🌸Brunch, Blogs & Big Plans: A Fun-Filled Week for Monmouth County Seniors!

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

And it’s also just 5 days until Mother’s Day! Don’t have brunch plans yet? No worries — we’ve got you covered. Whether Mom loves French toast, fancy tea, or seaside views, check out a list of some of our favorite local spots below to make her day extra special! 🌸🥞🍾

☀️ Weather Watch

• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high of 72° — a few showers possible after 8 a.m.

• Thursday: Similar story! Cloudy with sun peeks and a shower chance after noon, high near 70°.

• Friday: Cooler and mostly cloudy, high near 62°.

• Weekend Outlook: 🌤️ Bright skies ahead! Mostly sunny with highs near 70° on Saturday and 74° on Sunday — perfect for outdoor plans.

Don’t forget your umbrella… and your sunglasses! 😎🌦️

👀What’s on tap today:

• 🌼 Best Brunches for Mom

• 🥳 Poll Says: Seniors Are Not Slowing Down!

• 🏛️ Monmouth Archives Launches New Blog

Up first…

📅 Mark Your Calendar!

🎨 Celebrate Creativity at the Lincroft Creative Arts Festival

Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Thompson Park, Lincroft

Looking for a fun, free, and art-filled day out? Head to Thompson Park in Lincroft for the Monmouth County Park System’s Creative Arts Festival! This annual juried event showcases more than 50 talented artists and fine crafters offering pottery, painting, jewelry, and more — all in a charming setting that includes two beautiful historic barns and the Creative Arts Center.

Enjoy live music outdoors throughout the day with performances by:

• 🎶 The Band of the Two Rivers (10:30–11:30 a.m.)

• 🎶 Kϋld d’Sack (12:15–1:45 p.m.)

• 🎶 Chuck Lambert Band (2:30–4 p.m.)

• 🎶 Musicians on a Mission (inside “the Gallery,” all day)

Watch captivating art demonstrations, including:

• 🧿 Stained Glass by Kate Grady (12–2 p.m.)

• 💍 Wire Wrap Jewelry by Sandy Lupo (2–4 p.m.)

• 🗿 Large Sculpture by Konstantin Zingerman (Ongoing)

• 🏺 Advanced Pottery Forms by Pete MacConnell (Ongoing)

• 🖍️ 3D Chalk Art by Anthony Cappetto (Ongoing)

There’s fun for the little ones too, with hands-on craft stations and a community mural project. And when you get hungry, grab a bite from one of three delicious food trucks!

Admission and parking are free.
For more info, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. TTY/TDD: 711.

📚✨ History Just Got a Glow-Up!

Big shoutout to the Monmouth County Archives for launching their brand-new Archives & History Blog! 🎉 Now you can time-travel from your favorite chair and uncover the fascinating stories tucked away in Monmouth’s past — no time machine required.

The debut post, by Archives Technician Ryan Radice, dives into Revolutionary War pension records. Who knew paperwork could be so exciting? Us👀

📝 Read the first blog post here
📌 Visit the blog homepage — and don’t forget to bookmark it!

Go ahead and nerd out — we won’t judge. 😉

✨ Travel with the Grandkids: Adventures by Disney Adds New Trips to Switzerland & Greece in 2026

If you're dreaming of creating once-in-a-lifetime memories with your grandkids, Adventures by Disney has just announced two new immersive European itineraries launching in 2026 — one through the storybook scenery of Switzerland, and the other steeped in the myths and marvels of Greece.

🏔️ Switzerland: Where Fairytales and Disney Dreams Meet

Follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps through charming mountain villages, glistening lakes, and majestic alpine trails. This eight-day adventure includes:

• A hike with the iconic Matterhorn as your backdrop

• A hands-on Swiss chocolate-making workshop

• A private tour of the lakeside medieval Château de Chillon

• Kayaking on Lake Brienz, plus a refreshing swim

• An exclusive, after-hours visit to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Perfect for grandchildren of all ages, the trip includes special Junior Adventurer activities, with Disney-trained guides ensuring fun, safety, and seamless travel from start to finish.

🏛️ Greece: Mythology Comes to Life

Step into the world of Hercules and ancient legends with an eight-day exploration of Athens, Peloponnese, and Rhodes:

• Explore the mighty Acropolis and Parthenon

• Discover the secrets of Mycenae and Epidaurus

• Snorkel and kayak over ancient underwater ruins

• Visit Rhodes, home of the legendary Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

This adventure brings Greek mythology to life while offering incredible hands-on experiences for both grandparents and grandkids.

🗓️ Bookings open to the public May 9, 2025.
To learn more or see the full 2026 lineup, visit AdventuresbyDisney.com.

🍰 “Mom-umental” Treats for Mother’s Day

Looking for a delicious way to show Mom just how much she means to you? From April 30 through May 11, Paris Baguette is offering Mother’s Day cakes that are as beautiful as they are indulgent — perfect for your family celebration or a sweet surprise from the grandkids!

Here’s what’s on the menu:

🌹 Rose Garden Lemon Citrus Layer Cake
Luscious vanilla sponge layered with lemon curd and soft cream, finished with a delicate white chocolate rose. Available whole or by the slice.

