JFK Democratic Club Franklin Township

06/11/2026

Throughout June, we celebrate Pride Month and honor the contributions, resilience, and leadership of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we continue the work of building a more inclusive future for all.

The JFK Club will have a table at the Franklin Pride event on Saturday afternoon. Stop by the gazebo and visit us!

06/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE -- June 8!

Our next general membership meeting – on Monday evening – will feature Ed Potosnak, who was confirmed last month by the Senate to become the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s next commissioner. We’ll hear Ed, a JFK Club member, give an environmental update about state and national issues.

Members and guests are welcome!

06/01/2026

It's that time! Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2!

If you haven't yet cast your ballot, we encourage you to vote Box B11— Shanel Robinson for Congress.

For years, Shanel has been a dedicated advocate for our communities, bringing experience, leadership, and a commitment to tackling the challenges that matter most to working families. A County Commissioner with a proven record, she is prepared to fight for solutions that improve the quality of life for all of her constituents.

In the final weeks leading up to the Primary Election, JFK Democratic Club members have been hard at work supporting Shanel's campaign—attending events, making phone calls, and knocking on doors to help get out the vote.
Thank you to all who have helped! Now it's time to make our voices heard — vote!

05/29/2026

On the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, we share the history of the JFK Democratic Club.

The man for whom our club was named was born on May 29, 1917. The Club was founded in 1963, according to a longtime member who wrote about the early years of our organization as well as its objectives and contributions.

On this webpage, you’ll see a video recorded by Bill Grippo around the time that the JFK memorial statue on JFK Boulevard was dedicated, along with his written description.

The JFK Club OF Franklin Township was founded in 1963 soon after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  The day after his burial in Arlington Cemetery the Township Council made a proclamation naming JFK Boulevard in honor of the deceased president. A copy of the proclamation made that day...

05/24/2026

We are proud to be members of an organization inspired by the legacy of John F. Kennedy, which is why this holiday weekend we remember President Kennedy’s call to service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility, and why we would like to invite you to join us in preserving democracy. This is why every Memorial Day we pause to reflect on those who answered that call with courage and devotion to country.

May we never forget the heroes who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish today more than ever.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day!

05/18/2026

When we sat down to record this latest Member Monday video, we had the opportunity to recall with Bernadette Maher that there was a time when pictures of President John F. Kennedy were as much a part of home decor as family portraits.

She remembers her parents proudly displaying a photo of President Kennedy in their home. Years later, Bernadette is now an active member of the club named in his honor. President Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire her dedication to community and service.

Bernadette’s story is a reminder that inspiration comes full circle and never ends — from childhood memories to meaningful public service.

05/15/2026

We welcomed interesting speakers on Monday to our general membership meeting -- Steve Peter, the Somerset County Clerk, who discussed New Jersey’s election process, and Shanel Robinson, the congressional candidate the Club is supporting. Attendees enjoyed talking to Shanel... and taking photos & lawn signs!

To learn more about Shanel and to help her campaign, visit her website https://shanel4congress.com/. To learn about the Club, visit our site https://www.jfkdemocraticclub.org/

05/12/2026

For AAPI Heritage Month, we’re honored to share this interview by the oldest 24/7 South Asian news & entertainment channel in North America.

The segment highlights JFK Club member Meher Rafiq and her journey of active community involvement, public service, and the belief that education can truly transform lives. Following her election to the Board of Education this past November, Meher remains deeply committed to advocating for students, families, and meaningful opportunities for all.

When you have a moment, please take a look. The interview shines a light on Franklin Township — one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in New Jersey — and the importance of representation, engagement, and giving back.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Some interesting history: an early idea for this special day was for it to focus on the importance of peace. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic--who was an abolitionist, peace activist, and women’s rights advocate -- issued what came to be known as her “Mother’s Day Proclamation.” In it, she urged the creation of an international body of women that could find ways to avoid war and bloodshed.

When that didn’t happen, Howe tried to establish an annual Mother’s Day for Peace, to be celebrated in June.

Mother’s Day as we know it was established by Anna Jarvis on the second Sunday in May, the day her mother died.

The occasion provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on and honor the role of mothers in our own families and in the rich and complicated history of our nation, according to this article from the Smithsonian The History of Mother’s Day: From Global Peace to Greeting Cards | Smithsonian American Women's History Museum which describes the roots of the occasion which was first celebrated in 1908.