Community Building

CELEBRATING CIVICS – Douette “Doc” Cunningham, founder of the See America In Color organization, hosted the event in the Franklin Township Council chamber on November 14. A 10-year-old boy who has helped replace more than 200 American flags, a pair of educators whose roots in the township run deep, and a high school freshman whose talents extend beyond the stage …

HISTORIC MARKER – Eric Dutaud, as Gen. Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, and George Luck, as Gen. George Washington (left to right), at the marker’s unveiling on November 11. Franklin Township’s role in the Revolutionary War campaign that helped secure American independence was commemorated Nov. 11 with the unveiling of a historical marker near the Township Arts & …

CO-KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Maj. (Ret.) Desiree S. Bramble addresses those attending the Township’s annual Veterans’ Day observance in the Council chamber. The sacrifices made by military veterans, and the families who supported them during their service, were the focus of Franklin Township’s annual Veterans Day observance Nov. 11, as speakers urged residents to remember those sacrifices throughout the year, not …

Eleven prostate cancer survivors from three states will be honored November 7 at the annual Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer United Prostate Cancer Survivors Blue Ribbon Crystal Awards Luncheon and Health Forum at the Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison. The event, which begins at noon, will blend vital health education, a premium buffet lunch, and a unique national award ceremony. …

The June fire that destroyed a Hamilton Street store and closed the plaza in which it was located forced the relocation of the annual Halloween on Hamilton trunk or treat event, but it didn’t affect attendance. Ghouls, goblins, superheroes and several Michael Jacksons gathered at Nora Plaza for what has become a business district tradition.

A COLORFUL PARTY – Members of the Franklin Youth Center staff came to the party as crayons. Stories and photos by Zunaira Ghauri.

SHARING OF CULTURES – Children watch one of the dance performances given at the October 23 Cedar Hill Preparatory School’s multicultural celebration. The world came to Cedar Hill Preparatory School on Cedar Grove Lane October 23, as families representing 17 cultures gathered for the school’s third annual Multicultural Night Celebration.

GET OUT THE VOTE – Activist Larry Hamm urges attendees at the “No Kings 4 – Vote Early” rally at the township gazebo to make sure they and their friends vote in the upcoming general election. Speakers at a “No Kings 4 – Vote Early” rally Saturday urged Franklin Township residents to vote early in the Nov. 3 midterm elections …

DEFENDING THE PLAN – Township Attorney Lou Rainone on defended the location of an affordable housing project during the Township Council’s October 13 meeting. The Township Council unanimously approved a tax incentive program October 13 for the conversion of a former Davidson Avenue hotel into 142 affordable apartments, despite concerns raised by residents about truck traffic, air pollution and access …

Franklin Township spent $62,888.98 in opioid settlement money over the past fiscal year on four programs, led by a summer job-readiness course for young people and a new peer-support initiative for residents in recovery, according to the Township’s annual report on the funds. The report, included in Somerset County’s 2026 Opioid Abatement Report, covers July 1, 2025, through June 30, …