Township of Franklin, Somerset County, New Jersey
CONTACT: Alice Osipowtiz, 732-873-2500, ext. 353
                         e-mail address: alice.osipowitz@twp.franklin.nj.us

2009 SOMERSET COUNTY DISABILITY ADVOCATE AWARDS
Sue van Aken, Superintendent of Recreation
Township of Franklin

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey—December 7, 2009—Sue van Aken, Superintendent of Recreation for the Township of Franklin, was recognized by the Somerset County Office for the Disabled with the 2009 Somerset County Disability Advocate Award.  Sue has made a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and was recognized for her efforts in coordinating outstanding therapeutic recreation services for the residents of Franklin Township. 

Sue has been with the Township for over 25 years, starting as a summer playground counselor with Franklin Township Parks & Recreation.   After graduating from Maryville College in Tennessee with a degree in Recreation Management, she returned to the Department as the Superintendent of Recreation.  Alice Osipowitz, head of the Township’s Recreation Department, said, “Sue has been a great asset to Franklin Township.  Her love for the community and recreation has culminated in years of quality programs and services for the Township of Franklin. We are extremely proud of Sue for receiving this well-deserved award.”

The Township offers community-based programs and is a participating member of the Therapeutic Recreation Services section of the Somerset County Park Commission. Programs currently available through Franklin Recreation include: Adult Therapeutic Recreation; the P.L.A.Y. program for 4 & 5-year olds (which offers soccer, basketball and baseball skill development seasonally);  and the Harmony Club that provides age appropriate adapted sports/leisure activities one Saturday each month and special events.

Pictured on the attached, from left to right: Sue van Aken, Superintendent of Recreation in Franklin; Mark Malone, Coordinator of the Somerset County Office for the Disabled; and Saffie Kallon, Recreation Program Coordinator.