Jun. 27, 2008 - Fireworks Tonight

Independendance Day Celebration

4th of July Celebration

Tonight
Friday, June 27
6:00 p.m.

Municipal Complex
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Free Kids Zone with inflatable rides

Annual Clothesline Art Show  

Food vendors

Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Bring Lawn Chairs
For information, call 732-873-1991

Rain date: July 11

Feb. 13, 2008 - You should act now

Upcoming Franklin Township library events

To para-phrase the New York Times'  subscription TV ad..."You should act now", if you don't want to miss out on these local free events!

Thursday, February 14th, 7:00 PM  South Asian Film Festival - The films being shown are Holly Bolly, Cosmopolitan, The Little Terrorist and Whose Children Are These? This is a free program open to all. It starts promptly at 7PM so please arrive early to be sure to get a seat for this limited seating screening. For more information please call the library at 732-873-8700 or visit the NJISACF website.

Nov. 26, 2007 - Book signings in town

Meet NJ authors at the public library

Co-author of 101 Ways to Improve Your Health, Marie Galdi, will appear and sign books tomorrow evening, Tuesday, November 27, at 7:00 PM

The folowing day, Walter Choroszewski, photographer and author of several books about New Jersey, will discuss and sign his latest book Somerset: A Celebration of Communities Wednesday, November 28, at 7:00 PM

To register for these two free programs, stop by the the Franklin Township Reference Desk or call
732-873-8700, ext. 111. The Franklin Townshi Public Library is located at 485 DeMott Lane Somerset, NJ 08873.

Oct. 24, 2007 - Road & Bridge Projects

ROAD PROJECTS

Route 28 Corridor Improvements, Boroughs of Bound Brook and Somerville and Township of Bridgewater. This Project consists of curb and sidewalk replacement along Route 28 at various locations in the towns referenced. Also included will be intersection and traffic signal improvements. At the intersection of Main St. and Division St. in the Borough of Somerville, revisions to the existing traffic signal will require a detour diverting Northbound traffic on Division Street to South Street to South Bridge Street. This detour will take effect on Monday, October 8^th and is expected to remain in place approximately two weeks.

Somerset Street between Mountain Ave, and Summit St. and intersection of Summit / Greenbrook Road, Borough of North Plainfield. Work on this project will begin on or about September 15^th . This work involves the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Somerset Street and Mountain Ave. and replacement of the traffic signal at the intersection of Somerset St. and Summit / Greenbrook Ave. There will also be sidewalk, curb replacement and minor widening between Mountain Ave. and Summit Street. Construction is expected to be completed by mid November. Traffic will be maintained, therefore, delays can be expected.

Davenport Street, Veterans Memorial Drive, South Richards Avenue, Van Doren Avenue, Borough of Somerville. These roads will be receiving a Microsurfacing treatment beginning with Davenport Street on Saturday, October 20^th.. Work is anticipated to be completed by the following Tuesday. Traffic will be detoured block by block as required.

BRIDGE PROJECTS

Finderne Avenue Bridge, Township of Bridgewater/Borough of Manville. Reconstruction of this bridge over the Raritan River linking Finderne Ave. in Bridgewater and Main Street in Manville will begin Tuesday October 24^th. Motorists are advised to expect delays. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2008.

Bridge on Southside Avenue, (at Hamilton Street), Borough of Somerville. Southside Avenue at this location is closed for a bridge replacement and is expected to reopen in December. A detour is posted.

Bridge on Centerville Road (near county line just off township section of Old York Road, Township of Branchburg This bridge isws now open.

Bridge on Talamini Road (near Glenridge Drive), Township of Bridgewater. This bridge has been closed and will be replaced with a new structure. The closure will last for approximately 50 days, and a detour has been posted. Due to the necessity of relocating a waterline it will require this bridge to be closed for approximately 75 days.

Bridge on State Route 22 at Station Road, Township of Branchburg. Traffic along Route 22 will be maintained during construction by building a Temporary Structure in the median. Building this structure will require Station Road to be detoured closing Station Road Friday, September 14^th at 10:00 PM until Saturday, September 15^th at 10:00 AM. Station Road will also be closed during the week of Monday, September 17^th each day from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The detour will direct traffic to Readington Road to College Road and to Easton Turnpike (Route 28). Traffic along Route 22 will be maintained, however, daytime and nighttime lane closures will cause delays, therefore, alternate routes are suggested. Construction is expected to be completed during the summer of 2008.

