The Open Space Advisory Committee on Dec. 5 said goodbye to its consultant, praising her work in preserving township open space. Fran Varacalli was the township’s open space consultant for the last six years. During that time, she participated in or oversaw a number of preservation initiatives, including the redevelopment of the old Kingston School, the $14 million purchase of …

Ann Marie Gianotto, 69, died Dec. 1 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Ms. Gianotto was born March 7, 1948 in New Brunswick to the late Frank and Bertha (Paulson) Gianotto. She was raised in Somerset, and in 2000 she relocated to Point Pleasant. Ann Marie was a licensed hair dresser and worked for many years as …

The Queens Bridge between South Bound Brook and Bound Brook will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. weeknights in December to allow for completion of deck repairs, the state announced Dec. 4. The bridge had been closed from early September through October for repairs to the part of the span that covers the Delaware & Raritan River canal.

A deal through which the school district and township would swap land – leading to a new home for the district’s administration – could soon come to fruition. Under the deal’s terms, the township would be given the building and property at 1755 Amwell Road – the old Middlebush School – in return for giving the school district three buildings …

The Millstone Valley Fire Co. held its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. The tree is located on the triangle at Market Street and Amwell Road, adjacent to the East Millstone First Aid Squad building.

A Dec. 1 fight among Franklin Middle School students ended with one of the combatants being temporarily placed in custody by the Franklin Township Police Department. Police released few details because the incident involved juveniles. But FTPD spokesman Lt. Phil Rizzo did provide an emailed statement.

The first weekend of December in the township is usually quite busy, holiday-wise, and this one was no exception. Events held on Dec. 2 included the annual Greens and Goodies craft sale, held by the Griggstown Historical Society; the St. Matthias Crafts Sale, and the Second Chance for Animals’ Santa Paws fundraiser.

Legislation co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen that would ensure hospital staff is well informed to deliver proper care and oversight for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia advanced in the legislature on Nov. 30. An Assembly panel sent the bill, A-918, on to the fill Assembly. The measure is also co-sponsored by Assembly members Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Daniel Benson, …

There was plenty of hot chocolate, candy canes and Santa Claus Dec. 1 at the township’s annual Holiday Tree lighting. The event was held in the municipal complex on DeMott Lane. After the tree lighting, the festivities moved indoors in the Community Senior Center for refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

Some of the computers stolen from two district schools since the start of the 2017-18 school year have been recovered. the township’s top school administrator said on Nov. 30. Although some of the electronic devices stolen from Hillcrest and Conerly Road schools were found, no arrests have been made as yet, a Franklin Township Police Department spokesman said.