Youth Center

Name: National Civics Day Hometown Edition
Start: 2022-10-22T14:00+00:00
End: 2022-10-22T15:30+00:00
Location: Youth Center

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Operating under the umbrella of the Recreation Department, the Franklin Township Youth Center addresses youth needs through programming and partnership with youth service organizations.

429 Lewis Street, Somerset

Monday - Friday 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM

732-873-7292

Mission Statement:

The Franklin Township Community Youth Center will evolve from the youth and the overall community, serve the needs of the youth, and empower them to achieve greatness while making Franklin Township a better place to live.

Core Values

Safe – safe physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Design to allow for excellent building flow and supervision in a way that is not intrusive.

Pride– take care of the place and the place will take care of you. Materials that are durable but still beautiful. There will be trust that our youth will take pride in the facility and take care of it.

Cool – vibrant place to be to have fun and learn. The best things to do happen at the Youth Center. Spaces a flexible in size and configuration to allow for various types of activities.

Special – the design will reflect that this is a special place that will express the special things going on inside. People will look at the building and know that they are welcome to go inside, and it will be fun (even if they learn something.)

Respect – since the project will grow out of the community, it will be the community’s job to make sure the facility is maintained and respected which will reflect the respect earned by the youth inside.

Learning – have various spaces to learn a lot of things, large and small, that help catapult youth towards bigger dreams.

Achievable – this project has taken a long time to happen. Make the right decisions so we make sure it happens now.

National Civics Day Hometown Edition

Date: 10/22/2022 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 10/22/2022 10:00 AM 10/22/2022 11:30 AM
Location: Youth Center
429 Lewis Street
Somerset, New Jersey 08873
Introduction: Leading a New Dawning of Civic Engagement and Public Good in America Sat, Oct 22, 2022, 10:00am, Franklin Youth Center, Somerset NJ

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In local municipalities & townships across America, public service employees and everyday citizens support areas of community life. This event gives us a chance for “Shining a spotlight and living civic excellence”, says Councilwoman At-Large Kimberly Francois. We’ll award Hometown Medals of Service to those whose commitment is more than just checking a box. Others being recognized include residents who’re #CitizenStrong in serving hometown needs.

The event is set for October 22, 2022 at 10:00am - 11:30am, Franklin Youth Center, 429 Lewis Street in Somerset NJ. It will celebrate the people, places and perspectives that make us a vibrant community. Among the invited guests are public officials, local leaders, neighbors and friends. The program will feature artist performance and civic inspiration. We’re proud of Franklin Township being a Central Jersey Leader as we continue “Empowering residents on moving towards best outcomes”, says Mayor Phil Kramer.

It’s often said that elections should matter as the vote is our voice. Choices we make help determine results we see and heights we reach. Members of the community can sometimes become discouraged and disengaged from the process. Here’s a way according to longtime Franklin resident Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham for joining-in a novel approach that’s “Leading a New Dawning of Civic Engagement and Public Good in America.” As a community, we can do our part around a sense of national purpose.

The event is created and co-produced by ‘See America In Color’, a social-edge campaign & platform founded by Cunningham. Much appreciation goes out to the Franklin Township Council. In addition, we received timely support/feedback from the Parks & Rec Department and its senior leadership of Director Beau Byrtus and Deputy Director Windy White. Together, we’ll learn more from the role our youth are playing in Social Challenge Contests (Essay, Arts, Tech) at their schools, as well as the poll question of “What makes the United States of America, united?”

Residents are invited to submit social media video/thoughts to the poll question or on what civics means to you, until October 15th using #YourTakeFranklin. Some might be featured at the event as part of an emerging movement. Connect with us on Twitter @TwpofFranklin, @SeeUSAinColor, 732-649-3005, doc2comm@gmail.com to get with the program.

See America In Color: A Better Picture of Civic & Social Issues for a Higher Level of Citizenship.

National Civics Day: Hometown Edition
October 22nd 10AM-11:30AM
Franklin Youth Center, 429 Lewis St., Somerset
-Artist Performance
-Civic Inspiration
-Meet & Greet
-Light Refreshments

Join public officials, local leaders, special guests, friends, & neighbors to celebrate the people, places & perspectives that make us a vibrant community.

National Civics Day: Franklin - FAQ

What is National Civics Day?

It celebrates the importance of civics education and commemorates the day when the Federalist Papers were first published on October 27, 1787. These Papers came about during the dawning of America for educating citizens on ratifying the Constitution.

Why should we attend?

To hear more about how communities can create a shift in citizenship and leadership.

What are the important themes/takeaways we can expect?

Learn how hometowns can build-on their story and ‘T.E.L.L. It’ by:

Teaming-up with local partners in civic engagement and community life.
Empowering residents on moving towards best outcomes.
Living civic excellence in the community.
Leading a new dawning of civic engagement and public good in America.

What does the program offer for the everyday citizen, young or older?

