Community Building

The two winning designs in the Venus Jewelers Mother’s Day design contest. (Photo: Venus Jewelers). A 9-year-old township girl was one of two winners in a Mother’s Day jewelry design contest sponsored by a local jeweler. The contest, run by Venus Jewelers in the Rutgers Plaza on Easton Avenue, was held on Facebook, where viewers were invited to vote for …

The Razi Foundation has donated 4,000 KN95 masks earmarked for local hospitals and first responders. (Photo: Razi Foundation). The Franklin Township Interfaith Council has launched a fundraising campaign to help purchase Personal Protective Equipment for local hospitals, other health care facilities and first responders. Alex Kharazi, the Council’s president, said that more than 4,000 KN95 masks have been donated by …

Franklin Township Animal Control Officer Katie Nordhaus and Franklin GOP Club member Rob Kash with the donation Kash made to the animal shelter on behalf of the club. (Photo: FTGOP). Submitted by the Franklin Township Republican Club. The Franklin Township Animal Shelter on DeMott Lane in Somerset is a little quieter during the COVID-19 crisis. That does not mean, however, …

State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen has cancelled his planned Job Fair due to coronavirus concerns. “Today my office is forced to make a difficult decision of cancelling my 2020 Job Fair” Danielsen wrote in a statement. “While this event has provided many individuals to improve their quality of life by seeking new employment opportunities, the current state of affairs with the …

Jersey Cyclone co-owner Jan Chwiedosiuk collects freshly poured cans of Resilience beer in preparation for the February 28 fundraiser. With their backgrounds in two fire services, the owners of Jersey Cyclone brewery on Worlds Fair Drive didn’t have to think twice when they heard of a fundraiser to aid victims of last year’s Australian brush fires. Jan Chwiedosiuk and Brian …

Anita and Obiora Okagbue outside their new home. (Photo: Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity.) Submitted by Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity. On a crisp, sunny Saturday morning – the day after Valentine’s Day – a large group gathered on the front lawn of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 53rd home, to celebrate and congratulate their newest partner-homeowner family, the Okagbues.

The Somerset County Democratic Committee Black Caucus (SCDCBC) will be hosting its Fifth Annual Scholarship Luncheon Fundraiser in honor of future political leaders from 2-6 p.m. March 7 at the Bridgewater Manor, 1251 Rout 206, Bridgewater. Tickets for the event are $65.

Felix and Nucky, left to right, at their “wedding” on Valentine’s Day. It’s not too often you hear a wedding officiant end a ceremony by telling the happy couple that, “you may now sniff each other,” but that’s just what Mayor Phil Kramer found himself doing on Valentine’s Day. Kramer ended his day of conducting weddings at the Municipal Complex …

Tickets are on sale now for the second annual Empty Bowls fundraising event to benefit the Franklin Food Bank. (File photo.) Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Empty Bowls event, set for March 22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 200 Atrium Drive in Somerset. Empty Bowls is a community effort to raise both money and awareness …

Rider registration and event sponsorships are now being accepted for the 2020 Franklin Food Bank Tour de Franklin. (Photo: Franklin Food Bank.) Submitted by the Franklin Food Bank. The Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride will be held this year on Sunday April 26, at Franklin High School.