Ghouls and goblins, superheros and princesses gathered at the municipal complex Oct. 26 for the township Recreation Department’s annual Pumpkin Patch. Children played games, decorated pumpkins and participated in a Halloween parade, with prizes given out for cutest, most original and scariest costumes.

A problem with the boiler at Consolata Missionaries, Route 27, has forced a change in the polling place for some districts for the Nov. 4 election. Those voters living in Districts 30 to 34 will now vote at Franklin Park School, 30 Eden St.

The Shree Saminarayan Hindu temple on Amwell Road wrapped up its annual observance of Diwali – the Festival of Lights – Oct. 25 with a celebration of food. Hunderds of homemade sweets, breads pastries and other foods were displayed under statues of Hindu gods in preparation for the celebration, which was expected to be attended by hundreds of worshippers.

The Somerset County pilot single-stream recycling program that was set to begin in the township this month has been put on hold. John Kendzulak, Somerset County’s recycling superintendent, said that no bids were received this summer for the program, so “(t)he County is currently evaluating the market for single stream recycling and has made a decision to not rebid this …

Somerset County Democrats claim that an announcement made earlier this month about the purchase of open space in the township was released before the purchase was actually completed to help boost the campaigns of Republican freeholder candidates. The Democrats say their case is borne out by an email conversation held by Fran Varacalli, the township’s open space consultant, and Tom Boccino, …

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.