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  When did this madness begin? According to an undated article by Yale College student Brian Murray, The modern American Christmas light tradition is perhaps the most visible way our culture has dealt with an increasingly technological and impersonal world. Drawing on traditions first brought to the United States by German immigrants in the nineteenth century as well as a …

With four days left until Christmas, Santa Claus made some last-minute appearances in the township on Dec. 21. Pet parents were able to take their furry children to Sampson G. Smith School for “Santa Paws” pictures in a fundraiser that benefited Second Chance for Animals, the organization that funds the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. And kids were given the chance …

Ask Sue Degrassi of Somerset what she looks for in a Christmas tree, and she’s quick to answer. “I like one that’s full,” she said, as she and her husband, Giuliano, picked out a tree in a lot in Rutgers Plaza, Easton Avenue. The lot – operated by former township Mayor and radio host Bruce Williams, is one of two …

Following are the December events scheduled by the Quail Brook Senior Center, 625 New Brunswick Rd. in Somerset. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (732) 563-4213. Bingo Tournament – Every Thursday Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards) Chair Exercises – Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Computer Instruction – Every …

There were some atypical members of the public at the Nov. 26 Township Council meeting; a contingent from Boy Scout Troop 113. The Scouts were on hand to fulfill a scouting Merit Badge requirement. The handful of Scouts were there  to get credit toward their “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge, said Tom Gale, the troop’s merit badge counselor. The …

Organizations within Franklin Township and in the greater Somerset County area offer opportunities for holiday donations. Most immediately, the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset St., Somerset, will hold a food collection on Nov. 24. Non-perishable food items whose “use by” date has not passed can be dropped off in specially labelled bins in the church’s lobby. The …

Adoptee advocates around the country will turn their attention to securing original birth certificates during the 8tha annual National Adoption Day observances on Nov. 23. Advocates are asking supporters with face book accounts to change their profile pictures to a pink graphic with the words, “Got your birth certificate? Adoptees don’t.” Adoption events are taking places in cities around the …

The fourth annual “Project Warm Your Heart” clothing drive for needy children is underway. The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women is seeking donations of new or gently used coats, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Deadline for donations is Dec. 6. Donations may be dropped …

The Franklin Township Food Bank, 60 Millstone Rd., Somerset, is looking for volunteers for the holiday season. Nancy LaCorte of the food bank said that people are needed “to help us direct traffic and help our clients to their cars with our limited number of shopping carts.” The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 …

Members of American Legion Jensen-Scalzone Post 478, Somerset, gathered at the Veterans Memorial Park off DeMott Lane Nov. 11 for their annual Veterans Day commemoration.