Community Building

Goblins and ghouls and Taylor Swifts were spotted throughout the township in the days leading up to, and including, Halloween. As has been the practice for the past number of years, “Trunk or Treats” events were held in multiple locations. Celebrations were held by schools, by private businesses and by teh Township. On October 28, the Township Recreation Department held …

Supporters of the Franklin Township Youth Center gathered at the Lewis Street facility on October 19 for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The plaque lists the names of the people responsible for bringing the center to fruition. The center, which was dedicated on May 14, 2022, recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary. Township Councilwoman Kimberly Francois, who championed the Youth …

TUESDAY NIGHT TALK – Township leaders spoke about security in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. Religious, political and law enforcement leaders were brought together online October 17 for an installment of the FTPD’s Tuesday Night Talks, this one dealing with security in the wake of the Israeli-Hamas war. Hosted by Township Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather, the roughly hour-long …

CALL FOR MERCY – Rabbi Eli Garfinkel speaks during the Vigil for Israel, held October 11 at Temple Beth El on Hamilton Street. The Rabbi of Temple Beth El on Hamilton Street told his congregation that hatred of all Palestinians is not the productive response to the terror attacks carried out in Israel over the weekend by a Palestinian-linked terrorist …

LOCAL HISTORIAN – Township Councilman Ram Anbarasan holds up the book, Community Collection for Kingston NJ, written by Kingston resident Markus McParland (right.) A 14-year-old Kingston historian was commended October 10 by the Township Council for his work in creating a book about the history of his home town. Marcus McParland was an 8th Grader at the Ying Hua International …

More than 100 runners and walkers showed up at Colonial Park on a rainy October 7 morning determined to accomplish what they signed up to do: raise money for the Sister2Sister organization and help women suffering from breast cancer. This was the 18th running of the organization’s Run/Walk 4 Life, which is always held on the first Saturday of October, …

About a dozen animals were brought by their owners September 30 to the township Animal Shelter for the annual St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals. The ceremony was conducted by The Rev. Joanna Hollis, rector of Christ Church in New Brunswick, and The Rev. D. Scott Russell, chaplain of The Canterbury House Episcopal Chapel, also in New Brunswick. Following …

More than 900 backpacks containing school supplies were recently donated to children in need across the 17th Legislative District by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. Danielsen has conducted annual backpack drives for a number of years. Throughout the summer, the Assemblyman’s office has collected supplies including backpacks, colored pencils, hand sanitizer, highlighters, pencil cases/pouches, pens, folders, notebooks, and rulers, according to …

There were several events on September 15 and 16 in the township. On September 15, a group of residents led by Bob LaCorte formally opened a “Little Free Library” at the Quailbrook Playground Park on New Brunswick Road. The library is the first of several LaCorte said he would like to erect in Franklin: On September 16, the latest class …

The RCDCU Bike-a-Thon for prostate cancer awareness is set to kick off on September 16, but there is still time to register. The ride, now in its 16th year, features a 3-mile walk/ride, and 10-, 30-, and 50-mile tours. The event starts at 8 a.m. at the Franklin Township Community/Senior Center, 505 DeMott Lane, at the rear of the Municipal …