Community Building

GIVING THANKS – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith thanks those in attendance at the inaugural “Love They Neighbor” fundraiser, sponsored by The Marigold catering hall. The Marigold catering hall was the scene February 13 of a special fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The “Love They Neighbor” event was sponsored by the catering hall itself, and probably won’t …

On January 27th, 2024, the LEO Multiple District 16 State Cabinet hosted a successful series of professional development workshops with 55+ students representing over 50 clubs in the state at Sayreville War Memorial High School. The LEO Leadership Conference (LLC) was an eight-hour event where cabinet members facilitatedworkshop trainings and discussion sessions around leadership development, volunteerism, publicspeaking, and service hour …

THE MAYOR SPEAKS – Newark Mayor Ras Baraka speaks during the Somerset County Democratic Committee’s Black Caucus’ celebration of Black History Month on February 3. Speaking to a cheering audience in the Township Senior/Community Center, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on February 3 delivered a fiery speech honoring “champions of justice” in the African-American community and extolling those in attendance to …

Franklin Township Police remind the public to report any suspicious activity to authorities. The reminder comes in the wake of a number of suspicious incidents in various part of the township. Keeping all exterior lights on at night, reporting street light outages and notifying neighbors or police if you will be away from home for a while are all recommended, …

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dr. Francine Conway, Chancellor of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, speaks at the annual Community Breakfast. Transformation through psychological health was the keynote theme of the 26th Dr. Martin Luther King Community Foundation’s annual community breakfast at the DoubleTree Hotel on January 15. That theme, tied to the teachings of Dr. King, was delivered by the event’s …

WHIRLING DERVISH – A Sufi whirling dancer performs during the inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration at the Senior/Community Center. The inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration in the township – called Noor Night – attracted hundreds of people to the Senior/Community Center in the Municipal Complex on January 14. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in …

GEARING UP – Riders get ready to embark on the 34th annual Tour de Franklin charity ride in April, 2023. (File Photo.) The 35th Annual Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride benefiting the Franklin Food Bank is set for April 28 at the Franklin High School. The Tour de Franklin is the Franklin Food Bank’s largest annual fundraising event and …

MAN OF THE YEAR – Derek Smith took over the reins of the Franklin Food Bank in mid-2022. “Public servant” is usually a moniker reserved for elected officials. But a person doesn’t necessarily have to win an election to serve the public, as exemplified by the Franklin Food Bank’s Executive Director, Derek Smith, who the Franklin Reporter & Advocate is …

GROUP HONORED – Warrior For Life co-founder Adrian Plummer speaks to the Board of Education at the December 21 meeting. The co-founders of the Warrior For Life Scholarship Foundation were honored at the Board of Education’s last 2023 meeting. The group, whose founding in 2017 was led by four Franklin residents – Nicholas and Rebekah Solomon and Daryn and Adrian …

Wishing our readers, advertisers and friends the Happiest of Christmases. May the day be filled with meaning and joy!