Community Building

Nearly 170 boxes of food were donated by Stop & Shop in Rutgers Plaza to the Franklin Food Bank Dec. 22, courtesy of the store’s customers. The food was donated through Stop & Shop’s “Food for Friends” program, through which customers donated $10 for each box, which was in turn donated to the food bank.

The Franklin Reporter & Advocate hit the streets again on Dec. 20 to live stream the final installment of our 2017 Holiday Homes of Light Tour. We hope you enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.

The East Franklin Fire Department is looking to the public to help one of their own. Fire fighter Jhon Lopez, a Highland Avenue resident, lost all of the tools he uses in his contracting business during a Dec. 12 fire at his home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked Franklin Reporter & Advocate readers what they are most thankful for. Following are some of their responses.

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.