More than $3,000 was raised Oct. 11 at the first Casino Night fundraiser held by Second Chance for Animals. SCFA is the organization that funds the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. SCFA president Bob Pezzano said the gambling action “was so intense, it was hard pulling the gamblers away from the tables at the end of the night.” Gamblers played for …

A 33-year-old Somerset man remains locked up in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, after he was allegedly found on Oct. 20 with 159 wax folds of suspected heroin and other drugs during a motor vehicle stop. Englishtown police arrested John A. Houston, Jr. and charged him with six counts of 3rd Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of …

There’s still time to enter Unity Bank’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest for a chance to win a $25 VISA gift card. Pumpkins can be decorated in any way, including carving and painting.

By Daniella Harris. Question: I see kale mentioned everywhere these days. It seems to be used as an ingredient in many recipes such as soups, smoothies and even used to make potato chips. What are the nutritional benefits of kale that makes this vegetable so popular?

A developer working in the Renaissance Redevelopment area along Route 27 was commended Oct. 20 by the township Redevelopment Authority for its project. The company, Redev Group LLC, finished a job started by another redeveloper more than 11 years ago. The company created more than 100 owner-occupied units selling at market rates, factors which earned it the agency’s praise.

About 40 people took part in the 41st annual CROP Walk on Oct. 19, sponsored by the Somerset Presbyterian Church on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Participants walked 6.2 miles to raise money for the program, Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty and for the Franklin Township Food Bank.

Oct. 15 A car driven by Amadeo Torres-Torres of New Brunswick struck a dislodged manhole cover on Route 27, damaging the front and rear axles of his car.

An 11-year-old Martin Street resident sustained cuts to his face and an injury to one leg after he was hit Oct. 16 while waiting for his school bus. Police said the boy was waiting for his bus on Norma Avenue when he tried to cross the street. As he did so, he said, he was struck by a car.

Seats around the long table in the Hageman House’s dining room were full the afternoon of Oct. 19, which was good news for The Meadows Foundation. That’s because a full table meant a successful fundraiser, said Angela Fernan, president of the foundation which has been the caretaker of the township’s four historic properties since 1977.

The ad hoc committee formed to strike a compromise in the dustup over a sound system in Middlebush Park may have accomplished its mission after one meeting. The committee is comprised of four Township Council members, three Middlebush area residents, three representatives from the township’s Pop Warner football program, and a neutral resident.