Community Building

LEADING THE CHARGE – Mayor Phil Kramer led the Franklin delegation in a virtual public comment session run by state environmental officials about permit applications for a controversial natural gas pipeline project. More than 170 area residents – including a healthy contingent from Franklin – took to the Internet September 10 to persuade the state Department of Environmental Protection to …

A variety of performances are set for two stages on Franklin Day, which is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on September 13 in the municipal complex on DeMott Lane. Additionally, vendors and organizations will have tables to promote their products and services, and a number of food trucks are also scheduled to be there. On the Main Stage, the …

HUMAN ART – Face painting was one of the activities available August 16 at the annual Week of the People celebration held in Naaman Williams Park. The 51st Annual Week of the People celebration was held August 16 in Naaman Williams Park. On hand were vendors, games and activities for kids, entertainment and free hot dogs and hamburgers, as well …

Hundreds of township residents gathered in the Municipal Complex off DeMott Lane August 5 for the annual observance of “National Night Out.” The nationwide event is meant to strengthen relationships between police departments and the communities they serve. The evening event featured giveaways, a DJ, food, games, a raffle, and other diversions. Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather said “we brought …

About 100 people gathered at the Township’s Cultural Arts Gazebo on July 17 to take part in a nationwide national day of action in memory of the late Congressman John Lewis. Called “Good Trouble Lives On,” the rally was reportedly one of 1,500 held around the country to protest the policies of the Trump Administration. Organized by Somerset County Indivisible, …

The 2025 Summer Health Series, a free educational wellness program, is set to kickoff July 21 at the Franklin Township Community/Senior Center, 505 DeMott Lane. Sponsored by Township Councilwoman Shepa Uddin, the series is designed to all participants to take charge of their mental, physical, and financial well-being. The series will feature a variety of sessions aimed at educating and …

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS – The Franklin High School scholarship winners were recognized at the July 8 Township Council meeting. Pictured are FTPD Detective Robert Brown and Capt. Vincent Wilson, FHS JROTC Maj. Warren Chen, Garden State Track Club president Chuck Schneekloth. Students are Christian Lewis, Isis Martinez, and Sara Vasquez Tavera. Ololade Famobuwa was represented by her father. Five Franklin High …

Auditions for two Fall programs have been set by the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council. Auditions for the Franklin Day Cultural Arts stage have been set for 6-8 p.m. July 20 at the Township Community/Senior Center in the Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane. Franklin Day is set for September 13 at the Municipal Complex. Performers looking to showcase their talent …

DOT, DOT, DASH, DASH, DOT – Josh Kozlow attempts to contact another Morse Code operator at the American Radio Relay League Field Day June 28. A group of Ham Radio enthusiasts are gathered in a parking area off Route 518 to take part in a two-day annual event that’s a combination festival and competition. The group, members of the David …

READING IS FUN – Board of Education member Bill Grippo reads to students June 28 at the main branch of the Township Library. About a dozen students gathered in the Township Library’s main branch June 28 for a special reading of a classic book. The book was “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. …