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Santa Claus once again made an early appearance in Middlebush on Dec. 17, but unlike past years, this time it was indoors. The annual Santa in the Park, hosted by the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department, had to be moved inside the  company’s Olcott Street fire house because of the slushy remnants of an early morning snowfall. That didn’t cange anything, …

The Franklin Food Bank was a beneficiary of the success of this year’s Franklin Day festival. And, according to Township Councilwoman Roz Sherman (D-Ward 2), there will be more to come. Sherman, the creator of the yearly festival, presented a $2,500 check to food bank executive director Frank Hasner at the Dec. 13 Township Council meeting. The money was part …

Take a drive around the eight villages at night this time of year, and you’re going to see a variety of levels of homes decorated for Christmas. We recently toured a bit of Somerset and took some snapshots of what we thought were the most interesting displays, and we present them to you. We invite you to send in your …

The Blackwells Mills Canal House held its annual holiday party Dec. 9. In addition to a warm fire, cookies and an assortment of beverages, the day offered attendees the chance to sing some modern and traditional Christmas carols. We were there for a couple of them.      

The township’s Dutch heritage was celebrated Dec. 4 with the annual holiday observance at the Hageman House and barn on South Middlebush Road. The Van Wickle Klompen Dancers taught attendees some of their clog-dancing moves, in addition to performing several dances, and the Franklin High School Madrigal Singers performed period Christmas songs. There was also an arts and crafts table, …

  The 2016 holiday season was formally kicked off Dec. 2 with the annual township tree lighting at the municipal complex on DeMott Lane. Following the tree lighting, attendees were led by members of Boy Scout Troop 154 and drummer Sneh Patel to the Community/Senior Center for hot cocoa and apple cider, cookies and entertainment. Those taking the stage included …

  Organizers of the inaugural “Designer Bag Bingo” held at Franklin High School Dec. 2 by the Sisters Network of Central New Jersey proclaimed the event a success. “Everybody is having a lot of fun,” said the Network’s Linda Darby. “It’s a good night for a good cause,” said chapter president Dorothy Reed. The Sisters Network of Central New Jersey …

Mr. and Mrs. S. Claus made their annual trip to the Franklin Township Animal Shelter on Nov. 26. The occasion was the annual open house, run by Second Chance for Animals, the organization that funds the animal shelter. Bob Pezzato, SCFA’s president, said the event was a success. Three animals – a dog, a cat and a rabbit – adopted, …

Girl Scouts from two township-based troops recently volunteered their time to rake the yard of an elderly township couple. In conjunction with the Somerset County Office of Volunteering, scouts from 60167 Juniors and Cadette Troop 60777 spent about an hour raking the yard, said Fran Breunig, co-leader of Troop 60777. “Our troop does all types of community service that helps …

625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 563-4213 Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All programs begin at 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise listed. Body & Brain Yoga with Lucy Pagnetti – Monday, 10:30 a.m. Body and Brain Yoga is a dynamic mind-body practice that combines stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation in a simple …