Bridge on Church Street (Union Avenue Route 28 to West Franklin Street, Borough of Bound Brook. This portion of Church Street will be closed due to bridge repairs beginning Monday, October 15^th between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily. The work is expected to be completed in two weeks.

Bridge on Mountain View Road (east of Pleasant View Road), Township of Hillsborough. Beginning Monday, October 15^th, Mountain View Road between Pleasant View Road and Route 206 will be closed for approximately 60 days for the replacement of a bridge. A detour will be posted.

CSX Railroad Crossing on Belle Mead Blawenburg Road (Co. Rt. 601) at Grandview Road, Township of Montgomery. This railroad crossing is scheduled to be upgraded requiring the road to be closed to thru traffic beginning on or about October 28^th. The work is expected to be complete in one week. A detour will direct traffic along Sunset Road to Route 206 to Dutchtown-Harlingen Road back to Route 601.

Sep. 27, 2007 - Franklin Township walks for a cure

Join the Sisters Network of Central NJ on Oct 6th

October is national breast awareness month.

If you've been about the town, it's likely that you've seen the pink signs. Saturday, October 6, 8:00 a.m.the Sisters Network of Central NJ will launch the 3rd annual Robyn Michelle Collins 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The starting location is the Franklin Township Municipal Area, Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Click the above link to learn more about this local organizatiion.

It's not too late to register for the 2007 walk. The registration fee includes a T-shirt. The SNCNJ is located at: 604 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873. You may phone them at: 732-246-8300 or send e-mail to: sistercentral@aol.com.

Sep. 26, 2007 - What...no beignets?

N' Orleans party at senior center

I'm sorry to report that this event has been cancelled until further notice

Well...I suppose beignets are served only for breakfast. But they taste oh, so good!

Franklin Township seniors can enjoy a "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" party, at the Quailbrook Senior Center at 11 a.m. October 4, 2007. The Blawenburg Dixieland Band will perform. Admission is free.

Lunch will be catered by Merri-Makers Caterers of Edison, including gumbo soup with jambalaya, "dirty" rice, Cajun green beans, salad, French bread and pineapple-apple bread pudding.

If you wish to make a lunch reservation, please contact the senior center by 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 1. A suggested donation of $1.50 is recommended.

For more information, contact Manager Ellen Baxter, Quail Brook Senior Center, at (732) 563-4213.

Sep. 21, 2007 - Yom Kippur

To Friends & Nieghbors,

Sending you warm wishes on Yom Kippur.

Sep. 13, 2007 - Franklin Township Video Tour

Sights of Somerset New Jersey

Aug. 28, 2007 - September news and events around town

Programs at the Library

The Library will be closed from September 1-3, 2007 in observance of Labor Day.  Sunday hours will resume beginning on September 9, 200

Ghosts & the Paranormal

Garrett Husveth, a Forensic Examiner and co-creator of www.hauntednewjersey.org will discuss the theory and science behind modern-day ghost and paranormal research.  Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 7:00 PM.

Relief from Sciatica Workshop

Dr. Mark Strezinski, DC will discuss exercises and new treatments for Sciatica on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Preventing Identity Theft

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 7:00 PM.

To register for these free programs, stop by the Reference Desk or call 732-873-8700, ext. 111.

Saturday Recycling Drop-off Program Sept. 8

Due to the Labor Day holiday weekend, the next drop-off for the ‘First Saturday of the Month’ program will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane.  

As part of the program, the Recycling Center will accept VCRs, TVs, typewriters, radios, stereo equipment, modems, fax machines, cell phones and used computer electronics such as computers, CPUs, monitors, CRTs and printers. Other items that are accepted include CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes and cassette tapes.

The county Recycling Center also accepts tires, scrap metals, used motor oil, anti-freeze, used oil filters, microwave ovens and the usual curbside materials on these drop-off dates.

For more information, call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363.

