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Bill Bowman

Bill Bowman is an award-winning, 40-year veteran of community news. He has written for weekly and daily newspapers, and state, national and international magazines. His investigations have resulted in the first-in-the-nation state program to purchase thermal imaging cameras for all NJ fire departments and fire academies, the halting of a massive land development deal marred by influence peddling, and the creation of a web-based database charting violations against New Jersey senior-citizen facilities.

Middlebush Park Football Game Noise Issue Returns To Township Council

The on-again, off-again dispute over amplification of Pop Warner football games at Middlebush Park is apparently on again. The topic resurfaced at the Dec. 13 Township Council meeting, and even though the problem has been rectified, it resulted in a minor dustup between Councilwoman Roz Sherman (D-Ward 2) and Councilman Carl R.A. Wright (D-Ward 4). The topic was broached by …

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Kababery Restaurant Donates Food For Underprivileged Children’s Holiday Party

A township restaurant recently played a part in making the holidays a little happier for a group of underprivileged children and their families. About 50 children under the watch of the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey were invited to the party in Trenton. During the day, they were served lunch donated by Mustafa Abdi, owner of The Kababery on …

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Township Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

A 21-year-old township man has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities said Dec. 12. Drew Robinson of Somerset was arrested on Dec. 8, after his home was searched and more than 50 child pornographic images were found on an his laptop computer, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The search was conducted by …

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FR&A Snapshot: Christmas Lights Around The Township

Take a drive around the eight villages at night this time of year, and you’re going to see a variety of levels of homes decorated for Christmas. We recently toured a bit of Somerset and took some snapshots of what we thought were the most interesting displays, and we present them to you. We invite you to send in your …

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First Baptist Church Town Hall Analyzes Political Situation In Era Of Trump

The U.S Congress’s Black Caucus is likely to take a more “in your face” approach starting next year in dealing with any Republican attempts to roll back Progressive gains, an audience at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens was told Dec. 10. The speaker was U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12), who appeared at a town hall meeting at the …

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New Concept PetSmart Store Opens In Township

  Looking for a doggie day care center, or a high-tech dog wash? The new-concept PetSmart store in the Crossroads at Somerset center, 441 Elizabeth Ave., has both, plus a pet spa. The store held its grand opening Dec. 10 with a day-long celebration featuring a ribbon-cutting, giveaways and pictures with Santa Claus. The 6,000-square-foot store is only the second …

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Holiday Snapshot: Caroling At Blackwells Mills Canal House

The Blackwells Mills Canal House held its annual holiday party Dec. 9. In addition to a warm fire, cookies and an assortment of beverages, the day offered attendees the chance to sing some modern and traditional Christmas carols. We were there for a couple of them.      

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FR&A Photos: Hundreds Attend Fundraiser For School Administrator, Coach, Felled By Stroke

  A school district administrator recovering from two strokes said he “felt the love” Dec. 9 when more than 200 people showed up for a fundraiser for his recovery efforts. They packed the banquet hall at the East Franklin Fire Department headquarters on Pine Grove Avenue for Rodney Wilkerson, the dean of students at Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School. He …

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Life Story: Marian Roth, Lifelong Township Resident

Marian Roth passed away Dec. 9 in Somerset. Born in New Brunswick to Walter and Goldie Klinger, Marian was a lifelong resident of Franklin Township. Taught at a young age to sew, she became a masterful seamstress who handmade beautiful garments, particularly hand-knit slippers, for so many of her family members and friends. A compassionate and generous woman, Mrs. Roth …

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Life Story: Ronald Stashek, 69, Formerly Of East Millstone

Ronald Stashek, 69, passed away Dec. 7 at his home in Bloomsburg Pa. Mr. Stashek was born in Somerville and lived in Manville and East Millstone prior to moving to Pennsylvania about 15 years ago. He served our country faithfully in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was formerly employed by the Franklin Township Public Works Road …

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