Community Building

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.

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.

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 …

Part of the Stop & Shop parking lot on Easton Avenue will become a construction area for a new Habitat for Humanity home. The “House Built With Magic” event will run from about 8 a.m. Oct. 12 through 3 p.m. Oct. 13. It is sponsored by Stop & Shop, Magic 98.3 and WCTC to benefit the Habitat for Humanity Raritan …

About 300 people ran and walked Oct. 7 to raise money for a township organization that helps women suffering from breast cancer. The 12th annual Sisters Network of Central New Jersey’s Breast Cancer Awareness Race/Walk 4Life, held in Colonial Park, featured a timed 5K race and a 1-mile walk challenge.

An estimated 20,000 people made their way to Colonial Park Sept. 23 for the fourth annual Franklin Day Festival in Colonial Park. Festival-goers were treated to a variety of events, from musical acts, to cultural performances, games, activities, a classic car show and, of course, food.

A variety of events await visitors to the fourth annual Franklin Day Festival, set for noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Last ear’s event, held in Colonial Park, drew more than 10,000 visitors, and organizers say they expect more this year.

More than 200 cyclists – a new record – showed up Sept. 16 for the annual RCDCU Ride Against Prostate Cancer. The ride, sponsored by Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer United, began and ended at Franklin Middle School.

Township Councilwoman Shanel Robinson (D-At Large) is among a group of area community leaders spearheading an effort to gather items needed by survivors of Hurricane Henry in Texas. Robinson is joined on the Somerset-Middlesex county steering committee by New Brunswick City Council President Glen Fleming, community advocate Tormel Pittman and philanthropist Ashton Burrell of Highland Park.

Township officials, faith leaders, first responders and others on Sept. 12 honored the six township residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. The Franklin Township Police Department’s Honor Guard and members of St. Matthias Cub Scout Pack 195 led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcoming remarks were given by Township Councilman …