Quail Brook Senior Center
625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ
(732) 563-4213

Bingo – Every Thursday, 11:00

Chair Exercise – Every Tuesday, 11:00

Country Western Dance Lessons w/Ann Gant – Wednesday, 1:30

Crochet Group – Every Friday

Dominos – Every Wednesday

Healthy Bones - Monday and Thursday, 1:00

Line Dancing - Every Monday at 10:00, and Friday at 9:30

Rummikub – Monday and Thursday

Senior Fitness (Video) – Every Tuesday & Wednesday

September 3 - Holiday - Center Closed

September 11 - Patriot Day – “Remembering September 11”

September 11 - "Mind Your Mind" program overview by Erin Toomey, Health Promotion Coordinator

September 12 - “Mind Your Mind” - 9-week program stimulates and exercises the brain.  Classes will be held two days a week: Tuesday and Wednesday.

September 13 - “Songs of the States” – Performance by the Swinging Singing Seniors of Franklin Township

September 18 - “Nocturnal Animals” presentation by Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Naturalist.

September 21 – “Super Foods for Optimal Health “- by Nancy Rosa-Mejias, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Aug. 28, 2007 - Road & Bridge Projects

ROAD PROJECTS

Route 28 Corridor Improvements, Boroughs of Bound Brook and Somerville and Township of Bridgewater. This Project consists of curb and sidewalk replacement along Route 28 at various locations in the towns referenced. Also included will be intersection and traffic signal improvements. At the intersection of Main St. and Division St. in the Borough of Somerville a detour will divert Northbound traffic on Division Street to South Street to South Bridge Street in order to relocate a gas line. This work is scheduled to begin on or about Sept. 5^th and is expected to take only a day or two. No other lane closures are anticipated. This schedule has been revised since the gas company is unable to relocated their gas line at this time. Work at this intersection will be postponed until further notice.

Somerset Street between Mountain Ave, and Summit St. and intersection of Summit / Greenbrook Road, Borough of North Plainfield. Work on this project will begin on or about September 15^th . This work involves the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Somerset Street and Mountain Ave. and replacement of the traffic signal at the intersection of Somerset St. and Summit / Greenbrook Ave. There will also be sidewalk, curb replacement and minor widening between Mountain Ave. and Summit Street. Construction is expected to be completed by mid November. Traffic will be maintained, therefore, delays can be expected.

BRIDGE PROJECTS

Finderne Avenue Bridge, Township of Bridgewater/Borough of Manville. Reconstruction of this bridge over the Raritan River linking Finderne Ave. in Bridgewater and Main Street in Manville will begin Tuesday October 24^th. Motorists are advised to expect delays. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2008.

Bridge over Interstate 287 on Garretson Road/ Woodland Ave. Township of Bridgewater. This bridge had been scheduled to open by Labor Day, however, due to weather conditions it will not reopen until on or about Friday, September 7^th. The bridge will be open to one lane of traffic to allow passage of school busses for the opening of Bridgewater schools on Wednesday, September 5^th. It has been noted that the bridge will open only between the hours of 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for school traffic, otherwise the road will remain closed until Friday evening.

Bridge on Burnt Mill Road (over the Lamington River) County Route 614, Township of Branchburg. Burnt Mill Road will remain closed until on or about September 31^st. A detour is posted.

Bridge on Morton Street (off of East Main Street), Township of Bridgewater. Bridge is now open.

Bridge on Southside Avenue, (at Hamilton Street), Borough of Somerville. Southside Avenue at this location is closed for a bridge replacement and is expected to reopen in December. A detour is posted.

Bridge on Centerville Road (near county line just off township section of Old York Road, Township of Branchburg. On Monday, August 13^th this bridge will be closing for replacement. The bridge is expected to reopen in approximately 60 days. A detour will be posted.

Bridge on State Route 22 at Station Road, Township of Branchburg. A new traffic pattern will be in place for the reconstruction of this bridge beginning Friday, September 9^th. Traffic along Route 22 will be maintained on a Temporary Structure constructed in the Median. Construction of this Temporary Structure will begin on Friday, September 7, at 10:00 PM, thru Monday, September 10, 500 AM. This will cause Station Road to be closed and traffic detoured to Readington Road and along College Road to Easton Turnpike (Route 28). This detour will also be required during other phases of construction. Also during construction there will be daytime and nighttime lane closures required for Route 22 traffic which will cause delays, therefore, alternate routes are suggested. The project is expected to be completed during the summer of 2008.

