SCHOOL DONATIONS – Makeda Fryson and Kwame Breedy of the Tripe B Foundation, and Claremont Elementary School vice-principal Angela Pape (left to right) talk about the supply donation made by the Foundation to the school. A township-based foundation made the wishes of a number of Claremont Elementary School teachers come true October 28 with the donation of $7,100 worth of …

Florence Kessel, 91, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on October 26 at Overlook Hospital in Summit. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she later settled in Somerset, where she raised her family and became an active community member. Florence attended New York Uuniversity and Montclair State College, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in history with a minor in music. She …

RECOUNTING FAMILY HORRORS – Board of Education member Sami Shaban speaks to the crowd about the many members of his family who were killed in Gaza since the 1940s. Colonial Park’s Knob Hill Pavilion was the scene October 27 of a gathering showcasing Palestinian culture. Called “Connect with Palestine,” organizers designed the event to highlight the art, culture and heritage …

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – Pastor Rodney Staton speaks to the congregation during the Faith Temple anniversary celebration. The congregation of Faith Temple gathered at their home at Temple Beth El on Hamilton Street on October 27 to celebrate a milestone: the church’s 43rd anniversary. Founded in February 1981 by the late Elder Horace Staton and his wife, Pastor Lydia Staton, as …

The North Brunswick Raiders spoiled Franklin High School’s homecoming football game with a 22-20 win over the Warriors on October 25. Franklin struck first after stopping a Raider drive deep in its own territory when Senior Christian Lewis grabbed a 21-yard pass from Sophomore quarterback Jah’naad Cady. North Brunswick scored later, but a two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Franklin with …

It was the Franklin High School football and cheer team seniors’ turn for Senior Night honors on October 25. Six cheerleaders and 22 members of the football team received the honors. The seniors on the cheerleading squad are: Kalani Thompson Autumn Ince Maya Azar Ava Ling Gabriella Fernandez Zaniya Huggins The squad is led by head coach Lindsay Grant and …

Karl Manger, 70, passed away in the garden that he so dearly loved on October 23 at his home. Born on December 2, 1953, in Orange to the late Anton and Mary (Heinis) Manger, Karl was a lifelong resident of Somerset. Karl earned a Masters Degree at Rutgers University where he was also a member of the Glee Club during …

AFFORDABLE HOUSING NUMBERS EXPLAINED – Township attorney Lou Rainone discusses the state Department of Community Affairs report giving guidance on towns’ affordable housing obligations for the next decade. Township planning officials are studying a state Department of Community Affairs report, released last week, designed to provide guidance on state towns’ affordable housing obligation over the next decade. The report, described …

COMMENDED STUDENTS – SCVTHS 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students (left to right) Chahel Kumar of Somerset, Vaishvik Vidavalapati of Somerset, Raaida Naser of Somerset, National Merit Semifinalist Chaitanyaa Vyas of Hillsborough and National Merit Semifinalist Vaanya Salwan of Bridgewater, and Commended Students Sreelakshmi Isukapalli of Green Brook, Gagan Voonna of Somerset, and Max Chen of Hillsborough. (Photo: SCVT). Four township residents, students at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School in …

The Franklin High School girls’ volleyball team’s seniors were honored with their Senior Night on October 24. The ceremony was held before the Lady Warriors’ match against Pingry. Those honored were: Chloe Alexandra Jackson Marina Pleconis Diya Patel Alexa Estevez Maria Kamara – Team Manager Saniya Sewnarine – Team Manager Nyasia Salley – Team Manager The team is coached by …