Community Building

About 600 cyclists helped raised more than $78,000 April 28 in the 30th annual Tour de Franklin bicycle tour, benefiting the Franklin Food Bank. The riders participated in tours of the township ranging from 10 miles to 62.5 miles, as well as walks along the D&R Canal. Frank Hasner, the food bank’s executive director, said community contributions are especially needed …

West Africa was front and center at the April 23 Township Council meeting, with proclamations and a welcome for a visiting mayor. In separate proclamations, the Council recognized the township’s Sierra Leone population – said to be the most dense outside of Sierra Leone – and the Republic of Sierra Leone, both for the country’s 58th independence anniversary. The Council …

The 30th annual Tour de Franklin charity bike ride is set to take off April 28 from Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Ave. The event is the largest fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. This year the day will consist of seven different events, including the 62-mile, 40-mile, 25-mile, 10-mile rides, 1-to-5-mile walk or ride, and a 5-mile and 10-mile …

A proclamation acknowledging the Sikh religion during one of its most significant celebrations was given April 9 by the Township Council. The proclamation, read by Mayor Phil Kramer, was for Vaisakhi, “one of the most religiously significant days in Sikh history, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699,” according to …

The Center for Great Expectations hopes to raise $7,500 over the next month through a fundraiser at Brunswick Square Mall on Route 18 in East Brunswick. Called the “Baby Bottle Brigade” and running from April 13 through May 11, the fundraiser entails shoppers filling up baby bottles with the change they receive after shopping at the mall’s stores. Shoppers can …

Submitted by Youth Leadership Somerset. Youth Leadership Somerset, a leadership development program for Somerset County youth entering grades 9-12, is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 program year, which runs September through May. Classes are held one Saturday per month for approximately four to six hours. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 15. “Youth Leadership Somerset gives youth an opportunity to …

More than three dozen pieces of art and jewelry were up for auction March 31 to benefit a local women’s shelter. The event, “Art With Heart,” was held at Sophie’s Bistro on Hamilton Street. The money raised will benefit Dina’s Dwelling, a project of the Town Clock Community Development Corp. Dina’s Dwelling is comprised of 10-units of long-term housing located …

The inaugural Empty Bowls fundraiser raised at least $19,000 March 10 for the Franklin Food Bank. Participants chose hand-made pottery bowls and then visited a number of food stations  set up by local restaurants, who donated the food. The event was held at the DoubleTree Hotel on Atrium Drive. More than 300 tickets were sold prior to the event, and …

Exhibitions of black culture, calls for continued social justice activism and an appearance by the state’s Lieutenant Governor highlighted the annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 16 at the township Community/Senior Center. Sponsored by the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus, the day also featured a number of speakers, including state Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Mayor Phil Kramer, Somerset County Freeholder …

The Franklin Township Cultural Arts Commission performance gazebo was officially gifted to the township at the Feb. 12 Township Council meeting. The gazebo, located in the municipal complex, next to the township library’s main branch, was the brainchild of Bill Grippo, the MacAfee Road School principal and former township politician known for his fundraising prowess. Grippo partnered with CAC members …