Jun. 16, 2007 - Clotheslines and Exhibitions

Artwork Inspired by Franklin Township

Franklin Township's second annual Clothesline Exhibition will be held July 3 before the fireworks show, with a rain date of July 6. Interested artists must submit an entry form by June 26. There is no fee for exhibiting and no sale of work is permitted the night of the show, but a number of cash prizes will be awarded.

The Artists can enter a maximum of six matted pieces, no framed works. The exhibition directors will supply the clothespins and lines for hanging the works. The event will have the theme, "Pictures at an Exhibition -- Works Inspired by Franklin Township New Jersey." Setup starts at 5 p.m., and all work must be removed by 8 p.m.

No entry fee—just join in the fun and celebration

May. 29, 2007 - Have you been to the library lately?

What's happening at the Franklin Township public library

• Did you know that the public library removed the nominal charge for all videos?  They are now free to check out for video club members.
• If you suffer from sciatica, leg pain, pain in the middle of your butt, or other aches that keep you from doing what you love; then come join featured speaker, Dr. Mark Strzeminski, DC, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. June 5 at the Franklin Township Public Library, 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset.   It is a free program but pre-registration is required.
• Learn from experts how to buy, sell and ship stuff on eBay during two 1 1/2 hour sessions on Wednesday, 12:30 PM or 7:30 PM, June 20, 2007.  
• Thursday afternoons 1:30 PM-3:00 PM through June 21, 2007 the library is co-sponsoring an English conversation group with the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County. The free progam allows new English speakers the opportunity to practice conversational language skills in a group setting. 

For additional information about these programs and more, please stop by the Reference Desk or call (732) 873-8700, Ext. 111. The Franklin Township Public Library is located at 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, in the Franklin Township Municipal Complex. Visit the library on-line at http://www.franklintwp.org  

To get a library card you need to present a valid Driver's License with a Franklin Township address or another form of identification and one of the following: ownership deed or lease with Franklin Township address on it, PSE&G bill, telephone bill or another bill with current Franklin Township address.  A library card is available free of charge to anyone who lives or owns property in Franklin Township*, works for the municipal government, or owns a business** in Franklin Township. Children may get a library card at any age. A parent's or guardian's signature is required.

May. 8, 2007 - Free Skin Cancer Screening

Call the Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Group

The Department of Dermatology at the Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Group will hold a free skin cancer screening for the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 12. Regular screenings are essential because skin cancer, the most common form of cancer, has a 95 percent cure rate, if detected early. Screenings will include a visual inspection of the patient's entire body, in addition to questions regarding family history and sun exposure and protection. Patients also will be provided educational materials about skin cancer, self-examinations and sun safety.

The screenings will take place at 1 World's Fair Dr., Suite 2400, Somerset. The screening is free, however registration is required by calling (732) 235-5782.

Apr. 18, 2007 - Road Closings

Somerset County Flooded Roads

The following county roads and bridges are closed as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, due to flooding:

Millstone River Road - between Hillsborough and Montgomery

Main Street - Manville

Main Street - Bound Brook

River Road - Montgomery

Griggstown Causeway - Franklin/Montgomery

Blackwells Mills Causeway - Franklin/Hillsborough

Queen's Bridge - Bound Brook/South Bound Brook

Please note: This list is subject to change.

Apr. 2, 2007 - Why is this night different from all other nights?

Happy Passover

To my Friends and Neighbors

of Jewish Faith 

Apr. 1, 2007 - Central Jersey Fund Raiser

Men Who Cook Scholarship

The ninth-annual Men Who Cook Scholarship Fundraiser will be conducted 4 p.m. April 29 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 135 Davidson Ave., in the Somerset section of Franklin.

The event will feature 100 volunteer chefs who will showcase their dishes as more than 500 supporters and spectators watch them cook. Some of the chefs include “Mr. Tod” of Mr. Tod's Pie Factory in Somerset, Plainfield City Councilman Harold Gibson and other civic and community leaders.

A vote on the "top chef" will follow, along with raffles.

The event is being sponsored by the Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority along with the CJA Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing charitable, educational and cultural assistance toward the betterment of communities throughout Central Jersey.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, with proceeds going toward the Minerva Scholars Program, which provides financial assistance to nine college-bound high-school seniors.

For more information, call (908) 756-0727 (choose option 2) or e-mail fundraising@cja-deltas.org.

