Community Building

Fake snowball fights, dodge ball, even a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Claus highlighted the Holiday JAM for Good held December 13 at the Franklin Township Youth Center on Lewis Street. The JAM – an acronym for Jingle and Mingle – is “really about giving back and partnerships,” said Windy White, the Youth Center’s Director. The two main partnerships that …

Holiday celebrations in the township continued on December 8. Early in the day, the St. Matthias School held its annual Christmas Craft Fair at the school. Vendors of various ilks were brought together to offer their wares, while homemade goodies were available for lunch. All proceeds went back to the school. Nicole Pedicini, the fair’s new chairperson, said she made …

The Franklin Township Police Department is collecting new toys and gently used or new clothing for those in need, now through December 14. The items can be dropped off at the FTPD Community Relations Bureau, 935 Hamilton Street, or at police headquarters, 495 DeMott Lane. For more information, call 732-873-5533 x3124.   Stay ‘In the Know,’ subscribe to the Franklin …

One of the biggest fundraisers for the organization that supports the Franklin Township Animal Shelter returned to the Franklin Middle School’s Sampson G. Smith campus on December 7. The Second Chance for Animals’ “Santa Paws” is a chance for pet parents to get their furry or feathered or scaley friends a picture with Santa Claus, suitable for h9oliday card use. …

The annual lighting of the Township holiday tree was held on a very chilly December 6. The event was hosted by Stephen Dahl, the Township’s Parks and Recreation Director. A contingent of Boy Scouts carried in the colors and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Franklin High School Madrigal Singers then presented three selections before the countdown and …

A Town Hall meeting to discuss how the Township will use it’s share of the $1 billion opioid settlement money is set for 7 p.m. December 18 in the Franklin Township Council Chamber, 475 DeMott Lane. Township officials are inviting residents to come and give their opinions on how the money should be used to fight opioid addiction. Special guests …

A free holiday concert featuring the Franklin Township Community Band and the Franklin High School Madrigal Singers is set for 7 p.m. December 13. The concert, sponsored by the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council and the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce, will be held at Franklin Middle School – Sampson G. Smith campus, 1649 Amwell Road. Franklin High School student …

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 …