News-pourri

The woman who hopes to replace U.S. Rep. Rush Holt in Congress paid a visit Aug. 16 to the township Democratic organization. State Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, (D-Mercer) stopped by the Franklin Democrats’ annual picnic in Colonial Park.

Here’s a little bit of trivia for ya: From 1972 to 1975, the township was home to the Big Man and his family. The Big Man being, of course, Clarence Clemons, long-time saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

An incumbent and an unsuccessful candidate in last year’s Board of Education election are joined by four others in seeking the three open board seats this November. An additional two candidates are seeking a 1-year unexpired term.

Applications for a home addition, a new “bubble” for a township soccer center and a new home were approved at the July 17 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. Amwell Road resident Daniel Cook told the board that he needed to enlarge his home. The plan is to build a master bedroom suite, enlarge the kitchen and build a 0ne-car garage.

The Somerset Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. No. 1 and Fusion on Ice won Planning Board approval July 16 for expansion projects. The fire company won approval to build a new pole barn behind its fire house to make room for a new truck, and Fusion on Ice won approval to expand its Worlds Fair Drive building to build a …

Patrick Colligan, a 23-year veteran of the township police department, was installed July 15 as the president of the state Policemen’s Benevolent Association. The ceremony took place at The Pines in Edison.

In what will probably be his last town hall meeting as a U.S. Congressman, Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) spoke to township residents July 12 about topics ranging from infrastructure to immigration to the Affordable Health Care Act. Holt, who is not seeking re-election in November after eight terms in the House, told the more than 150 residents in attendance that …

It was a week late, but residents came out anyway on July 11 to celebrate Independence Day with music, food, games and, of course, fireworks. The event was held in the municipal complex off DeMott Lane. Along with the vendors, various township organizations set up tables and distributed literature and give-aways.

It was delayed by a few hours, but the 79th annual Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department July 4 parade went off without a hitch. The parade route started at the firehouse on Olcott Street, wound around Railroad Avenue and up South Middlebush Road to Amwell Road, where a left turn brought it back to Olcott.

A former teacher of autistic and emotionally disturbed children has been named the interim Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the school district. Terrance R. Brennan will start the position on July 14, according to a release from the district. He was named to the position at the June 26 Board of Education meeting.