Home sales were up in Melrose this July compared with last year, despite a steep decline statewide and across the country. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that foreclosures have also risen in Melrose this year compared to last year, and lenders say local business owners are skittish about seeking new capital, regardless of the buoyant real estate figures.

NATIONAL PARK Halloween came early this year as hundreds of seniors ate, drank and danced Wednesday at the annual senior citizens picnic sponsored by the Gloucester County freeholders.