Unity Bank employees donated more than 220 volunteer hours to two organizations under the bank’s recently introduced Employee Volunteer Program. The two organizations were  America’s Grow-A-Row  and NORWESCAP received from 40 bank employees, according to a press release from the bank.

Regal Bank will open a Somerville branch at 151 Adamsville Rd. on Jan. 9. The branch will occupy the former PNC Bank building, according to a release from Regal Bank.

The Board of Education welcomed one new member and retained its leadership at the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting. The board for the third consecutive year voted in Ed Potosnak as president and Nancy LaCorte as vice president.

Central Jersey College Prep Charter School received approval to move into a Mettlers Road building, but it had to temporarily give up a new gym to do so. The charter school received Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for the site at 101 Mettlers Road at the Jan. 5 meeting, This was the second consecutive meeting during which the board entertained …

The Long Island-based company that transports the school district’s children received approval Jan. 5 to store its buses on two Route 27 lots. Montauk Transit Service – which became the school district’s largest bus contractor just about three years ago when the previous contractor suddenly closed up shop – will be able to base at least 130 buses on the …

Jonathan was a kind beautiful soul, who should be remembered for his charismatic personality, his infectious smile and his gentle nature. He was a hero to his sister Mollie and a source of strength to his mother. He was her rock, her heart and soul. He brought joy and laughter to all those around him. Left behind: his loving mother …

A 19-year-old township man has been charged with the Jan. 4 attempted burglary of a Cheshire Court home. Edward A. Rowe Jr. was charged with 3rd Degree Attempted Burglary and Criminal Mischief, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Weddings officiated this year by Mayor Phillip Kramer have been a boon to the Franklin Township Animal Shelter and the organization that funds it, Second Chance for Animals. That’s because the wedding fee – $50 each – goes to the group through a trust fund established by the township.

Update: A 31-year-old man was injured in a shooting on Dewald Avenue the evening of Jan. 3, according to teh Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The man, who was not identified, was found outside a Dewald Ave home with a non-life-threatening gunshot to one leg, according to a press release from the prosecutor.

High school and college graduates looking to learn a vocation have another choice in the township. The American Institute formally opened its doors with a Jan. 4 ribbon-cutting at its new school, located at 80 Cottontail Lane.