Mar. 21, 2007 - April is Housing Month in Somerset County

Proclaimed for the 15th consecutive year

The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders will proclaim April as Housing Month for the 15^th consecutive year at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 3.  April also will mark the 39^th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which seeks to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to affirmatively further fair housing choices.

The objective of Somerset County Housing Month is to increase awareness of affordable housing issues, highlight solutions for addressing unmet housing needs and profile successful housing programs and activities.

“Housing Month is intended to emphasize the need for affordable housing in Somerset County and to strengthen and revitalize neighborhoods.  We also want to educate families about housing options and programs that are currently available to meet their needs,” said Freeholder Director Robert Zaborowski. 

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our municipalities, non-profit housing organizations and private sector participants in expanding affordable housing options throughout the county over the years.  These entities have established strong partnerships, as attested to by SCCOAH’s diverse and successful Board, which is so very necessary to successfully accomplishing this goal,” Freeholder Director Zaborowski added. 

Mar. 21, 2007 - Drop the spare tire

County residents can dispose of used tires free of charge

Get a jump on spring cleaning.  The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management is partnering with the South Bound Brook Department of Public Works to collect used tires, with or without rims. 

Residents will be able to drop off used tires at the Robert Morris School, located at 122 Elizabeth St.  Tires will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, through Friday, April 13.

“It is important to properly dispose of tires,” said Freeholder Rick Fontana, solid waste management liaison.  “By taking advantage of this free service, residents will be removing unwanted items from their property that have the potential to collect standing water and attract mosquitoes, which may carry the West Nile virus.”

There is no charge to county residents, although there is a limit of eight tires per household. The drop-off program is funded through a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Tires also may be dropped off at the county Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater, as part of the First Saturday of the Month drop-off program.  The next First Saturday of the Month Drop-off will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th due to holiday.

For more information, contact county Recycling Coordinator Stacy Grillo at (908) 231-7109 or solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us.

Mar. 6, 2007 - Local Crafts Festival

Warm up and take in the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

The festival will feature a gathering of 300 artists with all types of items for sale, plus entertainment, artists’ booths, demonstrations and a lot more.  The show offers limited or one-of-a-kind items.There are live craft demonstrations and lots of interaction. You can even see how some of these artists create their work.

“There are so many arts and crafts festivals in the area, but one of the differences between Sugarloaf and all the others is it has more of upscale, contemporary lean,” said Deann Verdier, president and founder of Sugarloaf Mountain Works.   You are not going to see it everywhere, so that makes it special,” she said. “We also have a nice balance of returning artists and new artists.”

Other entertainment includes live music, with pianist Bob Geresti and a musical duo. There will also be specialty foods, such as jams, jellies, candies, cakes, breads, soups and more.

Discount admission coupons for the Sugarloaf craft show must be presented individualy (cut out) to be valid. For more craft coupons visit www.SugarloafCrafts.com or call 800-210-9900 Garden StateExhibit Center, Somerset, NJ Mar. 9, 10, 11, 2007 300 Craft Designers & Fine Artists • Craft Demonstrations • Delicious Food • All Indoors Adult Admission $7.00  Good All 3 Days! Children Under 12 FREE Parking FREE Hours: Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-5 Directions: Take either the Garden State Parkway to I-287 N (Exit 127 northbound, Exit 129 southbound), or take the NJ Turnpike to I-287 N (Exit 10-Metuchen/ Edison). From I-287 N, take Exit 10 onto Easton Ave (Rt 527 N) toward South Bound Brook (keep right on exit ramp). Turn left onto Davidson Ave. Continue on Davidson for 1/2 mile. Turn left on Atrium Dr. Center is on the left.

Feb. 23, 2007 - Road and Bridge Projects

South Middlebush Detour Starts March 5th

Road Construction on South Middlebush Road between Blackwells Mills Road and Bennetts Lane will begin on Monday, March 5th  It will continue for up to 50 days. The road will be closed in both directions for the entire period.

Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes, or they will be detoured:

For South Middlebush Road Northbound - Left on South Middlebush Road, right on Van Cleef Road right on Amwell Road.

For South Middlebush Road Southbound - Amwell Road left on Van Cleef Road, left on Blackwells Mills Road, right on South Mddlebush Road.

For a map of the area click Here
  
The Police Department recognizes that this closure will be an inconvenience.  Residents and motorists with questions should contact Somerset County Engineering at 908-231-7024.