By Bill Connell, Somerset. I have concluded that people think in order to understand government, you have to be involved in government. In this digital age, that is not true. Let me introduce you to my little friend, the Sunshine Law.

Willie Sanders had no idea on Sept. 9 that he’d finally be donning his cap and gown and listening to “Pomp and Circumstance” playing for him. After all, he graduated from high school in 1966.

A pregnant Somerset woman was driving from her baby shower Sept. 16 when a balloon from the shower blocked her view of the road, causing her car to hit a tree, flip and trap her, police said. Police said Sushma Vemulapalli, 28, was driving down Pierce Street in the early evening when the balloon floated to the front of the car …

Faced with public backlash over plans for Middlebush Park and the proposed Catalpa Park, the township’s Open Space Advisory Committee on Sept. 16 voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on new township-financed park development. Although the resolution passed by the committee references parks, the original motion was made in the context of athletic fields paid for by the township’s Open Space Trust Fund.

Students, parents and staff at Cedar Hill Prep School on Cedar Grove Lane held their annual summer picnic on Sept. 6. Among the offerings were music, food and games for the children.

The Center School, a private school for learning-disabled students, formally opened its new facility Sept. 10 at 2 Riverview Dr. The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Brian Levine, state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-17) and representatives from the Somerset County Business partnership and the Tri-County Chamber.

The replacement of 49 windows at Rutgers Preparatory School and roof repairs for the Stage House Tavern were among the approvals granted Sept. 2 by the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. Peter Richardson, Rutgers Prep’s director of operations, told the commission that more than four dozen windows needed to be replaced.

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have re-signed the 2013 Atlantic League Player of the Year Jake Fox.  

Home Helpers and Direct Link of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary by introducing two new concierge services. Home Helpers and Direct Link of Somerset provides non-medical in home care, personal emergency response systems, vital sign monitoring, and medication management services to seniors, new and expectant mothers and any adult requiring continuing and recuperative care.

Fundraisers for several local organizations were held Sept. 14. From noon to 4 p.m., the Franklin Township Food Bank and PBA Local 154 sold hot dogs and other items for $1 each at the Corner Cafe, DeMott Lane and Amwell Road. Also offered for sale was the $2 “PBA Burger.” All proceeds went to those two organizations.