Community Building

We took our live stream camera out and about the township on Dec. 16. Our first stop was at Tompson Park in Middlebush, across from the Middlebush Reformed Church. There, we met up with members of the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Company, who presented Santa Claus to village families. After that visit, we traveled around Franklin for a tour of the …

Organizers of the effort to raise money for a proposed township gazebo took some time Dec. 14 to thank their donors, including one who got the ball rolling in a big way. It was also announced at the event that the group’s goal is to have the gazebo ready for next year’s July 4th celebration. More than $18,000 in donations …

The Millstone Valley Fire Co. held its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. The tree is located on the triangle at Market Street and Amwell Road, adjacent to the East Millstone First Aid Squad building. Several dozen people gathered at the tree to hear the traditional reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and a prayer prior to the …

The first weekend of December in the township is usually quite busy, holiday-wise, and this one was no exception. Events held on Dec. 2 included the annual Greens and Goodies craft sale, held by the Griggstown Historical Society; the St. Matthias Crafts Sale, and the Second Chance for Animals’ Santa Paws fundraiser. It was all barks and meows at Sampson …

More than 200 people were on hand Nov. 24 to celebrate the inaugural Warrior 4 Life Scholarship Foundation gala at The Imperia on Easton Avenue. The exact number was 240, which represented a sell-out crowd, the organizers said. Nine Franklin students – six high school seniors and three college freshmen – were awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships. Two …

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked Franklin Reporter & Advocate readers what they are most thankful for. Following are some of their responses. Joe Liotine: My family, my friends and my health. Because without any one of those you have nothing. Carol Johnson Callaghan: I’m thankful for living in a diverse, interesting, beautiful town with hardworking families who care …

Tickets are going fast for the inaugural Warrior4Life Scholarship Foundation gala, set for 6-10 p.m.  Nov. 24 at The Imperia on Easton Avenue. The evening will feature music by the Renaissance Jazz Band, with comedian Erin Jackson acting as mistress of ceremonies. The night’s highlight will be the announcement of the first four scholarships awarded by the foundation: The Carl …

Proclamations acknowledging Red Ribbon Week and Husain Day were presented at the Oct. 24 Township Council meeting. Oct. 23-31 was proclaimed Red Ribbon Week at the request of Alice Osipowitz, the township’s recreation director and head of the Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse. Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to raise awareness of teen substance abuse. …

More than $5,300 was raised Oct. 14 for the Franklin Food bank during the seventh annual D&R River Canal Fest. That total included about $1,200 from Franklin High School students who donated the proceeds of their sales of ceramic items. The day featured  food, music on several stages, activities for children and booths for vendors and non-profit organizations. The Franklin …

Part of the Rutgers Plaza parking lot on Easton Avenue was turned into a construction zone Oct. 12, as Habitat for Humanity volunteers started working on a new house. This was the second time that the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity has paired with radio station WMGQ (Magic 98.3) for “The House Built With Magic” program, said Laura Rawlins, the …