News-pourri

State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, (D-12) has been nominated to fill a vacancy on the state Board of Public Utilities by Gov. Chris Christie. Chivukula is a former mayor and Township Councilman. He has served in the state Assembly since 2002, and has been that body’s deputy speaker since 2007.

The replacement of 49 windows at Rutgers Preparatory School and roof repairs for the Stage House Tavern were among the approvals granted Sept. 2 by the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. Peter Richardson, Rutgers Prep’s director of operations, told the commission that more than four dozen windows needed to be replaced.

Fundraisers for several local organizations were held Sept. 14. From noon to 4 p.m., the Franklin Township Food Bank and PBA Local 154 sold hot dogs and other items for $1 each at the Corner Cafe, DeMott Lane and Amwell Road. Also offered for sale was the $2 “PBA Burger.” All proceeds went to those two organizations.

Gov. Chris Christie recently said that it should be left to New Jersey’s towns to decide if smoking should be banned in open spaces, and the Township Council is scheduled to take him up on that. The council is scheduled to consider at its Sept. 23 meeting the introduction of an ordinance that would ban smoking in all public parks.

The annual Sept. 11 remembrance of firefighters and other first responders killed during the 2001 terrorist attacks was held at St. Matthias Church, John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Firefighters and EMS personnel from throughout the township gathered for the annual event. An NJ State Police color guard also attended.

The Township Council will not be presented at its Sept. 9 meeting with a resolution concerning installing a speaker system at Middlebush Park. The resolution was postponed because one council member, Roz Sherman (D-Ward 2), will be absent from the meeting, and because a new proposal for portable speakers has surfaced, said township manager Bob Vornlocker.

Hot dogs for $1 are the featured menu item Sept. 14 during a Hot Dog Sunday fundraiser for the Franklin Township Food Bank and the Township Police PBA Local 154 at the Corner Cafe and Grill, Amwell Road and DeMott Lane. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be offered for $1 each from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mayor Brian Levine thought he wasn’t going to have to do any campaigning for himself until at least next year. He was wrong.

There’s a scene in a 1932 episode of the “Our Gang” comedies – called “Freewheeling” – in which two of the Little Rascals find themselves in a driverless carriage careening down a hill. At one point, one of the characters, Dickie, turns to his pal, Stymie, and says, “Where are we going?” “I don’t know,” Stymie says, “but we’re on …

The third annual “Follow the Middlebush Roads” historic house tours will also include an art show this year. The event is set for 1-5 p.m. Sept. 14 at the three homes: the Hageman House at 209 South Middlebush Rd., the Wyckoff-Garretson Museum at 215 South Middlebush and the Van Liew-Suydam House at 280 South Middlebush.