5 simple ways to be happier in 2025

☺️Welcome to the first week of January! We’re jumping into the New Year a day early this week with fun activities and tips to keep your spirits high all month long. Let’s dive in!

👀What’s on tap today:

• 5 simple ways to be happier in 2025

• Dessert idea for New Year’s gatherings

• Events for seniors in January

Up first…

What’s Happening This Week

🎉 New Year’s Eve Event

The Rave-Ons at Surflight Theatre
Join us tonight for a rockin’ tribute to the '50s and '60s with Dick Clark’s Countdown! Enjoy hits from legends like Chuck Berry and Janis Joplin, featuring special guest Jannah Kenney. Don’t miss out on this nostalgic night!

🏞️ Monmouth Battlefield Special Tour

First Day Hikes
Kick off the New Year with a guided tour at Monmouth Battlefield on January 1st! Meet at the Visitor Center at 11 a.m. for a fascinating look at Molly Pitcher’s legendary role during the largest artillery duel of the Revolutionary War. Dress for the weather!

5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Happiness This Year

1. Stay Connected
   Keep in touch with family and friends through calls or visits. Join community groups to make new connections!

2. Get Moving
   Engage in gentle exercises like walking or yoga. Even a short stroll can lift your spirits!

3. Pursue Hobbies
   Rediscover old passions or try something new—painting, gardening, or playing music can bring joy.

4. Practice Gratitude
   Reflect on daily blessings. A gratitude journal can help you focus on the positive!

5. Prioritize Health
   Schedule check-ups, eat well, and get enough sleep. Small health changes can significantly enhance your mood.

Embrace positivity this year by focusing on what brings you joy and connection!

Tech Tip: Explore Voice Assistants

🧑‍💻Make your life easier in 2025 with voice assistants like Alexa or Siri! Use them for reminders, weather updates, or controlling smart devices—just speak your command!

TV Time: January Releases

Cozy up this month with exciting new shows and movies on Netflix:

🎬 New Movies

• Interstellar (Jan 1): A sci-fi epic about saving humanity.

• The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Jan 16): Nicolas Cage stars in this hilarious comedy.

• Back in Action (Jan 17): Action-comedy featuring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx.

📺 New Series

• The Night Agent (Season 2): Espionage thriller returns!

• Missing You: A suspenseful adaptation of Harlan Coben's work.

• Cunk on Life: A humorous mockumentary exploring various topics.

🍰 In the Kitchen: Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe

Treat yourself or your New Year’s guests with this decadent dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Pinch of salt

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins.

2. Melt butter and chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth.

3. Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar in a bowl.

4. Combine melted chocolate with egg mixture; stir in flour and salt.

5. Divide batter into ramekins and bake for 12-14 minutes.

6. Cool for 1 minute, invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with ice cream.

Enjoy this delightful treat as you kick off the New Year!

Get out there! Here are some engaging events for seniors happening in Monmouth County in January 2025:

🎨 Art Classes and Exhibits

• Neptune Township Senior Center Art Classes
  Date: Ongoing throughout January
  Location: Neptune Township Senior Center
  Seniors can participate in art classes and showcase their work in local exhibits. This is a great way to express creativity and connect with fellow artists.

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Programs

• Tai Chi Classes
  Date: Tuesdays at 10 AM
  Location: Freehold Township Senior Center
  Gentle Tai Chi sessions designed to improve balance and flexibility. Perfect for seniors looking to stay active!

📚 Book Club

• Tinton Falls Senior Book Club
  Date: January 8, 1 PM
  Location: Tinton Falls Senior Center
  Join fellow book lovers to discuss this month's selection. A great way to engage socially and enjoy literature.

🍽️ Monthly Luncheon

• Tinton Falls Senior Citizen Group Luncheon
  Date: January 11, 11:30 AM
  Location: Church of St. Anslem, Tinton Falls
  Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a guest speaker. A wonderful opportunity for socializing and learning.

🎉 Community Events

• Senior Health Fair
  Date: January 15, 10 AM - 2 PM
  Location: Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan
  Access health screenings, wellness information, and resources tailored for seniors.

🎶 Music and Dance Events

• Live Music at Keyport Senior Center
  Date: January 20, 1 PM
  Location: Keyport Senior Center
  Enjoy an afternoon of live music and dancing with friends!

🧘 Wellness Workshops

• Nutrition Workshop
  Date: January 25, 1 PM
  Location: Freehold Township Senior Center
  Learn about healthy eating habits and meal planning specifically designed for seniors.

These events provide excellent opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and personal development tailored for seniors in Monmouth County!

Today in history: Events that occurred on Dec. 31 include the first annual ball drop at Times Square in 1907, marking a New Year's Eve tradition, the opening of the Manhattan Bridge in 1909, and in 2009, both a blue moon and a lunar eclipse occurred on New Year's Eve, a rare astronomical event.

Happy 84th Birthday, Diane Mazza! 🎉 May your special day be filled with love, joy, and all your favorite things! 🎂❤️

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Diane include actor Anthony Hopkins, 86, and actor Val Kilmer, 64.

Thanks for reading!

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🙋‍♀️Questions, feedback or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: [email protected]

☺️See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team