Community Building

NEWEST EAGLE SCOUT – Dalton Vassanella speaks after receiving his commendation from the Township Council. The Township’s newest Eagle Scout received a commendation March 28 from the Township Council. The Scout, Dalton Vassanella, is the son of Township Councilman James Vassanella (D-Ward 5.) The younger Vassanella was awarded his commendation by Mayor Phil Kramer with Vassanella’s father, the Assistant Scoutmaster …

BATTER UP – Somerset County Commissioners Director Shanel Robinson selected the winners of Patriots tickets to use in the Commissioners’ suite at the ballpark. (Graphic: Somerset County Commissioners.) Two township non-profit organizations are among 40 in Somerset County which will receive Somerset Patriots’ tickets for use this season in the Somerset County Commissioners’ private suite at TD Bank Ballpark in …

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION – Vendors are sought for the 2023 Juneteenth celebration, slated to be held in Naaman Williams Park. (File photo.) Following the success of its inaugural Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, the SCDC Black Caucus is looking for vendors to participate in this year’s Juneteenth Parade and Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Naaman Williams Park.  …

BOWL’D OVER – Attendees were able to pick their own bowls, and then take them around to sampe the various restaurants’ fare. The fifth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank returned to its original home and with its original grandeur on March 26. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel on Atrium Drive as it was …

Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer United is set to hold its third annual “Fun & Games Show” fundraiser on April 22 at the Franklin Township Senior/Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane. The event will run from 2-6 p.m. Participants will have the chance to bid on “Price Is Right” Showcases, a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle Lunch is included in the …

VIVE LES PARTISANS – Michel Mockers speaks after receiving the key to the township from Mayor Phil Kramer. It was 78 years in the making, but Michel Mockers, a member of the French Resistance during World War II, finally received the highest recognition available from his native country at a special ceremony March 21 in the Township Council chamber. Mockers, …

BUDDING HISTORIAN – 13-year-old Markus McParland described parts of his history book on Kingston to members of the township Historic Preservation Commission on March 7. A 13-year-old Kingston resident is putting the final touches on a voluminous history of the Village and is looking for help in tying up some loose ends. Markus McParland, an 8th Grader at the Yinghua …

Franklin Day returns to Colonial Park this year, and organizers are looking for corporate sponsors, food vendors and exhibitors. The annual festival, which hasn’t been in the park for several years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. September 23 at the park’s Knob Hill Grove near Lot C. More than 20,000 Franklin Township …

NEW SIGNS COMING – The Open Space Advisory Committee discussed new signs for Naruta Park, pictured here, and was asked to consider renaming the Negri-Nepote Grasslands Preserve to honor two deceased township residents. The renaming of the Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve and new signs for what will be Mettler and Naruta Park was discussed at a recent meeting of the Open …

ESSAY WINNER – Megan Hauss, who won an Honorable Mention in a contest sponsored by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women, poses with her parents at the D&R Towpath in Franklin. (Photo courtesy SCCSW.) Franklin High School Senior Megan Hauss won one of five honorable mentions in the Somerset County “Inspirational Women” Youth Essay Contest. Hauss’ essay …