Community Building

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.

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.

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 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.

GOOD SAMARITAN HONORED – Daniel Pierson, right, was honored by Mayor Phil Kramer and the Township Council for saving two toddlers after an auto accident on Cedar Grove Lane. A township resident who rescued two toddlers from an overturned car after an accident was commended by the Mayor and Township Council at the Council’s September 12 meeting. Daniel Pierson rushed …

Members of the township’s various emergency services units gathered once again at St. Matthias Church on John F. Kennedy Boulevard September 11 to honor their comrades who were killed during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. During the observance, the names of each of the more than 300 firefighters, police officers and EMTs who were killed in the attacks were …

PUMP IT UP – Cyclists check their tire pressure before the 2022 RCDCU ride for prostate cancer awareness. (File photo.) The 16th annual Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer United charity bike ride is set to kick off at 8 a.m. September 16 at the township Senior Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane. Each year, hundreds of cyclists from around the region gather …

The Franklin Reporter & Advocate teamed up with the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce on August 29 to celebrate the news organization’s 10th anniversary. Held at the AVE residential complex on Pierce Street, the evening featured a number of desserts created by BAM Desserts of Easton Avenue, and Robyn DeMeglio, wife of Chamber president Nick DeMeglio.

The Middlebush Volunteer Fire Company continued a nearly century old tradition with its annual July 4 parade. Kicking off at the fire house at 21 Olcott Street, the parade meandered to Smith Street, then South Middlebush Avenue and Amwell Road before returning to its starting point.