into the Twin Towers and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought to regain control of the aircraft.

The Morris County remembrance ceremony this year will begin after sundown, more than an hour later than in previous years, to accommodate residents observing Rosh Hashanah.

The evening will feature a candlelight vigil, musical tributes, an invocation, the reading of the names of the 64 Morris County residents who perished in the attacks, and a procession of firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, veterans and other dignitaries.

About Keynote Speaker: On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Dennis Letts, a U.S. Secret Service special agent at the time, was exiting the North Tower of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building directly above him. He immediately returned to assist with the evacuation of thousands of occupants and later supported the emergency evacuation of civilians from Lower Manhattan after the towers collapsed. For his extraordinary courage and leadership during the attacks, he was awarded the United States Secret Service Medal of Valor.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the Morris County ceremony, as seating is limited.

Parking is available at the Morris County Department of Human Services offices at 340 West Hanover Ave., Morris Township. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the memorial.

Police, fire and rescue departments may participate by sending one apparatus per agency and assembling by 6 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave.

The 9/11 ceremony will also be livestreamed on Facebook: facebook.com/share/19AqWm3TEx/