You’ll be inspired by the example of those receiving Hometown Medals of Service Awards and #CitizenStrong recognition.

How are the youth being included in this effort?

Some are entering Social Challenge Contests (Essay, Arts, Tech) at their schools or handling the poll question on social media or performing at the event.

Why should we think that this program will make a difference?

It’s kind of a 21^st century movement of ‘We the People’ with a better picture of the issues.

How can we support the event and its objectives?

Connect with us on social media; partner with us on a ‘civic life’ event.

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FAQ Box

Where do I call about Independent Sports Organizations?
The following Sports Organizations run independently of the Recreation Department and administer their own program including registration, schedules, fees and organizational structure
- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BASEBALL LEAGUE (732) 828-1233 www.ftllbaseball.com
- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP/SOUTH BOUND BROOK LITTLE LEAGUE (732) 469-7761 www.sbbsll.com
- FRANKLIN TWP. SOCCER LEAGUE (732) 699-0002 www.ftsconline.org
- POP WARNER FOOTBALL (732) 422-3879 www.ftpw.org
The following Sports Organizations are co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and can be reached as follows:
- FRANKLIN TWP. WRESTLING (732) 873-1275 (732) 296-1009 www.franklinwrestlingclub.com
- Hershey Track & Field (609) 409-6327
- Franklin Adult Slo-Pitch Softball (609) 395-9167
Where can I take the Coach’s S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic?

Simply access the Rutgers University Youth Sports Research Council Web site at http://www.youthsports.rutgers.edu. On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation, which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the “Little League Law” (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a “safety orientation and training skills program.” Please check site frequently for clinic availability updates. Site is updated as classes fill.
I am currently having financial hardship. How can I/my children still be involved in Township activities?

Fee waivers/reductions are available to low/moderate-income families. Fees may be waived/reduced pending proper documentation. Please call the Recreation office to obtain a form at (732) 873-1991
I am on a waiting list for a Recreation program. How does the waiting list work?

If you do not get into a class, you are placed on a waiting list in order of registration. If an opening becomes available in a closed program, the space will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. If that person declines or is unreachable after three attempts, the staff will then contact the next person on the list. You are simply required to forward a payment to the Recreation office. There is no need to fill out another registration form. All your information is already on file.
I registered for a Recreation activiity and my check was cashed but I haven’t received a call. What do I do?

NO confirmations will be made if you get into a program. If you DO NOT get into a class, you will be notified, placed on a waiting list, and your payment will be returned.
How does Recreation program registration and the lottery system work?

Our random lottery selection process ensures that all registration requests received with postmarks of the specified mail-in date have an equal chance of enrollment. Registration forms received with postmarks other than the specified mail-in date will be processed following the lottery process on a first-come, first-serve basis (this includes any registrations received before or after the specified mail-in postmark date). MAIL-IN REGISTRATIONS ONLY will be accepted and included in our random lottery selection process only when they are received through the mail at Franklin Township Recreation, 505 DeMott Lane, PO Box 6704, Somerset, NJ 08873, with a postmark OF the specified mail-in date. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on a specified date AFTER the lottery, space permitting.
How do I schedule an event in Colonial Park?

Colonial Park is a county-run park. You will need to call the Somerset County Parks Commission in order to schedule events at this location. (908) 722-1200
I am not a resident of Franklin. Can I rent out the park?

Non-Township residents have full use of the park (permits notwithstanding), but only Township residents can hold park permits.
When is a special event permit needed?
A Special Event Permit or other Township approval may be needed if you can answer yes to any of the following questions. Residents should check with the Township Clerk for details.
- Is the event open to the public?
- Is there an admission fee?
- Will the event take place on public property or roadways? (Including but not limited to Township property, buildings, and Parks.)
- Will alcoholic beverages be served?
- Does the premise possess a liquor license?
- Are tents or canopies proposed?
- Will food be served?
- Will food be prepared on site?
- Will food be warmed on site?
- Are any open flames, fireworks, or pyrotechnics proposed?
- Will portable lighting, power or sound Amplification devices be used?
- Are raffles or games of chance proposed?
- Are restroom facilities available? Permanent or Portable? How many?
- Are amusements, rides, animals, show mobiles, Etc.proposed?
- Will signs be utilized for Advertising, Directions, Other?
How much is a park permit?

In most cases park permits are $10.00 per 4-hour block of time.
How do I get a park permit?

Complete a park permit application and submit it to the Franklin Township Recreation Department. Applications can take up to 30 business days to process. Park permits reserve Franklin Township park facilities and are enforceable by law. Some park permit requests may require a Special Event, which may be obtained from the Township Clerk’s Office.

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Township of Franklin, NJ

Youth Center

Operating under the umbrella of the Recreation Department, the Franklin Township Youth Center addresses youth needs through programming and partnership with youth service organizations.

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National Civics Day Hometown Edition

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