Community Building

NJ HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF – Laurie Doran, director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, speaks during the Masjid-e-Ali Interfaith Iftar March 22. Representatives of multiple faith traditions gathered at Masjid-e-Ali on Cedar Grove Lane March 22 for the mosque’s annual Intra- and Interfaith Iftar. The event is held during Ramadan, a month-long Muslim observance of fasting and …

A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith said he was “humbled” when notified that the organization was awarded a $1 million grant (File photo.) A $1 million grant to the Franklin Food Bank from a foundation founded by MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos, will be put toward a new, larger facility, …

Some members of the Black Youth Awareness Club performed during the event. Strategies on getting through mental trauma were presented March 16 at the Black Family Wellness Expo held at Franklin High School. The event was sponsored by the high school’s Black Youth Awareness and Voice for Change clubs, in conjunction with the Raritan Valley chapter of The Links, Inc., …

BOWLS A’PLENTY – A variety of bowls were available for attendees as part of the admission price to the fundraiser. Approximately 300 people gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel on Atrium Drive March 10 for the sixth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The attendees were able to sample food from a handful of local restaurants and shop …

A pre-Ramadan celebration was held March 9 at the township library by a local organization whose mission is to “shine a light on Islam in the Franklin Township community through acts of charity and service,” according to its founder. The Quidma organization – Quidma is the Arabic word for “to serve – hosted the event, held in the library’s main …

MAKING THE CASE – Township Manager Robert Vornlocker told the Open Space Advisory Committee on February 20 that the Meadows Foundation needs help in paying some of its bills. The Open Space Committee on February 20 voted to recommend that some of its money be used to help the cash-strapped Meadows Foundation pay some of its bills. The recommendation will …

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, …