🍫 Mom’s Favorite Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Cake
Rich chocolate sponge layered with raspberry cream and preserves, topped with silky chocolate mousse and ganache. Available whole or by the slice.

🍓 I Love Mom Strawberry Soft Cream Cake
A heart-shaped vanilla sponge cake with strawberry soft cream, fresh strawberries, and chocolate-covered strawberry toppings — because love is sweet.

Pick up one of these elegant cakes at your local Paris Baguette and make Mom’s day extra memorable (and tasty)!

🍳🌸 Local Brunch Spots to Celebrate Mom

Looking to treat Mom this Mother’s Day? Whether she’s into elegant teas, global flavors, or beachside views, we’ve rounded up some delicious ways to celebrate her locally — all she needs to bring is her appetite!

🥐 618 Restaurant, Freehold
Indulge in French toast, omelets, carving station delights, and a dreamy Viennese dessert table at this brunch favorite.

🌶️ Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro, Freehold Borough
Surprise Mom with a modern Indian feast featuring tandoori salmon, quinoa pani puri, biryani, and decadent sweets.

🍷 Albarino Tapas and Wine Bar, Shrewsbury
From seared octopus to paella, this stylish tapas spot serves up Spanish-inspired bites all day long.

🍤 American Hotel, Freehold
Enjoy classic brunch with a seafood station, carving station, and an irresistible dessert spread.

🌊 Drifthouse by David Burke, Sea Bright
Feast by the ocean with a full à la carte menu and stunning waterfront views.

🍰 Mathis House, Toms River
Celebrate all May long with Victorian tea service, steak dinners, live music, and even Mommy & Me tea parties.

🦀 McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch
Dig into coastal classics like crab cakes, raw bar, French toast, and omelets at this breezy brunch spot.

🥑 Over Easy Kitchen – Marlboro, Holmdel, Fair Haven
Chill out with ricotta toast, rose petal pancakes, avocado egg salad, and signature espresso drinks.

🥡 Peking Pavilion, Manalapan
Take Mom on a flavorful adventure with pork belly buns, braised duck, cumin fish, and more bold Chinese dishes.

📅 Can’t Miss Local Events

May 10 – MAC’s Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
Middletown
Browse handcrafted items from local artisans at the Middletown Arts Center. The festival offers a variety of unique crafts perfect for Mother's Day gifts.

May 10 & 11 – Spring Bazaar
Asbury Park
Shop from a curated selection of vendors offering handmade, vintage, and art goods. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks in a festive atmosphere.

🌎 Beyond Our Backyard

Pack a snack — we’re going on an adventure!

May 9 – Smithville Car Cruise
Smithville, Atlantic County
Car enthusiasts gather to showcase classic and custom vehicles in a charming historic setting. Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities.

May 9 & 10 – Spring Wildwood Custom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show
Wildwoods, Cape May County
Admire a stunning display of classic cars along the Wildwoods Boardwalk. This free event features vehicles 15 years and older, live music, and vendors.

May 9–11 – Garden State Wine Growers Mother’s Day Weekend Wine Trail
Statewide
Celebrate Mother's Day by visiting participating wineries across New Jersey. Enjoy special tastings, live music, and unique experiences at each location.

May 9–11 – American Repertory Ballet Presents Pasión
New Brunswick, Middlesex County
Experience a captivating performance blending classical and contemporary ballet at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Pasión features works inspired by Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban cultures.

May 10 – Wildwoods Spring Fling Festival
Wildwoods, Cape May County
Enjoy a day of live music, food vendors, crafts, and a beer garden at Byrne Plaza. This free, family-friendly event offers fun for all ages.

May 10 – Mother’s Day Crafts & Collectibles Show
Cape May, Cape May County
Find unique gifts for Mom at this crafts and collectibles show hosted at the Emlen Physick Estate. Browse handmade items from regional artisans. (Cape May)

May 10 – Hackettstown International Day and Maifest
Hackettstown, Warren County
Celebrate international cultures with live music, food, and traditional German festivities. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day. (Hackettstown BID)

May 10 – World Series of Birding
Bernardsville, Somerset County
Participate in New Jersey Audubon's annual birding competition. Teams compete to identify the most bird species in a 24-hour period.

May 10 – Annual Azalea Festival
Hamilton, Mercer County
Stroll through the beautiful Sayen Gardens during peak azalea bloom. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family activities.

🌳 In the Parks This Week

Enjoy fresh air, music, history, and nature in Monmouth County’s beautiful parks.

🎶 Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 1–3 p.m.
Step back in time with the sounds of the 1890s! Stroll through the farm as traditional accordion music fills the air.
Admission: FREE

🍳 Cookstove Demonstrations
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓 Saturdays, May 10 & 24 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Curious about how our ancestors cooked in the 1890s? Watch costumed interpreters prepare meals on a wood-burning stove and learn how kitchens have evolved.
Admission: FREE

🚶‍♀️ Splendid Spring Strolls
Join a Park System Naturalist for a refreshing walk along scenic trails. Bring sturdy shoes and enjoy the sounds and sights of spring.

