News-pourri

TALKING OLD TIMES – FHS alumni Nicholas Solomon, Daryn Plummer, and Rebekah Solomon share a laugh during the All Class Reunion November 29 at the Delta by Marriott Hotel. The November 29 gathering of a group of Franklin High School alumni from varying years at the Delta by Marriott Hotel on Davidson Avenue was more than just a get-together; there …

Road Work Continues – Milling and paving will be done on New Brunswick Road, between DeMott and Cedar Grove lanes, starting December 2. Road work along part of New Brunswick Road will continue on December 2. The road will be closed between DeMott and Cedar Grove lanes for milling and paving, according to a notice from the Township. A detour …

The annual Winter Clothing Drive run by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen kicks off on December 1. Danielsen is seeking donations of clean hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and socks suitable for children aged 3-16 years. Donations can be dropped off at Danielsen’s legislative office at 334 Elizabeth Avenue. The items will be distributed to children living in the 17th Legislative District …

Councilman Has Ideas – Township Councilman Carl Wright suggested the formation of certain committees at the November 26 Township Council meeting. Township Councilman Carl Wright (D-Ward 4) believes the Township could be more creative in spending the cannabis sales taxes it collects. He also thinks more thought should be given to providing for affordable housing in Franklin. Never one to …

HIS FINAL ADDRESS – Outgoing Director of School Management, Orvyl Wilson, speaks to the RTS students at their annual; Thanksgiving celebration on November 26. More than 50 students enrolled in the school district’s Road to Success program were treated to a Thanksgiving buffet on November 26. The event was held at Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus, where much …

EQUITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE – Daryn Plummer, the school district’s Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion, discusses the four-year District Equity Plan at the November 21 Board of Education meeting. A four-pronged, four-year plan to ensure equity in education for Franklin Township students was unveiled at the November 21 Board of Education meeting. The so-called District Equity Plan “signifies a dedication …

Stage 3 fire restrictions have been lifted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, but authorities urge caution. Drought conditions persist, so safety tips should be followed, according to a press release from Franklin Township. Here are some key fire safety tips to keep in mind: Safe Distance: Always place fire pits at least 10 feet away from any building, tree, …

ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS GIVEN – Schools Superintendent John Ravally told the Board of Education on November 21 that the District expects pre-Kindergarten enrollment to be near 800 students by the 2025-26 school year. The township school district plans to enroll nearly 800 pre-Kindergarten students in the 2025-26 school year, the Board of Education was told at its November 21 meeting. Schools …

A DUTCH TRADITION – The annual Sinterklaas celebration returns to the Meadows Foundation on December 8. (File photo.) The annual Sinterklaas celebration will once again be held this year, but at a new location. The Dutch holiday event is set for 1-3 p.m. December 8 at the Van Liew-Suydam House, 280 South Middlebush Road. Although the event is free, tickets …

AND THEY’RE OFF – Runners take off at the start of the 5th Annual Tom O’Reilly Memorial Turkey Trot in Colonial Park on November 23. More than 200 runners from around the region gathered at Colonial Park on a crisp Autumnal November 23 morning to take part in what has become an annual Fall ritual: The Tom O’Reilly Memorial Turkey …