Community Building

The annual East Millstone Tree Lighting was held on a very chilly December 1 evening. More than 50 people showed up to witness the lighting and the rest of the traditional ceremony, which was emceed by MVFD Deputy Chief DJ Coppola. Here’s the tree lighting: The poem, “The Night Before Christmas” was read by members of the East Millstone First …

EQUITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE – Daryn Plummer, the school district’s Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion, discusses the four-year District Equity Plan at the November 21 Board of Education meeting. A four-pronged, four-year plan to ensure equity in education for Franklin Township students was unveiled at the November 21 Board of Education meeting. The so-called District Equity Plan “signifies a dedication …

A DUTCH TRADITION – The annual Sinterklaas celebration returns to the Meadows Foundation on December 8. (File photo.) The annual Sinterklaas celebration will once again be held this year, but at a new location. The Dutch holiday event is set for 1-3 p.m. December 8 at the Van Liew-Suydam House, 280 South Middlebush Road. Although the event is free, tickets …

AND THEY’RE OFF – Runners take off at the start of the 5th Annual Tom O’Reilly Memorial Turkey Trot in Colonial Park on November 23. More than 200 runners from around the region gathered at Colonial Park on a crisp Autumnal November 23 morning to take part in what has become an annual Fall ritual: The Tom O’Reilly Memorial Turkey …

The Colonial Park park ranger station on Mettlers Road is among the many locations where residents can drop off donations for the 2024 Toys for Tots campaign. This year, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Somerset County Park Commission to collect donations. The deadline for donating at all Somerset County Park locations is December 7. “The Somerset …

TRICKY TRAY RETURNS – More than 300 people gathered at the Manville VFW Post 2290 on November 16 for the return of the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary’s Tricky Tray fundraiser. After a 5-year hiatus, the crowds returned to the renewed Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary’s Tricky Tray fundraiser on November 16. Held at Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW …

HOLIDAY CRAFTING – Former Township Recreation Director Alice Osipowitz was one of the many crafters offering holiday items for sale at the Township’s Holiday Craft Market on November 16. A steady stream of holiday shoppers filled the Franklin Township Senior and Community Center November 16 for the Township’s first Holiday Craft Market. Spurred by the success of prior craft markets …

The Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary has set their annual Tricky Tray fundraiser for November 16 at the Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290, 600 Washington Avenue, Manville. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the prize drawing starting at 6:45 p.m. This year’s Tricky Tray features more than 300 prizes. Tickets are limited, so attendees are encouraged to …

Unique handmade goods from more than 30 local crafters and makers will be offered for sale at the Township’s inaugural Holiday Craft Market, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 16 at the Franklin Township Community/Senior Center, 505 DeMott Lane. This free event is open to the public. The Holiday Craft Market will offer a wide variety of items, …

The Township held its annual Veterans’ Day observance on November 11 in the Township Council Chamber and the Veterans’ Memorial Park, on DeMott Lane. Coordinated by resident Bob LaCorte, the event was hosted by Lt. Steve Gillooly of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. There was also a special presentation of a flag flown over Ft. Dix – through the …