• 📍 Big Brook Park, Marlboro
  🗓 Wednesday, May 14 | 10–11:30 a.m.
  Meet at the Lower Pond parking lot.

• 📍 Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
  🗓 Wednesday, May 21 | 10–11:30 a.m.
  Meet at the Environmental Center parking lot.
  Admission: FREE

📚 At the Library This Week

From mysteries to music, crafts to genealogy – there’s something for everyone!

🧬 Genealogy Club
Wednesday, May 7 | 2–3 PM
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Curious about your family roots or DNA test results? Join fellow genealogy enthusiasts to share tips and explore next steps.
In-person | Registration recommended

🎬 Movie Matinee: September 5 (2024) (R)
Wednesday, May 7 | 2–3:30 PM
📍 Hazlet Township Branch
Drama based on the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis.
Starring Peter Sarsgaard and Ben Chaplin.
In-person | Free

⚾ Author Talk: 1978 – Baseball and America in the Disco Era
Thursday, May 8 | 2–3 PM
📍 Wall Township Branch
Join David Krell for a nostalgic dive into one of baseball’s greatest seasons—and the culture that surrounded it.
In-person | Free

🌿 Garden Q&A Thyme! Lettuce Help You!
Thursday, May 8 | 3–4:30 PM
📍 Online (via Zoom)
Ask your gardening questions to Rutgers Master Gardeners Coordinator Diane Larson.
Virtual | Submit questions by May 7 | Registration required

✍️ Writers Workshop
Friday, May 9 | 10:30 AM–12 PM
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Get inspired with writing prompts and gentle peer feedback in this friendly, supportive space.
In-person | All levels welcome

🎤 A Salute to Molly Picon – Concert Lecture
Friday, May 9 | 2–3:15 PM
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with a vibrant blend of music and storytelling from the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage.
In-person | Free

🕵️ Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band
Tuesday, May 13 | 2–3 PM
📍 Wall Township Branch
A one-man theatrical mystery adventure, perfect for National Mystery Month!
In-person | All ages welcome

🧶 Yarn Works – Drop-In Crafting
Wednesday, May 14 | 1–3 PM
📍 Allentown Branch
Bring your knit or crochet project and enjoy creative time with fellow crafters.
In-person | No registration required

📜 Estate Planning Seminar
Wednesday, May 14 | 1:30–3 PM
📍 Colts Neck Branch
Learn the basics of wills, trusts, Medicaid, and more from attorney Paul Daniele.
In-person | Free | Registration encouraged

🧠 Stroke Awareness: Time is Brain
Wednesday, May 14 | 1:30–2:30 PM
📍 Holmdel Branch
Learn to recognize stroke symptoms and how fast action can save lives. Presented by Bayshore Medical Center.
In-person | Limited seating

🎨 Knit Wits Craft Night
Thursday, May 14 | 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
Bring your knitting, crochet, or needlework project and enjoy a relaxed, social evening of crafting.
In-person | BYO supplies | Registration requested

📰Prime Time News

Links to stories on aging from trusted media sources.

Five Tips For Estate Planning in 2025: We're almost halfway through the year. Is your estate in order? If not, here are some tips to get it done in 2025. Kiplinger

Why Seniors Talk So Much About Their Health: Sharing their latest ailments may be just another membership badge for baby boomers and Gen Xers. U.S. News & World Report, April 28

Recognizing Broken Heart Syndrome: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can be triggered by emotional or physical stress. Next Avenue, April 28.

A Higher Biological Age May Increase Dementia Risk, Study Finds: While everyone has a chronological age based on the day they were born, we also all have a biological age. Medical News Today, April 30.

🎉 Birthday Shoutout! 🎉

🎉 Happy 64th Birthday to Anne Garrison of Keyport! 🎉
Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and celebration. May the year ahead bring you as much inspiration and happiness as you bring to those around you! 🎂🎈🎁

You share your special day with a few other remarkable figures in history, including:
🎼 Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) – Renowned German composer and pianist, celebrated as one of the "Three B's" of classical music.
🎶 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) – Iconic Russian composer known for The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and the 1812 Overture.
🎬 Gary Cooper (1901–1961) – Oscar-winning actor best remembered for his roles in High Noon and Sergeant York.

What a day to celebrate! 🥳

Seniors Say: Full Speed Ahead on Summer Fun! ☀️✈️

We asked in our poll last week, “Are you cutting back on summer vacation plans this year because of the economy?” And the answer came back loud and clear: Absolutely not! 🏖️

Turns out, our readers aren’t letting anything stop them from soaking up the sunshine, visiting loved ones, or finally taking that dream trip. Whether it’s a cruise, a cozy cabin in the mountains, or a backyard BBQ tour, you’re packing your bags and making the most of summer 2025. We love the spirit — and we say, go for it! Just don’t forget the sunscreen and the travel snacks. 😎🧳

That’s a wrap for this week!

💐Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, grandmas, and mother figures out there. 💕 Hope your day is full of love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of pampering too!

❓Questions comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

👀First time reading? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.

😊See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team