General News

Township crafters and artists have until noon on November 19 to submit their applications for the 47th Annual Festival of Trees to showcase their tree-decorating artistry at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. More than 40 trees featuring themes chosen by the decorators will fill the EEC’s large open rooms as local musicians play visitors through the exhibition. The …

READY TO WIN – Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290’s hall was packed on November 15 for the fourth annual Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary Tricky Tray fundraiser. More than 300 people on November 15 made the annual pilgrimage to the Manville VFW hall for the annual tricky tray fundraiser held by the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. …

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Chaplain Lt. Col. Gregory D. Jans speaks during the annual Veterans’ Day observance in the Township Council chamber on November 11. The plight of military veterans dealing with service-related issues was one of the topics touched on at the annual Township Veterans’ Day observance on November 11. Several dozen people gathered in the Township Council chamber for …

Somerset County and The Food Bank Network of Somerset County are partnering to host an emergency food distribution event to support Somerset County residents that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  The event will take place at the Somerset County Public Works Complex at 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 15. This free, drive-through …

More than three dozen crafters and makers will showcase their wares at the annual Holiday Craft Market, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 22 at the Franklin Township Community/Senior Center in the Municipal Complex. The event is sponsored by the Township Department of Parks and Recreation. This free event is open to the public and will feature 38 …

The Franklin Food Bank is one of 14 local feeding organizations receiving a total of $1 million in grants from West Orange-based RWJ Barnabas Health. The grants are meant to help organizations serving vulnerable communities across the state, according to a press release. “As both an anchor institution and a partner in our communities, we recognize that food and health …

The Somerset County Board of Commissioners is reminding residents that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits may not be available on Nov. 1 due to the federal governmental shutdown. The state has been notified by the federal government that if the shutdown continues, funding for November SNAP benefits will be delayed, according to the County statement. SNAP benefits that were loaded …

UNDER CONSIDERATION – The Eagle HD Portable Bariatric Power Wheelchair is one of three mobility devices under consideration for purchase by the County Parks Commission. The Somerset County Park Commission is looking for the public’s input on the planned purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device. The device would be used to help visitors enjoy trails and other …

SQUAD LEADERSHIP – East Millstone First Aid Squad Deputy Chief Christine Van Deursen and President Marylyn Kampo (left to right) at the Jeni Fund fundraiser on October 25. More than $7,000 was raised for two organizations – including the East Millstone First Aid Squad – at a fundraiser held at Twenty/20 Taphouse on Cedar Grove Lane on October 25. The …

A variety of items is being collected now through December 13 under the “Help Our Troops” collection drive. Items such as canned meals, feminine hygiene products, pain relievers in tablet form, and powdered electrolyte packs are sought. Click here for the general needs list. Contributions will be accepted at the Township Senior/Community Center and the main branch of the Franklin …