State Assembly Deputy Speaker Yvonne Lopez (D-19), is scheduled to be Central Jersey College Prep Charter School’s 2026 Commencement Speaker for its in-person graduation ceremony taking place 5:30 p.m. June 18. Lopez, who has served in the Legislature since 2018 and as Deputy Speaker since 2022, currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee, member of the Community Development …

Jamil Maroun. A 21-year educational veteran – who currently leads the Manville School District – is expected to be announced as the district’s new schools Superintendent at a special June 4 Board of Education meeting. Jamil Maroun, who began his educational career as a Social Studies teacher at Sayreville High School in 2005, will replace outgoing Superintendent John Ravally, who …

The Franklin Township Board of Education approved more than $3.27 million in contracts with eight private preschool providers at its May 28 meeting, securing up to 240 preschool slots for the 2026-27 school year. The contracts, all funded through the state’s Preschool Education Aid program, remain subject to attorney review and approval. Per-pupil rates range from $10,759 to $15,000.

Adult learners ages 25 and older who are interested in starting college for the first time, returning to school to finish a degree, exploring a new career path, seeking professional development, or improving their English are invited to attend one of Raritan Valley Community College’s Adult Learning Experience Information Sessions this summer. Three sessions have been planned: June 17,  6-8 p.m. …

The 6th annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival is set to kick off at 11 a.m. on June 13. The parade will step off from Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus before wending its way down Hamilton Street, to Matilda Avenue and ending at Naaman Williams Park, where the festival will follow. The public is invited to join along the …

EATING FOR GOOD – Donors gathered at the Double Tree Hotel on Atrium Drive May 31 for the 8th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The Franklin Food Bank celebrated the 8th annual Empty Bowl fundraising event on May 31, with officials announcing a $14 million capital campaign to build a larger facility even as food insecurity …

GROUP CHAMPION – Junior Daniel Riga won the NJSIAA Group 4 shot put May 30 at the 2026 Group 4 Championships held at Franklin High School. Franklin High School Junior Daniel Riga took first place in the shot put in the 2026 NJSIAA Group 4 Championships at the school on May 30, capping off two days of competition among schools …

SPRAY PARK OPEN – The spray park in Colonial Park will fully open for the season on June 19. (File photo.) The Colonial Park Spray Park is now open on weekends, and will resume daily operations on June 19, the Somerset County Park Commission recently announced.

SURPRISE! – Pine Grove Manor Elementary School students react as their new book dispensing machine is unveiled on May 29. Pine Grove Manor Elementary School unveiled a book-dispensing machine Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a gift made possible by a South Korean immigrant who built one of the largest computer refurbishing businesses in the United States and wanted to give …

Mr. Michael Richard Oliver, 55, passed away at his residence in Somerset on May 27. Born on June 16, 1970, Michael was the beloved son of Michael Joseph Oliver and Margaret (Probus) Oliver. He was raised in Somerset and attended St. Matthias School. After graduating from St. Matthias School, Michael attended St. Joseph High School followed by Franklin High School. …