News-pourri

A HELPING HAND – Attending the presentation of ceremonial checks were (Left to Right) Lois Bennett of Feeding Hands, Somerset Patriots President/GM Patrick McVerry, Maria Franzoso of My Neighbors Pantry at Zaraphath Church, Somerset Patriots Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer, County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, Somerset Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer, Paula Simpkins of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, and Derek Smith …

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.

CONTEST WINNERS – Winners of the “Inspirational Women” essay contest were recently honored at a Somerset County Board of Commissioners meeting. Shown left to right are: Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy; Somerset County Commission on Status of Women, Chair Karen Thomas, granddaughter Samora Williams and Vice Chair Liz Graner; Essay contest winners Molly Hunziker, 7th Grade, Bernardsville Middle School; Aditya …

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dr. Francine Conway, Chancellor of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, speaks at the annual Community Breakfast. Transformation through psychological health was the keynote theme of the 26th Dr. Martin Luther King Community Foundation’s annual community breakfast at the DoubleTree Hotel on January 15. That theme, tied to the teachings of Dr. King, was delivered by the event’s …

WHIRLING DERVISH – A Sufi whirling dancer performs during the inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration at the Senior/Community Center. The inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration in the township – called Noor Night – attracted hundreds of people to the Senior/Community Center in the Municipal Complex on January 14. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in …

GEARING UP – Riders get ready to embark on the 34th annual Tour de Franklin charity ride in April, 2023. (File Photo.) The 35th Annual Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride benefiting the Franklin Food Bank is set for April 28 at the Franklin High School. The Tour de Franklin is the Franklin Food Bank’s largest annual fundraising event and …

INSISTED ON REALIGNMENT – Planning Board member Robert Thomas told Jain Center representatives that they agreed to move their driveway alignment years ago, but had yet to do it. Representatives of a township temple were once again unsuccessful January 3 in getting Planning Board approvals for a decorative archway planned for the temple’s driveway on Cedar Grove Lane. The difficulty …

NEW BOARD PRESIDENT – Ardaman Singh reacts after she was voted in as school board president at the Board’s January 4 reorganization meeting. Board of Education members Ardaman Singh and Sami Shaban were chosen by their colleagues as Board president and vice-president, respectively, at the January 4 reorganization meeting. Also at the meeting, Board newcomers Erica Inocencio and Jimmie Parker …

TAKING THE OATH – Mayor Phil Kramer takes the Oath of Office while his wife, Laurie, looks on. Councilmember Ed Potosnak was voted in as Deputy Mayor at the January 2 Township Council reorganization meeting. Also at the meeting, re-elected At-Large Councilmembers Kimberly Francois and Ram Anbarasan and newcomer Alex Kharazi and Mayor Phil Kramer were sworn in.

MAN OF THE YEAR – Derek Smith took over the reins of the Franklin Food Bank in mid-2022. “Public servant” is usually a moniker reserved for elected officials. But a person doesn’t necessarily have to win an election to serve the public, as exemplified by the Franklin Food Bank’s Executive Director, Derek Smith, who the Franklin Reporter & Advocate is …